Chapter 1

She came every day at 9am and left around 2pm. He'd constantly noted this of the waterbender ever since he signed her up for the gym. He remembered her routine as well: she began with a little cardio, then proceeded to the weights where she would do some curls or pumps. Then she would take a mat into the aerobics room and begin what looked like Tai Chi, but were movements for waterbending and then would do a series of squats, crunches, planks, and end with a little yoga. Then, she would head to the pool and waterbend a little. Nothing serious, but would push and pull, swirl the water around, and if children were present bend it into animal shapes and geometric figures. Afterwards she would take a dip and then head back to the locker room. He never knew what took her so long in there, but eventually she would come out, head to the juice bar and then go. He continued watching everyone around the gym, even though his mind was on the beauty for most of it, until there was a knock on his door.

"Enter," he said as he swiveled his chair to his computer.

"Boss," said a man. He looked up and smirked.

"Sokka, you know when it's just you and me you can call me by name." Sokka chuckled as he brought himself fully into the office.

"Zuko. Are you done assessing the damage needed to be done since the badgermole incident?" Zuko groaned a little. Their new instructor and friend, Toph Beifong, had decided to do a mini history lesson on badgermoles and accidentally summoned one through her Earthbending. It wasn't a big of a problem since it was in the Earthbending room. The problem was that the badgermole wanted to roam about and created a hole leading into the firebending room and to the parking lot in the back. Toph had fixed most of the physical damage, but the electric wiring was off and the gym would suffer blackouts here and there due to it.

"I almost have all the prices sorted and then it means paying the piper." Sokka sat down in a chair across from Zuko and swiped a hand in front of his face.

"I thought opening a bending and non-bending gym would be great way to get everyone to bond better, but it's costing us much more money than we thought." Zuko rolled his good eye. "How much money do we even have left from the damages of last month's elephant rat 'invasion'?" Zuko shook his head.

"7 billion gold pieces." Sokka sighed and then faced his comrade.

"It's Friday right?" Zuko grunted. "And my paycheck?" Zuko chuckled.

"Was that finally the reason for you coming in here?" Sokka smiled.

"That and to ask what you're doing this weekend. Suki and I are trying to hang out with everybody." Zuko closed his eyes and smiled. It had been a few years since college. He and Sokka had met his junior year, Sokka's sophomore year, at the Ba Sing Se University. Thanks to Sokka, Zuko had the "wild" college experiences he had heard about before his senior year. He'd done fire shots off a girl, rode a badgermole, joined the firebending team, and all while being valedictorian and class president. He was actually the reason why Sokka was dating Suki. She originally wanted to date Zuko, but once she heard one of Sokka's lame jokes, she was hooked. Zuko shook his head and smiled,

"Sure, why not. Nothing crazy though ok?" Sokka gave him a look of innocence before rising from his seat causing Zuko to roll his eyes. "About what time?"

"3 should be great. Bring some meat for the grill." Sokka made his way to the door.

"Fine. See ya then." And before the door closed. "And Sokka?" He poked his head back in.

"Yeah buddy?" Zuko stared at him with humor in his eyes.

"Clean your house. I don't want to sit on something that shouldn't be wet or sticky for some reason." Sokka blushed and shut the door quickly. Zuko began to laugh from his gut at Sokka's face before shaking his head and getting back to work before his 3pm training session and 5pm class.

The next day, Zuko rang the doorbell to Sokka and Suki Southall's place. They had married 2 years after college when he and Sokka had gotten their gym off the ground. Suki answered the door with a bright face and gave him a hug.

"Long time no see, Zuzy," she said with a giggle. He groaned at the nickname. He earned it one night he was drunk and Suki thought it a great idea to paint his face like her Kiyoshi warriors from her security business Kiyoshi, inc.

"Same to you, Su," he said. He made his way in and began walking to the back patio where the party was being held. Only close friends came, which included Toph and her boyfriend Putong from the Earthbending team, Aang from the meditation club, the original Kiyoshi members as well as Ty Lee, Zuko's sister's friend. Even Mai had shown up, much to his dismay. He and Mai had been broken up over 3 months ago, but he for some reason couldn't shake her from him. And she's the one that broke up with him! He smiled and waved to everyone. Sokka was by the grill making veggie patties and regular burgers. Thank Agni Aang was making sure that Sokka didn't use the same spatula for everything. Zuko set the meat he bought next to them and perused the grounds. Suki took her spot next to Ty Lee who was trying to get Mai to do some acrobatics. Zuko scoffed. 'Good luck doing that,' he thought. 'She wouldn't even do different positions with me while we were having-' the doorbell sounded.

"Hey Zuko," called Sokka. "Could you get that?" Zuko grunted in response and made his way through the house thinking about what had gone wrong in his past relationship. He opened the door and all thoughts flew out of his head as the most beautiful, intriguing blue eyes captures his. 'The girl from the gym.' He unconsciously held his breath looking into them. She smiled brightly, making him fall deeper into their pools.

"Hey, Zuko," she said as she pushed past him to get inside. Once she was in, he closed the door trying to remember where else he had seen her from for her to know him so personally. He followed behind and watched as she interacted with everyone from the family room window. He followed her movements until she glanced back at him and shot him a bright smile. This siren (pretty accurate) was calling to him through those enchanting eyes. He turned around and looked at the pictures around the room and stopped as soon as he saw a picture of her next to Sokka that it hit him full force. Sokka's little sister, Katara….

Dr. Katara Southall always loved working out at her brother's gym. It was the only place she could bend water and be able to calm herself before her shifts at the hospital. She normally took the night shifts due to her position and the many calls she'd received before she took it. After having a 96 hour shift (she took naps at the hospital and still made it for the gym every morning). She felt more relaxed in the gym. Mainly for the waterbending room. It helped her relax and remind her how much she loved her job. She was chief healer of the Kanna Northbell Hospital, named after her grandmother. She enjoyed her time there, even if it was very draining.

Her only solace outside of the hospital, was the gym and not just because of the waterbending room or the sauna, but for a few chances she could catch her college crush, Zuko Malden. Granted she entered college his senior year, but he always came back to visit Sokka. Back then, she wore glasses for reading purposes, had a pigtails, and wore not attractive clothes, but she aced all her work. The times she would dress up was because Suki would come by her dorm, hide her clothes, glasses, and hair ties except for one outfit. On those days, all the men turned into armadillo wolves. Always around her, trying to see if she needed something or someone for the night, acting like perfect gentlemen by opening doors, pulling her chair out, letting her get into the elevator first, or allow her to be at the front of the line. She didn't mind it, but it annoyed her. She knew she was pretty and she could flaunt it if she wanted to, but her studies came first, especially if she wanted to go to the North-South Medical School, the top school in the field of medicine.

Katara remembered the one time she actually went to one of her brother's parties, mainly to retrieve a book she left. He lived off campus and shared the 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with Zuko and Aang Windsor, a young avatar prodigy. She allowed Suki to dress her even though she knew her true purpose of going. Once she entered, every males glanced at her and gave appreciative stares and nods. She found Sokka and asked about the book. He'd told her Zuko put it away and to ask him. She looked for Zuko and found him in a heated lip lock with his girlfriend Mai Fringe. Her father was one of the major trustees in the university, Zuko's family was the other. Katara watched them and admired his jawline for a moment and his hands as they held onto Mai and the couch. Katara knew she should turn away when for a split second she saw his eyes stare into hers. She blushed and turned away looking for the bookshelf. She bumped into Aang, who at the time was trying to impress her with his spinning marbles trick with his airbending skills. She smiled and excused herself. She really couldn't go anywhere without bumping into some guy trying to impress her or seeing Zuko and Mai either talking or making out. She soon gave up and left the apartment, knowing that she would be pleaded to help with the cleanup in the morning.

The only times Zuko truly recognized her was when she would visit wearing her "nerdy" look, as Suki would put it. She would help to prepare a meal once in a while and tutor Aang in waterbending. Sometimes, if she were lucky, she'd spar with Zuko. To this day, she still thinks he went easy on her because she was sokkas little sister. Although she'd never forget the day he said she was beautiful and had the most intriguing and intelligent eyes head ever seen. Granted, he was a little tipsy and Mai cancelled their date to see a play, but it still meant a lot to her.

Katara had put her undergrad days behind her when she went to med school and focused on the future. Now, nearly10 years later, she was running late to her brother's get together BBQ. He'd told her to grab some cupcakes and some light liquor. She'd worked all week just to have the day off to hang with her old chums. Making sure her light makeup was flawless and her outfit was on point, she made her way to the door. She dusted her shorts off before forgetting how to breathe for a second as her eyes met the most sexy golden eyes that had haunted her wet dreams since undergrads. She recovered quickly and swallowed the lump she didn't realize had formed before smiling.

"Hey Zuko," she said, trying to keep her voice even. She saw him continue to stare and she shook her head and walked past him. 'I guess I still have that effect on some guys,' she thought. A relatively loud cheer was made when she went to the backyard. She put her purchases down on the table and made her rounds. She noticed Mai was here and assumed that she and Zuko were still together. Katara looked up and noticed Zuko staring at her through the family room window and gave him a smile. She made her way to the refreshment table and grabbed a bottle of water. Then, Aang approached her.

"Katara!" He said before engulfing her in a hug. He'd grown a lot since college. She giggled a bit.

"Hey Aang." He pulled away and kissed her cheek. She blushed a little.

"So, uh, how you been? Haven't seen you since Sokka's last get together-"

"Last month," she interrupted with a laugh. He smiled and chuckled himself. "Everything's good. Trying to keep myself from working too hard at the hospital." She noticed Zuko come out of the house.

"Man, last time you told me your hours at the hospital I almost passed out for you." She giggled a little, but kept track of Zuko from the corner of her eyes, until Mai obstructed her vision.

"Zuko," she said affirmatively.

"Mai," he said matter-of-factly.

"We need to talk." She then made moves towards the gazebo in Sokka's backyard. He followed, but refused to get to close to her. She was like a spidercat that always got its buzzard wasp once it entered its web. He didn't want to be tightly weaved in it anymore. She moved to sit down and he stood, even though she patted the seat next to her. He crossed his arms.

"What is this about?" He wanted this to be over and done.

"I want you to stop following me." She looked very serious and he laughed at her.

"Me. Follow you." She nodded, with a small blush line forming. "I haven't followed you since college." She frowned a little and stared at him pointedly.

"You followed me to the gym-"

"I own the gym," he interrupted exasperated already.

"-the grocery store-" She was persistent. He smirked.

"I'm sorry I have to eat."

"-even the mall." He rolled his eyes.

"It's a big mall, Mai. These are all coincidences. Nothing truly indicating me following or stalking you. What are you trying to get at?" She looked at him with those expressionless eyes and for once saw determination I them.

"I want you back. We're having dinner on Sunday. Wear something nice." He frowned.

"No." She continued without hearing him.

"We'll meet at the movie theater and see that new romantic horror movie." His frown deepened.

"I said no, Mai." She still continued.

"Then go to the Fire Cabbage restaurant. My father owns a chain so we don't have to pay."

"I'm not doing this again!" He tried hard not to yell as to not embarrass her.

"Oh, Zuko. I'm only doing you the favor since you miss me so much. You don't have to resist." She stood and walked over to him. He backed away from her.

"Mai. Stop this. You're acting like a child. It's very unbecoming of you." He knew that she wasn't getting what he said. She never fully did. She was spoiled and he was the only one who wouldn't fall down and bow to her whims. He then turned to walk out of the gazebo. "You need to move on." He walked the couple steps to rejoin the party. Mai stood there looking confident, but her eyes showed a little hurt in them. She followed him and Ty Lee intercepted.

"So, how'd the talk with Zuko go?" She asked, looking like a child expecting a Christmas present. Mai gave her this bored look.

"I called him out on his stalking and told him we could have dinner," she said. Ty Lee knew what Mai was doing, but didn't call her out on it. Ty Lee knew Mai better than she knew herself. Mai was used to getting her way, whether through her monotone voice and expressionless face or through her father's strong pull in society. Ever since Mai laid eyes on Zuko, she's wanted him for her own. She had him and then messed up by trying to turn him into her personal slave. Luckily, Zuko was smarter now to escape her charms. Ty Lee internally shook her head, but smiled for her best friend.

"Oh ok. Well at least you guys are taking a first step." Mai then got a drink of water and kept eyeing Zuko from across the way.

Zuko couldn't believe Mai tried to ensnare him into a date. She'd never tried that tactic and it made him think even more less of her. He shook his head and joined a conversation with Aang and Sokka. They were reminiscing about their many parties at the old apartment. He smiled.

"Yeah," he said. "Good times." Sokka clapped him on the back and smiled brightly.

"Remember that time I got you to do fire shots off that one girl?" He said while snickering. Zuko rolled his eyes.

"If you're talking about that chick that everyone knew was like a human succubus, then yeah. She tried to lure me into bed, since somebody," he looked at Aang, "was in mine." Aang shrugged and smiled innocently.

"It's not my fault that my caretakers let me have vodka straight, Jell-O shots, and tequila before my prime," he said. Zuko shook his head. Sokka was now even more intrigued.

"So, what happened?" He asked, eyes full of wonder. Suki then elbowed him in the rib. He rubbed the sore spot, but continued looking at Zuko. Zuko shrugged.

"Nothing actually." He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "She ended up crawling into our young avatar's bed." Aang blushed and feigned innocence.

"Whatever happened that night, I definitely don't remember. I swear!" He looked toward Katara and waved his hands frantically. She rolled her eyes and smiled. Zuko saw the smile and was awestruck again. She then looked at him and gave him a look. He knew it was just for him.

After 9pm…

Zuko grabbed a beer from the cooler and took a swig as he looked around. Mai was still lurking around and stealing knowing glances at him while Ty Lee tried to keep her entertained. Aang was doing some feng-shui to the garden for Suki using earth bending. Sokka was wrapping everything up and watching a soccer match, Earthbending style, on the TV. Katara stood near the pond and gazed at the turtle ducks. It was a half-moon tonight and she looked radiant. He then took a deep breath and walked over to her.

"Beautiful night, huh," she said suddenly. He was staring at her.

"Yeah," he said. "You are beautiful." She giggled and he blushed furiously. "I mean, indeed it is a beautiful night. Not that you're not beautiful as well. You know?" He was trying too hard and she thought it was cute. He then looked at the moon. "So, how's work going at the hospital?" She smiled.

"Tiresome, but going to you and Sokka's gym helps take the edge off. Especially the waterbending room and the sauna." She sighed. "It's great when getting stress off your bones." Zuko frowned a bit.

"We have a sauna?" She laughed a bit.

"Uh, yeah. It's near the firebending rooms." He frowned even more and looked at his associate and then everything clicked.

"The new rooms that Sokka was talking about near the firebending rooms. The excess heat would heat the coals on the walls, leading to the sauna. This all makes sense now." She smiled.

"Glad I could help you clear that up." He smiled back.

"So, I was wondering. I mean, if you don't mind. Are you, by chance, free on Sunday?" She gave him a knowing look.

"Are you trying to get out of a date with Mai?" His eyes were as wide as saucers.

"How did you know?" She rolled her eyes.

"If you don't want to date her anymore, telling her to her face is better than cheating on her." He chuckled.

"Katara, Mai and I have been broken up for over 3 months." Katara's eyes opened a little more. He smiled. "Yeah. You know how Mai is. Very controlling and puts the blame on everyone else." He shook his head.

"So, what does asking me out have to getting out of a date with Mai?" He rubbed the back of his neck.

"She asked me to join her for dinner and I'm done riding the seesaw of that relationship. It's taken its toll on me mentally and physically." He sighed. "And no. This isn't a 'try to get back at Mai' thing. This is me actually asking you out." He blushed, but didn't turn his gaze away from hers. She smiled.

"Sure."

Author's Note

Man has it been a while since I've written any stories. I'm not sure if this will be a short tale or take a couple chapters. Let me know what you think. I'd love your advice and input! :)