Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. If I did, would I be writing this? I'll be enjoying my wedding with Zuko and our honeymoon in the Mediterranean by tomorrow…. (Daydream mode)
CHAPTER 5: Husband Standards…Sky-high or down-to-earth?
"So, Katara, I heard you screaming a while ago," said Jing good-naturedly, as if that was normal.
Katara dropped her pen and buried her face in her hands. She and Jing were at her office, which was the only peaceful place she could think of wherein she could think and cool her anger towards a stuffy king. It had been her bedroom for the past two days, thanks to an ungrateful Fire Lord named Zuko.
"He is a pig!" Katara finally screamed what was bubbling inside her for the past half-hour. "The plaguer of the planet, the scum which treads the earth, the lowest of lowlifes…. If it hadn't been for Aang, I would have killed him a year ago! If not only for my people, I would have kicked him out and his stupid ship from our lands. Come hell, high water or war, I don't care! I'll drown his nation in the Pacific!"
Jing laughed blithely, sitting down on a chair in front of her desk. "It's the first time I've seen you so worked up about one man, Katara."
"He's different from any man I've met! I would rather be negotiating with Jet than someone like him!"
"Grrr…if not only for common courtesy, I would have left him for dead. Why did I volunteer to take care of him? Why had he become king? Why did I become chieftess? This is all Sokka's fault! If he and Aang hadn't left for their stupid field trip, I wouldn't be in this situation!" Katara made a noise somewhere between a sob and a scream.
"Listen, Katara, get a gold of yourself. Is this the proper way for a lady to act? You were chosen because you were born to lead. The people love you, and so do your Gran-Gran and I, remember that. We are so happy and proud that you came this far, Katara, and at such a young age. You have really grown a lot." His voice was choked up with emotion and Katara had to look up.
"Please, stop, Jing. I was only chosen because I was the only person Sokka could trust, apart from you, and you don't want this job—you never have. But all the same, I'm happy to serve my people."
"Speaking of being a lady, how old are you?"
"I just turned fifteen…why?"
"Ah, that age is fairly appropriate for marrying, don't you think?"
Katara blushed. "What are you saying? I don't want to marry yet. I still have to do my duty. And I will not marry until my people are happy with their lives. I don't care if I live as an old maid. As long as there're smiles in their faces, that's worth more than ten husbands."
"Are you sure? Anyway, tell me what you want in a man."
"What for? But I guess it wouldn't hurt if I tell you…. Let me see…. I want a strong, silent-type of man. One who's very dependable and loves his country as much as I do mine. He must be a strong bender, but I'll accept even if he's just a warrior. He must be cheerful, fun loving, kind, and with a strong, passionate heart. I want him to not only love me, but my people as well. But in reality, he must only have eyes for me and me only; I want one who is really faithful. And we should be very much compatible. Most of the men I've met only want me for my body, and not for who I am as a person. They're either lusting over me or want a share of my power to expand their interests…. I also want one who likes kids, because I love children and would be a good mother to my future kids.
"He must not be hot-tempered, boorish, picky, arrogant, stubborn, and most importantly, not a Firebender."
"Why the prejudice against Firebenders?"
"Unfortunately because I had too many brushes with Firebenders in the past and would not like to live the rest of my life living with one."
"Why do you want a bender?"
"Aunt Wu said that I will marry a powerful bender, though I still have no clue who he is…. It can't be Aang, 'cause he's the Avatar, and I refuse to believe that it will be Zuko, because he doesn't like me and the feeling's mutual."
"You know, you just outlined the traits of Lord Zuko when you said what you don't want in a man."
"Yes, I have, because he's the exact opposite of the man of my dreams…good gods, I would rather marry someone Sokka picked out for me than him!"
"You do know that you've been answering my questions with Zuko in included, don't you?"
"Because he's the only thing in my mind right now!" Noticing how Jing's lips curved upward like that in an amused smile, she retracted her last statement. "No, I mean, in an angry, who-the-hell-does-he-think-he-is kind of way."
"If you say so…. We'll keep him our of our discussion, then. But tell me, do you have someone in mind that you want to marry?"
"Not in particular…." Katara thought deeply. "Nope, no one at all."
"But what if Sokka comes home one day and he tags along this guy and says this is the one he wants you to marry just because he's a good warrior, and stuff like that?"
"It's up to me to decide if I want to marry the guy."
"But what if you find what you're looking for in the unlikeliest of places?"
"I don't know. It all depends on the situation."
"I see."
"Ugh, Jing, I don't want to go back to that arrogant brat's room, which in fact, is mine, so could you please send for a maid who will pick up his dinner things?"
"Gladly."
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"You know, this situation is really going well for us," said an old man with red robes as he stared at his blue-robed friend.
"Yes, the two are really great for each other. They even said traits that sooner or later, they'll find in the other…except Katara. She is much too prejudiced over her hate for Zuko, but no matter, a few days, a couple of kisses and lots of hugs later, we'll have grandchildren bouncing on our knees and backs, dear friend!"
"I wish it were that easy, though," the red-robed man said thoughtfully.
"It is. Just you wait and see. They're going to get married before the year is over!"
"How can you be so sure?"
"I can feel it. They're perfect for one another. Yin and yang."
"That is true…."
"Good thing we still kept in correspondence through all this time. This is the best idea I have ever had."
"Yes, bringing him here will start the spark that will ignite the fire."
"Yes…now have you done what we planned, dear friend?"
"Yes, I have. They will know of it tomorrow…and after that, we will continue the plan in our nation. Make sure she comes, or everything's ruined."
"Of course."
"Ah, fate, 'tis such a strange yet wonderful thing."
The two continued their discussion, debating on whether the future couple will either have a boy or girl first.
"A girl and she'll be a Waterbender!"
"No, they'll have first a boy and he'll be a Firebender I will train myself!"
"Girl!"
"Boy!"
"Aged old cow!"
"Senile penguin!"
"Shut up, you two old buffoons!" came the enraged voice of Gran-Gran, giving them each a slap at the back of their necks.
Here, in reparation of my broken promise, I have posted two chapters. I hope you enjoy the two chappies! It seems that Jing and Iroh have become the devious matchmakers for this story, but fear not, if you don't like the idea or think it is too common. Their role as matchmakers will end pretty soon, but I will not spoil the surprise by saying when. However, if you do like this situation, please tell me. Thankies! Your reviews have helped me a lot! Love y'all!
Rienne ;p
