Chapter 10 -

Zuko didn't bother going to practice, nevermind entering the building. He decided to skip University this morning and instead focus his energy on NBA 2k18. It seemed like the best thing to do right now. Plus it meant he was technically practicing his basketball, just not physically. Anyway, it was either that or get wasted and end up having sex with some whore he'd meet at the bar. Other than he needed to get his mind off things, Zuko felt guilty. He fucked up once again. Nowadays, it seemed that was the only thing he was good at. He wouldn't have cared if he neglected a girl like Mai. She was the kind of girl that was never fun to date, you'd get bored of her as a person. Then the sex would get boring too. But Katara Rimo...Zuko shook the thought away.

The familiar ringtone of his iPhone rang, Zuko didn't pay much attention to it. When it rang for the second time, Zuko groaned. He paused the game with an angry expression on his face as he glanced at the screen. It was Sokka. What does he want now, Zuko thought. He ignored it and focused on his game. Then his phone screen lit up again, catching his attention once more. This time Sokka left a message.

Sokka: Dude we're all gonna go out tonight. You should come with, it'll be fun.

Zuko rolled his eyes. Of course, Sokka was always up for drinking and partying. To be honest, right this second, so was Zuko. All this Katara business was making his head spin, and he needed to get a grip. What he needed was a distraction, a way to escape her. Even just for one night, he needed to forget about Katara Rimo. That was the logical solution in his mind, but it was also the most cowardly. It was so simple, a window of opportunity to run away from his problems again. To run away from his heart again. Zuko groaned and smacked his forehead defeated. Get it together Zuko! He thought, Stop being a little bitch. If you like her just tell her goddamnit!

He was tired of feeling sorry himself, tired of making excuses, tired of running. As he exhaled, he tried to silence the voices in his head and listen to his heart. Though it was just a series of thumps, they were communicating a straightforward and sincere message. He was falling for Katara Rimo, and he was going to tell her today.

Katara laid flat on her back, staring at the ceiling intensely as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. She hummed to the beat of the music playing in the background of her room. Hasley's new song "Without me," was now Katara's favorite. The song expressed her anger, rage, and frustration. Just who does he think he is anyway, he has some nerve messing with me like that, Katara thought. Her head turned to the side to see her roommate enter the room. Uninterested, Katara went back to staring at the ceiling.

"You're really going to mope all day?" Yue asked.

"I'm not moping," Katara mumbled.

"Yeah keep telling yourself that, maybe it will get more convincing."

"Just leave me alone already, you're not helping."

"I'm not helping because I'm telling you the truth and not pitying you? Suki might go along with this, but I'm not!"

"Yue please just-"

"Get the fuck up Katara."

"No! Some jerk-"

"Used you for sex I know. And he's an ass for that. But staring at the ceiling isn't going to make you feel better-"

"Then what will?"

"We're going out tonight. You need to get drunk, get lit and make out with some cute boy to get over this."

"Nope."

"Too bad I didn't ask your opinion, it's happening. Now put on your sluttiest outfit and let's party!"

Katara rolled her eyes but couldn't help but giggle. She did hate partying but right now just about anything sounded good. Plus breathing in the same consecutive air in the room was becoming overwhelming. She needed to go out and do something different, something reckless. Something that would make her feel alive so she wouldn't feel numb anymore. She knew alcohol was only a temporary antidote to her pain, but it would be enough to help her get back on her feet. Katara finally got up from the bed and walked to her closet to pulled out a sheer crop top with a pink skirt.

"How's this?" She asked winking at her best friend.

"So you'll go?" Yue said with hints of excitement in her voice.

Katara nodded, and Yue squealed.

Later that night...

Zuko knocked on the door for the third time but still got no response. Zuko leaned against the window, trying to peek inside but saw no sign that anyone was inside. It was already dark, and the sky was spitting raindrops all over Zuko's pale face. He rubbed his hands together in an attempt to keep himself warm, as he looked around the front door. How convenient that on the day that he was prepared to grow the fuck up and be a man, Katara Rimo decided to not be home! Though he probably deserved it for being an ass in the first place - this was definitely Karma.

"Are you looking for someone?" A female voice asked.

Zuko turned to his left to see a girl with tan skin and dark raven hair like his own. She was shorter than him and looked a little familiar. She walked closer and stood to face him.

"Yeah, Katara Rimo? A friend told me she lives here", Zuko replied.

"She does, but she's not in. She's expecting a package, so she asked me to take it for her in case she comes back late."

"Do you have any idea where she might be?"

"She went to the club down the street."

"Thanks a lot umm..."

"Jin. You really don't remember me? I asked you on a date once, but you turned me down?" Jin revealed, triggering a memory in Zuko's brain.

"You! Oh right, sorry I didn't recognize you", Zuko said apologetically.

"It's alright, I have changed my appearance. But anyway, go get your girlfriend."

"How did you-"

"Your uncle is not very good at keeping secrets."

Uncle! Zuko thought. Zuko chucked awkwardly while cursing his uncle in his head, also trying to hide his master plan to make the old man pay. He would have to have a word with him later. Zuko thanked Jin and apologized sheepishly for not recognizing her. Jin just chuckled then pushed him in the direction that led out of the building. Zuko nodded and took off running.

A few hours ago the club sounded like a great place one could drown in their own sorrow, but with the music roaring out of speakers and people puking left and right, Katara was beginning to have second thoughts. Just because she was upset, that didn't mean she stopped being reasonable. After all, last time she decided to take her chances with alcohol, it blew up in her face. She ended up having sex with Zuko. Not that she regretted it, although she did wish it would've been on her terms.
Katara watched for afar as Yue and Sokka went all out on the dance floor. Sokka practically had two left feet while Yue was a swan, one had elegance while the other lacked finesse. They made an exciting couple those two, at least Katara always thought so. She sighed loudly. The two of them happy as they were, was a reminder of what she didn't have. Something that she dreamt of for so long.

But who was she kidding? She was hurt, upset and broken. Her remedy couldn't be found in a couple of glasses of scotch or Vodka. Her pain couldn't be erased by a night of dirty dancing. Katara was beginning to realize that she could effortlessly lie to everyone else, but she was a fool if she thought she could convince her own heart that she didn't love him. Want him. Need him. Zuko was a great sex buddy for sure, he made her feel amazing every time. But the times when they didn't have sex were the best. He held her in his arms, his sweet words were very comforting. If only he didn't have to be a part-time asshole.

"I'll have a martini," Katar said to the bartender and threw a bill on the counter. The bartender pushed a glass in front of Katara in return. Katara didn't hesitate and startled gulping down the liquid.

"Of all the places to be on a Friday night, I never imagined you'd be here," he said smirking over her shoulder.

"Go away Jet," Katara spat.

"Always so hostile. Why don't you come and dance with me?" Jet proposed and before she could refuse, he grabbed her hand and dragged her on the dance floor. The air was hot under the lights, and the bodies that were moving in a cluster were making her uncomfortable. Jet positioned his hands firmly on her hips, with her back against his chest. Katara could feel his erection rubbing against her skirt, Katara closed her eyes disgusted.

"That's all it took it to make you pipe down?" He laughed.

"Alright you've had your fun, let me go," Katara said.

"Nah I'm just getting started, darling."

Jet whisked her away again to a hidden corner in the club, away from the poles and the dancing. In a place like this everyone was either kissing, drinking or throwing money so no one would think to suspect non-consensual groping. He put his hands on either side of her, making her unable to move. He began kissing her neck, while he slid one hand down her skirt.

"What do you want?" Katara whimpered.

"You in my bed like old times."

"If you think I'd ever spend the night after what you put me through-"

"You're not exactly in a position to say no Kat," Jet whispered as he brushed his finger against her pussy lips.

"Please..."

"I'm sorry what was that? Was the mighty Katara begging?"

There was no way Katara was enjoying indulging her ex-boyfriend by playing a pretty, helpless girl. Her breath was shallow as she watched him do as he pleased with her body. She wasn't stupid enough to try anything, after all, she knew first hand how strong Jet really was. Why did this always happen to her? All she ever wanted was a guy who wasn't crazy or a sex addict. Unfortunately, she found herself involved with both. Multiple times. Was it because she always seemed to offer herself up as a desperate idiot? Or was she just genuinely unlucky in love? She heard Jet's zipper fly down, Katara gulped. Then she gasped as she felt IT rub against her behind. A tear fell from her eye. She didn't have the guts to say out loud, so she screamed in her head instead - Somebody...help me.

"Get the fuck off her now!"

"You're going to regret interrupting me doing my business!"

Katara's eyes opened wide as she watched a tall boy with dark hair and golden eyes tackled Jet to the ground and hold him there quite easily. He gave him a good few hits to the mouth before people startled to crowd around the scene. It wasn't long before someone pulled Zuko off of a very bruised Jet. Katara fell to knees. Her eyes were dilating in shock, slowing losing herself when her terrorized eyes were met by reassuring gold ones.

"Hey, it's over," he said softly, "I'm here."

"Zuko," Katara said slowly not quite sure if he was real. She held out her hand and placed it on his cheek. He certainly felt real, especially that old scar on his face. He was here, he came to her rescue. That bastard, of course, he had to play prince charming. Usually, she'd resent him for it, but this time he slew a dragon. He saved her life, it was time she appreciated that.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," he said bringing her close to his chest.

"Why...why did you come tonight?" She asked.

"You've been through too much tonight, we'll talk about it later-"

"Tell me."

Zuko sighed.

"You told me to find you when I figure out what we are and I have. I know I messed up, multiple times. I've screwed with you when you're the one person I swore I wouldn't fuck around with. I'm sorry. But I'm not good with my feelings and shit. I fuck up a lot. I know I'm not the kind of guy you deserve, but I still want you Katara. I'm crazy about you. I think about you more than I should, and I guess I didn't know how to deal with that. I got scared once again and pushed you away."

Katara looked down at the ground quickly, but Zuko lifted her chin.

"But I'm ready to stop messing around and be with you. For real this time, just like you want. I'll treat you right", Zuko spoke sincerely.

"No games, no lies?" She asked.

"None whatsoever babe. I know what I want now, and I want you."

"Then stay with me. Don't leave me alone, take me home", Katara cried.

"I'm not going anywhere," Zuko replied kissing her forehead.