rediscovering | avalon inbox;

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.]

Ah. He's not told me much about you but that you were friends in one of the other worlds...

[ He's not sure how to make chit-chat well... He's also fidgeting awkwardly, not holding eye contact, wishing he had a teacup or something to keep in his hands. ]

Oh! And, uh— And that you like tea! My uncle likes tea, too.

[ He tags on hurriedly, glancing back up to Linneus. He says it like it's some decisive statement, heavy with earnestness. That carries no weight, though, without knowing Zuko well. What the hell's his uncle liking tea have to do with anything?! ]

That remains to be seen...!

[Linneus had navigated more than a few prickly afternoons with guests, but in a teashop he is quite in his element. If he needed to fidget himself it would be with with accessories, twisting or adjusting rings, bracelets. But he is remarkably unadorned, today.]

Yes, we were. [with a fond smile toward Gokudera. "Friends" may be too simple a word for it - but preferred to a long explanation on a first meeting.] I don't know how I would have managed on Amoi if not for Gokudera, honestly - I leaned on him a terrible lot...!

But how wonderful to have learned from family. I suppose you cannot have tea at all without thinking of him?

You think? I've not changed that much since Amoi. [He smiles gently, but the words are as much sad as they are happy.]

I can't even tell you how I first met Linneus, to be honest with you. I think maybe it was during an event of some kind... some horrible holiday for Elites... I've told Zuko of Amoi, about the castes. He's aware of my current dilemma.

[He gestures to his collar, active and waiting on Yamamoto's fingerprints to deactivate. Gokudera has not asked Yamamoto to remove it ~~because that is something I want to log and cannot while Cian is on hiatus~~, because he's not sure how to best approach any questions regarding what it means to be on him, and why he's still wearing it despite the damage and discomfort it regularly causes him.]

Hardly, Linneus! I leaned on you more. Literally, even. It was a... fair partnership.

[He leans his chin in his hand and looks up as one of the wait staff approaches their table to take their order, or follow up now that Zuko is no longer seated alone.]

Dumplings for me. [Seems he'd been taken with them since the last time he'd been to this tea shop. That, and he's partial to whatever tea his friends select.]

[ Zuko listens on as the two banter, feeling a little awkward. He's glad for the waiter to approach. One of the owners passes by with a bucket of dishes in his hands and makes some loud, boisterous snarky comment like old men like to do, something to the mysterious effect of "No lucky dragon today, huh!" and Zuko just shakes his head, mumbling a quiet No and looking away with a pout... He loves coming to this teashop with his spoiled familiar but because he's become such a regular, the regular staff has started to tease him sometimes, too. It's so easy to do, to be fair. ]

Dumplings, too... Um... ...Linneus. Get whatever you want. My treat. Let's get a pot of tea for the table— your choice. Gokudera seemed to imply you've got an expertise.

[ More than Zuko does. Zuko is a tea fan because it makes him think of his uncle, more than a fan of the tea itself, but he's feeling too sheepish to admit that, and leaves Linneus' rather sweet question unanswered as such. He'll open up slowly, rest assured. ]

[a smile at that, touching Gokudera's hand lightly before drawing back]

The strings, yes. The city had a strange seasonal tradition of binding people together with strings on our little fingers. But it was not the worst of that season's traditions, thank goodness - it did bring me a friend. Ah--!

[he'd not even thought to check a menu, when they got here, but there is one at his elbow that he can pluck up easily, his familiar rising and settling on his shoulder as if to read with him. Thankfully there are items on the menu he is familiar with by name or description and he is able to indicate his choice to the staff-]

A black tea, perhaps if we are having savoury foods. Oh...

[gentle laughter as he adjusts his hold on the menu - his familiar has descended to turn the page for him. Directed at Zuko, rather than the waiter-]

And-- forgive me, may we have a piece of cake as well?

[Gokudera would feel awful if he knew this were awkward. The comment from the staff gives a lift to his eyebrow, but it's more a question of necessity for the staff to make that observation. It's rude, he thinks, but then his slowly developing frown vanishes as Linneus touches his hand. He glances at him, putting on a sweet smile and a curious hum.]

We couldn't have anyone over without him pouring tea for them. Even Hibari. Honestly, Linneus, I've never seen him take to anyone the way he did you.

And for those strings... [He looks at his little finger and nods, remembering.] You helped me gain the strength to talk to Violet. I appreciate that. Violet was my first owner. He was...

[He frowns, searching for the right word. Then Linneus is looking through the menu and Gokudera is leaning back, looking up at the ceiling and considering what all happened in Amoi after he left. Did the castes switch again?]

...And a piece of cake, please.

[ Zuko says to the waiter for Linneus, his tone slower, brow arched. Why's he asking him, he thinks to himself; he'd already offered to pay! He can already tell this guy is a lot more considerate and polite and softer a person than he is. He's a little intimidated by the boy's grace and he's not sure why. Hearing that Kyouya Hibari even got along with Linneus just amplifies that feeling, too, knowing what he's been told of the Cloud Guardian, plus the rare sweet smile on Gokudera's face. Something about Linneus vaguely reminds him of Aurora, something in that well-mannered charm. It's not a bad kind of awkward Zuko feels; he's just nervous, a normal nervous. This is clearly an important friend to Gokudera; Zuko's wondering if Gokudera might have felt similarly on edge when meeting Iroh at first, in fact. He just cares a great deal about the bomber... That much he and Linneus have in common, it seems.

He looks to Gokudera curiously, expecting him to finish the story about his first owner, but the bomber trails off, just leaving Zuko's brow arched again. ]

"...He was...?"

Thank you.

[Zuko had offered, but it was always better to ask than presume to stretch a person's generosity. His fairy has already alighted on the one she wants - a beautifully-decorated strawberry roll cake Linneus would probably have picked for himself, too - only moving off once the order has been taken, skimming her way over the table and to their companions.

A shake of his head, a slight wrinkle of his nose.]

I did not think very much of Violet, from what I heard of him.

[in the couched language of someone who dislikes speaking ill of anyone, though he has made little secret to Gokudera of his... disapproval. It needn't be belaboured.]

But masters can vary anywhere, just as people do.

[He was also nervous when meeting Iroh, but partly because the old man had asked him questions about the mafia. That was an -understandably- serious topic to be somewhat backed into by a man whom he immediately felt pressured to respect and speak kindly with. Gokudera thinks he handled himself rather well. Zuko would have to actively try hard to offend Linneus in order to do so, and even then, he doubts that Linneus would judge him harshly. They are both kind. Gokudera wouldn't befriend and introduce them if they weren't.

Gokudera looks on at the fairy, smiling fondly. Ever since his time-travel-world-jumping nap, he'd developed a fondness for the fae. Maybe because he doesn't recall the curse they'd placed on him, or that he'd made his peace.

At Linneus mentioning Violet, his mind jumps back to the topic he'd drifted away from.]

He had punished me for letting another mongrel into the house without his permission. [Gokudera looks away, face lighting up an embarrassed scarlet as he recalls vividly what had happened and how he'd felt.]

He recorded our entire interaction, showed it to me, and I did not apologize. I felt my privacy had been violated, and for arguing with him, he uh... put a cage....

[This is too embarrassing to talk about in public. The tea can not come fast enough.]

Iskandar, the mongrel I'd had over saw it, and spoke with him. Violet was very controlling, it was his home, and I was his property, and I did not reserve myself for him. I should have never signed the contract to be his pet, but we broke it off amicably, and he supported me until I found housing with Linneus.

"Mongrel?"

[ Zuko wears a look of vague disgust, disapproval, at the use of the word. "Another mongrel" implies that Gokudera is a mongrel. He doesn't like that implication. At all. ]

What do you mean he recorded your interaction— he, uh... made a video of it? Like in secret? That is a violation of privacy, I didn't even think—

[ He stops himself, glancing to Linneus, and feels the need suddenly to explain more, before continuing. ]

Uh— I come from a world where we don't have shit like that. Video. Recording. Technology. Stuff... But even if I had, that's a shitty thing to do!

Mmm. [the hum is probably enough to convey Linneus' distaste] The castes were determined by hair colour. If one had red hair or lighter, they were considered of the lower caste - Mongrels. They could be taken by Elites as Pets. Most of those who had arrived on Amoi from other worlds were familiar with this practice, one way or another - if not Amoi's particular... presentation.

[a little shift of his shoulders - in absence of teawares to fiddle with, he busies his hands gathering menus and setting tidily aside as he speaks. Choosing his words - it is delicate to discuss in public, and double-speak can only stretch so far when he's not sure how much Zuko knows]

So most non-native Elites would be a little looser than natives, though in others I fear it only encouraged the worst of them. But I'm thankful at least that Violet supported Gokudera that far - though you know I disagree with his... approaches.

[straightening up at Zuko's explanation]

Ah, yes - as did I. I learned a little about it during my time in Amoi, though I had never realised such technologies could be easily hidden. I came to understand it the hard way - I'm not sure I ever told Gokudera the story... [glancing at the other teen - Linneus has always been an easy blusher, but there is certainly a little colour gathering in his cheek] Of how I came to meet Katze?

Yeah. You'd be an Elite, Zuko. [Which may be why his collar is so reactive around him? It's an assumption. Gokudera living with Yamamoto and Tsuna currently also does not help.]

Yeah, he had camera's all over and would record when he was not home because he didn't trust me.

[He's watching as their food is brought out, and the pot of tea as well. Gokudera isn't in any rush to eat, and just merely nods at their server as he listens to Linneus.]

Were you a pet when we met, Linneus? I can't remember... I just recall the weather being warm... [He'd arrived in Anchor and someone had shot him with some power of theirs to restore his memories, which made a good many he created on Amoi feel weak, crumbling away. He no longer feels like a misplaced native of that world, but like the reality of what happened weighs heavier.]

I met Katze once. Nice guy... you didn't tell me about how you met.

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Hope this is okay :)

After Linneus responds again, Zuko can hop in?

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