Zuko woke up four months after Katara had found out she was pregnant to find himself sleeping on the couch. Again. He had been doing this a lot lately, he thought to himself as he stumbled down the hallway to brush his teeth. About twice a week he would stay overnight and stay up, talking and comforting Katara.

Granted she didn't need his comfort, he thought as he pulled on a clean pair of jeans, she was a strong girl. He thought sometimes that he stayed there for his benefit. It made him feel important needed even.

He had practically moved in, and that was okay with him. His Uncle was always busy with the tea shop, but usually had time to send Zuko over with a meal.

He heard a knock on the door and the chime of the bell. Hoping that it hadn't woken up Katara he quietly padded down the hallway towards the door.

"Hey Zuko," said Toph, pushing open the door and walking into the kitchen and sitting down at the table. "You stay over again?"

Zuko nodded and shut the door quietly.

Toph stretched out with a yawn and gazed at him through slightly bleary eyes. "Do you have any coffee?"

Zuko nodded and walked over to the coffee pot that stood next to the microwave. "Milk?"

Toph nodded, causing the metal bands in her hair to jingle and clank.

Zuko poured two cups and passed one to Toph. He sat down in front of his friend, staring into the depths of the cup.

"So, how's Kat?" asked Toph, taking a long drink of her coffee and shuddering.

"Okay," said Zuko, "I really don't know how these things go so I can't really tell."

Toph nodded and continued to drink her coffee. Rain lashed at the windows as the two of them sat in silence.

Soon the silence was broken by the sounds of retching.

With a wry smile Toph turned her silver eyes to look at Zuko, "Kat's up."

---x---

Katara wiped her mouth and looked into the mirror. Four months pregnant, she thought to herself. You can't really tell, she thought to herself, It's just a small bump.

This was true. Because of her tiny figure she had only gained about five pounds and a large sweatshirt would cover that up. With a sigh she opened the door of the bathroom and walked into the kitchen.

It was no surprise to her that Zuko was sitting at the table, nor was it a surprise that Toph was there.

She smiled at the two of them and sat down at the wooden table. "What's up?" she asked, looking intently at Toph, "You look tired."

Toph shrugged, "I was working late last night."

"You should probably get to school," said Zuko, turning his golden eyes to Katara.

She playfully punched his arm, "So should you."

Toph sighed and stood up, "Let's go then. I have a feeling this is going to be a very long day."

---x---

Zuko sat down in first hour, trying to ignore the stares that Haru was giving him. After a few minutes he could endure it no longer. "What?!"

Haru gave him a knowing smile. "That girl over there is staring at you."

Zuko whipped around. A girl with a long brown braid was staring at him intently. She was wearing a pink shirt that showed an obscene amount of cleavage. When she saw him looking at her she gave him a small smile and a coy little wave.

Zuko turned to Haru who was laughing quietly. "You seem to be quite popular with the ladies."

"Not interested," said Zuko, turning his eyes back to his unfinished French homework.

"Aha," said Haru, "is there another girl for our quiet Zuko?"

Zuko shrugged and tried to focus on his homework and ignore Katara's face that was swimming before his eyes.

----x---

Katara walked through the lunch line, half listening to Aang who was chatting in her ear. "So what do you think Kat?"

"Hmm," she said distractedly, "I'm sorry, what did you say Aang?"

Aang shook his head, making his headphones flop around. "Never mind. What are you getting?"

Katara shrugged. All the smells of the cafeteria were making her nauseous. "I'm not hungry. I'll save you a seat."

She walked out of the line, happy to be away from the smell of food. Without paying attention she began walking towards the table at the edge of the cafeteria. "Watch it," said a girl with a long brown braid and a pink shirt as Katara ran into her.

"Sorry," she said absently, wanting to get away from the girl.

"Not yet you aren't," she said with a snarl.

"Katara," said a voice form behind her. She smelled charcoal and knew that Zuko was standing behind her.

The brown haired girl immediately blushed and turned away from the two of them.

"Thanks," said Katara, turning to follow him, "But I could've taken her by myself."

"Not pregnant you won't," said Zuko, "I don't want you hurting yourself or the baby."

"Would you keep it down?!" she cast a wary look around at the students milling around. "I don't want people to know okay? It's hard enough trying to make my way without people knowing."

"Okay," said Zuko, leading her towards their table, "But sooner or later they'll find out."

"I'd rather it be later," she said, and sat down at the lunch table.

---x---

Sokka quietly entered the house. The clock on the mantle told him that it was three o'clock in the morning. With a sigh that ruffled his ponytail he made his way towards his bedroom.

Ever since he had learned of Katara's pregnancy he had been working two jobs to support his sister and her unborn child.

He caught a look at himself in the mirror. "I'm not the same," he said quietly, "None of us are."

There were shadows under his eyes and stubble on his chin. His eyes were bloodshot and he was pale.

"Oh well," he said softly, and fell onto his bed. "Have to get some rest before my other job."

---x---

Katara awoke as suddenly as if someone had hit her in the face. Disoriented in the darkness she fumbled around and hit the light switch. Standing in the doorway, leaning against the door, was Jet.

"Jet," said Katara groggily, "What are you doing here?"

"Is it a crime to visit my girl?" he asked, walking over to her and kissing her on the lips.

Katara stood up and walked out into the kitchen. Jet followed her.

"You should go," she said quietly, pouring herself a glass of water and taking a drink.

"What?" said Jet, looking astounded.

"You heard me," she said, looking up into his brown eyes, "You're never around. You get drunk and screw other girls behind my back. Get out."

Her eyes began tot fill with an anger that sent even the strongest men running to the hills.

"Katara," he said softly, "I love you…"

"Don't give me that!" she yelled, throwing the glass of water and watching it shatter against the wall. "You DON'T love me! I'm pregnant with YOUR kid and you haven't stopped by in FOUR MONTHS!!! A good boyfriend doesn't do that! We're over, get OUT!"

"You're…" Jet's mouth hung open, "With my…"

"You heard the lady," said Zuko, emerging from the other room wearing only a pair of black shorts, "Get out."

"This is why?" said Jet angrily, "You left me for this trash?!"

Zuko took a step towards Jet. They were the same height, but a heat seemed to radiate from Zuko, causing Jet to cringe.

"Listen to me very carefully," said Zuko in a calm voice, "I am watching out for Katara, something that you failed to do. If you ever come around here again, if you look at her or even so much as think about her, I will make sure that you can't sire any more babies. Do I make myself clear?"

Jet nodded and walked out of the kitchen and opened the door. "Goodbye Katara," he said, "I hope you and my baby are so very happy together."

The door shut with a snap.

Katara walked back into her room and sank onto the bed. She heard Zuko's soft feet follow her.

"I'm fine," she said, hurriedly wiping the tears away from her eyes.

Zuko didn't say anything, simply sat down next to her on the bed and placed his arms around her as she cried.

perusal- I know all of that thanks. Hope you stayed with us long enough to read this

Flowerpaw- Thanks for the review! I'm glad that you liked it even as a Kataang fan!

Chigirl- Thanks for the review, glad that you liked it

teenfox- the story is a little late..but I hope you liked it!