Maybe I, maybe I'm just being blinded by the brighter side

Of what we had because it's over.

Well, there must be something in the tide.

- "Bruises" by Lewis Capaldi

Katara

Jet and I are curled up on the couch when I hear Sokka's car crunch on the gravel. I bolt upright and hurry for the door with Jet tagging along behind me. But I stop in my tracks when I see that Sokka is not alone.

A pretty girl with chestnut hair that falls to her jaw is climbing out of the passenger side, her eyes combing over the church before they fall on me. Her face splits into a friendly grin.

"Hi! You must be Katara!"

I regain the ability to move and I walk down to where she and Sokka are coming around the hood of the car. My brother slides his arm around her waist.

Whoa, I think. When did this happen?

"This is Suki. She's my girlfriend," Sokka says. He's smiling, and I can tell how happy he is. "Sorry I didn't give you a heads-up. It was sort of last-minute."

"My break plans fell through," Suki explains with a sheepish smile. "It's nice to finally meet you, Katara. Sokka talks about you all the time." She lets out a little laugh. "I hope you don't mind me just dropping in."

I smile back at her. "No, that's fine." I look pointedly at my brother. "But texting is a thing, you know."

Sokka rubs the back of his neck. "Sorry about that."

I loop my arm around Jet. "This is my boyfriend, Jet. He's here for break, too."

"It's nice to meet you," Suki says. She seems sweet, and I like her already.

"Dad isn't home?" Sokka looks around for Dad's truck.

"No, he had a last-minute boat repair. Some rich guy just couldn't wait until tomorrow to have his carburetor replaced. Offered to pay him double." I roll my eyes. "He should be home in time for dinner, though."

"Well, let's get our stuff inside and we can catch up." Sokka smiles at Suki, and the look is pure adoration.

Sokka and Suki move toward the trunk. Jet and I linger by the hood.

"So your brother's girlfriend can stay with you guys but I can't?" Jet arches his brow at me. "What's up with that?"

I can't quite look him in the eye as I shrug my shoulders. I know why Jet can't stay. But that doesn't mean I should tell him. Dad has a (sort of) strict no boys rule. And truthfully, I'm almost grateful for Dad's rule, which has always seemed arbitrary since I'm an adult and a little hypocritical since he's let Aang stay the night. Because this way, Jet has to go back to his uncle's house at the end of the day, and I can sit with myself in seclusion as I try to sort out my feelings.

Jet helps Sokka grab their bags and take them upstairs when we go inside. I give Suki the grand tour while they do.

"This is the living room. The bathroom is over here. That's Dad's room…" I point up the steps. "Mine and Sokka's bedrooms are up there. Sokka's is the first door." I lead her into the kitchen. "Kitchen, obviously. The pantry is right here. That's where the washer and dry are too. There's the mudroom, but you probably won't need it."

She points to the door that leads to the sanctuary. "What's through there?"

I follow her finger. I swallow hard. "That's the sanctuary. It was our mom's studio."

I'm assuming she knows what happened, and given the sympathetic look on her face, it's safe to say my assumption is correct.

"I'm sorry about your mom," Suki says gently. She touches my shoulder. "I lost my parents when I was young. My mom had an aneurysm, and my dad got cancer a few years after that."

"I'm sorry," I say.

Suki tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. "Did Sokka tell you how we met?"

I shake my head. I didn't even know he had a girlfriend until ten minutes ago. "Um, no."

"We met through a parent loss support group." Suki chuckles. "It's not exactly a place you expect to find love, but here we are."

"How long have you guys been together?"

"Since right before Thanksgiving." I'm shocked. I'm sure it's clear on my face, because Suki laughs a little. "We've kept it on the downlow. We just wanted it to be us for a little while."

"I get it."

I lead her back into the living room as the boys come back down the stairs.

Jet and Sokka get along pretty well. Jet was actually Sokka's friend before he was my boyfriend, but they aren't as close as they used to be. I think Sokka takes his big-brother-the-protector role a little too seriously. They haven't really been friends since Jet and I started dating.

We settle on the furniture. Sokka and Suki curl up on the couch, and Jet drapes my legs across his lap on the loveseat. For a while we just catch up. The boys and Suki talk about their classes and college parties they've been to. I fill Jet and Sokka in on all of the things they've missed for the last few months, which isn't much.

I don't mention Zuko.

But as I sit there, I can't help but wonder what he's doing. Are him and Iroh finishing up the kitchen? Or is Zuko taking the day off, waiting for me to come back? If he isn't painting, what's he doing? Is he helping Iroh with a puzzle? Maybe he's taken a walk down to the beach. Maybe he'll go on a run—he told me he likes to do that.

I wonder if he misses my presence as much as I'm missing his.

We hear the roar of Dad's truck just after five o'clock. Sokka and Suki exchange a look and he gives her hand a squeeze. Jet looks over at me and I give him a confident smile that I don't quite feel. Nothing has changed since Christmas. Dad still doesn't like him. In fact, he probably likes him even less now that he's met Zuko.

Dad's heavy boots fall on the stairs and a moment later the front door opens. He's wearing jeans and a shirt that are covered in grease, and he looks a little frazzled. But he lights up with a grin when he sees Sokka. Then his eyes fall on the girl beside my brother.

"And who is this?" Dad asks as he shuts the door behind him.

Sokka and Suki stand up. "Dad, this is my girlfriend, Suki. I hope you don't mind but she's gonna stay for break."

"I hope I'm not imposing," Suki adds politely.

Dad appraises the two of them. Then he smiles. "No, you're not imposing. It's nice to meet you, Suki." Dad holds up his oily hands. "I'd shake your hand, but I'm a little greasy."

Suki chuckles. "No worries!"

Dad looks at me and Jet, and all traces of humor falls away. He nods curtly. "Jet. How are you?"

"I'm fine, sir. Thanks for asking." Jet presses his lips together.

Dad checks his watch before he looks up at us. "Well, it looks like dinner time. What do you say we go to Nan's?"

Sokka grins. "Oh man, that sounds great! I've been craving their shepherd's pie. And the beer." He kisses the tips of his fingers. "Muah! Magnifico! They've got the best beer." He looks at Suki. "You've got to try it."

"Okay." Suki laughs.

Dad claps his hands together. "Let me just go get cleaned up real quick and then we can head out, alright?"

A half hour later Jet and I are climbing into the truck beside Dad while Sokka and Suki get in the Mustang. I'm sandwiched in the middle between Dad and Jet, and the tension is so thick that I could cut it with a knife. It's a quiet ride, at least.

We get to Nan's and go inside. Sela embraces Sokka and Jet like they're her own sons. But then again, she's known them their whole lives.

Behind my boyfriend's back, she raises a brow at me, and a blush rises in my cheeks. Can't a guy and a girl just be friends? I think bitterly. Then we all sit down at a table and Sela brings us the menu.

"It's good to see you boys," Sela tells Jet and Sokka. She glances over at Suki. "And who's this pretty lady, Sokka?"

"This is Suki. We go to school together." Sokka beams happily.

Sela leaves us to decide on what to eat.

"So Suki, what do you study?" Dad asks while we peruse the menu.

"I'm going for my bachelor's in physical education," Suki replies. "I do a lot of MMA. My parents own a dojo." Her adoptive parents, of course. "I want to teach it to others."

"That's pretty sweet," Dad says. He grins. "Are you whipping Sokka into shape?"

"Hey, I'm in peak physical condition!" Sokka protests.

Suki pokes his stomach. "Yeah, now. When I first found you, you were the Pillsbury Dough Boy." We laugh and Sokka scowls at us. Suki looks at Jet. "What about you, Jet? Sokka told me you study at U of O."

"I'm studying music," Jet replies with a smirk.

"Do you still have your band?" Dad inquires. I know he's never cared for Jet's chosen career path, and I can hear it in his tone.

Jet nods. "Yeah. We've played a few shows at Matthew Knight Arena. We opened for Machine Gun Kelly back in September."

Dad knows this; Sokka and I went to the concert. But he says it for Suki's benefit, and I can see that she looks impressed. A little bubble of pride wells up in me.

Soon we order our food. Everyone but me gets a house beer. I'm not complaining. I've never cared for the taste of beer. But the whiskey is good.

For the next few hours we eat and talk. The conversation stays light, and Dad gets to embarrass Sokka with some childhood stories that have us all busting up laughing. But while we sit at our table, my eyes keep darting to the corner booth I shared with Zuko just a few weeks ago.

We've just asked for to-go boxes when I hear footsteps on the stairs that lead up to the pub. I don't pay attention at first, but then I hear that voice, the one that sounds like autumn leaves crunching underfoot.

Zuko and I see each other at the same time. He's with a guy I don't recognize, and I can tell from the flush in his cheeks that he's been drinking. His eyes comb over me and quickly register my dad, brother, Suki, and finally Jet. Something passes over his face, too quickly for me to register what it is.

But apparently we've been looking at each other for too long, because Dad follows my line of sight and sees Zuko too.

He lifts one hand in a wave. "Hey, Zuko!"

He looks at my dad and nods in response. Then his eyes land on me.

And now we've reached an impasse. Would it be weird if he doesn't come and say hello? Or will it be awkward if he does?

I can feel Jet's eyes on me.

His friend nudges him and says something, too low for the rest of us to hear. They exchange words, and then the question is answered as Zuko and his friend come toward our table.

Zuko

I tip back the shot of vodka and feel its cold burn down my throat. I squeeze my eyes shut as a shiver runs through me before I open my eyes. I catch my reflection in the mirror behind the bar. I'm scowling.

I can't believe that I let Rhett talk me into this. Nothing good ever happens when we drink together.

But after a boring day cooped up in the loft watching bad TV and watching Uncle work on his puzzle, Rhett and I were both itching to do something. Rhett's first suggestion was the bar, and even though I was leery, I went along with it.

Now we're here at Nan's throwing back shots of vodka and nearly drunk. It's not even eight o'clock.

"Take another shot, man." Rhett's voice is too loud in my ear.

I wave him off. "Nah, I think I'm good. We're what, eight shots in?"

"Seven. Are you quitting on me?"

"Yeah, I think I am. Don't forget, I have work to do tomorrow."

"Oh, that's right. You don't get a spring break like I do."

He's just joking, but it still rubs me the wrong way. That's how Rhett is: he doesn't think before he opens his mouth. He doesn't know the definition of a touchy subject, and my sudden departure from college is definitely one of them.

I slide off my stool. "I gotta take a piss."

I make my way toward the bathroom. The pub isn't too busy, but there's a crowd of old men watching a sports game on the TV. There's a few other younger people like Rhett and myself, but I would bet that most people our age head out of town to drink.

When I get into the bathroom I go to the sink and splash cold water over my face. My head is buzzing pleasantly and my stomach is warm with the vodka burn.

I should be having a good time. This is what I used to do all the time in Seattle. After a long week of classes, there was no better way to unwind than by hitting the club and getting sloshed. It was always me, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, and Rhett. We'd take shots and play quarters and the girls would dance while Rhett and I hung back before they'd come drag us onto the floor with them. We'd meet new people and maybe do a line of coke or take ecstasy. By the end of the night Mai and I would pour ourselves into an Uber before we'd go back to her place and bang ourselves into oblivion.

But I'm not having a good time. It's stupid and vapid and it's just not me anymore.

And it doesn't help that Rhett has been grilling me about Katara on and off all day. Part of me thinks Uncle put him up to it. He pestered me relentlessly until I pulled up her Facebook profile and shoved my phone in his face.

To which he'd looked up at me and said, "Damn, I can see why you like her. She's hot."

"It's more than that," I'd snapped.

"I'm sure it is. But man, does it blow this girl's got a boyfriend."

"Yeah, I know."

"What are you going to do?"

"What the hell do you mean? There's nothing I can do."

"You're right. And that sucks because man, do you have it bad."

He's not wrong.

And now we're here at Nan's, and all I'm thinking about is her ocean eyes and her hesitancy. Katara in my hoodie. Walking her home and thinking that if she didn't have a boyfriend, I'd really like to kiss her goodnight.

I rake my hands through my hair and push out of the bathroom. Rhett is taking another shot by the time I get back to him. He looks up at me.

"Uh oh," he says. "Someone's up in his feelings."

I gnash my teeth together and resist the urge to slam his head into the bar counter.

"No. I'm not. Can we just go?"

"You definitely are. And you're also lame. But fine."

Rhett stands up, swaying slightly, and reaches for his wallet. He drops a $100 bill on the counter—easily double our tab—and starts for the stairs.

When Rhett and I reach the top of the steps, I can't help but wonder who's bright idea it was to put a bar on the second floor. And then I wonder how many people have fallen down them. I hope me or Rhett aren't one of them.

It's only when I safely reach the bottom step that I look up and see her. She is a light and I'm a moth, and it's like I'm just drawn to her.

I'm in the middle of saying something to Rhett, but now I don't even remember what it is. All I see is Katara. And then I register the people she's with. Her father. Her brother. Some girl I don't recognize. And him. Her boyfriend.

Katara's eyes lock with mine. I can see the guilt written on her face and I think, what do you have to be guilty about? We haven't done anything. But then I think she might feel guilty about me seeing her with her boyfriend, and I don't like the taste that leaves in my mouth.

Hakoda sees me next. He smiles and waves. "Hey, Zuko!"

I'm frozen. It's like the time has slowed down, and the world around me is moving through wet cement. I feel myself nod back in response.

Now I'm facing a dilemma. Do I go and say hi, or head for the door? I don't exactly want to meet her boyfriend and her brother while I'm drunk. But I think that it would be weird if I don't go say hello.

Rhett digs his elbow into my side. He lets out a low whistle. "Man, she's even hotter in person. That's her, right?"

"Yeah." I swallow hard.

"And the punk next to her is her boyfriend?"

"Yeah."

"Well, what're you waiting for? Grow a pair and go say hi."

He gives me a nudge, and suddenly my feet are carrying me toward Katara's table. She's smiling at me, but I can see the tightness in the corners of her lips. I feel like an interloper. I shouldn't be here.

Hakoda speaks first, and I'm a little grateful for it. "Fancy meeting you here, Zuko. What are you up to?"

Rhett has followed me over to the table. He answers for me.

"He's just showing me around town. Aren't you, Zuko?" He flashes a grin at Katara. "I'm Rhett."

Katara looks between the two of us and seems to find her voice. "You're from Seattle?"

"That's right. Me and Zuko go way back. It's great to meet you."

I hope he doesn't say anything else. If he does, I'll surely die from the mortification.

I catch her boyfriend staring at me. I can feel the tension rolling off of him in waves. He doesn't like me already. Great.

Katara seems to realize that she should introduce us. She looks at her boyfriend and gestures at me.

"Jet, this is my friend, Zuko." Her eyes fall on me. "Zuko, this is my boyfriend."

Jet stands up and extends his hand to me. I reach in front of Katara and Hakoda to shake it. His grip is bruising, and I know he's trying to assert dominance. It's stupid male stuff, but I have to play along. I think it's the strongest handshake I've ever given.

"It's nice to meet you," he tells me in a way that lets me know it's definitely not nice to meet me.

"Yeah, same." I level him with a stare. I'm drunk and suddenly feeling bold, and I can't stop the words that come out of me next. "Katara's told me a lot about you."

It's not exactly the truth. Katara seems to avoid talking to me about Jet, and I've been trying to figure out why all week. But she has mentioned him, so it's not really a lie either.

Katara looks between the two of us. "I've been helping Zuko and his uncle."

Jet doesn't take his eyes off me. It's clear that he thinks I'm a threat. "Ah."

His eyes land on my scar, and his lips twitch into a smirk that makes my blood boil.

After we let go, we stare at each other for a beat. He looks so familiar but I still can't place him. It's driving me nuts. It's a niggling feeling in the back of my mind. Then Katara clears her throat, and I look down at her.

She gestured to her brother and the girl sitting beside him. "Um, Zuko, this is my brother, Sokka, and his girlfriend, Suki."

Her brother stands up and shakes my hand. He's got an easy-going grin and seems to be the only person at the table who isn't affected by the tension. I can see the disapproving look Hakoda is giving Jet out of the corner of my eye.

"So you're a friend of Katara's?" Sokka asks as he sits down.

"Uh, yeah."

"Cool, cool." Sokka nods his head.

"Yeah, Zuko and his uncle just moved here," Rhett supplies. I'm pretty sure Hakoda is the only one who notices me step on Rhett's foot. Rhett ignores me. "They're opening a tea shop. Katara's been helping Zuko with the painting."

Sokka's eyes land on me. "The Jasmine Dragon?" I nod, wishing the floor would swallow me up. "Oh hey, Katara invited me to like the Facebook page. It looks pretty cool."

"Thanks, man." This is awkward.

"When are you guys gonna open?" Sokka asks.

"April 4th."

"Man, I'll be back in college by then." I'm surprised to find that he actually sounds a little disappointed. "I'll have to stop in when I'm back for summer break."

I nod my head. "Sure thing."

Hakoda looks up at me. "Still coming to the barbecue?"

I smile tightly. Katara's boyfriend is glaring daggers at me. "Uh, yeah. That's the plan." I step back from the table. "We should probably be going. Rhett's got a long drive home tomorrow—"

"Yeah, Seattle's pretty far," Rhett cuts in. "But it was great to see all of you!"

Then he practically drags me out of Nan's and onto the sidewalk.

I pull up short. "Dude, what's wrong with you?"

Rhett is looking at me with wide eyes. He backhands my arm, hard, and I wince. "Bro, you didn't see it?"

My irritation is mounting. "See what?"

"Her boyfriend—you don't recognize him?"

I frown. I do recognize him. He has looked familiar since I came across his picture on her Facebook profile. I just haven't been able to place him.

"Yeah," I say slowly. "But I don't remember where."

Rhett shakes his head. "Dude. Winter break. Chan's party?"

As Rhett says the words, I suddenly place him. I can remember that party. Azula had called me in the middle of the night. I could tell something was wrong even though she was acting like she just had too much to drink and wanted a ride home. I'd driven over—this was before my father had taken my Challenger—and I'd had to go inside to find her. It hadn't been hard. She was screaming at some jerk, something about him feeling her up—

It was Jet.

I swear under my breath.

"It's him, right?" Rhett asks me.

I nod my head. "Yeah, it's him."

Rhett lets out a breath. "Damn, dude. What are you gonna do?"

I suddenly feel cold. "I don't know."