Two Honor & Assumption chapters in one week! A present for all of you for being such amazing fans! Enjoy! :)
Chapter Twelve
Date: November 19th, 2009
Time: 5:00 PM
Place: Pura Residence
"Finally done for the day," Katara said to herself as she walked up the steps to her house. With the end of the term coming up, her tutoring and her secret tutoring with Zuko, she was exhausted. "I just need a nice cup of hot tea and..." She paused with her hand on the door knob. Voices were coming from the kitchen. Who would be here at this hour? Sokka was still out with Suki, so she had gotten a ride home from the student she was tutoring. But Gran Gran was definitely home, but with who?
Taking a deep breath, Katara slowly turned the knob, praying the door wouldn't squeak like it usually did. But when she pushed on the tired wood, not a sound was made. Katara frowned. There's no way Sokka fixed this. An uneasy feeling settled in her stomach. If it wasn't Sokka...
Carefully slipping off her boots, she glided her socks against the hardwood floor, the voice growing more clear as she approached the warm kitchen. As soon as she was in the threshold, her stomach flipped uncontrollably. Sitting at her kitchen table was the man she adored more than anything in the world. But what is he doing here? She began to ponder the possibilities when she heard something that couldn't possibly be right.
"Azula won't allow it. Not when she has that tape of Katara," Zuko said, frustrated.
Confusion hit Katara like a tidal wave. What is he talking about? she thought, clutching her stomach at the uneasy feeling that had returned. Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "What tape of me?"
The groan that escaped from Zuko's lips as he buried his head in his hands should have been a warning, but, for some reason, it angered her. Taking a few steps in the room, she gave Gran Gran a look that she would pay for later. Luckily, Gran Gran got the hint and excused herself from the kitchen.
Katara placed her hands on her hips and stared at Zuko. "Zuko, what tape does Azula have of me?" He kept his face buried, as if hiding himself would cause her to forget he had ever said anything.
She had had her suspicions for awhile. Every time she had tried to ask Zuko what leverage Azula had over him, he would change the subject. When she tried to press harder, he would say he had to go. It broke her heart to see him so tormented. She promised herself that if there was any way she could take away the pain, she would.
But now, seeing how he was in her house, without ever telling her, infuriated her. And Gran Gran, too! She couldn't believe both Zuko and Gran Gran has conspired behind her back!
Frustration at Zuko, frustration at Gran Gran, and frustration at herself, boiled in her chest. "Zuko, I am going to ask you one more time or I am walking up the stairs and leaving. What. Tape. Does. She. Have."
She watched as Zuko roughly ran his fingers through his hair, clearly distressed as to what was happening around him. After a few moments, he looked up at her, his eyes filled with defeat and regret. "Okay."
Slowly, Katara walked to the opposite side of the table. When she was seated, Zuko reached out for her hand. She pulled it away, immediately regretting it when she saw the look on his face. She wanted to trust him, she wanted to be with him, only him, forever. But when he was holding on to secrets, there was no way they could be together.
Zuko cleared his throat, causing Katara to focus all her attention on him. "Before I tell you, I just need you to know that everything I did was for you. Please know that. I would do anything for you because I – I love you."
She froze. He-he loves me? She tried to contain her grin, but couldn't. After all this time of hiding their relationship, Zuko finally admitted that he loved her. She was about to say she forgived him when her eyes locked on his. They weren't full of the hope and joy hers held, but of pain and rejection.
Her smile lessened until there was nothing left. Worry sent shivers up her spine. "Zuko, what's going on?" He looked down at his hands, rubbing the calluses on his knuckles. Katara could see the frustration vibrating through his body. His muscles were tight as he took a deep breath in and began to speak.
"Do you remember the night of Jet's party?" He said, barely above a whisper.
Fear gripped Katara's heart as she recalled the events that played out that night. She had tried to forget the way Jet's body felt against hers, how stupid she had been to think he was different. She nodded, gulping down the lump in her throat. She had never seen Zuko so cautious and scared before. A cold sweat began to form on her brow.
Zuko breathed again, this time softer. He looked up, his golden eyes brimming with tears of failure. "After I knew you were safe with Toph, I went back."
"You what?" Katara blinked in confusion, then narrowed her eyes at him. "Why did you go back?"
Zuko slammed his fist on the table, standing up from his chair. She jumped back. "Because I know what kind of guy Jet is, Katara! He was only using you! And you..." Zuko trailed off, turning away from her. He gripped his head with both of his hands as if trying to rip out an image that would never leave.
"I what?" Katara said softer. She had never seen this rage in Zuko before, at least not with her.
"You feel into his trap, just like he wanted," he responded, back still turned to her.
"What do you mean?" Her fear began to churn into panic at Zuko's silence. Suddenly, he turned to face her then walked towards her, dropping to his knees when he approached her chair.
"I never wanted it to happen," he said, his forehead resting on her knees. She could see his shoulders trembling, fighting back the sobs tearing him from inside.
"What happened Zuko?" She asked, lightly placing her hand on his back, stroking his shoulder blade.
The quietest of whispers escaped from his lips. "Jet filmed you."
Katara's hand stopped. "What?"
Zuko lifted his head. Tears were streaming down his face, accentuating the gold in his eyes. "You were drunk, you didn't know what you were doing and he knew it and I didn't know how else to protect you!"
Katara could feel the blood draining from her face. One stupid decision, one stupid mistake would cost her everything. But she still didn't know how Azula fit into everything. Sliding off the chair, she got to her knees and faced Zuko, cupping his face in her hands. "Does Azula know about this?"
A growl escaped from Zuko's lips, then he bowed his head. "Unfortunately, yes. Because I told her."
Katara jerked back. "Why would you do that?"
"Because," Zuko looked up at her again, "If I didn't Jet would. He threatened me that he would. I didn't want you to suffer because of me."
Before she could say anything, he cupped her face, kissing her ferociously on the mouth. It wasn't a kiss of passion, but of desperation of losing everything.
"I love you, more than you can imagine," he said, stroking her cheeks, "I would do anything to protect you. Even be with a woman I don't love."
Katara placed her hands on Zuko's chest. "So, that's why you're dating Mai." She whispered.
Zuko took one of her hands, bringing it up to his mouth and kissing it gently. "If I could be with anyone, it would be you. I will always choose you."
Katara was about to explain how he shouldn't sacrifice his happiness for her. How she wanted him to be happy, too. She wanted them to be happy together. But before she even opened her mouth, an idea popped into her mind. An idea that maybe, just maybe release Azula's hold on Zuko.
She knew Zuko could see the flicker of the idea in her eyes. She quickly took his hands in hers and kissed them the way he had just done. "I love you, too."
Zuko's eyes widened in surprise. "You do?"
Katara laughed, pulling his face towards hers. "Of course I do." She then gave him the deepest, most passionate kiss she could muster. Apparently, it was good enough, for Zuko grasped her waist tight and pulled her onto his lap. The stayed kissing and holding each other until a shout sounded from the door.
"Whoa! What are you doing?!"
Before she could react, Zuko was pulled out from beneath her, causing her to flop to the floor. Katara looked up to see Sokka pinning Zuko against the refrigerator: his left forearm under Zuko's chin, his right, ready to strike.
"Sokka, no!" she shouted, jumping up and rushing towards them.
"Stay out of this, Katara," Sokka growled.
A fire ignited within her. "No, you stay out of it." Sokka looked at her in surprise. "You heard what I said. Now let him go."
With a growl, Sokka stepped away from Zuko, glaring as he walked towards Katara.
"We will discuss this later," he said before exited the kitchen.
Katara waited until Sokka's footsteps had traveled up the stairs to rush to Zuko.
"Are you alright?" she asked, searching his eyes.
"I'm better than alright," Zuko responded, his eyes holding the hope and joy hers had earlier.
Katara smiled. "You should probably go. I don't want you to get hurt." She held back the wince creeping up her neck. She didn't want him to go. She wanted him to stay and hold her the rest of the night. He was the only man she wanted to be with. But, she didn't want to see him in torment any longer. If she could save him from a small amount of misery, she would. It didn't matter what happened to her.
Before Zuko could think, she wrapped her arms around him again and kissed him deeply. He let out a groan, digging his finger tips into her hips, pressing them firmly against his. Katara's body raced with anticipation as she pressed herself as close as possible to him, feeling every inch of his muscles tensing against her body. Zuko's hands began to wander, causing her senses to go wild. Before she could reciprocate, Zuko froze. He pushed her away, shame covering his face.
"You're right," he said hoarsely. "I should go." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before practically running out the door.
Blatantly confused, Katara walked to the kitchen table and sat down. "Maybe I did something wrong," she said to herself. Before she could contemplate her actions, she remembered the idea.
Jumping up from the table, Katara ran to her messenger bag to retrieve her phone. Scrolling down, she pressed the contact name and began typing. After sending the text, she scrolled back up looking for one name in particular. Once found, she pressed the call button and waited.
After three rings, they picked up. "Hello?"
"Hi, how are you?"
"Katara? Hey! I'm great how are you?"
"I'm doing good. Hey, I need to ask you a favor."
"Anything, you name it."
"Can you meet me at Toph's house in about forty-five minutes?"
"Sure, Katara! Do I need to bring anything?"
"No, I think everything we'll need is there."
"Alright! See ya there!
"Ok. Thanks Aang."
"Why do I have to keep saving your butt every time you can't control your hormones?"
Katara sighed. "I know, I know I owe you."
"You better believe you do. Who's the twinkle toes?"
"Hi! I'm-"
"He's with me. Now can we go?"
Toph eyed Katara and Aang on the frontsteps of her mansion. A cool bead of seat dripped down her neck. If Toph didn't help them, she didn't know what she would do.
After a few agonizing moments, a smile broke out on Toph's face. "Of course I'll help. I love doing illegal things. Come on in."
Toph led Katara and Aang to the back room where she had previously learned about some of Zuko's life. If only I could change all of it, she thought to herself, remembering the scars on Zuko's body.
Toph booted up the super computer. "Alright, Sugar Queen," she glanced at Aang, "Twinkle Toes. What do we need to do?"
Aang's eyes grew wide as the computer screens came to life. "Is this the HPL5000?"
A smug grin crossed across Toph's face. "Sure is."
Aang touched the computer screen as if it were made of gold. "Wow, I never thought I'd see one of these."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Katara said, ready to get her plan going. "You get to use it."
"What?" Aang asked, a look of surprised delight passing over his face.
"Yep," Katara said with a weak smile. She hated taking advantage of her prized student (though she knew he never needed tutoring), but if anyone could help her it would be him. "You see, I need to help out a dear friend of mine."
Toph snorted at her label for Zuko. "Dear friend alright."
Katara sent a glare her way then looked back at Aang. "I know that you have amazing computer skills." She noticed the pink tint to his cheeks when she complimented him. "I was wondering if you knew of anyway to completely delete something off the internet or at least hide it from anyone's view."
Aang gave her a quizzical look. "What's this about, Katara?"
Katara felt as if she was going to vomit. She didn't want to lie to Aang, but she didn't want to tell him the complete truth either. She sighed.
"I made a mistake a few months ago, one that I now regret. But, unfortunately, someone taped it and is using it as blackmail." Hopefully a vague truth was better than a flat out lie.
"I see," Aang said, giving her a look of sympathy. He turned towards the computer. "Well, everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance. Let's see what we can do."
In a matter of moments, Aang was typing furiously on the keyboard. Codes of numbers and letters flew across the different screens. Katara and Toph watched in awe as the little boy worked.
An hour passed before Aang turned around. When he did, he had a huge smile on his face. "Okay, Katara, I just need the code or url of the video and we can get rid of it forever."
Katara's eyes grew wide. "The code?" Why didn't I think of getting that from Zuko?
Worry clouded Aang's face. "Yes. I need that to that my code can delete the right video."
"I don't have it," Katara said, frustrated that her plan would've worked if she hadn't gotten so wrapped up in Zuko...literally.
"That's ok," Toph said from the corner of the room. Katara jerked, forgetting she was there. Toph hadn't said a word since Katara gave her a dirty look earlier.
"How is that okay?" Aang asked.
"Because," Toph pulled up a laptop that she had seated on the floor. "While you two were playing with numbers, I was doing something productive, like hacking into the Ozai Lord's overdrive."
"You what?!" Aang threw his hands in the air. Katara stood dumbfounded.
"That's right," Toph said proudly. "I got your code right here."
"Toph, they can trace it. They can trace it back here. Back to us!" Aang's eyes grew wide as he began to panic.
"Calm down, Twinkle Toes. They can't trace anything."
"Why not?" Katara asked. Somehow, Toph always ceased to amaze her.
"That's the funny thing about money. You can always pay not to be seen." She handed the laptop to Aang who, after a slap on the head from Toph, began entering the code of the video in.
After what seemed like an eternity, Aang sat back. "It's done."
"It's done?" Katara perked up.
Aang swiveled in the chair, looking shyly at the floor. "Yep, no one will ever watch that video again."
Katara gulped. "Aang did you..."
"It's in the past, Katara," he said, cutting her off. "What matters is what you do now."
Shame clouded Katara. When did this kid start being so wise? She felt bad that she had always seen him as a burden and an annoyance. When it all boiled down, Aang was willing to help her in her greatest time of need. She was thankful for his friendship.
Walking towards him, she reached out a gave Aang a hug. "Thank you."
"Of course," he said quietly.
When all was said and done, Toph led them to the door.
"Well, I'm glad that's over," Toph said. "Katara, will you please control yourself from now on? I don't think I can do anymore clean up for you."
Katara grunted. "Thanks again, Toph."
"Anytime, Sugar Queen." With a salute, Toph walked back inside, closing the door behind her.
Katara was ready to walk home when Aang grabbed her hand.
"Katara," he said, softly. "I know I'm not the guy you like and that I'm only a freshman, but I was wondering...would you go to the winter formal with me?"
Katara blinked back her surprise. She didn't even think she was going to the winter formal because Zuko would be there with Mai. But now that Azula's leverage over Zuko was gone, would he still go with Mai? Katara realized Aang was still staring at her, anticipating her answer. He had been so kind, the least she could do was go to the dance with him. I hope Zuko understands. Smiling, she squeezed his hand. "Of course, Aang."
Katara tried to stifle her laugh at Aang's obvious excitement to her answer. "Really? Wow! I can't believe it! Well, I guess I'll see you then! Oh and I think the dance is a masquerade or something like that!" He waved to her excitedly as he ran in the opposite direction.
Clutching her messenger bag and laughing, Katara began walking home. It had gotten dark outside, but not too dark that she couldn't find her way.
She was about to turn the corner into her driveway when a figure appeared in front of her.
"Now where do you think you're going?"
The cunning feminine voice sent chills down her spine, just like they had that day in the bathroom, right before Katara had met Zuko. Gulping, she stood firm.
"What do you want, Azula?"
Zuko's deceitful sister stepped out from behind the shadows, holding a phone in her hands, her thumb scrolling up and down the screen.
"I work so hard, you know, trying to keep everything in it's place." Azula began to circle her like a vulture.
Katara narrowed her eyes. She wasn't going to be afraid of this girl. It's because of her that she and Zuko can't be together. It's because of her, Zuko felt neglected, like a disappointment. No, Katara wouldn't let her fear show because she had none.
"What's out of place?" Katara growled.
Azula stopped, inches away from Katara's face. "You are what's out of place. And I'm here to show you what your place is." Before Katara could react, her feet were knocked out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground. Azula's foot was soon planted firmly on her stomach.
"Do you think I wouldn't notice your little video magically disappearing from my hard drive?"
Katara grabbed Azula's ankle, pulling it just enough so she could roll away. She stood and faced Azula.
"It wasn't yours to keep," Katara said coolly.
Azula laughed. "I can keep what I like. I don't how you got rid of it, but when I find out, I will personally destroy whoever helped you." Azula lunged again. Luckily she had trained in self-defense somewhat and her senses kicked in. Katara jerked away fast enough to avoid Azula's fist. Like a choreographed dance, the two hit and dodged in the night. It wasn't until Azula pulled out a gun that Katara froze.
"Oh," she said snidely, "Did you think I wouldn't go this far?" She stroked the barrel of the gun. "You see, sometimes Zu Zu gets distracted and led astray. As his family, I need to assist him in remembering where his allegiance lies."
Katara held her breath as Azula cocked the gun and pointed it in her direction.
"AZULA!"
Katara glanced quick enough to see another figure running towards them. Her heart leapt for joy.
"Oh, lookie, here comes lover boy now."
Before she could speak again, the gun was kicked out of Azula's hand, clattering down the sidewalk. Zuko took no time before kicking her in the stomach until she fell to the ground.
Katara's eyes grew wide. She rushed over to Zuko.
Panting, he looked at her, sweat dripping from his brow. As if she asked him how he knew he answered, "She wasn't home. She's always home at the same time in the weight room. I just had a bad feeling and wanted to make sure you were okay." He smirked a little. "I'm glad I did."
Not knowing what to say, Katara threw her arms around him, grasping him tightly as she sobbed. She felt his arms tighten around her as he nuzzled into her neck.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered.
Before she could tell him not to be, a loud crack filled the air causing a wail to escape from Zuko's lips. Katara looked on in horror as Zuko crumpled to the ground, blood seeping from his leg.
"Now, who's next?" Azula let out a crazy laugh as she pointed the gun at Katara.
Everything around Katara froze. It was as if she was no longer in her body, but outside it. Without thinking anything through, she grabbed her bag and rushed towards Azula. The crazed girl was taken aback, for she falter just enough for Katara to catch her by surprise. Using her bag, Katara whacked the gun out of Azula's hand, grabbed her wrists and forced them behind her back. Using her knee, she pressed it hard into Azula's spine until she could wrap her wrists together with the strap of her bag.
"I'll kill you!" Azula yelled. "I will always win!"
Reaching for the gun, Katara grasped it and clonked it on Azula's head. Luckily, it only took once to knock her unconscious. A groan focused Katara's thoughts back on Zuko. She rushed over to him, hearing sirens in the distance, praying someone had heard the shot and called 911.
She cradled Zuko's head in her lap. "I'm so sorry," she said as she began crying. "This is all my fault."
"Shhh," Zuko said, wincing. "It's not your fault."
"Yes it is!" she wailed, tears streaming down her face. A flash of blue and red gleamed in her peripheral. She turned to see the EMT rushing towards them. She looked back at Zuko who was staring watching her.
Leaning down, she kissed him on the forehead. "I will always choose you, no matter what."
Before he could respond, the EMTs began patching up his leg and hoisting him onto a stretcher. A police officer was at her side, asking her questions about what happened. It was loud; the sirens were wailing, people had come out of their homes to see what had happened, but all Katara could register was the sound of the wheels on the stretcher scratching against the pavement, taking away the love of her life.
