I see you, baby.
He'd been up with the sun each morning to watch her training practice in the Royal Sparring Grounds. So far, she'd never once acknowledged him. This morning was no exception.
The flashes of long limbs and blue flames against the backdrop of smooth green grass. Her body washed by bright red sunlight, a pure ode to fire.
One opponent after another incapacitated, carried off the training grounds. Pitiful losers.
The tiny beads of sweat pearling off her forehead and the back of her long neck. The bright sparkle of her yellow eyes. The way she'd stare into the sun, completely fearless, raising her sapphire flames to greet it. The secret smile on her full lips.
Oh, he needed to know the truth behind it.
Another volunteer opponent. The first female one.
No, Katara!
The clash of fire and ice caused the Palace Grounds to reverberate.
As the two long fingers stabbed down, his sister slumped onto the chest of her opponent, unconscious.
Aang and Zuko were running down the marble stairs. He remained immobilized, staring down at what he'd sensed would happen.
She raised her bright gold eyes and flashed him a brilliant smile.
I see you, baby.