17 - [voice] Return to the land of the living

[forged_anew]

[Zuko turns his communicator on, but there is only silence for a long time. He doesn't really know what to say. After a while, he speaks, voice quiet and flat.]


I'm... back.


[.......]



I apologize for having worried you.


[And that's it. The communicator shuts off with a soft click.]

Comments

[commentlog \o/]

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[It's just like Naruto, really. After the first few times, he really only was annoyed for show. But Zuko is far more tolerant... for now, anyways.

Minato returns his smile, then returns his arm to the back of the couch where it had been earlier. Zuko probably had so much of a tolerance for his personal bubble being violated. Teenagers.]

... Good. [Minato grins wider.] You don't wanna argue with me. You'd lose.

[commentlog \o/] - Gah! Fail? What fail? *facepalm*

[forged_anew]

[Zuko settles back against the couch as Minato moves, shifting several inches away, but this time not clear to the far edge like he'd been before.

He pats his hair down from Minato's messing with it, scratching the back of his neck a little sheepishly, then smiles some more, though his attempt at a teasing tone is still a bit weak.]

I don't know. I'm good at arguing too. But I'll take your word for it for now.

[commentlog \o/] ???? *Doesn't see any fail. XD*

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[It wasn't surprising that Zuko took a bit of space of space for himself, which is why Minato tried to make it as naturally as possible for him to do so.

When Zuko makes his comment, Minato chuckles.]

All young men your age are good at arguing. Now whether they're good at convincing arguments--that is another thing entirely.

[commentlog \o/] Yay~

[forged_anew]

[Zuko chuckles quietly, still a little timid but slowly settling back to normal--since it was in no way "normal" for Zuko to be timid. Blinking, he rubs his eye again, realizing suddenly he's exhausted. He hadn't really slept since... waking up.

Oh, well. It's the middle of the afternoon. Stupid time to be sleepy.]


Okay, I'll agree with you there... though I happen to think I'm good at both.

[Now he's just arguing for the sake of arguing, something that seemed relatively everyday.]

Re: [commentlog \o/] Yay~

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[Minato grinned widely at Zuko's response.]

I'm sure I'll get to find out about that eventually. But for now, it sounds like you could use a nap. I wore you out, didn't I?

[commentlog \o/]

[forged_anew]

[Zuko blinks at Minato for a second before registering the man's words. Oh yes, he's very tired. But he's going to deny it to the ends of the Earth---or wherever Discedo is.]

No. I'm fi--

[Aw, crap. He will not yawn. He refuses.

...okay, so he can't exactly refuse to yawn, but he can try. The yawn wins.]


...maybe.

[commentlog \o/]

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[Minato chuckles, but avoids outright laughing even though he wants to. Zuko's pride can only take so much.]

Sounds like it's two against one. You'd better go and get some sleep.

[commentlog \o/] OMG is this beast of a commetlog finally almost over? XD

[forged_anew]

[Zuko scratches his neck a bit sheepishly and nods, getting up with the intent of seeing Minato out and then maybe probably collapsing on his bed for a long while.]

Hey, uh...

[He pauses, looking anywhere but at Minato and wondering why it was so awkward to say one little word. Probably because he sincerely meant it.]

...thanks.

[commentlog \o/] ... I THINK YOU'RE RIGHT. :O

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[Minato smiles widely at Zuko, and gives him a wink.]

It's no problem! Was the least I could do~

[commentlog \o/] XD

[forged_anew]

[Zuko smiles back, the expression tired but genuine, and walks Minato to the door.]

Guess I'll see you around?

[commentlog \o/] HOLY CRAP ALMOST THE LAST ONE?!

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[Minato continues smiling, although it grows more fond. He lets Zuko walk him to the door without complaint, wanting him to get some rest.]

There's no "guess". You will see me around.

[commentlog \o/] THE LAST ONE~ *throws a party*

[forged_anew]

[Zuko stifles another yawn but manages to smile anyway, leaning against the doorframe and waving goodbye.]

Of course. See you later.