Manipulative
Katara sat by the edge of the river and mumbled to herself incoherently. She knew that each person did their bit within the group but she hated the fact that it was her turn to do the laundry. "Give me breakfast duty any day." She thought to herself. Suddenly the bushes surrounding her started to rustle. She stood up and took up her ready position; no one was going to catch her unawares. Seconds later, Zuko emerged from the bushes battling tree branches whilst trying to keep hold of a large clay container. "Oh it's you." Katara said returning to her washing.
"Yeah, I'm on water duty." replied Zuko nervously. He cautiously walked up to the river making sure to keep a large enough distance between himself and Katara. Although he had managed to gain the trust of the majority of the group (Momo still didn't like him) Katara had always remained slightly hostile towards him.
The uncomfortable silence seemed to go on forever. It was bad enough having to do chores you didn't like but to do it in the presence of someone you weren't exactly friendly with was excruciating. Katara coughed, she couldn't keep it in anymore. Zuko looked towards the sky and sighed. "It's now or never." he thought to himself. Slowly he stood up and walked towards Katara.
"I didn't call you." Katara mumbled. It wasn't said maliciously but somehow it came across that way.
"I know." Zuko responded. "I need to tell you something." Katara turned around confused.
"I'm listening."
"Well, I've been here for a while now and I've realised that I haven't apologised to you."
"Zuko you don't have to…. "Katara began but Zuko cut her off.
"Katara," he sighed and looked her straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry. Out of everyone here I've hurt you the most. What I did in Ba Sing Se" was inexcusable and I truly regret it."
"Zuko, you really don't have to do…"
"If there is anything I could do to make it up to you. Please feel free to ask."
Katara thought about this for a moment and smiled. "Well, my hands are really hurting."
Zuko looked at her completely unaware of what she was indicating.
"This cold water is really doing its worst on my hands…."
Zuko looked at her as if she were saying something in another language. "Man, could Zuko really be this dense?" Katara thought to herself
"You know, from all this washing. My hands don't think they can take it any more." Katara said slowly, placing emphasise on the word washing.
"Ohh" Zuko said finally realising what she was hinting at. "Oh I'll do the washing for you."
"Thanks Zuko" Katara said grinning to herself. She had forgiven Zuko a long time ago and although not completely, she had begun to trust him. It was true that she wasn't as friendly as she was to the others, Zuko had really proven himself and she had a new found respect for him.
Days later, Katara's turn to collect water had come. Around the fire, Sokka looked towards the fading sunlight and turned towards Katara. "Katara you should go before nightfall so that we have water for tomorrow."
"I would Sokka but I'm REALLY tired and…"
"I'll do it." Zuko volunteered.
"But you did it a few days ago. Sokka argued. "You must be crazy because I hate water duty but…" Sokka shrugged.
"I don't mind" Zuko got up and walked towards the river. Collecting water could sometimes be a joy rather than chore when it was sunny or warm but when it was cold with fading light like now, it wasn't the best of times. Zuko began to wonder when his "payback" period would end.
"Toph scooted up close to Katara. "What have you got on Zuko?" She asked quietly enough for only the two of them to hear.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Katara said, childishly sticking her nose in the air.
"I've see you, you've practically got him on a leash like a sheepdog." Toph nudged her.
"I do not. If he wants to make up for what he's done in the past by dong my chores I say let him."
"Katara does he know that you've forgiven him and that you're not angry with him anymore?" Toph asked.
"I haven't had a chance to talk to him about that."
"Katara". Toph paused and broadened her smile. "You're taking advantage of him, you're playing on his guilt you're manipulating him!"
"That's rich coming form you Toph. I find it really hard to believe…"
"Katara."
"And furthermore Toph, I see you still have him doing things for you for burning your feet which…"
"Katara."
"I shouldn't even be explaining myself too you. I mean its just…"
"Katara!!" Toph yelled slightly. Katara sure was good at being a pain at times.
"What is it Toph?" Katara asked frustrated.
"I've taught you well."
Both Katara and Toph smiled at each other and started giggling hysterically.