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[benevolently.livejournal.com]

Aaand, another one!

Who: Katara & Zuko~
What: Having tea together on Valentine's Day.
When: After this!
Where: In the kitchen.
Rating: PG.



Zuko was nervous beyond all reason. His uncle had certainly been pushing for him to spend some time with Katara today, and while he didn't mind, he did mind being told what to do, oh so subtly by his Uncle. He had already gotten the girl candy...although he wasn't sure whether she would like it, or whether he should actually give it to her...what if she didn't like it, what if she thought it was stupid? It made him terribly nervous, so he kept it in the folds of his (now very pink) clothing.

Sighing, he stumbled around making tea, using his firebending to heat the water up quickly, and he hoped that it wouldn't ruin the drink. He didn't know what was so special about this blend from his uncle, but Iroh had been very adamant that he drink this with Katara.

While Katara wasn't too crazy about the color pink, she found it funny when a lot of people went crazy over the changes in their rooms and wardrobe. It was only for a few more days, right? She stared at her reflection in the mirror though, shaking her head when even her watertribe robes turned from blue to pink. She finally decided to wear something different from her closet, which .. everything was still very pink. She wasn't going to be picky in that case.

"Hey," she grinned when she saw Zuko's clothes suffered the same fate. She blinked a little though and stood at the side of the counter, watching him make the tea.

"So, um. How did your day go?" Katara decided to ask, wondering if he got the unsigned Valentine she sent. That was rather embarrassing.

Zuko raised his head, and resisted the urge to grin at her precense. That was hardly befitting for a prince, afterall. Okay, so sure he couldn't really be considered a prince since he was in Exile, but to his mind, he was still Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, whether he and his country of origin were on favourable terms, or not. Regardless, he did feel a tightening in his throat as he continued to work on the tea, and looked over at her with a faint tinge of blush.

"Oh, er...it was fine," he admitted, sliding an eye to catch hers. "How was yours?" he asked shyly.

Just 'fine'? Katara had been curious about the Valentine all day, and wanted to know if he got it. She slightly raised an eyebrow then, taking a seat on the nearest stool. "It was exciting..I didn't realize that the holiday was so big," she admitted, blushing a little.

"Your uncle sent tea, which was really nice. Did you.. happen to get anything?" she finally asked, glancing down occassionally to his work on the tea. The card was blank, he could've thrown it away or assume it was from someone else. The thought of that... really bothered her.

Zuko blinked in curiosity to her requests, but shrugged. "There were the things from Uncle, and then a card from your friend, and there was that...fish...thing," he admitted, his eyes twitching just slightly. He didn't really appreciate the fish, but there was little he could do about it, other than sit it in a bowl of water and watch it swim around a bit. Was this the 'Beta' thing his uncle had been talking about? Then there was the ... "mystery card"...although he had a really good idea who it was from, especially with the way Katara was acting, and he went out on a limb, hoping he didn't look too stupid.

"I got your card, too," he mumbled shyly.

A card from her friend? ..Did Aang send Zuko a card, too? He was such a carefree and sweet kid here, it made Katara smile a little. She sighed with relief when Zuko finally mentioned getting her's, though. "I was wondering if you recognized my handwriting since I forgot to sign it," she laughed sheepishly.

"But I'm glad you did. Hey, didn't your Uncle get a fish as well? Who was that from?" It was an unusual gift after all.

Zuko gave her a light grin as he finished making the tea, swallowing slowly. So she was just as nervous as he was, it seemed. He shrugged at the mention of his Uncle, however. "I...don't know," he admitted slowly. Azula had gotten one too. Were they some sort of "royal family" fanatic, even though he didn't really like to be associated with Azula much at all anymore.

He poured the tea slowly, and brought over a cup for Katara slowly. "Er, I hope its okay...I'm definitely not the best," he admitted, although he had definitely improved since he had started working in the tea shop in Ba Sing Se.

Katara was nervous... She thought she was hiding it pretty well by talking! But maybe that wasn't so true? She nodded a little when he mentioned he wasn't sure who had given them the fish. There were a lot of unusual things that happened with Valentine's Day in the castle, she wasn't going to ask anything further about it.

When Zuko brought the cup over to her, she offered a small smile to him and without knowing why, she reached out to touch his hand. She caught herself just in time though, and blushed, simply turning to hold the cup. "Thanks. You.. really didn't have to do this, you know." Katara understood about his Uncle. She wasn't complaining about any of this, though.

Zuko blushed faintly when she almost touched his hand, and he swallowed slowly, instead of sitting across from her this time, he blushed, and sat in the stool next to her, before reaching into his clothing, and deciding that he should, at least, do her the favour back. He swallowed, and pulled out the box of candies he had procured from the town, and roughly slid them over to Katara wordlessly, staring down into his tea nervously, hands instantly back around the hot ceramic (not that it bothered a firebender) and he swallowed.

Would she hate him for it?

Katara blinked when he sat down on the stool beside her. This was .. surprising, but a nice change. Folding her hands in her lap, she watched him curiously.. Her blue eyes widening when he pushed a mysterious little box over to her. She hesistantly reached out for it when no words were exchanged between the two, and very carefully ripped the wrapping off. As careful as she could be, anyway. She smiled when she realized it was candy, and she placed it back on the counter.

"Zuko," she laughed softly and leaned forward a little, giving him an awkward sort-of hug. It.. made her feel really happy. "Thanks. I didn't know you celebrated Valentine's Day," she added teasingly, and quickly pulled back.

Zuko stiffened under the hug, but just before she had pulled back, he had began to loosen, just slightly. "Er, well, I never really did until we got here," he admitted shly, giving her a bit of a wry grin, glad she liked the gift. At least he hadn't made a complete fool of himself then. He looked down at his teacup, and willed it to heat up just a little bit more. One of the advantages of firebending, he supposed. He didn't want to drink any until she had gotten a chance. He didn't want to her to feel pressured to try it if it was bad, or too hot.

Katara laughed again at his shy reply and shook her head. "Don't worry. I was kidding," she grinned, and gently picked up her cup when it was at a good temperature. The blend smelled heavenly, though she wasn't sure what it was. A pause, and then she finally took a sip, nodding her head a little.

"Hey, this isn't so bad," she told him, realizing that he was probably waiting for her to try it. She took a few more sips, and put the cup down, turning back to Zuko. "I.. You know. I really appreciate this. The tea, the gift." Katara suddenly said. Her cheeks flushed a bit though, and she folded her hands in her lap. "I guess I'm just wondering.. Why are you doing all of this?" she asked softly. She knew the reason why she asked him to the masquerade. But they never actually.. talked about it.

Zuko grinned at her addmittance that the drink was good, and he tried a bit himself, finding it to be quite...pleasant, perhaps euphoric. He savored it in his mouth, and wondered if his Uncle had known that he would actually openly enjoy this blend, unlike most.

Of course, his enjoyment was short-lived when Katara proposed the question, and he supposed that he would have to come clean with his emotions, something he was certainly not used to in the slightest. His lips tightened, and he tightened his hands around the practically boiling cup of tea. "Er..." he began, a furious blush creeping across his face...well...where it could on his face. Scars couldn't blush. "I guess because..." he swallowed. "I like...spending time with you," he admitted with a swallow. There, that could be...either perfectly platonic, or not, depending on her mindset...although he secretly hoped she would not think of it as platonic.

The question probably seemed... out of the blue to Zuko, but whatever answer he decided to give would obviously be important. Katara liked spending time with him too, or she wouldn't have asked him to go to the masquerade. She waited quietly and patiently, since the intensity of the moment was brought on by her. Did she really make him that nervous, though? Noticing that the tea boiled from his tightened hands, she quickly reached her hand out to touch his. Her cool hand against his warm one.

"... The last thing we want is for you to burn your hand!" she reminded him, in a gentle-scolding way. Katara blinked at his answer afterwards, and smiled, sitting back properly on her stool.

"That.. makes me happy to hear. I asked you to the masquerade for the same reason," she admitted. She also thought of it in a non-plutonic way. "Thanks again"

Zuko felt the cool touch ofthe waterbender's hand, and he smiled over to her with an almost non-platonic air. He slowly pulled them away from the now boiling cup, realizing just how obvious it had been that he was nervous. That was hardly a good thing, but what could he do? He was nervous, but it was rare that he lost control of his bending like that. He was surprised steam wasn't spurting from his ears, or some nonsense like that.

When she pulled away, he suddenly felt very hot again, but his look brightened slightly at her admission that she had asked him to the dance for the same reason. He hoped that she meant it in more than a platonic way, because he felt more than simple..."brotherhood" towards her.

He blinked at her thanks, and looked at her with confusion. "For what?" he asked.

"Do you have to ask? For telling me, of course," Katara couldn't help but laugh. Now that she got that question out of the way, she knew it was okay.

"We both know you wouldn't have told me if I didn't ask. Plus, it's good to hear it from you instead of your Uncle's hinting." She held his gaze for a moment and smiled, making sure he knew that she was only teasing again. Zuko was a rather serious guy like that sometimes.

Taking hold of her cup again, she finished off her tea in a few more long sips, glancing at the box of candy he gave her. "Let's try these," she suggested, pulling the box towards her and opening it up.

Zuko blushed, and nodded. "Uncle is...rather forward," he admitted hesitantly. His Uncle was simply...forward with everything he did. His uncle never seemed to care what people thought of him, mostly because he probably already had the respect he needed to say what he wanted to say, and everyone would listen.

Zuko...was more awkward with such things. He had conflicting views of emotions and the way that people should display them, the influence of his mother and Uncle pushing for a more positive view, whilst his father and sister had pushed for him to restrain such silly, needless emotions.

Although lately it seemed like he was starting to follow his uncle's influence, not that Iroh would ever really feel disappointed about such a thing. "Alright," hesaid shyly, curious that she would want to share something like that with him, of all people.

".. Very forward," she couldn't help but add that in. Katara only said it to emphasize the fact that the man was quite forward without any hesistation. It was a nice when there were things that needed to be said. But not .. everything.

Pulling the top of the box off, she set it aside and blinked as it revealed to have mini-chocolates in the shape of hearts. Cute. Katara was definitely blushing again, though. It seemed right to share candy with the candy-giver on Valentine's Day. So she held out the box to Zuko, offering him the first pick before she took anything for herself.

Zuko almost wanted to erupt in ball of flame and flake to the floor in ashes at the sight of the candies. He had gotten an attendant to help him with the chocolates, but he hadn't expected hearts...they were so...awkward! He swallowed, and looked over to her with a slight blush before just taking one very gingerly.

He felt guilty for taking one from her box before her, but she had offered...and he expected she would be less-than happy if he refused, so he took one, and swallowed when it started melting, and he quickly popped it into his mouth before it melted even more. That was what he got for being nervous.

After he took one, Katara nodded slightly to him and smiled. It did make her happy that he took one.. even though the chocolates looked like hearts and made it all the more embarrassing for them. She wasn't going to eat the entire box by herself, so why not share? Taking a piece then, she quickly put it into her mouth and let it melt. She decided she loved chocolate. It was so great.

"So, anyway.." she started, after the candy was long gone. "The dance is only in two days. Are you ready?" If anything, Katara was thankful that it was a masked dance. She could dance and hang out with her friends without being interupted, and it offered great cover from Azula and Ty Lee. That was always good.

Zuko watched her face as she consumed the piece, and he felt a blush spread further across his cheeks. She obviously enjoyed it. That was good, right? It had to be, if she liked it. He was feeling rather pleased with himself at that moment, if he had managed to make her pleased.

He did, however, feel rather nervous at the prospect of the dance subject, and it showed. "I guess," he mumbled, shoulders slumping. "I'm not sure I know what to wear," he admitted. Normally, it had been that his mother would dress him for things like that (in which he would look like a child) and then later attendants (who had made him rather uncomfortable with the clothing they expected him to wear). For now, he was completely lost on what exactly he was going to wear, other than a mask.

"I'm not sure how much help I could possibly be," Katara admitted, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her cheek. She had never been to anything this fancy up until she met Toph. And even then, it was for business and not pleasure! She couldn't ask Toph, Zuko's Uncle helped enough..

"Why don't we.. ask Sokka?" she suggested. Even if Sokka didn't know off the top of his head, knowing her brother, he'd do his smart research by observing other people or looking up the traditions of a masquerade in the library. How hard could it be? Katara saw the lovely dresses that mysteriously ended up in her closet, so she was sure one of them would be for the masquerade.

Zuko had been drinking a long sip of tea when Katara suggested her brother to help pick out clothing, he resisted the urge to choke on his tea, but instead, the sound of him releasing an almost-choke in response to her suggestion. He would...rather enlist his uncle for help than Sokka.

The boy would probably try and sabotage the entire date, since...he seemed to hate Zuko, for some odd reason. That was what was so odd...he couldn't remember Sokka much, other than he had traveled with Katara, and he had attempted to fight him several times...but he had so few memories of the man, much like of Aang, and he wondered again what he had done to warrant such rampant distaste towards his actions.

"Er...Perhaps," he admitted diplomatically, hoping he wouldn't suddenly find himself date-less.

Katara was serious when she suggested her brother could help them. Sokka deserved more credit for a lot of the things he did for the group! So when she was certain that Zuko wasn't choking on his tea, she narrowed her eyes at his response.

"What do you mean perhaps? What's wrong with Sokka?" She crossed her arms as she sat on the edge of the stool, wondering where that sudden diplomatic tone came from. Sure he was a prince, but Zuko rarely spoke to her that way when they became friends.

Zuko blinked, and looked at her aghast with something akin to fear. Did she really not know that Sokka didn't like him very much? Had she lost that when she arrived in this place? He fumbled for words with a lost gape before he finally shook his head.

"N-nothing!" he admitted, hoping he wasn't screwing things up before it had begun. "Its just..." he sighed, and raised a hand to run fingers through his unruly hair. "I don't think your brother likes me," he admitted. "Its probably something to do with the Avatar," he sighed.

The fact that Sokka didn't like Zuko wasn't news to her. But her brother agreed to work with him here, and she could've sworn she saw them talking to each other in a civil manner on the journals. So what was the problem? Katara sighed when he explained himself and she shook her head. "That.. isn't entirely true," she said softly as she dropped her arms, and sat back on the stool properly.

"Everything was complicated back home, and, we were rivals. But Sokka agreed that we should all work together despite that. I know he'll keep his word unless he's given a really good reason not to." And she was sure Sokka wouldn't find one.

Zuko blinked, staring at her with wide eyes. "He said that?" he asked with surprise, amazed that Sokka would even admit to working with him, not that he minded. It was...actually a relief, and he supposed if that would be conceded, maybe he could work with the boy.

"Well...if he doesn't completely hate me, then I'd be glad for his help," he admitted, giving her a comforting smile. He didn't want to screw things up. Not now. They were slowly starting something...special...something he was savoring. He really enjoyed being with her, and he didn't want it to be ruined by his own stupidity.

"Yeah, he did," Katara nodded, blinking back at him. She could've sworn she... Did she somehow forget to tell Zuko the good news when Sokka had agreed? Her face flushed upon the realization that she probably did. But she would never admit that to him. Instead, she nodded again and smiled back a little, feeling relieved that this was fixed pretty quickly.

"He doesn't. I'll let Sokka know when I get back! Unless you wanted to ask him?" she offered, so Zuko could perhaps see for himself that he wasn't hated.

She might have, but Zuko was completely insecure in that thought. He was certain that they hated him, regardless of whether he didn't want the avatar or not. He had made their lives a living hell for quite some time. It wasn't good, and they resented him. He knew it. He had been a downright bastard to them!

Zuko did balk at the thought of asking Sokka himself. "Er...you can do it..." he mumbled shyly. "I wouldn't know what to say," he admitted.

Katara could easily remember the times she felt fear at the sight of him. The time he "rescued" her from pirates, and used her to lure Aang. She was surprised beyond reason to find him in Paradisa, and had an even greater surprise when she realized how much this place had changed him. All of that lead to this moment though, and where they stood now.. The Avatar and his friends working with the exiled Prince from the Fire Nation. Yes, he was a bastard to them. Yes, Katara was able to move on and forgive.

"It's easy," she grinned at shyness. "I'll do it just this once."

Zuko had blinked, and gave her something of a soft grin. A rarity, to be sure. "Thanks," he mentioned softly.

It wasn't just this place that had changedhim, but everything before...the situation beneath the Earth Kingdom had left him wondering...what would become of him...and his need to do...something...with what his intention to leave with Azula had been. It had been something...important...but what? Everything that his uncle had taught him recently had been making him think on his future profusely...and spending time with Katara had left him thinking about things even moreso.

"It's.. no problem." It was so rare to see him smile even... slightly back home, and it was probably because of that why Katara continued to be surprised when he did it here. Still.. she always managed to smile back. Why did he make her feel that way?

"So, depending on Sokka.. I guess you guys can meet up to work this out? Just a fair warning, though. I'm not sticking around," she admitted, with an amused little look on her face. Zuko could handle it. He had to, anyway. She had no interest in talk about manly wardrobe or whatever else her brother could ramble on about. Besides, she had to talk to Suki and find dresses for the two of them.

Zuko blinked, and smiled to Katara reassuringly, nodding in his acknowledgement of her disdain in participating in manly feats of...masculinity. He had a sudden image of chest-thumping and belching, although he seriously doubted he could participate in either of those activities.

They were unprincely.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Katara said, sliding off her seat and pushing it back under the counter. She blinked when she realized she still had the rest of the chocolate in that box. Turning back to Zuko, she smiled, and held the box open for him one more time.

"Hey, do you want another one? They'll be gone by the time I bring it to my room," she laughed, knowing that when her friends visited she'd just end up offering it to them.

Zuko shook his head with a shy smile. "Er, no," he refused, giving her a weak smile. "I bought them for you, afterall," he mumbled shyly, looking away from her face with the faintest tinge of pink.

Why was he so nervous around her? He had never been this nervous in his life...except for the agni kai he had challenged his father to...but that was an understandable amount of nervousness...this was...irrational to him.

"I know. I wanted to share them." Katara tilted her head, trying to get him to look back at her when he shyed away. It was.. cute, really. How nervous he got around her. But she wasn't any better herself at times. "Anyway, I'll.. let know you what's going on tomorrow. The dance is only in a few days after all," she said with a warm smile, putting the cover back on top the box.

"Thanks again, Zuko...," she paused for a moment. "Happy Valentine's Day," the girl quickly added in, before she started to walk off, glancing back at him. Her first Valentine's Day was something she wouldn't soon forget.

Zuko watched her with wide eyes, wondering if there was anything special he was supposed to do for her, since it was Valentine's day. When he had come up with nothing in his mind, he just gave her a faint, kind smile. A rarity, and probably the best gift he could give at this point. "...happy...Valentines Day," he said softly, knowing that he would get the chance to see her again in a few days...as a date.

As nervous as he was, he was excited to spend the evening with her too, and as she left, he felt a slight peace settle over him, abd he felt like he was already waiting to see her again.