A/N: This is my first Fanfic... Ever... I've read them for ages, but I've never actually written one. I've thought of stories in my head, but never put them down on paper. I hope you all like it! (And if you write a review, feel free to be brutal! I can take it. :P )

Also, the chapters will probably be longer later on.

"Fire Lord Zuko."

His name echoed through the room, and Zuko closed his eyes. He still wasn't used to that. His father was the Fire Lord, or his grandfather. But him? No, he had always been the prince. At least, until a year ago, he had been.

Turning to look at the new arrival, Zuko grinned. "Sokka! How are you? It's been so long!" He held out a hand in welcome.

"Hungry. You got any fire flakes?" Sokka replied, walking toward Zuko's throne.

Zuko laughed. "You're always hungry, Sokka, but I'm sure I can have something pulled together for you." Zuko paused for a moment before continuing.
"Erm... How's your sister?"

Sokka raised an eyebrow. "Katara? She's fine." Now it was Sokka's turn to grin. "You do realize how obvious you make it that you like her, right? Why don't you just say something?" Zuko glanced up at him and shook his head.

"She's dating Aang. How am I supposed to compete with the Avatar?" he asked, taking several steps toward his friend.

"Oh no! The girl I love is dating a THIRTEEN year old! What ever shall I do?" Sokka teased, dramatically fanning himself and pretending to swoon.

"Oh shut up. I knew you wouldn't understand..." Zuko muttered, turning and walking back towards his podium.

"What I don't understand is why you're not doing anything about the fact that Katara is dating a little kid. I mean, Aang is great and all, but do you really think that's gonna last? He's just a baby!"

"Isn't that 'baby' supposed to be your friend?" Zuko snapped, spinning on his heel.

"Yeah. Does that mean I want him dating my sister? Hell no!"

The two boys stared at each other for a moment, and Sokka slowly made his way over to Zuko.

"Look, don't get me wrong, I want them to be happy, but Aang is young and, well, let's be honest. Katara has never had the best taste in guys. Besides, I think she's kinda blinded by Aang's power."

"Katara's not like that!"

"Are you sure?"

Zuko sighed and looked at Sokka hopelessly. "But she's happy. She's happy, and that's what matters..."

"No, Zuko. She's not."

Sokka watched Zuko quizzically for a moment and crossed his arms. "I suppose there's a more important question I have to ask you, though," he said after they'd been standing in awkward silence for several minutes.

Zuko bit his lip. "And that would be?"

"That would be why the hell you're still dating that Mai chick. Obviously you like Katara, and, no offense, but Mai is just a tiiiiny bit creepy. I mean, she's all emotionless, like a... Like a... Like something without a soul! I just don't know what you see in her."

"That's the point, Sokka... Mai is simple... With her, I don't need to think. With Katara... I do."

With a sigh, Sokka put his hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Zuko, I'm leaving in a week, and you're coming with me."

Zuko didn't know why he'd let Sokka talk him into this. Yeah, he wanted to see Katara again, but what if Aang was there? Seeing them together would be unbearable. Still, here he was, standing on his roof and preparing to board an airship.

This was stupid. He didn't have time for this- He was the Fire Lord! The city was still so chaotic! He needed to be there in case something went wrong!
That settled it. Zuko was staying. He'd send Sokka a letter to apologize, but he simply couldn't go. He was turning around to go back inside when Mai appeared beside him.

"Hello Zuko," she said, her voice as monotonous as ever, "I suppose you'll be leaving now?" She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

"I, uh... Will you miss me...?"

"I don't care. You'll be back soon enough."

Now Zuko glanced at her. Pasting a smile on his face, he turned to face her directly and put a hand on her cheek, gently turning her to face him. He looked into her eyes for a moment before leaning down and kissing her gently. "Well I'll miss you," he said, before climbing up onto the ship.

That settled it. Zuko was going. He couldn't bare to be around her any longer.