The Effects of Water Dripping On Rock

Author/Artist: MuffyTaj
Pairing: Zuko/Katara
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Theme: #25. Fence
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, or the series.

Katara dug a line in the sand with her foot. "Right," she said, pointing at Zuko, "You stay that side of the line, and I stay this side."

"Fine," he sneered, leaning against a tree, "just don't blame me when the tide washes you away."

Zuko had been in the middle of attacking their camp (again) when a sudden red blur had smashed into the middle of their fight, lightning and fire crackling together and destroying everything. They had scattered, and ten minutes later Zuko and Katara had met up on a beach. After a few minutes of threats and posturing, they had decided to have a truce for the moment, and that they would set out to find their respective parties in the morning. Katara briefly wondered at the wisdom of putting herself on the side of the ocean and leaving him the nice, warm forest, but was too proud to re-draw it.

"If I catch you crossing my side and tying me up in my sleep or something, I'll freeze you!" She warned him, but he had already shut his eyes. "Just as long as we're clear on that." She muttered and tried to go to sleep. But a cold wind was whistling through the holes torn in her clothing, and the clouds scurrying overhead made her nervous. She shot a glance at Zuko; he seemed to be asleep. Maybe she could… no! She wouldn't cross the line, even if it was warmer in the woods, and drier.

A few fat drops hit her head.

She would not cross the line! She would not, would not, would not!

The drops came harder now until they were racing down, hitting her as hard as hailstones. She shivered, and wrapped her arms around her legs, trying to divert the raindrops away from her with bending. But there were too many. Maybe she could make some kind of igloo, but that would only melt in the rain….

"Oh for crying out loud." Zuko said eventually. He stood up, and kicked away the sandy line. "You'd better get under the trees, otherwise you're going to catch a cold and die, and then both the Avatar and your warrior brother are going to spend the rest of their days trying to kill me. I have enough people doing that at the moment as it is. Now get under the stupid tree."

As they sat down together under the biggest tree, Katara wondered if she should thank the fire prince. Sure he was gruff, but he had gotten rid of the line… he blew some fire to warm himself, and accidentally caught some of her hair alight.

"Argh, my hair!" She screamed, patting out the fire.

"Well you shouldn't get so close to me, filth!" Zuko snapped.

"Like I want to be close to you!" She snarled, "In case you haven't noticed, there's not a lot of room here!"

"Go to another tree then."

"This one's got the most protection!"

"Stupid peasant."

"Arrogant prince!"

Unnoticed by the squabbling pair, the rain gently kissed away the last remains of the dividing line.