Deviation Actions
-Excerpt from 'Unexpected', an A:tlA AU story on FF.net and AO3-
After a small training scenario at sunset in which Aang tried to defeat the ‘Melon Lord’ in a mock scenario cooked up by Sokka- and in which Toph was apparently having way too much fun chucking flaming rocks at everyone- twilight found the Gaang sharing a meal outside in the courtyard of the beach house, the same location in which Aang and Zuko had been training that morning.
Katara approached the group holding a scroll. “I have a surprise for everyone! I was looking for cooking pots in the attic, and I found this!” She unfurled the scroll and showed a painting of a toddler painting a heavy-set older man while the man himself and a teenager stood off to the side, laughing heartily. “Look at baby Zuko! Isn’t he cute?”
Everyone except Zuko laughed, and the young man in question turned beet-red and looked at his feet, extremely embarrassed.
“Oh, lighten up. I was just teasing.” Katara defended her actions while Zuko attempted to rein in his emotions. “I was two. What’d you expect?” He hedged defensively while everyone else continued to giggle.
Sokka grinned. “So- I’m guessing you’re the artist, and I recognize your uncle, but- who’s the kid laughing his head off?” The Water Tribe warrior asked.
Zuko smiled sadly, his embarrassed flush already faded from his pale visage. “My cousin Lu Ten. He died almost six years ago in the Siege of Ba Sing Se.” He explained sadly. “I forgot we had this picture here. I guess my mom was more sentimental than I thought."