Hmmm... Ya kno, it took me a really long time to think up what to do for this chapter... I still kinda thinkin

Zuko: Shouldn't you decide before you start?

BF: Nope

Zuko: ...

BF: Okay, let's let Aang do the disclaimer this time!

Aang: HIYA!

Zuko: Where the heck did HE come from!

BF: Up ur &#$

Zuko: grumble disclaimer's my job...

Aang: blueflame17528 doesn't own ATLA, but I bet it'd be a whole lotta fun if she did!

BF: Awwwwwwwwww...ty Aang

Zuko: Kiss up

BF: glomps Zuko on head

Aang: Uh, isn't it supposed to start after the disclaimer?

WHOA BABY! (heheh, i quotin DJ from Full House)

Katara opened her heavy eyelids to see Zuko changing the cloth on her forehead. "Hnh?" She put her hand to her head, attempting to sit up.

"Oh no you don't..." Zuko spoke gently, lightly pushing her back down. "You're gonna make yourself even dizzier. Just relax." Katara nodded, then groaned when it felt like her brain was bouncing around in her skull.

"Is the town safe?..." Zuko nodded, smiling slightly. Figures that's the first thing she worries about.

"You guys destroyed the wave. Now the town is loaded with canals, too. And the water glows a bit, even though it's comming from the lagoon, and the lagoon water doesn't glow. We don't know what really happened, but we're not really concerned about it right now. I mean, you're not even the only person who fainted. There were even people who were only bending that passed out. Not to mention the people who just fainted from fright..." Zuko snickered at the last part and Katara giggled weakly, coughing after. Zuko frowned, feeling her forehead.

"Hey, is Katara awake?" Zuko looked at the door at Kianna's voice, but when he looked back at Katara, she was sleeping again. A thought of her looking like a little angel popped into Zuko's head, and he smiled.

Just as Kianna had said, Katara continued to drift in and out of reality for the next two days. The one thing that never changed, every time she woke up, was that Zuko was always at her side. The time she finally woke up, fully aware, he was sleeping on the bed, legs dangling off as if he had fallen asleep sitting on the edge of the bed.

Before she realized what she was doing, Katara gently stroked the Prince's scalp, sighing in content. Zuko groaned in his sleep, turning and facing Katara. She smiled, leaning on her elbow and resting her head on her hand. When he was sleeping he just looked so... harmless... (OMG! I just realized that I never told you guys... Zuko doesn't have his scar ne more. I kno, a little late, but, hey... at least i told u. I just thought he'd look so much hotter without the scar, but I also think he'd look better with his hair the way it is. Having it grow back would take away the looks)

Heheh. Zuko. Harmless. Heheh. Katara thought, shaking her head. But, it wasn't really that funny to her. She frowned slightly. Maybe he really is pretty harmless... Katara closed her eyes, remembering the past few weeks (aside from the days she was unconcious). He hadn't yelled at her or lost his temper to the point that it scared her, not even once. She smiled, kissing his forehead. He really was very kind to her...

Zuko opened his eyes, staring up at the brunnette. She blushed, embarrassed at getting caught.

"You're awake!" The comment came from both of them at the same time. Zuko chuckled and Katara giggled, trying to draw her hand from his head unnoticed. Of course it didn't work. I wouldn't mention it if it did. Zuko caught the retreating hand, kissing the knuckles before running his thumb over them, smiling up at Katara warmly. Oh my Lanta... (I've decided Katara shall ACT a bit like DJ, too) Katara felt the heat on her cheeks, knowing perfectly well that her blush must've been obvious. A look flashed in Zuko's eyes, and he seemed to gain the bravery he needed. He leaned up and kissed her forehead, trailing down to nuzzle at her neck. Okay, if it gets any hotter in here, I'll conbust! (has your crush ever done something that just made you feel like the room was over 100 degrees?) For a moment Katara wondered if she'd said it out loud.

"Mmm... you smell like flowers..." Katara blushed even more. Was that even possible? Zuko then started to whisper in her ear, lips practically pressed against it. Well, apparently it is! "I was really, really worried about you..."

Man, this really is fun. Zuko thought to himself as he noted Katara's massive blush. But part of him knew that he wasn't just playing around. Zuko enjoyed seeing her blush, true... it was just so kawaii! But he also enjoyed being close to her. Slowly, so as not to frighten her, he began to move closer. Katara noticed, and she too began to lean in...

"Zuko, are you still in there?" Zuko growled at Iroh's voice, using a great deal of self control to keep the flames from engulfing his fists.

"I'll be right back..." Zuko stood and walked to the door.

"Um, actually..." He paused and looked at Katara, raising an eyebrow. "I, uh... I still gotta take a bath and get ready and stuff... Can you just wait for me at breakfast?" Zuko's eyes softened and he nodded, turning on his heel and heading off to scream at his uncle with the perfect sense of timing. Two things rang through his mind. I'M GONNA KILL HIM! and So cloooooooooooooooooooooooose...

Katara looked down at her food, a blush, like always, staining her cheeks. Zuko STILL was ready to kill his uncle. Kianna just sat there, enjoying every minute of it. She didn't want Katara to be TOO uncomfortable, but she did have to get used to Iroh a little bit. And this was just the classic Iroh.

"Katara, Yolane tells me that you know how to play the flute?" Kianna decided to change the subject afterall.

"Wha? Oh! Yes... I do, but... not very well..." Katara smiled a little, pushing her food around on the plate. She didn't notice the look of disapproval for playing with her food that she was getting from Yolane. Even if she had, Katara probably wouldn'tve cared. She was still getting over how heated that morning had been. (to Katara, that's heated. And, poor thing, when I'm done with her... well...)

"It's okay. It's really hard to learn. I play a little, myself." (This is true for me, as well. And I kno they probably didn't have the silver flutes back then, but they didn't have radios either. It's my fic, and I write it this way.) Kianna smiled at her future sister in law, understanding the girl's fragile nerves. She could tell that Zuko was moving a bit fast for her, but she also knew that it was a good thing. Better that then hardly know each other at the wedding, right?

"You do? Where did you learn?" Katara was officially interested in the conversation. Even Yolane was curious as to how a Fire Nation Princess knew how to play a Water Tribe instrument.

"There was this island with people from every nation. A few women were playing the flute, and they offered me lessons. It sounded so beautiful, I just couldn't pass it up. I've always loved music." Kianna was smiling brightly, and Katara couldn't help but notice just how beautiful the princess was. Zuko's parents must've both been lookers, because they both had good ones.

"Hey, I have several of my flutes with me, would you like to play a few songs with me after?" Kianna asked, knowing that two flutes together sounded way better than one. Katara nodded, happy to be on familiar ground, so to speak.

Katara looked at the music Kianna had chosen them to play. It looked simple enough. The older teen counted off and they began to play, catching the attention of any and everybody that could hear them. Iroh and Yolane both smiled, proud of the girls. Zuko smiled as well, though a small one. They really did sound rather good.

After several songs Katara decided to go explore the island they were on. She was about to argue with Yolane on taking guards with her when Zuko stepped in.

"Actually, I could go with you, if you'd like?" He offered, resting a hand on Katara's shoulder. Remembering that morning, Katara blushed a little, yet still nodded.

"Well then you won't need as many guards..." Yolane offered, yet not as steadily. She was not about to refuse Zuko any thing. She was rather frightened by the prince.

"Right. She won't need any. I believe I am capable of protecting my fiance." Zuko didn't wait for an answer; he led Katara off the ship and onto the path that had been built along the beach and through the forest.

Katara was enjoying her conversation with Zuko as much as she had on the way to the party. He was kind and spirited, joking and listening. Yet, for Zuko, talking wasn't enough. He had been growing more and more attracted to the young water princess, and he wanted some action (rolls eyes boys). When the conversation was growing a bit more quiet, he decided it would be the perfect time to...

"Oh! Zuko look, another lagoon!" Zuko smiled as she ran forward, slipping off her sandals and dipping her toes in the water. Katara closed her eyes, a huge smile on her face. The water was cool and refreshing.

"Yeah, I remember this one. I don't know the name, but Kianna took me here before to swim in the summer." Katara nodded and put her shoes back on, walking over to a huge root that was sticking up from the ground and taking a seat. Zuko, of course, went and sat next to her. They sat there for several minutes, listening to nature and the roar of the waterfall, the gurgle of the brook. (A: I have no idea y they can here both at the same time. B: i like water falls) Zuko felt his heart tightening quite a bit, knowing very well that he was falling in love. And dammit he was going to do something about it before he bursted. (as in he can't wait)

"Katara..." It was a whisper, quiet and gentle. Katara turned, but before she could say 'yes?' his lips were pressed against hers. Katara's eyes widened as she felt his mouth moving against her own, his hand cradling her neck, the other arm wrapping around her waist. She closed her eyes and gave in, wrapping her arms around his neck. It was... breathtaking...

Zuko pulled her closer, breaking the kiss for but a moment to get a breath, crashing his lips back against hers almost instantly. Katara responded more willingly this time, kissing him back just as hard. Zuko bit back a growl (not a mean one, mind you), not wanting to scare her. Instead, he just pressed even closer. I don't want to take it too far... it might scare her... Zuko kept the thought in mind. He was determined to keep her trust. Going too far would crack it a bit; it would frighten her. He seemed so much more experienced than her at this, but this was new even to him. The first time he had kissed Katara had been his first kiss ever. He wanted her to be his first everything (hint hint).

The world was lost to them. The roar of the water fall couldn't be heard, just their own heartbeats. Even that was just a tiny little strum...

Zuko finally pulled back in desperate need of air. Katara was gasping for breath has well, her eyes half lidded. Zuko look at her, a small piece of hair resting against the curve of her face, eyes half closed, deep breathing filling his ears. The boy gulped, feeling a certain type of pressure build in his lower region. She looked just as breath taking as the kiss had been, and he wanted more... but would it really be wise to try and do more? She was so young, so... new at this. But wasn't he just as much? Sure, he knew more about what should happen, more or less, but that didn't change his lack of experience. And she would always be nervous their first time, no matter how long they waited. So why, why was he feeling like this? Why did he care so much that she was comfortable?

Katara noticed a look of hunger in Zuko's eyes and she felt her heart rate pick up several beats. That look... it was exciting her. Katara realised what kind of excitement she was feeling, but she felt uncertain. If she tried something with him this early, he might think of her as a (I'm sorry, I just couldn't bring myself to type it, not in Katara's thoughts. It starts with an 's', ends wit a 't'.

But she wanted more, and he had started it. Maybe even just a make out? She finally came to terms with it. Katara was no chicken, and she refused to act like one. She leaned in, capturing his lips again. Zuko was shocked. To say the least. But that didn't mean he wasn't happy.

This kiss was more than passionate: it was hungry, needy. Zuko couldn't help himself, and he pulled Katara onto his lap, straddling him. Katara felt herself heat up a bit at the movement, but she liked it. She also noted that something was pressing against her... a part of her knew exactly what it was, too.

Katara moaned into the kiss, and Zuko felt like he could cry from the sexual frustration. Of course he wasn't going to, but still. He gently nipped at Katara's bottom lip, taking advantage of her startled gasp to plunge his tongue into her mouth. Katara moaned again, letting her tongue dance with his. Zuko became more daring, cupping her by the butt and pulling her closer, bucking up a bit, relishing in Katara's pleased noises...

(Now do you get y I named this chapter the way I did? Of course, I can't write out the part I really wanted to cries because of stupid rules. So, I'll have u guys vote, if u please. Lemon, or no lemon? I can't post on AFF, srry, I don't really like goin to that site much... u can vote for a lime... and what i have so far isn't against the rules cause u could see this in an R rated movie! So there! All votes will be taken into consideration for the next chapter, which will be posted on either Friday or Saturday. Lemon, Lime, or nothing. TY!)

Zuko: groan UR SERIOUSLY GONNA END IT THERE!

BF: If it THAT bad Zuko, just take care of it urself...

Zuko: shrug ok...

BF: IN THE BATHROOM, IDIOT! NOT HERE!

Zuko: FINE! goes running to bathroom.

Katara: Hey, where'd Zuko go?

BF: shows Katara last part of chapter he's in the bathroom, taking care of, uh, a little problem. Or, shall I say, a HARD problem? laugh

Katara: evil grin oooooOoooOOooooO... runs to the bathroom to help if the problem's THAT hard, he might need some help...

BF: O,O... ok... is it just me or did those two start getting along really, really quickly?