"Katara, come in. What is going on? Why is Toph crying?"

"I'M NOT CRYING!"

Katara pushed her way through the door with Sir Chief Hakoda right behind her.

Zuko quickly straightened and gave them a respectful bow, "Sir Chief Hakoda!"

"Straighten up, Firelord." Sir Chief Hakoda ordered.

Zuko stood at attention ready for anything.

Still looking at Zuko, "Dad, can we have a moment?" Katara asked.

"Not alone." Sir Chief Hakoda crossed his arms and leaned against the door.

"He mentioned hope." Toph spit out between sobs.

Confused, Zuko looked at Toph and back to Katara, "What is she talking about? Katara, what's wrong?" He noticed tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"Akhult."

"What about him?" Zuko was officially worried and furious at whoever was making his forever-girl cry. "What did Toph mean about hope?"

"He won't break off the arrangement!" Katara shouted.

"Liar!" Toph shouted.

Sir Chief Hakoda stuck his head outside, while Toph spewed profanities. Next thing Zuko knew, Sokka came inside tried to pick Toph up bridal style.

"What are you doing to me?!" Toph screamed while trying to kick Sokka away. "Abuse! Abuse! Unhand me!"

"Toph, stop. Please!" Sokka threw Toph over his shoulder and took her outside still screaming.

Hakoda closed the door after them. "Katara, the truth."

She looked at Zuko's feet, refusing to meet his eye, "I gave him a chance."

"A chance to what?"

"War is miserable, and-"

"Katara, a chance to what?!"

"To court me! Alright, he told me that the reason why he kept fighting was because he wanted to make a better future for us. He lost his father out there! The only thing that kept him going was the thought of me. How could I turn my back on that? The thought of me gave him hope. I didn't know what to do!"

Zuko was in shock; she was going to let this Akhult court her? Furious was an understatement, "Just because someone says 'hope'does not mean that you should sacrifice everything to make them happy! Katara, what are you thinking? I thought… Never mind what I thought, because it obviously doesn't matter!"

Her head snapped up and she finally looked him in the eye, "It does matter! You matter! Please, Zuko. Try to understand."

"What is there to understand?" Zuko started pacing, "You're incredible. You... Did I ever mean anything to you?"

"Of course you did—do! What was I supposed to do, Zuko?

"I was supposed to stay in the tribe, here. Sokka almost left and I would have been the only thing left here for Dad and Gran-Gran. Sokka still might leave. He has so much going for him. He's an inventor and so smart! He has every right to follow his dreams!

"Also, Dad's practically shoving the guy on me. He wants me to stay here. How can I deny my father's wishes?"

"Katara," Sir Chief Hakoda reached toward his daughter.

She took a few steps away from him, towards Zuko, "Don't touch me! Don't you dare touch me. This is between Zuko and me. I didn't even want you here for this." She turned back to Zuko, "I'm sorry, Zuko. I never wanted to do this or put you though this. I let my sense of duty to my family cloud my duty to my heart. My duty to you."

Zuko shook his head, "Katara, this isn't right! I can't come between you and your family. You have to work this out with them first. Akhult too. Obviously, you weren't talking effectively with your dad. How do I expect you to be able to be truthful with me if you can't even be truthful with your own father?"

"You're one to talk!"

"My father hates me! I know that already. Yours loves you. Don't screw that up!" He added in a whisper, "It's precious."

Katara wiped the tears from her face and reached for him, "Zuko, please. I love you."

"I love you too, Katara." Zuko pulled her close, hugging her tightly, "But I can't do this anymore." Katara backed away, shocked, "I can't think only of myself, I have to think of my country as well. They need someone who has their best interests at heart.

"I have to get out of here."

Sir Chief Hakoda moved away from the door letting Zuko though out into the dark and cold night.

A little Mulan reference there. Hehehe. So sorry for the long wait and no updates. My life exploded over the break, again. But hey, now I have started my pilots training.

Happy new years!

Posted 12/31/13