Disclaimer: The little voices in my head are trying to convince me that I own Avatar. Sadly I do not.
Chapter 11
They quickly made their way back to find their friend. When the two siblings found him he was hunched over trying to catch his breath. "Aang, are you okay," worry in his voice, Sokka want to his young friends side.
"Yeah, I just got board waiting for you two to come back. So I did some training to eat up some time." He hoped this explanation would suffice. He didn't like to lie. But they would no doubt be upset if they knew the truth. He had followed them into the garden. Climbing a tree he over heard their conversation. Wishing he had in fact waited here for them. But curiosity got the better of him. Now he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Why did it hurt so bad? He should be happy for his friend. She was in love with someone who could provide for her. Why didn't she feel the same about him as he did for her? But he was feeling very jealous right now. Jealous of Zuko! Jealousy was not something one should associate with the Avatar.
Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Aang? You really shouldn't push yourself that hard. What would we all do if you hurt yourself? We need you, Aang, not because you're the Avatar. Aang you are our friend, we love you like family." Her words cut him like a piercing blade. She tried to comfort him by kneading his shoulders, but it felt like she was rubbing salt into the wound. Would he ever be more to her than a friend or little brother? What could he do? He offered her a weak smile.
Coughing to get their attention, Sokka reminded them of the dinner feast. "Come on guys I'm hungry." Aang quickly forgot the pain in his heart and burst out laughing. "What?" He looked at his sister for an answer. Shrugging her shoulders at him she began to lead the two in tow.
They entered the dinning hall as if nothing had happened. All three laughing as Sokka's stomach rumbled for what seemed like the twentieth time. Suddenly Katara found her arm interlocked with another, a rough yet gentle hand patting hers. She looked up in dismay to find that it was Iroh and that there was deep concern in his eyes. "My child, is there something the matter?"
Suddenly she realized in her concern for her friend she forgot to freshen up. Her other hand went to her face on instinct, "Oh no, you know Iroh, how brothers can be?" She hoped Sokka would understand and forgive her. Iroh glanced over to her brother, Sokka only smiled in reply. Sighing she excused herself to go freshen up.
As soon as Katara left, Iroh as they all knew him, went immediately to Sokka. Who was bantering with his best friend. "You are a very good brother. A poor warrior, a bad lier, but a very good brother indeed." Sokka looked at the old general tying figure out what the old man was talking about. "You dear sister has been trough a lot today, my boy. I can only imagine the shock she has been through. What with her worst enemy confessing his undying love for her." He spoke of his younger sister as if he knew her. Maybe it was just his age, and the fact that he had seen so much in his life.
"My sister is a very sweet, compassionate, and loyal young woman. Just between you and me, if Zuko ever hurts her I'm going to make him wish he was never born." Sokka, regretted his words as soon as he had spoke them. If Katara found out he had said such harsh things to this supposed kind old man, she would most likely be upset with him.
But Iroh didn't seem put off by his comment. Sokka was quite aghast to find it was the exact opposite, "I know how you feel young man, I must admit I feel the same way. I know my nephew is harsh, but he really does care very much for Katara. We must keep a close eye on him, with out his knowing of course." with having said that he offered Sokka a wink.
"Are you really sure he feels that much for her? I mean the guy is a complete jerk! What does he know about love?" They went back and forth like this for a while, as they waited for one of the two of whom they were speaking of to come in to the dinning hall and signal the conversation closed.
Katara, sprinkled cool water on her face, having found a simple washroom to freshen up in. She wished she could spend the rest of the night in the small little room, so she didn't have to confront the prince. Already her stomach was running a muck. But she couldn't stay in here, surely they would notice she was avoiding them? Taking a taxing breath she exhaled, summoning a courage from deep within herself. Placing a still shaking hand on the door she exited. Walking towards the dinning hall she immediately spotted the source of her suffering. Which only grew as she took notice of how handsome he looked tonight. Blushing at the thought, she realized she had never seen Zuko out of his armor.
He was lost wondering where the dinning hall was when he saw his angle walk towards him. Silently noticing her rosy cheeks he decided not to comment on it. He didn't want to embarrass her any more than he already had today. Thinking back to what had transpired between them early that day, he longed to kiss her again but didn't want to force his will upon her. As she approached him he merely held out his arm to her. Gladly she took it, want so much to be close to him despite herself.
"You look lovely tonight." Zuko mentally slapped himself for sounding so cheesy. Was that the best he could come up with? 'Oh god, she was standing right next to him with a gentle hand on his arm.' He was at a loss for words. He just stood there looking into her eyes, he must have made her feel nervous as she turned away. But he noticed she did not let go of his arm. "May I escort you to dinner, Lady Katara?" Bowing to her, he waited for a answer.
"Katara." Was all that she said. He straitened, looking up to her wondering what she meant. "How many times since I have known of you, have I told you that my name is Katara? I also find it amazing how just a few weeks ago you were calling me peasant and today it is lady? I really don't know what to make of you." She wasn't mean about it or demanding she was simply stating the facts. "It's my name I would like it if you would use it." She pleaded him.
The prince did not know what to say. But he wanted to make her happy, that much he did know. "Okay, Katara." Wanting to show her he would do anything for her, "You may call me Zuko if you like." He just couldn't help it with the corny lines, he silently berated himself. Seeing Katara nod her response he smiled at her hoping he didn't look the fool that he felt. "Do you know the way to the dinning hall? My uncle seems to have left me."
She tried to cover a giggle, he just looked so unZuko-like. "You'll get used to it eventually. It took me and Sokka a while to know our way around." She noticed his cheeks turn a rosy shade of red and look away. Leading him to the dinning hall she asked, "Does my laughing bother you?"
Turning his blushing cheeks toward her, he noticed a similar color grace hers. "No, I like it actually." He whispered, turning away once more. His face grew warmer as he heard her giggle once more. Chancing a glance in her direction he noticed she was fanning her face with her hand. "Are you hot?"
"Zuko? Now I know I really don't know what to make of you!" Placing her hand on top of her other hand, she turned to look at him. "I think it is going to be very interesting to find out, though," Ha couldn't help but return her smile. Upon reaching the dinning hall she paused, taking both his hands in hers. Sighing, "Zuko, I spoke with Sokka earlier, and he promised not to start fights with you. And I would like to ask the same of you know."
What could he say? 'No, I like beating your worthless brother into a pulp?' Surely she would hate him, so he agreed. The massive doors to the dinning hall parted and they entered. Instantly feeling all eyes upon them, they let go of each others hands. He immediately longed to hold her once more, but didn't want to give her brother any further reason to hate him. They found their seats and the conversation quickly returned to normal. If you could call earth benders talking to fire benders in the Avatar's presence normal.
The meal was as good as the conversation, but Katara found she enjoyed listening to the banter more than anything. Soon the night was coming to a close and they were all yawning and saying their good nights. Everyone making their way to their prospective rooms. Hoping to wake tomorrow to find that today had not been just another one of her dreams, she felt wide awake as her head hit the pillow. She lied there for a while, not wanting to disturb he sleeping companions. As soon as she felt it was safe she quietly got up and left the room. Restless, she found herself wandering about for awhile, until she found herself in the garden for the second time today.