Disclaimer: Lawlz.
Happy belated birthday to me! Sorry for the slightly-later-than-normal update. School started - I think that pretty much speaks for itself...
However since this took so long to get out, this chapter is SUPER LONG. For me, anyway. It's like... 7,000 words. Whew.
So please don't forget to review!
Why the Caged Bird Sings
07
A Different View from What We Knew
He looks good.
Katara's eyes suddenly popped open and she almost stumbled.
What?
Her thoughts were running away ahead of her. Sleep tugged persistently at her eyelids and she rubbed at them with the back of her knuckles, wondering how she could possibly be tired after what had just happened.
The girl paused and glanced over to the side, barely over her shoulder. She could still hear the soft strokes of waves on the beach, along with the droning hum of the ocean itself. She smiled faintly to herself, tempted to just pass the trees and wander down the beach, enjoying the peace and harmony of land, water and sky for just a minute.
However, the Waterbender's reverie was cut short when she heard a sharp cough. She swiveled in annoyance and continued to tramp forward, eyeing Zuko out of the corner of her eye. He had stopped walking when she had, and had his eyebrow raised in contention as he waited for her to catch up.
"You're already tired?" the Firebender chided, the slightest of sneers curling at his mouth.
Katara poked out her chin in defiance, quickening her pace to where she breezed past Zuko. "Of course not!"
Zuko fought the urge to roll his eyes as he followed Katara. He had enjoyed their shared silence for the minute or so it had lasted. Now they were making their way up a gentle incline to their camp. The Waterbender had suddenly begun lagging behind, a glazy look overtaking her features. She was obviously tired.
Zuko was prepared to rub this all in her face and continue to comment on her weakness and lack of endurance in comparison to him. Meanwhile, he'd ignore the fact that his head was pounding ferociously and his legs felt like jelly, still unused to being used.
Katara checked her pace and fell in stride by Zuko again, sighing. She tended to get grumpy when she was tired. She hadn't gotten the best of sleeps last night, and her nap earlier had been short lived, and now that the adrenaline had passed from her system she was drowsy.
And she missed Sokka and Aang. Their absence was beginning to weigh heavily on her heart and she began to fully realize how important a role they played in her everyday life.
Sokka's whines, witty comments and insightful complaints were not ringing in her ears. Aang's joyful footfalls, his contagious grin were nowhere around. All she had was Zuko, who was currently not whining nor grinning joyfully. If anything he looked rather sour and Katara spared a glance at his still-bruised head.
Man, that looks nasty. Maybe he needs another treatment...
Katara glanced down at her folded hands, the canteen clicking lightly against her thigh with every step. The thought of treating Zuko made her stomach twist a little in unease, but at the same time, it didn't seem so horrible as it had the first time it'd entered her mind.
"Thank you..."
Had he really said that the first time? It almost seems like a dream now...
Katara's eyes became slightly lidded and she stifled a yawn. Sokka and Aang would surely be back at any minute. The sky was growing darker, the sun beginning to sink, the clouds becoming stray wisps lightly tinged with oranges and violets. It was becoming dusk--about time for them to return with food in tow.
He's really built...
Katara's eyes snapped open again Darn it! Stop doing that!
She kept falling back a pace, and in her sleep-deprived state she kept staring at Zuko's back. And for the first time since he'd landed in the midst of them, she was actually beginning to take in the fact he didn't have a shirt.
His arms were still chained behind his back, palms pushed toward his skin. With every step and slight strain the muscles of his back tensed, his shoulder blades tightening then loosening as his fingers relaxed then flexed again, his shoulders drawn together tightly.
His hair, still pulled back in the traditional style, swung lightly from side to side. Katara found her eyes trailing up from his bare back to his hair, following its swaying motion. Her eyelids became heavy and she sighed in contentment.
Suddenly Zuko stopped abruptly and Katara nearly plowed into him, catching herself just in time by throwing her arm out to the side and slamming her foot down onto the ground. She blinked from just behind his shoulder as the prince swiveled his head to peer at her in slight annoyance.
"We're here, you know," he muttered dryly.
Katara shook her head to clear it, mentally slapping herself for getting so weird when sleepy.
Saving face, Katara passed Zuko and glanced around at their camp. Random material was scattered around from the earlier scuffle, and Appa and Momo were nowhere to be seen.
The Waterbender bit her lip, looking upwards and shielding her eyes with a hand. Where have they gone?
Zuko watched Katara for a minute, guessing she was wondering about the beasts. His gaze was drawn to the campsite once more and he walked over to the tree he had gotten to know extremely well.
Katara was startled out of her thoughts and she observed Zuko squatting over his armor and clothes. He scowled at the dirt that had been kicked on them. The Waterbender almost chuckled at the womanly reaction.
"I want these on," Zuko demanded, straightening himself up to stand. Katara folded her arms, raising an eyebrow while she did so.
"I don't think so. There's no way we can get your clothes back on you with your upper body all tied up like that."
Zuko went to open his mouth, however Katara quickly cut him off. "AND there's no way I'm releasing you, so don't ask."
The Firebender scowled but said nothing, not wanting to push his luck. He'd managed to get his legs freed, and he didn't want to risk losing that again. Getting his arms free would be even more of a battle.
Why did I have to swear to her...?
Katara was looking away. She suddenly felt wretched for putting Zuko through all this.
...No, no. I am justified! I've always been justified. I shouldn't feel sorry for him. He's my enemy, and always will be.
Still, Katara knew she didn't have the conscience to put Zuko through situations he didn't have to be in. She exhaled, rubbing at her temple.
Zuko, meanwhile, was unaware of Katara's mental struggle. He mulled around the campsite before pausing, sparing a glance at the sky. "We should move," he muttered.
Katara glanced at him, confused. "Why?"
The prince shot her a look out of the corner of his eye, his face placid. "In case they come back."
Katara knew what he was talking about. The thieves...
"Why would they come back?" she asked meekly.
"To finish what they started. They probably won't tonight but that's not a given." The Firebender turned on his heel to face Katara, his lips notched downwards in apparent thought.
Why do I have to explain everything to her? he thought grumpily. He knew the answer, however. This girl wasn't trained like him. She had lived far away from the war for most of her life--she didn't understand how things worked.
How evil people worked.
Zuko glanced away. And is it fortunate that I do...?
Katara was mulling over Zuko's words. He had a good point but she couldn't help but wonder if he had any ulterior motives. Of course, that thought was also coupled with the pondering if she was just paranoid.
This is too complicated, she thought bitterly.
"Well?"
Katara reacted slowly to Zuko's voice, walking over to her scattered belongings. She began to shove strewn items back into their traveling bag.
Zuko said nothing and only watched, knowing she had conceded to his advice. He was almost tempted to offer to help, however that idea was quickly dashed when he remembered he was still bound. Still a prisoner.
The Firebender closed his eyes, focusing on easing the steady thump thump of aches racing through his temple. He would never take his head for granted again.
Nor would he ever let his guard down so easily again.
Katara continued packing, keeping Zuko in her line of vision. She felt lost and confused and hoped against all hope that Aang and Sokka would come crashing through the trees, all smiles and strides.
Then she frowned to herself at realizing what was happening. Am I becoming weak? she asked herself. Am I really wanting to rely on Sokka and Aang to rescue me from this situation? From Zuko, from thieves?
The Waterbender straightened up, throwing a bag over her shoulder with a determined gleam in her eye. I can't keep counting on them. I need to assert myself. They won't always be with me. I can take charge of this - I'm not a child!
Just as Katara was beginning to work herself up into quite a confident aura, Zuko broke in from behind her with a "You know, you can't carry all that."
Katara deflated before spinning around, gripping the strap of the bag tightly. "What do you mean?" she demanded.
Zuko sighed, checking his temperament. "It's too much. Do you really think you can carry those sleeping bags, tools, materials, all by yourself?"
Katara glanced over at the ground where said things rested. Zuko was right. They'd always had Appa to help them with their things, and now the large bison was nowhere to be seen.
Probably out looking for Aang... the girl thought in assurance. She glanced up at the sky again, almost habitually, half expecting to see the furry beast come swooping down. However there was nothing, only deep blue, traces of clouds and subtly appearing stars.
"You should leave all unnecessary items here. Take cooking utensils, blankets, a few tools..."
Katara's eyebrow twitched and she pointed accusingly at Zuko, interrupting his sentence. "I'm the one in charge here!"
Zuko kept his face blank but inside he was boiling over like an unattended bowl of soup. Just who does she think she is! I'm Zuko, Prince of the Fire Nation! She's just a peasant!
Zuko, exiled Prince of the Fire Nation, bound and helpless, a little voice cut in. Zuko ground his teeth together, feeling the rage stewing around in his gut.
I am not helpless.
The little voice said nothing else but his anger gradually leaked from him. It just wasn't worth getting angry right then.
"Fine," Zuko replied nastily, looking away with his nose in the air - the picture of spoiled arrogance. Katara fumed at his little haughty display and crossed her arms.
"Fine," she countered.
The first Firebender's boots clapped heavily on the wooden floor. The burly man stopped towards the middle of the small storage room and glanced around, his brows drawn together.
His companion stopped behind him, looking confused. "Didn't we see someone come in here?" he asked quietly yet gruffly.
The first Firebender glanced over his shoulder. "He's in here somewhere. He couldn't have gone far."
The second Firebender padded over to the side, giving a barrel an idle kick. "There's no way out of here, though, besides the door."
The first man made his way over to some shelves on the opposite side, pushing jars and produce aside - not quite sure what he was looking for, besides maybe a clue of some kind. "Check the barrels. I want to ask that kid a few questions..."
The second man sighed, bored and hungry. He twisted the lid off the nearest barrel and peered inside, wrinkling his nose.
"Smells rotten," he muttered. His companion made an annoyed and yet amused face when suddenly a high-pitched voice interrupted them.
"Not rotten!" the old woman squawked, entering the room with an old wooden broom in hand. "Just ripe enough! Dumb soldiers, not even knowing when food is good..."
The second man turned around, raising his hand palm-out in a peace offering. "Now Ma'am..."
"No ma'am!" the old woman quipped, raising the broom above her head. "You come into my shop to make fun of my food?"
The first Firebender approached the old woman from behind, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Now Miss, we just came in to-"
"No miss!" the old woman spat, unappeased. "Get the lid back on the barrel!" she added, firing a frown at the second bumbling Firebender who then attempted to do just that.
"Miss," the first man began, checking his patience.
The old woman waved her arms around wildly, her broom narrowly avoiding a collision with a few shelves. "Bah! Fire Nation! No appreciation for vegetables! You come in here to open my barrels and breathe on all my good tomatoes?"
"Those were tomatoes?" the second Firebender wondered aloud to himself. The weight of the old lady's glare made him cower.
The first Firebender held his forehead in mock pain. "This is ridiculous. We have more important things to do than to banter around with a senile old woman!" He headed toward the door in righteous anger, but not before reaching over and yanking his partner along with him. "Next time the Fire Nation will deal with such insolence!"
"And next time I will deal with petty Tomato Spoilers!" the old woman shot back, unfazed. The Fire Nation soldiers only growled in response, though while hurriedly exiting the store.
There was silence for a moment following the clicking of the door as it fell back into place. The old woman stroked her wrinkled chin before making her way over to the first row of barrels. With a decisive stance, she drew a leg back and gave a hefty kick to the nearest few.
The barrels teetered and fell over, their lids popping off and their produce falling and oozing out onto the floor. And, none to her surprise, one barrel emptied out a dark-haired boy and the next a bald monk.
Sokka spluttered as he hit the ground, throwing his hands up to his face as he wailed, "That was horrible!"
Aang hacked out a few coughs, struggling to stand up in the oozy mess of what had once been tomatoes that had pooled around him. "Oh ugh..." he winced before freezing in place, slowly glancing up at the old woman before him who was tapping her foot methodically against the floor.
"...I'm sorry!" Aang suddenly blurted, righting himself and staring in horror at the mess around him and on him. "I didn't mean to squash them!"
The old woman gave the Avatar a dismissive wave. "No worries. They were rotten anyway."
Aang's face paled.
"Oh God, it's in my eyes!" Sokka wailed from behind the boy. He writhed on the floor some more while clutching at his face. "It burns! It burns!"
"C'mon, Sokka!" Aang scolded, coming to his senses. He reached down, pulling a disgusted and pained Sokka upright.
"I will never, ever hide in food again," Sokka swore, wiping the remaining juices from his eyes. He suddenly paused. "Unless it's cake, that is..."
Aang bowed to the old woman, who was still standing expectantly before them. "Thank you for helping us."
"Who says I was helping you?" the old woman replied breezily. "They insulted me."
Sokka was about to throw in a very witty and yet probably controversial comment when Aang plastered a big grin on his face and pushed the older boy towards the door. "Well, thank you anyway! And sorry about the mess!"
The old woman didn't bother to turn around - she only continued to stroke her chin. "No worries. Juices are good for the floor."
The two boys made a face of disgusted disbelief before piling out of the storage room. The voice of the old woman suddenly cut out from behind them.
"I made you food baskets. They're sitting on the counter!"
Aang was already halfway out the entrance door but Sokka skidded to a halt, snatching up the laden baskets. "At last!" he cheered, joy wrapping itself around his heart and (most influentially) his stomach.
Aang grabbed Sokka again before he could make a scene and pulled him out into the marketplace, the door clicking shut behind them.
She had ended up following his advice, and judging by the cocky smirk on his face, Zuko was enjoying that little fact.
Katara had managed to find a scrap of parchment and a spare writing tool. She hurriedly scribbled down a note and read back over it when she was finished.
Dear Sokka and Aang,
Due to some problems we've decided to move down to the beach. We took some stuff with us but left most of it here for you. We last saw Appa in the air - he'll probably find you. Everything's fine, don't worry. Zuko is still under control and I'm unharmed. Try to meet with us as soon as you can. You shouldn't have trouble finding us.
Try to hurry,
Love,
Katara
The Waterbender rolled the paper up and pinned it against the tree that had once held Zuko. She took a step back and stared at it, biting at her lip. She had really thought they'd be back by now. Katara had tried her best to delay leaving for anywhere, taking longer than necessary to organize and pilfer through their scant supplies. However night had just fallen afresh and there had been no sign of her friends or Appa. Zuko was persistent (and also aggravated) in that they leave.
Katara slung her and Zuko's supply bag over her shoulder, wincing slightly. She proceeded to walk away from the campsite and the pile of belongings she had left beside the tree.
Zuko emerged beside her, his eyes trained ahead. Despite the fact that he had demanded they leave, he had to admit he felt uneasy with the lack of the Avatar's return. He had also expected him back, along with the whining boy, at least an hour ago.
The prince tried to brush the suspicions away and focus on the ground ahead of him and the girl walking beside him. He simply couldn't afford to worry with it. He was sure the Avatar was fine and would find them soon enough - he'd get his prize eventually. Soon he would be heading home.
"And why are we setting up on the beach again?" Katara asked, ducking under a branch and they proceeded to walk down the slight incline.
Zuko wriggled his slightly numb fingers, fighting the urge to say something vaguely rude. "Because, the ocean will border us from one side, negating possible attacks from that direction. This sparse forest will border us on the other side where we can keep an eye on it for possible activity." Why do I feel like I'm talking to a child?
Zuko suddenly felt Katara's steely gaze rest on him. Somehow he immediately felt uncomfortable.
"And it would have nothing to do with you wanting to find your ship?"
The Firebender froze in mid-step. Katara continued walking but he could almost feel the triumph vibrating from her.
Maybe I don't give her enough credit.
Slightly flustered, Zuko picked up his pace again. "What makes you say that?" he snapped defensively.
Katara shook her head, shifting the strap of the bag to her opposite shoulder to alleviate the pressure. "You'll try anything to get away. And even at night, where it will be hard for a ship to see us and vice versa, you still think it might work out?" She suddenly stopped, though she didn't look at Zuko. "Remember, you swore to me..."
Zuko said nothing, a heavy weight suddenly settling over his heart. It left a strange, twisting feeling in his chest. "I know," he replied, his voice strangely faint.
It was then Katara looked at him, her expression hard to read. "...It was a nice try, anyway." She shouldered the bag and continued to walk. "We're still going, though."
The Firebender was slightly baffled at the girl's sudden shift in attitude. He almost cocked his head in confusion as her slight form continued to pick its way to the beach.
The night continued to deepen around them.
Katara breathed deeply inward the second the sole of her shoe touched pure sand. She couldn't stop a smile from spreading across her face as a familiar ocean breeze caught her frame.
She really did love the ocean. It was such a nice change from forest and trees. It was so open, so clear and uncluttered. She closed her eyes and listened to its calming, droning hum.
However she didn't stand there for long. Zuko's patience was thin as always and instead they picked their way a little down the beach, looking for a suitable spot to rest.
Katara spotted a little area near a small sand dune, not far away from where the ocean water drew up and receded. She pointed to it, giving Zuko a nudge. "What about there?"
Zuko, bless his little Firebender soul, was tired and weary. He was in no mood to contend with Katara over the area so instead of replying he began to make his way toward it. Katara sensed his weariness and followed without a word.
Zuko fell back onto the dune, ignoring the sand sticking to his bare skin. He sighed, happy to rest at long last. His head had finally begun to leave him alone once more and he praised whatever entity would hear him.
Katara set their bag down, reaching back to rub at her sore spine. She then squatted and opened the bag, pulling out two canteens which had belonged to Sokka and Aang. Since there was hardly anything left in hers, she was sure the boys would understand if they became thirsty and needed a drink.
After laying the canteens to the side, the girl fell back onto her butt and looked out over the sand and water. The sun was in mid-set and was casting beautiful shades of deep blue, black, violet and oranges across the water and sky. It was almost like a painting that moved and breathed and changed ever so slightly with every passing moment.
Katara couldn't help but smile again as she felt her worries and troubles slowly begin to drop off like spare parts. Everything was alright now. They could rest, they had a little food left and some water, they shouldn't be bothered by anyone, and Sokka and Aang would find them by morning at the very least. She had nothing to worry about.
The girl looked over at Zuko, who was leaned against the slope of sand. He was gazing up at the sky, one knee drawn upwards towards his stomach. As an after thought Katara dug in the bag again and pulled out his gray shirt, reaching over to place it beside him. His armor had simply been too much to bring and too heavy to carry, so it had been left behind.
"Just in case," Katara explained as Zuko watched her smooth it over the sand to his side. She forced a smile.
The Firebender said nothing but something akin to appreciation reached his eyes. Katara's forced smile became relaxed and not so forced, and she looked back to the ocean and sinking sun.
She felt a little strange due to the fact they couldn't - and wouldn't - light a fire. The reasoning was that Katara didn't want to attract anyone to them... not thieves or ships.
Zuko hadn't put up much of an argument over the matter, and Katara was glad. Now that they were both more rested she figured their mood had risen as well. They weren't bickering, in any case.
"Do you think I'd try to leave?"
Katara suddenly blinked at the odd question. She swiveled and shifted her weight a little to where she was sitting more directly facing Zuko. "Eh?" she responded dumbly.
She was caught off guard at Zuko's sudden intense golden gaze. The light of the fading sun seemed to reflect and be caught up in his eyes, eventually sinking down to be lost in their depths. For a moment Katara exhaled and thought his eyes as almost... beautiful.
Zuko repeated the question, his face placid but his voice strangely soft. "Do you?"
Katara twiddled her thumbs in her lap, feeling strangely embarrassed. "...No," she suddenly replied, the answer shocking even her.
Do I really trust him?
"Why?" Zuko asked, his voice even softer. Katara almost had to strain to hear him.
Something told her she was treading on something delicate, something unknown and foreign to her. Something personal, something important to Zuko. She found herself frightened and yet also intrigued.
Zuko drew himself to sit in a more upright position as Katara responded, "I don't know."
"Guess then."
Katara paused, wondering why Zuko was so intent on getting an answer. But he always has been persistent, hasn't he?
"I just do. I don't know."
The Firebender just gazed at his forced companion in silence before withdrawing back a little. He didn't look satiated but he didn't press the question any more.
"Would you?" Katara then asked. "What I think is one thing, but what you'd do is another."
Zuko's gaze shot up and locked on Katara's. "I would never break an oath," he replied steely.
Katara was beginning to become curious over the entire matter and wondered if they could possibly pull off a conversation without dissolving into bickering. She decided to take a chance, being in a better mood. "...Your honor is a big thing, isn't it?"
Zuko's gaze hardened and yet softened all at once, leaving even the coming night perplexed. "You could never understand."
The Waterbender felt slightly offended. "What do you mean by that? I understand honor. Everyone has it-"
"Not everyone."
"Everyone who matters," Katara quipped.
A slightly pained look streaked across Zuko's face at the comment. Katara blinked, her breath hitching in her chest. Had she said something to offend him? He looked genuinely hurt almost...
"I need him to regain something I have lost... my honor..."
The long ago spoken words floated past her once more. The Waterbender exhaled before touching her chin with a few stray fingers in a gesture of mild embarrassment. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, empathy reaching her blue eyes. I didn't mean he didn't matter...
Zuko shook his head, setting his chin grimly. "For what?" he grunted, feigning annoyance. He dug the toe of his boot into the sand, trying not to look bothered. The conversation was beginning to put him at unease. It was treading too close to...personal things. Feelings.
That was one thing he had thrown to the wind, or at least thrown into the bowels of his heart. Those...feelings of guilt. Unworthiness. The emotions that plagued him whenever he thought of that day. The day he received his facial scar.
It was a weakness, and weakness was something the prince had sworn to banishment within himself. But it was a disease, just waiting for the moment his immunity weakened so it could creep back in.
Anger was Zuko's crutch. It was born from him, ignited in him, and shown through him. It wouldn't betray him. It would only perfect him.
It was him.
"What makes you think you lost it?"
Zuko clenched his fist. I don't know! I'm confused. I don't know whether I have it or it's gone from me. Iroh said I was honorable. But how can an exile be honorable?
It was amazing how such an abstract, intangible thing like honor could wreck such confusion and pain on a man.
Why is she asking me questions that I've been asking myself for years?
I don't have the answer!
"It's none of your business," Zuko replied, his voice edged with a dangerous tone. He attempted to fire a jagged glare at the girl before him but simply couldn't manage it.
Surprisingly, however, Katara didn't look very fazed even in light of his attempts to unnerve her and drive her off. Instead interest and concerned seemed to deepen in her face and eyes, and she leaned forward, placing the palm of her hand on the sand as she did.
"I don't meant to sound intrusive, Zuko..." she began quietly. "I guess I just...want to know how you work..."
I want to know more about you.
I want reasons to hate you.
I want reasons to like you.
I want to know who you are.
I want to know who Zuko is. Simple Zuko. Not the Prince.
Are you two separate entities?
Like Aang?
An Avatar, a boy?
A Prince, a boy?
Shock wound its way through Katara's system.
Am I really comparing the two of them?
Aang and Zuko?
They're nothing alike!
However the girl found her hand trembling. Something inside her, in her intuition, and from the clues given to her through Zuko's words and actions told her there was more.
There was reasoning to his madness.
And Katara suddenly found herself afraid.
Afraid that maybe if she found out what it was, she couldn't hate him.
Wouldn't hate him.
Afraid to find out that she never really did hate him.
Conflicting emotions tore themselves through Katara's inner workings and she drew back, folding her arms against her chest and the night air. The last rays of sun sparkled across the ocean, bathing the lower portions of the beach in dark and warm golds and oranges. Half of Zuko's body was bathed in its light, and half of hers, but the rest was bathed in deepening shadow. Everything looked almost surreal.
Zuko's bitter laugh shook Katara from her observations.
"I doubt you'll ever know. No one will. No one has any business knowing about me."
I want someone to understand me.
Zuko was also beginning to grow afraid. He almost found himself wanting to tell her about what had happened to him. Why he was on this quest. Why it mattered so much.
No. She has no business knowing.
No one does.
It would be weakness to tell her. He, Zuko, was supposed to be past that episode of his life. He was supposed to be working toward fixing the remnants of it.
The prince wanted to rub his head and wipe it clean from all the thoughts and memories. It was just too much. How could being around this girl, in all of her curiosity, cause so much strife in him?
He'd never felt inclined to explain anything to anyone before.
No one ever asked...
Zuko glanced up at Katara, who was gazing silently at him.
Light traces of orange licked at her deep blue eyes and tugged softly at her form, making her look ethereal - like someone who had walked out of the sea and the sunset and lighted upon the sand.
Suddenly she frowned, looking away toward the ocean. "Right," she muttered. "You're a Firebender. Too good for your emotions. Too good to let anyone inside. Typical."
He's just like all the others!
"Yeah. That's right," Zuko snapped. "At least to peasants who don't even know what they're talking about!"
"I know what I'm talking about!"
"How many people from the Fire Nation have you known?"
Katara's burning glare gave Zuko all the information he needed. He smirked.
"Thought so," he cooed.
"My mother died because of the Fire Nation. Aang is on the run because of the Fire Nation. I flee for my life most days because of the Fire Nation." Katara leaned forward aggressively, searching Zuko's face for some kind of reaction as she continued in her wavering, icy tone. "I don't think, from those I've met, that they left the best impression."
Zuko met Katara's gaze, fighting against it with his own.
So her mother's dead. That's why that necklace meant so much to her.
For a moment Zuko envisioned that familiar black and blue object, with its smooth stone, lying in a drawer back in his room on his ship.
Suddenly it didn't seem so inanimate anymore.
"And as you should know," Zuko replied, his voice checked and even, "that I am not responsible for that."
Katara blinked, her anger suddenly vanished.
Is he talking about my mom?
"But you are responsible for Aang," she breathed weakly in accusation.
Zuko's gaze wound itself around hers like a wry snake. She couldn't look away.
"Maybe," he replied. "In a way."
"In a way?" Katara replied, her voice shaking just slightly. What's that supposed to mean? He is responsible!
Zuko looked away, breaking the spell.
If it wasn't for that day, I wouldn't even be here... I wouldn't even be after the Avatar.
He shifted onto his side and leaned back against the cool, sloping sand. Katara found her breath again and realized Zuko wasn't going to say anything more to her.
Something told her they'd both gotten extremely close to each other personally, and they were both aware of it, too. She glanced at her now folded hands, feeling like she just brushed by Death.
And yet, it hadn't been that painful or frightening.
There was something deeper to Zuko and Katara felt she had just unintentionally broke the surface to it. Now, looking at him, she didn't just see one dimension - she saw more.
She wanted to know more. And above all, above everything else, she wanted to know why he wanted Aang.
Why he would be willing to destroy the world's hope.
And she wouldn't rest until she found out.
Sokka pulled Aang behind a corner and into a brightly-lit alleyway. The younger boy blinked as Sokka glanced around like a paranoid ninja before setting their food on the ground.
"Okay," Sokka began. "Let's address the issue of the moment, that being this place is crawling with the Fire Nation!"
"Sokka, we've only seen two soldiers."
"Aang, the Fire Nation is like an ant colony. There's always more. Besides, didn't you hear? They're looking for you here!"
Aang blinked, shocked as he flopped his back against a wall. "What?"
"Yeah. Are you sure you didn't see any soldiers when you breezed in here the first time?"
"I'm sure I didn't!"
Sokka leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Huh. Well the fact is, we have to get out of here without being seen."
Aang suddenly grinned. "Want to get some really big hats?"
Sokka flailed. "No big hats! I was thinking we sneak out-" the older boy few in a through sneaky hand gestures, "-unseen."
The Avater pouted slightly. "But I like the big hats."
"The hats can wait," Sokka affirmed. "We have to get back to Katara!"
Aang suddenly grew serious. "You're right. We should go!" With that the Airbender reached down, grabbed up his basket and blew past Sokka, wheeling down the alley.
"Hey!" Sokka griped, snatching up his basket and taking off after him. "I said SNEAK away!"
"SORRY!" Aang called back loudly, skidding to a stop. Sokka groaned, slapping his forehead and drawing his hand down his face.
"We're so gonna get caught..."
Is he asleep?
Katara leaned forward, trying to get a good view of Zuko's face. He had been still for quite some minutes, breathing a slow and steady rhythm. She watched his chest rise and fall on cue and slowly drew away, not wanting to be caught staring just in case he wasn't asleep.
I guess so...
Katara drew her knees up to her chin, closing her eyes briefly. She felt so strange sleeping out in the open, but it was so dark now it was hard to see anything. It was hard enough just to see Zuko, who was only a few feet away.
He could easily get away in the darkness...
However, even though she thought it, Katara wasn't worried about that scenario.
Besides, she added with a slight laugh, his hands are still tied.
Still, she felt like one of them should be on watch. She was sure that Zuko would've been the one determined to stay awake, but it looked like he had left that up to her.
"Figures," Katara muttered darkly. It was especially troublesome since her sleepy state from earlier had caught up with her. She yawned and rubbed at an eye.
In an effort to keep herself awake she fiddled with their belongings, attempted to fluff up the bag, and even drew in the sand - though she couldn't see what she drew. She yawned again.
Suddenly she felt her hand hit something soft. Confused, she picked it up and held it to her face.
It was Zuko's shirt. She pulled it away and fingered its material, marveling in it. It felt soft, and smooth, but at the same time it was sturdy. She gave it a tug and it gave way to her movements, stretching slightly. It wasn't made half bad.
Clearing her throat, she held it up to her face and inhaled again. It smelled vaguely of grass and dirt but it still held onto its faint, sweet charcoal smell.
I wonder if this is what Zuko smells like?
Realizing how silly she must look, the Waterbender pulled the shirt away from her nose and coughed a little, feeling embarrassed.
A gentle but chill wind wafted by and she wiggled her toes in her shoes.
Staying awake shouldn't be so difficult.
After a few more moments Katara leaned forward, feeling around in the sand in front of her with a hand. Suddenly her fingers strayed into something firm and warm and she froze before slowly scooting herself toward it.
Just to make sure it was what she thought it was, she let her fingers glide over it. Sure enough, it was Zuko - she could feel the warmth of his form, the steady movements of his breathing, the taught-ness of his muscle and yet the gentle texture of his skin.
Suddenly she froze again, realizing her fingers had strayed onto his belly button. He must still be on his side.
...I can't believe I just touched his belly button!
Zuko stirred and Katara put her breathing and beating heart on hold, a flustered blush creeping across her cheeks. He settled down again and her bodily functions proceeded to work again.
Too close!
Snapping her hand back, Katara took his shirt and draped it over his unclothed upper body.
At least now he won't get cold.
Do Firebenders even get cold?
...That shouldn't have been that embarrassing...
My cheeks are still hot!
Katara yawned again, settling her hands back in her lap. She gazed down the stretch of beach and then up at the stars that seemed to dance above her head.
Slowly she slid down and rested herback against the sand, her face turned upwards towards the sky.
And though she really did try to stay awake, using such silly methods as trying to count the stars or recognizing constellations, she drifted off to sleep anyway.
It had taken everything in him to keep quiet.
She had done the unthinkable. The unfathomable.
She had touched his stomach. And most noticeabley, his belly button.
The one place on his entire body that he was... ticklish.
He had watched her fiddle around for a while. Zuko had been perfectly awake - after all, someone had to keep watch. But the fidgety Waterbender had refused to go to sleep.
It seemed she couldn't see him that well - he had a slightly better view from the ground. He had been quite taken off guard when she had suddenly began sniffing his shirt, and he wondered if it smelled bad.
Nonsense...
He had tensed when she had started scooting toward him, though he still feigned sleep - curious as to what she was going to do.
Then she had brushed her fingers over his stomach. The second they strayed near his belly button the tingles began racing up his back, causing his toes to curl.
No one knew he was ticklish there, not even Iroh - at least, Zuko thought Iroh didn't know. His uncle had never said anything about it, then again he knew better to anyway...
However she had drawn back and eventually placed his shirt on him.
Zuko was grateful. It had gotten a little chilly. He would've said something along the lines of a thank you if not for the fact Katara would've been mortified to see he was, indeed, awake.
So Zuko let it pass, but played with the idea of informing her about it later.
He could almost see the expression on her face now.
Priceless.
I tried to make this chapter focus a lot more on Zuko and Katara's forming relationship. I wanna thank everyone for their patience! Sorry there hasn't been oodles and oodles of fluff, but I try to keep everything realistic - and it's barely been two days, anyway! We have to remember, they know little about each other besides the fact they're enemies. So, I'm trying to take my time with this. I can only hope I'm doing a fair job.
As it stands now, Sokka and Aang's episodes are a few hours behind Zuko and Katara's. Don't worry, I have some things planned for our little duo. There should be more of them next chapter.