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

[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.]

[gianthobo]

... Do you want me to leave you alone so you can go back to sleep?

[daughterofursa]

I'm not going back to sleep, it's the middle of the afternoon.

[That doesn't really answer the question.]

[gianthobo]

That doesn't mean you can't sleep.

[daughterofursa]

It means I don't want to.

[gianthobo]

[He can't help but smile slightly. He remembers being young and stubborn.]

You can do as you want, then.

[Eevee looks up at him. What's going on?]

[daughterofursa]

I will.

[...although for some reason she doesn't feel like going anywhere probably because you're tired Zuko. Also Kizuna seems like she was enjoying herself.]

...

Who's your friend? [She means Eevee.]

[gianthobo]

This is Eevee. She's a Pokemon.

[Eevee trills happily. Hello, hello! She nuzzles at Zuko. Friend!]

[daughterofursa]

I thought she might be.

[Zuko gives her a nice pet on the head.]

Hello.

[gianthobo]

[She just snuggles into Zuko's hand. Eee headpets are the bestest!]

[daughterofursa]

[What what those pettings are supposed to be for Kizuna! She might like you Eevee but why are you taking Mommy pettings? The little dragon tries to shove her way under Zuko's hand, too.]

Uh-

[Welp.

She has two hands?]

[gianthobo]

[Eevee just rolls over and presents her tummy. Here, enjoy this soft and pettable fur.]

[AZ just watches, amused.]

[daughterofursa]

[Zuko doesn't really notice AZ watching, she is busy trying to coordinate petting two different animals.

It should be obvious by this point that animals are an enormous weakness for her.]

[gianthobo]

[He holds a hand out for Kizuna to sniff. He can take over petting duty for Zuko.]

[daughterofursa]

[Huh? Welllll, Kizuna doesn't know if you give as good pettings as Mommy, new person, but she can come over and investigate.]

[gianthobo]

[He reaches out with a giant finger, stroking her back lightly. She's so small... but she's adorable.]

[daughterofursa]

[Not too close to the wings, giant person, it makes her fidgetty. But yes she is 110% adorable.]

[gianthobo]

[Here come scritchings! Does bitty dragon-type like scritchings? Let's find out!]