Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Ugh, that meeting sucked”, Zuko slumped onto his bed and groaned.

 “It wasn’t that bad, I’m sure the Earth Kingdom will adjust to the new trade routes” Katara offered, “besides, it’ll benefit the less fortunate, and that’s what matters.”

 “You’re right Katara,it’s just- a lot sometimes” He sighed, “every little mistake I make could have a huge impact on innocent citizens, they aren’t my experiments, they’re people.”

  “That’s what you have your council and the gang to help you for” she smiled and reached out to the now sitting Zuko. 

  She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, “I know you got this, I just know you do”. The two enjoyed the small moment they had until a servant rushed into the room. 

“I’m sorry to interrupt the young couple but-“

Zuko let go of Katara and stammered a reply about how they’re just close friends, but the servant looked so shaken up that it didn’t seem to matter anymore.

“Sir, it’s a letter from Hira’a”, the servant had panic painting his face, “more specifically, from Lady Ursa” 

Zuko’s face mirrored the servant’s in shock, he’d believed his mother to be dead. After the war, the gang had nearly searched every crevice of the world for her. It’d been years since he’d even had a drop of hope in finding his mom. 

The Firelord shook his head and hesitantly offered his hand for the envelope. It was sealed with smooth green wax and the address seemed to be written hastily. As he unfolded the letter, it seemed like time was slowing down. Maybe his senses were being heightened, or maybe Katara’s silence was so loud. At this point he could hear every tick the clock made and every crinkle as he opened the letter. 

He took a long deep breath before reading the letter aloud so that Katara could comfort him for whatever this letter would entail. 

“ Dear Zuko,

             My sweet, sweet son, I left you when you needed me the most. I abandoned you and for that I am so sorry. After I left Ozai, I reunited with my childhood friend. One thing led to another and I got married to him. Unfortunately due to a shipwreck he’s passed on, I wish you could’ve met him, Zuko, I really do. Just before the accident, I’d found out I was pregnant, I heard you have a friend who’s a healer. She sounds like a good strong girl from what I hear. I need you to bring her and ensure that the baby will have a safe arrival. Please see this and understand that this is my last resort. I’m hoping that you can meet with  me in my village (the address is written on the envelope)

Sorry again, 

Ursa, your mother. 

“Zuko? Are you okay” Katara’s words dragged him out of his thoughts. He couldn’t help but choke on his sobs. Zuko collapsed into her arm, she held him so gently. 

“M-my mom is alive— and she’s sick”, he felt like was acting like a child again. All the years that  he was forced to grow up, were catching up to him. He coughed and attempted to straighten his back to compose himself. “Katara, just so you know it’s your choice if you want to come along, I don’t want you to feel pressured”, Zuko smiled through his tear stained face. 

“Oh Zuko” Katara only hugged him tighter than before, “I’m coming with you, and I’m going to help your mom.” 

“Agni, look at the sunset” Zuko stared at the open balcony.

“Nothing's as breathtaking as a Fire Nation sunset huh” Katara grinned, “I’m so glad I decided to take the job.” 

“Me too, I’m exhausted from it though, sometimes I wish I had a choice in being Firelord.”

Katara jokingly rolled her eyes and waved before disappearing into the dark hallway. Sometimes she felt like a living dream to Zuko. Too good for him and his nation. what a great friend. 

He sat on the side of his bed for a while before taking a deep breath full of the warm Fire Nation air. Years ago he never would’ve thought he’d be best friends with the girl who fought him nearly everyday. The fierce, emotional, kind girl, the kind that hurted and healed and gave everything to save his life.

Just say it already. 

You don’t deserve her.

Tell her already.

It’s hurting you just to look her in the eyes.

Chapter Text

Katara groaned, her head hurt and the stupid paperwork on her desk still wasn’t done. Piles and piles of boring documents to annotate and sign and read. 

Then she started thinking about Ursa. She recalled late nights on Ember island, hushed voices and stories about mothers. Zuko had told Katara so much about Ursa, and if this letter was real— it would be urgent. 

She imagined Zuko’s joy if he reunited with his mother, maybe the permanent frown on his face would fade away. All Katara wanted was to see that look on Zuko’s face. She wanted to see him gleeful- and good- and happy

She was too far gone. 

He needed a friend, they didn’t need to be-

<3

“Lovers, I heard, that waterbending girl and the Firelord”

“I wouldn’t be so surprised, after the meeting yesterday they both went into his room”

“Is he not embarrassed of her?”

“Ahem-,” Katara mocked the way the noble women would clear their throats. “I thought the meeting was supposed to begin now and the gossip to stop.”

One of the women rolled her eyes and the other averted her gaze. 

Zuko entered the room and the meeting really began. Even before his coronation, he always had such a leading presence. Anyone could tell he was born to rule, no scar and r banishment was going to change that. 

“I’d like to start this meeting off by making an announcement, Master Katara and I will be leaving Caldera for a business trip soon,” Zuko declared. 

Wow uh that was quick.

 Katara didn't expect Zuko to tell everyone so soon.

At least he didn’t give away everything.

He continued, “This trip has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Master Katara, she is my good friend and trusted ambassador. However, I will not be able to confirm any small details about the trip. I’m leaving tonight, Thank you, ” 

Katara smiled forcefully, he was acting like a .  Once the nobles and diplomats left, She yanked Zuko by the ear and put on her best angry face. 

“I WAS CLEARLY NOT READY FOR THIS!”

Zuko whimpered as a reply.

“Ugh, you know I’m swamped with paperwork, and deciding these stupid trade negotiations!” Katara pinched her eyebrows together.

“Okay, I know this is rushed but- we have no time to waste!”

The waterbender merely made a face at Zuko’s comment. 

“My mom is sick, a-and half the country thinks she’s dead” 

“Zuko. I know this is hard for you, but if you just talked to me about it, I would’ve said yes.” Katara let out calmly, as if she wasn’t screaming minutes ago. 

“I-I know and I’m sorry, really,  but I can’t help but feel like you’re not understanding me fully. My mother could be alive” 

“I understand more than you think, but you’re a leader, you can’t put personal issues above your country” 

“You’re absolutely right Katara, I’m sorry. I’m being selfish, but will you let me be for once? I just need to know if you’re on board with this trip and helping my mom.”

“Of course I am, I was just put off by how- ugh- quickly this is happening” Katara smiled.

Okay this is happening.

Just going on a life changing trip with your best friend again.

Not much.

Wait scratch that, this is too much.