A/N: Okay guys, sorry for the long wait, I've just started uni and I'm trying to adjust to life being semi-independent (no more mum's cooking... sniff) But here's a long awaited (I hope) update. I want to thank all the people who took the time to review the previous chapter. I'm sorry I didn't PM or mention you guys in name when thanking you, please don't let that stop you from reviewing this chapter. Pleaaaaase tell me what you think.
Chapter 20 – Reunion of the Two Lovers
Many outsiders and travellers alike would consider the citizens of Shu Jing to be the most spoilt group of people in the Fire Nation. The village was surrounded by green hills that stretched out onto the horizon, and magnificent waterfalls that seemed so peaceful and tranquil when looked at from a distance but thunderous and mighty when looked at up front, with it's harmony with nature and no factories to ruin it's environment, it was as if the town of Shu Jing was in a different world from the rest of the Fire Nation. In addition to living in visually pleasing surroundings, the people of Shu Jing did not have to worry about the safety of their young and old alike, for nobody dared to cause trouble least the incur the wrath of the greatest swordsmen in the country. The imposing castle that stood atop the hill watching over the peaceful town, like a mother watching over her sleeping infant . The castle was tall, grand and strong enough to withstand a siege from a hundred armies, just like Piandao had defeated a hundred men to cleanse the town of the military presence. With a strong protector taking up residence in the tall castle and a spectacular environment to greet them night and day it was not too wild an assumption to make when one said that the people of Shu Jing were spoilt. Able to keep their families fed, their homes safe and their lives peaceful, there was no need for anyone to be awake during the late hours of the night. Which was why, nobody would see a ten tonne bison flying through the night sky and land ever so quietly just outside the village, near Piandao's castle.
Sokka was the first dismount from Appa, his eyes fixed on the towering castle and the path before it, it had been over a year ago since he had met Piandao, their last encounter had been at the Royal Palace when they were celebrating the end of the war. Piandao had given him an odd lesson but one that was vital in time to come.
"You are fortunate, Sokka" said Piandao, breaking the silence between them.
"I am?" replied the Water Tribe student, puzzled.
"You are fortunate in a very strange way" said Piando, clarifying and mystifying his statement at the same time.
The ambiguous words puzzled his young student even more.
"What do you mean?"
"You are surrounded by friends from different parts of the world" continued Piando. "Friends who advocate different styles of bending"
"Uh, Master, where exactly are you going with this?"
"Earthbending- It centres around standing your ground and tackling your enemy head on, whereas airebending is all about light footsteps. Waterbending, means turning your opponent's energy against them whereas firebending is all about relentless attacking"
"Urgh, Master, I've travelled the world with four weirdos for did this stuff everyday I don't need one of the few normal people in my life chatting about bending"
Piandao merely chuckled, as he rose to his full height, making Sokka feel like a dwarf.
"Think about what I said, and see how it applies to your swordsmanship"
It was only after he left the Fire Nation did Sokka finally understand the meaning behind Piandao's words. If the core concepts of the bending arts could be applied to the use of the sword then Sokka could make himself a flexible, versatile and dangerous warrior, which would suit him perfectly, because Sokka did not want to limit himself to one skill, he had learnt that flexibility was a useful ally.
"Sokka?"
The warrior jumped out of his thoughts and turned around. Katara was looking at him with a small smile on her face.
"Little nostalgic, eh?"
"I don't do nostalgia, Katara" said Sokka, turning away and walking up the path. "Let's go meet, Master Piandao"
With Sokka in front and Appa bringing up the rear, the group made their way up the steep winding path towards the castle. It was hard to believe that it had been just over two years ago that he walked up this path, an awkward, uncertain and clueless Water Tribe boy, now with a sword forged in the flames of the Fire Nation and techniques embedded into his body by the greatest Fire Nation master, Sokka found it ironic that he had lest behind everything that was Water Tribe, adopting the techniques of the Fire Nation for the sole purpose of defeating them.
Fight fire with fire
Sokka knocked on the gates, unable to see the White Lotus symbol but knowing it was there. With a small creak the gate opened and the familiar face of the Piandao's butler loomed over them, the lantern he held cast a gloomy reflection over his features.
"Hi!" said Sokka, in a bright voice, that did not suit the night. "Remember me, old buddy? I'm Piandao's-"
"The Master has been expecting you"
Nothing in his voice indicated that he had heard Sokka or even recognized him for that matter.
"As well as his guest"
At those words, Sokka glanced dubiously at the people behind them who stared back at him with similar looks of confusion.
"Who do you think is expecting us?" whispered Katara.
"If we move forward, we can actually find out" said Toph, not bothering to keep her voice down.
Sokka gave her an annoyed glare before entering the castle.
The group made their way through the courtyard, Yue was full tonight and she shed her light upon the castle, illuminating the courtyard in a haze of sliver. Sokka could clearly recall the time he had fought Piandao, running through the courtyard, screaming like a wild animal. Sokka was not the only one thinking about the incident because he could hear Aang calling him from behind.
"Hey, Sokka! Remember the time you fought Master Piandao here?"
"Yeah" he said, with a small smile. And I nearly won, too"
"So this is where Piandao lives" said Suki, in wonder, looking up at the castle, her expression and tone grew more serious as something else occurred to her. "How does one guy live up there all by himself? Doesn't he get lonely?"
Sokka opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by Katara.
"Puhlease, Sokka, you did not nearly win you weren't even close, Piandao had you pinned in five seconds flat"
Katara snapped her fingers to emphasise her point. Sokka turned back to glare at her.
"Yeah? What about the time you tried to fight GranPakku? Who had you pinned in five seconds flat?"
"The master is not at home"
The butler's dreary tone, cut off any argument that might have been brewing. Sokkka looked up feeling a sharp of disappointment.
"Why?" he asked crestfallen he had been looking forward to seeing him after nearly a year.
"He had to leave on a matter of great importance" said the butler. "But you said he was expecting us!"
"True" conceded the butler. "But that doesn't necessarily mean he's here in the castle"
Before Sokka could comment on how stupid that sounded, the butler pushed open the doors of the castle and the gang stepped inside. Perhaps it was the late hour or the absence of it's resident, but the castle seemed to be very different from what it once was. The corridors were still wide and grand, like the canals in the Northern Water Tribe, the large ceiling to floor windows, allowed the moonlight to flood the corridors, lighting up all the paintings done by Piandao or ones that he had found on his extensive travels. There was something beautiful and haunting about the corridors, something that demanded the respect of silence and everyone, even Sokka was quite, as they made their way through the corridors. However, some people in the group couldn't quite handle the silence for long.
"Did someone die in here?" whispered. Toph.
"I don't know" replied Aang. "But it's best to be quite, I can feel a certain energy in this place"
"Not exactly a happy place during the night, huh?"
"Quite!"
The final call had been from Katara. If the butler had heard the young teenagers, he chose to ignore them. After what seemed like years, they reached the end of the corridor, where a pair of large double doors greeted them. The group made there way towards the doors, the butler pushed them open revealing a splendid, well furnished room, unlike the corridors, the crimson curtains covered the windows, blocking out all moonlight from the room, strategically placed candles lit up the room in a haze of orange and yellow.
"Please wait in here while I inform the resident that you have arrived" said the butler, speaking for the third time since he had met them.
The gang was ushered into a large room, it did not occur to them to inquire about this 'resident' There were no chairs or couches but there were comfortable bean bags neatly arranged around a coffee table with tea and an assortment of snacks.
"Food!" cried Sokka.
But he was not the only one, who noticed it. He glared at Aang, as if to say.
How dare you look at my food!
Aang glared back as if to say.
Don't be so greedy, I'm starving!
Without warning, both teenagers launched themselves at the table. Aang getting there with a small airbending boost.
"Hey!" cried Sokka, as Aang triumphantly grabbed the plate of rice cakes and began shovelling them into his mouth.
"Sokka, be quiet" snapped Suki.
"But I'm hungry" whined Sokka, oblivious to the grave mood in the castle. "And Aang's not sharing"
"Be quiet, or I'll have you paralysed on the floor" said Suki, flexing her knuckles in a threatening manner.
Having experienced the deadly attack on more than one occasion, Sokka was not willing to push his luck and merely settled for a scowl. Katara's mind however was somewhere else.
"Where could Master Piandao be?" she whispered. "What happened to Iroh and Zuko?"
Nobody missed the worry in her voice.
"Look sis, don't worry about Zuko and Iroh, those two are tough, remember the comet? The guy took a bolt of lightening to the chest! And survived! And as for the master, he could be out somewhere in the village trying to paint a midnight scene or something"
Katara nodded, though she still wasn't sure.
"Yeah, but-"
"Look, Katara" Suki stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Whatever trouble they may be in, we're here now, we can help them and we can help even the odds"
Katara smiled at her.
"Thanks, Suki"
None of them noticed a figure enter the room.
"I am glad to hear you say that, Master Suki"
Everyone (with the exception of Toph) jumped at the voice and looked around. An old man stood there, his balding head gleaming in the candle light, dark circles surrounded his tired amber eyes, his wrinkled face stretched across his bones to express a weary smile. Katara was the first to recognise the man.
"General Iroh!" she cried, bowing towards the man beofre enveloping him in a hug. "It's so good to see you!"
"It is good to see you too, my child" said Iroh, returning hug. "And might I comment on how you've blossomed in the year we've been apart"
Katara blushed at the compliment. There wasn't a single person in the room who couldn't help but smile upon seeing Iroh again. His presence radiated kindness and genuine happiness upon seeing his nephew's friends. Iroh smile spread to each and every one of them, and all of them, including Sokka felt like they were coming home from a long journey and he couldn't help but smile as he watched Iroh hug his sister.
"And please my dear" continued Iroh. "There is no need to call me General or even Fire Lord,it is just Iroh"
The Dragon of the West turned to face the others.
"Ah, my dear friend, the most fearsome earthebender in the world, how are you doing, my dear Bei Fong girl?"
Toph couldn't hide her grin as she came forward and punched the old man in the arm.
"There's no need to call me 'Bei Fong girl' old man, just Toph"
Katara frowned. "Toph it's rude to call Iroh an old man"
"Never mind, my dear" said Iroh, with a small laugh, rubbing his arm as he did so. "I'm fully aware that this is Toph's way of showing affection"
Toph stuck out her tongue at Katara.
"And how is the Avatar" he said, smiling at Aang. "How you've grown, you're just like Zuko when he was your age , he too had a growth spurt"
Aang grinned at the compliment.
"It's good to see you too, Iroh" he said, sounding cheerful for the first time in what seemed like a long time, as bowed down in respect.
Iroh approached Suki and Sokka, the Water Tribe warrior raised his chin in a 'what's up' salute.
"Dear Suki, how you've grown, Avatar Kyoshi must be so proud to have a beautiful woman such as yourself to carry on her name and ways"
Suki rolled her eyes and blushed, causing Sokka to scowl.
He might as well adopt all of us! He thought, angrily.
"You certainly know how to charm a girl, General Iroh" said Suki, with a small laugh.
"Women" corrected Iroh. "I know how to charm women, And please it's just, Iroh"
The general turned to Sokka, the warrior felt his muscles tense under his gaze.
Oh no! No way am I putting up with his poetry.
"Master Sokka, how-"
"Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you too, Iroh" he said, ignoring the glare that all three women were giving him."But seriously, enough of the flattery let's get down to some real business. Where's Zuko? We need to discuss who's been whipping his butt these past few days"
"Sokka, stop being such an imbecile" snapped Katara. "But where is Zuko?"
At the mention of his nephew, all traces of happiness seemed to have faded from Iroh's face and Sokka knew that it wasn't good news.
"Prince Zuko will not be able to join us tonight" he said, his voice oily and grave, he seemed to have aged several years in a matter of seconds. "He has been grievously injured in an attempt on his life"
A tense pause followed as these words were digested.
"WHAT!"
"What happened, will he be all right? Where is he?" cried Katara, whose hands had flown to her face at the news, everyone else had similar looks of horror on their faces.
Assassination attempts on the royal familyThought Sokka. Is it really this bad?
Iroh offered Katara sympathetic smile, as if understanding her feelings.
"Two days ago, there was an attempt on Zuko's life, I will not go into detail for now, but archers tried to shoot down my nephew when he was in the middle of a training session. In his attempt, to capture the assassins, he fell from the rooftop of a building..."
Iroh left it at that. There was an awkward tension in the air, as each person took the time to process the information.
"Where is he?" asked Katara, there was a hint of determination in her voice. "I can help heal him"
Iroh smiled at her in silent thanks before turning to someone standing at the door.
"If you could please lead the Lady Katara to Prince Zuko's room, please?"
The butler who until now had stood aside, impassive and distant bowed in obedience.
"Of course, Fire Lord Iroh"
He turned to Katara. "Follow me, miss"
Katara nodded and left the room, as soon as she was gone. An awkward tension permeated the air, with Katara's departure, nobody could seem to find the right words, Sokka, in particular, felt that now was a good time to keep his mouth shut because he did not know what he would say.
"I can't believe people tried to kill Zuko" whispered Aang.
"It shouldn't come as a shock" muttered Sokka unable to help himself. "Remember the time his sis tried to do him in?"
Suki scowled at him before turning to the Fire Lord.
"I can't believe that it has come to this" she said.
Iroh nodded. "I admit, I did not think that insurgents were capable of such acts... nor that they harboured such ideas"
"But what's their motive?" asked Toph, speaking for the first time since the news was announced.
"What do you mean?" said Aang glancing at the earthbender.
"I mean, there has to be a reason why they're doing this, people don't just go hey we've got nothing better to do on the weekend, let's set up a group and try to kill the crown prince of our country"
Everyone else in the room winced at her reprimand, but it was to be expected. Toph was never one to beat around the bush.
"We have not uncovered a specific motive as of yet" said Iroh. "But we are fairly certain that it has nothing to do with the Hundred Year War"
"Really? How can you be sure?" said Sokka. In his eyes, it was the most probable reason.
Iroh turned to the young warrior as he responded.
"Because there is said to be a history behind this rebel group and the royal family" said Iroh. "I came here, to Shu Jing, to verify such a statement"
"So what's the plan of attack?" said Toph, cracking her knuckles. "I'm well versed in the art of kicking firebending butt, it'll be a piece of cake"
"Wait a minute, Toph" said Aang. "You can't just assume that General Iroh will just attack these rebel group"
"Why not?" snapped Toph.
Sokka could feel an argument brewing and he was not in the mood to witness one. Fortunately, Iroh seemed to have sensed the same thing.
"We can discuss plans another time" he said soothingly. "You must be hungry and tired"
"The prince is in there, Lady Katara"
Katara stared at the door ahead of her as if the world around her didn't exist.
The prince is in there
Zuko was inside the room, nothing but the door stood between the two of them, after months of waiting, wondering, anticipating she was a hair's breath from seeing him again. Katara tried to imagine what he would be like by now, one year was a long time, a very long time. Would he have grown taller? Would he have had grown his hair longer? Would he even recognize her? Katara shook her head and took a deep breath, she raised her hand and placed it on the smooth surface of the door but did not push it. Katara took a deep breath, her throat had gone dry, her heart was hammering away at her chest, her body was responding to the excitement she desperately tried to clamp down on.
Control yourself, Katara she ordered. This is a healing session, not a reunion.
The waterbender felt a warm hand on her shoulder and she jumped in surprise. The butler was looking down at Katara with a small smile, the look in his eyes told her that he knew what was going through her mind.
"If you would prefer to come another time" he said. "It-"
Katara immediately shook her head.
"Zuko needs help... I mean, Prince Zuko needs help"
Katara found it odd that she would not hesitate to tackle crazy Fire Princesses but she was hyperventilating at the thought of meeting a certain prince. With a deep breath, Katara pushed doors open and stepped inside the room.
The first thing Katara noticed was that it was dark and completely devoid of light, save for a little pinprick coming from a bedside table. Katara cast a helpless glance around the room, she could not work like this, even with a hundred torches lighting the room, she knew that she wouldn't be able to help Zuko.
Yue is full tonight she thought to herself. Why waste it?
Katara turned to face the butler who was standing to aside.
"Could you open the curtains, please?"
The butler nodded and made his way around the room and pulled back the curtains. A wave of sliver light flooded the room, emblazoning the place in a pure, bright aura of light. The light illuminated a large bed that was in the centre of the room as well as it's occupant.
Katara gasped as she saw the man who occupied the bed.
It was Zuko.
Zuko was asleep, his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open, his pale skin glowed in the moon light, his raven dark hair fell around his handsome face, covering the scar on his left cheek Katara felt something swell up in her at the sight of Zuko, something so strong and intense she almost choked. Katara couldn't explain why she felt that way perhaps it was the fact that he looked so sick and vulnerable on that bed, perhaps it was the fact that she was seeing him with her own eyes after months of seeing him in her mind's eye. It was there standing at the foot of his bed did she realize something, it was there, staring at his pale face did she realize something so profound. Katara now understood what her heart had been trying to tell her along, she had always had feelings for Zuko, the months apart had done nothing to change that, their time apart did not change the fact that what she felt for the prince, the distance both geographical and emotional did nothing to temper the fire within her that burnt for him. Katara now realized that she had not only deceived Aang but she had deceived herself as well. Katara suddenly felt angry at the thought, it was like she had been betrayed, she tried to tell herself that she could move on, that she had to move on, and for a moment, she was convinced that she did. Now Katara realized that she had never moved on, and part of her doubted if she ever would, she had always had strong feelings for Zuko.
The waterbender took a deep breath, trying to temper the emotions that were bubbling like boiling water. Katara took a deep breath before making her way towards the bed and sitting down next to Zuko, ignoring the look the butler gave her. Katara reached over and with soft, gentle fingers pulled back the sheets that covered Zuko's body.
He seems to have skinner thought Katara.
The waterbender pulled his t-shirt backward, exposing his heavily bandaged ribcage, she summoned her water from her pouch, the glob of water encased to her hands and glowed brightly. Katara turned to the butler who had not moved from his position by the window.
"This will take a while" she said. The butler nodded, he understood the young woman's request privacy.
The gentle sound of the door closing told Katara that she was now alone with Zuko. Katara took a deep breath placed her hands on the prince's ribcage. Katara could feel the damaged the bones around the ribcage and hoped that there wasn't any internal damage. The waterbender poured all her energy into the healing process, willing Zuko to get better. Katara spent the next few minutes in silence, concentrating on nothing but the glowing water in her hands. Zuko's breathing was slow and steady, which was a good thing as that meant he had no internal injuries. Katara was so engrossed in her thoughts that she barely noticed the prince utter a small groan. It was only the rustle of the bedsheets that alerted her. Katara's eyes flew to his face and found a pair of shocked amber eyes blinking up at her.
"Katara?"
Zuko didn't wake up at once as he usually did, rather he was coaxed into waking up by a soothing sensation that reverberated through his body in gentle soothing waves. It was a nice feeling and a rather pleasant one and he wanted to revel in it for as long as possible. Gentle breathing told him that he was not alone but he was too lax to care. Zuko took a deep breath and tried to recall the last time he had felt this good, the most likely cause was a massage but he doubted the possibility. For one thing, a massage required fingers and at the moment, he was certain that no one was touching him. The sensation on his ribcage was too gentle to be done by fingers, it was almost like water. Water.
Gentle.
Soothing.
Zuko's mind made the connections and it was then did he get the urge to know who was with him in the room. Zuko opened his eyes and glanced around the room, the first thing he noticed was that he was in a room that was not his own, the second thing he noticed was that the place was literally glowing with moonlight, the third was that there was someone sitting next to him holding something glowing to his ribcage.
Gentle, soothing, healing.
His mind clicked with recognition.
"Katara?"
"Stay still" she ordered. "You've been injured in your fall"
The words took him by surprise.
Is that the first thing she says to me?
"There's no need to tell me" he groaned.
Zuko had been in a great deal of pain when he had last been conscious, and he was certain that his ribcage had been in pain until Katara arrived.
Zuko's mind was still having a hard time processing Katara's presence right in front of him. The prince had spent months thinking and dreaming about her and the words she had said that it was almost impossible to believe that she was now sitting in front of him. For her part, Katara didn't seem to have any problems being around him, she had a look of concentration on her face and she didn't seem to be bothered by their past. Zuko closed his eyes before opening them again, Katara may not be affected by his presence, but he certainly was, she only had to press her hand to his chest to know that.
"Katara..."
"Hmm..?"
"How long have you been here?"
From the look Katara gave her, Zuko could tell that she had been surprised by the question and he took a small pleasure in that.
"We came just now" she said. "Why do you ask?"
Katara's words, reminded Zuko that they had responded to his uncle's call
"You have to leave for the South Pole by tomorrow"
Katara took a minute to process his words she then rounded on him so quickly, Zuko was surprised that her neck didn't snap in two. Katara dropped the globe of water onto Zuko's lap, making the prince gasp in surprise. Katara's thoughts however were clearly elsewhere.
"What do you mean go back?" snapped Katara.
Zuko stuttered and he knew that depending on what he said he could very well end up with much more than a broken ribcage.
"Katara" said Zuko, in a hushed tone. "Don't get the wrong-"
"Don't beat around the bush, tell me what you meant?"
Zuko stared at her, as he contemplated his answer.
"There's a rebellion starting and it's serious" said Zuko, thinking that honesty was the best policy. "A civil war is coming and you will be in grave danger, I just don't want you to get hurt"
"I know" said Katara, with a flick of her wrist she gathered the water that was soaking into the sheets and began the healing process again. "I know there's a rebellion starting and I know that I'm placing myself in danger, but I'm not worried about that. I'm here, I'm going to help, well... we're going to help, and there's nothing you can say that's going to change that fact"
For a moment, Zuko was surprised at her knowledge but then he recalled that his uncle had written to them.
She's here he thought to himself. She knows there's danger and she's still here.
"But Katara, I don' want you to-"
"Don't say I'm going to get hurt" interrupted Katara. "You know, most people would be glad that they're friends were coming to their aid, only you seem to thing that it's a bad thing"
"Katara, please-"
"Don't Katara me, me, Sokka, Aang, Toph and Suki have come a long way to help you out, and we're not turning our backs just because you said so"
"But this has nothing to do with-"
Katara ignore his next few words and took a deep breath.
"Zuko" she hissed. "Try and get this through your thick head: We're are here to help you in whatever possible way and we're not going to turn away just because you say so, not when you clearly need help"
Zuko opened his mouth to say something but instead, he choose to lie down quietly, had he been at full strength, he would have put up a better fight but as such as, he was severely injured and did not want to anger anyone, least of all, the one who was healing him. Katara thought that he would not say anything and began to concentrate on healing him. The two of them languished in silence thinking about the other's thoughts.
It's hard Zuko realized. And really complicated.
Zuko was glad to be around Katara again, to see her after so long, to hear her speak which was both thrilling and exciting in it's familiarity but Zuko could still remember the day they had broken up and the fact that it was she who broke it off between them.
After a while, Zuko broke the silence with a low raspy voice.
"That wasn't what I meant" he said, softly.
Katara looked up.
"What?"
Zuko looked away, for some reason, he was not ready to look into her sapphire eyes. "When I said I didn't want you here in the Fire Nation, it had nothing to do with honour or pride. I just don't want you or anyone else getting hurt in a matter that doesn't concern any of you"
Zuko's words were met with silence and Zuko was convinced that she was going to yell at him. But to his utter surprise, he felt her soft gentle hands on his own. Zuko looked up in surprise, Katara was looking at him with a smile on her face.
"Zuko that is what friendship is all about, we're there for each other whenever we're need one another. We wouldn't just abandon you because you're country is in trouble"
Zuko gulped and looked away, Katara cupped his chin and made him look at her.
"I don't know how the Fire Nation nobles do it" she said, in a tone that was light, warm and teasing. "But in the Water Tribes, friendship doesn't end when the convenience of being your friend dies down. Friendship exists because we need other people, because as much as we try to be strong and independent, at the end of the day, we all need friends and people we can trust or we will lose all sense of who we are"
Zuko's amber eyes seemed to glow in the darkness, as he looked at Katara's cool blue eyes. It seemed as if an eternity passed by as they stared at each other. After awhile, Zuko looked away,
"Thanks" You just reminded me all over again why I loved you.
Katara smiled at him.
"Now lie back" she ordered. "Unless you want to be here with a injured ribcage for a long time"
Zuko smiled at her and laid down. They once again fell into silence though this time it was a pleasant silence, absent of the tension that had been their before. Zuko was reassured by Katara's words, she had always managed to have that effect on him. Katara had always had this gift of saying the right things to bring him down from his anger or anxiety. But there was something that bothered him.
Why did she refer to friendship? Is she saying that she just wants to be friends?
Then a horrifying thought occurred to him, one that terrified him.
Does she have another boyfriend?
"Katara?"
"Hmm...?"
"You've... grown"
Zuko cringed at his words, he could literally hear Azula's taunt at those words.
Smooth work Zuzu, it's not hard to imagine why the ladies fawn over you.
Katara rolled her eyes, at Zuko's version of a compliment.
"Grown into what? A sea slug?"
"That wasn't what I meant" he said, softly.
"Did what then you mean?" though her question was absent of any real venom.
"You've grown prettier"
Katara couldn't help but smile, as she tried to hide the blush on her face.
"See? It's not so hard to pay a girl a compliment, now is it?" she said in a light teasing tone.
"Only if she's grown into a sea slug" said Zuko unable to help himself.
Katara smirked. "You could make jokes, I never knew that you it in you"
"I do have my moments" said Zuko. "You of all people should know that"
Katara understood the implication behind the words and blushed. Zuko seemed to have picked up on the hidden meaning he had unintentionally stated and clamped his lips shut.
And we're back to square one thought Zuko.
After a while, Katara moved from his right ribcage to his left.
"Katara, can I ask you a question?"
Katara resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but nodded in assent.
"Why did you come?"
Katara's eyes flew up to meet Zuko's before going back to his injury.
"I've told you before" she said. "To-"
"That isn't what I meant" said Zuko.
Katara felt his warm hand curl around her wrist and she let out an involuntary gasp. Before Katara could comprehend what was going on, Zuko had moved to a sitting position before her. "Zuko, you-" "Katara, please answer the question" he said, his amber eyes seemed to glow.
"Why did you come here?"
"I-"
It had never occurred to Katara to ask herself that question.
"I came to help you, Zuko" she said, she gestured towards his ribcage."And you certainly need it"
"Is that it?"
There was something in Zuko's voice that changed, perhaps it was soft and husky, perhaps it was the pleading in his voice, but it made Katara's heart jump in her throat and beat at a rate so fast, it was starting to hurt her chest. There was something in his smouldering eyes that made her feel hot and bothered.
Katara! Get a hold of yourself.
Katara couldn't speak so she simply nodded. Zuko sighed, and for a moment it looked like whatever fired he had in him died, he collapsed back into bed and Katara took it as a queue to continue with her healing. The awkwardness had returned in full measure, something palpable hung in the air, as if both young people were hiding a secret and but not willing to expose it. Katara didn't like this silence, not one bit.
"So..."
It was Zuko who broke the silence.
"How was life at home? I was told that the Southern Tribe's rebuilding was good... really good"
It was an attempt to change the subject, Katara realized that Zuko had exposed something that he did not intend to and that he was now hoping to distract her.
"It is" said Katara, then feeling that she should say more, she added. "It's really nice to see what was once my small village growing into a large city, the tribes have united, people are coming in from the north and Sokka's engineering feats are wonderful. He's not the smartest guy on the planet, but he has his moments..."
Katara trailed off when she noticed Zuko staring at her with a small smile.
"Are you smiling, Prince Zuko?" she asked in a voice full of melodrama. "Are you actually smiling?"
Zuko blushed and turned away.
"It's just that... seeing you talking about your home, you have that look in your eyes"
Katara's heart began to speed up. Could it be? she thought to herself. Could he still have feelings?
"And..."
"And I'm glad to hear that the Southern Tribe is returning to it's former glory, especially after... past events"
Katara resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This is so typical of him, but she nodded in agreement at his words.
"It's what we fought for" she mused. "The chance to rebuild"
"So... umm..."
There was a distinct awkwardness in Zuko's voice, that told Katara that he was broaching a topic that he was not comfortable with.
"Do you meet a lot of people?"
Katara stared at him as he if had just grown a second head. Zuko shook his head, realizing how absurd he must have sounded.
"I mean... of course you must meet a lot of people... I mean..."
Katara had never seen this shy awkward side of Zuko, and it was quite cute, she thought.
"Zuko what are you trying to say?" said Katara, unable to hide the smile growing on her face, awkward Zuko was cute but it was also well... awkward.
"What I'm trying to say is..." Zuko took a deep breath, as if he was about to take a deep plunge.
"Do you meet a lot of guys?"
Katara recoiled at the hideous insinuation.
"What!"
Zuko immediately recoiled, his fists curling around the blankets.
"I..."
Katara was torn between slapping him and storming out of the room, to her credit, she did neither.
"What do you mean, do I meet a lot of guys. Do you think, I'm sort of floosy?"
"No! That's not what I meant!" said Zuko, hastily, there was a note of panic in his voice.
"I was only-"
Katara, got to her feet and placed her hands on her hips.
"For your information" she snapped. "I don't meet a lot of guys, Zuko, and even if I did , it's none of your business"
"I wasn't trying to call you a floosy, I was just-"
"Damn right you shouldn't be! Because you have no right, no business in my private life. Not any more!"
The final words ensured that pin drop silence ruled the room. Zuko's posture, slackened, and he looked away, dejection written all over his face. Katara's face went from anger to horror, as she quickly realized the implication of her words.
Oh by the moon, he's thinking about the break-up! thought Katara. "Zuko, I-"
"It's okay, Katara" said Zuko, his voice was hollow, almost dead.
"I understand"
"No, listen-"
"Thanks for the healing" he said, lying down and turning away from her. "I feel much better but I'm really tired"
Katara took it as a dismissal, she wanted to stay there and try to talk but she did not know what to say.
"Okay" she conceded. "I'll see you later"
Zuko did not respond. Katara made her way towards the door and opened it. The waterbender took one last glance at the prince lying till on the bed. With a sigh, of disappointment, she left the room, closing the door behind with a sound click.