Ok so this is the first day of Zutara Week 2010 and the prompt is family! This is just a warning that maiko and kataang are hinted in this story, but it is totally Zutara so don't panic! Read and Review please! :)
It was time again for the annual peace summit that took place at Toph's inherited estate in the Earth Kingdom. The rulers and important dignitaries of all four nations and their families congregated around the estate to discuss global issues; things such as economy and reconstruction. This year promised to have the biggest turnout ever, with over 100 of the most important people in the world staying in or around the estate. It was a week before the big event and the first three groups to arrive were having an evening picnic. The sun had set and everyone had gathered around the campfire to hear Sokka tell scary ghost stories. Most of the younger children had fallen asleep in their parents' laps while the older, mainly Dakota and Tenzin listened intently to the story being told. The fire had dimmed enough now to cast eerie shadows upon Sokka's face, enhancing the creepy feeling. Across from Sokka, Katara handed off her youngest child, Meeka, to Aang, stood up and excused herself. Zuko glanced at her, and then followed, saying that he had to use the restroom.
"Hey!" Zuko sent out a loud whisper when they were far enough away from the campfire. Katara turned.
"Zuko..." Her words were cut off by Zuko's mouth colliding with hers. It was startling but not entirely unwelcome. She hesitated, letting herself get carried away in the moment. Then her senses came back to her and she pushed Zuko away.
"What's wrong, Katara?" She glanced back to the campfire. Her husband and children sat peacefully, enjoying their evening. Across from them, sat Mai, holding onto a sleeping Zuna. All of them were blissfully unaware of what she did behind their backs. She turned back to Zuko.
"I love you. But we can't do this anymore." Zuko's face fell.
"Why not?" She turned back to the campfire and then back to Zuko.
"Because of them. Every time we do this, we hurt them even if they don't know it. We have to stop." Katara looked into his eyes. And he nodded.
"You're sure?" She sighed.
"Yes." Zuko kissed Katara on the cheek and they walked back to camp. They took their seats across from each other with their families.
