Author's Note:

Please forgive the lack of posts over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the end of the school year was torturous, and I barely had time to dedicate to school work, much less posting fanfics. This is next to last of the series, although I imagine I will continue posting this years shorts in this strand as well. I really like this extension of the Avatar world and I hope you do too. I still hope I can tie them together someday, but as life has been so busy, I worry it will not happen. If that's the case, I hope you enjoy the Zutara I can give you. Thanks for reading, reviews are always welcome.

"Searing, Then Soothing" (Soothe) – July 19th Friday

The very first thing Katara did when she entered the dining hall was throw herself around Hakoda's neck. She buried her head in his shoulder and grumbled, "You have to leave way too soon."

Her father laughed and patted her back with calloused hands. "Katara, I've been here for two weeks."

"Even that's too short," she said, pulling away and staring at him. "Can't you stay a few more days?"

His eyes softened. The wrinkles on his worn-leather skin had deepened over the past decade. Meanwhile, Sokka was maturing into a near perfect replica of a young adult Hakoda. "I would, Katara. You know that. But I can't leave Bato in charge any longer. Already I'm hoping that I won't find the Southern Water Tribe melted when I return."

"I just want to enjoy the time we have," she murmured sadly. Her responsibilities in Republic City limited her ability to travel for pleasure. Most of the time she traveled for the sake public relations.

Hakoda swung a heavy arm around her shoulders and dragged her toward one of the elaborate cushions by the table. "We'll enjoy breakfast first. I don't want to hear goodbyes until I'm on the ship, sailing away."

The long table was set already with a variety of soups and pastries from the four nations. Accordingly, pillows of the gold, crimson, sapphire, and emerald lined the edges. Already at the table were Sokka, Toph, Zuko and a couple other visiting Water Tribe men. Katara breathed a sigh of relief that she didn't have to face Aang first thing in the morning. She wanted to focus on her father's last day, not her ex-boyfriend drama.

"Dad," Sokka said as they took their seats. Katara placed herself next to Zuko. "Can you take a gift back to Bato for me? I worked on it all week." He proudly set a hand-carved wooden bear on the table. At least, it may have been a bear. It also resembled a dog. "Tadaa!"

"Impressive," Katara said, trying to hold in a snicker.

Hakoda's eyes were wide but he nodded at his son. "Very good, son. New hobby?"

Sokka shrugged. "I get bored when Suki's away."

"I want to see!" Toph exclaimed, grabbing the bear from the table. She ran her fingers over the wood and started to chuckle, then laugh, then full on cackle. She clutched the bear to her chest and threw her head back. Even Zuko looked amused.

Sokka snatched the bear away, frowning. "Why are you laughing?"

Toph could barely get the words out. "I can't– tell– what it is!"

Sokka handed it carefully over to Hakoda. "Obviously it's a bear. You'd know if you could see it."

"I think Bato will be very thankful," Katara tried to assure him.

Zuko's hand gently squeezed her thigh in support. Katara blushed as the Fire Lord agreed with her. Sokka beamed. She didn't acknowledge Zuko's touch, though his hand lingered unusually long.

As Katara reached for a plate of hot buns, she caught Hakoda's eye. He wiggled her eyebrows and she quickly looked down. She tried not to think too much of the Fire Lord's actions, so why should he?

The pier seemed lonely to Katara even filled with the Water Tribe members working furiously to load the last of the cargo. The sea's soft waves laughed at the impending separation. Katara could feel her heart sinking slowly to the ocean floor. She couldn't estimate the time until she'd see her father again.

Hakoda pulled her into a tender hug compared to the bear hold he'd wrapped Sokka in. Katara relaxed instantly against him and felt soothed.

He whispered in her ear, "You have a suitor you know." He nodded toward the Fire Lord standing awkwardly a few yards away.

Katara was grateful he couldn't see her reddening cheeks. Deep down, she knew he was right. Zuko's feelings were growing more obvious by the day. She just didn't want to admit it. To admit it would be to admit her own hope. And there was still the small part of her that feared she was wrong and her imagination had gotten the better of her. She couldn't allow that. She'd only get hurt all over again. Instead, she gave him the same excuse she'd been feeding herself. "It's too soon, Dad. I'm not ready for anything with anyone yet."

He rested his head on hers and she felt his face turn up into a smile. "You will be. You may not see it yet, but Aang is a thing of the past."

"I just miss him," she sighed, pulling out of the hug. She wanted to curl up in his lap like she had when she was very little and Sokka had teased her. Before he'd left for the war. Before their family scattered.

"You always will." The sadness hid behind his eyes but Katara recognized his empathy clearly. "All wounds heal but no scars fade. You just have to learn to bear them with pride." He ruffled her hair, pulling some strands out of the tie. "That, Katara, you can do. Or I don't know my daughter."

He pulled her into another hug. "You have more weight on your shoulders than anyone your age should. You handle it well. Katara, I'm so proud."

She forced a smile, though she felt the rising urge to cry. Hakoda pulled away and waved at the gathered group. Aang was there. Katara had been trying to avoid him as much as possible. Sokka waved enthusiastically, new muscle rippling in his arm. Zuko was quiet, lifting a hand to wave, but he moved to place himself subtly next to Katara.

Saying she noticed was an understatement. She was over-aware of his presence at her shoulder. She gritted her teeth and focused stubbornly on Hakoda as he reached the deck and disappeared from sight. Once he was gone, the Fire Lord's close proximity flooded her mind. Her skin tingled with anticipation of his touch. Her mind overflowed with second-guesses to the meaning of his actions. Her emotions rose and fell with his breath. He was close enough to hear his breath.

She wanted her father's soothing hug back. It had been infinitely better than the torrential storm inside her now. She felt hopeless when he was gone. Her still mending heart made her crave his presence more. His love. His comfort.

She jumped as a hand lay gently on the small of her back, searing her skin with excitement. She went rigid. His touch was overwhelming. The sensation did nothing to calm the storm; it only made the emotions rage more furiously. She kept her head forward, unmoving. Her heart pounded and suddenly she worried he could hear it beat as easily as she could hear his breathing.

Slowly though, the initial thrill faded. In place of the fiery feeling, a soothing sensation set in. She settled into his touch. She began to welcome the serenity it offered. She had been so anxious about the separation from her father. The supportive hand reminded her that she she wasn't alone. She snuck a glance at the Fire Lord. He was stoic and quiet, as always, but his touch indicated his gentle kindness.

"You'll see him again soon," Zuko murmured. Her heart leapt as his voice created the same feeling in her chest: searing, then soothing.

She blinked. His hand moved further around her waist. He tugged so that her body pressed to his. Her heart slowed unnaturally. It felt good. He felt good.

"I know," she said, finally allowing herself to relax completely against him.