Oh, wow. Guys, we are so sorry for this long wait... it's really my fault, actually. I got grounded from the computer for a month... (mutters) stupid proxy sites...
So, without further ado, we proudly present to you Beauty is: Chapter 5: Wonderful
Please enjoy!
Chapter 5: Wonderful
The masque had all but ended, and the majority, if not all of the guests had returned to their respective suites for the night.
Katara stood atop the balcony, enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounded the inner grounds. Breezes occasionally picked up and played with the waterbender's silky brown locks.
The manner with which the wind did this reminded her greatly of Aang, who used to take pleasure in running his fingers through her long tresses. Katara sighed.
Aang and Sokka had left for Ba Seng Se over three years ago, and she hadn't seen them since. A few letters had been written here and there, but other than that, it was as if the two men were dead.
With another soft sigh and a lone tear, Katara thought back to the night before Aang and her brother had left.
Flashback
Katara had just finished helping Aang pack the remainder of his things. The hut in which he lived was tiny, but it did its job at keeping out the harsh cold of the South Pole.
Katara sat down on the small cot next to Aang. The candlelight danced across his maturing face, brightening his eyes of stormy gray.
Turning towards his friend, the airbender took Katara's hands in his own.
"Katara, there's something I want to tell you before I go."
Curious as to what he could possibly need to say, the waterbender returned Aang's grip on her hands and urged him to continue. Her cerulean orbs searched his face for any clue.
"Yeah, Aang?"
Shifting uncomfortably, Aang started.
"Well, uh, we've known each other for 2-3 years now, yes?"
"Yeah, that's about right…"
"Well, the thing is… I, uh, I love you, Katara."
Quickly looking up, the airbender tried to catch a glimpse of her reaction. Unaffected, Katara replied.
"I love you, too, Aang… you know that."
"Uh, yeah, I knew that…" he sighed, "…You don't get what I'm trying to say, do you?"
Now confused, Katara gave Aang a puzzled look.
"What? Aang, what are you talking about?"
Realizing that telling her wasn't going to work, Aang gathered what courage he had left, and cupped Katara's face gently in his hands.
Without so much as a second thought, Aang's lips were on hers, and both were lost in the experience of their first kiss.
Regaining thought, Katara froze, surprised at the sudden display of romantic affection. After a few more moments, Aang pulled away to see if the kiss had had its desired effect.
"Aang… I-I had no idea… when?"
A bit crestfallen, Aang explained.
"W-well… kinda since the first day I met you. I would have waited a bit longer, at least until we were sixteen, but with Sokka and me leaving tomorrow, I just couldn't bear the thought of not letting you know. I don't even know if I'm gonna come back alive-"
"Aang! Don't talk like that! You'll be fine…"
By the tone in Katara's voice, Aang wasn't sure whether she was trying to reassure him or herself.
After reproving the boy, Katara saw his falling countenance, and then decided to confide in her closest friend.
"Aang, please don't look like that. I love you too, Aang… and not just as my best and closest friend, either."
The airbender's face lit up.
"Really?"
"Really. The only thing is…" Katara's voice trailed off.
"What? Please tell me… what's the only thing?"
Katara sighed.
"The only thing is, like you said before, you and Sokka are leaving for Ba Seng Se tomorrow, and that's gotta be at least 1,000 miles from here. Plus, we have no idea how long you'll be gone. It's just-"
"Marry me."
"What!"
Disbelief etched itself across the waterbender's pretty face as Aang repeated his request.
"Marry me."
"Aang, we're only fifteen!"
"Please, Katara. I love you, so much. If you really love me like you say you do, then marry me. At least I'll have some hope that you'll still be here if-" Katara shot him a glare,"- when I come back."
Tears found their way to Katara's caramel cheeks.
"Aang, I… I can't."
"Why not?"
"I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, too like lightening. I, I just can't, Aang. I love you, you've got to believe me, I really do, but you being halfway around the world will be too much for me to handle."
Katara stood up, and paced the hard, earthen floor.
"It's hard enough that not ten minutes ago, my best friend was leaving my side; but now, my lover, too? Really, what do you expect me to do when you're gone? Sit in a chair and wring my hands, wondering every minute if you're okay?"
Katara sat down again, facing her friend.
"It's not going to work… I'm-I'm sorry."
Aang's expression was heart breaking.
"Aang, please don't do this to me. You think you're the only one getting hurt here? What about me? You're the only person that I've ever truly cared about, besides my family."
Her voice lowered to a whisper. "You're the only one I've ever loved…"
Unable to stand the tension anymore, Aang broke down.
Katara moved to hug him, to give him any comfort she had left to offer, but the airbender pushed her away.
Hurt shone in Katara's eyes, but Aang steeled himself.
"Leave."
Katara was caught off guard by Aang's sudden demand.
"What?"
"I said, leave."
The airbender's voice was laced with ice, his face stony and emotionless.
"Aang…"
"Please, Katara, just… leave."
Tears spilled anew as Katara fled from the tiny hut, leaving Aang alone to feel the silence devour him.
End flashbackAang and Sokka had left the next day without so much as a hug goodbye from Katara. Sometimes she wondered if she really did the right thing…
As the wind picked up once more, Katara rubbed her arms and turned around to leave the balcony, growing cold.
Before she left, however, her eyes wandered to the ballroom floor, now virtually empty, save a few servants cleaning up. Searching the room, her gaze found a set of flashing gold eyes.
Katara made a mental note to keep a lookout for the young man, should they ever meet.
Goodnight, handsome stranger…
With that, she was gone.
The Next Day, Noon
Zuko paced throughout his quarters, contemplating whether or not to send a note to Camille to meet for a late lunch.
Will I seem desperate? What if she's already meeting someone else? Will she even say yes?
Doubt after doubt plagued the Prince's mind.
"What seems to be the problem, Nephew?"
Zuko jumped at Iroh's sudden presence.
"Geez, Uncle, don't you knock?"
The old general chuckled. "The door was open?"
The firebender shot his uncle a knowing look.
"Alright, alright, fine, I'll knock next time. But now, what's got you so worked up? Hmm?"
Reluctant to tell his gossipy uncle, Zuko plopped down into a chair and told Iroh anyway.
"Well, uh, I was wondering if I should send Camille a note to invite her for a late lunch…"
Iroh slapped the boy on the shoulder.
"Ha-ha! I knew you liked her. She's a sweet thing-"
"I don't like her!"
The older man smirked. "Then, my nephew, why are you so apprehensive?"
"Uncle, what are you talking about? I'm not apprehensive-"
"I'll bet a cup of ginseng you are! You wouldn't be pacing the floor as intently as you had been if you weren't nervous."
Zuko knew he'd been cornered.
"Alright, fine. You got me. I guess I do… kind of like her. But I barely know her!"
"So meet her for lunch. You two can talk then."
"But-"
"Okay, fine. Don't listen to me. I'm just a senile, old man that knows nothing about women."
Turning around to leave, the general silently counted. Three… two… one…
"Wait!"
I knew it…
"Yes, nephew?"
"Fine, I'll do it."
Iroh smirked. "I knew you'd come around."
Rolling his eyes, the young Prince went over to his desk and removed his quill, ink, and paper.
"Dearest Camille…"
Haru's RoomHaru sat quietly on his bed, thinking about the night before. He'd looked for Katara everywhere, but had only caught a few quick glimpses of the waterbender.
Disappointed that he hadn't been able to actually find her, Haru had retired to his room early.
His thoughts turned to Katara. When he was younger, after he had first met her, Haru had developed quite a crush on her. Katara had been the nicest, prettiest, and boldest girl he'd known at the time, ( Earth Kingdom girls were too stuck up for his taste) so it didn't really take much for her personality to capture his heart.
After she'd left with her brother and the Avatar, Haru had thought of little but her. Years passed, and Haru had almost forgotten about his teenage crush. That is, until he saw her name, beautifully inscribed, on the guest list for the Fire Gala. He couldn't help but get excited all over again.
Maybe he'd even tell her he lo-
Knock-knock
Haru cleared his head from his trance-like state and stood, moving over to the door to answer it. Standing on the other side was Katara, dressed in a simple blue silk robe and baggy white pants.
She smiled. "Hey Haru- I was kinda wondering if you'd like to join me for a lunch out in the gardens…"
Overjoyed, Haru agreed.
"Of course! Actually, I was thinking the same thing. Why don't you come in a moment, and then we'll go?"
"Sure."
Stepping inside the room, Katara admired the décor. The walls, painted a light ivory, matched the fur throws spread randomly throughout the spacious suite. The bed was identical to Katara's own, but the colors were that of deeps greens and browns.
Haru noticed her wandering gaze. "Gorgeous, isn't it?"
"Very."
A few moments later, Haru announced they were ready to go.
"Well, then, what are we waiting for? It's a beautiful day!"
Haru looked at her hazily for a moment before making a quiet, barely audible comment.
"Yes, you really are…"
Outside
Katara sat on one of the two large pillows in the garden, in front of which was a table, fully set for a lunch for two. Haru took his place opposite Katara and inhaled the aroma of the hot food.
"Mmm… it smells really good!"
"Yeah, it does. I wonder what they made?"
"Well, let's find out."
Uncovering the several plates, they found white rice, chicken, pork, vegetables, and steamed dumplings. While serving the delicious entrees, Haru tried to spark some conversation.
"So, uh, Katara, did you have a nice time last night?"
Smiling, the waterbender assured him she did.
"Yeah, I had a great time… except for the fact that I didn't really know anybody… but there was this one guy…" Haru's ears perked at the mention of another man, "…and he had the most enthralling eyes. It kinda felt like I knew him, you know?"
"Uhh, yeah, sure…" Haru's dejected countenance went unnoticed by Katara.
"I'd like to meet him… do you think it would be hard to find him? I suppose it might… I wonder… oh, never mind."
Seeing Katara's facial expressions change from excited to thoughtful, Haru took this as his chance to redeem himself.
"What is it, Katara?"
"Nothing, really… alright, it is something. I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor…?"
Waiting for the earthbender reply, Katara put on her most persuasive face.
Brightening, Haru accepted. "Yeah, sure… of, of course, Katara. Anything, anything at all-"
Katara cut him off. "Great! Umm, could you keep an eye out for a man about your height, long black hair, probably up in a pony-tail, and golden eyes?"
Caught off guard by her request, Haru managed to stutter out a reply.
"W-well, Katara… th-there are a lot of m-men that-"
Katara cut him off again with a hug and a small kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you so much, Haru! I owe you, big!"
Flustered by her sudden gestures, Haru found his voice after a moment long enough to respond.
"Yeah… no problem."
Camille's Response
Dear Zuko,
In relation to your letter about this afternoon's lunch banquet, I humbly agree and will see you sharply at the hour 12. I will meet you at the Eastern wing of the building, near the Water-Tribe's waterfall. Thank you for the notice and hope to see you soon, my majesty.
Sincerely,
Camille
Lunch Banquet - 12:05 pm
Zuko had waited for the last five minutes, uneasily tapping his shoe against the marble floor. As expected, this young Prince was nervous of his afternoon, and not to mention, the stupid things he might do to upset the most pretty lady that would be arriving anytime now.
Hesitantly, he looked at the sundial on the floor as if he feared she wouldn't show. Sighing to himself, Zuko turned his back to the entry and looked on at the waterfall.
In so many ways, water was a calming element, always seducing his fiery senses and giving it a gentle hush, but now, when he needed to be calmed the most, and looking inside himself doesn't seem to do him any good, he tried to rely on water to compose him. Averting his eyes to the splashing water, he passes his hand over the water, feeling the cool wetness against his skin.
My afternoon must be perfect, there must be perfect music, perfect food, perfect everything for Camille.
After all, she was a most perfect lady. And figuring she needed no less, Zuko had to make sure everything was set and in order, that meant his respect and wit he had for the woman that was awkwardly late.
Perhaps she's forgotten you, his evil conscience played.
Forget me? his good conscience questioned, of course she couldn't forget me, and after all, she wrote me a response saying she would find herself here at the sharp hour of twelve.
Well dimwit, she isn't here isn't she? the evil conscience reckoned.
W-well…she's a lady…ladies do those- those kind-of urh.. urh, things. Yeah, they do …things, which makes time go by very quickly. I'm sure there's a logical explanation why she hasn't shown up... yet.
Har har, very funny. Listen bud. It's one thing talking to a pretty girl who might just very well look at you as a friend, and it's a second thing getting your hopes up for girl to like you and show herself. Bah, Zuko-boy, which woman could like you?
For your information, a lot of women like me. I am, after all, heir of the throne and the second best firebender alive; which woman wouldn't have the charms for me?
Obviously my boy, Camille…look at the time Zuko, it's already growing late and she still hasn't shown up. Might I say, you've been stood up?
Oh rot in hell would you.
Zuko, being in an internal war with himself, hadn't smelled the air for the scent that could have knocked his senses into a hex of a daze. There, looking very shyly on, with pink cheeks and beautiful concentrated eyes was Camille. Standing tall, with a dress of pink with silken florets and leaves adoring the hem of her dress, the fair lady looked on at the back of Prince Zuko.
At first, she wanted to call his name, but figuring it would lighten the fact she was already late, she decided to play a jest. Being very silent, and most careful not to have her dress nosily thrash around, she came closer to the Prince's back.
With a smile of naughtiness on her face, she came in closer, ready to scare him silly. Taking a breath just a foot away from him, Camille leaned forward and in his ear, shouted: BOO!
And, like a hammer-stroke, Zuko felt he suffered an adrenalin rush, which made him completely off guard, not to mention imbalanced. Clutching forward onto the waterfall wall, Zuko shouted out that he was falling.
Camille tried to hold on to him, but it was no use when the Fire prince went clumsily falling into the waterfall. With a loud splash, Zuko was drenched from being fallen into a waterfall.
Camille immediately placed a hand over her mouth as she quickly gathered guards to help the prince. Even she, herself, wanted to help, but the guards would not let her. Zuko resurfaced and now stared at some four guards. Completely confused, he motioned he was all right and questioned them how he had gotten there.
"It was my fault, Prince Zuko." and the sound of a young, cherubic voice filled his ears.
The guards made a path, and there standing with her head low, was Lady Camille.
"I thought it would be funny if I could lighten the mood and make a small jest… but I was wrong, and I apologize for my – misconduct and of course, my immaturity, which has gotten the best of me." She bit her lips berating herself for the trouble she cost.
Zuko's confused brows then settled into light arches of calm.
"I'll take it from here." he assured his guards.
Walking toward the woman, he went to her and lifted her chin. Looking into his eyes was the pretty lady he knew so well as Camille, but her eyes were filled with tears.
"I apologize greatly."
Wiping away her tears he said, "It's alright Camille. I forgive you for being playful, and making me wet, but that gives you no right to cry and berate yourself. After all," he said with mischief in his eyes, "I've been known not to forget such circumstances."
She feared his words.
"This just gives me the opportunity to get back at you, and I'll give you a tidbit of information…I'm a devil when I'm getting my revenge, especially back at pretty girls."
He saw her smile, then blush.
"You say some things, Prince Zuko, that makes me…" and with that she bit her lips.
"That makes you what?" he was most interested.
"You'll know soon." she was bringing on the suspense.
"Alright." He acknowledged the fact, that though the suspense was killing him, he was Prince who was expected to be composed, not baffled and undone like an eleven year old.
"That'd do…" He paused, "if you would give me a minute, my lady, maybe we could get ourselves some lunch, and see who wins at the game called revenge?"
"You're on…" she smiled, "see you soon…little devil" she winked.
Zuko shook his head and quickly hurried himself to change out of his wet clothes and get ready in 'other' clothes. He'd chosen one of his best outfits to have lunch with Camille, but now it was a wreck and he had to settle for normal Fire Nation attire.
No sooner, Zuko returned to Camille who was lead by one of the maids to a near seat on the table for two. Zuko joined the pretty lady, whose eyes were far away as she looked out the window.
"Sorry about that, I was just finding something suitable to wear for the occasion."
"You make me sound so important." she said.
"And you're not?"
She blushed.
"So, I've kept you away from a ravishing meal far too long, so let's enjoy." Snapping his fingers twice, three maids with rolling platters filled of meals came to the couple.
"Lunch, is served." and in simultaneous order, the maids took off the covers to the pots. Their eyes met foods of all colours, shapes and scents. Camille could hear her tummy grumble as she looked on the sumptuous meals.
"Let's dig in!"
The couple wasted no time, being served different dishes and different drinks. They laughed, as they were being served, and teased all the more. From silly songs, to memories as children, the couple did much talking and reflecting. Zuko could remember every smile she spared him, the way her curls would bounce from the way she laughed; the way her eyes would sparkle like lost jewels, and the way she radiated herself - so carefree and simply.
"Beautiful…" the word escaped his lips unknowingly, but it wasn't like Camille was paying attention, anyway.
Being served their dessert, which was a platter of ice cream, strawberries, chocolate, and almonds, the couple sank down into the feast to be enjoyed. Zuko examined Camille as she ate her ice cream. From the way she held a spoon to the delicate articulation of how she scooped some, to the grace of just eating it, he found her immaculate and beyond perfect.
Finding his naughty side pulsing with an alive vigor, Zuko took up one of the almonds and threw it in her hair.
Camille pulled back.
Zuko grinned, "Oops?"
"Zukooo..."
"My bad?"
"Oh, I'll get you for that."
"Is that a threat?"
"You better believe it is!" she said.
"Then go ahead, get even…princess." the name had dual meaning (a pun therefore) which made Camille a bit taken back.
"All right, my Prince" and there it was again.
Taking up her strawberry, she sent it toward his head where it splattered. Camille laughed out as the red juice went falling from his head.
"Oh, my eye. I'm bleeding!" he exaggerated.
She squealed.
Zuko wasted no time, as he grabbed a couple of his almonds and threw them on her. Camille screamed and pelted her ice cream on Zuko.
"Coooold!" he shrieked.
Smearing his ice cream across her face, she screamed out some more.
"Zukoooo!"
"Beat that." he said.
And surprisingly, she did. Picking up her water, she threw it on his face and giggled out loud.
"Two could play that game!" he lunged forward and caught her. They both fell to the floor and rolled about in a circle, causing the almonds, and contents of their ice cream to be stuck to their hair and clothes. Zuko tickled Camille until she cried.
Tickling her one last time, she turned on him, with their position now a very awkward one. Lying on Zuko with their faces just millimeters away, Camille froze.
Their eyes were locked on each other as the magnetism of their hearts brought them together. Zuko leaned forward, just a breath away knowing that all it would take was a simple ounce of strength to kiss her. And parting her lips already, Camille awaited him, until –
"I heard a screa----okay, I'll be going now." Zuko's uncle appeared from heaven knows where, only to go away, back to heaven knows where.
Camille immediately pulled away, apologizing once again for her misconduct.
"I didn't mean for things to go so far. I'm so sor-" and with fingers pressed against her lips he said: "Never…apologize to me again," he said, "that's a Prince's request."
She nodded. Camille was about to take a seat when she stopped.
"Something wrong?"
She giggled, "I got almonds down my clothes"
Zuko blushed, "Whoopsie daisy?"
She smiled. "That won't save you forever."
"I guess not." and with that, the couple returned to their seats and just sat there, staring into the other's eyes.
Midnight
Zuko stood in the middle of a snowy tundra, rubbing his hands together and blowing flames to keep warm. Slowly, a figure formed in the distance, and made its way toward the startled Prince.
As the figure came closer, a feeling of mixed intrigue and terror gripped the firebender, rendering him motionless. The figure was now a scant yard away, and Zuko could barely make out its facial features, being that its head was bowed low.
By the design and make of the robe and cloak, he guessed that the mysterious figure was a female of the Water Tribes. Now standing still, both people were silent; the icy winds the only sound occupying the merciless tundra.
Slowly, the girl looked up, and Zuko was met with a pair of perfectly clear, ice blue eyes. He felt them look through him, as if she were a spirit or other ethereal form. Stepping closer to him, the figure reached out a slender hand towards the Prince's stunned face.
Her fingertips grazed his cheek-
Zuko woke up in a cold sweat, shivering as if chilled. Pulling the blankets closer around him, the firebender tried to shake the image of the lone figure, her mysterious eyes, and the feel of her gentle caress.
Zuko lift his fingers to graze the area she had touched, then started.
The feel of her touch had been so real, almost as if he hadn't been dreaming…
Authoress Notes: Both Etherealstar and I enjoyed writing this chapter. I think it came out wonderful, (pun intended) don't ya think? Oh, and don't forget those warm fuzzies! Thanks a million guys- We -heart- you!
Oh, I almost forgot. I slipped in a quote from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Anyone who finds it gets a free Zuko (Season 2 edition!) plushie!
-Etherealstar and .Lady.Meister.