Author Note: so im so sorry this chapter is so late ! i was going to do it last night, but i've been having a lot of AP English homework this week and it takes e 7+ hours to do. After this week I'll probably be back to my regular stalling and posting chapters up daily though ! Thank you to everyone who reviewed 3 And i didn't get to go trick or treating today so i'm like REALLY sad...

I Do Not Own Avatar, I just have silly fan girl moments whenever i see Zuko&Katara.

x x chapter nine x x

The distant sound of rain ran through his mind as he watched the water bender walk away from the old man. Her eyes were sharp, but her posture was composed. She didn't want to kill him, even if her heart desired her too. Her mind was far to strong for that. At that moment he felt astonished by her actions. She had come for revenge and had stopped seconds before accomplishing it. The sun was now setting as she stood in front of him, her eyes big and innocent as she jumped into his arms. That was the first time that he could remember her hugging him. It was the first time since Ba Sing Sei that she even talked to him with kindness. For a moment he didn't want to let go, he wanted to stay like that forever, but he didn't know why.

Slowly, Zuko's eyes fluttered open. It was morning time again and he had registered what had just happened. He was dreaming. Dreaming about his and Katara's raid on the southern raiders. He had done it to gain her respect , but it felt like so much more. His blood boiled when he heard from Sokka what had happened. He wanted to hit Aang when he was trying to talk her out of it. It was more than just gaining trust, he wanted her to be happy. Quietly, Katara groaned and turned to look at the Fire Lord. Her body was finally getting use to waking up when he did, but it didn't mean that she liked waking up early.

"Good morning," she said softly as she wiggled closer to the warmth of his body.

"'Moring," he replied back sweetly.

His mind was still thinking. He couldn't believe that he use to hate her. Years ago, he wanted nothing to do with her. She was the pain in his side that always smacked him with water whenever they met. He couldn't believe that she was laying right there. Beside him as though nothing else in the world existed. But with the warmth of her body, his mind had to except the impossible.

"Say, Katara... Do you remember our southern raiders raid?" the fire bender asked

She looked at him. She never forgot about that day. It was the day that she decided she should forgive Zuko. It was also the day she jumped into his warm embraced and felt his tone muscle under her skin. "If only aang wasn't there... things could have gotten interesting," She thought silently as she mustered out a quick, "Of course."

"When you hugged me on the bridge, You smelled like flowers," he mumbled softly as his mouth pressed against her cheek.

"You still remember what I smelled like?" She asked surprised

"It was the day you finally forgave me, I would never forget," He said as his lips met hers. It was becoming normal for them to share small kisses with each other for no apparent reason.

"Thank you for helping me back then," she whispered quietly as she remembered the events they had to go through. They had snuck on the raiders' ship, flew to various lands, met her mother's killer and walked away without revenge. "But why are you bringing it up now?"

"I don't know, I suddenly remembered it," he answered. He was debating what to say next, "I think that was when I finally realized that I had feelings for you," the Fire Lord added nonchalantly. He had ignored the small gasp that escaped from Katara's mouth. "I wanted you to forgive me so badly. I even went to Sokka! You would have never guessed how awkward it was to see him lay there with a rose in his mouth" he laughed. "And then he kicked me out to pull Suki in!"

"Really?" Katara laughed as she watched the Fire Bender.

"He kicked me out and two seconds later cried 'Oh Suki,' Outside of his tent!" Zuko said annoyed.

laughing, "Remind me to blackmail Sokka with this later on, dear"

"I do believe being in the Fire Nation had turned you a little sinister, Katara" he mocked.

"And hanging out with me has turned you soft my lord."

"Whatever do you mean," Zuko asked in a seemingly innocent tone, "If you want, we can take a ride to the Earth Kingdom and I can chase Aang around again."

x x x

The morning went by smoothly. It had been a while since they had talked about their past together. It wasn't something they had normally discussed because they had detested one another back then. It never failed to amazed them, however, to look back on it. It was all different, but nothing was off limits. They had talked about their meeting in the crystal cave as well as the moment Zuko had risked his life to save her from Azula's fire bolt. There was a small silent in the room as the Fire Lord looked at his fiance. Golden red staring into Ocean Blue. He wanted to know so much about this girl. What made her laugh, what made her cry, what made her angry or bored. He was really beginning to act like a... teenager. Except this time around, he didn't really mind. It wasn't force or unnatural. They weren't overly sweet with one another. It was like having a best friend for his girl - one that could kick his ass if she wanted and battle against his wits. But there was one thing that he wanted to know the most. One thing that ate at the back of his mind every day since he had laid eyes on her -

gulp "Did you use to have a lot of boyfriends?" Zuko finally asked. He couldn't help it, the suspense had always killed him. Ever since she stepped off the Water Tribe ship, he had wondered how she was still single.

"I had a few, but none of them were serious relationships," she said shyly, " They were always too afraid of my dad, or intimidated by Sokka. He always had to take his boomerang with him whenever he met them," She stated

"Sokka's intimadating? You must have had a lot of babies as boyfriends," he teased.

Katara gave him a small shove and laughed, "Well jerk, what about you? Were you a ladies man?"

"I've only had a few and they always asked me. I didn't see a need for a girl by my side, most of them were clingy. The longest was my last girlfriend," he said as he carefully thought about what he was going to say.

"The one who dumped you because you wanted to train?" Katara giggled

Zuko playfully poked her head as he nodded, "Yeah, she ended up leaving me one day for another guy. I think her exact words were, 'he doesn't spend our dates busy or training'" he mocked

Katara giggled slightly at Zuko's impersonation of a girl but, It suddenly occurred to her that Zuko wasn't the one who did the dumping, he got dumped. Not the other way around. So there could be a change that- "Do... you still like her?" She asked in barely a whisper.

Zuko wrapped his arms around Katara's waist. He pulled her as close as he possibly could to his body. She could feel his heart beat as the warmth from his skin transferred to her.

"Are you stupid, Katara? I only confessed my undivided love to you as well as showed you with sides of me that had never seen the light of day before!" he burried his head into her neck, " I have you now and you're the only one I love. She's my ex for a reason. She was just an ex-ample of what I shouldn't look for anymore. You're my present and my Future now,"

Katara smiled, unable to find the right set of words to express her feelings. So she did the only thing she could think of, she leaned forward and gave him a small kiss- or at least that was what it was suppose to be. Zuko had taken the chance to deepened the kiss. His mouth was seeking attention as his tongue licked her bottom lip. It was an action that went from innocent to passionate. As his arms pulled her petite body on top of his, her hair fell down the side.

"You have the most beautiful hair I've ever seen," Zuko whispered as he ran his hand through her brown locks. "You look so fragile, but you're a hell of a fighter on the field," he laughed as his mouth made his way to her neck. "And you're body? How did Sokka ever let you out alone?" his hand was running itself up and down her back, slowly.

He waited for a moment as Katara looked at him. Their breathing was more shallow as both of their eyes became clouded with lust.

"What are you doing?" She asked breathlessly

"I'm waiting for Uncle Iroh to interrupt like he always does," he said as he stuck his tongue out

For a moment it was silent. The two teens were looking at each other as if wondering what to do next. Zuko was about to pull Katara into another kiss until suddenly -

"Fire Lord Zuko," A voice said from behind the door, "Sorry to bother you, but we were wondering if you were awake"

"Maybe they'll go away if we stay quiet," Katara said softly as she kissed his cheek. Her mouth traveled to his neck as she took a risk and nibbled his ear. She may only be 16, but she knew how to do some stuff. Her tongue ran its way along his lobe as she took it in and gave it a soft 's breathes were getting shorter as he felt a sudden problem began to arouse. He was struggling to keep it away as Katara continued her innocent adventure.

"Fire Lord Zuko?" The voice asked again.

"Katara-" Zuko moaned out, his mind trying to process any action that would stop the water bender.

Katara giggled. She was aware of what she was doing to Zuko. Gran-Gran always said to win a battle one must be powerful and seductive. Of course, she never took a class on it, but her friends told her all about it. Sokka never let her set foot in those tents. He always said, "why would you need to seduce someone when you have me and my trusty boomerang?" Now if only it came back all the time. She giggled softly as Her arm ran its way down the Fire Lord's side. As her lips met his neck she let out a small, "Mmm...? Prince Zuko?"

"We... need t-to," He tried to mustered out with frustration apparent in his voice. He couldn't take it anymore. Certainly he wasn't going to lose at anything and this was no different. He flipped her over, a small yelp escaping her mouth as she tried to get up. Zuko kept his body on her, his mouth attacking her neck as he tried to stay controlled.

"Damn Katara," He mumbled as his hand slowly slipped under the over shirt she had become accustomed too. Katara blushed, her breathing shallow as she tried to stay quiet. They were both breathing heavy, their eyes clouded with desires as they both fought with themselves to move further. Zuko was about to grasp one of her breast until -

"Prince Zuko," Iroh said, "Please don't ignore the guards and come outside," he laughed.

For the first time in his life, the fire bender was happy that Iroh had interrupted. He didn't think that they were ready to explore anything more than kissing and playful touching. Yet he couldn't deny the attraction he felt for Katara grow. It was a constant battle everyday to not touch her. When she bathed in the bathtub, temptation ran through his blood to walk in. When she laid next to him in bed, he wanted to undress her slowly. What the hell was wrong with him?

"Coming, Uncle," He said as he smiled at the water bender. He moved her to the side as he got up, his hand running through his black hair. As he opened the door his eyes widened.

"Good Morning Uncle Ir-" Katara said before she saw the young girl standing beside him. She was posed and elegant, her skin pale while her hair was jet black. Smiling she looked toward Zuko, ignoring the water bender in front of her. Katara could feel the tenseness run its way through Zuko as she waited for someone to say something. Her eye was keeping a close watch on Zuko's behavior, his eyes narrowed as they pierced through the young maiden.

"Zuko, Hi,"

"Aerie."

They stood there and talked for a while. Katara was rarely ever jealous, but she was curious. The girl was pretty. Her jet black hair went down her back as her posture was elegant and formal. She had on a bunch of make up, but it didn't look cake on. As the two said their goodbyes Zuko made his way back to Katara's side.

"so who was that?" Katara asked nonchalantly

Zuko stay quiet for a moment, "Remember when I said my Ex Girlfriend dumped me because i wanted to train with her?"

"Yeah..."

"That was her"

katara looked down the hall way as she watched Aerie walk down the hall with Uncle Iroh. She didn't know what to say or what to do. Slowly, she walked to Zuko's desk and picked up the article of clothing all ready for her to wear for the day. Not taking another look back she turned around and headed for the bathroom missing the silent "Shit" that Zuko let out.

x x x

Aerie's eyes were fixed on the old man as he poured hot tea into separate cups. She sat down slowly, her mind determined to find answer as she smiled sweetly.

"Tell me General Iroh," Aerie said as she sat down for a cup of tea," Who was that girl?"

Iroh looked at the female in front of him. He was rarely tricked by the cruel nature of people. The aura around Aerie screamed "Im going to cause trouble," but he smiled and sipped his green tea.

"Her name is Katara, She's the princess of the northern water tribe. Her and Zuko will be getting married in a few days." He said nonchantly.

Immediately, iroh could see her hand tighten around the small tea cup. Her eyes that were a dull brown had flamed up with anger and hatred.

"Is that so?" She asked "I would have never guessed that anyone would stay with Zuko."

"Listen Aerie," Iroh said, his tea cup getting placed down as his gentle eyes turned sharp, "If you do anything to mess with my nephew... I will personal see to it that you never set foot in the Fire Nation."

"Iroh, I have no idea-"

"I believe you do. I believe you plan to come up with some situation that will cause Zuko misery," He stated, "I shall warn you now. I do not take kindly to people who mess with my Nephew."

Iroh got up and left, his steps heavy as he heard the silent huffs behind him. He rarely ever used violent means, but he could almost sense the merciless plan that ran through Aerie's head. She smirked. She was never one to let any man tell her what to do. She always got what she wanted and now that Zuko was taken, she wanted him even more.

"Like I'm going to listen to you, Old man," She mumbled.

She sipped her tea and smiled. Slowly she walked to the door, Her hand resting on the guard's chest.

"Kind Sir, Do you know where Fire Lord Zuko is right now?" She asked seductively as her body inched closer to his.

She heard the man gulped and even though his mask was on she could feel the tension in his body. Her hand began to travel down, her fingers lingering dangerously slow.

"I must see him..." She whispered into the guard's ear.

"H-H-He should be in his office right now..."

x x x

"Katara, you're not mad are you..." Zuko asked silently as he watched the water bender put on her shoes

"Why would i be mad, Zuko?" She asked, "it's not like you invited her or something."

"Look, what happened, happened a long time ago..."

"I know,"

"And i Don't love her anymore." he stated.

"That's nice to know," She answered back quickly.

"And she's probably not here for me-"

"I get it."

"Than why are you acting like this?"

"Like what," Katara responsed annoyed

"Like we're 13 and 15 again!" Zuko snapped

Katara let out a small gasp. It had been a while since Zuko raised his voice at her, but she suppose he was right to do so. She was acting like a jealous brat. Sure, Zuko's ex girlfriend was here and she was gorgeous... But he said he loves hers, not that little slut. The water bender sighed, her body turning around to face Zuko's.

"I'm sorry," Katara whispered as she walked over to the Fire Lord.

Zuko gave her a small hug, his arms wrapped around her small figure as he let out a sigh, "i'm sorry. I'll ask Uncle to tell her to leave as soon as she can,"

Katara leaned up, her eyes closed as she placed a small kiss on Zuko's lips. Slowly she pulled away, "Remember Zuko, I can beat you up." She laughed, "So don't be a bad boy."

"Right," he smirked as they both walked outside, "Shall I meet you for dinner, Dear? I need to sign some documents... So we can go on a dinner date."

"Sure," Katara said smiling as she walked away, "6pm!"

Zuko smiled as he made his way to his office. He mentally tried to plan out what he needed to get done. It was 11AM and he had 7 hours to sign a day's worth of paper. He suppose he could skip a few and do it every now and then. The Fire Lord sat at his desk. It was the same way he had left it besides the fact that Iroh had finished some paper work for him. He sighed. Why was Aerie here? Whenever she was around, it always meant trouble. Whenever she got jealous, it always meant trouble.

"not this time..." he muttered.

"Not this time what?"

Zuko almost launched a fire ball behind him until he recognized the voice.

"Aerie, my office is off limits to commoners."

"Commoner? Zuzu dear, don't be so mean!" She whined

"My name's Zuko and i'm not your dear," he stated bluntly

Aerie leaned over, her chest pressed against Zuko's back as she whispered into his ear, "Don't fight what we had, Zuko. You know that you'll be with me again."

"I don't want trashy whores." He simply said as his paper scanned over a sheet of paper.

Aerie frowned and huffed, She leaned forward and placed a small kiss on Zuko's neck, "But I know all your favorite spots." She whispered. "and who could resist my looks?"she asked to herself as she twirled her hair. After seeing that Zuko was still ignoring her she got up and stood straight. "Maybe I'll just hang out with Katara for a bit and -"

As quick as lighten, Zuko got up and pinned her against the wall. His body was cornering her as his arms rested on either side of her head. His eyes were dangerously sharp as his mouth formed a small thin line. She noticed the difference in his appearance. He was no longer kind to her. He didn't hold any affection in his eyes anymore. Was this all because of her?

"Why Zuko, how did you know i like a rough men?" Aerie Joked

"Listen, you stay away from Katara, Got it." He warned, his voice dangerously low as he increased his pressure on her, "You will not mess this up for me."

"You use to love our little games, Zuzu. What changed?"

"My name is Zuko, not that stupid pet name!" The Fire Lord screamed.

Aerie could feel the fire on his skin increasing. He was getting mad. She didn't know whether it was good or bad, but if she was right about women's intuition, she only needed to buy a little more time. She lean forward, her breathe hot against Zuko's eat as she purred. Zuko almost rolled his eyes at her actions. Katara would never act like such a slut. She was a lady, not some whore.

"How about... One kiss and I'll leave for good," Aerie said, "How about it Zuko? Give me a kiss."

x x x

Katara kept feeling uneasy. Something in her blood was telling her that something was going to happen. She walked down the hallway greeting the various guards and maids. Maybe seeing Zuko for a few minutes would ease her nerves. Her steps seemed almost heavy, as though her body was trying to tell her to stay away. Yet, isn't that the funny thing about human nature? You never really listen to your bad feeling. If anything, it makes you want to move forward even more. When she finally reached the large oak doors she took a deep breathe.

"I Should trust Zuko," the water bender said, "He's probably working hard right now..."

She was about to turn and leave until she suddenly heard Aerie's high voice through the door. What was she doing in there? Certainly she was not paper work. Again, another pur - wait did she just hear Zuko moan? She was feeling sicker by the moment. Should she burst in there and drown them in their own breathe? Should she wait until the coast was clear? Her eyes widened as she heard Aerie's whisper foul words loud and clear. Without thinking she bursted in, her eyes glued on the scene in front of her. There he was, Zuko, pinning Aerie against the wall.

The door opened with a huge bang that cause the two ex's to jump slightly. Zuko's eyes widen as he looked at Aerie and then at Katara. Not thinking, he pushed to the side which caused her to fall down..

"ZUZU! Oww - " She yelled as she tried to get up.

"Katara it's not-" And he stopped. Water. That was what he saw fall from Katara's eyes as she took a step back. He had seen that element around her numerous time. it surrounded her when she was fighting, it was on her when she was bathing, but had she ever let it leave her eyes because of him? He wanted to tell her that it wasn't what it looks like. He wanted to tell her that this was a set up! Yet with every drop that fell down her cheek, his words became vaguer until they were just letters in his mind. His throat was getting dryer as he tried to swallow, the futile cries of a slut fading into the background.

"It was a lie... Wasn't it?" Katara asked, her voice soft as she stared at the fire bender. She didn't know what to do anymore. She didn't know what to say or how to act. She stared at the Fire Lord for what felt like years. "Did you lie to me when you said that you love me? Because people who loves someone don't pin other woman against the wall, Zuko! Was everything that night a joke? A facade?" The tears kept falling as Zuko tried to walk toward her.

"I didn't lie, Katara! Please!" He begged

"It's funny... Because... because..."

Zuko waited for her to finish, but all he saw was someone breaking down in front of him. He couldn't think straight anymore. He was never good at helping people when they were crying. Hell, he didn't even know how to help himself when he cried. Iroh was always the one who comforted him, but he had to stop Katara's tears himself.

"I wanted to believe you. I wanted to trust you," She mumbled as though she was by herself.

Zuko went up to her, his arms trying to wrap around her as she struggled to move away. She was sobbing and he couldn't stop her. She was hurt and he couldn't help her. He couldn't take her on a journal to kill someone she hated. HE was the one that she hated. He messed up and he didn't even notice that he was doing it. Quickly, she put her hand out as water frozed around Zuko's foot. With one last look she turned around and ran away. She wanted to be anywhere, but there.

Zuko looked at the woman on the floor and glared at her. If looks could kill, Aerie would have been dead fifty times already. His red eyes were burning with an immense hatred that rivaled the biggest enemies. "If you don't want to get burned, get the fuck out of my home! Acutally get the fuck out of the Fire Nation! YOU'RE HEREBY BANISH FROM THIS LAND." He screamed as steam escaped from his fist and nose.

Aerie got up, a silent whimper leaving her lips, "I was trying to save you, Zuzu! We could have had something beautiful again!" and with that she ran out the door. Uncle Iroh had walked by the room, the sudden commotion gaining his attention as he heard a large object break - followed by a very aggravated and frustrated scream. Zuko was grabbing everything in his site. Scattered paper work, spilled ink pads, broken vases. He was angry, frustrated, confused.

"Nep..hew..?" The general asked as he looked at the boy who was viciously throwing everything around.

"Uncle Iroh..." Zuko said as he looked up. "I messed up - I fucking messed up - EVERY THING'S MESSED UP. Everything was going so well Uncle... How am I going to get her back...? She ran away, she pushed me away. I couldn't even explain"

Zuko was babbling. He didn't know what to do. He collasped on the floor, his face burried on his hands as he felt water slowly drip down his cheeks. Iroh hesistated, his own mind confused as he made his way toward his nephew. His hand rested on Zuko's hair, the sudden impact making the crown fall from his top knot.

"Calm down nephew and tell me what happened..."

The more Zuko confided in his Uncle, the more Iroh sensed the saddness in him. It was hard, hard for the both of them. Zuko had just been set up and had no idea what to do. Iroh wanted to tell him what was right. He wanted to give him advice that would help him, but the thing is... He didn't have a definite answer for him.

"Nephew," Iroh said, his voice soft as he placed his hand on the fire bender's shoulder, "Give it some time. Katara will come home when she's ready..."

x x x

Katara didn't know what to do. It was probably around 4PM when she reached the city. The cold wind was sending chills down Katara's back as she walked down the street. Her hair was scattered, her face flushed as she heard the numerous gasp and whispers from the town people. Yes, she was the soon to be Fire Lady. She was suppose to marry Zuko at the end of this week. Today was suppose to be their second date. They were suppose to put aside their differences, walk down the isle, and say 'I Do' like the stories Gran-Gran use to tell her.

"I ran out without listening to him." she thought silently to herself, "He probably had a good reason to be in that position... Right?"

It was almost as though she was trying to connivence herself. She stopped, the cold air blowing through her hair as she collasped against the closest tree. She stay there for a few minutes, her mind racing as her knees rested against her forehead. What was she suppose to do? She couldn't go back there... not after what had happened or after what she had said. Suddenly she felt a soft hand on her head, her eyes shotting up as she was greeted by the smiling face Haku held.

"Katara!" he said as he suddenly saw the look in her eyes, "...What's wrong?"

It was almost like she had held it in for years. Her lips quivered as she looked at the Fire bnder. Tears began to stream down her face again as Haku looked at her in shock, his body moving down to the ground as he stared at her. He didn't know why it was so painful to him. He didn't know why he suddenly saw his younger sister in front of him. Her hair was a messed up and tossled as it Framed her face. Her tears streaked her skin yet still had beauty within it. He pulled her into a small hug as he pat her head gently.

"If You want to cry... You can cry. Don't hold it in. This time, I'll let you cry on my shoulder..."

And she did. She cried and sobbed and felt a small part of her heart break. It wasn't because she saw Aerie and Zuko together. She was scared. She was terrified that Zuko's words meant nothing. She was horrified that everything up until now was fake. She was scared that she was finally ready to tell him that she loved him and it might mean nothing anymore.

x x x

Author Note : IM SO SORRY THIS IS SO LATE. I just spend today writing the whole thing and i swear the next chapter will come WICKED fast! but like i said, i've been really busy and it's been hard lately for me Forgivee meee !

Chapter 10 Preview

Katara and Haku looked out toward the hill. It was silent, but they didn't know what to say. Katara's face was red from rubbing the tears away from her eyes. She looked at the fire bender beside her and before she could say anything he started to instead.

"My sister use to cry all the time," He started as Katara stared at him, "Whenever I came home from school or work... She would be crying."

It was silent, his eyes were closed as he looked up at the stars.

"One day, She ran up to me and her face were cover in tears. I was really tiered and I didn't want to deal with her. She was always crying about something... and normally it wasn't important. I ended up walking away and falling asleep on this hill. It wasn't until a few hours later, I came home and she was there, on the floor, covered in burns and blood. My parents were in their room dead."

Katara let out a small gasp as her problems seemed to fly away. She body moved toward his as she set her small hand on his back.

"That's why, I guess it slipped... I told you that this time you could cry on me," He said with a small smile as he looked at her.

She looked at him and a tear fell from her eyes. He was shocked, but not surprised. Quietly, she leaned forward and hugged him.

"Don't let Zuko cry alone Katara... I'm sure that's why you were crying? Something happened right? I'm never going to know why my younger sister was crying. And I regret it every time."