Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.

Long time, no see! Sorry for the delay, I've been getting sorta sidetracked whenever I actually try to finish another chapter for my fics. But alas, I've returned!

BlueWinterMoon: Why thank you! I try :)

And to all my other lovely readers, this chapter is dedicated to you!

A week. That's how long it's been since the wedding, and honestly, nothing's gotten any better.

Mai left to stay with her uncle, Ty Lee insisting on coming and keeping her company. I hoped (and doubted) that she was getting along okay. The guilt had just grown since the wedding, expanding until it felt like my chest was gonna explode. I cringed just at the thought of her hurt, grey eyes. I was glad she had Ty Lee at least. Although the energetic girl could have her irritating moments, she seemed to affect Mai in a much more positive way than anyone else. Since leaving, they haven't sent any word about anything in particular.

Zuko and I haven't spoken even a word to one another. From awkwardness or shame, I'm not so sure. My mind is still muddled with thoughts. A part of me is elated that my feelings may be reciprocated, but then guilt quickly overrides it. How can I be thinking so selfishly at a time like this?

I miss my best friend.

Azula and Sokka have both been multitasking. They drift from one to the other, offering advice and support wherever it's needed. Sokka came to see me a few days ago. He had hugged me and stroked my hair while I cried into his shoulder. Sometimes the comfort of your older brother is all you need.

Afterwards, he had promised to make my day better, and had proceeded to take me out to a movie and dinner. It was nice because for a night, I was able to pretend that nothing was wrong, and instead enjoy one day of fun with my brother.

At least, while it lasted.

That night I had gotten a phone call. It was from Mai's mother. She had definitely not been happy. And I'll admit, some of the stuff she said was pretty hurtful, especially since it was coming from a woman I had known for years. I'd rather not mention exactly what she said, but the general gist of it was that I had ruined her daughter's life, and that I was basically the bane of her existence.

I mean, Zuko's my friend (I think) and all, but shouldn't he be the one getting chewed out? Technically, I didn't really have any decision in the matter, and it wasn't exactly my fault that the wedding had been ruined. How was I supposed to have any power over his words?

I don't think Mai knew that her mother had called me. I know for a fact that she never would have allowed her mom to try and fix her problems. To be honest, I think it's best if Mai never finds out about this little exchange. It would just add to the mess.

Well, after that whole fiasco had finished, I had proceeded to scream into a pillow while Toph recorded me with her iPhone. I still don't know what she did with that video, but knowing her, it's nothing good for me... Damn brat.

The next day, Azula had come again. And honestly, I was just about ready to blow up on anyone and everyone at that moment, so it really wasn't the best time for her to suggest that I go and visit her brother. I had totally lost it then, going off on her and screaming that it wasn't my fault and that 'I was perfectly fine not seeing him for the rest of my life,' in which I then had a rather pathetic and bipolar moment and burst into tears. She had replied with a sarcastic, 'And how's that working out for you?' which pretty much forced me into seeing sense. In the end, she had persuaded (forced, more like) me into texting him (still not quite ready for calls) and arranging a time for me to come over so we could talk... Damn girl.

So, here I am. Sitting in my blue bug outside of Zuko's apartment, pitifully trying in vain to find anything and everything to do in order to stall. That includes applying multiple unnecessary layers of chapstick, checking Facebook in order to see if I had any new 'important' notifications, calling Gran-Gran to see if she was doing well, and even reorganizing my glove compartment. I guess you could say I was desperate.

I checked the time. 2:34. I had agreed to arrive around 2:15, so I really shouldn't have been so surprised when I looked up to see Zuko tapping impatiently on my car window. I refrained from flinching out of surprise. That was one thing I absolutely loathed about him. He always seemed to be able to sneak up and startle me out of nowhere. Even when he wasn't meaning to... Damn boy.

"Katara." Tap tap tap. "I know you can hear me. Just get out of the car already."

I bit my lip. I briefly wondered if it would be considered bad manners to just start the engine and drive away. Nah, he'd probably be mad. Reluctantly, I unlocked the car door and stepped out. He stepped back until there was a good four feet between us.

It felt like a mile.

"You're late." He stated tonelessly. I shrugged. "Like, really late." Shrug. "You wanna go up to my apartment now?" A nod. "You might want to lock your car doors." Another nod. "Are you ever going to talk to me, or are you just going to stand there all day like a mute?" Shrug.

He sighed, and I glanced up to see him run a hand frustratedly through his hair. I had to stop myself from smiling at the bitter irony. Usually I was the one trying to get him to talk.

He must've seen my amusement before I could hide it, because he suddenly became less tense, and his bright eyes softened. "C'mon, I've got Life Saver gummies and Oreos upstairs."

This time I did smile. Life Savers have always been our favorite snack. Ever since we were kids, we would split the package in half and try to wear the gummies like rings around our fingers. Obviously we can't do that anymore since our fingers are now much larger, but we still snack on the treat whenever possible.

I followed him up the stairs until we got to his apartment door. The small but cozy living room, equipped with a T.V., couch, and coffee table, had magazines and dirty dishes strewn all over the place. I rolled my eyes at the pigsty of a room. Some things never change.

He disappeared in the kitchen for a few minutes and emerged with a family sized bag of Life Savers, and a packet full of Oreos. I ripped open the bag and grabbed a handful, stuffing some into my mouth. To be honest, I was feeling way to sick to actually be hungry, but I was also super nervous and in need of something to do with myself. Eating seemed safe enough.

Silence stretched out for a while as we both picked at the snacks. I think it was the first time in all of my existence that a situation had been so awkward that I actually felt like wanting to bang my head against a wall until I passed out. It was that bad.

I know I probably should've been trying to think of something to say to kick off the conversation, but the only thing going through my mind at the moment was, 'I wonder how many Life Savers I can put in my mouth at one time.' Zuko must've been more on track, because his first sentence brought my brain to a screeching halt.

"I love you."

My jaw dropped, and I'm almost positive that a few half-chewed gummies fell out of my mouth and onto the floor. For a second, my mind short-circuited, and his words echoed over and over in my head. Then, it seemed to overload with thoughts.

What?!

He loves me?! No! He can't! He loves Mai, she's the one he loves. Not me. No. How could he say something like that? Especially right after all of this has happened?! Is he stupid? He's lying. But, why would he lie about something like this? He can't be telling the truth. He can't! It's not possible! He doesn't love me. Maybe he's just delusional. Yeah. He probably drank a couple beers and he's not thinking straight... But, Uncle Iroh always said that drunken words are always the most honest words. No. He isn't drunk. He's just saying the first thing that's coming to his mind. He obviously doesn't love me. It's just unnatural, weird. It's just not right... Or is it?

A treacherous voice whispered dangerous things into my ear.

Maybe this isn't wrong. Maybe this is entirely right. Would if Zuko means it? Would if he does love me? Would if-

"Katara?"

I'm utterly grateful for his interruption. I don't think I would have been able to keep my sanity if those thoughts had continued.

And suddenly, it feels like the weight of the world has crashed right on my heart. My chest heaves. I try to breathe, but my lungs just don't seem to be working. With my raw shock fading, the realization of what he's just said and its impact on this whole situation, not just me, finally settles in.

I stand abruptly, knocking the Life Saver bag over by accident.

"Katara? Say something." I hear him on the verge of pleading, but his voice sounds far away, like he's talking underwater. "Anything, just don't stay silent."

I have to get out of here.

My legs move on their own accord. I'm halfway to the door when a hand snags my wrist, gently, but firmly, trying to pull me back. I fight it, teeth clenched tightly, and eyes staring at the floor. I rip my arm out of his grasp viciously, and I turn away. My feet pound heavily down the stairs, and I'm afraid my shaky knees will send me flying down the staircase.

I manage to unlock the door and slide into the car, and my brain finally begins to processes his pleas, his desperate words for me to speak. He'd followed me down the stairs, but he hadn't touched me. I know he could've restrained me, made me stay, if he had wanted, but he was purposely letting me make my own decision. Despite whether or not it hurt him.

I jammed the key in and twisted. Seconds later, I was driving away fullspeed as the man that had said he loved me was left behind in the desolate parking lot to watch.

I brought my hand up to swipe away tears that I hadn't even noticed, and a dozen more fell. I forced myself to breath, and I blinked away the moisture so that I could properly drive. No use risking an accident for a few temporary emotions.

I glanced in the rearview mirror, and caught a glimpse of him in the distance. I couldn't make out his facial expression, but I suppose that's a good thing, since I probably wouldn't have been able to handle it if I did.

When I got home, I ignored Azula's questioning gaze and Toph's sarcastic remarks. Instead, I went straight for my room and shoved my desk chair underneath the doorhandle. It was times like this that I really wished there was a lock for my door.

I flopped down onto my back on the bed, staring unseeingly at the ceiling. I wasn't even thinking about what had just happened. I was trying not to think at all.

It was right when I was beginning to surrender to the land of forgetfulness and dreams that I remembered something.

Throughout that entire visit, the entire time I had been there, I hadn't said one word to Zuko.

Author's Note: Obviously, you guys must have missed the memo in my previous chapter, but I'm offering you guys the chance to ask a character from this fic one question. It can be about what they were feeling at one point, or why they said the things they said, just as long as it isn't a spoiler for the rest of the fic... So add those questions in your reviews, and I'll answer some of them in my next update! (Does anyone even read these author notes?)

Anyways, about this chapter... I hope you guys are satisfied with my characters. I know that Zuko seems a little OC, but hey, the guy just kinda made the worst mistake you could ever make in your lifetime. Cut him some slack. Mai and Ty Lee are a little closer than the rest of the group, like how Katara and Zuko were, just because I think they're good friends for each other. Plus it reflects on how the show portrayed them. Azula's a lot different mostly because if this were actually in real life, and since they aren't competing for the crown and all, I don't think Azula would be some evil, malicious little sister. So far, you've seen that Toph's pretty much the same sarcastic, tomboyish girl that we all know and love. As for everyone else, like Aang, Sokka, and others that haven't been introduced yet... You'll have to wait and see!

Tell me what you thought about this chapter! Any and every review is always appreciated! Don't forget to add a character question!

MI3