THIRD AWESOME ONE.
"I can't believe you would say that."
"I said I was sorry, Katara." A hint of impatience slips through his words, and he prays that she won't notice it, for it'll mean at least two hours more of apologies. He tries not to think of the work henpecked, but it forces itself into his mind anyway, causing him to say something he's not sure he won't regret. "It's not like it's my fault anyway."
Katara goes on the defensive. "I'm not talking about the remarks made by them, but about the...thing you said after that." She sniffs dramatically, uncomfortably aware that she is overreacting. "Anyway, all the books said it would happen. Their tongues are made like that!"
Trying to inject some humor into the conversation, Zuko says, "Of course. But you know those books are written for mothers, right? They're hiding the truth."
Two high spots of color form on Katara's cheeks, and Zuko wonders if humor was the right choice, after all. "How...how could you say that?" she sputters.
He assumes a look appropriate for the deathbed of a close friends, but the corners of his mouth quirk up as he takes in the situation. He tells himself he is not going to laugh, and then begins to. The absurdity of the situation strikes him, and he starts afresh, laughing loudly. It soon overwhelms him, and he has to take a seat. When the laughter finally subsides, Zuko takes a glance out of the corner of his eye at Katara.
She is not amused. Although...he stares at her face carefully and sees her mouth twitching, and hopes for the best. He is about to laugh again, hoping she will join in this time, when he realizes just how wrong he was as she begins to wail. "It's true-hu-hu!" she sobs, in a manner hardly befitting someone as strong as her normally.
Zuko panics, as most men do when faced with a crying woman, but reminds himself he is not Sokka. He has read about this in the books, it's normal for a woman to be emotional following what Katara has been through. Stepping forward, he puts his arms around her, rubbing her back gently and murmuring comforting words.
"Shhhh, Katara, I was only joking!" he says in mortification. "You were right, I've read too in the books I got that that is the easiest phrase for them to say. It's nothing personal."
"But...both of them?" She has calmed down slightly (Zuko congratulates himself) but seems liable to start off again.
"Yes!" Zuko lies emphatically.
A few hours later, as the Fire Lord and Lady lie comfortably in their chambers, Zuko turns over and grins at Katara. "I was only lying, you know," he whispers. Her eyes open wide.
"Both our children said da-da first because they love me more," he says with a wicked grin. She says nothing for a moment, and he hopes the mood swings predicted after labor (but it's been a year!) won't cause her to cry again, but she narrows her eyes instead. Recognizing a danger sign, Zuko gets up and begins to dress with the speed of Sokka at a buffet table and Aang at a Singles' Night.
Just as he reaches the door, she begins to rip a pillow apart. He runs out as a series of ice daggers smash against the door behind him. Maybe it'll be safe to hide from Katara for the next few days...or weeks.
Spot the Harry Potter quote! Yup, Zuko lied to make Katara feel better. And to get sexytiemz. ;)
Shameless self promotion: Check out my other story, Things We Lost In The Fire.
Apparently we also made top ten in the Zutara Week club for writing - so check this link out please so we can do it again!http://wondering-wanderingDOTdeviantartDOTcom/art/Zutara-Week-09-Jealousy-Day-3-133071231
