PRELUDE PART TWO
A Reunion
"Are you okay?"
Zuko looked away, his anger and frustration rising to the surface. Hearing Katara's concern for him only increased his sense of disgust with himself.
"No, I'm not okay. My Uncle hates me, I know it. He loved me and supported me in every way he could."
He looked at Katara who had seated herself beside him. Her face was filled with concern and sympathy. Her warm kind eyes thawed his stiffening body. His shoulders slumped and his gaze dropped.
"And I still turned against him. How can I even face him?"
Katara watched as Zuko sank with every word. His dejected face touched her heart in more ways than one. He was no longer the angry prince who had chased them across the world. He was no longer the confused boy who had let his guard down in Ba Sing Se. He was just Zuko.
With every passing day since he joined the team, he was revealing the real him. And now, as she sat there watching him bare his fears, he was just Zuko - kind, caring, confused, loyal, determined, strong, awkward, funny, proud, and honorable Zuko.
"Zuko, you're sorry for what you did, right?"
"More sorry than I've been about anything in my entire life."
"Then he'll forgive you."
Zuko saw the conviction in her eyes. Those blue orbs held the ocean. And just like the ocean they ebbed and flowed with the changing tides of time. For the longest time, they were stormy every time she looked at him. But lately, they gazed upon him like a gentle and glistening lake.
She was sure, and that was enough for him. Her voice soothed him enough to get him up on his feet. With a deep breath, he made his way into his uncle's tent.
Katara sat outside the tent, a little nervous and anxious. A silent laugh escaped her as she realized how Zuko had probably sat outside her tent in the same manner the night he spoke to Sokka about their mother's death. He had looked so haggard and exhausted. But he had remained there, unwilling to budge, determined to reach out to her. He had wanted to gain her trust so badly. She shook her head at how far they had come. He had made it happen.
Katara waited patiently but heard nothing. Her ears tried to separate the sound of the insects from the silence in the tent, as her mind fought the sleep that was gliding over her senses. The next thing she knew, she jerked awake with muffled sounds coming from inside the tent.
"But how can you forgive me so easily?! I thought you would be furious with me!"
Zuko's voice was trembling with confusion, astonishment, disbelief and pain. Katara's heart jumped in her chest. He sounded like a little boy. His innocence tugged at her eyes, drawing out a few tears. She thought of how different the outcome must have been, the last time he begged a father figure for forgiveness.
"I was never angry with you", she heard Iroh's loving voice. "I was sad because I was afraid you lost your way."
"I did lose my way", Zuko muttered. Katara's tears flowed more freely. Zuko's path had been difficult, perhaps even more so than hers or Sokka's or Aang's.
"But you found it again. And you did it by yourself. I am so happy you found your way here."
"It wasn't that hard, Uncle. You have a pretty strong scent."
Katara stifled a giggle and wiped her cheeks. Zuko was finally home. Safe in the arms of his uncle. She turned to leave but glanced back at the tent. She walked towards the tent and ever so lightly, pulled the drape aside. She peeked and in and saw uncle and nephew on their knees. Zuko's back was to her but she could see his shoulders shake as he wept. Iroh cradled him like a child, and the look on his face was heartbreakingly joyful and reflected his unconditional love for the boy.
Katara resisted the urge to rush in and hug Zuko and thank Iroh for being the safe space Zuko needed. Before she could retreat, Iroh caught her eye. Katara froze, but seeing the warm smile he threw her way, she gave him a thankful smile and then took in a deep breath and walked back to sit on the grass. She would wait for him, just as he had.
Zuko stepped out of his uncle's tent, wiping his cheeks. He startled at the sight of Katara. Her head rested on her propped knees. Her eyes were open but she sat still, oblivious to his presence.
"Katara?"
Katara jumped out of her reverie. She looked at him a little dazed.
"Katara?" He knelt beside her. "Are you alright? What is it? Why are you here?"
"I waited out here all night", she smiled sleepily.
"Oh", Zuko grinned, "You look terrible."
The memory made them both laugh as Zuko sat beside her on the grass.
"So, I assume it went well?" Katara wrapped her shawl around tighter.
"Much much better than I expected", Zuko sighed.
He looked at Katara and then slid closer, "You're cold."
"I'm fin…", Katara began but let out a long sigh when Zuko increased his inner fire and his warmth cloaked her entire body. "That's nice."
Zuko chuckled and leaned in.
"You should go sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."
"Yeah, I just..wanted to make sure you're okay."
Zuko was a little taken aback.
Don't overthink this. This is how Katara is. It's in her nature. She is kind and concerned for everyone.
"'Uh...I'm doing okay. Uncle was..."
"I'm talking about tomorrow. It must be hard...going back...there."
"Hmm, yeah", Zuko shrugged nonchalantly.
Katara rolled her eyes and flicked his forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Don't act like it's not a big deal."
Zuko rubbed his forehead, "You could have just said that."
"This was more fun", Katara smirked.
"You know, for a waterbender...you are quite violent."
"Maybe you're a bad influence", Katara snorted.
"Guess so. But you've been a good influence on me. I'm sure my uncle would agree."
Katara beamed at his words and leaned against his shoulder. Zuko felt her hair brush against his neck and ears.
"I'm glad you found your way back to him."
"Me too."
"And I'm glad you found your way to us. We couldn't do this without you."
Zuko smiled and rested his head over hers. Inside the tent, Iroh smiled to himself in satisfaction.
