Should I listen to my heart or to my mind? Or should I blend both out so I could focus on my job at hand without ruining my future?

I stared out the bus window at the wide expanse of the Yamuna river in the distance, while Toph dozed off beside me. I had hardly slept last night. The kiss had left me tossing and turning with a longing that wasn't purely physical, and torture I never before fathomed. It felt as if I had never been kissed before, as if I had never felt lust before. Of course, my loveless relationship—if you could even call it that—with Tonrar had meant many a night where I longed for someone to cherish me, body and soul, now and for the rest of my life…but never had the pent-up desire frustrated me so much, and never had I yearned for one particular person.

The morning felt unusual and the bus ride even stranger. A person sitting at his usual spot in the corner at the back of the bus, staring out the window and seeming darker and lonelier than before. Had Zuko slept last night? Had he dreamed of me the way I had dreamed of him during fitful minutes of sleep close to sunrise?

My stomach clenched. Because it was empty? Because I felt guilty about the kiss? Because I wanted much more than that simply phenomenal kiss?

The Gulf Coast rolled into view, the river meeting the vast ocean, jolting me awake, or at least half awake.

I had a job at hand, for fuck's sake, one that I worked hard for and began to neglect…and one without which I'd never have fallen into this trap of temptation. Dammit, why did I have to fall for this hot and clever Ignisian who surely saw me as no more than a holiday fling?!

Determined to survive this and come out unscathed, I shut myself off from the emotional whirlwind threatening to carry me out to sea and drown me. At the moment, Shu was addressing our sleepy tour group.

"Let me wish you all a good morning again now that the first highlight of the day is in prominent view and begging for our attention."

He made a sweeping motion with his arms as the bus took them past the road sign and everybody started to crane their neck.

"Welcome to Gulf Coast of Yami."

Allowing a small break, he smiled at us and continued to blurt facts and outlined our day's activities. The bus stopped at an old fort and we all filtered out. I hung around unusually close to Toph, which she noticed but didn't say anything, but knowing her she was going to grill me later. Aang was with us too and he, unfortunately, called Zuko over and engaged in enthusiastic conversation about music, based on Zuko's performance last night. Even though he was in conversation with Aang, I could feel his gaze on me and I proceeded to turn myself further away from him by pointing out to Toph the features of the old fort. A few minutes later, Shu gathered us all around and explained the history of the fort built by ancient Water Tribe Warriors. My gaze helplessly flitted over Zuko, who was standing next to Aang, and I had to swallow at the scowl on his face. Was he nettled that I ignored him? Hey, maybe I had a strategy! I'd ignore him for this whole day, and then my stupid heart and even sillier mind would realize it was all a foolish dream leading to disaster, and would inevitably decide to forget him.

We marched ahead among much photo-taking and appreciative remarks about the view. I inhaled the salty scent of ocean and the musky scent of the river, readjusting my pace and movement so that Toph and I were several feet away from Zuko.

"What's going on, Sugar Queen?", Toph asked, intuitive to my antsy behaviour.

I feigned cluelessness, "What? Nothing. We are just walking along the coast."

"Cut the crap, Katara. You've been weird all morning. Not mention, you're avoiding Sparky. You two always go off on your own, don't think I haven't noticed."

I groaned, "Okay, shush!"

Frantically, I looked around to see if anyone was listening in on our conversation and explained, "Zuko and I…uhh – We…uhh…kissed, after last night's party."

"And you're avoiding him, why?"

"Cause' it isn't right! Engaged remember!" I exclaimed, in a frustrated whisper, "It's for the best if I distanced myself."

"Sweetness, you know this is just going to hurt more."

I shook my head in defiance, "I know I'm just some holiday fling to him and he's going to leave anyways."

"Are you serious?", Toph huffed, clearly annoyed at my attitude, ""I'm beginning to wonder who's really the blind one around here."

As she said this, she stalked off to catch up with Aang and I groaned. I was being the rational one, while she was enabling my feelings and actions…right?

As, I trudged on while at the back of the group, I began to absently write in my notepad about my thoughts on the Gulf Coast to distract myself from my sour mood. I guess I wasn't watching where I was walking and stumbled into somebody's back.

"Sorry," I mumbled at the person, still not looking up from my notepad.

"You're Katara, right?", said person asked.

I finally looked up, putting my notes away. It was the man-bun guy from Achalaregno, who's name I couldn't recall instantly, so I looked at him blankly.

"You're…uhhh…"

"Haru."

"Right," I said, attempting to move forward.

But, before I could go, Haru continued, "You were really great last night."

I blushed, "Umm…thanks. It was just karaoke."

"Regardless, you did the song justice."

I laughed and we walked ahead, while Haru continued to make conversation with me. Even when I tried to break conversation to get some time to myself and admire the breezy coastline, Haru never left my side and followed me like a lost puppy. I was flattered that I interested him, but I just wasn't feeling right with myself to carry on conversation as if there was no turmoil inside me. As Haru continued to stick by me, I could feel waves of jealousy and rage emanate from Zuko's direction whenever I addressed Haru.

We spent a few more minutes of walking on top of the old fort before Shu steered us to the visitor's center and the fort's onsite museum. Shu guided us through the museum, pointing out the most interesting exhibits and supplying additional information. After the tour of the museum, we walked out to enjoy the fort again, specifically the light-house portion, posing for pictures and exploring its surroundings. After having a look at the tall, white lighthouse, we found our way back to the hotel.

We ate a sumptuous lunch, which I purposely had at a table that seated four with Toph, Aang and Haru, avoiding having to spend time with Zuko. I could feel his eyes on me all the time, and it made eating nearly impossible, but I had hardly eaten at breakfast, so I was determined not to let him—or my own feelings—get in the way of food.

The next day, after all the historical sites and trekking, we got another free day to relax and do as we please. We travelled to the other end of Yami to a coastal town called Medhra, which always attracted a certain peace-loving, flower adorned, weed-smoking, nomad-like community due to the town's emphasis on getting in tune with one's water chakra. Apart from that, the coastal town was also a paradise for watersport lovers. The town was famous for its white beaches, coral reefs and crystalline waters.

I could see most of our tour group dressed casually or in swimming clothes, ready for a day of relaxation. Our hotel was spectacular and gave easy access to the beach, since it was located right on it. Everything about the resort spoke of a laid-back attitude and invited the guests to relax and wallow in all the comforts a holiday by the ocean had to offer. Trance music wafted out from speakers at a low volume and added to the chill factor.

I met Toph and Aang at the beach, my gaze shying away from Zuko but eventually landing on him as if he were a magnet and I a piece of metal. He was dressed in shorts sitting fashionably low on his lean hips and accentuating his perfect butt. His sleeveless muscle tee was loose, but as he stood with his arms folded across his chest, it was molded to his muscles and accentuated his arms which made my mouth water.

He turned from staring at the ocean, and our eyes met. I blushed and quickly averted my eyes. What happened to my plan to ignore him? Were a few hours of not being with him already too much to bear?

I pulled herself together. Aang and I decided we wanted to go on a ride in a glass bottom boat and enjoy some snorkeling or diving, which Toph was not pleased about, but we assured her it would be fun. With our day planned, we headed out, when Aang invited Haru and Zuko to join. Fan-fucking-tastic, I angrily thought to myself.

I plastered a fake smile onto my face, but then my heart skipped a beat because Zuko and Haru both stepped next to me while we walked. The two of them glared at each other, and I felt like laughing at their stupidity and mine. Looked like my strategy backfired, where now instead of keeping my mind off Zuko, I had him and Haru seeking my attention. With a mental shake of my head, I quietly just followed Toph and Aang.

The first place we visited was the National Aquatic Park, which depicted captivating underwater flora and fauna that had us spellbound. The guide on the boat told us about the 150 species of fish, the 80 species of corrals, and the endless list of seagrass and marine algae. He drew gasps of delight from us when he pointed out a majestically floating baby lion turtle and one ridiculously fat dugong feeding stoically on seagrass. We saw crabs and sea worms, oysters and eight species of ornamental fish, each more colorful than the other. The guide pointed out big, solitary corals shaped like a yellow brain. There were other astonishing ones, shaped like stag horns or like broad, turquoise mushrooms. Huge table corals were everywhere.

I was lost in staring at a big school of tiny fishes swarming around grotesquely shaped corals when I felt a cool, long-fingered hand on my arm and nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Zuko, don't scare me like that!" I snapped, pulling my arm from his grip although my whole being screamed not to lose touch. He frowned at me for a second before jerking his head toward the other side of the boat.

"Come and see this," he said, and I walked over.

A sleek silver body could be spotted weaving in and out of the corals, startling the small fish into bolting in a cloud of color.

"Do you think that's a shark squid?" Zuko asked, standing as close to me as possible and scowling at Haru when he joined us.

"Why yes, it is," the voice of the guide interrupted us. "This is a blacktip reef shark squid, easily identified."

Just then the underwater predator swam into clear focus, as if knowing we were discussing it. Sure enough, the shark squid had prominent black tips on all its fins and tentacles. It was around 5 feet long and looked greatly intimidating. As soon as it had caught sight of the gaping tourists, it vanished with lightning speed.

I moved away, staying by myself for the rest of the boat ride. I felt Zuko's gaze on me again, and an incessant longing to be by his side burned inside me. I missed his eye for all things unique and his attention to the details around us. I missed his velvety, yet raspy voice. I missed his scent, clouding and sharpening my senses all at the same time. I missed being with someone who understood me, respected me, wanted me.

After our boat excursion, we walked up the shore, bought some king coconuts to drink from and stopped by a seemingly random fountain on the far end of the beach. Looking at the plaque on the base of the fountain, it read 'Tsunami Memorial'. It explained why there were handwritten poems, letters to the deceased, children's artwork, personal accounts and photographs littered around the base.

I gasped, to which Zuko, who was also looking at the plaque, turned to me. At this point, everyone else was enjoying a refreshing drink of king coconuts to regain their spirits. His eyes reflected the tragedy, carrying hurt deep inside them, showing just how emotional he was despite his closed off façade. I couldn't pull away from his deep gaze.

"Were you…I mean, did you lose…did it affect you directly?" he asked, his voice was slightly croaky. I knew mine would sound even more hoarse and hurt, so I merely nodded.

An unpleasant shiver coursed through me when I knew just what this place meant. Cousin Sangok. Aunt Lela's and Uncle Toro's son.

"M – my uncle and aunt, remember the one's we visited, lost their son to this very sea. I'm so stupid for not realizing sooner."

Sangok lived in Yami in his 20's wanting to be close the wildlife and to help preserve the endangered species. A few years after I was born, a deadly tsunami hit the Isle, mostly affecting Yami due to its lack of upcountry. His body wasn't even found to return to my devastated uncle and aunt. A year after that, was the tragedy of my parent's deaths and despite their old age, my uncle and aunt took little Sokka and I in. They channeled the love they had for Sangok into raising us. Sangok's death is the very reason I didn't fuss about wanting to travel around the Isle, since I understood their reluctance of letting one of their own go away alone, where anything can happen. Being at the memorial made my heart ache.

I looked to Zuko, who's body hadn't lost some its tension and I wondered why it mattered so much to him. What was it to him if a girl who wouldn't even willingly be his holiday fling had somehow been impacted from a tsunami that was decades ago or not? Was he just such a caring and concerned person in general? My heart swelled with renewed admiration. Damn, he was too good to be true…

Even though he didn't ask, I told of him what I knew about my cousin, the grief that struck my aunt and uncle and the overall tragic impact on the Water folk. It made the ache I felt for my family lessen as I talked about them freely. Only once I was done, did I realize that alongside Zuko, the other three were also hanging on every word. I rubbed my neck.

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry for casting such a gloom on this day. I shouldn't have said anything…"

They assured me that they didn't mind at all and offered condolences. After, I told them to follow me over to the drink vendor. I told them I wanted to show them a trick I learned from my relatives. I handed my empty king coconut to the vendor and asked him to cut it open so I could scoop out the delicious whitish, glibber of fruit flesh inside the shells. Digging into the soft, juicy coconut flesh, I realized that all their eyes were still on me and so I gestured them to try it. They all cautiously tried it out, seeming to enjoy it. Zuko glanced at them, at me and at the unsuspecting coconut with its orange shell.

He grabbed my hand. It was still holding the piece of shell I had used to scoop out the flesh, and he leaned down while lifting my arm to his face. Before I knew it, he had taken a bite from my piece, letting go of my wrist reluctantly afterward. I, incredulously, stared at Zuko, blinking, still feeling his touch burn on my skin.

Haru, who was probably peeved and jealous, interrupted us.

"So, are we going to the hit the pool anytime today?"

I blinked some more before I absent-mindedly handed my half-eaten coconut to the vendor to throw out, while the rest of them unanimously decided to return to the hotel. As soon as we reached it, I all but ran off to be on my own, as the rest of them headed poolside.

While walking along the corridor to get to my room, I heard footsteps behind me. In an instant, Zuko was by my side.

"Are you running away from me?" he asked.

I stopped abruptly and rounded on him, sounding angrier than I should. "Don't be so full of yourself. I'm tired and dying to have a shower and unwind. You should do the same."

Zuko studied me for a minute, his face serious.

"You've been avoiding me all day," he insisted.

"I have not. In case you haven't realized it, I have a Toph and Aang, who I'd like to spend time with."

I knew I sounded ridiculous and mean, but I didn't want to accept the truth or stroke his ego. Thinking of stroking his ego brought up unbidden thoughts about letting my hands roam his fine-toned body with its dents and crevices, which was now also lightly tanned. I swallowed.

He glowered at me, while looming over me.

His voice was an angry growl when he bit out, "Fine, I can live with you ignoring me…but I can't live with you throwing yourself at the next-best man in the group."

Part of me was filled with glowing satisfaction. So, he had indeed been jealous, just as I had wanted to claw those women's eyes out when they had stuck to him like leeches after the karaoke night. Another part of me knew this was becoming dangerous. He sounded so possessive.

"I did not throw myself at him. And even if I did, it's none of your business."

He grabbed my arms and pushed me back until I was standing with my back against the corridor wall and his body pressed against mine. He lowered his head and gazed at the pulse hammering in my throat.

"None of my business? No, maybe not. But then it shouldn't have been any of your business what Star and Jin did or didn't do with me last night."

He still had my arms pinned against the wall, his strong fingers wrapped around my wrists, his breath brushing over my face. La, my senses were on overdrive.

"Let me go," I gritted out through clenched teeth, but my body had ceased struggling long ago. It was all I could do not to lean into him. His shark grin reappeared, and his eyes grew deeper.

"You're adorable when you're pretending to be angry," he said, his voice not much more than a whisper.

I swallowed and felt my face heat under his words and gaze.

"Were you running from me? Be honest," Zuko demanded.

His body pressed tighter against mine, one of his muscled thighs between my legs, and it felt so damn right.

I nodded in defeat. I didn't want to talk now, dammit.

"Why?"

Yes, why? How could I answer? What should I answer? The words slipped out unbidden.

"Because I'm scared."

Zuko tensed before he let go of my arms and took a step back. I ached for contact again, hardly able to stand straight and face his gaze that was so full of desire and now also worry.

"Of me?" he asked, and I shook my head.

Fighting for control, I stammered, "This…we…it's not right, what we're doing. We shouldn't…We're both tourists, from opposite sides of the world, who'll vanish again in a few days, there's no point in getting invested. We shouldn't give in to whatever we're feeling."

He sighed and ran both hands back through his hair, then fixed me in his glare again.

"So at least you admit there is something between us."

I blushed, and my tongue darted out to moisten my dry lips. A low growl escaped him, and he pressed me back against the wall, this time bracing his hands on either side of my head.

"What if I don't care that we shouldn't?"

I shivered, relishing the feel of his body against mine.

"Zuko…please…," I whispered, not knowing whether I was pleading for him to leave me alone or to kiss me again.

Footsteps echoing through the corridor had us jerk apart. I hastily brought some space between us and avoided to look at the room boy who wheeled a tea tray along. Without another word, I hastened off toward my room, and Zuko didn't follow.

AN: The tsunami story was inspired by the one that hit countries along the Indian Ocean in 2004.