I'll Follow You Home – A Zutara Story.
Meeoko
Summary : Sequel to 'Eventualities Are Inevitable'. After being captured by a group of Fire Nation radicals and uncovering a secret plot to destroy the Avatar Cycle, Zuko and Katara must work together to find a way to stop the Sila Vatra before Sozin's Comet arrives.
Spoilers : Puppet Master, Day Of Black Sun part 1 and 2, Western Air Temple, Fire Bending Masters and Boiling Rock part 1 and 2.
Author's Note : Okay, so I still felt a little bad about leaving you guys in the dark for almost three weeks, so I whipped up this second chapter as an apology. Technically, I suppose it's a second chapter, as I wrote the previous one yesterday. But for those of you in the USA, this might be the second in one day, I don't know. I'm terrible with time differences, but just happen to know that about 80 percent of my readers are from the US.
I haven't had many reviews for the last chapter. Hopefully, I haven't lost lots of readers by pissing them off at the lack of updates. Maybe I just need to wait a little longer. But until then, enjoy this next chapter!
Oh, and finally – the results of my poll.
Over 86 percent of you want me to make 'Save Me, A Zuko Story' into another larger fic according to the results. So, I might just continue with that once IFYH is done (though I warn you, it's not going to have anything to do with EAI or IFYH. It's going to be a completely different plot line and probably style of writing.)
Katara forced herself to hold back the tears threatening to brim over. She needed to be strong now. She needed to let her family and friends know that they could count on her. More now than ever.
It had been a heart-felt morning, filled with goodbye's. Sokka had finally woken up, a mere hour before they were to depart. Katara had made the most of it. She had checked him over again with her healing, to check for anything that might cause a problem whilst she was away. She didn't find anything problematic – if anything, she knew that Sokka was probably just taking advantage of his situation. Mostly because Suki would endlessly fuss over him, making sure he was comfortable and bringing him things.
"I know you're gonna be great, sis." he beamed as they shared a lingering hug. "I know that you'll make us all proud. People are gonna remember this for years to come. And they're going to know that you shouldn't mess with the Water Tribe!"
Katara had laughed at this. Her brother always knew the right thing to say to cheer her up.
I'm doing this for the Water Tribe. I'm doing this for Great-Grandma Nori. I'm doing this for dad and Sokka and mom and Gran-Gran. And I'm doing this for myself.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, Sokka." she said, trying to sound calm and determined. "Just protect Aang as much as you can and...and don't get crushed by rocks again, okay?"
Sokka had also laughed and they each pulled apart from their hug. After all, Suki would also want to say goodbye to him.
Katara had wandered aimlessly through the halls, receiving words of encouragement and gentle pats on the back from the warriors who had helped them during the invasion. She said her goodbye's to everyone who mattered and everyone she would miss. Her father had acted particularly strangely as they said their goodbye's.
"Katara, my beautiful daughter." he beamed down at her. "You look more and more like your mother each day."
Instinctively, Katara had touched the necklace hanging at her throat. It gave her comfort to think of her mothers bravery. She knew that her mother would be proud of her and what she was doing.
Hakoda placed his big hands on Katara's shoulders and looked down at her seriously. There was something stern but also...joyous sparkling behind his eyes.
"One day, I know that you are going to make a man very happy. I wish you all the best, my daughter. For both your mission and the life you have ahead of you." He drew her into a big bear hug. "I know that the next time I see you, it will be a cause for celebration."
Katara had wondered what on earth her father was talking about. It didn't sound like a goodbye at all. It sounded more like a speech at a wedding!
Maybe he's just worried about me.
She had also had a particularly upsetting talk with Toph. When she had awoken that morning, the Earth Bender had sought her out immediately. Pulling her aside into an empty side room, Toph had locked the door behind her and slumped down onto a plush looking sofa.
"What's wrong Toph?" Katara had asked, noticing that the situation was similar to Aang's, the day before the Invasion where he had been unable to sleep. Sokka had lay him down and tried to give him some 'therapy', insisting the entire time on wearing that stupid beard that he had worn when he and Katara had posed as Aang's parents at that Fire Nation school.
Sapphire Fire and Wang Fire. She thought fondly, trying not to laugh at the memory of the strange situation.
Toph had sighed sadly, bringing her knees up to her chest on the lengthy sofa. Katara thought for a moment that she could see the girl's glassy blue eyes cloud over with tears. It startled her for a moment. She had only ever seen Toph close to crying twice, when she had been mocked by those spiteful girls in Ba Sing Se and when she was talking about her parents. It certainly was unusual to see Toph get emotional and it made Katara worry.
"Look, I don't like you seeing me like this." Toph grumbled, resting her chin on her knees. "But you're the only girl around here who knows what I'm talking about, Katara. I just...I just need someone to talk to for a minute, ya know?"
Katara sat on a chair opposite Toph's, frowning with worry and concern. She tried to sound as encouraging and comforting as possible. It always worried her to see the strong, stubborn Earth Bender so upset.
"It's okay Toph, if you want to talk, then I'm here."
"It's just..." Toph sighed sadly. "...it's Aang."
Katara tried not to say 'Oh!'. How could she not have guessed before? Of course Toph was worried about Aang! The comet was only four days away and he was about to go into battle with the Fire Lord. Without them. Without Toph.
"I just feel so guilty, Katara." Toph continued, her usually confident voice shrinking to barely a whisper. "I should be there with him, helping him. I don't know why I have to go on this stupid mission, when I could be out there, where the real battle is, making sure he's okay! I just...I don't want him to have to do this alone."
Katara could feel herself deflate. She had often thought about the same thing. She too felt guilty for abandoning Aang. She found that she couldn't even remember how long it had been since she had last seen him!
"It's okay, Toph." she replied, trying to comfort her. "I know exactly what you mean, I feel the same. And I'm sure that Sokka and Zuko do too. None of us want him to have to go at this alone. But if something happened to him during the comet because we didn't check this out, then we'd just feel even worse. Do you remember what you said to me before? That it was you who were the real hero, because you brought him back from the Spirit World because he..." Katara had to force herself to say the next few words. "..because his heart was broken?"
Dear Spirits, I still feel so awful about that!
Toph nodded sadly. She sniffed, burying the bottom half of her face in her knees.
"Well, that's kind of what we're doing now." Katara continued. "We're protecting him, so that he can fight the real battle against Ozai. You just need to keep reminding yourself that you are helping him, Toph."
Standing up from her chair, Katara walked over to sit down beside Toph. She placed a gentle hand on the girls shoulder, trying to offer her any kind of comfort.
"I just really like him, ya know?" Toph said quietly, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand. "I've never liked a guy before and I don't want him to just end up getting hurt because I wasn't there to help him. For once, I just wanna be able to spend some time with him, where it doesn't involve us having to save the world! I don't wanna get my heart broken too, Katara. It looks too painful."
Feeling her eyes pricking, Katara leant over to Toph and hugged her gently. She could understand exactly what Toph was saying. Katara didn't think she'd be able to cope if something were to happen to Zuko, especially if she wasn't there to help him.
The guilt would just destroy me...
"Aang isn't going to get hurt, Toph." Katara whispered quietly as the Earth Bender returned her hug, wrapping her tiny arms around her shoulders. "I know he won't. He won't let it and neither will Sokka. He'll be here to look out for him when the comet comes."
Katara hugged her small friend tighter to herself, wishing hard that she could take the girls pain and worry away.
I hate it when she cries. Whenever she cries, it means that the rest of us are in serious trouble...
"Plus," she continued, trying to sound light and cheery. "he can't get hurt because he promised to take you on a date, remember?"
Despite her sadness, Toph couldn't help but utter a laugh. Pulling away from Katara's hug, she wiped away the tears from her hand, turning her head as she did so. Katara smiled, knowing that no matter how desperately sad she was feeling, Toph still didn't want to let Katara see her cry.
"Thanks Katara." she said softly. Katara was immensely glad to see that there was a tiny smile on her face. "You're a really good friend."
"It's okay, Toph." Katara replied gently, letting herself smile again. "Just promise me that you won't rough Aang up too much once you're married and have lots of bending babies, will you?"
Frowning, Toph held up both of her hands in front of her.
"Woah there, Princess. One step at a time."
Katara couldn't help but giggle when she saw that Toph had the tiniest of smiles on her face, despite her protests. She quickly hid it and punched Katara on the arm, as she usually did whenever she was showing her affection.
"Ease off there, Sugar." she joked, her confidence finally returning as Katara rubbed the sore spot on her arm. "Don't forget that he's still my man."
Katara was searching the halls for the one person that she needed comfort from. The one person she needed to talk to. To be close to.
Turning a corner into the large dining hall, she searched through the large crowds of soldiers and benders to find him. And there she found him, standing in one of the corners of the lengthy room with General Iroh. They seemed to be talking. Iroh had his hand on Zuko's shoulder, who's head was bowed.
Katara hung back in the crowd, aware that Iroh was probably breaking the news to Zuko. The same disturbing, unexpected news that he had told the rest of them. Maybe he had already told him.
How can somebody so gentle and kind be an ex-member of the Sila Vatra?
But Katara had not dwelt on Iroh's past mistakes. And neither it seemed, did anybody else. Almost every person within the household had experienced Iroh's loyalty, gallantry and kindness. People made mistakes, but they learnt from them. Many people had. Katara had experienced her own mistakes, and so had Zuko. Katara had come to learn that mistakes don't define people, unless they let them. And General Iroh certainly had not let his mistakes control him. He had changed his destiny. And so had Zuko.
I just hope that Zuko can see it that way.
She contented herself to stand back in the crowd. If Iroh was in fact speaking to Zuko about the past, then Katara didn't want to interrupt. This was between them and only them.
I only hope he can forgive him. I know just how hard it is to forgive when you've been wronged.
Watching from her position in the opposite corner, Katara smiled when she saw Zuko give Iroh a hug. It was fleeting and didn't last long, but it was something. It was progress. Maybe one day, Zuko would be able to forgive Iroh completely.
Taking her chance before they departed, Katara walked over towards Zuko. She bowed respectively to General Iroh, who smiled at her and bowed in turn.
"Lady Katara." he greeted, though he looked a little sad around the eyes. "It is good to see you again."
Katara nodded, feeling herself smile. She liked General Iroh, bad past or not.
"It's good to see you too, General Iroh. Tell me, what are your plans for the comet? Are you staying here to help with the resistance?"
Iroh shook his head, smiling.
"I am afraid not, Lady Katara. Before the arrival of the comet, I shall be taking over from Chit Sang as Avatar Aang's Fire Bending teacher and then I plan to assemble the White Lotus Society to take back the city of Ba Sing Se in the name of the Earth King. Indeed, I have a very busy few days ahead of me."
Katara felt her mouth open slightly. She was both relieved and worried. Relieved that Aang would still have a teacher to help him master Fire Bending, but also worried for General Iroh. The Earth Kingdom capital was almost overrun with Fire Nation soldiers. She had no idea how they were supposed to take back the city, even with he help of the White Lotus Society, which Zuko had previously told her about.
"You will be missed, General Iroh. But it's good to hear that Aang's Fire Bending won't be neglected with everything going on. I want to thank you for offering us that comfort."
Why do I always sound so...old whenever I talk to Iroh?
Iroh beamed at her, placing his hands inside the sleeves of his robe. That was the General Iroh that Katara knew. The smiling, confident Iroh.
"No, Lady katara. I find that it is I who must thank you for all of your hard work. If it were not for your wondrous healing abilities, I fear that Prince Zuko would not be with us right now. It is indeed with you that my thanks lie. Zuko is like a son to me."
Katara tried not to blush. She was never any good at receiving compliments. She could feel Zuko shifting awkwardly beside her.
Maybe they already forgave each other?
"Thank you, General Iroh." she replied. "But it's not just me that deserves the praise. Everybody here has played a part in Zuko's recovery and my brothers, they've all been really helpful. And who knows what would have happened if the White Lotus Society hadn't offered us shelter here? If anything, Zuko here did most of the work himself. He is an incredibly fast healer."
It took Aang a week to recover fully when Azula hit him with that lightning, even with the Spirit Water from the Oasis. Zuko has almost died twice now and it's only ever taken him a few days at the most to recover! I've never seen anything like it!
The old general smiled gently, the smile reaching the far corners of his eyes. Katara was glad to see a little happiness back in Zuko's Uncle. For days, he had simply been a non-entity. He would wait for hours on end for Zuko to wake up, not saying a single word. Or he would wander the halls aimlessly, without a thing to say to those around him. It was good to finally see him smiling again.
"My nephew is a talented young man, Lady Katara." Iroh smirked, winking at her. "Though I am certain that you shall find that out for yourself in due time."
"Uncle!" Zuko snapped, slapping his forehead.
Katara felt her cheeks growing hot and she looked down at the floor. General Iroh, she had been told, was usually known for his deft and bold attempts at match-making. Needless to say, most of the time, his hints weren't exactly subtle.
"What?" the old general laughed. "I am simply paying you a compliment, Zuko. Surely you are not so modest? I am certain that the Lady Katara will agree with me."
Zuko mumbled something angry under his breath, frowning. Grabbing her wrist, he turned towards the door and led her away and out of the room.
"Goodbye General Iroh." she managed before disappearing through the crowd. "Good luck at Ba Sing Se-"
"Farewell Lady Katara." Iroh said after her. "If Zuko should get himself into trouble again, I expect you to put him back in his place."
Katara blushed fiercely as General Iroh was lost from sight and they stepped out into the hallways.
No. Most definitely not subtle...
Katara could no longer feel her legs. She felt sore, tired and a little cranky.
I hate riding. I hate riding. I hate riding.
She repeated the mantra over and over again inside her head as she bumped up and down in the saddle of her Emu-Horse. Her first experience with riding had resulted in almost being captured and having darts and balls of fire shot at her. She certainly didn't want to have to repeat the experience.
The constant pounding was beginning to give her a headache.
She was surprised that Toph's Earth Bending wasn't startling the Emu-Horses. They had decided that the best way to get to the Fire Sage's temple was by using the war balloon that Zuko had taken from Azula at the Boiling Rock. The balloon had been moored down by the coast, about four hours hard ride away. The only trouble was, to avoid being seen by scouting Fire Nation soldiers or Sila Vatra agents, the had to make the journey underground. So, Toph sat at the head of the procession, using her Earth Bending to create the tunnel that would lead them to the coast.
Needless to say, it was taking far longer than the expected four hours. If anything, they had been underground for almost six! Katara could feel the pulling of the moon above them, alerting her to the changes in time. Both Zuko and Chit Sang rode ahead of her, their Fire Bending acting as torches. Chit Sang had offered to come along to the Fire Sage's temple with them. He had said that he and The Warden had unfinished business.
Is there anyone who doesn't have unfinished business with The Warden?
Katara longed to have her Great-grandmother's necklace in her hands and away from those monsters. No matter how long, nor how hard she thought about it, Katara still couldn't think of a single reason why Nori's necklace would help the Sila Vatra destroy the Avatar Reincarnation Cycle or get them into the Spirit World. To think of it was crazy!
Though the necklace was beautiful and unbreakable, Katara didn't think that it had any other properties. Even the knife that Zuko carried didn't have many more special qualities, other than the fact that it never needed to be sharpened. It never became blunt, even after almost a century of use. But Katara still couldn't think why that would help the Sila Vatra get into the Spirit World.
And even when they get there, what would they do to destroy the Avatar Cycle? I think we're just walking into this blindly! Who knows what we'd find if we ended up in the Spirit World? We don't know the first thing about it!
Kicking at her Emu-Horse gently, Katara sped up to ride besides Chit Sang. They had slowed to a walking pace, as Toph was having some trouble with a particularly stubborn boulder blocking their way.
"Chit Sang?" she asked the big burly man, feeling herself shrink a little. He certainly had the look of a criminal.
"Yeah?"
Katara shifted on her Emu-Horse, fidgeting with the saddlebags. She tried not to look Chit Sang in the eyes. He made her a little uncomfortable, though she was sure that he posed no threat to the group. It was probably because he reminded her a little of Combustion Man.
"I just wanted to know: why exactly were you sent to the Boiling Rock? You've been with us for long enough now and I just realised that really, we don't know the first thing about you."
Chit Sang looked down at her from his Emu-Horse. The had stopped completely, as they waited for Toph to carve away the large boulder blocking their path. Katara could see that the hours of constant work were beginning to take their toll on the young Earth Bender. She was sweating profusely and would occasionally droop forward in her saddle, as if she were falling asleep.
Poor Toph. If only Aang or Haru were here. Then she wouldn't have to do it all by herself.
"You really wanna know?" Chit Sang asked blankly. Katara felt that maybe she shouldn't have asked.
Maybe I won't like the answer.
Katara nodded. She could see Zuko looking over at her from the corner of her eye. He wanted to know just as much as she did.
"If you really wanna know, then I guess I'll tell you." Chit Sang said, cracking his knuckles. It sent shivers down Katara's spine. She hated the habit. Toph often did it to annoy her and it made her grit her teeth.
"Me and a couple'a buddies of mine," Chit Sang began. Toph pounded loudly on the rocks ahead. "we were travellin' through the Fire Nation, lookin' for work. The Fire Navy shut down our hometown to build weapons, so we didn't have no place to go. We were ambushed by troops on the road we were takin'. They wanted our money and our food. Said it was goin' toward taxes to help the Fire Nation. We didn't believe 'em, so we refused. When you ain't got nothin', you don't wanna give it up without a fight."
Katara nodded sadly. She knew what it felt like to have nothing. Even if you had nothing, you would still defend it with your life.
That's how she had felt when Zuko had attacked her tiny village, back when they first met. Of course, back then, she had barely been able to lift an orb of water, nevermind defend her village. Sokka had been the only one brave enough to stand and fight.
But now things were different. She was a master Water bender and she would defend her treasures with her life.
Chit sang continued. He looked down at the floor and his eyes seem to cloud over, as if lost in memory.
"Anyway, me an' my buddies started fightin', to fend 'em off. The noise and fightin' caused a rock slide on the path we were takin' and a couple of the guards...well, they didn't make it. Neither did my buddies, Jen and Tai. The other guards pinned it on us and arrested us for murder. Your brother met the other guy with me at the prison – he was one of my buddies, the only one left. I had to leave him behind. I had to leave 'em all behind."
Katara looked down at the floor. She felt sorry for Chit Sang. She couldn't imagine anything worse than losing Aang, Toph and Sokka and then getting blamed for it. Katara didn't even like to think what would happen if she lost Zuko. The very thought made her want to cry. She knew now that she couldn't live without Zuko.
I'll never let it get that far. It's almost happened twice now, but I'll never let it get that far, as long as I live. I won't let them take Zuko away.
She had been surprised to learn of Chit Sang's innocence. He was such a large and intimidating man, that he seemed to fit the bill of 'criminal' perfectly. Katara had often suspected that he had been arrested for robbery or in fact, murder. But now she just felt sad. Sad that Chit Sang had endured so much when he had been innocent all along. Imprisoned and rendered homeless by his very Nation.
"I ain't got nothin' left." Chit Sang said gruffly, looking back up from the floor. He looked determined...and angry. "That's why I'm lookin' to get even with The Warden. He took them away from me and now, I'm gonna take everythin' away from him."
Katara lowered her gaze to the floor, thinking exactly what her own motives were. She hadn't thought that far until now. Her single goal for the moment was to reach the Fire sage's temple before the comet. After that, Katara really didn't know what to think. Surely there would be danger. Surely The Warden would try to kill them all to wreak his vengence.
Though Katara wanted to believe her father about The Warden's death inside the tunnel leading up towards the Fire nation palace, she couldn't shake the foreboding feeling that she would soon see him again. If it came down to it, would she be able to do what was necessary? If he was even still alive, would she be able to kill Chun Sau to save the world?
I wonder if Aang is thinking the same thing about Ozai...
There was a loud crash. The walls shook as the obstructing boulder came tumbling down. A small source of light began to reach through the tunnel. The moon. Toph was panting, hard. She wiped the back of her hand over her brow, slumping slightly. Katara could see that the young girl was exhausted.
"We're...here..." she panted. "You guys...owe me...big time."
With that, she slumped into the saddle of her Emu-Horse and leant over the saddle, immediately closing her eyes. Katara smiled gently as Zuko dismounted and grabbed the reins of Toph's Emu-Horse, leading it forward through the light at the end of the tunnel. Toph had certainly earned her rest.
The wind flew past, whipping Katara's hair around her shoulders. Though it was cold, she refused to go back inside. The cool, refreshing air was just too enticing. It gave her confidence and seemed to breath the life back into her that had been lost over the past few weeks. The push and pull of the waves beneath her and the shining silver of the moon in the sky called to her like a physical pull. She couldn't ignore it.
It's so beautiful up here.
Katara heard gentle footsteps behind her, clinking on the metal of the ships bow. She already knew who it was. She could feel the warmth emitting from his body, even before he reached up a hand to touch her shoulder. He smelled like smoke and coal and his hands were black with dirt. He must have been working in the engine room.
She took in a lengthy, peaceful breath, still looking out at the starry skies ahead.
"I think the storm's coming." Zuko said quietly, coming to stand by her side at the head of the balloon. "It's coming very soon."
Katara turned her head to look at him. He was almost covered from head to foot in soot. The gentle wind was blowing his hair about his face, and he looked forward defiantly. The brightly shining sliver of the moon illuminated him, the red marks around his neck that were slowly fading. It was easy to see his amber eyes glistening in the darkness.
He looks so handsome. Even in his darkest hour...
"Where are the others?" Katara asked him. "How are they doing?"
Zuko shrugged absently. It seemed as if something was bothering him.
Maybe it's his uncle.
"Chit Sang is helping to keep the balloon going. Suki is plotting the course to the temple and Toph...well, Toph just went straight to sleep."
Katara noticed him smiling at the mention of the young Earth Bender. She found it so hard to believe that just a few days ago, she had felt immensely jealous of Toph, thinking that she had a crush on Zuko. Toph was like Zuko's little sister - she could see that now. He doted on her, though he would never admit it. Katara smiled to herself, thinking just how well the two get on. Really, it was quite sweet.
"How long will it take us to reach the temple?" Katara asked.
"It's going to take us at least two days." Zuko sighed, his smile immediately vanishing. "We'll have to moor in the Earth Kingdom town closest to it and take a boat from there to the temple. There's no way we'd manage to get into the temple if they spotted us in this big war ballon. Hopefully, we should make it there with a day to spare before the comet. That way, we can get a good look into what the Sila Vatra are planning."
Katara's shoulders heaved. She placed her hands on the steel rail in front of her, looking out to the waves below.
"Do you think that Azula will follow us? Do you think that she's going to be there, waiting for us?"
Zuko rubbed at the back of his neck, spreading the coal soot all over himself in his worry.
"I don't know. I didn't tell her what we knew about the Sila Vatra, but she could have guessed already. She isn't in league with them, but that doesn't mean she won't take the opportunity to attack us when the comet arrives."
Katara sighed, rubbing her cheek. If Azula showed up, who knew what would happen? There was no way they'd be able to deal with the Sila Vatra, the Fire Sages and the Princess.
I guess all we can do now is hope.
"I never thanked you."
Zuko's voice was quiet. He didn't look at her as he spoke. He instead peered over the bow of the ship, down towards the waves below. It looked as if he was considering whether or not to jump in for a moment.
"Never thanked me for what?" Katara asked him, frowning slightly.
Turning to face her, Zuko reached for one of Katara's hands. He grasped the back of her hand gently and brought it up to touch his neck. Katara could feel her heart rate speeding up. Her fingers trace his red and tender neckline, feeling his pulse beating gently underneath her touch.
"For this." Zuko's eyes met hers in the darkness. "For not letting him scar me again. For saving me."
She looked up at him, leaning closer. How long had it been since she had last kissed him? She found that she couldn't remember.
"If I had to, I'd do it all over again." Katara replied, quoting Zuko's own past words.
Zuko looked down at her, now so close to each other now that their lips were almost touching. He reached down and clasped her other hand with his, entwining their fingers together and squeezing gently.
"Zuko." she whispered, sliding her fingers around to the back of his neck. "I have to tell you something-"
But she was cut off as Zuko leant forward and kissed her. Closing her eyes against the light of the moon and the glow of his eyes, she leant into his touch and kissed him back. Drawing him closer with the hand around his neck, Katara lost all thoughts of the Sila Vatra, of the comet and of everything else. There was only her and Zuko, stood underneath the shining stars.
She felt Zuko wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. The other felt for her cheek, brushing aside a sweep of her hair. He pressed her close, deepening the kiss. Katara felt herself sigh happily into Zuko's lips.
Tell him, Katara. Tell him.
Zuko's fingers traced her neckline lightly and she felt herself shiver at the touch. She wove her hand through his hair and placed her free hand on his chest. The warmth pulsed through her fingertips, feeling the pounding of his heart.
When Zuko kissed her like that, there was nothing. No more worries, no more race for survival, no war. No Avatar, no obligations, not even Four Nations. It was as if everything fell into place as one whole, peaceful entity. It made her feel like she was floating on air. The bottom of her stomach seemed to fall out of her. Zuko's arms seemed to hold her up high and keep her from falling.
Tell him. Tell him!
Katara tried not to protest when Zuko finally broke the kiss. The warmth from his lips blew away gently with the wind and she found herself missing the sensation. They remained where they were for several moments, simply looking into each others eyes. Their breathing was slightly heavy and Katara could feel that Zuko's body temperature had risen by a few degrees.
Zuko's always warm.
The wind whistled past, blowing Zuko's fringe over his eyes. Removing her hand from his chest, Katara reached up to brush the strands away from his eyes. She loved to look at them and loved seeing them return her gaze. She realised that her mouth was still slightly open in longing, as was Zuko's and she quickly shut it again, replacing it with a smile. The corners of Zuko's mouth perked in that same typical half smile that she loved so much. He sighed happily, looking at her with eyes that said something he would not.
Don't wait any longer. Just tell him, even if you're scared. You might not get another opportunity after this. Just tell him!
Keeping her gaze on Zuko's brilliant amber eyes, Katara swallowed her pride and opened her mouth to speak, at the exact same instant that Zuko did.
"I love you." They spoke in unison.
They both froze for a moment, looking at each other with wide eyes. Katara felt herself blushing and looked down, reaching instinctively for her necklace as she did so. Zuko also averted his gaze in the opposite direction. But neither moved away from the other. Neither wanted to.
"I...you-I mean..I guess it's..." Zuko babbled. Katara could see pink clouding his cheeks, even in the dim light. "It's good, I guess...I mean, yeah?"
"Yeah." Katara agreed, without really understanding what she was agreeing to.
Did he...did he say it too? Did I hear wrong?
Letting out a heavy, but what appeared to be happy sigh, Zuko turned his head back around to face her. Katara could see him try to hold back a grimace of pain as the sore muscles in his neck protested. He gently gripped her chin and rose her face to meet his.
"Katara. You...you look so beautiful." His eyes sparkled in the moonlight, though Katara could see the red still spreading across his cheeks. "You're smart and kind and just...just incredible. I want...I want to..."
He trailed off, looking down at the floor. Katara could feel her cheeks growing hot. Her lips parted and she looked up at him longingly. She had never been any good at receiving compliments.
He feels the same way! He loves me! And he...he thinks I'm beautiful.
Regaining his composure, Zuko sighed. Taking his hand away from her face, he trailed it down to her neckline, fingering for the necklace that hung at her throat. He held it lightly between two fingers, rubbing his thumb over the textured surface. Katara could feel herself trembling. From cold or something else, she wasn't sure.
"One day...when this is all over." Zuko's voice was low and serious. "When everything is in balance again and we have time...when you tell me that you're ready, I'm going to carve you your very own necklace."
Katara felt herself take in a sharp breath, stunned for a moment. Zuko immediately took his hand away from her necklace, as if worried that he had done something wrong. It seemed that saying these things to her was incredibly difficult for Zuko. Katara knew perfectly well that Zuko's social skills weren't wholly developed. He'd been starved of human emotion for so long, it seemed as if he was having trouble catching up.
Did he...did he just ask me to...to marry him?
"I-I'm sorry." he stammered, pulling away from her. "Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry if that was too...I just...I-if it's too much then-"
But Katara caught his wrist before he could walk away.
"Zuko."
He sighed heavily, as if he was mentally kicking himself and turned back around to face her. Katara gripped his wrist tightly, not willing to let him go. She never wanted to let him go as long as she lived.
"Zuko," she looked up at him seriously, but with a small smile on her face. Happiness and joy exploded inside her. She could feel tears brimming in her eyes. "Did you just ask me...did you just ask me to marry you?"
His mouth twitched and he tightly shut his eyes. Zuko rubbed at the back of his neck with his free hand, as he always did when he was nervous. Katara tried not to laugh and pull him close, to kiss him. To always be able to kiss him and never stop.
"I-I guess I...well, I suppose that if I..." he sighed angrily.
Why does he always have to punish himself so much? Why won't he just say it?
"Zuko?" she said again, willing him to say the one word that she was longing to hear.
For a moment, Zuko looked as if he just wanted to vanish. Katara realised then that Zuko thought that she had denied him. She wanted to laugh out loud and tell him that he was an idiot. A sweet, kind, handsome, incredible idiot.
"Yes." Zuko breathed irritably, unable to look her in the eyes.
Finally allowing the happy tears to fall over her face, Katara took a step towards him, placing his hand around her waist as she did so. Only then did he look at her. His mouth opened upon seeing her tears and he looked down at the floor guiltily.
"I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm sorry, Katara. Maybe I should go..."
Katara laughed out loud, unable to hold it back any longer. Her laughter was carried away by the gentle winds and dispersed out into the ocean. Zuko looked at her, with a confused frown on his face, his mouth open slightly in both surprise and worry. Katara cupped the scarred side of his face with her palm. He didn't flinch away as he once had, but looked down at her.
"You really are an idiot, you know, Jerkbender?" she teased, gently pulling his face down to hers. "I'm crying because I'm happy. And I'm happy because..."
Feeling the push and pull of the ocean waves beneath her and the energizing lull of the moon, Katara felt herself taken over. It consumed her wholly and everything around her seemed to melt away. Happiness. Peace. Love.
"...because when this is over, Zuko, years from now when the war is over and everything is alright again, I know that you'll be there by my side. Because I'm going to accept your offer. Because I want to marry you too, Zuko."
I can't believe I just said that. This is really happening. I...I just agreed to marry Zuko.
The look of guilt and sadness immediately disappeared from Zuko's face. His mouth hung open and his eyes were wide. Katara tried not to giggle looking at his shocked expression. He looked as if he'd just seen her grow wings and fly away. But slowly, the corners of his mouth began to turn upwards. The light in his eyes returned. For the first time in what seemed ages, Zuko let himself smile a full and joyous smile. Placing his hand on the back of her neck, he pulled her close. Their foreheads rested against each other as they looked into each others eyes. Zuko's smile stayed in place, filling Katara to the brim with utter joy.
I always want to be able to make you smile.
"I love you, Zuko." she whispered, feeling the tears become cold on her face.
"I love you too, Katara." Zuko replied, the smile brightening his entire face.
He leant down to kiss her, wrapping his arms around her gently, protecting her from the cold. Protecting her from the war. Protecting her from everything.
It was a full ten minutes later that Suki stepped out onto the deck to let Zuko know that he engine room needed refuelling. But when she saw both Katara and Zuko locked so tightly together, so oblivious to anything other than the moonlight, the stars and their kiss, she simply smiled. Walking back inside to the control room, Suki decided to let them have their moment alone. She walked towards the engine room to shovel the coal herself, smiling sadly. Who knew if they would still have each other after the arrival of the comet?
Author's Note's : Well, you guys desperately wanted more fuzzies. I don't think that it can get much fuzzier than that lol! Man! Not only did Zuko and Katara finally tell each other how they felt, but also agreed to get married! Whew! Too many fuzzies flying around!
Gah! I think I got one in my eye!!
Man, writing love scenes is pretty damn difficult. It's so hard not to continually use the same verbs and nouns over and over again. Hopefully, I didn't screw that one up too badly.
Don't worry people, they aren't going to get married right off the bat. As you know, Katara is really one to wait until she's ready, and even when the war's over, Zuko's gonna have his hands full for a while, sorting out the Fire Nation when he becomes Fire Lord. So if they were going to get married, it would be a couple of years later (though technically, 16 is the marrying age for Water Tribesmen).
And just for something interesting to add to the mix, I finally put in Chit Sang's story. You guys have been wanting to know my own little version of it for quite a while now and there it is! Hopefully it fit the bill. I felt kinda sorry for the big lug. He's a person too, after all. A big, scary, beefy ass person lol.