Summary: They have had their good times and their bad. The war has ended, and new relationships are thriving. Katara and Zuko are living happily as a married couple. That happiness can only last for so long. Arguments ensue and stress sets in, but love prevails over everything. This is their story…
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, themes, or quotes. Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs strictly to Nickelodeon Studios and its ingenious creators. This story is written only for private entertainment purposes and no copywrite infringement is intended. Thank you and enjoy the story!
Chapter 4 – Negotiations
Her eyes opened slowly, only to be met with Night's complete darkness. There was no sound in the room, only the sound of her breathing, the sound of empty air. Katara rolled to her side and felt around on the other side of the bed, her fingers only finding the cold, empty sheets. Where was Zuko? She sat up in bed, her head turning back and forth, blinking the sleep from her eyes in an attempt to see something in the darkness. Her head turned to the left and noticed a light orange and red flicker from the bottom of the curtains, getting fairly bright before dimming down again. This cycle continued as she watched it.
Katara turned, pulling the covers from her body, her eyes never leaving the flickering light. Her feet touched the cold floor as she stood from the bed and she shivered. She pulled on her robe and as she made her way over to the curtains, the light flickered again, this time more brightly than before. She approached the small light and as she got closer, she couldn't help but notice its close resemblance to a fire's light.
She approached the curtains at last and with a light tug, the curtains opened. She looked down and gave a soft sigh as she noticed Zuko sitting on the ground in front of her. He was still in his sleeping attire and was sitting cross-legged with a row of five candles placed in front of him on the floor of the balcony, flickering brightly. He was breathing deeply, calmly. The flame of the candles grew with each inhalation and faded when he exhaled. His hands rested on the tops of his knees and he didn't move. Katara walked around him to see his face and found that his eyes were closed, his lips set in a tight line. The orange light flickered on his face, making his skin glow. Oh, Katara thought. He's meditating. This was a completely new experience for her. In all of the years that they had been together, Katara had never, once, seen Zuko meditate in person. It was always something that he went off to do by himself, where no one could see him. Or find him.
She smiled for a moment before turning to return to the bedroom. As she took hold of the curtain to close it behind her, she heard his low voice, "Katara?"
She stopped and turned around to face him and was surprised to see that he hadn't moved from his previous position. She walked around again to see his face. His eyes remained closed. "Hey," she said, her voice a whisper.
"What are you doing up?" he asked. His breathing still remained even, the light from the candles still flickered as it did before.
"I woke up and you weren't in bed. I saw the light under the curtains, so I came out here to see what it was. I didn't mean to disturb you…" she said, feeling guilty.
"That's all right."
"How long have you been out here?" she asked quietly, crossing her arms.
"Not too long. Maybe an hour or so..."
"Oh. Well, I don't want to disturb your peace anymore. I'll just go back to bed," she said, turning to leave.
"No, it's okay, really. You can join me if you want," he said quietly. His last sentence sounded pleading, like he wanted her comfort, or maybe just her company.
Katara looked at his face for a moment before walking up and taking a seat next to him. As she sat, he took a deep breath as if to show his satisfaction with her presence. She gazed at the candlelight briefly before turning her gaze to his face. "Why are you out here this early? You don't usually meditate until dawn. At least, that's what you've told me before…"
"I had a lot on my mind and I couldn't sleep, so I figured I would get a head start," he said. As he spoke, the light flickered, casting shadows across his features. His eyes opened slightly, watching it.
Katara kept her gaze on him. "Oh. What's on your mind?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Nothing of consequence," he said nonchalantly.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing you need to worry about," Zuko replied.
"Oh."
His brow furrowed in question. "So, why'd you wake up? It's not a full moon…" he inquired quietly.
"Honestly, I don't know. I just did," she answered.
"That's odd," he said, inhaling another deep breath of air. The flames of the candles grew and his eyes closed again. He exhaled through his mouth.
"Yeah. Well, as much as I enjoy this," she said, gesturing between the two of them with her hand. "I think I'm going to go back to bed. Are you coming?" she asked.
"No. I'm going to stay out here for a little bit longer," he said.
"Okay. See you in the morning," she said as she stood. She placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned down to plant a kiss on his head before turning back to the curtains, wondering if sleep would find her again.
Katara walked down the hallways—wandering aimlessly—watching the servants bustle around, cleaning, talking. She hadn't seen Zuko since their earlier encounter on the balcony and she wondered where he was. As she approached one of the servants watering a plant in the corner, she stopped.
"Have you seen my husband? I haven't seen him since earlier this morning," she asked the servant politely.
"Of course, Lady Katara. Last I saw him, he was in his study," the servant replied, bowing.
"Do you know if he is still there?"
"I'm not sure, my lady. I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay. Don't apologize," Katara said.
"Would you like me to check for you, my lady?"
"No, thank you. I'll check, myself."
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Lady Katara? Do you have everything else you need?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine. You may resume your duties," Katara said politely.
"Thank you, my lady," the servant said, giving one last bow before turning back to the plant in the corner. Katara smiled and continued walking down the hallway, only this time with a destination in mind.
When she reached the large, ornate doors that represented Zuko's office, she stopped. Katara brought her arm up and gave a gentle knock to the wooden door before stepping back to wait. She waited a few seconds before knocking again, only this time, she was answered.
"Yes, come in," Zuko's voice came from the other side of the door. Katara smiled, placed her hand on the door handle, and turned.
When the door was opened just enough, she poked her head into the room. He was sitting at his desk, looking down at some parchment in front of him. His head was in his hands, his elbows on the desk, his shoulders tense. It seemed as though he didn't even realize her presence.
Without looking up from the scroll, he spoke, "What is it?"
Katara said nothing, stepping forward into the room and closing the door behind her with a quiet click! She walked forward toward his desk, staying silent.
At the sound of the door, Zuko spoke again, this time his voice harsh. "I said, 'What is it'?" His eyes never left the scroll in front of him.
This time, Katara spoke. "Wow. You get cranky when people don't answer you. I feel sorry for the servants…"
Zuko jumped, his elbows banging loudly on the edge of the desk as he looked up. "Katara! Agni, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you," he said, tidying up the parchments around him, nursing his right elbow as he did so.
Katara laughed. "Yeah, I could tell. What were you reading? You looked pretty into it…" She approached the desk, walked around, and stood next to him, leaning against the glossy wood.
He looked down at the scroll in front of him again and sighed. "I guess the Earth King is all well and better. Apparently, his 'deadly illness' was only something that lasted a couple hours. And he and his generals are departing today and should be here in a couple days to have that meeting we were supposed to have."
"When did you get that scroll?" Katara asked.
"After you fell asleep, a servant brought it to our room last night. Why?" Zuko said, looking at her.
"Is that what was bothering you this morning? When you were meditating?" she asked, curious.
"Among other things, yes."
She wondered what the 'other things' were, but she quickly dismissed the issue. "Okay. So you're having a meeting that was supposed to take place yesterday—only now, it's in a couple days… What's wrong with that, other than you having to put up with the Earth King and his generals for a couple hours?" Katara asked.
"It's not just the meeting…" Zuko sighed, shaking his head.
"Then what is it?" she asked, confused.
"Well, of all people, Katara, I would think you would remember that your own birthday is next week…"
Katara chuckled. "Zuko. I know it's my birthday next week. I don't need a big celebration or anything, especially if you need to prepare for the Earth King's arrival. I have no problem with that. We can just do something small. Just the two of us," she said quietly.
"Are you sure?" he asked. "I mean, it's your twentieth birthday, Katara. You sure you don't want to do anything?" he asked, turning towards her.
"Yeah. I'm sure. We can just relax for the day. It'll be just you and me," she shrugged.
"Okay. If you say so. Was there anything else you needed me for?"
"No. I just haven't seen you since this morning, and I just wanted to know where you were…"
"Well, you found me. So, what do you want?" he said, smiling. He stood up from his chair and turned to her, crossing his arms.
She seemed insulted. "What? A girl can't walk into her husband's office just to say 'Hi'?"
He laughed and stepped forward, taking her face in his hands. "No." He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers.
"Hi," she whispered.
Zuko smiled. "Hi," he replied before returning his lips to hers briefly.
Katara looked up at him. "I think I'm ready to try again…"
He sighed and his hands fell from her face. Zuko took a step back from her and shook his head. "No, you're not. Katara, I told you that we would try again when you are absolutely ready, not just whenever you feel like it. And I only told you that last night, so I know that you can't be ready, yet."
"I know that, Zuko. I really do think I'm ready…" she frowned.
Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. "Katara, I guess what I meant was we would try again when we both were ready…"
"Are you saying you're not ready to do this—to have a baby with me?" she asked, crossing her arms.
He sat back in his chair. "I guess… No… I don't know, Katara." He shook his head back and forth. "I'm just not sure if I'm ready to go through all of this again…"
"Go through what?" Katara said, raising her voice.
"The stress."
"The stress?"
"Yes."
"Wow. Okay. That's just perfect!" Katara shouted, throwing her hands in the air. She backed away and turned her back on him.
"Why are you so angry?" he asked innocently. "Why do you keep pressing the issue when you know perfectly well of what could happen?"
She whipped around. "Why? Because, Zuko! I thought I had explained this last night, and despite the fact that it's the truth, I have just been reminded that I am turning twenty years old next week! You have been Fire Lord for four—almost five—years, and we still haven't brought an heir to this nation!"
He looked at her with pleading eyes, trying to force his voice through the lump in his throat that was currently constricting him, taking away his breath. "Katara, please calm down," Zuko said, his voice quiet, almost a whisper. He held his hands out in front of him as if to offer his surrender.
"You can't handle the stress? What about me, Zuko? I'm the one who's just a girl from the Southern Water Tribe who the Prince of the Fire Nation just happened to marry. Thank Yue that the people accepted me because I was a part of the reason why Ozai and Azula were defeated, but guess what, Zuko: if I don't bring these people an heir, soon, they aren't going to be that faithful anymore! And neither are your advisors and generals! Let alone, you!" she shouted, her hand whipping out to point at him. She took a deep breath, giving her lungs some much-needed air, and continued, this time with acid in her tone, "And before I know it, I end up getting banished, bringing shame to the royal family and all of the Fire Nation, not to mention the Water Tribes. I blink and then I'm living in some old, rundown slum in the Earth Kingdom with no one to love me or notice me until someone comes searching, only to find that I'd been killed by some rioters like Ursa!"
Zuko sat there in his chair, taking in her words. They cut like knives and it took all of his strength to not let any tears fall. He simply stared at her with wide eyes, his jaw agape, saying nothing.
Katara stood in front of him, wondering why he didn't answer. She thought back through what she had just said, caught the mistake, and her hand flew to cover her mouth as she gasped. At her sudden movement, he flinched as she had struck him across the face. Tears began to fall from her eyes. She spoke, her voice muffled by her palm, "Oh Spirits—Zuko, I am so sorry! I didn't mean… About your mother… I didn't mean it, I swear. I'm so sorry." She shook her head back and forth, as if trying to erase what she had said from memory.
Zuko slowly stood from his chair, walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her. She cried into his robes and he tucked her head under his chin. He hushed her and patted her back. "Maybe we do need a day to relax. I had no idea that you were this stressed out about this. You're more stressed out than I am…"
She sniffed. "I'm sorry. I know you've got other things to worry about, and I'm just putting even more stress on your shoulders than there already is. And how can you be so calm. Especially after what I just said…"
"Don't worry about it," he said, kissing her forehead. "I told you we would try to have a baby again, Katara, and I will keep my promise. I just don't want you jumping into things because you're feeling pressured. You're especially not to the point where we are contemplating the thought of banishing you…" She winced at his comment but he continued, "I don't know if I told you this, but, I actually had a short meeting with the generals and they are willing to give us more time. They understand, Katara. They understand that we are going to need time, and so do the people. You don't have to worry."
"But what about the riots? What if they start again?"
Zuko shook his head. "You know as well as I do that they had nothing to do with us losing the baby. That's all on my shoulders. They don't—didn't—like me. You don't have to trouble yourself with that. Besides, they're over now. Those people have been dealt with, remember? It's done. Over."
"Okay."
He inclined his head so he could see her face. "Listen. We'll plan this relaxation day for your birthday. We'll get away from all this stress and just relax for the day. Then, if you still think you're ready, we'll try. You have my word as Fire Lord and as your husband. Okay?" he said, his hands rubbing her shoulders in a soothing gesture.
She nodded and he hugged her again. They were interrupted by a quiet knock at the door.
Zuko sighed and rolled his eyes. "What is it?" he said, stepping back, but keeping Katara at an arm's distance.
The door opened slowly to reveal a servant. "Sir, one of your advisors would like a word with you…"
"How long is this going to take?" Zuko asked.
"I am not sure, my lord. I was only informed by one of your advisors that he would like to speak to you as soon as you are available."
"Is it urgent?"
"I do not think so, my lord. He did not say that it was."
Zuko nodded and glanced down at Katara with an apologetic look. She shook her head. "It's okay. Go. I'm fine," she said, attempting a smile at the servant. The servant gave a low nod of the head in an informal bow.
He looked at her, concerned. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Just go. I'm fine. Really."
He sighed and kissed her forehead, whispering the words, "I love you," before turning to leave the office, the servant closing the door behind them.
As Zuko approached the throne room, he was greeted by his lead advisor—a very wise man, knowledgeable of Fire Nation merits and responsibilities. In fact, he had even served the Avatar with his training and with his uncle in the Order of the White Lotus.
The man bowed when Zuko was in sight. "Fire Lord Zuko."
Zuko gave a respectful bow, as well. "Jeong Jeong. Is there something you needed?"
"Nothing personally, my lord. I am just merely curious as to how you are feeling about this meeting with the Earth King that is to be held in a couple of days."
"Oh. I'm hoping everything goes well…"
"I am sure it will, Fire Lord Zuko."
Zuko raised his eyebrow. "How can you be sure?" he asked.
"I am here to offer you some advice, Fire Lord Zuko. And I believe that it will help in one way or another…"
"Okay…?" Zuko said, confused.
"Our element has been known to be very destructive and merciless. The Earth Kingdom's people have believed that we will only bring death and destruction to their nation. But as I told Avatar Aang years ago, fire breathes and grows, bringing harm to whatever it touches if it cannot be controlled. However, we are now in control of that fire, Lord Zuko. The Fire Nation has brought destruction to the world, and now it is time to bring back the life that lies beneath the ashes of our nation's past mistakes…" Jeong Jeong said quietly.
"Amazing how much you and my uncle are alike," Zuko replied.
"Iroh is a very wise man."
"Agreed. Thank you, Jeong Jeong," Zuko said, giving a low bow to his advisor.
"You're welcome, sir. My only hope is that this advice provides some insight on your other troubles, as well."
"How did you know I was having other problems?" Zuko questioned.
Jeong Jeong managed a laugh. "You, my lord, are very easy to read."
Zuko nodded. "Very well. Goodbye, Jeong Jeong."
"Goodbye for now, Fire Lord Zuko. Be sure to say 'Hello' to the Fire Lady for me?"
"I will. Thank you."
"Good day, sir," Jeong Jeong said, taking one last bow before leaving the throne room with Zuko looking after him.
He was right, Zuko concluded mentally. Things might have gone wrong in the past, but the future will be better in every way…
Hope you enjoyed. Reviews are appreciated.