Painted Blue (A Zutara Fanfiction)

Ch.3 Colors

Katara shifted her gaze when she heard Zuko's comment regarding his color preference. "In the southern tribe, all I ever saw was either white or blue, So I've always thought colors like green and red were pretty." she admitted. "I've always been jealous of Azula. The way she can make her fire burn blue. The Fire Lord admitted. "Why can't you make it blue?" She asked, focused on the small flame he held in his palm.

"I just can't. Even though the bending is the same, blue fire is hotter. Ironically, its wielder is required to be cold, controlled, and precise. Azula's anger and rancor give it that quality." He explained, for a second focused on the flicker of his flame. Katara took the time to sneak a peek at the fire-lord's face.

Yellow and orange hues danced across his skin, casting shadows in the grooves of his red scar. But what held her sight in place was a flicker of molten amber only seen when the light caught his eyes. The color was beautiful; like melted gold. Why hadn't she noticed that before? Perhaps it was the timing? This was their first conversation in a non-ravaged place. When Zuko inevitably shifted, he broke whatever trance Katara had been in.

The realization that she had been staring brought heat to her face. She turned away for a second to compose herself; relieved he had not noticed. The young Fire-Lord leaned down and patted the head of a turtle duckling that had swam towards them. The tiny animal quacked happily, clearly used to the Fire-bender's gentle touch.

"I didn't know you liked animals." Katara mused when the male straightened himself out again. He gave her a sad smile, his molten eyes following the duckling until it reached its nest.

"My mother loved animals. I suppose I learned it from her. She was always so gentle with them." He remembered. "She taught me to be kind to other creatures, even when Azula wasn't." Katara's hand instinctively went up to clasp around her necklace but froze half-way when she remembered the pendant she wore now was not her mother's; It was Aang's.

"Mine was too. Mom was always so warm and happy. She always managed to make Sokka feel better whenever he cried." she admitted. "Now that's something I can't imagine. Comedy- King Sokka, crying? I just can't see it." Zuko teased, an amused expression on his face.

Katara nodded. "When he was younger, Sokka was quite a crybaby. He was always getting himself into dumb situations! One time, he got his tongue stuck on a block of ice, it took mom half a day to get him out without hurting him!" She laughed, causing Zuko to do the same.

"Agh.." he flinched between chuckles, his arm lifting to wrap around his injured torso. He could still feel the effects of the lightning that had struck him. "Are you okay?" Katara asked anxiously, her eyes focusing on his torso. Sure, she had done her best to heal him, but her powers were mostly superficial. She could not know for sure the extent of his internal injuries. "I'm fine. Just a bit sore. Nothing major." He assured.

Katara's face fell again. "I'm sorry. It's my fault you got hurt." She apologized as she played with a lock of her hair. Zuko shook his head. "No, it wasn't. If anything, it was my fault for provoking Azula. I should've known she wouldn't fight fair; never has." He paused.

"I should be apologizing for putting you in danger..." He trailed off. Katara shook her head. "You saved my life Zuko. If you hadn't jumped in front of that lightning for me, I wouldn't be here." She paused. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...Thank You." Then without warning, Katara leaned over and pressed a gentle but timid kiss on the Fire-lord's cheek.

Zuko's eyes widened, and he blinked a few times in disbelief; his face darkening as a blush crept over his face. The Fire-Lord stared at the water-bender, for a moment captivated by her beauty. Perhaps it was the influence of the sparkling wine they'd had at dinner; he had begun to feel a little light-headed. He wasn't really used to drinking alcohol. "Are you ok? "You're starting to look a little pale." Katara noted, reaching out and gauging his temperature with the back of her hand.

"I'm fine, just tired..." He admitted, reaching up to remove her hand. "Are you sure?" she asked, wrist still in his grip. The pair froze for a second when their eyes met, a sudden thickness in the air. Katara could feel her heart racing. Why? She wondered, unable to tear her gaze away. "Hey Katara! Can you come get your fiancé? I think he had a little too much punch." Sokka called from the entrance to the garden, causing the two benders to jolt away from each other.

"Looks like duty calls." Katara remarked sheepishly as she stood. "I'll walk you over." The Fire-lord assured as the pair made their way back towards the palace courtyard. "I better get him home." Katara said after Sokka had handed the wobbly Avatar over to her. "Katara where have you been? You missed the air-scooter wall trick!" He pouted as he swayed on his feet. "I'm sorry sweetie. You can show me when we get to the inn." Katara told him, the offer causing a goofy smile to stretch his face. "To the inn..." He slurred, his head swaying as he fought to stay on his feet.

Zuko chuckled, amused. He had never seen Aang buzzed before. "You better take him home. Do you need an escort?" he asked, glancing over to his guards who were more than ready to assist. Katara shook her head. "It's ok, we've got Appa. Plus, Sokka's driving." She told the Fire-bender just as a familiar bellow echoed from the sky. Suki was already in the saddle with Sokka. After finding a nice open space, they landed the Bison a few feet away. "Here, let me help." Zuko offered as he helped Katara with his drunk friend.

"Your scar is wrriiinkly. It feels leathery!" Aang enthused, poking and prodding Zuko's face when Katara handed him over. She couldn't help but laugh as she climbed aboard the saddle; She could see Zuko's annoyance increasing. "Damn it Aang, cut it out!" He scolded a few seconds after, causing the rest of their friends to laugh. Sokka helped the stumbling nomad onto the Bison's back, the feat proving to be more difficult than he initially thought. "Thanks for the party Zuko." Suki enthused as she waved to the new Fire-lord. "The food was delicious! I Even packed some for the road!" Sokka admitted before pulling a drumstick out of his bag and taking a gluttonous bite.

"Sokka, we just ate!" The Kyoshi warrior scolded, taking the reins from her boyfriend before he could dirty them with food. "Thank you for everything Zuko. Really. We couldn't have done it without you." The Fire-lord looked away, attempting to hide his embarrassment; a response to her praises. "Nah, it was nothing. The Avatar was the real hero." He insisted, glancing over to Aang who was now snoring loudly on Katara's lap. "Try to get some rest." The water-bender reminded with a wave as suki tugged on the reins and gave Appa the required command. "Yip-yip!"