Chapter Text
“Aang…I think you and I both know that we haven’t been happy together for some time now…” Katara said gently. The hurt in his eyes was undeniable but she also saw the understanding that came with it.
“We’ve been together for three years, Katara…You are all I know…”Aang pleaded. Katara’s eyes began to sting with unshed tears. She understood how he felt. At the same time, she knew that she wanted more for herself than just being the Avatar’s partner.
“Aang…”Katara paused as she gathered her thoughts”...You are becoming a man that most men should look up to and admire. You are kind, thoughtful, courageous, bright, you don’t back down from anyone, you’re respectful, you listen, you’re intuitive…” Another pause,” I need to be able to be all of those things too…On my own. What you are doing, rebuilding the Air Temples, trust between all the nations; that isn’t lost on me, Aang. I respect you for what you are doing, at the same time, I want to be able to do that on my own terms and as I see fit.” Katara’s tone was firm but not unkind. Making her views clear so Aang understood what she wanted for herself and not have to stand in his shadow acting as his pillar.
“I understand, Katara…It doesn’t make this hurt any less though…Can we still be friends?” Even though his voice held sadness, the hopeful question made her give him a watery smile.
“Of course, Aang. We will always be friends, that won’t ever change. I also need you to know that I do love you, Aang. I’m just not in love with you like I thought I was.” At her honesty, Aang nodded, eyes cast down to his feet.
“Thank you, Katara, for being honest with me,” Aang murmured quietly but she heard it nonetheless. She hugged him then, tighter than usual, and he hugged her back before releasing her.
They said their goodbyes and he left for the Eastern Air Temple with Appa. Katara decided that she would travel wherever the wind and current took her for a while.
She went home to the Southern Water Tribe and stayed for several months, teaching healing and fighting techniques to young waterbenders. After that, she went to Ba Sing Se to visit with Toph. Sparing almost daily, having tea at Iroh’s shop, meandering her way through the quiet streets at night. It was peaceful.
For so many months, time seemed to slow down for Katara. And in all that time, there was one that she had not seen in person for about a year. A thunderous amount of guilt suffused her at realizing that she hadn’t even thought of him. The one friend that she had the most in common with, aside from her brother Sokka.
Zuko.
…..
Present, Three Weeks Later
“Toph, I think I am going to go to the fire nation. I haven’t seen Zuko in almost a year. Honestly, I haven’t even given him a thought in almost the same amount of time and I racked with guilt about it.” Katara said, voice tight with the guilt she felt. Toph nodded with a smirk.
“It’s about time honestly. I was beginning to think you had forgotten our friend, Sparky,” Toph teased and Katara glared, making Toph laugh out loud with a shrug of her shoulders. “What? I’m just being honest. I was waiting for you to bring him up because I didn’t want to pry. With everything that happened between you and Twinkle Toes, I didn’t want to meddle. I am glad you finally came to your senses though. Sparky knows that you have been here in Ba Sing Se. General Iroh and myself have sent letters letting him know that you have been here and are doing well. He has asked about you from time to time as well,” Toph informed Katara and she smiled to herself. Of course she knew that Toph would be able to see it in her own way but she ignored the way Toph smirked at her with that knowing look.
“Yeah, yeah…” Katara waved her off but there was no real bite in her tone. She laughed softly and Toph’s features softened a little.
“It’s still early. You can leave now and catch the faster currents. I already made sure that your boat's upkeep has been taken care of and well stocked. And before you scold me about it, don’t. I had a feeling that you would bring this up soon so I wanted to make sure nothing would hinder you.” Toph stated frankly, arms crossed over her chest in her signature stance of defiance. It made Katara laugh again before walking over to Toph and hugging her.
Toph patted her back affectionately before huffing. “Go Katara,” Toph said firmly with a light push to her shoulder. “I will let Iroh know that you are going to the fire nation for a while. I’m sure he will be thrilled,” Toph said with a smile.
“Okay, okay. I’m going. Write to me if you need anything. Tell General Iroh the same for me, will you?” Toph nodded and Katara finally turned, making her way to the city gates and on her way to the docks.
…
A Few Weeks Later
Stepping onto the docks of the fire nation felt a bit foreign to Katara. Not unwelcome, but foreign for sure. It had been so long since she had been here. People already recognized her, which felt a little strange. Fire nation citizens bowed their heads to her in respect, calling her Master Katara as she walked through the streets. It brought a smile to her face, thinking to herself that it must be Zuko’s doing to make sure everyone knew who she was.
Winter was upon them but it rarely snowed in the fire nation. Maybe I can treat everyone here with snow. Katara thought to herself. She would have to find a high point within the capital, that was for sure. Summoning snow at this magnitude would take focus and somewhere quiet. Smiling to herself, she came up with a plan to climb up to the roof of the royal palace during the cover of darkness.
But first…I have to find Zuko.
…
As Katara came into view of the palace guards standing at the entrance, there stood a tall man dressed in a General’s uniform with his back to her. Long black hair, falling past his waist, was in a tight fishtail braid. His side profile was devastatingly sharp, broad shoulders squared with perfect posture, and the one golden-brown eye she could see was staring intently at his subordinates as they spoke to him.
Katara’s smile split her face, reaching her ocean-blue eyes. “General Kai!!!” She exclaimed. The general froze, his eyes going wide, before his head turned. Once his eyes found Katara’s smiling face, his entire demeanor completely changed. His eyes and face lit up with a bright smile. “Master Katara!!” His legs moved before he registered the movement, Katara doing the same.
Opening his arms, she jumped into them, giving the tightest hug to one another. They laughed, fumbling over their friendly words to each other. Guards smiled as they watched their general greet one of the fire nation's greatest allies.
“Katara! I had no idea you were coming! Did you just get here?” Kai asked excitedly.
“Yes, I arrived early this morning. I apologize for not sending anyone word of my traveling here. I wanted my arrival to be a surprise,” Katara shrugged lightheartedly, still smiling. Kai’s returning smile made her giggle. “It’s so good to see you again, Kai. Is Zuko here?” She asked, tone even. He eyed her with a suspicious look, but nodded regardless.
“Yes. His Lordship is here. He’s in his study. Do you want me to escort you?” The pointed question was polite but Katara couldn’t help but pick up on a suspicious undertone. She smirked internally to herself.
“Thank you, Kai, but no. I remember my way around the palace,” She walked by him confidently. His eyes followed her, questions in his mind unanswered. Why are you here and not with the Avatar? What are your intentions on being here?
Questions that would have an answer soon enough.