Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Nineteen
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
Inside Sokka's bedroom, Aang, Katara, and Toph sat around the room. Aang was sitting on the covered floor with Toph while Katara sat on the edge of her brother's bed. In the space before them, Sokka was pacing, a deep look of thought on his face. Toph tapped her fingers lazily on her thigh. Aang leaned back against his arms and blew ice crystals in the air with his breath. Momo hung languidly over his lap.
Katara rolled her eyes. They had been in the room for ten minutes and Sokka still hadn't said anything. Finally, she crossed her arms and frowned. "Sokka, are you going to start or what?"
"I'm sleepy, let's hurry this up." Toph added.
Sokka stopped pacing and looked at the familiar group in front of him. "You all may be wondering why I called you in here tonight."
"Not really," Aang replied cheerfully. "You told us it was about proposing to Suki, remember?"
Sokka narrowed his eyes. "Okay, so you do know. But it isn't just about proposing to Suki. I want to propose to her tomorrow at midnight. When I heard you three weren't coming, I had to change my plans. But since you three are here now, I can proceed with my original idea," Katara furrowed her eyebrows. He sounded just like he did when he was teaching the village children to 'defend' the tribe. Completely self assured, despite not knowing what he was talking about. "This is a long, carefully thought out plan. So if anyone has to go take a potty break, now is the time."
Katara groaned and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Sokka, we're not children - Aang! Where are you going?" She gasped as she eyed the Avatar standing up and heading for the door.
"To the bathroom." Aang told them dumbly.
"Oh, for the love of..." Toph face palmed herself. Her hand shot out in the direction of his voice and grabbed the cloth that brushed her finger tips. "Sit down, Twinkle Toes."
"Okay, we're all here, let's get started," Katara told her brother. "So what exactly is your brilliant plan, big brother?"
"Oh, you'll be blown away," Sokka began energetically. "I was thinking that when it's time to light the lanterns, I would take Suki up to the palace and propose to her there."
"That sounds simple enough," Katara agreed with a nod. "What do you need us for?"
"Toph, I need you to do crowd control. Aang, I need you to cue the band-"
"You got a band?" Katara spat out, unable to contain her surprise. "Where did you get a band?"
"Hey, I know people." Sokka told her defensively.
"Chief Arnook set that up, didn't he?" Toph smirked. The Water Tribe Warrior scowled.
"The point is that there will be romantic background music during the actual proposal," Sokka retorted. "And Katara I need you to create an ice pavilion for the proposal."
"Wow..." Katara looked impressed.
"You're going all out, Sokka," Aang added, also impressed. "There's no way Suki will say no."
"That's the plan," Sokka grinned. "I invited a bunch of people from Kyoshi Island, including the warriors. So everyone will be there for the proposal."
"Well, I'm impressed, Snoozeles," Toph nodded with approval. "I didn't think you'd actually come up with all that. Aang and I thought you'd always propose over food or something."
"Hey, my life does not revolve around food."
"Not any more," Katara grinned. She stood up and brushed off her clothes. "I like your idea, Sokka, but I think I know a way to make it better."
"How's that?" Sokka asked, somewhat suspicious.
"Just take Suki on that long gondola ride all the way up to the palace and make sure her back is kept to the lower tiers at all times," Katara winked. "Every girl's proposal should be special."
Sokka thought for a moment and finally nodded. "Okay. I trust you. But no funny stuff."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
Katara ran through the palace, her face painted in Water Tribe war paint and dressed in the deep blue, white fur lined clothes of a Waterbending Master. Two gold fans were clutched in her hands as she darted through the ice halls, looking for her partners in crime. She caught the sight of green and skidded to a stop. Toph was standing by an ice column speaking to Aang.
"There you guys are!" Katara gasped as she made a beeline to the duo. "Have you guys seen Sokka?"
"He's already out in the main lodge hall with Suki," Toph told her. "Is everything ready?"
"Yeah, that's what I wanted to tell him." Katara said. Her hair was down around her face, two blue stone clips holding her hair loops in place.
"We can tell him for you," Aang said. "Nice make-up."
"It's war paint." Katara sighed.
"Right," Aang smiled widely. "So are you ready for this?"
"I haven't been practicing on Appa's back for a week for nothing," Katara asserted. She took a deep breath and snapped the fans open in front of her. "I'm kind of nervous, though."
"Hey, no worries," Toph assured her. "So what if a bunch of big wigs from the Water Tribe and the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom will be watching? No pressure."
Katara stared at Toph dully. "Aang, take her away." she stated. The Avatar sighed heavily as he took Toph's hand and began to lead her out into the hall.
"You'll be fine, Katara! Don't worry!" Aang told her.
"Yeah! Good luck, Sugar Queen!" Toph added a she stumbled after Aang.
Katara sighed heavily rolled her shoulders back. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It would be her first time performing alone. No Kyoshi Warriors. No other waterbenders. Just her. In front of everyone. Please don't let me mess up...please don't let me mess up...
"Attention brothers and sisters and our honored extended family of guests!" Katara froze in her spot as she heard Chief Arnook welcome the people. That meant that she would be introduced soon. Katara closed her dark painted eyes and held her hands in front of her. She began a set of controlled breathing to calm herself. "...Katara of the Water Tribe!"
You can do it, Katara! Blue eyes opened and she walked out into the hall.
Above her, the open topped hall allowed moonlight to illuminate the massive room as rows were set up around her, lined with tribesman and guests. At the head of the room, on an elevated platform, were two tables. The one at the top was lined with the Chief, his family, and visiting royalty. Below them was another table with honored guests.
Aang had resolved to sit at the second table with Katara's family, Suki, and Toph. Directly behind him, the Fire Lord was seated with his Uncle to his left and Mai to his right. Golden eyes locked on to her figure as she stepped out into the open space in front of her people. She looked different with war paint on. Much more serious and dangerous than her brother had at her age. Closed metal fans were held in each hand. Sounds of applause echoed through the room and Katara took another deep breath.
She took her beginning stance in waterbending and waited for the musical accompaniment to begin. Master Pakku, who stood to the side, gave a nod to the musicians that were seated below the drummers. Slow music flowed around her and Katara began to move.
From their seats above her, Suki clapped her hands and bit her lip with excitement. She knew that Katara was going to perform as her contribution to the celebration, but she didn't know that Katara would also be incorporating Kyoshi Warrior techniques. Slow, fluid movements were accompanied by bodies of floating water originating from massive jugs below her.
Katara's fingers ran through the fans, opening them with a swift flick of her wrist, just as Suki had taught her. The drums began to pound, their vibrations felt to the very core of everyone seated in the room. Her movements grew faster, sharper, twisting and turning the water around her like dozens of water whips tossed in a windswept dance.
The watchers all clapped enthusiastically as Katara's water snakes took the shape of perfect spheres moving around her as her body's smooth movements controlled the liquid.
Zuko kept his eyes fastened on her body, finding himself lost in the elegant movements of her limbs as water swept around her. Waves of brown flowed around her face with each turn she made. Carefully placed footsteps made it seem as if she were dancing amongst the coils of water, becoming tangled and untangled with them. He suddenly wished he was water in those jugs.
Beautiful blue eyes were open and relaxed, welcoming the long strands of water as they slid around her arms and legs, seemingly caressing her body as she arched back with her arms raised over her head. Glimmering gold fans with their edges as sharp as razors were treated as an extension of her body and water coiled around them and fanned out from their tips.
She was lost in a vortex of water that took dancing shapes around her. And Zuko found himself leaning forward, watching with wonder as she took a stance and moved her fans around her body in a circle to lead long streams of ice around. He wondered where he had learned that. He recognized movements used by the Kyoshi Warriors and a few fancy moves mastered by more experience waterbenders. Had she put the two styles together?
He'd never seen anything like it. And it took his breath away.
Carefully shaped clouds and mist was created in her hands and spread around her with the direction of her fans, creating a soft haze. The graceful turning of her body hardened the mist into water once more and she moved her arms, as if creating a sphere in front of her. More and more water gathered before her and then split in to.
He heard the Avatar say the bodies looked just like La and Tui...the spirits in the form of koi that eternally dance with each other. Apparently he wasn't the only one who understood the image and many of the Water Tribe clapped. Zuko found himself clapping as well. The fish...the Spirit Oasis...they brought back memories.
Katara's arms rose, lifting the body of water above her. The body floated up higher and higher. Everyone kept their eyes on it, save for Zuko. He kept his eyes on her face, completely entranced the look of sheer concentration behind the black, white, and gray war paint.
As the water reached the near top of the ceiling, Katara's hands flew out at her sides, spreading the water across the room. With narrowed eyes she turned her body and moved her hands, manipulating the water to change its physical structure. The only thing Zuko heard was clapping afterwards. He looked up and found that it was snowing indoors.
Ty Lee was squealing beside her friend as she lifted up her hands to catch the falling pieces of snow. Iroh was clapping and the entire row before them was clapping enthusiastically. The younger members of the group had stood up and were loudly cheering one of their own as Katara's bowed before her people and released tired pants of air.
"She's come along very well," Chief Arnook was telling Katara's father, who sat just below them. "You must be proud."
For some reason, Zuko felt as if that was a compliment to him. He was proud of Katara's show of skill. She had come a long way from the little girl who 'acquired' a waterbending scroll from some pirates. A small fond smile rested on his lips as he looked back at the young female ambassador. Several people had come to speak to her and applaud her performance as she stood off to the side.
Beside him, Mai stared at his face and the adoration and pride in his eyes as he clapped for the waterbender. Agni, she would die for him to look at her like that. She had watched him during Katara's performance. She had seen the rapture filled look on his face as Katara's swaying body was reflected in his eyes. She had seen the small, carefree smile on his face. She had never seen that anywhere else.
Mai turned away from him. She knew he was trying. For his sake as well as hers, he was trying to hide how he felt about Katara. But even when he tried, she knew. It was so obvious to her, it was like a slap in the face every time Zuko even heard Katara's name. It was so unfair. She loved him. She accepted the role of his fiancée to be with him. Nearly every day, she would go out to represent him to their people and she had yet to see the small glint in his eyes when her name was mentioned.
Even though she knew all along not to expect anything, she still wished for it.
"You did a great job, Katara!" Aang said. Mai looked up and saw the waterbendering walking towards them to take her seat beside her brother. She was wiping the paint off her face with a piece of cloth and tried to smile in the midst of taking off the dark colored paints.
"Thanks," Katara said. "Glad you guys enjoyed it." She took a seat next to Sokka and Suki switched places with him so that she could help Katara take the paint off. As the former Kyoshi Warrior rambled on about how wonderful it had been and how proud she was, Katara lowered her eyes and smiled modestly.
Behind them, Chief Arnook announced the start of the feast before the celebration. Everyone began to cheer and clap. Plates of food were passed around the tables as everyone began to talk at once. Iroh dove into the food in front of him. Ty Lee studied her food closely, debating whether or not to eat the 'sea prunes'. Finally she put a spoonful of the stewed concoction into her mouth. And then smiled widely.
"It's good!" she piped enthusiastically.
Mai smiled slightly and began to pick at her food. There was a lot of meat cooked in various different ways. She carefully began to put the food in her mouth. Glancing over beside her, the Fire Lord was eating the food without much care. Occasionally, his Uncle would comment about the food and Zuko would either nod his head or shrug.
Mai let out a small breath of relief. At least he wasn't looking at Katara again.
That day, she had tired to avoid the waterbender like a plague, which wasn't difficult. In the morning, for the first meal of the day, she found out that Katara had left early to run some errands before the celebration that evening. Both she and Zuko were relieved.
Accompanied by Ty Lee and General Iroh, they went to explore the city below. Everyone was busy with preparations for the celebration and Iroh was disappointed to discover that nearly all the shops had been closed. One of the tribesmen assured him that they would open that night for the celebration.
Mai was always at Zuko's side as they walked through the city. It was more like a small parade than a casual stroll. They walked beside each other as if there were some sort of wall between them. Mai supposed that there really was one. The entire morning had been spent in near silence if not for Iroh and Ty Lee's conversation behind them.
Then Zuko had suggested they eat the midday meal outside, as it was a nice sunny day. Mai agreed; she was getting a bit hungry after hours of walking across the frozen city. Iroh lead them to a small outdoor cafe over looking one of the pristine canals. Apparently, Master Pakku's flat was in the building across the way and the other old man had pointed it out the night before.
Luckily, the small cafe was open. They were seated at a small circular table outside and served some tea. It was then that a shop across the canal opened for business. Iroh's face lit up like a child's and he insisted that he go take a 'quick look' first. He invited Ty Lee and, of course, the young woman agreed and followed behind him.
It left the Fire Nation couple alone in utter silence. Their food would take a few minutes to prepare and they didn't know when Iroh would actually return. Mai's hands tightened on the stoneware tea cup and she lifted it to her lips. The foreign tea coasted down her throat. Across from her, Zuko was leaning back against his chair, his eyes studying the carefully created ice arches spread over the canal that were decorated with surprisingly vivid artic flowers and pale blue and white lanterns.
A pale hand reached forward and picked up the cup in front of him. He lifted the welcomed steaming liquid and took a long sip. Golden eyes closed and he let out a heavy breath. When they opened, Mai darted eyes away and took another drink of her tea.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Gray eyes lifted and rested on his scarred face. Zuko's eyes were focused on his tea. "I hurt you. I didn't mean to." It was the first sentence he had spoken to her since they left the ice palace.
Mai swallowed her tea and nodded solemnly. "I know." Her stomach and heart twisted at the memory of yesterday's meeting with Katara. All three of them had been thrust into an unexpected situation and they had tried their hardest to deal with it in the most civil manner they could. But that didn't stop it from being so uncomfortable.
During the meals, they each sat at opposite ends of the table, losing themselves in conversations with anyone but the other party. Everyone was wary of what they were talking about, for fear of starting something between the Fire Lord, his bride, and the waterbender.
And rather than spend the rest of the evening on a little night time tour with their hosts, Zuko had opted to turn in early, citing that he was tired from the journey. Everyone knew the truth. He didn't want to run into Katara again, even though she had left with her friends earlier.
As they sat across from each other, Mai felt as if she were in it alone. Just like Zuko and Katara were fighting their emotions alone. His eyes closed once more and his hand tightened around the cup. "I wasn't prepared to see her," he admitted. "I was caught not knowing what to do. I apologize."
"I told you, my lord, it is fine."
Zuko shook his head and flashed his eyes open. "No, it is not," Zuko told her in a pained voice. "Tell me the truth, Mai. Am I hurting you?"
Not physically. He wanted to know if he hurt her every other way. She wanted to say yes at that moment. She wanted to tell him what she saw on his face when he heard Katara's name and how much it pained her to see him react to another woman that way. She desperately wanted to tell him.
"No, my lord," She was a liar. "I understood from the beginning. You have not hurt me."
Gold eyes locked directly into her gray ones, as if reading her very core. Mai knew that Zuko knew she was lying. Her eyes lowered and she put her cup down on the table. Her teeth clenched as she glared down at her hands. What could he do if she told him? Hide his feelings? He hadn't been able to do that very well.
A warm gloved hand rested over hers and coiled around her fingers. Her eyes widened as her cheeks flamed up at the touch. She moved her gaze upwards and saw Zuko's eyes fastened on to their connected hands. "I'm trying, Mai..." he said in a quiet voice."I'm trying very hard...but I can't forget her. I can't stop..."
She knew what he was going to say and pulled her hand away from his. She didn't want him to continue and hear those words from his mouth. Her eyes crinkled up and she closed them. She quickly blinked back at the tears and shook her head. "I told you, I understand, my lord," she assured him. "I can't expect you to forget her. I never asked you to." But I prayed...
"I'm sorry, Mai," Zuko told her in a serious voice. His eyes rose and met hers. "I'm so sorry."
Now, Mai's slender fingers dug into the fabric of her robes. Each look Zuko took of Katara was another knife in Mai's back. And she couldn't hate Katara. She was jealous, extremely jealous and frustrated, but did not hate the waterbender. Because she knew that Katara was jealous of her for having Zuko by her side.
Mai struggled to swallow the food, unable to forget Zuko's words that morning. I can't forget her...I can't stop... She closed her eyes and put her spoon down.
He couldn't stop loving her.
"Mai?" Ty Lee asked in a high pitched voice laced with worry. She leaned over beside her friend as Mai gently pushed her plate away from her. "Mai, are you all right?"
Zuko turned his head, alerted by Ty Lee's voice. His eyebrows furrowed with concern as he lowered the spoon from his mouth. "Mai, what's wrong?"
"Nothing...nothing," Mai told them, waving her hand to dismiss Ty Lee's hands. "I'm fine."
"You don't look fine," Zuko frowned. He put the spoon down. "What's wrong?"
"I...just don't feel well," Mai admitted solemnly. "I'm not used to the food here...my stomach must be disagreeing with me." She stated as her hand slid down to her stomach.
Zuko nodded and turned to his Uncle. He leaned forward and whispered in the old man's ear. Iroh's eyes widened and he leaned forward to look at Mai. "Is it bad, my dear?"
"No, General," Mai told him. This feeling can't be described as merely 'bad'.
"Zuko," Iroh said sternly. "Take her to her room. Ty Lee, you go with her."
The young woman beside Mai nodded and began to stand up. Mai gave in and allowed Ty Lee to help her up. Behind her she heard the Avatar's voice. "Is something wrong?"
"Mai isn't feeling well," Zuko stated. "We'll take her to her room."
"Does she need a healer?" Mai grimaced at the sound of Katara's voice as she turned her head away. Ty Lee seemed to understand and turned back to the waterbender with a small smile.
"No, no, it's fine!" Ty Lee assured her. "Thank you, though!"
Mai didn't see Katara nod dumbly. Zuko appeared by her side and took her arm. "Come on," he told her. "Can you walk?"
"Yes," Mai assured him. Part of her wondered if he would carry her if she said no. "I can make it to my room, Zuko. It's fine."
"That seems to be your favorite phrase lately." Zuko frowned. He turned to their hosts and apologized for the sudden exit before he and Ty Lee lead her out of the hall.
The walk to her room was nearly silent. Only questions asking if Mai was okay were spoken. As they walked, Mai felt a little relief. Zuko was with her and he cared enough to escort her to her room. And he had seemed worried at the dinner. Yet even as she thought that, she knew he would feel concern if Ty Lee proclaimed her stomach had hurt.
They reached her room and Ty Lee ran forward to open the door while Zuko supported Mai against him and lead her in. Her pink clad friend ran to her bed and began pulling down the blankets and furs for her. Carefully, Ty Lee and Zuko helped Mai sit on the bed. He released her into her friend's care before he turned and looked for the fire pit.
He found it and sent a ball of fire into the pit to start it up. As he walked over to bend it into a stronger heat source, Mai was ushered into the bed by her friend.
"Ty Lee, I can to do this myself." she stated blandly.
"Not if you're not feeling well." Ty Lee retorted. She looked around the window and eyed the open window at the other end of the room. Sighing, she stood up and walked across the room to close it.
"Do you need anything?" Zuko asked as he stood over the bed. Mai's eyes darted away from his, feeling her cheeks head up with the realization that the Fire Lord was standing next to her bed.
"No, Zuko, I'll be fine." she told him, diverting her eyes shyly.
"Do you want us to stay?" Ty Lee asked curiously. She had closed the window and was walking back. Mai slowly shook her head.
"I'd rather be alone right now," Mai told them both. "Thank you."
Ty Lee looked hesitant to leave and Zuko narrowed his eyes slightly. He gave her a nod. "Then I will return to the festival and tell Uncle of your condition. Are you sure you don't want me to bring you back anything? Food? Water?"
"I'll bring you back something to eat just in case, okay?" Ty Lee assured her. She ushered Zuko out after she made sure her friend was nice and warm and tucked into bed. Mai rolled her eyes and shrugged.
The door closed behind them and Mai closed her eyes.
"Why didn't you ask him to stay?" a dangerously sweet voice sounded from the other side of the room. Mai could identify it a mile away. She sat up with a suddenly start, unconsciously bringing her blanket up to her chest as her eyes zoomed in on the darkly dressed figure leaning against the wall. A sly smirk graced deceitful red lips. "He would've stayed, you know."
"Azula," Mai felt her heart sink. She had come to the North Pole. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't I say I'd see you here?" the ex-princess asked as she walked across the room, pretending to look around at the decorations of the ice palace. "Can you believe the things these people have in their homes? Animal furs..." she snorted. "How barbaric."
"What are you doing here, Azula?" Mai said as she followed the dangerous woman with her narrowed eyes.
"Looking around..." Azula mused out loud. She turned her golden eyes back to her old friend. "You know, the offer still stands."
"Get out of here."
"I take it you don't want to accept," Azula mock pouted. "I'm sorry to hear that. I would think that after what happened yesterday and earlier tonight, you'd come crawling back to me."
"Azula, I will not betray Zuko."
"And if he betrays you?"
"He will not betray me!" Mai nearly shouted with defiance. Azula merely smirked.
"Do you really believe that?" she asked sweetly. "After what happened yesterday? I saw it all, you know. I was here before you even landed," Mai's eyes widened. "A good thing I left right after our little meeting in the market. Otherwise, I never would've been able to catch a trade ship here on time. The next trade ship won't be coming until the day before you leave...Isn't it funny how that worked out?"
"Azula, I highly suggest that you leave immediately," Mai hissed in a low voice. "Ty Lee and Zuko will come back at any moment."
"Ty Lee, I can believe. But I doubt my beloved big brother will return tonight," Azula smiled wickedly. "Without you by his side, he doesn't have to worry about how he acts with his little waterbender."
Mai would've killed for some knives right about now. "Azula, I already know that Zuko will always love her." she told the other woman dully.
"But does that mean he's not going to act upon it?" Azula asked. "You know Zuzu...he's head strong and always does what his instinct tells him to. It was killing him yesterday when she appeared. You know it...it was your hand he was squeezing. But did that stop him from ogling the waterbender? Of course not. He's probably drooling over her as we speak."
"Your words don't affect me," Mai told her proudly. "I already know where I stand with Zuko."
Azula smirked once more and leaned forward, her face just inches from Mai's. "You say that now...but how will you feel when you see your husband in bed with that water peasant?"
The image was burned into her mind and Azula smiled victoriously as she watched the look of horror and pain appear in Mai's usually stoic face. "He...he wouldn't..." Mai whispered in a raspy voice. "If we're married, he wouldn't."
"You're right," Azula piped, agreeing whole heartedly. "My brother has too much honor to commit adultery," Mai looked back at her with narrowed eyes. "But...you're not married yet."
The room felt incredibility cold. Mai's gray eyes glazed over as Azula's implications. Zuko did have enough honor not to sleep with other women if they were married. But now...now while he was still technically free...would he indulge himself one last time?
"Mai!" Ty Lee's voice cut through her thoughts and Mai's head whipped to the door. "I got you some food!"
The soon to be Fire Lady turned back around to where Azula had been standing and saw nothing. The windows across the room were opened and an icy wind blew in. The door opened and Ty Lee came through, balancing some food on a large plate and smiling brightly at the same time. She didn't see the pale young woman trembling on the bed as she fixed the food neatly around the plate.
"Just in case you get hungry!" Ty Lee beamed. She put the plate on a nearby table and pouted. "Mai!" she exclaimed. "Why'd you open the window? You're letting all the heat out!"
"Mmm..." Suki released an elated sigh as she leaned against Sokka's body. Her arm was wrapped tightly in his as they walked down the beautifully decorated streets of the city. Lanterns hung everywhere and the moonlight caressed the city with its celestial glow. Around them, the sounds of children laughing and adults talking echoed as the celebration was in full swing. Beautiful eyes opened and looked into the shops along the main canal as they passed. "Sokka, I'm glad we came."
He looked down at her brown hair topped head fondly and smiled. "Yeah..." he mumbled a lopsided smile on his face. She tilted her head and looked back up at him with a wide smile. "You really make me feel lucky, you know that, Suki?"
The corners of her lips turned up slightly. "Really?" she egged on, teasingly. "How so?"
"Well...you're smart...and um..." Sokka stumbled nervously. "You're a great fighter! You're funny and...Uh..."
"Beautiful." Katara said as she walked passed them.
"Right!" Sokka eye's lit up as he placed his fist in his palm, as if absolutely assured. "And beautiful!"
Suki rolled her eyes and loosened her old on his arm. Suddenly, the alarm went off in his head. You're loosing her!
"That's nice..." Suki sighed. She moved a little bit away from him and peered into one of the shops that were opened. Sokka let out a heavy sigh and face palmed himself. As his hand ran down his face, saw a glimpse of Kyoshi green and his eyes widened with horror.
He glanced down at Suki, who was picking through some shell hair clips and let out a sigh of relief. She hadn't seen her former teammates. Waving one arm frantically to get the warriors' attention, Sokka tried to point to Suki, as if reminding them that she wasn't supposed to know that they were there. One of the girls saw him and tugged on her companion's sleeve. The two were about to wave back, thinking he was just saying hi, when they saw Suki bent over beside him.
Their eyes widened and they scrambled for the nearest alleyway. Sokka let his arm fall beside him and let out a relieved breath.
"So um...do you like any of those?" he asked casually.
"Yeah...but I have enough clips...they're really pretty, though," Suki sighed as she brushed a few strands of hair behind one hear. As she stood up straight, Sokka's head darted around, trying to see if there were any more Kyoshi Warriors wandering around. Suki turned to look up at him and raised an eyebrow in question as Sokka had a nervous look on his face. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"Okay? Of course I'm okay!" Sokka piped. He cringed at the sound of his voice. When did it get that high? He coughed and pounded his chest. "I mean...I'm fine...really."
Suki studied him for a moment and the sighed heavily. "If you say so," she shrugged. She looped her arm in his once more and leaned against him. She frowned and looked back at his face. "Sokka, why are you shaking?"
"I'm not shaking," Sokka laughed weakly. Suki narrowed her eyes. "Okay, maybe I'm a little cold."
Her hand rose and gently patted his head. "Then why are you sweating?"
You're falling! Falling fast! His mind was screaming. Sokka swallowed nervously. They were already at the edge of the city. The only thing they could do now was walk back up. Unless Katara came through... His eyes darted around, his heart pounding as Suki looked at him worriedly.
"Sokka! Suki! What a surprise," Sokka grimaced at the sound of the voice. The couple turned around and Suki gave Pakku a small smile as Sokka struggled not to roll his eyes. "Have you two gone through the celebration area yet?"
"We were going to head back in a bit, Master Pakku," Suki told him. "How about you?"
"I just got here. I'm escorting Kana around the celebration tonight," the old man said, a sly look on his face. Sokka cringed. He really didn't care to hear that. "You two look tired. Did you walk all the way down here?"
"Yes," Suki nodded. "Just after dinner. The hard part is walking back uphill."
"Oh, then please, take my gondola." Pakku offered. Sokka's mouth nearly dropped. The Waterbending Master motioned his hand over the edge of the side walk where his elegant dark blue gondola rested, complete with a stack of warm blankets and...
"Is that wine?" Sokka spat out. His eyes flashed to the old man.
"Fresh from the Earth Kingdom. King Bumi sent it over as he couldn't make it tonight." Pakku explained.
Sokka was staring at him. What was the old geezer doing with his Gran-Gran, blankets, a gondola, and wine? And did Sokka really want to know?
"Oh...we couldn't possibly..." Suki trailed off, eyeing the comfort of the gondola and the blankets that were just screaming out for her to snuggle in. "Really..."
"I insist," Pakku told her. He looked over at Sokka and narrowed his eyes. "Isn't that right, Sokka?"
The young man shook his head and snapped out of his gaze. He looked down at Suki. "Well, we can't refuse that, can we, Suki?" he said. "Shall we?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows as he offered her his hand. Suki laughed and nodded.
"Sure," she said, placing her hand in his. Master Pakku raised the water beneath his gondola so the two could easily step in. "Thank you, Master Pakku!"
"Of course, of course," the old man grinned. Sokka stepped into the boat first and the carefully lead Suki into it. As they took their respective seats in the middle of the boat, Pakku lowered the water level back to its normal height. "Enjoy your time! And help yourself to some wine!"
Sokka rolled his eyes as Suki giggled. The gondolier pushed the boat away from the street and into the canal. Sokka leaned forward and pulled on the think blankets. He unraveled them and wrapped them around him and Suki as she soothed it out.
"So...do you want some wine?" Sokka asked. His heart was racing as beneath the blankets that were piled over their bodies, Suki's arms wiggled around his waist.
"No, I'm fine..." Suki told him softly. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek softly before resting her head on his broad shoulder. "That was nice of Master Pakku to lend us his gondola."
"Yeah...really nice," Sokka agreed. I wonder what Katara had to do to get him to lend it to us...nah, Gran-Gran probably told him to. His arm rose and wrapped around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. "Suki, thank you for coming."
"You know I wanted to." she chuckled as she closed her eyes, a content smile on her face.
"Still," Sokka told her. "This is a celebration for Yue and you know about what happened between the two of us..."
Suki stilled for a moment. "Yes," she said softly. She raised her head and looked up into his ocean blue eyes. "But because of her, your life was spared. Your tribe...the world was kept in balance because of her noble act. And because of that, I'm happy. I wish I could've met her...thank her for what she did."
Sokka was lost in Suki's eyes, her words sounding in his hears as the heat of her breath brushed against his skin. He wasn't sure what exactly he did in life to deserve Suki, but he was glad he did. His hand rose and the back of his glove gently stroked her cheek. "You know, I think that you already have...just by putting up with me."
A small grin cracked on her face. "It's a challenge, but I'll take it on." Sokka smiled.
"You have no idea how much I love you..." he whispered as he lowered his head. Suki's eyes fluttered closed as his lips sealed over hers.
From the bridge they had gone under, Katara watched with interest. "How much time do we have?" Jet asked beside her.
"It'll take about twenty minutes for them to get from here to the steps palace," Katara said. She had calculated the time that morning. She turned and looked at Jet. "You and Haru start gathering the villagers to the lower tier of the palace. The other waterbenders know what to do."
Jet nodded. "Right. And you?"
"I'm going to get the Kyoshi Warriors," Katara told him. "Now make sure that all the lanterns go to who they're supposed to go to!"
Jet nodded once more. "Got it." The two split apart, walking on opposite directions of the bridge. Jet picked up a white lantern and signaled Haru. Haru nodded and began signaling the groups of people Katara had recruited for her 'master plan'. For a patriarchal society, the people followed Katara without question. She really was the most powerful female in the Tribe. The young woman began gathering the Kyoshi Warriors and leading them up pathways to the palace that would keep them out of Suki's sight.
Back on the gondola, Suki gently rubbed Sokka's stomach as she rested her head against his shoulder. She couldn't help but sigh happily. Her eyes lazily looked around their surroundings as they passed. As the gondola passed a narrow alley way, she saw a flash of green and a mask of white. Instantly, she sat up straight and tried to crane her neck towards the alley.
"Suki?" Sokka asked softly as her hair brushed the side of his face. "What is it?"
Suki's eyebrows furrowed. "I could've sworn I saw..." she trailed off and shook her head."No...It can't be."
"What is it?" Sokka persisted as he rubbed her upper arm.
Suki chuckled, brushing off what she saw as a trick of the light. "I thought I just saw one of the girls from Kyoshi," She leaned her head back against his shoulder and rested her hand over his chest. Her eyebrows furrowed. "Sokka, why is your heart racing?"
Breathe, Sokka, breathe! "Racing? I'm just..." He trailed off nervously. Suki narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"You seem nervous."
"I'm not nervous!" he gasped. Think of something! Think of something! His mind screamed. He took a deep breath. "Of course, my heart is racing. You're sitting right next to me. I mean...come on...beautiful woman... I'm alone with her. That can do things to a guy."
Suki merely raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh..." she frowned."If I didn't know better, I'd say you were hiding something."
"Suki, why would I be hiding something from you?" She knows! "You're always with me, Suki. There is no possible way I could hide something from you even if I was hiding something from you, which I'm not."
"You are really weird tonight, Sokka," she stated as she pulled away from him. "More so than normal."
He began to panic. "Um..." His breathing grew uneven and his eyes started to dart around. "Suki, really, I'm not hiding anything!"
"Then why are you so nervous?" Suki asked. If her arms weren't still wrapped around his waist, they would've been placed on her hips in a stance of disapproval.
"Because...because..." Sokka stammered. A flash of orange before him caught his eye and he saw Aang give him a thumbs up sign from the bridge they were about to go under. He seemed to be trying to communicate silently, but Sokka couldn't read lips.
"Sokka?" Suki's slightly annoyed voice sounded. Was he ignoring her?
Sokka bit on his lower lip. "Just give me one second..." he trailed off, trying to make out what Aang was saying. The Avatar was pointing behind him, on the other side of the bridge. As they went under it, Suki rolled her eyes and pulled her arms away from him.
A pained whimper left his lips involuntarily as she did and Suki adjusted her seating so she wasn't lying against him. "Tell her to closer her eyes!" Aang's voice seemed to whisper in his ear as they disappeared under the bridge. Sokka's eyes widened.
"Close your eyes!" he shouted suddenly. Suki turned to look at him as if he were crazy.
"What?"
"Just do it!" Sokka insisted. Suki wasn't moving. "Fine, if you won't-" He raised his hands and Suki's eyelids closed.
"Okay, fine...I'm closing them..." Suki grumbled. Sokka released a heavy breath and looked ahead of them. Aang's head peeked down at them from the other end of the bridge. He gave Sokka another thumbs up sign and pointed to the outside of the bridge.
Sokka mouthed 'what'? and Aang sighed. Carefully, he jumped off the bridge and floated underneath.
"Katara has a surprise for you guys on the other side!" Aang whispered as he floated by Sokka. The boomerang wielding young man's eyes widened.
"Oh..." he mumbled.
"Can I open my eyes now?" Suki asked, bored.
"Almost!" Sokka said as he shoved Aang out of the way. The airbender fell into the water.
"What was that?" Suki asked, tilting her head towards the sound of the splash, but keeping her eyes clothes.
"Nothing!" Sokka piped. "Um...wait just one more second!" He mouthed an apology to Aang as the Avatar pulled himself out of the water and shot an annoyed glare at Sokka. The gondola was pushed out from under the bridge Sokka's eyes blinked to adjust to the light. When they adjusted, his eyes widened. "Now!" Sokka told her. "Open them now!"
Suki let out a heavy sigh and opened her eyes. She blinked a few times and then let out a gasp of shock. "Sokka..." she whispered.
"Surprise!" he shouted cheerfully. "I had Katara do them in hopes we'd get to ride a gondola tonight!"
"Oh, Sokka..." Suki's eyes were pasted until the dozes of ice arches that crossed the main canal. Each arch was decorated with artic flowers and lanterns hung from their center. As the lights from the lanterns glowed, they were reflected in the ice, making each arch glow under the moonlight. "Sokka, it's beautiful."
An intent smile was pasted on Sokka's face as he looked down at Suki's elated expression. Her eyes glimmered in the lantern light as she looked up at the ice creations. "Do you like it?" he asked softly.
Suki nodded dumbly. "It's beautiful...thank you."
It's not over yet... Sokka wanted to say. He reached out and drew her back against him. Suki's eyes were pasted on the arches they went under as her body molded against his. He kissed the top of her head. Just one more step...
They approached the bottom tier before the palace after a few bliss filled minutes. Sokka got out first and reached down to help Suki up. Lost in a romantic daze, Suki mumbled a thanks to the gondolier as Sokka wrapped one arm around her waist.
"So...what now?" she asked as she rested her head against his shoulder.
"Well...I heard that this is where the big celebration will take place," Sokka said. "Right at midnight."
"It's almost midnight, isn't it?" Suki asked. He nodded. Her eyes looked over the area and her eyebrows furrowed once more. "I wonder where everyone is."
"I'm sure they'll be coming sooner or later," Sokka assured her. Luckily for Suki, she didn't notice the sudden sheer walls of snow that had been created towards the sides of the tiers. Those walls weren't there earlier. They climbed up the steps. The higher they went, the faster his heart was beating. His free hand dug into his pocket and felt around for the necklace. He had been doing that every other minute since the day started. "Let's go to the top...I bet we can see the whole city lit up from there."
"Sure," Suki nodded. "I bet it looks beautiful with all those lanterns..."
Sokka chuckled, if only to ease the raising nervousness inside of him. He looked over his shoulder as he led Suki up the final flight of stairs. He could see the lanterns scrambling for their places below. Three different colors of lanterns were seen moving amongst the shadowed sea of blue. A few hints of green also dotted the crowd.
His heart was slamming against his chest. Okay...Sokka...take a deep breath. This is it... He could hear music coming from the palace, just loud enough to spread through the area.
"Sokka, look!" Suki beamed a wide smile as they reached the top tier, just before the entrance of the ice palace. "This wasn't here when we left!"
Sokka followed her gaze and looked at the small ice pavilion his sister had bended for him. Just like the arches, they were decorated with coils of flowers and hand a single lantern hanging down from its center. A small ice bench was created underneath.
"Have a seat," Sokka smiled. "And close your eyes. I have one more surprise."
Giddy, Suki closed her eyes tightly and allowed him to help her sit down on the bench. She felt herself being turned so she faced the city. Sokka looked over the top of his head. The lanterns below were all in place.
"Can I open them now?" Suki giggled.
Sokka took a deep breath and fished the necklace and fan shaped pendant from his pocket. "Yes."
Suki's eyes opened and her beaming smile relaxed. The first things she saw were the rows of lanterns below her. At first, she had wondered when everyone had arrived. Then she realized that the lanterns were arranged in a way so they spelled something. The first row of green spelled out her name. The second row was white. And the last word was spelled with blue.
"Suki..." she read out loud."Will you marry me...?" Her eyes widened as her hands shot to her gaping mouth. "Oh my gods..."
"Suki," a quaking voice asked behind her. A blue pendant dangling from a rich green choker was presented in front of her. Her eyes locked on to the pendant as Sokka rounded her to stand before her. Her heart skipped a beat. Suki's eyes were met with blue ones just beyond the necklace. "I'm sarcastic and unrefined. I'm over protective and can be completely ignorant sometimes-"
"Don't forget lazy." Suki added as clear warm tears rimmed her lashes.
Sokka's lips curved into a smiled. "And yes, lazy," he continued. "But I love you and would be honored if you would marry me."
Suki's heart was racing. She felt hot tears coming down her cheeks as she looked at Sokka and the necklace he offered before her. She had always seen the Water Tribe betrothal necklaces as a dog tag; a sign of ownership of a woman. But now...when one was offered to her...shaped as a fan; a symbol of her warrior background, she saw it as something else.
It meant someone, who didn't have an artistic bone in his body, loved her enough to spend hours carving a piece of stone to look like a fan. She vaguely remembered days when she saw him with bandages on his hands. When she had asked what he was doing, he merely assured her it was a surprise. And what a surprise it was.
"Sokka..." she found herself murmuring."You're an idiot," His face fell. She wiped at her eyes and stood up. Sokka took a heart broken step back. His hand lowering the necklace. "Where do you think you're going?" she choked out as she reached out and grabbed his hand. He pulled him back to her and he looked at her, confused. "Aren't you going to put that necklace on your fiancée?"
From the bottom tier, Toph nudged Katara's shirt from where she was standing beside her and the Kyoshi Warriors, all holding up the green lanterns that spelled Suki's name. Katara watched and took in a sharp breath as Suki stood up and Sokka stepped back.
Suddenly, Suki's arm grabbed his and she said something. A stupid smile pasted across Sokka's face as he held up the necklace and scrambled around Suki, placing the piece of jewelry around her slender neck. The meaning didn't need any explanation. Everyone erupted in cheers as Katara started jumping up and down. She grabbed Toph.
"She said yes! She said yes!"
Below them, dozens of voices began screaming and Suki turned to Sokka. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him firmly on the lips. "I love you, you idiot." she said.
Sokka smiled and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her once more before leaning his forehead against hers. "Sokka, Suki!" a voice said behind them. They turned around and saw Chief Arnook standing by the palace with the Tribe Elders, including Sokka's father. "My daughter blesses your union."
The young couple lifted their heads to the clear artic sky. Just below the brilliant gaze of the moon, sheets of color danced in the skies above them. Sokka's arms tightened around Suki. He really was lucky.
The celebration happening below could be heard even as she reached the small doorway to the Oasis. Katara sighed heavily and slid her key into the lock that had been installed on to the door after the siege. Anyone was allowed inside, but the key had to be requested from one of the Elders and Masters that held them. Katara was lucky enough to have one of her own.
She unlocked the Spirit Oasis door and crept through. She closed the door behind her and slipped her key into her pocket. Inside, it was the same as she had left it. Lush with green vegetation and cool water rushing around them. The air inside was warm and as she walked towards the little island in the center, she removed her outer coat. Tiredly she tossed her coat on the island and fell back on it.
She had spent two hours celebrating with her brother and soon to be sister in law. There was more food, dancing and music. Suki had been surprised to see all her warriors as they rushed up to congratulate her. The couple had been drowned with congratulatory remarks and well wishes. A few old ladies even rubbed Suki's stomach to bless her with healthy birthing. The former warrior had blushed fiercely at that.
Even now, they were all still down there, celebrating the new engagement. And as much as she was welcomed to join them, she was worn out. She had spent the entire day preparing everything for her brother's proposal; the arches, the decorations; choreographing everyone so that they spelled the proposal correctly. That had been a daunting task. And she loved Sokka and Suki, but she couldn't help but feel the heated wave of envy that washed over her body every time she realized that they would be together forever; marrying someone they loved.
She closed her eyes tightly and tried to push the emotion out of her mind. She was happy for them, she knew that for sure. But she was still a little jealous.
Katara dragged her body back on its feet and took a few calming deep breaths. Practicing waterbending always helped her relax before. Taking her first stance, she bended water from the streams around the island and closed her eyes. She visualized the cool, calming liquid circling her body, moving as she commanded it to. She felt her body loosening with the familiar movements.
Sudden, a sound pierced her zen like state and Katara's eyes flashed open. She turned around quickly, moving her arm before her and creating a wall of water. Steam hissed into the air the fire ball collided with the clear, liquid wall.
"Not bad...you've finally learned not to let your guard down." a distinctive male voice told her. Shivers ran up her spine and Katara closed her eyes, trying to regain control of her senses as her heart began drumming beneath her breast.
Katara lowered her arms and let out the breath she had unconsciously held in. She lifted her gaze and met the piercing gold ones of the Fire Lord. "Zuko, how did you get in here?"
A.N. - Katara...Zuko...Spirit Oasis...ALONE (not counting the spirits). What will happen? Oohh... (Let your imaginations run free!) :D Questions answered on the profile page. I hope you guys enjoyed the story. THANK YOU FOR READING!
