Zuko sat by the fire, cooking up the fish they caught while Katara stayed by the water to practice her bending. She felt like herself again now that she was able to do something she loved. She's been gone from home for so long the she felt like a piece of her was missing; she couldn't stand being away from her family. In the midst of thinking, she heard Zuko approach her. She stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. "You didn't have to stop. I like watching you bend; you do it so fluidly and naturally" he complimented, brushing his fingers over her cheek. She chuckled, looking down and back up at him. "They're not just some 'little water tricks'?" she teased, wording his joke from when he visited the village. He chuckled, resting his hands on her waist and kissing her forehead as she rested her hands on his chest. "They're definitely not little water tricks. I don't know what I was thinking, you really are skilled, angel." he smiled, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and then traced his fingers down her neck and to her nape line. She felt comforted by his touch, this particular movement. She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his torso for a hug. He followed, holding her close to him. "Oh, and the fish is ready when you want to eat" he said as she nodded, digging her face into his chest.
In the distance, they heard flapping, and they looked up to see amessanger bird coming their way with a note. "It must be from my mother" he said, releasing himself from Katara and holing his arm out for the bird to land. He opened the note and read it over. "Dear Zuko, it's good to be hearing from you! I'm happy you are doing alright! I'll be heading out as soon as I send this letter and should be there in no later than seven days. Be patient, I'll be there as soo as I can! I love you!" he read, flipping the paper over. "That's all it says. We might has well keep the messenger bird until my mother gets here. Sending it back to the fire nation might be too risky" he said, stroking the bird. He rolled the paper and tied the string, putting into his pocket. He reached for Kataras hand and they walked back to the hut. He let the bird down and allowed it to roam. He took one of the fish and cut it up into smaller pieces so the bird can have some food. He wiped his hands together, sighing big. Katara watched him intently. He paced a litt.e snapping and shaking his hands. He then sat down on a log, resting his chin in his hands and looking into the fire, his eyes distant.
Katara walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing. "Are you okay, Zuko? You're acting a little freaked" she stated, sitting next to him in the log. It took him a few moments to realize she had said something. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and then looked at her with raised eyebrows. "What?" he asked, implying that he didn't hear her. She raised an eyebrow, waving a hand to imply that he was acting weird. "Oh," he said, looking back at the frire, embarassed. "It's just-" he said, trailing off. She laid a hand on his back and rubbed up and down. "What's the matter, Zuko? I want to help" she said, taking one of his hands in her free one, lacing her fingers with his. He sighed, kissing the top of her head. "It's just, I haven't seen my mother since I was little, 7 years old maybe. When Azula and I left with our father, they weren't exactly on the best terms with each other. I don't know how things are going to be, I don't want her to be upset with me" he said, rubbing his free hand over the back of his neck. "Zuko, there's no reason for her to be upset with you, you know that, right? It's your father she's upset with, you did nothing wrong!" she said, kissing his shoulder and looking up at him. "I know" he whispered, looking down at her, into her eyesa. "Our family has always had troubles. I don't want her to think that I'll be a problem for her." Katara lifted a hand to his cheek, putting her fingers through his hair. "Then prove to her that you won't; let her know that you're a good son like you've always been" she said, resting her forehead against his.
"Thank you, Katara. That means a lot" he said, gently pressing his lips against hers, holding her close. Her stomach was in knots, his kisses always made her go crazy. Zuko felt like he was floating on air when their lips met; he always wanted more. He leaned in to kiss her again, but Katara put a finger to his lips to stop him. "I'm sorry" he whispered, smiling and blushing at his own foolishness, "I'll take it easy." Katara giggled, kissing his nose. "C'mon, flameo. Lets eat before the bird takes all of the food." she said as they turned and layghed to see the bird smelling all the fish.