backdated to 02/11 - cafeteria [locked to aang]

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Zuko's chilling by himself at a table on his own in the cafeteria for lunch, a tray in front of him. There's a bowl of hot soup with a sandwich on a plate on his tray. He's not really hungry and idly stirs his spoon around in the soup, blankly watching the swirls, lost in thought.]

Comments

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

[Those swirls are now ripples, as Aang places his tray down a bit heavily next to Zuko's, joining him at the table.] Hey, Zuko. Did you find a fly in your soup or something?

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Blinks down at the swirls spreading out and then looks over at the monk. Zuko's always a little surprised and uneasy whenever the monk tries to converse with hm, mostly because of what went on back in their world.]

Not exactly, no...

[Glances down at Aang's tray then looks back to his own.] Uh, what's up..?

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

I just thought we could each lunch together. [Aang doesn't notice Zuko's uneasiness. Zuko never was the most casual guy.]

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Forever dubbed Mister Awkward.]

... Oh. Uh- sure. That's fine, yeah...

[Awkwardly stirs at his soup and hesitates before taking in a spoonful.]

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

So... [There's a pause as he tries to think of a conversation topic. Spotting the hearts and decorations all around them, he's inspired.]

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Any big plans? [He nudges Zuko with an elbow, waggling his eyebrows a bit for good measure.]

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Zuko's not so inspired, he's more irritated than anything. Stupid holiday. The nudge jolts him and he glances over in time to catch the waggling brows, then frowns.]

No, nothing.

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

Really? You haven't found any girls you like around here yet?

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[His spoon freezes in mid-air poised over the soup, some of the broth dripping back down into the bowl.]

... No.

[Zuko keeps eating. Please stop talking about this, please stop talking about this--]

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

[Aang takes a big bite of his own food, giving Zuko a bit of time to recover. Then:] Does that mean you're not going to the dance? It'll be fun!

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Zuko cringes inwardly. Count of Aang to not let something go or get the hint.]

I doubt that.

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

[Hints? What are hints?] Why? Dancing is loads of fun!

[Then it looks like he remembers something.] Oh, and Katara said she'd go with me!

What's tatters, precious?

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[This time Zuko's spoon drops back into his soup, splashing the broth and some of the vegetables around onto his tray.]

Th-that's... [He's having just a little bit of trouble finding his voice, his heart dropping down into his stomach.] That's uh... that's great to hear...

[Zuko makes the worst mistake ever by looking over at him; Aang seems so happy and pleased about this.]

Re: What's tatters, precious?

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

[It's hard not to notice the spilled soup and Zuko's hesitation.] Uh, Zuko? Are you okay?

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

... Yeah. Look, I- [Pushes his chair back and rises.] I forgot I have some extra studying to get done before next class...

[Zuko wishes him a halfhearted "have fun with Katara" and grabs up his tray to leave.]

[monkingaround.livejournal.com]

Are you sure? [Zuko is still a mystery to him, so Aang is left sitting there, looking confused and concerned. He starts to get up to follow him, but decides against it and just watches him.]

[pyromatics.livejournal.com]

[Zuko doesn't say anything and off he goes, wanting to get as far away from Aang as possible and try to ignore what happened. They're supposed to be friends, what the hell is wrong with him?

Aang looked so happy, so why can't Zuko be happy for him?]