【кετรยεкí】үιη & үαηg【Angel of Castiel】

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"If you didn't make one, I would have."

An arm draped around her shoulders. She stiffened instinctively, but realized it belonged to Ling. A sigh escaped her lips. She couldn't help but apologize. Due to her upbringing, she is formal. "I hope that's the last of it," she murmured. Before she could react, a group of children circled around her companion, Nebi. She suppressed the urge to giggle. Fortunately, her pet is gentle with children.

Nebi peered down at the small children that surrounded him. He leaned forward and pressed his massive head against a child's offered hand. He licked her face, causing her to giggle. He allowed the other children to pet him.

"Don't worry about Nebi. He's great with kids. He won't bite," Ruri assured. She beckoned for Chi to walk over. She picked up the girl and placed her on Nebi's back. "See? He may look scary, but he's a big softie," she added. A warm smile painted her lips. Her companion growled softly and nudged her with his head. Ruri lifted her hand and petted him. A few minutes later, Chi's mother called for her, stating it was time to leave. Ruri lifted Chi off of Nebi's back and set her on the ground. She waved at the two after they left. Other children followed suit, returning to their parents. Nebi trotted outside, locating to his original post.

Ruri picked up a tea kettle and walked around, pouring customers a cup. She is grateful that she didn't disturb the customers.
 
"Woops. Sorry, Ruri. "
Ling says while retracting his arm off of her. He was used to doing that with Zuko that the thought she might not want to be touched never occurred to him. Though as he watched her work with the children for a little bit, while cantering to some of the tables as well, he saw that they both were good with children. Which was kind of important since the mothers usually brought their kids with them when they came there for tea.
Iroh was outside waving good-bye to the customers that were leaving. Telling them to come back any time and that they were welcomed. Zuko, on the other hand, was in the kitchen. Fighting with Shelia over a box of tea leaves.
In the end, Ling had to step in and get the box thrown at his face before giving it to Zuko. Though as the ex-fire prince was brewing the tea with the new leave, the older male corrected him on a few things. Without him noticing of course. Whenever Zuko's back was turned, Ling would fix his mistakes before he turned around to see him doing it.
The sun began to set on the stone city as more customers began to leave. Thus it was almost time for Iroh to get everyone to close up shop for the night before going home. Closing up shop entitled that everything needed to be cleaned, the tea put up, the floors swept, and the chairs to be pushed in. Not that hard to do with four people. Five, if you considered Shelia to be a person. Speaking of which, the lemur was relaxing on her owner's shoulder as he wiped off the tables silently.
"You did excellent today Ruri."
Iroh chimed as stopped sweeping for a moment to look at the girl with a smile on his face.​
 
"You did excellent today Ruri."

Ruri presented him a warm smile. "Thank you Master Mushi. I'm grateful I was of use," she replied softly. She is currently wiping off her last table. She pushed all of the chairs in beforehand. A few hours passed since the incident. She served tea, conversed with customers, and healed a few injuries. Despite her enthusiasm, Ruri was grateful it was time to leave. She was exhausted. A few minutes later, she finished her last chore. Ruri removed her apron, folded it, and walked towards the back. She walked around the counter and stashed her apron underneath. "I'll arrive bright and early for the morning shift. Have a nice evening everyone," she declared.

She bowed to Iroh respectively and waved at Ling and Zuko. She sauntered out of the shop, mounted Nebi, and rode off. Her polar bear leopard headed off west, traveling towards her worn apartment complex. Ruri contemplated on what to cook for supper. Fortunately, she possessed enough money to purchase groceries recently. A week later, she would of been broke. Thank the spirits for her new job.
 
The three males waved at Ruri as she left before Ling turned to face his boss Iroh.
"I'm going home too. See you later you two~"
He chimed before walking his separate ways. He headed for his his apartment that was fairly decent despite being cheap. As he unlocked his door and got inside, he smiled at the home he made himself. It wasn't much, but it had the basics for living and having guest over. With a sigh, his smile dropped and he shuffled over to the kitchen. Getting all the food he had left out as his stomach growled. His eyes opening fully as he began to prepare a simple yet big dinner. Mostly with rice and soup. Since that was the cheapest things he could get in large quantities.
Ling's stomach was the main reason why he was broke. He was payed well from all the business he brought in, but it usually went to getting food. Shelia flew in from the open window and landed on the counter where he had poured some of the soup he had made into a little bowl for her with a small dish of rice balls next to it. Enough to fill her up.
His portion was the rest of it, and that was a lot. It was surprising to see him inhaled the soup so quickly without choking. Then again, the was not the first day he had to eat rice and soup. While he nibble on the rice balls, he walked over to the couch and sat down, Shelia jumping into his lap and laying down.
"Jeez Shelia, I almost didn't make it today."​
 
A few minutes later, Ruri arrived at her apartment. She slipped off of Nebi and unlocked her door, entering inside. Her companion followed suit. He trotted towards a corner and plopped down. Ruri walked to her kitchen area and inspected her inventory. She prepared herself a large helping of seaweed stew and pickled fish; a traditional Northern Water Tribe dish. Ruri stumbled across a marketplace that served a limited supply of water tribe cuisine. After she noticed the ingredients, Ruri couldn't help herself. It reminded her of home. She hasn't experienced water tribe cuisine for several months. Ruri picked up a few slabs of meat and threw it to Nebi. He caught it with his teeth and began consuming his dinner. Meat isn't cheap. Ruri spent most of her money on food for her carnivorous friend. Fortunately, her job will gain her enough money to feed both of them. Ruri hummed as she cooked. Her mind recalled her colleagues. A chuckle escaped her lips.

"It seems we made the right choice coming here, boy. It will be interesting living in Ba-Sing-Se," she commented. Ruri hummed as she stirred her stew with her bending. Unbeknownst to her, Ruri's life will change.

[Time Skip ☯ After Dinner]​

She couldn't sleep. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't rest. Ruri slipped away from Nebi and stood up. Due to her limited budget, Ruri didn't have a bed. She used her companion as a pillow and covered herself with a blanket. Ruri pulled on her shoes and adjusted her hair. She tipped away from Nebi, careful not to awaken him. Ruri walked out the door, closing it behind her. It was an hour past midnight. Her crystal blue eyes peered at the full moon. A sigh escaped her lips. She walked down a road, hoping a short stroll will ease her troubles.
 
Shortly after his dinner, Ling had wanted to go to bed. But his body ending up staying tense. With a frown, he sat up in his bed. Shelia was sleeping in her own little bed just a few feet away. His frown slowing turning into a small smile as he watched her for a little bit. When she wasn't throwing stuff at him, she was pretty cute.
Easing himself out of bed, he fixed the blanket, placing it back on Shelia who made a huff before turning over in her sleep. Then he walked out of the room, running his hand through his ebony locks that were unrestrained by the white ribbon he usually wore. Opening the window in the living room, he leaned on the sill and let the cool night air caress his face.
His dark amber eyes staring up at the moon. His mind wander back to his family. How were they? Were they okay? Did they miss him?
Probably not. He would not hold it against them if they hated him. Disowned him even. He did desert the army and them.
"I made the right choice... Right?"
Ling asked himself while resting his head in his hand, his eyes briefly looking down at the street. A girl walking on the street at this time of night? Didn't she know it was dangerous?
As the moon finally shown on her, he finally saw that it was Ruri.
"Ruri?"
He asked in disbelief as he leaned over the sill a little bit more to get a better look, despite already being sure it was his co-worker.​
 
Ruri walked on a dirt road, wandering across the lower district. Albeit, it was dangerous for a girl to be walking at this time of night, she wasn't a damsel in distress. Her water skins are secured on her sides, filled to the brim. She wouldn't be easily subdued. Her eyes remained fixated on the moon. Her expression saddened. Her mind recalled her dear friend, Yue. As a noble, she became best friends with the water tribe princess. Ruri regretted not being there when Yue sacrificed herself. She never received the opportunity to say goodbye.

"You'll always be watching, eh Yue?" she whispered. A rueful smile painted her lips. She hummed softly and continued her journey. Ruri still felt restless. Unbeknownst to her, she passed a colleagues' apartment complex.
 
Ling closed the window and grabbed his jacket before running out of his apartment, after locking it. He headed down the stairs while tying his ebony hair back with the white ribbon. Despite being in his pajama pants and thin jack, and no shirt per usual, he was still going to escort Ruri. Not because she needed it. He needed too.
His mother had taught him to go out of his way to help girls. Not by fighting for them, but beside them. Or at least keeping them from getting into fights. As the door to the apartment complex he lived in closed, he jogged to catch up to Ruri.
"Couldn't sleep Ruri?"
Ling asked as slowed down to a walk beside her. His face was calm and his dark amber eyes were open, not like how she had seen him today with the goofy smile and closed eyes.
He looked up at the moon again, faintly hearing his mother's voice telling him that this was the right decision.​
 
"Couldn't sleep Ruri?"

Ruri stiffened and uncorked her water skin. She whipped her head back, ready to bend. However, she stopped herself. It took her a minute to register his voice. A sigh escaped her lips. She bended her whip back into her water skin. She corked it shut and faced him completely. "It's not wise sneaking up on a waterbender Ling," she murmured. A faint smile painted her lips. He looked different. This is the first time she witnessed his eyes. A sense of unease settled in her stomach. The color amber reminded her of the fire nation. She dismissed the thought and turned around. "I felt restless so I decided to take a walk to clear my mind," she admitted. Ruri continued her pace, sauntering down the deserted path. Her eyes averted to the full moon. Her crystal blue irises tinged with sorrow. She hummed softly to herself as she walked. Ruri didn't understand why Ling appeared. However, she ignored it. She didn't mind the company, for now at least.
 
Ling only held up hands like he was innocent, blinking for a few moments before slipping back into the persona she saw at work. Goofy smile included.
"Nahhhh. Ruri, despite what you see at work, I'm good at dodging things. I just chose to take it so the person behind me doesn't have to."
He responds while placing his hands behind his head. That was such a true statement. It was the whole reason he was here. He dodged his career in the Fire Nation Army, but the whole reason he went into it was so that his sister wouldn't have to.
"I wish I could help, but alas. It's your mind not mine. I'm here because Nebi would kill me if something happened to you and I wasn't there to be a decoy."
With that he scratched the back of his head with a quiet laugh before continuing.
"Besides, I worry about co-workers too~"
Then he went silent as he secretly watched her stare at the moon from his seemingly closed eyes while his face was forward. Listening to her hum softly to a tune he could only guess belong to her tribe or family. Maybe even both. It sounded familiar. Then again, she wasn't the first waterbender he had met. Ling's eyes shifted away from her and toward the road ahead as he tried to push the memories away. He didn't want to remember what he had done.
It still haunts him in his sleep.​
 
A fleeting chuckle escaped her lips. "Is that so?" she mused. She continued humming, reciting a short lullaby her grandmother taught her. Her eyes remained fixated on the full moon. As a waterbender, she experienced a natural connection to the beautiful moon. It was her source of strength. However, it reminded her of her precious friend. Ruri admired her friend's courage. She desired to have that type of strength. Unbeknownst to Ling, Ruri noticed his change of demeanor. On the other hand, she didn't comment. It wasn't her place to judge.

"You undermine my strength if you think I would be easily subdued if something did occur," Ruri pointed out. She tilted her head back and peered at him. "However, you have a point. Nebi would kill you," she added with a faint smile. Her attention averted to the night sky. A gentle breeze circulated through the air. Her dark brown hair billowed around her. "I appreciate your concern Mister Ling. It was nice of you to accompany me," she murmured softly. Ruri continued down the path, walking farther away from her apartment complex.
 
"I never said you couldn't beat me. I just said hitting me wouldn't be easy if I'm trying not to get hit."
Ling responds with a chuckle that meshed with hers. He didn't doubt that she could kick his booty. Ruri was a capable waterbender and she could easily take him on. The thing is though, Ling was like a monkey. You couldn't catch him unless he wanted to be caught. Or he was hungry. Whichever came first.
Usually he let himself get caught so that they would feed him.
His plan usually worked.
"No problem~"
Ling chimed happily before quieting down. His smile beaming.
"Oh. Ruri, you look so pretty."
He says as his face turned to show that he was looking at her. The breeze tussling her hair back and showing more of her face. And the moon highlighted her crystal blue eyes. And then he looked away so that he wouldn't be that guy. The creepy guy. Who stares at girls awkwardly.​
 
"Oh. Ruri, you look so pretty."

Her eyes widened slightly. A faint blush dusted her cheeks. "It's nice of you to say that, Mister Ling," she replied gently. She tilted her head to the side. She presented him a soft smile. It was nice receiving a honest compliment. In the past, she heard the same lines over and over again. However, as an aristocrat, she never believed they were genuine. In her eyes, it was a polite gesture, nothing more. However, she isn't an aristocrat anymore. She is a lone traveler, living in Ba-Sing-Se. No one is aware of her heritage. "Your eyes are rather unique. Why do you hide them?" she inquired curiously. She turned around until she was walking backwards. Her attention remained on Ling.

"Amber is rare in the Earth kingdom," Ruri commented.
 
"So formal. You can just call me Ling."
He says as his smile softens. It was cute how her cheeks flushed at his compliment. Then again, he was being honest right now.
"Your eyes are rather unique. Why do you hide them?"
Ruri asks making Ling open his eyes again to show that she shocked him enough to make him stare at her and blink. The ebony haired male sighed while tapping the skin right next to his eye.
"A lot of people hate the fire nation. I don't blame them. I've seen what they will do to win first hand..."
He trails off before his eyes narrowed on her face, his brows furrowing. The amber in his eyes that were once dark began to lighten up as if a fire burned behind them.
"That's why I came here. But even in Ba Sing Se... You can still see what the fire nation has caused by how the refuges bearing amber eyes. Well. They aren't treated very well, which is why they are rare to see. If you're a firebender, it's near impossible to get into the city, so I've heard."
With that he closed his eyes and he looked normal again. He looked almost like he belong here. Belonged to the Earth Nation.
"When they are closed... I look like a native. "
Ling gave a small, pained smile as he crossed his arms, both of them overlapping in the jacket sleeves.
"Plus, I've been told I look cute like this."
Cue the goofy grin.​
 
"...You can just call me Ling."

Ruri nodded in response. She couldn't help it. She was naturally polite. It was engraved in her instincts. Ruri turned around and continued walking, flanking Ling's left side. Her gaze averted to the full moon. A small frown marred her lips. "The Fire nation attacked my village before I left. I lost my best friend and almost my brother. I was one of the tribe's top healers. I healed so many wounded warriors. A few died in front of me. I felt like I failed them. I knew that not every patient could be saved, but it was hard to watch," she murmured. She stopped and peered at the beautiful moon. Her eyes reflected sorrow. "I never had the opportunity to say goodbye to my friend. She sacrificed herself to save everyone. You see, a despicable man murdered the moon spirit, Tui. It threw the world out of balance. However, my friend was touched by the moon spirit at birth. She gave her life to restore balance. She became the new moon spirit. Every time I stare at the moon, I feel like she's watching over me," she explained. A small, rueful smile plastered on her face. A stronger breeze circulated past her, revealing the back of her neck. A glimpse of a burn mark etched on her skin. However, the rest of it was concealed by her top.

"Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I met another firebender. A part of me wants to hate them, but my grandmother taught me the importance of forgiveness. Not every firebender is a diabolical menace like the Fire Lord. However, I never met a firebender with a good heart. All I saw was destruction. I want to believe my grandmother, but this war makes it hard to hope," she admitted. Her eyes flickered to Ling. She presented him a gentle smile. Her features softened.

"I think you look more handsome if you had your eyes open Ling. You should embrace your heritage. The Avatar will restore balance one day. When that day occurs, maybe the world will accept the Fire nation again," she added.
 
"The Northern Tribe... I'm sorry."
Ling trails off as he listened. Listened to her voice as it was pained. Pained with the sight of war. At the sight of suffering she should have never seen. The sight of death. She lost her friend. Because of Zhao. The man that used to be his commander. The man that he escaped. The one that ordered him to hurt innocent people.. Ling's jaw clenched shut at the memories.
He was happy that he had left before they had went there. Before it was even an idea to attack the Northern Water Tribe. Yet he still felt a pain in his chest for not helping them more. He should have known.
His eyes catching a glimpse of her burn. It only made him feel guiltier.
Ling felt his smile weaken as Ruri told him that she didn't know what to do if she ever met a firebender. If only she knew.. She's probably hate him. The thought made him chuckle emptily.
"I'd be lying if I said that I didn't agree with you.. It's hard to forget something like that."
With that he grew quiet again. Ruri's compliment only rubbing the irony in his face. His eyes opened lazily and looked over at her from the corners of his eyes. The amber shining, no, smoldering like the coals of late burning fire that had almost gone out, a smirk resting on his lips.
"Then I'll just have my eyes open when I'm with you then, since you like them so much~"
He sang with a hand over his mouth like it was fan and he was a Kiyoshi Warrior.​
 
A small laugh escaped her lips. Her eyes glittered with mirth. "You are quite the charmer," she mused. A harsh breeze circulated past her. She shivered in response. Ruri forgot to wear her parka. Despite the heat during the day, it grew chilly in the night. She rubbed her bare arms, creating friction. She continued her walk, sauntering down the empty dirt road. Not a single soul in sight. It was just the two of them. "Are you a bender Ling?" she inquired innocently. She peered at his face, waiting for an answer. Another breeze brushed past her. Ruri suppressed another shiver. She regretted her decision. Why didn't she bring her parka? Despite her origin, Ruri doesn't possess a strong resistance against the cold. She preferred warmer climates. However, she loved her previous home, regardless of the weather.
 
"I was born that way I suppose."
Ling says with a shrug. He never tried to be flirty or charming. His actions just portrayed him that way. Then again, he was always pleasing other people as best he could. Their happiness above his own in many ways. So it could be that him trying to keep everyone happy was what put him in that light. He looked over to Ruri to see her shivering.
Taking off his jacket, he placed it over her shoulders.
"There you go."
He states before placing his hands behind his head while he walked. The cold didn't bother him, simply because he was never cold. Well, it took a lot to make him cold. Whether it was because he naturally had a high amount of body heat or because he was a firebender. Either way, it was the reason why he wore the clothes he did. That was also why he was not ashamed for not wearing shirts, since they never were necessary for him to wear.
"Are you a bender Ling?"
Hearing that question made him tense. It was an innocent question. With a hollow chuckle, he let his amber orbs wander around. Scanning for anyone else out in the night to hear them. A feeling of dread sank in his stomach as he smiled a bit.
"No."
He lied, it was for the best. Better to let her continue being happy. She didn't need to know. Besides, he hasn't used firebending since he began his journey here. Yet he still was one. He couldn't stop being one, but he could pretend. He could feign ignorance to it. For just a little while longer.​
 
"There you go."

A warm jacket draped over her shoulders, covering her bare arms. A light blush dusted her cheeks. She wasn't use to this type of gesture. She grasped the front of the jacket, keeping it secure. "Thank you," she replied softly. A small, grateful smile painted her lips. Her gaze averted to the full moon. Ruri observed Ling's profile from her peripheral vision. She noticed his tensed reaction. Did she hit a nerve? After she received a response, Ruri nodded.

"I think I-" she cut herself off. Ruri stiffened. Her eyes darted to the left. A flash of dark robes danced along the corner of her eyes. They were being followed. A small frown marred her lips. She recognized the attire. "Dai Lee," she murmured softly. Ever since she moved here, she witnessed the Dai Lee continuously. A sense of dread settled inside her stomach. She feared they were targetting her companion, Nebi. Despite their position, Ruri didn't trust the Dai Lee. Her instincts screamed otherwise.
 
Ling smiled a little upon seeing the faint pink that dusted Ruri's cheeks as she grasped the front of the jacket, keeping it secure against herself. Though, as soon as she noticed the Dai Lee, her mood changed. It was clear to him, since he was up close with her, that she was distressed by them. Lowering his voice, he let his eyes look into hers.
"Calm down. They can't bother you unless you give them a reason to."
With that, he placed his hand on the small of her back and took a turn down a street that would take them back the way they had came without confrontation with the Dai Lee.
"Let's get you home hmm~"
The ebony haired male said normally, aware that the Dai Lee could hear him. Yet they stayed at a distance. As soon as they reached his apartment complex, he lead her inside and into his apartment. Closing the door behind him before shutting the windows soon after.
"It's best you stay here for a little while. Then I can walk you home. Would you like some tea Ruri?"
Ling asks while leaning on the kitchen counter, a goofy grin on his face as he gestured to the teapot on the small stove. He may not have food to give her, but tea. There was tea out the wazoo in his apartment. Then again Iroh often gave him the leftover tea leaves when the day was over so that he could enjoy them at home. Most of the tea usually curved his hunger for the most part.​
 
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