Author note : okay so this is going to sound stupid, but I've been avoiding reading reviews because I was always paranoid that someone was going to write 'ZUTARA? They suck! " minded it is labeled 'zutara' in the summary(: so when I was procrastinating yesterday on homework, I worked up enough courage to read the reviews and they made me happy so I updated sooner :D thank god my phone has a keyboard thingy and I can use a note document to write in. Anyways ! Thank you everyone for reviewing(:
I do not own avatar, they get to momentarily live in my fantasy -
p.s. this chapter is kind of boring seeing as I decided I wanted this to end with them being madly and fully in love so i wanted the whole "7 day" thing inside of it(: if you read you'll see what I mean. The next chapters will be better, but for now please accept this one D:
x x chapter 6 x x
The sun had just shown its face as the moon fell asleep again. Zuko had gotten up before Katara as usual, his eyes lingering toward the master bender beside him. They were back in the Fire Nation and he finally had his old bed back. Sure, he was comfy on the Ships, but nothing beats sinking into your cool mattress and closing your eyes. Today he was going to help Haku. He was going to make two little kids smile and hopefully show Katara his good side. He also made a small mental note that his guards needed to do a better job at watching their country - or he supposed that he could head out once in a while. Once a week wouldn't kill him, right?
Zuko kept moving on the bed, his arm being held prisoner by Katara's hair and head. Her breathing was faint on his skin as he felt the constant warm air hit a spot continuously. He didn't mind of course, his bed could fit more than 5 people on it, but he noticed how their sleeping positions always made it so that he couldn't get up until she was up. They would both stay on either side of the bed and then Katara's sleeping habit would kick in. She would wiggle her way toward his warmth and taken hold of his body as though it was a pillow.
"Zuko..." Katara mumbled quietly, "Stop waking up so early or I'm going to kill you..."
Zuko silently laughed to himself, "Well, if someone used this marvelous invention called 'a pillow' we wouldn't be in this situation."
Katara groaned, her body heavy as she fused around in bed. She was never good at going back to sleep once she had woken up once.
"But mom said fire is good..."
Zuko looked at her and almost fell off the bed. Sleepy Katara was much funnier than her usual self. Zuko snaked his arms around her body as he pulled her closer, the scene of fruits filling his lungs as her head nuzzled into his chest. This was something that he could definitely become use too. Although it was a little too mushy for the fire bender, he enjoyed the feeling of having Katara close to him.
"Is that so, dear? What else did she say?"
"She said Zuko was a loser who needs to get out more..."
"Hey!" Zuko yelled as his grasp loosened, his body lifted up by his now prompt elbow, "I have you know... I'll be venturing into the town more often now."
Katara smiled, a small sigh escaping her lips as she looked up, her lidded eyes on the Fire Lord as she leaned toward him. Softly, almost as though he was a glass doll, she brushed her lips against his cheek. Zuko smiled. It wasn't a smirk or a frown. It wasn't even a smile that needed a reason other than he was happy. Gently, he repeated the action back to her, a small blush running across her fact as she buried her head in the pillow. She was fussing about, her muffled cries escaping her lips so that Zuko could only make out, "get more sleep or... and dead"
"I guess I can try to sleep in more," he finally let out.
"Or you can get up..." Katara started, "and decorate your room some more."
"What's wrong with my room?" he questioned as he sat up suddenly.
Katara looked around. For a Lord, his room was quite extravagant, but that was all. He had the biggest bed she had ever seen that was draped with nothing but red silk. He had a huge wooden dresser with a mirror on top as well as a soft red carpet. His room even had a joint bathroom in it that was anything, but peasantry! Leave it to Zuko to need a hot tube and a shower in one space. Yet that was all. He had all the necessary, or whatever he believe they were, and nothing else.
"Everything's pretty and all Zuko, but there's nothing here that's you," she said as she noticed no photos or keepsakes on his walls or tables.
"Well, that's why I have you! We can... fill it up slowly," he said as he pulled her to him, his body collapsing on hers as she let out a small yelp. "We can hang photos of us," he mentioned as he leaned toward her ear, his breathe blowing softly against it, "and perhaps even have small objects to remind us of every day we spend together."
The water bender... needed water. Her throat went dry at the sudden boldness, but it didn't mean she didn't like it. "Um, ah, uh, ah, ...sure," she mustered out as she looked away.
Zuko looked at her, his hand slowly resting on her cheek as he turned her to look at him. His eyes were darkened, still a golden red, but now different. They were looking at her differently than when they first met. They were staring at her differently than when she arrived on his ship. Zuko looked at katara as his arms wrapped around her waist, his mind quickly noting that he made sure he wasn't crushing her petite body. His eyes were more soft, more caring than ever. It was almost as though he was pleading with her not to leave him, not to walk away. He groaned as he looked into her light blue eyes.
"Zuko...?"
"Katara, I don't think you have any idea what the hell you do to me,"
It was far from a quick kiss. Zuko's lips crashed onto Katara's as he felt her relax against his hold. Both seeking something more than just lust. After a few minute they had pulled away and looked at each other, their breathing heavy as Katara processed what had happened. She had just kissed Zuko and... she liked it? And what, what's wrong with Zuko's pants?
He could feel his desire rising, his heart beating as Katara blush deepened. Maybe deep down he was just an 18 year old teenager with hormones, but no one had ever made him this needy before. His lips trailed from her cheek to her neck, his tongue running across her flesh as he heard a soft moan escape from Katara's mouth.
"Katara - "
"Prince Zuko!" a voice called from beyond the door, "are you still asleep? I hope you're not harming our little princess!"
"Uncle Iroh for god sake... I'm getting up! And no I'm not harming her! Where would you even get that idea?"
"Well, the crew mates were enjoying some delightful role playing yesterday and they were talking about how run it is to tie a lady up and-"
"Finish that sentence and I will burn your french horn" Zuko said as he opened the door to meet his joyful uncle.
Uncle iroh peered in to see Katara getting out of bed in one of Zuko's oversized shirts. Everyone on the ship was informed that she had given her clothes away and would be wearing Zuko's clothing until further noticed. She did, after all, wanted to make sure they knew nothing else was to be indicated from the oversize shirt.
"Nephew, please get dress and come have tea with an old man," he said as he smiled
"I know uncle, I'll come to the tea room in a minute, go on ahead," he stated as he closed his door, his eyes on the girl beside him, "you're going to visit Haku today right?"
She nodded slightly and smiled, "Rose and Yue will be happy to play in their new home, would you like to come?"
Zuko smiled, he had a lot of papers to sign, but he agreed to go after tea. He motioned for Katara to take a bath so they could grab some breakfast and go after ward.
"Don't you need to take a bath?" she asked suddenly as Zuko handed her a long red gown made out of cotten and silk.
"Are you implying that I should join you?" he smirked
"No!" katara yelled as she scurried through the bathroom door while Zuko laughed.
"Ill take one later on, I want to get out of the palace straight after tea so the guards won't lock me inside my office to sign papers," he mentioned as he got ready. He threw on the traditional Fire Lord crown along with a long robe and silk pants and shirt that would match Katara's attired, "Ask one of the maids in the hallway where the tea room is when you're done... Dear."
Katara laughed at the little sign of affection. Her mind kept running back to the heated moment they shared, but she had to admit, Zuko was adorable when he wanted to be. "Okay, Honey," she laughed, "I'll see you then"
x x x
Zuko sat down to drink tea with his uncle. Small chats could be heard from the hallway as the women gossiped about their Lord and his fiance. It was becoming the talk of the house, but they all remained quiet when Zuko was in the room. Somehow it didn't bother him. He had first cursed his Uncle and the counsel when he had heard of this stupid arrangement. Now, now it was different.
"Prince Zuko, it had been decided that a sooner wedding will be most efficent for both ends," Iroh stated as he noticed the small tenseness of his nephew.
"How soon are we talking about Uncle?"
"I would have to say when the new moon is up, so In about a week?"
Zuko had spit out the tea he had just drunk, " A WEEK?"
"mmm, the counsel felt it'd be best to end any hatred or resentment quickly,"
"How can you be so calm about this uncle?" Zuko asked as his hand rested on the table
"Well, i'm not the one getting married," the former general laughed
"Does... Katara know?" Zuko asked suddenly as his mind drifted toward the young bender bathing in his room.
"Of course not Prince Zuko, I had only found out today,"
Everything was quiet after that. Zuko had various thoughts running through his mind. He had thought they had more time. He had pictured them going out on dates, falling in love, proposing naturally instead of rushed and now they only have 7 days to make it happen. He wanted to make it happen. He wanted Katara to fall in love with him before he said "i do." But how? He wasn't the romantic type. Hell, his last girlfriend dumped him because he wanted to spar with her.
"who knew that training time wasn't a good date for a 6 month mark..." he question silently, "maybe i can ask her on a date for the next 6 days..." Zuko thought idly.
"So nephew, have you figure out what to do with Jin yet?" Iroh asked, his nose inhaling the scene of ginseng tea with delight.
Zuko cringed at the name mentioned. He had remembered what had happened the night of the ship and it took both Iroh and Katara to calm down the fire bender before shooting another fire ball into the traitor. "I was thinking about letting him rot in prision with no food or water," He stated blandly as he smirked at the sight of Jin begging for food
"You of all people should know that Katara would never agree to that,"
"You're right, she's like one of those teacher's pet," he said with a small smile as he remembered the kindness Katara held to her. "I was going to banish him from the Fire Nation," Zuko stated to his uncle as his mind was suddenly replaying the morning events to in his head.
Iroh looked at his nephew; a sly eye on him as he smiled through his tea. It was rare that he saw Zuko happy. Growing up, he suffered a horrible past and even rougher present. Yet ever since their new lily blossom arrived, he had been nothing, but a teenager. Something he hasn't been in a very long time. He got up slowly, his hand on his head as he pat it gently.
"Tell me Prince Zuko, are you happy?"
"Uncle... I believe it's time that you stop calling me prince..." he said, his mind focused on his tea as he thought about the sudden question.
Zuko was about to leave his office to walk among the common. He was about to give away a home for 3 orphans. Was he happy? His eyes drifted toward the door as he heard the sound of footsteps. Slowly, Katara walked him, his mother gowned draped on her skin. It was almost as though an angel had walked in. The fabric hung off her shoulder as it fell onto the floor. The front was slightly lifted up so that Katara could see her feet as the back trailed behind was two shade of beautiful red that complimented her skin tone. He had to admit, his mother had fashionable taste, but the gowns looked breathtaking on the girl in front of him. She had her hair up in a loose side pony tail today, her face holding the presence of some light blush and lip gloss.
Did having his heart beat faster mean he was happy? Does feeling light headed by her scent mean he was him happy? Was he happy?
"Zuko?" Katara asked, her face closed to his as she felt his forehead with hers, "Are you okay? You're not warm, but you look kind of pale,"
Iroh smiled at the two as he gave Katara a "light" pat on the back. The sudden force causing her to fall onto Zuko as he laughed, "I'll see you two kids later, since Zuko is ditching, I'll work on the papers today,"
"Wait, you could have done it for me this entire time?" Zuko screamed as his arms instinctly wrapped around Katara
"You never asked, Nephew," he stated as he walked away.
As soon as Iroh had walked away, Zuko looked at Katara and leaned forward, his lips pushing lightly onto hers as he pulled away. The tingle was still there, the numbness was still apparent. Maybe that was enough to tell him that he was happy.
"Katara, it seems our friendly counsel had decided on our wedding date," he said suddenly as he registered Katara's shocked expression
"and when had they decided it to be?"
"One week from now when the new moon comes out," he said slowly.
"One week?" she asked shocked, the sudden reality hitting her fast.
Of course she knew she was going to get married, but one week?
"Will you go out with me for 6 days?" He asked, his face close to hers as his question reached her ear
She looked at him silently, "Why 6 days?"
"I told you, I wanted to marry for love. Even if it's 6 days, I want to show you the side that didn't show years ago..." he answered in a low tone, "i wasn't kidding when I said I wanted you to marry me for love, Katara,"
"And what about you, Zuko? Don't you want to marry for love?" she asked as though she was hoping he would say yes.
"Come on," Zuko said lifting Katara up bridal style, "we'll go see Haku and eat out for breakfast!" he said laughing at the protesting bender in his arms.
"Zuko, there are people looking at us, put me down!" Katara yelled blushing as the fire bender carried her out of the palace.
"So? You're my fiance, it's only natural we do things like this while we can," he said smirking as passing bystanders gasped at the display their Fire Lord was putting on.
"Is that the new Fire Lady?" a lady asked suddenly
"No way, do you see the color of her eyes? She isn't even a fire bender!" Her friend replied
"Look like the Fire Lord wanted a nice piece of ass instead of a lady from here,"
Zuko eyes flew to the man who had said that. He was probably in his early 30s and was walking by with his friends. Putting Katara gently down, Zuko launch a fire ball in his direction and made sure that it stopped barely at his feet.
"Would you like to repeat that statement once more sir?" he asked, his tone deadly with poison as he watched the man stop with fear, "I ask you once more, Do you want to repeat what you just said?"
"No.. n-no Fire Lord Zuko, SIR." he mustered out as he fell to his feet, an angry Zuko hovering over him.
Katara had ran to his side, her arms wrapped around his as she tried to pull him away, "Zuko, come on, it's okay, let's just go before Haku and the other worries,"
It was okay? It was okay? People thought he was marrying her for a good night of sex! That was not okay! Zuko grabbed Katara, his arms around her protectively, "Whoever dares say anything about this woman in my arms, I will not hesitate to banish on spot. Yes, she's not a fire bender, She's a master water bender and I love her," He lifted her chin as he saw her shocked eyes. Instantly he kissed her, a small crowd gathering around them as they whistled and cheers. However, after a while he couldn't hear them anymore. He couldn't hear anything. All he heard was the quicken pace of his heart as it was beating.
"Ah Hem,"
Zuko and Katara broke apart as they saw Haku standing beside them, "Come on love birds, you're drawing attention," he said as he laughed slightly, Rose and Yue following behind them as they walked away. The entire time Katara remained silent, her thoughts killing her as she processed once again what had just happened. Not only did Zuko defended her, but he just told everyone that he loves her. Her! The person who caused him misery for most of his teen years. Maybe he said it to throw people off, or maybe he said it to make a point? She glanced at him quickly before Rose grabbed her hand, did Zuko really fall in love with her?
"Tara," rose said, "Can we get something to eat?"
Haku blushed as he softly told Rose to stay quiet, but Zuko had stop them at a restruant and lead them in. Everyone inside was shock to see the Fire Lord in their business, but wasted no time getting everything prepared. Zuko had pull Katara's chair out for her as she took a seat beside him, Haku sitting on the other side as Rose and Yue snuggled in next to Zuko. Almost as though the owner wanted Zuko to stay forever, she send her sexiest waitress, who had on clothes two sizes too small for her.
"Hello, Fire Lord Zuko, my name is May, what may i get for you today?" She asked in a seductive, or tried to, voice.
"Rose, Yue, what would you two like?" he asked as he leaned toward the children, the waitress being ignored as she huffed irratately.
Rose and Yue yelled out various orders as Zuko told May to bring anything they said, regardless of price of quanitiy. Haku had tried to protest, but was soon silence by Katara's small hand on his shoulder. "it's okay, Haku, just enjoy yourself!"
"Can i get you anything sir?" She continued to ask as she squeezed her arms together to emphazie her cleveage.
"How bout the children's food? While you're at it, I would like 3 bowls of ramen noodles and some duck. Oh, and tea please,"
May walked away annoyed as though no one had ever resisted her looks. Zuko playfully kept holding Katara's hand and it was then that the owner had realize who the young water bender was. Mischievously, she had order May to walk over nonchantly and pour food all over Katara's lap. After various protest, May had lost. Slowly, she put their entire order on one small tray.
"Haku, Zuko found a home for you near the palance so you guys can come over and play whenever you want," Katara added to Rose and Yue who cheered
"I can't find any way to thank you Fire Lord Zuko," he said as he lowered his head to the fire bender
"You don't have to call me Fire Lord Zuko, Zuko is fine. You call Katara, Katara after all," he said with a straight face.
May was walking pass the table with a tray that looked too heavy for one person to carry. Heistantly she leaned toward Katara, her hand trembling as she hoped she wouldn't mess up. Just before she was about to create the planned accident, she was stopped by Haku's hand.
"I suggest you just put it down instead of doing what ever you had plan to do," he stated dangerously as he lifted the tray from may's grasp.
katara had looked up as Zuko stopped his conversation. Silently he had concluded what was about to happen and send May away.
"Thanks Haku," he said as he let Rose and Yue eat
"no problem," he mumbled silently
After sitting in the small shop for a few hours they had decided to go to the new house. It was already late afternoon, but the sun was setting sooner these days. Almost as though it didn't exist, Haku stopped when he saw the building. It wasn't big, but it wasn't small. It was painted white with a fence around the outting and a small yard for Yue and Rose to play in. As they walked inside he saw the various rooms. All their stuff had been placed inside already. Rose and Yue shared one room equality while Haku had his own room acrossed the hallway. It had a small kitchen as well as a sitting room and a small dinning room. Sure, it wasn't a mansion, but to Haku it was already perfect. It had reminded him of his house back before the war and suddenly he started crying, tears falling down and Yue and Rose ran to his side. Katara had kneeled down as he mustered out thanks you.
Zuko watched the boy on the floor. He was one year older than Katara yet one year younger than himself. In one act of kindess he had fallen weak with happiness, and it made Zuko feel proud. Proud that he could give him something like this. Proud that he was able to witness something like this. Was this how Katara felt when she gave the family her own clothing? was this how she felt everyday in the land of penguins - he meant North Pole?
"W-w-w-what do you guys s-say, Rose... Yue?"
"thank you Katara and Zuko!"
The two children ran up to hug them as they ran into their room. Their new toys and clothing there as well as old ones from had went to play with Rose and Yue as Zuko and Haku stay in the front.
"How'd a guy like you end up with a girl like Katara? You two seem different, if not opposite," he said silently
"It's funny, we didn't willingly agreed, but I hope it all works out,"
"When Rose first brought Katara too us, I had thought she was holding an angel down. She was beautiful in every way," Haku said as his mind drifted toward the fading sun. Zuko looked at him silently as if trying to think of something to say, "She reminds me a lot of my younger sister. She was always helping other people, always trying to smile when things got hard. Even when she was annoyed, she sucked it up and continued with her life."
"What happened... to her?"
"She died, the fire nation killed her."
Zuko was about to say something when Katara came out asking if they should head home already. It was 6 in the evening when they decided to leave. He figured he couldn't leave Iroh in the office all day and he didn't want Katara walking home by herself, Haku instantly agreed. As the two benders walked away they could sense the new sense of happiness radiating from the small house. Smiling, Katara took hold of Zuko's hand, her mouth letting out a small hum as they walked home.
"Zuko," She said
"yes, Katara?"
"About those dates, is the offer still good?"
"I don't know, whose wondering?" Zuko smirked, "Because if it's a hot blonde than-"
Katara had smacked him lightly with a water whip.
"obviously I was kidding," Zuko mumbled as he held her hand tighter, "of course it's still open."
"Than i would love to go on a date with you every day until our wedding day," She said as she mentally calculated what needed to be done for the wedding in comparison to the dates.
"Stop calculating everything in your head," Zuko said laughing
"How'd you know I was calculating?" She asked surprised
"You stare into space when you do... plus you almost ran into a cart, you're lucky you have me to guide you," he said with a genuine smile.
The fire bender suddenly stopped in his tracks, "I've been meaning to ask you thought Katara,"
"Yeah Zuko?"
"You already heard me say it this morning," He started out. Katara knew where this was heading. Her heart was beating faster so it had to mean that he was going to ask -
"Do you love me too?"
x x x
Author Note: Yes, it ends there ! Only because I need to go to bed now and I wanted to post this chapter up tonight before I forget(: I will try to update again soon, who knows maybe if I get over that paranoid Reviews thing it will help me get motivated ! Until then(: Thank you for reading once more 3 . I Overslept today for school because I was writing this chapter late at night ! xD
: Chapter 7 Preview :
Zuko walked with Katara down the old grassy path. No one knew about this place. It was a place sacred to him. Whenever Azula would make fun of him he would run here. Whenever his dad would strike him he would run here. This was his haven and he had never let anyone in, but here she was standing in the same spot that he had cried so many times before.
"Katara," Zuko said softly
She looked up, her eyes shined over with tears as she processed everything he had just said.
"I'm so sorry that we met the way we did so many years ago. If I could, If i was given that chance, I would redo everything. I would stand in the fire nation way when they had invaded your penguins. I would have fought my father back if it meant giving you your childhood."
Katara stopped him, her mouth against his as a tear fell down her eyes.