quick note: this chapter is NOT finished. Don't worry it wont upset the flow of the story. I have big plans for this chapter but i wont have time to finish it until next week. sorry D:
Zuko propped his chin up with his hand as he sat in his chambers. It had been 8 years since Aang had defeated his father, Fire Lord Ozai. Since then Zuko had taken on the challenge of bringing peace to his country and righting the wrongs caused by ancestors. Although the people had accepted him and the changes he had brought, the members of the council weren't as kind. Fat windbags....Zuko's mouth curled into a snarl. 8 years, 8 years he had been Fire Lord and now the council was screaming for a marriage.
Marriage...Women were not an issue. Zuko could name several off the top of his head that had the credentials to marry a Fire Lord. They were beautiful, intelligent, had poise and class...and were boring as hell. There was only one woman, one woman who could make his blood boil. There was only one woman who made his heart beat faster. Zuko closed his eyes and thought of her. Long dark hair and eyes that were the perfect shade of blue. Her dark skin soft to the touch. She was beautiful.
"Katara..." her name slid from Zuko's mouth and filled the room. He had been in love with the water tribe peasant for years. Since before the end of the war. Zuko's hand clenched into a fist and the young man leaned back in his chair. Katara with her ready smile and kindness was taken. By the Avatar. The Avatar, Aang, had once been Zuko's worst nightmare. They had been enemies. Now the two of them were as close as brothers. Zuko cherished the easy relationship he and Aang had; being in love with Katara caused a terrible guilt to descend whenever the two got together. Terrible guilt... and jealousy.
How was it that Aang, who had been nothing more than child when he met Katara, succeeded in winning her over? What was it about him that blinded Katara to the advances of other men? He was a childish, bald, monk for Rozin's sake. The frown on Zuko's face deepened. In looks, economic standing and skills he was better.
