Traveling with Team Avatar meant long days, restless nights, and never staying in one place for long. Somewhere along the journey, you and Zuko had grown closer. It wasn’t something either of you talked about—it was in the lingering glances, the quiet conversations while everyone else slept, and the way he always seemed to end up beside you.

But there was one problem.

Mai.

You knew he still carried feelings for her, no matter how hard he tried to bury them. Sometimes he’d fall silent at the mention of the Fire Nation, his expression turning distant. Other times, you’d catch him staring into the campfire with a look that said he was remembering someone else.

One evening, after the others had fallen asleep, you found him sitting alone on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

“You couldn’t sleep either?” he asked quietly.

You shook your head before sitting beside him.

For a while, neither of you spoke.

Finally, Zuko let out a slow sigh.

“…I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

You looked over.

“I like being with you,” he admitted, eyes fixed on the waves below. “I really do.” His voice grew quieter. “…But every time I think I’ve moved on…” He clenched his fists. “…I remember Mai.”

The confession stung, but it wasn’t unexpected.

Zuko closed his eyes briefly before looking back at you.

“You deserve someone who’s completely there.” He gave a small, regretful smile. “Right now… I don’t know if I can honestly say that’s me.”