Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Three
By DamageCtrl

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.


There was an urgent knocking on the heavy wooden doors that lead into Zuko's bedroom. Katara rolled over and carefully tugged down the blanket over her body, just enough to reveal her head. Her eyes blinked and adjusted to the bright sunlight that was flooding through the windows.

"Who is it...?" she grumbled.

"Katara, my dear," Iroh's voice said from behind the doors. "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to get up now."

"What...?" Katara rolled over and looked up at the unfamiliar canopy above her. Her eyes squinted. When did they install that?

"Your brother is looking for you and couldn't find you in your room. I can only imagine what he'll do if he discovers you're sleeping in my nephew's bed."

That woke her up. She shot up in bed, rigid and alert as her eyes darted around the foreign room. Red canopy. Red walls. Red drapes. She looked down around her and gulped. Red bed sheets...She closed her eyes and groaned, wracking her brain to try to remember what had happened. She had fallen asleep outside by the pond...someone who smelled like tea had carried her in. It was probably Iroh. And then...Zuko found her.

Hazy memories of that morning flooded back to her, making her flush. Part of her found it hard to believe that he had apologized so easily for being 'late'. He had held her hand as she rested against the impossibly soft pillows. She felt safe and warm. Katara liked it.

"Then stay."

She felt her heart quicken, remembering his words. Did he really want her to stay? A broad smile crossed her lips and she fell back into the bed contently.

"Katara? Katara, are you awake?" Iroh called once again.

"Yes!" she called back, unable to stop grinning.

"You should get up soon. Your brother will eventually come here to search for you and then I'm afraid we might end up one less Fire Lord." Iroh chuckled.

Katara giggled and grabbed the edge of the blanket. She threw it off her legs and scooted to the side of the. She briefly wondered where Zuko was. The last time she had seen him, he was walking out the doors... She froze at the edge of the bed. Her hands gripped the sheets tightly as she remembered the coldness of his voice as he left.

"Iroh!" Katara stumbled forward and raced to the doors. She grabbed a handle and pulled it open, slightly surprising the friendly old general. "Iroh, where is Zuko?"

"He is in a meeting with some of the nobles," Iroh said. "I would have joined him, but he told me you were still sleeping here."

Katara's heart raced as she ran her hand down her face. "When will the meeting be over?"

"Who knows?" Iroh shrugged. "Those nobles...all they do is talk and talk and talk-"

"I need to talk to Zuko!" Katara pleaded as she grabbed on to his arm. "Where is he?"

"He is in his hearing room," Iroh said. Katara nodded and took one step forward. Iroh took hold of her arm before she could take off running. "Katara," he began seriously. "Can it wait until the meeting is over?"

"Huh?" she asked dumbly. The only thing going through her mind was Zuko and how he reacted. Why had gotten so angry all of a sudden?

"Zuko needs the support of those nobles. Think about how it will make him look if you barge in there and disturb their meeting." Iroh explained.

Her eyes lowered and she nodded. "Of course...I understand," she mused. He let go of her arm and she sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry...I wasn't thinking straight," she admitted as she looked back at him. She offered a weak smile. "I'll wait until I seem him sometime later. I know he's a busy man."

"Hmm..." Iroh raised an eyebrow and rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "You know what you need? Some tea," He smiled brightly. "Come with me and we'll get you something nice and warm to drink."

"Oh...but...Sokka is still looking for me." She reminded him.

Iroh waved his hand dismissingly. "Do not worry about that. He will not attack Zuko if he finds you drinking tea with me." he smiled knowingly and Katara relaxed.

She nodded and followed Iroh towards one of the pavilions just outside the royal quarters. He called a maid over and instructed her to bring out some jasmine tea for him and his guest. She bowed and rushed off quickly. Katara took a seat on one of the chairs around the table and waited for Iroh to take a seat in front of her.

"I'm sorry for having to keep you from the meeting." she apologized softly.

"Are you kidding me?" he asked, surprised. "I'd take having tea with a pretty young lady over being stuck in a stuffy room with those nobles any day."

Katara giggled and smiled brightly. "Still, thank you," she insisted. "You carried me into Zuko's bedroom this morning, didn't you?"

"Ah...how did you know it was me? Couldn't you have possibly mistaken me for a striking young man?"

She laughed and shook her head. "You smell like tea. I kind of figured it was you." she assured him.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to you sooner. Had I known you were asleep out there, I would've gone to get you earlier."

"No, no, it's my fault," Katara sighed. "I was stubborn and stayed out there when I should've gone up to my room."

Iroh looked at her carefully and shook his head. "If it's anyone's fault, it is my nephew's. He spent all night practicing his firebending. I don't think he got any sleep, but if he left a young lady out in the cold-"

"Iroh," Katara cut him off suddenly and looked hesitant to ask him her next question. "How do you know he left me there?"

She saw the brief look of panic in his eyes before he let out a heavy breath and resigned. "I know that you and Zuko...occasionally meet out in the pond. I sleep in the royal quarters, so I've passed by once or twice." Or several times a week...

"Oh..." Katara blushed slightly and looked down at the table. One of the servants arrived and placed a tray in front of them holding a porcelain tea pot, two cups, and a small tray of pastries for a snack.

Iroh poured her some tea and then motioned for her to take one of the small pastries. "You know, my nephew is a good boy. He's turning into a fine young man. I'm just happy to know that he finally has some real friends."

"Didn't he have any friends going to school?" Katara asked as she sipped on her tea.

Iroh chuckled and shook his head. "I'm afraid I was his only friend for most of his life. Zuko is a loner by nature, but even loners need confidants. Especially now amidst all of this..." Iroh said looking around. They were in the middle of one of the gardens, but she understood that he meant the situation the Fire Nation was in. "He will need all the support he can get from friends. The court is a dangerous place for a new Fire Lord. Nobles are like predators, the military is demanding, and he has thousands of citizens to care for now."

Katara nodded. "It's so much work...I'm sure Zuko can handle it."

Iroh smiled slightly and took another drink from his cup. "And what about you? How is the work at the infirmary? I've been hearing good things about you from the doctors."

A wide, sheepish smile spread over Katara's face and she looked away shyly. "There isn't anything to brag about. I'm just doing what I can."

"Still, the patients that you have been seeing have healed far faster than the ones you haven't. Your waterbending is a gift. You should be very proud."

She smiled and nodded. "I am...thank you."

"It will be disappointing when you leave," Iroh told her calmly. "Must you leave so soon?"

"I'm afraid so," Katara replied. "The tribe needs waterbenders and we can't expect the Northern Water Tribe waterbenders to stay there forever."

"I suppose that is true..." Iroh trailed off. "How long will you be gone?"

Katara jerked her head back, surprised. "Gone?"

"Well, you are going to come back, are you not?" Iroh asked. "There is still a lot that needs to be done here and we will need all the help we can get. Besides, you still represent the Avatar to the people. Having you here gives them peace of mind."

Katara's mouth opened slightly as she tried to find the words to explain her plans. "General Iroh..." she began carefully."I don't plan on coming back."

Iroh nearly dropped his cup. His eyes went wide as he looked at the blue eyed waterbender. "Not coming back? But..."

"I'm needed at the South Pole. I don't know how long it will take to rebuild our little village and even if we get it re-built and fortified, waterbenders are still needed there to heal and teach." She watched the disappointment grace his aging face as he lowered his cup and nodded understandingly.

"You have been here so long...it seems almost natural that you belong here."

She almost laughed at the notion. She could never belong there. Katara shook her head. "This is a beautiful place and, under different circumstances, maybe I would stay. But I belong with my family and my people in the South Pole. I miss my grandmother and my father. I miss the snow and the penguins..."

Iroh smiled kindly and nodded. "I see...you and your brother will be missed."

"No..." Katara shook her head and bit into a small cake. She chewed on it quietly before swallowing. "There are plenty of competent doctors here that will over see the infirmaries-"

"I think you misunderstand," Iroh told her. "You will be missed." Katara tilted her head to the side and gave him a confused look.

"I don't think I know what you mean..."

Iroh sighed and took a bite out of his pastry. He noticed her cup was empty and reached for the tea pot when a voice cut through the pavilion.

"There you are!" Sokka exclaimed as he ran from the main pathway on to their covered snack area. "Do you know how long I was looking for you? Where were you?"

"Ah, young Sokka," Iroh smiled warmly. "That is my fault. I saw your sister this morning and insisted she have tea with me. Would you like to join us?" He offered.

Sokka felt his entire argument and frustration melt away as the old man lifted up a small plate of pastries. "Looks like we got carried away with the chat." Katara added.

"You two are always busy and you've been here for a few months now. Yet we've never had tea together yet!" Iroh exclaimed. "I thought that it would be nice for us to sit down and get to know each other a little better."

Sokka raised an eyebrow as he munched on a handful of pastries. "Um...General Iroh, we traveled together for a while, remember? We used to always have tea with you."

"Yes, but that was then! I miss the company!" Iroh pouted sadly.

Katara chuckled slightly and finished off her cake. "Iroh, thank you for the tea and pastries, but I'm afraid we should be heading back to the infirmaries."

"No, we're not," Sokka stated. Katara looked at him curiously. "You promised to take a break. It's not good for you to be stuck in the infirmaries all day and never get some rest. Even the doctors alternate."

"Sokka, what exactly do you think we can do?" Katara sighed. "We've walked around the palace so many times, it's getting boring. I don't want to spend the day just sitting around and doing nothing."

"I don't know..." Sokka shrugged. "Maybe we can go out to the town?"

"Why don't you go shopping?" Iroh suggested. "Nothing says fun like sales!"

"But we don't have any mon-"

"I think I will join you!" Iroh announced. He stood up and ushered for them to follow him. "Let me gather some soldiers and arrange a ride for us into town. You two go and get ready! We'll meet at the central court yard in twenty minutes!"

"But, Iroh..." Katara began hesitantly.

"What do we need guards for? Will we be attacked?" Sokka asked.

"No, of course not," Iroh said as he lead the way. "They're for holding our bags!"


"Iroh, this was too much," Katara told him once more as they wandered into the palace followed by half a dozen guards and Sokka, all carrying arm loads of bags, boxes, and assorted packages. "You really didn't have to."

"We can't let you return home without the proper souvenirs for everyone!" Iroh gasped.

"Yeah?" Sokka grumbled as he passed, his legs shaking as if they would give in at any moment from the sheer weight of the packages. "Who exactly do you plan to give THIS to?" In his arms was a large wooden statue of a turtle duck, as well as two bolts of blue silk.

"Gran-Gran deserves something nice to wear!" Katara argued.

"I'm talking about this thing!" Sokka nearly screamed, shaking the turtle duck in his arms. Katara just shrugged and looked over at the pleased old general beside her.

"Uncle, what is all of this?" a horrified voice exclaimed from the hall.

"Hmm...I was hoping he would still be in the meeting..." Iroh mumbled disappointedly. Zuko was stomping forward, eyes narrowed and mouth set in a scowl as he sent withering glares at the soldiers.

"Who said you could go shopping today? I can't believe you left me alone with those...those wolves while you go gallivanting around picking up..." Zuko growled as he waved his hand at the massive wooden turtle duck. "Whatever THAT is!"

"Zuko, calm down," Iroh appealed as he held his hands up calmly. "I escorted Katara and her brother to the market today. You know she voluntarily works at the infirmary and doesn't have any money. Don't you think the least we could do was let her have a breather from this palace and go out into town?"

The Fire Lord let out a frustrated growl. "Are you trying to tell me that all of these are hers?" He demanded, pointing to the blue eyed waterbender.

Iroh smiled. "Yes."

"Ugh!" Zuko threw his arms in the air turned his glare to Katara. "Are these really all yours?" All thoughts to talking to Zuko about what happened that morning disappeared suddenly and she found herself growing nervous under his gaze.

Katara glanced over his shoulder at Iroh who was nodding encouragingly. "Yes?" she asked weakly. Zuko grumbled and rolled his eyes. He didn't believe her, but he'd let it slide.

"Uncle, I need to talk to you! NOW." Zuko stressed. He turned away and started stalking back from where he came.

Iroh slid over to one of the guards and slipped him a gold coin. "Make sure all my tea gets to my room."

"Yes, sir!"

The old general turned back to his shopping companions and gave him a disappointed smile. "I'm afraid we won't be having dinner with you two tonight. So please enjoy yourselves."

Katara shook her head. "Thank you for the tea and the shopping, Iroh-"

"Uncle!" Zuko yelled further down the hall.

"I'm coming, Zuko!" Iroh shouted back. He sighed heavily. "That boy...so impatient..." He purposely took his time walking to a small meeting room where Zuko was pacing back and forth. A perplexed look graced the young Fire Lord's face as Iroh signaled for the guards to close the doors behind him.

"You were right," Zuko began as the sound the doors echoed through the room. A pair of golden eyes locked on to Iroh's. "They've begun."

"They don't waste any time, do they?" Iroh mused. He took a seat on the nearest chair as Zuko continued to pace the floor before him. "What happened?"

"This meeting was merely to reinstate that they have been pardoned and are able to keep their titles, status, and wealth, Zuko exclaimed."Then, while I was telling them my plans for post war rebuilding, someone mentioned the issue of a wife or consort! They even threw around some names of their daughters, granddaughters, nieces and what have you as possible contenders! Don't they understand that there are more important things than that? We just got out of war!"

"Zuko, you are right. We are still unstable. That is the reason they are hinting at the subject. All the nobles had been previously loyal to your father and are wary of you because of that."

"But I've already pardoned all of them!"

"That doesn't matter. What they want is security. Security for themselves, their families and their interests," Iroh explained. "If you took one of their daughters are a wife or consort, they would feel secure."

"I have no interest in women right now, Uncle. I have a nation to rebuild!"

"And you will need someone there at your side to aide you."

"I have you."

"I will not always be here." Iroh added reluctantly. Zuko stopped pacing and turned to look at him.

"You're starting to sound like them." he grumbled.

"Well, I understand where they are coming from. Zuko, I'm not asking you to get married or even pick one of their daughters. I'm just saying do not brush off the idea so easily. Show them that you are entertaining the idea instead of immediately disregarding them."

"I know, I know..." Zuko sighed. He lifted his hand and rubbed his forehead tiredly. "I just...I don't think I'm ready to get married."

"We can try to hold them off for now, but you will not be young forever," Iroh told him. "Soon, they will start asking for an heir to secure your lineage to the throne. It is important that you provide this nation with one."

Zuko inhaled deeply and tilted his head back. "I don't want to think about that yet...My people are dying over seas and within my nation, chaos still runs in some places. I need to focus on getting control of everything."

"You've had a rough day," Iroh said as he stood up and crossed the room. He put a caring hand on Zuko's shoulder. "I have just the thing for you. I bought this new tea today from the Earth Kingdom."

Zuko frowned and looked at his Uncle. "I thought you said those were all Katara's things." he stated, annoyed.

Iroh's eyes widened for a split second before he smiled widely. "Would you believe she bought me a gift?"


Katara sat on the stone slab and nervously looked down at her reflection on the water below. Ripples created by the turtle ducks contorted her image, but it didn't matter. She ran her hand down the front of her dress, straightening the non-existent wrinkles on the smooth blue silk. Nervously, her hands rose and played with the loose wavy hair that framed her face. Maybe it was too much...

When she had arrived, the turtle ducks began quacking and swam towards her as they usually did. However when they neared her they stopped, as if wondering if she were someone else. Katara chuckled and assured the little creatures that she was herself and even offered them a few pieces of bread. She felt her cheeks warm up. Perhaps she had over done it with the new dress and the unbraided hair.

After dinner, she had hung around with Sokka for a few hours before heading to her room. When she arrived, she saw all the things Iroh had purchased for her laying around and, giddy, she began digging through all of them. Every little thing that caught her eyes had nearly been bought for her. She only managed to stop the enthusiastic old man when she assured him that, on second thought, the broach, hair pins, dress, jewelry, shoes, and other random trinkets were not as cute as she had originally thought they were.

However, in the end, she came out with an entire new wardrobe. She'd never seen so many shades of blue cloth in her life. A dozen new dresses, mostly designed in Fire Nation fashion, laid across her bed. She had walked around it several times, debating which one to try on first.

Her entire life, Katara only had a few sets of clothing. Having hundreds of clothes were pointless in a small village where there was no time for elegant banquets and elaborate balls. She felt spoiled as she tired on dress after dress in front of a large mirror against the wall. With one particular dress; a long set of dark blue outer robes that allowed white inner robes to peek from her collar and sleeve; she had unraveled her hair and held it up.

The smooth fabric felt wonderful against her skin as she walked around in a little circle, trying to view her backside in the mirror. Katara blushed. She felt like a princess.

What had driven her to meet Zuko for their nightly turtle duck feeding decked out in a noble woman's dress suddenly escaped her and she began to wonder if she looked foolish.

Of course you look foolish! He's used to seeing you either in your robe or in your clothes from the South Pole. He'll probably think you look ridiculous in Fire Nation robes! He did last time! Katara grimaced as she remembered the last time she had attempted to wear a robe in public.

The look on his face at her failed attempt was burned into her memory. Katara clutched the cloth napkin she had used to carry bread and suddenly stood up from her seat on the stone. She was going to change. Maybe she could make it back before Zuko arrived. There was no way he was going to see her like she was. Determinedly, she turned around.

Not one step forward and she froze in her place before the imposing figure of the Fire Lord. Her eyes went wide as saucers as golden eyes mirrored her look of surprise. Her heart began to race as embarrassment flooded her body. Her mind began cursing her stupid idea of dressing up to...to...impress Zuko? What had seen thinking?

Across from her, Zuko had been approaching the pond when he saw the blue seated figure on the stone. For a moment, he wondered if she had bought a new robe, but as he neared her, he began to notice the intricate embroidery on the edges of the cloth and then the style of the dress. Half of him was surprised while the other had suddenly blanked.

"Um..." Katara began nervously. "I'll be right back. I need to change." She lowered her head, avoiding his gaze as she tried to step around him.

His arm shot up and grabbed her forearm. The material of her robes was very fine and suddenly he no longer found himself annoyed at his Uncle for leaving him that morning to go shopping. "Did you buy that dress?"

"Actually, your uncle bought it," Katara replied shyly. Her eyes were still diverted and Zuko smirked. "Hope you don't mind."

"No, it's nice," Nice? He had just spent Agni knew how long staring at her before she turned around and caught him and all he could say was 'nice'. Iroh would be laughing at his idiocy. He pulled her back gently and held her at arms length. "It fits this time."

Her hands clenched at her sides as she gritted her teeth. "It was tailored to fit me." she hissed defensively.

"You tied the sashes correctly." he added. Katara pulled her arm away roughly and took a step back.

"I just wanted to see how it was like wearing it. Here," Katara handed him the bread. "Hold this. I'll be back after I change."

He tilted his head to the side. "Why?"

"What do you mean why?" Katara asked, exasperated. "To get out of this." She explained, motioning to the dress.

"Exactly, why do you want to get out of that?" Zuko asked. "You're already here. It's not like the dress will get ruined if you sit down on the stone."

She opened her mouth to try to argue, but found herself speechless. "I...but..."

Zuko sighed heavily and looked away, not able to look her in the eye. "The robes fit you...well. The color brings out your eyes. My Uncle has good taste..." He admitted.

Katara's eyes widened once more. "You...like it?"

"It fits you," Zuko grumbled. He turned away and marched to his usual seat. "Are you going to stand there all night or are you going to feed them with me?" He demanded. Katara smiled slowly and gathered up the hems of her robes as she rushed to her place beside him.

He handed her some bread and began feeding the turtle ducks. "Your Uncle bought me so much. He really didn't have to."

"Don't worry about him. He revels in shopping," Zuko replied. "Even when we were in exile, he'd window shop."

Katara giggled and nodded. "That seems like him. He kept insisting I buy things for the people back in my village. That's how we ended up with the wooden turtle duck."

His movements slowed down as he reminded her that she was leaving. Zuko's eyes went down to his hands as he watched them tear apart the bread for the fowl. "So you are really leaving."

Katara paused in the middle of tossing a piece into the water. Her eyes lowered and she nodded. "Of course. I'm needed back home."

"When are you leaving?" he asked in a solemn voice.

Katara took a deep breath. "Soon," she replied softly. "I've been requested to stay a few more days to monitor some of the patients. Once the last one is sent home, Sokka and I will also go home."

"I see..." They sat there in silence as they finished off the pieces of bread that Katara had brought with her. "Do you hate it here?"

Katara's head quickly turned to his as he suddenly spoke. "No...I don't hate it here."

"Is the only reason you're going back to the South Pole to help rebuild?"

"Well, I miss home. Zuko, you know how that feels..." Katara whispered. "Before I met Aang and traveled with him around the world, I've never known anything other than my village. And then suddenly I find myself away from home for a year...I miss it."

He knew how she felt. He had missed the Fire Nation so greatly while he was banished that he had nearly lost himself in catching the Avatar just so he could return. "I suppose the South Pole also needs rebuilding. Perhaps more so than the Fire Nation."

"Under different circumstances, Zuko...I would stay," Katara admitted. She closed her eyes as she drew her legs up to her chest. "But those circumstances are far different from the ones now."

"You should come back." he asserted, sternly. She felt something else in his voice. Something more than a demand.

"No. I don't belong here."

"You belong where you want to belong," Zuko snapped. Katara turned her head away as Zuko looked at her. "I don't understand! If you want to stay here, why don't you?"

"I told you, Zuko, I don't belong here. I belong at the South Pole-"

"I heard what you told the Avatar," Zuko spat out suddenly. Katara's eyes flew open. "Is there really nothing for you here?"

Memories of that morning returned to her and Katara gripped the cloth of her robes. "I can't stay here..." she repeated quietly.

"Why not?" he demanded loudly. The pain of her admonition was eating away him. "What is stopping you from staying?" Tell me! his mind pleaded. Tell me and I will make it go away!

Katara shook her head and looked up at him. "Have you been to the infirmaries?"

"What?" he gasped out. He scowled. "What are you talking about now?"

"Have you been to the infirmaries, Zuko? Do you know what they say?" Katara asked. Zuko slowly shook his head, unsure of where she was leading. "Every day I hear hateful things directed at me. The soldiers don't trust me. They think I'm beneath them. I've heard...horrible things from them. Things that imply that the only reason I wasn't already killed was because I...I was having relations with you!" Zuko's eyes widened.

"I...I as told that the harassment has lessened." he choked out. Katara shook her head.

"It's not that it lessens, but its entertainment value fades," she explained. "The soldiers and their families, even their children, don't accept me, Zuko. I don't think I can live in a place where I'm despised."

"You are not despised," Zuko hissed. "Those soldiers don't know what they're saying-"

"They do know, Zuko," Katara insisted. She turned her head away and slowly stood up. She soothed her hair behind her ear as she brushed off her dress. "I can never be accepted here...no matter how much I want to be." She whispered, looking down at him.

Zuko shook his head and stood up. "These last few nights-"

"Stop it," Katara pleaded quietly as she raised her hands. His eyes stayed locked on to hers as her soft hands cupped the sides of his face. "We're young, Zuko, but not stupid. If we keep this up, things will get out of control."

"Katara, what are you talking about?" Zuko whispered as he held in his breath.

Her thumbs gently traced circles across the corners of his eyes. "It would be best if we remained friends."

He felt as if he had just been hit in the gut. His eyes searched hers desperately. "We are friends. What we're doing now..."

She shook her head and Zuko frowned. "It's not that there is nothing for me here, Zuko. It's just that there cannot be anything for me here. Whatever feeding the turtle ducks was leading to is somewhere we can't go."

"You're insane," he accused lamely. "All we were doing was feeding the stupid animals."

"I think it's best if we stop before we get any further."

"Stop what? Further with what?" he scoffed. His chest was aching. It was a slow, crushing pain spreading through his body, making him weak. He detested that feeling.

"Zuko-"

He shoved her arms away from him and turned away, disgusted. "You're imagining things," he hissed coldly as he backed away from her. "If you're implying that I could possibly be attracted to you, you're sadly mistaken. I'm here to feed the turtle ducks and make sure they are healthy. That is all!"

Katara closed her eyes tightly as he turned around. Wet tears rimmed her lashes. "I see..." she whimpered quietly. He was lying. She knew he was. "I guess I read too much into it."

Zuko clenched his hands, willing himself not to explode. "Since you will be leaving soon, you will no longer be coming to the garden to feed them," he said in a low voice. "I suggest you leave. This area is for members of the royal family only. You are nothing but a naive, Water Tribe peasant."

She bit her trembling lips to keep from crying out. "Then forgive me," she choked out as she dashed passed him. "Your highness." It's easier this way, Katara. It would've been harder if you continued. It would've hurt more.

Zuko watched as she ran up the steps as fast as she could. She stumbled twice on the long blue robes that flowed around her body. The gentle colors disappeared into the darkness of the hall and Zuko fell to his knees. His eyes remained on the spot where she had vanished from. Why did it hurt so much...?

Thunder sounded in the distance and Zuko tilted his head up to the sky. Dark clouds had gathered over head as heavy drops of rain fell from the sky. The Fire Lord closed his eyes as the cold, clean rain washed over his body. Water. Katara was water to him. Lightning flashed and Zuko opened his eyes.

Where will you be, Katara...The next time it rains...?


"I hope I was of some help," Katara bowed her head respectfully as the doctors surrounded her. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"No, no...it is us who should thank you, Katara of the Water Tribe," one of the doctors insisted. "Half of these men would hot have made it with your healing."

"And the other half would be in much more pain," another added. "Thank you for your help." The doctors bowed their heads to her and Katara smiled shyly.

"I should get going," she said as the doctors stood up straight. "I still have some packing to do."

"You will always be welcomed back," the head doctor told her. "But hopefully, not needed." He added amiably. Katara smiled and nodded with agreement.

She looked back at the room of wounded men. While they doctors were seeing her off, it had grown strangely quiet in the room. She offered them a weak smile and headed out the door.

"All done?" Sokka asked. He pushed himself up from where he was leaning against the wall and looked at his sister.

"Yes...all the patients are stable now."

"How about you?" Sokka looked weary figure up and down. "Are you sure you're up for the trip?"

"Are you kidding me?" Katara laughed as he fell into step beside her. "The sooner I can get to Gran-Gran's sea prunes, the better." Sokka chuckled and rubbed his stomach.

"Here's to that!" The two siblings headed down the hall when the sound of footsteps grew louder behind them.

"Wait! Wait! Doctor lady!" Katara and Sokka exchanged confused looks before turning around. A little black haired girl was racing towards them, a small blue flower in her clutched in one chubby hand.

"Me?" Katara asked curiously. She knelt down as the child stumbled to a stop before her.

"Yes!" the little girl smiled broadly. "This is for you!" She lifted up the flower and placed it in Katara's hand. The waterbender's eyes widened with surprise. "The doctor said because of you, my daddy's alive. Thank you for saving him!"

Katara's eyes softened as she felt tears collect at her eyes. "I..." she began. She blinked back the tears and smiled. "Thank you for the flower."

The little girl beamed a proud smile. "Mei! Mei!" A woman rushed out of the room and gasped as she saw her daughter standing before the two strangers. "Mei, what are you doing?"

"She wasn't doing anything wrong-" Katara began as she stood up, but the woman cut her off.

"Stay away from my daughter!" She swept down and grabbed Mei in her arms before rushing back. Katara jerked her head back, surprised.

"Bye, doctor lady!" Mei waved cheerfully, ignorant of her mother's reaction. Katara lifted her hand and waved sadly.

"It would be great, wouldn't it?" Sokka said thoughtfully as he watched the mother and daughter disappear back into the infirmary. "If everyone was like that little girl..."

"Everyone starts out like that little girl, Sokka," Katara whispered softly. "But then everyone forgets," She smiled fondly and lifted the flower up to her hair, tucking it behind her ear. "So...is everything packed?"

"Almost. Just get the rest of your clothes and we'll bring it with us to the dock tonight." Sokka told her.

"I better hurry up and pack then."

"Yeah, General Iroh has prepared a big meal for us before we leave," Sokka smiled lopsidedly. "Mm...I can't wait."

Katara chuckled and shook her head. "See...you do have a one track mind!" She waved at him and turned the corner. "I'll see you at dinner!"

Sokka shrugged and headed for the dining hall. Katara had a smile on her face as she walked down the corridor. Occasionally, she reached up and touched the frail blue flower in her hair.

"Lord Zuko's decision pardon my daughter for her part in the previous regime was a just one," a man was saying. Katara froze in mid step and looked around. "He is a good man."

The voices were coming from around the corner and Katara ran behind the nearest pillar. "A good man might not necessarily make a great leader," another voice replied. "His was far too generous with the reparations to the other countries. The Fire Nation will be heavily taxed for years to come."

"His budget plan will be revealed in a week or two from what I heard," yet another man added. "But you are right; he was very generous with the other nations."

"That's all well and good for them, but what about us? People from the northern regions are clamoring for stability to be brought to them."

"The Fire Lord needs to send a positive message to the people soon, else a revolt is inevitable." Behind the pillar Katara's eyes widened. A revolt? So soon? Were people that unhappy?

"He's so young, it's hard for people to truly follow someone as inexperienced in politics as he is." Katara shook her head and resisted the urge to defend him. She'd seen first hand how he handed international politics.

"Have you heard about Nobleman Wu's daughter? He's offered her to the Fire Lord."

"Already! She has not even turned of age to marry yet!" Katara felt her heart stop. She leaned heavily against the pillar and slid down to the ground.

"Then it officially begins," the first voice said. "I will speak to Mai about the Fire Lord."

Another man snorted indignantly. "Do you really believe that the Fire Lord will take your daughter? After she had aided his sister?"

"He pardoned her, did he not? Surely that must mean something." Their voices disappeared down the hall and Katara wrapped her arms around herself.

Her mind tried to rationalize what she had heard. Zuko was the Fire Lord. An unmarried Fire Lord. It would only be natural that his people wanted him married, if only to provide an heir. And being royalty, political marriages were...inevitable. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the pillar.

Katara felt her heart ache. She hadn't seen him in three days. Not since that night she ran from the garden. She had purposely avoided him whenever she wasn't in the infirmary and hadn't set foot anywhere near the royal quarters. Katara had engrossed herself in her work with the patients, trying to keep him out of her mind. However, the second her mind was no longer occupied, his name, his face, and his voice drifted back and burned it into all her thoughts.

It was for the best that they end it before anything came of it. No matter how much she might have wanted to continue, she knew it would never work out. Maybe...just maybe, if Zuko wasn't the Fire Lord or if she were of the Fire Nation, then it would've been all right. But a Water Tribe peasant had no place to be the wife of the Fire Lord.

Wife... she thought bitterly. Don't be stupid Katara...There is no way he'd even take you as that. He's smart. He knows that it wouldn't work. You two had to break it off sometime... She took a deep breath and slowly pushed herself up. Slowly, she headed back to her room.

In time, Zuko would find a beautiful bride. Probably a daughter of an esteemed nobleman. She would have pale skin and black hair and gold eyes just like him. She'd be rich, from a powerful family, graceful and have every lady like manner Katara lacked. And then Zuko would forget all about her. The thought hurt.

She reached her room and quickly shoved her remaining clothes into a bag before slinging it over her shoulder. She looked around the room that she had called her own the last few months and tried to embed its image into her mind. She would never rest within those walls ever again.

Katara closed the door behind her and handed her bag to an awaiting servant. "Please take this to the cart awaiting in the front court."

The servant bowed. "Yes, Lady Katara."

She smiled sadly as he turned around and carried her bag off. Lady Katara...that had a nice sound. She turned to the opposite direction and headed to the dining room. As she reached the doors she inhaled deeply and pasted a wide smile on her face. The doors were opened for her and she smiled at three people already gathered there.

"About time!" Sokka said as his stomach grumbled, unashamed. "I'm starving!"

"Sorry, Sokka," Katara chuckled. "I just had to finish packing. I sent my bag to the cart." She took her seat at the far end of the table, at the last remaining seat.

"Great," Sokka said. He looked at Iroh, who was sitting across from him. "Before we start, I guess I should show some manners," He lifted up his cup and stood up, much to Katara's amusement. "General Iroh, Fire Lord Zuko, on behalf of myself and Katara, I'd like to thank you for your hospitality these last few months."

"Your gratitude is humbly accepted," Iroh smiled as he raised his own cup. He looked over at his nephew who was sitting at the head of the table. "Isn't that right, Zuko?"

The young Fire Lord kept his eyes diverted from Katara's. He lifted up his own cup and nodded his head. "May you both have a safe journey to the South Pole." His voice was calm and neutral, almost emotionless.

Katara lifted up her drink and toasted it with the others before following their example and drinking. "All right!" Sokka exclaimed as he sat back down and dug into the first dish in front of him.

Iroh laughed at the sight. "Do not worry, Sokka. I have asked the maids to prepare some food for your journey."

Sokka's eyes widened and he gave Iroh a look of absolute appreciation. As he thanked the old general over and over, while tearing into some meat with his teeth, Katara quietly ate the meal before her. She raised her eyes once in a while, trying to catch a glimpse at Zuko as he silently ate across from her. Not once did he speak or bother looking at her.

Katara felt her heart twist in her chest. She just wanted to talk to him...just once more. She wanted to apologize if she hurt him. She wanted to say she cared for him...more than she realized. Just one more time, she wanted to be with him.

"It looks like it will rain again tonight," Iroh said as he brought some food to his lips. "I hope you two get an early start so you won't be caught in the rain."

"That won't be a problem," Sokka grinned. "After all, I'm traveling with one of the world's greatest waterbenders."

Katara smiled and looked back down at her food. "I'm sure we'll be fine, Iroh..." She trailed off. The old general watched as her smile faded when she wasn't paying attention. Her blue eyes that always sparkled when she was excited were downcast. They mirrored the look in his nephew's eyes.

"I hope you will come visit us again soon." Iroh insisted. Katara lifted her head and nodded tiredly.

"Of course...one day..."

The sound of chopsticks falling on a porcelain plate echoed through the room and three sets of eyes immediately darted to the source of the noise. Zuko was wiping his mouth with his napkin as he pushed his chair back. "I have some things to attend to," he stated coldly as he stood up and tossed the napkin on to the table. He looked at Katara and Sokka briefly before giving them a small bow of his head. "I apologize for not being able to see you off."

"Zuko!" Iroh called as the young leader turned and headed for the door. The guards opened the door for him as he exited the dining hall. Iroh looked back at the two guests. "Ah...he is very busy..." He offered lamely.

Sokka merely shrugged and continued to eat, but Katara closed her eyes tightly and bit her lip. She looked back down at her food and tried to eat a little more, if only so she wouldn't be hungry later. After several minutes and losing her appetite completely, she looked at Iroh and bowed her head.

"Thank you for the food," she said respectfully. "It was delicious."

"I am pleased you enjoyed it." he smiled fondly.

Across from him, Sokka let out a burp and smiled sheepishly. "Heh...sorry."

"I take it the food was delicious for you, as well?" Iroh laughed. Sokka nodded and thanked him.

"We should get going," Sokka said. "Our boat leaves at twilight."

"Ah...then you should." Iroh said, standing up. The two Water Tribe siblings stood up and followed the old man out the door. Katara looked out past the buildings of the palace, at the setting sun in the distance. Dark clouds hung over head, threatening rain over the Fire Nation city. Katara bit her lip. When the sun disappeared from the sky, she would leave the Fire Nation, the palace, and Zuko. Her heart raced in her chest as her mind struggled to come to a decision.

Suddenly, she then turned to Sokka. "Oh no! I forgot something in my room."

"Huh?" Sokka asked. He frowned as he looked back at her. "You forgot? Katara-" he began in a disappointed voice.

"I'll meet you outside!" she said as she began running in the opposite direction. "Don't leave without me!"

"Katara-" Sokka called out, only to be stopped by Iroh's hand.

"Now...you know girls and their things. It's best not to trifle with them." Iroh told him. Sokka sighed heavily and followed Iroh towards the front.


Katara ran through the nearly empty halls of the fire palace one last time. If she didn't find him, Sokka would get to her first and drag her home. Her footsteps echoed on the floors as servants and guards moved out of her way. She didn't see them bow their heads or murmur an honorific title with her name as she ran past.

A train of brown hair flew behind her as she rang along the corridors surrounding the palace. In the court yards she passed, she could hear the sound of rain falling on the cement walk ways. Sokka would come looking for her soon. She followed a path she knew well until she saw the opening ahead of her. Beyond the entrance was a set of three steps that led to a carefully manicured garden.

In the center was a small pond where a pair of turtle ducks raised their babies. Beneath a tree, to the side of the pond was a large, flat stone slab that lapped over the water's edge. And behind it, a covered walkway from where he first saw her. As she approached the garden, she felt pressure constricting around her body. A thousand questions ran through her mind and a thousand times, she ignored them. She didn't want to think of what she would do if he wasn't there.

Katara flew out of the hall and ran carelessly into the garden. The moist, grass covered earth sank beneath the weight of feet as hundreds of droplets of water fell around her. Her wide blue eyes scanned the small private garden desperately. Numbly, she stumbled forward, her lips parted as she panted for air. Her eyes rimmed with tears as she shook her head disbelievingly.

He wasn't there.

Her hand rose and braced herself against the tree as she looked down at the spot where they had sat together so many times. A sob threatened to spill as she closed her eyes and turned away. She had been absolutely positive that he would be there.

"You're so stupid, Katara..." she whispered. She lifted her hand and ran it down her face. Why would he have come?

"Quack!" Katara opened her eyes. Some of the turtle ducklings had swam over and began circling the area before her, waiting.

She looked down at them sadly. "I'm sorry..." she choked out regretfully."I don't have any food for you today..."

"Quack!" they repeated. Katara shook her head and wrapped her arms around her body.

"I said I don't have any..." They continued to quack and Katara felt her control slipping. Didn't they understand? "I don't have any food!" she cried out.

A small pale ball fell into the water and immediately sank. Katara watched with wide eyes as the turtle ducklings began diving for the food. Piece after piece fell into the pond and Katara wondered if she were dreaming. A distorted image was reflected in the water. Her heart was beating rapidly with fear. She couldn't bring herself to turn around. What if she was seeing things and he wasn't really there? She went rigid and held on to the tree to keep her from crumbling to the ground.

"Every night," a low voice spoke behind her. "Every night after you ran off, I came here hoping to see you. And you never showed up. Now, the one time I come, believing that you wouldn't be here, there you are," A pale hand dropped the last piece of bread into the pond. "I don't understand you."

That voice haunted her since the day he appeared in her village. Katara let out a whimper and closed her eyes tightly. That would voice haunt her until the day she died. Slowly she turned around and opened her eyes.

Zuko stood a few paces from her, beneath an umbrella. His eyes were staring at her with conflicted emotions. Part of him wanted to be angry with her for doing this to the both of them. Part of him was angry at himself for allowing it to happen. And another part...

"Zuko..."

The umbrella fell to the ground as his arms reached to catch her. Her arms wrapped around his body as her face buried itself in his chest. Katara dug her fingers into the cloth of his robe as strong arms enveloped her body, holding her against him. Zuko closed his eyes and he pressed his lips against the side of her head, his nose smelling the clean, fresh scent of her hair.

"Why did you come back here?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I don't now..." Katara whimpered. She choked back a sob as she lifted her face to look up at his. "Zuko...I'm sorry."

"We both are..." He mumbled. His hand gently rose up and down her back in soothing motions. Katara took in a shallow breath and gently moved her arms between them and pushed him away.

"Under different circumstances-"

"Don't..." Zuko said as his hand rose. A warm finger traced the outline of he lips. "We both know it wouldn't work..." Katara lowered her eyes and nodded.

"Please...take care of the...of the turtle ducks?"

He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving her rain soaked face. "Thank you for showing them to me."

Katara smiled sadly and lifted her hands up, gently cupping his face once more. "You are destined for greatness, Zuko I know you will lead the Fire Nation well. That is what a great man does."

Such words should've elated him, but instead, his heart sank. Suddenly, he didn't want to be a 'great man'. "If the South Pole Water Tribe requires assistance, send word to me. I will take care of it." he quietly promised.

"Katara!" Her head snapped towards the entrance and frowned.

"My brother is looking for me," she whispered. "I should go. Our boat is leaving soon."

Zuko nodded as she slipped away. His hand held on to hers a moment longer. "In a few months, all the leaders of the other nations will be here to celebrate my 18th birthday..."

Katara looked away and gave a small nod of her head. "I'll see..."

"Katara! Where are you?" She lifted her head up and looked at the palace sadly.

Zuko followed her gaze and saw the figure of her brother approaching. Katara's fingers uncoiled from his and his other hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. She turned her head, confusion written all over her face as he pulled her forward.

"Katara!" Sokka stopped in his tracks as his blue eyes widened at the sight before him.

Standing in the center of the garden were two rain soaked figures. One draped in blue, the other in red. Limbs coiled around the other tightly. Katara's hands caressed the sides of his face; her finger tips gently grazed his scar. Her eyes were closed as her lips parted for a breath before being sealed over by another pair. One arm held her against him while the other held her face steady.

Sokka didn't know how long he stood there watching the Fire Lord kiss his sister. Or vice versa. Shock and confusion made way for anger as the Water Tribe warrior narrowed his eyes and growled dangerously. "Zuko! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

His words were lost in the sound of the falling rain. Katara's eyes slowly opened as Zuko pulled away. Her lips were still parted and words were not coming out. She watched has his regretful look was quickly covered up by a mask of indifference as her hand pressed something into his before he stepped back.

Katara closed her eyes and turned her head away. "Hey!" Sokka was screaming. He was stalking over, a furious look on his face. Before he got any closer, Katara whirled around and grabbed his arm.

"Let's go." she said, her voice shaking.

"No!" Sokka shouted as he shot Zuko a deadly glare. "What do you think you were doing with my sister!"

"Sokka, let's go!" Katara pleaded. She tugged on his arm with all her strength, making Sokka stumble backwards. He turned to look at her.

"Katara, what is the matter with you?"

"Please, Sokka," Katara repeated, her voice shaking. "Let's go."

Zuko watched the expression on Sokka's face as it went from anger and frustration to worry. He looked at Zuko one last time before nodding and leading his sister away. Golden eyes watched as Katara left him without looking back.

The Fire Lord sat down on the stone slab and looked down at his hand. A small blue flower rested in his palm and Zuko closed his eyes. Somehow, the rain felt colder than usual.


A.N. - Thank for you reading! All your reviews have been very encouraging. :) Thank you so much! I know I kind of sped things up here. I hope they're still reasonably within character. I will try to keep them as in character as I can, but remember this is just a fic, so it won't be perfect. :) At any rate, I hope you all are enjoying the story!