So, I apologize for this being posted a week later than I said it would. Unfortunately, real life got in the way of things, but I finally got it finished. So, here's chapter 3!

A million thoughts ran through Zuko's mind, threatening to break free in a flash of anger. Relationships were supposed to make people happy, but for him, they only seemed to stress him out more. Song was nice, sure, but did he really like her enough to continue dating her? As Katara said, it wasn't fair to lead her on. From the beginning, he'd only dated her because she showed an interest in him. He'd had a crush on Mai for years, but both of them knew they could never date because of their rivaling families. If Mai's parents ever found out she was dating the son of their competitor, they'd probably disown her. They'd talked about going out several times, but decided it was best for them not to. Then, she began going out with Jet and she seemed happy, or as happy as Mai's low level of emotions would let her, so Zuko decided it was time to move on.

Song wasn't a bad person, he just didn't like her like that. On a base level, they got along fine, but they didn't really have anything in common. Song was a sweet girl from a simple, rural life with no goals higher than to get a degree and become a housewife; he was business-born boy with a temper and dorky mannerisms, who strived for a girl who could hold an intelligent conversation and level him out. So yes, she was nice enough, but not someone he would pursue a serious relationship with.

Still, he didn't know if breaking up with her was the best option.

Azula and Ty Lee were walking along the school ground, the former not in the mood to meet up with her friends before school today. The younger was explaining about her father's party, and though she played it up as if she was excited for the opportunity to make her father proud, the gymnast could tell that she was a bit nervous. She doubted anyone else would be able to tell, though, as Ty Lee had become quite adept to knowing when Azula was showing any sort of emotion that differed from the normal.

"Why do you have to bring a date, anyway?"

"Because," said Azula, stating it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "If we're going to go, he doesn't want his children to look like complete losers."

"I could go with you!"

"I'm pretty sure by "date" he meant a guy."

"Fine," she said, pouting. "It's not like you'll have any trouble, though. You're one of the smartest and prettiest girls in the entire school! You could ask any guy out and they'd say yes. That guy Chan would probably take a bullet for you."

"Who was Chan, again?"

"The one that throws all the parties," said Ty Lee, her turn to talk as if it were obvious. "He keeps inviting you, but you always turn him down."

"Oh, that one," she said. "If that's the best that can be done, I guess I'll just have to live."

"Don't be so over dramatic," said Ty Lee, giggling. "I'm totally going to help you get ready. Your hair would look really pretty if you put it in a bun, and-"

"This is a formal dinner, Ty Lee, not prom."

Aang could not shake the feeling that the dark-haired girl behind him was following him. Sure it could have been a coincidence that she was going exactly where he was going, but it was starting to get strange when she squeaked and hid every time he turned around to look at her. He knew he had seen her around school before, as she was hard to miss with her braids that stuck out far to the side, but they'd never actually met.

"Aang," she finally called out to him. "Hello."

"Hi," he said, smiling at her, glad she finally talked.

"I have something for you," she said, shoving a note in his hands and running off.

He tried to call out to her to stop, but she had already dashed around the corner before he could ask her what the note was about. Shrugging, he opened it.

Dear Aang,

I've never really met you, but I'm Meng. I've seen you around school, running track, and acting in the school plays, and I think you're really cool. I really would like to spend more time with you, and I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime.

Love,

Meng

Aang had to admit that the letter was weird, considering he'd never actually said three words to her, but maybe she was just shy. What harm could come by befriending the girl? After all, he'd heard that she was nice.

"Hey, Song," he said, waving her down from across the courtyard. "We need to talk."

"Is anything wrong?" she asked, walking over and sitting next to him.

"Yeah," he said, not knowing where to go with the conversation. "I've been-uh-thinking lately and-"

"Are you breaking up with me?" said Song, looking heartbroken.

"Well-"

"Did I do something wrong?"

He wanted to tell her that it wasn't her, and that it was only him, but even he knew how lame that would sound, even though it was true. She looked so sad, anxiously awaiting his reply. Though he went into the relationship not really liking her, he never wanted to hurt her.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out to dinner on Saturday," he said, not able to go through with it.

"Sure!" she said, back to her usual, happy self. "I can't wait."

"Yeah," he mumbled, wondering why he wasn't strong enough to go through with it.

"You're so sweet. I'm so lucky to have you."

"Right. I've got to get to class, so I'll see you later."

"Okay," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "See you."

He walked away, mumbling a quick "dammit" under his breath as he went.

"Have you noticed Zuko acting weird today?" asked Suki, to her fencing partner.

"He's just as angry as ever," said Sokka, taking a drink of his juice box. "So, no difference."

"I think he's upset about something. Maybe you should go talk to him."

"If he's upset, he'll come find me. No one can resist my therapy sessions."

"Considering you accidentally sent someone to the hospital during your last 'therapy session,' I wouldn't blame him for staying away."

Sokka scowled, no doubt remembering when he had sent Jet away on a stretcher after an unfortunate accident involving Aang and sheep. No one knew how he had acquired sheep, but he had at least five running around a local playground. Suki giggled at his expression and lightly punched him on the arm—a signal for him to cheer up.

"My therapy sessions are just fine, thanks," he said, rubbing the spot where she had hit him.
"If it helps you sleep at night."

The two sat there in silence for a bit, merely taking a moment to relax before school started. They had been best friends for as long as either could remember, so they had gotten past the point where silences were uncomfortable, but instead appreciated. Though he was the class clown, he could appreciate a bit of down time.

"I'm thinking of asking Yue out."

"Really now?" said Suki, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. We've been talking for a while, and I think I really like her."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because we always tell each other stuff. What do you think about her?"

"She's smart enough, I guess," she said, crossing her arms. "Not ugly."

"Yeah," he said, almost dreamily. "Definitely not ugly."

"It's not like I care if you want to ask her out, so why are you asking my opinion?"

"I was just making conversation!" he said, throwing his hands up in the air exasperatedly. "Why do you have to be so bitter about it?"

"I'm not being bitter," she said, walking off in a huff.

As she walked off, Sokka stared after her in bewilderment. He went back through the conversation, and couldn't think of anything that would have made her upset. The two girls hadn't had an argument, as far as he knew, but he decided to ask Yue just in case. Even then, it didn't explain her reaction. Damn women and their hormones.

Well, I hoped you liked it! And if you did, or you didn't, feel free to leave a review :)