Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Second day of Zutara Week! I had a bit of trouble writing this one, and it went through a few edits. Euphoria is a difficult prompt; the only other way I could see going with this was smut, and I didn't want to do that. I hope you enjoy nonetheless!
Euphoria: a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
"We're here!" Sokka called from his place behind the wheel, alerting Katara to their arrival at Kyoshi Island. She turned towards the sea; elbow propped up by the ship's rails, and was greeted with the sight of the green, forested island. The statue of Kyoshi had been rebuilt within the last three years since Sozin's Comet.
Suki walked up behind Katara to catch a glimpse of their destination. She wore no face paint and her short brown hair was tied back with a ribbon. It was her decision for the reunion to be held at Kyoshi Island. She had stayed with Katara and Sokka in the Water Tribe for the past six months, and had become rather homesick.
"It's good to be home," Suki sighed, gaze scanning the patch of land that was fast approaching.
"Are you going to stay after we leave?" Katara asked.
Suki looked at her and shrugged, then let out a giggle. "I don't know, it depends on if your bonehead brother finally decides to propose!"
They shared a lighthearted laugh before Katara hugged her friend and went down to her cabin to gather her bags. Her hands were shaking as she did so. It had been nearly a year since she had seen Aang. After the war ended, she had followed him around the world as he performed speeches and helped rebuild the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. As the Avatar, he was always busy and had no time for her or their budding relationship. It had come to the point where she finally had to tell him she was going home to the Southern Water Tribe.
She hadn't spoken to Aang since.
She took a deep breath and prepared herself for when the boat docked.
"You guys made it!" Katara looked up to see Aang practicing leaping towards her as she stepped onto the dock. She felt unsure about what to do, and panic almost overwhelmed her as he approached. Sokka and Suki were closer behind her, though, and Sokka was the first to hug the young airbender.
"It's good to see you, buddy!" he exclaimed with a cheeky grin. Aang turned to Katara and blushed.
"Hey, Katara."
"Hi, Aang. You look… well." Katara floundered for something else to say.
"Hey! You can't start this reunion without me!"
The four friends turned towards the sharp voice to find none other than Toph, hanging over the rails of a small ship that was coming into port beside them. A Fire Nation insignia was carved into the hull.
Toph nearly ran down the gangplank. "I had to spend a whole week on that thing! With no one for company but Sparky! Can you imagine?"
As the rest of the group greeted the blind earthbender, Katara had her eyes locked on the ship's gangplank. She watched, afraid to look away, as a man dressed in regal red robes came down it, each step even and purposeful. She sucked in her breath as her eyes trailed up to his face. He was staring out at Kyoshi Island quietly, his black hair tied up in a topknot, but lacking a crown. Katara noted the changes in his face; the shape of his fresh-shaven jaw, the high and defined cheekbones, and the blazing scar across his eye just as prominent as ever. Then, his gold eyes met her blue ones.
His lips curved upwards into a small smile.
She raced towards him, meeting him at the base of the incline and nearly crashing into him. She embraced him quickly in a crushing hug, to which he let out a light 'oof!', and responded by wrapping his arms around her waist. She buried her head into the crook of his shoulder, fighting back tears of joy from seeing him for the first time in a year. She didn't know what had overcome her, and she pulled back feeling a bit silly.
Zuko chuckled, smiling a bit at her flushed face. He nudged her chin up and kissed her forehead chastely. "You look ever more beautiful than the last time I saw you, Master Katara," he whispered, his face inches from hers.
"You look quite handsome yourself, Fire Lord," Katara threw back, a wide grin on her face. His words made her heart soar, and she felt happier in that moment than she had in a long time.
Everyone else around them faded away. Katara was seeing her best friend anew, his smoldering eyes catching her breath in a way they hadn't before. She felt like a blushing teenager again, shy and speechless. Zuko appeared to be in much the same condition. His hands slid along her back, fingers tugging lightly at the fabric, as if debating what to do next.
She was suddenly very glad that she had taken the time to plan this reunion.
"Oh, so Sparky gets a hug before me?"
My least favorite of the bunch. From personal experiences through, it can be pretty exhilarating seeing someone you care about after being separated for a long time. Please leave a review and I'll be back tomorrow with Voices!