Don't Worry
Katara ticked off her fingers. "What about your toiletries? Did you pack enough underwear? These are things you won't find out in the middle of nowhere!"
"Mom. I've got all that. I'll be fine." Kai flicked his dark hair out of his blue eyes, huffing in annoyance.
She tucked the hair behind his ear, exasperated when it just fell in his eyes again. If only he would let her cut it. The only good thing about the shaggy hair was that it reminded her of Zuko when he was younger. "Okay, sweetie. And you've got your swords, and your hunting spear? And-"
Kai groaned, tilting his head back. "Can I please just leave already?"
Katara relented, sighing. She just wanted him to be prepared. She drew him into a hug, ignoring his squirming as she placed kisses on his face.
And that's how Zuko found them as he came to see Kai off. Katara was squeezing the life out of their son. He rolled his eyes. "Dear, you have to let Kai go so he can leave while there's still light."
"Oh, fine." She placed one last kiss on his forehead before releasing him from her motherly clutches. He looked extra annoyed now.
Zuko placed his hands on Kai's shoulders, looking at him sternly. "If you run into any trouble, or if you get lost, or anything you can send us a messenger hawk and we will come immediately."
The crowned prince rolled his eyes. "Come on already, stop worrying. You guys were travelling the world younger than I am now! I think I can handle it for a few weeks!"
They smiled at him. "Of course you can. And we want you to get that experience, being on your own." Zuko spoke, his eyes shining with pride as he looked upon his son. He was 18 years of age now, and wanted to see the world. (Oh Agni- they were parents of an adult.)
With one last hug- that Kai initiated- he was off. They waved to him until they couldn't see him anymore.
"Katara, are you crying?" Zuko raised his good eyebrow at his wife.
She wiped under her eyes. "I'm just so proud of him! And worried… But mostly proud."
Zuko cracked a smile. "Yeah, me too. But don't worry; he'll be alright. He's our kid, after all."