Dark Side of the Sun

One

Katara finally pulled away to catch her breath, smiling shakily, her heart pounding. Aang looked like he was caught halfway between terrified and ecstatic. His cheeks flushed red when they made eye contact, and he grinned sheepishly.

"Wow." He finally managed. Katara laughed. He watched her.

"So…" Katara laughed again, nervously smoothing her hair.

"So."

After a few seconds, Aang leaned forward and kissed Katara with renewed confidence. She was shocked at his determination as he slipped his arms around her neck and pulled her closer to him, never hesitating. She considered resisting, but didn't.

At the same time, Mai was stroking Zuko's face. He smiled, pleased, and gazed at her.

"You look beautiful." He said.

"You said that already."

"I know. I just thought I'd say it again."

"…"

"What, is that a crime? I said you looked beautiful. What more do you want?"

"Nothing." She moved closer to him. "Just be quiet and kiss me already."

He did.

They leaned back onto the couch. Mai laid he head on his chest, and he put his arm around her shoulders. There was a long silence. Zuko stared out the open window, trying to think of something to say.

"The moon's, ah…really pretty tonight."

Mai lifted her head, looked out the window, and turned to him.

"So?"

"So nothing. I thought girls liked that sort of thing."

"Maybe stupid girls." She muttered, putting her head back on his chest. Zuko suddenly felt a strong sense of Déjà vu.

"It feel so weird being here. I mean, yesterday we were enemies of this place, and now…" Katara trailed off, staring out over the edge of the cliff that overlooked what used to be the Fire Nation. It's flags still fluttered in the wind above the factories, but the cold-hearted spirit was gone. In the distance, the sun was setting over the ocean. The remains of Fire Navy ships floated in the water and washed up on the beach, now scraps of metal and deserted weapons.

"I know what you mean," Sokka replied. He and the rest of the Gaang were there, watching as earthbenders buried the ruins.

Zuko sat down on a rock and didn't say anything. Katara glanced over at him. "What's wrong?"

He turned to face the landscape. "It's just…I'm Firelord now. I'm in charge of all of this. But--" He shook his head. "What is this now? The Fire Nation's been defeated. Being in charge of it is hardly something to be proud of."

"What, so you'd rather the Fire Nation still going strong?" Sokka asked sarcastically. Zuko shot him a look.

"That's not what I meant."

"Well, what did you mean, Mr. High and Mighty?"

"I just--don't think I really want to be Firelord."

"Don't be stupid." Mai said flatly. "Of course you do."

Zuko tensed. "I don't think so."

Mai snorted and looked away. "Suit yourself."

Zuko looked annoyed, but didn't respond. Katara noticed him favoring the spot where Azula had hit him.

"Is that still hurting you?" She asked. Zuko realized she was talking to him and glanced up.

"What? No. No, it's--"

"Here." Katara walked over to him and pulled her bending water from her pouch. Hesitantly, Zuko undid his shirt. Katara felt Aang's eyes on her, but tried to ignore him. After all, it wasn't as if she liked Zuko. He'd saved her life, and she was grateful for that. But nothing more than grateful.

Nothing more than grateful, she thought, as she eased the water over his burn. He shut his eyes, breathing slowly, his bare chest rising to meet her fingers. Katara could feel her cheeks flush.

What was going on? She quickly pulled away. Zuko opened his eyes, watching her.

"Is--is that better?" Katara asked breathlessly. He nodded. She quickly stood and backed away. Aang was still watching her, suspiciously. She smiled at him, and he seemed to relax.

"How did Zuko get injured?" Aang asked, discreetly taking Katara's hand. Zuko looked at her.

"My sister--"

"Oh." Aang nodded, satisfied. "Azula. Right. Well," He stretched his arms upward, yawning widely. "I'm going to bed. Katara?"

"Ahh…not right now." Katara said pointedly, a bit annoyed at the way Aang had acted as if they'd be sleeping in the same room. She'd only kissed him, after all. That wasn't some kind of lifelong commitment.

"'Kay." Aang walked off. Toph followed him.

"Yeah, I'm gonna turn in too." She mumbled. "Long day. Kicked a lot of Fire Nation butt."

Sokka laughed. He and Suki walked in as well, leaving Katara with Zuko and Mai.

"So." Mai said to Katara. This was, in fact, the fist time she'd acknowledged Katara since she'd joined the Gaang. Katara smiled.

"So." She echoed. Zuko stretched.

"That was a long day." He said, agreeing with Toph. Katara nodded.

"Yeah."

There was a long, awkward silence. Mai glared at Katara as if to say get out of here we have things to do. Katara took the hint and followed the others inside. Behind her, she heard whispering, a giggle, and then silence.

She refused to look back.