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Post by sho on Jul 24, 2006 16:51:52 GMT -5
“…I don’t know. Just... curious…” Sho muttered, quickly lowering his gaze, a slight redness creeping into his cheeks. He was scolding himself for asking it now; obviously it was a stupid thing to inquire. Totally out of place for a servant. He was stupid too to think he’d get an answer anyway. Zuko hardly talked to anyone… why would he suddenly open up to some servant who happened to bump into him a few times?
Sho shifted awkwardly for a few seconds, before glancing back up at the prince, knowing he’d want a little meatier answer than the one he gave. Truth be told, he wasn’t so sure why he was so curious. Maybe… Maybe Sho kind of felt sorry for the prince. Sorry he seemed to be kind of alone and angry all the time, and wanted to help somehow. Maybe in some stupid subconscious part of his mind thought he could actually become a friend.
Sho held Zuko’s gaze and cracked an embarrassed grin, as if his whole question had been completely ridiculous.
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Post by zuko on Jul 24, 2006 20:56:28 GMT -5
'Just curious?' Zuko thought in his head, still slightly confused. Zuko shifted against the wall, trying to decided if he would really want to tell Sho his troubling thoughts.
"I was...just..." Zuko began, but then stopped. He wasn't sure if he should tell Sho. Why would he want to?
Zuko took another glance at the boy. It seemed as if Sho was sorry for asking his question; Zuko could see that he was turning red from embarrassment and a ridiculous grin appear on his lips. A part of Zuko didn't want to tell Sho his thoughts, mostly because that would be admitting something that Zuko felt stressed about and didn't even want to consider admitting: he was losing control. His ship was under chaos in a matter of two days; simple things that went out of hand. Zuko had to take responsibility for it. Another part of Zuko wanted to tell, to clear his head and say what his mind was saying for him.
Zuko narrowed his eyes at Sho once again, still trying to decide if he would, or should, trust someone he hardly knew.
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Post by sho on Jul 25, 2006 7:17:19 GMT -5
Sho perked at Zuko’s few muttered words, excited that, despite his rude question, he was going to hear an answer. However, after a few seconds of Zuko’s silence, Sho wasn’t so confident that he was going to get anything more than an “I was just…”
He sighed softly and shrugged, returning the prince’s narrow glare with a limp, shy smile. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to assist. You seem pretty frustrated.” He paused for a moment, before letting loose a chuckle and rubbing the back of his reddening neck. “But I guess I understand why you would be.” Sho shrugged again, realizing how stupid he probably looked and sounded. But still, he attempted to keep his casual smile as he rested his arm back on the stack of dusty crates, and tilted his head at the prince, waiting for his reply... if there was going to be one.
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Post by zuko on Jul 25, 2006 19:47:29 GMT -5
"No kidding..." Zuko mumbled as he rubbed his forehead tiredly and glanced away from Sho's seemingly relaxed smile. He had to admit; Sho was a bit...odd, but kind nonetheless. Zuko was almost surprised by the fact that Sho was willing to help him, but there was nothing that the boy could do to help, even if he wanted to. Zuko didn't need help. He would work this out on his own.
"I don't need any assisting. Besides, what I was thinking wasn't even important," Zuko said hesitantly, partly lying as he spoke and trying to drop the subject. It was important...well, to him anyways. Zuko didn't want to lose control of his own ship and then have to admit it to himself.
Was he that easy to read when he got caught up in his thoughts? Yes, he was frustrated, but it was difficult not to be in a situation like this. Glancing back at Sho, Zuko relaxed as best as he could and took another sip of his water. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of question the servant was going to come up with next to try and continue this "conversation" with. Zuko could partly tell Sho wanted to know more by the way he seemed to tilt his head, as if he was curious. But Zuko didn't want to give him a chance.
Zuko wanted to move and head for the door to leave this awkward place, but at the same time he didn't want to leave. Zuko remembered all the crew members that were on top deck, probably wondering where he was and ask him questions on what to do; the prince didn't want to leave for that. He didn't feel like giving orders or telling his crew what to do, mostly because he had no clue on what he should do at the moment anyways. Here, it was dark and somewhat quiet, even with Sho, and Zuko actually felt somewhat relaxed.
So, Zuko pressed the back of his head against the cold wall and took another sip of water, waiting for what Sho was going to say next, even if Zuko really didn't want to.
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Post by sho on Jul 26, 2006 8:01:42 GMT -5
After a mumbled “oh” to Zuko’s reply, Sho ran his fingers through his scruffily, black hair, struggling to think up something that would keep a conversation rolling for more than two sentences. Zuko didn’t seem to be in a hurry to say much, so it was pretty much up to him to think up of something that they could both go on, while trying not to make it uncomfortably personal. Even if he was curious.
“So… Do you like it in the Earth Kingdom? I’ve never really been too far away from the ports, so it’s kind of a new experience for me.” Sho attempted finally.
Relieved that he had said something, Sho relaxed his weight onto his back and leaned against the crates again, before he ripped off one of the last pieces of bread. Eyes casually observing his small meal, he chewed slowly, waiting for Zuko to respond.
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Post by zuko on Jul 26, 2006 19:51:31 GMT -5
"'Do you like it here in the Earth Kingdom?'" Zuko scoffed in his mind. He would have loved to glare at Sho and scream on how much he hated it; hated being on this ocean for two years strait. He wanted to go home. He wanted his throne and honor back. Zuko would give anything to be back home again, just so he wouldn't have to be here on this stupid ship. But instead, Zuko just looked at Sho, his eyebrow raised, and replied a little harshly:
"I would rather be home in the Fire Nation than here."
Zuko kept his eyes on Sho, slightly curious as to why he was trying to keep this semi-conversation going. The prince figured that if Sho really wanted to keep talking, Zuko would have to be the one to ask the question next; he could tell Sho was having an embarrassing time trying to keep the talk going and the awkward silence away.
Turning his head away, Zuko thought for a moment on what Sho had said after he asked his question. Sho said he had never been too far away from the ports...
"So...," Zuko began hesitantly " ...where did you live before you came here?" In a way, Zuko was curious as to what Sho was going to say, but the prince felt very awkward on asking. He was surprised he even asked Sho a question at all. Maybe talking would be better than silence, even if it was with someone Zuko hardly knew.
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Post by sho on Jul 27, 2006 8:40:45 GMT -5
By the slightly harsh tone of Zuko’s reply, Sho was afraid that he had ended up offending the prince and quickly glanced back down to the dusty floor. Now that he thought about it, it wasn’t probably the best question to ask. However, much to his immense relief and mild surprise, Zuko spoke up again. Glancing at him, Sho let his smile continue, satisfied he had something to go on.
“I grew up in Hokage; my parents were servants in the palace there. I was for awhile too, but then I started to work more at the ports. Most of the time I just help around with the docked ships, but sometimes I’m sent to go along and crew with a few ships. Hence, why I was sent here.” Sho explained, pausing to let it all sink in and to stuff a last big chunk of bread into his mouth. His thoughts drifted to his home for a moment… to his few friends, his parents. He’d gone away from home before, but this would be for the longest time, surely, and the furthest away. He was beginning to miss Hokage a little already. Especially the meals.
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Post by zuko on Jul 27, 2006 16:24:54 GMT -5
Zuko thought for a moment. "Hokage Palace? That sounds fimilar...," Zuko pondered as he stared at the wall in front of him. The prince couldn't help but recall a time when he went to the Hokage Palace once. It must have been a long time ago, when he was six or maybe seven years old. But the name of the palace was definitely familiar.
So, there was something that Zuko was slightly surprised to hear. He couldn't recall much on going to the Hokage Palace and remembering what it looked like exactly, but he did remember going there with his family for a few days.
"I think I spent a few days there when I was little..." Zuko mumbled, trying to remember.
Glancing back at Sho, Zuko took another sip of his water and pondered for a bit. At least there was something that this conversation could lead on to; Zuko still did not want to go back up on deck. The prince figured he would have to let the crew survive on they're own, at least until Zuko wanted to leave the storage room.
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Post by sho on Jul 27, 2006 21:36:11 GMT -5
“You probably have.” Sho said, nodding. “Members of the royal family have been known to come every once in awhile to check on ships and to plan further invasions along with the Navy’s admirals and such.” He paused thinking about all the routine chaos the servants went through when there was news the royal family was going to arrive. Everything was set to be perfect; rooms were cleaned and remade and cleaned again, even if they didn’t really need it, while the kitchens began cooking up their best meals. Sho smiled fondly as he suddenly remembered his father coming home and retelling a quite amusing tale about one of the cook’s apprentice’s catching a curtain or something on fire, sending everyone into a frenzy.
It was interesting to think that Zuko could have been in his hometown at that time. However, Sho was sure they couldn't have met. Sho wouldn't have begun working at that small age.
“The Navy’s activity there is basically what keeps Hokage alive.” Sho continued, glancing at the prince thoughtfully. “Without all the soldiers and their families coming and leaving all the time, there wouldn’t be much business there.”
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Post by zuko on Jul 27, 2006 22:57:04 GMT -5
"That makes sense. I guess I really did visit once..." Zuko said after hearing what Sho had to say. The Fire Nation has a major Navy of course, and with all of the admirals and commanders needed to fill that Navy, it only made sense that a nearby palace would be the perfect place to stay and discuss war plans. And, of course, his father at the time being son to the current Fire Lord, Zuko must have been dragged to Hokage palace along with his family.
Zuko never knew what his father, or grandfather, must have planned while they stayed there at the Hokage palace, or sometimes even at home. Zuko was curious as a child and always imagined what it would be like to listen to the war dicussions...but that eventually turned to be the last thing he wanted to listen to.
The prince suddenly felt a slight twitch on the corner of his scarred eye, and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, remembering.
'No, don't think about that now...' He said in his head and quickly opened his eyes and pretended it was nothing. Zuko took another long drink of water, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, catching the drops of water which slipped from the corner of his mouth. He looked back at Sho, feeling the awkward silence creep back in. It was Sho's turn to ask the question; if there was going to be one anyways.
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Post by sho on Jul 28, 2006 9:57:37 GMT -5
Sho nodded again, glancing up at Zuko as he took another long sip from his canteen. Now discovering he was quite thirsty as well, Sho walked up to the small crate Zuko had gone to previously to pick out his own glass. He dug around for a moment until he found a small cup. Sho picked it out from among the other various supplies and dipped it into the barrel and brought some of the fresh water to his lips, sighing contently as the cool liquid slid across his tongue and down his throat.
He enjoyed the quick moment of happiness along with the bit of peaceful silence. It was kind of a nice change from the nonstop action he had been experiencing previously. Distantly, he heard footsteps up on deck, as well as a bit of chatter and turned to face the prince.
“Hm… Think they’re missing you up there?” Sho asked with a kidding smile, lifting his glass up slightly to gesture to the decks above.
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Post by zuko on Jul 28, 2006 18:08:02 GMT -5
"I hope not..." Zuko sighed tiredly, still not exactly wanting to go back up on deck. But as soon as more footsteps and voices could be heard, Zuko figured he would have no choice but to eventually leave the quiet room and face the havoc that waited him upstairs.
"I should probably go," Zuko said as he nodded to Sho, giving him a small smirk for the conversation, and turned to leave the storage room.
Immediately, as Zuko left the room, he felt like reality was swallowing him up again and had to take responsibility for it. Zuko glanced behind him, taking a last notice to the storage room, and headed down the hall for top deck. The prince would need to find the cook and tell him that there was a limited amount of supplies still in the storage room.
As Zuko walked, he almost regretted leaving the storage room; leaving the conversation and Sho. He had to admit: talking with someone else besides his uncle for a change made him feel less frustrated.
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Post by sho on Jul 29, 2006 17:45:38 GMT -5
Sho blinked after Zuko as he walked from the room and back down the corridor, his lips too curling up in a more confident smile as the sound of the prince’s footsteps grew more distant. Not only had Sho been able to calm his stomach’s moaning, but he had managed to exchange a few words with Zuko. Pretty decent accomplishments for the day if he didn’t say so himself.
Still letting a slight smirk pass from his lips, Sho brought the small cup to his mouth and drained it. Then he set the dusty glass back into the crate of supplies and awkwardly shuffled for a moment. His shoulders then slumped and Sho glanced around the storage room, letting his thoughts drift off in the silence. Movements from above brought him back from his daze, and realizing he probably had some kind of job waiting for him, Sho strolled out of the room and down the hallway with a sigh.
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Post by zuko on Jul 29, 2006 21:15:45 GMT -5
Zuko alerted the cook about the little supplied food still in storage, telling him to make a small dinner for everyone. The supplies needed to be savored as much as possible until they reached land. Once that was clear to the cook, Zuko headed back out on deck.
The whole crew was spread out among the ship and busily working back and forth to try and scrape clean the galley by discarding the ashes. Others were trying to repair the engines and some were going about trying to get dinner started.
Zuko sighed. He needed someone to spar against. The prince knew he hadn't been practicing his firebending as much as he should have been lately...but it looked like no one was around willing to, or able to, help him practice. Zuko usually liked to fight when he was stressed; fighting helped release some of his frustration on someone else.
Glancing around, Zuko could see everyone was busy. Maybe his uncle? No, Zuko didn't like sparing his uncle; he always lost.
The prince turned and faced the hallway to go search elsewhere. When he did, a smirk formed on his lips. He saw Sho headed up the hallway, with a rather bored look on his face, so Zuko strolled over to him immediately.
'He'll do...' Zuko thought smugly.
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Post by sho on Jul 29, 2006 21:51:24 GMT -5
Sho’s eyebrows rose as Zuko strode toward him, rather surprised that the prince was even coming near him again, let alone confronting him. It was Sho’s assumption that Zuko had enough of him and his numerous questions and conversation attempts and wouldn’t be stopping by for another word for the rest of the day, if ever.
His lips set in a polite and rather relaxed smile, Sho gave a curt nod to Zuko as he came down the hall towards him. Sho didn’t take his routine formal stance, however, and left his posture pretty relaxed as he subtly tilted his head to the prince in slight puzzlement.
“Yes? Do you need something?” Sho asked hesitantly, not sure what the whole confrontation was about. Did Zuko want to tell him something? Order him to bring up some of the food crates? A single eyebrow stayed rose in curiosity as he waited for an answer.
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