Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Eleven
By DamageCtrl

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.


He walked around and wove through the numerous crowds of people all over the court yard. He was starting to see the same people over and over, but not the one person he was looking for. His father wasn't much help. Gran-Gran told him to leave his sister alone and have fun. And Toph had just snickered and walked away. His blue eyes finally settled on a slender figure dressed in green.

Hope bubbled up as he approached her. "Suki," Sokka said as he made his way to the young woman who was speaking to a Fire Nation military official. "Have you seen Katara?"

The young woman excused her self from the conversation and walked over to Sokka. As a representative for her island, she felt the need to properly mingle with the dignitaries, many of who were curious about Kyoshi Island after its long stint away from the mainland. She shook her head. "Not for a while. The last time I saw her, she was talking to Toph."

Sokka rubbed his chin and frowned. "I've been looking for her for the last hour." he mumbled.

"I'm sure she's fine, Sokka," Suki assured him as she hooked one arm around his. "She is a master waterbender, after all."

"It's not fighting that I'm worried about," Sokka grumbled. "I mean, did you see what she was wearing?" He asked with narrowed eyes, as if scandalized. The Kyoshi Warrior merely lifted up one eyebrow.

"Sokka, she was fully clothed. She looked great." Suki told him blandly.

"Exactly!" The Water Tribe warrior gasped. "Do you know how hard this will make it for me to keep hormone driven boys and lecherous old men away from her? She is just not cooperating."

Suki sighed heavily and shook her head. It's best that I don't tell him that she's at the garden...with Zuko.

"Hey! It's you!" a voice shouted. Sokka turned his head and paled.

"Oh no!" he stumbled back, his eyes wide as a brown haired circus acrobat bounded his way.

"Hi! Remember me? I'm Ty Lee!"

"Yeah, I remember you," Sokka stated simply. "You're the weird flexible touchy girl that was friends with Zuko's crazy sister."

Suki's eyes narrowed. "Touchy girl...?"

Ty Lee smiled brightly and giggled. "I hope there aren't any hard feelings," she said. "I really didn't want to hurt anyone."

"Yeah...well...I guess that's cool," Sokka shrugged. "I mean...we won, so no hard feelings."

"Great!" Ty Lee said. "I saw you earlier and wanted to say hi, but I was busy at the circus. You've gotten a little taller."

Sokka stood up a little straighter, much to Suki's annoyance. "Yeah, well..." he shrugged, trying to look aloof, despite secretly being pleased that someone had noticed. "A few months can do that to a guy." Beside him, Suki raised an eyebrow.

"So, are you busy right now?" Ty Lee asked, still smiling amiably. "You should come by and watch my next performance!"

It was at that moment that Suki decided to cut in. "Excuse me, hi," Suki said as she slipped between Sokka and the acrobat. "I'm Suki. Leader of the Kyoshi Warriors and Sokka's girlfriend. I don't believe we've been properly introduced." She hissed the last word, sending a glare at Sokka.

"Oh, yeah!" Sokka said nervously. "Ty Lee, this is Suki. Suki, this is Ty Lee."

"Hi." Suki stated dully.

"Hi!" Ty Lee smiled.

"Well..." Sokka said, he lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "This is...fun..."

"Yes...fun..." Suki said. She crossed her arms and studied Ty Lee as Ty Lee curiously looked over Suki. "So...you work at the circus?"

A few feet away, Aang was standing beside Toph. "Okay, now Ty Lee is reaching for Sokka's shoulder...and Suki batted her hand out of the way with her fan!"

"Oh...it's getting good..." Toph smirked. "I put my money on Suki. I think Ty Lee will just quit."

"I don't know...she has been saying that Sokka's cute for a while..." Aang mumbled thoughtfully.

"You know, I don't know if this was the best way to keep your friend occupied while his sister is in the garden." Iroh mused beside them.

"No, no, this is perfect. Because even after Ty Lee leaves, Sokka will have to try to appease Suki for at least another thirty minutes," Aang assured him. "Then he won't be following his sister around and everyone is happy!"

"Except Sokka," Toph added. She grinned widely. "This makes this the most perfect plan. Ever."

Iroh chuckled and looked around the surrounding area. "Well...let's just hope that no one else intrudes on their time."


He gripped the top of the low wall, just as he had so many times before, and jumped over the edge. His robes fluttered around him as he landed. He gathered mass of clothing and lifted it up to prevent it from dragging across the grass. Katara watched him from the water's edge, two tendrils of hair falling over her face as he crossed the garden. She chuckled as he held up his robes. She had removed her own outer coat earlier and hung it over one of the rocks along the side of the garden. As he came closer, he slowed down, unsure of what to do next.

It had been months since their last nightly encounter. Their old habit had been broken and he wasn't sure if they could pick up right where they left off. Their one and only kiss had served as a fleeting good-bye. She had left him standing alone in the rain and he had let her leave. Could things resume to the small semblance of normality they had before?

"Here you go." She raised her hand and offered him a piece of bread. For a moment, Zuko remained standing behind her. His gold eyes looking down at her blue clad figure a mixture of hesitation and hope. Slowly, pale fingers brushed across hers, sending little shocks through their finger tips as he took the bread. A gentle smile rested on her lips and he felt himself smiling back.

Katara scooted over on the stone slab. Nervously, she brushed one of her locks of brown hair behind her ear, then carefully smoothed out the creases in her dress. She could feel the heat of his body as he sat down beside her. He glanced down at her hand. A piece of bread was only half eaten and he smiled. She had waited for him.

Following the movements of her hands, he quietly began to tear off little pieces of the bread and toss them into the pond. Like all those nights ago, the turtle ducks gathered before them, quacking energetically. A small giggle escaped her lips and he turned his head to look at her. His face softened as he saw the fond look on her face as she watched the birds.

"They've gotten bigger," she said, feeling his gaze on her. "I see you've been feeding them."

"Whenever I can." he told her. Every single night... He looked back at the turtle ducks, not seeing her eyes squint with joy.

"I knew you would." He looked back at her and smiled intently. He wanted to reach out and stroke her soft hair. He wanted to feel the silk strands and her soft skin against his fingers, if only to assure himself that it wasn't another dream.

"I didn't think you would make it." he admitted softly as he looked back at the animals. He heard her shift beside him.

Blue eyes moved over to him. "I said I'd come, didn't I?" The corner of his lips curled up slightly.

"I shouldn't have doubted you," He threw the last piece of bread and turned his head. He saw her face looking right back at him, a thoughtful look in her eyes. She seemed to be studying him. Suddenly, he grew self conscious under her gaze. He began felt his face grow warm and his heart begin racing. He moved back slightly and lifted his hand over his face. "Is there something wrong?"

"No..." Katara replied softly. She smiled and raised her hand, placing it over his to move it away so she could see him clearly. "Nothing's wrong."

He kept his eyes on hers. "Katara..." he began softly. He could feel her slender fingers gently weave through his and caress the back of his calloused hands. Her touch was always so comforting and relaxing; he felt the last shred of anxiety slip away. "Thank you for coming."

She smiled slightly. "You already told me that."

"Right...right..." Zuko mumbled stupidly. She moved her eyes down blinked. He watched her carefully and caught the small clear tears forming on the rims of her beautiful eyes. "Katara..." he whispered worriedly. His free hand reached down gently cupped her chin. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing...I'm okay, really," Katara said. She gave him a wide smile as he lifted her head up. His lips turned into a tight, disapproving smile. "I'm okay."

"'Okay' doesn't mean you're crying," He told her sternly. Katara shook her head and tried to move his hand away, but he kept a gentle, yet firm grip on her chin. "Katara-"

"I can't really believe I'm here," Katara choked out. His eyes widened, watching with fascination as Katara's other hand rose and tried to wipe the tears before they came out. "Everything in my room back at the South Pole reminds me of you. Iroh's wooden turtle duck...the clothes I've packed away...even the fire pit!" She struggled to say. She let out a small, disbelieving laugh as she wiped her eyes. "And when it rains...when it rains, all I can think about is you!"

His arms slid around her shoulders and pulled her against him reassuringly. Her body pressed against his side as one hand rose clung on to the fabric of his robes. Brown hands curled into the red robes, securing her against him. He moved his head over hers, gently guiding it to rest in the crook of his neck as one of his hands stroked calming circles on her back. His other hand found hers and quickly wove his fingers through his before bringing her closer to him.

He could smell the subtle scent of flowers in her hair as he pressed his lips against the top of her head. Was there anything he missed more than all his senses being drowned by Katara? In the crook of his neck, she closed her eyes and leaned against him. She could feel his warm breath above her and the steady, strong beating of his heart beneath.

Zuko closed his eyes. She missed him...just as much as he missed her. His arm tightened around her. "I missed you," he whispered roughly. "Every day, I thought of you...ever waking moment. Agni knows if I didn't see you soon, I would've gone insane."

He felt her shoulders move up slightly as she chuckled softly. She tilted her head up gently and nuzzled the crook of his neck. "That makes two of us." She closed her eyes as the tip of her nose ran over Zuko's pale neck. She felt him shiver against him.

"I worried about you," Zuko told her. He felt the hot breath against his neck and went rigid. "I heard you went to the Earth Kingdom."

Katara nodded slightly. She smiled as she felt his voice in his throat vibrate against her cheek. She felt his body tense against hers and squeezed his hand. "Our friend's village needed help," she told him. She rested her head against his shoulder and tightened her grip on her hand. "Fire Nation settlers who wanted to stay were being harassed."

Zuko frowned at the knowledge that his people were being victimized. He suddenly felt as if he had failed somehow. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Katara shook her head. "I learned when I spoke to them that the Earth Kingdom is their home. Everything is up to the people now..." She looked up at him and smiled slightly. "You're only one man," she whispered encouragingly as her free hand gently stroked his chest. "You can't save the world. That's Aang's job."

He let out a snort and Katara laughed. She released his robes and wiped the sleeves of her dress against her eyes. "He has his job cut out for him."

Katara nodded and began to pull away, much to his displeasure. "I know," she said, straightening up in her seat. "I didn't now how hard it was until we went to Haru's village."

So that's his name... Zuko narrowed his eyes. "Haru," he began, letting the name run distastefully through his lips. "Is he your friend?" he asked in a low voice. Katara blinked and lowered her arm. One of his arms was still tightly around her, as if unwilling to let her go. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she heard him say her friend's name.

"Zuko...are you jealous?"

Gold eyes widened, as if appalled by the mere suggestion of it. "Why would I be jealous?" he spat out, dropping his arm from around her shoulder immediately. Katara raised an eyebrow. "There is no need for me to be jealous of some Earth Kingdom peasant." He insisted defensively.

A wide, knowing grin spread across her face. "You were jealous! Admit it!" she said as she poked his chest with her finger.

"I have no reason to be jealous," Zuko snorted indignantly. "Are you forgetting who I am? I'm the Fire Lord! I have a palace, a nation, and countless servants. I am one of the greatest firebenders in this entire Nation! There are dozens of noble women in the palace who are practically stalking me!" He added.

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, being stalked by noble women is certainly something to be proud of," She stated, with a hint of venom in her voice. "I didn't know you were so happy to be surrounded by women."

"Well..." he stuttered. "If I were interested in them...perhaps."

Katara tilted her head to the side and gave him a questioning look. "If?" she asked curiously. "Then who exactly are you interested in, Fire Lord?"

His golden eyes narrowed as he looked down at her. A frown graced his face as his arms shot and grabbed her arms. "Are you even questioning me?" he gasped. "Who do you think?" She smiled widely.

"Aang?"

"Katara..." he growled in a low voice. She laughed as he frowned. The longer he watched her, the less he frowned. Finally a small smile gave way on his face once more. Her laughter slowly died down and silence over took them once again.

Unlike back in the courtyard, amongst hundreds of bodies, many of whom were watching their every move, the silence was comfortably. Katara rested her head against his shoulder as her hand rested on his lap. His arm remained around her shoulder as he leaned his head against hers. He looked down at her, imprinting the sight of her content face in his mind.

"Part of me doesn't think this is real..." Katara whispered. "Like any moment, you'll turn into tree stump."

His eyebrows furrowed. "A tree stump?"

"It's a long story," she assured him. "I didn't think we'd ever do this again."

"Then you shouldn't think," Zuko stated simply. Katara sighed. Sometimes, he still sounded like the old Prince that chased them all the way around the world. The one who had a one track mind and felt that all his problems would be solved with one simple, if not difficult to catch, answer. She felt him turn his head and plant another kiss on her head. "I really am happy you're here..."

So am I... "Just one more night couldn't hurt.." Katara whispered. There was a tense pause in the air. His body went rigid once again. She tilted her head up to look at him. "Zuko?"

"What do you mean, just one more night?" he asked behind gritted teeth. It was Katara's turn to tense up. She lifted her head off of his shoulder. Her heart began to race as she watched his face harden at the implications of her words.

"Zuko..." she began hesitantly. "Did you...want me to stay?"

Golden eyes flashed in front of hers. "Of course I want you to stay!" he exclaimed. "I've waited for you to come back and now you have!" Her eyes widened as she pulled back. Zuko's lips fell into a frown. "No..."

"Zuko..." she whispered breathily, her voice laced with regret. "I can't..."

His eyes squinted into conflicted slits as they tried to find an answer in her wide blue orbs. "Why? Why are you leaving? Didn't you come back because you missed me?"

"I do miss you when I'm gone," Katara gasped out. "But I can't stay..."

"Why?"

"I...I just can't!"

"That's not an answer!"

"Zuko, I want to stay, but I can't," Katara insisted. "Please just understand. Let's just have tonight in peace."

"Tonight? How can I possibly enjoy tonight when I know that you'll be leaving?" He demanded.

Katara closed her eyes and turned her head away shamefully. "I'm sorry..." she whispered softly.

"What are you talking about?" his voice rasped out. Slowly, she tilted her head up and looked up at his face. "I don't understand why you can't stay," His eyes looked at her with doubt. "Is that you don't want to stay...?"

Sad blue eyes gazed up at him. "Look what we're doing," she said quietly. "We're back where we started. As if I never left..."

"What's wrong with that?" Zuko asked, confused. He offered her a small smile. "I happen to like it."

Katara let a small chuckle escape her lips as she shook her head. "We're supposed to be friends, Zuko. Just friends, remember."

He frowned. "You're the one who said we should just be friends." He stated, unable to contain his resentment. Katara pulled away from him and he instantly regretted his harsh voice.

"Because that's all we ever can be," Katara insisted. She lowered her eyes and pulled her hand off his lap. "I wanted to see you, Zuko. I couldn't help it, but I know it's not going to work out."

He watched as her hands gripped the cloth over her lap and tightened. "Katara, nothing is ever set in stone. If you want to stay, then stay. Just forget about what you 'know' about this not working out."

Her head shot up and looked at him, confused. "How can we forget about it? Everywhere I look, I'm reminded of the reason why it can't work out!"

"Have I given you a reason? Have I told you that I didn't want you or don't want you here?" Zuko asked. He shifted to face her directly. "Katara, there is nothing for you to be sorry about. We're not doing anything wrong. There is no reason why you can't stay."

"Zuko, you are the Fire Lord," Katara reminded him earnestly, her hands waving around her as if to remind him that the garden and the palace were his. "I'm a Water Tribe peasant. I don't have a sliver of nobility in me. No one in the Fire Nation will understand, let alone accept it!"

"I don't care about them right now!" Zuko snapped. "This is the first time I've seen you in months," he said as his hands rose and cupped her face firmly, forcing her to look up at him. "All I - Zuko - want right now is to just sit quietly with you - Katara. Do you understand? No Fire Lord. No peasant," He quietly pleaded. He resigned and let out a heavy breath. "You're right...we should just savor tonight."

His fingers gently stroked her cheeks and she stared up at him with regretful eyes. "You know I will leave."

He didn't believe her. She could see it in his eyes. "I will deal with that when it comes to it."

Tears rimmed her eyes as her lips trembled. "I don't want to have to leave you again..." she whimpered. "It hurt so much last time..."

"And you still came back," Zuko whispered. "If you really believed it wasn't going to work out, why did you come back?"

Because I want it to. She shook her head wildly and stood up, leaving Zuko on sitting alone on the stone. "Every single rational thought in my mind is saying 'No, Katara. It's not going to work. It's impossible,'" she ranted as she paced by the edge of the pond. "But I can't stop hoping that maybe, just maybe, it'll work."

"Maybe it will work!" he exclaimed. Katara looked stopped in her tracks and looked back at him. The young Fire Lord stood up and looked at her with pleading gold eyes. "You think you're the only one who wants it to, Katara?"

"It would be easier if I was."

"Then it will never be easy," he countered with ease. Katara looked down and closed her eyes. Her hands clenched at he sides. Zuko took a step forward. Hesitantly, he reached forward. He watched her expressions warily. His hands touched her shoulders. "Katara-"

Foot steps echoed from the hallway entrance at the front of the garden. Their heads shot up and looked towards the direction of the noise. The sounds of boots and armor were approaching and Zuko mentally swore. It was the palace guard. They were doing their patrol. He cursed himself for having increased security all over the palace for the time of the celebration. He glanced back at Katara and felt his chest tighten.

Her eyes were wide and filled with panic. He could feel her shoulders shaking in his hands, terrified of being caught in the garden with him. His eyes narrowed and he grabbed her hand. She looked up at him and saw determination in his face. "Zuko, let me go-"

"I'm not leaving you," he hissed in a low voice. "This is my palace. My garden. I can have whoever I want here." Katara felt her face heat up. The guards were coming closer and Katara gritted her teeth. Her hand tightened around his and tugged him forward.

"Come on!" she said in a low voice. "You might not care, but I do! The last thing we want is for people to hear about this and spread rumors!"

He smirked wirily. Too late. Zuko felt her tug on his hand and stumbled forward. Katara lead him behind one of the large, protruding stone boulders that had been placed by the pond for decorative purposes. She pressed him against the stone beside her as she craned her neck to listen for the guards.

She could hear their voices mumbling to each other as they approached the entryway. The footsteps stopped and they seemed to have paused to look inside. A few seconds later, their conversation resumed and their footsteps faded away.

A heavy sigh of relief escaped her lips as she leaned back unknowingly against Zuko's body. As she let a long breath out and felt a warm breath above her. She lifted her head and let out a yelp as she stumbled forward and turned around. Zuko raised an eyebrow. "What?" he asked, sounding slightly annoyed. Had being that close to him been yelp worthy?

"Um..." Katara said nervously. She could still feel the heat of his body against her back and quickly felt her face flame up. "The...the guards are gone."

Zuko nodded solemnly. He took a step forward. "I got that." Katara's eyes darted away and she nervously fiddled with a strand of hair that fell over her face.

"We should get back," Katara told him. "Everyone is probably looking for you and Sokka will start to worry when he can't find me."

"Katara-"

"I'll see you later, okay?" she added breathily. She whirled around and headed for the entryway to the hall when Zuko's arm shot out and grabbed her wrist. A sharp gasped escaped her lips as she was pulled forward. She found herself staring up into gold orbs.

"Katara, will you give me just a minute," Zuko told her sternly. "I want to talk to you."

"Zuko, there are hundreds of people within the palace right now. Anyone could walk in and see us-"

"Then we'll find a private place," Zuko stated. He thought for a second. "Let's go to my bedroom."

Katara's eyes went wide. "What?"

Zuko's eyes suddenly mirrored her and he dropped her wrists. "I mean...I didn't mean...What I meant to say was..." His eyebrows furrowed with frustration. "I'm not going to do anything!"

Katara stared up at him with blue eyes, finding amusement as his pale cheeks flooded with a pink tint of embarrassment. She was sure he didn't mean how it sounded, however it was still entertaining to watch him get flustered. Entertaining and somewhat satisfying. She bit her lip and thought for a moment. Her eyes darted to the entryway back to the hall. They could still hear the music coming from the court yard and even the occasional muffled voices of the crowds.

Once she left, she would return to the sea of bodies and become immersed in conversations on how she helped save the world. Her eyes looked back at Zuko, who was looking away, as if scanning the area for a place to speak privately. He would be swallowed up his guests. The rest of the night, they wouldn't see more than a passing glace at each other. The thought made her heart ache. She had come to see him, if only for one night.

Just one night, Katara...Don't leave things unfinished. At least find a resolution somehow before the night is over. But don't leave him now. Just a few more minutes...no matter how short, would be good enough. Katara took a deep breath.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she questioned what she was about to do. If she really wanted to end everything. She looked back at Zuko standing before her and memorized his glorious image as Fire Lord in her mind. His neatly tied back hair. The Fire Lord emblem glistening in the moonlight. His strong, defined features, his statuesque build. Even the way the fine robes fitted his body perfectly. A few more minutes to enjoy. A few more memories to cherish. A few more dreams to have when she lay alone in bed, knowing she could never have him. It would hurt later, she knew that. It would hurt no matter what. But she wouldn't spend the rest of her life wondering 'what if'...

He felt her hand wrap around his and looked back at her with surprise. Part of him had been sure she would run off and avoid him. "Let's go." she stated.

His eyes squinted questioningly. "Go where?"

She pulled him forward. "Anywhere but here."


"I can't believe you!" Sokka hissed as Suki followed behind him, desperately tugging on his arm. "You let my sister go off with that firebending maniac?"

"I didn't let her go off with anyone! I just said that she probably went to feed the turtle ducks!" Suki insisted. Sokka pressed forward, determined to find his sister.

"Feeding the turtle ducks! How dense do you think I am?" He paused. "Don't answer that."

"Sokka, come on! Just leave them alone!" Suki insisted. She shot him a deadly glare. "I'm still not happy with you and that other woman, you know!"

"I'm trying to tell you, she's not an 'other' woman, Suki! For crying out loud, she and her little band of merry death bringers were trying capture us!" Sokka whined desperately. He had never been so glad to see the other girl...the one with the knives, so much in his life. She came by and called for Ty Lee. The bouncy acrobat had to leave, but not before giving Sokka a quick hug and running off.

Suki had been annoyed, insistent that the hug was more than just a 'friendly' hug like she gave Aang. Denying it had kept him occupied for at least thirty minutes until his father came by and asked if he saw Katara. Then he suddenly remembered his original mission and set off. Suki had accidentally let it slip that she went to feed the turtle ducks and would be fine.

The gears turned in his head and then he let out a murderous yell before running into the palace. Luckily, Aang had been there to start laughing and tell the concerned by standing guests that Sokka was always 'the funny one' and assure everyone that his blood thirsty scream was all a jest.

"Sokka, come on," Suki told him. "You said you could take it if Katara is happy."

"I meant that only when I can see she's happy!" Sokka told her. "And can I see Katara right now? No. This means I don't know if she's happy and therefore there is a possibility that could be..." His face paled a shade lighter before going limp in Suki's arms. She looked up and him and noticed him slumping over, a slight green tint on his face.

"Could be what?" she asked hesitantly.

Suddenly, Sokka's eyes narrowed into slits and he tore his arm from Suki's hold. Without any other thought than the fear that his sister was with Zuko and trapped in his web of seduction, Sokka ran forward blindly. "I'll kill you!" He yelled as he vanished into the hallway.

"Sokka!" Suki yelled, about to run after him.

"It's okay," a voice said behind her. She turned around and found Toph approaching them. "He's going the wrong way."

"Were you following us, Toph?" Suki asked, curiously. The blind girl shook her head.

"Nope, I went to the garden to warn Katara just in case, but when I got there, they were already gone." Toph told her.

Suki let out a breath of relief. She paused and looked at Toph. "They're gone?"

"Don't ask me where," Toph shrugged. "All I know is that they're not there any more."

"Hm..." Suki mused. "I wonder where they went..."


Katara pasted herself against the wall and peeked around the corner. The amount of guards in the area was down to one. Zuko looked around the corner as well, his head just above Katara's, and frowned. "I thought I had placed more guards here." he stated in a low voice.

"They're probably centered more on the court yard," she hissed in a slow voice. "Just be glad there is only one."

"Why are we even here?" Zuko frowned. If she had wanted to talk in the middle of an open court yard, he could've suggested a better, more private one.

"Shh..." Katara told him as she waved her hand to silence him. "We have to get to the stables."

"The stables?" he hissed. She wanted to talk in the stables? Then again, maybe she had a point. No nobles would go spying in the stables of all places. However, the servants were another thing. He narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out away to avoid any servants, when he felt her hand tug his.

"He's looking away! Let's go!" She ordered in a low voice. Zuko would've been annoyed at the fact that she was once again ordering him around. However, the fact that she was actually with him to order him around overshadowed it.

He glanced down the corridor at the guard who was yawning. He had turned his back to the court yard to do some stretches to kill his boredom. Zuko glared at the back of his helmet as they darted across the court yard and to the stables.

"Wait, I want to go back there," Zuko insisted. "How dare he ignore his post! Doesn't he know how important his duty is? What if there was an attack-"

"Zuko, shh!" Katara hissed. They slipped around the back of the stables and entered through one of the gates. Once inside the area, numerous animals were snorting and circling their pens. Others were either sleeping or eating.

"We're here," Zuko said, scowling as they walked through. It smelled and with all the snorting animals, he wondered if she could even hear him. "How do you plan to talk here?"

"I'm sorry, did I say we were going to talk here?" Katara asked smoothly. He stopped in his tracks and narrowed his eyes.

He gritted his teeth. She was wasting valuable time. "Then why are we here?"

Katara smiled from ear to ear, carrying the same look of sheer devious pleasure that his Uncle Iroh had when he looked forward to his new shipment of tea. She rounded the corner to another part of the open area stables and pointed proudly to the massive beast in front of them.

"Ta-da! Appa!" she beamed proudly. "I once saw Sokka and Yue taking Appa up, so I thought it would be kind of nice..."

She trailed off, a slight blush on her cheeks as she avoided his eyes and looked at the beast. Appa was contently chewing on some hay that was provided for him. "This is not going to work," Zuko frowned. Katara's head snapped up and she frowned.

"Why not?"

"That is a ten ton bison that flies. It's not like we'll be invisible," Zuko stated, pointing at Appa. The bison merely snorted. "We'll never make it out of the court yard outside without a guard asking us-"

"Us?" Katara asked as she began to climb Appa. She dug through the saddle and pulled out one of the sleeping tarps they had on Appa's saddle. "I'm just going to take Appa on a little night time flight."


"Suki!" Sokka was panting as he finally reached her. She and Toph were sitting by the entry way to the garden by the time Sokka arrived. He looked ragged and out of breath, as if he'd actually run through the entire palace.

"Have a nice jog, Snoozeles?" Toph asked with a grin.

"Where are they?" Sokka pressed as he stumbled passed the two girls and into the garden.

"Sokka, why don't you sit down for a bit," Suki suggested as she stood up. "You look tired."

"Tired? Why would I be tired? Maybe because I got lost and couldn't find this place?" Sokka demanded. Suki crossed her arms over her chest.

"Well, you can search all you want, but they're not here . Katara probably returned to the party a while ago." she told him. He wasn't paying attention. The Water Tribe warrior proceeded to comb the moonlight illuminated garden frantically.

"Maybe you should stop him before he questions the turtle ducks." Toph suggested. Suki shrugged her shoulder.

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Suki said. "After all, they're no longer here."

"Ah-hah!" Sokka's triumphant voice sounded from behind on the large decorative stones. He stomped out from around the stone clutching a heavy blue outer coat in his hands. "What is this? Do you know what this is?" he asked, practically choking the coat as he held it in front of them.

Toph snorted. "I don't know, but I know it's not Katara."

"It's Katara's coat," Suki said. She stepped forward to take the coat from Sokka's hands, only to have him jerk it out of her reach and step back. "Sokka-"

"It's her coat!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah. She just said that." Toph stated.

"Do you know what this means?" Sokka continued.

"That she's got hot so she took off her coat? Like most reasonable people do when they're hot?" Suki asked.

"Exactly! She's not wearing her coat!" Suki looked at him as if he had just lost his mind. "I found her coat just thrown over some random rock! The question is why..." He trailed off, his eyes narrowed. "My intuition tells me that if she had forgotten her coat, it means she rushed off somewhere...Possibly by force..."

Suki let out a heavy breath, knowing where his mind was taking him. "Sokka, just stop right there-"

"Oh, no..." Sokka's eyes widened as he whirled and looked at the walled off building in the distance, just beyond the gardens.

Suki followed his eyes to the royal quarters and nearly dropped her fan. "Sokka...no! Don't even think about it!"

"Katara!" Sokka exclaimed, absolutely horrified. He threw her coat over his shoulder and rushed forward.

"Hey!" Toph shouted as the heavy coat landed on top of her. She felt Sokka and Suki's footsteps running across the garden. "Where are you guys going?"

"Sokka, no! You can't go in there! They'll kill you if you go into Zuko's bedroom!" she heard Suki yelling. The sound of 'Zuko's bedroom' only made things worse as the over protective brother sped up.

Sokka didn't stop and pulled out the boomerang that had been resting inside his shirt as he let out an enraged yell. "I'll kill him!"


The gates to the stables creaked open and the guard who stood watch straightened up. He held his weapon tightly in preparation for whatever came out next.

"Hello!" A smiling blue clad figure was opening the doors. With her elaborately styled hair and her elegant Water Tribe dress, the guard assumed she was of importance. "Fine night, isn't it?"

"Oh!" His eyes widened as he recognized her face. He instantly straightened up before giving her a bow. "Lady Katara!"

"No need to bow." Katara said cheerfully as she continued leading Appa out into the vacant court yard.

The guard stood up and walked forward. "Allow me to help with the gates, Lady Katara," he said respectfully as he walked along Appa's side and held the gate door open so Appa could squeeze out without hitting them. "Do you need any assistance getting on the bison?"

"No, no," Katara assured him as she began climbing up Appa's fur. "Everything is great! Thanks!" She beamed him a smile as crawled on top of Appa's saddle. "Appa and I are just going for a small flight. We'll be back later, won't we boy?" She asked the bison as she patted him.

Appa let out a snort and guard nodded. "Be careful over the western area of the palace. General Iroh had scheduled fireworks for the Fire Lord's birthday celebration."

"Fireworks?" a deep voice said from the saddle. The guard froze and narrowed his eyes.

"Did you say something, Lady Katara?"

"Me? Um...just a yawn!" she laughed off innocently. "Well, thanks again! We'll make sure to steer clear of the western area. Appa!" she said as she gently tugged on the reins. "Yip yip!"

The guard watched with awe as the massive beast flew in the air. Katara waved back at the guard to thank him once more before letting out an ecstatic laugh.

"What are you laughing about?" Zuko shouted as he threw off the tarp. "We could've gotten caught!"

"Yeah, no thanks to you!" Katara laughed as she looked over her shoulder. She gave him a once over before pointing at his head. "Nice hair!"

"What?" Zuko raised his hands and touched his former neatly tied top knot. His Fire Lord emblem was twisted to the side and the knot had loosened. Stray hairs fell over his face and he let out a low growl before attempting to fix it.

"Well, what do you think?" Katara asked as Appa flew around the palace headed for the city beyond its walls. "Private enough for you?"

He raised an eyebrow from where he was sitting in the center of the saddle. "You do realize you just kidnapped the Fire Lord, don't you?"

"It's not kidnapping when you go along me!" Katara said brightly as she tied Appa's reins to the front of the saddle. The bison would fly around smoothly while she looked over the edge of the saddle.

Zuko watched as she pointed energetically down at the city below. "What?" he asked as he approached her carefully. The last thing he wanted was to fall off the creature.

"Look down there! Do you see your people?" she asked brightly. Zuko's eyebrows furrowed and he looked over the edge. People were flooding the streets. He could hear their music as he made out groups of people dancing. Lanterns were hug over head as the smell of food wafted into the air. "Looks like your people are celebrating your birthday, too!"

"My people..." Zuko said softly. Even in a post war recession, there was still much life in the Fire Nation. He desperately wanted to make his nation happy and stable again. Back to the way it was before the war started. Katara turned her head and glanced over at him.

His determined expression caught her eyes. She thought he would have been happy to see his people celebrating, but instead he wore a serious look. Katara smiled sadly. He wanted to keep his people this way and would use all his power to do so.

"Zuko..." Katara began hesitantly. To start the conversation would ruin the moment and she began to regret bringing him on Appa. Nervously, she sat back against the saddle, her head lowered as she fiddled with her fingers on her lap. "I know how much you love your nation and your people. I don't want to stand in the way of reaching your goal to rebuild the Fire Nation."

The young Fire Lord turned to look at her. "You aren't standing in the way of anything."

"The Fire Nation is fragile right now. It needs a strong leader who will be the ideal Fire Lord. And you fit all the requirements," Katara told him. He couldn't help but feel flattered at her words. "But...I am not ideal."

"To whom?" She was ideal to him. Didn't that count?

"To everyone!" Katara exclaimed. "We've been through his a thousand times."

"And I have told you a thousand times that it doesn't matter," Zuko stressed. "Why are you being so stubborn?"

Katara's eyes widened. "I'm being stubborn? You're the one who wants to do something that the rest of his country won't approve of!" she retorted proudly.

"Are you calling me selfish?" he demanded indignantly. Katara lifted her chin and looked him square in the eyes.

"Yes." His face twisted into a scowl as he moved closer to her. On instinct, Katara moved back until she was pinned in one corner of Appa's saddle. Two strong arms slammed down on either side of her, keeping her trapped in front of him.

Intense eyes bore into hers, as if trying to read whatever went through her mind. The closer he got, the warmer she began to feel. Her heart was racing in her chest and she was sure her cheeks were burning. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his as he stopped moving, his face just a hair's length from hers.

"I'm only going to ask you this once," Zuko said in a low voice. "Don't lie to me," he added. Katara felt herself nod. His eyes narrowed. "I need to know how you feel..." He hesitated. "Do you love me." Katara felt her heart stop for just a moment. He hadn't asked 'if'...he wanted confirmation. His eyes were searching hers, reading her face intently. He would know if she lied.

Everything around her that wasn't Zuko faded into nothingness. All she could see, smell, hear, and touch was Zuko and he wouldn't let her forget that anytime soon. Not until she answered him. Her mind told her that the answer was 'no'. That all she had to do was say it and he would leave her alone. She knew he would. But just thinking about it...just envisioning the look on his face if she said it sent pain crushing down against her the like the weight of an ocean.

But it would be over. He would go back to ruling the Fire Nation without worrying about her and sparing him what his people would say. She would go back to helping her tribe, and possibly Aang, knowing she showed Zuko just how deep her sense of mercy went. Everything would go the way it had to go. It was what was rational. What she knew she had to do. That was what was right, wasn't it?

A small voice piped amidst the order and rationality of her mind. A small voice that sounded like Sokka...

Why do you have to question it? Why can't you just go with what you feel?

What did she feel? Zuko didn't ask her what she thought they should do. He didn't ask what was rational or even what was 'right'. He wanted to know how she felt. He wanted confirmation that what he was feeling was mutual. Her eyes focused on his scarred, yet beautiful face. She could see the worry lines that had made creases in his face from all the work he had been doing.

She could see the desperation in his eyes behind the hope and mask of fearlessness. Did she love him?

"Yes," She took another step down the forbidden road she realized she had started months ago. "I love you."

Explosions sounded from the palace. Below them, the crowds of people let out shouts of excitement as the clear dark sky lit with a barrage of flashes and lights. Their sounds echoed in the air like thunder. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she knew the fireworks were going on. But the world outside of Appa's saddle was lost to both them.

She felt a breath escape Zuko's lips. Had he been holding his breath? She couldn't tear her eyes away from his. The golden orbs that haunted her dreams softened as they looked down at her intently. A small smile grazed his lips. A warm hand rose and gently stroked her cheek.

"It was too late, Katara..." he mumbled as finger tips traced her lips."We couldn't stop it in time..."

"I know..."

"I love you."

Katara's eyes fluttered closed. How long had she been waiting to hear those words? How many nights did she listen to the rain and heard his voice laced among the pitter patter, whispering those words to her. Even though she never had to hear it from him. The words would sound strange coming from his lips, her mind had argued. The Fire Lord would never admit that he loved you. He loves his country.

Yet as the fire works lit up the sky and the joyous sounds of his people sounded from below, she couldn't help but feel that it was right. And that night, everyone was celebrating for them.

Katara smiled. "I know..." Tears rimmed her eyes and she blinked the foolish dampness away. Her hands rose and cupped his face, bringing him closer to her. "I know."

Then warm lips sealed over hers.


"What is going on here?" Iroh gasped as he opened the doors to the covered pathway that lead to the royal quarters. Standing, or rather piled, in front of him were Suki and Toph. They were grabbing on to Sokka, who seemed to be crawling his way to the doors.

"Sokka! I don't want to have to hurt you!" Suki yelled. "But if you don't stop, you leave me no choice!"

"What are you all doing?" Iroh asked, his eyes still widen and unsure of what he was witnessing.

"Iroh!" Toph stated as she heard his voice. She paused and her grip loosened. Sokka felt the pressure leave his left side and let out a triumphant yell as he struggled to stand up.

He reached for the door when a flame flew from behind him. Sokka let out a scream as he whirled around. Iroh stood there, looking at the group with confusion. "Would somebody please tell me what is going on here?" The old general asked, frowning. "Why are you trying to get into the royal quarters?"

"Because you're perverted nephew is in there with my sister!" Sokka exclaimed.

Iroh looked genuinely surprised. "Zuko?" He asked. "With Katara?" His eyes widened and he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see..."

"What do you mean?" Sokka shouted. Suki finally let him go, seeing as how Zuko's Uncle was now there. "Do you know what they could be doing in there?" He gasped, pointing to the royal quarters.

Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Sleeping?"

Sokka threw his arms in the air and let out a frustrated cry. "Katara! No!" He sobbed. His mind whirled. I've failed my father! I can never look him in the eye again! I can't believe I let my own sister... I can't even think about it!

"Sokka, what are you talking about?" Iroh sighed. "A guard told me your sister had left on the flying bison a while ago."

There was a pause. "What?" Sokka looked up sharply from his little hole of despair.

"Yes," Iroh nodded. "That was why I why I was coming to find you. Your father was looking for you and your sister. The Avatar would've come himself if he wasn't surrounded by dignitaries vying for his attention."

"Then...so...they're not in Zuko's bedroom?" Sokka asked. Iroh nodded once more.

"Unless I missed something," Iroh told him.

"Then how do you explain this?" Sokka asked. He grabbed Katara's discarded outer coat and waved it in front of the old man's face.

"That is Katara's coat."

"Exactly!" Sokka stated. "And you know what it means, don't you?"

"That she got hot and took it off," Iroh replied calmly "That is what most people do when they get hot."

Sokka growled and Suki rolled her eyes. "I told you, Sokka! Lord Zuko is probably wandering the court yard as we speak! So Katara took Appa for a midnight ride? Big deal! She's flown Appa a lot!"

"Actually..." Iroh trailed off. He looked at Sokka and smiled. "I can't find Zuko either. Have you seen him?"

Suki and Sokka's eyes widened. Slowly their faces turned towards the sky with wonder. "Katara...with Zuko...on Appa?" His eyes glazed over. He began walking pass the group and Toph called out.

"Snoozeles! Where do you think you're going?"

"To the stables!" Sokka growled. "They have to come back some time..." He added under his breath.

"Sokka...I hate to do this to you..." Suki said as she pulled one of her fans out. "But it's for your own good." The young Water Tribe warrior didn't hear her as he kept walking. Two steps to the hall, he felt something blunt hit him in the head and then everything went black.


Appa lurched and Katara let out a yelp. Zuko rolled off of her, running his hand through his hair as Katara struggled to sit up. "We weren't doing anything, Appa!" she told the beast. The bison merely snorted with disbelief. "We're not!"

She lifted her hand and rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry," Zuko murmured as he sat up beside her and leaned forward to examine her head. When Appa lurched, she had hit her head on the saddle. "I got carried away."

You got carried away? She looked over at his clothes. His robes were wrinkled from where she had been holding on to him. Clumps formed in certain areas where her hands had grabbed on. His belts and sashes around his waist were loose, and his hair was now destroyed. Still, it felt nice between her fingers. "You look terrible."

He rolled his eyes and began straightening his robes. "You're not looking much better." He retorted. He glanced over at her. Her inner layer of clothes had been loosed and her hair had fallen apart. She was now trying to collect all the little stones that had once decorated her hair. As her eyes scanned the saddle, he could see her still swollen lips and the healthy pink flush on her face. He smirked at the surge of pride, knowing that he had made her look so completely ravished.

What a difference five minutes of kissing on top of a giant flying bison made. He tightened his belts one last time and began fixing his hair. He sat on top of the bison, concentrating on putting the top knot back into place as he watched the fire works. Beside him, Katara slipped her hair stones into her pocket and began smoothing out her hair. There was no way she'd get it back into the elegant bun she had earlier.

Zuko watched her straighten her dress the best that she could. Her inner layer of clothing was thinner than the coat she had been wearing and he wasn't surprised when she shivered. He pinned the Fire Lord emblem back into his hastily tied top knot and reached over for her. She felt his arms wrap around her shoulders and bring her back.

"Zuko, I'm trying to fix my dress-"

"What you should've done was bring your coat," Zuko frowned. "You would think that flying on this animal so much; you would know how cold it gets."

She cringed, remembering her abandoned coat. "We should get back soon. I should get it before it gets picked up by someone."

"It'll be fine in the garden," Zuko assured her. He pulled her back against his chest, his arms wrapped around her body as she sat between his legs. As Appa slowly flew over the capital, the two watched the fireworks in front of them. He felt Katara nestle closer to him and he smiled softly. He lowered his head and whispered breathily in her ear. "I knew you were cold."

Katara nodded her head, but shivered as his hot breath wisped past the sensitive skin of her neck. She closed her eyes and raised her hands, placing them on top of his arms. "Your Uncle's fireworks are nice...how long are they?"

"Fire works can take up to an hour here," he replied. "There haven't been fireworks here since my father came into power." He added.

"No wonder everyone is so happy," Katara smiled as she watched the colorful explosions. Her hands squeezed his arms. "You're bringing back things that they missed...helping make this country what it once was before the war...I knew you'd be a great Fire Lord."

His arms tightened around her body and she felt his chin rest against her shoulder. "Not yet..." he murmured, distracted."Katara..." he said in her ear. "Stay with me."

She tensed up. "Zuko..."

"Stay with me and give me time," Zuko told her, his voice almost pleading with her. "Just wait a few years, Katara. Until I've rebuilt this nation. Let me prove to them that I'm a competition Fire Lord. Let me shut up all the nobles and officials who question me. Just give me time to do that."

"And then what?" Katara asked. "That could take years, Zuko...maybe even a lifetime."

"Just give me time," Zuko pressed. He tilted his face and buried his face in her shoulder. "Let me show them that I am the great Fire Lord you believe me to be. And then they cannot object."

Katara felt her heart skip a beat. She held in a breath as her hands clutched his arms against her chest. "Object to what...?" Her voice was trembling. She was almost afraid to ask.

Zuko shifted behind her. One arm loosed around her and a warm, calloused hand gently grasped her chin. He turned her towards him and met her large blue eyes with his gold ones. "I am the Fire Lord," he began seriously. "I know that rebuilding a nation requires sacrifices. And I will rebuild this nation. But I've decided. I won't sacrifice you," Her eyes widened and he leaned forward, grazing his lips over hers. "Please stay with me, Katara."


It was late. All the guests from his celebration should've already left or have retired to the guest rooms that had been provided. From what he could see, the amount of guards outside had lessened in favor of guarding the inside of the palace.

"Can you take us down without killing us?" Zuko asked Appa as he cradled Katara's sleeping body against him. The bison snorted and slowly began his descent.

They landed carefully in the middle of the court yard where they left. From the saddle, Zuko carefully slid Katara off his lap and placed her down. He tucked his outer robes around her body to keep her warm as he climbed over the saddle and slid to the ground on Appa's tail.

There weren't any guards in the area and he made a mental note to assign more guards when he had the chance. Although, he was glad no one was there this time. Quietly, he walked over to the gates that lead to the stables and pulled open the wooden doors. He looked up at Appa and motioned for him to enter. Gingerly, the bison moved through the court yard and into the stables, as if knowing he was carrying precious cargo.

As soon as Appa was inside, Zuko closed the gates and lead him back to the area where he had been resting.

"Thanks." the Fire Lord murmured. He patted one of Appa's legs and then climbed up to retrieve Katara. As he got back on to the saddle, he slowed his movements, trying to make the least amount of noise possible in order to avoid waking her.

Silently, he knelt down beside her. For a moment, he merely watched her sleep. She didn't say yes. But she didn't say no, either. She merely told him she needed to think. Her request was fine with him. He didn't know if he could take her answer right then, anyway.

So they had spent the last few hours without a word spoken between them. All he needed was her in his arms and the reassurance that no matter what would happen; he had that moment with her. She had taken solace in his arms, leaning against him and occasionally burying her face against his neck. They both missed the comforting silence of each other's presence. Then, about an hour ago, Katara had fallen asleep. She mumbled a 'goodnight, Zuko' and he smiled. He wouldn't mind hearing that every night for the rest of his life. He had Appa fly around a bit longer just to make sure she was sleeping soundly.

He didn't want to wake her when they landed. Zuko looked around the area. Appa settled in to sleep, curling his legs beneath him. They were in an area filled with animals and he rubbed his head. He was tired and emotionally drained. It had taken all his strength not to fall asleep while they were still in the air... Just a quick nap... He lay down beside her and wrapped his arms around her body securely, then let himself drown in sleep.


A.N. - If Yue and Sokka can kidnap Appa for their own version of a magic carpet ride, so can Katara and Zuko:P And so chapter 11 ends. If Zuko's touchy feely-ness seemed unlike him, well... sorry; something had to give way to touchy feely-ness of love and romance. Anyway, thank you for reading! I really appreciate it and hope you are enjoying the story!