In this chapter the gang gets a surprise visitor, Sokka's leaving for the South Pole, and we get to see a little of drunk Katara.
I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
It was a rainy day in the Fire Nation Capitol. The seasons were changing but the humidity never seemed to cease. At least the nights were colder and nobody was more grateful for that than the Water Tribe siblings. It had been a month since the gang had all arrived, all except Aang himself. Zuko received a letter via messenger hawk stating that Aang had to hold off on reconstructing the Air Temples for some matters in a town northeast of the Earth Kingdom and would make it when things settled. He also stated he could only stay for a short while so he could proceed with reconstruction before heading to Republic City again.
The gang was looking forward to seeing the Avatar, since it had been so long for all of them. Especially being all together at once. Although a part of Katara was relieved since their relationship didn't end on good terms two years into them dating. Well, so much more her trying to confront him about their issues and him running off without listening. It was nothing new for Katara and one of the reasons she wanted to end it. It was literally like talking to the wind.
Katara, Toph, Zuko, Suki and Sokka sat in one of the parlors in the palace during the rainfall. Suki was playing pai sho against Zuko. Toph was happily picking her toes and Sokka went through scrolls he found in the library as Katara laid her head in his lap staring out at the falling rain.
They all had plans to head outside and take turns sparring only the dark clouds in the distance forced them all back inside. Katara was disappointed, mainly because she had finally healed up enough to spar and wanted to ease back into training. She very well still wanted to in the rain but all of them argued how they didn't stand a chance against her in the rain, regardless of her rustiness, and getting wet was not part of the plan. Of course, all of them except Toph who wouldn't mind rolling around in mud.
The gang was silent, making the rain and shuffling pai sho tiles the only sounds in the room. But it didn't bother any of them. They were all pretty comfortable with one another.
Katara was upset. Sokka would be leaving in the morning to head back to the South Pole. He claimed he had been gone long enough and even though their dad was holding down the fort, as the new chief, Sokka needed to head back from being gone for almost two months.
Katara wanted to use Zuko as an excuse, just so he wouldn't leave so soon. But she knew Zuko was progressing at his own pace. He had finally gotten to the point where he showed up to meetings on time and was eating and exercising regularly.
"Can't you stay a little longer?" Katara had asked earlier that morning. She was helping him pack for the voyage back home the next morning. And even though she didn't have to, she helped him neatly organize his things. Mainly because organizing material things weren't Sokka's thing. Amazing Tactician and smart to boot (on most things) but tended to put his pants on backwards. Katara mentally sighed, what would he do without her?
"You know I have to, Katara." The new chief looked over a novelty globe of the four nations he had purchased from a vendor during one of their outings. "Besides Zuko seems fine and if worse comes to worse he has you guys here for a little longer."
"Yeah..." Katara pouted. But she needed her brother just as much as Zuko did.
Sokka seemed to catch onto what she was thinking and went to take her hand so the both of them could sit on his bed, "Hey," he lifts her chin to look at him, "You'll be fine too. I know the last year has been tough on you but your strong and if anyone could get through this, it's you." He gently patted her stomach. Katara slowly nodded in agreement. "You can come too." Sokka suggested.
Katara closed her eyes and shook her head.
"We all still love you. Gran Gran, dad, all our friends back home. Don't let what those Northerners think bother you."
"They don't, Sokka." she sighed, "It's just me. I can't seem to help feeling the way I do, even though I know I shouldn't. But I'm just not ready to go home. Not yet."
"Well, when you"re ready, we'll be waiting."
Katara smiled and jumped into her brother's arms for a hug. He tightened the hug, tickling her forehead with his goatee.
"Besides, no one cleans my dirty socks the way you do."
The silence was broken in the parlor room when General Shin walked in to announce a guest, "Good afternoon. I wanted to present to you all a visitor. Former General and Dragon of the West, Prince Iroh."
The gaang stood up quickly when Iroh entered the parlor with his Earth Kingdom attire and the smile that they had all come to love.
"Uncle!" Zuko was the first to approach Iroh for hug.
"It is good to see you, Nephew." Iroh returned the hug. He pulled away to greet everyone else with a smile. "I see you've invited everyone else as well. It's so pleasant to see all your faces again." He looked around a bit more, "All except Avatar Aangs, only, I assume he has his reasons."
"He'll make it when he has time, Uncle." Zuko explained. "I wrote you months ago and you said you were busy, so you were finally able to make it?"
"Yes. The tea shop had a bit of a rough patch but once things settled I took the next boat here."
"Well, I'm glad you did. Sit!" Zuko led him to the table sitting at the center of the room and everyone else joined them. Zuko gently helped his uncle get seated on a cushion.
"Oh, Shin." Iroh looked to the Gnereal, "Can you have tea sent to us. Preferably ginseng."
"Of course, Prince Iroh."
"Oh, for Agni's Sake, Shin, I keep telling you to call me Uncle."
The general only smiled and took his leave. Zuko took his place next to his uncle and held his hand, "I've missed you. There's so much..." Zuko trailed off and scratched the back of his neck, "There' so much I have to tell you."
Iroh squeezed his nephew's hand, "Of course you do. But in the meantime, how are the rest of you? Katara? Your blossoming into a fine beauty every time I see you."
Katara tried to cover her blush with her hands, "I'm doing well, Uncle. Sokka was recently made Chief and I've been teaching waterbending at a school back home."
"Really? Well, they're lucky to have a such a wonderful master teaching them. And congratulations, Chief Sokka. I assume there will be a wedding in order this coming future." He gestured to the betrothal necklace Suki was wearing.
Suki and Sokka smiled at each other. "Yes, Uncle."
"Hey, Gramps!" Toph interrupted.
"Why isn't it the lovely Earthbending Master Toph. Although I can't say it's been a long time since I last seen you." Toph was the only one in the group who was able to visit Iroh in Ba Sing Se regularly.
"What? You don't like my company?"
Iroh laughed from his stomach, "On the contrary, I always look forward to it."
The tea arrives and Zuko offered to pour everyone's cup.
*break*
The rain began to subside as the clouds broke to reveal the setting sun. The Firelord sat at a table across from his uncle in his office. Zuko had dinner sent to the room so that they cold speak in private.
"You seem to be eating well, nephew." Iroh had been observing him since he first arrived.
"I can't say I always have been." Zuko frowned.
Iroh nodded for Zuko to continue.
"She didn't want to make it work anymore." Zuko averted his eyes downward," I just couldn't- I tried but it just wasn't enough. I don't even know what I could've done t prevent it. Either way it's bad enough that my advisors are pissed that I agreed to the annulment without an heir."
"And is everything currently official."
"It was all finalized a month ago."
Iroh took a sip of his tea and hummed, "Have you considered courting any of the other Fire Nation noblewomen?"
"..." Zuko groaned, "I've been considering it. Even though I feel like I need time, I know I don't have a choice."
Iroh wouldn't admit it but a certain waterbending master came to mind. Unfortunately with the turmoil still simmering in the Fire Nation and the people still questioning Zuko's seat to the throne, it would only cause the poor girl more harm than good.
"Yes. And marrying within our Nation would be ideal. You could choose a wife otherwise, but in your current state, marrying an outsider would only cause more trouble."
Zuko nodded in agreement, a frown turned on his lips.
"I am at least glad to see so many of your friends here supporting you in your time of need. Especially Master Katara, considering she is naturally kind ."
With that the frown on Zuko's face turned into a smile. "Yes."
As though reading his thoughts, Iroh continued, "She is such a caring and good natured woman. I imagine she will make a wonderful wife and mother someday."
Zuko's smile disappeared at the idea of Katara marrying another man while raising his children.
"I only hope that after recently given birth that it does not affect her obtaining such a future."
Zuko's eyebrow knitted, "What? How-"
"Your aunt looked almost as tired and uncomfortable after giving birth to our Lu Ten. I believe she is unmarried, she still wears the same betrothal necklace that was given to her by her mother. How is the child?"
Zuko shook his head slowly, "Unfortunately, the baby did not make it."
Iroh's eyes widened, "I am sorry for her loss. No parent should have to bury their own child." A tear formed at the pit of his eye. "I only hope that she isn't in the Fire Nation due to being possibly shunned."
"Shunned?" Zuko's face contorted in confusion.
"I'm not too sure about Southern Water Tribe Customs but in the North, women are punished for having children out of wedlock. It is a complete sign of disrespect for a woman to lie with a man who is not her husband. Her and the child are to live within a certain distance of the village, severed from having contact with their own family. They are lucky if they can purchase goods from within the town if any vendors would allow them. And anyone who spoke to them would be cast out as well."
Zuko slammed his fist on the table and stood up, the flames lit on the surrounding candles burned brighter. "That's cruel! Katara is the the daughter of the former chief and sister of the current. They wouldn't do that!" It wasn't exactly okay in the Fire Nation but it was only frowned upon and no one was punished for that reason!
"Calm down, Zuko," Iroh grabbed his hand and gestured for him to sit, "Katara comes from a kind and loving family. I am sure they would not allow such a thing to happen to her."
"..."Zuko growled and sat down. Once his breathing began to calm and the flames simmered down on the candles, he asked. "And what of the man that helped conceive the child? What happens to him?"
"Nothing. He is still to marry the wife of his choosing and have chidren with her."
"While the mother of his disgraced one and her child receive no help from him?"
"Yes. But like I said before, Katara's family comes from a completely different background."
Iroh had felt bad for upsetting his nephew over his friend and decided to change the subject. "Although, I must say, Master Katara seems to get more beautiful everytime I see her. Pregnancy has definitely given her a certain glow."
Zuko's face flushed. He has noticed how much of a woman Katara has become. When he seen her walk off the plank of one of his ships two months ago, it took all his strength to pry his eyes away from her. From her curvaceous figure to the high cheekbones that replaced the baby fat previously on her face. Her chocolate skin and her wavy long hair that went to her bottom made his mouth go dry. Pregnancy had definitely defined all the right places too.
Zuko cleared his throat and took of a gulp of his tea. "Yeah..." was all Zuko could croak.
Iroh chuckled at his nephew. Zuko couldn't fool him.
*break*
Morning came all too fast for Katara as she held her brother close trying her best not to cry. As much as she was still unable to have the courage to go back home she still missed her family. Having Sokka leave was even more heartbreaking. Out of all the things they've been through together, she realized this would be the longest they've ever separated.
"Okay, Katara." Sokka patted her head. She only ended up squeezing him harder and he heard bones crack. "Agh! Katara-that's...that's enough!"
Katara let go immediately when she heard him gasping for air, "Sorry." She smiled apologetically.
"It's okay." he croaked, waving his hand. "I love you, little sis."
"I love you too."
Suki came up after Katara to give her future husband a kiss, "I'll see you in two months."
"Of course, my love." Sokka returned the kiss then placed his forehead against hers. Suki would be moving to the South Pole once she tied up some loose ends at Kyoshi Island. She was training the new leader of the Kyoshi Warriors before she arrived at the Fire Nation and would set off to leave there in two weeks to finalize everything.
"Enough with the sap fest. Just get going, Snoozles!" Toph exclaimed.
"I'll miss you too, shorty." Sokka went to ruffle her hair. Toph blushed at the gesture.
"Yeah, yeah. See ya around." She punched him directly in the arm causing him to wince.
"Firelord." Sokka bowed to Zuko.
"Chief Sokka." Zuko bowed back. After a few chuckles, the men went in for a hug.
"Take care of my sister, man." Sokka whispered.
"You know I will."
With that Sokka made his way down the stairs leading to the palace entrance to be escorted to the docks. Katara felt the weight of it all at once and her tears broke free down her cheeks. She promised herself she would get through this. No matter what, she would.
*break*
Suki, Toph and Katara were lying on the floor of Suki's room in a circle, their heads in the middle, and staring at the ceiling. The girls were passing a bottle of fire whiskey amongst themselves, rambling away about their recent lives.
Suki talked about her and Sokka's wedding and what they were going to do, where they would live afterwards and how many children they planned on having. Katara was excited to hear it all and Toph wanted to gag from the overload of girly talk. Katara liked fire whiskey. When Suki and Toph first offered the bottle to Katara, expecting her to preach about the terrible benefits of alcohol, she snatched it from Toph's hand, popped the top and took a couple swigs.
"Hey!" Toph yelled, "I bought that! I never got a hit yet!"
Katara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and coughed, "Whoa, that's strong."
"You bet you sweet ass it is, Sugar Queen. I paid good money for that stuff." Toph snatched it back to take a drink herself and went to sit on the floor. Suki chuckled and took Katara's hand to lead her to where Toph sat.
"You know. I never had what they call 'a girls night out'." Katara admitted.
"Really?" Suki actually looked surprised. "We used to all the time at Kyoshi Island. Me and the warriors would have girl talks, play pranks, talk about boys." Suki made kissy faces at Katara making her giggling. She was starting to feel the affects of the alcohol.
"Not that." Toph rolled her eyes, "One: Considering the Kyoshi Warriors were made up of nothing but girls, I'm sure girls night out was every night and two: She means an actual girls night out not a slumber party."
"Ooh, like bar hopping and flirty guys?" Suki grinned.
Toph smirked, "Yup! In fact I know this place where hot Fire Nation guys cater to women."
"Ew! No." Katara had to stop her there. "I'm not paying some guy to cater to me!"
"Not in that way, Katara."
"Oh." Katara took the bottle from Suki.
"I mean they strip down to just their underpants and dance for you."
Katara spit out the contents and Suki had to pat her back to relieve her cough.
"Why would you want to go, anyway, Toph? You can't even see them." Suki pointed out.
"Hey, I just wanna know what all the hypes about. The female staff here sure do talk."
Katara managed to catch her breath and fanned herself. The coughing on top of the heat from the alcohol had her body feeling twenty degreed hotter. "Well, that's a girl night out that's never going to happen."
Toph shrugged and took the fire whiskey from Katara. "Your not being a prude because you had a baby, are you?"
Suki and Katara looked at each other mirroring contorted faces.
"You forget who I am, Sugar Queen."
Katara sighed and laid down on her back on the floor. "So everyone knows then? All except Aang." Katara actually didn't seem upset about it. It was quite a big weight off her shoulders.
"Yup, and good luck with that."
"Thanks for the support, Toph." Katara snorted.
"Your welcome. But in all seriousness, I am sorry."
Katara sat up and jumped on top of Toph to give her a hug and Suki joined in. They barely had time to dodge the floor that lifted up and pushed the two girls off of the earthbender.
*break*
"Zuko?" The Firelord stirred in his sleep. "Zuko...get up..." He only hummed in response and turned on his stomach.
"Zuko!"
The Firelord sat up in his bed sending a fire ball out in front of him.
"Whoa." A voice giggled. "That was kinda cool."
"What?" Zuko blinked and his vision began to clear. Katara stood on the side of his bed with only her night gown on. He blushed from his cheeks to his neck.
"You awake now?" Katara whispered, giggling again.
"Yeah..." He eyed her one last time before the conclusion to her behavior came to mind. "Are you drunk?"
"Mmm...Maybe."
"Katara, you should go to bed. It's still late."
"Hey!" Katara jumped into his bed without his permission and crawled over to him. "Have you had fire whiskey before?"
"Katara, this really isn't the time." Zuko groaned in exhaustion. He had a long day and just wanted to sleep.
"I'm sorry...I just miss talking to you and it feels like forever since we last had a conversation."
Zuko sighed in admittance. He had been more busy lately, and barely had time to have a real conversation with any of his friends. He caught up with them at moments when they were all together but it was only for a breif amount time. He had made contact with a match maker and wasn't too pleased with her methods. But it had to be done.
"Ugh, can't this wait til morning?" Zuko asked.
"No." she lifted her gown, exposing her thighs, to crawl closer to his side. That did not go unnoticed by Zuko. "Did you know there are places in the capital where men strip down to their underwear for money?" Katara giggled.
What the hell? "Katara I think you had too much to drink tonight."
"No, it's true, Toph told me!"
The Firelord rolled his eyes. Zuko wasn't unaware of what she was saying, he just knew she was drunk due to the inappropriate announcement. He was going to have to get one of the guards to get her back to her room. Wait, how did she get pass the guards? He narrowed his eyes at her and ran out of bedroom to the main chamber. He opened the door to the entrance to find both his guards incapacitated and frozen to the wall.
He turned back around to see Katara behind him with a huge grin on her face. She walked up to him and grabbed him by the front of his robe. His eyes widened from how close she was, "I wonder what you look like in your underpants, Zuko." she whispered.
Zuko felt a shiver go up his spine when she began to untie the sash of his robe. Katara never took her eyes off his and Zuko made no effort to stop her ministrations. She looked so seductive the way she rubbed up against him. Zuko told himself that she was a friend and he just went through a divorce and she, the loss of her son. Neither of them were in a position to-Ohhh, she was suckling his earlobe. Zuko closed his eyes, To hell with it!
It was then that the sound of her gagging hit his ears and vomit splashed on the floor beside them is when he woke from his daze.
I know, I'm such a tease. Forgive me!