Prompt: Day 6 - Zutara from Other People's POV

Summary: Katara learns exactly what other people think of her and Zuko - straight from the source.

AN: blue writes about katara dealing with spirit shenanigans...again.

the bold words are other people's thoughts, the italicized words are katara's thoughts.

I own nothing you recognize from your tv screens. enjoy!

Katara rolled over to bury her face in her pillow. "'S too early," she mumbled at the sun, wondering what its deal was. The earlier she had to get up, the earlier she had to deal with people bustling around the palace preparing for the 4-year anniversary of the war's end. "Can't 'chu leave me 'lone for one mornin'?"

"But I'm usually around in the evenings!"

"AAH!" Katara arched her back so quickly there was an audible crack. She twisted around to face the voice coming from her window and her jaw dropped when she saw who it was.

"Yue?" The moon spirit daintily waved her fingers at Katara.

"Long time, no see," she said with a bright smile. "Well, actually, I suppose you see me almost every night."

All Katara could do was blink rapidly, anticipating the point at which she would open her eyes and the spirit would no longer be seated on the window ledge. That didn't happen.

"Um. How are you here?" Yue looked taken aback and a little hurt. "No, wait, I didn't mean it like 'get lost, Yue', I just- I'm surprised is all. It's good to see you! You look...freer?" she observed as she made her way to Yue. She held a hand perpendicular to her forehead so she could see the shimmering apparition without the sun's glare.

"It's good to see you too, Katara. And I feel freer! I pretty much do as I please in the Spirit World. It was a nice change."

"I'm sure. You know, everyone misses you a lot. Especially- well, should I go get them?"

"No!" Yue said vehemently, holding her hands out for emphasis. "No, it's not that I don't want to see...him, but I just dropped by to spend some time with an old girlfriend. Most of the other spirits are so much more ancient than me and it's hard to relate, you know? How have you been the past few years?"

Katara twisted her lips. "Good." That word did not encapsulate all the anxiety and troubles and joy and sadness that followed the war. But it would have to do. "What about you?"

"I've been pretty great! Funny how we both have fireboys now, huh?"

"We both have what now?"

The spirit tilted her head. "Fireboys?" When Katara showed no signs of understanding, she went on. "You have Zuko and I have Agni! I just think it's interesting how it worked out."

"Uh. What? I don't- I don't have Zuko and- you're dating the sun spirit?" Yue grinned.

"Ah, well, dating is not really a concept in the Spirit World. We just go hand in hand, is all. He's very nice. And," she said, leaning in conspiratorially, "very attractive."

"That's...fantastic. I'm so very glad the sun spirit is attractive. But- wait," and Katara paused to cackle a little, "I'm telling Sokka. Ooh, he is going to get a kick out of this!" She turned towards the door.

"Katara, don't you dare. Spirits can make your life hell, you know."

She raised a challenging eyebrow at Yue. "But you won't."

Yue's blue eyes glimmered playfully. "You don't have Zuko, you say? Alright then. Try and tell Sokka I'm with Agni and see what happens."

Katara laughed. "I like this side of you, Yue."

"I'm not joking, Katara. Although in the end, I'll probably be doing you a favor. Ah, the things I do for the people I love."

Katara was the last one to breakfast that morning, arriving even later than Sokka usually did. She seated herself between Aang and Toph, noticing Zuko's empty spot. He must have already eaten and started his Fire Lord duties. As soon as she saw her brother, a grin grew on her face.

He squinted at her. "Katara, I'm not liking that smile. What are you planning?"

"Nothing," she said, in a way that had Sokka looking at her in disbelief. "I just have this really cool piece of news that I think you'd love to hear. It's about Y-OW!" Katara grabbed the sides of her head.

Out of nowhere, a terrible headache came upon her, but it was gone just as quickly. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. Was that Yue's punishment?

"Katara?" She looked across the table to see Suki staring at her worriedly.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine, don't worry."

What a bad liar.

"Hey, I am not a bad liar!" she shouted indignantly. Everyone looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Um, Katara? No one said you were."

She narrowed her eyes at Aang. "Toph did!"

"No, I didn't. Not aloud anyway, so unless you're a mind-reader now, I'm not sure why you felt the need to shout that."

Katara's eyes widened. A mind-reader?

No. No, there was no way.

A melodious voice rang in her head. Shows what you know!

Yue, put an end to this right now.

No thanks!

Katara sipped at her juice, trying to block out the thoughts of everyone around her.

She did not want to hear Toph's plans to challenge some guards to an Agni Kai (how would that even work), nor did she want to hear Aang worry about Appa's excrement (apparently it was very runny last night, which ew, she was trying to eat). She definitely didn't want to hear how "hot" or "gorgeous" Suki and Sokka thought their partner was.

Yue, please. I'll never talk about you and Agni to Sokka. I'm so sorry. Help me!

My dear friend, the fun hasn't even started.

Just then, Zuko entered the room. Finally, someone with normal thoughts.

"My savior!" she blurted and grimaced immediately afterward. Everyone's thoughts clamored for space in her head, Zuko's being the loudest - clearly, she had somehow forgotten just how awkward he could be when he was speaking, let alone thinking.

Her...her savior? What? Did I do something? Zuko, think! What the hell is she talking about?

Sugar Queen's done it again.

Savior? What did Zuko do this time?

"I just meant, like...you know," she said, clearing up nothing at all. But what was she supposed to say? That she could read all of their thoughts at this very moment? Not likely.

Is she daft? She scowled at Sokka, who decided that just thinking stupid things wasn't enough. He just had to say them out loud too. "No, we don't know, Katara. Mind telling us why Zuko's your savior?"

She lifted her feet off the ground so Toph couldn't call her out. "I was, uh, thinking about the Agni Kai. Yeah, that's all." Suddenly, her brain was bombarded by a high-pitched keening, and it sounded like...Zuko's? "Are you alright, Zuko?"

"Yeah," he squeaked, and then coughed to adjust his throat. "Yep, I'm fine." Get it together, Zuko! You're supposed to be impressing her, not making her think you're a nutcase!

Katara frowned. Impress who? Wait. He couldn't possibly mean her? Why would he have to impress her? She'd already been harboring a bit of an attraction for the Fire Lord for two painful years now, she didn't need him actively working to strengthen her feelings.

When are they gonna be done staring at each other like lovesick turtleducks?

She turned a glare on Aang, who proceeded to fall against the back of his chair. "I didn't do anything, Katara!" No, but you thought something.

Oh boy. This was going to make life very hard. She was certain she could hear Yue laughing her face off.

First up was waterbending practice with Aang. She had been adamant that he keep practicing and honing his skills, because while he was obviously very talented and powerful, he was not yet a Master of the element.

They headed to one of Zuko's open gardens and settled into waterbending forms.

She was not blind to the fact that Aang was easily distracted, but she had never known just how easily. As Aang's arms and legs moved, running on pure muscle memory, his thoughts raced and she got a front-row seat to it all.

What if she says no? We've had dinner together before, but I want this to be different. I want this to be special. I want Toph to like me!

Katara, as usual, couldn't help herself. "I don't think you have to worry, Aang."

"Thanks, Kat- wait, I didn't say anything. Worry about what?"

"Um. Whatever you're worried about. I can tell you're not focusing on your waterbending." See? She was a great liar!

At this point, instead of focusing on his waterbending as she would have wanted him to, Aang dropped his water sphere and turned to face her fully.

"Katara, I have a question. What do you think love is like?" She choked on her saliva. They were having that conversation right this very moment?

"Well, I love you. And Toph and Sokka and Dad and Suki. And Zuko."

Interesting, she said Zuko's name last!

She scowled at her student. It wasn't that interesting - it didn't even mean anything!

"Yeah, I know. But I mean romantic love. Gyatso never told me about that kind of stuff because, well, monks don't really get too involved. But I wanna know. Can you tell me?"

"I can try, I suppose. Love is, well, it probably feels like knowing you want someone at your side for every moment of every day for the rest of your lives. It's having a person who will constantly push you to be better, but at the same time, is your safe space - the place you can always go for comfort. It's losing a lot of your fears because you know that you can face anything as long as you have them, but also gaining the fear of waking up one day and finding out they're not there."

That sounds nice. I think that's how I feel about Toph. Does she feel that way about me?

"Is that how you feel about Sifu Hotman?"

She didn't answer, assuming that was just one more thing he had thought to himself. It didn't register that Aang had said it aloud until he waved a hand in her face and repeated himself.

"Oh! Well. Zuko is...one of my best friends. That's all."

Aang frowned. Why is she lying to me? She used to be able to tell me anything.

"If you say so, Katara. So how should I ask someone to dinner?" She blanched.

"I, uh, am not totally sure. I guess you just ask them, right?"

The Avatar shook his head. Why would I ask Katara for tips? If she knew, she would've asked Zuko to dinner a long time ago. I'll just have to ask Suki.

"Hey! I know what I'm doing!" Aang smiled weakly at her, before patting her on the back and skipping away.

"Good luck with Zuko, Katara!" he called over his shoulder.

"I don't need luck! I don't like Zuko!"

"Oh, scream a little louder, Sugar Queen. I don't think they heard you down in the South Pole."

The good thing about Toph was that she said everything on her mind, so Katara didn't have any mix-ups between what the earthbender was saying versus what she was thinking.

The not-so-good thing about Toph was that she said everything on her mind.

"Get your act together, Sweetness. Every time Sunshine enters a room, your heartbeat skyrockets. I mean, you're the healer, but that doesn't sound healthy to me." Katara wrinkled her nose.

"My heartbeat does no such thing."

"Yes, it does. And so does Grumpy's."

"Really? I mean, no, of course it doesn't. Look, if you're just trying to stir up trouble, Toph, do it some other way. It's not nice to mess around with people's feelings."

Toph scowled in Katara's general direction and crossed her arms.

How dare she treat me like I'm just some miscreant or Sokka? "Well, excuse me for trying to help, Katara! I'm not stirring up trouble and I'm not the one messing around with feelings. I am sick and tired of you and Zuko skirting around your feelings for each other and you both being obstinate and blind!"

"Toph, I-"

"No! Listen to me! Since clearly, I can see these things better than either of you, I'm trying to do you a favor here. You're lucky I haven't trapped the two of you in a cave because I am this close. This close! You two deserve each other, which I mean in the good and bad way, and I just want to have two people who are important to me to be happy. So stop being a coward and get your head out of your ass." And with a definitive stomp, Toph left behind a speechless Katara.

Stupid friends of mine. Think they're too cool to make out or whatever. Idiots.

Toph's mental mutterings eventually faded away, only to be replaced by Yue.

I wish I could've met her. She's totally right, you know.

I know I'm a waterbender, but I really hate the moon right about now.

Okay, but imagine! Imagine if I added a food dispenser to the submarine. No, wait, a food dispenser and a scroll dispenser! Absolutely revolutionary. Must write this down…

Katara stood in place for a few moments, listening to her brother exercise his genius.

Suddenly, she felt a strong pull in her head, like someone had just yanked her hair hard.

Katara, do not even think about it. If you tell Sokka, I will sic my boyfriend on you and you won't have peace during the day or night.

Tui and La, Yue! I wasn't thinking about it! She rubbed her head. I don't see why it's such a big deal if Sokka finds out anyway.

It's a big deal because it will bother him and then he'll go to the Spirit Oasis and ramble about it to my fish which I so do not want to deal with. Also, it's none of his business. Be a nice sister and don't bother Sokka.

That's the kind of thing an only child would say. But fine, I won't. Am I at least allowed to speak to my brother?

There was silence, which she decided to take as a yes.

No, that design is stupid. Maybe I could reach out to the Mechanist- ugh, what is she doing here?

"Hey, Katara," Sokka said unenthusiastically.

"Who peed in your mango juice?" He made a face. "Hey, no need to make your face uglier than it already is."

So annoying.

"Why're you in my room, Katara?"

She looked around at the Royal Library in faux awe. "Oh, I didn't realize Zuko set you up in the library! My bad!" She faced Sokka again to see him grinning at her in a way she did not like. At all.

Ooh, time to have my fun…

"Speaking of Zuko, and setting up people...well, why don't you sit down, Katara?"

"No."

He raised his arms placatingly, although it did nothing to placate her. "Fine, fine. When were you gonna tell me about your relationship?"

"My what?"

"Relationship with Zuko? I mean, you two are the last people on this planet, besides Aang, who I would ever trust to keep a secret, but you guys hid this pretty well. I'd be impressed if it weren't my sister and best- well, not best anymore - my sister and mediocre friend we were talking about. As it stands, I'm kinda hurt. I mean, really-"

She put her hand in his face to stop him from saying anything else. "I am going to stop you right there. Zuko and I are not in a relationship."

His mind was blank for a few blissful seconds before it felt like her brain exploded.

THE HELL?

She grabbed her head with both hands and staggered backward.

"Wh-I-How-" he spluttered.

"Take your time," she managed to mutter through her splitting headache. "Stop thinking so much, Sokka."

He ignored that remark. "You mean you guys have been giving each other bedroom eyes without dating?"

"Hey!" She lowered her hands to her hips and stared down her brother. "We do not give each other bedroom eyes!"

He stood, fully worked up about what was apparently a huge breach in dating conduct. "Yes, you do! I have been tolerating it because I thought 'you know what, Katara is an adult, she can make her own decisions,' but now I find out you two haven't locked each other down! What are you waiting for? A couple of children? Grandchildren? Is that when you two will finally talk about your feelings?"

She gaped at Sokka for a few seconds. "I didn't realize you were so emotionally invested in this. And now, hold on a second - you've been tolerating it? My relationships aren't something you need to tolerate, Sokka! Not that there is a relationship. It's none of your business! Now I know what Yue meant." As soon as her mouth snapped shut, a hammer slammed into her skull.

Or at least that's what it felt like.

Yue and Sokka's voices competed for priority in her head.

I literally said I was leaving it alone because you're an adult, what more do you want? Of course it's my business, do I look like a deadbeat brother to you? And wait - Yue? What about her?

You idiot! Absolute idiot! Get out of here before you blurt anything else, bigmouth!

She ran out of the library, Sokka's confused thoughts following her.

By the time evening rolled around, she had spent the whole day being berated by each of her friends. Apparently, everyone had opinions on a relationship she wasn't even in. Even Iroh had stopped by her bedroom to tell her some vague adages about love and leaping off bridges. Well, okay, maybe he had actually been talking about leaps of faith, but all Katara could think about was the location of the nearest bridge.

And then, of course, Yue had been omnipresent, passing commentary on every single thing and driving Katara to the brink of insanity.

Well, that's what you deserve, lovely Katara. Even now, instead of going out there and facing something that scares you head-on, you're hiding under your blankets like a two-year-old. Be brave! Take a chance on love!

No.

Well, have I mentioned that this whole mind-reading business will stick around until you do?

She groaned and buried her head in the comforter. Come on, Katara, you can do this. All you have to do is go up to Zuko and tell him you love his smile, his sense of humor, his heart, him. Should be no problem at all.

She dug her toes into the bed, trying to work up the courage to find the Fire Lord when there was a knock at the door.

What are you doing what are you doing what are you doing WHAT ARE YOU DOING

She listened to Zuko panic for a few more seconds and felt slightly relieved because at least she wasn't the only one about to lose her mind. She padded over to the door and opened it wide, grabbing Zuko's wrist and pulling him in. She ignored the way his thoughts grew even louder and more panicked.

She touched you! Do I touch her back or...oh, this is her bedroom. Zuko, what are you doing? No. I can do this. I've escaped two of the highest security prisons in my nation - I can handle the girl I like.

She perked right up at that, facing Zuko fully and expectantly.

Told you so. Literally everyone told you so, actually.

Shut up, Yue.

"Uh. Hey, Zuko!"

"Will you marry me?" She physically lurched forward at that.

WHAT?

AGNI, TELL ME I DID NOT JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD!

"No, wait! I didn't mean that! Well, I did...but no, in the long-term! I just-" At this point, he gave up on words and facepalmed.

I am a godforsaken mess.

"Look, the whole day has been spent between advisors telling me I need to look into finding a Royal Consort and our band of friends telling me I should've started dating you a hundred years ago, so pardon me. I didn't mean to propose, although I would like to, one day in the future...but that's not the point. Master Katara, I don't know how you feel about me. I would like to think you see me as more than a friend, but maybe that's just wishful thinking. I do like you, and I think- I think there's a very good chance I may love you, and maybe I'm reading into everything wrong, even though Suki smacked me upside the head for saying that earlier, but I don't really know. I do know that I want to be by your side through everything, and I need your hand in mine every step of the way because when you're there, I feel fearless. Brave. Like I could rule the world. Not that I want to, of course, too much hassle. And if you don't feel the same way, I understand, and I will never bring this up again, but I just- I couldn't go to sleep without you knowing this."

Please say something. Anything. Please, I'm sorry, I just need-

"Zuko," she whispered.

"Yes?" he whispered back.

"I love you too." She could hear cheering in her head - not only from Yue, but also from Sokka, Toph, Aang, and Suki, which meant they were all right outside the door like the little sneaks they were. But she tuned all of that out as the brightest smile she had ever seen planted itself on Zuko's face. He reached for her waist and picked her up effortlessly before twirling her around as she buried her face into his shoulder.

"Put me down, Zuko!"

"Never."

He kissed her cheek then, and she tilted her face just enough so that their lips touched. It was a sweet moment until the screeching started in her head.

Zuko was apparently mentally squealing, as were Yue and Suki, and the combined effect made her pull away to punch Zuko in the shoulder.

"Stop internally yelling!"

His eyebrow raised as he set her on the ground again. "Uh. What?"

"And shut up, Yue!" The cackling of the moon spirit faded away, and she knew she was finally free of the mind-reading curse. Zuko bent down so their foreheads were aligned and looked into her eyes worriedly.

"Are you alright, Katara?"

She grinned and threw herself into his arms. "I am now."

AN: can you tell I absolutely adore Yue? and Katara ofc, I feel like I'm always writing from her pov

I'd love to hear what you guys thought of this! (tumblr:thebluesunflower44)

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