My eyes opened hesitantly as the morning rays awakened me. I sat up and blinked my still sleep-soaked eyes. I stretched out my arms and lazily looked around the room. I gasped as I saw Zuko was still asleep beside.

He's still in bed! But it's past sunrise!

Cautiously, I tapped him on the shoulder. "Zuko," I whispered. He barely stirred. I shook his shoulder with a little vigor. "Zuko."

"Hm?" he asked, barely opening his eyes up to look at me.

I shook his shoulder harder. "Zuko," I half-shouted.

He jolted awake. "What?" The Fire Prince sat up and rubbed his eyes roughly. "What?" He looked at me. "What's wrong?"

I suddenly felt a bit stupid for waking him. I pulled the silk sheet up closer to my neck, hugging it against my chest. I blushed a bit from my embarrassment. "You're- you slept in," I dumbly stated.

"Yes, I did." He didn't seem to be affected by it, but then again, Zuko was always good at hiding his emotions.

But wouldn't he be angry or in a rush?

"So, why are you still here?" I asked bewildered. "Shouldn't you up on deck, training?"

He shook his head. "Uncle said I'd been training too hard that I should take the day off. Of course, I told him I didn't have time to rest, but he replied with a witty proverb, 'Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.'" He made his voice rougher in his attempt to sound like Iroh.

I laughed at his voice. He seems to be in a good mood this morning. I smiled to myself. Let's hope it holds out for the rest of the day.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

"So you just obeyed him? And you're not going to be doing anything today?"

"I'm going to be doing scroll work all day."

"I don't think that's what your uncle meant when he said you should take the day off," I stated.

Zuko shrugged. He walked to his dresser and pulled out a clean tunic and pants. "Close your eyes."

I did. About thirty seconds later he told me to open my eyes again. Zuko began to strap on his armor. He pulled his breastplate tight across his chest.

Why is he putting on armor if all he's doing is scroll work?

"Wouldn't it be a little more practical to simply wear your tunic and pants rather than those and your armor?" I asked with a smirk playing across my lips.

He paused and looked down on his breastplate. He shrugged and took it off, seating it gentle back on its hook. The Prince grabbed his shoes, sat on the bed, and laced them up. He stood up and opened the door. He paused before leaving me alone in the room and asked, "Do you want to have breakfast with me?"

"Sure." I nodded. Yup, defiantly in a good mood.

We left the room together and walked down the halls side-to-side as well. I blushed as a sudden and bizarre thought entered my mind. I imagined that we would be walking like that if we were a couple, but we would probably be holding hands though. I blushed furiously at that thought, and much to my embarrassment, Zuko noticed.

"Why are you blushing?" he asked as a playful smirk etched onto his face.

I turned my head away from him, hoping to conceal my rosy cheeks. "N-no reason," I horribly lied. I cringed on the inside. He was defiantly going to see through that one. I took a chance and glanced up at him.

He shook his head. "You're an awful liar, you know?"

I numbly nodded. "Yeah, I know."

He chuckled. "Are you going to tell me?"

I shook my head. I wasn't going to let him. There was no way I could possibly tell him that I was fantasizing about how we would walk down the hallways if we were a couple. There was no way he would accept it and move on with life as if I had never said it. He would only laugh at me or accuse me of being in love with him.

It wasn't that I was falling for him, there was no way I could let myself do that. It was just a strange and bizarre thought that had popped into my head so surprisingly and sudden, that I couldn't stop myself from thinking it.

"Well, if that's the case," he smiled mischievously at me, "then I'll just have to pry it out of you."

"Do what you want with me, but I'll never tell," I said, playing along with a smile of my own.

Zuko chuckled and reached out for me, but I pulled away at the last second. He tried again, going for my wrist and waist at the same time. He latched onto my wrist and jolts of electricity ran through my veins as I gasped. He hooked his other arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him.

I stared into his eyes, totally and completely mesmerized with his golden orbs. My breathing quickened and my pulse did as well. My cheeks flushed with crimson. I didn't fight against him pulling me in closer. I was lost in the moment, too lost to think about what could possibly ensue. My mouth opened and I began to breathe through it instead of my nose.

Zuko began to breathe through his mouth too. Our breaths mingled and became entangled together. He let go of my wrist and wrapped his arm around my waist.

His arms felt so warm and comforting enclosed around me. I felt so safe and at ease. It was surreal how happy and content I was being in his arms, so strange.

"Are you going to tell me now?" he whispered huskily.

I slowly shook my head. "You'll have to try harder," I whispered, not realizing how hinting my words were.

He leaned in farther, pulling me close. His face was mere centimeters from mine. He whispered in my ear, "How about now?"

"No," I barely whispered.

"No?"

"No," I repeated a little louder, finding strength inside me.

Ever so gently Zuko pressed his soft, hot lips against my cheek.

I gasped as my cheek began to tingle from the army of electricity dancing across my skin.

As quickly as it had happened, he pulled away. He moved his head back, looking at me. He stared intently into my eyes, seemingly looking into my very soul. "Will you tell me now?"

I nodded, still a bit shocked by the kiss. "I was just…" my cheeks flushed immensely and I looked down from embarrassment. "A thought just entered my mind that was a little embarrassing."

"What was it?" he pried.

Man, he is so persistent.

"I-it was… it was about what we would do if we were a…" my voice drifted off, not wanting to go on.

"If we were a what?"

"A couple," I barely said, "walking down the," I gulped, "hallways like we were just doing a minute ago." I lifted my head.

A soft smile crept across his face and his eyes softened as well. He unwrapped his arms from my waist and slid his left hand into my right. "Come on," he tenderly said. "Let's go to breakfast."

"Ok," I nodded.

The Fire Prince kept his hand enveloped around mine until we reached the dining room.

I sat down in front of the table as Zuko walked into the kitchen and came back with a bowl of fruit. He set it down in the middle of the table and walked back into the kitchen. He returned with two bowls of rice and two pairs of chopsticks. He placed a bowl and pair of chopsticks in front of me as I quietly said thank you. He set his own down and sat across from me.

I crossed my legs and picked up my chopsticks. I scooped some rice and chewed it thoughtfully.

We ate in peaceful silence until I courageously broke it.

"Since you have the day off," I cleared my throat, "do you perhaps want to, I don't know," my nerves started to get the best of me, "do something? Together?" I bit my lip. "Or, I mean, if you don't want to, I totally understand."

The Prince gave me a look then returned to his rice. He took a bite, swallowed, then said, "Sure," as flat and deadpanned as humanly possible.

I perked up. "Really? You want to do something together?" I couldn't believe what I had heard. Had I heard correctly? Did Prince Zuko, son of the Fire Lord, just agree to do something with me? It was almost surreal.

He nodded numbly.

I smiled. "Ok, great." Things were slowly changing, and I was going to make sure they changed for good.

Wow. This seems to be so much change in just a short amount of time.

Were things actually changing? It seemed almost too good to be true, and that's what worried me.

The mixed feelings that followed his changing were overpowering. I wanted to leap for joy, run up and hug him, but his gradual and strange change was also alarming, very alarming. It was scary to think that what I had grown so accustomed to was changing so quickly. But he was actually changing, or he appeared to be changing. It was nice to think that if he could change that quickly into something good, but how much easier would it be for him to snap back into his old ways? How easy would it be for him to take a step back and ruin everything?

I shook that disquieting thought from my head. If that was possible, I wasn't going to let that happen. I had worked far too hard to get closer to him and pry into his secret heart even though he almost always instantly shut me out. I wasn't going to let him fall into the black again. I just wasn't.

"Prince Zuko!" a soldier shouted as he swung open the door.

Zuko looked up alarmed with his usual stern features. He stood up. "Yes?"

The soldier walked further into the room. He bowed to Zuko and handed him a scroll. "Admiral Zu-Long wishes to have a meeting with you this afternoon. He wants to discuss," the soldier looked at me uneasily, "…the matters…of capturing…"

My eyes narrowed in anger at what the soldier was trying to utter.

He noticed my anger and gulped, "of the Avatar, sir…" He nervously looked at me.

"Very well," Zuko said. "You're dismissed."

The soldier practically sighed with relief. He hurriedly walked out of the room as calmly as he could manage. He closed the door shut quickly.

Zuko sat down and resumed eating his rice.

I looked down as realization dawned upon me. This meant that Zuko and I wouldn't be able to spend time together today. How irritating. Knowing Zuko, he was probably going to be hunched over scrolls all day or going over battle plans. Or he may even be training vigorously against his uncle's orders.

But who was Admiral Zu-Long? Was he just a rank below Admiral Zhao and was promoted when he died? Was he ruthless or merciful? Did he know I was aboard the ship?

"Who is Admiral Zu-long?" I asked.

"An admiral for the Fire Nation Navy," he bluntly answered.

Gee, he's helpful.

"Well, thank you, captain duh! I mean, why is he coming for a meeting with you? Did you know he was coming? Is this news to you? Does he know I'm here? Is he really after Aang? Or is his mission to capture you? What's going on?" Questions spilled out of my mouth so quickly I didn't have time to stop them. I actually said it all in one breath, something Sokka had said I had a knack for. I didn't really mind doing, but I knew Zuko would. He hated when I asked multiple questions at a time especially when I did it in one breath. He loathed it, and he had made it clear time and time again. I took a quick breath so I could keep asking questions. "Was he promoted recently? Or was he promoted when Zhao died? Is he as ruthless as he was? Or is he worse? What's he like? Is he a powerful bender? Why are you so calm about all-?"

Zuko slammed down his bowl and chopsticks. I jumped at the sound, halting my questions. "Take a breath, Katara, before you pass out!"

I blushed a little. "Sorry."

He breathed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, I didn't know he's coming. Yes, he really is after the Avatar. I don't think he knows you're aboard the ship. What's going on is what you've been told; Admiral Zu-Long is coming onboard to discuss the matters with the Avatar." He paused, trying to remember what other question I had asked.

"Was he promoted recently?" I repeated.

"No, he wasn't. He was only promoted because Zhao was killed. In all honestly, he's a much better Admiral than Zhao could ever be. He's far more ruthless and even Zhao would seem merciful compared to him."

My eyes widened at his words. It couldn't be true. He was far more ruthless than Zhao. Could that even be possible? Zhao was so horribly ruthless and cold and cruel. I didn't think anyone was worse than him other than the Fire Lord. I shook my head in disbelief.

"What are you going to do?" I asked.

"Do what he says; I'm going to meet with him. I can't do anything else," he shrugged.

I sighed, "Ok, I understand." I suddenly perked up. "Can I come" I eagerly asked.

Zuko looked at me as if flippers had grown out of my ears. "Are you nuts? No, of course, not! I can't let you come! Who knows what Zu-Long would do? You wouldn't last very long in a meeting with him."

Anger started to build up inside my chest. I tried to hold it in, but it was much too hard. "I can take care of myself, and you know that perfectly well!"

"Not when you're still injured, you can't," he corrected. "Come on, Katara, I don't want to put you in anymore danger than you already are in."

"And what danger am I in?" I pursued, putting my hands on my hips.

"Do you know how many grown men on this ship? I'm terrified to leave you alone in our room! I don't want anything bad to happen to you, so I'm sorry if I'm being such an unwilling jerk, but you're not going to the meeting and that's final."

I glared poisonously at him. I reached for a banana and peeled it open. I took a bite and meaningfully chewed as I thought about what he said.

I guess he does have a point. There are a lot of soldiers. That's acceptable, but him keeping me from the meeting isn't. There's no danger in me going.

He stood before me- Admiral Zu-Long. Anger seared through my lifeblood. He looked as cocky and arrogant and cruel as Admiral Zhao, although I knew he was far worse and deadly. Even the sight of him made me sick. He disgusted me and made my thoughts sinful. I couldn't help myself from thinking horrible and vile thoughts about him; they came all too quickly. I had only seen him- not even met- and I already hated him.

I reeled back behind the doorway, trying to keep myself hidden. I was not supposed to be outside of our room, let alone anywhere near the meeting room, but I couldn't help myself, and Zuko was stupid enough to think I would simply sit in the room and wait for the outcome of the meeting even though he had given me a stern speech on why I needed to stay put.

I stayed as quiet as possible, but with the creaking metal, it was nearly impossible. Still no one had turned my way or seen me, so as far as I was concerned, I was well hidden. It didn't matter that I was breaking rules and possibly endangering my health even further that I had already due to my first escape attempt; all I cared about was finding out what Admiral Zu-Long was doing here. And I intended to stay until I did.

"I have been informed that you have a prisoner aboard your ship. And not just any prisoner; you have captured the Avatar's waterbending friend. Is that correct, Prince Zuko?" a stern voice rang out. Zu-Long. I could tell by the masculinity in his voice.

"Yes," Zuko answered with his usual, monotone, unrevealing voice.

"Why do you keep her here aboard your pathetic crew and ship and not hand her over to the Fire Lord?"

I knew exactly why I was still aboard the ship. I knew exactly why Zuko still kept me aboard. It was not necessarily a secret that Zuko and I slept in the same bed, but it wasn't necessarily not a secret we had developed certain feelings for each other. We were playful and teased each other from time to time, but every once in awhile, something strange and moving and compelling would happen. We would be locked in each others' gaze, and unable to break free. We had come close to kissing from time to time, but nothing had happened other than 'almost' aside from the time he had kissed my cheek just that morning.

I would never bring such disgrace and humiliation upon myself and my family by giving myself before marriage. I hoped that no one suspected we did anything behind closed doors, because, in all honesty, that was all that ever went on- sleep. We simply slept in the same bed. There was nothing more to it than we slept, happily, I might add.

"She holds the key to capturing the Avatar, and she is also injured."

"Then why not let your father take care of her." An evil grin crept upon his face. "I'm sure he could use another servant or concubine," the admiral smirked.

I closed my eyes and braced myself against the wall, feeling for support. I could already hear Zuko's outburst. But none came. My eyes flew open, and I peeked around the door.

Zuko was sitting calmly across from Zu-Long. His hands were folded neatly in his lap and a calm expression was spread across his face. How strange. Somehow Zuko had been able to withstand his temper and remain calm.

That or it just didn't bug him that Zu-Long made that little comment.

My mind flooded with these thoughts. Was it possible that Zuko saw to do that to me? Was it possible that I was really nothing but a prize? A toy? A token of victory? Something to throw away once dealt with?

"My father has more important matters at hand than to deal with her, and it is my destiny to capture the Avatar," I rolled my eyes. He was still hung-over about capturing Aang, "not some sad excuse of an admiral only promoted due to Admiral Zhao's death." Zuko smirked, crossing his arms.

I couldn't help myself; I snickered out loud. I quickly ducked my head behind the doorway, pretending as though they had not seen or heard me. I crossed my fingers, though I knew it would do no good, and squeezed my eyes shut as if I could close myself off from the world, though I had learned long ago that one can never shut themselves away from the world no matter how hard they try.

I heard Zuko sigh. My cover had been blown. It came as no shock to me that I had been discovered. I had figured out as soon as I had shuffled down the hallway that I was going to be caught quickly. After all, a Water Tribe, teenage girl, who is covered in bandages, sneaking down the hallways of a Fire Nation ship belonging to the Prince is none too conspicuous.

As my thoughts rolled along, I stopped at that last thought. A Water Tribe, teenage girl, who is covered in bandages, sneaking down the hallways of a Fire Nation ship belonging to the Prince is none too conspicuous. I shook my head. If someone had told me that I would be doing just that in the near future, I would've thought they were crazy. But there I had been, doing exactly that.

No one told you would be doing that, but someone did tell you would fall in love with a powerful bender.

Those thoughts stuck in my mind for what seemed like an eternity, but I knew it was only a matter of a second or two because I was broken out of my thoughts by Zuko's booming voice echoing out of the room, past me, and down the hallway.

"Katara, if you really wanted to listen to our meeting, I would've let you if you simply begged enough." I could practically hear his smirk crossing from cheek to cheek. That was something he was always good at- smirking. It was never a genuine smile from him. It seemed that he could never pull off a true, happy smile. That was something I was working on- making his smile.

I collected myself, brushing my skirt. I stood up and walked into the room, trying to look as graceful as possible.

Zu-Long sat across from Zuko with his arms crossed, smirking as well as Zuko, but with Zuko it was different. Mischief danced around in his golden orbs. It still irked me that they both found it rather amusing that I had been caught and addressed as I had been, but I knew Zuko had meant for the whole ordeal to be mere fun for both of us, if not for Zu-Long.

It was a bit scary and chilling the way he watched me. It felt as if he thought of me as a prize or piece of meat. Maybe I was a bit paranoid, but it was almost appalling the way Zu-Long looked, staring at me, waiting for me to do something. I assumed he thought Zuko had trained me like some sort of pet, and half expected me to get down on my knees and apologize.

I stopped in front of them, shifted my weight to my left side. I crossed my arms, a smirk of my own spreading across my lips. "You wish I would beg for you to allow me in your presence, but in reality," my eyes danced between Zuko and Zu-Long. Zuko was chuckling on the inside if not on the outside and Zu-Long seemed quite intent on what I had to say. His grey eyes held firm as they board into mine. "I would never beg for a spoiled prince!"

A/N: Ok, this chapter is basically where the whole plot starts from. I had finished this chapter several hours ago, but I kept reading it over and over again, knowing that something was missing. So I added in some Zutaraness into it. I really like the kiss scene. I didn't want to add in a real on the lips kiss because it was too soon in the story. Don't worry, it'll come soon! I already have it sketched out and saved on my computer. To be honest, I forgot that I had written it and I was looking through the documents to see what I had and I found it! I read it and was so happy with what I had written! Haha, does that sound braggish and boastful? Oh,well.

The proverb that Zuko quotes is from Ovid. I don't want to take credit or anything. He's the one who said it, so all the credit goes to him. :)

I hope you liked this chapter! Please review and thank you so much for reading and reviewing in the past! I really appreciate it! And I was looking through my account just to make sure things are ok and there's not crazy dumb stuff, plus they had updated it, and I noticed that there are two pages of reviews for Fate's Sense of Humor. I appreciate that so much! I really do! I never thought that my story is worth 23 reviews! Thank you so much! I probably wouldn't be writing anymore if you guys hadn't been submitting such amazing and kind reviews! Thank you so much!

-Neon