Zutara - Secrets Chapter 11

Sokka wasn't seen for a couple hours, even at the midday meal. I was sure he and Suki, who had also not returned, had gone to the market to eat. When Zuko and Aang sat down, both shirtless from the heat, I had finally finished the stewed cow-pig and rice. I filled the first bowl and handed it to Aang, who took it silently, the second I gave to Toph, who immediately took a large bite. When I handed the third bowl to Zuko, he smiled and said, "Thank you, Katara."

I grinned and blushed a little as I said, "You're welcome." I filled my bowl settled myself next to the firebender.

"Yah, thanks, Katara," Aang said shyly.

I smiled at Aang as well, "No problem." I was happy even with how little he spoke, he hadnt said more than a word to me since the play the night before. The rest of the meal, though, he was silent.

Zuko placed his arm around me when the meal was over but the casual small talk went on. I leaned in againt his chest and sighed. For a moment it was silent when the conversation ended.

After a while, Toph the question that was also on my mind, "I wonder where Sokka and Suki are."

"I am getting a little worried," I said looking around a little in vein.

"Aang and I can look around and see if they are in the market or on the beach," Toph offered stretching. "I need to move around anyway."

"If you want," I said and side-glanced toward Zuko who grinned at the idea. I knew what was on his mind.

Toph stood up and stretched some more, "C'mon Aang, you need to get out of here." Aang stood silently and followed Toph obediently.

When they were out of earshot I said, "They seriously mean to leave us alone?"

"With how okay Toph seemed with it, I'm guessing they are spying on us," Zuko said looking after them.

I giggled at that, "So, you wanna give them something to spy on?"

Zuko smirked evilly and wrapped his hand around my waist. He pulled me onto his lap and my arms wrapped around his strong neck. I giggled as he bit my bottom lip then kissed me deeply. His hands rested on my back and one strayed up to my hair and got its fingers tangled in my brown locks.

"You two disgust me," I was taken by surprise at my brother's voice. I looked to see him walking through the courtyard then heading to his hall.

"Sokka? Where is Suki?" I asked while slipping off Zuko's lap. I felt awkward getting caught by my brother, but he didn't blow up like I expected him to.

"I don't know," he said simply without turning.

I jumped up and walked after him, "What happened?"

He stopped and spun around pointing a finger in my face, "I WAS going to come and talk about this nicely, but then I find you guys like this? It's disgusting! If you guys won't listen to me, than I won't pay any attention to it and leave you two alone." He turned to storm off but I caught his arm.

"Sokka, please? Let us talk about this, I can't stand you being angry with me or Zuko."

"Katara, just let go of me," he ripped his arm from my grasp and proceeded to his room.

Tears welled up behind my lids, but I wiped them away. I was so emotional about everything, I kind of hated it. When I turned to Zuko he noticed the slight pink under my eyes and offered a hug. "Don't worry, Kat, he'll come around sometime," he whispered in my ear.

"I hope so," I whispered back. Zuko leaned back and smiled at me sweetly. A single tear slipped from behind my lid before I could stop it. His smile vanished as he kissed my tear away. I giggled, he knew exactly what to do to make me feel better.

"It'll be alright, he cares for you." Zuko kept encouraging me as he pulled me back to the steps and sat down. This time a sat beside him as apposed to his lap.

Zuko leaned down and rested his head against him. He seemed to take in my smell. I still felt terrible, though he made me feel a little better. I leaned down farther and nibbled my ear playfully, but I pulled away. I wasn't really in the mood for playful affection. He seemed to understand and backed off, only leaving his arm wrapped around me. It was silent for a while, but that was okay, silence was a good thing sometimes.

We sat there for a while in silence. We both breathed steadily and didn't say anything for a long time, until Zuko asked quietly, "What are you thinking about?"

I sighed heavily, "I don't know. Sokka I guess…"

"I told you, it's gonna be fine. He cares about you and your happiness. When he sees that you are happy and realizes that I can be trusted, he will approve. I promise." Zuko sounded so sure. How could he have the confidence I didn't? How was he always so strong?

"Zuko…" I said softly.

"Yes, darling," he replied with a slight smile.

"I love you," it was all I could say. It was the only thing I wanted to say, and I hoped he understood how much I meant it.

Zuko's eyes searched for my gaze, and our eyes met. He rested his forehead on mine so that our noses brushed each other. "I love you too," he whispered with a gentle yet strong passion. I was surprised by it.

"Why me?" the question slipped from my lips before I thought about it.

"What do you mean," he asked.

I sighed and I could feel as my breath blew against his face and get redirected back to me. "Why did you choose me?"

Zuko seemed amused by this question and a laugh blew against my face, "Darling it is you who chose me." I raised an eyebrow. So he explained, "Katara, you have the avatar as your admirer. The most important and praised person on earth wants you more than anything. Yet you chose me, a scarred, pitiful life that is hated by his own father and sister, and by his entire nation."

I frowned and pulled away to get a better looked at his golden eyes. I was speechless though I wanted to speak. I wanted to tell him how great he was, how loved, how respected, and admired. But I could not find the words fitting. "Zuko…" I whispered.

He gave a have hearted smile then kissed my forehead. "Don't worry, darling, I am blessed by your love. Now, we should find the others so that they don't search the whole island looking for Sokka when he is in his room."

I nodded while Zuko stood up beside me. He offered his hand and I took it, then he pulled me to my feet. He wrapped his arm around me again and kissed my head as we walked toward the beach.