Katara fell asleep beneath Lee's arm on Jet's couch as the two men exchanged stories late into the evening, slowly emptying mugs of firewhiskey. Her head had drooped lower and lower until it rested on his chest, her mouth a small 'o' as she breathed evenly. Jet noticed but kept tracing small circles on Lee's knee, relishing the easiness of their conversation. They were deeply entrenched in a friendly debate between swords and hooks being the superior weapon. Lee glanced down at the sleeping girl on his chest and smiled softly. Jet caught the gentle expression and couldn't contain a small flare of jealousy. Lee would never see him like that, he knew. It hadn't bothered him at the beginning, but he was beginning to realize it had been inevitable.

"Do you love her?"

Zuko lifted his head at Jet's quiet question, noticing the other man's downturned eyes and the way his hand had stilled on his knee.

"I don't know." He replied, his arm slightly tightening around her shoulders.

"What's your plan?" Jet growled, withdrawing his hand and leaning back with his arms folded. "You just gonna keep her here in my apartment for the rest of your lives? Work in your Uncle's tea shop? Is that the life you had envisioned for the two of you? Pop out a couple kids while the Fire Nation takes over the world? They'll kill her, you know."

Zuko bared his teeth in a snarl. "I won't let that happen."

"Then you should give her back to the Avatar." Jet snapped, gesturing at her. "Let them get back to their mission of world peace."

"You were the one who brought her here." Zuko hissed, trying to keep from waking Katara. "What was your plan?"

"To keep her from turning me in to the police." Jet said. "I feel pretty confident I have accomplished that plan."

"Well done." Zuko replied sarcastically. "And what were you planning on doing with her after? Dump her back on the streets and hope she finds her way back to the Avatar?"

"That sounds perfect." Jet exclaimed. "Let's do that."

"No."

"Lee…" Jet began, sighing. "She can't stay here forever. And you can't take her to your Uncle, he'll ask too many questions."

Zuko only glowered at him, knowing what he was saying was true. "So what do you suggest?"

"We take her back to the Upper Ring and leave her there."

"And then what?" Zuko murmured, his voice husky. "We stay here and fuck while the war goes on around us?"

Jet's eyebrows contracted. "You want to fight?"

Zuko didn't reply. He was warring with himself internally; between his burgeoning feelings for the girl still sleeping on his chest and the desire to return to his home and family, he felt like he had run out of options. He could either abandon Katara, and everything she could mean to him in the future, and return to the Fire Nation to attempt to regain his honor. Or, he could stay with Katara as she rejoined the Avatar and help their group to restore balance to the world. One option betrayed his country and his family. The other betrayed Katara.

"I don't know." Was the only answer he could give Jet, his eyes turning down.

"We could do it." Jet said thoughtfully. "We could join the Earth Kingdom army and fight the Fire Nation."

"We could." Zuko replied softly. "I don't think any of them would accept me. Not how I look."

Jet scowled. "They'd look past that if you were willing to help."

Zuko fell silent again, his eyes locked on Jet's face. He didn't know how to explain to his…friend the way he felt in the city: like an outcast. People avoided his gaze, they crossed to the other side of the street when he walked near them. When he went to the market to pick something up for his Uncle he was met with chilly politeness and bitter stares. The tea shop was the only place he felt was his haven, where no one looked at him strangely or as if he were about to attack them. He wasn't sure if it was because of his Uncle's ambivalent charm or that he was viewed in a subservient role.

"We could get another girl." Jet murmured thoughtfully. "One that volunteers. Or even two."

Zuko shot him a glare. "I don't want another girl."

"Not even that Jin girl you told me about?" Jet smirked against Zuko's deepening glare. "She was pretty cute."

"I'm going to bed." Zuko growled, lifting Katara with him as he stood.

"C'mon." Jet laughed. "I'm serious! We can replace her."

Zuko rolled his eyes as he walked away, leaving Jet alone on the couch with his mug of firewhiskey. Jet sighed and scowled into his mug. He shouldn't have pushed. He should have known that Lee would get attached, the man was loyal. Like a dog that stayed with its masters every time it was kicked. He wouldn't give up Katara now that he had her. Not voluntarily.

ooo

Zuko laid Katara down on the bed, stripping off the soft slippers she wore. She shifted and rolled to her side, the tunic she was wearing riding up to her thighs. Zuko slipped off his own outer layer of clothing and lay beside her in the middle of the bed, facing her. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer so her face pressed against his chest through his light shirt. His other arm stretched under her pillow, his fingers tangling in her hair.

"Zuko?"

He opened his eyes to look down at her. Katara's eyes were still closed, her hand lying beside her nose. "Hmmm?"

She didn't say anything for a moment. Sensing her hesitation, he nudged her forehead with his nose in encouragement. Katara turned her big blue eyes up at him. "If that's what you want, a new girl, it's okay. I understand."

Zuko stared down at her, gold meeting blue in a confused question. "What?"

"I heard what Jet said." She admitted, turning her eyes away. "And he's right. I can't stay here forever. And neither can you." The look in her eyes when she looked back up at him was determined. Zuko's heartbeat skipped at her words; he didn't want her to go. "I need to go help Aang. And you…" She faltered. "you could come with me."

"What?" Zuko murmured, his hand sliding between them to tilt her chin up, keeping his gaze locked on hers. "Katara, I can't-"

"Yes you can, Zuko." She whispered fiercely, blue eyes turning anxious. "You can leave your Uncle and Jet and this place and come with us. I know Aang and Sokka would accept you. Aang needs to learn fire bending anyway, and you wouldn't be treated badly with us like you are here." She gulped. "And I know you want to make your father proud, like we all do, but I also know you can't see how you've been treated by your family."

"Do you think you know me that well after only a few days?" He rumbled, keeping his grip on her chin with hot fingers.

"Well…" She shifted guiltily. "Your Uncle has been talking to me…"

Zuko sighed. "Of course he has."

"He thinks it's the right thing too." She pressed. "He says that its destiny."

"Really." Zuko replied, unable to keep the sarcasm from his voice. "Destiny."

He could see her blush in the dark. "Yeah." She mumbled.

Zuko couldn't help his smirk. Bending forward he cupped the back of her head and pressed his lips to hers. "Katara," he murmured against her. "I'll think about it. Go to sleep."

He felt her smile as she pushed back against him, pressing her body up against his. If he hadn't been so tired, he would have pressed back. Instead he cupped her face between both his hands and kissed her deeply before releasing her and hugging her close, his lips pressed against her forehead, his hand cradling the back of her head. Her own arm curled around his waist, holding him in return.

ooo

Zuko woke up feeling like he was about to set fire to the bed. Katara lay curled against his chest as how she had fallen asleep. Jet was curled against his back, one brown arm wrapped loosely around his waist. Zuko rubbed a hand over his face, feeling that sunrise wasn't far off. Katara's soft breathing intrigued him and he stroked light fingers down her cheek. She was so peaceful, so serene. Like her element, her skin was cool against his hot fingers. Could he leave his Uncle to be with her? Join his enemies and go against his father? Though, he cringed, they weren't really his enemies. He was theirs. Would he ever claim his title? His father had already stripped him of everything. What did he have left to lose?

Behind him Jet stretched and clutched him closer, drawing Zuko's body against his own. Zuko hissed quietly as he felt Jet's hard length press against him. It wasn't even morning yet and Jet was rearing to go. Jet's arm tightened around Zuko, his lips lightly pressing against the back of his neck. Jet was a heavy sleeper; nothing short of a full-on fire nation attack could wake him once he was asleep. With a glance at Katara, Zuko released her and rolled in Jet's grip, turning to face the other boy, his head tucked under Jet's.

He could feel the blush spread across his face as he realized Jet was sleeping completely naked. Jet's arms enclosed him again and Zuko allowed his hand to rest on Jet's hip. He was warmer than Katara, his skin smooth between its scars. Hot fingers traced along several of them, wondering absently how he had gotten them. Several were deep along Jet's back, crossing over multiple small ones. He let his hand wander back to Jet's hip, feeling Jet's chin tip down to rest on his hair.

Zuko bit his lip and closed his eyes, his hand slowly slipping down to run along Jet's length. He had never touched him first. Jet, already fully erect, felt smooth and silky beneath his fingers, arching proudly from a thatch of wiry hair. Zuko's thumb brushed along the veiny underside of Jet's member, feeling the small opening at the tip. Zuko had touched himself before and felt vague wonder at the differences between his cock and Jet's. Similar but so different. Keeping one hand closed around Jet's length, he brought his other hand up and under to lightly run a finger along his balls. They tightened beneath his touch, shrinking from him. Intrigued, Zuko pressed harder, stroking along the silky skin.

"Need something?"

Zuko froze at the gravelly voice above him, his hands still engaged with Jet. He glanced up to see Jet's cocky grin. "No."

"Right." Jet smiled, the arm under Zuko's neck curling up to press their mouths together.

Zuko didn't even try to protest as Jet's lips captured his in the darkness. When Jet's tongue slid along his lips he opened them willingly, allowing the other man to lick and suck along him. He let out a groan as Jet's other hand gripped his waist with crushing fingers.

"What's the catch?" Jet growled, pulling back, leaving Zuko panting after him.

"No catch." Zuko breathed, pulling Jet back in. Slowly and gently he pushed himself up until his head and waist were level with Jet's. Hesitantly, he rocked his hips forwards, brushing his length against Jet's. He was rewarded with Jet's open mouthed gasp, his hands gripping Zuko tighter, closer. Zuko made the motion again, shivering at the feeling of Jet against him. Jet ground back, his tongue plundering Zuko's hot mouth.

Jet ground harder and harder, picking up speed as he moved on top of Zuko, stripping off Zuko's sleep pants, never letting their mouths part. Zuko's hands lay against his back, his nails digging in. Jet knew he was struggling with his fear and hesitation so he ignored the painful grip, instead focusing on getting the other man close. He slipped his hand between them to grip Zuko's balls, squeezing gently in time to his thrusts. Zuko was groaning quietly into his mouth, his heartbeat racing. Slowly his knees parted, and Jet knew he had won.

Breaking free from Zuko he leaned forward, bringing his length level with Zuko's mouth. The other man's golden eyes flicked up at him, his mouth hanging open from his want.

"Please." Jet whispered, desperately craving Zuko.

Hesitantly Zuko widened his mouth, allowing the head of Jet's cock to push in. Jet shuddered as he was enclosed in Zuko's hot mouth, even though it was somewhat dry. Coaxing him gently with small thrusts, he reached down to pump Zuko's length firmly. Zuko groaned deep in his throat and Jet almost lost it. Gently he drew out from Zuko's mouth before slowly pushing back in. When Zuko tried to protest he shushed him, stroking his cock harder until Zuko relaxed, allowing Jet's entire length down his throat.

"Suck." Jet whispered, feeling Zuko's mouth finally moisten.

Zuko glanced up at him, his eyes wide and wary, but he did as he was told, his hands a vice against Jet's ribs. Zuko's throat pulsed around his cock as he swallowed, milking him.

"Stop." Jet hissed, withdrawing hurriedly with a wet pop. He swooped down to pressed a hard kiss against Zuko's wide mouth as he thrust into him, capturing Zuko's cry. His tongue stroked against Zuko's as he thrust hard into him, his hand still clenched around his hard member. Zuko's hips bucked up against him, meeting his thrusts with small ones of his own. Jet slid his thumb over Zuko's tip, feeling the damp moisture seeping from him.

Zuko moaned beneath Jet, feeling the delicious full sensation Katara had talked about to him. His cock was rock hard in Jet's grip, and he could feel himself getting close. With three more thrusts from Jet he was coming, his seed exploding to run down Jet's fingers.

"Say my name." Jet hissed, his hand continuing to pump Zuko's cock. "Say it."

"Jet." Zuko gasped out, shuddering as another wave hit him. "Jet."

"Yesss." Jet groaned, dropping Zuko's spent length to grab his hips, pounding into him feverishly. Zuko let out a feral shout and Jet came, buried deep inside. He collapsed, his cock still spasming inside Zuko, his mouth finding the other man's again. The kiss was tender, almost sweet, and broken too quickly as he rolled off, panting.

Zuko lay against the now sweaty blankets, staring out the window past Katara as the sun crested the mountains. His eyes fluttered, wanting to fall back asleep. He wasn't needed in the tea shop until the afternoon, surely he could sleep in. The matter was decided for him when Jet grabbed his shoulder and pulled him onto his own chest, burying his face in Zuko's dark hair.

"Thanks." He panted. "That was great."

"Yeah." Zuko replied, his rear feeling only slightly sore. He relaxed, allowing his body to rest against Jet's, his arm sprawled across Jet's stomach, fingers dipping to just brush against Jet's limp cock.

ooo

Katara woke before either of the boys, her eyes slowly opening then widening as she saw Zuko's naked form wrapped around Jet, equally naked. She rose without disturbing them, slipping on Zuko's discarded pants and a short sleeved tunic, finding her discarded slippers near the end of the bed. Quietly she heated a pot of water to make herself a cup of jasmine tea. Clutching the warm cup, she snuck out the front door, snagging a biscuit from the table on her way out.

The hard clay area in front of Jet's Lower Ring apartment was warm where she sat on it, the sun having heated it for over an hour as they lay sleeping. Katara settled her back against the wall, crossing her legs as she set her tea beside her. The city was coming to life around her; flower merchants were setting up their carts, food vendors called softly to passerby, laborers walked to their jobs together.

Katara liked the mornings, the way the noise slowly rose around her, the smells, the diversity of the people. She blew softly on her tea, taking a long sip. Perfect.

"Hey." She turned at the sound of Zuko's husky voice, giving him a bright smile as she moved forward so he could sit behind her. "Are those my pants?"

"Mhm." She murmured as he wrapped his arms and legs around her, his head resting on her shoulder.

Zuko pressed soft, warm kisses against her neck before resting his chin on the top of her head. "What are you doing?"

"I like watching the people here." She replied. "I think once the war's done I'd like to live in a city like this. Where it's warm and there's a lot of people and many things to eat."

"The Fire Nation capitol is like that." Zuko said, watching the people with her.

"Do you miss it?" She asked, enjoying the feel of just sitting with him, his warm hard body firm behind hers. She didn't miss the eyes of the women on Zuko as they passed; some envious, some disturbed.

"Sometimes." He answered, stiffening. "There are some…uncomfortable memories for me there."

"I'm sorry." She whispered, offering him a sip of her tea. He accepted, draining half the cup. "Hey!"

He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. I'll make you another."

Jet appeared through the door, leaving it open behind him. "Morning, Katara."

"Hi, Jet." She smiled up at him. "Sleep well?"

"Woke up better." He smirked, watching Zuko's cheeks flush. "I'm going to work. You kids have fun."

"Bye." Katara said, waving as he walked off. She reclined back against Zuko, taking a bite of her biscuit.

A shaggy dark head snaked out and took a bite of her breakfast. "Mmm." Zuko murmured, grinning foolishly as she slapped his leg. He settled back against the wall, chewing, eyes closed.

He cracked his eye open at her serious voice. "What would your family think if they saw you like this?"

Zuko chewed slowly, thinking. "They would think I had lost my mind." He finally replied softly. "And maybe I have." At her shocked look he quickly added: "In the best way possible."

Katara smiled and stood, holding out her hand to help him up. "I think you have too."

"Thanks." He grumbled, following after her as she started down the street. "Where are you going?"

"I just want to explore a little bit."

"Isn't that what you were doing when Jet captured you?"

She sent him a dark look. "What's the likelihood of that happening again?"

"You'd be surprised."

ooo

Zuko reclined on the couch, watching Katara settle across from him in Jet's chair. Without any money of her own, she had refused to let him purchase her anything besides lunch. Her fingers went to her neck absently and her eyes widened.

"My necklace!" She cried, standing quickly and looking around. "I lost it!"

Zuko frowned. "When?"

"I…I don't know." She stuttered, darting into the bedroom. Zuko rose and followed her, watching as she rifled through the piles of Jet's clothing. "It has to be here somewhere."

"Did you check in there?" He gestured to the closet, the last place he could remember her wearing it.

She flung the doors open, sending shirts and pants flying as she tossed them out. Zuko glimpsed the scrap of blue as she threw it onto the bed and he collected it, turning the smooth blue stone over in his fingers.

"Katara." He held it up.

She turned, her face splitting into a grin as she leapt at him. "You found it!"

"Oof." She landed on his stomach, knocking him backwards. "Ow." He handed it over, watching as she fixed the blue ribbon around her neck as she sat straddling his hips.

"Thank you, Zuko." She bent to kiss him.

He let his hands rest on her hips, as she straightened, a thoughtful look on her face. "What is it?"

"I had two necklaces." She murmured, fingering the one around her neck. "The other held water from the Spirit Oasis in the North Pole. It's supposed to have advanced healing properties."

Zuko shifted beneath her, frowning. "I don't remember it."

"It was under my tunic." She shrugged. "I can look for it later."

"Hmm." Zuko glanced at the window. The sun was dipping from the sky, heading for the horizon. "I have to go."

"Okay." Katara rolled off of him, falling to her side on the bed. Though she wouldn't have minded if Zuko initiated anything, it was nice to have a break from what felt like constant love making.

Zuko rose and stripped, trying to contain his blush as he felt Katara's eyes on him. While he wasn't in the exemplary shape he had been when travelling, he was proud his body hadn't atrophied from the easier life style. He dressed in his tea server's uniform, running a hand through his shaggy hair. He'd have to get his Uncle to cut it soon. "Do you want anything from the shop when I come back?"

"Maybe some of those little cakes?" Katara smiled up at him, reclining on the bed.

Zuko nodded. "Will you be okay here?"

"I have some scrolls I want to read. I found them under Jet's bed." She said, gesturing.

"Okay." He bent over her, gripping the back of her head to press his lips against hers.

Katara surged up, wrapping her arms around his neck, holding him as their mouths moved against each other. She released when he pulled back, falling back onto the bed with a smirk.

"Tease." Zuko murmured, heading for the door.

"Have a good day." Katara called after him, drawing the first scroll onto the bed.

ooo

By late afternoon, almost into the evening, she had fallen asleep on the bed, an unraveled scroll open before her. Dimly, through the haze of sleep, she heard the front door open and close softly. Jet, she thought groggily, or Zuko. She curled herself further, drifting back off.

Suddenly there was a cloth presence against her nose and she couldn't breathe. Her eyes shot open as she struggled, but a firm hand pressed against her back to hold her down.

"Sorry, Katara," She heard, sinking quickly into darkness. "but this is best. For all of us."

OOOOOOOOO

A.N.: Going to try to maintain weekly updates. Challenge accepted! :D Reviews are appreciated! And always read.