Disclaimer: I still don't own ATLA.


Thanks to my reviewers!

This one is dedicated to kayko15 for her wonderful suggestion which I have used for this chapter. The necklace you described was a bit vague so I took my liberty with it, but stuck to the main idea. Hope you guys like it. Oh, and a shout-out to my reviewers for the last chapter (you guys have broken the record: 26!):

Fire Princess, pureangel86, Storybender, Zukoscute2, Demonic-One, Lionessmon, Megumi07, kayko15, Lizzie, Katara, Indiehippie, PeaceLovingHippie and Wings, Badgrl74, Panther Eyes, C.A.M.E.O.1 and Only, Spleefmistress, Mirage992, sweet-but-evil, DarknessinShadows, bndrchic15, kaji enzeru, Vanilla.Swirls.Of.Doom, Writer2TheEnd, FireQueen618, and LunaChaos

Thank you all so much! Cookies for everyone! You made me very happy!

And also to my friends, Aileen, Bianca, and Charmaine. Summer enrollment is on April 3!


Chapter 15: Building up a Friendship

"Zuko is it really necessary for you to take me on this tour of the palace?" asked Katara, trying not to droop and making her voice sound at least casual and not bored. She and Zuko were currently on the west gardens and Katara had enjoyed the dazzling array of the hundreds of flowers from every nation for a while until she felt that she was tired and wanted nothing but go back to sleep.

The Fire Lord had awakened her early in the morning and after a short breakfast, he began guiding her throughout the palace, starting first with the Shenlong Palace. Katara had to endure a grueling hour of staring at the portraits of dead Fire Lords and Fire Queens in the Portrait Room while Zuko rattled off their history. But there was something about the room that Katara couldn't quite put her finger into. Just staring at those golden eyes of every Fire Nation royalty made her somehow feel insignificant and out of place.

She idly thought what would be the caption on her portrait. She mused that it would be: Katara, the First Waterbender Fire Lady who killed herself after becoming too bored at staring at dead people's pictures all day long.

"To be honest, I couldn't think of anything else to do," admitted Zuko sheepishly as he steered her out of the west gardens and into the central one.

"Well, you already toured the whole council on our first days here, remember?"

"I believe I have, but there are some spots here that I chose not to show the others, and as my fiancée, you get to see them all."

Katara tried not to roll her eyes. "Really?"

"And if you keep up that interested look, even though I know that you are bored to death at my constant rambling, I might show you later."

At this Katara laughed.

"What's so funny?" said Zuko, squeezing her hand a bit.

"It's just that this was the same thing I did to you when you were on the South Pole, except that I don't think I'll be facing any immediate danger after this one."

"You're right; how ironic."

They had arrived at the central gardens a few minutes later and Katara gaped at the vastness of the place. It was just a large grassy field surrounded by tall hedges and marble statues of the many past Fire Lords and Fire Queens, though Katara could see some that could resemble an angel and some mythological creatures of Fire Nation lore. In the middle of the field was a large marble fountain. It portrayed a man and woman entangled up in each other and at their feet were numerous jars spewing out water and it looks like they were riding on the clouds. The pillar they stood on was a coiled dragon, making it look like they were going straight to heaven and the dragon was their ticket up.

"Why didn't I see this place before?" wondered Katara.

"Because when I was about to show you and the other Council members this place, you feigned an illness and didn't come," supplied the Fire Lord.

"I didn't feign an illness, I really was sick. I must have eaten something that my body didn't like. But I can't remember what it is. There's so much food here that it's hard to keep track. Anyway, what's this fountain called?"

"This fountain is named 'Ascension of Passion' made by renowned Fire Nation artists. There's a story behind it; do you want to listen, Katara?" remarked Zuko when he saw how fascinated she was on the colossal sculpture.

Katara nodded, and they both sat down on the fountain's edges and Katara immediately dipped her hand in her element, loving the way it ran through her fingers.

"There was a man and woman and they were so desperately in love with each other, but their love was forbidden. Both sets of parents tried everything to separate them, even at the point of blackmailing both that if they didn't stop seeing each other, one of them is going to die. This shocked the two and they made a desperate plan to escape and go off into another nation where they could live happily. But someone they trusted as a friend betrayed them and they were soon caught before they could even leave port. A struggle ensued and the young man and woman were killed.

"As their family mourned over their deaths, a light of ray appeared from the sky and their bodies came to life, only to be taken away, riding on the clouds and making their way through heaven. The one who betrayed them was turned into an insect. But the lovers were happy because at last, they can finally love each other in peace."

"That's romantic but tragic," observed Katara softly. "Who told you that story?"

"My mother," replied Zuko, giving her the smallest of smiles. "Anyway, this was originally built to be spewing fire, not water. Sozun, who commissioned it, wanted to show off his power in every form, I guess. But it was considered too dangerous and the fire was too hot and consuming that your eyebrows and eyelashes could get singed even after just standing a few feet away. However, Sozun didn't want to replace fire with water, so he just left it like that and this fountain was just another piece of marble on the gardens. When I came back here, I had it cleaned up and made it pump water so that at least, its beauty will not be lost and it will have some use."

"But why is it standing in the middle of this huge field?"

"This was where they held parties before but I have always used the grand ballroom. Most of the parties I hold are during the nights and the mosquitoes that inhibit here are just damning. But it's perfect for ceremonies held during the day."

Katara looked back at the water until an idea formed in her head.

"Zuko?"

"Yes?"

"May I make a suggestion?"

"By all means, go ahead."

"I want to get married here."

Zuko stared at her incredulously. "Here, as in this place?"

"Yes, it's such a wonderful place to hold a wedding, don't you think? A serene wedding ceremony surrounded by nature, with the sun above you, giving its approving light. Ah, paradise. It's just what I've always wanted." Katara's eyes twinkled. "Please, can we have the ceremonies here?" She displayed her cutest puppy dog eyes.

Zuko scratched his chin. "Weddings here are usually done during the sunset because another ceremony will happen next and it needs complete darkness, so we'll have a problem about the mosquitoes. And all of the royal weddings are done in the throne room and not anywhere else. But this place is perfect and we get to see the sunset while we get married. All right then, we're holding the ceremony here."

Katara clapped her hands in delight and in her joy wrapped her arms around Zuko's neck and gave him a small kiss on his scarred cheek.

"Thank you," she said quietly as she pulled away.

Zuko stared at her. "I should do a lot of nice things for you—I find their reward very satisfying."

Katara blushed. "It was just a thank you kiss," she replied business-like. "And about the mosquitoes, I found a small plant in the indoor forest. Its flowers are very fragrant but mosquitoes detest it, so if we just place a few pots on the perimeter of this place, we don't have to worry about getting bitten while saying our 'I do's.'"

"What plant is that? I'll have the gardeners place some in pots once we get back to the main palace."

Katara covered her mouth with her hand and giggled.

"You're gonna get a kick out of this. The plant is called Amore plant whose root is said to be a temporary love potion."

Zuko's mouth opened slightly in an expression that was somewhere in between shock and confusion.

"You may not know it, but the Amore plant has many uses that don't include people gawking at each other like some buffoons," Katara explained. "The leaves can be used as a medicine and the flower is an excellent insect repellent."

Zuko nodded and stood up. "Let's just hope to Agni that Uncle and Mr. Jing don't think of giving us another shot of Amore root tea, though I doubt that they have future plans for that; we're getting married and that's all that matters to them." He held out a hand to Katara and she accepted it, rising gracefully to her feet.

"I guess that when you're old and already fulfilled with life, the only thing you could do is help other people fulfill theirs," observed Katara wisely as they made their way back to the Fire Crystal Palace where they could have their dinner.

"But their interference is getting a bit tiresome," said Zuko, sighing softly.

"Yeah, it's frustrating to know that somebody is ready and willing to do anything to interfere with your life. It's not really nice, but I sort of admire their persistence."

"Ha, persistence is my Uncle's middle name."

Katara giggled, Zuko gave her a small smile that reached to his eyes and he glanced up at the darkening sky.

"Before we get to the dining room, I want to show you a real treat. Yes, I believe that the timing is perfect for this one," offered Zuko.

Katara hesitated. "Okay," she said slowly and the Fire Lord grabbed her hand and led her to his private quarters.

"Wait, what are you doing?" demanded Katara when Zuko opened his door and shoved her inside. Her eyes widened when something hit her. "We're not even married yet! Can't you wait for that until the wedding night?" She tried to pry her fingers off Zuko's tight grip on them but failed.

Zuko turned his head and looked at her strangely. "What are you talking about? For crying out loud, I'm not going to do anything that's on your dirty little mind. I can control my urges, thank you very much."

The Water Chieftess stopped on her tracks and looked away, ashamed. The Fire Lord gave a sigh and pulled her hand.

"Come on, or we're gonna miss it!"

When Katara wouldn't budge from her place, Zuko let go of her hand and swept her up in his arms.

"Hey, let me go! I was right, you were planning something!"

"Shut up!" ordered Zuko, his voice taking in a harsh tone and she clamped her mouth shut.

Zuko stopped in front of the huge scarlet drapes and placed Katara on her feet. Then, he drew back the curtains, letting light from the setting sun pour in the suite. He grasped something at the corner of the window pane and a part of the glass slid away and they were able to walk out in a huge veranda overlooking the whole city and other regions.

Katara could see the golden and orange sun setting behind the mountains, casting the city of Shenhoun in a golden ethereal light. The sky was streaked with the most beautiful colors of red, orange, yellow, and purple and dotted with the appearing stars. The ocean was well away from the main city and was located behind the mountains so she couldn't see just how the water reflected the sky beautifully. Iroh had mentioned to her that the capital city of the Fire Nation used to be on the seaside as it was perfect for trade with all the ports that they have, but Sozun had it moved because of his hate of the sea.

I wonder if Aang and Sokka are staring at the same sky as I am… she wondered, trying hard not to cry. She truly missed them a lot and wanted so badly to see them. But the thought alone if whether or not they had eaten dinner that night or if Momo and Appa were fighting over watermelons again finally pushed her to her limit and the tears she had been fighting for a few days finally came out.

"Katara…" said Zuko softly when he noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. He made a motion to touch her but she drew away unconsciously and wiped her tears with her sleeve. His grip on the railing tightened until his knuckles turned white. It wasn't very good for any man's ego to be rejected, especially when they're trying to give comfort.

"I'm sorry; I just miss my brother and Aang too much. I couldn't help it," Katara sobbed.

"I see…" Of course! Who else could she be crying for? A tweak of jealousy passed through his heart but he ignored it. It was normal to be jealous of other men since she was practically his and men are very possessive—especially Fire Nation people.

Yes, I will be your husband, the man who will swear in front of God and his people to stay with you for eternity, but what use will that be if I was only second in your heart?

He glanced at Katara who was burying her face in her handkerchief.

I'm not worthy to even wipe the tears from your eyes. The pain and suffering I'm causing you is something that can never be forgiven even in a hundred lifetimes. But this is for the best; someday you will see that this is the best decision you have made.

But his own uncertainty resurfaced at these words and he quickly shoved them away.

Katara, I am so sorry.

----------

Only a few days was left before the engagement party and the planners were running up and down the palace complex, shouting after servants and demanding linens, silks, flowers, and other things Katara had no business interfering with. All she knew about was that it was to be a simple party held in the grand ballroom. It was to be during the dance after the banquet that Zuko will announce their engagement and upcoming wedding.

Katara squirmed at the thought and wondered what would be the reaction of those gaudily made up women who were super obsessed about Zuko when they learn of the upcoming marriage of a water peasant to their lord.

Probably assassinate me, theorized Katara.

Not wanting to interfere with the preparations, Katara went for the east gardens and spread a large sheet under a tree and she sat on it, enjoying the cool wind that blew on her face. She pulled out a book from her robes and read.

She was just getting to the good part of the novel, where the prince was about to kiss the princes and wake her from her magical slumber when she heard the angry mumblings of a person coming her way. But she knew the voice and footsteps far too well and was not surprised when Zuko came stomping in with steam coming from his nostrils.

"Stupid asshole, I'll get him someday," Zuko was swearing.

Katara cleared her throat to make him notice that she was there or he'll burn up the whole gardens in his rage.

Zuko snapped his head at her direction and he approached her and sat by her side. Katara closed the book with a snap and turned her head to him.

"Okay, what's eating you?" asked Katara.

Zuko took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "The stupid rebels again.They took out my spies before they could even come back here and report to me. The rebels sent me…a letter and said that if I attempt to send out spies again, they'll take out the hostages they've kidnapped." He didn't have the stomach to tell her that the rebels sent him the head of one of the Fire Nation spies with the note; she would retch.

"That's horrible! They must be stopped! This can't go on!" exclaimed Katara.

"I know. But they attack so stealthily that we don't know when and where they're going to attack. They must have some talented people in them because they can even take out the best of my soldiers. If I could only find out where they're hiding or who their leaders are, then I could take them on."

Katara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and he took it and squeezed the fingers gently. He gave her a small, sort of reassuring smile and she gave it back, if only to lighten up his spirits.

"Remember Zuko, that the other nations at your back and we will do everything we can to help, you have my word on that."

This time, Zuko couldn't help himself but take her in his arms and give her a huge bear hug. When he pulled away, Katara was blushing furiously and the atmosphere became tense and awkward.

"Sorry, but I needed to do that. Something about human comfort," he shrugged but refused to let go of her hand. "I'm really happy now that I chose to marry you. There are many benefits that I didn't see before."

If possible, Katara blushed even deeper. Zuko smirked at her embarrassment.

"What's the book?" he asked, nodding at the book in her lap.

"I just pulled it out of the library. It's a very interesting story about a princess who was cursed by an evil witch to sleep for a hundred years and only the kiss of true love from her prince could awaken her," said Katara.

"I think I have heard of that story before," said Zuko, furrowing his brow.

Katara held the book up. "Want me to read to you and refresh your memory?" If she was going to be his wife, might as well start on her wifely duties so she can get used to it quickly.

Zuko appeared to consider it for a while though deep inside, he was really amused. He felt like a kid who was going to be told a fairy tale again, but he enjoyed the feeling, savoring the rare moment. Though a bit harsh and cold on the exterior, he still harbored his inner childishness—his mother had always told him to keep a part of his young self at all times so as not to forget the pleasures of being young and free and be able to smile even in the darkest of times. Nonetheless, he discarded all that childishness within him the second his father banished him and it was only this time, now that he was made Fire Lord that he was able to bring it out again and it was all thanks to his future wife.

"Okay, then. It might help relax me." He leaned against the tree and closed his eyes as Katara started reading.

"Let's start with the story.

"'Long ago there lived a king and queen who governed over a huge kingdom. They had everything they needed except for one thing: a child of their own. One day their wish was granted and a beautiful daughter was born to them and they named her Aurora for she was born during the rising of the sun….'"

Halfway through the story, Zuko's head dropped to her chest and she saw that he was asleep and snoring quietly.

"Idiot," she remarked quietly, closing the book and moving Zuko so that he was lying on her lap. "Well, I don't blame you for sleeping on me like that. It is a perfect place for a nap, isn't it?" She yawned and in a few minutes, was also asleep.

----------

"Katara, Katara, wake up." The voice was calling her softly, with a tone that spoke of gentleness and quiet severity. The voice was very familiar, kind of like a song that reaches her ears every time she hears it. It was so comfortable, lying there and listening to the person speak.

"Katara!" The voice had an urgent tone now and someone was shaking her shoulders. Katara stirred and opened her eyes. She saw Zuko looming over her, staring at her with those amber eyes.

"Huh?" said Katara as she stretched. "What time is it?"

"It's very well late now and everyone's been looking for us," replied Zuko as he helped her stand up. While Katara was straightening out her dress, Zuko picked up the blanket they had used and folded it up.

"That nap was very much enjoyable," remarked Katara as they went back to the Imperial Suites.

"We both needed it, and I can't remember when was the last time I had a nap as comfortable as that was. I was very much reluctant to get up, to tell the truth and wanted to sleep all through the night. Sadly, I have much work to be done," the Fire Lord said.

"Then you aren't going to join us for dinner?" inquired Katara.

"No, I'll have my dinner in my office. Tell Uncle and Mr. Iroh to enjoy themselves and that I am very sorry that I am unable to accompany you."

"All right, then."

Zuko reached up and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. "Good night, Katara. Have a pleasant evening. Sweet dreams. Dream of me."

"I still can't get used to you being all dolled up like this. It gives me the creeps."

"You better get used to it, because when we're married, you are gonna have me all to yourself and what else to do when you're alone with a beautiful woman?"

The Water Tribe leader cringed and answered in what she hoped was a casual tone. "I don't know, play Pai Sho and drink tea?"

Zuko snorted. "No way; those are Uncle's things. I prefer spending the time in a dim room and I and my woman huddled up under the covers and…."

Katara covered her ears. "Stop it! You're going to give me nightmares! Help, Zuko is becoming a pervert!"

"But you just like me that way," Zuko shot back teasingly.

"And when did I say that?" the Chieftess challenged.

"Since now when I'll give you a kiss and you can't tell me that you don't like the perverted yet sexy part of me." He tilted his head back and laughed, though faintly

Katara rolled her eyes and laughed. Is this really Zuko, the cold-hearted and serious man she had met a few years back? What could have had happened to him that make him change like this? He was smiling more and even making jokes with her. And when they're alone, he wasn't afraid to be intimate with her and did everything so that they could be close. Did he drink another cup of Amore root tea again somewhere?

"This is the first day we've been together and not have one single fight," observed Katara when the laughter died down.

"Yeah, I haven't had this much relaxation since, I don't know, since forever. And I have you to thank for that."

Katara felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "It was nothing. I love to have fun, and I guess I infected you."

The Fire Lord opened his arms. "Now give me a little kiss before bed."

"No way." Katara ducked around him and proceeded off to the dining room.

"Someday you'll be begging me to kiss you!" Zuko yelled and thanked Agni that he rarely let guards inside the Fire Crystal Palace or they would all be wondering what the hell happened to their oh-so severe king.

The Water Chieftess stuck her tongue out before disappearing into the corner.

The young Fire Lord shook his head and went off to his office in the Shenlong Palace with a small smile plastered on his face.

----------

The day has come when Katara could no longer turn her back on the whole marriage business. Once the night was over, she was officially Zuko's fiancée and was to be wed to him a few weeks later.

Once she had awoken that morning, five maids came in through her door and spent the day fixing her up for the night ahead. She was bathed in the most expensive perfumes and oils, and her skin was cleansed to perfection. Hours were spent just to fix her hair in an elaborate coiffure and it another one hour for her makeup.

While she was being made up, an instructor came in, snapping to her right manners and etiquette in an official Fire Nation ball. Unlike the last ball, this one was more formal and demanded that she act according to the traditions and rules set by the ancestors of the Fire peoples.

As the sun was beginning to set, signaling the start of the ball, the dress that Zuko had custom-made for her arrived. It was a replica of his mother's dress except that the skirt was not as full and more elaborately embroidered. There was even a matching crystal diamond comb to accompany it and the maid had the comb arranged in her hair so that it looked like a small tiara.

Finally, after hours of preparation, Katara was done and she had never looked more ravishing. She sat in front of her vanity, reading up notes on proper etiquette and conduct, long after the maids and the instructor had left.

Then came a knock on the door, jolting her thoughts.

"Come in," she called and went back to the scrolls.

The person came in and walked behind her but she didn't bother to look up until he bent over and gave her a small kiss on the top of her head, trying to avoid messing up her hairstyle.

"Zuko!" she exclaimed when she saw his reflection in the mirror. She turned around to face him. "What are you doing here?"

"Picking you up so we could enter the ballroom together," answered Zuko simply. He was wearing his formal robes, though Katara swore she felt some kind of metal underneath the silk when he had hugged her from behind. "And also to give you this." He took out a box from his robes.

The Chieftess took the box carefully and snapped it open. Before her lay the most exquisite ruby and sapphire choker she had ever seen. It was utterly magnificent yet so simple in its elegance. It consisted of a diamond-and-ruby studded band with a sapphire pendant. Upon closer inspection, there were swirls of red in the sapphire and that made it all the more beautiful.

"Zuko, it's so magnificent! You didn't have to do this," Katara hesitated.

"No, this is our betrothal necklace. I don't want anyone to ask you or me what present I gave you as a sign of our engagement."

Katara's hand went up to her mother's necklace that she had stubbornly kept on, even when the maid argued that it would clash with her dress. She gave a sigh and removed it.

This one doesn't belong here anymore… she thought sadly as she placed her most prized possession on the table.

Zuko gave her an approving nod and she turned around so that her fiancée could clasp the betrothal necklace to her throat.

"You look absolutely wonderful," remarked Zuko.

Katara could only nod; the urge to cry has come up again.

The Fire Lord noticed her distressed and took her hand.

"Don't worry; I'll be right beside you. This will be a breeze, I promise."

But as they turned toward the door, Zuko snatched up her mother's necklace and pocketed it.

I want you to be happy, Katara….


This has got to be the crappiest that I have done so far. My brain is much too jammed with the Finals, and I positively hate chemistry and our STS instructor. I might rewrite this, but if my laziness has struck again, I might just move on to the later chapters. I just hope that the wedding would be better, though. Unfortunately, I have some bad news. I'll be spending two weeks of vacation time in a place where Internet is pretty rare and the cost to rent a computer in an Internet café is pretty steep. So, I'll be updating maybe every three days, depends on how much my brain wants to work, and I really need the time off. But don't fret! This summer, I'll only be taking nine units (unlike last sem, which was 29 units), so I have a lot of time on my hands to update and go to the arcade! And I'm gonna have my first gig! Yay!

Oh, and if you're wondering why I made them close in this chapter, it's because I wanted them to have more interaction with each other and I wanted them to be friends first before anything else because I believe that a good marriage should have started from a good friendship first. If you think it's over the top, that's fine. That's your opinion. :)

Rienne ;p