*Almost forgot the important disclaimer! I don't own any of the characters mentioned. Whether their from the show, or the real world. I did this for fun. It's actually the first story I've had the nerve to post. Characters a mostly OC, a bit of my alter ego's might slip in here and there. I ask that any reviews be clean. I hate it when people just send stuff on how stupid it is or was. I often ask "How is that helpful?" Also flames on the pairings or how Emotional Aang might be will be totally ignored. This is a Zutara story, I never cared for KatAang even when the show was going on. Aang will grow up I promise so please bare with me. Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. All haters and flamers please take your mean reviews and use them to thaw your cold hearts.*
After some major damage control with Aang, Katara was able to concentrate on her studies. A week before break Suki burst into Katara's dorm room flustered as she flopped onto Toph's bed. "My family is going to my brother-in-laws for thanksgiving, and I can't stand his ass! So now I am stuck here for break!" Katara smiled at her friend, "Why not come home with Toph? Or maybe Zuko?" Suki rolled to face Katara, "Toph is visiting her real mom on the west coast and Zuko is going to see his father. Trust me neither encounter will be pleasant." Katara bit her lips slightly, she didn't want her friend to be miserable during break but her father was always adamant on the holidays being family time.
She finally made her decision and smiled, "why not come home with me? My family shouldn't mind." Suki gaped at Katara for a moment, "You really mean it?" Katara nodded with a smile. "EEEEE! TARA YOUR THE ABSOLUTE GREATEST!" Suki then left the room to pack and book her flight with Katara. Katara sighed lightly as she pulled her cellphone out and dialed Sokka's number.
"Hey Katara, to what do I owe the call." Sokka asked in an strained cheery voice. Katara glanced at the date on her computer to see it read October 28. 'The anniversary of Sokka's wife Yue's death. "Just calling to see how your doing is all," Katara replied sadly. Sokka took a swig of the beer he had in his hand. "As well as to be expected little sister." Katara listened as her brother lowered the bottle from his lips. Sokka had met Yue during his first year at college. She had made him the man he was now, but she had Tuberculosis in it's finale stages. They married quickly but only had a short year together before the spirits took her. Two years later and Sokka hadn't gone on a single date, or even looked at another woman. Katara spoke softly, "well I have some news. A friend from school is coming home with me, so if you could tell the family I'd be grateful."
"Sure thing little sister, what's his name?" Katara rolled her eyes. "HER name is Suki. Her family is going too far for her and I offered our place to her for break." "Sure thing baby sister, look forward to meeting your new friend." The rest of the day was spent packing and confirming flight information. Zuko agreed to drive the two girls to the airport, "It's on the way so I don't mind." The drive was silent with the exception of Zuko's hunter green Plymouth Duster purring like a kitten down the highway. The three walked from the car the girls lugging two large suit cases. Katara wore a quarter sleeved blue sweater and jeans while Suki wore a green shirt with jeans and a brown duster that ended at her knees. Zuko wore his usual red shirt with navy blue jeans and he added a black leather jacket that seemed to hug him in all the right places.
Zuko hung back while the two girls checked their luggage, and came back to stand with him. Suki giggled at Katara as Katara blew her free bang out of her face. "What's up?" Zuko asked as Katara nudged Suki to make her stop. Suki snickered out,
"Tara forgot her coat in her checked luggage. When we land it's gonna be like twenty five degrees and she is gonna freeze her ass off." Katara groaned and covered her eyes in embarrassment. 'How could I forget my coat.' A soft weight fell on her shoulders and Katara looked up to see Zuko standing in just his jeans and tee shirt. His leather sat on her shoulder's. "Just make sure to return it when you get back." He said with a smile. The jacket was warm and it smelled like him, cinnamon and sandalwood. Katara nodded and the two said goodbye to their friend. Suki called after him, "IF ANYTHING HAPPENS CALL ME! OR TOPH! OR YOUR UNCLE! OR LU TEN! I MEAN IT!" Zuko waved her call off and drove off.
The entire two hour flight Suki refused to tell Katara what her earlier statement had meant. "It's not that I don't want to Tara it's just not my place. Ask Zuko, he'll either tell you or not. When they landed the two were greeted by Sokka and Gran Gran. The elderly woman enveloped Katara tightly. "I've missed you my little water-bender." Katara smiled and replied she missed her too. She stood and held her arm towards Suki, "This is my friend Suki. Suki this is Gran Gran and my brother Sokka." Suki smiled and greeted them. Sokka only stared wide eyed at the girl before Gran Gran took her cane and whacked his shin at his rudeness. Sokka shook himself out of it and extended his hand, "Sokka nice to meet you." After introductions the group claimed the baggage and made their way into Sokka's four door blue Chevy.
Suki was in awe when they arrived to the two story country styled home. The wrap around porch was the same as when Katara left. Right down to Aang's glider leaning against the front door. 'Oh man.' Katara felt herself stiffen, Aang would no doubt want some 'alone' time. And to leave Suki alone would be rude. Sokka hauled Katara's suit case out of the bed. "Hey Katara that is a nice jacket where did you get it?" She smiled, "Oh my friend Zuko lent it to me." Sokka blanched at the name but said nothing. "KAT YOUR HERE!" Aang called from her bedroom window. He leap from the sill and landed with a small breeze at the bottom. Suki shielded her eyes with her hand and whistled, "Air-bender. Nice." Aang latched onto Katara and squeezed her tightly. She coughed slightly, "Aang I missed you too. Could you let me go! I have a friend I want you to meet." Aang let off some pressure but didn't release her. Katara inhaled, "Aang this is my friend Suki. Suki this is my boyfriend Aang." With his arm still around Katara's shoulder's Aang took Suki's offered hand, "Nice to meet you."