FicWad

Sleep was slow to come for Zuko and he stared up at the dark ceiling for what felt like hours, Sokka's snores the only thing breaking the silence. He was home. Well, nearly home. He draped an arm over his eyes, sighing quietly. In all his imaginings, he'd never pictured his first night back on the floor of a shanty wrapped in a threadbare blanket. A frown pulled at his lips and he ran his hand over his hair before tucking it behind his head. A quiet rustle and a light touch drew him out of his thoughts and Katara whispered, "Are you awake?"

"Yeah," he answered, keeping his voice low.

She shifted around, settling close to his side and dragging her own threadbare blanket over them. Zuko's breath caught as she snuggled into his shoulder and he darted a quick look toward Sokka's blanket. "I don't think this is a good idea."

With a quick jab in his ribs, she hushed him. "He sleeps like the dead."

Her arm moved across his chest and she hugged him, her breath dancing across his neck in a sigh. "I've missed this," she whispered. "I've missed you."

His arm curled around her shoulders and he brought her closer, tilting his head to press his lips against her hairline. He could smell the salt of the ocean in her hair. "Me too."

They'd seen each other every day and had been able to steal the furtive kiss, but someone was always watching. After months of being alone, the casual touch Katara always seemed unaware of doing seemed to burn like a brand and garner intense scrutiny. It set his nerves on edge. He half expected a challenge or a knife in the back.

"Do you know Xin's husband?"

"Yes." He didn't want to remember.

Her fingers flexed in his tunic. "What happened to him?"

An explosion, he thought. Then an angry spirit. His hug tightened and he shifted to his side so he could bring her closer. People died that day. He almost died that day. Her fingers combed through his hair and traced the back of his neck. He shuddered. "He was my captain. Zhao commandeered my ship — do you remember what was said about the Northern Water Tribe?"

Zhao had been mentioned a handful of time, most recently by Sokka, Toph, and Aang. Katara's breath hitched. "The fleet?"

"Destroyed." Annihilated, really. There hadn't been communication from any of the ships that had taken part in the Northern campaign.

"Do you think he's alive?"

"I don't know."

They lay together quietly, Katara's relaxed breathing soothing in his ear. He pulled the blankets more securely around them, tucking them under their bodies to better trap the heat. The spring days might be warm, but the nights still had a chill. He settled around her more comfortably, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing.

"Zuko?" her voice was nearly inaudible.

"I thought you were asleep," he murmured, tucking a loose curl of hair behind her ear.

She hummed a vague sound of agreement. "I love you."

The words came out in a sigh punctuated by a quiet snore.

..........*

The sun was tinting the horizon a faint pink when Zuko gently nudged Katara awake. She groaned, stretching and pressing a yawn to his chest before her eyes opened. She blinked sleepily, giving him a small, vacant smile and snuggling closer, her eyes slipping closed again. He tapped a finger against her cheek, biting back a smile when she wrinkled her nose and turned her face away.

"Hey," he kept his voice low, checking that Sokka was still asleep. He was still happily snoring under this blanket. Zuko tugged at Katara's hair, earning a disgruntled sound of protest but nothing more. He considered the slope of her neck, her bared shoulder, and the side of her face, hesitating to put the vague imaginings of a plan into action. He wondered what her first reaction would be: if she'd slap him or freeze him to the floor. Decision made, he rolled her onto her back, pausing to see if that was enough to rouse her. When she merely sighed, he pressed a light kiss to her shoulder, a soft press of lips. Her breathing changed slightly and he brushed his lips up her neck, pausing to tease her pulse point. At her soft groan, he shifted to the spot just below her ear, kissing and then blowing gently across her ear. She shuddered, gasping, "Mean."

Zuko pulled back, meeting her sleepy glare with a smirk of his own. "We've got to get up."

She grunted, pushing him away so she could sit up, grumbling, "Too tired to kill you."

"That's good to know."

She ignored him, scrubbing her face in an effort to rid herself of sleep. The hut was still dark, the central fire nothing more than dim embers that hardly gave any light. Zuko stood, gathering his dao swords, checking them over before slinging them across his back. Movement drew his attention back to Katara. She shivered in the cool morning air, but she seemed more awake now.

"What time is it?" she asked, glancing back to where Xin and Jian slept.

"About dawn," he told her. "We leave as soon as your brother's awake."

She scowled, her head swiveling to find her brother's still slumbering form. She wrestled herself free from her blankets and lurched to her feet, crossing the space to her brother in a handful of steps. For a moment, it looked like she was going to kick him and then she seemed to change her mind, instead bending to give his shoulder a rough shake. Sokka woke with a start, bolting upright and grabbing his sword. Katara took a careful step back, keeping a watchful eye on him as he blinked fuzzily until he grumbled, "Too early. 'S dark."

"We need to get moving," Katara whispered.

Sokka frowned. "Now?"

"Yes," she insisted. "Now."

Sokka mumbled complaints under his breath that both Zuko and Katara ignored. Katara found her waterskin and Zuko folded the blankets they'd used. Sokka checked the street outside, slipping silently out the door when he saw it was clear with Katara following. Jian stirred, scrambling out of his blankets when he saw them getting at the door.

"You're going? You weren't going to say goodbye?"

Zuko grimaced at the hurt in the boy's voice, checking to see if Xin was awake. She wasn't. "We — I thought it'd be best. It's dangerous for us to be here."

Jian shook his head rapidly. "I can help."

"Zuko." Katara had returned to see what was causing the delay.

"I'm coming," he told her. She nodded, but remained in the door. Zuko sighed, running his hand through his hair and rubbing the back of his neck. Jian watched him with wide, hopeful eyes and Zuko shook his head. "Not this time."

Jian's face fell. "But—"

"No," he interrupted in a harsh whisper, softening his tone when the boy flinched, "your mother needs you here."

The boy accepted his words gracelessly and, with a nod farewell, Zuko started toward the door. "Wait!"

The whispered exclamation stilled his steps and Jian darted into a dark corner, returning seconds later with a ratty sedge hat that he thrust out for Zuko to take. "Here."

Zuko hesitated. "Are you—"

"Take it," Jian insisted. "Please."

"Thank you."

"You'll bring it back, right?"

Zuko touched the crumbling edge of the hat. So much had to happen before he'd be able to return it. "If I can," was all he could say. They had to leave. "Practice your bending."

Jian brightened. "Will you be my master?"

Zuko shrugged uncomfortably. If he won, he'd have an entire Nation to oversee and peace negotiations to attend. He wasn't a qualified Master either. And if he lost — he shoved those thoughts away. "We'll see."

It was another non-answer, but Jian beamed as if Zuko had promised him a dragon's hoard of wealth and nearly threw his arms around the older bender. Zuko beat a hasty retreat, hurrying Katara out the door before Jian could delay them any longer. At Katara's grin, Zuko shot her a challenging glare, but she merely shrugged and looked away, the smile still on her lips. Sokka met them with an exasperated roll of his eyes. "You two better not have been making kissy-faces at each other."

..........*

The gray, shadowed streets eventually gave way to bright morning sun and any remaining cool of night was stripped away by the heat of day. It'd been years since Zuko had been back in the Fire Nation and, now that he led Katara and Sokka through the streets, he was wondering if he'd actually paid any attention to life outside the palace walls before his banishment. The slums were even more filthy than the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se and most of the children he saw here dressed in what he would usually consider rags. With the sun just beginning to rise, the streets were beginning to fill with residents heading out into the city in search of work or to the nearby munitions factory and their presence attracted some curious glances. Zuko was glad for the sedge hat that allowed him to pull the brim low over his eyes and obscure his scar.

They joined the small crowd that spilled out onto the main streets of the capital, following most of them toward the market before Zuko turned them down a side street. At his side, Katara made of noise of discontent as the streets grew cleaner and the buildings in better repair. The few people they came across didn't have the world weary look in their faces like those in the slums and were finely dressed. Zuko was grateful she kept her thoughts to herself and a quick look to be sure Sokka followed revealed that the other boy's thoughts were running along the same line as his sister's.

The day was promising to be a sweltering one by the time Zuko pointed out Piandao's city home. They were still a few streets away, but Sokka sighed gustily. "Finally. I hope he has water and breakfast ready. I'm starving!"

Katara readily agreed and Zuko merely nodded, unable to even roll his eyes at Sokka's assertion. A bath, clean clothes, food, and a restful sleep were priorities. Taking out the Fire Lord came in at a distant fifth. Zuko felt like he hadn't slept for days.

The front gates of Piandao's city home were closed and barred when they finally reached them so Zuko led them around to the servant's entrance at the back. Zuko pulled the bell and they waited in silence until the lock turned loudly and the door opened a crack. Dark eyes surveyed each of them in turn and then demanded, "What do you want?"

Before Zuko could speak, Sokka thrust a Pai Sho tile into the servant's face and said, "We're here to see Master Piandao. He's expecting us."

The door opened a little further and the servant snatched the tile front Sokka's hand — ignoring the boy's indignant, "Hey!" — before the door snapped shut. To Zuko's relief, Sokka barely had time to start his affronted rant when the door opened again and the servant quickly ushered them into the darkened hall. The door closed solidly behind them, butting out the bright sunlight and throwing their senses as they adjusted to the dim light.

"Prince Zuko," the servant intoned solemnly, "General Iroh will see you and the young lady in his parlor at your convenience." He looked at Sokka, eyebrows rising. "We were not expecting you to bring another with you."

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, wasn't expecting that either. This is Sokka, a former student of Master Piandao."

Recognition lit the servant's eyes and his lips twitched out of their stern frown. "Ah, Master Piandao had many things to say about the Water Tribe swordsman. Stubborn most often spoken." It is a pleasure to meet one of Master Piandao's students."

Katara laughed, ignoring the annoyed glare Sokka gave her. The servant cleared his throat, turning and for them to follow him. The servant passages were narrow and dim, but eventually they exited into a main corridor and were swiftly led past an interior courtyard. Katara slowed to take in the scene and Zuko dropped back to stand with her when she stopped for a closer look. The Fire Nation spring was in full swing so the garden was in full bloom and the flowers scented the air pleasantly after the stench of filth that fogged their senses after they left the slums. It reminded Zuko of his mother's gardens when he was a boy and he wondered if they still existed or if they'd fallen into neglect.

Katara stepped closer to the low railing, her attention focused on the flower laden stalks. A bush with large, pink flowers caught her eye and she stopped, gingerly touching a finger to a deep pink petal. When she realized the other had stopped, she blushed, pulling her hand away. "They're beautiful."

The servant smiled at her. "They are cabbage roses, Miss. Master Piandao had them planted for his wife when they married. They were the mistress's favorite flower. He takes great care to see they're well looked after. You are welcome to any of the gardens during your stay."

"Oh, thank you."

The servant took a few steps to indicate that they should follow and Zuko's fingers brushed Katara's hand when she hesitated. She glanced up at him, nodded, and then reluctantly followed. They passed into the home and were led through several corridors until the servant paused in front of a door and turned to them with a small bow. "These are your rooms. We laid out clean clothes for you if you wish to change. Breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes."

Katara shifted uncertainly, glancing at her brother, and Zuko nodded. "Thank you. We'll see my uncle for breakfast."

"Very good, sir, I will inform him at once. If you are in need of anything, please inform the staff."

A sharp bow, and the servant was striding away down the hall. Zuko motioned for them to enter the room, following after them and letting the door quietly swing closed behind him. Sokka was already in the bathing chamber exclaiming loudly, "Wow! Look at that! It's like an indoor lake!"

Sokka was standing on the edge of the sunken bath, staring at the small waterfall that filled the bath. Zuko glanced around the chamber for the soaps, commenting, "It's really a very small pond."

Still, it would fit all three of them with room to spare if they decided to all get in at the same time.

"Why doesn't it overflow?"

Zuko moved the basket of soaps closer to the edge of the bath, motioning vaguely to the far end of the room. "There's a drain. A hot spring fills the bath and the overflow drains and is taken out to the ocean."

"I don't know about you two," Katara announced, entering the chamber with several robes draped over her arm, "but I'm about to claw my skin off if I don't wash the salt off right now."

She dropped her robes onto a low stool and was already pulled at her salt encrusted clothes before Zuko made a hasty retreat back into the bedroom, telling her, "I'll wash after you're through."

Sokka appeared seconds later, grumbling about spoiled baby sisters.

..........*

Katara didn't take nearly as long as Sokka spent grumbling about it. Zuko examined the clothes laid out, listening with half an ear as Sokka flopped onto a bed with a gusty sigh and complained, "She always gets first bath. Even back home. Do you know how many times I was left with cold bath water? Do you know how painful it is to get all wet when you live in the arctic? I kind of wished Katara was a firebender instead of a waterbender. At least firebending would've been useful…" He trailed off as if just realizing what he was saying and to whom he was saying it. He pushed himself to his elbows, frowning at Zuko. "Don't tell anyone I said that."

The firebender shrugged, tossing Sokka the extra tunic and trousers. "She can heat water."

Sokka caught the clothing, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, she can now. I don't understand why you live in this horribly hot place and your element is fire, while the Water Tribes lives where it's freezing cold and our element is water. We die if we're caught out in blizzards or fall through the ice. Wouldn't it be more reasonable to have it the other way?"

"You want to be a firebender?" he was sure his skepticism was plain to hear.

"No," Sokka denied, sounding insulted by the suggestion. "It's just—"

"You could move to the Foggy Swamp," Zuko suggested casually. "They do claim kinship—"

"No!" Sokka exclaimed, jumping from the bed, his clean clothes tumbling to the floor at his feet. "Out of the question."

"Why?"

"Bugs," Sokka answered immediately, shivering. "Big ones. You know."

"They're not—"

Sokka jabbed a finger toward him. "Don't say it."

"I'm finished," Katara announced, stepping into the room dressed in clean clothes and holding her bundled up dirty ones.

Sokka hastily scooped up his clothes and abandoned the conversation. Zuko only shrugged when Katara looked at him for an explanation and then followed the Water Tribesman, desperate to wash the salt from his own skin as well.

..........*

Zuko washed and dressed quickly, retreating to the balcony and gazing out over the tiled roofs of the city. The sun dried his hair quickly and warmed tense muscles. A soft step and a hand sliding around his elbow announced Katara's presence at his side. He ignored her considering look until she leaned into him with a gentle nudge, asking, "What's got you in a mood?"

"I'm not in a mood," he denied, scowling when she snorted her disbelief.

"I think I've been around you long enough to recognize when you're in a mood." When he glanced back towards the room in search of their other companion, she shrugged. "Sokka's either trying to drown himself or trying to figure out how they built the bath."

At Zuko's incredulous look, she grinned. "He's found an interest in inventing and building things." She nudged him again. "Don't change the subject."

He sighed. He'd been trying to ignore his doubts — he refused to call them fears — but being home again brought them all rushing forward. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Was this really the best choice?"

Katara frowned. "It's a little late for doubts, Zuko."

"I know."

She gazed at him, her eyes serious. "I think…I think we've done the best we could with what's been given to us. Aang wasn't ready. No one can master all four elements in a matter of months. Not even the Avatar. He will do his part in unifying nations and bringing peace. He'll grow into his role and hopefully he'll have the assistance and cooperation of all the nations."

Zuko sighed, tugging on his hair and rolling his shoulders, muttering, "The Fire Nation falls from within."

"I'm starving," Sokka declared as he entered the bedroom behind them. "Let's eat."

Katara stepped back from Zuko with an apologetic smile. Zuko turned from the scenic view. It was probably time for breakfast and a servant would probably be by any moment. As if summoned by the thought, there was a brisk knock on the door and a servant entered after a brief pause. "General Iroh is ready for you."

Sokka checked his warrior wolf-tail, brushed down the front of his new Fire Nation clothes, and motioned grandly. "Lead on, good man."

The Water Tribe boy marched from the room, the servant hesitating a moment before hurrying after him. Katara shook her head and took a step to follow, but Zuko caught her hand.

"Katara," he started and then hesitated when she turned to him. He swallowed thickly, meeting her eyes and quickly looking away, admitting quietly, "I don't know if I can do this."

Katara's expression softened and she stepped to him, sliding her arms around his waist. After a moment's hesitation, he returned her embrace and pulled her closer. She tucked her head under his chin and tightened her hold. "You're not alone, Zuko. We'll get through this together."

A sigh ruffled her hair and she pulled away to look up at him. Indecision flickered in his eyes and then his jaw firmed. "I—"

The door crashed open, Sokka standing in the entry, his expression twisting from impatient to disgusted once he caught sight of their embrace. "Quit hugging or you'll make me lose my breakfast before I've even had it! Food's waiting."

Zuko glowered at the other boy and Katara laughed, stepping backward and catching Zuko's hand in hers. "We're coming," she told her brother, then threaded her fingers between Zuko's and squeezed his hand. "We'll talk to your uncle. We probably have a few days before everyone's in place and we'll have a better idea of our plan by then."

He returned the squeeze, letting her pull him out of his morose thoughts. Sokka huffed at them, but didn't make any further comments. The corridors were airy and cool and the servant led them out onto a covered balcony that gave them an ocean view. The servant bowed quickly, announcing their presence. Iroh was standing at the railing, deeply involved in a conversation with a tall, gray-haired man. The men turned when they entered, Iroh's beaming smile of welcome contrasting sharply with the other man's glower. The retired general approached with his arms out. "Nephew, you made it safely?"

"Yes."

Iroh engulfed Zuko in a crushing hug before holding him at arm's length and looking him over critically. "You're looking better. You must have taken my advice." He completely ignored Zuko's sputter of protest. "Miss Katara! So good to see you again. And your brother! We didn't know you would be joining my nephew and Miss Katara. Welcome! Welcome!"

"Yeah," Sokka sighed sardonically, "it was kind of a last minute decision."

Iroh laughed. "No matter. We can always use your skills, but I imagine you are hungry. Sit. The servants have laid a fantastic table for us."

At that moment, the other man stepped forward, bowing and intoning solemnly, "Prince Zuko." His eyes flicked briefly to Katara, murmuring, "Master Waterbender."

Zuko returned the greeting, adding, "It is good to see you, Master Fat."

Fat nodded.

Sokka shifted around his sister, grinning widely at the older man. "Hey, Fat."

"Master Sokka," Fat greeted, pausing a moment to ask, "your sword is to your liking?"

"Yup! Though it took an involuntary swim in the ocean yesterday."

"I will send the correct oils and such to your rooms," Fat promised before turning to Iroh. "If you would excuse me, General, there are several things to which I must attend before tomorrow."

"Of course," Iroh immediately agreed. "We will speak again then."

Fat silently retreated from the room while Iroh poured tea, handing steaming cups around. Sokka examined a bowl of congee curiously before shrugging and spooning a heaping helping into a bowl, snagging an egg and a bun. He was already eating by the time Zuko took his cup from his uncle, the Water Tribe boy sighing and speaking through a mouthful of food, "This is so good." He swallowed thickly, spooning another portion into his mouth. "I'd almost forgotten how good food can be."

Iroh smiled pleasantly, picking up his own bowl before asking, "Did Zuko help with the meals?"

Zuko scowled, but Sokka was already shaking his head. "No. Katara wouldn't let him."

"Probably a wise choice."

"He did make the tea," Sokka added.

"Oh."

Zuko bristled at the sympathetic tone. "What?"

"Nothing, Nephew," the former general soothed. "Your tea is only…bracing."

"That's one way to put it," Sokka agreed.

Zuko huffed, gathering himself for a scathing retort, when Katara interrupted what would undoubtedly dissolve into an argument on how to correctly brew tea. "Have you heard from my dad yet?"

The non sequitur flummoxed the boys for a moment and Iroh gave her a subtle wink, easily accepting the change in topic. "I'm afraid it's still too soon. Hopefully by tomorrow. I received word from Jet yesterday—"

"You know Jet?" Sokka interrupted, sounding both disgusted and angry, at the same time Zuko demanded, "What does he want?"

"He was letting me know that he's in on the plan and will carry out an insurrection tomorrow, at the earliest. In two days at the latest."

"And you believe him?" Sokka exclaimed, nearly upsetting his breakfast. "He's crazy! He—"

"I've known my share of troubled young men, Master Sokka," Iroh calmly interrupted. "Jet regrets his mistakes."

Zuko did not appreciate the comparison or association.

"Jet's a liar," Sokka grumbled, immediately falling silent under Iroh's disapproving frown.

"This is not the time to quibble over our allies," the older firebender admonished. "Especially when we have so few willing and able. This does put us on an accelerated time schedule if we wish to catch Azula before she returns to Ba Sing Se. She will want to return to the city and put down the uprising."

"Your sister's crazy."

Zuko rolled his eyes and Iroh nodded his agreement, continuing, "That is why you are coming with me, Master Sokka."

Sokka fumbled his teacup. "W-what?"

Katara frowned, demanding, "You're going to pit a psycho firebending master against my brother? He's not even a bender!"

"He won't be alone," Iroh soothed.

"That doesn't make it any better!" she exclaimed. "I — we barely got out of Ba Sing Se without dying!"

Sokka suddenly straightened, his jaw set in determination. "Relax, Katara. We've run into her several times and we've always managed to make it out alive. Besides, it's not any different than you and Sparky going up against the Fire Lord."

Zuko mentally cringed and Katara turned stricken eyes on him. He turned his eyes away, focusing on his nearly empty teacup. Unable to give her any kind of assurances, he kept silent. The last time he'd faced his father in an Agni Kai wasn't much of a fight. His mouth twisted at the memory. He'd spent more time pleading than actually fighting. He couldn't even remember if he'd actually did any firebending at all.

A throat cleared and he looked up to meet Iroh's pointed look. Zuko followed the unspoken direction and turned to Katara, flinching back when he saw the tears in her eyes. Desperate to stop what he was sure were oncoming hysterics, he hurriedly said, "I've gotten better! Uncle's trained me…"

He turned to Iroh for help and his uncle nodded. "He's learned well. He can redirect lightning now!"

Sokka lifted an eyebrow, leaning around his sister to look at the younger firebender. "Can he bend lightning?"

"Ah," Iroh drew out the sound, his tone subdued. "No."

"Right," Sokka drawled sarcastically. "That's reassuring."

..........*

The atmosphere in Piandao's city home was tense. Appetites were sparse — at least between Katara and Zuko, Sokka still ate like he was in danger of starvation — and they spent most of their time either training or attempting to develop some kind of coherent plan.

Zuko knew his own nerves were on edge and made sure he spent the morning meditating in an attempt to calm himself. Time couldn't seem to decide if it was going to crawl or fly. Either way, Zuko knew that if he spent another moment in bending or sword practice he would snap. And that was how he found himself standing in a shaded archway that led into a center courtyard watching Katara practice. The cobblestones around her feet were damp and she moved gracefully through her bending forms, pausing to adjust and fine-tune her movements. It felt like it'd been ages since he'd last seen her practice and he wondered if her occasional huff of annoyance showed it'd been far too long between practices.

Sunlight flashed off a short blade and he realized she was practicing her bending with her dagger instead of water. She moved through a form and then straightened, stamping her foot and muttering angrily.

"Would you like some help?" he asked.

She startled, turning wide eyes to him. "Oh! I didn't hear you. I suppose…"

She twisted the dagger half-heartedly.

"Here," he said, stepping up behind her and covering her hand over the hilt of her dagger, "don't hold it — don't hold it like a dead fish. You already know how to fight, this is just close range. Last resort."

She stared at their hands, unconsciously following as he moved through the bending forms he'd watched her do before. They reached the end of the set and Zuko changed her hold on the hilt, saying, "Of course, you can always use this for stabbing. That would slow almost anybody down."

"They're so much more experienced."

The worry and fear in her voice made him frown and he looked down at her. "They're generals. It's been a long time since they've actually fought anyone, preferring to stay at the back of their armies and dictate actions from there. They'll have gotten lazy and will probably underestimate you."

She searched his eyes. "You think so?"

He nodded sharply, hoping his words were true. "Just don't underestimate them."

"Right," she agreed quietly, sheathing the dagger.

Zuko examined her downturned face a moment before reaching for her, cautiously drawing her into his arms. She sank into his embrace, bringing her arms up to encircle his waist. "Katara—"

Rapid footsteps interrupted him and Iroh appeared in the archway, gaze immediately finding the couple. The seriousness of his expression sent a shot of apprehension through Zuko.

"We've received word, Zuko," Iroh informed them. "Chief Hakoda has discovered an airfield."

Zuko let his arms fall from around Katara. "What does that mean for us?"

"It's time, Zuko."

Katara drew a sharp breath, shaking her head when the two firebenders looked at her in concern. Zuko slowly turned from her to face his uncle, nodding. "When?"

"They'll engage the soldiers and guards at the airship field tomorrow morning and hopefully destroy the fleet," Iroh said. "We'll need to iron out a final plan now that we know more. Tomorrow will change a few things so we'll have to allow for some adjustments."

Zuko wanted to groan. He couldn't imagine what more they could plan and they'd been going over the same particulars for almost two days. Katara caught his hand, squeezing tightly. "Uncle?"

Iroh paused as he was turning to no doubt lead them to the conference room. "Yes, my dear?"

She shuffled her feet. "I was hoping we could have the night to ourselves."

Iroh looked between them, eyes crinkling in a bright smile even as he shot a knowing look at his nephew. "Of course. We head to the market at dawn tomorrow. Make sure you get some rest tonight."

"Uncle!" Zuko protested at Iroh's retreating back. The retired general's chuckled echoed through the garden.

Katara laced her fingers through his, tugging him in the opposite direction Iroh had taken. Zuko followed without protest. They wound their way through the corridors until Katara pulled open an unused bedroom that had a private balcony. She led him across the room and out onto the balcony without saying a word, dropping his hand as she approached the rail. It was a city view and they could just see the top of the Fire Palace. Katara wrapped her arms around herself, gripping her elbows tightly. Zuko approached her quietly.

"Katara?"

She shuddered. "I'm sorry." Her words sounded choked and he heard her swallow thickly. "I'm sorry," she repeated. "I just wanted to be alone. For tonight."

"What's wrong?"

She looked at him sharply, expression incredulous. His lips quirked up in amusement and she huffed at him. "I don't think this is funny."

"No," Zuko agreed immediately, sobering, "I'm sorry."

They watched the shadows lengthen and lights fill the windows of the homes in the city below them. Katara sighed, her shoulder slumping. "What's going to happen tomorrow?" she whispered.

"The end of the war. One way or the other," Zuko answered quietly.

Katara leaned into him, letting him accept her weight. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Zuko played with the ends of her hair, rest his chin on the top of her head. "You can stay here," he offered.

She pulled away and the look she gave him told him exactly what she thought of that suggestion. "No," she said firmly. "I'm not leaving you alone."

His heart lightened at her words. He hadn't even been aware he'd been worried she'd agree to stay behind. Cupping her face, he brought her lips to his.

..........*

Iroh stood across from the main gate of the Fire Palace with his hands folded into the wide sleeves of his tunic, watching as a the crowd milled around before the gate with hardly a glance from the pair of soldiers that stood rigidly on either side. Zuko never could understand why the market set up just outside the palace gates. The sun beat down high over head, eliminating any shade. Sokka and Katara waited further down the road from Iroh and Zuko, attempting to remain innocuous. The markets drew people from all walks of life and Zuko grudgingly agreed that a group of four would be too noticeable and so they split. Zuko tugged the rim of his sedge hat lower, stepping closer to Iroh to avoid a passing pedestrian. Iroh glanced at him, humming thoughtfully. "It appears they have not increased the guard."

Zuko made a sound of agreement, shifting to peer down the street. A few guards mingled among the stalls, but most appeared bored and inattentive. "Father will be in the war room now."

Iroh stroked his beard and motioned for Zuko to continue walking. "Yes. He will want to have plans for the Solstice ready and approved in advance. They have probably received word of Chief Hakoda's attack on the air fleet by now. He will have many experienced generals with him, my boy."

The concern was obvious. They'd both been trying to ignore the very real possibility that Zuko might not survive this confrontation. No matter what assurances Zuko had given Katara the day before, the generals were still experienced fighters. A breeze picked up and Zuko could smell the market's hot-pot frying. "And you think going through the front gate is a good idea?"

Iroh hummed, turning to inspect the merchandise in a nearby stall. The retired general had sketched a brief plan for them before they left Piandao's home. Zuko had argued, but Iroh had brushed aside the concern and assured them that things were being taken care of. Zuko sighed, following more slowly, keeping an eye on Katara and her brother where they hunched in ratty blankets and hats looking like urchins. So far they'd received little interest. Iroh tapped his arm, drawing his attention. "Not only can water float a boat, it can sink it too."

"What—"

"Good afternoon!" the stall's merchant interrupted cheerfully. "We only have the finest selection available. My wife and I spin and dye the silk ourselves. Princess Azula herself came by this morning before she had to attend to other matters."

Zuko started, mouth snapping shut as he warily eyed the merchant. Iroh's brow rose and he bent to examine the bolts of silk in front of him. "Really?"

"Oh, yes," the merchant assured the older firebender. "About an hour or so ago. She was unable to purchase anything this time. Prisons are so filthy."

Iroh hummed agreement, letting a hand rest over a bright red bolt of silk. "Your skill does you credit. You have marvelous silk. I am afraid I didn't bring enough to the market today. Such a shame. This would be perfect for my nephew's future bride."

The silk merchant's expression brightened and he turned to Zuko, "Oh! Is the young master betrothed? You won't find a richer red anywhere else! She'll be the envy of every bride. When is the happy day?"

Zuko's sputtered objections were ignored.

"Well, he's not quite betrothed yet," Iroh said cheerfully. "I have told him it's impolite to keep a lady waiting, but the young these days think they have all the time in the world. We will definitely keep your silks in mind when that happy occasion comes!"

"We await the event with great anticipation!"

The merchant bobbed a little bow as they moved away, bidding them a prosperous future. They walked a little ways down the street before Iroh turned to him, grasping Zuko's shoulders and drawing him into an embrace, exclaiming, "Your mother would be so proud!"

The signal had been given. Zuko jerked away from his uncle, fumbling to keep his hat in place and snapping irritably, "I haven't done anything."

"Yet," agreed Iroh blithely. "Nevertheless, she would be proud of the man you're turning into. Look! I believe I see your lover now."

"She's not my lover!"

Iroh lifted a doubtful eyebrow and Zuko scowled, folding his arms and looking away, muttering, "Not like that."

Katara and Sokka had managed to slip through the crowd and discard their worn clothing and head coverings and were now standing next to a stall on the corner. Iroh seized Zuko's arm, pulling him along the street. "Master Sokka and I will part ways with you here."

Zuko frowned. "Do you think that's wise?"

Iroh's eyes narrowed in speculation. "Yes." He paused, turning to look at his nephew. "Do you doubt his skill?"

"No," he denied immediately. No, it was not Sokka's skill that had him worried. He knew Sokka could handle his weapon well enough. It wasn't even so much that the Water Tribe boy would be facing his unhinged sister — because Zuko knew his sister was crazy.

The smile Iroh gave him made Zuko's cheeks heat and he grunted, looking away. Iroh placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder, saying solemnly, "I promise to see Sokka through battle safely." A final clap on his shoulder and Iroh turned. "Now, let's return to our guests and inform them that we're going to give them a guided tour of the Fire Palace and its prisons."

Their approach was noticed by Katara and she quickly elbowed her brother, earning a scowl from the boy as he rubbed at the abused area. Dressed in the Fire Nation fashion of a wealthy merchant, Zuko still found the deep reds and slashes of gold against tanned skin distracting and he wondered if she might have attracted less attention in Earth Kingdom browns and greens. Sokka, it seemed, disliked the attention his sister was getting from some of the local boys.

"We've been looking for you," she informed him when he stopped by her side. She reached for his hand, giving him a bright smile when he took it willingly.

"Well?" Sokka prompted.

"This way, Master Sokka. We are heading in a different direction," Iroh stated, leading the way.

"Uncle," Zuko started, then bit back the words.

The former general paused, giving the younger firebender a long look. Zuko could almost imagine that this look was the one he'd given Lu Ten before the final siege of Ba Sing Se. He swallowed thickly, trying to put on a brave face, not wanting to admit — even to himself — how frightened he truly was. Zuko started a formal bow, but Iroh stepped forward and crushed him in a tight embrace. The familiar gesture startled him and it took a moment to return the hug.

No matter what happened, he would go to his destiny with honor.