A/N: I'm so sorry this is a day late!

Soothe

Another flash of lightning illuminated the sky, immediately followed by a deafening crack of thunder. Zuko shot up from his bed.

Curse these summer storms! I want to sleep while I can! Lightning flashed again. "ERG!" Just then, he realized the presence of a person standing in his doorway. He jumped out of bed, already in a firebending position.

"Woah, Zuko, Im not here to attack you. "

At the sound of Katara's voice, Zuko stood up straight. Confused, he asked, "What are you doing in here?" Before she could answer, the thunder boomed again, evoking a small scream from Katara. Zuko smirked. "I cant believe it. The perfect Katara, afraid of thunder."

Katara frowned angrily, before sighing. "Yeah, I admit. I'm slightly scared."

Zuko smiled and opened his arms, silently inviting Katara for a hug. She ran into the embrace. When the thunder boomed again, she jumped and tightened her grip on Zuko.

Since it was past midnight, and he was exhausted, he led Katara to lay next to him on the top of his bed. Once there, he asked her, "Why did you come to me though? I don't mind, and I know we're friends now, but it seems like you would go to Suki or Sokka or somebody."

Katara yawned and closed her eyes. "I can't show them that I'm scared."

"But why can you show me?"

"I can show you because you've seen me at my best and worst times. You don't mind seeing me like this." This was true. He didn't care.

"But why am I the only option? Im sure they've seen you at your worst times too..."

"Its different. They have, but... I'm not explaining very well. Umm... We're all basically one big family. Sokka is the protective big brother, Suki is the loving big sister, Aang is the fun-loving little brother, and Toph is the tough little sister. I'm the mother. The mother isn't supposed to show fear, she's supposed to make it go away. So thats why I can't go to them for comfort."

"I guess I don't have a place in this big family then, since Im currently comforting the mother of the group..."

"Nonsense, Zuko. You're the father. All families need a father, and I need someone I can always turn to..."

With that, she fell asleep, leaving Zuko to think on her words. Hmm... Father... Yeah I can do that... Especially since I'd be married to Katara...hmm...yeah i can do that... Zuko then fell asleep.

Review please!