Chapter 14

I'm Sorry

When he had said nothing, Katara couldn't take it anymore. She quickly turned ad rushed off deck. She ran to her room, slammed the door, and slid down to the floor. She cried silently. Why was she letting him get to her? He had changed so much. He was the fire nation prince! He was part of the nation that killed her mother! He was chasing her and her family across the world. Then, she remembered how he had told her his secrets. It must have taken courage. Then, stubbornness took over. She wouldn't give up on him. He was still Zuko…Her friend…forever.

Katara glanced at the ring the prince had given her when they were little. She brushed the tears away and stood up straight. She wouldn't give up on him, but it was Aang and the world that needed help right now…

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Zuko threw himself on his bed. He was such an idiot! What was wrong with him? She was just trying to be a good friend! She wasn't just a water peasant, was she? He thought about her kindness toward him in the past. She would play with him, help him train…She saved his life! All of that time, she was away from her home. And now she had joined the avatar to help the world. He had chased her, threatening her family, her friend and her. Now, she was on his ship headed straight for the fire nation. He was using her for interrogation and bait. Still, she tried to comfort him. It didn't make sense! It just didn't make sense…

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The morning came around quickly. Katara woke up early. She always woke up early to make breakfast for the boys. Fresh tears gathered in her eyes. No, she would be strong. They could take care of themselves for now. She made her bed and picked up her room all the while praying fervently that the boys were all right. She dressed in blue and brushed her long, brown hair. She didn't bother putting it up. She walked out of her room barefoot. No one was up this early. She came up to deck and smiled. Except…

"Hello Iroh."

"Good morning. Would you care for some tea?"

Katara laughed.

"Yes, please."

Iroh had heard commotion last night. It saddened him. When Zuko was little, Katara had made a good impact on him. She had taken him away from his world of sorrow.

"Did you sleep well?"

Iroh shook his head.

"No, did you?"

Katara smiled sadly. Such a sweet girl! He didn't want her hurting. Katara quickly shifted to a light-hearted subject.

"It's a beautiful morning."

Iroh noted that she hadn't answered his question.

"Yes, it is."

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He had been awake all night. When he had heard the light steps walk slowly past his room, he was tempted to go and apologize. But, he stopped himself. He heard her go up deck. He was kicking himself for avoiding her like that. That was it. Zuko jumped out of bed and walked quickly, trying not to run, up deck. Katara and his uncle were laughing about something. Both stopped when Zuko approached. Iroh spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Would you care for some tea?"

Zuko shook his head, keeping his gaze fixed on Katara.

"I just wanted to talk to Katara."

He extended his hand out to her. He continued.

"If she will let me?"

Katara nodded and took his hand. Iroh smiled as Zuko took Katara over to the front of the ship were there was more privacy. Zuko spoke first.

"Katara, about last night…"

Zuko gulped. Katara squeezed his hand. He realized that they were still holding hands. He wasn't repulsed. Right then, he just wanted to take her into his arms and hold her. What! Where did that come from?! Zuko's thoughts halted as he saw Katara patiently waiting for him to continue.

"I'm sorry."

Katara smiled sweetly.

"I'm sorry too."

"For what? You didn't do anything!"

Katara's head lowered. Zuko placed his hand under her chin and lifted her so that they were eye-level. Zuko was surprised how lost he could get in those sapphire eyes. Katara spoke, bringing him back to the present.

"Thank you."

Zuko smiled.

"No, thank you."

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Zuko lay in his bed. He recalled the words Katara had given him before he retired.

"Zuko, I understand why you are chasing Aang, though I don't agree with it. The world needs him. Please don't hate me when I say this. But, I will do anything I can to protect him and continue his mission."

Zuko nodded. He saw relief flood into her. She knew he had a temper, though he wouldn't do anything to harm her, he could still sure yell. She smiled one of those sweet smiles that had recently caused Zuko's heart to skip a beat. He mentally kicked himself.

"Goodnight, Fireworks."

Zuko smiled at his childhood pet name.

"'Night 'Tara."

"Hey! I hated that name!"

An evil grin was plastered on Zuko's face. Katara playfully pushed Zuko, both laughing. He hadn't laughed in a long time.

"Night."

Zuko panicked. She was leaving already? He didn't know why, but he didn't want her to go. But, what could he do? With regret, he responded.

"Night."

And with that, she was gone.

Zuko pondered on what she had said. She would do anything to protect the avatar. Were they more than friends? Zuko tried to push the thought away. Then he thought about that necklace. After Katara had left, he had studied about the water nations. Necklaces like that were meant for engagements. Was she engaged to the avatar? Zuko didn't know why, but a pang of jealousy and a wave of fury overtook him. He kicked his covers off and sat up straight. She wore the avatar's necklace, and also his ring. He found himself always pleased to find that she still wore it. What was wrong with him? Was he falling in love? Impossible! The most she viewed of him was a good friend, maybe a brother. Somehow, this thought saddened him and he silently cursed himself.

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