So, so sorry it was updated late! I've been very, very busy with the holidays and super unmotivated. This is the last chapter of this story, but hopefully, in the early New Year, I can post a story I've been working really hard on (Zutara, of course).
may rewrite the ff sometime in the future. it's a good concept in the making.
STILL LOOKING FOR BETA READERS! I want this next story to be written and constructed well (Well, I Guess We're Both Idiots was written and published on a whim) and could really use someone to look over it. PM I'd you're interested! Or if you just want to swap writing advice or talk or whatever. Love to hear from fellow Zutarians! Without further ado, here's the FINAL CHAPTER OF WELL, I GUESS WE'RE BOTH IDIOTS!
"Katara."
"Zuko."
"It's nice for you to visit my office. I love having company-"
"Zuko."
"Yes, Katara?"
"Why are there a bunch of women in the palace?"
"It's a long story, Kat-"
"I'm not done. Why is your uncle here?"
"To be honest, I forgot he was coming-"
"Please, let me finish, Zuko. And why is your Uncle acting like he doesn't know Mai and that you two aren't together?"
"Together? What-Well, I'd stop interrupting if you'd stop expecting answers from me! You see I'm not exactly 100% sure on that last one-"
"I mean for you to answer all the questions when I'm finished. Now, for the cherry on the cake. WHY DOES IROH THINK MAI DOESN'T EXIST IF SHE KEEPS ON INSISTING YOU. ARE. TOGETHER?"Katara sighed and sat down in the seat across from his desk and Zuko himself. Her head fell naturally into her palms. "Zuko, I'm so tired. Everyone seems like they're keeping something from me. Even you- who is supposed to be my best friend, someone who trusts me with helping run their country, but won't trust me with their own personal life?"
Zuko sat in the chair next to her, crossing the desk. "Katara I never meant to hurt you, really- I don't - I just don't know what I wanted to do. Maybe somewhere in the back of my mind, I justified it by thinking I was protecting you but really, I was just being an awful person."
Katara chuckled and looked up at him. "Yeah, that was pretty sucky from you. But could you tell me what happened? Really?"
Zuko sighed and leaned back in his chair. He pulled out his top knot and ran his fingers through his hair- he didn't notice Katara following his actions with her eyes- and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Gah- where do I start? I guess Mai and I always had problems. Perhaps a mix of assuming each other's feelings, assuming that both are were meant to be together. She'd be my Fire Lady. I didn't want to marry some noble lady from the court. She didn't want to be arranged to someone back in Omashu with her parents. It was a compromise."
Zuko went on to tell the story of the mass of noblewomen -even laughing to her about the mangos- and then apologizing profusely.
"Katara, really I'm sorry. I shouldn't have blocked you out. I thought that if I told you all about my romance issues-" Katara laughed again "- it would seal the deal. I would be friend Zuko that talks about his relationship with his friend Katara and that's all we would be."
"...Zuko, what are you saying?"
He looked up from his wringing hands. "I would really, really like it if we could be more than friends. I know, I sound crazy and I hope this doesn't make anything weird- I'm rambling, Katara, aren't I? Sorry, I-"
He was stopped by Katara pressing her soft lips to his.
It was so much better than he had thought it would ever be.
When he told her he had had issues with Mai, he was honest about most of it... but let out one significant detail:
He had loved Katara all of it. Since he was sixteen. He was Mai, he was running the country. He didn't have time for chasing after the Avatar's Water bender.
When they separated, needing to breathe, he whispered the words he had longed to hear for years. "I love you, Kat."
She smiled at him.
"I love you, too."
Yes, yes, I know it was rushed. Yes, I know this entire story was rushed, and sloppy, and pretty bad. It makes sense the finale match it. I can take requests for little ficlets through my PMs while we wait for me to release the new story (title TBD).
Hope you excited as I am! Like, Review, Bookmark, let me know some criticism (trust me, I'm expecting it).
Looking forward to seeing you all in the new year!
Queen Sunflower