Authors note: I really like…enjoyed this chapter. It brings in so many new characters. I won't say too much but…yeah. Please review.

Chapter Eleven

So Everybody's Here

"Come on inside," Zuko said, motioning into the house.

Katara looked around a few times before walking in. Her face was growing hot and she began to start the thinking the entire thing was a dream. Katara pinched herself in order to clear that reckless thought.

"Are you okay?" Zuko asked.

Katara eyes went wide and she nodded quickly, her voice at a loss.

"Okay then…"

Zuko's hands were clammy as he walked into the kitchen, Katara followed behind him. He was just as nervous as her, with nothing to say or do.

Katara though, brought her attention to the decorations. The house seemed intolerably plain and boring. There were only a few chairs and drapes. The only thing Katara could make out as a real decoration was a small tea pot on a table.

Katara smiled as the face of Mr. Iroh came to mind. Little did she know Zuko was watching her the whole time, thinking the same thought.

"He gave it to me before I left…ten months ago."

Katara glanced at Zuko, nodding slowly. She let her hand skim the surface of the glass. It was a cool feeling that she enjoyed. Touching it once more, Katara turned back to Zuko.

"It's very pretty…" she murmured.

Katara went back to following Zuko who was pulling out two coffee mugs. She sighed, trying to ease the nerves all around her.

"It was kind of hard to catch up and work so uh…let's catch up here."

"Okay." Katara answered.

Katara knew there wasn't much to catch up on but at least he was trying. Setting the coffee down, Zuko took a seat. Silence filled the room.

"So uh…what school do you go to?" Zuko asked suddenly.

"Concord High…you?

"I'm in a community college…"

"That's nice…"

"It is…"

"Great…"

Katara twisted her hair in her fingers, hoping Zuko didn't hear her heart pounding. Zuko's face was twisted in confusion and disgust. He couldn't stand one more minute of it.

"This is too awkward," he stated.

Katara couldn't believe how much the words had been taken straight out of her mouth.

She was about to make a big speech on why she agreed but her words were gone, again.

She just nodded, muttering, "Yeah..."

"Maybe we could talk sometime...you know, like normal people."

Katara smiled, "Sometimes normal people don't know what to say."

"I guess I forgot…well…how have you been, Katara?

"I've been good…I miss my home."

"I don't blame you...H.Taed is-"

"A horrible place.

Zuko looked up, rather surprised. He didn't expect Katara to speak out with such anger in her voice. He knew there was more to the story then what she led on. However, Zuko let it alone. The two we're still trying to get over the fact that they were actually with each other again.

"It's sad, what happened to it."

"What did-" Katara started.

"It's a long story that I'm sure you would grow bored of."

"I do have a short attention spand."

"Yeah, you sure did...I mean..." Zuko stuttered.

Katara grinned, her senses finally at ease. She actually felt content, for one moment. It was like the ten months weren't there at all. Zuko was still her friend and they could still talk. Though, deep in her heart, Katara knew things had changed forever.

"Well…would you like some more coffee?

Katara didn't even notice but her whole mug was dry. She didn't even remember taking one sip. She just gave a short nod and handed the mug back.

While Zuko was filling it up he could hear the usual racket upstairs.

"Stop all that noise and come downstairs!" he screamed.

Katara thought he was just being funny at first but when she heard footsteps, she knew it wasn't a joke.

"There's someone you should meet..." Zuko said in a rather low tone.

Katara stared at him and he stared back. Slowly, she sat up and walked over to Zuko's side. Then she turned to the stairs and left out a low gasp.

There was a short boy, who looked skinnier and younger than what his age probably was. He had a hooded beanie on his head, with an over-sized a hoodie, and jeans on. He had a simple expression on his face that didn't even really look a like an expression at all. Is eyes were glassy, making it seem as if he was looking right through her.

"Katara, this is my foster brother…Aang."

Katara forgot her manners for a second but soon regained herself. Reaching out her hand, she smiled faintly.

"It's nice to meet Aang…" Katara mumbled.

Aang didn't even nod. It was like she hadn't said a word. Katara slowly pulled her hand lamely back to her side.

"It's very nice to meet you," Katara repeated.

Still he said nothing.

"My foster brother is kind of shy."

Katara saw Zuko do something quick with his hands and watched as Aang walked away. Zuko sighed and then glimpsed at Katara.

"He's also mute."

Katara felt a jolt go through her body as she heard this. No wonder he hadn't spoken was all she could think of…

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"So we're doing it?"

"Yeah, we're doing it."

"And he's in."

"He's in."

"Good…"

"Let's get ready then."

Jin threw a gun over to Yue who put it into her belt. Azula, putting one in her boot gave a smirk.

"I'm surprised…I can't believe Zu-Zu's actually helping us out."

Jin nodded, "He'll help us out all right."

Ruon-Jian smiled, "I'm ready, you?"

Loading his gun, longshot gave a simple nod of the head.

"How about you, Jun?"

"Yeah…let's do it."

Azula opened the door, whispering to herself, "Let's make Jet proud."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"He was just born that way…"

"Oh…"

Katara looked down in dismay only for Zuko to say something quickly.

"But he talks to me…through sign language."

"That's nice."

"Yeah…"

Zuko looked around, thinking to himself before he jumped up aftering glancing at the kitchen clock.

"I have to go somewhere…I'm so sorry. I have to-"

"It's okay…I'll just see you tomorrow," Katara remarked.

"Okay," Zuko answered back.

Katara gave a short smile before pacing outside. She felt like she was on air. Everything went…well for the most part. Maybe she would tell Souza about it if he was interested.

Katara was so lost in thought that she ran right into the person running up the road who was also not watching the sidewalk either.

"Sorry…" the girl muttered, running past Katara.

Katara watched as she ran up Zuko's path way and knock on his door. She turned away quickly so he wouldn't think she was watching him but could hear in a faint voice.

"Toph, what are you doing here?

"I want to talk to Aang; I have to show him something."

"Come on in but don't do…"

Whatever else was said was lost in the wind as Katara headed home.

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Authors note: So…do you all like the new characters? I know I do…I'll try to update soon.