Avatar Zuko

Chapter 33

Katara woke up happily, snuggled in her comfortable bed without a single care in the world. That is, until, she properly woke up and remembered that they had to rescue Appa, sneak around the Earth Kingdom government and save the world at some point. That sort of tension, as well as the knowledge that they had a lot of downtime in Ba Sing Se whilst looking for Aang’s bison, gave her the idea to have a spa day. And, after hearing a surprisingly loud snore from across the room, she decided exactly who should come with her.

“Toph! Wake up, we're having a spa day!” Cheered Katara, jumping out of bed and opening the curtains so that mid morning light shone across their room.

“Mmm, it's too early.” Groaned the earthbender, who was still completely hidden underneath her duvet.

“Come on! It's, like, ten! Plus the guys are probably awake already.” She persuaded, and finally Toph sat up from under her covers, her hair bursting out into a worse bedhead than Zuko’s.

“Fine, but you're making breakfast.” Agreed Toph moodily, scratching her nose before stumbling out of bed, heading over to the kitchen.

Apparently Katara had no need of cooking breakfast, since Sokka had already prepared stuff for all of them- even a vegetarian meal for Aang. Thankfully her brother had also picked up more food after Zuko had wasted all the bacon and eggs, meaning the waterbender had a delicious brunch feast waiting for her of sausages, egg and bacon cobs, an apple and tomatoes. Sokka had basically the same except without the fruit and with extra meat. Zuko had a plateful of chilli that, while Katara wasn't sure why he was eating it for breakfast, he seemed to be enjoying. Toph just had simple cheese and eggs on toast, and Aang had a salad.

“So, what are your guys’ plans for today? Toph and I are going to the spa!” Asked Katara once she was finished with her breakfast.

“Oh, me and Zuko are just going to have a guys’ day, ya know?” Replied Sokka, his voice a little strange but not too odd.

“Hey, Sokka? Can I talk to you for one second.” Toph seemed to force a smile as she got up, grabbing Sokka’s collar and dragging him into the boys’ room.

“Well… That was weird, Aang, why aren't you joining in the ‘guys’ day’?” Questioned Katara, turning to the airbender who hadn't eaten that much of his salad.

“I'm gonna keep looking for Appa. I know you guys don't have to- you all deserve a free day, but I just want to get him back as soon as possible.” Revealed Aang, pretty sadly but clearly still hopeful.

“We don't have to have a free day, you know that, right? We can keep searching with you-” Offered Zuko, possibly still guilty about making no headway in looking for Appa a few days ago, when he'd snuck into the outer ring.
“No, it's really fine. You guys go have fun- I'm gonna go scope the city with my glider, bye!” Reassured the airbender, giving the two a small smile before heading out of the door.

Then Katara and Zuko waited in comfortable silence for Sokka and Toph to reappear, and when they did Katara realised her brother didn't have his hair up like usual, not usually seeing it like that. He also looked a little weary, but was smiling despite that.

“Uh… Ahem, come on, Hotshot! We have, uh, stuff to do!” He cheered pretty forcefully, before quickly pulling his hair up into a wolf tail and leading the firebender out of the door.