YEAH! The next chapter of Fire's Ice! Jet's in the mix now… hmmm… trouble on the horizon? Please give me heaps and heaps of reviews, because I'm pitiful and I live off them. I'll try to make a chapter for Aang and Toph, but right now, I really want to focus on Zuko and Katara.

Disclaimer: Avatar is out of my reach. The writers did that because they knew I would not be able to resist show crossovers with Inuyasha.

Katara lay in bed that night, alternately holding her cheek and cursing Jet. Now that he was back, there would be nothing but trouble. She knew from experience that the boy was crazy, and that he was determined. If he had asked for her, he would not stop until he had spoken to her. She didn't think she could handle that. The Water-Bender rolled over in her bed and looked out the window.

I wonder how my masked savior is doing.

Said savior was just bursting through a gap between two apartment buildings that stood close to his own lodgings. In his hand was a map and written orders from fire Lord Ozai. Stopping for a few moments, the Blue Spirit slid into the dark shadows of the adobe building, his amber eyes scanning the reports while his ears listened for followers.

Father is getting cocky. He thinks that by building up defenses in the surrounding towns, he will cause Ba Sing Sei to surrender.

The boy shook his head and tucked the papers into his tunic. After a quick look around, the masked bandit darted out from his hiding place. He stopped by the stairs that led to the small room he and his Uncle shared, Zuko removed his mask and pulled the skin-tight hood away from his head. He stealthily climbed the stairs, careful of steps five and seven, because they creaked loudly. When he got to the room, Iroh was sound asleep in his cot, the room barely visible in the weak moonlight. Zuko removed his shirt and put it and the mask beneath his mattress. He would study the map later. As he slipped into bed, Zuko was finally content for the first time in his life. With his scar hidden, he was free to stand tall and fearless. He could look Katara in the eyes without hiding his face. The Fire Nation Prince closed his eyes and slowly slipped into a dream that vaguely resembled peace.

The next morning, Katara dressed quickly, hoping to get to the shop before the morning rush. For the past few days, she had been late, and Lee had berated her fiercely. Not even the kind words from Iroh removed the sting of his nephew's angry tongue. Katara was in the middle of braiding her hair and putting on her boots when Aang and Toph tumbled in. Katara looked at them with interest but did not stop dressing.

"Katara, it's Saturday! Why are you going to work?" Aang went to the girl's side and sat down, his gray eyes disappointed. Toph brushed herself off and sat on Katara's other side.

"Ya see, Aang, Katara has a real job that pays good wages. She can't afford to take too much time off. Especially since she gets tomorrow to rest." Aang glared at the Earth-Bender indignantly and puffed out his chest.

"I work,Toph. I make money and I have fun. Just because I don't spend every day of my life at my job doesn't mean I don't work as hard as everyone else! Look at you! How long do you work before you take a break?"

"Are you suggesting I don't work hard, Twinkle Toes?!" Toph stood up and poked Aang's chest. "You're just mad because you bring home the least amount of money, and to top it all off, you never see your precious Katara!" Aang blushed, but then stood to his feet.

"You don't know what you're talking about, Toph."

"Uh, guys?" Katara gently parted the two children, who were currently standing nose to nose. "Look, as much as I'd love to stick around and hear the rest of this lovely banter, I'm going to be late." Aang and Toph slowly stood back, allowing Katara room to slip between them.

"Oh, Katara? Before you go, could I get the name and address of the Tea Shop you work at?" Katara eyed Aang skeptically, wondering why all of the sudden he needed to know.

"Why?"

"'Cause me an' Toph are gonna come visit you later!" the girl sighed, then told him.

"Just don't expect me to stop and talk. It gets really busy and I can't afford to stop."

Much less talk. Lee would have a deer-cow!

Aang simply waved her off and returned to Toph, who was striking up another argument.

"And besides, Twinkle Toes! You haven't been practicing your Bending since…" Katara didn't hear the rest as she dashed out of the house. She raced down the winding road that led from the Upper District to the Middle, and then turned down three different streets until she made it to the shop. Just as she stopped, Iroh was unlocking the door from the inside.

"Katara! You are here early!"

"Yes. I'm sorry I've been late these past few days."

"Do not worry! Come, get your apron and we will begin brewing." Katara slipped past the wide old man and headed for the kitchen. Lee's back was turned to her as she came in, but she ignored him as she began hunting for the tan apron.

"Looking for this?" Katara looked up and was stunned. Lee was facing her, and if that wasn't enough, he was… sexy! There was a distinct ruggednessto his face, but nothing on the smooth and handsome surface bespoke ugliness or disfigurement. His eyes, amber in the light, captivated her, stealing any conscious thought. She looked down, and saw that his outstretched hand held her apron. Katara found her fingers trembling as she took it.

"Thank you." It was all she could do to keep from stuttering. Hs face was familiar to her, but it was impossible to place a finger on the memory of where she had seen it before.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was Zuko's twin brother!

"Well, don't just stand there, help me get the pots ready for the tea!" Katara snapped to attention at Lee's command, tying her apron around her before going to his side and grabbing trays and teapots.

"Lee and Katara, we've got customers coming!"

"It's a damn good thing you're here on time. Otherwise I'd be doing this myself, and there'd be hell to pay." Lee's spiteful words made Katara grit her teeth.

"Admit it, Lee. You would be lost without me!"

"Huh?"

"You need me, Lee." Katara sighed dramatically while twirling about. "Without my assistance, you would be knee deep in ostrich-horse crap, and you know it!"

"How dare you-"

"Lee? Are you coming or not?!" as Zuko scrambled to find a scathing retort, Katara was already sailing out of the kitchen, a smile on her face. The boy growled low in his throat, but smirked slightly.

She's learning to hit back…

For the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, the two would banter back and forth, sometimes viciously, sometimes playfully. The air between them was cautious yet respectful, and Iroh could not help but smile when he saw them together, heads bent close as they whispered retort or insults to each other.

Ah, young love…

It was just past one when the bell above the shop door rang. Zuko and Katara were in the kitchen, so Iroh greeted the customers.

"Welcome to the Earth Dragon Tea House!"

"Thank you. A table for three, please." Katara's ears perked up as she heard the voice. It couldn't be…

"Aang?"

"What?" Lee was pouring tea into pots, so he hadn't quite heard her.

"Nothing. I'm going to go take orders."

"Fine, but hurry back in here."

"Yes, your Majesty." Zuko bit his tongue as she said that, but sighed with relief when she was gone. He sometimes wondered how well Katara could read him. If she ever even suspected him, it could be over in a matter of moments.

Katara took three menus from the menu wrack and walked out into the serving area. Sure enough, Aang and Toph were seated at a table close to the shop window. Another person sat with him, but his back was to her.

"Hi, Katara! Aang said happily. Toph merely waved.

"Hi, guys. So, you made it after all."

"Yep! And look who we brought with us."

"Hello, Katara."

"Jet?"