Disclaimer: Nickelodeon and Bryke own ATLA. I don't.

Questions

By Abby Brickler

***

Zuko sat in the courtyard with he and Katara's daughter, once again enjoying some father-daughter time. The two of them sat side-by-side at the edge of the pond, taking in the beautiful spring scenery of the gardens. Neither of them said much. They really didn't have to.

Zuko's heart melted as he watched his little girl extend her hand gently to the turtle ducks and as the turtle ducks nibbled the breadcrumbs she was holding. She wasn't afraid of them, and they weren't afraid of her. It was so sweet to watch.

Suddenly, the silence was broken.

"Mommy said the governor and his wife have a baby now. Daddy, where to babies come from?"

Zuko froze. He knew this day would come, but why so soon? Why now? He wasn't prepared! This was just spur of the moment!

Deciding to do the first thing that came to his mind, Zuko said, "Uhh, wait right here, sweetheart. Daddy will be right back."

He dashed inside and almost sprinted to Katara's chamber.

Katara sat at her desk, where she was working on a letter to Sokka and Suki.

She immediately looked up when Zuko hurried into the room.

"Zuko, what is it?" she asked, surprised.

"Katara, Zara's asking questions!"

Katara gave a lighthearted chuckle.

"Zuko," she said, smiling warmly, "she's a child. Children ask questions."

"No—no, you don't understand! She's asking questions—as in the question!"

"What?" asked Katara. Then it dawned on her. "Oh! Well, you do remember that when she was a baby, we decided that I would discuss that time of the month, and you would give 'the talk'. But if you think she's still too young to know, then make something up. She's six years old—she'll believe it."

"Yeah," Zuko decided nervously. "Yeah—I'll just make something up for now. Yeah…"

***

Later that evening—

"Messenger hawks, Katara. I told her they're delivered to parents by messenger hawks."

Katara chuckled.

"You're adorable," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Um—I try?" Zuko said awkwardly, giving a small, bashful smile.

***