AN: Sorry if my chapters are short. I have little time to write between work, school, and responsibilities at home. Thanks, as always, to those who leave me reviews!! Each one makes me so happy!!!
When Katara came back around to the front of the tea shop, Zuko was surprised to see her stomach was now rather bulky. "Is that…?" he began to question, unsure of what he really wanted to ask, or what Katara was trying to pull off.
"How do I look?" Katara posed, turning one side to Zuko, then the other, while wearing a large goofy smile on her face.
"Ridiculous," Zuko replied dismally.
"Ridiculously pregnant?" Katara suggested, rubbing her hand in small circles around her bulging tummy.
Zuko stood silent for a brief moment, struggling, but failing to figure out what she was up to. "Yes, but why?"
"Great!" With that, Katara snatched Zuko's hand into her own and pulled him into the tea shop. As they entered, the man behind the counter shot an angry look in their direction.
The man set down the tea pot he had in hand, as if ready to use physical force to remove Zuko from the premises. "I thought I told you to stay out of here! Your money is no good here!" When Katara walked hand in hand with Zuko up to the counter, the mans expression changed.
"Please Sir," Katara began, putting on her best helpless look, "I'm 6 months pregnant, and my husband and I have lost our home. We have no place to stay… no place to bear our child." She summoned up a few small tears, trying to look desperate. "My husband is a great tea maker! He'd be more than willing to offer you his services." Katara could feel Zuko's hand almost crush her own after her last remark. She removed her hand from his, fearing he may burn it in his rage.
Thankfully for Katara, before Zuko could blow his top, the shop owner let out a loud sigh. "Alright. There is a small room upstairs. You may stay, but only if this mans tea is as good as you claim it to be."
Katara tried to hide her self satisfaction, and managed to release only a soft smile. "Thank you Sir. You are too kind. I promise we won't be long, and my husband will provide you with great profit!"
"He'd better," the man replied threateningly. "The stairs are behind the door in the back corner." He pointed behind him to a small door tucked away in the corner. "I'll expect your mouthy husband down to work first thing tomorrow morning. There is a small washbasin in the room, but you'll have to get your water from the pump further in the village. But don't expect me to provide you with supplies. You'll have to beg elsewhere for that."
Katara curtsied in thanks once more before taking off with the Zuko.
When Katara opened the door at the top of the stairs, she was disappointed to find that the only other furnishings besides the washbasin were a very tiny bed and a small night stand with a lamp. "Well, beggars can't be choosers," Katara announced. As she took step towards the bed, she was startled when Zuko took hold of her wrist and spun her around to face him.
"How dare you just offer out my assistance to that peasant!" Zuko roared, tightening his grip on Katara's wrist.
Katara looked at the offensive hand that seized her wrist, and then abruptly yanked it free. "Cool it hot-pants! We had to do something, and clearly you weren't about to accomplish anything!"
Zuko released a small gust of fire and smoke from his nose, balling his fists at his sides. He growled in frustration before announcing his disgust, "I can't stand girls! They're so difficult!" He stomped over to the corner of the room like a bratty child, slumping down into a sitting position on the wooden floor.
Katara stifled a laugh as she watched Zuko's performance. He sat only a few feet away from her in the tiny room, as if it were far enough to hide from her. Not feeling the desire to add any more fuel to Zuko's fire, she opted to take a seat at the end of the bed, though keeping Zuko in her view. She could only watch in amusement as he sat there, pouting, and staring down at the floor beneath his feet. He was almost kind of cute like that.
After several moments of that unpleasant silence she always seemed to share with Zuko, Katara sighed, thinking the lack of Aang's company was getting to her. She averted her attention to the small window on the front wall. Fluffy white clouds rolled by in the sky, each taking their own unique shapes. She imagined Appa flying through the clouds and hovering before the window, carrying Aang, Toph, and her brother Sokka. Another sigh passed through her parted lips as she felt a yearning for someone to talk to. Her gaze drifted back to Zuko again, who was still staring at the floor. She wished Zuko would loosen up and talk to her, or at least pretend to have a slight interest in whatever she had to say. She started to wonder if he ever held a civilized conversation with anyone.
Zuko's scar unexpectedly caught Katara's eye. More questions arose in the back of her mind. Zuko had never really explained to her where the scar had come from. It was obviously from a fire bender, and from what he had told her, it was part of his banishment. As she continued to peer at his face, she noticed the skin on the right side of his face was quite smooth and pallid, with an almost innocent charm. She could tell by the expression on his face, something was bothering him, and it wasn't just 'girls'.
Realizing Zuko probably just needed some time alone to clear his mind, Katara decided now would be a good time to fetch some water. She too probably could use some time to gather her own thoughts. "I'm going to go fetch a few pails of water for the washbasin," she announced as she stood from her spot on the bed. Before opening the door to the stairs, she straightened and smoothed her makeshift belly.