Can we get some kavi and zuko bonding? Or if not then some zuko and first crew bonding, just some really fluffy stuff...
Also I can't believe it's the 5th anniversary??? That's insane... I only started the series this year but it's so cool that you've stuck with it for so long, you're so cool honestly HAHA
Countdown to LTF's return: 15 days!
Heheh ty <33 and now! We getting BOTH crews bonding >D part 1 today. Part 2 will be tomorrow :'3
The journey back to the Sazanami from Gaoling was uneventful, but long. Zuko was still physically exhausted from his solo-journey from the desert and mentally exhausted from Uncle’s lectures. As soon as he exchanged brief greetings with his friends and the crew, Zuko collapsed face-first on his bed.
A knock on his door pulled Zuko out of his slumber. The sun cast a golden hue and long shadows in his room. He groggily sat up as Bun Ma’s voice called through the door, “Princey, come have dinner with us!”
Seriously? Even after spending months living as Huizhong with the Xitao Tribe, Bun Ma’s complete disregard for decorum still shocked him. Ah, whatever, it wasn’t like he actually cared at this point.
“Fine,” he called back. “Let me get changed.”
“Ugh, so needy. Ouch!”
“No rush, Zuko!” Ju Long’s voice was a bit breathless, and the sounds of a tussle in the hall soon followed.
Zuko rolled his eyes and rushed anyway, if only to make Bun Ma stop bullying Ju Long. He flung the door open to Ju Long in a headlock, desperately trying to escape Bun Ma’s knuckles digging into the top of his head.
“For Agni’s sake, Bun Ma, let him go.”
She released him, only to turn to Zuko with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Oh no, absolutely not. Zuko didn’t give her a chance to pounce. He ran down the hall and leaped down the stairs three at a time. Bun Ma’s cackling protests echoed behind him.
The route down to the mess passed the main exit to the deck. As Zuko entered the hall to the deck, he skidded to a stop at the sight of Seaman Shen, who jumped and yelped at Zuko bursting down of the staircase.
“Where’s Bun Ma and Ju Long?” Seaman Shen asked with wide eyes, suspiciously moving to block the door to the deck.
Zuko narrowed his eyes. “Right behind me. Why?”
“Ummmm.”
“What are you hiding, Seaman Shen?” Zuko asked, taking a step toward him.
“Nothing!” he yelped, spreading his arms out to outright block the door.
Yeah, Zuko wasn’t buying it. He crossed his arms and glared Seaman Shen down. It wasn’t until Bun Ma and Ju Long came up behind Zuko that he caved and stepped aside. Bun Ma gave him a thumbs up.
“Okay, what’s going on?” Zuko demanded.
Bun Ma grinned. “Well, why don’t you go find out for yourself?”
If it weren’t for Ju Long poorly concealing his excitement, Zuko absolutely would not have opened the door. He did not trust Bun Ma on a good day, let alone Bun Ma and Seaman Shen scheming together. But if Ju Long wasn’t trying to intervene, they probably weren’t playing a prank on him.
With an annoyed sigh, Zuko opened the door to the deck. “This better not be a waste of my-”
“Surprise!”
Zuko froze, one hand still on the door handle. The entire crew was gathered on deck. Even Uncle was here. Lanterns were set up along the railings and makeshift tables were erected, covered in food and drink. There was an obvious attempt of decoration with a dragon motif.
“What?” Zuko said blankly.
Bun Ma snorted and led him out onto deck, slinging an arm over his shoulders. “It’s a surprise party, Princey.”
“I can see that. What for?”
Ju Long laughed quietly at his other side. “To welcome you back. And a belated birthday party as well. Happy 14th birthday, Zuko.”
“Oh.”
He… never expected they would do something like this. His chest felt tight and his eyes suddenly felt misty.
“Aww, are you so touched that you’re going to cr-”
Zuko elbowed Bun Ma hard enough to make her wheeze and double over. He was not about to cry! He plastered on a smile and addressed the crew, “Thank you everyone. You really didn’t have to.”
Major Hifumi snorted at Bun Ma’s dramatics, since she collapsed to the floor and was groaning as if he’d grievously injured her, then shook her head. “We didn’t have to, but we wanted to. Welcome back, and happy birthday, Prince Zuko. Come get some food; you haven’t eaten anything all day.”
Stepping over Bun Ma, Ju Long led Zuko to the food table. Frighteningly, his smile held a hint of mischief as he whispered, “There’s one more surprise. But you’ll get that after dinner.”
Another surprise?! Zuko tried to wheedle out of him what it was, but for once Ju Long was unwavering and deftly avoided Zuko’s questions. Soon others were crowding Zuko, trying to talk with him, so there was no chance to follow up on the other surprise.
He didn’t realize it, but Zuko’s smile didn’t leave his face for the rest of the night.
