Katara & Zuko: Water & Fire

Chapter 20

Zuko's POV:

In the light of the full moon, Azula looked at him with wild eyes, waiting for him to answer.

"I don't see anyone here except you and Katara," Zuko explained.

Azula screamed and blasted fire into the trees, which began to burn. Katara gracefully drew water from grass growing near the cabin and used it to put out the flames.

Zuko never ceased to be impressed by her resourcefulness and sheer talent for water-bending. The way she could find water pretty much anywhere and direct it however she saw fit left him in awe.

At this moment, he simply stated, "thank you, Katara."

She smiled briefly at him before her face took on a more serious, but gentle expression.

"How can we help you, Azula?" Katara asked.

"There's nothing you can do! I can't trust anyone to help me," she yelled frantically.

Zuko realized what Katara was trying to do and made a similar attempt.

"We're here for you Azula. Just let us know what you need," Zuko offered in a calm voice.

"Nothing, I just want to be left alone." With that, she stormed through the doorway back into the cabin.

Zuko and Katara looked at each other. Then they walked back into the cabin just in time to hear Azula slam her bedroom door.

"Sounds like she doesn't want to talk about it now," Katara commented.

"No, she doesn't. I don't know what we're going to do about her. But I'm too tired to deal with this now," Zuko replied in exhaustion.

"Yeah, it's been a long night. We should get some sleep."

"Sounds good. Back to the couch?"

"The bed is more comfortable. I think we should be fine now that Hama left."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Zuko responded with a smile and chuckle.

He reached for Katara's hand and their fingers interlaced as they walked to the bed.

Feeling chivalrous, Zuko paused and said, "ladies first."

Katara grinned and kissed him briefly before laying down on her side.

Zuko's inner fire rose up again, but he silently reminded himself that they both needed rest. He climbed into bed and laid on his side, wrapping his arm around her, telling himself it was a protective gesture while knowing full well he also wanted to feel her. He left a little space between them, though, not sure how close he should be.

Katara seemed to sense this and wriggled back closer to him, so that her body pressed into his. Zuko inhaled and exhaled deeply. He didn't know how he was going to sleep when she kept doing this type of thing, but he didn't care since he enjoyed the feeling.

"Good night, my love," he whispered softly to her.

"Mmm, good night, my love," she said back contentedly.

Eventually, Zuko drifted off and dreamed of the two of them living happily together.

Suddenly, he awakened to loud knocking on the door.

"Wake up!"