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Dreams	By : eyecanread Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Katara/Zuko Views: 13781 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Katara, Zuko, or any part of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I'm making no money from writing about the aforementioned cartoon.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up! I was at a block on how to finish it. I hope my readers are still out there and enjoy this long chapter.
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The happy couple separated long enough to get ready for Toph's birthday party. Though, Zuko did offer his services to “help” Katara with her dress. She refused 'courteously', by pushing him away and laughing.

When dressed, all the guys met in the front hall. All six of them had planned to ride together in a carriage to the school where the party was being held. The minutes stretched and still the women didn't come. Finally Suki emerged wearing a long green dress and a slightly embarrassed look.

Sokka jumped up from his chair and kissed his wife. “Suki, you look beautiful.”

She shoved him playfully. “Thank you, Dear. But I'm still not ready to go. We're trying to get Toph ready and she's being a bit... resistant.” her words were punctuated by the sound of a vase breaking in another room.

They all looked in the direction of the noise. Sokka moaned. “How long?”

She smiled understandingly. “Why don't you all go and we'll meet you there? It won't be long. I promise.”

Zuko and Aang nodded. Sokka planted his feet. “But Suki...” he whined.

Aang looked at Zuko and the Fire Lord grabbed hold of one of the Water Tribe Warrior's arms. Aang grabbed the other one and they dragged Sokka out the door to the sounds of his protests and Suki's laughter.

When Suki regained her breath she went back to Toph's room. As soon as she got close to the door she wished she'd gone with the men.

“So help me Toph, if you don't hold still I'll...” Katara's voice pierced the wooden door. It wasn't much better when Suki opened it and walked in.

“Well, if you'd quit yanking on my hair, Water Witch!” The Earthbending Master was standing half-dressed on the edge of her dressing table, waving a brush in Katara's general direction.

Katara gave Suki a piteous look. The Kyoshi Warrior shook her head. “Toph, get off the table. I promise Katara won't touch your hair again.” Toph eased her position and lowered herself to the floor. “If you don't finish getting dressed you're going to miss your own party.”

Toph grumbled but handed Suki the brush. Katara moved to retrieve her friend's dress. They worked in relative silence as Suki did Toph's hair and Katara fastened the girl's dress in the front. When her dress was in place Katara turned her attentions to Toph's makeup.

When all was done the two older girls stood back to admire their handiwork. “How do I look?” Toph asked tentatively as she rose from her seat.

“You look gorgeous, Toph.” Katara said sincerely.

Toph's cheeks pinked. “Do you really think so?”

“Definitely.” Suki confirmed. “I'll wager that you'll turn many heads tonight.”

Toph looked unsure and tugged at her dress. Katara put a hand on her shoulder. “Just feel the vibrations of the young men's hearts, without a doubt you'll get them racing.”

Toph smiled. “Thanks guys.”

“We should really get going.” Suki said in a slight panic, having noticed the lateness of the hour.

The three women went out to the carriage and got in. Once they started off, a thought occurred to Toph. “Speaking of racing hearts, Katara. How is Zuko?”

“Toph!” Suki scolded as Katara turned bright red.

“He's fine.” the waterbender said meekly.

Toph grinned. “No. I meant, how is he? We all know you too are in love, but what is he like in that way?”

Katara's face really flamed at that, and even Suki blushed. “Toph...” Katara stopped and thought for a moment. These were her friends, if she couldn't talk about this type of thing to them, who could she? It made her ashamed she hadn't shared the dreams with them. It probably would've made things easier.

“He's wonderful.” she said in a heady exhale. She saw Suki look at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “He's gentle, and giving, and considerate. But at the same time he has so much passion I feel he could light me on fire at any moment.”

“Is he a good kisser?” Toph asked, leaning forward slightly.

“That's none of our business.” Suki protested.

The blind earthbender turned in her seat. “What? You wanted to know too, you were just afraid to ask.” It was true, despite Suki's words she looked like she was every bit as curious as their diminutive friend.

“It's alright, Suki. I don't mind.” Katara said smiling.

“So?” Toph pressed.

Katara laughed, “He takes my breath away. I truly never felt this way before.”

“Not even with Aang?” Suki asked in a soft voice.

Katara's eyes widened briefly. “I don't know if it's the newness of everything talking, but no, not even with Aang.”

“I knew it.” Toph breathed.

-----8888-----

The three men had secluded themselves to a far side of the room, away from the growing throng of people.

“Where are they?” Sokka grumbled. He disliked being left to a fancy social gathering without his wife as a buffer.

Zuko had to agree with his friend's sentiment, but as the ruler of a nation it would be improper to express it. He sighed and glanced at the Avatar to his right. “Aang?”

Aang turned to face him, expressionless. “Yeah?”

“Are we alright? You and me? I never planed this situation with Katara. It just ...happened.”

Aang's eyes softened and he put his hand on Zuko's shoulder. “What you have with Katara is special. I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I disapproved, it was just a bit of a shock at first. But how could I not be happy for love between two of my best friends and mentors?”

Zuko sighed in relief. “Then I have something to discuss with you and Sokka.” Both of the men looked at him with interest. “I want to ask Katara to marry me, and if Toph allows, I want to announce it tonight.”

Sokka's jaw fell open and he made a few incoherent high-pitched noises.

Aang broke out into a gigantic grin and slapped Zuko on the back. “That's great!”

Zuko smiled, but then sobered when he looked at the Sword Master. “Sokka? I know this is your sister but I was hoping it wouldn't bother you this much.” he frowned.

Sokka snapped his jaw shut and poked Zuko in the chest with his finger. “This is my baby sister were talking about. Don't you think you're moving a might fast? Does she know?”

“I've made my intentions known.”

“And what's Katara's opinion?”

“She's as good as said yes to the proposal, but she doesn't know about me wanting to announce it.”

Sokka sighed and looked at Aang. The monk nodded his head in encouragement. Sokka met the Fire Lord's eyes again. “I would be honored to have you as my brother in law.” he grinned affectionately at his soon-to-be family.

“So, I have blessings from both of you?” he looked between the two.

Sokka and Aang smiled and nodded in unison.

Just then the room erupted in clapping. The three men looked towards the door in time to see their women enter.
Sokka dashed to take Suki's arm, while Aang and Zuko just gaped. Zuko's eyes immediately rested on Katara, she was captivating. The only woman in the room.

But the thought that occurred to Aang was that he'd never seen Toph look this wonderful in the six years he'd known her.

The men approached, and the women bowed respectfully to the Avatar and the Fire Lord. The two men bowed back. Zuko took Katara's arm and whispered how beautiful she looked into her ear. The Waterbending Master blushed furiously.

Aang extended his arm to Toph. She took it hesitantly, giving him an odd look. “I can see in here, Twinkle Toes. The floor is stone and I'm not wearing shoes.” she hissed as she stepped closer to him.

He smiled, “I know. I did it out of courtesy and...” he paused to swallow down the lump in his throat.

“And?” she prompted.

“And I didn't want anyone else to be the escort of the most beautiful woman here.”

Toph's cheeks flamed and she wished for her regular hairstyle which would give her some cover to hide behind. She didn't need to check with earthbending, she could feel the sincerity in the Avatar's words, but wondered if he'd been planning to tell someone else that originally. “Thanks, Aang.” she said softly.

****

As soon as Zuko was able, he took Katara to a secluded area of the room. It turned out the only one available was behind a giant potted bush in a corner. She draped her arms over his shoulders and smiled at him.

“Miss me?” he asked in his deep rumble. He loved the feel of the shiver of her spine under his hands when she heard his words.

“Yes.” she ran a finger down his cheek. “Did you miss me?”

“Every second.” He pulled her into a soft kiss, not wanting to deepen it just yet. Katara tried to force the issue by cupping the back of his neck and leaning into him. He happily started to oblige, but remembering himself, pulled away with a growl.

She looked piteously at him and he chuckled. “What happened to slowing down or you wouldn't make it through the party?”

She loved that he had this kind of restraint, but disliked her words being thrown back at her. She knew he was right though, so she sighed and unwrapped herself from his arms. “Fine. See if I don't pay you back for that later.”

It was his turn to shudder a bit. “While we're here I won't be able to be with you for a majority of the evening. I hope you understand. We haven't announced our intentions and I'm still the Fire Lord, my time will be divided.”

“Is that why you dragged me back here? To tell me we can't be together yet?” she understood, but they'd just discovered each other (in some aspects, literally) and the thought of being away from the man she loved was distasteful.

He put a hand on her cheek. “I love you.”

She would never tire of hearing that. “I love you too.”

He brushed her lips again before they left their hideaway. They separated quickly to greet different acquaintances.

Katara glanced at Zuko frequently, he was often surrounded by dignitaries and (to her chagrin) their eligible daughters. It was like he was a prize and they were all contestants. It made her ill.

She tried to orbit in his direction but every time he seemed to get further and further away. She wondered briefly if he was doing it on purpose for some reason. Eventually she gave up on trying to keep up with him, choosing instead to enjoy the party.

She'd noticed that Suki had Sokka out on the dance floor most of the night. Katara wondered if it was to keep him away from the food. She scanned the room until she found Aang standing with the birthday girl.

She went over to join them. She silently slipped her arm around Toph's elbow. The blind girl smiled in recognition, not surprised in the least.

“Hello, Katara.” Aang said happily.

She smiled and nodded to him before turning more towards Toph. “Are you enjoying your party?” she nudged her.
“More than I thought I would.” the earthbender said with a grin.

Katara leaned a little closer and lowered her voice, “And what about about what we talked about earlier? Have you noticed any increased heart rates?”

Toph's cheeks pinked slightly. “I haven't looked.” she confessed in a whisper.

“What are you two talking about?” Aang asked, his curiosity getting the better of him as he watched their exchange.

“Girl stuff.” Toph said.

“Let's test now.” Katara said a hushed tone one last time. She turned to the Avatar again. “Aang, what do you think of Toph's dress?”

Toph tapped her heel as he answered. “Toph. Oh, uh, she... her dress looks great.” he stuttered out.

Katara didn't need her female friend's hyper senses to interpret that answer. She knew what was going on his chest even without feeling heartbeats.

Toph's eyes went wide. It was clear she'd not expected this reaction from him. That was where Katara had an advantage on her diminutive friend. She'd seen the looks Aang'd been giving Toph all night.

Katara smiled. “I thought so too.”

****

Zuko felt he was being bombarded by every woman in the room except for the one he wanted. He itched to say he was already taken, but he was saving that fun for later.

Finally he was able to escape and drag Toph away for a second on the pretense of giving her a gift. They secluded themselves in one of the many empty classrooms.

“It's not that I don't appreciate you pulling me out of there, but don't you have the wrong girl?” the earthbender asked as he closed the door.

Zuko chuckled nervously, making her drop her smile. “It's Katara I want to talk about.”

“Big surprise.” she crossed her arms.

“I've already talked to the guys about this, but I wanted to run it by you too. I want to propose to Katara during the party.”

Toph's eyes popped open and she faltered for a second. “Wow. OK.” her arms dropped to her sides.

“I won't do it tonight if you don't want me to.” he said scanning her face. She'd always been the hardest for him to read.

“Are you kidding? That would be the best present of all!” she grabbed his arm excitedly. “Lets go shake things up!” They laughed together as they reentered the party.

****

The time came for Toph to give a speech. She took her place on a small dais in front of her parents. When the crowd had quieted she began.

“First off, I want to thank my parents for throwing this party in celebration of my eighteenth year.” A shout went up from the people so she held up her hand until there was silence again. “I also want to thank my friends for traveling from all corners of the world to be here.”

The core group of friends she was speaking about were standing near her feet so she smiled down at them.

“In particular I'd like to thank some of them personally. Sokka and Suki, it will forever be you two together. Neither will be mentioned without the other, which is the way it should be. I love you both and I love you together. Thank you for coming.” The others clapped and Sokka nodded his head to Toph as he tightened his grip on Suki's waist.

“Katara, we've had our ups and downs over the years but that's made our relationship so much fun. I think of you as an older sister, and no matter how bad things might get between us always remember, I love you.” More cheers and Katara wiped a happy tear from her cheek.

“Aang, you finding me changed my life. You opened up the world to me. Of course that also meant you inflicted me on the world, but they can take their chances.” ripples of laughter coursed through the room and her father coughed disapprovingly. Unfazed she continued, “You're one of my best friends and I love everything about you. Thank you so much for taking time out of your Avatar duties to come.”

He stepped up onto the platform to take her hand and kiss it. “Anything for you.” he whispered so only she could hear. She blushed and the crowd roared again.

She playfully shoved him off the dais before continuing. “The last person I want to thank is Fire Lord Zuko. Six years ago I never thought I'd say that the Fire Lord is my friend, let alone one of my best friends. It shows that things can change, and change for the better. Thank you Zuko for coming all this way for me.” He bowed and she returned the gesture.

When all of the cheering had quieted Toph stood still on the platform. “I've had a request from one of my friends who wants to say something so I want you all to give him your full attention.” she stepped down as Zuko took her place.

Katara stifled a gasp and wondered what he was doing. Zuko held up his arms. “Thank you Toph. What she said about change is true. Things can change for the good, as I am living proof. At one time I had a much different view of the world but meeting these, my close friends,” he motioned to those Toph had mentioned. “turned me around.”

“In particular one friend has made me who I am today. Katara?” he held out his hand for her to join him.

The waterbender blushed deeply, finally catching on to what Zuko intended. She looked at her brother for an indication of what to do. Sokka smiled and mouthed for her to go. She smiled shyly and took the Fire Lord's hand.
Pulling her up to stand beside him, he smiled at her reassuringly and squeezed her hand. He turned back to address the crowd, “Katara was my conscience and wasn't afraid to knock me around when I got out of line.”

Katara laughed along with the crowd but hers was out of nervousness. “I recently came to the conclusion that only she had the power to change my world again.” At that point he turned towards her and took both of her hands in his.

“Master Katara, will you consent to marring me?”

After a collective gasp from the room a deathly silence had fallen and she knew they were all waiting on her word. She fought to keep her composure as the room waited.

“Yes.”

The room exploded. People were jumping and shouting but somehow for Zuko and Katara the world had come to a stop.
Zuko placed a hand at the small of her back and cupped her neck with his other. She slipped her arms around his neck, and the kiss they shared felt like freedom and home.

Katara was positive, this was better than any dream.

The End
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I'm not a big Taang fan but it just seemed right for this story.
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Dreams