Chapter 3: The Northern Air Temple

[Zuko]

Well, that was a complete and utter disaster. I glance over at Toph, who notices and sticks her tongue out at me. I roll my eyes and focus on the sky. How childish. Who does she take me for? I find myself being disgusted with everyone, and it's not even noon! Typical old Zuko I guess…The new Zuko doesn't care anymore. That's what I tell myself anyways.

Ever since Mai died, it seems like everyone's been babying me. Especially Katara. It sickens me to no end. I know they mean well, but I do wish that they'd back off. I need my space! Don't they get that? Ok, so maybe I've been a little distant lately. So what? The only person who gives a damn is Katara. But last night…what was that? Should I be concerned?

It's not that I don't like Katara, I do. Maybe more than I should or care to admit. I hadn't noticed before, but it suddenly hit me a while back. Last year to be exact:

Aang had to go to the Earth Kingdom for Avatar-related things. We (the Gaang) had to remain in the Fire Nation. We were told that it was "special orders," but that was just a bunch of bullshit and everyone knew it. Anyways, Katara seemed to be less Katara-like lately. So, one night, I was walking near the turtleduck pond when I found her. She was looking at the stars with a pained expression on her face. I walked over to her and asked,

"Everything ok?"

She turned in surprise, "Z-Zuko…I…No, everything's not ok."

I took a step closer. "You miss Aang don't you?"

She nodded and looked up at me, her blue eyes filled with sadness. I wanted to say something—do something to ease her pain. Seeing her like that killed me inside. So I awkwardly put a hand on her shoulder and offered a somewhat reassuring smile. In a flash, her arms were wrapped around my waist. I hugged her back, seeing it was the only thing I could do. She cried a little while I stood there, completely helpless.

I shake the memory away. I look forward and can barely make out the towers of the Northern Air Temple. It never ceases to amaze me. If only Uncle was here to see this…A pang of sadness hits me. So much so, that I put my hand on my chest. I haven't felt like this since the day Mai died. Katara looks over at me then frowns.

"Are you ok, Zuko?" she asks.

I remove my hand and mutter, "Yeah I'm fine."

She shrugs. "Ok. Well, we're almost there."

She goes towards the front part of the saddle, closer to Sokka and Suki. I watch her hair being blown by the wind. I almost smile, but force myself not to. I can't fall for Katara. I just can't. Besides, she's with Aang. Who am I kidding? I can't hide it. I've been lying to myself this whole time.

"Hey, Mr. Gloom and Despair." Toph says. "We're about to land. You might wanna hang onto something."

I clutch the saddle firmly and wait for the oh-so-familiar feeling of landing. The air rips through my hair as we get closer to ground. Once we do land, everyone rushes to get down and see Aang. But we all know that we won't see him until dinner time. But, nevertheless, they're excited anyway. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited too. I just don't feel excited. I jump down from Appa as these butler-looking guys unload our stuff. Toph lands next to me.

"Looks like Twinkletoes isn't here." she says.

"And you're actually surprised?" I ask.

"No. Course not." She folds her arms. "I'm just stating the obvious."

"Thank you, Toph." Sokka says sarcastically. "What would we do without your amazing insight?"

She rolls her eyes and punches him in the arm. "Whatever Boomerang Boy."

Suki walks toward us and slips her hand into Sokka's. "Where do we go?"

Sokka shrugs and opens his mouth when a familiar voice says,

"You're here!"

We all turn and see that it's Aang. He's wearing his traditional Air Nomad clothes and necklace. He rushes over to Katara and gives her a bear hug then kisses her. I turn away because I might puke from all the affection going on around here. While everyone says hi to Aang, I hang back in the shadows and watch. All this happiness disgusts me. Damn, I'm starting to sound like Mai…

I look away, hoping that their cheerfulness isn't contagious. I know that Katara is happy, so that's enough for me. I hate seeing her upset. Although, I'm sure Aang does too. But he's so damn sensitive, it's a wonder he's not a girl. Ha. That reminds me of the play we saw two years ago. I chuckle to myself and watch everyone talk. Even Teo, I think that's his name, has joined. And his nutcase of a father too? Wow. It's like a family reunion. Family reunion…what a joke.

"Why are you all alone, Zuko?" Aang asks me.

I look up in surprise. "Oh…um…."

Katara laughs. "That's how he used to be, remember? Always antisocial."

When did they get here? I force a smile. "Y-yeah. Right. How I used to be."

Aang smiles and hugs me. "It's good to see you, Zuko. Or should I call you Fire Lord?"

I fake a chuckle. "Just plain Zuko is fine."

Aang nods. "Once you're done unpacking, I have something I'd like to talk to you about."

I nod. "Of course."

He grins then walks off. Katara remains, looking like she wants to say something. She looks at me with those big eyes and my heart stops temporarily. I hate it when she does that.

"Is something the matter?" I finally ask.

She steps closer. "Not exactly."

I raise an eyebrow.

She sighs. "About last night—"

Not that again. I hold up my hand. "Look, Katara, it's not a big deal. Just let it go would ya?"

She bites her lip, steps closer, and puts a hand on my arm. "We need to talk. But not here. Later tonight."

"Why?"

"Just trust me on this ok?"

I nod. "Ok. I'll see you tonight."

She nods then walks off with the others to go unpack. I follow at a distance. Her voice echoes in my head, "We need to talk…" She's hiding something, and I'm going to find out what it is.