Author's Note: I've been a longtime fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I've watched the series countless times, and read so many fanfiction centered around the story of the Avatar. I've never attempted to write a story of my own however, and this is my attempt. It's going to be focusing on our Avatar Gang, but it's going to be mostly centered on Zuko and Katara. I know this pairing isn't everyone's favorite, but I hope that all will be able to take enjoyment in this story. It isn't going to be one of those super fast romances, and instead it is going to build up slowly just like any meaningful relationship.
Here is the Prologue to set up the rest of the story. This will be the only tender moment you will see between Katara and Zuko for a while, because I do intend to start the story from their first meeting onward. Here's a glimpse at what the distant future has in store. The rest of the Chapters will be much longer than this.
Enjoy!
ACQUAINTED
Prologue: Fairplay
Katara's laugh echoed throughout the field of lavender, the breeze letting her long mahogany colored curls flow around her. The scent around her was filled with the sweetness of the flowers, and the intoxicating scent that was her.
The sun beaming down upon her caramel colored form made her hair shine with a red tint, illuminating her face in an auburn halo. Her blue eyes shone with mischief as she stuck her tongue out in a rather childlike display, so unlike her usually serious, motherly personality.
He loved it when she just let go.
He felt as if she constantly had to fulfill that motherly role. She always had to set the example, and set strict rules. The same rules that kept her troublesome gang of friends at bay, and safe. She was so wise beyond her years, and he couldn't help but feel guilty. Her personality was a result of what had happened to her people, at the hands of his.
How many times he had grasped on to her shoulders in a threatening manner, attempting to instill fear in her small frame. It never worked though.
No matter how hard he tried, she always stared back at him with those impossibly blue eyes. They were always filled with resistance, and he never saw any faltering or fear in them. He had no idea how she managed that. She was always so strong, despite what the world threw at her. She always stood above all the violence, and death. She conquered it all, with a flutter of her long lashes against those high cheekbones.
It was one of the many things that made him fall in love with her, and by the spirits did he love her.
Katara leaned back on to the grass, her elbows resting against the flowers. Her curls fell over her shoulders, and her head leaned back in a display of utter serenity. He could make out the smooth skin of her neck, completely exposed to the warm sunshine, and his golden eyes. He found himself almost transfixed by the simple display, and his breath faltered for a few seconds.
The goddess in front of him opened a single eye, her full lips curling up at the corners.
"Are you just gonna stare, or are you gonna join me Fire Lord?"
Zuko let out a deep chuckle and moved forward, letting himself fall into the grass. Katara let out a squeak as he fell beside her in an utterly dramatic way, halfway on top of her.
"You're crushing me Zuko," she complained.
"If my Lady can handle the weight of an entire nation, then she can surely handle me."
Katara let out a grunt which was quickly silenced by Zuko's lips.