She watches him train every morning once they reach the island. It isn't what she expects. Most mornings, Zuko trains alone. And it looks different than the training she's used to, the firebending she's used to. There is no aggression, no rage. There is stillness and meditation. There is grace and tranquility.
Katara is mesmerized.
She sees the improvement in his bending, she sees the new fluidity in his motions and his flames. She finds herself wandering closer.
On the third day he notices her.
She feels her face heat, but she approaches.
"Is it okay if I join you?"
He shouldn't be surprised when he comes across her training. Katara makes no secret of her nightly disappearances to the beach. She never suggests that company is unwelcome. But passing by still feels like an intrusion.
The moonlight turns her ribbons of water to silver and she whirls through her forms. She is tempestuous and ruthless.
He could watch her forever.
She calls Zuko's name and his mouth goes dry. He meets her gaze.
She has joined his training every morning this week. This is not an intrusion, he realizes. It is an invitation.
"Do you mind if I stay?"