The ocean air once again ran through her hair as they travelled the relatively short distance between Ember Island and the Fire Nation's capital Caldera. Zuko and Toph had taken one of the Fire Nation ships, so Toph could point out all the improvement opportunities she'd found. Katara, Sokka and Suki were back on their Water Tribe ship, sailing through the warm waters. Up above Appa and Aang drifted through the clouds. Katara let out a sad and heavy sigh. She was immediately comforted by Sokka and Suki by her side. For that she was grateful. Both her and Aang would need support to get through this. With a shiver she thought back to last night.
Trembling from her encounter with Zuko she tumbled to Aang's room, her heart hammering in her ears. Her stomach twisted painfully as she saw Aang's happy and hopeful eyes. She never wanted to cause him any pain.
"Katara! I am glad you came. Come in." Before she could reply he'd whisked her inside. His own room was far more basic then her own, fully in line with the Air Temple aesthetic. Simple air carvings and some orange and yellow banner were the only decorations. But she knew it was exactly how Aang wanted it. Simple and clean. Everything their relationship was not. Didn't he realise that?
"First of all Katara I want to apologize. I know I've hurt you and I am really sorry. I want to make you a promise now that it won't happen again." He bowed deeply. Katara wanted to interject before she lost her courage but he was too quick.
"Aang…"
"I've been thinking a lot and hard about this Katara. And you are right that I have to work on my communication and our communication. So once we are back at the Air Temples, I want to set up a communication support group. A safe space for us to communicate our wants and needs. To avoid us being in this situation again. You know I hate arguing."
"Aang…"
"And maybe we should have some couple mediation time. I remember Nun Ilio mentioning this to Monk Gyatso. I am sure you will enjoy the beautiful view from Guru Lagima's Peak."
"Aang!" He turned abruptly to her.
"Sorry! Was I rambling again?" He asked quietly and she sighed.
"You were Aang, but please… I have to tell you something." She patted the mediation mat she was sitting on. He sat down with a graceful hop and took her hand in his own. Almost bitterly Katara realised she didn't feel any excitement at his touch. Nothing electrifying. Nothing like Zuko… She pushed that thought away quickly.
"For a while now I haven't been feeling very happy." She said softly and tried to open herself up completely. It was scary.
"I am sorry katara. You must have been feeling alone at the South Pole. I understand."
"What? No, that's not it. I mean I have been unhappy at the Air Temples. Unhappy with us."
"What do you mean?" His grey eyes looked at her confused.
"I've been feeling lost, useless and unwanted."
"How can you? You know how much I love you."
"I do Aang but that's not going to be enough. I want to do more with my life. To help more. To be more myself..."
"But I've told you Katara, that at the Air Temples we will..."
"No Aang! Stop interupting me! I hate being at the air temples alright? I don't feel welcome or at home there, I don't feel any happiness at all. I am proud of what you've been doing but it brings me no joy anymore. I need something else and you need someone else who feels the same way you about the Air Temples as you do."
"Katara, I am sorry you feel like that. But how can you hate the Air Temples? You know there's no one else I'd rather share all my joy with."
"But I can't give you that joy. These past few months, even years I've been looking for something else to do. So that I can feel useful and happy again. I wanted to help my own people rebuild, help rebuild the world. And now the perfect opportunity has come." She took a deep breath, "Zuko had offered me the position of Southern Water Tribe Ambassador."
Aang furrowed his eyebrows together, He was silent for a moment, and she could see thoughts swirling through his mind.
"That sounds like a big responsibility." He finally said and she finally thought she would understand. The feeling didn't last when he continued. "How do you want to combine that with the temples?" She rose in frustrated, balled her fists. The room temperature seemed to drop a few degrees.
"Aren't you listening? I just told you I don't want to be at the Air Temples anymore. I want something new! So I am not combining them. I won't be coming back to the Air Temples, this will be my new job."
Aang just gaped at her and she could see the hurt in his eyes. Usually that would have made her reel her anger back in to protect him. Inside of her it would keep simmering. But now, the long months alone at the South Pole, the discussions with Sokka, Suki, Zuko and even Toph's own style of encouragement had made her see how wrong that was. For both of them she should have been more open, more persistent with her feelings. She looked at him sadly.
"I know this might be hard to hear but..."
"Hard...? Hard? You've changed Katara. You were always so happy, so supportive. And now out of nowhere suddenly you're not. And… and you're abandoning everything we've worked on!"
"It's everything you have worked on Aang. It was never my dream. This job will be and I've accepted it this morning." Anger now rose in his eyes.
"So you've just decided?"
"Yes Aang, I have."
"Without discussing it with me?"
"There is nothing to discuss. I am going to do this whether you support it or not. I've followed your passions and dreams, even your destiny. But now it's time to follow my own."
Aang had risen himself, clenching his fists by his side. Katara have expected him to go into the Avatar State, but thankfully he had matured enough to at least control that part of himself.
"But will that make you happy?" he countered hotly and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"I know what makes you happy Aang. You love rebuilding the air nation, leading the acolytes, creating harmony and balance. And I am very happy for you. But you don't know what makes me happy?"
'Of course I do!" She folded her arms together.
"Name one thing."
"I... your family makes you happy."
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I know, but trust me I know what makes you happy."
"No you don't know. You never asked and if I tried to tell you, you were too busy with your own goals."
'Then tell me!" He almost yelled taking a step towards her and she took one back.
"It's too late for that, it's not going to change my decision." Aang sighed and took a moment to calm himself down. Then he reached out to lay a hand on her shoulder.
"I know now that I've made some mistakes. If you will just give me a chance I can change and we can discuss this."
"No, I don't want you to change Aang." He raised his arms up in the air.
"What?"
"You are perfect the way you are, and I would never want you to change. But the fact is that as ourselves, we don't fit each other. Not anymore at least." She was back twirling a lock of hair in her hand.
"What are you saying?" She could hear the tremble in his voice, breaking her heart even further.
"I am saying that it's time we both go our own paths Aang."
"Are you, are you breaking up with me? After everything we've been through?"
"Yes I am." She said softly and bit her lip to contain the tears that were threatening to start falling. She had to be strong right now. She always had to be strong.
"But Katara!"
"We should have broken up a long time ago, but I didn't because of everything we've gone through. You are one of my best friends Aang and I love you. And I never want to loose you. But as a couple, we don't work. I am just sorry I haven't been able to open up to you as I should have done." She said firmly and he crossed his arms too, looking away in contempt.
"That's just your decision, you haven't considered mine."
"I've been making tough decisions for you ever since we've met, because you don't want to. I sacrificed everything I had, everything I wanted, without a doubt in my mind. But I can't keep doing this. Not anymore!"
"I can't believe this. And you're telling me this now?" He groaned and started to pace around the room, running his hand along his cleanly shaven head.
"I've been trying to tell you, in every way I could without trying to hurt you. I am sorry if I wasn't clear enough. I thought you felt it too and would understand me for once."
"Oh no I understand. You're feeling down, I am too busy to talk to so you just leave to the South Pole and then Zuko...Zuko offers you some job and your gone."
"That's not fair. You always run away when things get tough. I am always there to help you but you've never been there for me. My family has, my father and brother. Even Zuko has listened to me far more than you've ever had. And it's not just some job. As Avatar you should understand how important Ambassadors are to bring peace and balance."
"Well if you wanted such a position you could have told me and I would have made you an ambassador for the air nation." Now it was her time to grown in frustration. She had the urge to reach out and shake some sense into him.
"But I am not air nation Aang! See, you don't listen! I am Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, not just your girlfriend. I have passions and dreams and my own people to take care of. And you won't let me be that person. You have to let go of me Aang!"
"But I don't want to let you go! I love you..." Again his hand reached out but she'd had enough and slapped it away. He recoiled in shock.
"No! It's done! Final! We are done Aang. I need this and in time you will realise the same. I don't want to hold you back and you can't hold me back either." She strode away to the door.
"Katara!" One final, desperate plea. She closed her eyes in pain, tears started to roll down her cheeks.
"It's over Aang. I am sorry."
Tears rolled down her cheeks again as they started to near the Caldera docks. She couldn't seem to stop them. It was as if the years of doubt and frustrations had finally found their way to release from her body, in the form of tears. 'I've spent the whole night tearbending.' She thought bitterly and recognized the irony after leaving the Ember Island. Perhaps the play they had seen several years ago, hadn't been so wrong after all. At least the party tonight would help distract. From everything Zuko had told her it would be a magnificent evening. Zuko…
Another thing she wouldn't help but replay in her mind was her and Zuko's interactions last night. She hated herself for being so weak against it. The whole week everything seemed to push and pull them together. She thought she had all imagined it. All the sparks when they touched, all the heartfelt words, the genuine concern, the connection they had. She thought it was all her imagination, a coping mechanism against the strain of her relationship with Aang. But then he told her, no, he'd asked her whether she'd felt it too. If she had been as desperate to be as close to him as he wanted to be to her. She wanted to lie, she'd wanted to say she didn't to protect everyone, most importantly herself but she just couldn't. The pull was too strong. Her need and desire. Everything she had never felt with Aang. Everything she had never done with Aang… she wanted to do to Zuko. It terrified her.
She had been so afraid everything would be awkward between them, but thankfully Zuko knew her boundaries. He always knew when she needed her space, and he did so now, as kind and respectfully as he had always done. To everyone else nothing would appear to have changed between them, and even in their interactions nothing had changed. But for the few seconds this morning during breakfast when they had made eye contact, she could feel the shivers of pleasure and anticipation run through her and she knew the same things were running through his mind as well. What were they even thinking?
She gripped the railing tighter, her knuckles turning white. She stared at them and felt the burning sensation of his lips on her hand. She might as well have actually been burned or tattooed there. It felt as if she had been. She raised her eyes to the sky. May the Spirits help her get through this mess.
They docked and it appeared the rest of the Gaang had divided themselves between Katara and Aang to support them both and keep the peace in the group. Sokka and Toph led Aang to the Palace, trying to distract him as much as possible. Katara, accompanied by Suki and Zuko, hoped that one day soon, they could all laugh together again She just wanted everyone to get along and that people pleasing quality had brought her in this mess in the first place. Her struggles appeared to have been noticed as she felt Suki's reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Uncle Iroh and Lady Ursa greeted them at the Palace doors and they were quickly brought to their designated rooms. Instead of the ocean her Water Tribe themed room this time faced the Palace gardens where she saw the infamous turtleduck pond. That at least brought a smile to her face.
She had just finished unpacking when there was a knock of her door. Curiously she opened it and was shocked it was Zuko standing there. Trepidation filled her stomach and she suddenly felt nervous. She hadn't felt nervous since she was 11 years old and Panuk, one of the last remaining older boys of the tribes had taken her on a sweet little date. Not soon after he had joined the warriors and gone overseas. He unfortunately hadn't survived the war. Quickly she cleared her throat.
"Hey Zuko, I wasn't expecting you. Is everything alright?"
"Yes everything is fine. I hope your room is ok?"
"It's more than ok, it's wonderful actually."
"Good… good. If there is anything let me know, especially when you stay here as ambassador… I want you to feel comfortable here."
"I am sure I will Zuko." He nodded and they fell into silence.
"Do you want to come in for some tea?" Katara offered and his golden eyes widened.
"No! No it's okay, I just wanted to check if everything is alright. And to let you know that my mother wants to help you, Suki and Toph get ready for tonight, but I am sure she'll be on her way soon to organise it."
"That's very nice of her. I am looking forward to it." He nodded again and she saw multitude of thought running through his eyes before he finally looked her straight in the eyes. Gold was so mesmerizing.
"Katara… I wanted to apologize about last night. I shouldn't have said all of that. I let my feelings get the better of me and well it just wasn't fair to you, or Aang. For whatever it's worth I am sorry things didn't work out between you two, truly."
"Thank you Zuko, that's very kind of you to say. I am sad about it too. But don't be sorry for speaking your mind… I should have done that with Aang sooner, that's what I am most sorry about." He assessed her evenly but didn't move. Tension filled the space. Push and pull. Tui and La… Spirits help her.
"I know you need your space right now Katara and it's important that you will be able to start your new job in the best way possible. I will make sure you have all the help you need here. Tonight I will announce your position so you can get to know some of my ministers and the other ambassadors. They will help you as well." She had forgotten how disciplined and focused Zuko could be. She admired that side of him. And so she gave a small bow.
"Thank you Zuko." He smiled at that and her heart jammed.
"Your welcome. Now relax a bit. I have a meeting with Toph. I will see you later."
"Yes I will, and good luck." She winked and with another grin he left.
She could hear Toph's laughter in her mind. 'Don't give yourself a heart attack Sugarqueen.' She groaned at herself. She now had several hours to kill and desperately needed distractions. Suki thankfully was telepathic and had arrived short afterwards, dragging Katara to one of the royal bathhouses to relax and get cleaned up before the celebrations.
After a hot spring bath and steaming sauna, she did start to feel herself relax a bit more.
"So…" Suki started as Katara waterbend some more water on the hot stones. "Has Zuko proposed to you yet?" Katara could only shriek.
"Seriously? I just broke up with Aang, and this is what you ask me?" Suki just shrugged.
"Yes that's true but honestly none of us are blind. I mean, I know you both think you're being discreet but even Sokka had noticed the oogly eyes you're giving each other."
"We are not!"
"Sure."
"I mean it Suki! Nothing had happened and it won't happen, at least not for a while."
"I never said anything happened."
"You implied it." Another shrug and Katara rolled her eyes.
"You would look cute together."
"Suki!"
"What? I can't say that either?"
"No, I just told you I just broke up… it's… it's inappropriate."
"Katara, you always put everyone else's feelings before your own, even when you don't have to anymore. You've been miserable for years and now you're finally free again."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I'll immediately start dating again."
"Not even your best friend the Fire Lord?"
"No, we all need some time to figure things out." They paused and Suki sat up to face her.
"Look, I am sorry for being so blunt. I have been worried about you for a while, and too be honest I've been worried about Zuko too. I know for a fact that ministers are trying to get him to marry, preferably quickly."
"If you are trying to comfort me, this is not helping."
"Okay, usually I would tell you to take all the time you need, and if you and Zuko feel something towards each other I am sure he would say the same thing. I just want to warn you that unlike Aang, Zuko can't spend years trying to find out if something could potentially work yes or no. He's a catch and the women around here know it. For the stability of the Fire Nation he needs to settle down."
"I don't even know if I would even help with that. I mean… at least at the start we were on different sides of the war and I doubt these New Ozai protesters would take kindly to an outsider."
"That's true but also not the most important question right now."
"Then what is?" Katara asked quietly.
"Do you like him Katara?"
"We have a spark… and we understand each other very well. It's just very confusing Suki. I feel so conflicted… so guilty." She hadn't even realised she was crying until Suki pulled her into a hug and wiped her tears away.
"It's okay, everything will be okay. We all understand how you must be feeling. We just want everyone to be happy." Katara sniffed and looked at her friend. There truly was no judgement in Suki's blue eyes. She gave a wiry smile.
"You should join Aunt Wu as a matchmaking service."
Both girls left the spa laughing, Katara feeling better and lighter than she had before.
As promised Ursa had called the young women to her chambers and with a small army of maids, they were all prepared for the evening. Both Toph and Suki wore dresses in shades of green. They had even persuaded Toph with some light make-up. Her long black hair with twisted into an elaborate bun. Suki's auburn locks were swept out of her face, decorated with beautiful hair sticks. Sokka had given her a Water Tribe one with ivory beads, and it took centre stage. Katara had braided parts of her, interweaving some blue beads to create a half up twist. Ursa had looked at her curiously when she unwrapped Zuko's hair comb and delicately pressed it into her hair. Once they were done, each one of them were beautiful representatives of their nations, beautiful and still deadly.
As they made their way through the long hallways towards the central hall were the dinner and celebrations would take place, Katara couldn't help feeling the excited rise through her body. A lot of people would be there and this would be her first introduction as Southern Water Tribe Ambassador. She wondered what people would think. At least her father had approved wholeheartedly. Unbeknownst to both her and Zuko, Ursa and Hakoda had been messaging each other about the offer. Ursa had wanted to make sure the Southern Water Tribe Chief would be okay with the proposition. Of course knowing Hakoda, he was only too happy to see his passionate daughter truly follow her heart and walk a path that would bring her happiness and fulfilment. He had sent her a letter that had arrived just in time. It was one she would treasure forever.
Sokka and Aang had waited for them by one of the side entrances.
"There you are! Come on, Zuko is already inside greeting the guests." Sokka told him, proudly wearing his Water Tribe regalia. He took Suki's hand and look at her appreciatively before giving her a quick kiss. "You look beautiful Suki." And led her and the rest inside. Katara quickly caught Aang's eye. An awkward tension lay between them, but he gave her a small smile held open the door for both her and Toph.
The hall was decorated with banners of every nation's colour and lots of golden lights that flickered up above. Katara found it all enchanting. Obviously Uncle Iroh and Ursa had pulled out all the stops. An elegant looking music group were off to the side playing light hearted tunes. Along another wall were rows upon row of table decked with all different types of food, ranging from every corner of the earth. Katara instantly spied some of her favourite fish wrapped in seaweed treats. She would definitely have to get her hands on those.
The hall was filled with dignitaries, all dressed in their finest colours. She mainly saw Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom citizens, but spread around were some more Water Tribe members, the majority from the Northern Tribe as well as some of the Air Acolytes. Niyok, an old Southern Water Tribe friend of Katara that she had met again in Yu Dao had joined the Acolytes not too long ago. And she happily greeted Katara when they came past. Others hadn't been very pleased to see her, although they would never say so to her face. But what Katara did realise was that the news of her break-up had already wanted to spread. Her and Aang hadn't actually talked about how they would announce it, so it surprised her. But she also realised that now, finally released from her ties to them, she really didn't care what they thought of her. So as proud as she was, she greeted them all with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes, her head held high.
Zuko had been talking to several Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe officials once they arrived by his side. She felt heat rising to her cheeks as she looked into his golden eyes. He looked incredibly handsome in his formal Fire Lord robes. Unlike during his coronation 5 years ago when they looked too big for him, figuratively and literally, he had now filled them out and looked proud and confident. His dark hair shimmer in the candle light. She didn't miss how his eyes ran over her dress and his mouth turned up as he saw the comb glittering in her hair.
He introduced them all to the other men and women around him and once he addressed Katara he looked at her proudly, a warm hand on her shoulder.
"And may I present Master Katara, who had recently agreed to take on the position of Southern Water Tribe ambassador." She couldn't resist the proud smile spreading on her face. They bowed at her before Zuko continued. He presented an older Earth Kingdom man.
"This is Ambassador Hua Ling, he represents Ba Sing Se. And this is Ambassador Ming. She is from Omashu." Katara bowed at them, her new colleagues as it were.
"I am sure you have already met Chief Tulok from the Northern Water Tribe." With a smile she bowed at the older man in front of her.
"Yes, I believe we met in the Southern Water Tribe a few years back, before my brother Arnook stepped down."
"Indeed we did Chief Tulok. I hope you and your brother are well?"
"We are indeed. This also reminds me to tell you Fire Lord Zuko that my own Ambassador to your nation is retiring and my son Nanouk, who is here tonight will be his successor. But we can discuss the details some other time." Zuko bowed at the taller warrior.
"Thank you. Indeed, I look forward to discussing it with you later."
"I think its good to let the younger generation like yourself take these matters into their own hands. Friendship can forged strong alliances." At this later remark Chief Tulok looked at Katara and excuses himself.
"Well, that first introduction went well, don't you think?" Zuko asked her later as they moved around the room, talking to as many people as they could. Katara nodded and she had been slightly surprised at the warm welcome people had been receiving her. Of course she hadn't even started yet and nothing yet to prove herself with, but apparently her efforts during the war and even helping the Avatar with the rebuilding efforts had given her a solid reputation. It was nice to start with these levels of trust.
"I just hope I won't be a disappointment to them. Especially to Chief Tulok and his son, you know how fragile our relations can be." And Zuko nodded. How could he forget the threats made by rebellious Southerners to Northern immigrants and the attacks on Chief Hakoda's life. Privately Zuko had agreed with the Southern Water Tribe population. After years of neglect, now suddenly they had to adapt themselves to a Northern ways of life. No he understood the resistance and would always remain a staunch support to the South Pole. But he also knew that violence and threats weren't the answer. Having someone as spirited yet level-minded as Katara and hopefully a similar Northern ambassador could make a lot of difference. He looked down at his friend and couldn't stop the rapid increasing pace of his heart. She looked absolutely stunning, and he felt pangs of pride whenever he saw his birthday gifts shining in her elaborate hairstyle.
"I am sure you will be a great ambassador and help the relations between your tribes." He said and she returned his smile.
"Thank you Zuko, for your trust in me. I am very glad to have such a good friend by my side." He delicately took her hand.
"I am glad to be your friend too. And may I just say how…" He was on his way to bring her hand to his lips. Combined with feelings of anticipation Katara felt slightly panicked, wondering if people would see and how they would react. But the moment never came because suddenly two small but strong arms had wrapped themselves around her waist.
"Master Katara!" She looked down in surprise, not noticing Zuko letting go of her hand. Kiyi eyes sparkled up at her with a wide grin on her face. She wore a beautiful little pink dress with red and golden ribbons in her hair. Katara smiled back at her.
"Lady Kiyi, how wonderful to see you again!" Zuko didn't miss how Kiyi's face lit up even more when Katara addressed her as Lady. "It's wonderful to see you again too and how stunning you look!" With her hand she twirled Kiyi around who giggled happily.
"I've missed you! And you look as beautiful too, like a princess! Is it true what mommy says, will you be living here again?"
"I will! Your brother has offered me a job."
"To be the Fire Lady?" Somewhere beside her Zuko appeared to have choked and started coughing while she felt her face heat up. She quickly waterbend some water into a cup for him to drink. Neither could look each other in the eye. Kiyi meanwhile still looked between them expectantly.
"No sweety, I will be an Ambassador."
"What's that?"
"I will represent the Southern Water Tribe here in the Fire Nation. So if people want to trade I will help with that. Or if people from the South Pole come and live here I will help them settle in and make them feel at home."
"Hmm that sounds important."
"Well yes it is an important job." That seemed to satisfying the young girl before she started to pull Katara away from her brother. "Come, you have to try these mango cakes." And with a last look at Zuko, the beautiful waterbender disappeared from his sight.
The rest of the evening seemed to whirl past in a blur. More people to talk to, more alliances made. He was glad to have had a few days off to refresh him. He was also glad that all of his friends were there too, helping him along the way. He was especially surprised how Aang was stepping up to his role as Avatar, supplying his care and wisdom to all around. He might not have been the most mature in his relationship with Katara, but at least his was a role he had started to grow into. And perhaps without Katara, he would be forced to grow up more, like the rest of them had. Zuko went out of his way to compliment Aang on this development. At first the young Airbender had seemed a bit wary to his presence. Zuko wasn't sure what exactly had passed between him and Katara, but once he realised how serious Zuko was, he was granted a smile and enthusiasm when dealing with a rather difficult Earth Kingdom nobleman, who owned vast property and land in the Cranefish Town surroundings.
He watched in awe at the different performers throughout the night but admittedly clapped the loudest after proudly performed her firebending routine, called Dragon Steps. He'd wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulder as she whipped away a happy tear.
"You must be very proud."
"I am Zuko, very much. But I am proud of all my children." She lay a cool hand on his cheek. "I am very proud of you my son. I hope you are enjoying yourself?" Zuko nodded.
"Perhaps a bit more politics than I wanted, but that was expected. I am having fun and I am glad my friends are here. You were right." She smiled at this, mirth twinkling in her golden eyes.
"A mother's instinct." She said and looked over at the dance floor that had started to fill up more as the evening went on. "You should ask her to dance." Zuko felt himself blush and followed her stare.
"Who do you mean?" His mother had the audacity to roll her eyes at him.
"You know who I mean. With her new position and how radiant she is looking tonight, I doubt she'll be left alone." Before Zuko could give a response the musicians had started to play a Fire Nation favourite song and Noren came to whisk him mother away for a dance. She winked at him. With a sighed he followed them to the dance floor. He hadn't been prepared for what was waiting for him.
There in the middle of the other couples was Katara being twirled around by another Water Tribe man that Zuko didn't recognise. As all other men from the two tribes, he was tall with dark skin and shoulder length brown hair half tied up into a wolfstail. The man had a handsome chiselled face with a broad jawline. His eyes a light blue, almost silver. His clothes were a deeper shade of blue with purple accents making Zuko sure he would be from the Northern Water Tribe. As if he could read his thoughts he made eye contact with Chief Tulok, and knew this was his son, the new Northern Tribe Ambassador Nanouk. And Zuko didn't like it, not one bit.
Jealously seemed like a dragon that was coiled up inside himself and right now it felt as if it was clawing away at his insides. He didn't like that this young man was his age, perhaps a little older, close enough anyhow to be a contender. He didn't like how he seemed enthralled by the twirling in front of him. He didn't like the smiles on both their faces. He knew he had absolutely no right, none at all to care. She wasn't his, she had just broken up with Aang, and even then, who was he to be mad at this? The only person that could possibly be allowed to interfere would be Sokka, but even then his little sister was an adult and young woman. She could dance and be with anyone she wanted to be. Be he wanted that person to be him. Relations between the North and South be damned.
As if summoned Sokka appeared by his side and eyed the dancing pair suspiciously.
"Who's that idiot dancing with my sister?" Zuko had to resist a grin.
"Chief Tulok son Nanouk, the new Northern Tribe Ambassador." He managed to spit out and Sokka raised an eyebrow.
"Yue's cousin?"
"Yeah…yeah I guess."
"Hmmm. I don't want to be hypocritical…"
"You never are." Zuko deadpanned earning him a smirk.
"But I don't know these bonds would help the South rebuild itself in its own right."
"Are you suggesting I stop it?"
"All I am saying Zuko, is that you are the Fire Lord and our host. No one would bat an eyelid if you interrupted to dance with her instead. If I do there might be uprisings."
"You're a true politician Sokka."
"Hey, if Cranefish Town ever needs a Chief or Councilmember, keep me in mind." And with that Sokka clapped a hand on his shoulder before finding Suki and dragging her onto the dance floor with him.
Zuko didn't have to think about Sokka words twice and as calmly as he possibly could strode onto the floor himself. He tapped Nanouk politely on his shoulder and ignored Katara's own surprised stare.
"Sorry for interrupting, but I was wondering if I could dance with my new Southern Water Tribe Ambassador, if you don't mind." It wasn't actually a question and Nanouk knew it. Zuko saw his silvery eyes quickly flicker to his father. Whatever their look had shared, Nanouk raised himself up and then bowed at him. To Zuko's pleasure, the warrior in front of him wasn't actually taller than he was. For some reason that validated his stupid ego. As Nanouk backed away, Zuko bowed to Katara, who had looked onto the display in front of her with mild curiosity.
"May I have this dance Ambassador Katara?" She smiled at that and lay her own small cool hand in his own. Just like in Ember Island he could feel shocks spreading through them and knew by the look in her eyes that she did too.
"You may Fire Lord Zuko."
He softly tugged her towards him, his other hand going to her waist while she lay her own on his broad chest, stabilizing herself. The music seemed to change at that moment and Zuko let the years of dancing lessons and experience help him guide her gracefully through the space. At first she seemed a bit unsure, checking her feet. But with his support she grew in confidence and look back at him instead.
"Was that really proper of you to interrupt like that?" Zuko shrugged slightly.
"I am the Fire Lord and his host, it would have been improper for him to refuse."
"I see, and what made you interrupt us?" He looked at her, straight at her ocean blue eyes. He wanted to say what was at the forefront of his mind, what she obviously was waiting for him to say. But he couldn't, not yet, not now and definitely not here, surrounded by far too many curious ears.
"Lets just say it was some brotherly advice." If she was disappointed at this, she didn't show it. Instead she smirked again.
"Oh I see, how gallant of you."
"I have my moments." She laughed and his heart roared with happiness.
"It has been a lovely evening Zuko and a good start for me as Ambassador."
"You're welcome Katara. And you like that title don't you?"
"Well if you have been a Master since you were fourteen, its since to change it up."
"How humble of you…" He murmured.
"Oh, I also have my moments." Now he was the first to laugh and as he twirled her around she couldn't help but giggle in glee.
He pulled her back into his chest and they continued to glide between the other dancers and past the curious onlookers.
"I wanted to tell you something before."
"Oh? And what was that."
"You look… enchanting tonight." A blush spread along her cheeks alongside a smile and his heart hammered so hard in his chest it hurt.
"Thank you Zuko."
"Anytime."