Originally published July 24, 2012
"Something There"
Water undergoes countless changes but water is still water. In the same way, although the conscious mind appears to undergo changes, the original unmoving mind does not change. ~ Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution
Things were different after the Solstice. The New Year truly seemed to mark a change. And everyone thought it was a change for the better.
Zuko didn't wear his mask or gloves anymore; there was no point, now that Katara knew how he looked. Ultimately, it might be better for their relationship if she got used to the seeing him as he now was. Zuko hung the Blue Spirit mask on the wall in his room. At first Katara felt just slightly uneasy, not wanting to insult Zuko either by staring or by never looking at him. But the more they were together, the more used to it she became.
They still trained and ate meals together, but now they also spent free time in each other's company. Instead of retreating to their own rooms, they began to stay in the front living room, talking or even reading together. They offered each other happy, nervous smiles, feeling increasingly comfortable with each other. Katara was surprised to find herself looking forward to seeing Zuko each day.
Everyone felt the change, but the enchanted objects were the only ones who dared to speak of it. The closer Zuko and Katara grew, the more anxious and hopeful they became.
"You really think she's the one?" Ty Lee asked one day. Without Azula to keep her busy with various duties, she found herself spending much more time with the other members of the household. "Will she break the spell?"
"I knew it from the moment I set eyes on her," Iroh said confidently.
"If anyone can reach Zuko, Katara can," Yue said. "She's so kind."
"And her looks don't hurt either," Aang pointed out.
Meng was looking out the window as they spoke. "Hey, remember how we coaxed Katara into going ice-skating while Zuko took a walk on the grounds?"
"Yes," Aunt Wu said.
"Well, there's no need to push them together anymore. Look at them." Meng gestured to the glass pane. The others came over to the side table under the window, straining to get a view outside.
"How about that?" Arnook murmured in wonder.
Zuko and Katara were walking across the grounds, approaching a bare-branched tree where some birds were flitting about. Katara was holding a small bag of food for the birds. Zuko followed her, a bit uncertain.
"Here, give me your hand," Katara instructed. Zuko obeyed wordlessly. Katara took his scarred hand in hers and turned his palm upward. She put some lychee nuts in his hand, and gestured to the birds. "Go slowly."
Still crouching, Zuko moved closer to the tree where the birds were gathered. They hopped away from him. Frowning, Zuko tried approaching them again, but they still backed away.
"Here." Katara gave him some more birdseed, and then poured some on the snow, leading up to Zuko's hands. "Now stay still, and let them come to you."
One of the birds pecked at the small trail, then dared to venture into Zuko's outstretched hands. He looked up at Katara, with a surprised smile. She grinned happily and nodded in encouragement.
The servants and friends watched for a few minutes as more birds hopped about and approached Zuko, who was almost overwhelmed when they started perching on his arms. Finally, when he had run out of food, he moved slightly, and they left him.
Suddenly a fistfull of snow made impact with his naked face. "What the …" Zuko wiped the melting snow off of his cheek. Katara was giggling. "Hey!" But instead of getting angry, as he might have once, Zuko smiled mischievously, before kneeling down to gather up some snow for an offensive attack.
Just as he was poised to throw it, Katara waterbended some snow from the tree, dropping it onto his head. "No fair!" Zuko protested, shaking his head free of wetness.
"This is a spar! We can bend if we want!"
"You'll regret that!" Zuko called out, but he was laughing. Katara shrieked and darted behind the tree.
The staff and guests were thoroughly enjoying the show. "Aw, they're so sweet," Meng sighed.
"Who would have thought they'd come together on their own?" Ty Lee said; she was free to marvel, now that Azula was no longer conditioning her desires.
"I did, as a matter of fact," Yue said with a smile.
Iroh noticed one spectator who wasn't enjoying watching the scene below. "Arnook? You don't look happy."
"I am happy," Arnook said. Iroh raised a waxen eyebrow at him. "Just worried," Arnook admitted. "Yes, they're coming together, but they're taking their sweet time about it. That time is running out!" He pointed his scope at the fire lily on the table. It was down to only five wilting petals.
"He's right," Yue realized solemnly.
"Don't any of you repeat this," Iroh said warningly. "But I'm starting to think maybe Zuko cares less about breaking the spell, and more about Katara herself. Look at them: he enjoys just being with her."
They looked out the window. They were now fully engrossed in their snowball fight, which may have been more fittingly called a playful spar.
"I'd hoped that they would fall in love during the Solstice," Iroh confessed. "I'm certain that their feelings for each other grew. But she is still … reluctant, I suppose."
"Zuko's birthday deadline is almost upon us!" Arnook exclaimed. "We need to act now!"
Aang spoke up. "I have an idea."
Everyone rounded on the chipped teacup. "What?"
"We'll throw Zuko a birthday party!"
Everyone looked at Aang, dumbfounded. Arnook groaned. But Yue laughed delightedly. "You know, Aang, that's actually a good idea!"
Aunt Wu's eyes shone with excitement. "A romantic dinner, Ty Lee's music, dancing …"
"And then he tells Katara that he loves her," Iroh finished. "Perfect!"
While the adults started talking and planning, Meng beamed at Aang. "Aang, if this works, you'll be my hero," she said, sounding already proud. Aang grinned sheepishly.
"What's the first thing you want to do when you're human again?" Aang asked.
Meng considered, then, looking out the window, decided, "Make a snow angel."
"I'm going to turn cartwheels in the grand hall," Aang said.
"I'll have a hot bath. Eat a six-course meal that I've cooked myself."
"I'll swing from the chandelier."
"We'll chase Momo down the halls."
"We can take trips on Appa! Imagine, Meng, we can go anywhere in the world! Meet new people, not surprise or frighten anyone …"
"Stop!" Meng groaned, though she was smiling. Aang wondered if she was still afraid of hoping, even now.
"We just had a big party," Zuko muttered, after Iroh relayed Aang's suggestion to him. "I don't want you making a fuss over me."
It was noteworthy that before the enchantment, Zuko would have had an extravagant birthday party, no questions asked; now he was shying away from any celebration for himself.
"Zuko, this may be your last chance to tell Katara how you feel about her," Iroh said gently. Put to that, Zuko knew he could not argue. Even he had to admit: it was nerve-wracking, how uncertain he and Katara were about each other. At least, Katara was uncertain about how she felt, and that made Zuko uncertain about how to approach her.
"You don't have to worry!" Iroh told him as he prepared for the evening. "We'll handle the romance; we'll just put you both in the right mood. All you have to do is be yourself."
"I'm not sure I can do this," Zuko confessed.
"You don't have time to be timid," Iroh said firmly. "You must be bold, nephew."
"Bold," Zuko repeated. "Daring … ah, why can't I still be the Blue Spirit? He's bold, in his own way."
"You are the Blue Spirit," Iroh said, sounding just slightly irritated now. "Or, I should say, the Blue Spirit is you."
"What's the difference?" Zuko asked.
"The Blue Spirit is a persona," Iroh said flatly. "Prince Zuko is a person."
Zuko was silent, absorbing this. Unfortunately he did not have ample time to contemplate what those words really meant. He had an event—in a way, a mission—to prepare for, and his uncle was determined to coach him before sending him off.
"There will be music," Iroh continued, becoming excited. "Romantic candlelight, provided by myself. And when the time is right, you confess your love."
"I confe—no, I can't," Zuko broke off, looking despaired.
Iroh looked at him earnestly. "You care for the girl, right?"
"More than anything," Zuko said candidly.
"Then you must let her know!" Iroh exclaimed. "You've done well; you already laid the ground work. Now you just have to tell her straight out."
Zuko took a deep breath, sighing as he released it. "All right."
"Besides … it is your birthday. At least try to have a good time."
"Right." He would probably have a good time, being with Katara.
Arnook slid into the doorway on his tripod legs, and cleared his throat to announce himself. "Ahem. Your lady," he said grandly, "awaits."