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paradisalost2007-03-02 01:47 am
benevolently.livejournal.com) wrote in paradisalost2007-03-02 01:47 am
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Who: Katara & Zuko.
What: Finding out that Katara can't waterbend!
When: Sunday morning.
Where: At the pool, then .. it ends Katara's room. :D
Rating: PG.
Katara had pleasant dreams the night before she finally woke up. She dreamt of home, back at the South Pole with Gran Gran and Sokka. She desperately missed those days, even moreso because she was here, and not helping Aang save the world. She woke up with a strange feeling she couldn't quite describe, though. Glancing outside the window, the sun didn't even rise yet, and she realized she was up a little more earlier than usual.
Deciding she would take advantage of this, however, Katara hurried down to the pool. If one was awake so early, they'd find the waterbender swimming laps and practicing in the deep end of the water. So after she put her things down on the concrete, she jumped into the pool with a big splash.
Zuko had been going to the kitchen to get some tea. Obviously, his uncle's obsession had moved on to him, and drinking this much tea wasn't very helpful. Regardless, he couldn't sleep anymore, and rising just before the sun was always calming for him. It meant he rose along with the bringer of his power.
Walking by the pools, he heard a splash, and his head lifted just slightly. Who else could be up this early? He was curious, and poked his head in the door, not ready to see what he saw, but now he couldn't stay...it was her. He swallowed, and wondered if this officially made him a vouyer as he watched her swim, and he swallowed...remaining completely silent.
Although the water was cold at first, it didn't take long for Katara to resurface and start swimming around. She got use to it rather quickly. Feeling eyes on her though, her first reaction was grabbing onto the side of the pool and shooting her arm into the air. She blinked with a rather confused expression on her face when the water didn't rise and whip her intruder in the face. She looked over and noticed it was .. Zuko?! Her face immediately turned red, and quickly sunk her body under the water, glaring a little.
"How long have you been standing there! You're so quiet, I didn't even hear you, Zuko." She grew quiet though, wondering what happened before. She looked down at her hands, gently swaying them under the water to form a mini whirlpool.. But nothing happened, except for the natural waves from her motions. Her eyes grew wide with panic suddenly, and she tried a few other bending moves, all which failed. She was completely lost for a moment and didn't even look back to Zuko. It was... She couldn't believe it. She couldn't waterbend anymore.
Zuko blinked, expecting a slap of water in the face, but when it didn't happen, he just swallowed, and shrugged sheepishly. "I...I heard a splash," he mentioned softly, giving her a shy look, and then he noticed she was making bending movements under the water.
And they weren't doing anything.
He looked at her with wide eyes, and rushed closer to the pool, watching her hands. She couldn't bend...could she? The look on her face said it enough, and he wondered if she could swim without her powers...of course she could. But it did mean that the water would affect her in different ways...just like he didn't burn as easily, she probably didn't freeze in the water as easily, and he swallowed. "Are you okay?" he asked her softly, stepping even closer to the pool. Nothing was concrete yet, maybe she was worried about something else...maybe she didn't like being seen in the pool...
Now that Katara thought about it, she did feel .. colder in the water. She didn't realize it before, she never expected she'd be unable to bend. She crossed her arms for a moment and shivered a little, Zuko's voice finally getting through to her. Her eyes widened when she noticed that he was still there. Did he see it? Did he know she couldn't bend anymore? It was honestly a matter of pride to Katara, though. It's not that she couldn't tell him- She just didn't want to.
".. I'm just fine!" she stated before she took in a deep breath, submerging her entire body under the water again. She didn't last very long though, and came up breathing rather heavily about half across the pool. Katara grabbed onto the side then, gently rubbing her eyes with her hand. Her body started to shiver again, but she still didn't look at him. It hurt, being seen helpless so suddenly. She didn't like it all.
"..Zuko. Can you- Can you bring that bag and towel over here?" Katara asked through chattering teeth. She didn't have the strength to swim back over there. Nor did she want to get out and have him see her. "And no looking! Cover your eyes or something," she quickly added with that thought.
Zuko swallowed at her angry tone, and nodded silently, rushing over to grab the towel and bag. That settled it. She had lost her bending, for certain! He grabbed the towel, and rushed over to her, quickly closing his eyes tightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," he said shyly, handing her the towel before swallowing.
"I...I can leave," he mentioned simply backing away from her once the towel had tightened in his hand, and he grimaced. He didn't want to upset her, no! He had been doing so well, and now she was mad at him, and he didn't know what to do.
This was why he had never made any effort with women before hand! He never knew what to say, what to do, how to handle them. How was he supposed to handle them!? He didn't know how to make her feel better, or what she wanted. She didn't say anything, and he was completely confused.
Katara was cold, yes, but she didn't want him to actually run with his eyes closed! "H-Hey, be careful!" she alerted him, thankful for the short distance and the fact that he didn't fall into the pool and hurt himself. She sighed a little and used all of the strength in her arms to pull herself out of the water. She sat at the edge of the pool when she took the towel from him, and wrapped it around her shoulders. Tugging a small part of it, she gently dried her face and sighed again. Waterbending was something she took pride in. She wasn't a healer, she was a fighter. And now.. it was all taken away from her. But it wasn't Zuko's fault.
"N-No, you don't have to," she shook her head, turning her body slightly so she could stand up. "I.. um," she pulled the towel around her body then, holding the ends tightly together. She had to apologize. It wasn't his fault, he was just... there when she realized it, and her anger had wrongly been directed at him.
"I'm sorry," Katara admitted softly.
Zuko blinked, and shook his head at her shyly, giving her a slight grin. "I-Its okay!" he mentioned softly, still keeping his eyes closed, but his position laxing just slightly. He had managed to at least not make her completely angry, and for that he was thankful. He sighed, and neared her just slightly. He didn't want to let her know that he knew quite yet. She didn't sound too happy, and he wasn't going to upset her anymore.
"I-Its okay...something obviously made you upset," he mentioned, grinning just slightly through closed eyes. "I'm just glad it wasn't me," he admitted shyly, wondering what to do now.
"No, it wasn't you at all.." Katara glanced back at the pool, noticing the glimmer of sunshine on it's surface. She looked up and frowned to see the sun had rised and now shone in through the window. Maybe that was it! It was light outside; maybe in this world, the sun is strongest on this day? But it shouldn't have stopped her from bending completely. She bit down on her lower lip, dismissing the idea completely from her head. It was stupid. There was no good explanation for this. She still didn't want to tell Zuko, though. She would have to try again later in the night. It would come back to her, it just had to!
".. you can open your eyes, you know," she spoke up in her normal tone of voice. There was no point in worrying anyone about this. "But, hey. Why are you up so early?" she asked, changing subjects. He must've been just like her. They woke up early when it was necessary to travel, so she was use to it. Other times though, Katara stayed up late into the night with the moon, and slept in when the sun rose.
Zuko slowly slid open his eyes, retinas burning slightly from the sun before his sight adjusted, and he looked at her with a comforting gaze. He swallowed, and wondered what could do this? Some sort of trick of the mansion? Was there a torrent of water that would drown them soon, but they just didn't know it? He couldn't figure it out, and he let his hand clench tightly, and it started to heat up, before he released it, and swallowed.
What had happened? He was honestly worried about her, but didn't want to say anything, or let her know. He was certain she wouldn't want him to make any assumptions, or not let her figure things out on her own. "I'm used to rising with the sun," he admitted sheepishly. Honestly, he hadn't been able to sleep very well in the first place, but he hadn't known why.
"I figured as much," she forced a small smile, reaching to take out the clips that kept her hair loopies in place. "I wake up early sometimes and come down here to swim. Night or morning, just as long as I.. can be in the water," Katara's voice grew considerably quiet and irritable. She clenched her fist with the clips in them and walked down to where her bag was. She kneeled and threw the clips inside, and pulled out the robe she brought to wear back to her room. She nearly took off the towel until she remembered Zuko was still there. Instead, she put the robe on first and removed the towel afterward.
She sighed as she packed her things so soon. It had to be something about this world.. or this castle. She just wished she knew what.
"W-Well, I'm pretty much done here, so.." she took in a deep breath before her voice cracked. She would not cry over this. She couldn't. "So.. um. Would you mind having tea?" she started shivering again. The thought of drinking something warm sounded nice right about now.
He smiled at her softly, and nodded. "I-I was going to offer," he said, making a slight jabbing motion with his hand towards the kitchens, shrugging just slightly. Was she going to be okay? He wondered.
He stood slowly, wondering if he should give her a hug. She looked so vulnerable, upset, but hugging her might be the last thing she really wanted, and that worried him even more. Sighing, he gave her a slight smile, and held out a hand for her, hoping she would take it. Maybe he could give her subtle support? She just seemed so upset...heartbroken...broken in general.
He hated it that she would feel this way...although he didn't know why. He felt a duty to help her.
Zuko had to know what happened. He was right there. Still, Katara was surprised at his.. gentleness. She nodded a little, pulling the strap of the bag onto her shoulder. Looking at his hand, she slowly reached out to take it. She stopped herself, though. Taking his hand meant that she.. needed him in a way. Someone to tell her it would be okay. She would get her bending back by night fall. She didn't-
Her fingers trembled as she quickly touched her face. Tears were falling from her eyes. She turned away from him then, burying her face in her hands and sobbed quietly.
Why was this happening to her?!
Zuko blinked, and swallowed awkwardly. Why had he offered his hand? Why did she take it? Did she like him as much as he liked her? He was more shocked when she pulled away and started sobbing. Crying! What Was he supposed to do!?
He stood there numbly, debating between reaching out for her and just standing there, and finally, he swallowed, wondering how crazy he really was for this.
He reached out, and laid a hand gently on her back, trying to not be too obtrusive, but at least letting her know that he was there for her...if she really needed it.
No matter how crazy that small gesture seemed, it helped, and Katara finally lowered her guard. Zuko was there for her, and she knew this. She could cry infront of him and he'd be okay with just comforting her. She had been holding back before, but she allowed herself to cry more freely and let it all out. The sooner she finished crying, the better, right? She nodded a little to let him know she was done, and gently wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. She imagined she looked terrible right now. She was cold, uncomfortable and she cried infront of a guy who she started to like.
"Thanks.." she mumurred quietly, slowly turning around to him. Her eyes were kept on the floor though, and she pulled the bag up onto shoulder again. Locking herself in her room for the next few days seemed like a good option right now.
Zuko blinked, and shook his head. "I-Its okay," he admitted, hesitantly wrapping an arm around her shoulders, a sad attempt to pull her closer, especially since he was really bad at this comforting stuff. Were he and Katara even to the hugging stage? he wondered, but smiled softly to her instead. "Here, why don't we get some tea?" he questioned, trying to make her feel better. Uncle's solutions always seemed like the best anyways.
"It might make you feel better," he admitted softly, giving her a reassuring smile.
Slowly, Katara's face reddened when she found his arm was wrapped around her shoulders. At least she was beginning to feel warm again, somewhat? She blinked, listening to his words, but .. she was more surprised to find herself closing the bit of remaining distance between them. She rested her forehead gently against his shoulder, and nodded again.
"That.. sounds good," she replied, thankful for the warmth which seemed to naturally radiate off him. It was different. New. But.. still nice.
Zuko blushed furiously, and suspected that his body temperature had risen quite a bit, but not enough to burn. Probably enough to warm. He...he thought it felt good, but he was surprised that Katara was willingly doing so...but... He sighed, and tightened his hand on her shoulder, an effort to lead her to the kitchen gingerly, awkwardly. Was she willingly touching him? Touching him! he swallowed slowly, amazed.
"A-Alright," he mumbled, grinning to her just slightly. "I'm getting better at it," he admitted shyly.
Katara really was grateful for Zuko's kindness. She was starting to feel a little better, but her mind was heavily filled with questions and what she was going to do without being being able to bend. Instead of letting him awkwardly lead her into the kitchen, she pulled away and just walked next to him the rest of the way into the kitchen. "Can't wait to try it then," she said softly.
She padded across the kitchen floor and sighed. This was.. such a weird morning. "Hey, um," she started. She really wanted to go to her room and change out of her wet clothes. Everything was so uncomfortable, and she never felt this way when she could waterbend.
Zuko sighed in slight relief, he didn't know why, but he certainly felt a little bit awkward at intimate contact still, and smiled over at Katara. "D-Do you want to go get out of those?" he asked awkwardly, lifting his eyebrows to her. She looked uncomfortable. "I-I could bring tea to your room...or have it ready and waiting," he explained awkwardly, voice terse and nerfous.
He read her mind. Katara's eyes widened slightly at his offer, but she nodded. "If.. that's not too much trouble of course," she added in quickly. She didn't want him going too much out of his way for her. If he hadn't done so already.
"I'll come back here, you don't have to bring it upstairs for me."
Zuko nodded slowly. "S-sure...y-you look cold," he mentioned, giving her a worried glance through both his eyes, although that seemed so odd, with one eye so slitted and mangled. He just grinned at her. "Don't worry, it'll be done by the time you get back down," he explained.
He'd even make it slowly.
"Y-yeah, this really isn't helping me," she tugged on the collar of the robe and laughed a little. Katara didn't want him to worry. She appreciated it, but she would be fine. She cried already, so hopefully that was the end of that.
"Okay," she nodded when he mentioned it'd be done when she got back. "I won't be long," she promised, and turned as she hurried out of the kitchen. She sighed out loud once she was in the elevator, resting her head back against the cold metal. She was tempted to just go into her room and sleep until it became dark.
Going back into her room, she properly dried off her skin, looking at herself in the mirror disapprovingly. She looked terrible; her eyes were a little red from crying. Just a few minutes. It was all she needed. Katara jumped into her shower, rinsing her hair and skin.. She attempted bending again, and frowned when nothing still happened. Frustrated, she turned off the water and hurried along, finding warmer clothes to wear. A little later than she hoped, but at least she made it in fifteen minutes.
".. sorry that took so long."
Zuko had watched her retreat, before systematically going at the tea-making. He didn't know why he was so worried. Logically, she would be fine. She was a smart, strong girl who could fight better than he could sometimes. Not that he would admit it openly. Of course not. He had lit the fire, feeling a bit bad about using his bending powers, and had decided that he wouldn't use it around her for a while.
Sighing, he had wondered if he was doing the right thing...by getting close to her? If they ever returned...would he suddenly forget? Or would things change? Was this idea of the avatar that dividing? He didn't know. Swallowing, he sighed, and finished making the tea.
He wanted to enjoy this. Enjoy being around her. He enjoyed it. He really did...but he didn't want to regret it either.
Katara wondered the same things, while they were getting closer to each other. Jet did make some valid points before the masquerade, but she ignored them because they seemed like bitter words and nothing else. She was certain that everything that happened here would change the future.
She smiled slightly at Zuko when she returned, walking around to where he stood, watching him finish up with the tea. "Hey, Zuko? Thank you," she told him again, pulling one of the stools to sit near him.
Zuko smiled reassuringly to her, and shook his head. "Its no problem...I was planning on making tea anyways," he admitted softly, hoping that she would be okay.
What would he be like without his bending? The prosepect was completely alien to him, but the thought of living without his firebending for even the most mundane of details was...well...he supposed it wasn't completely bad...but when he had been posing as a peasant, he had still had his fire during every step of the way...living like Katara would be...it would be hell.
Katara was clinging onto that last bit of hope that her bending would return by night. She couldn't even think of life without waterbending. Her life was built upon it, after all. She proved girls could be more than mere healers, she even mastered the art! She just.. couldn't accept anything else at the moment. Or she'd break down again.
"As long as it works out for both of us, right?" she said, folding her hands in her lap, happy that she felt warm again. And also.. for Zuko's company. What would've happened if no one saw her? It scared her a little that she needed Zuko at that moment back there... What he did for her at the pool was comforting. It seemed to take the friendship they built a step further. She had no idea what it meant, though.
Zuko nodded, and smiled to her reassuringly. "Yeah," he mumbled, grabbing two cups, and pouring the tea into them slowly, bringing them over closer to Katara. He wondered if he should touch her, if she needed it.
He took a long sip of the tea, the heat not bothering him, and he sighed softly, before sitting down. He didn't know what to say, how to make her feel better, or even if he should.
"Thanks," Katara returned his smile slightly, carefully holding the cup she was given. She quickly put it down though so she didn't burn her hands. Fingertips brushed over the rim of the cup as she fell silent, and deep into thought again. It was really bothering her, but she didn't want to vent it out to him. He did enough for her already. And yet he still continued to help.
She blew gently over her tea, and after the cup was warm enough for her to finally pick up, she did so.. and also took a few long sips. "You really are getting better at it everytime," she complimented him softly to break the silence. It was comforting in it's own strange way.. Being able to cry earlier and not being asked anything more about it. Katara was a natural when it came to speaking her mind, but even she had things she preferred not to talk about.
"Thanks," he admitted softly, giving her a reassuring smile. He wanted to make her feel better, or at least make it so that he wouldn't feel so lost around her. He was shy, he knew so. He knew he was awkward around Katara, but he couldn't figure out how to act around her. Of course, he was little better with his uncle...but that wasn't the point!
How could he tell Katara he would listen? He swallowed, and took a sip of the tea, before looking at her seriously. "I-I'm glad its getting better," he admitted softly, giving her a shy smile.
Katara continued to drink her tea, and blinked when she noticed his eyes had a serious, worried in look them. He definitely knew. She didn't like it when people worried about her, though... She often took on the motherly role, so she found it awkward when things turned and she was the one in need.
"Have you ever wondered what it'd be like.. if you ever lost your bending?" she decided to ask, blue eyes looking back down at her tea.
Zuko had been trying not to let her know that he knew, to not put her in an awkward position, but how could he mask the fact that he did know? Sighing, he swallowed. "I've wondered...and practically lived without it in the Earth Kingdom," he admitted. Although he hadn't been completely without it, by far. It was still there, always heat burning beneath the surface, bubbling to the surface, ready to spurt forward at any moment, should he need it.
"Or they would've known you were from the Fire Nation.." she softly voiced her thoughts as she put the cup down. If Zuko was able to limit his use of firebending, then surely she could live without waterbending? The idea didn't go well with her at all, though... He could still bend if he needed to. What was to become of her if she couldn't help Aang and the crew fight off Azula here? Aang didn't remember he was the Avatar, she was mostly worried for his safety.
She sighed, taking more sips of her tea. At least it calmed her nerves for a little while.
Zuko smiled, and nodded slightly. "That...wouldn't have gone over well," he admitted with a light smile at her, trying to get her to feel better. He would...have to be helpful, somehow. He could do it! He would have to be support for her, since it was obvious that her brother couldn't be, and he didn't know what Aang would do. If he was the Avatar, he would help, but he...he could do it all, couldn't he? Wouldn't that hurt her more? Make her jealous?
Zuko took a long sip of the tea, closing his eyes, and feeling the heat threaten to bubble forward. He didn't know why, but this whole situation made him angry.
"Not at all," she smiled back softly at Zuko. He was trying, she appreciated it a lot. Katara was one who got easily jealous.. But Aang was their world's last hope to end the war! She'd put her feelings aside because of that, whether she could bend or not. That didn't mean she wouldn't get upset if someone started showing of their bending skills. That was another story.
Finished off the last of her tea and finally stood up, hesistant before she stepped over to him. "Hey, Zuko?" she tilted her head, calling out him to catch his attention.
"Um. I think.. I'm going to head back and rest a bit. Do you want to walk back with me?" she asked, biting down on her lower after she did. She barely had ideas for conversation here; her mind was so focusing on what she lost. But she knew she wouldn't mind his company for just a little longer.
Zuko's head had snapped up, and he smiled shyly at her offer. "Er-sure," he admitted, reaching out to take her teacup from her hand, leaving them both in the care of the ghosts. He didn't like the ghosts making his tea, but he didn't mind them washing his dishes. Mostly because he didn't like doing the dishes anyways.
He followed Katara out of the kitchen, and towards her room, wondering what they could talk about. He was pretty sure she didn't want to talk about her bending, or lack thereof for certain!
Katara usually didn't mind doing the dishes if she was in the right mood. Today was not one of those days, though. Neither were the ones where her brother teased her about dishes being a 'woman's job.' She had no idea why she asked him to walk back with her. She lived one floor above him, and planned on just going in and .. taking a nap. Maybe she'd wake up to find this was a crazy dream.
"I've been wondering.. How did you like living in Ba Sing Se, anyway? I know you said you guys were hiding there, but, did you like it?" she asked out of random curiosity, mainly because of his mention of the Earth Kingdom. She pressed the button for the elevator, not feeling upto a seven floor hike to her room.
Zuko didn't mind taking her, he actually...actually enjoyed it. He didn't know why, but when he was around Katara, he felt warm, well...warmer than usual. Zuko did blink at her question, however. "It was...nice," he admitted softly. He hadn't completely enjoyed it...but it had been better than living as a beggar for so long. That was something he hadn't enjoyed. Actually, he had downright hated that period separated from his Uncle.
"What about you?" he questioned. He had known they were living in Ba Sing Se, looking for the sky bison.
"Just nice? Did you do anything fun?" Katara pressed the subject a little further. There had to be more than just his quiet life in hiding. Did his stay in Ba Sing Se change him somehow? Something had changed Zuko before his arrival in Paradisa. She wanted to know, and it served as a good distraction for the moment.
When he countered the question back at her, she laughed a little and shook her head. "It was strange, living there. It seemed like we were being watched all time, and we just wanted to find Appa. I'm just glad that Sokka and Aang said everything turned out okay," she mentioned, slipping into the elevator when it reached them.
Zuko blanched. "It was a strange place," he managed, before shaking his head. "I didn't do much...Uncle and I just made by...we worked in a tea shop," he mentioned, shaking his head with near amusement. It hadn't been all that funny or ironic at the time, but it was now.
"There wasn't anything weird going on," he admitted, other than his pseudo date with that girl, his freeing of Appa...and then the odd night he spent beneath the city as his sister's prisoner.
"Well, I'm sure it made your uncle happy for a while," Katara nodded with a slight grin. A tea shop... It was so perfect for Iroh. She knew if she ran into them in Ba Sing Se though, she would've been shocked to see Zuko working and serving tea to people. It wasn't so hard to imagine now, since they've been living normally and like friends for a while.
"Yeah, I guess it didn't for you guys. They knew the moment Aang entered Ba Sing Se, so we were treated "nicely" along with the Avatar. Other than that, there were days where we had fun," she shrugged, glancing up at the numbers, watching them go up slowly. This day seemed like it was going to go slow. Katara sighed inwardly.
Zuko nodded. It had practically been his uncle's dream job, for sure. He hadn't enjoyed it as much, but he could have lived with it, for a while. He had wanted, more than anything, to return to the fire nation, to retrieve his birthright...but that was looking more and more improbable as he realized how thirsty his sister was for the throne. Like his father, who had been the second child, so was his sister.
Although he couldn't imagine his father giving the throne to a girl, but would probably rather marry her off to a powerful noble, favored for his power. He shook his head, and returned to the moment. "It was much different where the peasants lived..." he admitted.
"... lower class," Katara corrected him, biting her lip when she realized it came out more irritable than she expected. She hated the word peasant. Sure, she didn't have a lot back home, but they weren't poor. Her tribe made an honest and decent living, and they earned it with their own hands. To her, that was all that mattered.
She didn't want to start an argument with Zuko over it though. Hearing a faint beep, she was relieved once the doors opened and she walked out. Did he want to just take it back down to his floor? Or follow her to her room? She turned and quickly placed her hand on the door, just incase he was followed. "At least you experienced it. It helped, right?" she said softly, so he knew she wasn't really angry at him.
Zuko swallowed, and widened his eyes. "Sorry...I-" he said, swallowing again. How could he have been so stupid!? He was an idiot! "I...I didn't mean it like that," he admitted softly, shaking his head sadly. He hadn't meant to offend her, he had only...that had been terribly rude...
Sighing, he looked over at her when she voiced her question. This was his chance to make it up! He nodded. "Yeah, I learned alot," he admitted, stepping out slowly. Was this okay? Did she mind that he would walk her to the door?
The sad look on Zuko's face surprised her a bit. She knew he didn't mean to offend her, but.. it looked like he really felt bad. Katara felt guilty herself, for snapping so quickly at him. "It's.. okay," she offered a small, reassuring smile and tilted her head in the direction of her room.
Slipping her hand into the pocket of her shirt, she pulled out her key as she walked... stopping infront of 705. The idea of escorting someone back to their room seemed silly to her at this point. It was goodbye from here, wasn't it? She turned to him then, gaze catching his own for a moment. "So, um. Thanks again... for everything. What you saw, well-" she looked down at her feet. "I'll be fine now," she said quietly. She didn't want to admit her weakness, but .. if he was worried, she figured he shouldn't be.
Zuko blinked, and nodded, looking at his feet as well. "Er, Alright..." he mumbled. He hadn't walked with her out of worry...but he didn't know why he had. he had plenty of opportunity to just leave...but he didn't. Why?
He swallowed, shifting uncomfortably. What was he supposed to do right now?
Katara had no idea what she was suppose to do either. She thought he would've left by now... Hesistantly, she turned to her door and unlocked it. There was a pause, more or less to waste time, before she pushed the door open.
"I'll .. see you later?" she asked as she glanced back at him. That felt stupid, though. He walked her all the way here, wasn't it rude to just send him back? "Or, um. You can come inside, if you want. Since a lot of people aren't awake yet- Whatever if you'd like to do is fine," she concluded, stopping herself before she rambled on. This was awkward.
Zuko blinked, shifting slightly. He would like to come in, but did she really want him to come in? He swallowed, and sighed, running a hand through his hair before he realized that a mistake was only there if he didn't try and take it!
"S-Sure...if you don't mind?" he asked, blushing slightly. Did she mind? Did she want to be alone. "T-That is, if you don't want to be alone..." he mentioned.
... Did she want to be alone? Katara turned around and stared at him for a moment, eyes widened a little. She found herself alone quite often in this place. Or maybe it just felt that way? Because she was use to having her friends by her side every day before she came here? "I'd.. like the company," she said finally, her face feeling extremely warm.
"Is it okay?"
Zuko nodded, trying not to nod too earnestly. "I-I'd like to," he mumbled, his face probably bright red. Why couldn't he have his mask again? At least then he didn't feel completely awkward. Smiling softly, he decided not to worry too much.
"Okay," Katara smiled back before she stepped into her room. Her hand reached over to flick the lights on and she glanced around quickly to make sure everything looked okay. She was always a neat person, and for that she was thankful. Wandering into her bedroom, she grabbed two blankets.. At first it was one, but then if Zuko wanted ..
"Do you want one?" she asked, as she flopped onto a couch and threw one over her legs. She was tired, but she wanted to talk since he decided to stay.
Zuko blinked, and smiled, shrugging. "Sure, why not?" he questioned softly, taking the blanket and wrapping it around his shoulders before he sat down. Sure, he could provide himself heat through fire...but there was nothing more comforting than a blanket around the shoulders, and good company. That was...something his mother had always taught him...but he did blush at the prospect of sitting next to Katara.
Finally, he just flopped down gracefully, trying not to disturb her. "Thanks," he mentioned softly, giving her a slight smile.
"N-No problem," Katara blushed when he decided to sit next to her, and she moved over to make sure there was room. She opened her blanket a few times to cover her body, smiling a little back at him. They were together in the kitchen a few times. Now.. they were in her room? She wasn't sure what they could talk about, but he was nice company.
"So, um.." she yawned for a moment, bringing a hand up to cover her mouth. "Sorry. I'm just a little tired. Hey.. What do you think will happen when we return home? With the war?" she asked, wondering what he thought about the whole thing. A lot of things that were happening here made her change views. Maybe it was the same for him.
Zuko blinked, and shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted softly. "I-I didn't know what was going to happen in the first place," he admitted shyly. He honestly hadn't. He had just wanted his birthright back, and to stop the needless sacrifice of firenation soldiers. The thing that had gotten him in trouble in the first place...it still damned him, even now.
"I don't think it can go back to the way it was," he admitted softly.
"Me either," she nodded and agreed with him. "I think.. things will change for the better, though. When we go back," Katara explained, her confidence wavering a little. If she couldn't bend, how could she help?
"I don't know what will happen either.. But if we're a team, there's a better chance, you know?" she added quickly, pulling the blanket up as she moved around. She sank back into the couch after finding a comfortable position.
Zuko blinked, but nodded. He hoped they would as well, as much as it would be to fight both his people and hihs heritage...he couldn't help but feel as if it would be for the best...even...right...he grinned at her reassuringly.
"I think it would help," he admitted shyly.
If the Fire Nation had no problem hurting their own family, Katara didn't see why Zuko should hold back for their sake. She didn't know the whole story, but his father banished him, didn't he? "Of course it will," she grinned back at him. Even little things like that could effect change.
She yawned again, sighing inwardly with hopes that the tired feeling would go away. She didn't want to fall asleep and leave him with nothing to do. "Have you talked to Azula, by the way? She's been quiet since the masquerade."
He shook his head. "No, I haven't," he admitted. He actually hadn't said much to her in the first place. Avoiding his sister was a priority of his, afterall. She was cold, hard, and flawless. He hated her, and he hated her fortune. He preferred to live his life with challenges, but he was sitll jealous of her and her opportunities.
He had every right to be, really.
"Yeah, it just worries us what she's been upto. Ty Lee isn't very helpful either," Katara rolled her eyes, wondering what went through that girl's head most of the time. Her posts? She was always talking about something.. weird, or spent time hitting on her brother. Poor Sokka.
She got quiet after that, gaze falling to her hands in her lap. She wasn't sure how she could help them anymore! Her thoughts always found themselves back to the fact that she couldn't waterbend. But surely she'd find a way too.. Katara refused to be helpless.
Zuko nodded. "Ty Lee was always...eccentric," he admitted, shaking his head. He really did feel bad for Sokka, being the object of her affections was no easy thing, especially since she was so weird. She made him peurterbed and freaked out, mostly.
He wanted to reach out and hold her hands, letting her know that she was okay...but that was presumptuous of him, for certain.
She found she drifted off for a moment, before Zuko's voice snapped her attention back to back. Katara laughed sheepishly then. "Yeah, I don't doubt that.." she agreed wearily, allowing her head to rest back on the pillow.
"You can keep talking, I'm listening," she reassured him quietly. That was a mistake, though! Her eyes were already feeling heavy, and the warmth from her blanket weren't helping. Before she knew it, she was drifting back into sleep.
Zuko noticed that she really wasn't paying attention, and moreover practically asleep, and he was about to excuse himself and head to his room when he noticed that she was very much asleep. Smiling, he shook his head, and leaned against the other side of the couch, looking at the waterbender.
It was a weird feeling, to care about someone, and although he had always cared about his uncle, Iroh was probably the only one he did care about, but his Uncle and he had been close long before life had decided to give him a swift kick in the testicles. Sighing, he looked to Katara, wouldn't this end up hurting him in the long run?
What: Finding out that Katara can't waterbend!
When: Sunday morning.
Where: At the pool, then .. it ends Katara's room. :D
Rating: PG.
Katara had pleasant dreams the night before she finally woke up. She dreamt of home, back at the South Pole with Gran Gran and Sokka. She desperately missed those days, even moreso because she was here, and not helping Aang save the world. She woke up with a strange feeling she couldn't quite describe, though. Glancing outside the window, the sun didn't even rise yet, and she realized she was up a little more earlier than usual.
Deciding she would take advantage of this, however, Katara hurried down to the pool. If one was awake so early, they'd find the waterbender swimming laps and practicing in the deep end of the water. So after she put her things down on the concrete, she jumped into the pool with a big splash.
Zuko had been going to the kitchen to get some tea. Obviously, his uncle's obsession had moved on to him, and drinking this much tea wasn't very helpful. Regardless, he couldn't sleep anymore, and rising just before the sun was always calming for him. It meant he rose along with the bringer of his power.
Walking by the pools, he heard a splash, and his head lifted just slightly. Who else could be up this early? He was curious, and poked his head in the door, not ready to see what he saw, but now he couldn't stay...it was her. He swallowed, and wondered if this officially made him a vouyer as he watched her swim, and he swallowed...remaining completely silent.
Although the water was cold at first, it didn't take long for Katara to resurface and start swimming around. She got use to it rather quickly. Feeling eyes on her though, her first reaction was grabbing onto the side of the pool and shooting her arm into the air. She blinked with a rather confused expression on her face when the water didn't rise and whip her intruder in the face. She looked over and noticed it was .. Zuko?! Her face immediately turned red, and quickly sunk her body under the water, glaring a little.
"How long have you been standing there! You're so quiet, I didn't even hear you, Zuko." She grew quiet though, wondering what happened before. She looked down at her hands, gently swaying them under the water to form a mini whirlpool.. But nothing happened, except for the natural waves from her motions. Her eyes grew wide with panic suddenly, and she tried a few other bending moves, all which failed. She was completely lost for a moment and didn't even look back to Zuko. It was... She couldn't believe it. She couldn't waterbend anymore.
Zuko blinked, expecting a slap of water in the face, but when it didn't happen, he just swallowed, and shrugged sheepishly. "I...I heard a splash," he mentioned softly, giving her a shy look, and then he noticed she was making bending movements under the water.
And they weren't doing anything.
He looked at her with wide eyes, and rushed closer to the pool, watching her hands. She couldn't bend...could she? The look on her face said it enough, and he wondered if she could swim without her powers...of course she could. But it did mean that the water would affect her in different ways...just like he didn't burn as easily, she probably didn't freeze in the water as easily, and he swallowed. "Are you okay?" he asked her softly, stepping even closer to the pool. Nothing was concrete yet, maybe she was worried about something else...maybe she didn't like being seen in the pool...
Now that Katara thought about it, she did feel .. colder in the water. She didn't realize it before, she never expected she'd be unable to bend. She crossed her arms for a moment and shivered a little, Zuko's voice finally getting through to her. Her eyes widened when she noticed that he was still there. Did he see it? Did he know she couldn't bend anymore? It was honestly a matter of pride to Katara, though. It's not that she couldn't tell him- She just didn't want to.
".. I'm just fine!" she stated before she took in a deep breath, submerging her entire body under the water again. She didn't last very long though, and came up breathing rather heavily about half across the pool. Katara grabbed onto the side then, gently rubbing her eyes with her hand. Her body started to shiver again, but she still didn't look at him. It hurt, being seen helpless so suddenly. She didn't like it all.
"..Zuko. Can you- Can you bring that bag and towel over here?" Katara asked through chattering teeth. She didn't have the strength to swim back over there. Nor did she want to get out and have him see her. "And no looking! Cover your eyes or something," she quickly added with that thought.
Zuko swallowed at her angry tone, and nodded silently, rushing over to grab the towel and bag. That settled it. She had lost her bending, for certain! He grabbed the towel, and rushed over to her, quickly closing his eyes tightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," he said shyly, handing her the towel before swallowing.
"I...I can leave," he mentioned simply backing away from her once the towel had tightened in his hand, and he grimaced. He didn't want to upset her, no! He had been doing so well, and now she was mad at him, and he didn't know what to do.
This was why he had never made any effort with women before hand! He never knew what to say, what to do, how to handle them. How was he supposed to handle them!? He didn't know how to make her feel better, or what she wanted. She didn't say anything, and he was completely confused.
Katara was cold, yes, but she didn't want him to actually run with his eyes closed! "H-Hey, be careful!" she alerted him, thankful for the short distance and the fact that he didn't fall into the pool and hurt himself. She sighed a little and used all of the strength in her arms to pull herself out of the water. She sat at the edge of the pool when she took the towel from him, and wrapped it around her shoulders. Tugging a small part of it, she gently dried her face and sighed again. Waterbending was something she took pride in. She wasn't a healer, she was a fighter. And now.. it was all taken away from her. But it wasn't Zuko's fault.
"N-No, you don't have to," she shook her head, turning her body slightly so she could stand up. "I.. um," she pulled the towel around her body then, holding the ends tightly together. She had to apologize. It wasn't his fault, he was just... there when she realized it, and her anger had wrongly been directed at him.
"I'm sorry," Katara admitted softly.
Zuko blinked, and shook his head at her shyly, giving her a slight grin. "I-Its okay!" he mentioned softly, still keeping his eyes closed, but his position laxing just slightly. He had managed to at least not make her completely angry, and for that he was thankful. He sighed, and neared her just slightly. He didn't want to let her know that he knew quite yet. She didn't sound too happy, and he wasn't going to upset her anymore.
"I-Its okay...something obviously made you upset," he mentioned, grinning just slightly through closed eyes. "I'm just glad it wasn't me," he admitted shyly, wondering what to do now.
"No, it wasn't you at all.." Katara glanced back at the pool, noticing the glimmer of sunshine on it's surface. She looked up and frowned to see the sun had rised and now shone in through the window. Maybe that was it! It was light outside; maybe in this world, the sun is strongest on this day? But it shouldn't have stopped her from bending completely. She bit down on her lower lip, dismissing the idea completely from her head. It was stupid. There was no good explanation for this. She still didn't want to tell Zuko, though. She would have to try again later in the night. It would come back to her, it just had to!
".. you can open your eyes, you know," she spoke up in her normal tone of voice. There was no point in worrying anyone about this. "But, hey. Why are you up so early?" she asked, changing subjects. He must've been just like her. They woke up early when it was necessary to travel, so she was use to it. Other times though, Katara stayed up late into the night with the moon, and slept in when the sun rose.
Zuko slowly slid open his eyes, retinas burning slightly from the sun before his sight adjusted, and he looked at her with a comforting gaze. He swallowed, and wondered what could do this? Some sort of trick of the mansion? Was there a torrent of water that would drown them soon, but they just didn't know it? He couldn't figure it out, and he let his hand clench tightly, and it started to heat up, before he released it, and swallowed.
What had happened? He was honestly worried about her, but didn't want to say anything, or let her know. He was certain she wouldn't want him to make any assumptions, or not let her figure things out on her own. "I'm used to rising with the sun," he admitted sheepishly. Honestly, he hadn't been able to sleep very well in the first place, but he hadn't known why.
"I figured as much," she forced a small smile, reaching to take out the clips that kept her hair loopies in place. "I wake up early sometimes and come down here to swim. Night or morning, just as long as I.. can be in the water," Katara's voice grew considerably quiet and irritable. She clenched her fist with the clips in them and walked down to where her bag was. She kneeled and threw the clips inside, and pulled out the robe she brought to wear back to her room. She nearly took off the towel until she remembered Zuko was still there. Instead, she put the robe on first and removed the towel afterward.
She sighed as she packed her things so soon. It had to be something about this world.. or this castle. She just wished she knew what.
"W-Well, I'm pretty much done here, so.." she took in a deep breath before her voice cracked. She would not cry over this. She couldn't. "So.. um. Would you mind having tea?" she started shivering again. The thought of drinking something warm sounded nice right about now.
He smiled at her softly, and nodded. "I-I was going to offer," he said, making a slight jabbing motion with his hand towards the kitchens, shrugging just slightly. Was she going to be okay? He wondered.
He stood slowly, wondering if he should give her a hug. She looked so vulnerable, upset, but hugging her might be the last thing she really wanted, and that worried him even more. Sighing, he gave her a slight smile, and held out a hand for her, hoping she would take it. Maybe he could give her subtle support? She just seemed so upset...heartbroken...broken in general.
He hated it that she would feel this way...although he didn't know why. He felt a duty to help her.
Zuko had to know what happened. He was right there. Still, Katara was surprised at his.. gentleness. She nodded a little, pulling the strap of the bag onto her shoulder. Looking at his hand, she slowly reached out to take it. She stopped herself, though. Taking his hand meant that she.. needed him in a way. Someone to tell her it would be okay. She would get her bending back by night fall. She didn't-
Her fingers trembled as she quickly touched her face. Tears were falling from her eyes. She turned away from him then, burying her face in her hands and sobbed quietly.
Why was this happening to her?!
Zuko blinked, and swallowed awkwardly. Why had he offered his hand? Why did she take it? Did she like him as much as he liked her? He was more shocked when she pulled away and started sobbing. Crying! What Was he supposed to do!?
He stood there numbly, debating between reaching out for her and just standing there, and finally, he swallowed, wondering how crazy he really was for this.
He reached out, and laid a hand gently on her back, trying to not be too obtrusive, but at least letting her know that he was there for her...if she really needed it.
No matter how crazy that small gesture seemed, it helped, and Katara finally lowered her guard. Zuko was there for her, and she knew this. She could cry infront of him and he'd be okay with just comforting her. She had been holding back before, but she allowed herself to cry more freely and let it all out. The sooner she finished crying, the better, right? She nodded a little to let him know she was done, and gently wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. She imagined she looked terrible right now. She was cold, uncomfortable and she cried infront of a guy who she started to like.
"Thanks.." she mumurred quietly, slowly turning around to him. Her eyes were kept on the floor though, and she pulled the bag up onto shoulder again. Locking herself in her room for the next few days seemed like a good option right now.
Zuko blinked, and shook his head. "I-Its okay," he admitted, hesitantly wrapping an arm around her shoulders, a sad attempt to pull her closer, especially since he was really bad at this comforting stuff. Were he and Katara even to the hugging stage? he wondered, but smiled softly to her instead. "Here, why don't we get some tea?" he questioned, trying to make her feel better. Uncle's solutions always seemed like the best anyways.
"It might make you feel better," he admitted softly, giving her a reassuring smile.
Slowly, Katara's face reddened when she found his arm was wrapped around her shoulders. At least she was beginning to feel warm again, somewhat? She blinked, listening to his words, but .. she was more surprised to find herself closing the bit of remaining distance between them. She rested her forehead gently against his shoulder, and nodded again.
"That.. sounds good," she replied, thankful for the warmth which seemed to naturally radiate off him. It was different. New. But.. still nice.
Zuko blushed furiously, and suspected that his body temperature had risen quite a bit, but not enough to burn. Probably enough to warm. He...he thought it felt good, but he was surprised that Katara was willingly doing so...but... He sighed, and tightened his hand on her shoulder, an effort to lead her to the kitchen gingerly, awkwardly. Was she willingly touching him? Touching him! he swallowed slowly, amazed.
"A-Alright," he mumbled, grinning to her just slightly. "I'm getting better at it," he admitted shyly.
Katara really was grateful for Zuko's kindness. She was starting to feel a little better, but her mind was heavily filled with questions and what she was going to do without being being able to bend. Instead of letting him awkwardly lead her into the kitchen, she pulled away and just walked next to him the rest of the way into the kitchen. "Can't wait to try it then," she said softly.
She padded across the kitchen floor and sighed. This was.. such a weird morning. "Hey, um," she started. She really wanted to go to her room and change out of her wet clothes. Everything was so uncomfortable, and she never felt this way when she could waterbend.
Zuko sighed in slight relief, he didn't know why, but he certainly felt a little bit awkward at intimate contact still, and smiled over at Katara. "D-Do you want to go get out of those?" he asked awkwardly, lifting his eyebrows to her. She looked uncomfortable. "I-I could bring tea to your room...or have it ready and waiting," he explained awkwardly, voice terse and nerfous.
He read her mind. Katara's eyes widened slightly at his offer, but she nodded. "If.. that's not too much trouble of course," she added in quickly. She didn't want him going too much out of his way for her. If he hadn't done so already.
"I'll come back here, you don't have to bring it upstairs for me."
Zuko nodded slowly. "S-sure...y-you look cold," he mentioned, giving her a worried glance through both his eyes, although that seemed so odd, with one eye so slitted and mangled. He just grinned at her. "Don't worry, it'll be done by the time you get back down," he explained.
He'd even make it slowly.
"Y-yeah, this really isn't helping me," she tugged on the collar of the robe and laughed a little. Katara didn't want him to worry. She appreciated it, but she would be fine. She cried already, so hopefully that was the end of that.
"Okay," she nodded when he mentioned it'd be done when she got back. "I won't be long," she promised, and turned as she hurried out of the kitchen. She sighed out loud once she was in the elevator, resting her head back against the cold metal. She was tempted to just go into her room and sleep until it became dark.
Going back into her room, she properly dried off her skin, looking at herself in the mirror disapprovingly. She looked terrible; her eyes were a little red from crying. Just a few minutes. It was all she needed. Katara jumped into her shower, rinsing her hair and skin.. She attempted bending again, and frowned when nothing still happened. Frustrated, she turned off the water and hurried along, finding warmer clothes to wear. A little later than she hoped, but at least she made it in fifteen minutes.
".. sorry that took so long."
Zuko had watched her retreat, before systematically going at the tea-making. He didn't know why he was so worried. Logically, she would be fine. She was a smart, strong girl who could fight better than he could sometimes. Not that he would admit it openly. Of course not. He had lit the fire, feeling a bit bad about using his bending powers, and had decided that he wouldn't use it around her for a while.
Sighing, he had wondered if he was doing the right thing...by getting close to her? If they ever returned...would he suddenly forget? Or would things change? Was this idea of the avatar that dividing? He didn't know. Swallowing, he sighed, and finished making the tea.
He wanted to enjoy this. Enjoy being around her. He enjoyed it. He really did...but he didn't want to regret it either.
Katara wondered the same things, while they were getting closer to each other. Jet did make some valid points before the masquerade, but she ignored them because they seemed like bitter words and nothing else. She was certain that everything that happened here would change the future.
She smiled slightly at Zuko when she returned, walking around to where he stood, watching him finish up with the tea. "Hey, Zuko? Thank you," she told him again, pulling one of the stools to sit near him.
Zuko smiled reassuringly to her, and shook his head. "Its no problem...I was planning on making tea anyways," he admitted softly, hoping that she would be okay.
What would he be like without his bending? The prosepect was completely alien to him, but the thought of living without his firebending for even the most mundane of details was...well...he supposed it wasn't completely bad...but when he had been posing as a peasant, he had still had his fire during every step of the way...living like Katara would be...it would be hell.
Katara was clinging onto that last bit of hope that her bending would return by night. She couldn't even think of life without waterbending. Her life was built upon it, after all. She proved girls could be more than mere healers, she even mastered the art! She just.. couldn't accept anything else at the moment. Or she'd break down again.
"As long as it works out for both of us, right?" she said, folding her hands in her lap, happy that she felt warm again. And also.. for Zuko's company. What would've happened if no one saw her? It scared her a little that she needed Zuko at that moment back there... What he did for her at the pool was comforting. It seemed to take the friendship they built a step further. She had no idea what it meant, though.
Zuko nodded, and smiled to her reassuringly. "Yeah," he mumbled, grabbing two cups, and pouring the tea into them slowly, bringing them over closer to Katara. He wondered if he should touch her, if she needed it.
He took a long sip of the tea, the heat not bothering him, and he sighed softly, before sitting down. He didn't know what to say, how to make her feel better, or even if he should.
"Thanks," Katara returned his smile slightly, carefully holding the cup she was given. She quickly put it down though so she didn't burn her hands. Fingertips brushed over the rim of the cup as she fell silent, and deep into thought again. It was really bothering her, but she didn't want to vent it out to him. He did enough for her already. And yet he still continued to help.
She blew gently over her tea, and after the cup was warm enough for her to finally pick up, she did so.. and also took a few long sips. "You really are getting better at it everytime," she complimented him softly to break the silence. It was comforting in it's own strange way.. Being able to cry earlier and not being asked anything more about it. Katara was a natural when it came to speaking her mind, but even she had things she preferred not to talk about.
"Thanks," he admitted softly, giving her a reassuring smile. He wanted to make her feel better, or at least make it so that he wouldn't feel so lost around her. He was shy, he knew so. He knew he was awkward around Katara, but he couldn't figure out how to act around her. Of course, he was little better with his uncle...but that wasn't the point!
How could he tell Katara he would listen? He swallowed, and took a sip of the tea, before looking at her seriously. "I-I'm glad its getting better," he admitted softly, giving her a shy smile.
Katara continued to drink her tea, and blinked when she noticed his eyes had a serious, worried in look them. He definitely knew. She didn't like it when people worried about her, though... She often took on the motherly role, so she found it awkward when things turned and she was the one in need.
"Have you ever wondered what it'd be like.. if you ever lost your bending?" she decided to ask, blue eyes looking back down at her tea.
Zuko had been trying not to let her know that he knew, to not put her in an awkward position, but how could he mask the fact that he did know? Sighing, he swallowed. "I've wondered...and practically lived without it in the Earth Kingdom," he admitted. Although he hadn't been completely without it, by far. It was still there, always heat burning beneath the surface, bubbling to the surface, ready to spurt forward at any moment, should he need it.
"Or they would've known you were from the Fire Nation.." she softly voiced her thoughts as she put the cup down. If Zuko was able to limit his use of firebending, then surely she could live without waterbending? The idea didn't go well with her at all, though... He could still bend if he needed to. What was to become of her if she couldn't help Aang and the crew fight off Azula here? Aang didn't remember he was the Avatar, she was mostly worried for his safety.
She sighed, taking more sips of her tea. At least it calmed her nerves for a little while.
Zuko smiled, and nodded slightly. "That...wouldn't have gone over well," he admitted with a light smile at her, trying to get her to feel better. He would...have to be helpful, somehow. He could do it! He would have to be support for her, since it was obvious that her brother couldn't be, and he didn't know what Aang would do. If he was the Avatar, he would help, but he...he could do it all, couldn't he? Wouldn't that hurt her more? Make her jealous?
Zuko took a long sip of the tea, closing his eyes, and feeling the heat threaten to bubble forward. He didn't know why, but this whole situation made him angry.
"Not at all," she smiled back softly at Zuko. He was trying, she appreciated it a lot. Katara was one who got easily jealous.. But Aang was their world's last hope to end the war! She'd put her feelings aside because of that, whether she could bend or not. That didn't mean she wouldn't get upset if someone started showing of their bending skills. That was another story.
Finished off the last of her tea and finally stood up, hesistant before she stepped over to him. "Hey, Zuko?" she tilted her head, calling out him to catch his attention.
"Um. I think.. I'm going to head back and rest a bit. Do you want to walk back with me?" she asked, biting down on her lower after she did. She barely had ideas for conversation here; her mind was so focusing on what she lost. But she knew she wouldn't mind his company for just a little longer.
Zuko's head had snapped up, and he smiled shyly at her offer. "Er-sure," he admitted, reaching out to take her teacup from her hand, leaving them both in the care of the ghosts. He didn't like the ghosts making his tea, but he didn't mind them washing his dishes. Mostly because he didn't like doing the dishes anyways.
He followed Katara out of the kitchen, and towards her room, wondering what they could talk about. He was pretty sure she didn't want to talk about her bending, or lack thereof for certain!
Katara usually didn't mind doing the dishes if she was in the right mood. Today was not one of those days, though. Neither were the ones where her brother teased her about dishes being a 'woman's job.' She had no idea why she asked him to walk back with her. She lived one floor above him, and planned on just going in and .. taking a nap. Maybe she'd wake up to find this was a crazy dream.
"I've been wondering.. How did you like living in Ba Sing Se, anyway? I know you said you guys were hiding there, but, did you like it?" she asked out of random curiosity, mainly because of his mention of the Earth Kingdom. She pressed the button for the elevator, not feeling upto a seven floor hike to her room.
Zuko didn't mind taking her, he actually...actually enjoyed it. He didn't know why, but when he was around Katara, he felt warm, well...warmer than usual. Zuko did blink at her question, however. "It was...nice," he admitted softly. He hadn't completely enjoyed it...but it had been better than living as a beggar for so long. That was something he hadn't enjoyed. Actually, he had downright hated that period separated from his Uncle.
"What about you?" he questioned. He had known they were living in Ba Sing Se, looking for the sky bison.
"Just nice? Did you do anything fun?" Katara pressed the subject a little further. There had to be more than just his quiet life in hiding. Did his stay in Ba Sing Se change him somehow? Something had changed Zuko before his arrival in Paradisa. She wanted to know, and it served as a good distraction for the moment.
When he countered the question back at her, she laughed a little and shook her head. "It was strange, living there. It seemed like we were being watched all time, and we just wanted to find Appa. I'm just glad that Sokka and Aang said everything turned out okay," she mentioned, slipping into the elevator when it reached them.
Zuko blanched. "It was a strange place," he managed, before shaking his head. "I didn't do much...Uncle and I just made by...we worked in a tea shop," he mentioned, shaking his head with near amusement. It hadn't been all that funny or ironic at the time, but it was now.
"There wasn't anything weird going on," he admitted, other than his pseudo date with that girl, his freeing of Appa...and then the odd night he spent beneath the city as his sister's prisoner.
"Well, I'm sure it made your uncle happy for a while," Katara nodded with a slight grin. A tea shop... It was so perfect for Iroh. She knew if she ran into them in Ba Sing Se though, she would've been shocked to see Zuko working and serving tea to people. It wasn't so hard to imagine now, since they've been living normally and like friends for a while.
"Yeah, I guess it didn't for you guys. They knew the moment Aang entered Ba Sing Se, so we were treated "nicely" along with the Avatar. Other than that, there were days where we had fun," she shrugged, glancing up at the numbers, watching them go up slowly. This day seemed like it was going to go slow. Katara sighed inwardly.
Zuko nodded. It had practically been his uncle's dream job, for sure. He hadn't enjoyed it as much, but he could have lived with it, for a while. He had wanted, more than anything, to return to the fire nation, to retrieve his birthright...but that was looking more and more improbable as he realized how thirsty his sister was for the throne. Like his father, who had been the second child, so was his sister.
Although he couldn't imagine his father giving the throne to a girl, but would probably rather marry her off to a powerful noble, favored for his power. He shook his head, and returned to the moment. "It was much different where the peasants lived..." he admitted.
"... lower class," Katara corrected him, biting her lip when she realized it came out more irritable than she expected. She hated the word peasant. Sure, she didn't have a lot back home, but they weren't poor. Her tribe made an honest and decent living, and they earned it with their own hands. To her, that was all that mattered.
She didn't want to start an argument with Zuko over it though. Hearing a faint beep, she was relieved once the doors opened and she walked out. Did he want to just take it back down to his floor? Or follow her to her room? She turned and quickly placed her hand on the door, just incase he was followed. "At least you experienced it. It helped, right?" she said softly, so he knew she wasn't really angry at him.
Zuko swallowed, and widened his eyes. "Sorry...I-" he said, swallowing again. How could he have been so stupid!? He was an idiot! "I...I didn't mean it like that," he admitted softly, shaking his head sadly. He hadn't meant to offend her, he had only...that had been terribly rude...
Sighing, he looked over at her when she voiced her question. This was his chance to make it up! He nodded. "Yeah, I learned alot," he admitted, stepping out slowly. Was this okay? Did she mind that he would walk her to the door?
The sad look on Zuko's face surprised her a bit. She knew he didn't mean to offend her, but.. it looked like he really felt bad. Katara felt guilty herself, for snapping so quickly at him. "It's.. okay," she offered a small, reassuring smile and tilted her head in the direction of her room.
Slipping her hand into the pocket of her shirt, she pulled out her key as she walked... stopping infront of 705. The idea of escorting someone back to their room seemed silly to her at this point. It was goodbye from here, wasn't it? She turned to him then, gaze catching his own for a moment. "So, um. Thanks again... for everything. What you saw, well-" she looked down at her feet. "I'll be fine now," she said quietly. She didn't want to admit her weakness, but .. if he was worried, she figured he shouldn't be.
Zuko blinked, and nodded, looking at his feet as well. "Er, Alright..." he mumbled. He hadn't walked with her out of worry...but he didn't know why he had. he had plenty of opportunity to just leave...but he didn't. Why?
He swallowed, shifting uncomfortably. What was he supposed to do right now?
Katara had no idea what she was suppose to do either. She thought he would've left by now... Hesistantly, she turned to her door and unlocked it. There was a pause, more or less to waste time, before she pushed the door open.
"I'll .. see you later?" she asked as she glanced back at him. That felt stupid, though. He walked her all the way here, wasn't it rude to just send him back? "Or, um. You can come inside, if you want. Since a lot of people aren't awake yet- Whatever if you'd like to do is fine," she concluded, stopping herself before she rambled on. This was awkward.
Zuko blinked, shifting slightly. He would like to come in, but did she really want him to come in? He swallowed, and sighed, running a hand through his hair before he realized that a mistake was only there if he didn't try and take it!
"S-Sure...if you don't mind?" he asked, blushing slightly. Did she mind? Did she want to be alone. "T-That is, if you don't want to be alone..." he mentioned.
... Did she want to be alone? Katara turned around and stared at him for a moment, eyes widened a little. She found herself alone quite often in this place. Or maybe it just felt that way? Because she was use to having her friends by her side every day before she came here? "I'd.. like the company," she said finally, her face feeling extremely warm.
"Is it okay?"
Zuko nodded, trying not to nod too earnestly. "I-I'd like to," he mumbled, his face probably bright red. Why couldn't he have his mask again? At least then he didn't feel completely awkward. Smiling softly, he decided not to worry too much.
"Okay," Katara smiled back before she stepped into her room. Her hand reached over to flick the lights on and she glanced around quickly to make sure everything looked okay. She was always a neat person, and for that she was thankful. Wandering into her bedroom, she grabbed two blankets.. At first it was one, but then if Zuko wanted ..
"Do you want one?" she asked, as she flopped onto a couch and threw one over her legs. She was tired, but she wanted to talk since he decided to stay.
Zuko blinked, and smiled, shrugging. "Sure, why not?" he questioned softly, taking the blanket and wrapping it around his shoulders before he sat down. Sure, he could provide himself heat through fire...but there was nothing more comforting than a blanket around the shoulders, and good company. That was...something his mother had always taught him...but he did blush at the prospect of sitting next to Katara.
Finally, he just flopped down gracefully, trying not to disturb her. "Thanks," he mentioned softly, giving her a slight smile.
"N-No problem," Katara blushed when he decided to sit next to her, and she moved over to make sure there was room. She opened her blanket a few times to cover her body, smiling a little back at him. They were together in the kitchen a few times. Now.. they were in her room? She wasn't sure what they could talk about, but he was nice company.
"So, um.." she yawned for a moment, bringing a hand up to cover her mouth. "Sorry. I'm just a little tired. Hey.. What do you think will happen when we return home? With the war?" she asked, wondering what he thought about the whole thing. A lot of things that were happening here made her change views. Maybe it was the same for him.
Zuko blinked, and shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted softly. "I-I didn't know what was going to happen in the first place," he admitted shyly. He honestly hadn't. He had just wanted his birthright back, and to stop the needless sacrifice of firenation soldiers. The thing that had gotten him in trouble in the first place...it still damned him, even now.
"I don't think it can go back to the way it was," he admitted softly.
"Me either," she nodded and agreed with him. "I think.. things will change for the better, though. When we go back," Katara explained, her confidence wavering a little. If she couldn't bend, how could she help?
"I don't know what will happen either.. But if we're a team, there's a better chance, you know?" she added quickly, pulling the blanket up as she moved around. She sank back into the couch after finding a comfortable position.
Zuko blinked, but nodded. He hoped they would as well, as much as it would be to fight both his people and hihs heritage...he couldn't help but feel as if it would be for the best...even...right...he grinned at her reassuringly.
"I think it would help," he admitted shyly.
If the Fire Nation had no problem hurting their own family, Katara didn't see why Zuko should hold back for their sake. She didn't know the whole story, but his father banished him, didn't he? "Of course it will," she grinned back at him. Even little things like that could effect change.
She yawned again, sighing inwardly with hopes that the tired feeling would go away. She didn't want to fall asleep and leave him with nothing to do. "Have you talked to Azula, by the way? She's been quiet since the masquerade."
He shook his head. "No, I haven't," he admitted. He actually hadn't said much to her in the first place. Avoiding his sister was a priority of his, afterall. She was cold, hard, and flawless. He hated her, and he hated her fortune. He preferred to live his life with challenges, but he was sitll jealous of her and her opportunities.
He had every right to be, really.
"Yeah, it just worries us what she's been upto. Ty Lee isn't very helpful either," Katara rolled her eyes, wondering what went through that girl's head most of the time. Her posts? She was always talking about something.. weird, or spent time hitting on her brother. Poor Sokka.
She got quiet after that, gaze falling to her hands in her lap. She wasn't sure how she could help them anymore! Her thoughts always found themselves back to the fact that she couldn't waterbend. But surely she'd find a way too.. Katara refused to be helpless.
Zuko nodded. "Ty Lee was always...eccentric," he admitted, shaking his head. He really did feel bad for Sokka, being the object of her affections was no easy thing, especially since she was so weird. She made him peurterbed and freaked out, mostly.
He wanted to reach out and hold her hands, letting her know that she was okay...but that was presumptuous of him, for certain.
She found she drifted off for a moment, before Zuko's voice snapped her attention back to back. Katara laughed sheepishly then. "Yeah, I don't doubt that.." she agreed wearily, allowing her head to rest back on the pillow.
"You can keep talking, I'm listening," she reassured him quietly. That was a mistake, though! Her eyes were already feeling heavy, and the warmth from her blanket weren't helping. Before she knew it, she was drifting back into sleep.
Zuko noticed that she really wasn't paying attention, and moreover practically asleep, and he was about to excuse himself and head to his room when he noticed that she was very much asleep. Smiling, he shook his head, and leaned against the other side of the couch, looking at the waterbender.
It was a weird feeling, to care about someone, and although he had always cared about his uncle, Iroh was probably the only one he did care about, but his Uncle and he had been close long before life had decided to give him a swift kick in the testicles. Sighing, he looked to Katara, wouldn't this end up hurting him in the long run?