Boiling Steam Chapter 1: A few Years After the War, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

~Chapter 1: A few Years After the War~

Dear Zu- Prin- Fire Lord Zuko,

I, Karata of the Southern Water tribe, do humbly request refuge at the palace of the great Fire Nation. I will be traveling from my home to my sister tribe in the North for a special ceremony.

My father, Chieftain Hakoda, and other members of the tribe are coming to bring in supplies per the "Water Tribe Fishing Agreement." The layover would only be for a few days while waiting for the shipment to arrive and I would be leaving with them after the job is done.

I am expected to arrive at the Fire Nation within the next week via flying bison, please notify me at your earliest convenience. I await your letter from Sokka's messenger hawk, "Hawky".

Your Dear Friend,

Lady Katara

Dear Lady Katara,

Hi there, Zuko here. I would love for you to come use my harbor and supplies as well as my palace for you to lay your head and rest on your travels. Come as soon as you can, we will have rooms awaiting you and company. I hope you are safe on your travels and I'll be waiting for your arrival

Your Fire Lord Zuko

A week had passed since letters were exchanged and Zuko couldn't be any happier, he was in his study going over some trade marketing plan for his meeting the following day when he heard the palace cryer announce the arrival of a giant flying creature. Zuko tossed his scrolls away as he began to high tail it thoroughly through the palace, dodging and weaving through his staff members.

When he made it outside, he was greeted by his Uncle, who had a very chipper look on his face, "Ah Fire Lord Zuko, it appears that your friends have arrived!" Iroh exclaimed, shielding his face from the setting sun, Zuko gleefully hopped down the stairs to meet with whoever else had come with Katara. As he made his way to the courtyard, he witnessed a taller older looking Aang, wearing an outfit that was tailored made to look more like his Airbending ancestors.

As Zuko approached he saw Katara, she was still wearing her signature blue sashi and her comfy puffy pants however her hair was different, her hair "loopies" were tied in the back; attached to a high bun at the crown of her head. It was close to matching his, having his crown sit in his bun, he also let the remainder of his hair flow past his ears, letting it hang.

When he finally got to his friends, Zuko watched as Aang stood on top of Appa, tossing bags down to Katara. "Hi there, Fire Lord Zuko here…"

"Zuko!" Both companions shouted when their friend showed up, Katara was the first to run excitedly into Zuko's arms, hugging him tightly, he gladly reciprocated by squeezing her equally as snuggly. Aang finished dropping the bags when he airbent his way down off Appa.

Katara and Zuko let go after one last squeeze, Zuko then offered a hand to Aang only for him to hug Zuko around his midsection. "Greeting Sifu Hotman!" He let go and smacked Zuko hard on the back. "How have you been?"

After choking he regained his composure, "Oh nothing much, running a country; avoiding being assassinated, disbanded several coups that had it out for me. Y'know Fire Lord things!" He nervously laughed off the seriousness of what he had been going through for the last few years. He looked back at his friends as they stared vexed. He clapped his hands together, "So how have you two been?"

Aang peered at Katara who walked away, continuing to gather up her belongings; then turned back to Zuko, unsure how to answer him. "Oh, you know little here little there, Katara has been helping me with the Harmony Restoration Movement of the other nations after you and I had that spat a couple years ago…" Aang had to turn away this time, still feeling bad for fighting with his previous fire bending teacher and comrade.

Zuko smiled, shaking his head, "Water under the bridge…" He held his hand out for Aang again and this time he took it as the two leaders shook hands of forgiven friendship.

"Hey are you two making fun of me?" Katara came back with three duffle bags, two hanging from her shoulders and another under her arm. She laughed along with the boys.

"No no, of course not!" Zuko noticed that Katara had her hands full; he then shot a glare at his servants, how dare they stand around and not help a lady with her bags? Zuko clapped his hands at his staff, "Please prepare a room for Lady Katara and the Avatar." A few of them quickly scrambled to help Katara while also bringing Appa some food. "Come inside, we'll get you guys set up for dinner, a bath-" Zuko was trying to usher them inside when Aang grabbed onto his arm.

"Thanks, but no thanks Lord Sifu. There's no need, I'm not staying long. I'm just here to drop Katara off…"

Zuko was lost, "What? I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Katara stepped forward, placing her hand on Aang's shoulders, "Zuko, Aang and I we're...separating. He's going to go train with Guru Pathik and I have business at the Northern Water Tribe." She looked very unsure as she emphasized this separation, but apparently, they each needed to do something important elsewhere.

"Divide and conquer huh? Oh well that's fine I understand. I'll just get one room setup for Katara then."

"What's this I hear about the Avatar not staying?" From behind the three friends, they witnessed Uncle Iroh rolling down the stairs. Once he was on the ground, he gleefully opened his arms for Katara, who ran over and engulfed him in her arms.

Zuko smiles at the old Warrior and his close companion laughing together, exchanging pleasantries. He turns back to watch as Aang checks up on Appa. "You sure you can't stay for a cup of tea, at least? Uncle makes the best jasmine tea in the whole Capital."

Aang was petting Appa, telling him they were about to leave; he didn't even look at the Fire Lord, "No, I'm sorry. I need to go…"

Something didn't seem right, his enemies turned friends were suddenly separating for unknown reasons, Aang appeared uncomfortable to be here and he wasn't going to keep him. "That's understandable; duty calls and what not." Zuko was about to join his Uncle and Katara when he had a thought. "Are you going to say goodbye to Katara first?"

That seemed to stop the bender, he was in mid squat when Zuko spoke, "I think it's best that I just head out right now. If you could just tell her that I wish her well and safe travels." Aang finally turns to face Zuko to give him a low bow, he returns with a head nod. "And good tidings to you, the Fire Lord."

"Have a safe trip, wherever it is you're going…" Zuko was leaving when he was stopped by Aang again.

"Hey Zuko?" Neither one turned to glance at the other one, "Do me a favor? Take care of Katara for me okay?" The Fire Lord was shocked at such an odd request. That made him look past his shoulder,

"She will be treated with the highest authority the Fire Nation can provide, and as an honored guest, she's in good hands." With that Zuko took his leave.

"Yeah, she is…" Then Aang took his.

-Aang-Katara-Sokka-Suki-Toph-Zuko-

"Katara please," She insisted. "I'm so glad to see you, General Iroh!" Katara stretched her arm out to get a better look at him and smiled cheerfully.

He held his arms out to catch her softly, "Ah ah ah Uncle Iroh" he corrected.

"Ah yes forgive me Uncle Iroh, I hope you're well!" They chuckle and continue with the embrace; he rubs his belly showing off how new palace life has been treating him. Katara was laughing at her adopted family member when they felt a large gust of wind, followed by a large mammal-like shadow flying in the air. Her eyes were fixed on the sky as the life she once knew was now gone, possibly forever.

"Goodness, the Avatar must be extremely busy for him to leave so suddenly…" Of course, Uncle noticed that Aang didn't come to say bye, this wasn't how things were supposed to end up. She couldn't say that she wasn't surprised at his actions, but she did feel her heart sink in sadness. 'Things are better this way…'

"Ah nephew!" For the first time since she arrived, Katara got a better look at the new Fire Lord himself. Tall, proud and full of honor; Zuko had matured over the years, however the weight of his new role had taken a toll on him, looking more like a stress filled man than a troubled young teen.

Zuko approached the two rubbing his hands together wearisomely, his face bearing the look of not wanting to divulge some information. "Aang had some very important...avatar things...to take care of but he sends his regards and wishes you a safe trip, Lady Katara."

Katara raised her brow at the Fire Lord, "Since when have you ever called me 'Lady Katara'?" She walked over to Zuko, "Just Katara please." She friendly placed a hand on his shoulder armor.

"How have you two been, by the way?" You two as in her and Aang, but as they all witnessed not very good. Katara immediately began to twiddle her fingers, she looked down like she was trying to solve a complicated puzzle.

"We've been...good, he's been good, I've been good. We've been good…" Her smile was fake, and her eyes told lies, whatever was happening -or had happened- was not to be discussed at the moment.

"Well good," he says unsurely. Instead of prying more, Zuko dismissed the conversation. "Shall we?" He offered his arm to Katara and was soon led into the castle quarters.

Zuko proudly announced loudly to his staff that the water bender war hero was an honored guest, and she was to be treated as such. Everyone obliged and respectfully bowed as the royal family guided her to her room. As Zuko was pointing out the various paintings and tapestries along the walk, Uncle rushed past the couple, "Katara, down this next hallway is Zuko's room…"

"Uncle!" Zuko cried, he didn't need his friend to know where he slept. He felt sort of embarrassed, considering most of their journey together they camped out. He felt silly having her know that he was just a few doors down.

"What nephew? I'm just letting Katara know that if she ever needs anything, anything at all, you're not that far away…"

"Thank you, Uncle!" Zuko slightly squeezed Katara's hand that was wrapped around his arm. "Don't you have to be in the dining hall to help with the dinner preparations?" Zuko asked, grinding his teeth.

Uncle got the hint, "Ah yes I have tea to make…" He went back to Katara grabbing her free hand and kissing the back of it. "Excuse me my dear, but I am needed elsewhere. Nephew I'll see you at dinner…" Before he continued down the hallway making himself scarce.

Katara giggled as she watched Iroh hike down the hall, she turned to see Zuko nervously rubbing the back of his head, "Sorry about him; it's been a while since we've had decent company…"

"Don't apologize, I've missed seeing him and he's always so sweet." Katara patted his arm in assurance that things were okay. "So, is this my room here?"

Zuko hadn't realized that they did in fact make it to the room Katara was going to inhabit for the duration of her stay, smiling as he opened the double doors for her then stepped back to watch her enter. The room was large, lit with many torches that lead inward to a table for tea, a desk with ink and parchments, a room off to the right that could only be assumed to be the restroom across from a huge four pillar bed.

"What do you think?" Katara rotated to see Zuko swinging his arms as he walked through the threshold to her chambers, he was a bit uncomfortable being alone in a lady's room with her.

"Putting me up in the royal suites? If I didn't know any better, I would have to say that you had a soft spot for me, Lord Zuko."

'What did she say about her soft spots…?' Zuko cleared his throat, allowing himself to enter further into the room, "Just Zuko please. Katara, you are my honored guest and my very dear friend. What kind of host would I be if I didn't hold you up to the highest authority and put you in the second-best room in the palace? Aside from mine, that is." He gloated.

Katara stopped herself from swinging around one of the bed pillars, she stopped and sauntered over to the desk where Zuko felt safe enough to stand, her smile was devious, and her stance was coy. Katara placed her hands behind her back as she stepped forward to meet him in his face. "Is that an invitation to sleep in the Fire Lord's chambers?" She teased.

'Yes! Let's have a slumber party like we used to do in the good ol' bad days!' He resisted the urge to pull on his collar to relieve the amount of heat he was feeling, she was barely here 20 minutes and she was already having this effect on him. "What? No! That's not wh-"

"Haha calm down Zuko, I was just messing with you!" Katara went back to examining the room, touching all the nice-looking artifacts she found around. Katara soon noticed that her bags had arrived before she did, they were sitting on the master bed along with an evening dress next to them. "Oh, Is this for me?" She placed the item against her body then ran over to the nearby mirror for a better look. "It's incredible Zuko; thank you!"

From what he could tell from her display the dress matched her measurements he had given the palace tailor based on her size from their war days; give or take a couple years. "I was hoping you would join me -er- us for dinner tonight, I mean the dinner is in your honor, well yours and Aang's but since he's not here. Y'know don't feel obligated to go if you're not up to it, or bison lagged or-"

"I'd love to come join you all for dinner Zuko, thank you…" While he was rambling on, he hadn't realized that she was inches away from him, clutching onto the dress for dear life. "I'll get ready right now!" Katara ran off to the restroom without any more words, leaving Zuko awkwardly standing in the middle of her room.

"Okay well, I'm going to get going… I'll see you in a bit!" He called out but didn't receive an answer. He thought it best that he takes his leave in case she came back out undressed. Outside her room, he leans on the door, recovering from that strange interaction. His heart was pounding, it warmed the Fire Lord so much to have another trusted friendly face around the palace, laughter will soon enter the halls.

-Aang-Katara-Sokka-Suki-Toph-Zuko-

Katara had help getting dressed-after Zuko, she assumed, had sent some hands to assist with her; one of them was even nice enough to escort her to the dining hall. Two guards opened the doors as she approached, "Lady Katara…" The dining hall was humongous, larger than any of the grand halls she had seen before, there were large banners hanging every which way from the ceiling, brandishing all four colors for each element. The walls were decorated with flags representing the four nations, the circular symbol for the air nomads, the stone slate for the Earth Kingdom, waves for both water tribes and the flame for the Fire Nation.

Katara was in awe, so much so that she hadn't noticed someone watching her as soon as she had stepped through the doors, nor the person right in her vicinity.

"Aw there you are! I was hoping that you would attend!" She turned to see Uncle Iroh dress in Fire Nation royals, down to the red and gold robe and pants. "You look absolutely magnificent!" He takes her hand in his and spins her around to show off her beauty. "Shall we?" Offering up an elbow, Katara takes it and is led to her seat.

Along the way Katara got a better look at the table, from her view it was an elongated banquet offering tons for meats, cheeses, and fruits. Plates, silverware, and cups were scattered throughout the space; they passed by chairs still awaiting guests to arrive. While Iroh waved and greeted others that had already arrived, he was taking her closer and closer to the head of the table, and the number of guests were beginning to pour in.

"Here you are my dear." Uncle pulled out a chair near what looked like a special seat, a seat fit for a king- or a Fire Lord...

Once Katara was seated, she pondered, "Uncle, is Zuko not here yet? It's quite improper for him to invite me out only to not sho-"

Trumpets could be heard from the front of the hall, "Announcing his highness, Fire Lord Zuko!" Everyone stopped what they were doing to stand if they had been seated.

As Katara was standing by herself, Uncle leaned over to whisper in her ear, "Ah patience is a virtue, my dear." Iroh chuckled, pushing Katara's seat all the way then going to take his seat as well, next to this Grande chair she was next to.

"I'm glad you were able to make it, Katara…" Twirling to face the direction from where that voice came from. Zuko was dressed very properly from head to toe compared to his attire from earlier; these robes were deep crimson, with golden highlights trims. Sharp shoulder pads laid across his back, draping a cape from behind; his robes were shimmering in the bright illumination of the torch lights as he took his place at the head of the table.

Katara forgot herself as she stumbled to stand again, now that she was in the presence of the Fire Lord, just because they were old time friends didn't excuse her from manners. "When one receives a personal invitation from the Fire Lord one is obligated to obliged." Katara took the length of her dress in her hands and gave Zuko a low curtsy. "However, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Thank you for the invite." She looked up at her host, smiling. He took her hand in his bringing up to his lips.

"I'm just really glad you're here." His voice was as smooth as velvet and the way he cradled her hand was enchanting, it was almost like a fairy tale; especially when he twirled her around to see his tailor's hard work paid off. Katara's dress was navy blue with silver rhinestones littered throughout, her top was an open window tank that connected behind her neck. Her skirt was long enough to go down to her ankles with a slit on either side to allow her sexy toned legs to be seen.

Zuko glanced past Katara to watch as Uncle began to waggle his arms about, signaling to him that the dinner was about to start. He cleared his throat and recovered, "Excuse me Katara. Dinner is about to begin." He re-pulled out her chair letting her sit again, then made it over to his own. Once he was in place he turned and nodded at his uncle to begin.

"Friends, diplomates, esteemed members of the council and our neighbors from the other nations, welcome to the Fire Nation Summer Solstice Soiree! This will be the first time that all four nations have been all together under one roof. We appreciate the time and travel that you all have endured and wish for you to enjoy yourselves tonight." A loud uproar of applause echoed throughout the room, Zuko soon waved his hands asking everyone to quiet down. With that being said, I would also like to welcome a dear friend and fellow war hero of mine. Katara, of the Southern Water Tribe. Master water bender that taught the Avatar everything he needed to know." He motioned his hand for her to rise and make herself known, she nervously obliged. "She is here on behalf of her people as well as her partner, the Avatar, who unfortunately could not attend this evening due to his duties. Because of hers and the effort of many others; I can proudly stand here with you all today. We are both pleased and honored that she is here representing the bonds of friendship and it is our hope that this message is spread throughout the land and the rest of the world! Business will conduct in the morning but for tonight, have a ball!"

Katara slowly shrunk back down into her seat, Zuko's speech reminding her of why in fact she was there in the first place. She jerked when Zuko leaned over to whisper to her, "How was that?"

"Great Zuko, absolutely wonderful…" She answered disheartedly.

-Aang-Katara-Sokka-Suki-Toph-Zuko-

Throughout the night, as a special treat, the Fire Nation circus made an appearance, there were ribbon dancers, fire breathers and eaters -duh they're fire benders- and different performances balancing on sticks and balls. More guests were a bit late to arrive; Katara found herself wondering where the last member of Team Azula was. Minus Ty Lee, she was still traveling with the Kyoshi warriors, Azula was still locked away for treason as well as their father, Ex Fire Lord Ozai. So, who was left?

She thought for a moment and realized that a dark and brooding presence was missing since she had arrived, apart from how Aang was making her feel. Katara glanced up at Zuko who was clapping in delight at the acrobatic child doing tricks riding on a tigerlion, she positioned herself to stare to her left but the only seat that was next to the Fire Lord's was Iroh's. She scooted near Zuko and leaned in close, "Hey Zuko?"

Not turning away from the performance in front of him, Zuko slanted over and gave her his ear, "Anything wrong? Are you having fun? Did you need more sake?" He looks away from the show to grab the bottle of wine and refilled her glass before filling up his own.

"Oh no I'm having a great time; thank you. Although, I was just wondering where Mai was?" Katara had asked as politely as possible however, it made the Fire Lord choke a bit on his drink.

"Ex-excuse me?"

"My apologies, I was just wondering where Mai was. I was kind of hoping to spend some 'girl time' with her...even though she doesn't do that..." She nervously chuckled then sharpened up when she saw Zuko's stern face; he almost looked sick, even Iroh conveniently put his tea to his lips. The room suddenly became still and well aware of what the water bender had just asked their Lord; even the dancers ceased. Katara looked around, being as empathetic as she was, she knew she struck a nerve.

Turning his head, Zuko cleared his throat. "Mai and I are no longer together…"

A loud gasp made Katara cover her mouth, "Oh *Spirits* Zuko, I am so sorry! Please forgive me!" A hand soon covers hers, squeezing lightly; she looks, -her eyes stinging- almost tearing up. Zuko looks down at his friend smiling sadly.

"It's fine Katara, we'll discuss it later…" With his other hand, he grabs her shoulders reassuring that she did nothing wrong. Katara deemed it better that she stays quiet, silently reprimanding herself for even bringing it up. Apologizing again would probably make things worse and embarrass herself more. Dinner was more or less awkwardly silent for the remainder of the night.

After dinner was done and dessert was being served, the circus performers made their way out of the hall. Katara had hope that her earlier scene didn't ruin the energy for the night. Katara stayed over by a window, near the plants, gently watering them with her bending as she swirled her drink around in her glass.

"Thank you for coming! I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow." Katara glanced by the giant hall doors to witness Zuko shaking hands with a few diplomats, smiling with teeth in a very fakey manner. Once he was done with the last visitor; he slipped out into the hallway.

Katara struggled with herself, should she stay and lemit her actions or go apologize again? Probably best not to aggravate him anymore, good job on her first night here. 'I didn't mean to make him upset, but I also should've asked him in private…'

"Well as I live and breathe, a real-life water bender!" This elderly gentleman approached, he seemed to have hailed from the Earth Kingdom, based on her emerald robes and sea green pants. "I haven't been around a real water bender in ages!"

With a toothless smile on his face, he approached Katara, grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. As politely as she could Katara took her hand away, wiping it off on the back of her sachi. "And to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with, young lady?"

'Young lady? Hardly! I haven't been a "young lady" since I was 14.!'

"Katara, Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe." She answered, as she curtsied, giving off an even cheesier grin than Zuko had.

"Ah yes, that pendant around your neck is very evident of that. I was once involved with a maiden from the South. Sharp as a whip and twice as stunning." The old man introduced himself as Kesseki*. He was an administrator that worked closely with the reconstruction of the wall in Ba Sing Sa and he was there to request more workers to help finish the project before winter. "Do you know what you get when you cross a Water bender with an Earth bender? Mud!" He chuckled loudly, smacking Katara in the process.

"Administrator Kesseki, so good that you are here!" Katara looked up to see Uncle Iroh, inhaling his last cup of tea as he made his way over to the helpless girl. Iroh pushed between the two guests and shoved his hand into Kesseki's, "It has been far too long!"

Taking his hand, the old man looked confused, "I'm sorry, I do not believe we have met…?"

"Maybe this will jog your memory…" On the nearby table Iroh quickly refills his cup with tea and hands it to the gentleman, who takes a sip and his eyes widen.

"Ah Jasmine Dragon! How have you been, old friend?" Kesseki slapped Iroh's back and chortled loudly. The two elderly men began to converse causing Katara to roll her eyes; while Kesseki was distracted Iroh leaned over to whisper to Katara.

"It is usually best to admit mistakes when they occur, and to seek to restore honor" Katara watched as he signaled her to escape; she whispered "Thank you" before trotting off towards the hall doors.

The hallways were vacant, it was getting late and Zuko was nowhere to be found. 'Of course not, he disappeared a while ago, surely he had gone to bed by now.' She dares not ask the staff where her prince might be. 'Prince? When was the last time I called him that? And since when was he mine? Oh, that bourbon cake was getting to my head.' Passing by a few windows Katara allowed the warm summer night air to hit her face; she also caught a scent of something burning. "Duh stupid, you're in the Fire Nation…"

Closing her eyes and invoking her other senses Karata could smell what direction the burning was coming, low grunting helped her the rest of the way. Katara found her way to a private outside courtyard; it was a very large open space. A *cherry blossom* tree was overshadowing a small pond; all in cased within the stone walls of the palace. Lanterns were encircled around the pond; illuminating this beautiful scenery, however the main show was the fire lord himself.

Katara stayed at the entrance of the patio, it didn't appear that he noticed she was there; from where she was hiding it occurred to her that Zuko was meditating-most likely trying to calm himself down after her earlier outburst, she assumed. He was sitting shirtless on the robes he had been wearing at dinner, his crown was removed allowing his hair to flow past his shoulders, puffs of steam escaped his nostrils. It's better if she just left him be, she'll apologize again tomorr-

"This show isn't free, y'know?" Katara turns to witness her host approaching her, bare chested and sweaty, showing off his scar. That night still plays in her head so vividly, Zuko shouting as he took lighting for her; she healed it the best she could, but the best was him living right now. It was a shame really, his own flesh in blood did more than physical damage to him and yet he must live with it. Forever living with a banishment scar from his father and a hatred scar from his sister.

"It's quite rude to spy on people, especially when they've doing something private." He sounded tranquil, as if he was able to compose himself; was he done, or did she disturb him?

"I'm so sorry!" She bowed, out of respect and remorse, he was right that was disrespectful, spying on him the way she did. Intruding on his moment of peace; not making herself known in the presence of the Fire Lord, staring at his strong back muscles... "I-I was looking for you and I-I got distracted and I didn't realize that I was staring!" Katara remained bent over, why was she apologizing so much? This was so not like her; she was uncomfortable given the new circumstances and felt that she hadn't given the best first impression in years.

"So, I would like to excuse myself now to allow you to continue without being disturbed." She only became confused when she heard chuckling above her. Katara glanced up to see Zuko holding his side and shaking his head. She watched as his free hand reached out to grasp her chin and pull her into his face.

"Katara, stop apologizing, you've done nothing wrong, at all."

"I mentioned Mai, I-I didn't know!" She looked away.

"Exactly, you didn't know. And how could you have, it's not exactly something that I put in the papers." He smirked "You could never ever disturb me. I love... your company, I'm glad you came to visit…"

Zuko's voice was soothing reassurance to her ears, she could still smell the sake on his breath, it made her happy that she hadn't completely ruined his night. His face was soft; she felt that he really understood. His eyes were staring into her soul, pulling her own hidden truth from her mouth.

"I've missed you…" Damn it that was an inside thought.

Zuko was taken back at her bold admission, he chuckled again leaning forward pressing their minds together. His hair was long enough to cover his face now, as well as Katara's forehead which she seemed to not mind. The tips of his hair were wet, he either just got done practicing or he took a dip in the pond.

"I've missed you too, so much." he sighed feeling content; his hand brushed against her cheek then traveled down her neck brushing it with his thumb. Zuko brought his other hand to hold Katara's face.

Katara placed her hands over both his scars, feeling noses brush against each other, nuzzling. Both moving their hands to hold each other's sides, bringing them closer, chest to chest sharing breathes. 'What are you doing, do you want to get electrocuted again? This is the Avatar's woman, get away from her!'

Zuko slowly removes himself completely from Katara causing a silent whine from her, "I-I'm sorry, I'm probably still sweaty and stinky, I should probably go get cleaned up." He quickly snatched up his discarded robes and started for the doorway. "Goodnight Katara…"

"Go-Good night Zuko…"