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First Day of school (Original link) Author: Cyandragon "Don't worry, preschool's easy. Just don't get beaten up!" said Azula, which only prompted Katara to cry even harder. Sokka tried his best to disassociate himself from his bawling younger sister, but it was difficult, her clutching his arm like nothing else. He wished his mom or Zuko's mom or even their dads had at least come to drop them off. But no, they insisted that the four of them could walk to school and Katara would be fine. Did this look fine to them? Grown-ups. "Azula's right. I mean, preschool is fun! You get naptime, you can draw and sing and play. It's easy stuff." Sokka said. "Look, Katara, I got to get to class early. I can't start first grade with a dis-grace-ful record." Katara sniffled and looked at her brother, utterly confused by the word "disgraceful" and what it had to do with first grade. Azula followed Sokka. "Zuzu, my classroom is over there, too. See you after school!" This left poor Zuko alone with a still red and puffy Katara, tugging furiously at the braid her mother tied and wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "Is preschool really fun, Zuko?" "Of course! You have the best time in preschool!" "Really?" "Yeah. And if there's anything wrong, or if anyone tries to beat you up, find me and I'll beat them up!" "But Zuko..." said Katara, hiccuping and sniffling, "you can't even beat me in arm wrestle." He scowled and the little girl smiled. "It's only because I let you win! You're younger!" There was a pause as the first bell rang. Suddenly, Katara grabbed her best friend, rival, and playmate in a bear-hug. "Can you come pick me up after school?" she asked, her voice muffled by his shirt. Looking down, he patted her head in the best imitation of his mother he could muster in public. "Promise." he said finally. She looked up. "Okay." |
