Zutara Week 2010

Here we are again, and it's my second time participating! Not much to say, just a note that the words in bold in each piece are the definition of the prompt that I chose. :)

A bunch of people who hate each other and eat dinner together, was Zuko's oh-so-witty definition of family. She couldn't blame him for it, growing up the way he had. With Ozai almost never present, and only correcting Zuko's manners or posture when he was, and Azula trying her best to show off to Ozai and 'accidentally' injure Zuko in the process, he hadn't had the best role models. Ursa had, after all, left when he was at a young age.

Yet growing up in the Water Tribe, as she had, even without a mother there was Gran-Gran or one of the ladies in the tribe. Dinner was a chaotic meal full of laughter, as Sokka tried to eat as much as he possibly could, and Gran-Gran maintained some form of order. Even with the Gaang, the antics of Toph and Sokka, and Aang's cheerful laughter caused even Momo and Appa to be part of the family that had been created.

Katara tried to create whatever family she could, after hers was ripped apart by the Fire Nation, and when Zuko took Gran-Gran from her arms it only fulfilled her expectations about the destructive nature of his country. Her feelings about him, too, were resolved to remain those of the strongest hate. While she prepared the meals (in her mind food and family were inextricably connected) for her Gaang, thoughts of the prince, especially after the necklace incident, could not be restrained.

She had been terrified when she was captured by him and the pirates, convinced that this would be her dishonor and picturing dark visions of the ordeal she would undergo. And despite the fact that he had her most precious objects, her perceptions about him were challenged as she met his uncle, and nothing happened to her besides mild discomfort from being tied to a tree.

In Ba Sing Se, she had been almost ready to include him in her family, especially after she had seen the vulnerable boy hiding behind the prince's exterior. Flashes of his warm, rough skin and the trust in his eyes as they closed when her hand was on his scar. She sensed she was the first to touch it, which made his betrayal even more terrible.

She told herself that she was angry, that it was his nation's fault, and she merely regretted the loss of a chance at a new, powerful ally. What she didn't admit even to herself was that she had been heartbroken. It only made her vitriol more harsh towards him when he came begging for forgiveness. Leaving her father behind in the Fire Nation at the mercy of his father didn't sooth her wrath.

Despite the way in which she had readily admitted Teo, Pipsqueak, Duke, and Haru to their family, it is impossible to do the same for him. He has never been a friend, and though he is not entirely an enemy, she convinces herself that they are in danger from him. As everyone accepts him, she remains stubbornly aloof, and ignores that he aided the return of her father and Suki.

She ignores his efforts to win her over, and remains brusque and outright hostile with him, pointedly avoiding serving him at meals, even earning the disapproval of Aang. The day they leave the Western Air Temple, she is convinced afresh that their ordeal is his fault. When they find a new camping area, Katara is weary at facing the thought of cooking a meal from scratch for the five of them (she studiously does not include Zuko).

When a pile of nuts, berries, leaves, fruits and meat that will provide a sumptuous meal for all of them is found outside her tent, she goes to thank Aang. He denies it, and she doubtfully asks Toph and Sokka. Even Suki shows no knowledge of the gift, and she finally realizes that is has been Zuko who has found the ingredients.

She struggles with her conscience, and that night, much to his surprise, she places a bowl full of food in from of Zuko. After all, it is only with his help that there is a meal for all six of them.

It was the start of his admittance into her family.

Be prepared for the rest! :) ALERT AND REVIEW!

EDIT: FORGOT TO MENTION wondering-wandering collaborated with me on these. :(