Road to Redemption
"I need a drink, Sokka. I'm going to town while Toph happily destroys my friendship with the Avatar." She groaned.
"Well, I'm going with you. You can't go into town alone, that's crazy." Sokka retorted.
Before Sokka could turn around to grab his pack, Katara drew into a quick stance. She wound an ice rope around her brother so that he couldn't use his arms or run after her. The ice would take at least a few hours to melt and that would be more than enough time to get to the tavern and back.
"Sorry Sokka, I really need this time to myself. I'll be safe, I promise!" she called waving behind her as she made her way to the path that led to the mining town. The path was winding and covered with trees. Katara stuck to the edges of the path just in case any soldiers or bandits were on the road. She was trying to relax, not get attacked.
Katara grabbed her cloak on the way out of the camp to stay inconspicuous as she entered the city. There were all kinds of colorful characters around and she never knew when any of them would choose to reveal their hue. The tavern was only moderately busy since miners were still on shift at the ore excavation site so Katara grabbed a seat at the bar. As she got settled the bartender turned to take her order.
"Hey, what can I … get... for …. You, Miss?" Suddenly Katara found herself face to face with the last person on earth she desired to see. The ex-Prince of the Fire Nation was her bartender. She wondered for a moment if the gods were playing a trick. Katara reached for her water canteen when Zuko dove over the counter and stopped her hand whispering desperately.
"No, wait, please. Don't…please don't. I really need this job. Look, if you pretend you don't know me, all your drinks are on the house, OK? Please…Katara, please." He begged. He was begging! Katara couldn't help but notice the sincerity. She didn't know he even knew her name but he said it then like he meant it.
Katara looked around. There were several sets of curious eyes watching them and wondering what fresh hell was about to erupt in their tavern. She didn't trust the man, but she didn't want to make a scene either. Katara noticed a few eyes were still on them and figured it wouldn't do either of them any good to get into trouble with the authorities.
She sighed deeply jerking her head in frustration and whispered.
"Fine. Old fashioned, straight no chaser, and keep them coming. Zuko breathed a soft sigh of relief,
"Sure thing, Miss." He said in his normal tone and hurried to fill her order and the orders that came in from the other end of the bar.