Just an Ordinary Girl

------------

Disclaimer: Again, nothing owned in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and I'm not making any money.

Notes: Ten chapters already? Time does fly! Here's the second half of Friday. Let's see what happens! (Thanks for all the positive feedback thus far, I really appreciate it! You all are wonderful!) Random question for you lot: Would you like to see any side-stories for this fic? Just curious, because I really enjoy working with this setting. Enjoy!

------------

Just an Ordinary Girl

Chapter Ten: Ordinary Girls Do Not Fall For Royalty

-----

It felt like she was an actress getting ready for the academy awards. The women who helped dress her refused to let her out in anything they didn't customize themselves. Katara had to stand there for hours as they pinned various fabrics to her and hemmed the dress. Once her outfit was complete they buzzed about her head, trying out different hairstyles and makeup until they found one that they liked. When she was finally done she was wearing a bright blue halter minidress with a moon and stars pattern on it, a pair of black pumps, and a matching handbag that was mostly an accessory. Her hair was rolled up into a tight bun and clipped with a butterfly hairpiece. She looked so pretty she couldn't help but admire herself in the full length mirror for a moment before dashing off to meet the Prince.

As she walked the halls she wondered how the evening would go. She prayed she wouldn't make a full of herself. This night was very important to Aang, she could tell, and it would devastate her to accidentally ruin his image. As for Zuko, and his sudden explosion of civility, she had to wonder what his true intentions were. Was he out to get something from her? Did he have an ulterior motive? Could it be possible he was just plain being nice? Those were some hard concepts to mull over. She'd hate to think he had some devious plan in store for her; he was acting so…sweet. Since the Wednesday fiasco he hadn't once been hostile towards her. It was like it was a shot to his brain. She rather liked the change.

For a moment, Katara worried if the night was going to be a disaster. What if her suspicions were true and Aang did have a crush on her? What would happen if Zuko tried taking advantage of her? Who was she going to side with? Aang was her dear friend and all, but Zuko had finally just opened up to her and she couldn't blow that off. It was an impossible decision. Why were there always choices? Why couldn't she just have two people at once? Because for girls, that wasn't proper. If a girl had more than one man she was considered a whore. If a man had more than one lady he was considered smooth. It was double standards of modern society. Sometimes she wished she lived in the past when one could have as many spouses as they wanted and no took any offense to it. Now that she had a choice, between Aang and Zuko, she wasn't sure which one was right.

Down in the main atrium Zuko leaned back against a wall, waiting for Katara. Living with Azula for so many years, he'd become accustomed to how long it took girls to ready themselves. Of course, dressing himself was no picnic either. He had to find a suit that didn't seem too business-oriented and wasn't too casual. Also, he took note that he owned a lot of black which was rather depressing. So he chose a charcoal blazer, which was a few shades lighter than regular black, the usual pair of dress slacks because one wasn't too picky about their pants, a dark maroon dress shirt, and a black and red striped tie. As usual he wore regular loafers since unlike his sister he found in unnecessary to have a closet full of shoes. He liked to be fashionable and all, but more than a few pairs of footwear was going overboard. However, it didn't take him nearly as long to prepare as Katara, who had half the female staff waiting on her hand and foot.

Sighing to himself, he thought about the possible outcomes of this evening. He knew Aang liked Katara, he knew it. That tiny droplet of knowledge had been pounding on his head all day. Unlike Aang, he didn't know Katara nearly as well. All he knew about her was that she was a girl from the lower ring and had a brother, was friends with Aang and the Bei Fong girl, and had lost her mother. How could that be enough o spark a relationship? What was it that he really liked about her? She wasn't exactly the poster girl for beauty and sex appeal, so why did a piece of him want her? …It wasn't her, it was Aang. He wanted her because he knew she was already as good as Aang's and he didn't like to lose. Part of him wondered why they couldn't just share… He still liked Aang, and he had to admit the boy was good when it came to the fun stuff, but he also couldn't help but wonder about Katara. What would it be like to hold her, to talk to her, to help her fight her fears and whisper sweet nothings in her ear?

The thought of the three of them, together, sharing a bed made him smile for a moment. It was a rather pleasing bit of imagery. Zuko smirk as he thought of lying between the two most beautiful people in his life…There was no way he'd let Katara be in the middle, no way. Chances were Aang would try to hog her all for himself…That was why they couldn't share. One would become more possessive and soon it would lead to one giant fight. They were just too different for that sort of relationship. He knew of other people who did things liked that and it worked out well, but he had always been more of the possessive type. He liked to have things for him and him alone. It was a self-satisfying feeling. He wanted Aang for himself as much as he wanted Katara. Another odd thought popped into his mind then…What if instead of fighting over Katara, she and him fought over Aang? Now that would be interesting! He snorted and let out a sigh. Why did these things always have to be so complicated?

Meanwhile Aang was riding alone in a long black stretch limousine to the theater. He splayed across the back seat, peering at the sky through the open sunroof. With all the traffic it would be a miracle if they arrived at the theater in time. Sighing, he pulled back the sleeve off one hand and gazed at the pale blue tattoo that permanently marked his skin. Before he was an actor he had been a Buddhist monk, living up in the mountains in a monastery. The tattoos were given to him while he had studied there, and he still kept his head shaved out of respect for his religion. When he had become of age he was told he had to take a vow of chastity. However, he refused. He had always dreamed of finding someone and his dream would be crushed if he had to let everything go just for the sake of the Buddha. Buddha be damned, he ran away, and that's when he got picked up by his agent who was responsible for making him a star. It was sheer dumb luck, being in the right place at the right time.

Thinking about love forced his mind back into thoughts about Katara. She was just so perfect for him….How kind she was, how she respected everyone and stood up for what she believed in. She was such a strong girl even at her lowest points. There was just so much about her that he adored he could pick a single favorite thing. To him, she was absolutely flawless, because even her flaws made her perfect for him. Then there was Zuko, brash, uptight, aloof Prince Zuko… He too had his strengths and his weaknesses. At first he only considered him to just be a playmate. No strings attached just someone he did things with. Now he was thinking what it would be like to have a real relationship with him…They already had the physical side down, it was just the emotional part they had to work on.

What if, the three of them were all together? Like a relationship of three instead of just two? That one, no one would win and no one would lose. He could have Katara, Zuko could have him, and Katara could have Zuko if she wanted…even though he doubted that. He also wasn't sure what Zuko thought of Katara… What if he wanted her too? He knew he had an interest, but what if he acted upon it? Could they really share Katara? It wouldn't go well, he decided. One of them would want her more and try to take her away from the other. Sharing her would eventually be impossible. She was just too perfect to be treated like an object, or a toy. Playthings are shared, people weren't. This would have to be worked out….He smiled when he saw the limousine pull up in front of the entrance to the theater. It was time.

Zuko couldn't help but smile when Katara joined him in the back of the limo. She looked so elegant in her slim-fitting dress. The butterfly barrette she wore sparkled in the light along with her eyes. It was like he was staring at a work of art. Smirking, she took her seat and stared out the window as the vehicle drove off. Arching a brow, Zuko got a good look at the profile of her face in the light that leaked through the windows. Her dark skin was smooth like toffee and then changed to a pinkish color for her lips. The most startling feature about her he had to admit were her deep blue eyes. They were just so captivating because they stood out so much. Like two sapphires in a sea of brown dirt and rocks. While she didn't have the bust, or the full lips, or the flawless complexion the girls of the upper ring had, she had her own charming humble beauty about her. It was something he couldn't help but notice.

Catching him staring out of the corner of her eye Katara piped up, "What is it, Prince Zuko?"

"Zuko," he corrected her quietly.

"What?" she asked with a brow raised.

"You can just call me Zuko," he replied with a half-smile. "This is supposed to be a date, right? No need for useless formalities."

"Oh…alright then," Katara beamed. "What's up? You were staring all thoughtful like."

"Oh," he shrugged. "I was just thinking about things, no big deal."

Katara smirked, "Want to clue me in on any?"

"Nah," Zuko grinned briefly. "Nothing that would interest you. Just work, you know…"

"Ah," she nodded in understanding. "I see…Nothing to do with tonight then?"

"No," he shook his head.

"You sure?" Katara grinned tauntingly. "Nothing to do with Aang either?"

"Well…"

"Hm?" she arched a brow.

"Maybe a bit…" he sighed, but his eyes still showed a smiling expression. "I'm still not telling you."

"I wasn't expecting you to, really," she chuckled; finally glad they had some air cleared up between them. It felt so good to actually have a conversation with him! "Just wanted to get a basic idea."

"Well, now you know," Zuko smirked, and then turned to look out the window. "…Having fun?"

"Oh yes," Katara replied, a pleased blush on her face. Was he actually curious about her? "I've been enjoying myself. This is all too wonderful! …What about you?"

He pondered the thought for a moment. "Yeah…I guess you could say that I am…"

"That's good," she flashed him a smile. "I'd hate to be the only one enjoying herself tonight!"

Zuko flashed her a smirk and then noted that the limousine had stopped. "We're here, get ready to be bombarded."

"I'll just hide behind you!" Katara laughed as the door opened and she stepped out.

Even though they were walking at a regular pace it seemed to take ages to walk down the red carpet. All around them people were shouting and taking pictures, reporters trying to thrust microphones in their faces. Katara tried to follow Zuko's example, keeping her eyes fixed on the open doors, refusing to open her mouth for anyone but him. Sensing how nervous she was getting because of the crowd, he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. She smiled up at him, happy that he was trying to show support. Part of her felt like she was a prisoner on the walk to the electric chair. If this was how Zuko felt every time he had to do this no wonder he had issues…

Finally they made it inside the building and the doors closed behind them. There were many security officials darting about, several muttering into walkie-talkies and nodding at them as they guided the two to where they were supposed to go. Katara felt a wave of relief wash over her when a door opened to reveal a well lit auditorium. It was like sitting for an actual stage performance, with different levels of seats and whatnot…but alas it was just a fancy movie theatre. She saw Aang surrounded by people with notebooks and smiled when he caught her eye. Zuko also took note of this and frowned for a moment before following her to catch up with him.

"Hey Aang!" Katara greeted her friend happily once the reporters had moved on to the other celebrities. "What's up?"

"Oh nothing really," he shrugged with a grin. "Just the usual, answering pointless questions and what not. Hey Zuko," Aang flashed another smile at the older teen.

"Hey mate," Zuko gave him a friendly punch in the arm. They didn't have to hide their sort-of friendship around Katara anymore. It felt rather good. "Did we miss anything?"

"Nah," Aang shook his head. "We just got to get to our seats. They said they'll bring us food if we request it. Between you and me though, the food's pretty awful." He grimaced.

Katara giggled, "Zuko, do you think we could stop for food on the way back?"

"I don't see why not, there's no way I'm risking crappy popcorn on these teeth," Zuko flashed a grin.

"Yes Sir Prick, we all know you have a fantastic smile," Aang rolled his eyes but he smiled nonetheless. Smirking, he motioned for them both to follow him. "I got us some good seats," he told them, leading them up to a box with seats for three up on the mezzanine.

"This is nice," Katara gasped when they slid into their box and wound up sitting between Zuko and Aang…much to both boys' displeasure. "Say Aang, isn't it uncomfortable watching yourself in a movie?"

"You get used to it," the young teen replied with a shrug. "It bothered me before, but now I just pretend I'm watching a twin or something. Not that bad, really."

Zuko said nothing, only snorted and cross his arms across his chest. He wanted to be in the middle, if not just to make sure Aang kept his hands off Katara…Part of him also wouldn't have minded a quick snog from the young actor either. However, this was to be Katara's night and he had to make sure she was kept happy. If she was happiest being sandwiched between two boys who wanted her as much as they wanted each other, then so be it.

Smiling, Aang pointed a finger at Zuko's pouting face and both he and Katara snickered. "Some wrong, Zuko?" he smirked.

"I'm fine," Zuko replied with a wave of his hand, refusing to look at him.

"Awww," Katara crooned in a teasing voice. "Would you rather be in the middle?" It was a known fact that once Aang got her in a playful mood she was all set to go. It was one of the unique things about their friendship. With something as simple as a joke he could turn her into a playful little devil that enjoyed teasing the wits out of people.

"No," Zuko snorted.

Aang and Katara turned to face each other and grinned. "You sure are pouty then…." The young teen chuckled.

"Are you sure you don't want to trade places with me…?" she whispered in a slightly seductive tone as she trailed her fingers up the side of his arm.

"Please don't do that," Zuko turned to look at her, pulling his arm away. "Why aren't you playing with Aang?"

"Fine," Katara smirked at him. "I will," she then turned her attention to Aang as she ran her fingers across his stomach and up his chest.

Aang laughed as if he was ticklish but Zuko could tell he was just doing it to suppress another feeling. It seemed Katara was very naïve to how boys work. It was quite obvious he was pretending to be ticklish by the way he gave Zuko a rather smug look briefly when Katara was practically halfway onto his lap. An amazing thing, how at one moment Katara could be so calm and serene and the next she's a giggling ball of madness. It was rather endearing, he had to admit. How such a girl could have so many sides to her…Almost like a puzzle he was dying to solve.

"Okay Katara you can stop!" Aang choked in the middle of laughing and Katara settled herself back in her seat. He didn't really want her to stop but a certain something stirring in his trousers told him it would be for the best.

"See?" Katara turned her attention back to Zuko and beamed with self pride. "Aang likes to be played with." She then tried it again, brushing her fingers along his arm. "Are you sure?"

"It's okay, really," Zuko coughed, shifting in his seat a bit. Oh how he wanted it…He very much wanted it….But this wasn't the best time or place and it would be awkward if he let his instincts take over when Aang was around.

Aang smirked and tapped his friend on the shoulder. "Calm down Katara, he doesn't like the same things you and I do. Just give up…It's about to start."

Both of the boys were grateful when the lights dimmed and the previews flashed on the screen. Playful Katara was frightening. Though it wasn't in a horrific way, more in an oh my gosh that's so cute and sexy kind of way. Thinking such thoughts in the middle of a movie theater would not be a good idea. Zuko had a feeling what made her get all like that was nerves. He even admitted to acting like a Doofus at times when he was nervous too. It was just he wasn't expecting her to try to get physical…Aang didn't mind as much, since he and Katara had tickle-fights and talked while giving each other massages all the time. It was a normal part of their friendship. He rather enjoyed it because even though he knew she was naïve to how seductive she sometimes was, he still let his mind take advantage of it.

The movie finally started and the loud soundtrack boomed from the speakers. Out of the corner of his eye Aang noticed how absorbed Katara was into the movie. The dreamy, intent look in her eyes as her mind was brought into the movie's world of bright colors, action, drama, and romance. He watched her as she laughed when she found something funny, and the serious expression on her face when something concerned her. It was fascinating how she could be so attached to characters in a movie, and yet so detached from those in the world around her. The wonders of movie making, he guessed. It was a way of mesmerizing people.

Zuko also took notice of Katara and his eyes met Aang's for a moment. It seemed both of them were completely entranced by her demeanor. Zuko, however, noticed the more physical things about her. Like how when she was so focused on something her lips would part slightly. Then every so often he would see the pink of her tongue flick out and run it across her bottom lip. He saw the dreamy look in her eyes whenever something fluffy and romantic would happen. It was if part of her wished she were the one in the heroine's shoes. Like she wanted Aang's character to sweep her off her feet in a romantic and loving embrace. It was movie magic, to make girls' dreams feel real even for just a moment.

Without even realizing it, both boys noticed the rather intoxication glimmer in Katara's eyes when a rather romantic scene between Aang's character, and the lead female, Kia, started. It seemed she wished for him to hold her and look her deeply in her eyes. Both of the characters were saying such touching words to one another, and they could hear the sniffles of other females in the audience. Instinctively Aang gently placed his hand on top of hers and rubbed it with his thumb. She was so involved with the movie she hardly took notice. Not quite as daring as Aang even though he had no idea what Aang had done, Zuko let his hand slip and rest on her leg. Again, she didn't seem to notice.

That's when the real romance hit and it seemed like a wave of romantic emotions washed over the audience. Kia was in the hero's arms, crying about the loss of a friend. He held her tightly, as the city engulfed in flames behind them and let her cry on his shoulder. As if overcome by waves of love, he tilted her chin up and assured that everything was going to be alright. Her eyes danced as they peered into his. Then slowly, ever so slowly, they leaned in for a long romantic kiss. Upon watching this, Katara's eyes glittered and danced just like Kia's. A few tears trailed down her cheeks. Eyes lowered with deep emotion for her as they saw how she felt during that moment, both Aang and Zuko leaned in to catch her for a kiss…

….Only to miss Katara by a mile as their lips collided with each other's. Both boys sat there, frozen for a moment, their lips locked. Their eyes were closed so they were rather perplexed. ….This mouth was familiar, both of them thought. As if he was trying to solve something Zuko attempted to push his tongue passed Aang's lips ….Definitely familiar! Aang thought as his eyes shot open. As if on cue, Zuko also opened his eyes and they both stared at each other in shock. Damn it! All the meanwhile Katara saw it clear as day what had happened and had to cover her mouth to keep her laughter from interrupting. After that, both boys sulked and remained still and quiet for the rest of the movie.

When the lights came back on and people began to file out, Katara gave both of them big smiles. As completely unaware of them as she had been. She rather enjoyed the movie. Aang's acting was so incredible she almost forgot the young man in the movie was seated beside her the whole time. It was fascinating how she could actually believed Aang's character and Kia were so deeply in love, and all the acts they did to show their devotion during the course of the movie just set her mind on fire. If only real relationships could be so dreamy! Giggling, she then nudged both of the boys.

"Come on guys," Katara snickered. "It wasn't that bad…"

"I missed," Zuko muttered so low she couldn't hear him.

"Sorry if we scared you," Aang chuckled. "I guess the emotions of the movie got to us a bit…"

Katara giggled, "It's okay, really. Just don't mind me if I keep laughing at you."

"Remind me to brush my teeth ten times straight when I get home," Zuko gagged.

"Oh yeah? Well I'm going to brush thirty times and use extra strength mouthwash!" Aang challenged him.

"Boys!" Katara laughed, draping her arms over their shoulders, drawing them closer to her. "You're just so silly! It's no big deal!"

"I would've much rather kissed you," Aang scoffed, yet he flashed her a smile.

Zuko snorted. "So are you trying to tell me, after all the times we went at it, now all of a sudden you don't like it? That hurts, mate."

"Oh it's not that and you know it, jerk," Aang snapped and gave him a knowing look. The kiss in the theater only happened because they were both aiming for Katara…not each other.

"Could you two love birds have your little squabble some other time?" Katara giggled. This was how she liked it to be. Everyone getting along…somewhat. Even though the situation had been awkward she was determined to keep the atmosphere light. The last thing she wanted was for the night to end on a sour note.

Come to think of it, that was indeed a bit awkward. All of a sudden them randomly kissing. Were they really that into each other? No she had good explanations from both. So why did they…The realization dawned on her. They had no intention of kissing each other that night. They both wanted…her. Suddenly, she started to feel a bit shy and slunk down a bit.

"You guys can go," Aang told them when they entered the main atrium of the theater. "I got to stay behind for some interviews and junk."

"Take care," Zuko waved.

"That was great, Aang," Katara leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "Have a good night. I'll be seeing you tomorrow, anyway, right?" she flashed him a smile.

"Yeah…" Aang's voice was almost a dreamy sigh as he touched the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him. "…Tomorrow."

"See ya," Katara and Zuko turned and made their way to find the back door so they could avoid the paparazzi. Slightly curious, when they were out of sight Aang decided to follow them.

The two of them exited out the back door which let out into a deserted alley. The only thing there was the limousine waiting for them to board. Before they got close to the vehicle Katara tugged on Zuko's sleeve and they stopped under the light of a dim streetlamp.

"What is it?" Zuko peered down at her with a brow raised.

"Thanks for…" Katara smiled. "Thanks for everything…I had a good time tonight."

"You're welcome I guess," his eyes shifted a bit. Neither of them notice when Aang caught up and had opened the door a crack to watch them.

"I'm sorry if all the attention I gave Aang made you jealous," she told him softly. "We're just very close so we like to have fun."

Zuko nodded, "It's alright, I didn't really care."

"So I decided to save something for you…" Katara blushed and brought her hand up to his face to cup his cheek. Her lips parted and she stood up on her tiptoes, her lips just inches from his.

As if he could read her mind, Zuko wrapped one arm around her and brought the other hand to her cheek as he leaned in to kiss her softly. Both of their eyes fluttered closed when their lips met. Her lips felt wonderfully soft as he brushed his against hers. The hand she had on his face shifted so her fingers threaded in the hair along the back of his neck. She let out a soft murmur when he pressed his lips harder, parting them slightly to deepen the kiss. It felt like an eternity but it was only a few moments. Soon they pulled away and looked into each other's eyes.

"The limos' waiting," Zuko said softly.

"Yeah," she nodded, giving him a small smile. "Let's go."

Meanwhile Aang saw the whole scene from where he was carefully hiding. How could she….How could he…He was so certain! It was as if all of his hopes and dreams had just shattered in front of him. No, he wouldn't give up just yet. There was still another day, another evening. The ball, yes, he'd tell her at the ball. He'll finally show her how much he cared when he got her to dance with him. He wanted it to be dramatic when he expressed his love and took her in his arms for a long romantic kiss. The fight was not over.

If it was war Zuko wanted, then it was war he was going to get!

-----

Note(s): End of Chapter Ten! Hurray! First kiss time! Now we come to Saturday…Wow, time flies fast. I hope you all have been liked this so far! Let me know what you think!

-------------