Chapter 4: Reunion

[Zuko]

We're finally done with unpacking! My back is sore from lifting all those stupid bags. Anyways, I'm sitting on my bed in my assigned room. Even though I'm the Fire Lord, I insisted on no special treatment. Besides, I didn't come because I wanted to, now did I? If I had wanted to come, then I would have (maybe) asked for the nicest room, et cetera.

It's nice to be alone without everyone else around. It gives me time to think. It's not like I do much else when I'm back home filling out papers and shit. I should be grateful for the break, I know. But being around Katara right now is not what I would ideally have in mind.

Someone knocks. "Zuko? You there?" Of course it's Katara.

"Yeah." I answer. "Come in."

She opens the door and walks in.

"Something on your mind? I was enjoying the peace and quiet." Please go away.

She shuts the door then sits next to me. "I was just wondering if you're really ok."

I raise an eyebrow. "Of course I'm ok."

"It's just that you've been acting a little weird lately. I got worried." She frowns, concern clearly visible.

There she goes, babying me again. I sigh and try to keep my patience in check. "I'm fine, Katara." I pause and quickly add, "But thanks for asking."

She nods. As soon as she opens her mouth, Aang pokes his head in.

"I don't mean to intrude, but I need to talk to Zuko real quick." He says then looks at me.

I stand and nod. "Of course."

Katara stands and looks at me one last time before leaving. Aang walks in and shuts the door. I stiffen, praying that he didn't find out about last night. He calmly walks over to my bed and sits. I sit too, waiting for him to say something. He seems preoccupied and worried, so I start,

"So, what's on your mind?"

He twiddles his thumbs like he always does when he's stressed. "There's a predicament and I don't know what I should do." He pauses and looks at me with those big eyes. "Frankly, I need your help."

I nod. "With what?"

"There's a rebellion going on in the northern part of the Earth Kingdom. More specifically, in the desert." He continues to explain about this rebellion and how it's gotten out of control. He says that people from a neighboring village called upon him, the "all-mighty" Avatar to come help. "I just don't know what to do." He looks at me again.

"You may just have to fight them." I say, even though I know he won't like that answer.

He frowns. "I've considered that. But isn't there a more peaceful solution?"

I sigh. "Look Guru Goody-goody, not everything can be resolved by talking and meditation. Sometimes, you have to fight. Actions speak louder than words."

He looks out the window. "I was afraid you'd say that…"

"Why?"

"If I fight, then that'll just take me away from Katara again."

He's just as hurt by this as she is… "That's what happens when you're the Avatar I guess."

"I think…I think that I should, maybe, temporarily break up with her. I don't want to force her into some long-distance relationship, ya know?"

I nod. "Yeah, I know." I should be upset for the poor guy, but I'm not. I'm almost…happy about this.

"What should I do, Zuko?"

Why the hell is he asking me? I'm no good at romance. "I don't know. You should be talking about this with her not me."

"Maybe you're right." He stands. "Thanks anyway, Zuko."

"No problem."

He nods then walks out.

Is that what Katara's so worried about? I stand and look out the window. Now I've been put into some weird love triangle thing. Great. Just what I need right now. The universe just loves making my life miserable.

"Zuko."

I turn around and Sokka's standing in the doorway. "What?"

"Lunch is ready."

I nod and walk out. We walk down the long halls of the Temple. There are vines hanging everywhere and it smells like water mixed with flowers. There are ancient statues and carvings of air benders who, I'm guessing, are (or were) famous. It's all so amazing that I forget about everything temporarily. What's really surprising though, is the amount of wildlife. I thought this place was left to rot. I guess I was wrong.

"It's amazing, right?" Sokka says.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, it is."

"Technically, these buildings shouldn't be here right now. They're so old that they should have crumbled ages ago."

"How do you know that?"

He shrugs. "I have my ways."

Suki joins us as we make our way to the dining hall or whatever.

"Do you know where you're going?" I ask Sokka.

"Kinda."

"How do you kinda know where something is? We could get lost in this place!"

"Calm down, Zuko." Suki says. "We'll get there."

I roll my eyes and walk the rest of the way in silence.

Once we all arrive, everyone starts talking at once. We sit at a large table filled with food. I look around and there are people I've never met before. Everyone is so happy that it depresses me. I grow more irritated as the meal drags on. I eat my food quietly and eavesdrop on everyone else. It's not like I have to try very hard. Everyone is talking really loudly. Even Toph seems to be having a good time.

Aang doesn't discuss the rebellion at all, though I'm not surprised. He and Katara exchange these disgustingly lovey-dovey looks all the time, and Sokka keeps teasing Suki with kisses and pokes. I think I just might hurl from a happiness and affection overload. This is how old Zuko would have acted. New Zuko shouldn't care, remember? I sigh. New Zuko is becoming more like her every day.

I look over at Katara and she's staring at me. Her expression is blank. I blink then turn away. What was that? Was she trying to tell me something? I roll my eyes at the thought and continue eating. Some reunion this turned out to be.