AN: Jumping back in time now. This prompt takes place back in season 3 after the Ember Island Players but before Sozin's Comet. In other words Aang hasn't 'run away' yet. This is my humorous take on bloodbending. I'm keeping this a T rating because nothing graphic is described but there is mention of periods so don't read if it's not your cup of tea.
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Zuko had been training with Aang all day in the summer heat and even he was getting tired of the hot weather.
"All right Aang, that's enough for today." Zuko sighed, reaching for his shirt and wiping the sweat off his face and neck.
Aang bowed to him before running up the beach back to his father's home. Something is up with that kid; he barely spoke to him during training. In fact, Aang has barely talked to him since that stupid play. Agni, he can be so weird sometimes.
Arriving back at the house Zuko felt and heard the rumble of earthbending. Toph must have cornered Aang into practicing. Poor kid. Even he is too sore to deal with Toph right now, he cannot imagine what Aang feels like.
Walking through the kitchen Zuko grabs a mango. Biting into it before heading to the bath house. He is uncomfortable, sticky, and sandy. A bath sounds amazing for his sore muscles.
Strolling into the bath house Zuko tossed the mango pit into the trash before turning and spotting Katara relaxing in one of the three large baths.
"Sorry, I had no idea you were in here. I can go," he quickly said covering his eyes.
"Zuko it's alright. Traveling around with my brother and Aang for a year means I've learned to bath in my bindings."
Slowly peeking through his fingers Zuko spots white bindings between strands of long brown hair. Lowering his hand completely Zuko just stands there for a moment gaping at her.
"Your covered in sand aren't you going to clean off? Katara asks, nodding her head towards the closest tub.
He nods back at her before taking off his pants, leaving him in his underwear, and jumping into the tub.
Heating the water with his breath of fire Zuko ducks his head under and scrubs his hands over his face. Trying to wipe the sight of her wet half naked body out of his mind.
Coming back up for air Zuko looks back over at Katara and notices her eyes are closed and she has a slight wince on her face.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she whispers with eyes still closed.
"You sure? It looks like you're in pain. Did you get hurt during our drill sessions yesterday?" He questions, referring to the team training they did with Aang the day before.
"No. No, it's nothing like that."
"So, what's the problem?"
"I started my period alright!"
Zuko's eyes widen before he looks away, red rising on his cheeks.
"Umm. Do you need me to get you anything?"
"No. Actually, could you warm my bath water. Heat tend to help the pain."
"Yeah no, problem."
Sitting up and leaning over Zuko reaches a hand into her tub and slowly raises the temperature until steam begins to rise.
"Thanks."
Relaxing back into his tub Zuko wonders what to say to her. He should probably ask her if she knows what is wrong with Aang but what comes out of his mouth is:
"Can't you just, you know, heal yourself?"
"I've tried but since this is a natural body occurrence and nothing is really wrong with me there is nothing to heal. Maybe if I…"
"Maybe if you what?"
"Nothing it's crazy. And embarrassing."
"I won't say anything. I'm going to try and forget this conversation ever happened as soon as I leave."
"Fine. I was just thinking about the menstrual cycle and in simple terms blood plays a huge role."
"Yeah." He says looking a little disgusted.
"Well, as a bloodbender I figured if I slowed down the flow of blood to the uterus it might lessen the pain."
"Ok, so try it." He said shrugging.
Katara closes her eyes again. Zuko watches her hand move under the water near her abdomen.
After a few moments she opens her eyes and looks over at him with a smile on her face.
"That's really gross."
She laughs and he smiles back at her.
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AN: Short but sweet. I took anatomy so I know this is so basic and wrong it even makes me upset. But it's just supposed to be a funny one-shot so don't get mad.
Not sure if I will be able to get the last prompt up tomorrow. My hometown's annual Irish festival started today and this weekend is going to be crazy. So if I can't post tomorrow I will get the final day (element swap) up on Sunday, Monday at the latest.
