Of Firelords and Birthday Cakes (Zutara)

Traditions (fireflies)

(A/N: Message me if you want the source of the picture. :D) 

Zuko cut the cake, and everyone got a good sized piece. 

It actually was pretty good, which almost surprised me. 

Almost. 

As we finished up, Sokka suggested that Zuko should open his presents that he got for him. Everyone agreed it was a good idea. Everyone helped to clear the mat, then sat down in the living room. 

Toph had made a clay figure, Sokka had given him a fly-swatter; to which I rolled my eyes, and Aang had managed to scrounge up enough money to get him a bag of candy. 

Zuko smiled at all his simple gifts, even Sokka's. 

With that done, Iroh commanded all of our attention, "Since the night is still young, I decided that we can do the traditions all together." 

"How many are there?" Toph asked, swinging her feet as she sat on a ledge. 

"It depends from different families." Iroh provided, "Since he is of the Firelord's line, there are very special ones."

I saw Zuko raise his eyebrow, but he said nothing.

Iroh smiled, "Let's get started." 

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"Um...Uncle?" Zuko stood on the edge of a field with a bag as we all stood behind him. 

The sun had set, and I strained my eyes to look at the field. Uncle Iroh had said the first mission was to catch fireflies. My stomach had twisted with anticipation, as I had never seen one before. 

Oh sure, I'd heard of them, but seen one? Never. 

Toph sat on a rock and picked her toes, "Tell me when you're done. I can't see them anyway." 

Sokka smiled at her, "I'll catch one for you so you can feel it if you want."

"What's the difference? Bugs are bugs." Toph stuck out her tongue. 

Iroh sat down on the edge of the field, smiling. 

Suddenly Suki started, "Look!" 

I leaned over Aang to look towards where she pointed.  A tiny flicker of light penetrated the slight darkness. 

My breath caught, and before I knew it, I had jumped up.

"Look!" I shook Sokka by the arm. 

I laughed, then almost as if I couldn't control myself, grabbed Zuko by the arm and ran towards it. 

The flicker died out, but then more and more sprang up all around us. 

I let out a girlish shriek which embarrassed even myself as the flickering lights danced all around us. I let go of Zuko to look around, almost too excited to speak.

It was beautiful. 

I grabbed Sokka as he ran up to me, and Suki bent down to a stalk of grass, "If you stand really still, you can catch them."

Aang was already on it, by catching some in a whirl of air, a grin permanently stuck to his face. 

Zuko just stood there, glancing all around at the fireflies. 

I couldn't help but smile as the fireflies danced all around us. Some part of me wanted to stay here forever. Even though they were bugs, and those creeped me out, these ones seemed nicer than usual. 

Sokka left my grip to help Suki catch one, but I was disinterested in that. I let out a whoop as I spun around in the field, before stopping to catch my breath. 

I had never felt so...happy to be around bugs. 

"Look Katara! I've got ten!" Aang was running around the field with his ball of air, catching more and more fireflies, which pulsed in unison once inside. 

I laughed and followed him around, taking in the wonder of the situation before I lost it. 

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"Well, now that it is done, on to the next part." Iroh stood up from his kneeling position as we all walked up to him afterwards. 

Zuko had caught a firefly, but had let it go. Suki had caught five, and Sokka two. Aang held the record with thirteen fireflies. 

"Finally!" Toph got off her rock, "What's next?" 

Iroh smiled, then motioned with his hand, and we followed him as he walked back towards our house. 

Zuko stayed beside me as we walked, then suddenly asked, "Was that the first time you have ever seen those?" 

I looked up at him, "Yeah, why?" 

He gave me a smile, "You looked really cute." 

I turned away quickly so he wouldn't see me blush, "Thanks."