Ch. 3

Zuko was tired. He'd gone to bed late and hadn't slept well. He was sluggish as he stared blankly down at his maps, his eyes not focusing and his mind wandering.

"…Zuko, Zuko?" He looked up to find his Uncle hovering over him. "I said will you help me carry this?" He held out a tray.

Zuko stood rubbing his face slowly. "Sure." He slowly followed his Uncle carrying the tray as he carried a large tea pot and three tea cups. Zuko yawned as he was lead to his door and his Uncle held it open for him.

"Right there on the table nephew." Nodding he set the tray on the table as Iroh closed the door behind them.

"Good evening Iroh. It's nice to see you again Zuko." A soft voice floated towards Zuko as his back stiffened. He slowly straightened as he turned to find Katara standing behind him.

His Uncle was standing in front of the door beaming. "What do you say Zuko? Will you join us for dinner as long as you're here?"

Zuko sent him an angry scowl and knew he wouldn't be able to get past him. There was a soft tap on his shoulder and he spun on Katara as she quickly withdrew her hand and looked up at him through her lashes shyly. "Please stay."

Zuko let out a deep sigh. "Fine." He sagged into a chair. Iroh and Katara sat on either side of him.

"Wonderful!" Iroh exclaimed as he moved away from the door and lifted the lids from the trays. "I had the cooks make your favorite! Roasted platypus bear with potatoes."

Zuko remained silent with his arms crossed stubbornly across his chest as he stared down at the table. Iroh dished the food, poured the tea and passed it out. Zuko quietly picked at his food as Katara and Iroh discussed some book.

"Um, Zuko…?" Katara interjected in the quiet lull of conversation. He stopped prodding his food and stared up at her from the shaggy curtain of hair that had fallen over his eyes. His golden gaze pierced her and she faltered and fiddled with the hem of her own shirt before meeting his gaze again. "I was just wondering…" Zuko's posture stiffened in anticipation. "What's the weather like outside?"

The tension in his shoulders slackened and his eyes widened in surprise. "The weather?"

Katara nodded modestly. "I've been down in this room nearly two weeks. I… I was just wondering if it's sunny, or rainy. Warm or cold…" Zuko just stared at her in surprise and Iroh discreetly watched them from his seat. "I'm sorry. That was probably a dumb question." She gave Iroh an embarrassed smile.

"It's warm… and sunny. Beautiful out actually." Zuko surprised both Iroh and Katara by speaking.

"Really?" Katara's eyes shone in warm delight. "Thank you Zuko. It helps."

A light brush of color reddened his cheeks for a brief moment. Hastily he turned away and in the process, dropped the knife he had been cutting his meal with. Out of sheer reflex he snatched it before it hit the ground and air hissed through his teeth. He dropped the bloody knife from where the blade had been in his grip and it clattered loudly on the plate. He clenched his slashed palm into a fist as drops of blood colored the white plate.

"Oh my Zuko!"

"I'll get it!" Katara called as she bolted from the table to bathroom and came back carrying a small wash basin full of water. She set it on the table between her and Zuko. "Let me see your hand." He narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. Katara sighed. "I can heal it." She impatiently held out a hand, waiting for his in return. Solemnly he placed his fist in her palm and she gently smoothed out his fingers to reveal a small pool of blood. She summoned water from the basin with her free hand and brought it over the gash in his palm. The water turned a glowing blue. Once the light died down, she allowed the cool water to flow over his hand, washing away the blood and leaving a faint pink line.

Zuko stared at her in disbelief. "How did you do that?"

Katara shrugged. "I'm a water bender and know how to heal."

Iroh grinned. "Marvelous! You are quite talented Miss Katara."

Zuko stared at his hand still stunned as he flexed his hand. "Uh, thanks."

"You're welcome." Katara said beaming at him.

In the quiet lull that followed Iroh cleared his throat. "Well Katara, maybe my nephew would be so kind as to escort you up on the deck."

Excitement bright in her eyes, Katara turned to see Zuko's expression. She took in his agitation and her hopes dulled. "No really Iroh, it's fine. I know you nephew is very busy. It's fine, don't worry about it."

The rest of the meal passed awkwardly until Iroh and Zuko excused themselves. Zuko quickly left the room slamming the door behind him. Katara and Iroh bent over the table cleaning up the remnants from dinner.

"Please forgive my nephew."

"No, really it's fine." Katara tried to reassure him. Iroh fixed her with a sad smile.

"No, the way he acted poorly reflected how he was raised."

"He seems like he's getting better though."

"Yes. I won't lie, I tricked him into joining us, but he did stay till the end."

"Exactly."

"He spoke with you as well."

"Uh-huh."

"I would volunteer to take you up myself but…"

"Really Iroh, don't worry about it. I don't want to cause any problems between you and your nephew."

"I'm sorry."

Katara gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay."

Iroh stood to full height hefting the tray up with him. "Good night dear."

"Good night Iroh." She held the door as he left with the dishes.

Zuko wasn't in the room he shared with his Uncle. He was standing at the back end of the ship, leaning on the rail and examining his hand by the moonlight. He snapped his fingers and a small flame jumped to life and he examined it again in a different light. When he was done looking at the small pink line across his palm, he ran his hand through his hair sighing loudly. The ocean mist showered him lightly and the scent brought his thoughts back to the dinner.

His Uncle was in big trouble. He took advantage of his tired state, luring him where he had clearly told him he would not go. He was trying to sway him; see that girl as more than his prisoner. He even had the nerve to try to get him to let her out! He could just see it now, his prisoner flaunting freely onboard. Her being a water bender would only make it that much easier for her to escape.

Frustrated and tired Zuko slammed his fists against the railing. "It's freezing out Zuko, you should go inside before you catch a cold."

"Why?"

"Well nephew, it's chilly out."

Turning quickly steam rose from his fists, anger dancing dangerously in his eyes. "No, why are you being so nice to her? She's our prisoner. Her only purpose is to lure the Avatar so I can restore my honor."

"I feel bad for her Prince Zuko. She's scared and incredibly lonely."

"She's not lonely; she has you always pestering her."

"Ah, but she is lonely. She does not remember her place in the world, nor any of her friends and family."

"Why should I care? Like I said, she's just a prisoner."

"But she is not just a prisoner, she is a human being. A young woman reaching for any human contact and kindness she can receive. She has lost many things, except her humanity."

"She is not the only one who has suffered a loss." Zuko said bitterly. "That's why I need her."

"You see Prince Zuko; there is one fundamental difference between you two. You focus so much on regaining what you have lost that you do not see what is around you now. She, on the other hand, is troubled by the loss of her mother, all her memories and even her freedom; but rather than seek them out, she is content to remain where she is, wait for what is fated to her and enjoy her current time where she is. The only thing she ever really requests is a little compassion. To enjoy a meal with someone or even be allowed fresh air. Little things we take for granted."

Tired of arguing and not wanting to be lectured anymore, Zuko stood quietly in the cold night air, watching the ocean spray as his Uncle's words rolled through his head.

"Good night Zuko." Iroh said as he excused himself and made his way back to the room they shared.

"She's just a prisoner." He whispered to himself trying to convince himself of it again, trying to ignore what his Uncle just said. Weaving his fingers together Zuko closed his eyes. "I hate it when Uncle does this." He muttered angrily.

She's a human being, incredibly lonely and just wants some company and fresh air. Something we take for granted.

"Shut up shut up shut up…" Zuko chanted clamping his hands over his ears as his Uncle's words kept coming back to him.

She's grateful for what she has. She doesn't feel the need to go get what she's looking for. That's the fundamental difference between you two.

"Damnit Uncle. A prisoner to restore my honor. Bait really. To me, she doesn't have feelings." He spit the last word out as if it tasted foul upon his tongue. A flash of her blue eyes peering out from under her lashes as she quietly begged him to stay.

"Nuh-uh!" He grunted in loud, angry frustration. The railing clutched under his grip smoked and he angrily pulled his fingers away from the new indentations he'd melted into the metal bar. "Just a prisoner." He reassured himself as the lack of sleep started to catch up to him. "Just a prisoner." He mumbled one last time before stumbling off to bed.

Katara was sitting on the edge of the bathtub after breakfast, practicing her bending when an impatient pounding came from the door. She peered out of the bathroom curiously before glancing down at her borrowed clothes.

"Ah… come in." She called to whoever stood on the other side as she drifted closer, curious as to whom it could be.

Without any hesitation the door swung wide open and Zuko stood there looking irritated. "Come on."

"What?" She asked in confusion.

"Come on." He said again, an impatient harshness rang through those two words.

"Where?" She asked baffled.

"You're wasting time. Do you want to go out or not?"

A light suddenly seemed to fill the water bender as she perked up, grinning. "Coming!" She called dashing towards the open door. As she came closer, Zuko drew back in a mix of repulsion and surprise. Katara quickly reined in her giddiness seeing his reaction. Turned out Zuko's cold demeanor stemmed from his anger at himself. He couldn't believe he'd gone soft and was now taking his prisoner above deck.

"Thank you Zuko." She said quietly behind him. Her head was down and her hands folded in front of her. She suddenly looked meek and small in his large baggy clothes. It looked all wrong on her, like she was broken. Before her spirit had been indomitable. She had been outspoken and strong and now she stood, no, hunched before him quiet and submissive. For some reason it made him even madder and he wasn't sure at whom.

Flustered by the sudden anger he turned from her and started leading the way down the hall to the staircase that led up above. "Yeah, well, come on." His voice was harsh as he quickly walked away from her and he could hear small footsteps following him. Before he went to get her, he had barked orders at all the soldiers on deck to scram.

Straight down the hall and up one flight of stairs. Katara emerged into the dazzlingly bright sunlight blinking and squinting. Once her eyes adjusted she gasped. The sky was so blue, not a cloud in sight and the sun reflected off the calm waters they drifted through, making it sparkle. Zuko stood where he was, arms crossed over his chest as Katara raced for the railing, intently staring down into the shimmering depths.

Excitement filed her deep blue eyes as they took in much of the surroundings. The boat swayed by the new waves. Any signs of submission left just as quickly as it appeared. Leaning over the railing, legs lifting off the ground, high in the air. Zuko started, reaching to catch Katara just as the boat tilted to the side and he stumbled. Tilting back on the deck Katara pulled a strand of salty water into her small hands.

"What the hell are you doing? You keep leaning over like that and you're going to have to be fished out of the damn sea!" Zuko snapped, pulling himself straight.

Katara went wide eyed. "I'm sorry Zuko." She dropped the water again with a splash and lowered her head at his scolding.

Zuko let off a long, heavy, exasperated sigh as he ran his hand down his face, clearing the agitated look. "Just stay on this front half of the deck." She nodded with a smile as his reprimanding eased.

"Mind if I bend?" She asked shyly, awaiting his permission. With a nod she smiled and went back to the railing as Zuko eyed her warily while the boat bobbed hazardously. She leaned over the rail, not so far this time and came up with a good amount of water. Twisting her hand slowly the water weaved around her arms. Even without looking at Zuko, Katara could feel his eyes on her back. Moving more inward on the deck there was a sense of peace settling in the air.

With a deep breath Katara suddenly moved causing the water to shoot off in the distance. Stepping forward she raised her arm up creating a path back down and redirected it in the opposite direction. Zuko watched Katara's movement intently. She moved smooth and fluid like, Zuko could see the power that the water held over the bender.

The smooth, calm movements were hypnotizing while the fast, violent motions brought back old memories. He sank into the shadows, all but disappearing as he leaned against the wall that led to the upper deck for the helmsman. He was as good as invisible, staying back while Katara was transfixed on the water. A long ribbon flowed over her like a rainbow as the turbulent waters reflected the rays of sun like a prism glowing on her exotic skin.

Zuko wanted to move closer and touch her glittering skin to see if she was real, but he was afraid if he moved, the illusion would be shattered. He continued to watch as she moved artfully about like a dancer, the water twirling and flowing like a silk scarf as she spun, dipped and swayed. It was absolutely fascinating watching her move and Zuko followed every movement, spell bound. The spell was broken however as a noisy clatter rose up the stairs. Katara loosed the water back to the sea and Zuko spun ready to verbally berate the soldier so bold to disobey his order and surface while his prisoner was on deck. Iroh came slowly up the stairs, hefting a large tray.

This was worse than a soldier Zuko thought. His Uncle would read too much into his minor kindness, blow it out of proportion and then probably lecture him to death. A new tension brought Zuko's strong frame wire tight as he stiffly walked over to his Uncle as he set the small table for three.

"Good afternoon Iroh!" Katara called in an almost disgustingly happy mood.

"When I checked your room, you weren't there so this is the next place I looked." Iroh said cheerfully, casting a knowing grin to his nephew who glared in return. "Hungry?" He asked innocently ignoring his nephew's attitude.

"Oh yes! I've worked up quite an appetite bending." She gushed, beaming radiantly at Zuko who quickly averted his gaze and slumped into a chair. Zuko chose to remain silent during the meal while Katara and Iroh discussed bending techniques. He barely ate his food and quickly excused himself from the table and slipped below deck. Katara had been watching him and he had been calm and relaxed till his Uncle came up and suddenly he seemed tense, angry and this was probably a long shot, but Katara had thought she'd caught a glimpse of embarrassment in his deep golden eyes. He had left so abruptly she hadn't had an opportunity to thank him. Iroh escorted her back to her room, keeping the talk casual rather then press the issue at hand and for that, she was grateful. Once locked back in the room, she slumped contentedly onto the bed, her hands still weaving the familiar patterns even without the water. Her thoughts drifted to Zuko and his seemingly uncharacteristic generosity.

She had felt his eyes on her and she had wanted to make a god impression, showing off her bending and reveling in the possibilities of being outside in the sun, surrounded by clear, beautiful water. She hoped that he would join them for dinner again tonight so she could thank him properly.

Dinner came and went without Zuko and she was quiet most of the meal and dejectedly fell into bed after Iroh left. Zuko had taken his meal to the room he shared with his Uncle and thought about that afternoon. Image burned into his brain kept resurfacing as he tried to stuff them back down. He refused to admit to himself that he had fun watching or that he wanted to join her, fire and water. Polar opposites, but he could imagine the beauty as fire and water twined together and would meet in a big hiss of steam.

There was a sharp knock at the door and he mentally shook himself, pulled from his thoughts, leaving him angry at himself and ready to snap at who'd brought him back to reality. He jerked the door open. "What?" He snapped at the soldier in full uniform.

The man fell back a step and quickly straightened. "Sir. No sign of the Avatar yet. What's our next course?"

Zuko growled in frustration. "Stay on course. We'll find him eventually."

"Yes sir." The soldier saluted as the door slammed in his face. Zuko slouched at the table and angrily pushed his barely touched food from him. He sat hunched over the table running a hand through his dark, shaggy hair. He could hear footsteps approaching his door and stop.

"Go away." He called stiffly through the heavy metal door.

The door creaked on its hinges. "But nephew, where's a tired old man supposed to sleep?"

"Oh it's just you Uncle."

"Miss Katara had hoped you'd join us for dinner so she could thank you for this afternoon." Zuko cringed, foolishly hoping his Uncle wouldn't have brought that up. "That was a very nice thing you did today." Zuko grunted in reply. "You made her incredibly happy." Another non-committal grunt came from Zuko as he sat hunched over the table. "A happy prisoner is a willing prisoner." His Uncle tried one last ditch effort.

"Good night Uncle." Zuko grumbled as he crawled into bed, hoping that if nothing else, this would keep him from bothering him anymore.