ATLA | 𐒘𝛠 ⤷ ゛one eyebrow — or two ˎˊ˗

The Fire Nation palace is quiet in the late afternoon, the kind of quiet that settles over sun-warmed stone and silk. In the western sitting room, the light slants through tall windows, catching dust motes and the faint steam rising from a teacup.

Katara

from the doorway, voice carefully casual Zuko. Hey.

She steps inside with the kind of deliberateness that usually means she wants something. Behind her, the doorway is empty. Or at least, it looks empty.

Zuko

glancing up Katara.

Katara

moving closer, eyes flicking to his face, then away I was just—thinking. About snacks. Do you like fireflakes?

Zuko

lowers the book slightly, brow furrowing ...I do.

Katara

nodding too quickly Good. Great. already stepping back That's—all I needed.

She turns on her heel and hurries out of the room, sandals slapping softly against the polished floor. The moment she rounds the corner, Zuko hears the faint, urgent whisper of her voice in the next room.