Chapter 7

I tapped my feet repeatedly on the floor waiting for him to return. He knew very well about the deal we made and the kind of person I am. He came into the kitchen wearing an ash colored button down long sleeved shirt, straight pants and a nice pair of sneakers. He took the time to look nice and keep me waiting. He works here and he doesn't get to wear the tacky restaurant uniform. I caught myself starring way more than usually. I just couldn't help it. Then I remembered what he said about me staring at him all the time. I snorted at that. ''You're late.'' I had a strong grip on my broom, I thought it would break. All he did was smile at me. ''I know. I want you to meet me in my room after work today.'' I had to keep the broom down so that I don't end up hitting him with it. I wanted so badly to wipe that smile off his face. He simply grabbed a pen and a book, getting ready to go help Iroh take the costumers orders. ''Why?'' I asked, stopping him in his track. ''No excuses remember. When you come to my room then you'll find out but for now get back to work.'' He said with his normal scowl on his face before he went out of the kitchen to take the costumers orders.

Oooooooooooooooo

ZUKOS POV

Another successful day at the restaurant, I had a lot of things going through my mind. My mother kept asking me when I was coming back home. Honestly it's only been two weeks and she already misses me. My father is still unset with the cigarette prank that Katara pulled on me. He told me the only way I could get back on his good side was if I got into business school. The school he had in mind was not just an ordinary business school. It's very difficult to get an acceptance letter. They really only took the best of the best and I really have to give it my all if I was ever going to make my father happy. On the other hand Katara was here causing trouble every single day. I just didn't understand how a girl could be so beautiful and annoying at the same time. She was worse than Azula. Honestly I have never met a girl like her before in my life. Most girls don't talk back at me or raise their voice at me. Now she has the power to ruin me with that photo of me. If any of my family members find out about the race I participate in, I will be officially screwed. I already had an accident that almost made me loss my life. I was in a coma for three months. If only I saw that truck on time. I was warned never to race again. My mother threatened to chop off my legs and lock me up in my room till I'm thirty if she ever finds out that I still do it. It might look like it was a joke but the look she had on her face when she said it, said otherwise. I sat on my bed with my ear plugs in and my eyes closed. I was planning on having a nice relaxing evening until I heard footsteps in my room. I opened my eyes and there she stood with her hands on her hips.

''Don't you ever knock before you come into a room.'' He said as he watched her sit on the bed with his hoody in her hands. ''I brought your junk back for you.'' She said as she placed the piece of clothing beside her. Zuko pulled out his ear plugs before he finally met her gaze. She looked lovely as always. She was still in her restaurant uniform. ''Sit and don't touch anything.'' He said as he went over to his book shelf to get his history book. Katara watched his every move; finally noticing how much bigger his room was than hers. She saw a picture on his night stand. She grabbed the picture staring at what seemed to be Zuko's family. There was a woman and men whom she thought were his parents and then she saw Zuko with a little girl beside him. He looked to be a little younger in the picture and both Zuko and his father had a steady face. ''Didn't I just tell you not to touch anything.'' He said as he took the picture from her hand, dropping the history book beside her. ''Sit up straight and open the book to the first chapter, please listen attentively because I do not like repeating myself.'' He said nonchalantly.

''What is this, some kind of study session?'' She said as she wrinkled up her nose. She wasn't planning on doing anything school related. ''You need to get good grades so that you can leave and daddy can buy you a new princess crown. Now open the book to chapter one.'' Katara snorted before doing as she was told. After an hour Zuko had thought her all she needed to know about the first chapter. He had made a small quiz for her. As he waited for her to finish he couldn't help but think of how cute she was when she was trying to concentrate or when she brushes her hair behind her ears. He had also noticed that she had a little dimple on her right cheek. Her ocean blue eyes were the best part, it always shines brighter when she gets angry and her lips, they looked so soft and perfect. Everything about her was perfect. He had been starting at her for so long he didn't even realize that he had a small smile on his face. Katara smiled at her paper before meeting his gaze. Zuko immediately turned his smile into a scowl and took the paper from her hand. He couldn't let her see how much she was affecting him. He quickly scanned through the paper. She got all the answers correct. ''You did well. We'll continue tomorrow.'' He said as he went over to his closet. Katara took that as her queue to leave. She stood up from the bed and was about to leave when she remembered seeing Toph and Aang last night. She couldn't stop thinking about it and why were they there? ''Why was your friend there last night.'' Zuko raised an eye brown at that. Why was she so interested in his personal life? ''Shun needs the money.'' He simply said, hoping that she'll leave the room so that he could change his clothes in peace. ''No, not your other disgusting friend. I mean Aang.'' She said as she sat back on his bed, making Zuko sign in frustration. He was already tired and she still wouldn't leave him alone. ''He use to participate in the race but then he stopped because of his girlfriend. I guess she didn't want him to get hurt.'' He could see that she was thinking about something, he didn't have a problem with that. He just wished she'll do it in her own room. Zuko's phone started to ring. He pulled out his cell phone and answered the call. ''I know… Alright, I'll be there soon.''

''Where are you going?'' Katara said as he put his phone away. ''None of your business. Leave my room, I want to change my clothes, unless you want to watch.'' He said as he bit back a smile when he saw her blush. ''I'll watch my tongue if I were you.'' she said before she stormed out of his room. Zuko was making her loose her patience. She strolled into the kitchen and found Iroh sitting taking a sip of his tea. Katara smiled to herself. She couldn't believe that someone as kind as Iroh still existed in this world. She would often be jealous of Zuko. Iroh has done more for her than her father ever did.

Katara's POV

''Can I join you?'' I said to him. He gave me a smile and pulled out a chair for me to sit beside him. ''I hope you feel comfortable in this place.'' He said as he took a sip of his tea. ''I guess its okay. It's better than staying in an empty house.'' I said to him. ''I see my nephew is keeping you company.'' I snorted at that. Zuko is the worst. The only thing I liked about him was his hair…. Eyes…. Maybe the way he looks at me or the way he says my name or the smile on his face or …. ''Katara? Are you okay?'' Iroh said my name for the third time. I internally scolded myself for doing that again; recently I couldn't stop thinking about Zuko. ''I'm fine. I really don't like your nephew. He's so bossy and rude and mean.'' I said sincerely. He chuckled when he heard me say that. ''Zuko isn't usually like that with anyone. He sees you differently. He's not use to a girl that talks back at him. He'll never admit it but he's a lot like his father.'' I was about to give him a reply when we heard a knock on the door. Iroh stood up and went over to answer it. I could see him talking to a figure before he looked at my direction. ''Katara you have a visitor.'' I bolted up on my sit. Who would come for me? I hurt everyone around me. Who would still love me enough to come all the way here just to see me? I stood up and went over to the door. I gasped when I saw who it was. ''Aren't you happy to see me?'' Suki said as she brushed pass me into the building. ''It is so col-'' she started to say but I knocked the air out of her, giving her a bone crushing hug.

''I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I locked you up in dad's room. I'm sorry I said all those stuff. I swear I didn't mean it; I was just so angry and scared. I'm so sorry. ''I kept going on and on and on. I just couldn't stop saying sorry. ''ka … Tara….. I can't….. Breath.'' She managed to say before I loosen up a bit but I still didn't let go. I didn't want her to change her mind and leave. ''I'm so sorry. I really am. Where's Toph.'' I said finally letting go of her. ''she's not ready to see you yet. You really hurt her.'' Suki said softly. I knew that wasn't the case. She probably hates me and never ever wants to see me again. ''Do you want something to eat? ''I said as I took her to the kitchen. I really missed her so much.

''No, I just stopped bye. I was going to see my aunt, she's finally getting married and I have to go pick up some stuff for my mum.'' I knew she didn't really just come all this way for me but I was still glad that I got to see her and tell her that I was sorry. ''Okay but can you please spend five minutes with-''

''What's going on in here?'' I sighed when I heard Zuko's annoying voice that I happen to like. He changed his clothes and he even looked better than before. Curse my female hormones. ''Don't leave the house.'' He said firmly. ''I wasn't-'' I started to say but he rudely checked his phone and left. I could feel the vein on my head was about to pop out then I heard Suki laughing. ''What's so funny? You see what I have to deal with every day. That lunatic is my boss and that's not even the worse part.''

''Katara, he's probably not in a good mood. Oh that reminds me, I tried to reach you on your phone but I couldn't.''

''I threw it away. I don't have a phone now.'' I said, avoiding her gaze. ''Why?'' I could sense that she was about to give me an ear full of how irresponsible I was for throwing my phone away. ''That witch kept calling and I got scared again.'' I said in a low voice. I didn't want anybody to know about my past especially about my step mother. I heard her sigh before she rolled her eyes at me. ''Fine, I'll get you a new one but next time just switch off your phone.'' She was one of the only few people who witness what my stepmother put me through. Toph and my nanny were the others. I still remember when my nanny would hide me in her closet so that Sera wouldn't find me. ''Thank you.'' I said as I gave her a hug. ''Oh now she's acting all nice so that she can stop me from leaving.'' She said as she tapped me on the back. ''Is it working.'' I mumbled into her shoulder. ''Not even a little.'' She said as she pulled away from me. ''I know, can't I come with you. Please, I promise I'll behave.'' I said as I raise my right arm up to swear. I really needed to get away from the restaurant again. ''I thought Zuko said-'' she started to say but my eyes darkened when I heard her say his name. ''What he doesn't know won't hurt him and I'm not scared of him in fact he's the one that should be scared of me.'' I said with a smirk on my face. ''What are you up to?'' She said to me with a warning look on her face. I wanted so badly to tell her about the photo of Zuko and everything but I promised him I wouldn't so that he can get me out of here. ''Nothing sweetie, please take me along with you. I'll just change this uniform and I'll be right back in a flash.'' I said with my cutest baby voice causing her to smile. ''Okay.'' I quickly went up to my room and changed into a sky blue dress. I ran back out and I was glad that she was still waiting for me. '' I'm done.''

''Katara, you look amazing.'' She said as she gave me a smile. I wanted to ask her if she had problems with her eye sight. I had no makeup on. I only washed my face and brushed my hair that had all the extensions taken out. ''Really?'' I said to her giving her a confused look. ''yeah, now come on lets go.'' We both went out of the house and I was so glad when I felt the fresh air touch my skin. We got into the car. Suki and I had a lot of catching up to do it's been almost three weeks. I still needed to know about Sokka. ''Suki, where's Sokka. I mean… Why didn't he come with you? Is he still mad at me.'' I said as I stared out the window.

''No Katara, Sokka was never angry with you. He just misses you a lot. He went back to school. He wanted to come but your-'' She stopped midway when she saw how angry I was getting. ''My what? My dad. I knew it; I knew he'll always try to separate us. He doesn't want my bad image to affect his perfect son isn't it.'' I said with a scowl on my face, remembering all the times when my father told me that. ''I never said that. Let's not talk about that right now. Let's talk about that fine piece of ass you call your new boss. Katara you should make your move. I hope he's not taken yet.''

''Are you kidding me. He literally hates me. He bosses me around, call me wired annoying names. He's practically training me to be a slave.'' I said as I tried to hide the blush on my face by looking out the window. ''Really, what kind of slave? Sex sl-''

''SUKI!'' I yelled out my frustration. I was already as red as a tomato.

''Thank you for being here Suki.'' I said to her. She gave me a smile and focused on driving us to her auntie's place. She parked in front of the house and we both walked up to the porch. Suki knocked a few times. My jaws almost hit the floor when I saw Maria standing in the door way. She gave Suki a hug before giving me one too. ''Katara, it's so good to see you. What are you doing here?''

''Katara, you know my cousin Maria?'' how could I not know this loud mouth. She gave me a headache last night. ''Maria, Katara is my best friend.'' Suki said as we both went into the living room. I could see a few boys siting on the couch laughing and talking. I gasped when I saw shun. He seemed to be in a serious conversation with an older boy. He caught my gaze and gave me a smile. I quickly looked away and followed the girls to the kitchen. I met Suki's aunty; she was so sweet to me. She looked so beautiful for a woman who is almost 40 years old. She looked like she was in her late 20's. ''Why didn't you and Zuko come together, I hope you guys aren't fighting or something.'' Maria said causing me to chock on my orange juice. ''What…. No. He does his thing and I do mine.'' I simply said ignoring the gaping look Suki was giving me. ''Oh I'm sorry. Is just that he's in the living room having a talk with my brother and my boyfriend.'' For some wired reason I started to panic. I can't let Zuko find me here. He won't let me hear the end of it. I turned around and was about to just go wait outside by the car. ''Katara wait, what's wrong?'' Suki said as she held my arm stopping me from leaving. ''Zuko is here. If he sees me he'll think I'm stalking him.''

''You're scared of your hot boss finding you here. That's so sweet. I see you're trying to get on his good side. I'll advice that you dress all nice and sexy and surprise him in his room.'' She said as she clapped her hands together repeatedly. I could see how she was related to Maria. ''What are you talking about?'' I said with a confused look on my face. ''Please, I see the way you stare at his fine piece of ass. I don't blame you though. Do you like him?'' Her question caught me off guard. ''No, I hate him.'' I simply said. ''Then you wouldn't mind staying here while I take my aunt to go pick up her order.'' She said with a smug smile on her face. ''No…. I mean fine. I'll stay here.'' I said as I watched her leave with her aunty. I went back to the kitchen and found Maria patiently waiting for me. ''Oh you need to meet Jin. I'm sure you guys will get along. We have so much to talk about and I can't-'' Maria started to say and I quickly interrupted her. ''I… I need to use your bathroom.'' I said before she could start talking and asking me about my imaginary relationship with Zuko. ''It's up the stairs to your left.'' I quickly went out the kitchen and went up the stairs to find the bath room. I was just going to hide out there until Suki gets back. Don't get me wrong I am not and will never be afraid of Zuko. I just don't want him to think I have nothing else to do but follow him around all day.

Ooooooooooooo

Zuko's POV

I really didn't know how I got myself into this mess. One moment I'm with Aaron, Maria's brother discussing about me dropping out of the racing contest then the next minute my ex-girlfriend corners me on my way to the bathroom. I should have seen this coming. Since she was Maria's best friend and they practically spend all their time together. ''Zuko, I really want to talk to you. ''Jin said as she held my arm stopping me from joining my friends in the living room.

''Zuko please, I still love you. I always have. I didn't think you would wake up.'' I rolled my eyes at that. I was sick and tired of all her lies. I gently took her hands off of me and placed it by her side, thinking she would get the message and leave but she held the edge of my shirt causing a few people to stare at us. ''Don't turn away, pay attention. Do you still love me?'' she sounded a little desperate. ''we're just good friends now.'' I said as I peeled her hands off my shirt. ''What? Is there someone else? How could you replace me so easily without-'' She started to say until I heard screams coming from upstairs. It sounded so familiar, almost like it was Katara. She wouldn't dear to disobey me, would she? I was going to check just to make sure. I brushed pass Jin and followed the voice to its roots. I could hear a few voices speaking. It was definitely her. She was yelling at someone in the bath room. I was about to open the door but I didn't want to see what I'm not meant to see. I decided to listen in a little even though it might look awkward.

''It hurts a little.'' I heard her whimper.

''let's do it again. Didn't it feel good when i-''

''Are you insane it still hurts.'' She moaned.

''Alright, I'll do it slowly this time."

''Please be gentle you're hurting me.''

I heard enough after that. I pushed the door open, ready for the display I was about to see but then I saw Katara holding her ankle as Shun tried to lift her up. I was so relieved that it wasn't what I thought it was. I still couldn't believe that Katara followed me here again. ''Zuko, thank goodness you're here.'' he said as he dropped Katara gently on the floor. I glare hard at her as she avoided my gaze and played with her fingers. ''She slipped and strained her ankle but I think it's broken.'' Shun said. He seemed like he was trying to defend himself or something. I really never trusted Shun with anything. ''I'll take care of it. Thanks.'' I said to him as I watched him leave. I went over to Katara and picked her up bridal style. She hid her face in my chest as I adjusted her in my arm. '' Is that the reason why you don't love me anymore?'' She said pointing to Katara. ''Is this my replacement?'' She yelled catching katara's attention. They both stared at each other for a while before they both looked at me. I wasn't ready for this kind of drama. ''We'll talk later.'' I said to Jin as I took Katara down stairs. I could feel katara's eyes on me I was very angry with her. She keeps stoking me. ''There is a line between you living under the same roof with me and you being in my personal life.'' I heard her snort at that. ''I didn't come here for you. Suki brought me here.'' she shot back at me. I was so close to dropping her on the floor. ''didn't I tell you to stay at home. You can't keep following me around.'' We kept on arguing ignoring the looks we were receiving. ''I told you before. I don't care about the stuff you do. I was only there because Suki brought me there.'' She said as I opened the car and dropped her in the back sit. ''Yeah another excuse.'' I shot back at her before closing the door. I quickly got into the driver sit and started the engine. It was only a 15 minutes' drive back to the restaurant. ''You are such a jerk!'' I heard her yelled from the back sit. The whole sky started going dark. It started raining before I could even hit the road. Even the cold atmosphere couldn't calm me down. How was I supposed to see anything?

''That's enough! You're just trouble. At least I don't blackmail people to get what I want.'' I yelled at her causing her to flinch.

''You brought it on yourself. You're so mean to me. You treat me so badly. You keep making my stay at the restaurant difficult for me!"

''Well I'm sorry princess. Did I hurt your feelings?''

''That's it. Stop the car!''

Oooooooooooooooo

Katara's POV

I opened the door before he could even stop the car. I had enough of him. I'll rather walk home with a bad ankle under the heavy pouring rain than spend another second with him. My clothes were getting wet. My ankle was hurting but I was too angry to feel too much pain. I felt Zuko grab my arm. ''What the hell are you doing. Get back in the car.'' He said as he followed behind me under the rain.

''No.'' I simply said as I kept limping. I heard him sigh in frustration before he held me back again. ''Katara get in the car. I don't want you getting sick. Iroh would kill me if I let you walk all the way home with a busted ankle under the pouring rain.'' He said with a little concern on his face but I wasn't buying it. ''I said no.''

''Alright then.'' He said before I felt him lift me up and place me on his shoulder. '' put me down.'' I screamed but he held me firmly. He took me to the car and placed me at the back before getting in himself. ''Don't you ever do that again.'' I yelled at him but he simply climbed over to the front and lock the car doors with a simply push of a bottom. ''Open it Zuko. I swear I'll scream.'' He ignored my threats and started the car engine but it suddenly jerked. He hit the wheels in frustration and cursed at it. ''See what you cost. If only you just shut your mouth and sit still until we got home. None of this could have happened.''

''what! Are you trying to blame me for this too? I'm not the one driving. I didn't ask you to bring me back here and I certainly didn't need your help back there.''

''I didn't know you were that kind of a girl too. So you were comfortable with the way shun was around you, touching you.''

''Yes that's the kind of girl I am. You said so yourself. I change my boyfriends like I change my shoes.'' After that outburst the whole car was silent except the sound of the rain drops hitting the cold metal. It remained like that for a while until he took a look at me. ''Your shivering.'' He said before he got out of the car and opened the boot. He got back into the car with a bag that had freshly warm clothes. He pulled out a shirt and a blanket. ''Here you go, change into this.'' He said as he gave it to me. I was too cold to care or be angry right now so I took it. I blushed when I felt his eyes on me. I couldn't change in front of him and he kept looking at my direction. ''Uhm…..'' I started to say but them he mumbled sorry and stared at his feet. I still felt insecure. I quickly took my dress off under the blanket and put the warm sweater he gave me. When I popped my head out he was still in the same position he was. ''I'm done.'' I said as he took my wet dress from me and kept it in the front sit. ''Are you hungry?'' He asked in a very soft voice. I was still angry with him. I don't want his food even though we can both hear my stomach growling.

''I have a few snacks at the back. He came over to the back and sat beside me to search for the sneaks. '' let me see your ankle. I reluctantly placed it on his leg. I wasn't wearing any pants so I had to be careful not to show him my stuff. I noticed that he was shivering too. ''You're cold.''

''I'll change mow.'' Before I could say anything he pulled off his shirt and I just couldn't take my eyes off him. He had perfectly formed abs, his body was toned to perfection and the pants be wore was dangerously low on his waist. I could feel the whole car getting hot. I was sweating, what the hell is wrong with me. I finally noticed a scare on his chest. It covered the upper part of his left arm. He took a shirt from the bag and wore it quickly before he met my gaze. I knew I was blushing but I didn't care right now. ''I had an accident.'' He simply said. We sat with a few distance between us in silence, staring out the window.

Oooooooooooooooo

''I'm sorry I hurt you. I won't ever hurt you again.'' He said as he stared at Katara's flushed face.

''Well, I'm not sorry for any-''

He leaned in and kissed her lips softly. He licked her bottom lip as she parted her mouth. He stock his tough his tongue into her mouth deeping the kiss. He couldn't help but smile when he felt her grip the edge of his shirt. His tongue brushed over hers, exploring her mouth. He heard her moan into the kiss. Zuko pulled back a little and stared at her plumped lips, waiting to see her reaction to the kiss. She leaned in and kissed him encouraging him to kiss her like he did before. He broke the kiss and brushed her hair behind her ear. Zuko could see her shivering before she placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Oooooooooooooooo

Hi guys I'm so sorry I'm late. We moved into a new house and I'm and I miss my friends already. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I made it long so please give me a lot of review. I don't usually write unless I get some encouragement. So please send me a review, tell you what you like and what you want to see happen and oh this fic won't be T rated forever.