29 - [voice] Hospital time again

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[There's a bit of silence, with just some quiet rustling for a few seconds, and then a soft sigh before Zuko speaks. He sounds somewhat resigned and really exhausted.]

I'm back. Sorry if I worried anyone. I'm fine.

[Another pause, and a muffled, strained cough. The next part is mumbled kind of quickly and sheepishly]

I... I'm... um, at the hospital. If anyone wanted to know.




Oh... Jackie, and Jackie's friends... Um, thanks.

Comments

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[Minato doesn't reply because a minute or two later, he's reached the room. He's definitely out of breath--something else that Zuko has never seen before. He must have sprinted the entire way at his top speed. Minato leans on the door frame a little, catching his breath for a moment.]

You... idiot....

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[Zuko doesn't meet his eyes, looking away at the wall instead without answering. He already apologized, after all.]

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[Once Minato has enough of his breath back, he walks over to Zuko's bed and sits gently on top of it. He almost reaches out to rest his hand on top of Zuko's head, but aborts the gesture halfway. His arm falls back to his side. Minato's voice sounds horribly sad. ]

Why didn't you let me help you, Zuko?

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[Still not looking at him, at those words, Zuko's eyes drop to his lap]

I needed to be by myself for a bit, Minato.

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[And then Minato reaches up again, this time settling his hand on Zuko's shoulder.]

... I could have given that to you. Safely, I might add.

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[He flinches slightly, guiltily]

It doesn't matter anymore. Too late, right?

I'll be fine, so don't worry.

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[Minato squeezes his shoulder lightly.]

It does matter. You must promise that you'll never do something this stupid again, all right? [And Minato's voice weakens for a moment.] Not being able to help you....

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[Zuko still doesn't look up, swallowing thickly.]

I'll try not to...




I am... sorry. Really.

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[Minato lets go of Zuko's shoulder to gently ruffle his hair instead.]

You scared the hell out of me, Zuko. What were you thinking?

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[He doesn't have the energy or will to protest, giving a slight, tired shrug]

I... guess I kind of wasn't.

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[Minato sighs and moves his arm so it's around Zuko's shoulders instead. He pulls Zuko gently against him in an one-armed hug.]

.. I'll probably yell at you for all this later, but for now... I'm just glad you're all right.

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[He didn't really see that coming and actually looks up in surprise as he's pulled into a hug, tensing slightly both because it's unexpected and because moving causes some discomfort. But he doesn't move away. In fact, after a second, Zuko slowly lifts one arm as well, tentatively returning the hug. He doesn't speak or move for a few long seconds, silently accepting both the promise of a later reprimand and Minato's relief]

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[Minato closes his eyes and just... relaxes into the mutual hug. He can hear--and feel--the proof that Zuko's alive. That is what he needs more than anything, now. Zuko's alive.

And that's all that really matters to him.

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[After a moment, Zuko pulls begins to pull away slowly, expressive golden eyes meeting Minato's for a second. He does feel bad, but he needed that time to himself. He doesn't regret it, even if he's sorry he made people worry.]

Minato... Thank you... for coming.

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[And Zuko finally looks at him, even if he only looks at him in the eyes for a second. He smiles at Zuko softly, one that reaches his eyes. Hearing that means a lot to him.]

Of course I came. It'd be impossible for me not to come.

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[And again, Zuko's eyes wander and he looks thoughtful.]

You keep saying that... but I guess I'm still kind of... getting used to it.

Most of my life, I've had to fight and struggle, rely on myself and my own strength, and if it wasn't enough, I got stronger. There were very few people who actually cared.

[He paused, his expression falling slightly, almost imperceptibly, from reminiscent to a quiet sadness]

When I was brought back here, I realized my uncle's frequency was gone.

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[Minato begins to speak in response to what Zuko first said, but when Zuko mentions Iroh, Minato lets out a sigh instead.]

I know. I noticed earlier, but--

[His hand falls to his side completely, and he shakes his head.]

He's safer back home, Zuko...

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[Zuko nods]

I know he is.

[there's a slight pause, and he looks over again, the corners of his lips hinting at a smile]

And I still have you.

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[Minato blinks a few times before he returns a smile.]

... Yeah, you do.

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[There's a comfortable silence for a while and Zuko looks thoughtful again, absently smoothing the white sheets over his lap]

Hey, I was thinking... Uncle ran a martial arts school in the high school gym, and I was thinking of taking over for him.

Um...

But I might need some help.

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[Minato nods softly.]

... I was thinking about helping teach there. I'd be happy to help you, and there were some classes I wanted to teach...?

[He pauses for a moment, then chuckles.]

If that's what you're asking me, I mean.

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[Zuko smiles slightly, nodding]

Yeah, it is. And thanks.

[He coughs slightly, then winces. Doing anything besides breathing is going to hurt for a long time]

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[Minato smiles a bit.]

It's no problem... but now you need to rest. We can start discussing plans when you were better... or when you are worried about dying of boredom here.

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[Zuko scowls with a soft grumble]

Minato, I'm already worried about dying of boredom in here. It was bad enough the first time I had to spend a month in the stupid hospital.

[sigh]

At least Haru might be somewhat entertaining.

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[Minato can't help but laugh a bit.]

Then perhaps we can start talking about our plans as soon as possible. Maybe I could sneak in Momo as well? I'm sure he's missed you....