Hey guys! Sorry it took me a long time to update. My Internet wasn't working for a time and we had to get it fixed. Then we got it back, I had a major writer's block on the first entry. So, here's the awaited chapter!
Chapter 9
Dear Journal,
Iroh was the one at my door. So, now that he's gone, let's continue.
"You can't get to me, Prince Zuko," I told him. "Oh, really?" His face came closer. Then he slipped his arm around my waist as I leaned forward. I don't know why, but I was enjoying this. I knew I should've done something, like pushhim away.Our lips were centimeters apart when a loud boom sounded, followed by the ship shaking violently. We jumped apart from each other as far as the closet would allow. We stared at each other for a second; stunned we were about to kiss. Zuko broke the eye contact and pounded on the door yelling, "What's going on out there? Let me out!" I could hear rapid footsteps hurry past the door, and muffled voices. A minute or two later, the door opened and there stood a soldier, looking worried and a little frightened.
"Prince Zuko, sir, Admiral Zhao wishes to see you," the soldier reported. Zuko growled and pushed the soldier out of the way as she stepped out into the hall. "Bastard," Zuko muttered to himself. "Take Katara to her cell and guard her until I dismiss you." Zuko shouted the order as he began to sprint down the hall to the stairs that led to the deck. The guard looked at me, his eyebrows raised as he asked me, "You look a little flushed. Are you ill?" I shook my head and tried to calm down so my heart would stop beating fast. "No, no. I'm fine," I answered. He nodded and said, "Let's get you to your cell then." I didn't nod; I just walked past him and started down the hall myself.
We finally made it to my cell when the soldier asked, "So what did you and Prince Zuko do in there?" I blushed as I experienced a quick flashback of how close our faces were so close to each other. "Nothing!" I said quickly as I walked into my cell. I caught him smile at me just before he closed the cell door and locked it. I reached for you, journal, and began writing. So now here I am, and I'm still a little hot!
So, what do you think I should do, dear journal? Should I stay out of Zuko's way until Aang and Sokka rescue me? I know Zuko will try to avoid me anyway. He always does that when we experience an awkward moment. Maybe I should just forget the whole thing. Zuko probably will… I'll just pretend I never happened. We were never stuck in that closet, we were never about to kiss. Thanks for listening, journal.
Katara
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Dear Journal,
I ended up staying in my cell the whole day yesterday. I fell asleep before Zuko came, though, and I'm glad I did. I didn't want to confront him. And, just as I predicted, Zuko didn't come near me today, but that didn't stop him from staring at me. I wonder what he thinks about…. I won't fall anymore than I already had for this Prince. I have to fight these feelings until my brother and Aang rescues me.
Even if I did accept my feelings for Zuko and he the same for me, then what would happen next? Surely we couldn't run off together and start a new life. I have Aang to help master all the elements, and he has a mission to capture Aang. We can't just get together. It would go against everything I, and he, stand for. But like Gran-Gran always said…
…Katara, only you can choose your path. So follow your heart, dear child. It knows the way.
And Gran-Gran was always wise and right about everything. But what would she say if she saw me here right now? Falling for the Prince of the Fire Nation? She would be so disappointed in me, I bet. Well, let's not talk about this anymore. Guess what Iroh did today?
I was in the cafeteria eating my lunch when Iroh came and flopped down in the seat in front of me, with a big, foolish grin. I looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Hi Iroh," I said He looked as if he was about to laugh, "Hello Miss Katara." I knew that conversation was going to turn into something bad. Every time he called me 'Miss' it meant he had something on his mind. Something that had to do with Zuko and I. Something perverted. That only told me one thing: he knew what happened (or almost happened) in the closet. I looked back down at my food as he said, "Katara, dear child. Tell how you've been lately." I played with the leftover roll on my plate. "Great, Iroh. And what about you?" He smiled. "Just dandy. But then again, I always am. Does…. Zuko have something to do with you feeling so great today?" I blushed and looked away. "Y-you know, don't you?" I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye. I sighed and looked at him. "Go on. Tell me how you think we belong together. I know you're going to tell me anyways."
Iroh chuckled and told me, "You know me so well, Katara, but this time your wrong. I'm not going to tell you that." My eyes widen, and I was about to say something but he continued. "Katara, what you did in that closet with my nephew should be enough to decide what your feelings are yourself. You do not need me telling you." I realized he was right. I stood up and said, "I'm going to my cell. Thanks for the advice, Iroh." He grinned and said, "Bring grandchildren back if you run into Prince Zuko." I blushed and walked out the door. I knew he was going to say something like that.
It's about dinnertime and I have to go now. Goodbye.
Katara
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Dear Journal,
Zuko makes me so mad! Guess what he did this time!
I was sitting beside Iroh at the table chatting with him when Zuko walked in and took a seat in front of us. "It's about time you joined us for dinner, Prince Zuko," Iroh said as the servants brought Zuko his meal. He didn't say anything; he glanced quickly at me and began to eat his food. It was silent in the private dining room. I snuck a few glances at Zuko. He looked a little… handsome the way the lamp was casting a glow on his face. I bite into my fruit and looked away. I reached for the water pitcher at the same time he did and our hands touched, and we both looked up. The way the lamp made his eyes look so… fiery, so golden, it almost took my breath away. I looked down and took my hand away from the pitcher, my face a bit red.
I stood up, not feeling hungry anymore, and announced, "I'm a little tired. I'm going to get some rest." My plan was to write in my journal, but someone had something else in mind. I walked out the room and started walking down the long hall. It was kind of cold, so I folded my arms and tried to keep myself warm. A storm was supposed pass by tonight, that's probably why it was cold, I realized. All of the sudden, the ship started to rock. "Whoa!" I said aloud as I tried to keep my balance. Then I felt two strong arms wrap themselves around me. I gasped and bent my head back so I could see whom the arms belonged to. Of course, it was Zuko.
When I blushed and tried to pull away, he turned me around so that I was facing him and held me tighter. Now I was positive I was blushing like mad. "Katara…" He breathed my name, and my knees felt weak. I tried to pull away but he was holding on to me too tight. I averted my eyes, but he lifted my chin to make me look directly at me. "Katara," he started again. "In that cramped closet, we didn't get to finish what we started." I gulped. "I always finish what I start, Katara." My legs were getting weaker; my heart was pounding against my chest so hard I thought he could feel it. He smirked when he saw I was speechless. My blush deepened and he leaned down. Just as our lips were about to touch, he stopped and said seductively, "You better get to your cell. After all, you're tired aren't you?" Darn, now why did I say that?
He pulled back but still held on to me, I guess he knew I could've fell over if he'd let go. I was angry. How dare he do that, and then pull away! I glared at him; he merely smirked and walked away. I leaned on the wall and waited for my heart to calm down. Zuko is going down for that one.
Katara
Yes, I know. This is a short chapter compared to my previous ones but I have so many ideas for the next chapter. Be prepared to be surprised my friends, be very prepared… And please don't be mad at me. This chapter included two near-kisses, but the last one has to be my favorite, and I hope yours too. Don't worry; they'll kiss soon enough.
Nika