Chapter 2
Propositions

"Zuko I'm worried about you. You haven't been out of your study in days. It been hard on all of us the war has left the world scared and I know dealing with Aang has been tough". Her face turned grim and her eyes filled with pain as she mentioned Aang.
"But you don't have to sit here and worry by yourself Zuko…"

ZUKO POV

Her words are cool and calming like waves washing over me. I've always admired Katara- she was strong, spirited and extremely beautiful. She was no longer the little girl I had met in the Southern water tribe all those years ago, she was a woman. Of course I had noticed her womanly frame, those curved thighs and mocha skin, were a stark contrast to the paler, less shapely girls of the fire nation. And those exotic blue eyes and full lips... no wonder she had been the star of many late night dreams, especially since Mai left. But marriage?
It was for the good of the fire nation… And it's not like I hadn't imagined how it would feel to hold her waist, caress the small of her back, taste that flawless mocha skin, feel those thighs wrap around me as I..
FOCUS ZUKO! These weren't the thoughts of a gentleman especially with the death of Aang looming over us. But I must still mention the marriage idea.

"Zuko? Are you okay? Why are you staring at me like that? Did Momo get fur in my hair again?"
Her words dragged me back into reality. "Uh no, no your perfect" I spurted out of my idiot mouth. "I mean your hair is perfect… I mean there's no fur," Smooth…

"Thanks.." She said unamused.

"Katara I've made plans for Aang's funeral you and the others can finalise them". She nodded, the sadness in her eyes was vast and overwhelming, maybe one day she may care for me as deeply as she cared for him… I really need to slow down with this I haven't even asked her yet.

"The avatar has left a void which people are filling with chaos and unrest, people of the fire and water nations are being killed in these uprisings daily," It was true and she knew it.
"I know Zuko, I've consulted with many of the white lotus masters, they either are confused and don't know how to act or want violence. But I don't believe that violence will solve a problem that violence created to begin with".

Agni was she always so politically minded? "I agree and I believe I have a possible solution."
"What is it Zuko?" Her blue eyes burned into mine. Shit. I gulped.
"Well.. umm.. its"
"Spit it out Zuko" She demanded angrily.
"A marriage between two nations… fire and water". I breathed out. "Your father is chief of the Southern water tribe a marriage between our two nations maybe what builds this world back to what it was". She carried on staring at me. "It's the only way".

"Zuko… I… with Aang's funeral and everything its just I don't know I…" She broke eye contact and looked away.
"I wouldn't have suggested this if there wasn't another way, its not like I want to marry you I just need you" Shit not good. Her eyes glared daggers, if looks could kill.
"So I'm just a tool to you!" Katara was officially pissed.
"No I didn't mean it. We need each other, the world needs us. It's the only way. I know you miss Aang we all do, but he would have done whatever he could to ensure peace. He gave his life for it after all. It's the only way". I pleaded, I would not see my nation collapse.

"I know Zuko it's just hard" she said calming down, "I'll talk to you about it after the funeral".

I nodded and she made to leave.