Us

Reach

Outside the palace.

After many hugs and Sokka complaining that Suki was giving away all his Lovings, the gang made their way inside to catch up as the servants unloaded the two carriages that held their luggage, not paying them any mind.

This is how it usually goes.
Servants tend to go unnoticed unless they were needed.

So a new face is easily over looked.

Setting the last of the newest guests things on the ground, this new face, held a dark smile.

The Fire Lord's and Avatar's weakness, was now within reach.....

*****
Katara.

She was amazed at how different it looked, as she walked through the huge gold doors, her hand resting in the crook of Zuko's arm.

It was so much brighter and welcoming then before.
Even the servants seemed happy as they went about their jobs.
Even laughing amongst themselves.

"Zuko, this is incredible! This place is so different now. You've done good." She told him, pride glowing on her face.

She actually liked being in the large palace now.
The dark, heavy, almost painful atmosphere was completely gone.

Sunlight pouring in from the new tall windows, open to let in the cherry blossom scented breeze.
It was as if Ozai had never ruled here.
Every trace of him wiped away.

"Thank you Kat. Though it wasn't just me. Without these people to help, it wouldn't have been possible." He said gesturing to all the servants.

One in particular upon hearing this, puffed his chest out at his Fire Lord's praise and Katara gave him a glowing smile, recognizing the man from that night so long ago.

Wong smiled back at her, seeing her hand on Zuko's arm
Maybe another wedding will happen here soon.

Katara looked up at Zuko at the nickname he so casually used.
Maybe he's not angry with her after all.
She had wanted to visit, to see him so badly, but the thought of seeing him with Mai, having to watch them together, held her back.
She liked to think of herself as a strong person, but that would have been too much.

Entering the dining hall, the delicious smell of food and tea, of course, greeted her.
Now that the butterflies had settle a bit, she was starved.
She hadn't been able to eat much on they way here.
Looking around, she didn't see the woman who Zuko was sure to make his Fire Lady.
But before she could ask...

"I can't wait for you to see the design I've made for my dress." Suki said sitting down beside her.

"I can't either! You're going to be a beautiful bride Suki."

"Hey! What about me?! Ya know, your favorite brother!" Sokka said throwing his hands up.

"You're my only brother and I'm sure you'll be a beautiful bride too one day." She said simply, holding back a laugh.

"Thank you, I-....hey!"

Unable to hold it in any longer, Katara busted out laughing, the other's quickly joining her.
Even Zuko, couldn't help but laugh to at the look on Sokkas face.

"Ah, I've missed this guys. We need to get together more often." Aang said, sitting down at Kataras other side.

So have I, she thought, looking at the handsome firebender.

******
Zuko.

Watching Aang sit so close to her, Zuko suppressed a growl.
He knew they weren't together, yet, but seeing the Avatar almost claim her, brought out his protective side.

She was Not an object.
Aang had no right to treat her as one.

To keep himself in his own seat, Zuko started filling his plate.

Glancing up, his golden eyes met her blue one's.

She gave him a small smile and his heart skipped a beat.
Calming down instantly, he took a bite of Komodo chicken, and listened to his family talking.

"So Sugar Queen, whatcha been up to on that chunk of ice of yours.?"

Swallowing her bite of rice, Katara turned her attention to Toph.

"Well, now that our sister tribe is more involved, I've been teaching waterbending to the men and women that followed Gran-Pakku."

Zuko perked up.

"You mean their letting women train now too? How'd you get the Elders to agree to that?" Zuko asked her. He knew from uncle that the Northern water tribe forbid women from learning to fight. Only allowing them to heal.

Stuffy old windbags.

Katara raised a brow with a sly grin.

"After I took on Master Pakku, they wisely thought it best to change their outdated ways."

She was amazing.
She's going to be an amazing Fire Lady...whoa, slow down Zuko, he caught his train of thought.
He hadn't even told her how he felt yet.
Didn't even know if he'd get a chance to and he was already picturing her as his wife?..... She'd be a great one though.
And he'd get to wake up to her every morning.
Hold her every night.
Kiss her.
Hear her moan his, okay stop!

Shaking his head at his ridiculous, though enticing thoughts, Zuko brought himself back to the conversation at hand.

"Good for you love! I knew you could do it!" Aang said proudly.

Zuko did growl this time.
She was Not his love.

"You okay buddy?" Sokka asked with a knowing looking.

"Fine."

"You sure about that?"

Sokka was glad that looks couldn't kill. Cause he was pretty sure he'd be dead by now with the look Zuko shot him.
He knew he loved his sister.
Sokka had heard Zuko call her name in his sleep more than once.
Other's had too.

Letting the matter drop, he went back to his food, confident that the man beside him would be his brother-in-law one day.

Man this food is spicy.

*******
The new servant listened in on the exchange, with intent.

Yes, the waterbender was the key.

With her, they'd have the Fire Lord and the Avatar on their knees.

Knowing what she was capable of, they had to be careful.
Kidnapping her would be hard.
They had to come up with a plan where she couldn't fight them.

Slipping out the door to head to the servants quarters, they knew they had to bide their time.

Soon.....