Day 287 [Open]

[daughterofursa]

Who: Zuko and anyone
Open: Open!
When: Day 287
Where: Training building, donut tree
What: Sleep deprivation
Format: I'll match
Warnings: Honor

Between Zulf's revelation and Azula's arrival, Zuko hasn't been sleeping all that well the past few days. If she isn't up mulling over their situation, then she's startled awake by any sound as she approaches sleep, thinking of lightning.

She hasn't been at the pool lately either, though she's been sure to show up for her morning training regimen. Whichever of her students might show up have probably noticed the lack of sleep, and certainly by today. Her reaction time is slower and she loses focus at times. Still, she's determined to keep up with it.

It catches up with her by sometime in the afternoon. She just meant to sit down for a minute, and that donut tree is pleasantly shady and fragrant, in a way that doesn't remind her of home. And then, at some point, she drifted off, with Kizuna the baby dragon lying curled up on her stomach.

((Feel free to run into her either by the training building or while she's asleep!))

Comments

[daughterofursa]

I'm fine.

Anyway it's a bad spot for it. [By which she means it's out in the open and her sister could easily find her and kill her. Or something.]

[gianthobo]

It's not so bad. It's quiet, at least, for most of the day.

[daughterofursa]

But anyone could come over here and... [What was he doing, is that paper?]

Are you drawing?

[gianthobo]

... Yes?

[Is that so wrong?]

[daughterofursa]

You're not drawing me, are you?

[gianthobo]

... I was, but I can tear it up if you don't want me to.

[daughterofursa]

I don't.

Draw Kizuna all you want, but you can find better subjects than me.

[gianthobo]

... You're not a bad subject.

[He turns the paper towards her so that she can see. It's mostly just an outline for now, but it's her in the grass under the tree. The face had started to be filled in, but he expression is peaceful.]

[daughterofursa]

...

That's because you haven't finished. [The scar's not really there yet.]

[gianthobo]

No, but it's not like you're unattractive.

[Young for him, but yeah.]

[daughterofursa]

You might need your eyes checked.

[gianthobo]

I can see just fine, Zuko.

[daughterofursa]

Right.

[There is clearly something wrong with your vision.

But Zuko's just going to sit up more fully and relocate Kizuna to her lap where she can pet her more easily.]

[gianthobo]

[Eevee sits attentively and looks up at Zuko. Hello!]

[AZ, on the other hand, works on filling in the features of Zuko's face on the drawing. It's light, but the scar is visible on the drawing's face when he turns it around.]

Scars are a part of who we are. ... Not everyone has visible scars, but it's the people who can look past them and see the person behind that are valuable.

... It's just harder to see past your own.

[daughterofursa]

[Hello, little... rabbit fox. Do you want to say hi to Kizuna?]

It is part of who I am. You don't look past that.

This comment got lost oops.

[gianthobo]

[She takes a few steps closer and sniffs at them. Yes! Hello friend!]

Why? Is that scar all of what you are?

nbd

[daughterofursa]

[Kizuna stretches her neck out to sniff back. Hello!]

I didn't say that.

[gianthobo]

[She moves a little closer so she can nose at Kizuna.]

Then is there something else that's... not letting you see who you are?

[daughterofursa]

[Nose touch! Kizuna seems pleased. Mommy does this sometimes when no one is looking.]

What are you talking about?

[gianthobo]

That you're a strong, attractive young woman who seems to not think that she's at least one of those things.

[Not that he's interested. He's an old man.]

[daughterofursa]

Look, some people in the world are just ugly. I don't need anyone trying to convince me I'm not one of them.

[gianthobo]

... I don't think you're ugly. You have a good heart. That's what matters.

[daughterofursa]

I know that. That's why it doesn't matter if I'm ugly.

[Right, Zuko. You're the absolute epitome of someone who doesn't care what she looks like.]

[gianthobo]

[He hands her the half-finished drawing.]

... You can do with it what you want.

[daughterofursa]

Whatever.

[Zuko takes it with a frown. She will probably burn it... later. Not in front of Kizuna, she's not breathing fire yet but we don't need to give her any ideas.

Kizuna lifts her head to peer at the piece of paper, but it's not especially interesting.]