Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zuko was in a foul mood, his thoughts a complete maelstrom. He leaned against the hard stone wall, trying to make sense of how in the four hells he ended up here.  

I could try to heal it, you know. I have Spirit Water from the Oasis. I’ve been saving it for something special. 

Come home, Brother. Father is waiting for you to be by his side. 

Zuko, it is time to look into your heart! 

Lightning arcing through the cave. Azula’s smirk. And then - 

-UNCLE! 

It had only been a few weeks since Ba Sing Se, and he was already ready to kill the Avatar and all his reckless, stupid friends. He turned his head away from the harsh blue glow of her healing, which never failed to give him a headache. He knew he should be grateful that Katara was helping Uncle heal. He was grateful. But for Agni’s sake, did they all have to be so bright and loud and annoying? 

“We’re going to have to find some clothes as a disguise,” Sokka announced to the small group spread out in the cave they were currently calling home. 

“You’ll have to go without me,” Katara sighed, her eyes never leaving the jagged lighting wound on Iroh’s chest. “I can’t leave until he’s a little more stable.” 

“I’ll pick something out for you, Katara!” the stupid Avatar piped up. His crush was so obvious it was actually embarrassing, but Zuko thought he saw a little, frustrated eye-roll from the object of his affections. 

“Aang, Sokka and Zuko are perfectly fine handling our wardrobes. Besides, it’s too risky. You could get caught.” 

“Sparky could get caught too, you know,” Toph piped up. “He and Gramps aren’t exactly popular in the Fire Nation right now, especially after Princess Crazy’s stunt in Ba Sing Se.” 

“We’ll have to make it work. Toph and Zuko, you go to the market and see what you can find. I know we have more money than we’re used to, thanks to our resident royalty, but don’t go wild, all right? Aang, you’re with me. General, don’t die. Sis, don’t do anything stupid.” 

“Like you’re one to talk, Sokka!” Katara snarled, smacking him with a water whip.

Zuko ignored the other man’s sputtering and kneeled next to his uncle. “Will you be alright?” 

Iroh grasped his hand. “I am in the best possible care, my nephew. Make sure to pick out something special for my beautiful healer.” 

He flushed, and noticed a matching blush on Katara’s cheeks. She was so damn pretty it was distracting. Too bad she hated his guts. 

“Iroh, can you give me a moment? I need to speak with Zuko before he leaves.” 

“Of course, my darling. Take all the time you need.” 

She stood gracefully and pulled Zuko into the shadows, away from overly-nosy ears. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that you turned on me. If you do anything to endanger Toph or the boys, I will end your destiny. Permanently.” 

“Katara, I joined you! What more do you want?” 

“You agreed to help us because it was the only way out for Iroh. If Azula had shot me, or Aang, you would be living the high life in the Fire Nation right now, and we both know it. You didn’t help because it was the right thing to do. You helped because it benefits you.” 

“What difference does it make why I helped? I am a traitor to my nation now. I burned every single chance I ever had to go back to the Fire Nation.” 

“I trusted you. And at the first honeyed lie out of your sister’s mouth, you betrayed me.” 

“I just wanted to go home, Katara. What would you have done, if someone offered you everything you had ever wanted?” 

“Don’t turn this around on me, Zuko. I showed you who I am and you shot fire at my face.” 

He grabbed her wrist as she turned to stomp off. “Would you have done it? Would you have healed me?” 

Katara wrenched her hand away. “Yes. And then your uncle would be dead, and so would any hope for a just Fire Lord.” 

She stalked away before he could form a response. 

“You ready to go, Sparky?” Toph called. He scrubbed a hand over his face and sighed. 

“Yeah, give me a minute.” 

The walk to town was quiet, but Zuko knew Toph was just biding her time before she inevitably caused trouble. 

“Soooooo…” she smirked. “What’s up with you and Sugar Queen?” 

“Nothing! Why would you ask that?” 

“I dunno, Sparky. Maybe because your heartbeats were going crazy back there in the cave?” 

“Yeah, that’s because she threatened me again. There’s nothing going on. She hates me.” 

“I can tell when you’re lying, you know.” 

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Zuko scowled. 

“Fine, fine. Just answer one thing for me - what does she look like? Everybody seems to be hot for her, and I can’t figure it out.” 

He sighed. “She’s… well, she’s beautiful . Her hair’s long and wavy, and she’s got the most incredible blue eyes, and she’s strong but also soft and curvy, and…” 

“ Damn , son. You’ve got it bad,” Toph cackled.

“You asked, you fucking gremlin. And it doesn’t matter. Like I said, she hates me.” 

“I don’t think that’s true.” 

“Leave it, Toph. Let’s go shopping.” 

Toph flounced into the first store they came across like a tiny queen. “All right, Hot Pants. I’m not wearing a dress or shoes. I figure you can take it from there.” 

“Hot Pants?” Zuko squeaked. “Seriously?”  

“If it fits.” She ran her hand over a pair of loose, cropped trousers. “This is soft. I like.” 

He eyed the price and winced. “Toph, these are really expensive.” 

“Not if you’re me, they’re not. Go ahead and pick out whatever you want for you and Sweetness.”

“Toph…” 

“Watch the master at work.” 

Zuko shrugged and started browsing in earnest. He had absolutely no faith that Sokka and the Avatar would come back with anything useful, so he resigned himself to spending a lot more money than he would have liked.

They needed a hat to cover the stupid kid’s stupid tattoos, some kind of sandal they could modify for Toph so she wouldn’t get arrested for going barefoot ( how do these people break so many laws by accident? ), something breathable for Uncle so Katara could heal him easily, and… 

Something for Katara. The Fire Nation has a hotter climate than anywhere else in the four nations, so the clothes tended to be lightweight and a lot more revealing than she’d be used to in the Southern Water Tribe. He had seen her swim, so he knew how amazing she’d look with her long, muscular arms and deep brown torso exposed, the red top barely covering - 

Zuko shook his head. She would impale him with an ice dagger and leave him for the puma-lions if she knew even a fraction of what he was thinking. 

“Hurry it up, Sparky. We don’t have all day,” Toph grumbled, holding a pile of clothes in different sizes. 

He grabbed two outfits for Katara, one each for himself and Sokka, a tunic and pants for Iroh, and a hat for Aang. 

“I don't know what you’re planning, but this better be good.”  

Toph grinned with too many teeth, then stepped away. She straightened her shoulders and smoothed her hair into a neater bun, her face a perfect mask of aristocratic boredom. 

“You!” she called, startling the young man who was sitting behind the counter. “I am in need of assistance.” 

The boy, who couldn’t have been much older than 15, looked around and blinked owlishly at the woman in front of him. “M-Me? Yes?” 

“Yes you. I require all of these items. You will package them carefully and hand them to my assistant, Lee.” 

“Uh, yes, My Lady. Whose account should I charge these to? I am new to this colony.” 

Toph’s lips curved into a serene smile. “We’re in service of the Raosin family.” 

The boy’s eyes widened. “The Governor’s household? It is an honor, Lady…” 

“Lady Riya.” She grinned, and leaned forward. “Lord Raosin doesn’t usually let Lee and I come to the market without our retinue, so let’s keep this adventure between the two of us, hmm?” 

His eyes grew even wider and he nodded so fast, Zuko was surprised his head didn’t pop off and roll down the street. “Your secret is safe with me, Lady Riya.” 

“Lee, why don’t you tip our friend here? He’s been so generous with his time.” 

Zuko barely resisted rolling his eyes, but exchanged a few silver pieces for the massive bags of clothing they were taking. 

The boy was still dumbfounded, stuttering his thanks, when they stepped back into the street. 

They had barely made it out of the town when Zuko wheeled on Toph. “You! I can’t fucking believe you!” 

“What?” 

“This is over a thousand gold pieces worth of Fire Nation silk that you just stole. I thought we were being inconspicuous!” 

Toph laughed. “I didn’t steal them. I generously let the corrupt Governor pay for them.” 

“But!” 

“Look, Sparky. The Raosin family has ruled over the colonies since almost Sozin’s time. There are so many cousins and nieces and hangers-on in that household, they can’t keep track of them all. One random bill from a clothier that you know these big families all use isn’t going to stand out, and I’ve charmed that sweet kid to keep his lips sealed anyways. We get nice clothes that don’t itch, we’ll blend in better with the townspeople, and we stick it to an Ozai lackey. Everybody wins.” 

Zuko stared at her, his jaw hanging open. “How in the four hells did you come up with that on the fly?” 

“Easy, Hot Stuff. I was raised rich. I know how this shit works. And besides, I’m smarter than I look.” 

He was cut off from any other commentary when Sokka ran up to them, gasping for breath. 

“Snoozles? What’s going on?” 

“Aang,” he panted. “Have you seen him?” 

“No…” Zuko said, a sinking feeling in his gut. 

"Goddammit, Twinkletoes!”  

“You lost the Avatar.” 

“I wouldn’t say ‘lost’...”

“Sokka. We’re in the Fire. Nation. And you lost the Avatar. ” 

“Hey, man, you try keeping an airbending attention--whore pinned down. We stole some clothes and went to get changed, and next thing I knew, he was gone. I was hoping he caught up with you.”

Zuko smacked his forehead. “How are you people still alive? You know what, no. I don’t even want to know. Let’s go back to the cave. If he’s been caught, we’ll know by morning. If he hasn’t he’ll know to find us there.” 

“Sparky’s right. It’s better than carting all this stuff around town while we try to find him.” 

Sokka looked ready to argue for about three seconds but shrugged and fell into step between them. “So, what did you get?” 

Chapter Text

Katara hovered by the mouth of the cave, fidgeting with the ends of her hair. Iroh had dozed off nearly an hour ago, leaving her with far too much time to worry about her friends. 

And Zuko. 

Spirits, she was so angry. 

I’m sorry Katara. That’s something we have in common. 

I’ve been saving it for something special. 

Her hand on the rough skin of his cheek. 

His hand in her hair, leaning closer… closer … 

She shook her head, chasing away the memories. It was exhausting, holding on to the confusion and distrust.  Zuko had chased them from one end of the world to the other and back. He was a Firebender. He was the Fire Lord’s son.  

But then. When he had talked about his mother, she had felt seen unlike anyone ever had before. And Iroh never had anything bad to say about his surly nephew…

Surly, and obnoxiously handsome nephew. 

Katara was a healthy, 19 year old woman, and unlike Toph, she wasn’t blind. It was far too easy to forget that he was the enemy when he gazed into her eyes, surrounded by sparkling green crystals. When his fluttered shut at her touch. When he trained shirtless, the morning sun highlighting his muscular body. When… 

Nevermind. She scowled and searched the horizon once more. 

Behind her, Iroh groaned. Katara was by his side in a flash, helping him sit up. 

“Easy, General. I’ve got you.” 

“Master Katara, I’ve told you, I am no General. You must call me Iroh. Or Uncle, if it suits you.” 

“Alright. Can you tell me where it hurts?” 

Iroh shook his head. “I fear I am experiencing the joys of old age, rather than the effects of my niece’s temper.” 

“I can’t believe you’re related to them,” she murmured, pulling water over her hands to examine his wounds and joints. He stilled her with a gentle touch to her wrist. 

“I know the importance of family and community in the Southern Water Tribe. Your brother, the Avatar, even young Master Toph, are the center of your world, with you the matriarch to your little tribe. It’s in your blood. Not every family is that fortunate.” 

“Iroh, what happened to them? In the caverns, Zuko said the Fire Nation had also taken his mother.” 

“Did he? He very rarely speaks about that time. I wonder what incited him to open up, especially to a perceived enemy.” 

Katara flushed. “I might have been yelling at him.” 

Iroh chuckled. “Many people have yelled at my nephew in his life, and I imagine many more will before his time in this world is through. I notice, though, that you hold a special animosity towards Zuko, so I propose a trade.” 

“I don’t know...” 

He raised a hand. “Nothing nefarious, you have my word. I will tell you about Azula and Zuko. In return, I would like for you to tell me what happened in that cave.”  

She let out a gusty sigh, but held her hand out for a traditional Water Tribe shake. To her surprise, Iroh grasped her forearm and lowered his head. 

“Master Katara, it appears we have a deal.” 

She nodded and sat back on her heels. “Do you want me to heal you while you talk?” 

“No, my dear.” He took a deep, steadying breath. “My brother is not a good man. I know, this comes as a great shock, considering the state of the world, but his cruelty, his lust for power, runs deeper than anyone outside of his innermost circle would know. He has done everything imaginable to mold his children into the fine-tuned instruments of war that would serve his need for domination. He failed with Zuko. He…succeeded, somewhat, with Azula.”

Katara sat patiently, waiting for Iroh to gather himself. “I had a son, you know. Lu Ten. He was strong, and brave, and charming, charismatic, everything we could have wanted in a son and an heir. My wife died shortly after his birth, so his whole life, Lu Ten lived in my shadow. And my dear, in my younger days, I cast a very great shadow in the name of the Fire Nation. I was the Soldier Prince, leading the world to enlightenment one conquered village at a time. My son wanted to follow in my footsteps, and when he did, I could not have been more proud. We swore we would take Ba Sing Se together in a final, crushing victory. 

“We didn’t. We couldn’t. And my beloved Lu Ten, the light of my life, died.” 

“I’m sorry, Iroh.” 

“So am I. After his death, I could no longer pretend that what the Fire Nation was doing was right. Ozai took advantage of my grief and tried to force our father to make him the heir to the throne. Azulon was enraged and threatened to kill his golden daughter so he would feel the pain of losing a beloved child.

“We aren’t certain what happened after that, but the next morning, my father was dead, Ozai was the Fire Lord, and Ursa, my darling sister, was gone. Without her to shield him, there was nothing to protect Zuko from my brother’s cruelty. He would often say, ‘Azula was born lucky, and Zuko was lucky to be born.’” 

“That’s…awful.” 

Iroh scowled. “Ozai is neither fit to lead a nation nor to be a parent. Zuko has spent his entire life living in his shadow, seeking love and approval from a man who will give him neither. To be honest, I think his decision to turn against Azula surprised all of us.” 

Katara pulled her knees up to her chest. “Why are you telling me this?” 

“My nephew is a good man, Master Katara. I know he has made mistakes, and has hurt you in the past, but I urge you to give him a chance. I believe you could surprise each other.” 

Before she could respond, there was a commotion by the opening of the cave. 

“Why do I have to carry your clothes, Toph? I wasn’t even with you, and I’m hauling all the meat!” Sokka griped. 

“Are you going to deny help to a poor, helpless blind girl?” 

“You are so full of shit,” Zuko laughed. 

They barrelled into the cave, still bickering. 

Katara’s stomach plummeted when she realized who wasn’t with the group. 

“Guys, where’s Aang? And Tui and La, how much did you buy??” 

“Relax, Sugar Queen. We got the good stuff on the Fire Nation’s dime.” 

“What? No, nevermind. You didn’t answer my question. Where. Is. Aang.” 

Sokka was suddenly fascinated with the pattern on the floor. “Well, uh, you see…” 

“He ran off. Again.” 

“WHAT?” Katara screamed. “What are you doing here, then! Why aren’t you out looking for him? He could be captured or -” 

“Katara.” Zuko’s voice was surprisingly gentle. “He’ll be alright.” 

“You can’t know that. I’m going after him.” 

“Stop, Sis,” Sokka said, reaching for her arm. “Zuko’s right. We didn’t want to bring even more attention to ourselves by scouring the town looking for Aang, and by coming back here, he’ll know where to find us when he’s finished chasing butterflies.”

“I’m not okay with this.” 

Iroh groaned, distracting the group. Katara rushed to his side again.  

“Are you alright? Where does it hurt?” 

“It’s my old bones, Master. I feel there is some tension that perhaps needs to be dispelled?” he smirked and shot a wink over her shoulder at his nephew. It was all she could do not to roll her eyes. 

“I’m going to stop helping you if you keep being such a melodramatic hippo-fox.” She moved to stand, dusting her hands on her pants. “I guess I’ll start making dinner.”  

Iroh moaned again, the sound echoing off the walls. “No! My dear, I can’t do without your healing care. I believe Master Sokka can begin the rice.” 

“What??” Sokka cried. “I don’t know how to cook!” 

“An accomplished warrior must be skilled in all things, and also must recognize the falsehood that any work is beneath him. Armies live and die by the whims of their cooks.” 

“But - “ 

“There also is a written recipe in one of my bags. I trust you can follow it.” 

Duly chastened, he stomped off towards the makeshift kitchen they’d set up in a shallow enclave near the mouth of the cave. 

“What was that all about, Gramps?” Toph laughed, settling on Iroh’s opposite side. 

“Nothing I said to Sokka was untrue.” 

“Yeah, but I can tell there’s more to it. What are you up to?” 

His smile turned sly. “I believe you purchased some finery that needs to be tried on?”  

Katara really did roll her eyes this time. “I can’t believe you bullied my brother into dinner duty so I could play dress up. Good luck getting anything edible out of his cooking.” 

“You’re still young, my dear, and should take the time to enjoy pretty, silly things. He and the Avatar need to learn to carry their weight so that you can do that.” 

He turned to Toph and gently patted her knee with two fingers. “Master Toph, I believe we need a structure to hang the new clothes, and a private place to change.” 

Two claps and a stomp later, there was a full-on wardrobe set up, complete with a surprisingly elegant changing room. Zuko and Katara made quick work of hanging everything up. 

“These clothes are exquisite. I haven’t seen tailoring this fine outside of the poles.” 

Zuko shrugged. “Fire Nation silk is supposed to be the best in the world.” 

“I don't even want to know how you got all of this without a whole brigade of soldiers on your heels.” 

“Toph. How else?”

Katara stretched, feeling his golden eyes on her. “I guess it’ll be nice to wear something that isn’t hot or scratchy, so I’ll ignore her methods for now.” 

His answering grin was lightning quick and just as heartstopping. The smile completely transformed his face, softening all the sharp angles and harshness into something entirely more dangerous. 

Something appealing. Something breathtaking. 

Someone she could trust. 

Their eyes held for just a second too long before Toph cackled. 

“Oh this better be good. ” 

Aang strolled into the cave, covered in soot and whistling an unfamiliar tune. 

“Where the fuck have you been?” Sokka shouted. 

Zuko glanced over, and she could actually see his stomach sink. 

“Don’t worry, guys!” the Avatar chirped, all smiles. “I was at school!” 

Chapter Text

“HA HA HA! That’s hilarious, Twinkletoes. For a second there, I thought you said you were at school. In the Fire Nation. Where you’re wanted dead or alive,” Toph said. 

“Preferably alive,” Zuko added. “The Father Lord loves to make a scene.” 

“You mean the Fire Lord.” 

“Isn’t that what I said?” 

“I wasn’t joking! Apparently Sokka and I stole a school uniform - “ 

“ Dammit I knew I recognized that outfit,” Zuko grumbled under his breath. 

“- and so when some soldiers saw me, they thought I was skipping school! They didn’t even know I’m the Avatar. So tomorrow, when I go back -” 

“Ohhhhh no no no. You are not going back to school tomorrow, Aang. This is the worst idea in a long, frustrating string of really bad ideas that you’ve had since we broke you out of that iceberg,” Sokka cut in. 

“They did what?” Zuko whispered to Toph. 

“I don’t know the whole story either, but apparently Twinkletoes was frozen in an iceberg for like a hundred years.” 

It took so much effort to keep from screaming fire that he nearly missed what they said next. 

“No, listen guys. Those kids at school are the future of the Fire Nation. If we want to change this place for the better, we need to show them a little taste of freedom,” Aang pleaded. 

Sokka slapped his forehead with one hand and pointed to the caverns behind them with the other. “Go to your room.” 

“But!” 

“Aang, you were incredibly reckless today,” Katara said, somehow sounding both soothing and disappointed. “We’ll talk about school tomorrow when everyone has a clearer head, okay?” 

He smiled like she hung the moon, but trudged back to one of the smaller rooms they’d crafted from the cave. 

As soon as he was out of sight, she slumped like a puppet with cut strings. “I am going to kill him ,” she grumbled. 

“Then why’d you baby him, Sugar Queen? ‘Oh we’ll talk about it tomorrow’.” Toph mocked.

“I know you don’t understand, but sometimes there are things that are more important than yet another fight.” 

“Yeah, but if you keep coddling him, he’s never going to be able to win this war. Actions have consequences, and his actions are dangerous to all of us.” 

“Oh, like stealing all these clothes had consequences for you? Scamming entire towns, too, how did those consequences work out? Some of us have to actually deal with this shit!” Katara grabbed her water skin and scowled. “I can’t be around any of you right now.” 

The group stared after her as she stormed out of the cave. 

“Toph, that was way out of line,” Sokka started. 

“I said what I said. She knows Aang has a crush on her, she knows he needs to take his training more seriously. I don’t get why she won’t yell at him like she yells at everyone else.” 

“She’s afraid he’ll disappear again if she’s hard on him, so she swings too far in the other direction,” Zuko mused. 

“When’d you get so smart, Sparky?” 

He shrugged. “We… talked, some. Back in Ba Sing Se. But still, you probably owe her an apology.” 

“Yeah, yeah, fine. Anyway, when’s dinner? I’m starving.” 

Sokka jumped to his feet and sprinted to the kitchen. “The rice! My meat!” 

Iroh chuckled. “If you will help me up, I'll supervise and see what we can salvage of our meal.”

Toph gently helped him stand and guided him across the cave. “Go check on Sweetness. Gramps and I have got this.” 

Zuko blushed slightly but strolled out into the night. 

It didn’t take him long to find her, flinging ice against the nearby cliff. She was silhouetted by the moonlight, the droplets of water sparkling against her skin. Yet again, he was struck by her, by the power and beauty that were so intrinsic to her. He watched for another moment as she spun, throwing a brutal wave that crashed onto the stone. Her shoulders heaved. 

“I know you’re there, Zuko. What do you want.”

“Toph told me to check on you.” 

“Like she cares,” Katara laughed mirthlessly. “I’m just some soft sap who can’t say no.” 

“That’s not true and you know it.” 

She finally turned to face him, her blue eyes luminous. “Do I?” 

Zuko risked her wrath and stepped closer. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met, Katara.” 

“I doubt that. And besides, Toph’s right. I need to put my foot down with Aang. I know I do. But…” 

“How did you find him?” 

She sighed. “Sokka and I were out fishing, and he was being a huge jerk. We got in a fight and I accidentally split open an iceberg. He and Appa had been suspended in it for a hundred years.” 

Zuko blinked. “Toph was serious?” 

“Apparently.” 

“I thought she was messing with me. How did he even get there?” 

“He ran away. The monks told him he was the Avatar and he ran away. I can’t risk that again. Sokka and I gave up everything when we found him all those years ago. And, I mean, I’m not stupid . I know how Aang thinks this whole thing is going to end.” 

“How’s that?” 

“He doesn’t think killing Ozai is the answer. In his mind, the war will end with the Fire Lord peacefully surrendering and me standing at his side as his ‘forever girl.’” She stopped and scowled. “But I’m not doing this with you again. We both know how it ended last time.” 

“Katara, I’m sorry . I am so, so sorry I listened to Azula.” 

“How could you do it? I thought we were the same, but we weren’t.” 

Zuko took her hand. “We are, though. You understand me better than anyone ever has. Even in the moment, I knew she was lying, but she said everything I had waited nearly ten years to hear. It doesn’t make what I did right, but I hope you can understand that I just wanted to go home.” 

“You’re only the second person I’ve ever kissed. Did you know that?”

He shook his head. 

“He betrayed me, too.” Katara kicked a rock and laughed bitterly. “Maybe I should be Aang’s ‘forever girl’. At least with him, I know what I’m getting.” 

“Don’t say that. You deserve more than to settle for someone who won’t make you happy.” 

“Oh, and who will? You?” 

“If you’d let me.” 

The silence was electric, snapping with tension as their eyes met. It would be so easy… 

Katara pulled her hand away. “Not now. Maybe not ever.” 

“For what it’s worth, I really am sorry, Katara. I hope I can earn your trust again.” 

She frowned, studying his face for a long moment, and walked away. 

Chapter Text

“I am going to nail that little brat to the wall,” Sokka seethed, knocking back a bracing cup of tea the next morning. 

Iroh grimaced. “It does not reflect a warrior’s character to treat tea so poorly.” 

“We don’t have time for proverbs or tea!” 

“At least we know where he is this time. How hard will it be to find a school on an island this size?” Toph shrugged, picking her toes. 

“There are wanted posters, with his face on them, in the town square. This is reckless, even for him.” 

“What’s going on? Where’s Aang?” Katara yawned, walking into the main cavern. 

Zuko stopped breathing. She looked phenomenal. 

The tight, cropped top left one shoulder and most of her midriff bare, with gold bands accentuating her muscular arms. The split skirt sat low on her hips, revealing leggings that traced every curve of her long, gorgeous legs. He’d known she’d look good in red, but he was not at all prepared for just how amazing the color sat against her dark skin. 

He was completely, utterly screwed. 

“Get your jaw off the floor, Sparky,” Toph muttered, elbowing him hard. 

“Master Katara, I must say, you look lovely,”  Iroh beamed. “Unfortunately, it appears that the Avatar decided to sneak out this morning and return to school.” 

She frowned and settled down between him and Zuko. “Again? I guess it’s time to go get him.” 

“You can’t just walk up to an Imperial school and pull a kid out,” Zuko said, trying to ignore how close their knees were to touching. “There’s got to be a believable reason.” 

“I’m tempted to take Appa, round up Dad and the Kyoshi Warriors, and deal with the Fire Lord myself,” Sokka grumbled. “Aang refuses to act like the Avatar, and I’m too old to babysit.” 

“We could just wait for him to get himself in trouble.” 

“ Toph! ” 

“What? Like that’s not basically inevitable. This is Twinkletoes we’re talking about.” 

Katara turned to Iroh. “Do you feel well enough to travel? One way or another, we’re going to have to get out of here soon.” 

“Your healing has done wonders for me, my dear.” 

Zuko leaned back on his elbows. “Assuming Toph’s wrong and Aang doesn’t get himself kicked out before we have to do anything, the most logical choice is for Uncle to pose as his guardian and pick him up.” 

“I fear I am too recognizable. I was the crown prince until not too long ago, and people have long memories.”  

“Well, Katara and I look too different from him to pass as a relative, and Toph’s a gremlin,” Sokka said, stroking his imaginary beard in thought. “That leaves Zuko.” 

“What? No! I’m the worst actor in the world.” 

“Not if you had some help,” Toph smirked. “You and Sweetness can pose as his parents.” 

“ WHAT?” 

“Come on. Sparky can play the part of a snotty Fire National without trying too hard, and Sugar Queen can be his pretty trophy wife who dotes on their son. It’s not too far from the truth, after all.” 

Zuko and Katara both jumped to their feet.

“No way-” 

“Absolutely not-” 

“No one would even -” 

“GUYS!” Sokka shouted, cutting off the argument. “It’s the most reasonable solution.” 

“She hates me! How are we supposed to act married?” 

“I don’t hate you. I’m mad at you.” 

“How, exactly, is that different in this situation?”

“Because, Zuko, I can be an adult here,” she snarled, jabbing him in the chest. “Besides, would getting fake-married be the worst thing in the world?”

“No! Don’t be ridiculous.” He grabbed her wrist to stop any more blows. “You’re amazing. Any guy would be lucky to be fake-married to you.”

“Then why are you being such a child about this? You’re a catch, too!”   

He groaned and stepped back, barely registering how close they were standing. “Fine! I’ll pretend to be your stupid husband so we can go get our stupid child from his stupid school.” 

“Fine!” 

They both stormed off. 

“Did they just admit to thinking the other is hot?” Sokka broke the strained silence. 

“Yuuuuup.” 

“Well that’s not going to make anything awkward at all.” 

“I think they look good together,” Toph grinned. 

“How could you say - ugh! Why do you always do that?” 

“Because you’re an easy target, Snoozles.” 

“That’s enough,” Iroh said. “We need to prepare to collect the Avatar and move on.” 

Chapter Text

“I cannot believe I’m doing this,” Katara grumbled.

“My dear, you’ll be fine. I trust you and Zuko will manage this situation gracefully,” Iroh soothed, helping her tie the wide belt over her flowing formal robes. 

“No one is going to believe I’m Aang’s mother. I look ridiculous.” 

“You look beautiful,” Zuko rasped, startling her. “Truly, Katara.” 

“Thanks. You, uh. You look good too,” she stammered, blue eyes wide as she drank him in. The high-collared tunic accentuated his shoulders and chest, and his swords crossed on his back, even further defining his powerful physique. He’d pulled his hair into a harsh top-knot, highlighting the angles of his face. Katara knew he was self-conscious about the scar, but to her, it was just another part of his beauty.

Their gazes caught, the air thick with tension.

“Oh. Um, your necklace,” Zuko murmured. “May I?” 

She nodded and turned, lifting her hair over her shoulder. His fingers brushed against her neck, sending sparks under her skin. He was so close, the warmth of his body radiating against her back. Butterflies rioted in her stomach when his breath rustled the fine hairs at her temple. 

He gently pressed her mother’s necklace into her hand. “Here.” 

Katara spun around, a small gasp escaping when she nearly collided with his chest. “Thank you.” 

His eyes flicked to her lips. It would be so easy to just rise to her toes and…  

Sokka clapped, shattering the moment. “Alright, so let’s go over the plan one more time. Zuko, you’re -”  

“Shuze, a high-ranking Fire Nation officer.” 

“Great. Katara, you’re - “ 

“Luruyu, his docile trophy wife from the Northern Water Tribe.” 

“Docile, my ass.”

“Toph, hush. You came to the colonies because -” 

Zuko groaned. “We wanted to establish a home for our son before our baby is born. Sokka, we’ve been through this.” 

“There’s no such thing as being too prepared. You’re picking your son up because?” 

“He ran away from his private tutors,” Katara grumbled. “At least that part is believable.” 

“Does anyone know what name he’d go by?” 

“Kuzon. He talked about his old friend from the Fire Nation back when I broke him out of the Ponhuai Stronghold,” Zuko murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“That was you? ” 

“Sis, you two can get into your lovers’ spat on the way to the school. Just remember, you’re rich, you’re important, and you’re in charge here. Now, go get our kid.” Sokka all but shoved them out of the cave and onto the road to town. 

They walked in silence, sneaking occasional glances at each other. Katara fidgeted with the unfamiliar sleeves on her robe, trying to focus on anything except Zuko. 

“Stop messing with your hems.” 

“They’re annoying and in the way.” 

“You don’t have a noblewoman’s hands. We need to keep them out of sight or the headmaster will think you’re my concubine, not my wife.” 

“So it’s not enough to be dressed up like your fucking trophy! Now I have to hide that I’ve worked my whole life, too?” 

“Katara,” he groaned, fitting a truly unbelievable amount of exasperation into the single word. “I know this sucks, but can you not take it out on me, just this once?” 

She pouted, her full lips curved in obvious irritation. Zuko shook his head and strode ahead a little. He needed some distance before he did something stupid like laugh… or kiss that expression off her face. 

“So you’re the Blue Spirit?” she asked after a few minutes, trotting up to his side. 

“Yeah. I’m surprised Aang didn’t tell you.” 

“I’m not.” 

He looked at her in surprise, but she just waved her hand. “Nevermind.” 

“Katara, you’re important too. You know that, right?” 

She scowled. “It sure doesn’t feel that way when I’m cleaning up after everyone, cooking for everyone, mothering everyone. Even you only like me for my looks.” 

“Aang might. I don’t. Sure, you’re beautiful, but that’s not why I kissed you in Ba Sing Se, and it’s not why I want to kiss you now.” 

She blinked at him in shock. Zuko gently took her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. 

“We can’t really do this right now, but soon, I’ll show you how much I value you, Katara. I promise.”  He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and continued walking like he hadn’t completely turned her bones to jelly. “Come on. I think we’re almost there.” 

The sprawling school complex was just down the hill, red roofs glinting in the sun. Nerves and arousal churned in her stomach as they carefully picked their way down the dusty road. Two guards stopped them at the gate. 

“State your business!” 

“We believe our son has run away from his tutors to attend your school,” Zuko said, his voice low and commanding. Katara suppressed the ill-timed shiver that sent down her spine. 

The taller of the two guards sneered down at them. “You’re Kuzon’s parents, then?” They nodded. “We should have known that little troublemaker was of… lesser breeding.” 

Zuko stiffened, but Katara squeezed his arm and raised a blank, watery gaze to the man. “What do you think he means, Shuze? Kuzon’s no troublemaker! Perhaps I indulge him every once in a while, but our darling is a paragon of Fire Nation citizens!” 

“I think you’re right, my love. Kuzon is a common name, after all. Perhaps we should look at another, better school.” 

“Wait! No, you need to take him. He started a fight and the Headmaster has him in detention.” 

“A fight? ” Katara asked, almost breaking character. Starting trouble was one thing, but Aang was more likely to run from a fight than towards one.  

“You will escort us to him at once,” Zuko commanded, his voice doing that thing again to her insides.  

They followed the guards across a central courtyard into a cool, shady building. “The Headmaster will be with you shortly.” 

“I don’t like this,” Katara murmured as soon as the door was closed. To her surprise, Zuko pulled her into his arms. 

“What are you doing?” she hissed. 

“Playing the part. I’m comforting my beautiful, worried wife.” 

“No one can see us.” 

He smiled down at her, golden eyes bright. “Then maybe I just wanted an excuse to hold you.” 

He’s going to kiss me. We’re in the middle of a rescue and he’s going to kiss me… and I’m going to let him. 

The pair startled apart at the sound of the door opening. The Headmaster strode in, hauling Aang by his collar and shoving him into a chair. Katara grabbed Zuko’s hand, her heart pounding in her chest. 

“What is the meaning of this?” the Headmaster bellowed. “First, we get some errant colonial boy arguing with our teachers and roughing up a prized pupil, and now you two show up, unannounced, to canoodle in my office?” 

Zuko straightened with a scowl. “I’m Captain Shuze. I served under the Dragon of the West in the Siege. My wife - “ he shot Aang a significant, speaking glance “- was distraught over the treatment of our son Kuzon. Luruyu has a delicate temperament, after all, especially in her condition.” 

“I’m so sorry, of course! The baby makes everything I’m feeling just a thousand times bigger,” Katara sniffled, snuggling up to Zuko’s side. 

Aang looked like he was minutes from going into the Avatar State, his thunderous glare fixed on their entwined hands, and the way Katara leaned her head on Zuko’s shoulder. She caught his eye and shook her head subtly. 

“You’re a little young to have served under General Iroh, Captain,” the Headmaster sneered. 

“Looks can be deceiving.” 

“Headmaster, our Kuzon would never cause as much trouble as your guards said,” Katara cut in, batting her eyelashes. “There must be some misunderstanding!” 

“Lady…”

“Luruyu. I was a handmaiden for Princess Yue.” 

“May her Spirit find peace,” he intoned, bowing his head. “Lady Luruyu, I know this is your… perception of your son, and perhaps his mischief is acceptable in the Tribes or the colonies. However, he has done nothing but cause problems since he arrived at our school.” 

“Why did you run away from your tutors, my darling? You’re so much safer on our compound.” 

Aang scowled. “I…uh. I wanted to spend time with normal Fire Nation kids.” 

“Your mother was worried sick. You can’t add to her stress right now, Kuzon,” Zuko scolded. A petty part of him relished Aang’s deepening frown. 

“At our school, we expect discipline, vigilance, and loyalty. If your son steps out of line one more time, I’ll send him to the coal mines.” 

Katara’s gasp was only partially feigned. “Surely it won’t come to that!” 

“This is the penalty for the kind of disruption he has caused.” 

“That won’t be necessary. Kuzon will return to his tutors starting tomorrow. I apologize for any inconvenience he has caused.” Zuko slid his arm around Katara’s waist. “We’ll take him home, won’t we Luruyu?” 

When she looked up at him in adoration, he nearly forgot where they were, what they were doing, even his own damn name.

“Of course, my love. Come, Kuzon. I’m tired.” 

She swept out of the room, leaving Zuko and Aang with no choice but to follow. 

Once they were out of sight of the town, Aang wheeled on them both.

“What was that?” 

“That was called getting you out of trouble!” Zuko snapped. “What were you thinking?” 

“I just wanted to be a kid for a while! Nobody treated me like I was the Avatar or anything.” Aang reached for Katara’s hand, his gray eyes wide and sad. “Can’t you understand? 

“Oh no you don’t,” she seethed, snatching her hand away. “I am so mad at you right now, I’m about to send you to the coal mines myself.” 

“What? Why?” he cried.

“Zuko, you talk to him. I can’t.” 

She stormed down the path. 

“You look really pretty!” Aang called after her. 

“Yeah, not helping your case here, buddy. At all.” 

“What do you know? And why did you get to be married to her? She hates you!”

“Aang, you ran away. Again. You disrespected her and Sokka. Again. You put what you want over what the team and the world needs - again, ” Zuko sighed.  

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“What’s Katara’s favorite color?” 

Aang scoffed. “Blue, obviously.” 

“Wrong. It’s lavender. How far apart are she and Sokka in age?” 

“Two years?” 

“Not quite. They’re 20 months apart.” 

“That’s close enough.” 

“If you’re not paying attention, maybe. What’s her favorite food?” 

“That’s easy. Sea prunes.” 

“Wrong! Her mother’s five-flavor soup.” 

“How do you even know all of this?” 

“Because I listen to her. We spent a long time in the catacombs in Ba Sing Se, and I listened. I paid attention to her. To what she said and what she feels,” Zuko said. “Look, you claim to love Katara, but if you have to ask why she’s angry with you, then you don’t know her at all.” 

Aang barked an ugly laugh. “Oh now I get it. You’re just jealous.” 

“Of what? You?” 

“You see what she and I have, and you want her for yourself.” 

“She’s not a fucking prize you can win, Aang. Grow up.” 

Zuko stalked off, leaving him grasping for a response. 

Chapter Text

“Where’s Aang?” Sokka demanded as soon as Katara stormed into the cave. 

“He’s Zuko’s problem now.” 

“Katara!” 

“What, Sokka? If you’re so concerned, you go listen to him whine and moan through yet another explanation of why he needs to shape up. I don’t have it in me anymore. Oh, and Toph? Next time someone needs to play his mother, you’re up.” 

If she could have found a door to slam, it would have echoed through the cave. 

A few minutes later, Zuko stomped in. “I don’t want to talk about it.” 

He charged off in the same direction that Katara had gone. 

“Oh dear…” 

“You said it, Gramps.” 

Sokka collapsed in a heap of frustration. “Why is this my life?” 

“Don’t worry, Snoozles. Sounds like Twinkletoes is on his way back after all.” 

Aang slumped into the cave, the very picture of a kicked koala-puppy. He dragged his feet, eyes fixed on the ground. “Hey guys. I guess you’re all mad at me too?” 

“You fucking bet I am!” Sokka shouted, leaping back to his feet. “You could have been captured or killed. Are you out of your mind?” 

Iroh stilled him with a gentle hand. “I believe your friends’ ire stems from worry, Young Avatar.”  

“Really?” He looked almost comically hopeful. 

“Pull shit like that again, and I’ll Earthbend you into the wall, Twinkletoes, but hell yes we were worried!” 

“Awww, thanks Toph.” 

She punched him hard. 

“That’s, uh. That’s actually really good, that you’re not too mad and all,” Aang rambled, suddenly looking anywhere except at his friends.

“ What did you do,” Sokka snapped.

“It’s fine! Really!” 

“Aaaaannng!” 

“Okay! I just, maybe, happened to organize a secret dance party for tonight! So we should probably get ready. Because my new friends are going to learn to break free!” he broke into a weird, uncoordinated jig. 

“That’s it. We’re leaving. Everybody pack up and get ready to go on Appa. I’ll go tell Katara and Zuko.” 

“Listen, these kids don’t know how to have fun at all, Sokka! We have to show them a good time.” 

“I’m not risking our safety or our mission because you want to be a fucking moron, Aang!” 

“He, uh. He might be right.” Everyone’s heads whipped around in shock at Zuko’s statement. He raised his hands. “I know, I know. But schools like these teach exclusively propaganda. It’s drilled into our heads before we can even walk, that the Fire Nation is superior, that we’re sharing glory and prosperity, and that firebenders are inherently the strongest and the best. Maybe showing them a different way will help them see what I eventually saw, that the Fire Nation isn’t helping anyone. It’s spreading destruction and fear, even to its own people.” 

Zuko glanced around at all of his friends' faces, seeing suspicion on Sokka’s, pride on Iroh’s, and an unreadable look on Toph’s. 

“That was quite the inspiring speech, Sparky. I’d say Sugar Queen has been rubbing off on you,” she smirked.

Aang scowled. 

Zuko looked away from both of them. His eyes locked with Katara’s, even though he wasn’t sure when she had entered the room. Something like admiration lit up her face, and she offered him a gentle smile. She reached over and squeezed his hand. 

“I’m with Zuko. He knows his people best.” 

“But Katara!” 

“ However, we need some ground rules. Zuko and I will keep posing as Aang’s parents. I’m sure there were students that saw us at the school, and I don’t want to blow our cover early.” 

She ignored Aang’s deepening scowl. “Second, no bending except for what is absolutely necessary.” 

“That means no airbending, Aang,” Sokka cut in.

“Third, and most important, we need to be completely packed and ready to leave before this thing gets started. If things go sideways, we’ll have to make a quick getaway, and I am not doing this by myself.”

“I will stay hidden with the sky bison,” Iroh said. “I would be most out of place otherwise.” 

 “Okay! Let’s get packing, everybody!” Sokka ordered. With a few grumbles, the group dispersed. 

Katara fell into step next to Zuko, moving to pack up their fine new clothes. 

“I’m surprised you want to keep pretending,” he said, focusing intently on the shirt he was holding. 

She shrugged. “I was telling the truth. We can’t blow our cover.” 

“Is that the only reason?” 

“...Maybe.” 

Their fingers brushed, shooting sparks beneath their skin. He linked his pinky with hers, relishing her sharp inhale. 

“Why do you have to make this so hard?” Katara whispered, almost to herself. “It used to be so easy to hate you.” 

Zuko lifted her hand to his lips, golden eyes finally blazing into hers. “Forgive me,” he murmured before striding away. 

She watched him leave in a daze. 

“Damn. Looks like Sparky broke you, Sweetness. What’d he do this time?” Toph cackled, moseying up to her side. 

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” 

Chapter Text

Katara leaned against one of the makeshift tables Toph had bent into existence around the sides of the cave. The dance party was in full swing, with Aang whirling between partners to the heady beat of the band. Every once in a while, he’d gaze longingly in her direction, which she steadfastly ignored. 

“Some party, huh?” Sokka grinned, sipping from a flask of something she did not want to know about. He passed it over to Zuko, who cracked a tiny smile. 

“We’re breaking about 28 different laws and no less than a dozen court protocols, but hey, what’s new?” 

“Is dancing actually illegal?” Katara asked. Zuko shrugged. 

“Like this, it is. There are court dances, and a few of the bending forms are sometimes used in performances and stuff, but these peasant dances were outlawed by Sozin.” 

“ Peasant dances?” 

“It’s what they’re called! Don’t get mad at me.” 

“Do you know how to dance, Sparky?” 

“Of course. I learned all the courtly arts. Didn’t you?” 

Toph shrugged, but her face was alight with mischief. “My parents made me take a few lessons, but it’s been a long time. You should show us your moves!” 

“All the formal dances require a partner. Are you volunteering?” he laughed. 

“Nope, but don’t you have a wife here?” 

Katara paled. “Oh, no, Toph. I don’t know how to dance. I couldn’t -” 

“What’s the problem, Sweetness? The first thing boys learn in dance lessons is how to lead, and your bending is all smooth and floaty anyway. Dancing can’t be that different.” 

“But I -” 

“Come on, Sis. I want to see Prince Hotman on the dance floor,” Sokka smirked, giving them a mock salute with his flask.  

Zuko snaked his arm around her waist, leaning in so only she could hear. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, you know.” 

“Is that a challenge, husband? ” 

His answering smile was positively sinful. “Only if you want it to be, sweetheart.” 

Katara swallowed, ignoring the riot of butterflies in her chest.  “You’re on.” 

He led her into the crowd, just as the music shifted to something slower and sensual. She squirmed under his amber gaze. 

“I’ve got you. It’s like your bending - push and pull,” Zuko murmured, placing one of her arms on his shoulder before his own hand rested on the small of her back. 

He pulled her closer, his lips brushing her temple. They began to move. 

“Relax, my love,” he whispered against her hair. “Follow the music.” 

Katara felt molten, like he was firebending into her very marrow. Even through the layers of her robes, his hands melted her defenses, leaving her alight with raw nerves, craving nothing but his touch. His eyes never left hers as he guided her effortlessly through the steps of the unfamiliar dance. She giggled like a schoolgirl when he spun her out, breathless when she returned to the safety of his arms. 

She wondered when she started thinking of him as safe.

“I want to try something. Do you trust me?” he asked. 

Katara had nodded before her brain even caught up to his request. His grin was lightning fast - 

And then she was in the air, his hands anchoring her as he spun them around. Her breath caught in her lungs as he lowered her down, her blue eyes locked on his. He spun her out again, just for a heartbeat, and pulled her back, their chests pressed together. The music swelled, Zuko twisting her this way and that like putty in his hands. 

He twirled her once more, then dipped her back, her leg instinctively hitching around his hip. She couldn’t help her gasp when he pulled up, every place they touched like wildfire. Their faces were mere inches apart, and Katara felt an echo of their moment in the headmaster’s office, only hours ago. 

He’s going to kiss me… and I’m going to let him. 

She broke out of her trance at the sound of applause. 

“Looks like we attracted an audience,” he rasped against her ear, his voice lower than usual. 

She grasped his hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

art by san92994

They were barely out of sight when he pushed her against a tree, caging her in with his body. 

“Agni, Katara. Please tell me I’m not reading this wrong.” 

“Kiss me, Zuko.” 

He surged against her, his mouth so hot and perfect and exactly how she remembered. She rose onto her toes, angling her head as he deepened the kiss. Zuko kept his hands on the tree, even as she threaded her fingers in his hair to pull him closer. 

Katara arched against him, her tongue tracing his lips. He opened, finally burying his hands in her gorgeous hair. Everywhere they touched was on fire, as the kiss turned frantic and filthy, all teeth and tongues and promise. She raked her hands under his tunic, desperate for skin. 

They startled apart at the sound of heavy footsteps. 

“Soldiers,” Katara whispered, eyes wide. “We have to get to Aang.” 

Zuko nodded and took her hand. They slunk back into the cave, but it was too late. The party erupted in chaos as the Headmaster barged in, soldiers trailing behind him. 

“He’s the one that we want! The boy in the hat!” the Headmaster cried.

“Run, Kuzon!” a pretty brunette girl yelled and pushed Aang towards the back of the cave. 

Sokka ran up and grabbed Katara’s arm. “There you are. We have to go. Now. ” 

“Where’s Toph?” 

“Already with Iroh. Come on!” 

The trio sprinted towards Appa, Katara’s hand still tucked in Zuko’s. They leapt into the saddle, landing in a tangle of arms and legs. 

“Yip yip!” Aang said, and the giant sky bison took off. 

They flew in silence for a few moments, hearts still pounding from their narrow escape. 

“That was too close. No more side quests that ruin the schedule.” 

Katara rolled her eyes. “You and your schedule, Sokka. That was close, though. We need to be more careful.” 

“Where were you guys, anyway?” Aang asked, his eyes narrowed. 

She blushed and shrugged, shifting slightly. Zuko’s leg was still slung across hers, while she was leaning comfortably on his chest. His hair was a mess from her hands, and she had tree bark stuck to her dress. 

“Guard duty?” 

Toph cackled. “Yeah right.” 

“But Katara! You’re my Forever Girl!” 

“Am I? I don’t think so.” 

“Don’t get your panties in a twist, Twinkletoes. Avatar or not, there are some things we want that we just can’t have.” 

Iroh didn’t miss the way her body turned, just slightly, towards Sokka. He patted her shoulder. “Master Toph is correct. You are young still, and matters of the heart are rarely set in stone.”  

“Just don’t get gross in front of me, Sis. I don’t want to get oogies.” 

“Like you have room to talk, Sokka.” 

Aang pouted from his spot at the reins, but everyone else was more than happy to let the siblings bicker.

Zuko leaned in close, whispering in Katara’s ear. “One of these days, we’re not going to be interrupted, you know.” 

She smirked, her eyes full of promise. “I’m looking forward to it.” 

“ What did I just say about the oogies?” 

“Shut up Sokka. I’m about to kiss your sister.” 

Sure, there were a lot of things he still needed to figure out. Whether she was still mad at him. How he would regain his honor, now that he’d burned so many bridges. How they were going to end this war. 

But when her lips met his, all of that was very easy to forget.