Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar

Hi, this is my first ATLA fic and currently my quarantine coping mechanism, yay.

M for later chapters.

Part 1 - First Stitch - Chapter 1/3

The last shades of pink and purple that painted the sky had faded as the sun surrendered to the inky night, taking the last of its warmth with it in its hasty retreat.

Katara shivered in the brisk darkness, her thin blue tunic providing little protection from cold and the sharp edges of bark digging into her back. Thick ropes heavy with the scent of the ocean-bound her to the tree immobilizing her from shoulders to knees, in her struggle to get free she managed to rub herself raw in several places before giving in. Fighting against them proved futile and only added to her discomfort, she knew she was better off saving her energy and waiting for an opening but they were luring Aang into a trap with her as bait. She had to get free but how? Would they even be able to find her?

As much as she wanted her mother's necklace back, she would never give up Aang and Sokka. The understanding that she was on her own began to settle in and it bored a gaping hole of anxiety in her chest.

How could she be so stupid to get caught in the first place? All she wanted was some time with the water scroll to herself, was that too much to ask?

Their time at the water's edge came back to her, stirring her anger and frustration. She had spent years secretly teaching herself, painstakingly learning what she could and Aang mastered everything she knew in mere minutes.

She didn't know why but part of her couldn't stand it. She was the last water bender of the Southern Water Tribe, she fought tooth and nail for every last form she knew and that's why she took the water scroll. She wanted, no she needed to prove to herself that she was as good of a bender that she knew herself to be, to prove that her mother's sacrifice wasn't in vain.

She instinctively reached up to touch the necklace that wasn't there but the bindings held her back, she winced as the ropes brushed against her raw skin. La, how was she going to get herself out of this mess?

She looked up at the cold moonless sky before slumping back down in defeat, it was going to be a long night.

...

Balancing several ceramic dishes, Iroh found Zuko seated on a fallen log turned makeshift bench. He stared intently at one of the camp's smaller fires lost in thought.

"You should eat Zuko, you've had a long day." Iroh said as he took a seat next to the young prince. He passed him a bowl with a plate and utensils perched on top.

Zuko nodded silently resting the plate on his lap and holding the warm bowl in his hands.

The meal was a simple one of roasted fish caught earlier in the evening and a vegetable stew made from the provisions stored aboard their ship, they tucked into the meal next to the crackling fire.

"Did your captive get you any closer to the Avatar?" Iroh asked breaking the silence.

"No, she refused to tell me anything, even for her mother's necklace."

"She's strong that one, you'd do well not to underestimate her." the older man warned with a slight smirk.

"Strong!? She's ungrateful, stubborn, and infuriating!" Zuko yelled spilling broth from his bowl.

"I see someone who is brave, tenacious, and above all loyal."

"Tch, whatever you say" Zuko huffed.

"Your pursuit of the Avatar has intertwined your destiny with hers and destiny sometimes has a funny way of turning foes into allies, friends, and life partners. I would try to stay on her good side." Iroh teased.

Zuko reddened and turned to speak, but whatever sharp retort he'd had in mind died on his tongue.

"That little moon cake he has tied up there is feisty one isn't she?" two men from the pirate captain's crew stumbled past somewhere behind them, oblivious to the two fire benders within earshot. The scent of their intoxication was impossible to miss.

The other sneered "She's all but on a silver platter, who knows, I might get a hankering for something sweet myself tonight." he roared with laughter and clapped his hand on his friend's back.

Zuko's eyes fell on the blue satin wrapped around his wrist and he felt his blood boil. Men who spoke of women like that had no honor and he wouldn't stand for it. That line of thinking was one he rooted out from the ranks of his crew, any member who felt otherwise were invited to take a long walk off of a short plank. It was a lesson he'd taught before and one he'd have no problem searing into to them, permanently. A flame ignited in his palm as he moved to stand but a heavy hand cemented him to the decaying wood of his seat.

He turned an angry and bewildered look to Iroh whose gaze had never left the fire, "Uncle, what are you doing, they're going to-"

Iroh cut him off casually dusting his robes as he stood, "I'm going to make some tea. Zuko I believe you should bring our guest some dinner."

"But Uncle -"

Iroh leveled a heavy look on the young prince, "No buts Zuko, by the time you get her meal prepared the tea will be ready." he paused his expression changing as he placed an index finger on his chin with and with a thoughtful upward glance, he continued, "I do believe I came across a lovely Earth Kingdom coverlet in town today," he broke into a wide grin, "it was quite the bargain because it's big enough for two!"

Iroh started off toward his tent leaving Zuko in a stunned silence.

"And Zuko," Iroh called back, "you might want to take some of that good rope."

"Tch", Zuko gritted his teeth and stood, Agni it was going to be a long night.

I currently have three parts planned for this and do want to continue it as it's own story post last episode but time will tell how far it goes - yes it will be Zutara - I will do my best to not leave it open ended.
Currently part one and two are written but are festering in editing hell. Part 2.5 and three are on hold due to another ATLA story I need out of my head, I'll let you know where that is once it's done.

I do not have an AO3, if you think I should cross post there, let me know.

Reviews are always appreciated but just saying if you liked it is equally appreciated 3