Hi everyone...

I owe every reader out there a big, huge, ashamed, and wayyy overdue apology for not updating for so. damn. long.

Gomennasai! x(

*distributes free cookies and ice cream to everyone*

Disclaimer: If it were mine, it would be completely Zutara and Taang, and there'd be more people like Jet. Easy bashing dummies ;D

SHOUTOUT: Hi, Julianna aka CrazyJulz! Thank you for the numerous reviews xD (This is also to everyone who is reading:) I have everything planned out! Don't worry, hopefully soon (depending on the flow of the story and my lazy $$ slowness) you shall find out Why Katara is having the dreams, What is going on, and what the Hell the whispering is from ;)

Don't worry, I have no intention of writing 'Zula', unless Zuko is trying to be mean to her (like she calls him 'Zuzu', which is SUCH an adorable nickname! 3 3 3). I, too, dislike it when writers do that D:

Thank you EVERYONE ELSE who complimented my writing. Aww, I blushed -_- I do so dislike blushing

RedRoses224: I love your username! It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland :)

Julymoon: I shall persevere! I intend to write much, much more as fast as I can! I'm so sorry to everyone! D,:

ALSO TO EVERYONE WHO IS READING THIS: I am seriously considering changing my username. If and when I do, I shall write it in one of my stories so you know where to find me. I know its incredibly inconvenient, but... I am the Chaos Angel! :D

The sequel to Accidental Kiss will be up in... five minutes!

ON WITH THE SHOOOOOW!

Let's get this on the road! XD

Chapter 4

Breakfast was rather awkward, but enjoyable. Iroh had already eaten and had left, so that they would be alone. Which was slightly uncomfortable, because Zuko was still worried for Katara, though she seemed to be enjoying herself and was lightening the mood.

There were loaves of bread, jams, fresh fruit, clear wine, juice, and, of course, water. Katara seemed so different. Zuko rested his chin on his hand as his mind tried to analyze the situation.

'Katara doesn't remember having nightmares. So how did I end up on her bed? Did I sleepwalk? No, I've never sleepwalked. Azula made sure of that. So that rules that out. Look on the bright side! Her voice has returned, and she's happy now! Well, yeah… as long as she's happy…but Aang took that away: she took that hurt and buried it. Damn it Katara, you should stop doing that! You—'

"Zuko?" The Fire Lord's head snapped up.

"Huh?"

"You were staring at your wine. Are you alright?" Katara's smile had managed to worm its way into her voice too, not content with simply being on her beautiful face.

Zuko got the distinct feeling that she was laughing, inside.

"No, I'm fine… just tired…" He mumbled, and blushed. She was probably thinking that he was crazy.

'Staring at wine, you idiot. At least look thoughtful when thinking things over!' He chided himself. He forced a smile: Katara was starting to worry.

When Katara started to worry, it was a subconscious thing, really. She didn't even notice it until she really started worrying. It was cute (in Zuko's royal opinion), but it got frustrating when she would think of others all the time, and barely took time off for herself, even when she was in danger. She wasn't stupid: she took care of her own wounds quickly, so as not to get an infection, but still…

"Katara, would you like to visit the Library?" Katara immediately brightened and forgot her worry.

"You have a Library on this ship?"

"Of course. It's not very big, though."

The Fire Lord offered his arm to Katara and she took it as he led her to the Library.

"I won't mind. Thank you, Zuko!"

(The remains of breakfast lay forgotten until Iroh found the leftovers.)

The Library was in Zuko's second room: only those with permission were allowed in there (It was filled with ancient manuscripts and priceless scrolls: Zuko enjoyed reading). It had shelves all around, and had a comfortable seat in the middle. The room was warm but not stuffy.

Katara looked around in awe.

Zuko allowed himself a small smirk at his cleverness: with Katara distracted, perhaps her nightmares would dissipate.

And it would seem so, judging from her smiles and interest in the scrolls.

She took a particular interest in a gold-embossed scroll describing Waterbending… just like when I got those filthy pirates to help me find the Avatar…remembered Zuko. Her hair was shorter then, and she still wore hair-loopies… his usually stern face allowed a small smile.

There was a knock on the door, bringing Zuko back to reality. Katara did not look up from her reading. Zuko opened the door and saw a bowing officer on the other side.

"Captain?" The Fire Nation man bowed respectfully to his Lord and then to the guest, who remained unaware of what was going on.

"Sir, do we have a heading? Where should we sail to? The men have restocked our supplies and are ready and waiting to leave."

Zuko looked over his shoulder at Katara, who was reaching for a different scroll and began poring over the words, and nodded at his captain.

"We shall leave in ten minutes." Zuko ordered, and his officer bowed once more and left.

He pulled out a map from his stack of scrolls and set it beside Katara.

"Where would you like to be dropped off?" He asked. She looked up from her reading and frowned.

"I…I don't know. I was going to go to Toph's place before I was… before the Pirates kidnapped me… and now I don't know where I should go." Tears started welling up in her cerulean eyes, breaking Zuko's heart. He moved closer to her and gave her a hug.

"Maybe you could send a letter to her." He suggested, pulling away after a minute.

"Let her know what happened. How long were you… There?" Katara looked away as Zuko led her to the chair to sit and rest.

"I don't know. Maybe two, three months." She choked out. Her voice sounded hoarser the more she talked.

Zuko grew worried.

"How about we just tell her everything? We can ask her advice and she can tell you what would be best." His golden eyes searched her face anxiously, but his face was sure of itself, confident.

It was a good thing he learned how to hide his true emotions. He didn't want to worry Katara.

His heart leaped when the corners of her mouth twitched into a half-smile.

"Okay…"

~TBC~

Mainly filler but not really as much. I promise it'll get better and I'm trying my darnest to not change much from the original author but once it gets to chapter 11 you might see a major change just be aware of that. Til next time.