Zuko set the empty tray behind him as he took his seat in the circle around the fire. Despite the openness of the temple, their nightly dinners here were cozy. He absently wondered if all meals were meant to be so comfortable as he shifted closer to the fire, zoning out Sokka's voice as the boy boasted about the Southern Water Tribe forces. The ease he felt with this group was something he'd never experienced before.
Well, most of the group. Katara's icy disposition was all too familiar to Zuko. No matter how close to the fire, her cold attitude towards Zuko wouldn't melt. As the others began to trust him, she froze him out. Zuko found himself watching her more often, trying to figure out why she hated him so much. He'd glance from behind his cup while she cooked and sneak looks during daily training, but he especially relished nightly dinners around the fire. In the darkness, with the group distracted, he could really observe her.
Tonight the flames danced across her face, her laughter echoing off the high ceilings following Toph's joke about Sokka. A desire bubbled up wishing to see that warmth when she looked at him. As soon as it did, he realized he wasn't the only one watching her. Next to her, the Avatar watched her every movement, gray eyes burning like the fire between them. His gut wrenched and he looked back into the flames.
"Why do I care?" echoed in his mind.