Chapter Text
She twiddled her pen with her nimble fingers as she hummed a tune that had recently become stuck in her head and she just couldn't shake. She looked at her computer screen, which had a patient file opened.
Patient File: 67839
First Name: Zuko - Last Name: Homura
Age: 28 - DOB: ****
Sex: Male - Blood type: O +
Address: ********* - City: ******
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Emergency Contact:
First Name: Iroh - Last Name: Homura
Relationship: Uncle
Contact Information: ****************
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Medical History:
He received 3rd and 2nd degree burns on the left side of his face at age 13
Is currently on benzodiazepine for insomnia and anxiety
Allergies: None
She sighed slightly, the polished man in front of her was about Sokka's age and yet contrasted him so severely as he wore a tailored black suit, something she had only seen her brother wear on his wedding day, and had black rings around his worn eyes and deeply etched lines cemented by frowns instead of smiles which stood out visibly against his smooth pale skin, He was 28 but in his condition, one could easily mistake him for 48
He smiled at her somewhat awkwardly as she spun her chair slightly to face his direction, her white lab coat swishing slightly in the process. She returned the smile to reassure him and started "So, tell me what's wrong" She said pleasantly. He opened his mouth slightly and then closed it as he paused for a second, "I don't think the medication I'm currently on is working, I still have insomnia and I keep getting these restless migraines." Katara thought for a second before responding thoughtfully "Is this your first time taking benzodiazepine?" She asked. "No I've been taking it since I was 15." he answered "Well, are you taking the recommended dosage?" She questioned, as he merely nodded in response to that. "Well, a paradoxical side effect of it is increased anxiety which could be adding to your headaches." , "Do you have a particularly stressful job?" She asked. "Yes, I work as a corporate lawyer." He responded. "And, do you work very long hours?" She questioned. "Yes." He responded. "From what you've said, I'm assuming you came here today to get a new medication prescribed however I recommend that you stop taking the benzodiazepine and take some time off work."
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Zuko sighed in defeat, Uncle had been telling him the same thing "Nephew, you are working yourself to the bone please see a doctor and rest", He had been nagging him with that for the last week. When his driver had dropped Zuko off at the hospital he instantly knew who’s doing it was. He went up to the receptionist and asked if there was an appointment under his name in confusion, The lady answered in a friendly tone and told him that this was not the place to sign in to his appointment however he should go to the purple zone of the hospital where the outpatients unit was located and after about 45 minutes of aimlessly wondering around the place as he found himself lost in the medical maze, he was lead by a nurse going in the same direction to where he needed to be. So when he finally entered the doctor’s office he was ready to get his new prescription and leave; which she had assumed correctly.
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"I can’t afford to take time off work?" He countered. "Because your finances don’t allow it or because you don’t know how to let yourself rest?" She answered back with a knowing look. "Go outside more, hang out with friends, book a holiday to a sunny destination do something that doesn’t make you feel stressed." She advised.
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"So what did the doctor say, nephew?" Asked Iroh in a concerned voice. "That I need to rest." He sighed as he looked across the wooden table. A smile played at his lips despite him still being ridden with concern as he still got a sense of victory from being right. Iroh picked up his jasmine tea and sipped it slowly savoring its sweet taste and aromatic smell as he stared at Zuko's pale face; His eyes weren't focusing on him or on any specific point as he zoned out, clearly in thought.
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He didn't want to slow down with his work, no matter how many times he told himself that validation and affection from his father weren't something he needed in his life it still didn't change his innate instinct to work hard to please him in fear of retribution. He knew he had never stood a chance against Azula to inherit the company however his father still expected him to act as a mutt running and pleasing its master for attention. "Azula was born lucky, Zuko was lucky to be born" When he had heard those words come out of his father's mouth so casually he finally realized the kind of person his father was: a ruthless and frigid man. Up until then, he had thought he was cruel because it was something he found pleasurable but it was a lot more nuanced than that. He did whatever he needed to do to rise to power, everyone was an expendable pawn on his chessboard and he was the omnipotent hand that controlled them.
Burning his son 13-year-old son with scalding water to teach him obedience, pitting his children against each other to isolate them and make them develop total reliance on him and his approval, and driving his wife to her breaking point. These were never malicious acts, just one tile closer to checkmate. "It's not personal, it's just business. Don't worry about how many people sink as you climb your way to the top, as long as you're able to reach the peak it doesn't matter if the distant sea is crimson."
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"There's nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity" Spoke Iroh calmly as Zuko was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts. For that, he would be eternally grateful, if it weren't for Uncle he wouldn't be sure if his reflection would show his own face or his father's shadow. Thinking too much of his father was never productive anyway and he had decided to cut ties with him long ago. "I suppose you're right" Zuko answered. "Then I'll tell your assistant to schedule you a month off" Beamed Uncle, Normally he would protest but they were the doctor's orders this time.