Unspoken
One month. It had been one whole month since the Phoenix Lord had fallen at the hands of the Avatar and his friends. A month spent rebuilding a fallen empire…
Somehow, Katara had imagined that she and her friends would have been swamped with work. Or at least newly-reinstated Prince Zuko or his uncle, Fire Lord Iroh…but somehow, they all seemed to have more than enough time to spend together.
Between meeting the leaders of the other nations (who were all mostly old acquaintances now) and attending celebratory and congratulatory ceremonies, the gang were still learning things about each other all the time.
Toph managed to prove to all of them that she truly had the power to forgive when she ran, crying into her distraught parents' arms, accepting their fervent apologies and agreeing to return home to Gaoling for the time being.
Sokka surprised everyone with a show of commitment when he decided to take a quick detour to the Southern Water-tribe to visit Gran-gran before heading to Kyoshi Island with Suki.
Katara decided to head home as well, and see where things took her from there.
Aang, being his usual self, wanted to be everywhere, doing everything with everyone, all at once!
They had also managed to learn a lot about Fire-nation culture. For example, Aang had learnt that the phrase "Flameo, Hotman!" was out of fashion…had been for several decades now…
Sokka learnt (once again) that any food substance with the words "hot" or "fire" in it was usually…spicy…
Katara had learnt that there were traditions in the Fire-nation. During her light-hearted conversations with "uncle" Iroh (as he insisted on being called), she had learnt about everything from tea-serving technique to engagement practices. She was surprised to find that the engagement ceremony, though more formal, was not unlike that of the Water-tribe. The boy's side family would visit the girl's side family. Approval was passed all around. Then, the girl would be presented a golden bracelet bearing her fiancé's family crest.
More than anything else, Katara was surprised to find a friend in Zuko. More than a friend in fact. Someone who understood her, a confidante, someone she could open up to, without fear of burdening him. She would, at times, find herself pouring her heart out to the boy who had once inspired such irrational terror in them all.
Of course, this only happened when she managed to catch him between giving speeches to the Council of Ministers and playing the concerned host to visiting dignitaries
None of them spoke about being separated. They tip-toed around the topic, acting like their days of care-free times wouldn't end. But of course, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is…
'Katara come ON!' cried Sokka, exasperated…since when did he have to play mother to her, of all people?!
Katara ignored his cries, however. She was too busy trying to find the words to bid adieu to Zuko. She knew she was keeping everyone waiting but, this was…important.
Aang, already clutching Appa's reigns, ready to take off, was talking animatedly with Hakoda about how much he was looking forward to penguin-sledding again.
The Beifong family, come to say farewell before setting sail themselves, were being given an enthusiastic tour of the Fire-nation palace's garden by an eager Ty Lee.
'We don't have all day, Katara!' Sokka moaned. He felt Suki tug on his arm, heard her whisper 'Leave them alone, Sokka.' But he refused to peel his eyes away…
Katara and Zuko ignored them all. She opened her mouth just as he started to speak. They both stopped.
'Go ahead,' he mumbled, a faint smile creeping across his face.
'No, no, you first,' Katara insisted.
His smile faltered as their eyes met. Unspoken words hung heavily between them and the reality seemed to strike them both at the same time. She's leaving. She's leaving and there is no telling when she will return…
Zuko decided to take initiative. Taking a deep breath, he began 'Katara, I…' She clamped a firm hand over his mouth.
'Stop. Leaving is hard enough without that…'
He watched as her blue eyes swam with tears they both knew would never fall. He found it increasingly difficult to swallow. She hadn't removed her hand; her fingertips still brushed the edge of his scar. Quickly, and without warning, she kissed the back of her hand.
Then, she turned to leave. She walked down the few steps dejectedly, a thousand thoughts rushing through her mind. There must be something I can do…
'Let's GO already!!' Sokka bellowed, flailing his arms madly.
And it struck her. 'Zuko! Think fast!' she called out, throwing her mother's necklace through the air.
On instinct, Zuko turned and caught it without really seeing it. Knowing its cool touch without looking at it. Recognizing it without laying eyes on it. He smiled questioningly at her.
'I'll be back for…that,' she faltered, nodding at the necklace as she tapped her wrist with her finger.
'I look forward to the day,' his voice caught in his throat.
'Are you two done already? Can we go now? Can we respect Sokka's schedule for once?!'
Katara brushed past her impatient brother as Suki smacked him in the back of the head.
'Thank you!' Sokka cried, throwing his hands in the air, ignoring Suki's eye-rolling…
A cool wind blew in from the sea, bringing the scent of new beginnings with it. Wrapping the necklace firmly around his wrist as Katara had indicated, Zuko allowed the smile to return.
Both of them knew, without saying a word, that the necklace wasn't the only thing she would be back for…