The Love Between Water and Fire
Chapter 24 - Old Times
Zuko and Katara watched their daughter as she slept, at the same time, trying to remember the old times.
"She looks just like you." said Zuko.
"Only now you've noticed?" asked Katara.
"Why are you acting like this?" asked Zuko. "Tell me Katara, what have I done wrong? I came back didn't I?"
"There are things I can't tell you." said Katara. "And, don't argue with me."
"I'm not arguing." said Zuko. "I showed you the letter for my reason, but you won't tell me yours?"
"It's for good reasons." said Katara.
"You're not making any sense at all." said Zuko.
"Can you leave now?" asked Katara.
"No, what if she cries again?" asked Zuko.
"Zuko, she's not five anymore." said Katara. "I can handle an eleven year old."
"We're back to square one again." said Zuko.
"What's that suppose to mean?" asked Katara.
"Twelve years ago, today." said Zuko. "I kidnapped you, and took you hostage on my ship."
"Don't remind me." said Katara. "It was the day you confessed your feelings for me."
"Good times?" asked Zuko.
"No, I hated that moment." said Katara.
"You don't have any good moments with me? What about the time we made Mei?" asked Zuko.
Katara smiled. She remembered that moment very well, and it was one of her favorite memories also.
"How can I not remember that?" asked Katara. "She's the whole reason why we're together."
Zuko smiled at Katara, he knew that if he could get her to remember atleast one good memory they had together, she might fall in love with him again.
"I regret those five years." said Zuko. "It must've been hard taking care of her."
"You'll have to gain a lot more than five years." said Katara. "You have to make up for eleven now."
"I know." said Zuko. "But the previous six years weren't my fault."
"You still have to make up for it." said Katara. She leaned towards him, then suddenly Sokka walked in.
"Katara!" shouted Sokka.
"Please keep your voice down." said Kara.
"What were you going to do just now?" asked Sokka.
"Nothing." said Katara. "What is it?"
"I have urgent news for flame head." said Sokka. "Kio wants him in the courtyard now."
"It can't be noon already." said Katara.
"It is, now get your but out there, and get your butt kicked by my future brother-in-law." said Sokka.
Zuko got up and pushed Sokka down.
"You know, I never did like you." said Zuko, and he walked out.
"Yeah? Well, I never liked you either!" shouted Sokka.
"Please leave, before I ban you from this place." said Kara.
"Sorry Lady Kara." said Katara. "We'll leave now."
Courtyard
"You showed up." said Kio.
"I never back down from a challenge." said Zuko.
Kio smirked. 'The solar eclipse begins in a matter of mintues, it's time for this Fire Nation loser to go down.'
"Wipe that smirk off your face." said Zuko.
End of Chapter 24