Despite what everyone thinks, I'm not an idiot. Sure, I have problems deciphering rocks from groundnuts, but hey, groundnuts don't exist where I grew up. And of course, when it comes to girls I'm always sticking my foot in my mouth, but I'm a teenage guy. In all honestly, what do you expect? As I said, I'm not stupid.
In fact, I'm smarter than everyone thinks I am. For instance, I knew how Zuko felt about my sister long before she did. It was the simple things that gave him away, really. His eyes lingering on her for just a second too long… the smile that only came to his face when he was speaking with her… Really, I'm not dense. I notice these sorts of things.
And I've also noticed how my sister has been looking at him recently. Her eyes get all soft, and she gets this smile on her face… the same smile that Yue used to give me. I've pretended not to notice when their hands touch, pretended not to see the messages they send each other with their eyes. It's easier that way.
But tonight, I realize that Katara understands that I've known all along. As Zuko takes her hand and goes to draw her away from the campsite, her eyes catch mine, desperate for my approval.
I love my sister more than anything else in the world, and despite all of our bickering, I'd do anything to ensure she doesn't get hurt. I protect her with my life; hey, that's what big brothers are for!
So, if you would have asked me a couple months ago if I would sanction the union of Katara, the girl I'd die to save, and Zuko, the prince of the nation that killed my mother, I would have thought you were crazy. Even then, I would have known that such a relationship was a heartache waiting to happen.
Now, however, I see things differently. Katara loves this man, and I know for a fact that he would never let anything happen to her. And although I feel my heart constrict as I do so, I meet my sister's pleading eyes and give her the briefest of nods. She flashes me her brightest smile, and allows herself to be led away.
Tomorrow is the Day of the Black Sun, and if my baby sister wants to spend what could potentially be her last night on earth in the arms of Prince Zuko, I'll let her. Because being a big brother isn't just about protecting. It's about learning to let go as well.
I'm not an idiot, after all.
One of my personal favorites.