Charred //ZUTARA

Chapter 29 - ''We all got our secrets, right?''

''Katara!'' Aang threw his arms around her, kissing her cheek. Ushering her in, she stepped into his room. He was beaming at her and she could not stop her own smile. Even if she started feeling a bit self-conscious about being in her dressing gown. ''I was just going to send the maid to find you.''

The anger evaporated slightly before she knocked on the Avatar's door. She did not want to think about Zuko anymore. Perhaps she wasn't fair in suggesting they don't talk each other but he pressed her buttons like nobody else. She couldn't help it even if it was petty of her.

Katara's eyebrows rose. ''Whatever for?''

She sat down on his bed while he walked to his wardrobe. A second later, he was holding a very expensive looking white box. Huge, pink bow was wrapped around it.

''To deliver the dress, of course,'' Aang gave her the gift. ''Just like I promised.''

''Oh, right!'' she took it from him. Pulling the bow, she threw it on the bed. She felt Aang's eyes on her. Taking the lid off, her fingers trembled slightly. Her pupils dilated as she revealed the dress. ''Woah.''

Katara hated it.

It was truly hideous.

As she took it out of the box, she realized it was a ballgown. Wide hem was what she loathed about it the most. It created a voluminous and graceful look with the bodice up to her chin.

She did appreciate that it was in her nation's color though; light blue.

It was somehow simple and elegant even if it looked like too much for her. Even if it was not in her style at all.

''Do you not like it?'' disappointment flickered across Aang's face.

Katara immediately placed the dress on the bed. She approached Aang. His eyes glistened as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He put his on her hips.

''I love it,'' she lied. ''Thank you.''

She owed him this, she told herself as she stood on her toes to reach him. For being a bad friend and an awful girlfriend, Katara kissed him.

His lips were soft against hers. He tested of lemons and mint. He gently caressed her back.

''Katara,'' he mumbled so she moved an inch away. She could still feel his breath on her face. ''Spirits, I don't think I'll ever not be amazed by being able to kiss you.''

Katara chuckled softly. Aang's finger stroked her cheek lovingly before he decided to give her a quick peck. The rising guilt within her for tricking her own friend like that was starting to bother her.

''We should start getting ready,'' the waterbender suggested, stepping out of the Avatar's hold. His smile slightly faded.

She grabbed the dress. She hoped Zuko was long gone and she would not find him in her room.

''Perhaps you'd like to stay,'' Aang offered. She peered at him. He shrugged carelessly but barely visible shade of pink appeared on his cheeks. ''We could invite Sokka and Toph, you know? You could do each other's hair and whatnot. I think it could be fun to spend some time together. Like we used to.''

Katara's face brightened. She was genuinely glad he came up with this idea. Lately, she didn't have common activities with her friends. She's only seen them at meal times and briefly around the Palace. Other than that, she was pretty tangled up in her own bubble of drama. ''I'd love that very much.''

''Great!'' the airbender grinned. She put the dress back down, taking her previous seat on the bed. ''I'll call for them right away!''

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

It didn't take long for the Team Avatar to assemble in Aang's chamber. Sokka was the first to come, proudly bearing a bottle of whisky in his hand. Then Toph arrived. She decided to bring a whole box of jewelry and make up with her. Aang greeted them and proceeded to look through his wardrobe.

The girls did not waste any time. Katara picked up the brush straight away, telling Toph to sit in front of her so she can do her hair. The earthbender did not refuse.

''What are you up to these days, Katara?'' Sokka asked curiously. His sister only glanced at him while she continued working on Toph's hairdo. ''I feel like I barely see you.''

''Honestly, I've just been trying to find my way around here,'' she admitted. ''I am a bit out of it. I figured the best way would be to just explore the Palace.''

''Did you find anything interesting? A hidden room, perhaps?'' Aang took an interest, glancing at his friends. They all fell silent.

''No,'' Katara shook her head. She put the brush down and Toph turned around. ''Why?''

Sokka cleared his throat. He grabbed the bottle. ''No reason.''

Well, that was strange.

Her brother opened the beverage and took a sip straight from the flask. When Katara looked to Aang for an answer, he only sent her a short smile and continued his search for appropriate clothing.

''Don't worry your pretty head, Sugar Queen,'' Toph shrugged. ''We all got our secrets, right?''

Katara squinted her eyes. ''What do you mean?''

The earthbender reached to Sokka for the bottle. He passed it to her silently. Katara watched them both, expecting some answers. Toph only smiled mysteriously.

Katara opened her mouth to say something but Sokka cut in: ''Come on, Katara! Nobody wants to talk about some boring, old stuff,'' he rolled his eyes. Toph tilted the bottle toward the waterbender. ''Let's drink instead.''

Katara still remembered the spicy taste of the liquor they were enjoying during the last meeting. How her throat burned once she swallowed it.

''I'm not drinking,'' Aang finally picked his robes, setting them on top of Sokka's. ''You don't have to either.''

The Avatar approached her. He sat straight behind her. Toph scoffed. ''Okay, Twinkle Toes. We get it. You don't approve of the alcohol. Doesn't mean we can't.''

''I didn't say...''

''Whatever,'' Sokka ripped the bottle from Toph, leaving her pouting. ''I can't do this sober.''

''Do what?'' Katara glared at Aang behind her while Toph tried to pry away the whisky from her brother.

Aang's hand rested on the waterbender's shoulder. ''Did nobody tell you? They always do throw a little banquet for the Earth King's arrival. Something about impressing him. You know, considering how powerful his kingdom is.''

Katara's eyebrows rose. Well, she certainly was not aware of this. ''Really?''

Her palms started sweating. When was the last time she attended such formal party? Spirits, she hoped there would be no dancing involved.

Sokka put the bottle right in front of her face. She immediately grabbed it from him. Her brother chuckled. ''That's what I thought.''

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

Hey babies!

So sorry I have been absent for such a long time. I've been busy with uni work. But I've officially completed all of my assignments this year and will have more time to write.

Thank you all for sticking with me.

Love, Ronnie.