She whispered back.. "I'm here for you Zuko"
Never have I ever been pulled into a hug this warm.
I have only known the hug of my mother: love and guilt trying to compensate my father's behaviour. The hug of Uncle Iroh: love and protection: trying to shield me from my father, Azula and all the dangers I could've faced so he trained me and never left my side.
But Katara's hug feels like a warmth I have never felt before..
It feels like a mixture of protection, support, forgiveness and trust..
Was this what Uncle meant when he told me that there were different types of hugs and what they meant... I thought he just needed an excuse to hug me.
I am enjoying the hug but I'm not sure if I deserve it..
She trusts me I can feel it.
I know she does, her actions speak more than a thousand words.
I don't need to hear her say that she trusts me yet, it will happen when the time is right.
We hugged for a long time neither of us wanted to let go first.
It felt right, for the first time since my banishment I felt as if I was doing the right thing.
I gently pulled away and Katara gave me a smile back.
Wow Zuko who would've ever thought that you were such a good embracer.
Hearing her say those nice words made me smile and blush a bit.
"My uncle knew."
Katara raised her eyebrow and stared at me.
I lowered my gaze to the ground and thought to myself:
"*You idiot did you really say Uncle..you can't do anything right can you*"
Hahaha..
"Wait is she laughing?"
I looked up and saw Katara laughing, a genuine laugh just like before.. how do I know it's genuine, well her eyes sparkle, one hand on her stomach and one hand is pointing towards me.
I said laughing: "Your Uncle, he is quite the embracer I suppose.
I can see it Uncle Iroh pulling you into a hug and you thinking ugh not again."
Zuko smiled at me and said: "Well maybe sometimes yes."
Uncle Iroh walked towards Zuko and noticed me.
"Good afternoon Katara it is nice to see you again, I hope you enjoy the tea my nephew brought to you"
Zuko looked surprised.
I gave Uncle Iroh a friendly nod and said: Good afternoon Uncle Iroh, I am really glad you found a place to be happy and I do enjoy the tea Zuko brought me.
Uncle Iroh smiled whilst Zuko still stared in awe.
Uncle Iroh smiled and said: "That is good to hear my friend but tell me do you enjoy the company of my nephew, he is quite a charming boy isn't he?"
Zuko blushed and put his hands in front of his face whilst grunting: "Ugh Uncle.."
I laughed and said: I suppose he is and I do enjoy his company which I never thought I'd say but it's true Uncle.
Zuko put his hands down and said whilst still blushing: "Really..?"
Uncle Iroh smiled whilst looking at me and Zuko.
Really Zuko, I really do.
"See nephew, I always told you and now you have proof."
"Katara, would you like to know more about Zuko and how he was as a child?"
I laughed and said "That would be delightful Uncle Iroh"
Zuko stepped in and said: "Uncle.. shouldn't you be preparing to bring tea to the king..."
*Wait did he say the king.. but the king never said.. it's a trap...*
Uncle Iroh looked at Zuko and saw him gesturing to leave, he looked at me and said: "You're right Zuko I have a lot of preparation to do, it was wonderful to see you again my friend."
WAIT UNCLE IROH..
Zuko and Uncle Iroh looked at me confused.
You said you are visiting the king for tea right?
Zuko: " Yes he invited my Uncle because The Yasmin Dragon is the best teashop in Ba Sing Se."
That's what I was afraid of..
Zuko I was with the king the entire time and he never mentioned inviting the Yasmin Dragon.
Zuko: "Wait what.. he didn't?"
I shook my head and said: I think someone tries to lure the both of you into a trap.
Do you know someone who is capable of this?
Zuko and Uncle Iroh looked at each other and said both at the same time angrily: "Azula"
Azula, your sister?
Zuko nodded and said angrily: "She deceived my Uncle, and tried to capture us multiple times, she needs to pay for this."
"Uncle, we have to go now and teach her a lesson"
Wait Zuko!
Zuko looked at me.
Don't go yet, don't you see this is your advantage you know it's a trap so you have to come up with a plan.
"She is right, nephew if Azula managed to forge the invite than she must have allies in and outside the palace.
She disguised herself so we have to be careful"
Do you think she has the Dai Li?
Zuko nodded and said: "Azula is good in getting what she wants so I think it's safe to say she has the Dai Li on her side"
Wait.. before Aang left we heard that friends of ours the Kyoshi warriors have arrived... you don't think that...
Uncle Iroh nodded and said : "It is possible yes and by the sound of it she brought company with her.
Mai and Ty Lee"
Zuko looked at me and said: "Mai.. and Ty Lee are dangerous Katara"
I know Zuko..
"You've met them before haven't you?" said Zuko.
I did yes.. Mai threw knives at me.
"That pretty much describes Mai" said Zuko
And Ty Lee.. she did something to me which made me temporarily unable to bend.. it was terrifying as if she knew how to disable you from within.
Zuko clenched his fist :"I won't let that happen to you again *I will never let that happen to you ever again Katara I promise."