Yeah. Well. I just want to end this before anyone else gets hurt.
[ .... ]
Honestly, I doubt he's going to talk much to anyone, no matter how friendly he was with them before. The way he looked near the end.... it was like he was ready to tear us all to pieces.
but soo-won listens thoughtfully, and nods along, even as he incorporates the chopped veggies with the curry]
... it makes one wonder what he was playing for, doesn't it? To have a wish you want so fervently that it'd lead you to act so intensely, so violently.
[ zuko has defeated the vegetables at this point ]
Wishes are nice and all, but it takes more than just that to get things done. It takes hard work. I don't think there's an easy way to accomplish what I want done, or that I can just wish it into existence.
... But what I want an end to the war that's been tearing my world apart.
[ . . . that's a big wish, soo-won thinks. he can't imagine the scope of an entire world, when even he had to work so intensely, so restlessly for the sake of one country.
even so:]
... I think you'll be able to do it. [he smiles, with confidence] Keep up your strength, it sounds like they need you.
[as for his own wish...]
... I don't have one - not that this place can grant, anyway.
[ it's almost impossible, especially in current circumstances.... but zuko's going to try. no matter what. it's his responsibility, especially after everything his family has done. ]
... Thanks.
[ he sounds awkward about it, and he definitely doesn't have that kind of confidence. ]
... well, I just did what anyone else would do, I think. And 'most people' have different lives from me... so it's expected if they're a little more willing to have desires they want granted.
[and he'll go make his plate before taking it to the dining table - though not without pulling out a seat for zuko on the way so they can eat together]
Mm... you don't have to tell me if you don't want to -
[ soo-won is so polite.... zuko would have never thought to pull out a chair for him!!! but he does bow respectfully, one hand on a palm, before sitting down. ]
... I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. It'd make for a pretty long dinner if I talked about them all.
[ this is the warning soo-won gets before zuko goes into exposition mode. but, just one thing: ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Mm - I understood what you meant. I'm merely playing, I apologize if it went too far.
[the way he immediately eases off.... coward]
We don't... Do you think you'll talk to him?
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I just didn't want you to get the wrong idea.
[ zuko scoffs a little. ]
I think I'm the last person he'd want to talk to right now. What about you?
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[because zuko is an awkward wussbaby and it's endearing]
Hm.... I might. But it would be our first conversation. So that might strike a bit oddly.
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Yeah. Well. I just want to end this before anyone else gets hurt.
[ .... ]
Honestly, I doubt he's going to talk much to anyone, no matter how friendly he was with them before. The way he looked near the end.... it was like he was ready to tear us all to pieces.
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but soo-won listens thoughtfully, and nods along, even as he incorporates the chopped veggies with the curry]
... it makes one wonder what he was playing for, doesn't it? To have a wish you want so fervently that it'd lead you to act so intensely, so violently.
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[ zuko cants his head to the side, dramatically peeling a potato. ]
That's my guess.
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... mm.
That would do it.
[he looks up in thought]
... maybe I'll talk to him after all, then.
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Some people would sacrifice anything for someone they love.
[ zuko knows a bit about that. ]
.... Let me know what he says.
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[and he'll continue his cooking in a thoughtful silence before asking - ]
While I recognize this isn't exactly pre-dinner conversation...
Do you have a wish in mind? That you want to see granted from their prize.
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Wishes are nice and all, but it takes more than just that to get things done. It takes hard work. I don't think there's an easy way to accomplish what I want done, or that I can just wish it into existence.
... But what I want an end to the war that's been tearing my world apart.
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soo-won will let all the veggies stew with the curry and then go scoop some rice onto plates for them
as for his words... well, it's nothing he doesn't agree with.]
... it feels as though so many people I've met with here speak of war far too familiarly.
It's touched on your entire world?
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[ war.... what is good for, absolutely nothing. ]
[ zuko nods. ]
I have to help end it and bring balance to the world.
[ everything changed when the fire nation attacked.... ]
What about you? What's your wish?
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even so:]
... I think you'll be able to do it. [he smiles, with confidence] Keep up your strength, it sounds like they need you.
[as for his own wish...]
... I don't have one - not that this place can grant, anyway.
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... Thanks.
[ he sounds awkward about it, and he definitely doesn't have that kind of confidence. ]
Is it something you can grant?
[ through hard work ]
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as for the question, soo-won hums]
... maybe. It might be something that the people around me need to grant, by putting all their strength together. I'll do my part too, of course!
But... what I want is something where if I asked for it through a wish... It'd sort of defeat the purpose.
[and he'll turn to face zuko - ]
My home as a strong nation built on the power and will of its people, not gifts from gods or magic.
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[ zuko gives a nod at that. ]
If your people are a strong-willed and enduring as you are... I don't think you have anything to worry about. And it's more valuable than a wish.
[ it makes him think of the earth kingdom, a little. ]
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We just met and you think I'm strong-willed and enduring? Wow....
[he literally just had full confidence in zuko to help save the world]
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I saw you in the trial, you know. And just now... most people would just take the wish for granted.
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ah - though at the mention of trial....]
... well, I just did what anyone else would do, I think. And 'most people' have different lives from me... so it's expected if they're a little more willing to have desires they want granted.
[anyway, curry time!]
Curry on top of your rice? Or on the side.
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[ an invitation if soo-won wants to talk about it, but he won't push either way. ]
Um.... side. It doesn't really matter.
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[the complete 180 where he just wants to talk about zuko instead
but yay! he'll go ahead and ladle some of their delicious curry onto the side of zuko's plate and hand it off to him]
Thank you for the help! I'm quite excited for dinner.
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I've been through a lot, but it's made me the man I am today.
[ vague. ]
Yeah. It'll be nice to eat. .. Thanks.
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[and he'll go make his plate before taking it to the dining table - though not without pulling out a seat for zuko on the way so they can eat together]
Mm... you don't have to tell me if you don't want to -
But I'd like to know more about you.
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... I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. It'd make for a pretty long dinner if I talked about them all.
[ this is the warning soo-won gets before zuko goes into exposition mode. but, just one thing: ]
I'd like to know more about you, too.
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[and he offers up a smile at that]
But I'm happy to share too then, so long as you care to listen.
[and he'll have a bite of food!]
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