4Day 1: Gifts
"Some gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best of all."
– Tinku Razoria
Katara is a difficult person, a very complicated individual—okay, maybe not so much as to call her complicated, but she's stubborn.
Or so it only seems that way.
Sokka tries to get her to open up more, but it doesn't work. No amount of seal jerky and boomerangs can get his sister to relax and have fun.
Aang tries his best to use Momo as a puppet to cheer her up. She chuckles a bit before going back to washing the clothes. Aang's grin dims a bit, knowing that Katara is probably better off on her own.
Suki tries to spar with the blue-eyed girl, only for Katara to reject her with a slight shake of her head, saying that dinner had to be made and that "No one is allowed to let Sokka cook ever again."
Toph makes absolutely no effort to cheer up the waterbender. Instead, she threw small pebbles at her, laughing at Katara's annoyance.
Zuko knows what the war has done to her—to all of them. Katara's insistence on being the mother turtle duck of the group was her way of coping with it. Sometimes he sees how sad she looks and offers to cook with her. The first time he asked, she declined. It wasn't until she left the kitchen for fifteen minutes that Zuko was, indeed, an amazing cook. Probably better than her.
Though she'd never admit that out loud.
The sun was low on the horizon and the Gaang just finished up a meal that consisted of seal jerky, muffins, fruit pies, and egg custards. With a small murmur of thanks, Katara collected the dirty dishes and headed into the house to wash them. Zuko waited until she disappeared to speak up.
"We have to do something for her." He said, looking back at the house.
"Yeah? And what might that be? We've tried pretty much everything! She's as stubborn as an ox-seal!" Sokka huffed, crossing his arms. Suki placed her hand on his shoulder comfortingly, before turning to Zuko.
"We could make something for her maybe? Each of us could make our own thing or buy her something. I'm sure she'd love it." Aang nodded.
"Eh...I'd rather just make her a sandcastle and call it a day."
"Toph!"
"What?" The earthbender placed her arms behind her head and yawned. "Look, I'm not like you sissies—I'm not soft and cheesy. Katara probably just wants to do stuff on her own. I don't see how that's a problem."
Zuko shook his head. Katara is probably the most stubborn person he's ever met, but she wasn't rejecting their attempts at "loosening her up"—as Sokka puts it—because she's stubborn. Something else was going on. Katara is a bit reserved at times—at least the times when they're both away from the others. She smiles a lot more too. It doesn't mean anything, Zuko said to himself. She's just a genuine person.
After everyone retreated to their rooms, Zuko decided to head outside and clear his head. As he was walking towards the beach, he spotted said waterbender practicing her forms.
Instead of grabbing her attention, he decided to watch her practice. She was far more graceful than he could ever hope to be. Her moves were just like her respective element—calm and gentle, but deadly and fierce when provoked. It was one of the countless things he admired about her.
"Couldn't sleep, huh?"
Her voice shook him out of his reverie as he ventured closer.
"Something like that."
She dropped her hands and turned around to meet his gaze. She laughed.
"Why do you look so serious? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Damn it, why am I such an idiot around her?! Zuko scratched the nape of his neck. "Sorry. Guess I didn't realize."
She gestured towards a spot by her and watched as he made his way to her.
They sat in a comfortable silence. The wind picked up as the full moon hung above them, beaming beautiful light that touched the side of Katara's face. Her baby fat had left her a long time ago, the result of starvation and bending. Her cheekbones were more pronounced as she tilted her head to the side while she watched the view. Zuko blushed a bit before turning away.
"Is everything all right?"
Katara glanced at him before returning her gaze back to the moon. "Yeah. Why do you ask?"
Zuko bit his lip as he turned to look at her. "You've been working too hard. We're all worried about you."
She sighed. "Is that why you all you were trying to make me laugh? I'm okay. Really."
Zuko gave her a look that said: I know you better than you think.
Katara groaned, exasperated. "Okay maybe not. Am I not allowed to feel shitty?"
"Katara, that's not–"
She stood up and glared at him. "I'm not always happy okay? I have my moments. I just–" She turned away, lips trembling. "I don't want any of you to think I'm weak."
Zuko gazed at her softly. He stood up and took her hand. "Come with me. I wanna show you something."
Katara looked up and saw the sincerity in his eyes. "Okay."
He lead her through the living room and kitchen until he stopped at a small red door. He took a deep breath and walked in.
It was just the way he remembered it. He could still remember his mother, perched up on the window sill, singing Zuko her favorite tune. Books were littered all over the floor and scrolls decorated the shelves with a thin layer of dust. In the middle of the room sat a portrait of his family. His father smirked arrogantly, while Azula had the smile of innocence and naivety.
Not anymore, he thought bitterly.
His mother looked sad. Her kind eyes hiding a pain that only Zuko could see.
Zuko almost forgot Katara was with him until he turned to meet her gaze. "This was my mother's room."
Katara looked around in understanding. She remembered what her mom's side of their igloo looked like too. After she died, it was no longer the same. Shadows haunted and claimed it until it was no longer hers.
"I brought you here", He licked his lips, "Because I know how it feels to pretend you're strong for everyone else's sake. When my uncle and I took refuge in the Earth Kingdom, I had to be strong for him. It wore me out. A lot. But I want you to know that you don't have to be so strong all the time. At least around me. You can cry, curse, and scream and I won't judge you for it. I won't blame you for being you."
Katara closed her eyes and willed herself not to break down in front of him. But it's so easy to, she thought. Being around Zuko meant being herself. She didn't have to hide any of the darkness that dwelled in her because he also harbored it. It was a mutual understanding they both had that connected them, despite their opposite elements. They were two halves of the same whole.
"You say that you're fine, but you're not. I can see that it's getting to you. I–I don't want to pry," He stuttered a bit, feeling a bit awkward, "or make you feel like you're obligated to tell me things. But it might help to talk to someone who gets it."
Katara let out a sob and wiped her eyes. Zuko pulled her into a hug and held her close, afraid she'd fall to pieces.
"I've just been keeping busy to keep my mind off things. Today...Today's my mother's birthday and I know it was so long ago but I–"
So that's what was wrong. His mother's birthday was always a day filled with raw emotions; he knew how that felt. "Shh...it's okay. Let it out."
But if it was her mother's birthday, why did Sokka act so surprised at Katara's behavior today? He thought.
It was like Katara could read his mind. "Sokka hardly remembers our mother, let alone her birthday. He's older than me, but I have the memories that he doesn't. He doesn't even remember what she looked like."
Zuko sat down and gestured to Katara with a tilt of his head, to do the same. They sat there quietly until the sun rose.
Zuko woke up first. Not a surprise, he thought. He is a firebender after all.
He looked around, trying to get reacquainted with his surroundings, until he felt his arm brush up against soft, curly hair. He looked down to see Katara leaning on his shoulder, slightly drooling.
He chuckled as he moved some of her hair from her face. He lifted her up from the floor and gently placed her on the bed. He left the room with an idea in mind—he was going to make her something. Something personal.
Sokka groaned. "Oh Tui and La, I'm so hungry I could eat Aang."
Aang looked mortified. "Uh, why me?"
Suki rolled her eyes. "Sokka, you've only been awake for three minutes."
Sokka crossed his arms. "Still. Katara's usually making breakfast around this time. Something's not right."
Zuko appeared from the house with large bowls of rice, a plate of Komodo chicken, and a side of fruit and sweet rice balls for Aang. "Katara's exhausted, so I, uh, made breakfast instead?" He said, unsure of his role as a cook.
Sokka put a hand over his chest and closed his eyes. "I could marry you!"
Zuko grimaced. "No thank you."
He sat the dishes in front of everyone and made sure to leave some for Katara.
"I've decided to buy something for Katara." Aang said enthusiastically.
Zuko arched an eyebrow. "I hope you plan on covering your arrow. Getting you captured before the comet isn't exactly the plan here."
Aang looked sheepish. "Oh. Right. Well," He scratched his head, "I'll get a hat or something. Maybe a long sleeved shirt too!"
Zuko thought about his gift to Katara. Would it be pretty? Useful? He didn't want to make her the wrong thing. Though he hasn't painted in years…
After clearing the dishes, Zuko headed into town to find paint, scrolls, and paintbrushes.
Katara woke up in a daze.
How did I end up in a bed?! She thought.
After inspecting the room, she yawned and stretched, trying to rid herself of the aching in her shoulders. Realizing what time it was, she hurried out of bed and left to meet the others.
Toph spoke up after hearing Katara's footsteps. "Well, well, well. The Sugar Queen has finally arrived."
Katara panicked. "Guys I'm so sorry! I meant to wake up earlier to make breakfast–"
Sokka placed his hand on her shoulder, reassuringly. "Sis, relax. Zuko made breakfast for us and man he can cook!"
Katara looked bewildered. "He cooked instead? Well, I'm glad. Do you know where he is?"
He shrugged. "I think he went into town for some stuff. He'll be back soon, I think."
After Zuko paid the vendor for the supplies, he headed back to the others to find a secluded spot to paint.
Ten minutes turned into twenty and Zuko began to feel frustrated.
"Damn it! Why can't I find something to paint her?!"
Suddenly his scroll held a shadow. "Hey Sparky, what's up?"
He internally sighed. "Trying to find something to paint Katara. I've been sitting here for over twenty minutes!"
Toph sat down next to him and started picking at the dirt between her feet. Zuko wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Have you thought about painting her while she's bending or staying still?"
Zuko absolutely did not think of that and it kills him that Toph thought of it first.
"Actually no, I didn't. How am I supposed to paint her while she's moving? Isn't that kind of impossible?"
Toph shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. I can't exactly paint anything."
Zuko bit his lip and looked down "Oh, right. Sorry."
Toph yawned and stood up. "Well, I hope you come up with something soon. I'm gonna take a nap. Later."
As she walked away, Zuko pondered his options. Of course he could spy on her while she's not looking, but that would just be...weird. He didn't want her to think he was some kind of creep. Maybe he could ask her to stay still or something? Either way, Zuko had to come up with something and soon.
"Katara, I, uh, have a favor to ask you."
Katara dropped her bending stance and turned towards Aang. "Aang you can take a break and train with Toph for now. I'll see you later."
Aang groaned. "Can I just skip out on training with her today? She's being meaner than usual."
Toph encased Aang's feet with dried mud. "Absolutely not Twinkletoes, now let me see you move that boulder!" Aang sighed.
Katara turned back to Zuko and gave a half smile. "What is it?"
Zuko fiddled with the edge of his tunic. "I kind of need you for this thing I'm working on. I just need you to stand still."
Katara arched an eyebrow. "For how long? I have to wash clothes later on."
"Screw it, I'll take care of them. Just for thirty minutes."
She shrugged. "Sure."
"Zuko, how much longer?"
He waved her off. "Just—just give me a few more minutes and then you can go."
Katara sighed. It had been nearly forty minutes and Zuko still had her standing up like a tiger sloth. It was tiring, not to mention she still needed to wash clothes.
Oh wait, Zuko said he'd take care of that, she thought.
It was nice having someone around to share responsibilities with. While everyone else just assumed she'd take on everything, Zuko could see what it was doing to her. In a way, they were the parents of their group—always cooking and cleaning and making sure everyone else's needs were met. They never needed to do that with each other.
"There. All done."
Katara wiggled her legs. "Finally! Do I get to see what you're working on?"
"NO!"
A look of pure shock flashed across Katara's face. Zuko's eyes widened. "Sorry!" He winced, "I didn't mean for it to come out like that. It's–it's a surprise. You'll know soon. I promise."
After hours of perfecting his portrait, Zuko was finally finished. And he had to admit, it was pretty impressive.
During dinner, everyone revealed what they bought or made to Katara.
Aang bought her a bag of moon peaches. "I know it's not much, but everything else was super pricey. Plus, I know these are your favorite!"
Suki bought Katara a purse and outer robes. "I figured you'd need some more feminine accessories. I know it may not seem like it, but we appreciate everything you do for us."
Sokka bought her a pocket knife. "Just in case your bending ever gets wacky or whatever."
Toph made her an intricate sandcastle. It showed the entire Fire Nation. "Eh, here's a little something I made during my spare time. It's the best sandcastle ever made!"
Her eyes watered with gratitude. "Guys—this is amazing. Thank you all so much. I appreciate all of this. Truly."
After everyone went to bed, Zuko and Katara were the only ones still awake. Zuko was helping her dry the dishes as she washed them.
"So you still haven't revealed your gift yet." Katara said, giving him a sly grin.
Zuko leaned against the wash basin and crossed his arms. "I'm waiting for you to hurry up so I can show you."
Katara arched an eyebrow, but remained silent as she finished the last of the dishes.
After Katara finished up, Zuko took her hand and led her through a grassy area near the beach. "Close your eyes."
Katara did as she was told and closed her eyes. She felt Zuko take her hands in his as he led her to their destination. Zuko gave a deep breath and turned to her. "Okay, you can open them."
Katara's pretty sure she's hallucinating, because there was no way that this place actually existed.
The sky was painted a midnight blue as fireflies illuminated the area with a dazzling gold light. They illuminated the sky like the stars. She turned around and saw Zuko staring at her with a look she couldn't quite name.
"This", Katara said, smiling, "is amazing. How'd you get them all in one place?"
Zuko took a few steps forward and glanced at the sky. "They're called fireflies. They come when there's a full moon. Also, I'm not quite done with your present just yet."
Katara turned around. "Really? What could possibly top this?"
Zuko reached behind a tall tree, grabbing at a few scrolls. "This is what I was painting earlier."
Words were beyond Katara's reach as she studied his paintings of her. There were various paintings of her standing, looking fierce, but gentle. Some were even of her bending waves.
"How'd you even paint this? The ones with me bending I mean."
Zuko rubbed the nape of his neck, embarrassed. "I remember some of the waterbending moves you use whenever you're attacking your opponents. I used my memory to paint the rest."
To say she was impressed was an understatement. She was simply in awe.
"What are those red marks on my chest?"
Zuko searched the parchment for the marks she was talking about before elaborating. "They represent your pain. All of the scars and insecurities. Your fears and secrets. They don't shape who you are, but they're a part of you and I think that's important."
Katara didn't realize she was crying until she felt droplets fall on her collarbone. Calloused, but tender fingers wiped them away. Zuko spoke softly, "How do you like them?"
"Are you kidding? These are amazing. Beautiful!" She nudged his shoulder and gave him a smirk, "I never knew you had a knack for the arts." Zuko gave her a sheepish grin.
"I used to do it a lot when I was little. My mom encouraged me to pursue what I loved and was good at. But my father," Zuko turned away in anger, "Told me the only thing I was good at was being his greatest failure. So I stopped."
Katara placed her hand on his scar. He immediately leaned into it. "You are the best thing to come from your family. Never forget it."
And they spent another sleepless night, playing with fireflies and enjoying each other's company.