I have no excuse for not uploading yesterday! I was just really busy and out of the house! But I wanted to thank you guys! There were so many more people who read yesterday and it makes me super happy! So even though today is my birthday (FINALLY 18) Here is your much awaited chapter!
Quick shout out to
The Son of Hades123- Thank you for the review!~ Im so glad your enjoying the story. I dont think being excited for Katara breaking Aangs heart makes you a bad person! I think we all can say we are excited! It gives the story drama, and we all crave that drama ahahah :3
ImKindaWorriedAboutMyself- Thank you for the fav's, follows, and reviews! Dont worry I wont give up on this fic. She had become my baby and Ive put too much work into it~ Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Okay onto the chapter!
I miss you
Time flew by quickly once we returned home. Preparations for the wedding were being made immediately and on top of that Suki and I were needed for our lessons. Daily. After a month we were beat. I looked out my window, welcoming the sunrise. Over this month nothing much had happened. Sokka asked Zuko if he would be his best man. Of course he agreed, but in return he couldn't mail us. He said that leaving for at least a week would require all his attention. He had numerous things to finalize and prepare for before he left.
He even had to deal with Azula, it took me some time to convince Sokka that she should come. Even when I mentioned it the first time, Suki immediately agreed. Saying that everyone at least deserved a chance. Aang and Toph were all for it as well, but Sokka wouldn't have it. It took me a week to finally get his approval but on one condition.
She was to be heavily guarded and had to be away from Suki. He feared that this was her plan to start a new war. I sighed and held my wrist up to the sunlight. Sokka was right to fear her, but he also had to learn to forgive and move on. If Azula really wanted to do something she would have done it by now. According to Zuko she hardly stepped out of her room because she knew she was feared by the palace employees. Even then Sokka wasn't convinced and it really wasn't until Zuko mentioned Azula wanting to speak to Aang. I reluctantly got out of bed and began getting dressed. Today we were taking measurements for the dresses and then another lesson.
Today Aang was going to help me with paired combat. The women had made amazing progress during their stay and I felt like it was time for some hand to hand combat. I was glad that Aang chose to keep quiet about our relationship. We were just too busy and I needed some more time. I felt really conflicted, confused. I knew that I held some affection for Aang but it wasn't love. I needed something more, I didn't want that puppy love. I wanted what Suki had, and I was jealous. I braided my hair and set out for the training grounds. I just needed to wait until this wedding was over.
When I got to the school everyone was there. Suki was in her water tribe clothes ready to help with combat. Aang and Toph were bickering with Sokka who was looking down sadly.
"Whoa what's going on?" Toph threw her hands in the air.
"Snoozles here wants to change his mind about Azula coming again." I glared at my brother.
"Sokka, you can't do that. I bet she's really excited!" Aang nodded his head.
"We won't let anything happen, but everyone deserves another chance. If it makes you feel any better I will go see her progress myself a week before." Sokka seemed to like that idea, his face lit up.
"Would you really do that for me?!" Aang nodded and Sokka started crying hugging the younger boy. I shook my head and Suki laughed. Sokka was almost 17 and he continued to act like an idiot. Although that was one of the great things about him. From the outside people saw an idiot, but to those he cared for and wanted to protect he was a great leader.
"Okay okay enough of your crying we got lessons to attend to!" I pushed Aang towards the left and waved goodbye to everyone.
"When Sokka becomes chief I will miss that fun side of him" I laughed.
"Aang I think we both know that Sokka won't change that much, he will always be an idiot." Aang chuckled.
Class had gone well and many of the women wanted to spar against me. I enjoyed getting it out of my system and reveled in the excitement. It had been so long since I had fought so seriously. I loved the way it made me feel, the strength and determination it required of me. After the class Aang and I went our separate ways and I met up with Toph and Suki for our fitting. We walking into one of the huts were Gran Gran was discussing fabrics and arguing with another lady who looked glad to see us walk in.
"YOUR LATE!" I winced, she had become a devil during the preparations. She wanted everything the way Suki wanted it…and more. Claiming she was getting older and she wanted to see both of her grandchildren get married before she was gone. It made me sad, especially when I had told her that I wasn't getting married anytime soon. I think Gran Gran knew I didn't love Aang, and she understood my fear of getting married to someone I didn't love. She hadn't told anyone or made a comment about it, but a couple of times she would glare at Aang when he got too touchy.
"Sorry Gran Gran, class took longer than expected." She huffed but ultimately smiled.
"It's quite alright child. Now, you three need to stand next to each other while I take your measurements." She shoo'd the other women out of the hut and began working on Toph. She held her arms out and sighed. Suki and I snickered while Gran gran began working.
"Ha, ha, ha…laugh at me now but your next." Suki cringed, and I shrugged. I liked getting dressed up.
"Sorry Toph, so how have you guys been? We've all been so caught up in stuff we haven't had much of a chance to have some girls talk." Toph smiled.
"That's mostly because you can't keep your hands off of Snoozles." I snickered again as Suki's face flared a crimson red.
"We- well I have a right to now! We are to be married!" I blushed.
"Yeah, yeah and next we will be attending Katara's." I felt my heart drop. "Orr not?"
"Katara, is something wrong with you and Aang?" I sighed, they had a right to know.
"Not wrong just…I don't love him….like I thought." Toph nodded and Gran Gran smacked her.
"KEEP STILL!" Toph sighed.
"I kind of figured, your heart doesn't race when he's near. I was just waiting for you to tell us." I looked at Suki guiltily.
"Why didn't you say anything? You know we would've listened to you." Suki sadly exclaimed. I gave her a weak smile.
"I know Suki, I just didn't want to say anything. We should be focusing on the wedding not my problems." Suki frowned and Toph muttered something under her breath.
"Have you told him." I shook my head.
"If I told him now he might not take it too well, I don't want him to be upset during your wedding. I'll tell him afterwards." Suki smiled. Gran Gran let Toph go and she started working on Suki next. She held her arms out and stayed completely still.
"Well Sweetness you need to tell him sooner rather than later. The longer you lead him on the more it will hurt him." I sighed.
"I know Toph I know. I'll tell him, but not right now. Im trying to keep the distance without hurting him." Toph shook her head.
"I was talking to Twinkle toes yesterday. He seems pretty sure that you just need space and that when this is all over you guys are leaving." I sighed.
"Well if I say something now he will be upset at the wedding. I can't do that Toph. Please just let me tell him when Im ready and when the time is right." She sighed and sat on the ground.
"Okay okay…geeze Sugar Queen you can be pretty stubborn." I laughed.
"I think the hardheaded one here is you Toph." She huffed but smiled nonetheless. Suki looked to me from the corner of her eyes.
"Thank you for thinking about me Katara, I know that waiting this long is going to make it harder for you. But, I really do appreciate it." I smiled.
"Of course sis." We giggled and Gran Gran got a little mad when Suki shifted.
"Actually I don't think anyone has told me. When is the wedding?"
"Sokka and I think it would be best to have it in July, or early August. That way we have time to sort everything out. He wants to go to Kyoshi Island with me in another month to properly ask for my hand. I also need to see how Ty Lee is doing." I sighed, the wedding would be in another four months. Four months to avoid Aang the best I could without making him cautious or upset. I started to miss the letters Zuko would send me, they always made me feel better. Gran Gran moved from Suki to me. We continued to discuss elements of the wedding together before heading off to our other duties.
Zuko's POV
"Fire Lord Zuko! Please wait we need to discuss the situation in the eastern part of the nation!"
"NO! We need to discuss our financial situation we-"
"Councilmen Lao, please we can discuss that another time today we need to-" Zuko felt the steam through his nose.
"Oh please! Fire Lord Zuko needs to focus on-"
"ENOUGH!" The flames behind him raged as his patience ran out. The constant bickering had been going on for an hour and none of them would let him speak. All the councilmen quieted down and stared at him. "Enough of this pointless banter! Today we won't cover anything because YOU all decided to push me. I will discuss AND sort out the fire nations problems tomorrow in this order. Financials, Food shortages, water shortages, territories, the raids in the eastern part of the nation, and then we will end with necessary steps to assist the Earth Kingdom." The councilmen nodded mutely except for one.
"Yes, Fire Lord Zuko." I sighed.
"Please, enough for today." They picked up their stuff and exited the room without another word. I leaned back into the chair. I was so close to fixing all of the things my father ruined and yet I was disappointed. Disappointed in the way my people were acting and the people that were still suffering. Soon it would be a year and I wasn't even close to fixing the whole nation. Not to mention it had been a month since I had heard from Katara. I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Well done nephew. They respect you a lot more now than they did before. I told you it was only a matter of time." I smiled.
"Thank you uncle." He placed down a pen and paper in front of me and the other things I would need for preparing a letter.
"Write to Master Katara, I know it will make you feel better. You have another four months until the wedding. I'm sure this one letter won't hinder that at all." He poured some tea and sat next to me.
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
'Tara,
I'm sorry it's been so long since I last wrote to you. I just really started to miss you. I hope everything is going well over there. Things are really hectic over here. When I informed my council of my leave they flipped out. I was able to negotiate but now they are being children fighting over which issue to fix first. I finally put my foot down today and they gave me some space. To be honest I think I missed you more than I realized.
I just realized how much your letters helped me. Now without them I feel like I'm losing my mind. I miss our petty fights and your comforting words. I can't wait to see you again.
Zuko
I sealed the letter and gave it to a guard to deliver. After he walked out I realized how weird that letter sounded. I could feel the blush rise to my face.
"Did you confess your love for Master Katara?" I could feel my blood boil more at the comment. Even I wasn't stupid enough to deny the blush on my face. I cupped a hand to my cheek.
"Un-UNCLE! Of course not…but…I did pretty much pour my heart out. If someone reads that besides her it could be taken the wrong way." He chuckled pouring me some more tea.
"Zuko, are you sure you have no feelings for her? You know what they say 'Love is blind'" I rolled my eyes.
"I have feelings for her, just not those. Yeah she's beautiful, and caring, and fun to be around. But she's also hardheaded, she lets people control her life, she doesn't listen to a word I say. Agni, she's infuriatingly impossible sometimes!"
"But…?"I looked at him and sighed.
"But she's my best friend. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her." I blushed again. Speaking so fondly of the avatar's girlfriend well, from the worlds point of view, was just crazy. I took a sip from my tea and glared at my uncle who was enjoying my confession a little too much. I wanted to ask about my mother, but he had told me himself that he would mention it when the time was right. I sighed and drank some more.
"Maybe when the wedding is over she could come stay here for awhile and help you out?" I sighed again, something told me that she wouldn't agree to that. "Stop sighing nephew, your life isn't that bad." I chuckled and he smiled. "That's better."
"Thank you uncle, I don't know where I would be without you either." He chuckled and slapped me on the back.
"I wouldn't leave you all alone here. You're doing fine Zuko, don't ever think differently. It probably doesn't look like you have done much now, but to the people it's been like a miracle. You should hear them sing your praises." I sat up. I felt like talking to Azula now. I hugged my uncle and walked away waving to him.
"I still have much more to do uncle." I stopped and looked back. "I've only just started." He chuckled quietly but I heard it clearly as it vibrated down the hall.
Katara's POV
It was the day after the fitting and things were still just as busy. Sokka, Aang and my father all left for a 'boys trip' to go hunting for a couple of days, well Aang probably wouldn't hunt. He was probably just meditating or practicing his bending. I sighed, at least things would be a little quieter now. I got up, dressed, and headed downstairs where Suki and Toph were eating breakfast.
"Good morning!" Suki smiled at me, Toph continued eating taking a break to wish me good morning in return.
" 'Mornin' Sugar Queen."
"Good Morning Katara"
I sat down with them and began to eat as well picking at the dishes. Lately I hadn't had much of an appetite and I wasn't sure why. Suki and Toph teased me about being pregnant and that lead to an even more awkward conversation of me claiming to be a virgin. It was pretty obvious Suki had broken that rule awhile ago and that Toph was as well. I blushed at the thought. I ate a snow cherry and sat back thinking.
I had already hit 16 but I had no urges for that type of intimacy. Suki explained that it was because I didn't have someone I felt that way about. I sighed, it was so true. I loved Aang, like a brother. The thought of doing more just…
I cringed, I didn't even want to think of anything past kissing. I leaned back in my chair and looked at my bracelet. I missed Zuko, his letters always made me feel better.
"Katara why don't you just write to him?" I looked up to Suki who was giving me a cocky smile. Toph seemed to notice what she was thinking and mimicked.
"Yeah Sugar Queen just do it." I blushed, I couldn't bother Zuko. He already said he would be busy.
"I think I'll just wait…I don't want to bother him." Toph slammed her hands on the table.
"Oh come on! You go about bragging on how good of friends you are and NOW your worried that he doesn't want to talk to you?" I felt my composure slipping. What did she know?!
"Come on Toph we don't know if-"
"Katara? You have a letter from the Fire Lord." Everyone stopped what they were doing. I felt my heart lodge up into my throat. Suki and Toph looked at each other and then grinned mischievously, Toph wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Well, well, well…looks like Sparky was missing you too." I blushed. For some reason that seemed so…wrong. Like I was guilty for being happy. I ignored her and took the letter from my grandma and opened it up at the table.
"It-it's probably just an update on Azula's condition I'm sure-" I read the first line and blushed. Okay, maybe not. Toph and Suki snatched the letter from my hands and Suki joined me blushing from the neck up.
"Uhm… I don't think we were supposed to see this." I grabbed the letter back and quickly read it. Toph pinched Suki.
"What did it say!?" Suki whispered into her ear and then Toph blushed.
"Oh…well" Toph started to say awkwardly"…what he doesn't know won't hurt him."
I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say to them. On the inside I was ridiculously, and uncontrollably happy. Why?
Even I didn't know.
Aahahahahha!~ That's another chapter for you guys!~
Just threw in a dash of Zutara to keep you guys on your toes.
Now the wheels are spinning!
What will happen next chapter?
Want a hint?
Someone finds that letter...and takes it the wrong way, which takes us to the first major section of drama!
BUT until tomorrow :D (I'm so mean)
Love you all!
Dont forget to Review, follow, and fav!
(I probably wont write tonight...since its like my birthday and all...but yeah! Ciao!)