[Zuko, on the other hand, was stubborn... bull headed. He refused to do anything that would get someone else hurt, but his pride prevented him from taking anything sitting down. He kept his head up, and an even glare at anyone who said anything to him, reacting in turn when something hit hard.

It didn't help that taunts of "traitor" were a sore spot for him... a personal trigger.

But there was no amount of physical pain that could have put up with his own father's scarring. There was nothing that could be said that could wound him more than his own actions. This, he thought, was the price he paid for honor.

... and so he bore it with pride.

But there were others involved. And Asmo, who didn't look like she'd ever been through anything like this before, who had teased him that first time, who he'd taken a strange liking to.

He rolled his eyes at her.]

This wasn't a weekend vacation, you know? We could be here a lot longer before they decide to do something with us.