When we were children, Sokka was always the one who made the plans and prepared all the details for our expeditions in the snow. He used to tell me that I acted without thinking at all about the consequences or the things that might be needed. It was a painful reality that this was one of those times.
Still, I absolutely refused to withdraw money from the million , so I was getting by with what little was left in the account where my work payments used to be deposited. So I got a very cheap rent for a tiny room and a truck that would carry the couch where I planned to sleep and three boxes with the most important materials I would need to work. Of course, an additional box with the pictures from my book.
There were still some matters that required immediate attention. Part of the things Katara said that terrible afternoon were true: she gave the money for the household expenses. And now, since I had no project to work with, I was living with time as an enemy, until the money ran out.
Judging by the sunlight hitting my eyes, it was already past noon. I had stayed working until dawn again , missing my usual table, and by the time I managed to fall asleep, the neighbor's children were already leaving for school.
I ran my hand over my head and my fingers tangled in the first few curls. I hadn't shaved in days... A growl from my stomach told me that food was more urgent. I pushed aside the blankets that I put each night on the couch and rummaged around the table, where I found only a paper bag full of bread scraps, but no edible-sized pieces.
"It can't be," I mumbled. How was it possible that the food ran out so quickly? "I just brought food a few days ago."
At least the peanut butter jar was almost full. With no silverware or bread available, I emptied some of the thick contents into my hand, to calm my hunger in the meantime. In the strain of avoiding Katara, I had forgotten to pack a lot of things I was missing now.
I called Appa and put his collar on before heading to the market. To take him out for a walk he didn't need a leash, but I already had a bad experience of the kennel trying to take him away because he didn't have his collar on.
Seeing the normal life of people on the street improved my mood a bit. I greeted a couple of people I was beginning to recognize as Appa and I walked on the sidewalk. I left him outside, with the order to wait for me while I went in to buy.
I tried to remember what else I needed. Jam, bread, fruit. A bar of soap, I suddenly remembered. I skipped a lot of the shelves and stalls outright, to go straight to the bakery and the grocery store, where I bought the biggest bag of fruit I could, and more bread, which was what I could eat without needing a kitchen. And to be honest, even if I had access to a kitchen, there was very little I knew how to prepare other than boiled rice that was slightly burnt at the bottom of the pot.
Appa, on the other hand, had at least a sack and a half of food in reserve. I ended with a last stop at the newsstand, where I bought a copy of Bosco , one of the national newspapers of the Earth Kingdom.
Almost as soon as I stepped onto the street, Appa caught up with me with a bark. Around us already seemed to begin the traffic of people returning from work; this was how it usually looked when I went to pick up K after work. It must be about an hour before her work day was over.
Deep breaths. Meditation made you recognize what you felt, without judging, accepting. Looking inside myself, I knew that I was still very angry.
A limousine sped past me, I barely caught a glimpse of it over the bundles that it carried in its arms. It was rare to see one of those, they were usually rented for parties and events like that.
I shrugged and rearranged my packages as the vehicle drifted up the street. My new house was much closer to the airport than the other, it was to be expected to see differences in the traffic.
"Come on boy, back home. Yip yip!" And he started at a light trot that I followed a little behind him until we reached the little room in which we now lived.
After serving Appa's plate of food and a simple lunch for myself, I sat down on the couch to check the newspaper, straight to the job vacancies section. I had a more or less wide range of skills that covered at least three or four of the advertised positions.
I had resisted getting a job like that for so long, as a professor or an architect's office draftsman, because there weren't many in Chin City and because the projects (where I'd started a respectable portfolio even before I graduated) paid better by the hour and they allowed me to work on the book. And because in Chin City Katara had a job and the two-bedroom house with a small garden was cheap.
But now, I needed to replenish my savings, and put things to rest with my wife before contacting her again. It was an open wound that he preferred not to touch until it had healed a little.
What if when I contacted her she asked me for separation?
No, no. One day at a time. I took a deep breath and pulled out a pen and paper to write the first of several job applications. Fortunately, the room already had a table, and I absorbed myself without noticing the passing of the hours.
Fate is a curious thing.
I tightened my grip on the handle of my briefcase. My uncle's first words kept echoing in my mind, complete with his contemplative gaze and his hand stroking his beard as he spoke. That memory felt more real than the images of the city that briefly passed through the rented window.
I had told my uncle the whole situation (including the involvement of his friend Col, which got in response the gesture he made when he did not want to laugh in front of me) in the hope that he would give me some cryptic advice, which did not come. After finishing my explanation regarding the Southern Air Temple, he nodded gravely in approval of my new plans.
"She is a woman of strong spirit if she decided to call you," was his only observation.
Of course, while those phrases weren't exactly advice, he was absolutely right. Katara was an enigma; it seemed that I was destined to do things to displease her, which nevertheless made her seek me out. The latter prevented me from regretting the events too much.
While she had only called to lash out her anger on my face, I had obtained a way to contact her, which filled me with an inappropriate excitement in response to her justified anger.
As usual, Ty Lee was charged with overseeing the legal matters of changing the ownership names of the Southern Air Temple. When she called me to give me the news that it would take at least another three business days, she also told me that if I wanted to keep what little good opinion Katara might have of me, I had to notify her of the delay so that she would not think that I had forgotten. Or worse, that I had lied to her.
And since I didn't know the kind of flowers she liked and roses would be too cliché, Ty Lee remarked, I had to try other flowers. Also with help from Ty Lee, I took Toph's advice: between the two of us, we made a list of things, which I was just hoping the opportunity to use would present itself. Some, I myself admitted, were almost unreal (like having prepared my house in Ba Sing Se to receive Katara), but it was always better to plan moves for all possibilities, I had learned that from Pai Sho matches with my uncle.
On the other hand, I had a plan on which many of my hopes rested, not only because it would allow me to make amends to her at least a little, but because her presence would help a lot. She said she was born at the South Pole. Once we closed factories there, I did my best to boost local recovery efforts. Now, no one like someone from the South Pole to make sure that that effort was well spent...
It was a long shot, I knew. She wouldn't have to agree to accompany me again. Agni, she didn't even have to listen to my offer. But if there was one thing even my sister recognized, it was that I didn't give up. This was no exception.
The car stopped and the driver told me that we had reached the destination that I had requested. I ordered him to wait for me outside and strode to the door of the building, five floors of concrete and small windows.
No, I wasn't going to give up.
The cold seemed to make people get along better; there were few unfinished business for Judge Tong. Even the number of letters to be typed was small. Therefore, the sound of the intercom with the reception of the office building became the most exciting event of the day that was about to end.
"Someone from Mr. Tong's office, please come downstairs. There's a visitor or a package, I'm not really sure," a slightly metallic voice called over the radio.
"Don't worry, I'll go," Song offered when she saw me in the middle of a letter, unlike her who was just about to start the next one.
I thanked her with a tired sigh when I saw her leave. She was back a few minutes later, but instead of going back to her place, out of the corner of my eye I saw her standing near the door.
"What's the matter?" I didn't look away from the text I was transcribing. "Did more flowers arrive?"
"Not exactly… I mean, yes, but…" Song insisted in a weird tone.
"Then what…?"
And I, too, was speechless when I finally looked up. In front of my small desk, worn by years of service, was Zuko, with a long dark gray wool coat and a small box in his hands. This time they weren't fire lilies, but panda lilies.
"Hi, Katara." His smile had a hint of nerves in his eyes.
For several seconds there was absolute silence.
"They're calling me at the front desk, if you'll excuse me..." Song excused herself and almost ran for the door. Zuko cleared his throat.
"Um. I didn't know which flowers you would like, so today I brought different ones." He held up the box with the exotic flowers. "Do you like panda lilies?"
I nodded, too surprised to do anything else. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
"First of all, I want to apologize for the whole Southern Air Temple property issue. I realize I could have handled the air nomad research aspect better, it was insensitive of me to assume some things."
With a little more distance from the moment of the call, not only was I no longer angry, but I even felt a bit embarrassed by my harsh words. But I didn't know how to say that.
"On the other hand, I already have the deeds with the proper name." He raised the briefcase he was holding in his other hand.
I remained silent, mostly because I didn't know what to say. Everything inside me was a hodgepodge of warmth, nerves, and a slight exasperation. In the face of my lack of response, he gently placed the flowers on my table and held the briefcase with both hands.
"With whom can I see the details?"
"At the moment my husband is not available." Regaining my speech, I tried to maintain a tone that did not reveal my confusion. To Zuko's credit, his only reaction was mild bewilderment.
"In that case, is it okay if I contact your lawyer?" I shrugged.
"Attorney Jet Gaipan will be happy to handle any matter that requires it." Instinctively, I took the box of flowers and placed it closer to me on my table. "I appreciate your visit in person, though you see that it was unnecessary."
There was an awkward silence. I shot him a sideways glance and he was staring at me.
"Actually, it's not the only thing I came to say." He nervously adjusted his messy hair, which immediately returned to its initial disarray, and I struggled to block the memory of that same hair between my fingers. "I also have another offer... More of a request, actually."
I narrowed my eyes. The previous deal was a lousy idea, but technically that deal was proposed by Col. Zuko was quick to keep talking.
"Recently, a fund was released within the company to improve public image. A portion will be destined to the South Pole… I would like you to be able to advise me to apply that money."
I couldn't help a small exclamation. He never failed to surprise me.
"It will be two days, at most three, in Caldera. Enough for you to accompany me to the office and listen to the presentations of those who have proposals. I read the summaries on the way here: one of the projects seeks to promote a winter resort, another is focused on species conservation, uh, and it seems to me that there is one more on seafood.
My interest immediately skyrocketed. Which would have a greater positive impact on the small towns of the South Pole? A million questions about the lands they planned to use and the details of the projects came to mind, but he kept talking.
"There is another that was not very clear. I thought it would be very convenient if a local person, who knows business and customs, could give me his opinion. I bring the papers, if you want to see them."
He held out the briefcase again and looked at me hopefully, still standing in front of my desk.
I debated for a few seconds, thinking that maybe there was some catch, because the offer looked too good. Make sure the Fire Corp. helped people? What could be better than that? As much as I searched, I didn't find any disadvantage. At least the change of scenery could do me good, and with the month's salary I could buy a ticket to Caldera… Zuko didn't even ask to go to his house or that I share a room with him.
"What's the trap?" I said, unable to contain the words.
"Trap?" He hesitated, with a slight blush. "There's none…"
I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Sometimes a little push could get more answers.
"Okay." He held up his free hand, surrendering. "I want to apologize for the Temple and… and spend more time with you. The rest is legitimate, I am really interested in your advice for these projects."
I bit my lip. If there really was nothing else behind… With a start, I realized that I trusted what he said.
"Okay then," I heard myself say. "When should I be there? I have to ask for permission at work and arrange for the ticket."
"We leave on tonight's flight." He smiled, his eyes blazing.
"Tonight? It's work day, my boss won't agree," I objected, it was the middle of the work week!
"But you do want to come," he asked with his eyes, and I nodded, sure of that at least. "I got this. Give me two minutes."
He walked to the office and knocked on the door, which he closed behind him when he received permission to enter. I sat down again; I hadn't even noticed the moment when I stood up. What was happening?
Several minutes passed and I could hear the voices and the jovial tone of the conversation, although I couldn't make out the words. Then there was the screeching of chairs and footsteps approaching the door.
"Mrs. Katara!" Mr. Tong walked out of his office with a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "This philanthropic businessman just told me about the magnificent event where he needs your help."
"Yes, I had some doubts about the dates, because it seems that it takes place during work days…" I began, and my boss interrupted me with a gesture as if he were chasing a fly away.
"Who thinks of that, my dear Katara? I say yes, of course." Mr. Tong bowed respectfully. "As efficient as you are, you get two week's worth of work in just a few days. What is so little time for my best employee? What's more, if you want to take it all week and the next too! You are free from this moment on."
Mr. Tong smiled so wide that I worried about the state of his cheeks.
"It's fine, then?" Zuko whispered to me, unexpectedly close. I almost jumped.
"Er… in that case, Mr. Tong, thank you very much. Have a good afternoon…" I hurried to grab my coat, my bag and the box of flowers.
"I thank you infinitely, respectable Judge Tong."
All the way, always with Zuko, I felt the burning gazes of the rest of the people who worked in the building. I felt a bit sorry for Song, who waved goodbye to me from the hall. They would surely press her for answers that she didn't have either. For me, the hell of the interrogation would begin when I returned from this excursion.
A car that would classify as a short limousine waited outside the building. Zuko opened the door for me before he got in the car too.
"The plane leaves in four hours. Surely you'll want to go pack some luggage... then, it would be an honor if you would allow me to invite you to dinner." The smile reached his eyes.
"Okay," I replied simply, it didn't seem like a problem. "After going to my house, please."
"If you give directions to the driver, please" I blushed and gave my address. A slightly uncomfortable silence settled among us until the street of the house appeared. It was so strange, almost surreal, that the two things coincided: my married life's rented house and Zuko.
"I'll wait out here," he said when I opened the car door.
I nodded and ran. In the room, I took out the usual suitcase, the same one from the trip to Omashu. Zuko said it would be two days, three tops… All I knew about Caldera was that it had a reputation for mild weather even in winter. I ended up throwing my summer dresses, a pair of pants and a sweater, in addition to the basic hygiene items. And underwear.
I blushed up to my eyebrows when I saw the lingerie sets I had bought at the girls day out with Yue and Suki folded. Trying not to think about the possible implications, I also put it in the suitcase where despite everything, there was some space left.
When I got out, the driver was already waiting to receive my suitcase and put it in the trunk. He opened the door for me and I didn't stop feeling strange.
"All set," I said without looking at Zuko as I sat down next to him again. And eaten away by curiosity, I gave in to the desire to ask him. "What did you tell Mr. Tong that he offered me the whole week off?"
"I left him my office phone number. I suggested that he could coordinate a similar project with the Fire Corp., but exclusively for Chin City." He shrugged.
"I see." I understood why immediately. It was easy to see that Mr. Tong was interested in the political implications of a link to the new Fire Corp. The entire building knew that he was hoping to rise to the rank of magistrate. It would be a lot easier if he got the right levers.
"Do you have any preference for dinner?" His fingers moved nervously over the buttons that controlled the window and the glass that isolated the driver from the passengers.
"Not really," I replied on guard, and calmed down when instead of raising the internal glass, he simply rolled down his window. Suddenly, La chou brûlée came to my mind, the restaurant that had a reputation for being the best in Chin City, but I hated it after the only visit I made with Aang. I was struck by the suspicion that he might want to take me there.
"Wait, wait, I changed my mind. I do have a preference. My favorite is the Jasmine Dragon" perhaps he would consider it a place for peasants and be uncomfortable. That would be a bonus.
"Perfect. It's also my favorite." He gave me a huge smile in which I couldn't find sarcasm or pretense, and I couldn't help but smile in response.
I blessed the tea knowledge my uncle had instilled in me, because it had allowed me to chat over dinner without embarrassing myself too much. I could feel that she was still on guard around me, so a conversation that didn't involve many personal details (like tea-making techniques) was a safe topic.
Everything started to take on a dreamy tinge after we passed the airport security filters, and even more so when we settled into the airplane seats. It was hard to believe that Katara was actually traveling with me. I didn't know what to do with my hands and constantly looked out of the corner of my eye to make sure she was still there.
"This is the first time I'm on a plane," she stated, looking around with wide eyes and listening to the flight attendants' security explanations. "It feels different from the helicopter."
She looked a bit nervous, and while it was probably due to the novelty posed by the flight, I wondered if it wasn't just the result of my yearning imagination.
Eventually, it became dark and the lights inside the plane went out. Katara covered herself with one of the courtesy blankets and closed her eyes, allowing me to watch her for a few minutes without trying to hide it.
After midnight, she fell asleep. Without realizing it, she slid until she was leaning on my shoulder. And that became very close to the best moment of my life.
A / N: And it was about halfway through this chapter that I realized this had gotten out of hand. From here on, nothing was planned in the original version of the story, lol. Maybe except for the ending…
In other news, I had an epiphany (in the words of my partner, my mind bent like a cheeto): the ship Yue/Zuko exists _ I know that, unlike Katara, Yue's content in the series is barely one chapter and it has nothing to do with Zuko... but the sun/moon parallels work just as well as in Zutara and at the same time the dynamics between them would be so radically different TToTT.
Thanks to everyone for reading and leaving comments, and specially to rahidas04 for revising the chapters!