Post by HawkWind on Nov 24, 2006 23:20:52 GMT -5
Heya guysies! Well, this kinda just hit me at the spur of the moment one-shot, and I loved the idea that I had to write it down, and then one thing led to another, and I realized that it simply couldn't be a one-shot and had to be turned into something greater.... and so, may I present 'Now and Forever'.
Has implied Kataang, just so everyone knows, but nothing too big ;D Oh, and italics are memories or events from the past
“You’re leaving?” His tone wasn’t so hurt as it was surprised, but Katara still winced.
“I’m sorry Zuko, but Aang will be leaving soon anyway, and I have to follow him. I’ll be his wife soon.” Katara looked away from her long time friend and chose instead to stare at a surprisingly very interesting spot on the floor.
“His wife?” Zuko sagged against a wall and stared blankly at Katara. “You’re marrying the Avatar?”
She nodded weakly. “He… he asked me this morning if I would, though I have to say, I’ve been pushing for it for a while now.” Her eyes met the molten amber ones and she smiled weakly. “He is one of my oldest friends you know, and he’ll take good care of me.”
Zuko didn’t reply for a moment, just passed a hand swiftly over his face. “But what about… us?” The word hung heavily in the air.
Katara opened her mouth, and then closed it again as her hands played nervously over her stomach. “I… it shouldn’t have happened Zuko. We aren’t meant for each other, we’re too different.” She supplied, but couldn’t bring herself to look into her friends face. Zuko’s hand lifted and hovered an inch from her cheek for a moment before he let it drop with a sigh.
“If that is what you really want… I can’t stop you.” He said softly. Katara looked back up at him with a gentle smile on her face.
“Thank you Zuko, you really are a good friend.” She rose on her toes and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek. “I had better go let your uncle know we’ll be leaving.” She grinned at him half heartedly before slipping off.
Zuko watched her go blankly.
Zuko pushed back from his desk and shook his head to clear it from all his bothersome thoughts interrupting his thinking. His hair swished around his shoulders and he brushed it back into place. Ten years being the Fire Lord, and he still hated all the work. He doubted that fact would ever change though, and he smirked, resting his chin on his laced fingers. The open window across the room let in a soft breeze and Zuko shut his eyes, letting it run over his face gently. It was such a beautiful day out; he shouldn’t be trapped in his office doing paper work. He pushed back his chair and stood, red robes swirling around him, and slipped out of the office. The guard at his door bowed as Zuko passed him and Zuko nodded back.
The grounds of the palace were gorgeous, gardens and fountains were everywhere, and Zuko took a deep breath of the refreshing air. “Well, look who finally came out to enjoy the spring air.” Zuko winced. His sister’s voice still sent shivers up his spine despite the fact that the siblings were on good terms again. “Big Brother, you’re looking well.”
“Azula,” he nodded to his younger sister as she came to stand beside him. “How are you doing?”
Azula snorted. “I see you every day Zuzu, do you really need to ask?” Zuko ignored his pet name and shrugged.
“It’s the only thing we can really say to each other.”
Azula laughed coarsely. “That’s true enough.” She agreed and then shook her head. “We sure are a messed up family.”
Zuko nodded and then smiled at his sister. “At least we’re better off now.”
“Yeah, we are.” Azula returned his smile with a small one of her own. “I have to say I like it better this way. Though,” she smirked “I did have fun beating your a** back then.” Zuko laughed.
“I’m going to go into the city for a while.” He informed his sister. “I won’t be taking any guards. If I’m not back for dinner, then you can send out a search party.”
“Or I’ll just take the throne for myself.”
“That’s not funny Azula.”
His little sister just smirked at him and punched him on the arm. “Have fun Zuzu. I’ll see you later.” She waved as she turned and walked away. Zuko shook his head and walked down to the gate that separated the palace grounds from the rest of the city. The guards there bowed as well as Zuko passed.
The city was just as busy as it had always been, if not busier. Now that the war was over, merchants from all over the world had started to creep back into the capital of the Fire Nation and sell their things again. The city was full of noise and sharp sights and smells. It was loud and Zuko loved it. He loved seeing his Nation thrive under his care, and though there were still some people in the Fire Nation who supported the war and were against Ozai’s banished son taking up the throne, most of the Fire Nation was happy the century long war was over. As he walked slowly through the city, Zuko stopped to talk to a few of the vendors he had come to know over time. That was the woman who made the finest silks, and that boy there sold small trinkets for a living. He waved as he passed them. He had to admit he was slightly surprised but not displeased by the number of people from other nations visiting. There were many earth citizens strolling the streets, and he paused to watch a mock battle between an Earth bender and Fire bender, and ended up laughing just as hard as everyone else watching when the Earth bender easily beat the fire bender. As the two shook hands, Zuko smiled softly. This was how the world was supposed to be.
There was even a young woman from the water tribes if her clothes were anything to go by. They seemed similar somehow, and Zuko paused to take a second look at her.
She was medium height, long brown hair and blue eyes and…no. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t be here, not after ten years, there was no way she could have possibly returned. And yet she was unmistakable. Her blue eyes still sparkled the same way he remembered, her hair was still that sweeping braid that he used to love. Her face was gentle and kind, and if possible, even more beautiful than when he had last seen it, when she was eighteen. The only real difference Zuko could find in the girl was her companions. Instead of a bald monk, older brother, blind bandit and a brooding prince, she traveled with children. Two.
The older was a girl, at most ten years of age. Her soft brown eyes took in the city with interest, and her long black hair had been brushed back into a ponytail. She clung tightly to her mother’s hand as she inspected everything around her. The younger child was a boy, riding happily on his mother’s back as she supported him with one arm. His eyes were unmistakably grey, and he was chattering excitedly.
However, Zuko only focused on the children for a minute, before Katara once again caught his attention. She was haggling with a shopkeeper over the price of apples; mouth a thin line of determination and eyes blazing. As Zuko moved closer, he picked up her voice and couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. At twenty-eight, Katara was no different from how he remembered her.
“… But I told you that already. I don’t have any use for twelve apples I only need three. Besides, I can’t even afford that many. I’ll pay the price for three apples though, and I can throw in a little bit extra.” She growled and Zuko was sure she would have started gesturing with her hands if they weren’t already preoccupied with the children.
The man frowned and shook his head. “You buy twelve or you buy none. It’s your choice.” He looked disdainfully down his sharp nose to the small woman, sizing her up. Katara gave a frustrated growl and then glared at the man.
“Fine, I won’t buy any of your stupid apples. Come on kids,” her voice dropped to a softer tone and she smiled at the little girl beside her. “We’ll find something else to eat.” She turned away, and the little boy ridding on her back stuck his tongue out at the man, who pretended not to notice. The little girl, however, looked hungrily back at the apple stand and tugged on her mother’s hand.
“Mama,” she whimpered softly. “I’m hungry.”
Zuko stepped forward, still unnoticed by Katara. “Maybe I can help you there.” Katara froze. The little boy on her back looked up at him and grinned. The little girl looked up as well, eyes thoughtful. There was something in her face that Zuko almost caught, and then when he looked again, it was gone. Katara was turning her head slowly, blue eyes wide and disbelieving as if she didn’t dare to hope that the voice, so warm and familiar, really belonged to an old friend. “It’s been a while Katara.”
A familiar grin spread across Katara’s face. “Why hello Zuko. I didn’t except to run into you here.” She laughed and slid the child off her back to give him a hug. Her tone was teasing and light, yet still full of surprise. “I thought they would be keeping you penned up in the castle now that you’re the great Fire Lord.”
“They try.” Zuko admitted with a smirk. “But you of all people should know it’s impossible to try and control me.” Katara laughed in agreement. It had been awhile, Zuko realized, since he had made someone laugh. Made Katara laugh. He had missed it.
“Mama, who’s that?” The little boy at her side tugged at her sleeve and Katara swooped him up quickly, balancing him on her hip.
“Sweetie, this is Zuko. He’s a very old friend of mine.” The boy cocked his head and grinned at Zuko. Zuko found himself smiling back. “Zuko,” Katara continued, “this is my son, Kuzon.”
The older child at Katara’s side stepped forward as well, though one hand gripped her mother’s hand carefully. “And this,” Katara placed her hand on the girls head. “Is my daughter Rika.” The girl smiled carefully up at him and Zuko smiled back. Again, for a moment, something was strangely familiar about her face, and then it was gone. Zuko shook himself. He was seeing things.
“How do you do.” Zuko asked, not quite sure if he should extend a hand for the children to shake or whether a simple verbal introduction would do.
“I’m five!” Kuzon informed him and held one hand out, fingers spread to show Zuko exactly how old he was. “How old are you?”
“I’ll be thirty soon.” Zuko informed the boy. Definitely Aang’s son Zuko thought. Almost everything was like him. The smile, the eyes, the boundless energy, he had a slight form though, and Zuko was sure that came from Katara. The brown mop of hair on his head as well.
Kuzon cocked his head. “You’re really old.”
“Kuzon, you know that’s not polite.” Katara chided gently, but she couldn’t keep her giggles back at the surprise on Zuko’s face. Zuko smirked at the kid.
“Old enough to beat you in a fight.” He teased gently. Kuzon’s cheeks puffed up at Rika giggled as she watched her brother pout.
“No way!” He whined. “I’m a water bender!”
“Are you now?” He ruffled Kuzon’s hair affectionately, and smiled at Katara. “How about you?” He asked Rika.
“I can’t bend. Uncle Sokka says that I take after him and that it’s way cooler to be a warrior.” Rika replied. “Uncle Sokka said he would teach me how to fight.” She grinned toothily up at him.
“Uncle Sokka says a lot of things.” Katara rolled her eyes and Zuko chuckled softly.
“Mama,” Kuzon whispered softly after a minute. “I’m still hungry.” Katara hugged her child carefully and smiled at him reassuringly.
“I know honey, we’re going to go find something to eat.”
“Can we have apples?” Rika asked.
“Mama can’t afford apples right now sweetie, but I’m sure there are plenty of other tasty things around. Should we go look?”
“If money is the issue,” Zuko stepped in quickly “I can easily help you out.” The look on Katara’s face told him she was about to object, but Zuko didn’t let her. It had been too long since he had seen her, and he wasn’t going to lose her now. “Would you like some apples Rika?”
The little girl looked up at him and nodded. “Hold on just one minute then.” He said as he winked at Katara and quickly turned to the apple vendor.
“Zuko you don’t have to.” Katara protested as she stood back up and took Rika’s hand.
“I know,” he smiled back at her over his shoulder. “But the cooks back at the palace have run out of apples. I’m just getting some for them, and I’m sure there are a few extras that the cooks don’t need.” Katara still looked doubtful but Rika’s obvious joy and Kuzon’s happy cry silenced her and she nodded.
“If you’re sure.” She said with a sigh, and Zuko nodded.
“I am.” He quickly brought out the money for the amount of a dozen apples and realized with alarm how little it was. If Katara couldn’t afford even this much, how much money did she have at all? Reaching into the bag, he pulled out four apples and handed one to each other the children and two to Katara. Kuzon squealed in delight and bit happily into his apple. Rika smiled too, and ate her apple quickly as well. Katara however was a bit more hesitant.
“Zuko, I’ll pay you back for these.” She said softly.
“No need.” He said easily. “It’s no trouble.”
Katara shook her head. “I don’t accept charity, you know that about me Zuko. And we’re not that bad off that we can’t look after ourselves.”
Zuko blinked in surprise. “I never thought of it as charity.” He admitted. “I thought it was just one friend helping out another.”
“Still,” Katara bit her lip, and Zuko couldn’t help but remember how often she did that when she was younger. “I owe you something.”
“If you insist…” Zuko mumbled. He didn’t like the idea of taking money from Katara, but he couldn’t ignore her pride. His mind worked quickly as Katara reached into a pitifully small bag that jangled softly when it moved. As she pulled out a few coins, Zuko stopped her. “If you insist on repaying me, then you’ll come up to the palace with me and tell me everything you’ve done in the past ten years. It’s been too long Katara. My payment will be forcing you to have dinner and talking to me. Sound like a fair trade?”
Katara frowned and then a smile lit her face, though slightly shadowed. “Well, I suppose having to put up with your company for a evening is at least worth four apples.” She winked at him. “It’ll be hard though, you know how much I hate being with you.” She teased. Rika giggled.
“Oh, believe me, I remember Katara.” Zuko chuckled. Kuzon had finished his apple and was now grinning up at Zuko with specks of his snack on his cheeks.
“Mama,” He giggled and whispered loudly to Katara. “I like him.” Katara laughed.
“I do too, Mama.” Rika spoke up.
“Alright then, it’s settled. Your… Rika and Kuzon like me, so now you have to come.” Zuko wondered why he found it so hard to say ‘your kids’ to Katara. They were obviously hers and Aang’s. Kuzon proved that fact alone with his bountiful energy and playful grey eyes. Still, it was hard to imagine Katara having children of her own, children that were not… He didn’t even let himself finish that thought.
“Yay!” Kuzon giggled and latched himself onto Zuko’s hand. If Zuko was surprised he didn’t show it, just laughed softly and swung the bag of eight remaining apples over his back. Rika let go of her mother’s hand, but still stuck close to Katara as they walked through the busy streets of the Fire Nation capital. Zuko watched Katara out of the corner of us eye. Katara was drinking in the sights around her almost as eagerly as her daughter. It had been a long time since she had been down here in the city with him. She had always loved it so much, the sights and smells and all the people. If Katara was anything, she was a people person. Zuko smiled. He would have to get her out here more often.
“Katara!” Zuko called after his friend as she raced ahead of him giggling. He hurried after her and caught her arm. “You know the point of this walk is to be together, right?” He asked her as she laughed again.
“Says you!” She grinned up at him. Zuko smiled back at her, amused. She stuck her tongue out at him, the slipped her arm away from his grasp. “Come on slow poke, if we want to get to the market and back before Sokka notices we’re both missing, we have to hurry.” Zuko rolled his eyes.
“First of all, it’s not called market here, it’s the city, and second, I’m well aware of your brother’s paranoia, that’s why Toph is covering for us.” Katara laughed.
“What did you bribe her with this time?”
“Nothing, she likes playing tricks on Sokka as much as I do.” He called after Katara as she laughed and picked up her run again.
She paused at the brink of the hill that the Fire Nation’s palace grounds rested on and gasped. The city was huge, stretching for miles westward. “It’s amazing!” She cried and Zuko caught up to her and stood next to her.
“I know. This is my favorite spot, or it was when I was little. I used to sit here for hours with my uncle and just stare at the city.” Zuko smiled softly to himself as he remembered his lost childhood
Katara looked up at him. “You must have missed it a lot.” She said sadly. Zuko shook himself and looked down at her, his eyes kind.
“Yeah,’ he agreed. “I really did.”
Katara rested her hand on his shoulder for a moment. Zuko took in the touch with his eyes closed. He didn’t let many people touch him, but Katara was one of the few exceptions, and he loved it when she did. It was comforting and sweet, a lot like how his mother used to hug him or pat him on the head.
“I’m sorry Zuko.” Her voice was soft, but then her demeanor shifted and she was once more laughing up at him. “I guess we’ll have to go and see as much of it as we can!” She grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled him down the hill after her. “You know what I bet?” Katara asked over her shoulder.
“What?”
“I bet there is a beautiful robe down there that just screams my name, and you know what else? I bet I can get you to buy it for me!” Zuko rolled his eyes.
“Only if you’re willing to pay me back.”
“We’ll see Zuko, but you know you can’t resist me. I am your best friend.”
“Funny, I hadn’t realized.”
To be continued…
Has implied Kataang, just so everyone knows, but nothing too big ;D Oh, and italics are memories or events from the past
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“You’re leaving?” His tone wasn’t so hurt as it was surprised, but Katara still winced.
“I’m sorry Zuko, but Aang will be leaving soon anyway, and I have to follow him. I’ll be his wife soon.” Katara looked away from her long time friend and chose instead to stare at a surprisingly very interesting spot on the floor.
“His wife?” Zuko sagged against a wall and stared blankly at Katara. “You’re marrying the Avatar?”
She nodded weakly. “He… he asked me this morning if I would, though I have to say, I’ve been pushing for it for a while now.” Her eyes met the molten amber ones and she smiled weakly. “He is one of my oldest friends you know, and he’ll take good care of me.”
Zuko didn’t reply for a moment, just passed a hand swiftly over his face. “But what about… us?” The word hung heavily in the air.
Katara opened her mouth, and then closed it again as her hands played nervously over her stomach. “I… it shouldn’t have happened Zuko. We aren’t meant for each other, we’re too different.” She supplied, but couldn’t bring herself to look into her friends face. Zuko’s hand lifted and hovered an inch from her cheek for a moment before he let it drop with a sigh.
“If that is what you really want… I can’t stop you.” He said softly. Katara looked back up at him with a gentle smile on her face.
“Thank you Zuko, you really are a good friend.” She rose on her toes and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek. “I had better go let your uncle know we’ll be leaving.” She grinned at him half heartedly before slipping off.
Zuko watched her go blankly.
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Now and Forever
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Zuko pushed back from his desk and shook his head to clear it from all his bothersome thoughts interrupting his thinking. His hair swished around his shoulders and he brushed it back into place. Ten years being the Fire Lord, and he still hated all the work. He doubted that fact would ever change though, and he smirked, resting his chin on his laced fingers. The open window across the room let in a soft breeze and Zuko shut his eyes, letting it run over his face gently. It was such a beautiful day out; he shouldn’t be trapped in his office doing paper work. He pushed back his chair and stood, red robes swirling around him, and slipped out of the office. The guard at his door bowed as Zuko passed him and Zuko nodded back.
The grounds of the palace were gorgeous, gardens and fountains were everywhere, and Zuko took a deep breath of the refreshing air. “Well, look who finally came out to enjoy the spring air.” Zuko winced. His sister’s voice still sent shivers up his spine despite the fact that the siblings were on good terms again. “Big Brother, you’re looking well.”
“Azula,” he nodded to his younger sister as she came to stand beside him. “How are you doing?”
Azula snorted. “I see you every day Zuzu, do you really need to ask?” Zuko ignored his pet name and shrugged.
“It’s the only thing we can really say to each other.”
Azula laughed coarsely. “That’s true enough.” She agreed and then shook her head. “We sure are a messed up family.”
Zuko nodded and then smiled at his sister. “At least we’re better off now.”
“Yeah, we are.” Azula returned his smile with a small one of her own. “I have to say I like it better this way. Though,” she smirked “I did have fun beating your a** back then.” Zuko laughed.
“I’m going to go into the city for a while.” He informed his sister. “I won’t be taking any guards. If I’m not back for dinner, then you can send out a search party.”
“Or I’ll just take the throne for myself.”
“That’s not funny Azula.”
His little sister just smirked at him and punched him on the arm. “Have fun Zuzu. I’ll see you later.” She waved as she turned and walked away. Zuko shook his head and walked down to the gate that separated the palace grounds from the rest of the city. The guards there bowed as well as Zuko passed.
The city was just as busy as it had always been, if not busier. Now that the war was over, merchants from all over the world had started to creep back into the capital of the Fire Nation and sell their things again. The city was full of noise and sharp sights and smells. It was loud and Zuko loved it. He loved seeing his Nation thrive under his care, and though there were still some people in the Fire Nation who supported the war and were against Ozai’s banished son taking up the throne, most of the Fire Nation was happy the century long war was over. As he walked slowly through the city, Zuko stopped to talk to a few of the vendors he had come to know over time. That was the woman who made the finest silks, and that boy there sold small trinkets for a living. He waved as he passed them. He had to admit he was slightly surprised but not displeased by the number of people from other nations visiting. There were many earth citizens strolling the streets, and he paused to watch a mock battle between an Earth bender and Fire bender, and ended up laughing just as hard as everyone else watching when the Earth bender easily beat the fire bender. As the two shook hands, Zuko smiled softly. This was how the world was supposed to be.
There was even a young woman from the water tribes if her clothes were anything to go by. They seemed similar somehow, and Zuko paused to take a second look at her.
She was medium height, long brown hair and blue eyes and…no. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t be here, not after ten years, there was no way she could have possibly returned. And yet she was unmistakable. Her blue eyes still sparkled the same way he remembered, her hair was still that sweeping braid that he used to love. Her face was gentle and kind, and if possible, even more beautiful than when he had last seen it, when she was eighteen. The only real difference Zuko could find in the girl was her companions. Instead of a bald monk, older brother, blind bandit and a brooding prince, she traveled with children. Two.
The older was a girl, at most ten years of age. Her soft brown eyes took in the city with interest, and her long black hair had been brushed back into a ponytail. She clung tightly to her mother’s hand as she inspected everything around her. The younger child was a boy, riding happily on his mother’s back as she supported him with one arm. His eyes were unmistakably grey, and he was chattering excitedly.
However, Zuko only focused on the children for a minute, before Katara once again caught his attention. She was haggling with a shopkeeper over the price of apples; mouth a thin line of determination and eyes blazing. As Zuko moved closer, he picked up her voice and couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. At twenty-eight, Katara was no different from how he remembered her.
“… But I told you that already. I don’t have any use for twelve apples I only need three. Besides, I can’t even afford that many. I’ll pay the price for three apples though, and I can throw in a little bit extra.” She growled and Zuko was sure she would have started gesturing with her hands if they weren’t already preoccupied with the children.
The man frowned and shook his head. “You buy twelve or you buy none. It’s your choice.” He looked disdainfully down his sharp nose to the small woman, sizing her up. Katara gave a frustrated growl and then glared at the man.
“Fine, I won’t buy any of your stupid apples. Come on kids,” her voice dropped to a softer tone and she smiled at the little girl beside her. “We’ll find something else to eat.” She turned away, and the little boy ridding on her back stuck his tongue out at the man, who pretended not to notice. The little girl, however, looked hungrily back at the apple stand and tugged on her mother’s hand.
“Mama,” she whimpered softly. “I’m hungry.”
Zuko stepped forward, still unnoticed by Katara. “Maybe I can help you there.” Katara froze. The little boy on her back looked up at him and grinned. The little girl looked up as well, eyes thoughtful. There was something in her face that Zuko almost caught, and then when he looked again, it was gone. Katara was turning her head slowly, blue eyes wide and disbelieving as if she didn’t dare to hope that the voice, so warm and familiar, really belonged to an old friend. “It’s been a while Katara.”
A familiar grin spread across Katara’s face. “Why hello Zuko. I didn’t except to run into you here.” She laughed and slid the child off her back to give him a hug. Her tone was teasing and light, yet still full of surprise. “I thought they would be keeping you penned up in the castle now that you’re the great Fire Lord.”
“They try.” Zuko admitted with a smirk. “But you of all people should know it’s impossible to try and control me.” Katara laughed in agreement. It had been awhile, Zuko realized, since he had made someone laugh. Made Katara laugh. He had missed it.
“Mama, who’s that?” The little boy at her side tugged at her sleeve and Katara swooped him up quickly, balancing him on her hip.
“Sweetie, this is Zuko. He’s a very old friend of mine.” The boy cocked his head and grinned at Zuko. Zuko found himself smiling back. “Zuko,” Katara continued, “this is my son, Kuzon.”
The older child at Katara’s side stepped forward as well, though one hand gripped her mother’s hand carefully. “And this,” Katara placed her hand on the girls head. “Is my daughter Rika.” The girl smiled carefully up at him and Zuko smiled back. Again, for a moment, something was strangely familiar about her face, and then it was gone. Zuko shook himself. He was seeing things.
“How do you do.” Zuko asked, not quite sure if he should extend a hand for the children to shake or whether a simple verbal introduction would do.
“I’m five!” Kuzon informed him and held one hand out, fingers spread to show Zuko exactly how old he was. “How old are you?”
“I’ll be thirty soon.” Zuko informed the boy. Definitely Aang’s son Zuko thought. Almost everything was like him. The smile, the eyes, the boundless energy, he had a slight form though, and Zuko was sure that came from Katara. The brown mop of hair on his head as well.
Kuzon cocked his head. “You’re really old.”
“Kuzon, you know that’s not polite.” Katara chided gently, but she couldn’t keep her giggles back at the surprise on Zuko’s face. Zuko smirked at the kid.
“Old enough to beat you in a fight.” He teased gently. Kuzon’s cheeks puffed up at Rika giggled as she watched her brother pout.
“No way!” He whined. “I’m a water bender!”
“Are you now?” He ruffled Kuzon’s hair affectionately, and smiled at Katara. “How about you?” He asked Rika.
“I can’t bend. Uncle Sokka says that I take after him and that it’s way cooler to be a warrior.” Rika replied. “Uncle Sokka said he would teach me how to fight.” She grinned toothily up at him.
“Uncle Sokka says a lot of things.” Katara rolled her eyes and Zuko chuckled softly.
“Mama,” Kuzon whispered softly after a minute. “I’m still hungry.” Katara hugged her child carefully and smiled at him reassuringly.
“I know honey, we’re going to go find something to eat.”
“Can we have apples?” Rika asked.
“Mama can’t afford apples right now sweetie, but I’m sure there are plenty of other tasty things around. Should we go look?”
“If money is the issue,” Zuko stepped in quickly “I can easily help you out.” The look on Katara’s face told him she was about to object, but Zuko didn’t let her. It had been too long since he had seen her, and he wasn’t going to lose her now. “Would you like some apples Rika?”
The little girl looked up at him and nodded. “Hold on just one minute then.” He said as he winked at Katara and quickly turned to the apple vendor.
“Zuko you don’t have to.” Katara protested as she stood back up and took Rika’s hand.
“I know,” he smiled back at her over his shoulder. “But the cooks back at the palace have run out of apples. I’m just getting some for them, and I’m sure there are a few extras that the cooks don’t need.” Katara still looked doubtful but Rika’s obvious joy and Kuzon’s happy cry silenced her and she nodded.
“If you’re sure.” She said with a sigh, and Zuko nodded.
“I am.” He quickly brought out the money for the amount of a dozen apples and realized with alarm how little it was. If Katara couldn’t afford even this much, how much money did she have at all? Reaching into the bag, he pulled out four apples and handed one to each other the children and two to Katara. Kuzon squealed in delight and bit happily into his apple. Rika smiled too, and ate her apple quickly as well. Katara however was a bit more hesitant.
“Zuko, I’ll pay you back for these.” She said softly.
“No need.” He said easily. “It’s no trouble.”
Katara shook her head. “I don’t accept charity, you know that about me Zuko. And we’re not that bad off that we can’t look after ourselves.”
Zuko blinked in surprise. “I never thought of it as charity.” He admitted. “I thought it was just one friend helping out another.”
“Still,” Katara bit her lip, and Zuko couldn’t help but remember how often she did that when she was younger. “I owe you something.”
“If you insist…” Zuko mumbled. He didn’t like the idea of taking money from Katara, but he couldn’t ignore her pride. His mind worked quickly as Katara reached into a pitifully small bag that jangled softly when it moved. As she pulled out a few coins, Zuko stopped her. “If you insist on repaying me, then you’ll come up to the palace with me and tell me everything you’ve done in the past ten years. It’s been too long Katara. My payment will be forcing you to have dinner and talking to me. Sound like a fair trade?”
Katara frowned and then a smile lit her face, though slightly shadowed. “Well, I suppose having to put up with your company for a evening is at least worth four apples.” She winked at him. “It’ll be hard though, you know how much I hate being with you.” She teased. Rika giggled.
“Oh, believe me, I remember Katara.” Zuko chuckled. Kuzon had finished his apple and was now grinning up at Zuko with specks of his snack on his cheeks.
“Mama,” He giggled and whispered loudly to Katara. “I like him.” Katara laughed.
“I do too, Mama.” Rika spoke up.
“Alright then, it’s settled. Your… Rika and Kuzon like me, so now you have to come.” Zuko wondered why he found it so hard to say ‘your kids’ to Katara. They were obviously hers and Aang’s. Kuzon proved that fact alone with his bountiful energy and playful grey eyes. Still, it was hard to imagine Katara having children of her own, children that were not… He didn’t even let himself finish that thought.
“Yay!” Kuzon giggled and latched himself onto Zuko’s hand. If Zuko was surprised he didn’t show it, just laughed softly and swung the bag of eight remaining apples over his back. Rika let go of her mother’s hand, but still stuck close to Katara as they walked through the busy streets of the Fire Nation capital. Zuko watched Katara out of the corner of us eye. Katara was drinking in the sights around her almost as eagerly as her daughter. It had been a long time since she had been down here in the city with him. She had always loved it so much, the sights and smells and all the people. If Katara was anything, she was a people person. Zuko smiled. He would have to get her out here more often.
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“Katara!” Zuko called after his friend as she raced ahead of him giggling. He hurried after her and caught her arm. “You know the point of this walk is to be together, right?” He asked her as she laughed again.
“Says you!” She grinned up at him. Zuko smiled back at her, amused. She stuck her tongue out at him, the slipped her arm away from his grasp. “Come on slow poke, if we want to get to the market and back before Sokka notices we’re both missing, we have to hurry.” Zuko rolled his eyes.
“First of all, it’s not called market here, it’s the city, and second, I’m well aware of your brother’s paranoia, that’s why Toph is covering for us.” Katara laughed.
“What did you bribe her with this time?”
“Nothing, she likes playing tricks on Sokka as much as I do.” He called after Katara as she laughed and picked up her run again.
She paused at the brink of the hill that the Fire Nation’s palace grounds rested on and gasped. The city was huge, stretching for miles westward. “It’s amazing!” She cried and Zuko caught up to her and stood next to her.
“I know. This is my favorite spot, or it was when I was little. I used to sit here for hours with my uncle and just stare at the city.” Zuko smiled softly to himself as he remembered his lost childhood
Katara looked up at him. “You must have missed it a lot.” She said sadly. Zuko shook himself and looked down at her, his eyes kind.
“Yeah,’ he agreed. “I really did.”
Katara rested her hand on his shoulder for a moment. Zuko took in the touch with his eyes closed. He didn’t let many people touch him, but Katara was one of the few exceptions, and he loved it when she did. It was comforting and sweet, a lot like how his mother used to hug him or pat him on the head.
“I’m sorry Zuko.” Her voice was soft, but then her demeanor shifted and she was once more laughing up at him. “I guess we’ll have to go and see as much of it as we can!” She grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled him down the hill after her. “You know what I bet?” Katara asked over her shoulder.
“What?”
“I bet there is a beautiful robe down there that just screams my name, and you know what else? I bet I can get you to buy it for me!” Zuko rolled his eyes.
“Only if you’re willing to pay me back.”
“We’ll see Zuko, but you know you can’t resist me. I am your best friend.”
“Funny, I hadn’t realized.”
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To be continued…