Think of Me
Katara sat on the bed, waiting patiently as Zuko rummaged through his closet.
"I have clothes, you know!" Zuko stuck his head out of his closet to glare at her.
"Yeah. But you sleep in your everyday clothes! I'm not letting you dirty up my bed!" He snapped as he came out of the closet holding some of his clothes from when he was younger. In his hands was a black silk shirt. It was simple button up shirt and the edges were lined with red satin. A pair of black pants matched the shirt. "Here!" He shoved the clothes out to her. After a moment of glaring at him, Katara took the clothes and glared at the prince again. "What?" She looked down at the clothes and then back at him. "Wha-Oh!" It had taken a moment for the prince to realize what she meant. Zuko turned around and moved away so she would have room.
"Hey!" Zuko did not turn to look at her.
"What?" Katara tapped her foot while she crossed her arms.
"Aren't you going to leave!" Zuko glanced back at her, briefly.
"I can't leave you alone, remember?"
"What about when you took a shower!"
"You were with my uncle, remember!" Zuko felt his hands start to heat up and took a deep breath, trying to relax himself. "Look, I promise I won't peek, got it?" Katara huffed but agreed.
- - - - -
Ceres bit down viciously into the fish. She did not even bother to cook it. Spitting out the bone after she finished chewing, Ceres swallowed. With a look of distaste she finished the fish and spat the bones out into the ocean.
"Still too weak." Ceres muttered to herself. It was true that she was superior to humans. She did not need the small things humans needed to survive but with her body in such a weakened state, she had to treat it carefully until she got a new one. It was a hassle, one she grew annoyed at quickly, but it needed to be done. Lying back on the boat's floor, Ceres closed her eyes as she nodded off to sleep. She needed rest. Her body would not last long if she did not.
- - - - -
"I'm done." Katara turned around as blushed slightly. After she had changed, prince had taken his turn to change. All he wore was a pair of baggy pants, leaving his chest exposed. 'Wow . . . . he's got a nice body-WHAT? I did not just think that!' Zuko climbed into the left side of the large fluffy bed. Katara bit her lip as she climbed into the other side of the bed. She turned her back to him as he did the same to her. But Katara had a faint blush on her cheeks. '. . . . this is so wrong . . .' Katara listened quietly as Zuko's breath evened out. Unsure if he was asleep or had just relaxed, Katara decided to ignore him and soon fell asleep. Zuko, however had not fallen asleep, only began to mediate. Sleep alluded him. Perhaps it was because he was too worried about how he would inform his father what was happening. Perhaps it was because a demon was after the girl next to him. Or perhaps it was the girl next to him. While he did understand why the demon was after her. She was very pretty. The girl's blue eyes were easy to get lost in. not that Zuko would ever admit to that. Besides, she was infuriating. She was the only one to have ever stood up to him. It was . . . . unsettling.
- - - - -
Zuko woke to a warmth long forgotten. Something that had been lost. He couldn't put his finger on it. But he knew that he liked this warmth. It was the kind he felt when his mother held him and talked to him. The warmth he felt when she sang him a lullaby. The kind of warmth he felt whenever his mother laughed. It filled him up and left him at peace. He could never get tired of it. It was precious and plentiful when his mother was alive. Zuko smiled as he remembered his mother pulling him close to her when he was little and wrapping all of her huge and heavy sleeves around him. This was that kind of warmth. He did not open his eyes, not wanting to break the peaceful silence or lose the warmth. Briefly, Zuko wondered how his bed was armer than normal. Suddenly the previous day came rushing back to him. His eyes snapped open to see himself facing Katara and her facing him. They were not touching but they were close to it. Zuko felt his eyes widen at this revelation. Slowly he scooted back and rolled out of bed, carefully as not to disturb her. His eyes softened as he noted how peaceful she looked with her hair sprawled out over her pillow. However, he hardened her face quickly before anyone could see. Roughly, Zuko reached over and shook her awake. Katara groggily opened her eyes and yelped at seeing Zuko leaning over to reach her. She smacked his hand away and rolled the opposite way, out of his bed and onto the floor with a thud. Glaring at her, Zuko crawled over the bed to the other side and stared down at her. Katara nearly screamed but her memory came back. Looking away with a faint blush, she muttered an apology. With an annoyed sigh he reached down and pulled her to her feet. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Zuko glanced at her before moving to his closet to get his armor. Katara looked away while he changed and picked up her clothes she had in her bag in the corner.
"I'm done." Katara nodded and he turned away from her as she changed quickly.
"Done." She watched as Zuko turned to look at her. "What now?"
"Breakfast."
- - - - -
Ceres's eyes cracked open as she groaned and sat up. Her body was stiff and sore from sleeping on the ground. But that did not bother her. Standing, the demon looked around before moving to the railing. She saw a ship in the distance. It glinted in the sun, presumably metal. A feral grin crossed her face. All she had to do was wait and then she would trade up for an even bigger ship. Waiting for the ship to come closer, Ceres moved to the wheel steering the boat and moved it so the boat would go towards the ship. She knew little about boats and how to steer them. However, if she could become a passenger than that would be best. Not only that, but perhaps she could make a bargain with the captain of the ship. That way it would be easier to track down the girl.
"Are you thinking of me, Katara?" Ceres asked the wind. "Because I can assure you, I am thinking of you."
- - - - -
Katara would have lost herself in the endless maze had Zuko not been leading the way. She tried to memorize all the turns but soon lost track in her effort to keep up with Zuko. His long strides were fast. Every now and then Zuko would glance over his shoulder to cheek to see that she was still there. Soon he turned into an open doorway. The room he entered was obviously the mess hall. Soldiers were talking amongst each other as they ate. Zuko led Katara to a table that was distanced from the others. Turning, he stared at her.
"What?" Zuko hesitated before pulling out a chair, surprising her. Shocked, Katara sat down and he left shortly. She watched him walk towards the chief. 'Was Zuko being . . . a gentleman?'
"Good morning Katara!" Her head snapped back to look at Iroh.
"G-good morning Mr. Iroh." She stuttered, surprised by Zuko's act of kindness and Iroh sudden appearance.
"Please, no mister!" Iroh glanced around. "Where is my loving nephew?" Spotting him, Iroh smiled as sat down. Zuko came over to the two and placed a bowl of rice in front of Katara with a pair of chopsticks. "Oh, aren't you being sweet!" Zuko turned slowly to Iroh.
"Uncle." Zuko growled out. Katara blinked, confused. Iroh noticed this and gave out a hearty laugh. Lucky, Zuko had put down his own bowl of rice before flames burst out of his fists. Iroh, noticing this, stopped his laughter. With a smile he turned to Katara.
"It has been awhile since Prince Zuko has been so proper! Perhaps there was more than sleep going on last night." Katara raised her hands to her face in shock and embarrassment. Once more Iroh laughed, drawing the attention of the soldiers. The fire prince had a faint blush across his cheeks.
"UNCLE!" Zuko roared as Iroh laughed his head off while he walked away. Zuko looked back and saw several soldiers staring at Katara and him. "Do there something you need!" Zuko hissed, causing all the soldiers to go back to their meals quickly. Looking down, Zuko saw Katara staring down at her rice. ". . . . don't mind my uncle." Glancing up at him, Katara whispered a question quietly.
"Why?"
"Why what?" Biting down on her lip, Katara looked down at her lap once more.
"Why are you being so nice?" Zuko sat down and fought back a sigh. He knew it wouldn't be long until she started asking questions. Luckily it wasn't a question that was completely uncomfortable for him.
". . . . I know how it is to be separated from family." Katara looked, surprised once more. Her eyes softened as she opened her mouth. However, Zuko cut in. "Don't pity me. I don't want your pity nor do I need it." Katara closed her mouth and looked at her rice and slowly began to eat it. The two ate their rice in silence. Katara let her mind drift to her brother and friend. She couldn't help but wonder how they were doing. '. . . . guys . . . . please don't forget about me . . .'
- - - - -
Still battling writer's block. Honestly, it's kicking my ass. Badly. Very badly. Every time I try to think I can't! Grr! Anyways, if you guys are confused because of anything, let me know. I'll try to clear it up the best of my abilities! Please review! And sorry it took so long to update. Ja ne!