Chapter 21

The Kiss

Katara sat quietly in her room. She wanted to go see Zuko. But she was so confused. She had to help Aang. But she cared for Zuko. She decided to just sit in her room. She'd let him make the move.

Just when she was deep in thought, a letter was brushed under the door. She jumped off the bed and ran to the door. She grabbed the letter. She opened in and greedily read it.

Katara,

If you wish, please meet me in the tea shop in the east quadrant, The Jade Dragon. The soldiers are not as heavy in the area. And there are not many people. Please meet me, if you wish, around 4:00 today. It would be best to avoid my uncle.

Zuko

Katara laughed at how he spoke of his uncle. What did he want to talk about? Katara became so curious; she counted the hours until 4:00. She walked around the apartment. She saw Iroh but no Zuko. How would she get out? Did Zuko really trust her? She had told him that she wanted to leave. She knew that she would meet him, but the possibility to escape was evident. She would not do it now. She would try and get Zuko's blessing first. Katara found that it was around 3:30. Iroh was sitting in the kitchen…drinking tea. Any surprise? Katara crept out the door. She winced as she closed the door. She relaxed. Was it that easy? Just, as she said that, a troop of soldiers rounded the corner. She bolted around the other corner. She knew that she would have to avoid them. She really wasn't in the mood to be stopped or questioned right now.

She approached the eastern quadrant. She eventually found the right tea shop and entered.

It did not take her long to notice the handsome, strong figure seated at a table. He seemed to be looking for someone…her. He seemed worried…concerned even. Katara walked slowly to the table and sat down. He looked down at her. Even when she was sitting, he was taller.

"You're late."

Katara didn't like the statement and furrowed her brow. Zuko took in a deep breathe. She took that wrong. He tried again.

"Were you alright?"

Katara looked at him and raised her eyebrow.

"Yah…"

Why did I ask her to come? What was I expecting to do? Just spill all my feelings for her? This is crazy.

Katara noticed Zuko was sweating.

"Are you alright Zuko?"

"I'm fine."

"Why did you ask me to come?"

Silently, Katara just wanted him to tell her that he cared for her. She just wanted him to hold her. Little did she know, Zuko's arms were aching to hold her.

Zuko knew he had to answer her question. He whispered out, Katara barely heard him.

"I just wanted to talk."

Katara reached over and grabbed his hand.

"I'm sorry Zuko. I was just in a bad mood. I'm sorry I snapped. It's just a hard situation that we are in. Both of us have seen and experienced things no person should."

Her words were so soothing. He loved it when she talked to him. It wasn't like she talked on and on and said nothing. When she said something, she said something. He was just so confused. The touch of her hand made him melt. Katara just smiled. She reached her hand over and touched his scar. She gently rubbed it back and forth. She loved how warm his skin was. When she found out what she was doing, she pulled away, her face red in embarrassment. She was almost afraid to meet Zuko's gaze, but she did. She was surprised. He wasn't angry. His eyes were tender.

"Don't stop."

Katara was shocked by his words. She reached her hand over and brushed his cheek, exploring his face with her fingers. He looked at her and smiled. Again she pulled away.

"Katara, I wanted to tell you something."

"Yes?"

"I really care for you."

Katara looked at him.

"You do?"

Zuko nodded and looked down at his hands.

"How do you care for me?"

Zuko knew the answer, but he hesitated. Katara tried to help him out.

"Like a sister?"

Zuko again looked at her. This time, he reached across the table and took her hands.

"No."

Katara was breathless. Zuko looked at her. Their faces were close now.

"Do you care for me?"

Katara was speechless at his question. Should she tell him? What about Aang. Aang disappeared from her mind as she looked in to Zuko's eyes.

She nodded.

Zuko couldn't breathe.

"As a brother." He whispered.

"No."

It all happened so fast. Zuko took Katara's face gently in his hands. He brought his face slowly to hers. Katara leaned over. Their lips met. They both felt such feelings they had never had before. Zuko would not have traded that kiss for the world. Not even…the avatar. Slowly, they separated. Katara opened her eyes. Zuko looked at her. She smiled.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you."

Suddenly, without warning, Aang's face popped up in her head. She felt intense stress and guilt. Her she was, kissing the man who was chasing her family. Zuko looked at her confused. At first, she was so happy. Then, she became sad and looked guilty. It looked like she might cry. He reached to her.

"Katara, are you all right?"

Katara looked at her lap, then up at him.

"Yes. I'm-I'm fine. I-I better go."

With that, Katara got up from the table and so did Zuko.

"I'll walk with you."

"No, no I better not. I-I have a lot to think about."

Zuko nodded. He wanted to hold her. But she left the tea shop quickly, her eyes filled.

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Hey everyone! More will come.

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Chapter 22 next!

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--Sahlili20