So sorry about the major lull. So, tomake it up to you guys, I'm uploading two chapters! First, Chapter Nine.

Disclaimer: There is no way I own Stupid Cupid. I think Mandy(i?) Moore does.

Later that same evening, Rie was in her cabin with the window open. As she was burning her ruined robe, Rie heard a sigh. Standing on top of her bed, Rie peeked out of the window.

Katara was standing, as she had been for several hours, by the railing outside of Rie's window. "Katara," Rie called, "you should really come in before you catch cold."

The forlorn Waterbender just nodded. When Katara made no sign as to follow Rie's advice, Rie shrugged and continued burning the robe.

About an hour later, Rie heard the door next to hers open and close. Assuming it was Katara turning in, Rie just ignored it.

Suddenly, outside of her window, Rie heard footsteps. "Zuko," Rie whispered. She stood on top of her bed and made sure she could see but not be seen. She listened as the prince spoke.

"You shouldn't be out here," Zuko said. Rie thought she heard a miniscule bit of concern in his voice.

Rie saw Katara shrug. "I know. It's just…" Katara trailed off and sighed. "I keep thinking about what Zhao said. What he said to me, and what he said to you."

Zuko looked at Katara. "You mean the Avatar never told you about Zhao capturing him?"

Katara shook her head. "Sokka and I were sick at the time, and I guess he didn't want to worry us when we were already so sick." Katara cringed. "The cure for the cold he got from the Herbalist was almost as bad as Madam Rie's cure-all. Frozen Wood Frogs."

Zuko looked doubtful. Katara explained, "We were supposed to suck on them."

The look on Zuko's face nearly made Rie laugh. "Gross!"

Katara smiled wistfully. "Yeah." Suddenly, Katara shivered, even though it wasn't cold outside. "Prince Zuko, why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Save me. I know why you killed Zhao," Katara said. "I mean, he threatened you and insulted your uncle. But why did you save me from his blast?" Katara turned to face the Fire Prince. "Was it so you could use me as bait to trap Aang?"

"Yes," Zuko said hurriedly. "I mean, no. The thought of anyone being a 'personal servant' just appalls me."

"Even a Water Tribe peasant?" Katara whispered.

"What?"

"Since you captured me, never have you once said my name. It's always 'peasant' or 'girl'. I figured, after you used me to get to Aang, I'd be a servant of yours anyway." Katara looked back to her reflection in the ocean. "Isn't that what most victors do to their captives?"

From what Rie could see of Zuko through her window, what Katara had said was the exact opposite of what he had being thinking of. C'mon already! Say more than ten words when you're in her presence! Small wonder she thinks you hate her, Rie thought.

Zuko must have read her thoughts, because the next instant he spoke. "Why would I make you a servant? You've saved my life on several occasions since you fell from the bison."

Katara shrugged. "All of the tales about the Royal Family of the Fire Nation I've heard are not nice. The only one I know of so far who isn't a monster is your uncle." Rie winced. She should not have said that."

Zuko faced the sea. "Is that what you think I am? A monster?"

"Well," Katara said, "you have been a thorn in Aang's side since he broke out of the iceberg, you've tied me up, nearly destroyed Kyoshi, nearly captured Aang several times, and currently have me on a ship against my will." Katara glanced at Zuko. "Not to mention you look rather frightening with all those scars."

In her cabin, Rie had a sudden vision. It was of Zuko and Zula, two years ago. Zula was looking at Zuko with a look of complete disdain and saying, "You look like a monster with the big scar. I think you could scare anyone who looks at you away!" Zuko was still in pain, so he made no reply. As the sound of Zula's laughter died, Rie snapped back to reality and focused on the scene outside.

Prince Zuko was grabbing onto the railing, attempting to control his temper. "I'm not a monster," he muttered so quietly Rie almost didn't hear him. The prince turned to face Katara. "You don't get it. I wouldn't be chasing your friend the Avatar if it wasn't for the fact that my father banished me when I was fourteen and refuses to allow me my rightful throne unless I bring him the Avatar. I'd much rather not be doing this, but my honor is at stake."

Katara had to ask. "Why did your father banish you?"

Zuko sighed. "I spoke out against a plan to sacrifice an entire division of new recruits in my father's war room. My father told me that I'd have to pay for my disrespect and said announced an Agni Kai. Thinking I would have to fight the general I disrespected, I told him I wasn't afraid." Zuko turned his head. "I go to the ring and see my father standing at the other end. I refused to fight and…" Zuko's hand reached up and touched his scar.

Katara looked abashed. "I'm sorry."

"I don't want your pity, girl," Zuko snapped. "I don't need it." Katara shook her head.

"There you go again, not using my name. I was trying to be sympathetic. Obviously, you've had a life where you weren't looked nicely upon and I try to show you some sympathy. I don't expect you to understand that, but still."

There was silence for a few minutes. "You never answered my question," Katara remarked.

"What?"

"You never told me why you saved me from Zhao's death blast."

For some strange reason, the song Stupid Cupid was going through Rie's head, which made no sense, since Rie wasn't sure what the spirit of love was called here. A movement outside brought Rie's attention back.

Zuko had moved slightly. He was standing a little closer to Katara. "I saved you from Zhao because…" (Rie had to stifle a giggle. Prince Zuko was at a lost for words!) The prince took a deep breath. "Because I knew that if let the blast hit you, you'd die, which would defeat the whole purpose of killing Zhao."

Katara gave him a confused look. Secretly, Rie concurred. She understood he had meant, that he had killed Zhao in defense of not only himself and his uncle, but Katara as well, but it was just so not Zuko. And why hadn't he mentioned Rie? Without her, Zhao would have captured them all.

Suddenly, a cold breeze blew past, making Katara shiver, who, unlike the prince, wasn't wearing a cloak. It was now very late at night and the two had been talking for hours. The half moon was up.

Zuko noticed Katara shivering. "It's late. We should be inside."

Katara agreed and turned to go. As she did, her necklace fell off without her knowing. Zuko saw and bent down to pick it up. Rie crossed her fingers. Would he return it and say her name or not? (Rie had no doubt he'd return it sooner or later, but it was the name that had her worried.)

Rie waited with bated breath, as Zuko spoke. "You dropped your necklace…" he said, pausing. ("C'mon," Rie whispered. "C'mon!")

"…Katara."

Rie let out a sigh of relief. It felt like major stepping stone number two was passed.

At her name, Katara turned around. "I was beginning to wonder whether or not you remembered I had a name, Prince Zuko," she said as she took back her necklace.

As she reached for it, Katara's hands briefly touched Zuko's. Katara acted like she didn't notice and hurriedly left the prince standing there.

Rie saw Zuko pause, shake his head, then leave.

Rie sank down onto her bed. "Whoa," was all she could say.