A/N: Yeah. So... Hehe :) I'm so completely utterly sorry I haven't updated in like four months. Its just days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months... and well you know. But, my hiatus is over and I just want to say I really appreciate all the reviews and take each suggestion into careful consideration. If you have not given me your two cents I highly encourage you to do so because that makes the story more enjoyable for you and for me. Thanks for sticking with me guys :) I only write for you!

"Would you rather eat a bowl of flaming fire flakes without any water or lick the bottom of Toph's foot?"

"Ew! That's disgusting! How in Yue do you think of these things!"

"I don't know, it must be a gift." Zuko chuckled. "But anyway, answer the question!"

Katara stared out the window. The sun was at its peak, and its rays glittered on the waters surface. Lunch would be arriving soon, and not a moment too late.

"Alright last one. I'm starving." She sat there for a moment staring at the wall trying to make up her mind. "I'm going have to go with... fire flakes."

"Yeah I'd have to agree with you on that one. We have no idea where Toph's feet have -"

The solid metal door flung open and rattled the whole cell. In came an old man with wispy gray hair and ink stained hands.

"I know you did it!" The old man pointed at Katara.

Katara, shocked, stood up in a defensive stance. "Did what!"

"You spilled ink on my antique maps of the Earth Kingdom!" He pulled the black stained paper out as evidence.

"I did no such thing!" Katara stomped over to the doorway. "I've been in my cell the entire time!"

"I don't know how, but I know you did it!"

"Hey! What's going on!" Zhao heard the commotion and quickly walked down the stairs from the main deck.

"Admiral Sir." The man bowed. "This girl ruined my maps!" He pointed at Katara.

Zhao eyed Katara. "Is this true?"

"Of course not! How could I? You locked me in this cell remember?!"

Zhao softened his face and looked back at the old man. "Lee, the ink probably just tipped over when we hit rough waters last night. You can buy yourself a new map when we dock."

It was Zuko's turn to chime in. "And when will that be exactly?"

"Ha. Right." Zhao straightened his shoulders and looked over at the guards. "Lock up the cell and escort Captain Lee back to his quarters." He turned back towards his prisoners. "I'm watching you two."

The door slammed shut and Zuko looked over at Katara. "You did it, didn't you?"

"I just couldn't resist." A mischievous smile found it's way onto her face.

"But how?"

"Well when I went to the bathroom last night, I passed the Captain's rooms. The ink was just sitting there, so I used a little water bending."

"He was furious."

"I know." She took a piece of paper out from under her mat. "And I also got this."

Zuko looked it over. "I don't understand."

"Its the dates of our scheduled arrivals at ports!" She pointed to a date. "In two days we're supposed to be at Fire Fountain City!"

"Katara, I hate to be the pessimistic one here, but there is no way Zhao is going to let us anywhere near a chance of escaping." He skimmed down the rest of the paper. "These were scheduled before he captured us, so he probably changed his plans."

"Well we don't know that for sure." She stepped back. "I'm not counting anything out until its for certain. This is all we have, let's at least make the most of it."

"Okay." Zuko exhaled. "Say if we do dock at Fire Fountain City in two days. Then what?"

"Then we fire and water bend our way off this ship!"

"Now I see why Sokka is the planner." He leaned back against the wall. "And say if we do manage to escape the ship, we'll be in one of the Fire Nation's largest and most dangerous cities."

"I'm sure we'll figure out something! We always do!"

"And how would being lost in a huge city help save the world? At least we know Zhao is heading to meet Aang."

"I just hate feeling so hopeless and trapped. I feel like theres nothing I can do." Katara sat down and hugged her knees on her mat.

Zuko knelt down next to her. "Everything is going to be fine. You may not believe this, but I've gotten myself out of worse situations."

"No, I believe you."

Zuko smiled. It took everything he had to resist embracing her when she was in such a vulnerable state. But like she read his mind, her arms stretched out and wrapped around his neck.

"Toph would ya mind sharpening my sword for me please?" Sokka placed the Space Sword into the Earthbender's hands.

"Why can't you do it yourself?" She pushed the weapon back at him. "You have two hands!" Toph marched back into the house.

"Hey, what's up with her?" Suki passed the obviously upset girl walking out of the house.

"I don't know. She's been like that ever since my sister and Zuko were taken." Sokka examined the sword. "Maybe she's just having a tough time accepting it."

"Yeah, maybe..." But Suki had a lurking suspicion about what was going on.

"Have you seen Toph anywhere Aang?"

"Yeah I passed her in the hallway about ten minutes ago." Aang leaned closer and whispered, "Watch out, she's in a bad mood."

"That's why I'm trying to find her."

"Do you know what's up with her?"

"Ya know, just girl stuff." Suki started walking towards the Earthbender's room. "Nothing you need to worry about.

"Oh." Aang blushed. "I'll take your word for it."

Suki knocked on Toph's door. "Toph? You in there...?" She gently pushed the door open and found the girl face down in her bed.

"What do you want!"

"Nothing, just to talk."

"Well I don't want to talk right now!" Toph flipped over and sat up. "Can't you take a hint!?"

Suki walked over and sat beside Toph on the red silk bed. "Listen," She caught the Earthbender's eye. "I know this is about Aang."

Toph was speechless. What! How does she know! Is it really that obvious? "...No"

"Toph. C'mon." Suki saw Toph's reaction and smiled. "You can talk to me! Think of me like a big sister."

"Its just... Well... ever since Katara and Zuko were... you know? Taken... Aang has just been moping around the house all day."

"Well two of his closest friends were captured. I think he's understandably upset."

"But I know its more than that... I think he's in love with Katara."

Suki's heart hurt. She had never seen Toph so vulnerable in all the time she's known her. Its the worst feeling in the world to like someone that's in love with someone else. "You don't know that for sure! Give Aang some time. He'll come around."

"You think so?"

"Yeah I really do." Suki stood up and looked down at Toph. "And in the mean time, maybe you could start acting more lady like to show Aang what a wonderful girl you are."

"Ugh. I'm not gonna act like a prissy delicate water lilly."

"I'm not saying that..." Suki put her hand on Toph's shoulder. "Maybe just stop trying to have mud pit fights with Sokka and after you burp, say excuse me." She saw Toph's look of disgust. "Hey, I don't think that's too much to ask. And I bet Aang will take notice."

"Alright, I'll try it." Toph began to walk towards the door. "But if it doesn't work, I'm going right back to wrestling, and next time, I'm taking you down!"

She couldn't sleep. She propped herself up against the cold metal wall, and stared out the small, single window. The giant vessel was softly rocking, and she could hear the waves gently lapping against the hull of the ship. The sailors were on the top deck singing some old Fire Navy song loud enough for their distant muffled voices to carry down into the cell. The moon was half full, but there was just enough light for Katara to adjust her eyes to. Her gaze fell to the opposite corner, where a young firebender was deep asleep. She watched his chest rhythmically move up and down. His mouth was slightly ajar and hot breath puffed out with every exhale. She felt as if another part of her had begun crawling towards him, nestling herself in his warm body. Like she was in a hypnotic trance, her physical body was inching closer and closer. But once again, her logic kicked in and forced her to retreat back to her own corner. She couldn't help but wonder, What if? What if I do sleep next to him. I mean nothing has to happen. I have a legitimate excuse. It's very cold and he is warm. Wait? Am I actually talking myself into it? And its not like he would be upset, I'm sure he would be thrilled to find me next to him when he wakes up. Still, she did not move and fell into a restless sleep.

Zuko's eyes shot open when a drunken sailor stumbled against the cell door. His inner solider took a defensive stance and looked around for any immediate danger. He quickly remembered where he was relaxed. He pressed his ear up against the door and was able to make out the 'Fire Fountain City'. She was right. Oh well, it can wait until morning. He walked over to the window, but not before noticing a shivering waterbending curled up on the mat across from him. A protective instinctive took over and he grabbed his own blanket and wrapped her up in it. She still looks so cold though. Zuko knew his internal heat would no doubtably make her warmer, but if she woke up, well he has his own safety to think about. But I can't just leave her like this. He warmed his hands and carefully placed them on her small, brown arms. The hard look on her face began to soften and her body stopped quivering. Zuko smiled and crawled back over to his cot. He couldn't help but imagine if he had decided to lay next to her. Just to make her warm of course. She would be so angry and then give me a lecture about respecting personal space. He didn't understand why he got so much joy when she was angry with him. Maybe its how her big blue eyes narrow in on me. Or her cute, tight, pouty lips. Or maybe its how when she's yelling at me, she gets really close to my face and I can actually taste her words. Zuko fell asleep cold and blanketless, but happy.

A/N: Thanks for reading :) and please please review! I love your suggestions, especially around Katara and Zuko ;) but remember I want to stick to my T rating. I know this chapter is a bit short but I just wanted to put something out there. REVIEW!