Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything associated with it. This is for amusement purposes only—so I hope you're amused!

Chapter 11

There were too many interruptions to get any sleep. After the 'incident,' she'd stayed up until almost 3 a.m. And when her alarm went off at 8 a.m., she'd decided to simply ignore it—there's no point in trying to make it to the pool today.

Unfortunately, she couldn't ignore the latest in the string of annoyances that was currently vying for her attention.It sounded like a tiny jackhammer—thump, thump, thump—as it playfully skipped across the desk. Opening one eye, she traced its movement across the wooden surface. Should I answer my phone or not? With a deep sigh of resignation, she propped herself up on her arm as quickly as she could in order to silence the irritating thing. Reaching across to grab the annoying gadget, she rolled onto her back, rubbing her eyes with one hand before examining the caller ID.

"Hello?" Katara queried into the device drowsily, knowing full well who it was.

"Hey, little sis," Sokka's voice boomed over the phone. "Hope I didn't wake you up!"

Pulling it away from her ear ever so slightly, Katara sat up and glanced at the clock, which read 10 a.m.—he's usually not up this early…— while thin ribbons of light poured themselves onto her floor from in between the slats of the window blinds.

"Nope, I was just getting up," she said plainly, not wanting to invite the questions that inevitably came with her sleeping in. Like, if she had been out late…and if she had, with whom…and, of course, if it involved a 'him.' Thankfully, her brother didn't vocalize any latent suspicion and instead asked her if she wanted to grab some breakfast with him.

"We can even go to that tea shop you like. What was it called? Oh yeah, DragonsTea!" he exclaimed, simply proud that he had remembered the name.

Recalling the past evening's events, Katara flushed and realized that it was the last place she wanted to be right now. It's a little too soon and I don't want Sokka to suspect anything, either! Although it would take a supernatural sense of telepathy for him to figure it all out and, let's face it, he isn't the most astute guy to begin with, she reasoned.

"Uh, why don't we go to Bato's, instead? I am a little homesick," she spoke in needy tones, knowing she'd only have to wait a beat for her brother to accept. He'd never turn down tigerseal sausage and pancakes at Bato's! Luckily, he confirmed her thoughts and, within 30 minutes, was ready and waiting for her in his car outside.

While they drove to the restaurant, Katara thoughtfully gazed out the window as she relived what had transpired the night before. Her eyes glazed over and an almost dreamy look came over her face as she recalled the pleasant sensation of being wrapped in his warm embrace. She pulled herself out of the short-lived reverie when Sokka cleared his throat at a stoplight in an attempt to make small talk.

"So, I was watching the news this morning and they mentioned some fire trucks and an ambulance were called onto campus last night at one of the dorms…" he trailed off, unsure of what had actually happened. He flipped the car's radio channel to the sports network, checking for any hockey-related news.

Katara nearly choked at her brother's comment and struggled to control the strain in her voice when she replied. "Yeah, it was at my dorm. Some idiots were tossing a ball around in the hallway and knocked a sprinkler head off the ceiling. It triggered the fire alarm and we had to evacuate at 1:30 a.m. It was a total drag," she finished, remembering that if not for the forced exodus, she may have been able to wake up with him in the morning, as opposed to the angry drone of her cell phone. Of course, you would have simply walked him out with a modest goodbye, as opposed to something a little more "perky," a droll voice in her head teased.

"No wonder you sounded so tired this morning—and here I thought you might've spent all night out with some guy or something!" the elder sibling chuckled to himself, somewhat relieved.

Nervously giggling along with him, "Yeah, like I'd spent all night with some guy! It's a good thing I was just studying…Yup, studying all Saturday night…"

Hoping he'd just drop it and not notice her somewhat discomforted behavior, she decided to go into a boring conversation about what was going on with school and her training. This will keep him distracted…

When they arrived at their destination, she happily jumped out of the car, glad to be free of the confining space. She just hoped that her brother would believe she was doing better this semester…She certainly felt that she was doing better—better in class, better in water polo and, well, my love life is certainly better, too!—she mused with a wide smile.

Watching her brother practically run up to the restaurant, she shouted with a laugh, "I don't think the stewed sea prunes are going anywhere quick Sokka!"

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She flipped through the flashcards hurriedly as she walked to class, the thick edges clipping against her fingertips. While she felt confident that she'd do well, there was still an edge of nervousness. Opening the door the silent classroom, she made her way to her seat. Her eyes momentarily lifted from her note cards and met the amber ones of her partner. Zuko muttered a quick "hello," as he had noticed she was still trying to cram any last detail into her mind.

"Hi," she responded curtly, sitting down in her seat, eyes still tracing the outline of each letter of each word on each card. At this point, she knew she just had to focus and take each question in stride, one at a time. She ignored Zuko thereafter, determinedly. Test, scholarship, team: Come on, Katara, you've got to ace this!

While Katara made it through the second round of rote memorization, Professor Wu walked into the room, her right hand enveloping a small manila folder filled with what the students presumed was the exam. Placing her briefcase on her desk, the instructor then turned around and passed out the exam wordlessly. As she handed out the small stack, her voice boomed over the sound of rustling paper as students passed the test back, "You have one hour and 15 minutes to complete the test. Good luck!"

Katara gripped her pencil tightly in her hand as she glanced over the first page. With a sigh of determination, she began bubbling in the answers on her multiple-choice answer sheet. As time wore on, the only sounds in the classroom were those of pencils on paper, the rustling of pages and the methodical ticking of the clock. Her eyes stayed steady on the questions before her, but when she heard her classmates leave their seats to hand in their scoring sheets, she glanced up. After an hour had passed, Zuko rose and turned in his test. Before he left the room, he took one last glance at his classmate, locking eyes with the Water Tribe girl momentarily and mentally wishing her well. He'd walked away as she'd returned to her test.

As the final minutes to complete the exam came to pass, Professor Wu began to pace in front of the remaining students. Checking her answers one last time, Katara took a deep breath and figured it's now or never and grabbed her things, turning in her test wearing a confident grin. As soon as she exited the classroom, however, her smile momentarily wavered as she was surprised to find Zuko waiting for her.

He'd waited five minutes, then ten minutes and, soon, nearly 20 minutes before she emerged from the room wearing a triumphant grin. But when she noticed him lingering outside the classroom, it faltered, making him wonder if it was because she was surprised to see someone waiting for her or if it was simply because it was him standing there.

"How'd you do?" he asked after a moment's hesitation.

"Okay, I think. At least, I don't think I'll be losing my scholarship anytime soon," she continued with a weak smile, moving aside as another student passed by. "How 'bout you, how'd you do?"

"Pretty good I figure…" he trailed off, watching her reaction. "I, uh, wanted to talk to you…"

As the chasm of silence grew between them, Katara took notice of the other students in the hallway waiting for the room to clear in anticipation of their upcoming class. Finally recalling that she had taken nearly the entire time allotted to complete the exam, she realized that she needed to get moving.

As she heard the campus bell tower chime the hour, she hesitated before she spoke, knowing that their conversation would have to be delayed. "Sorry, Zuko—but I have to get to my next class. Can this wait until Wednesday?"

"I'd really like to talk to you now, Katara," he responded earnestly, trying his best to not sound annoyed with her. Is she trying to avoid talking to me after what happened?

Looking at him sincerely, she replied, "I know we need to talk, Zuko, but I can't be late to my next class, okay? I promise we can talk on Wednesday…I'm pretty sure it can wait 48 hours." Not waiting for his reply, she beamed a genuine smile at him before saying "thanks." In moments, she turned and exited the building with long, purposeful strides.

Speaking to no one in particular, Zuko ran his hand through his shaggy hair and belatedly answered the brunette's question, "Yeah, it can wait…"

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He was picking at his food with his chopsticks, his mind fumbling for the solution for whatever it was that was going on between him and his classmate.

At first, Iroh thought the boy wasn't hungry, or maybe he was bored, but after some thoughtful observation he noticed that something specific was perturbing his nephew. Knowing full well Zuko wasn't going to divulge any information of his own free will, Iroh spoke first, "How was your day, Zuko?"

"Fine," he muttered monosyllabically, as he pushed the small pile across his plate once more.

"Then what are you so concerned with—you seem to be thinking deeply about something," the older gentleman remarked.

"It's nothing, Uncle," he said dryly, holding his gaze steady on his plate.

"Is it about a girl?" Iroh asked blindly, hoping his assumption was correct. Noticing the young man across from him shift uncomfortably in his seat—the action confirming his guess—he continued with a knowing grin, "I know a thing or two about women, Nephew. You know I was quite the ladies' man in my day. If you want some advice, I'd be more than happy to provide it."

Grimacing at the thought of his uncle as a romancer of women, he pushed away from the table and excused himself. "Thanks, but no thanks, Uncle." Placing his dishes in the sink, he walked towards his room.

Knowing that his nephew wasn't one to talk—especially about women—he simply called out, "Is it Katara? Talk to her—it usually smoothes things over when you speak with them."

The only reply Iroh received in response was the quiet sound of Zuko's bedroom door clicking shut as he momentarily considered his uncle's words.

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As she sat in her usual seat listening to Professor Wu address the class regarding the exam results, she felt his look on her from time to time. While she didn't mind his intermittent staring—in fact, she liked it at first— his near-constant gaze began to make her slightly uncomfortable as the class continued. She'd noticed his glances her way from the corner of her eye and she tried her best to ignore him, telling herself they'd already arranged to talk after class anyway. The only thing she cared about right now was her grade. Silently chanting in her mind, she mentally pleaded please give back our tests, please give back our tests, please give back our tests.

Soon enough, her prayer was answered when Professor Wu realized her students were staring at the sheaf of papers in her hands instead of her face and dutifully distributed the exams. Nervous energy filling her veins, Katara practically snatched the graded test from Professor Wu's fingertips. With some trepidation, she scanned the sheet for her grade. Eying an "A" in red ink, she let out the breath she'd been holding. Finishing the exam review, the gray-haired woman bid them farewell and dismissed them, following the exodus herself a moment later.

Practically skipping out of the classroom in her good humor, Katara instead steadied herself when she noticed her partner was waiting patiently next to her. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we've got to 'talk.' No sense in keeping my good grade to myself, though. I mean he did help in some way with studying—that is until we both fell asleep in each other's arms…"I got an 'A,' Zuko! How'd you do?"

"'B'-plus," he replied offhand. He fell into step beside her, refusing to let her go just yet. "Do you mind if I walk you to class?" he asked cautiously, swinging his backpack over his shoulder.

Looks like it's time to face the music…and figure out what's going on—if anything—between us. "Of course not. What's up?" she asked as they exited the classroom, knowing full well what was "up" and desperately hoping to hide her apprehension.

"Well, about Saturday night, what happened—" he started, but Katara cut him off when she thought she recognized an apologetic tone to his voice. Facing him, she kept smiling as she spoke, too quickly, too rushed.

"I'm really sorry about how things ended that night, Zuko. I'm sorry I fell asleep, I'm sorry I kissed you," she continued, the false confession tumbling out of her mouth like word vomit as she walked along, refusing to make eye contact with him.

When she started apologizing, Zuko felt his need to resolve the issue grow, and he resigned himself to having to take control of the situation. Is she really that sorry about what happened? Because if I remember correctly, she seemed to like it…Placing his hand on her shoulder and pivoting around her, he stood directly in front of her.

"Stop apologizing, Katara. I liked spending time with you…And I'd like to spend more time with you…I enjoyed being close to you and I'd like the opportunity to spend that kind of time with you while I'm actually awake," he joked in hopes of taking the edge of off his somewhat serious confession.

At this point, he paused in an attempt to gauge her reaction, amber eyes meeting cerulean ones. When he saw the blush rise to her cheeks, he let go of the last thread of nervousness that hung in his mind and slowly let his hand slide down her arm to her hand. He ran his thumb gently across her knuckles and saw her eyes momentarily flicker in recognition of the intimate gesture. Hah! I knew it! he thought triumphantly.

"Do you want to go out and, uh, do an activity sometime?" he blurted out.

"You mean, like a date?" she teased coquettishly, glad to hear he enjoyed their "study session." Although it could have been just as interesting had we stayed in the library…The image of a naked Zuko, parts of him unseen behind a strategically placed stack of books, momentarily flashed through her mind.

"Yes, like a date. Maybe dinner and a movie or something on Saturday?" he said with a little exasperation. What did she think I meant, like another study session or a doctor's appointment? While he spoke, he still couldn't let go of her hand and he felt her casually thread her fingers through his.

"Okay, just call me sometime Saturday, alright?" The wink she gave him startled him—in an all too wonderful way. However, he refused to give in and show his relief.

"Okay." That was remarkably easy—see there's nothing to this 'romancing women' stuff! And Uncle thought I needed help…

With that Katara squeezed his hand and motioned to the building behind him with her other hand. "I've got to get to class." She started to walk away, but as an afterthought, she quickly got on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly, her lips barely grazing his. Pulling away from him slightly, her warm breath caressed his mouth as she whispered assuredly, "See you then…" In moments, she dropped back down onto her heels and turned away from him.

"See you…" he smiled and waved as she walked away. Looks like things are working out in my favor for once, he thought with a smirk as he hurried to his next class.

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After her last class, Katara headed back to her res hall and reflected on just how well her day had proceeded: good test, good meeting with Zuko, good… She blushed and hid a smirk of her own at the book-related daydream that floated back to her.

As she walked along in the cooling autumn air, watching as the orange and red leaves fell from the towering oaks that lined the sidewalk, her phone began to buzz. Hoping it was Suki letting her know that she got back to town safely or maybe it was Zuko, she was instead surprised—actually, shocked—to see that she had received a text message from Jet. It simply read:

Im sorry Plz call me

Recalling his aggressive behavior at Lake Laogai a few weeks ago, she deleted it and hoped it was a one-time thing. He should be sorry—sorry for the way he treated me again. But I'll just ignore him—we'll see how he likes that! And ignore him she did, until he texted her again several hours later. And again, she ignored it.

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It was a lazy Friday afternoon and Katara was trying her best to read through her biology notes as she patiently waited for Suki to return from class. Unfortunately, the Water Tribe girl thought she was going crazy from listening to the buzzing noise emitting from her phone every few hours. Gritting her teeth, she still faithfully checked the small screen, although she already knew the message's sender.

"What is his problem?" she hissed at the small device, as if it could provide some kind of satisfactory answer. Resigning herself to having to deal with him sooner or later, she decided to finally call him back—and if possible, give him a sizeable piece of her mind about personal space and privacy, not to mention how being an electronic stalker was simply not cool.

As she hit the "call" button, she took a deep breath, girding herself for whatever Jet had to say.

After ringing a couple of times, he finally picked up. "Hey Katara. Thanks for calling me back—"

"Just make it quick, Jet, and say whatever it is you have to say," she impatiently interrupted. The more I talk to you, the more I'll think about us…and what happened…

"Well, I think it would be better if we met in person—I'd really like to apologize to you in person."

She anxiously paced along the length of her small dorm room, while one of her hands absently rubbed her temple. "Look, Jet, I don't know what you want, but we're done okay? There's nothing left to discuss, so just drop it and stop calling me"

"Fine, just meet me, one last time, so I can just say my piece. After that, I promise I won't bother you again." He knew she was at least considering it because she took a thoughtful pause before responding. Just say yes, Katara…

So, he wants to apologize. Maybe he finally feels some remorse for what he did last semester…maybe he wants to apologize for what he did a couple of weeks ago…maybe he's changed? She felt her heart twist as her mind quickly reminded her of his past actions and behavior. Wait a second—I can't let him fool me again with his false sincerity. Just meet him up—go in and get out, nice and clean. I certainly don't need him—I never really did. Not to mention I have a good thing going with someone far better, too. Time to get the literal and proverbial monkey off my back, once and for all!

The mental image of violently beating her toothpick-chewing ex from her life with her father's antique whale bone club immediately cheered her and she grinned faintly as she replied. "Okay…are you free right now? I just want to get this over with."

Nice, she's in a good mood, too. This'll be even better. Smiling into the phone, his voice took on its characteristic smoothness and charm. Time to execute this plan… "Well, I was thinking we could meet up at DragonsTea, say about 3 p.m.?"

Sighing into the phone, she acquiesced and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine, I'll see you there at 3 then." With that, she hung up and thought well, if he gets out of hand again, at least Zuko or Iroh will be there…

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It was business as usual at DragonsTea, at least for a Friday. As he mindlessly wiped down and bussed tables, Zuko thought about his upcoming date with Katara. Iroh had already given him permission to use the car that night after the old man attempted—between healthy chuckles, of course—to give Zuko the third degree about why he needed the car and if it involved that nice girl from the South Pole. Once Zuko confirmed his uncle's suspicions, the old man freely offered his dating advice, advising Zuko on the finer points of how to treat "a nice young lady."

He recalled how he'd groused at his uncle's antiquated notions and instead thought on the order of the evening's events. Should we go to dinner before or after the movie? And what movie should we see? Should I let her choose?

Shaking his head and letting out a small groan of frustration—I thought things were supposed to get less complicated between us, not more—he picked up the small plastic bin and rag he'd been using and returned them to their station behind the tea shop's counter.

As he stood there contemplating the possibilities for Saturday night, he noticed a customer walking up the pathway to the front door. As his gaze rose to make eye contact, he forced a tight smile as he recognized him. Great, it's Jet—just what you needed, your new girlfriend's ex is walking up, stupid toothpick in his mouth, no less. Another voice quickly criticezed his description of the young woman he was yet to even go out on a date with, she's not even your girlfriend—at least not at the moment.

"Hey—it's Zuko, right?" the lanky, bushy-haired young man asked, knowing full well that it was indeed the counter attendant's name.

"Yeah," he replied coolly. "What can I get for you Jet?"

"I think I'll wait a couple of minutes before ordering—I'm supposed to be meeting Katara for a little afternoon snack," he said, indirectly leering at Zuko while he pretended to look over the menu on the wall.

Careful not to show any emotion, Zuko's face was a cool, calm and collected mask. What's Katara doing meeting this guy? I thought she didn't want anything to do with him…Then again, he could just be full of crap. Let's see what else he has to say…

"You two meeting up for a class or something?" Zuko asked as simply as he could while he feigned checking the jars of tea for refilling.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Jet queried in low tones. "Sorry, but I'm afraid that's between me and Katara," Jet replied nonchalantly as he toyed with the toothpick in his mouth. Leaning across the counter he continued, "Besides, I think you were the one that pointed out she could talk to whoever she wanted."

Shit—he's got me there… Unwilling to concede, Zuko simply busied himself with some other small task behind the counter. Unfortunately, he couldn't seem to tear himself from the increasingly irritating presence of the young man who was doing his best to push any and all of Zuko's buttons.

Sensing that his target behind the counter wasn't taking the bait—not yet, at least—Jet continued as he sauntered towards the bulletin board near the front door, "She's such a sweet girl you know, so trusting and all. Not to mention that body of hers—I mean, I thought she looked good last year, but she certainly filled out in all the right places over the summer…" He paused deliberately, relishing the attention the other man paid him.

"It's too bad she's so intent on fixing people—she's what I call the 'fixer-upper' type."

Trying to ignore Jet despite his curiosity, Zuko asked, his eyes thinning in suspicion, "'Fixer-upper,' huh? Good for her." You probably gave her plenty of work to do.

Sensing that the conversation was headed in the "right" direction, or at least the direction he wanted it to go in, Jet continued, his body blocking the doorway as he spoke, "You know she fixes whatever she thinks is wrong with you and, as soon as she's done with you, she tosses you to the curb—just like trash in the Lower Tier."

Jet ended his little monologue with a smile, hearing small footsteps approaching him—if nothing else, I can always count on you to be on time, Katara, he thought with a smirk.

You would know all about trash in the Lower Tier, huh, Jet? Body tensed and pissed off by everything Jet had said so far, Zuko couldn't stop himself from uttering his reply, "If you're any example, then everyone must be trash in the Lower Tier!"

Bingo—he takes the bait hook, line and sinker! And just in time, too—I amaze myself sometimes…Moving from the doorway, Jet's face contorted quickly as he faked being surprised by what he heard. But before he could retort, someone else cut in.

"Excuse me, but what did you just say, Zuko?" asked Katara in clipped tones, appearing from behind Jet as her eyes turned into slits and her hands balled into fists at her side. "Because I'm really hoping that I didn't just hear you call people in the Lower Tier trash," she ground out through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry to say it, but I think that's exactly what he just said, Katara," Jet answered quickly, eagerly fueling the fire.

Oh shit—she volunteers in the Lower Tier doesn't she? Zuko felt his frustration at the misunderstanding overflow in anger directed at Katara. How could she believe something like that when her fucking manipulative, crazy ex-boyfriend is standing right there! Is she stupid or something?!? Can't she see it was a set-up?

"Katara, listen to me. That's not what I meant—he put words in my mouth!" Zuko shouted at her as she stormed out of the tea shop. Pulling off his apron and following her through the patio area, he unsuccessfully attempted to apologize to her. Sputtering words at her like a sprinkler head, he continued, "He tricked me into saying that—I don't think people in the Lower Tier are trash at all! He's just a jerk…"

Pivoting back to face him, she stood inches from his face and poked him squarely in the chest, her face a tight mask of fury.

Starting in a dangerously low whisper, her voice held absolutely no room for negotiation. "You're full of shit, Zuko—I don't care what Jet said. All I know is what I heard and there is no way you're coming up with a good enough excuse for calling people trash! You showed your true colors—you really are that jerk I met that first day at the bookstore. So thanks, I'm so glad I know that now. It saves me a lot of trouble. We'll complete our assignment and then I hope I never have to speak with you again."

With that, she turned from him quickly, her hair whipping past him as she walked towards campus, willing herself not to scream in frustration. I CAN'T believe he said that…what kind of person calls people trash? ASSHOLE…

"And, in case you're wondering, you can just forget about seeing me tomorrow night!" She threw back at him as a parting shot. Just in case it wasn't clear to him.

As Katara walked away, Jet stood there, all too pleased with himself. Realizing that his plan was a success caused the corner of his mouth to curl upwards as he rubbed his hands in satisfaction of a job well done.

Zuko watched her leave, realizing that there was no placating her for the time being. Standing there, he heard someone begin to lightly applaud behind him. When he turned, he saw the skateboarder-cum-lead singer clapping.

"That went off even better than I thought it would—and to think, you would've had a nice little date tomorrow night if I hadn't intervened. What a shame…Anyways, I think my work here is done," Jet stretched, picking up his book bag from the bench he'd settled it on when he'd first arrived. "Maybe next time you should listen when someone tells you to keep your little fucking nose out of their business," he ended with a mocking tone. Breaking out his skateboard, he glided away with a small salute and a self-satisfied grin as he attempted to catch up with the angry Water Tribe girl.

Somewhat dumbfounded about what had just transpired, Zuko stood there and reviewed the scene in his mind. He was trying to goad you the entire time, waiting for her to arrive. Hell, you even knew she was showing up to see him—why'd you fall for it? Besides, Jet's completely wrong—you're not a 'fix-it' project and Katara's not really like that.

…And if he's any example, she obviously did a shitty job of trying to fix him, retorted part of his psyche. You'll just have to talk to her and try to make things right…

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She almost didn't hear the sound as she strode away—the sound of tiny wheels clicking along the sidewalk, that is—until she remembered her original purpose for showing up at DragonsTea. Oh yeah, I was supposed to meet Jet there…

Pausing and looking over her shoulder, she saw him rolling up to her. Still seething from her encounter with Zuko, she willed herself to relax, begging her tense muscles to loosen up.

"You alright, Katara? That was some scene back there, huh?" Jet queried innocently.

"I'm fine, Jet. Did you still want to talk? Because I'm not really feeling up to it right now, if that's okay with you," the blue-eyed girl responded, desperate to escape anything having to do with guys. "Could we try some other time?"

"No, it's cool, we can catch up later. Are you busy this weekend? Maybe we can talk then," he replied, already more than satisfied with how the day's events had erupted.

"Yeah, I'll call you sometime tomorrow or Sunday, 'kay?" She offered, grateful he was backing off for once instead of pushing.

"Okay, talk to you then," he ended with a friendly smile before hopping back on his board and leaving.

Waving at him as he left, Katara silently realized that Jet had become the better guy in all of this and Zuko had resorted to being the jerk again.

Her brow furrowed. Sokka was right, guys are nothing but trouble…

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Author's Note: This chapter is shorter than most, but I needed to leave this on a particular note in anticipation of chapter 12. Only a couple more chapters left before this little story ends—hope you're still enjoying it and we'll get down to the "real nitty gritty" soon!