A.N.: BEWARE OF CLICHES!!!

Yours truly does not own Avatar

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The rain was pouring down hard.

Katara ran as fast as she could.

Even after years of coming to the fire nation, Katara still got lost. She never remembered the way to the Royal Palace. And this time, no one was there with her.

There was no way she'd find her way back. So she decided to wait at anywhere for the rain to stop. Waterbending the rain wouldn't do much help.

But she stopped in her tracks. Much to her horror, she realized she didn't even know how to get back to town.

Actually, all this happened because she was trying to find Zuko. When they arrived at the Royal Palace, he wasn't there. So Katara decided to set off alone to find him. They haven't been talking much. And frankly, Katara felt that she missed him a bit...

Katara looked around... No particular reason why. But this field of nothing but grass was beautiful. While trying to look for Zuko, she came across this open field. It was a wide, open space. And she loved it. Too bad it was raining. It was probably even more beautiful in the sunlight.

She sat on the grass. If she tried to find her way back, she might get even more lost. Best to stay put, she thought.

Hmm?

Was there someone lying down there? She could swear she was seeing a person lying on the grass. Was he dead? She tried to look closer, squinting her eyes. She leaned forward. Somehow, the person seemed familiar.

Those clothes? It can't be. And his hair is down.

Slowly, she walked towards the seemingly dead man. The rain made it hard to see. Something in her gut told her... That it was...

Cautiously, she approached him. When she had come near enough, she was surprised to see--

"Zuko, it is you!" she said.

She saw that Zuko had his eyes closed. He didn't open them. Struck with panic, she knelt down and shook him, "Zuko! Zuko! Are you okay?"

Zuko reluctantly opened his eyes. Katara felt relieved. He suddenly sat up, "Katara! It's you- I thought I was... I was..." ...dreaming.

She was puzzled, "You were what?" Zuko seemed to blush. "Honestly, I'm the one whose supposed to be confused here. Exactly what are you doing here?"

Zuko avoided her gaze, "I was... relaxing."

She was even more puzzled, "In the rain? Alone? Here?"

Still, Zuko didn't look at her, "Yeah."

Katara noticed Zuko distancing himself. She felt quite offended. After she took all the time to look for him. She wanted to shout at him, but she didn't.

"Were you here this whole time? You know, I was looking for you."

"Someone already found me. I've already talked to Aang. I just went back here."

"Oh. Are you alright? I mean, lying here all alone... Is there anything wrong--"

"I'm fine."

"Oh... So what did you tell Aang?"

"To follow whatever you want."

"Well... I guess that's one way to end it. You... have been so down lately..."

"I'm fine."

Zuko stood, "There's a hut nearby. We should take shelter there."

"Yeah, okay."

Katara followed Zuko from behind. They didn't talk.

The hut was well-- a hut. Straws made up the roof and it was not exactly roomy. Its structure was much like a waiting shed. There was just a bench made of wood. They could wait there.

Both of them sat on the bench. No one said anything. There was an unusually big space purposely left in between them. For the first time in years, the atmosphere they had, felt awkward.

Katara wondered why. She looked the other way. For some reason, she didn't want to make eye contact with Zuko.

She hugged herself. It was really cold. The rain was still as strong as ever.

"I'll make a small fire."

Zuko stood and got some straws from the roof. He used his firebending to create a small fire.

He glanced, "Feeling warmer?"

She simply nodded.

She didn't really want to talk to him. It was her way of sulking. Recently, Zuko has been really cold to her. He has been ever since last week--

Last week?

Last week when Aang made his proposal. They were talking right then. When Aang asked for Katara because he needed to talk with her. After that, Zuko has been... cold.

She pondered for a while.

"Zuko," she turned to face him. But he was looking the other way too. "This marriage won't change anything." she placed her hand at her chest, "We'll still visit you as much as we can here." she stared down for a moment. Her voice quivering she said, " we... I won't let you feel lonely."

Zuko still didn't look her way. He blankly stared away, "What do you mean? Are you trying to treat me like some kind of child?"

Katara shook her head, even though Zuko wouldn't see, "No! I-I.. All I meant was that..."

Zuko's voice got louder and he turned his head, "Was that what? Don't underestimate me. I'm not weak."

Katara looked to the side, "That's not what I meant."

He got up and faced her. He felt so frustrated. Does she think I'm so weak? I need taking care of? Is that why she never felt anything towards me? He threw his hands up, "Well why did you say all those things to me? I don't need to be taken care of--"

She intently looked at him. Which cut Zuko off. She raised her voice too, "Because I was worried, okay?" she almost shouted, "You've been so distant lately I was getting worried!"

Taken aback, Zuko did nothing but stare. Katara didn't look at him anymore, "You've been so cold... I thought it had something to do with Aang's proposal..."

He calmed down. Katara looked up. Their eyes met.

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A.N.: And so concludes the third chapter. BWAHAHA. I'm not busy (for now) so I update fast. Constructive criticisms are much appreciated.

BTW, I don't really wanna give away whether it'll be Zutara or Kataang in the end. Hehehehe. So just wait. Thanks for the reviews guys! Hope you care to give more.