rediscovering | avalon inbox;

Yeah, same place. That's my regular spot now — but I don't want to work there because then I won't like going there as much. But he should work there if he needs a job. They're nice people who own it. They give Zun treats now.

[ They're not free treats. They also like Zuko because he literally walks up to the counter once a week and asks for "the most expensive" tea leaves and buys his dragon its own human-sized portions that go halfway to waste most the time. They're happy to encourage his, uh, ill-guided generosity. ]

...Should Zun stay home, actually? He's— a lot... for someone who just got here... [ Zuko can already envision the dragon stealing food from poor Linneus and he's not sure that's the kind of welcome his friend's new old friend deserves. ]

How often do you even go there?

[Gokudera wonders if Zuko might just be able to take some good tea home with him if he worked there, and then he wouldn't have to spend so much. But... he's also not sure about Zuko's customer service. Gokudera's is pretty lacking and now more than ever considering his adverse reactions to people based on their hair color.]

If you think that's what's best. Larry might be around, and I'm also fairly certain Linneus's familiar is a pixie or a fairy.

Like once a week? Typically. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I dunno. Depends.

[ Zuko's not eager to go back into food service. His customer service skills... leave a lot to be desired by all involved. Besides, this is the way he spoils himself, in his eyes, and has been ever since he first went to Lunatia, just carried on the habit in Avalon, even though his uncle is here now and doesn't need a bittersweet hobby in his memory; he doesn't want to compromise still. ]

Oh! Like Aang's! Well— do you think your friend wants to meet a dragon? This isn't the friend with the dragon from their world you told me about, right? The dragons that kill people and burn villages?

So... often? Sounds about right for you. [How on-brand!]

I don't know. Oh, no I don't think Linneus came from a world with dragons. He'd been fond of Uri, but obviously I can't let Uri out. He's too big. Too dangerous. I really need to move out before he starts to destroy everything...

Does it? I mean... You met the man who raised me. Heh.

[ The nut doesn't fall far from the tree, in other words. And to think only a year ago Zuko was in hot water for calling all tea "hot leaf juice" in Iroh's presence. ]

Yeah? How's that been? Has he been, uh— good? ...Let's keep Zun home for now, though, now that you say put it like that. He's— a little overwhelming, too.

Yes. It sounds so fitting.

[He nods. Yep. Like uncle like nephew.]

Hectic. I feel like I need to live outside in order for Uri to be happy. Maybe I'll just see about moving out and being as close to the forest as I can. It doesn't feel right keeping him inside. He climbs everything and is too big for most cat toys or cat trees. He needs... industrial strength everything.

But uh... he seems good? Hard to tell...

Yeah... I could see that. I doubt leopards are supposed to be housecats, right? Like keeping a baby tigerdillo inside or something. Maybe you can hire a leopard-sitter... Someone to exercise him when you're not there.

Right. They live out in like... big hot, arid plains with little food, and so they don't eat a lot, but woah Uri can put away more food than I think I can even keep up with.

Well, as long as he can climb, it's not too bad. We go to the training grounds and he finds a tree, but then he won't come down. Larry seems to like him, too, so they play often enough. I just need to move somewhere with more space.

I'll keep my eyes open for a single house open for you if I find one that looks spacious. I'm uh— also looking... ...I think I'm gonna get a big house with my friends from home. Sokka asked us all to move in together. His girlfriend Suki just disappeared. He doesn't wanna live alone.

[ This is a big decision on Zuko's mind lately. Feels nice having a catch-up phone call with Gokudera since the last they spoke, though that wasn't long ago at all, either. You know— like he has a best friend to keep updated with important decisions like this... ]

Otherwise I'd probably get an apartment but a top floor so Uri can just climb the side of the building and sleep on the roof all day.

Poor guy.

How's Azula feel about that?

[It is nice to catch up. Things just keep happening and they talk, but there's so much that definitely they miss discussing some things.]

Oh, that's a good idea. I'll let you know if I see anything.

[ Zuko likes the image of Uri sunbathing on the roof of a tall building for some reason. ]

Yeah. He's really beat up about it, I can tell. Suki was from our world, too — she's also a friend of mine. But... I'm worried about Sokka.

[ He's gonna start putting extra effort to spend more time with the boy. ]

...Well, uh. Sokka said we should look for a house that has a guest suite just for her. Which, believe me, is incredibly generous of him to suggest, considering her relationship with everyone from back home, but...

[ ...in also considering that... ]

...I haven't told her yet.

Well, if you knew his girlfriend, just avoid bringing her up and that should help him. Distraction helps, but nothing is going to help him more than time. Just don't expect him to move on too quickly, even if that will be for the best.

It's difficult.

[He doesn't like to think about her having to live separate, but knows she'd probably enjoy that space. Her own suite sounds fitting for her.]

You're putting it off?

Yeah, you're right... But if he wants to talk about her, we'll all be there for him, too. We'll miss her, too, after all. She was part of our team. "Team Avatar," Sokka called us back home...

[ Zuko can't help but roll his eyes and smirk a little. But it's quickly wiped away worrying that that spirited boy is gonna lose some gumption now. It's sad to imagine Sokka sad, more than other people, for some reason. ]

No. Yes? Sort of. Not exactly. ...It's complicated.

[ So much more complicated than he's willing to admit. ]

...Azula's afraid I'm going to abandon her. And— I'm afraid that's what I'm doing. Even if I'm trying to make it seem like I'm not. I don't want to choose sides, but— it feels like it. I hate it. Why's it gotta be like this with her?!

[ He sighs, shaking his head, looking away from the camera. He gets up and settles into the bedroom instead, nervous Azula might walk into the living room where he'd been hanging out, the scenery shifting with him as he walks the phone while talking. It feels good to vent about this, though; he hasn't told anyone yet. It's such new news. ]

When Uncle showed up, that's what she told me — that she figured I'd move out and abandon her to be with him. Then the shit with the Avatar happened. Now this. I dunno. I just don't want her to be alone, Gokudera... You know her. It's funny— I never had any friends growing up, but she had these two best friends all our lives, Mai and Ty Lee — her friends from school. I always thought she was the one who had all the charm and social skills, but... Now it's different. I worry about her.

Well, yeah. Sometimes it's also just nice to have someone listen.

[Gokudera has met Sokka, but they never exchanged names. So... he knows the guy but also doesn't.]

Try me.

[He bets it's not that complicated.]

You don't have to choose sides. You don't want to abandon her, right? So talk to her.

Tell you what.

If she's really upset, just let me know when you're gone and I'll show up. I can do my best to cheer her up, even if that means sparring and I end up getting my ass kicked. If that doesn't happen, I can just keep her company or whatever. Since I got back from Amoi, I feel like I can talk to her. It may not end well, but I won't leave her alone. Hell, she'll be so distracted that she won't be able to be lonely. Or she'll cherish time alone.

Either way, you can leave your sister to me. I'd even be a scapegoat for you. But you have to talk to her and be honest, even if it upsets her.

Yeah. ...Yeah. It is nice.

[ He knows they're talking about Sokka, but he smirks to himself at the remark, leaning back into the pillows of his bed. Gokudera's always been a great listener. It's nice to have someone to listen to his feelings about Azula for once. He keeps them all inside always. It's hard and makes what's already extremely confusing all the more so. ]

...You're serious? You'd do that for her— for us? I wouldn't want her to think I'm trying to pawn her off on you or something. But— ...if anyone could get to know her, I mean know her, more than she wants to show— ...I'd like it to be you. You're a good friend, and— I dunno, you get the complicated shit! Yamamoto, too. Yamamoto just accepted her for how she is back in Lunatia, and I— I was always so thankful to him for that. From day one. It's like he adopted her, ha. She moved in with you guys and everything! It... ended... And that hurt her a lot more than she admits, I think. A-And now I'm glad things ended up the way they did! Because then we grew closer than I ever expected, but— she needs normal friends. Not just me. She's used to being able to control people, being around people who just let her have her way, defer to her like royalty, like Ty Lee always did, and Yamamoto always just kinda laughed it off. I dunno. It worked.

[ It feels so much better to talk semi-candidly about Azula behind her back with someone at long last, almost guilt-free for the first time, opening up way more than he'd planned or expected he'd want to. Granted, she attacked Gokudera, too, but she never killed him — she actually murdered Aang. Katara had to heal him for weeks to bring him back to life, uncertain if she even could; it was horrible, surely. Zuko doesn't even know the half of it. They thought they'd lost it all. Sokka's willing to be kind to her because Zuko had grown close to her again, and Zuko didn't overlook the profundity of that, but it made him nervous to bring her around them more, at the same time, knowing it was a fragile, tensile truce. Toph had expressed her distrust but stayed seemingly open and neutral, but Zuko knew Katara and Aang would never readjust their feelings toward her. Uncle, worst of all, distrusted her most — because he loved Zuko most. And knew Azula longest. All of it seemed quite fair and reasonable yet... unfair, somehow, at once. With the mafia, it was a cleaner slate, a more level playing field. A new chance at something. And Zuko's always appreciated that the Vongola turn enemies into allies, from what Gokudera has told him, so if there's anyone to give Azula another chance, it's those guys. ]

Mnn cause it's nice to just get it off your chest. I understand.

[He knows that they both have had their fair share of times where they vented. Gokudera's has been more internalized anger turned apologetic, and then some relationship problems. He could listen to other people's drama all day and not even bat an eyelash. People have problems, and he'll hear them out. It's not like either he or Zuko can mend Sokka's broken heart. But being there, and being supportive are important, even if it feels passive.]

Yes. Don't even mention me. I'll tell her that I told you to talk to her, so that way if she's upset, she can take it out on me. If she wants to talk, cool. If she wants to fight, well... she can.

Ultimately I'll tell her that you have to sort things out, and I told you to be honest with her. She might not like it, but I think it's better than lying through omission.

[He knows he'll be putting himself in a dangerous spot. But, once Zuko has talked to Azula, Gokudera can reach out to her personally and then stop by in person to give her something to help her out, as well as be there if she wants to unload some anger or whatever on him.]

I reached out to Linneus. Just waiting on his response and then I'll head to the tea shop.

...Thanks, Gokudera.

[ It's just two words, but something in his eyes and his lopsided smile speaks more. ]

Just let me know when and I'll head out.

No problem.

[He'll be as casual as possible. They both know it means a great deal more than he's willing to address.]

Okay we'll meet you there. I'll go get him.

I hadn't realised we would be going right away...!

[but that's all right - it wasn't as if he had a packed social schedule. Even if he had, there would always be time for Gokudera.

He sends over the information, and prepares himself to go out. By the time Gokudera knocks, Linneus' familiar has returned and is already hovering there expectantly. Fluttering out as he opens the door, much to his amusement]

Ah- she was waiting for you, not for me at all! Shall we...?

Oh! Hello, you!

[Gokudera greets the fairy as she flutters about him. He smiles softly at Linneus and gives a nod of his head in agreement.]

I left my familiar at home with Uri, and Zuko is leaving his at home as well. Yours is, of course, more than welcome to come along. Is she fond of tea? [This going to become a tea-party at this rate. Gokudera motions for his friend to follow him as they leave the inn and they start their short walk to the tea shop he's made a habit of meeting people in.

He doesn't walk too fast, wants the other to feel free to converse gently with him, to catch up as they go.]

I don't think there is any stopping her...!

[but with a fond smile as he watches - her flight will never fail to be fascinating to him, nor the fact that she is "his". Falling into step easily with Gokudera]

She tends to come and go as she likes, and I'm quite happy for her to. Her tastes lean toward the sweet, so I think we are a decent enough match.

[too bad Linneus is a mere human and must temper his sweet tooth]

Why would you? She seems very sweet.

[He nods, smiling at the thought of her liking sweets.]

That's fitting. We'll get a cup for her as well, then. Oh-! Or Zuko can.

[Because there he is. It's got to be indoor seating considering how muggy and stormy the weather has been as of late. Gokudera waves a hand at Zuko and then moves his hand to the small of Linneus's back while he talks to him.] Come on. He's very kind.

[They approach the table and Gokudera pulls out a chair for Linneus, waits for him to take it, then seats himself.]

If you can handle my attitude, then Zuko is a walk in the park. Zuko, this is Linneus. Linneus, Zuko. [Comfortable, casual, Gokudera takes out a cigarette and places it unlit in his mouth to roll around.]

[ Zuko indeed, prompt as always, had met at the teashop a little early to get them all a table in a private corner, the same table he'd taken Gokudera to when he'd found him sick to his stomach from seeing visions of Bianchi. It's a cozy teashop with a blend of cultural aesthetics and menu items, all wooden furniture and candlelight, and on a day that surely threatens to rain again, it's even more comfortable than usual... and by usual we mean like at least once a week Zuko comes here for fancy overpriced tea leaves and to use it as a de facto meeting spot with Gokudera many times over. There are other restaurants in town, but... he likes this one. It's quiet and ambient and the staff all tease him for his spoiled silly dragon that's usually in tow, but he thought better than to make introductions with the beast today.

When he sees Gokudera and Linneus approach, he stands from his chair to bow to Linneus gently, holding his hands in this odd foreign fashion as he does, but sits down with an amused and bemused half-smile, hearing Gokudera's comment. He knows what the bomber is getting at, and knows neither of them are exactly the fuzzy, cuddly types, but it's still a funny, kind of backhanded introduction, even if at his friend's expense more than his own. ]

...It's not every day one receives a compliment like that, Gokudera. [ He jokes with an arched brow, trying to swallow his smirk, before turning to Linneus more politely. ] It's nice to meet you, Linneus...

I sometimes wonder whether she plays favourites...!

[or perhaps her fondness for Gokudera is just a reflection of his fondness for Gokudera. She quite happily alights on the boy's shoulder as they walk, glowing contented yellow.

He tries preemptively to seek out the other young man as they enter the tea shop, though he is grateful for Gokudera's guiding hand as he's not sure who he is looking for - someone about Gokudera's age, perhaps? Then catching the individual rising from the table with a smile.

Returning the bow with one of his own, one hand light on his chest before it lifts to stifle a gentle chuckle as his familiar flees Gokudera's shoulder to give Zuko a once-over, zipping about him - a glowing light with a delicate, winged female form at the centre, not more than a few inches tall]

Zuko - I have heard a little about you from Gokudera. It is a delight to meet you in person.

[with a smile to Gokudera as he gets settled in his seat]

I'm sure I shall manage you both quite ably. Though I hope I shall not have to?

[technically his familiar makes three, though she has made herself comfortable on Gokudera's shoulder again, for the time being. At least until there are teacups]

[Gokudera grins at Zuko joking on his introduction, but he gives him a shrug. It's not wrong to say that neither of them are very manageable people. Both have rather fiery personalities, and Linneus is the doting, caring type... it's almost motherly, if he were to think that deeply on it. Instead, it just comes across as joking how unruly he can be, and that he sees Zuko as similar to him.

He doesn't bow, just looks on as his two friends do, and then he's messing with his cigarette. The fairy on his shoulder makes him stop, and he's smiling at her in amusement.]

Do I look like I need managing?

[He asks, then looks up, starting to fidget his hands. It's not obvious why, though.]

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Hope this is okay :)

After Linneus responds again, Zuko can hop in?

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