ZUKOS POV
The next morning Zuko found himself rising with the sun like any other day. He looked down at the slumbering water bender underneath him, her steady breathing filtering through his ears. Her hair was a tangle of shiny dark chocolate curls that sprang out in various directions and draped across his pillow. With her face so relaxed she looked even younger, her small frame curled up beneath the sheets. He took one last glance before removing himself smoothly from the bed without waking her. Moseying to the bathroom he started his routine for the day.
By the time Katara was up and ready Zuko was in the kitchen boiling some glass jars. He had already showered, brewed and drank his tea, meditated, went through a few fire Katas, fed the hens and brought in their eggs. Once all five dozen jars had been sterilized Zuko placed them all on a towel to dry. He was fishing out the last jar when Katara walked into the kitchen, swooping beside him to grab the loaf of bread she made last night. She was dressed in a periwinkle chemise dress and her hair half pulled back in a pony tail the rest down and flowing, two front curls framing her face.
"Ooo eggs!" she sang, grabbing the basket of them Zuko had brought in earlier.
"Yeah, they're blue this week" he added. Katara laughed noticing the color. They chattered lightly while Katara cooked them their eggs as well as slicing and toasting some pieces of the bread. She plated the eggs then smothered a little honey onto the bread slices.
"Come eat" she called as she placed the plates onto the table. Zuko stopped his jar labeling to come sit across from his Kitten. She was so beautiful and alight this morning. She had a glow about her that was contagious. He couldn't help but think this lifestyle suited her. She seemed happy here with him. She looked up at him from across the table, catching him staring. Her cheeks tinted a peachy pink and she closed her eyes clasping her fists together in front of her. Zuko closed his eyes as well.
"Loôht Sadviglesh da La. La us Tui clistërà jit far l'or. Pintera…Luna estompa chilé" Katara prayed, her voice ringing with pride. Zuko cracked opened his eye observing her speak her native tongue so fluidly and beautifully. It wasn't often someone got to witness a native speaker of the water tribes. They held their language very sacred culturally, historically keeping other nations from learning it.
"I want to learn that prayer" he said softly. Katara's eyes snapped open, giving him a curious look. As a prince Zuko had to study all foreign relations, as it was expected of him to acquire some role in politics even if he never actually became fire lord. These studies included the history and practices of all the other cultures of the world. He knew in the water tribes that should an outsider become wed to a tribes member it was expected that partner would convert to their religion, go through a series of tests, and learn their language to become a full member of the tribe. He wasn't sure how those rules had changed since the war but the sentiment still stood. He was sending her a clear message in that statement.
"Zuko…I know you may think it's just my mother tongue, but you asking to learn tha-"
He interrupted her mind sentence
"I know what it means Katara" he said matter of factly. Her mouth opened and closed in confusion.
"I told you my intensions with you before. I want all of you"
Katara's blush traveled down her neck, Zuko's eyes following it.
"It means 'All sacrifices to the spirit La. We give thanks for the water's gift of life in sustenance. Tui and La we give thanks for your spiritual balance. May the moon always pull and guide us. Amen'"
"It's beautiful" Zuko said lowly.
"I'll teach it to you starting tomorrow" she said, looking him up and down cautiously. He gave a small bow in his chair, reaching for his fork to dig into his breakfast.
KATARAS POV
"Today we're making Jam" Zuko stated laying out two large burlap sacs. He had brought his wooden work counter from his shed outside to the mill so they could do the job closer to the fruit trees. They were in the middle of the mill, where dozens of trees were planted in rows around them. Each row contained a different fruit bearing tree.
"All the fruits are ripe, so we'll harvest them, wash them, then chop them here" he explained, handing her a bag. This sounded fun to Katara, so she grabbed her bag happily following Zuko to the far row of trees.
"What are you going to do with all that jam?" Katara asked. He had cleaned at least 5 dozen jars.
"I sell them at the farmers market. The villagers go crazy over it every summer. I always sell out in a day" he said reaching above him to pick off a white peach from the tree they'd stopped in front of. Katara stood next to him picking peaches of her own, placing them in the burlap sack beside her. Idled chat, turned to mild banter as they moved along the rows picking fruits until the sun was at its highest in the sky. Wiping the sweat from her brow Katara squinted up at the sun. She knew she'd have a major tan after today.
"That's the last row" Zuko huffed, heaving his large bag over his shoulder. His muscles bulged through his cotton shirt as he walked it over to his work table. He went back to grab Katara's as well. She walked beside him, reaching for her water pouch and downing a few gulps. They washed and separated the fruits in different basins, Katara's water bending making the process faster. There were blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, lemons, and apricots. They took a break, ate some lunch, then returned to their work table to now slice the larger fruits. She looked across the table at Zuko, studying his face. She thought the way he looked while he concentrated was mesmerizing. Those red pouty lips pursed as he focused, his jaw line flexing whenever he'd bite down.
"When you mentioned that I was the first girl you'd had in your bed…you didn't mean in general did you?" she asked him abruptly. He stopped cutting, setting his knife aside while still looking down. Taking a deep breath he looked up at her steeling himself.
"No" he stated simply. She nodded her head figuring that much.
"How many?" she asked voice still even.
"Katara…"
"How many Zuko?" He hung his head down looking away.
"Too many to count" he choked. She looked down. She hadn't been expecting that answer. Her friends had been right. She didn't want to judge his past, but she wanted to understand it. This was totally foreign and taboo for her. She couldn't imagine having so many intimate partners. Not to mention it sparked a tinge of jealousy and insecurity inside of her. Other women were probably much better than her at pleasuring her Zuko, it hurt her to realize this fact. Feeling the color drain from her face Katara looked back to Zuko for some sort of explanation.
"I was young and…excited back then…and…that kind of behavior was apart of my culture. It was normalized" he said looking down.
"What do you mean?" she asked, curiosity setting in.
"As a male of the royal family it was tradition for my 13th birthday to involve me receiving my first…concubine…" Katara looked at him to go on. "A part of a prince's training is in the arts of pleasure. He must know how to please his wife so that a child of abundance and strength may be born into the royal family as a result of the fire her sovereign bestows within her. It just so happened to be my favorite class" he winked. Katara's breath hitched. He continued after a sigh and returned to cutting his apricots. "In many parts of the world this practice is seen as taboo. Even though I may have gone a little above and beyond I take pride in my heritage Katara. I take pride in being able to please you." he finished staring into her blues.
She had to catch her breath after that confession. Part of this story she had already heard from her friends, but hearing from him the meaning behind it made her flush a deep red. He took notice of this smirking at the reactions she couldn't hide from him.
"Even though I may have some slightly…unconventional ways of achieving that pleasure…" he trailed off. Her breathing was getting a little shallow as she suddenly remembered just how unconventional he could get. A vivid image of them in the mirror surfaced behind her eyes, her plump lips wrapped around his cock while he spread her cheeks from behind slurping her wetness. Blinking rapidly she returned to her cutting nodding her head in understanding.
"I won't hold that against you" she said quietly. They fell into a comfortable silence as they finished their work.
By the time they had finished making all the jams the waning moon was high in the sky. Katara screwed on the last lid as Zuko began washing all the used pots in the kitchen sink. She looked at all the rows of jams they'd made, each jar labeled with its flavor in Zuko's neat writing with white paint. She was more than excited to sell their hard work the next day.
ZUKOS POV
Katara had walked out of the cottage the next morning to find Zuko outside the front door loading a large tin wagon with all their jams. Umi stood beside him grazing absently at the grass below her.
"Morning kitten" he grunted, as he lifted the heavy wagon slightly to attach it to Umi's harnesses.
"Morning" she returned cheerily. She helped load the wagon with the left over fruits they didn't use. Zuko had told her the night before that he'd usually give it to the children around the village. Hoping onto Umi all by herself, she grinned down proudly at Zuko who wore a surprised look on his face.
"Getting the hang of things I see" he smirked up at her as he offered Umi a spare peach. The horse devoured it as he pet the bridge of her nose tenderly. After ensuring the wagon was attached securely to the horse harness Zuko swung himself on the back of his mare settling snugly behind Katara. She'd never sat in front like this before, but Zuko wasn't going to complain about the set up. Her shapely rear was pressed up tightly against his lap, and he could feel her delicate frame leaning against his chest. Grabbing the reins around her he took off towards the town square where the farmers market was sure to be thriving.
"Ms. Katara! Ms. Katara! Wait up!" they heard a high pitched voice shout from behind them. They had just arrived in the town's square, and sure enough the streets were flooded with people. Pulling on the reins Zuko stopped his mare turning towards the sound of small running feet.
"I heard you and Mr. Zuko have sliced fruit" wheezed out a small boy with dark freckled skin and sandy brown hair. Zuko looked down at the young boy hiding a smile behind his eyes. He reached in Katara's bag beside them handing the child one of the small pouches Katara had made for the kids last night. Each little bag had an assortment of sliced fruits, nuts, and dried coacoa nibs.
"How'd you know we had sliced fruit?" asked Katara looking down at the green eyed boy. He was already opening his pouch grinning widely. He stuffed a strawberry in his mouth, chewing it messily between two front missing teeth.
"Mr. Haru! He told all the kids after school yesterday. And he said you were gonna make jam too!" he yelled excitedly. Zuko rolled his eyes dryly. Of course Haru would ensure that he was mobbed by children today. The rest of the trip to their stand in the market involved Katara handing various children treat pouches. Some kids they knew and recognized, some they didn't. Once they arrived to the stand and docked Umi they began setting up all the jams and placing the prices. Before long word had spread that their stall had Jam, and a line began to form before them.
KATARAS POV
Their jam stand had been booming all morning with customers, many of the villagers taking advantage of this rare treat. Katara was organizing the cash basket when she saw three shadows pass over her. Looking up she was met with three sets of eyes, one hazel, one green, and the other brown. May stood in the middle with her arms crossed.
"Well well well…if it isn't Katara finally gracing us with her presence" May started. Katara rolled her eyes returning to counting the money in the basket.
"I don't know what you're talking about" she whispered tightly.
"You've been gone for a couple of days and we got no word. Someone said they saw you and Zuko leave town together-" Leila explained.
"We are not talking about this here" Katara dictated slamming her hand down on the crate under her. Zuko turned from his interaction with a customer to lay a hand on her lower back giving her a concerned look.
"You okay Kat?" he asked her gently. Leaning into his touch she nodded her head. He nodded and returned to the customer. The other three maidens witnessed this interaction then looked between themselves. Katara looked at each of them with an annoyed expression.
"Look you guys I-"
"No need to say anything…Kat" May whispered, mocking his nickname for her. The three giggled as Katara turned beet red.
"We want details Tara!" Squealed Leila in a low voice. Song stood there nodding her head. Huffing Katara gave a single curt nod.
"Later, meet me at the river for lunch?" she said relenting finally. All three of them nodded their heads eagerly. Turning on their heels they pranced from the stall whispering amongst each other.
"What was that all about?" she heard Zuko mumble to her. When she glanced over at him he had an eyebrow raised in confusion.
Rolling her eyes Katara placed the cash drawer back under the table where it belonged.
"Don't worry about it. They were just being idiots" Katara shrugged. He shrugged too, letting it go. Once noon had rolled around Zuko had suggested they head somewhere on the outskirts of town for lunch. He knew of a good noodle spot.
"Actually…the girls are making me meet them by the river for lunch today. If that's okay" she said scratching her neck. She would really rather eat noodles with Zuko, but she knew they'd kill her if she skipped out. Smiling Zuko assured her it was no problem, and went to find Haru. Katara made her way down the river bank, stopping at a shaved ice shop off the babbling creek that fed into the river. She ordered a stuffed pastry that had cheese and vegetables inside, with a shaved strawberry ice. When she arrived at their usual spot they were already there, sharing a blanket and a basket of sliced apples.
"Finally!" Cried Leila as Katara sat down in front of them.
"Spill the beans!" May shouted stealing Katara's shaved ice and taking a huge bite out of it.
"Hey!" Katara cried, snatching her treat back. She set her food down beside her, adjusting her dress a little bit. Huffing she flipper her hair seething "well hello to you guys too". They all rolled their eyes.
"You're stalling Katara" Song protested.
"Alright fine!" Katara threw her hands up. She retold them the story of their date from beginning to end with as much detail as she could without getting too…graphic.
"So he is a sex god!" May exclaimed with her finger pointed to the air.
"What kind of dirty talk does he do? Is it super kinky?" Leila questioned.
"Is he gentle?" Song inquired. Katara's head spun from all the questioning but she tried to answer as best she could.
"Well…he certainly knows a lot about pleasing a woman…and yes the dirty talk is quite…dirty. And to answer your question Song yes and no. Sometimes he's gentle, he can be very loving and tender, yet he has another side. That's rougher…wilder…more dangerous" she became lost in thought as her voice drifted. May bit her lip in excitement.
"That sounds so…erotic" she whispered excitedly. Katara blushed deeply taking a bite of her pastry.
"Anyway…enough about that" Katara started to change the subject.
"So are you his girlfriend now?" Song asked. Katara took a deep breath knowing her friends would nearly fall into the river at this news.
"…yes" she said finally. They all screamed in unison, Leila leaning over to squeeze Katara's knee.
"Don't make such a big deal of it" Katara murmured, looking around for any spectators. They continued their lunch chatting away until the sun began to get a little lower.
"I should get back guys. Zuko will be wanting to head home soon"
They agreed to part, and Katara made her way back to the square.
ZUKOS POV
Zuko threw his pouch over the side first before swinging himself into the saddle behind Katara. She had been on his mind heavily all day since she'd run off with her friends. His inner demon was beginning to creep out when it caught a whiff of her lavender shampoo as he settled in behind her. He pulled the reins for Umi to go and they made their way slowly to the cottage, the mare settling for a slow walking pace. Zuko was fine with this pace, he was in no particular rush to return home. Additionally, this speed caused a lot of slow…friction to take place between him and Katara. As they rode on he couldn't get the sweet taste of her tight little center out of his mind. One of his hands moved involuntarily to rest on her waist. He could feel her stiffen, then relax a bit as he rubbed small circles into her hip with his thumb. He leaned back slightly so that his lap was pressed a little more firmly to her back side. He could feel himself growing hard, the feeling of his clothed member nestled between her soft ass cheeks was just too much. He knew she had to feel his erection at this point. It was impossible not to…he was practically bulging out of his pants, the movement of the horse bouncing her ass lightly up and down in his lap. He could hear her breath get a little heavier. 'Yeah she feels it.' he thought to himself. He let out a small moan just to test the waters, and see how she'd react. He heard her breath hitch and felt her back arch slightly. He smirked wolfishly at this. She even went as far as to lean forward a little bit offering him more of that luscious behind. She was such a naughty little thing, which surprised Zuko. For her not to know much about sex, she was quite the curious lover so far. Nothing he did seemed to scare her for too long, although he tried his best to go easy on her. Zuko grunted dropping the other rein and smoothing both palms over her ass. He massaged her cheeks lovingly, running them up and down his cock in a slow motion. He heard a tiny moan escape her. He leaned forward nipping at her ear from behind. Shivering she called his name out softly.
"Zu…" she begged. Damn his name sounded so sweet on her lips.
Grabbing both reins around her he picked up the mares pace graduating to a gallop. They arrived to the farmhouse quickly, Zuko making short work of Umi's saddle and harness. Katara stood in the doorway of the stables, quietly waiting for him to finish.
"Take those back into the house" he said gesturing to the pricing labels and leftover crates in the wagon. Katara crossed over quickly to grab them, brushing past him accidentally. He grabbed her arm, stopping her mid stride to pull her close.
"When I get back I want you in the room and on the bed" he looked down into her face, studying her reaction to his command. She blushed nodding her head obediently.
"Yes" she said quietly, remembering his rules from before. She caught on fast he smiled. He pushed her along giving her ass a squeeze as she bent to pick up the crates. Yelping she quickly scurried out of the stable and to the cottage with the crates in hand. Zuko picked up a pail of hay and threw it into Umi's stable in case she needed to snack through the night. Adjusting his semi erect member over his pants he thought about the hot waterbender awaiting him in his room. What was he to do with her? Grunting, the taste of her surfaced to the front of his mind once more. He had to have it again. He'd been craving it ever sense he'd had her in that hotel. And from the looks of it his little flower wanted to play again too. Once finished in the stables Zuko trucked up the path to his home. He felt like he could possibly be the luckiest man on earth. Opening the door he walked down the hallway removing his jacket quietly. He looked to his bedroom door, which was closed with candle light flickering underneath indicating his kitten's presence. He removed his heavy boots then went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands thoroughly. He didn't want to touch his flower with dirty hands…no she was much too lovely for that. Making his way to the bedroom he gave two light knocks to the wood.
"come in" he heard her call nervously after a pause. He pushed the door open revealing a Katara reclined on his bed clad only in her white shear dress slip. He hummed in approval, drinking her in with his eyes. He could just barely see her wrappings beneath the fabric of the slip, the hymn stopping just above her knees. He suddenly got the urge to watch her undress before him, he wanted to see her unwrapped slowly like a present on new year. He crossed the room grabbing her hand to stand her up from the bed. Pivoting he stood her in front of him, sitting down on the edge of the bed before her. He was now eye level with her small waist and breasts. He looked up at her resting his hands on her wide hips.
"Remove your slip kitten" he purred out silkily. Her hands reached the hymn of her clothing quickly before he gripped her wrist stopping her. "Slowly." he scolded. Her face reddened before she nodded her head, slowly trailing her hand down the front of her slip. Zuko leaned back a little, spreading his legs wider to accommodate her. She pulled the edges of her garment up tantalizingly revealing the skin of her upper thigh. Zuko let out a short puff of air leaning back further. Turning around with her back facing him she pulled the number over here head, tossing it to the floor. Now her tiny waist and round behind were on full display for him.
"Give me a little show darling" he rasped out, smacking her butt playfully. She giggled swaying her hips a little while slowly unraveling her upper bindings. He could tell she was a little nervous, her movements were delicate and shy. But the way her ass was wagging in his face turned him on all the same. He wanted to bury his face in it. The skin of her bare back glistened in the moonlight as she tossed her upper bindings to the floor to join her slip. He wanted the pleasure of unwrapping her lower half, but not before she received her punishment.
"You were so naughty earlier kitten" he mused as he grabbed her hips pulling her rear close to his face. He fondled her ass a little before giving it a light squeeze.
"When?" She asked innocently. He pulled her down swiftly, sitting her on his rock hard erection.
"Getting me hard on the way home…such a bad girl" he disapproved. "How should I punish you?" he thought out loud. She whimpered from his words and the light friction he was giving her through her bindings. His clothed cock was rubbing against her through his trousers, driving her wild with want.
"Punish?" she asked blearily.
"Yes, you need to be taught a lesson kitten. Bad girls get the worst punishments" he stood up abruptly forcing her out of his lap.
"On your knees" he commanded. She quickly followed his instruction, breasts bouncing as she rested before him in a kneeling position. He removed his trousers and underwear kicking them to the side. He anchored a hand at the back of her head using his free hand to grip himself firmly. Her gorgeous full lips parted for him expecting him to fill her mouth right away. He gave himself a few pumps before slapping his tip against her cheek. She blinked up at him with those wide blue eyes the color of the sky, and gave his balls a small kiss. His eyes rolled back in his head as he grit his teeth. He came back to reality after a moment and slid his cock into her mouth slowly.
"Uhhh that's it baby" he moaned as she sucked him languidly. She reached up to place her hand over the star shaped scar on his chest, causing his heart to flutter.
"Hands down." he grunted. She obediently placed both hands in her lap. With his hand on the back of her head he was able to guide her rhythm, setting a long and slow pace. Moaning around his cock she swallowed him further down her throat causing Zuko's balls to tighten and his fists to clench.
"You like getting your face fucked huh kitten?" He asked wickedly as he began pumping his hips. Holding both sides of her face now Zuko gave her mouth shallow thrusts. He was staring intently at her face, gauging how well she was handling this treatment. So far his kitten was doing a phenomenal job.
"Fuck…good girl" he praised. She moaned in response sending vibrations up his spine. This was no punishment for her, and she was obviously thoroughly enjoying herself.
"You want my cum down your throat, don't you baby?" he asked almost lovingly while he stroked the sides of her face. She nodded her head giving him another moan and a hard suck. He groaned deeply as he released into her mouth, feeling her hot tears wetting his hands. She was gagging around him, trying her hardest to swallow it all.
"Good fucking girl" he cooed at her as he pulled out of her mouth. She hadn't waisted a drop.
"Thanks" she said, her voice now raspy from the abuse. He got the feeling that she'd enjoyed that punishment a little too much. Moving over to the bed, Zuko sat down in the edge of it. He beckoned for Katara to stand up and come over to him.
"Lay across my lap" he commanded quickly. She did just that without question. He loved the fact that he had that kind of control over her. She trusted him fully to guide her, and he didn't take that lightly.
She propped her face up using her elbows and looked back at Zuko expectantly. With her ass slightly perched up across Zuko's lap he began palming it, spreading her cheeks apart thoroughly. He placed an elbow in between her shoulder blades pushing her head down and further arching her back for him. He made quick work of unraveling her soaked wrappings, throwing them off of her in a rush. He immediately went back to squeezing her behind. Zuko was going to enjoy this…thoroughly. He had never considered himself much of an ass man before then, but Katara's perfectly round cheeks contrasted with her petite waist drove him up the wall.
"I'm going to give you five spankings" he stated in his dom voice. This was the voice he used when he demanded complete submission from his subs. He was past the point of patience with her. 'She needed to be broken in' his inner demon decided. The wetness that glistened on her inner thighs didn't go unnoticed by Zuko as he raised his hand to give her behind a hardy smack. His large palm landed on her right cheek with a resounding THWACK. She screeched loudly bowing her back sharply.
"Ah! Zuko!" she screamed. He palmed the flesh there, soothing the redness away.
"Count for me Kit Kat" he urged softly, having some sympathy for her.
"One" she squeezed out in a strained voice.
"That-a girl." He gave her another spank landing in the same spot, stinging his own hand with the force. 'She can take it' he thought not letting up.
"Two…" she counted "three…FOUR!"
She was leaking like a break pipe at this point. He spread her cheeks wide wanting a better glimpse of his effect on her. He swiped a thumb down her slit, gathering some of her sticky wetness. He sucked it from his thumb, moaning at her sweet taste. Katara whimpered offering more of her ass to him wiggling in his face like some feline seeking affection. The fifth smack he intentionally landed across her lips, hearing her wetness splash against his hand. She gave a throaty moan, the neediest one he'd heard from her that night. He slipped his hand against her folds and began rubbing circles on her clit.
"I told you to count kitten" he reminded her before sucking her wetness from his fingers then returning them to her center.
"FIVE" she moaned as he continued to pleasure her. He was glad he had no immediate neighbors, the acres of land he lived on made sure no one could hear her cries in the night. He hooked two fingers into her then causing her back to arch painfully.
"Oh Zu…" she panted as she pushed her hips against his hand. He pumped his fingers in and out languidly.
"Thats right Katara, fuck yourself on my fingers just like that, nice and slow" he encouraged her.
"I-I can't-" she whimpered.
"Let it out baby" he purred pumping harder, loving the sound of her juices sloshing loudly. Just then cum squirted from her center in a rush followed by her screams. The sounds bouncing along his walls was music to Zuko's ears, and he watched as she came apart below him.
"There you go…good girl" he coaxed her down as he continued stroking her slowly. He pulled out of her after a few moments and sat her up to sit in his lap. Cupping her jaw he kissed her lazily, sliding his tongue over her lips to sooth her. She was shaking like a leaf in his lap as he rubbed circles along her sides.
"Bed time" he offered as he planted her on the bed pulling the covers over her.
"Bed time" she agreed, shutting her eyes right away. He settled in behind her, waving his hand to snuff out the candles.
KATARAS POV
A full month had gone by since Zuko had asked Katara to be his girlfriend. They had fallen into an easy routine that involved up keeping the farm for most of the day. Katara was really getting the hang of farm life. She had taken a particular liking to up keeping the fruit mill. Katara had gone about revamping Zuko's entire irrigation system, making the water filter throughout the plants much more efficiently. Zuko had also purchased her her own horse, another female so that Umi could have a friend. She named her Nalu, which meant starry night in her mother tongue. Nalu was an all black mare, her coat shinny and thick. She was a mild tempered horse which made her beginner friendly for Katara and easy to ride. Whenever Zuko would work all day at the blacksmiths Katara would take Nalu to the next town over and work at their clinic. Many earth kingdom soldiers with more chronic injuries from the war were sent to this clinic. It was where Katara felt she could help the most. Slipping on her white nurses dress in the washroom Katara prepared herself for her shift. Pulling her hair back into a low bun and scrubbing her hands clean she smiled at herself through the mirror. Just last week the head doctor had graduated her to a lead nurses status due to her advanced healing abilities. Grabbing her clipboard and papers with all her patients files she headed out into the hallways.
"Morning head nurse Katara!" Aanya shouted as she ran to catch up to her. Aanya was a short blond young women of the same age as Katara. She wore her long hair in a single braid down her back. Katara smiled to her friend handing her a couple of copies of patient files they needed to work on for the day.
"Good morning!" Katara returned. It was still rather early so the clinic was quiet, most of the patients just waking up from slumber.
"So…my 18th birthday is coming up in two weeks! I wanted to invite you and your boyfriend to my party" she said excitedly, handing Katara a sealed invitation. Katara beamed at her honey eyed friend. She had never been invited to a party before. She hoped Zuko didn't have any plans that weekend.
"We'll try our best to be there!" She assured with a smile.
"I know there won't be many people you know there. So you can invite some friends if you like" nodding her head she immediately thought of May and Haru. They had been going on dates with each other recently…maybe they could make it a double date?
"Sure" she answered.
Her day at the clinic had come to a close and Katara found herself loading Nalu's saddle with her pouch. The sun was low in the sky and she knew Zuko would be expecting her in the town square soon. Saddling up she took off at a gallop down the beaten path.
"Late shift?" he asked as she pulled up beside a tired looking Zuko. He had been working nonstop the past couple of weeks. Apparently they had a large shipment of armor to repair before the month was up. There had been a disastrous fire nation raid on the east side of The Si Wong state, leaving hundreds of earth kingdom soldiers dead and injured. Most of their armor was sent to Haru's shop for fixing. Katara nodded her head jumping down from Nalu's back to help him load his wagon. He was taking a lot of work home with him tonight. Sighing deeply he made his way around Umi to strap her harness on. Katara noticed the slight slump in his posture from the exhaustion he was facing. His eyes carried dark circles due to all the late nights he'd been in his shed. Placing a delicate hand on his back Katara tried getting his attention. Turning to her he gave her a tired smile that didn't reach his eyes. Placing a soft peck on his lips she grazed her thumb across his scar.
"I have to work late tonight again…" he began to explain as he gave her a sympathetic look.
"I know" she said stroking his cheek. They raced each other home, Umi taking the lead easily. As soon as they returned Zuko headed back toward the shed lugging his bag of homework behind him, and leaving Katara to go retire to bed alone.
ZUKOS POV
Zuko's entire body seemed to sigh with exhaustion as he entered his work shed. Setting his sac in the corner he immediately went to work on a leg plate he had been fixing the night before. He finished up on the projects he was doing the previous night working diligently in silence. The only sounds were his occasional saw drilling through metal, and his hammer pounding out details. Once he was wrapping up he looked over in the corner at his satchel of homework. Haru had taken home a bag just as big today. He stared as he noticed the shallow bloodstains seeping through the fabric of his bag. Getting up and crossing the room Zuko reached in the bag pulling out the largest piece he could feel. He revealed a golden ornate breast plate. It must have belonged to an admiral of some sort. The earth kingdom's great city was immortalized on the center of the plate in the most beautifully detailed metal work Zuko had ever seen. It was coated in dried blood. Zuko shook his head slowly with a deep sigh, making his way to the water basin across the shed. Submerging it in the cold soapy water he began scraping the breast plate with his rough boar hair brush. As the armor became cleaner he noticed the true shine and valor of the piece. But his eyes also picked up on the way the metal seemed to crack and fold in on itself in some places. The damage seemed to spread outwards like some kind of intricate web or pattern. His eyes widened as he realized how this solider must have died. Lightning. There were only a few people in the fire nation that could bend lightning; most of them being of the royal family; his father, his sister, and his uncle. Closing his eyes with a grimace he clenched his fists beneath the water. He could feel the water heating up causing steam to meet his face.
Why did he have to be from such a family? His father was a psychotic power hungry maniac, and his sister murdered people for fun. That's why he had assisted his Uncle in the Order of the White Lotus's mission to take down his father all those years ago following his banishment. Zuko had been an integral part of the spy detail on his father's war moves. Now, without his uncle and connection to the White Lotus, he was stuck repairing stupid armor for the soldiers out there who were actually fighting in the war. With a frustrated growl he stood up throwing the breast plate against the wall, fire exploding from his hands and pluming around him. He'd nearly set the whole room on fire before it dissipated immediately when he heard a loud gasp and clank. Whipping his head around he found Katara in the doorway holding a tray of scones and two mugs of tea. They both stared at each other wide eyed. Katara blinked as Zuko snapped out of it rushing to her.
"I'm sorry are you okay?" He asked taking the tray from her hands.
"Yeah, I'm totally fine" she said, following him to his work table and sitting down on the stool beside it.
"Are you okay?" she inquired furrowing her brows.
Plopping down onto the stool across from her Zuko dug his fingers deep into his temples and closed his eyes. There was a pregnant pause in which Katara stared down at him in worry while Zuko rubbed tight circles into his skull. He stopped moving all together, snapping his eyes open to observe her.
"I'm sick and tired of being a sitting duck Katara" he growled out. Her eyes widened in shock as if she'd expected him to feel any different.
"I'm a soldier Kat…it's what I do best. And I've been on this damned farm for years isolated from the war and it's efforts!" he shouted, standing to his feet. Zuko saw Katara clutch the side of the table.
"What do you expect us to do Zuko? Both of us have been cut off from our inside connections to the war effort. And it's too dangerous to go searching for our own connections. We'd get ourselves killed with our recognizable faces" she rationalized. He shook his head pleading with his eyes.
"Don't tell me you don't feel the same. We fought together on the front lines. I know you." he grit out. Her face turned angry throwing him a glare back.
"You don't know me as well as you think you do. You don't know what I want now…things have changed a lot for me!"
"I know you want to see this war come to an end!" he yelled slamming the table "you've fought hard for it…risked your life for it…let your mother's killer walk for it. I stood beside you through all of that Kat"
She grit her teeth seething at his boldness.
"Aang is the Avatar, joiner of the spirit world and ours. We must listen to him and wait" she said in finality, standing up herself. He looked at her in disbelief.
"Screw the Avatar!" he seethed "the world will be up in flames by the time he pulls his head out of his ass"
"Zuko how could you-"
He stepped around the table, closing the space between them.
"There are soldiers out there getting electrocuted to death by my father and sister. I've scrapped so much blood off of their armor it's almost like they exploded inside of it. This is my family that's doing this Katara…I have to make this right" He looked down at her, his lips quirked in a frown. She swallowed hard looking at his feet, all the color drained from her face.
"You can wait around for that penguin sledding monk all you want" he finished, backing away and walking past her and out of the shed.
END CHAPTER 4