Chapter 16: Confidences and Preparations

The group of friends spent two days that way, surfing, drinking slushies, and making sand sculptures. The sun and water exhausted them in the best possible way, so that they slept more soundly and restfully than they had in months. Then on the third day, a small airship from the capital landed, carrying Zuko and Mai.

Almost as soon as the couple came off the airship, they were surrounded with demands that they immediately put on swimsuits and join them on the beach.

Sokka insisted on a swimming race with Zuko. "Aang, you fly out as far as you want, and we have to touch your hand and come back. Winner gets the last of Katara's slushies!"

The girls watched from the beach. They cheered a while, until it was clear the boys couldn't hear them anyway.

"I'm so glad you two were able to come." Katara remarked to Mai. She was a little afraid the older girl would feel left out of a group that had formed and bonded without her, and wanted to make her comfortable.

"Me too. Zuko kept talking about all these meetings and planning sessions he needed to lead, but I said to him, your friends are leaving in a few days, and you won't have this opportunity again for quite a while."

Katara was touched. "It's a good thing you're there to make sure he takes care of himself."

"Yeah. He'll run himself into the ground if I let him. I think a little break with you all is just what he needs right now. The other night I could tell that being part of your group has been really good for him. He'd told me some stories about you guys, but I didn't get it until I saw you all together like that. It meant a lot to him."

Katara smiled. "It was a great night." She looked back at the water. "They're coming back!" The girls began cheering again. Katara walked closer to the water and held up the slushie; whoever grabbed it first would be the winner.

It was close. Both boys were strong and fit, but Sokka had to limp the last few steps, which allowed Zuko to overtake him at the last second. He almost spilled the slushie all over Katara as he grabbed it, but she held the icy liquid inside the cup.

"Wow, this is great," he said as he sipped it, grinning at Katara.

"I've had enough of those in the last couple days, I decided to let you have it," Sokka said magnanimously, still catching his breath.

Suki started telling Mai about the surfing lesson Aang had given her, and soon both she and Zuko wanted to try it. Aang went out with Zuko, and Katara took Mai.

It was surprising how tiring relaxation could be, they realized, after a long afternoon swimming and surfing. The twins had prepared dinner for them, and they all sat down at the big table in the house.

"How are things in the capital?" Katara asked Zuko.

"Making slow progress." Zuko answered. "Some of the changes to the army are moving from discussion stage to the planning stage."

"How many stages are there?" Toph wondered.

"Next there's delegation, organization, implementation, and finally, evaluation."

There was a pause as the others took in just how complicated their friend's life had become.

"I think my mind got numbed with boredom just hearing that." Sokka remarked.

"I wish you could sit with me in these meetings." Zuko smiled at Sokka. "They might end up lasting twice as long, but at least you'd keep me entertained."

"How about the...uh, opposition?" Aang asked uncertainly.

"It seems like each day since my coronation, another important person has made a statement supporting my legitimacy. The major newspaper, too. But there's also a new group that's surfaced. They're calling themselves the New Ozai Society. Their goal is to break my father out of prison and make him Fire Lord again."

"Bunch of power hungry absolutists." Mai spat out, surprising everyone with her vehemence. "They think not being the boss is the same as being a servant. Kind of tells you the kind of boss he was."

"They're not going to be able to do anything. The Royal Police are watching them all the time." Zuko assured her.

"My dad is involved with them." Mai admitted to the others. "He didn't want the new position Zuko offered him. He thought it was an insulting demotion. For some ridiculous reason, he expected to continue to be a colonial governor, even though Bumi kicked him out of Omashu, and the new Fire Lord is planning to liberate the colonies. So we fought and I moved out."

"That must be so hard," Katara said sympathetically.

"It's fine. The palace has its perks." Mai glanced at Zuko, with the corner of her mouth pulled up in a tiny half smile. "But I do miss Tom Tom."

"That was the baby in Omashu, right? He was your little brother?" Sokka asked.

"Yeah. He just turned three."

"You know, we didn't actually kidnap him." Katara felt it was important that Mai know the truth. "He just kind of showed up. Wandered into our camp."

"I believe you. He's always doing stuff like that. Can't keep him in one spot for a minute." She said affectionately. "And it was very mysterious how he just reappeared so suddenly. Like out of thin air." She looked at Aang, as if she had guessed who was responsible for Tom Tom's return.

"Funny how that happened," Aang grinned at her.

After dinner they moved to a bonfire on the beach. They carried blankets and warm drinks. Sokka made a point of gathering fire flakes, fire gummies, mochi, sizzle crisps, and sausages to toast on sticks.

"We just ate, and now we need more snacks?" Suki protested as he loaded her down with more food to carry.

"After swimming all day, I'm starving!" Sokka insisted.

"Wow, he really is always hungry." Mai said, seemingly to herself.

Katara sat down beside the older girl, a little apart from the others, looking at her quizzically. She thought she'd caught her reference. "Did you see The Boy in the Iceberg?"

Mai rolled her eyes. "Yes. Azula made Ty Lee and me come with her to see it on its opening night. She loved it of course. It was one of the last things we did together before I left for the Boiling Rock."

"Did you hate it as much as we did?"

"Well, it was trash, but I doubt I hated it as intensely as you must have. And that's saying something because I'm really good at hating things."

"The point of the whole thing was for people to cheer as Aang and Zuko got killed in the end. It was really disturbing."

"No kidding."

"What was it like for you, seeing yourself on the stage?"

"Meh." She shrugged. "I had a minor role. No lines. It didn't bother me. About half of the parts were well cast, and the other half were terrible."

"What did you think of their Zuko? He said he thought they made him look 'humorless.'"

"The actor was handsome enough, but his hair was out of control. I'm guessing Aang didn't like his portrayal either?"

"That's a severe understatement."

"What about you? They made you into a little sexpot, didn't they?"

Katara was sure she was blushing. "That was not an authentic Southern Water Tribe costume."

"Obviously. But it made me wonder, how many guys did you really hook up with this year?" Mai's tone became gossipy, scandal-seeking. "I counted three in the play, and that doesn't even include your current boyfriend. Did they miss anybody else? King Bumi? The cabbage merchant?"

Katara was somewhat put off by Mai's biting humor, but she decided to take it as a joke rather than getting offended. She forced a laugh. "No, just Aang."

"Really?" Mai raised an eyebrow, and it somehow made Katara want to confide in her. Mai seemed to be implying that she was such a beautiful, mysterious woman who all men found irresistible, that she might have had as many lovers as she desired, with just as many juicy stories to dish to a girlfriend. Her blush deepened.

"Well, with Jet—almost. But that was a mistake."

"They made it look so romantic between you and Zuko. The whole opposites attract thing."

"Well, sometimes opposites repel. Or, they're easier to tolerate in friendship. I think it's more usual—maybe even more healthy-when like attracts like. Hence, my current relationship. And yours."

"Good point. So you really never...?" Katara shook her head. "It's ok if you did. He and I weren't together then. I paid close attention to the timeline." Katara actually believed her. Mai could be plenty threatening when she wanted to be, but, surprisingly, Katara felt that she would have been safe even if she'd had to answer differently.

"No, it was nothing like in the play. Hardly anything was."

"The scene in the play didn't make any sense, but neither did the story Zuko told me. After everything he did to you, you were going to heal his scar, just because he told you about his mom?"

"Yeah, I was about to. But it's a good thing I didn't, because I needed that healing water to save Aang instead."

"And then when he showed up and said he wanted to train the Avatar?"

"I threatened his life and gave him the silent treatment for weeks."

"Wow. All right, I believe you. I was just curious to see if you'd say the same thing he did."

"So we passed?"

"Full marks."

The idea that Mai had indulged in some jealous speculation about her and Zuko felt a little ridiculous to her. "It wasn't enough to hear us basically adopt each other as siblings?"

"I mean, yeah, that was reassuring, but sometimes people decide they feel that way after they break up. I just wanted to know what really happened. I'm satisfied now. Sorry to bug you about it."

"I guess I understand. He left you to join us, and if you thought that had anything to do with another girl, that would hurt a lot more."

"Yeah." She admitted quietly. "But, like I said, I'm over it."

"Good. I think you two are really great for each other."

"Thanks. You and baldie too."

Early the next morning, Aang and Zuko went to the courtyard to practice their fire bending forms. Zuko called out the steps, but without the fierceness and urgency he'd used a couple of weeks before. Now it looked more meditative than warlike. This was just for fun. The boys genuinely enjoyed exercising alongside a friend who could challenge them to push themselves.

Katara sat on the edge of the courtyard, watching. Mai came out with two cups of tea. She handed one to the younger girl and sat down next to her.

"Nice show," Mai remarked.

"Mm hm" Katara sipped her tea, not taking her eyes off the two shirtless boys, one tall, the other tattooed, both lean, muscular, and glistening with sweat. Their matching but opposite scars made an interesting effect as they moved through the poses.

"Ready for tonight?" Zuko asked Aang as they took a quick swim to cool off after their workout.

"I can't wait," the younger boy grinned. "I just want everything to be perfect."

"Flower delivery this afternoon. Reservations at the best restaurant in town." Zuko ticked off his fingers, some of the arrangements he'd asked his assistant to make for his friends. "There are going to be musicians in the square, so you can dance. End the night with a walk on the beach. Boom. Every girl's perfect date."

"Yeah. It all sounds great. But there's something missing and I'm not sure what."

"You could...practice a little speech about your feelings. I think there are a few books of love poems in the house if you need ideas."

"Canned words from a book?" he scofffed. "Like some old poet could do her justice."

"You two seem pretty serious," Zuko remarked, amused.

"Oh, we are. Well, I am, anyway."

"You don't think she is?" Zuko asked mildly.

"Well, I hope—wait, do you know something I don't? Did she say something to you? About me?"

"I'd be a pretty terrible confidant if I told you, wouldn't I?"

"I guess so," Aang made a discouraged face. His curiosity was burning, but he had to respect Zuko's scrupulously keeping Katara's confidence. Just the fact that she had talked to someone else about him had to mean something, didn't it?

"Oh, also I brought you some clothes. I had a servant look through my old closet. The restaurant is pretty formal, and I don't think your yellow outfit would quite fit in. Or that old school uniform."

"Thanks! I would never have thought of that. You saved me from really embarrassing myself."

"No problem," Zuko sighed. They were clearly done bathing, and he wanted nothing more than to linger here, rather than return to the meetings and reports waiting for him at the palace. "I better get ready to go."

"We'll be back at the palace soon." Aang promised, seeing his friend's low mood.

"Yeah, just in time to take off again." Instantly, Zuko was afraid it came out sounding more bitter than he really felt. If he resented anything, it was his position, not his friends' plans. "Sorry." he added.

"I wish you could come with us."

"Me too. But being Fire Lord isn't about being a teenager with a social life. It's about duty and serving the nation."

"Yeah. It sucks that you have to make those sacrifices. But you're going to do a great job."

"Thanks. I'd better, or it won't be worth it."

The whole group accompanied Zuko and Mai to their airship when it was time for them to leave.

"We need to plan out the stops in the victory tour where you can meet up with us. You've got to make some diplomatic visits, right? Places like Ba Sing Se and the North Pole?" Sokka asked hopefully.

"Of course. We haven't had formal diplomatic relations with the Earth Kingdom or Water Tribes in decades, so I need to reestablish contact and start talks to build embassies." Zuko explained. "We'll have to keep in touch as your plans solidify. Let me know where you'll be and when, and I'll try to think of an excuse to intercept you. When my domestic responsibilities permit, that is."

"Zuko bought no fewer than five messenger hawks whose sole job will be going back and forth between you all and the palace." Mai told them, which seemed to embarrass him slightly.

They'd see each other again in the palace in just two days, but then the victory tour would launch just a day after that. This felt like the real good-bye in some ways, since they knew the ceremony at the harbor wouldn't allow for hugs all around. They waved at the airship for a while and then went back to the beach.

"Great badger-mole!" Aang sat down next to Toph, who was putting finishing touches on her sand sculpture.

'I know! Yet another thing I'm awesome at. I think this is going to be my relaxing new hobby."

"You needed a hobby?"

"Well, you can't beat up bad guys and save the world every day. Especially not now that everything's so peaceful."

"You're right. Maybe I'm going to need a hobby too."

"Are you kidding? You just got one. Katara." Toph had a mischievous smile.

"That's a relationship, not a hobby!"

"She takes up your free time and you think she's fun, but nobody else understands why. Sounds like a hobby to me."

"I'm sure someday you'll figure out the difference, Toph. If you're lucky."

"I heard you're taking her to the fanciest place in town tonight."

"Yeah, but it all feels kind of generic to me. I'm still trying to think of something extra we could do...something unique to us..."

"That's obvious, isnt' it?" Toph had that superior tone she got when she thought the other person was acting more blind than she was.

"It must not be or I wouldn't need you to tell me." Aang conceded. That was usually the fastest way to get information out of Toph, just admit defeat.

"You practiced fire bending with Zuko this morning. When was the last time you practiced water bending with Katara?"

Aang was taken aback. "I guess for the coronation. And we went surfing yesterday."

"Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, as if you were training. Pushing yourselves to be your best."

"It has been a while," he admitted. "I had to master earth before the eclipse, and fire before the comet. Water kind of got pushed to the side, since I learned it earlier. So you think we should train on our date?"

"Katara is really competitive. She might like it."

"Yeah, she is. What do you suggest?"

"A bending wrestling match like we do. But with water, of course."

"That's a great idea. Can you make sure the others stay off the beach tonight?"

"I have a feeling it might not be safe for us to be on the beach with you two. Not just for the oogieness, but in case of storms, drowning, that kind of thing."

"You might be right. Thanks, Toph."

"Anytime, Twinkletoes." She punched his arm.

"What would you like me to wear tonight?" Katara asked Aang, when the afternoon started winding down, and she felt like she needed to go get ready for their date.

"Um, whatever you want?"

"Well, I don't know what you have planned, so I don't know what's appropriate."

"Oh. Well, do you think you could wear your bathing suit under your clothes, so we could go to the beach?"

"Ok. But what clothes?"

"How about that red dress you used to wear?"

"The one with only one shoulder, that showed my stomach? You liked that one?"

"Um, yeah," He replied, a blush creeping up his neck.

She leaned close and whispered in his ear, "I like your one shoulder outfit too."

Katara had put on the same red top she'd worn during their time in the Fire Nation earlier in the year, but not the same skirt. Instead of loose pants covered with embroidered panels, she wore a red and gold wrap skirt that came to her ankles, all one piece. She'd found it in one of the house's many closets. The effect was a little more grown up and formal. She was trying to decide what to do with her hair when Suki knocked on her door.

"I have my makeup kit. I wondered if you'd like me to touch you up?"

"Not the full Kyoshi warrior face?"

"Of course not. I was thinking just a little extra color on your lips and eyes."

"Sure, that sounds nice." She sat down and stayed still so that Suki could apply the makeup for her.

"Are you nervous?" Suki asked as she touched Katara's eyelid with a little brush.

"Not really. It's not like we're strangers."

"Excited?"

"A little," she lied.

Suki finished and showed her the mirror. The dark liner around her eyes made them look even bigger, and her mouth looked more sensual with bright color painted on it.

"What do you think? Hair up or down?" Katara asked.

"Hmm. Up is more dressed up, a different look than you usually wear. I think some guys like to see hair down and loose. It makes them want to touch it. So, do you want tonight to be special, or do you want it to be a continuation of everything you both like about your 'normal'?"

Katara thought for a moment. "Special. But an updo would have to be very secure. Aang mentioned going swimming. And is the makeup waterproof?"

"No problem." Suki started grabbing handfuls of hair and securing it with pins and ties. "And yes, it is waterproof. Remember when I jumped into the water to save Toph and came out looking as fresh as ever?" Katara laughed at the memory. "That reminds me," Suki went on. "Sokka and Toph are doing another swimming lesson. So you don't have to worry about whatever he might say when you come down."

"I guess that's good."

After a few minutes of work, Suki showed Katara the mirror again. With her hair piled on the top of her head, she looked much taller, and her neck seemed to go on forever. She barely recognized the woman in the mirror. She wondered if she'd gone too far.

Suki covered her mouth in excitement at seeing the full effect of her handiwork. "You look so pretty! Can I watch when he sees you? I'll kind of stay in the background."

Katara came down the steps to the front room and saw a giant vase of flowers with legs. Then a bald head peeked out from the side of the flowers. She took the vase from Aang's hands and set it on the table.

"Hi," she said shyly. He looked good in an outfit she hadn't seen before. It was black with red trim, and fit his chest and shoulders snugly.

"Hi," he repeated, dazed. It looked like he'd forgotten how to breathe.

"Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful." They were heart's blood lilies, white with splashes of red.

"Beautiful," he parroted absently. Both embarrassed and gratified, she turned away to give him some space to gather himself.

"Suki, can you help me? I'd like to put some of these in my hair."

Suki came forward and picked three blooms from the vase. She cut the stems and pinned them across the top of Katara's head.

While Katara surveyed the additions to her hairstyle in the mirror by the door, Suki found a hat and handed it to Aang. "Have a good time, you two."

"I'm sure we will," Katara replied, taking Aang's hand and lacing their fingers together. The hat had a brim that shaded his eyes. It looked kind of dashing and mysterious. They stepped out the door together and their evening began.

Author's Note: I took the idea of the New Ozai Society from the graphic novel Smoke and Shadow, as well as Mai's father's involvement. However, in my fic, Mai and Zuko don't break up like they do in The Promise, so I had her move in with him instead of her aunt's flower shop.

Next chapter: the big date! Don't worry, Aang quickly gets over his initial reaction to Katara's beauty and is fully functional, even articulate and romantic.