*Almost forgot the important disclaimer! I don't own any of the characters mentioned. Whether their from the show, or the real world. I did this for fun. It's actually the first story I've had the nerve to post. Characters a mostly OC, a bit of my alter ego's might slip in here and there. I ask that any reviews be clean. I hate it when people just send stuff on how stupid it is or was. I often ask "How is that helpful?" Also flames on the pairings or how Emotional Aang might be will be totally ignored. This is a Zutara story, I never cared for KatAang even when the show was going on. Aang will grow up I promise so please bare with me. Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. All haters and flamers please take your mean reviews and use them to thaw your cold hearts.*
The next day was the first day of Katara's human biology class. She sat in the middle row with her head buried in her textbook. A boy cleared his throat and asked, "this seat taken?" Katara shook her head as she looked up only to be staring into a familiar set of golden eyes. Zuko was tall, a good head taller than she. He wore dark denim jeans with a black tea shirt that read, "The Jasmine Dragon" in white letters. He seemed just as surprised to see her. "Oh it's you." Was all he said before taking the seat next to her. Katara felt herself flush involuntarily.
"Yea." she muttered as she returned to her book. Class started and a man walked in, he wore ratty old jeans and a tie dye tee shirt that was way too big for his frame. His hair flared to the sides under an ugly purple fuzzy fez. "Greetings learners. OK. Like I am gonna be your professor. Feel free to call me Chong, OK. The MAN aint got no right to dictate how we speak to on another..." and the long winded rant began. Somewhere in it all Chong managed to about the class and his free range grading system, etc. As the class filed out Katara bumped into Zuko's shoulder. "Oh sorry."
"You really do need to be more careful don't you?" He muttered as he shrugged. Katara glared and began to walk backwards so to face him as she spoke, "I'm not helpless thank you. Last night was an accident. I thank you not to use that as a basis for anything..." Zuko reached out and grabbed her shoulder to steer her to the wall as a bunch of air ball players whizzed past them. "Apparently," he replied with a smile. Katara blushed out of embarrassment and stormed off. 'What am I a teenager!'
The next night Katara sat at her desk in front of her laptop as she finished her homework and replied to her many emails from family but mostly Aang. Toph had called and she'd forgotten her lucky bracelet for an Gig for her band. "My bro is gonna be by to pick it up so could you hold off on whatever plans you have tonight to give it to him?" Katara had agreed but didn't have the heart to tell Toph she had no plans other than talking to Aang and heading to bed.
A soft knock at the door pulled Katara from her musings. As she stood to answer her phone started to ring the sappy love song Aang insisted she program as his ring tone. Katara held the phone as she opened the door only to reveal Zuko standing in the hall. Her phone fell to the ground and the battery popped out, killing the annoying song. Zuko wore a blood red shirt that was ripped and torn in places with matching blue jeans. His hair was the same messy tuft it always was. "Oh it's you." Was all he said. Katara felt her face flush, he was handsome in the partial lighting of the hall. She pulled out the bracelet and held it out without a word. "Thanks," was all Zuko said as he took it from her hand. Katara nodded and began to close the door before Zuko's hand caught it. "I didn't upset you the other day did I? You about the whole you need to be more careful thing?"
"Oh no, just nothing like that ever happened to me before." Katara replied as she felt her face flush darker. 'Get a grip Katara!' Sure he was handsome but she had a boyfriend who loved her dearly, and she him. 'Right? I love Aang. Nothing will ever change that, not even Toph's brother...' "Are you really Toph's brother? You guys don't look alike really?" Katara blurted out as she fought to get her blush under control. Zuko snickered as he leaned against the door frame, "naw she's my stepsister. We get that a lot though." Katara nodded and turned slightly inwards towards the dorm. "Oh I see."
Katara sat down at her desk but still felt Zuko's golden gaze. She swiveled in her chair towards him. "Anything else you needed?" Zuko shook his head as he pushed off the door frame and entered the room. "I didn't believe Toph but she was right..." He paused as Katara gave him a confused look. "She said you would simply hand me the bracelet and go back to your computer." A loud ping interrupted Zuko. It was a web cam invite from Aang. Katara looked from the screen to Zuko again. She seemed conflicted. "I'm offering you a ride to our Gig Kat..." "Don't! Call me that please. I hate that nickname!" Katara countered. Zuko snickered, "Sorry, just that's what the IM says."
Katara turned to the screen to see a window flashing, "KAT WHERE ARE YOU!" Embarrassment flooded through her like a tsunami. 'That stupid nickname.' "Come out with us Tara," Zuko's monotone voice spoke softly into her ear. She jumped slightly at the close proximity they were in. He was hunched over her while she sat in the chair. "You boyfriends' issues can wait one night while you go out and enjoy yourself right?" Katara glanced at him conflicted, obviously Toph had been talking about her to him. But Aang would blow a gasket if she missed a night talking with him. She glanced at Zuko again and Sokka's words flooded her mind 'And don't shy away from new people and new experiences. College changes you in some ways'. "Just give me a minute to get changed," Katara replied as she pushed Zuko out of her room. She ignored the flashing box on her monitor as she pulled out a black tank top that hugged her frame just right. Along with a pair of jeans that fit just right with a red mesh top over the shirt completed her look. Katara braided her hair loosely and exited her dorm room.