Those aren't imaginary stories — that's a normal story in my world...! And even then, I know of very few deserters, in any case. All I'm saying is, marriage between different nations is highly unusual for many reasons, and most people don't travel across borders freely, unless it has something to do with the war, or they're trading... legally or not.

[ He scowls vaguely. That's all he's really got to say about pirates. He's not a pirate fan. Likewise, not a fan of being told to calm down when he feels perfectly calm...!!! So his perplexed, indignant look lingers on Gokudera's face as he sighs and massages his temple, but doesn't leave him even after he looks away. After a beat, Zuko sighs, too, finding this whole "prompt" a bit odd, but... he's not mad. He's not taking it as a big deal. He's just perpetually too serious. So, as if in resignation to that fact, he lazily wraps his arm around Gokudera's shoulders, drawing him closer into himself against his armor, keeping his face guard in his hand draped over his boyfriend's right shoulder. He casually sips his tea in his free hand, avoiding eye contact as he turns his gaze back onto the crowds in front of them. ]