Zuko glanced up as we walked in but ignored that fact that we we're late.
"Okay today everyone will be the day that you start a project of your favorite form of art and show it to the class. At the start of next week we will be having a small art show. People that will be doing ceramics I will need you to start cleaning up about 10 minutes before class starts. Everyone go ahead and get started."
I opened up my drawing pad and sat there staring at the blank page. Everyone around me was doing their work and from what I could see they were all doing really well. I flipped through my book and looked at all the different drawings I had done over the years. I stopped at the one I drew when I was 13. I was home alone one day and found a picture of my biological mother. I had never realized that I looked so much like her until I found that photo. I drew it with pencil and then filled it in with color pencil giving it a very life-like feel to it.
"That's a really good self portrait." Zuko said over my shoulder.
"Oh that's my mom." I said softly.
"I thought your mom had brown eyes not gray."
"Oh you met my step-mom. My mom passed away when I was about 7 months old. My dad re-married about 2 years later. Mia was apparently a good family friend and she stepped in to help with my brother and me. The first memory I truly have of her is being the flower girl at their wedding."
"So she's basically the only mother you've ever had." Fox said.
"Yes nosy friend of mine." I said before laughing.
"Hey Zuko could you help me with the- whoa did you draw that?" A boy in my class asked.
"Yup, when I was 13."
"Wow that is a lot of talent. Oh yeah Zuko could you help me with the potter's wheel. I think it's broken."
"Yeah, hold on a second. Let me finish with Katara."
"Okay thanks," he said before going to sit down.
"If you're stuck with trying to come up with something to do let me know and I'll help you next hour." He said before turning to go help the boy with the potter's wheel.
I continued flipping through the book until I landed on the Polaroid of my parents during their vow renewal. When I was 16 they decided to renew their vows and I convinced them to pose for a painting. Once I finished I gave it to them as a present and took a picture of it to put in my book.
"Alright people who are doing ceramics, start cleaning up so you can get to next hour on time. I won't be writing passes."
OoOoOOOOOOooooOO
A couple of weeks later I sat quietly in my seat and waited until the bell rang signally the end of 2nd house. Kids filed out the room and into the hallway, most of the boys talking about going to a new place for lunch.
Zuko walked back in the room and plopped down at my table. "So I'm guessing you are still stuck on what to do."
"Yeah, I can't think of anything that I could do. I mean I paint at home, I draw in my backyard and I'm going to start taking pictures at the forest you showed me a couple weeks ago. So there is actually nothing for me to do in class." I said before laying my head on the table.
"Ya know there is a really small 'forest' behind the school. I can get permission from the school to take you back there so you can get some pictures. That forest is good for high and low light pictures because of the way the trees are spaced out. Come on let's go talk to Apple."
"Apple?" I said, giving him a confused look.
"Yeah the principal has like every product that Apple has ever made. So we just all call him Apple."
"Okay then." I said before grabbing my things and following him out of the room.
On our way to the office, Zuko glanced over at me and smiled. "You're going to enjoy this. I promise."
Once we got to the office, Tiffany was leaning on the counter talking to a tall man with red hair.
"Ryan! How have you been?"
The man with red hair turned around and smiled. "Zuko! I've missed you! I hear you work with my lovely wife now."
Tiffany blushed and ignored Ryan. "What do you need Katara?"
"I just need permission from Apple to take her to that 'forest' behind the school to take pictures."
"He's gone for the day so just go out." Tiffany said with a grin.
"Let's go!" Zuko said like a four year old. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the back door. He pushed it open and held it for me as we stepped outside. I looked over at the field and saw a gym class playing soccer. I could identify Mai from where I was standing. She and one of the members of her clique were obviously really good at soccer and Mai's friend scored an amazing goal.
"She's good." I said softly as we started walking towards the trees behind the school.
"Yeah, TyLee spends her summers in Brazil because her dad is a diplomat."
"Whoa! That's so cool. Too bad her best friend is terrible."
"Yeah, Azula used to be friends with them in like 1st grade. It went downhill after that." Zuko said. "And I'm happy it did. I couldn't stand having a sister like that."
Once we reached the little forest area, Zuko led me to a small meadow with tons of little purple flowers.
"I remember you saying you wanted to see a meadow, this one doesn't carry hard memories." He said softly.
I smiled. "Thank you."
He shrugged and grabbed my hand and took me to the middle of the meadow. Once we stopped walking, I stared at him still holding my wrist.
"I-I'm sorry." He said as he let go of me.
"It's okay." I whispered. Zuko was still extremely close to me and his scent was intoxicating. He smelled of smoke and a spicy scent.
"Why do you smell like smoke?" I mumbled.
"Because I'm a firebender. We typically live in the desert or in big cities. Until my family moved here, only air, water and earth benders lived here." He said his voice husky.
"Oh, I'm a water bender." I said softly. "But I don't' tell many people."
He lifted my chin so I would look at him. "I thought so. About a month ago when we took pictures, you said the rain makes you sleepy. That only happens with waterbenders." he replied.
I nodded softly.
"Why don't you tell people?" His golden eyes smoldering with an emotion unknown to me.
"I've just never wanted to share with people." I said, barely getting the words out, he was staring at me and making it hard for me to speak.
He let go of me. "I'm sorry. I'm overstepping bounds right now. You're a student. I… We can't."
"I know. I'm sorry too." I said before stepping back and away from him.
"You know I like you right? I've liked you since Zula cut you off in the Starbucks parking lot. But I was scared to tell you because you're a student and I'm a teacher." He said.
I laughed a little. "I've liked you since I first met you too. When we were at the restaurant, I was dancing because you called me your girlfriend."
He shook his head a little and laughed at me. He stepped closer to me and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back and willed my heart to slow down.
"Let's go back now. I'm not about to get you in trouble." He said softly.
I followed him back into the school and we got back to the room right as the bell rang for lunch.
"I'll text you during lunch. Okay?" he asked.
"Yeah. That's fine."
I met Azula at our lockers and we went to lunch.
My phone buzzed as we got into my truck.
Zuko: Grab me a sandwich please
Me: Okay. Same as last time?
Zuko: Yeah, thats perfect. I want to take you out tonight … is that okay? I mean I didn't tell your dad that I was your teacher. I also wanted to ask you in person, but .. yeah.
Me: I'd love that. What time?
Zuko: 5:30, we are gonna drive into Portland and hang out. So basically you should just come home with me today after school.
"I already know Zuzu is taking you out tonight. He asked he if it would be weird. I almost tackled him I was so happy. It's about time you two finally admitted your feelings!" Azula said with a laugh.
I smiled. "Yeah. Okay. I'm excited!"
Me: yeah, I'll follow you to your apartment after school today.
I suddenly got extremely excited for school to end.
Once my Early Dismissal started I ran to Starbucks and got two coffees; one for me and one for Zuko. I went up to the art room and sat in the back of the room while he taught the 3D design class. The room was full of freshman. I could tell because they still looked like they were in middle school.
"Okay class, start your boxes. I want them done by next Wednesday. You'll get extra credit if you add some pizzazz to them. We have about 20 minutes left."
The noise level increased as he walked back to sit next to me. "I got you some coffee."
"You don't understand how much I needed this. Thank you!" he said with a laugh.
"You're welcome." I said with a laugh of my own.
"Zuko! I can't find the hot glue gun!" said a short Water Tribe girl as she walked over to us. "You're really pretty! Are you full Water Tribe?"
"No, I'm Water Tribe and a little Earth Kingdom from my grandmother on my dad's side." I said with a grin. The girl's skin was a gorgeous mocha color and her eyes were the color of the sky before a storm. They were a bluish-violet color.
"Oh, that's cool. I was just curious!" she said with a grin.
"It's in the 2nd drawer Naoiki."
"I looked there. I didn't see it." She said with a pout.
"I'll get a new one this weekend. Since it's Friday, just go chill at your seat." Zuko said before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Cool! Thanks Zuko!" she said before skipping back to her seat.
We sat and talked for a little and the bell rang about 10 minutes later. I helped him clean up the room for the weekend and then we walked out the school together.
"Katara!" Mai called out. She ran over to me and smiled like we had been friends forever. Zuko walked ahead to his car, acting as if he wasn't with me.
"Hey Mai." I said with my own small smile. "What's up?"
"I'm having a party tonight. You want to come?" she asked.
"I would love too! But a friend from New York is coming to town for this weekend and we driving all the way to Seattle. I'm sorry!" I said with a sad look on my face.
"Darn, well next party I have, you need to come." She said with a smile that looked more scary than inviting.
"Okay!" I said before walking to my truck. As soon as I opened my door, I got a text from Zuko telling me that he would meet me in front of my house so it wouldn't look suspicious since Mai came out of nowhere and started talking to me.
I smiled and sped home. Zuko was parked in front of my house. "Hey water bender." He said with a wink.
I felt myself blushing and I smiled at him. "Hey fire bender. I'm gonna go into some cute and something that gets me closer to your height" I said with a laugh.
"You're wearing heels?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
I nodded and giggled.
ZUKO POV
I smirked at her and told her to hurry and make sure her parents she was going out and gonna be home late. She nodded and ran into her house.
She came out about 10 minutes later in a snug pair of skinny jeans tucked into a black knee-high heeled boots. She was wearing a silky deep purple shirt that revealed that she was well endowed. I honestly can't believe I missed that. I'll admit it, I'm a boob man. A leather jacket was tossed over her arm. She had on no make-up and she pulled her waist length waves into a ponytail. Her purse was enormous though.
"You look beautiful." I said before kissing her hand. She blushed and I smirked. I opened her door and smiled at the surprised look on her face.
"I told you small town boys still have chivalry." I said as I got on the driver's side. "And why is your purse so big?" I asked as I put on my seatbelt.
"Oh Azula said I could sleep over with her. Your mom knows I'll get in late. I told my mom. She said it was cool. So my huge bag has my sleepover clothes and AP homework that we are gonna do tomorrow."
"Oh okay. Well we are gonna have a great time!" I said before pulling off. "We still need to stop at my apartment first. I have something for you."
KATARA POV
"You have something for me?" I asked, shocked that he bought something for me.
"Yup!" he said before turning down a street with a small apartment complex at the end of the block.
We got out his car and I followed him into the building and to the elevator. He hit the 'P' button.
"You live in the Penthouse?" I asked.
"Yeah, my family actually owns these apartments. I pay rent, but not as much. I sorta took the best one for me. It's selfish I know." He said with a cute grin.
I giggled and shook my head. When the doors opened, we walked about 5 feet to a door with the words "Penthouse Suite" on it. "Here we go!"
He said as he opened the door.
His apartment was clean but sorta messy all at the same time. It was very masculine yet had the touch of a female all at once.
"Ugh my mom has been over here again."
I started laughing. "I was just thinking that there were some female touches in here."
He glared and went towards the back of the apartment. "Good thing I took her key today. You can get something from the fridge if you'd like."
"Okay." I called back. I opened to find a brand new gallon of orange juice. I did a little victory dance and searched for a glass. Once I found one, I poured myself a big glass of it. I love orange juice more than I love water.
Zuko came back while I was draining the glass. He changed into a blood red silk shirt and nice pants, his long hair was pulled back into a short ponytail and in his hands he held a bouquet of Tiger Lilies, which are my favorite flower.
I smiled and took them gently. "Thank you!" I said before laying them on the counter and hugging him. "That was so sweet of you!"
"I'm typically not good at doing stuff like this. Ya know? Showing a girl how I feel about her." He said into my neck, his warm breath sending a shiver through my body.
"You're doing a good job." I said into his muscular chest.
He pulled away and smiled down at me. "Well let's go. We have reservations and a long drive ahead of us."
As we walked back to the car, I felt something stir in me. It was stronger than any crush I've ever had. It was like the water in me was calling out to the fire in him.
As I sat in the car, and watched him walk around, I knew that our relationship was going to be more than ordinary.
The 3 hours drive into Portland was filled with the two of us screaming songs we didn't exactly know the words to and talking about our lives. By the time we reached the city, the sun had set and the city was abuzz with activity.
He pulled up to a restaurant on a street corner with people lined up outside to get in. He took the car to Valet and we got out and he pulled me straight to the front of the line. He ignored the protests of the people waiting in line.
"Name." the security guard said.
"Zuko Black." He said.
A man with a black tuxedo came out and asked us to follow him. I smiled at the way Zuko held my hand. Our fingers were interlaced and he kept me close to him. The man led us to a small room near the back of the restaurant.
"Would you like to start with a wine sir?" the waiter who was standing in the room asked Zuko. He glanced at me and I nodded imperceptibly. We didn't need him getting arrested for giving alcohol to a minor.
"I'll take a bottle of Chateau Ausone from France with two glasses."
"Sir that is a very expensive wine... Maybe you'd like something more in your price range. We carry Sutter Home wines."
The candles on our table suddenly shot up a foot in the air. "Do you think I can't afford this?" he said, his voice carrying a deadly undertone.
"Well sir, you don't seem to be the wealthiest of men." The man said with an annoyingly cocky voice.
"You don't know who I am… do you?" Zuko said with slight chuckle. The flames lowered and began to burn normally. "Not only do I personally sign your paycheck, but I'm personally firing you."
"M-Mr. Black?!" the waiter said, his cockiness suddenly replaced with fear.
"That's exactly who I am. You are dismissed. Your final paycheck will arrive in the mail within the week. Send in Le Qin."
The waiter scurried out the room and a tall Earth King man entered the room with an easy smile. "I'm sorry for that sir. Would you still like the bottle of Chateau Ausone?"
'Yes. Do you want anything to start you off babe?" Zuko asked looking at his menu before slowly lifting his eyes to meet mine. His golden orbs sending shivers though my body.
"I'll turn up the heat." The waiter said, taking my shiver for being chilly.
I smiled at him. "Thank you. I would start with the flame seared crab and lobster kabobs."
"I was thinking the same thing." Zuko said with a smile.
The waiter went over to the small bar in the corner and pulled a bottle of wine from the rack along with two glasses."Here you are sir."
Zuko nodded and the man dismissed himself. Zuko poured me a glass of the wine and then he poured his own glass.
We toasted and I tasted the wine. Then I took a full sip.
"I must say, I'm surprised you know how to taste wine. Most people just drink it."
I smirked. "I'm surprised you own this restaurant."
He frowned. "I wanted to tell you later."
I reached across the table and held his hand. "I don't care. You forget; I liked you when I thought you were a normal teacher. Not filthy rich."
He laughed and squeezed my hand. "Do you like it?" he asked, motioning to my glass.
"Yes, it's really sweet and I think it would taste good with seafood more so than steak."
He smirked and as he did the waiter returned with our Hors d'oeuvre.
"Would you like to order now?" he asked.
Zuko nodded to me and I smiled. "I'll have the hibachi shrimp pasta with a sweet potato and lightly steamed broccoli."
"Would you like butter or no?"
"No thank you."
He nodded, "Mr. Black?"
"I'll take the usual."
The waiter smiled and nodded. "I'll have that prepared right now."
I stared at him with curious eyes. What else did I not know about the raven haired golden eyed man sitting across from me?
"You know enough about me for now. I'll tell you more as the night continues." He said with a smile. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. I'm just a very complex person."
"Okay." I said before I took a sip of my wine.
He smiled at me and everything in me felt warm and I could feel myself melting under the gaze of the man sitting across from me.
