Chapter 3

Zuko began to pace back and forth across his room. He knew that the closer they got to the city the closer they got to trouble. Katara watched the young prince pace the room and started to worry. She didn't know Zuko well enough to predict what we was thinking in fact she didn't know him at all.

"What's the matter?" She asked looking up at the young fire bender.

Zuko stopped his pacing and turned towards the water bender. "It's none of your concern." He scoffed.

"As long as I'm on this ship it's going to be my concern…" She paused finding herself in front of him. Grabbing his hands she led him to the bed. "You just need to relax Prince Zuko."

Raising an eyebrow Zuko got confused. What was she doing? He asked himself.

Katara began to massage his shoulders causing the prince to relax. Zuko got an idea and stood up suddenly causing the young water bender to fall forward.

"What did you do that for?" She asked.

Turning around Zuko smiled. He was getting cocky and he knew that he was going to take advantage of her sooner or later. But for now it was just best to offer her a smile or two. The ship suddenly lurched forward causing him to fall forward so that he was on top of Katara.

Zuko closed the gap between them forcing Katara into a kiss. She finally returned the kiss by wrapping her arms around the boy and running her tongue over the bottom of his lip. Zuko reluctantly allowed her tongue to enter his mouth; they soon were battling for dominance. He began to run his hands down her sides then up her thighs when a grunting noise came from the door. Both teens turned to find Iroh standing there with his hands on his hips.

"If I'm interrupting something I can just come back later." Iroh shrugged.

Zuko got up and dusted himself off. "No you weren't I was just teaching the girl…" He paused loss for words. "What do you want Uncle?" The prince snapped changing the subject.

"The engines are cut and kind of destroyed." Iroh smiled giving Katara a wink. "The currents are stronger than we thought we should be there by sunrise." Zuko nodded and waved his uncle off.

After the door shut Zuko fell where he stood. Katara rushed over to him and kneeled down next to him. "Are you alright?" She asked.

He shook his head. "I have a headache."

He looked into Katara's eyes and began to explain about his family and how he really didn't want to return to his brother's town. He explained how him and his brother, Ruko, never got along, and him and his sister, Lana, were even worse at fighting with each other. Cutting the engines just delayed their chances of getting caught and arriving.

"I never got along with anyone but my father up to the time of my banishment." Katara looked at the prince. He never spoke of his family let alone his exile from the Fire Nation.

Katara flung her arms over the prince and looked outside. It was dark and the only thing keep light was the lamp over in the corner. "Bed." Was her only word before climbing into the bed. She was tired anyway; knowing that Zuko would stay up about an hour for meditating it was best she got some sleep while she had the chance.

A knock came at the door waking Zuko up. Slipping out bed he walked over to the door only to find a fire nation guard standing there in front of him. He let out a small squeak as he was forcefully grabbed and brought out to the deck. Zuko squinted trying to get use to the sun that had just barely risen over the horizon. He saw the outline of his older brother, Ruko.

"Hello little brother." Ruko said leaning down so he was face to face with Zuko.

"Sir we found this girl in his room as well." A guard said as he came up with Katara. She was fighting his grip but stopped when she saw Ruko.

Ruko was slightly taller than Zuko by about two inches. His eyes were the same color as Zuko's but only darker amber color. His hair was as long as Zuko's too and pulled up into a ponytail.

"Ah my darling girl." He said taking her hand and kissing it. "Would you have the honor of joining my sister and brother and me tonight for dinner?" Zuko rolled his eyes.

"Sure prince Ruko." Katara giggled. Again Zuko rolled his eyes at the young water benders reaction to his flirting brother.

"Welcome back to the fire nation baby brother." A female's voice echoed from the dock.

She had long dark purple hair that was about half way down her back. Her eyes were a light amber color.

"Aw… what a touching family reunion." Zuko rolled his eyes at his sister. "Now only if I had a wife."

"You mean this lovely water bender isn't your wife?" Ruko looked up from admiring Katara. Zuko laughed. "Brother, you shock me. Being gone for two years you must have surely found a wife by now."

Zuko continued to walk towards his brother's palace. He only stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning he saw Katara, he smiled as she interlaced their fingers.

"Don't let your brother get to you." She whispered. "Just keep in mind how much I love you."