A/N: I am SO SORRY for the delay! Thank you for your patience. Here's the next chap. Please review! Thanks a bunch!


II. Their Story Begins

Katara let go of his hand as soon as they were on the path. There were bushes on either side and the moon dominated the sky visible in between the row of trees. The cheery hum of the party faded in the distance, but somehow, the song still managed to weave its way through the trees.

Thank you for this moment

I've gotta say how beautiful you are.

Of all the hopes and dreams I could have prayed for,

Here you are…

Immediately, Zuko missed the warmth of her hand when it left his. His eyes lingered on her form, walking slightly ahead of him. Moonlight made her hair shine and her dress seem illuminated. She glanced back at him and smiled, and he was sure his heart stopped for a moment. She was absolutely breathtaking.

"You know, I've never been to a ball like this before," she began conversationally, "I never imagined it to be this much fun. And the garden!" she looked around. "It's wonderful!"

The path was lined with bushed spotted with Panda Lilies, and Katara stopped to stroke one flower. She remembered seeing the flower once, back in a small Earth Kingdom village. "These are some of the rarest flowers you can find," she belt down to sniff one blossom, "It's almost a miracle they managed to grow them here. They're supposed to symbolize love and promises and—" she caught herself and blushed, straightening up, "Never mind."

The corner of Zuko's lips twitched up. Never in a million lifetimes did he imagine that he would ever have a normal conversation with this waterbender. She seemed perfectly at ease, and her demeanor sent him relaxing as well. To his surprise, he found himself talking.

"Gardens used to be my favorite places," he said, stopping to gaze at the flower bushes.

" "Used to be?" " Katara knit her eyebrows, "Why isn't it anymore?"

"My—my mother and I always spent the afternoons in our garden when I was young," this wasn't a topic he really wanted to touch, but the girl was just so easy to talk to. And looking at her made him feel uninhibited for the first time in a long while. Having someone to talk to without the fear of judgment…it felt nice.

"She and I used to spend hours talking about anything," he raised his eyes wistfully at the stars.

The young woman smiled sadly, stepping closer to him. "See this necklace?" she touched the pendant resting on her skin, "This was my mom's."

Zuko caught the glint of the small metal. He remembered when he took it once, and how the smooth circle felt to his touch.

Katara lowered her eyes, "I lost her to the Fire Nation years ago. This is all I have left."

The young prince was startled to see the waterbender look so lost and sad; she had always seemed so strong and unwavering in battles. But right now, she looked as vulnerable as he felt.

"I know how you feel," it came out almost as a whisper. She looked up at him, surprised. "I lost my mother to the Fire Nation as well."

If I could have one dance forever,

I would take you by the hand.

Tonight it's you and I together

I'm so glad I'm your man…

There are no coincidences in the world, Zuko knew, only destiny.

Since his banishment, he believed that his destiny was to capture the Avatar in order to restore his honor and throne. He focused years on this one single goal—training, studying, and meditating. Everything else was secondary.

Now here he was, facing the closest chance he had to capturing the bald monk, and yet he felt something clouding that unwavering goal of his—something greater. Looking at the waterbender's bright cerulean eyes, he felt an inexplicable tugging in his heart, fogging his judgment. What was she doing to him?

He realized that he hadn't once thought of the Avatar the moment they set foot in the small woods. He was so focused on the sudden urge to just simply talk to her, get to know her better. And he wanted her to know him too. But he was afraid that when she figures him out, she would run away.

Katara was watching the boy carefully. His eyes were on her, but he seemed to be looking at something miles away.

Who is this boy? They were standing so close; Katara felt the heat radiating from his body. She wanted so much to know who he was, but she was afraid that might drive him away. She wanted to know more about this mysterious boy. She felt drawn to him, lost in those golden eyes that seemed so foreign, yet so familiar at the same time.

She realized it had been about a full minute since they said anything. He was still wearing that far-off look, and it was starting to worry her.

"Hey," she gently laid a hand on his arm, "Are you alright?"

Zuko blinked, her voice pulling him back from his reverie. "Yeah. Sorry, I just…" he trailed off, not knowing how to continue. Hey waterbender, I feel like I don't want to chase the Avatar anymore. I just want to talk to you. Will that be okay? Pathetic.

Katara realized his discomfort. She smiled at him and gave his arm a gentle squeeze.

"Why don't we just sit over there a while?" she inclined her head to a tree to their left. The boy didn't even glance at where she was pointing, still looking at her. Well, more like looking through her.

She frowned. "U-unless you want to go back—"

"No!" Zuko shouted, his hand darting out to grab her wrist. The girl looked startled, almost alarmed, staring at him with wide blue eyes.

Zuko withdrew his hand as if he had been electrified. "I-I'm sorry," he looked away, "I'm just having a rough night." he turned and walked towards the tree, sliding down and leaning against the trunk.

Katara looked at him curiously, trying to understand the strange boy sitting under the tree with his eyes closed almost as if he was holding back something painful. The young woman slowly walked towards him and settled herself on the grass.

"What's wrong?" she asked in a soft voice.

Zuko sighed and opened his eyes to meet her worried look. "It's nothing. Just… thinking about some things."

"What things?" Katara asked curiously, "You looked like you were in pain to me,"

Was I? The Fire Prince turned his head to look at the sky, uncertain how he should answer her.

The watermaiden bit her lip, wanting to help him, but not knowing how. His hand was resting on the ground and cautiously, she took it.

It was Zuko's turn to be startled as he felt her small hand sliding in his. He looked at her, surprise in his eyes.

"Whatever it is, I know you can handle it," the waterbender smiled, giving his hand a slight squeeze. "You'll be alright."

If she knew who he was, would she still be sitting here? If she knew what he was thinking, would she still be holding his hand? No. Probably not, Zuko thought sadly.

But at that moment, he was glad she was there with him. At that moment, no one else could comfort him the way she did. And, though he knew it was wrong in every way possible, he was thankful—and happy—it was her.

Zuko gave a small smile and squeezed her hand back. "Thank you. Really, I—just—thanks." A moment like this and he couldn't even thank her properly? Real smooth, Zuko.

Katara laughed, immediately lightening up the mood. "You really aren't that good with words, you know?" she rested her head on his shoulder, knowing it was a comforting gesture, and looked up at the stars.

"The sky really looks amazing at night, doesn't it?" she mused.

Zuko gazed wonderingly at the girl on his shoulder, her shining eyes reflecting the stars. She looked beautiful, perfect. A perfect fit on the crook of his neck, her hand fitting perfectly in his. Everything about her with him just felt right; he never felt this much at peace in forever. And it was all because of her.

"Yes, it really does," he whispered.

And if I lived a thousand years, you know I never could explain

The way I lost my heart to you that day.

But if destiny decided I should look the other way,

Then the world will never know the greatest story ever told,

And did I tell you that I love you tonight?

He knew what was happening. He knew it even before his mind could completely grasp how it happened. He was getting too close to the girl, no longer thinking about how to catch the Avatar. Instead, he was thinking of how her smile lit up her eyes, and how pleasant the sound of her laughter was, and what he could do or say to stay in that moment just a bit longer.

Zuko was also thinking of the "what if's." What if her friends suddenly came and found them there? What if they recognized him? What if he asked to see her again after this night? What if… what if he told her who he was?

Katara knew that she shouldn't be too comfortable with a stranger, but what she felt sitting beside the boy, holding his hand, was far from wrong or weird. The way her head rested on his shoulder, it was like a puzzle piece that had always been meant to fit.

What would happen if Sokka and the others came at that moment? Katara could almost hear her brother yelling at her to step away from the guy. She could just hear Toph's teasing comments, and Aang's endless questions. She sighed. She loved their group to death, but sometimes it felt good to just be in her own world, doing what she wanted without anyone to evaluate her actions.

Zuko heard the waterbender sigh, and he suddenly felt anxious. Was she thinking of going back to her friends again? Not yet, please. He looked at the stars and prayed to whatever spirits were listening. Please, please, just a few more minutes…

The girl's gentle voice broke in his hazy thoughts. "Hey," she began.

"Yeah?" He was glad she was talking to him again.

"Tell me more about your mother."

Mom… Zuko continued to gaze at the stars. He bet she was one of them, winking down on him and knowing what exactly he was feeling at the moment. She was always good at reading him, after all.

"She was… the only one who made life at home bearable. She always supported me, cheered me up, and protected me. From everything." How true that is.

"She sounds like a wonderful person," Katara replied.

"Yeah. She really was," Zuko couldn't agree more.

"What about the rest of your family? Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Zuko's face suddenly clouded over, "I didn't see my father that much. And my sister and I didn't get along either," he answered dismissively.

Katara straightened up and turned to him. "Wow, that must have been hard. I can't imagine not getting along with my brother. With my dad gone to the war, he and my grandmother are all I have left."

The fire prince looked down, bringing his arms to rest on his knees, hands gripping each other. The hidden scar on his face seemed to throb just a little, "It's okay, I don't need them."

The bitterness was evident in his voice. Katara fell silent. She hardly knew the boy, but she felt really sad and sorry for him; he must have had a rough childhood. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't worry about it," Zuko answered. A part of him, in fact, was glad that he has someone to share his troubles to. It wasn't everyday that he can act like a normal teenager. He looked over at the waterbender, who has been quiet for a while now.

It was like a fresh soothing wave washing over coarse dry sand; he wanted to keep her with him, but that was almost next to impossible. Every second that they were together, he was liking her more and more. He would be lying if he said he wouldn't miss this night, or if he said he wouldn't dream of it… of her… and yearn for her touch… and her smile… and her eyes…

That was it. This was just too dangerous! What rationality was left in Zuko told him that he had to stop now before his heart pushed him into doing something stupid he might regret later on.

The Fire Prince turned to Katara, "Listen," he began, but at the exact same moment, she also turned to him and whispered, "Look, I—"

They both stopped, and the waterbender laughed. Zuko allowed himself a small smile.

"Sorry, you go first," Katara said, still smiling.

Gods above, why did she had to have such a beautiful smile? Zuko realize his mouth was open and he was simply staring at her. "Uhh, you go first," Dammit, did he sound stupid or what?

To his surprise, Katara blushed and looked down, fiddling with her dress. "Well…" she sounded so nervous that Zuko found it endearingly amusing.

"What is it?"

"I just wanted to say, uhm, that I'm really glad I, uhm, came to the party tonight," she gazed up at him as her hand landed on top of his, "And that I got the chance to meet you."

I don't hear the music

When I'm looking in your eyes

But I feel the rhythm of your body

Close to mine...

All coherent thoughts melted away as soon as her hand settled on his. Her eyes held him captive and he wanted to tell her that this, meeting her, was the most wonderful thing that has happened to him. But all he could manage was a whispered, "Me too."

That was enough for Katara. His eyes, his breathtaking gold eyes, danced with all the words and emotions he couldn't say. She felt him shift slightly, felt his warm fingers slide through hers, and felt him rest their hands on the grass. Whatever doubts she had broke down and she felt herself being drawn in, her world at that moment gravitated towards the boy.

Zuko would have happily let the rest of the world go on turning if only it left him there, under the tree, bathed in moonlight, with her. Their entwined hands felt like the most natural thing in the world. He felt the ghost of her breath fanning his face, and saw her eyes drift shut. He closed his eyes too, feeling himself lean in nearer… nearer…

It's the way we touch, it soothes me

It's the way we'll always be

Your kiss, your pretty smile you know I'd die for

Oh baby, you're all I need...

Thwak! Their masks bumped onto each other.

"Oh! Sorry," Katara giggled. She leaned back and reached behind to untie her mask.

"Wait, don't!" Zuko almost shouted, hand flying out to stop her.

Katara froze and looked at him curiously, "Why?"

Suddenly, Zuko felt afraid. If she removed her mask, she would surely ask him to do the same. And he just couldn't do that. He knew what would happen if he did… and he wasn't ready to say goodbye yet.

"You— uh…" his eyes darted around, refusing to meet hers, "Th-this is a masked ball. We should keep our masks on to hide our identity," he answered lamely, wanting to kick himself.

"Don't be ridiculous, I trust you. You're a… friend," Katara remembered what almost happened, and blushed. Maybe after this night they won't be just friends. She reached behind her head again.

Again, Zuko stopped her, "Don't!" he caught her hand and brought it down.

Now Katara was confused, and a little bit impatient. She wanted to return to their… interrupted activity, before she called it a night, "What are you so afraid of?"

Rejection, Zuko thought sadly. She was just so good and perfect, and he always wanted to remember this night with her smiling face, not with her looking horrified and angry and running away from him.

"You—what if you won't… like what you see?"

Katara inwardly rolled her eyes, and I thought girls were vain. "All I know is, we've danced, and we've talked. We may not know each other too well, but… I think you're a really good person," she smiled to reassure him.

Gods, she's only making this worse! Zuko stood and turned away from her, looking sadly at the stars, "In the past, I have gone through so many rejections. But now, meeting you, for the first time I felt… accepted. I guess I just don't want to risk the one time things turned out right for me."

Zuko heard her stand up behind him, "Well, are you done talking?" she asked, a smile evident in her voice.

The firebender turned back, "I'm trying—" but the rest of the words were caught in his throat.

Her mask lay under the tree, and she was looking at him without any restrictions. Her face—her entire body—was bathed in moonlight, making her skin seem to glow, and her eyes shine just a bit more brightly. There was an amused smile on her lips as she regarded his expression curiously.

The only thought forming in Zuko's head at that moment was what in the world had he ever done to deserve this chance with her. He must have done something right, because by all the gods, he would never, never have traded this night—the chance of her smile, of her bright blue eyes gazing at him with trust—for anything in the world.

And right then, he knew his heart was lost to her forever.

And if I live a thousand years you know, I never could explain

The way I lost my heart to you that day

But if destiny decided I should look the other way

Then the world will never know the greatest story ever told

And did I tell you that I love you, just how much I really need you?

Katara waited for him to move, but he kept silent, as if contented with just looking at her forever. There was a small smile playing on his lips, and his expression made Katara feel love and wanted. No one has looked at her with that much intensity; she just had to know who he was.

She stepped close to him and lifted her hands to his face. But this seemed to snapped him out of his daze. He trapped her wrists in his hands, holding her gently and whispering as if pleading to her, "Don't,"

"I won't run, I promise," Katara reassured him. He seemed to deliberate for a moment until with a sigh of defeat, released her, bowed his head, and closed his eyes.

Anticipation made her hands shake slightly. She reached up and stroked the bottom of his mask, running her fingers lightly, almost shyly on his cheeks. She felt him lean in to her touch, and she smiled, gaining confidence. Slowly, she brought her hands behind his head, feeling for the knot, when—

"Katara!"

Katara whipped around, looking at the direction of the voice.

"Sugar Queen? I know you're here!"

"Those are my friends," Katara replied, turning back to the boy, "I'll introduce—"

But he was gone.

Katara felt her heart drop all the way to her feet, as her hands now grasped thin air. The moment, that one single opportunity, literally slipped through her fingers. She looked around frantically, but he was nowhere in sight. Katara stared up at the stars, debating on whether she should go look for him. But she had a heavy feeling that she wouldn't see him again tonight… or any other night afterwards.

With a sigh, she bent down to pick up her mask and plastered a smile for her friends despite the hollow ache in her stomach. What happened tonight, it was only for her, and she wanted to keep it away from them. She felt that it was something private that only she and the mysterious boy should share… wherever he was.

From high above a tree, Zuko watched as the Avatar and his friends approached Katara and started asking where she had been all this time. He heard her make all kinds of excused, and thankfully, they all seem to buy it.

Katara, Katara, Katara… Her name and the caress for her fingers will forever haunt him in his sleep.

He just couldn't do it. She was so close to seeing who he really was, but at the last moment, he cowardly backed away. He felt ashamed and angry at himself, and hoped that she won't be too mad at him.

Zuko watched as the waterbender sent a final look up at the stars, her eyes reflecting the sadness he felt, before following her friends.

"I'm sorry, Katara," he whispered before he too disappeared into the night.

Did I tell you that I love you tonight?