Disclaimer: The chances of me owning it are about as good a snowball chances in hell.

Something was buzzing in my ear, I tried to wave it away, but it came back. I groaned and rolled over, burying my head in my arms. Suddenly I felt the icy fingers of morning, my covers were gone.

I groped around for my disappearing covers. Instead of soft blankets, I encountered something that was hard and very warm. (A/N: Not that you perverts.) My eyes flew open and I found myself looking into a pair of golden eyes. I pulled my hand away from where it had landed on his thigh, like it was on fire. It could very well have been.

He spoke curtly, "It's dawn, let's go."

I nodded mutely. I sat up and stretched. We were silent as we packed up our things. I silently took the breakfast that Zuko handed me. It was I who broke the silence.

"What do you think we're looking for?"

"Honestly?" I nodded. "I have no idea."

He paused and looked thoughtful, he shook his head and spoke, "This island could be any island in anyplace."

He started pacing back and forth. Pondering aloud, "What makes this island so special? Why us? Why not send your brother and me? He is a warrior right?"

He didn't bother to wait for my answer, he just continued to pace. He was starting to wear a hole into the ground. Suddenly he stopped.

"I've got it!" I jumped. I admit that although entertaining to hear his mutterings, "Maybe we're supposed to collect one leaf off of every tree." It got boring very quickly, and well I guess my mind had started to wander; especially to that little handhold yesterday.

I stood up and stretched my cramped muscles, "What have you got?"
He looked smug, "A plan."
He grabbed a stick and crouched down in the dirt that he'd worn away. He started to draw something. Curious I crouched down next to him. It was a layout of the island. It was amazed, there were little x's for the trees and a stream. Even the cliff was drawn. I was impressed.

"How'd you do that?"
"Do what?"

I gestured to the picture, "That, it's almost a perfect replica."

Zuko shrugged, "It's not a big deal. I don't know, I just have a good memory."
He pointed to the cliff, "It follows logic that whatever we're after would be in a difficult location. Why else would we need a week? And I figure that most remote location is on that cliff. So that's where we'll look first."

I nodded, it made sense. Plus, I had no idea where to look, and since he had a plan. Why not go with it?

Zuko stood up brushing off his pants. He picked up his pack, "Let's go."

I grabbed my pack and hurried to catch up with long strides, by the time I caught up with him, I was out of breath.

"Can… we… slow… down?" I wheezed, clutching his arm for support. He looked down at m confused.

"Why?"
I glared at him, "Why?"
He nodded, I couldn't believe how dense he was, "Why, because in case you haven't noticed your legs are longer than mine, I have to take twice as many steps as you do. Plus you walk as if your pants are on fire."

He shrugged and started walking again. Although, I noticed it was a little bit slower than before.

I glanced up at him, 'He was pretty good looking. Okay who are you trying to fool, Katara, he's very good looking. That is exactly why you'll never have him. He's a prince; he probably has his pick of beautiful women. Plus he's Fire Nation that alone should make you think twice.'

I looked up at him again, hoping he didn't notice any signs of my inner battle. He was looking at our surroundings, looking for possible danger.

I mentally slapped my forehead. 'Duh, Katara he's looking for Aang's mysterious object. He's protecting you and you're off in la-la-land.'

I blocked out all further thoughts about his royal behindness, I still hadn't forgotten what he'd called me back on the ship. What can I say I know how to hold a grudge? I may not be royalty, but at least I wasn't out rightly rude, unlike some people I could mention,

It felt like we'd been walking for days, but judging from the position of the sun, it had really only been a few hours. Everything hurt, my back from my stupid pack, my feet and my head, from trying to figure out what we were supposed to find and from Zuko. He was being a royal jerk. This morning I thought we'd reached some kind of an understanding. And I thought he'd slowed down so that I could keep up better. I was wrong on both counts.

As the day had worn on Zuko had become more and more irritable. He had refused to let us stop to enjoy our lunch, saying we needed to all the day light we could get. When I thanked him for slowing down, he had replied, "It wasn't for you, peasant. It's so that I can look for it better."

"Hey, aren't we supposed to be working as a team?"
Zuko had shrugged, "Why does it matter who finds it? If it wasn't for the fact that you hold my Uncle's life in your hands, I would've gotten rid of you a long time ago!"

He was yelling by the time he finished. Fire had burst into flame around his hands and arms. And although I knew that he would never hurt me, I was still scared.

Then just as quickly as they came they disappeared and Zuko stalked off. I followed him at a slower, more leisurely pace. 'Did he really hate me so much?'

Now as we glared at each from across a fire that Zuko, had built. We had made it to the base of the cliff, but it was too dark to try and climb it today. I couldn't take it anymore, the sun had barely gone done, but I couldn't stand to look at Zuko any longer. I rolled out my sleeping bag, muttered a 'good night' and lay down. I closed my eyes hoping to block him out. Instead I was tormented my pictures and the handful of memories I had of Zuko.

I guess in general he was an okay guy, when he wasn't being a self-important, egotistical, ice bear's rear end.

I wondered how he had gotten the scars that littered his back. I'd noticed them today when he was washing off at the stream. They looked like they'd hurt a lot, when he gotten them. I didn't dare ask about them. For one it wasn't any of my business. Why should I care about some stupid old scars anyway?

Secondly I didn't want to have to admit that I'd been staring at him. I sighed.

"Hey, will you be quiet over there. Some of us have work to do tomorrow."

I stuck my tongue out at him and rolled onto my side away from him. So much wishing for sweet dreams.

A/N: I refuse to play the 'I won't update till I get such and such number of reviews', but your input is greatly appreciated. It helps me know if I need to clear up some confusion, add more Zutara goodness. Sorry for being harsh. Thanks again.

-Robin's Clone