While You Sleep
A/N- Fic from my Zutara Blog - November 28, 2016.
"You look so tired, love. Just lay down for a few minutes, that's all I'm asking."
"I—We have meetings Katara and I can't—"
"I'll wake you well before we have to go, I promise. Please, Zuko, I'm worried, you need to sleep."
"Fine," he signed and she released a satisfied grin before pushing away from the desk they sat at.
"Kat, wait, will you… could you just stay with me?" He shouldn't have felt so embarrassed at the question, she was his wife, he could ask this couldn't he? "I…I sleep better when you're here."
"Of course, Zuko, I'll stay." She took his hand and lead him to their room. First settling herself against the pillows, she then gave the spot next to her a pat and he crawled over. But instead of lying next to her, he angled himself so that his head rested in her lap and his arm draped over her knee.
"Sleep well, my love," she whispered running her fingers through his raven locks. It only took a few moments of this for his eyes to close and his breathing to slow, but she kept stroking his hair enjoying their closeness.
He woke up with a start, knowing it'd been too long.
"Kat, what… what time is it?"
"Don't worry, there's still fifteen minutes until we have to meet with the council, it only takes us five to get there. You're fine." She stood over him when he sat up and pinned his crown in his hair. "See?" She took his chin between her fingers, "Now, let's go."
The meeting went well. Katara managed to convince some of the business owners to help fund a new school outside the city for the children in smaller villages. Zuko was bursting with pride as he watched his wife speak and took notice to how well the council seemed to receive her as not only the bearer of the title Fire Lady, but as someone they would listen and respected.
There was, however, a type of tension in the room that he couldn't put his finger on, but he was sure it wasn't something to do with him. A few of the council members kept glancing his way and squinting their eyes and Katara seemed to be avoiding looking at him all together.
He stood when the meeting was over, thanking them all for coming and saying goodbye to each of them individually as they trickled out the door.
The last man in the room, besides himself, was the retired admiral who had been sitting closest to him. "My lord, I don't want to speak out of turn, but I was wondering if I could ask you a question?"
"Of course, Admiral Huang, what's on your mind?"
The man pauses as if still deciding if he wanted to speak, but eventually asked "I was just wondering if you knew that your hair has braids in it today…?"
"Brai—" his eyes shot to Katara who had a hand covering her mouth and was looking around the room avoiding his glance. "Uh, yes," he coughed feeling himself blush, but trying to seem calm, "of course I know that… Thought I'd try something new… it's too much isn't it?"
"Oh, no you look lovely my Lord, very… regal," the man swiftly bowed and hurried out the door, leaving Zuko and his wife alone. She finally broke, letting out a burst of laughter
"Katara," he hissed now that they were alone, pulling her from her chair and pinning her against the wall.
She smirked dragging her fingers through his hair. "So regal, my love. You are the envy of all rulers."
"This isn't funny," he grinned, grabbing her hands and pinning her wrists above her head, his knee pressing between her legs. "You're gonna pay for this."
"Do your worst," she matched his grin before pressing her lips to his.