#i think after the haircut katara would find herself looking in mirrors when there are any around cause 'zuko thinks i'm beautiful?? really?

[pineapple-frenzy]

Book 2 au: sparring sessions and short hair katara

They like to have sparring sessions in order to keep their bending skills sharp. They allow themselves to go all out and not hold back at all cause they know if anyone got hurt, Katara could just heal them

But anyways, wouldn't it be kinda funny if Zuko accidentally burned Katara's hair tho? Aofkqldkkajfjd

The "I think we can save the hairloops" line is from @linnoya-writes thank you for that!! :>>

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Light Disorientation

Azula Week Day 2: Azula Rare Pairs

Summary: Sometimes things distort in her mind. Sometimes she confuses the past with the present. Sometimes when she does, she is ugly in her mind.

Warnings: Mental Health Issues & Body Image Issues

Azula is not comfortable in her skin, more often than not it absolutely crawls. It helps very little that she is surrounded by such beautiful people. Katara with her mesmerizingly bright blue eyes and her deep complexion, Toph and her confident and charming smile, Suki and her toned arms and soft skin, Mai and her tall and elegantly willowy figure and TyLee with her...well, everything. Sokka has his muscular arms and a new collection of traditional Water Tribe tattoos. She doesn’t see Zuko’s appeal in the slightest but he has a vast crowd of giggling admirers. And while Aang isn’t exactly a looker, he’s got his heroics and his lovable mannerisms.

Perhaps, just a few years ago, in her prime, she had been something to look at and envy. But now...now she doesn’t want to look at herself even in passing. Her eyes have a bruised appearance, they are nowhere near as vivid as they had been. Her tangled locks aren’t so silky nor shiny. Her skin is drier somehow. In general, she thinks that she is muted, duller. She is hollow, her robes have a tendency to slide down her shoulders, more so than usual. And, unlike Aang, she doesn’t have a personality to make up for it. She isn’t approachable and endearing, her talents are terrifying. She has her itelligence but that never seems to matter anymore especially on the days when the clutter in her mind is too heavy for deep and critical thinking.  

She doesn’t like going on outings with the rest of them, no matter how well and forgivingly they treat her. She looks sloppy without the side by side comparison. With it...she cringes. Tonight she has subjected herself to the tortures of inferiority. TyLee had been so cheerful about the prospect of going to a party with her. The first one they’ve attended in ages. And she’d flashed that bright and cheerful little smile. That was all it had taken.

She is dressed as finely as she can be, but she doesn’t think that the outfit does her the favors she was hoping for and no amount of makeup seems to bring life to her expression. She is exceptionally dull with TyLee to her right and Katara to her left.

And by the middle of the party, they all have their own personal crowds. All except she. Azula’s stomach tickles with a discomfort that won’t seem to pass. She wishes that she was still beautiful or that she had some social graces. She wishes that she hadn’t let herself go so terribly far.

People pay her very little attention. And maybe she should be thankful for that. It means that they aren’t ridiculing her. That they aren’t informing her of things that she already knows, of the flaws she already sees.

She wishes that she had gotten better sleep, that she hadn’t chopped her bangs off, that she could muster up a better appetite, that she hadn’t started slacking on her training…

“Hi.”

She stares at her palms. She looks up to see that none of the crowds have dispersed, she wonders if she will ever get an opening to let one of the gang know that she is leaving. She thinks that she will slip out soon, they can find her at home.

She hears the clearing of her throat, “hello-o.”

Azula spares a glace over her shoulder.

The girl behind her waves, her face glows with a smile.

“What?”

The girl hums, “well you’re clearly the life of this party.” She drops down onto the couch next to her anyhow. “Is that why you’re alone?”

What a rude question. But it isn’t exactly untrue; she thinks that, among many other things, it is why she is alone now and always. She shrugs, “I guess. Probably.”

The girl rubs the back of her head. “Geez.”

Azula looks away from her again. Perhaps the girl will leave her alone if she doesn’t speak anymore. She isn’t so lucky. “Have you tried talking to anyone?”

Azula shakes her head.

“Why  not?”

She almost snapes, ‘because people ask too many questions.’ She only shrugs again and after a few moments she replies, “I guess that I don’t know what to say. People aren’t interested in Fire Nation history and battle strategizing.” They probably don’t want to be seen with someone so messy either.

“There are so many people here, you’re bound to find someone else that is.”

“Are you?”

“Nope,” the girl yawns, “boring.”

Azula’s face falls.

“But I’ll still listen if that’s what you want to talk about.”

She doesn’t want to talk about it. Or any of her other weird, and uninteresting interests.

“I’m Seicho, by the way.”

Azula nods, “why are you talking to me?”

“Well… you see, I recognize you. A while ago, before the war ended, there was a moment that has been haunting me ever since…”

Azula isn’t sure that she is following.

“And I had a few questions.”

“Such as?”

“You are princess Azula, right?”

She nods, though she wishes that she weren’t.

“And you did attend Chan’s beach party, right? That was you? The weirdo who laughs really loud and sets kuai ball nets on fire?”

Azula’s frown deepens. “What of it?”

“I just wanted to know why you put that drink on my head.”

“Your hands were full, where else was I supposed to put it?” It was quite simple really.

The girl laughs, “you could have held onto it or set it on some random table or something.”

She clears her throat, “your head was more convenient.”

“I...I guess…?” she laughs again. She stands up and for some reason Azula’s heart sinks. She thought that she might not be lonely tonight, but the girl has her answers and now she is...she is extending her hand out? Azula furrows her brows. “Do you know how to dance, princess?”

“I haven’t had a chance or a reason to learn.”

“It’s not that different from firebending, I’ll teach you a little something.” She offers.

If she knows what is good for her, she would stay out of the spotlight, keep attention well away from herself. The last thing that she needs is the entire party watching her decrepit body running clumsily through dance moves that she should have learned prior to attending. But she doesn’t want to be alone tonight. She isn’t sure what she will do if she is left alone…

She takes the girl’s hand. Azula doesn’t really want the attention. Not at all. The less eyes that take in her less than pleasing aesthetic, the better. But Seicho is a loud one. A bold one. And when she dips Azula back and pulls her up in time with the music for a third time she makes an announcement.

“I’m lucky!” She declares. “I have the prettiest dance partner in the room.”

She brushes Azula’s bangs out of her face--even, well trimmed bangs. Long bangs. And suddenly the illusion shatters. Suddenly her skin is soft with an even complexion. Suddenly her eyes aren’t so heavy and tired. Her frame is fuller and her lips uncracked. She remembers that she hasn’t been haggard and unhealthy in quite some time now. She remembers that sometimes things get distorted in her mind, that the past may layer itself over the future. She remembers that she is no longer fourteen and bound in chains. No longer sixteen and freshly emerging from an institution, exhausted and low.

She remembers that she is happy. This time when she looks in the mirror, the face that stares back at her is from the present; well groomed, healthy, and lively--albeit on the tired side tonight.

“Are you alright?” Seicho asks.

She thinks that she is, she is just...lightly disoriented. She needs a chance for her mind to catch back up to the present.  “I want to sit down for a moment.”

“Sure, princess.” Seicho replies, she guides Azula into a chair. “Would you like a drink?”

Azula nods.

They don’t hate her. Most people don’t. Most people are as indifferent as they ought to be. And they eyes that fall upon her aren’t judgmental, they are curious more than anything. She still isn’t a particularly social person, paradoxically, it is an invitation for more attention when she does attend parties.

Seicho holds out the glass, “just put it on the table this time, not my head, okay.”

“I think that I can manage.” She sips at the drink as the pieces shift back into place. She supposes that she should have known that she was having an off day when she overheard Zuko ask TyLee and Mai to keep an eye on her.

“So, what’s going on?” Seicho asks.

“Sometimes I…” She sets her drink aside. “Things get mixed up.” She points at her head. “I’m sure that you’ve heard by now…”

“Bits and pieces.” Seicho admits.

“Sometimes it feels like…” she furrows her brows, trying to articulate it. “Sometimes I go back to some of my worst days. Sometimes it’s full scale--I’m alone and I don’t have any friends. It feels like it anyhow. Other times it’s more of a blend.”

“A blend?”

“I know that they,” she gestures to the others, “are my friends.” It still feels strange to say, likely that is exactly what makes it so easy to forget when her head is not clear. “But I still feel like I did just after I was transferred to that facility.” Sometimes the image is so vivid in her mind that it appears in the mirror.

Seicho nods. “That sounds frightening.”

“I’m used to it.” It is a lie to make things less tense. Pity makes her uncomfortable anyhow.

“And that happened tonight?”

Azula nods. “It is a relief to know that I’m not a scraggly mess.” That she isn’t ugly and embarrassing to be around.

“It’s fine to be a scraggly mess sometimes.” Seicho replies.

“You didn’t see my haircut.” She grumbles.

“I’m sure that it was cute.” Seicho insists, ruffling her hair. “You have a pretty face, you can make it work.”

She shakes her head, “not then I didn’t.”

Seicho quirks a skeptical brow. She changes her approach. “Alright, fine, let’s say that you’re right…”

“I am right.”

“My point still stands. It’s okay to be a mess every now and again.” As if to accent her point she ruffles Azula’s hair entirely out of place. Azula grimances, this is something that she is still working on. Something that leaves her jittery.

“How about this?” Seicho offers. “You leave your hair like this for the rest of the night. If people treat you like shit for it then you can stick with your ridiculous standards.

“Ridiculous!?”

Seicho nods, “yes, ridiculous.”

Azula opens her mouth to protest. Seicho puts a finger to her lips. “You know what I think?”

Azula sighs, she has heard it so many times before from so many people from her therapist to TyLee. “That I’m perfect the way I am.”

Seicho crinkles her brows in disgust. “No! I think that you aren’t perfect, but it doesn’t really matter. You don’t have to be. If someone really loves or cares about you, they’ll look at your ugly haircut and decide that they like your pretty eyes enough to stay. They’ll acknowledge that you are uptight and cranky but they’ll stick around because you’re really smart and loyal.”

Azula swallows. “You’ve known me for maybe an hour…”

“And you leave some strong first impressions.” Seicho shrugs. “I was hoping that we can talk more after the party and I can see if I’m right.”

Azula’s stomach flutters. She has never been asked on a date before and she certainly hadn’t anticipated that to happen tonight. Agni knows that her lost and hurt fourteen year old self could have never conceptualized such a thing.

“That would be nice, Seicho.”

The girl grins. “Wonderful! Are you up for another dance?”

She lets the girl lead her back onto the dancefloor. Hair messy, dress slightly disheveled. And yet she feels much more confident than she had when she’d initially walked into the party.

[jaxsteamblog]

A Series of Confessions Chapter 8

Me, tossing another flower on Hayley Foster’s shrine: thank you for your abundant blessings.

Read Chapter 7

When Zuko went out to meet Katara later, he still had no idea what to tell her. She was waiting for him on a small footpath, a large bag hanging from her shoulder.

“Ready?” She asked.

“What’s all that for?” Zuko asked, gesturing toward the bag.

Katara gripped the strap with both hands and smiled at him. “You’ll see.”

The footpath took them to the back of the palace grounds and Zuko looked around to keep himself from staring at her. The moon had risen hours ago, but now as the sun pulled the orange light out of the sky, it was more vibrant. It wasn’t very large or extraordinarily bright, but Katara still had a bounce in her step for every full moon.

Hearing her pace quicken as her shoes crunched the rocks underfoot, Zuko suddenly realized where they were headed.

“Are we going to the hot springs?” He asked.

“This works better if we’re in water and I’m not walking into a turtleduck pond.” Katara replied, spinning around to look at him. Zuko smiled, but it faded as she turned back.

There was a vast cavern system under the palace, carved and molded by lavabenders from generations ago. A few of the rooms were protected by magma, but one enterprising bender decided to cultivate a pocket closer to the surface in order to make a hot spring. Zuko had occasionally wondered if he should ask Aang if that had been a Sozin or a Roku decision.

The spring wasn’t used often. None of the royal family was socially permitted to bathe in such a manner, and no minister would dare. Mai hadn’t been interested, equating it to sitting in soup.

Only his friends seemed to be excited about it and Zuko didn’t visit unless he was with them.

It meant this part of the palace was also fairly secluded.

Reaching the small building that housed changing rooms, Zuko and Katara slipped into their respective rooms. In the small chamber, Zuko was glad for the lack of a mirror. But just on the other side of the thin wooden wall, he could hear the shifting of fabric. Burning, Zuko looked down at the ground as he took off his shirt, focusing as he folded it.

Zuko stepped out wearing a pair of shorts, pushing his hair out of his face. He had been pushing off a haircut and it was becoming unmanageable.

Katara walked out next, still tying up her hair. She had upgraded her wraps for a Fire Nation suit that did just about the same. She looked over at him, her eyes glancing up and down.

“Your hair is getting long.” She said.

“Yeah I-” Zuko started as he ran his hand through it.

“You’re getting back to your tea shop days.” Katara interrupted, letting go of her hair and smiling at him.

Zuko smiled weakly back.

“I guess.” He said and Katara gestured for him to follow her.

“Let’s go.” She said.

The spring was split in two, to separate people on the vague concept of gender, but that never stopped them. Katara walked into the men’s side and Zuko trailed after her.

“Okay, start floating Fire Lord.” Katara said as she moved further into the spring.

Zuko obeyed, getting into the warm water and rolling onto his back. Swimming leisurely, he watched the violet sky move like a blanket over him. The stars had started to come out.

“Now, basically what I’m going to do is turn a lot of this water into healing water.” Katara said while she grabbed his shoulder, pulling Zuko closer.

“But.” Zuko said sharply and put a hand to his abdomen.

Katara laid her hand gently on top.

“Lightning does something I can’t undo.” She said softly before removing her hand. “Trust me, I’ve tried.”

Zuko frowned as he put his hand back in the water.

“I’d think you’d be more interested in this.” Katara said while she walked to stand at his head, tapping the scarred side of his face.

“It’s grown on me.” Zuko mumbled. “Well, we’re not thinking about that anyway. Close your eyes.” Katara said and Zuko again obeyed.

He closed his eyes and immediately was aware of the strong mineral scent of the water.

“While I get started, start thinking of your happy thought.” She went on and Zuko took in a deep breath.

At this moment, if he couldn’t consider himself happy, he was at least content. Zuko could feel Katara standing at his head, and was acutely aware of her presence. She acted like a divining rod for his memories.

He remembered Ba Sing Se and the tea shop. Zuko had been happy there, but it all fell apart when Azula showed up. Katara had been the one to tell her he was there, and she had apologized for not stepping in herself.

But Zuko wasn’t sure that would have been better, as he also remembered Jet taking matters into his own hands.

Still, Katara had listened to him in the catacombs. Though he made sure to drive that into the ground.

“Happy thoughts, Zuko.” Katara chided. Zuko took in another deep breath.

Five years had passed since the end of the war. They were adults now, with lives that weren’t dictated by destiny or fate. Sokka had taken up painting, and was considered a savant for his ability to paint mirror images. Suki used to meet regularly with Aang in order to write a biography of Kyoshi, and now worked to visit the places the former Avatar described. Toph loved the Foggy Swamp and often disappeared amongst the roots for weeks at a time. And Aang was, of course, leading the new iteration of Air Acolytes.

Katara was drawn to knowledge, soaking in it and collecting it in vast reservoirs. She had studied for a time under a teacher in Ba Sing Se, but spent her time traveling with Aang to learn something new.

It was a pastime Zuko shared, and he often found himself perusing various libraries or shops for a book to send her.

They wrote to each other then, sometimes short notes and sometimes exchanging treatises on what they were reading.

“At least you’re relaxing now.” Katara said lightly.

She introduced him to other types of philosophy. There was a concept that life was a wheel, that everything was connected, and that everyone owed each other the blessings of the divine life they all contained. Zuko appreciated the sentiment, but couldn’t bring it into his own life.

Though he certainly felt like he owed some debts.

Hadn’t he decided long ago that he would give his life for her?

It hit him like a lightning bolt and Zuko gasped as he sank in the water. Thrashing about, Katara grabbed him firmly under his arms, yanking him out. Sputtering and choking, Katara smacked her hand on his back to urge out whatever water he attempted to inhale.

“What was that? It was just starting to work.” She said.

“It’s nothing.” Zuko said hoarsely, pushing away from her.

“Did you at least find your happy thought?” Katara asked.

Holding his throat, Zuko turned. He wished he had choked as the words came up with a cough.

“It’s always been you.”

[ibelieveindragons141]

It Takes Time

Summary: What if Katara had stumbled upon Zuko in Ba Sing Se...?

Zutara

Word count: 1177

Katara peeked her head into team avatar’s new house. “Hey, Aang, there’s a tea shop I want to try. I hear it’s the best in Ba Sing Se! Wanna come?”

Aang barely looked up from the scroll he was reading. “Uh, no thanks, Katara. Maybe later.”

“Sure, Aang.” She muttered, closing the door.

The Jasmine Dragon was bursting with people. The room had a warm, relaxed energy to it, making Katara’s shoulders instantly lose the weeks of tension built up in them.

An older man with a kind and wise face told her to take a seat and that his nephew will help her. Katara sat near the back to eliminate the possibility of unwanted attention and waited.

A young man with thick black hair approached her looking down at a notepad. “Hello, I’m Lee and I will be helping you..” he lifted his heads hair falling into his eyes which were growing larger by the second, “today.” He finished.

Katara’s face hardened. “Zuko.”

“Shhh!” He waved his arms frantically. “Not here.” He grabbed her arm and dragged her around the side of the shop.

She ripped her arm out of his warm grasp. “What are you doing here! How did you find us here?”

He shook his head. “Katara, it’s not what you think.”

She ignored the butterflies she felt when he said her name.

“No? Then what is it?” She closed her arms over her chest.

“My father will never accept me back. My honor is gone.” He hung his head. “So my uncle and I are working in this tea shop.” The corners of his mouth lodyed ever so slightly when he mentioned his uncle. Katara could see love and respect in his eyes, which was new. And she was pretty sure she liked it.

“I still don’t trust you. How do I know you’re not lying to me?”

He shrugged and held out his arms, which I secretly wondered what it would be like to be wrapped up in, and said, “You don’t. But I’m not. I didn’t even know yo- the avatar were here. If I was hunting you I wouldn’t be working in a tea shop.”

Katara paused. That was a good point. “Alright,” she said, “good point. But I still don’t trust you.”

He gave her a sad smile, “I know.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “Well, good. Because it’s true.”

“Would you still like some tea?”

“Um, sure. Thanks Zuko.” A phrase she never thought she’d say. Ever.

She spend the rest of the afternoon watching him closely, waiting for him to use fire bending or attack someone, but he never did. Maybe he has changed, she wondered silently.

The tea was delicious and as she left, she wandered around the city thinking about the afternoon’s incidents. She decided that it would be for the best if she went to the tea shop everyday- to keep a close eye on Zuko, of course, and for no other reason.

The next day, when she stepped into the tea shop, Zuko stared dumbfounded at her.

She raise an eyebrow. “Lee?”

“Y-yes, uhhh how can I help you?” He straightened his spine and stoped forwards to help her.

“Some ginseng tea, please.”

“Oh, of course. Coming right up- uhh I mean yep I got it um.. yeah.” He rushed off.

Katara had to hide her face behind her hands to suppress a giggle. He was cute when he was flustered.

The only other words exchanged that day were a few thank yous and the tea is lovely.

She went back the next day, and the next, and the next. On the sixth day, Zuko told her he liked her dress and she blushed. On the seventh, she told him she preferred his new hairstyle to the ponytail and it was his turn to flush. Say after day, they spoke more and more to each other; they shared stories and engaged in small talk which was usually tedious. But neither minded.

“Katara, would you um, that is to say I uh...”

“Zuko?”

“There’s a new place to eat.” He said.

“That’s nice.”

“Would you like to go with me? Tonight?”

The butterflies were back. “What, like on a date?”

“Yes! If that’s what you want.” He looked absolutely terrified and Katara smiled warmly.

“I would love to, you awkward turtleduck.” She laughed and Zuko cracked a smile, relieved.

“Meet me here at sundown.” He instructed.

That evening, she made sure her hair was perfect and her dress was neat and clean.

“Ooooh going on a date, Katara?” Sokka teased from across the room.

She turned. “Yes, actually I am,”

His jaw dropped and Aang stared at her.

“What? You are?”

She hummed and checked herself in the mirror one last time.

“With who?” Aang sounded incredulous.

“Just a guy I met in the tea shop.” She said lightly.

“Nice, Katara.” Toph piped up.

“And why haven’t I met him yet?” Sokka put his hands on his hips.

Katara just rolled her eyes. “Because, Sokka, you’d interrogate him and scare him off.”

“Yeah fair enough. Have fun.”

“Thanks, Sokka. Bye!”

Zuko was waiting outside for her. His hair was all slicked back.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” He said, giving a little wave. “Shall we?”

They began walking, arms brushing and fingers just missing each other.

“I like your hair.” She smirked.

He winced. “My uncle was... Very excited for me. He said a nice girl would be good for me.”

“A nice girl?” Katara scoffed. “I’m not a nice girl!”

“Well.....” he trailed off.

Katara punched his arm playfully. She was surprised to feel so at ease with the guy who had literally tried to kill her.

“So if I’m a good girl then does that make you a bad boy?”

He tilted his head, “I guess so.”

Katara stopped him in his tracks and leaned in whispering, “Because you know ever girl likes a bad boy.” His eyes widened and flicked to her lips then back to her eyes.

“Katara,” he breathed.

A door to her left flew open and a woman stormed out shouting, “Fine then! Keep you haircut. But I’m leaving!”

You and Zuko jumped apart and began laughing.

“Wow,” he said, “I’m glad I’m dating you and not her.”

Katara sucked in a sharp breath.

His eyes widened. “Sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed I just mmmph!”

Katara crashed her lips into his, savoring the faint jasmine taste.

“Does that answer your question?” She asked when they finally pulled apart.

His eyes moved up and down over her body, seeing her breathe just as heavily as him.

“Let’s go get dinner,” he said, “Then we’ll take a walk because I want to show my girlfriend off to the whole city.”

She kissed his cheek in response.

As they walked, their arms touched, and their fingers found each other. And never let go.

A/n: leave me a comment if you liked this! Thanks for reading :)

[trojantoast]

“The Love, The Dark, The Light, The Flame” - Zutara Week 2019

Day One “Gifts”

“I've been through the desert and I've been across the sea I've been walking through the mountains and wandered through the trees for her I have been trying to find her want to give what I got She lit a fire, but now she's in my every thought”

- “She Lit a Fire” Lord Huron

@zutaraweek  

“She’ll be here soon, you need to calm down Sparky.” The laughter in Toph’s voice, though familiar, was not appreciated.

“I’m completely calm.” Zuko gritted out, not missing her pronoun use, but not denying where his concern was focused.

“And I’m a flying purple hog monkey.”

Zuko grumbled and paced the foyer again. “They should be here by now.”

“Twinkle Toes probably stopped to go sightseeing, or ride a terrifying monster, or something equally as time-wasting, on his way to Ba Sing Se.” Toph leaned against a nearby table, sightless eyes staring at the ceiling, absentmindedly spinning her meteorite bracelet between her fingers.

Zuko could barely contain his nerves. He wasn’t surprised they were late. In his seven years of knowing Aang, the avatar had never proven himself to be the most punctual of people, nor the most accurate, so the fact that the “noon arrival” had turned into a late afternoon arrival was not shocking.

Still, Zuko paced.

“Sparky, you need to take a chill pill Aang-” 

“Lord Zuko? The Avatar's bison has been spotted over the hills.” A servant entered with a polite bow. Zuko’s heart jumped to his throat, perking up at the news. He remembered when those words would send a much different emotion rocketing through veins. But now he greeted them with a warm feeling, that could only be described as joy.

Toph joined him as he charged through the front door into the peaceful courtyard beyond. A white blur crested his vision with a deep bellow.

“See Sparky, there was nothing to be worried about.”

Zuko smile to himself as the great beast landed with a gust of wind. Without thinking Zuko’s gaze combed Appa’s saddle, looking for a flash of hair, or the familiar expression on her brow. Before he could get a good look he was blown over by a very energetic hug from Aang. 

Over the years the avatar had grown tall and lanky, now standing at a solid six foot. To Zuko’s quiet relief he hadn’t yet passed Zuko in stature. 

“Hi Aang.” the airbender released him with a grin. 

“Sorry we were a little late, I tried to ride the Unagi again.”

“Told ya.” Zuko didn't miss Toph’s smug comment.

“It was wild! I almost got eaten!” he looked down bashfully, “...again.” Aang turned to Toph and began to recite a play-by-play description of the encounter. Zuko looked up again to see Sokka slide, gracelessly, off Appa’s saddle and stride towards the group. 

“How’s my favorite Fire Lord!” He shouted. 

Aang had not gotten taller than Zuko, but the firebender couldn’t say the same for Sokka. At the start of the twenties, Sokka began to favor his father and was now distictly buff. The two men greeted each other with a warriors handshake that evolved into a strong embrace. They separated and Zuko met Sokka’s cooky smile,

 “I’m good, how’s Suk-”

“Hey Sokka! A little help here?!” immediately Zuko’s attention was drawn to the achingly familiar voice from atop Appa’s saddle. She was attempting to help a heavily pregnant Suki down, who was halfway hanging off the animal looking very nervous.

“Here I've got it!” a small gust of wind gently carried Suki to the ground with a puff of dust. 

“Thanks Aang!” Sokka’s wife said brightly. 

Zuko froze as Katara smoothly slid down one of Appa’s legs and brushed off her skirts, their eyes met. Before he had time to do anything else, Katara had crossed the distance and was hugging him, pressed against his chest.

Her hair smelled like rosemary. Her figure fit into his like a tailored glove, strong shoulders fit snugly under his arms, head tucked into the curve of his neck. Warmth flooded his chest. They seperated quickly but their gazes did not split. 

Katara was dressed in sea green, a loose two piece that flowed in the breeze. Her hair billowed around her, providing a sharp contrast to the pale fabric. She was just as stunning as he remembered, and the small moment, standing so close to he, made his heart jump. Her eyes, as round and hopeful as ever, bewitched him. He prayed she would never look away. 

“When you two are done making googly eyes at each other I want a tour, Zuko.” 

Zuko’s face turned beet red at Sokka’s suggestion, he turned away clearing his throat, a part of him stayed though, in that moment. 

What Zuko didn’t see was the way that Katara’s eyes lingered on his face as he led the group inside. 

 When Zuko had talked about renovating the beach house Katara had imagined fresh paint, maybe some pruning, or perhaps a new front door. It turned out “renovating” included adding a new wing and knocking out multiple walls to create a sprawling campus of rooms connected with hallways crowned with floor to ceiling windows. The interior was painted white, each room was filled with plants and fresh air, color was added with intricate rugs, paintings, and tapestries. The difference was astounding, the clearly abandoned house of the past, covered in dust, and filled with uneasiness, like you were somewhere you weren't supposed to be and someone could walk in at any moment, had changed into a welcoming estate surrounded by the sea. 

Some things hadn't changed too much. The second story, the private quarters of the Fire Lord and his guests, was the same. The addition of open windows and a good dusting removed the greyness from the last time Katara had been there.

“I assumed you all would want the same rooms as last time, your things were already moved in...if that's alright.” Zuko trailed off at the end and rubbed the back of his neck, clearly nervous. Katara  reached out and rested her hand on his arm, something in his eyes was hopeful when they met hers,

“That’s wonderful Zuko, the house is stunning, you did a fantastic job.” he smiled sweetly at her.

“Actually Zuko, I was wondering if I could switch with- ow! Nevermind! I love it buddy!” Katara heard the unmistakable sound of Suki pinching Sokka to make him be quiet.

 “Come on Sokka let's go unpack!”

“But Suki we just got here- OW! What was that one for?!” Katara hear the door of her brother and his wife's room slide closed.

“Hey Twinkle Toes I saw a really great spot to do some earthbending. I’ll show you!” 

In the blink of an eye, Katara and Zuko were alone in the hallway. 

“Oh, also,I like your haircut.”

 With a blush Zuko ran his hand through the long, fluffy hair on top of his head to the shorter pieces at the nape of his neck. “Really?”

The pair began to walk down the hallway towards their rooms. They fell into an easy gait beside each other. Katara took a closer look at it. The top was significantly longer than the underside, by Katara guess it was just long enough to pull into a Fire Lord crown. 

“Yeah, it really suits you, it's quite young.” 

Zuko snorted, “Thanks, I’ll let uncle know next time I see him, maybe we can match.”

Katara lifted her hand to her mouth and giggled, “What happened the long hair? I mean I can't say I miss it, you were threatening my throne for ‘best hair in team avatar’.”

He rolled his eyes, “we both know that award goes to Aang.” There was a beat of silence, and suddenly the hallway was filled with their laughter. It was easy, laughing with Zuko, familiar. Katara’s chest soared at his happiness.

“No...no..” Zuko tried to catch his breath, “I liked it until I woke up one morning and saw my father staring back at me.”   

They had reached their doors, and the mood shifted, though the remnants of their laughter clung to them.

Katara could picture it, staring at the mirror for a long moment, your stomach in your lungs and your heart in your throat. It happened to her the one time she tried on one of her mother's parkas. Katara reached out and squeezed his hand, the touch lingering. 

“Well the long hair wore you more than you wore it.” 

 “I guess you're right, it was hot anyway.” He smiled sadly and opened her door for her, not releasing her hand.

Katara squeezed his hand and let go walking part way into her room, “It’s really good to see you again Zuko, I miss you.”

His golden eyes held her blue ones evenly, “I missed you too Katara, the letters don’t do it justice.”

They stood there for a long moment, halfway in her bedroom, halfway out. The air, once playful, was still, like even nature itself was waiting, watching. Katara felt like something was supposed to happen, in this moment. But nothing came to her. Something deep inside her told her to reach out, for something, anything, to span the space between them. Don’t make it weird, she scolded herself. So she didn’t and crossed full way into the door. 

“Um, dinner is at seven. I’m cooking.” He broke the silence, the moment passed.

“Oh, that’s great!” She shook off an unfamiliar chill. 

“Oh, uh, Katara? I’m really glad you came.” his voice was quiet.

She turned to look at Zuko, “Me too.”

When the door closed, she felt the ghost of his hand in hers. 

By six thirty the smell of food lured almost everyone downstairs. Toph and Aang were considerably dirtier than before; and Zuko noticed that the rocks in the back garden where suspiciously moved about. The two earthbenders, and Sokka, had struck up a lively game of Fire Poker in the breakfast room, adjacent to the kitchen, where Zuko had banished them when they got in the way. According to Sokka’s shrill voice Toph was, “robbing them blind”. The irony of the accusation was not lost on the group, and Aang’s laugh could be heard throughout the house.

Suki had wandered down after a short nap and was flipping through some scrolls in one of the living rooms, in more comfortable seating then could be provided by the kitchen or the breakfast room. The Kyoshi warrior seemed to be taking the pregnancy well, but Zuko didn't know much about that sort of thing in the first place.

So Zuko flitted about the kitchen, enjoying the cathartic peace provided by cooking and the simple joy found in the voices of his friends. The kitchen was filled with wonderful smells and the sizzling of meat. 

“Don't put too many fire flakes on that komodo chicken, Sokka will get sick again.” Zuko looked up to see the friendly face of Katara leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen. 

“Don’t worry, I made a seperate one without it for his sensitive stomach.” He gestured to the meat cooking on the stove. Katara chuckled quietly and walked farther into the kitchen peering over his shoulder as he cut vegetables. 

“Do you need any help?” She asked turning around and leaning against an empty bit of counter. 

“Not from you.” Zuko said absentmindedly. 

“Oh?” Realizing what he had said he looked up, panic to see Katara’s brow quirk accusingly, her arms crossed, “why ever not?” 

“Oh Agni, shit, that's not what I meant.” Zuko pancked. With a clatter, he dropped the knife on the cutting board throwing his hands up defensively, “I mean you cooked for us so many times, back during the war, it would be fair, oh.. Umm… Im so sorry.” He held the bridge of his nose, trying to control his brain, and his tongue, “I meant that since you would always cooked and did so much for us you should never have to cook again.” 

His heart beat a million miles a minute but he looked up to see a smile breaking through her now obvious disguise of anger.

“Zuko, its fine.” Katara nudged him out of the way and picked up his knife, cutting the vegetables where he had left off, “I like cooking.” 

“Really?” He asked, deciding to roll with her actions and raking the produce into a bowl.

She nodded, “In my tribe meals are communal, so is cooking. The bonding that happens as the women make dinner is a huge pillar of my culture. It starts young, I helped with my first meal when I was only three.” Zuko listened to her talk about her home as he began to saute the vegetables. “Different families host the meals each day, all the women go to the hostess’ house and help her cook for the village.”

“What do the men do?” Zuko turned and asked.

“Well,” Zuko was soon immersed in the cadence of her voice, “back when there were lots of men in the village they would hunt the animals used for meals, and then the woman would skin and prepare it for either storing for winter or for the days meal, while the warriors where catching the next days meat, so they would have something to come home to. But after my father left with his warriors, it was mostly women and children left, so me and Sokka would hunt for food in the morning and bring it back to prepare later. That’s actually what we were doing when we found Aang.”

Zuko remembered hearing the story years ago, something about Sokka ruining the canoe and Katara cracking open an ice shelf.

“Did it bother you,” Zuko searched for the right words, “that no one helped back during the war? Since cooking is communal?” 

She seemed to think about it for a while. The silence was comfortable, the gamblers in the other room had become a little quieter, but where now arguing about rules.

“I guess it did,” She finally said, “it wasn’t that I had to do it all by myself, it was just that everyone expected it to happen, without them lifting a finger.” 

“That makes sense.” Zuko said quietly, “Do you want to talk about it?” 

“There's nothing to talk about really, it was in the past,” She turned to smile at him, with that stunning grin, “And you’ve all made it up to me since then.”

Zuko smiled back at her, “So, if I helped cook when I visited the South Pole would I be disrespecting Gran Gran? Cause I would love to help, but crossing her is not a wise decision.”

Katara laughed at that, “Not at all, she would welcome the help, and like I said, you could bond with the tribes women!” 

“I would love nothing more in the world.” Zuko turned back to his vegetables, “well, since you're so bent on helping could you start dishing out the rice?”

It was one of the best meals that Katara had ever had. The group had lounged around the dining room table splitting probably too many bottles of rice wine, trading stories about the times they were apart. Katara had found herself leaning closer and closer to Zuko with each glass until their thighs pressed together and their heads touched when they bent to laugh.

“So Katara insisted she stay an extra day to help.” Toph’s voice was boisterous and friendly.

“Those people needed my help!” Katara said exasperated.

“Sugar Queen, we know you can’t resist a charity case, but I had to sail all the way to the Fire Nation alone on a wooden boat.”

“I think it's cool that Katara started a hospital all by herself in the lower ring.” Aang piped up. A sly smile spread across the airbender’s lips, “Even if Appa had to fly a thousand miles out of his way…”

“Aang…” Katara sighed.

“I’m joking! I’m joking!” Aang threw his hands in the air in surrender.

Her friends weren’t completely incorrect. The hospital in the lower ring was practically her child. After spending so much time in the capital city as ambasador between the Southern Tribe and the Earth Kingdom alongside Toph (who had been acting as an advisor, but soon grew tired of “stuffy nobles” and had opened her own bending school inside the city) Katara had felt useless and she needed to get her hands dirty. So she purchased an old run down mill in the lower ring and built a hospital from the ground up, even finding some waterbenders in the process. It was open twenty-four seven and was completely free. 

She found herself there when she wasn't with the Earth King, and more than once had gotten so involved she had stayed up for days trying to heal someone, or investigating a new disease or injury. Every patient was a new challenge and she reveled in it. But, Katara  would be lying if she said that she didn't get too invested. The legend of the Painted Lady had crossed into the city, in no small part to Katara’s over-enthusiasm. 

During her pondering the conversation had moved on but Zuko leaned over and whispered into her ear, “You can feel free to open up one of those in the Fire Nation, you will not be searching for funds.”

Katara leaned over to him in turn, “I’ll keep that in mind, Fire Lord.”

For the next hour or so the dinner slowly dissolved into chaos, the only sober one being Suki (because of the baby), who retired early during the third verse of Sokka’s half-drunken rendition of a watertribe jig. Katara and Zuko were only a little tipsy because they a) could hold their liquor and b) never were passed the wine because of their position at the table.

Soon, Katara could feel her eyes getting heavy with the exhaustion of the day, and its travels and she turned to Zuko, who was laughing at a joke Toph had just cracked.

“I’m going to bed,” she muttered and punctuated her statement with a yawn. Zuko turned to her quickly,

“Before you go, I want to give you something.” he stood up, brushing some crumbs off his tunic, and extended a hand to her. She took it.

“Give me what?”

“You’ll see, come on.” He led her back to the dark kitchen, still covered in the meals dishes. 

He dropped her hand and began digging around in the cupboards. Katara watched, patient, and curious.

“Here it is!” Zuko's dark head emerged, and in his hands he held a medium sized pot, a melancholy expression crossed his face, “This was my mothers rice pot.”

“Oh, Zuko I can’t…” She covered her mouth. He ran a gentle finger around the edge. 

“It really hit me, what you said about cooking being communal. My mother taught me how to cook rice in this pot, my father didn't like it, he thought it was a peasant’s chore, but it was our little secret. I want you to have it, so everytime you’re cooking alone you can know that I’m here, and my mom is here and you’re always with someone.”

Tears streaked down Katara’s face.

“Zuko I… I love it.” She took it in her hands, feeling the worn metal, used with love. She imagined Zuko’s tiny hands cooking with it, being guided by his mother's gentle ones, “are you sure?” Katara looked into his eyes, they were glistening but filled with happiness.

“I know she would want you to have it.”

...................................................................

I’m sorry for the quality (and posting so late). I wasn't happy with any of the ideas that I had and  literally wrote this entire thing and posted in the same day. But besides that I would like to introduce you to the first of my Zutara Week entries. They are all intertwining and are part of an overarching plot. Where the Gaang is back together on Ember Island on the anniversary of the comet. Also I will be posting them all together on AO3 and probably FF.net but that will come later.

[jaxsteamblog]

Not a Bad Father- A next gen story

“I ignored it!” Sokka groaned as he cradled his head in his hands. Zuko patted his friends back and sighed.

“You were trying to be good.” He replied and Sokka only groaned louder.

The first moment Sokka had his heart stop in fear was a moment of shame. He had been walking down the hall and saw the door to his bedroom cracked open. Checking to make sure the cat wouldn’t be trapped, he slid it open.

And there, at Suki’s small vanity, sat his second daughter. In an almost perfect mirror to her older sister, Chang had shrugged on pilfered armor and painted her face. But Chang was wearing a blue tunic and gray face paint.

“Sweetie?” Sokka called out and a pot was slammed shut. Other small things went rocketing off the small surface of the vanity and the grease paint was rubbed into a sleeve. Sokka rushed over, holding onto Chang’s arm, trying to prevent permanent staining on his best Wolf uniform.

“I’m sorry daddy!” Chang blurted, tears already running down her face.

“Sweetheart I, there’s, there’s nothing to be sorry for.” Sokka found a stray handkerchief and began gently wiping at his daughter’s face. “Mei Mei would wear your mother’s robes all the time.” It had, in fact, taken them making Mei Mei her own smaller version of the full outfit to keep her from ruining Suki’s. Outside of the house, she had to wear her apprentice robes, but at home, she was often fully painted as a Kyoshi Warrior.

“I, didn’t want to look like mommy.” Chang said quietly. Her eyes were downcast and Sokka sighed before gently kissing her forehead.

“You can be a Tribe Warrior anytime. I’ve been a Kyoshi Warrior before.” Sokka said and Chang looked up with her blue eyes shining. He smiled before continuing. “It’s okay to pretend.” 

He missed the look in her face.

“I could have known then! Instead, I just, made it seem like a stupid thing!” Sokka exclaimed. Zuko flinched and tried to think of something helpful to say.

“You did your best.” He finally said. Sokka turned to him with flat eyes.

“I didn’t do enough.” He countered.

The second time his heart stopped in fear was after a moment of willful ignorance. It was ten years later. Mei Mei was about to be inducted into the Kyoshi Warriors and the entire town was packed with people. Sokka’s whole family had shown up, the royal family from the North Pole who were practically family, and Aang had brought his children. It was loud, things were busy, and so when Sokka walked by Chang’s room, he was already distracted.

“You can’t tie your bindings that tightly Chang. You could hurt yourself.” Mei Mei said, sounding concerned. 

“I’m trying to look, correct.” Chang shot back, her voice full of acid. For years, the two had barely gotten along, and it only got worse when Chang started her Kyoshi apprenticeship. 

“The robes will cover everything up and-”

“But I will know!” Chang yelled. “Just get out.” 

A few hours later, after the heat of the day, and shortly after the apprentices performed an exhibition piece, Chang fainted. She fell off of the stage and into the dirt, her head hitting with a sickening thud. 

Thank the spirits Katara was there.

Thank the sun and the stars and the moon herself that Chang was okay.

Katara had ripped open the tight bindings on Chang’s chest, allowing her to breathe. After working on her head, she allowed Sokka to pick Chang up and carry her back inside the house.

During her recovery, Chang didn’t attend her classes for her apprenticeship. After she had healed, Chang still never went back. It was something they simply never discussed.

“Chang was in pain for years.” Sokka muttered.

“You didn’t know.” Zuko stated. Sokka looked at him now and Zuko put a hand on his shoulder. “Now that you do, you can do something about it.”

The third time his heart stopped in fear was in a moment of hindsight. Since yesterday, Sokka had been living in a perpetual past. He kept replaying the conversation over and over in his head. He kept thinking about every time he had overlooked something important. He recalled specific moments that now made him sick to his stomach.

“Chang is gone.” Suki said. It was after the reception, when Sokka just wanted to collect his family and hide away in their suite. He had always been uncomfortable with Unalaq, finding him to be so alien to the rest of the family. But it was his wedding, and they were royals after all, so here he was. 

“What do mean she’s gone? Where did she go?” Sokka asked, more out of irritation than any worry. There were no fewer than five cousins here, plus her sister, plus two sets of aunts and uncles, plus her grandparents. 

“I don’t know!” Suki said sharply. She took in a shaky breath and reached into a pocket. “Sh... Chang left a note.” Suki held out the letter, but as Sokka reached for it, she pulled it back a little.

“Sokka. I, I don’t know how you’re going to feel about this.” She added.

Sokka pulled out the letter and smoothed it out on the table. Zuko sat quietly as they both looked at it.

“Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sorry. I can’t live as your little girl anymore because I think it will actually kill me. I’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you, but I never felt like I could. 

I’m not a woman. I never have been. And I can’t keep living like one.

So I’m going to live somewhere where I can be who I am.

I love you,

Chang.”

Zuko touched the letter and Sokka looked up at him.

“The entire guard is out looking for him. Even if he got on a boat, I have the airship ready to go.” Zuko said softly and Sokka nodded. Tears traitorously fell from his eyes and landed on the letter with soft plips.

“I failed my son.” Sokka whispered. Zuko know grabbed Sokka by the arms and gently shook him.

“You did not fail him. You were both looking at the wrong versions of each other. You made a mistake Sokka, but you will get your son back.” Zuko said. As Sokka sniffed to try and clear his nose, the door to the den opened with a soft click. 

“Prince Sokka, Fire Lord Zuko.” A guard said and the two men stood from the table. The door opened wider as the guard stepped in. “Prince Chang has returned to the palace.”

Chang, with his hair cut in angry chunks, wearing a tunic that was two sizes too large for him, and his face red and puffy, now walked into the room. Sokka’s chair clattered to the floor as he rushed forward, embracing his son tightly. 

“Please don’t leave.” Sokka said as Chang slowly put his arms around his father. “Please don’t ever leave me again.”

“I’m sorry dad.” Chang replied and started to cry.

“Chang!” Suki’s voice broke over them and Sokka felt the force of her body as she hugged Chang’s back.

“ ‘m fine mom!” Chang said, his voice muffled by Sokka’s jacket. 

“No he’s not. He needs a haircut.” Zuko countered from the room. Sokka lifted his head and turned a bit over his shoulder.

“You’re one to talk, ponytail.” He retorted.

“You had the worst ponytail.” Zuko stated.

“You had the worst hair constantly!” Sokka said.

“Dad!” Chang protested.

“No but you do need a haircut wolf pup.” Sokka said quickly and kissed the top of his son’s head.

“I love you.” Chang said in reply.