[Zuko stiffens a little when he registers the older man's movement, the placement of his arm. He knows what Minato is doing, and his chest and throat are tightening suddenly in response, at the prospect of just letting himself seek comfort.
But no, he can't do that. He'd stayed strong in front of Mai; he'd keep it up. He isn't a little boy anymore. He can take care of his problems on his own. Isn't that what he'd been doing for years now? Ever since Mother left... He has no need for this. He barely knows this man.
And already he was wishing Minato had taken the role of father in his life long ago. He can't remember Ozai ever offering what the blonde man offered right now. Never.
But, no, he can't... So he'd died. So what? People here don't care about death; they come back. They accept it. It's not a big deal. He's being childish and he isn't a child anymore.
Jaw clenched and fighting the lump in his throat, Zuko doesn't let himself look over or lean back, and simply pretends not to notice.
[commentlog \o/] Congrats on Kushina, Minato~ XD (and sorry this is novel length >< )
But no, he can't do that. He'd stayed strong in front of Mai; he'd keep it up. He isn't a little boy anymore. He can take care of his problems on his own. Isn't that what he'd been doing for years now? Ever since Mother left... He has no need for this. He barely knows this man.
And already he was wishing Minato had taken the role of father in his life long ago. He can't remember Ozai ever offering what the blonde man offered right now. Never.
But, no, he can't... So he'd died. So what? People here don't care about death; they come back. They accept it. It's not a big deal. He's being childish and he isn't a child anymore.
Jaw clenched and fighting the lump in his throat, Zuko doesn't let himself look over or lean back, and simply pretends not to notice.
The silence continues.]