Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to ATLA. But....if you're not familar with the way things have been handled, then... Go back and read the bold at the top of chapter one.

A month later…

This is boring. He huffed, resting his chin on his massive paws. Can't you garden your stupid plants any faster?

"I haven't gotten that far. I need to get all these weeds out before anything. Then the ground has to be tilled. Then I'll have stupid plants. Get it straight, you overgrown angry boy."

I'm not an angry boy. In case you aren't good with your hearing, I'm older than you, girlie.

I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand, offering him an indifferent glance. My hands nimbly pulled weeds, and I tossed them into the bucket. I was sweaty as the humid, summer's day reached midmorning. My clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin, my hair sticking to my neck as I tried to preen my garden-to- be. It was so hot. Getting to my feet, I headed for the porch, with Zuko on my heels.

He really was gigantic. A two-hundred pound wolf-dog was nothing to brush off. Once I got use to it, it was like I was sharing the house with an overgrown, fluffy, temperamental, man—ears and tail included. But unlike a human male, that thick black fur was calling me to sink my fingers in. I wanted to splay my hand over the muscle and to stroke his ears. I wanted so badly to see if his fur was as soft as it looked, that every time I got near him, I had to suppress the urge to just reach out. Because I'm positive he would take offence to something like that.

My eyes softened at the fruitful trees. As my lips parted, I drew in a breath of clean, sweet air. It was so much different than the city that I'd moved from. Omashu just wasn't like this. Sure, millions of people lived there, and yeah, loads of people loved the nearness and the opportunity of the metropolis. But I wasn't one of those people. I'd always wanted a home in the country, especially after I'd seen the world outside of the South Pole. When I was twelve, I announced to my Dad and Sokka that I was going to have the biggest plot of land I could afford. And I'd gone and did just that. I was the proud owner of ten acres. Most of which—at least in the back portion, was filled with blossoming fruit trees of all kinds. Apple trees, cherry trees, lemon trees, fig trees…you name it, it was here.

All except for banana trees. Sadly, they didn't grow well in this part of the world.

Who over had built this home had seen to it that many trees survived. Unlike my neighbor, who only had ancient oaks and pecan trees in his yard, my northeastern plot of land had so many fruit trees it was unreal. They weren't just young saplings either. These fruit bearing trees had well settled roots, and the flower petals were falling, revealing the budding fruit that was beginning to swell.

What a beautiful sight it was. I sighed for the umpteenth time at how lucky I'd become. I had a beautiful home, with more than enough land and privacy. I had a great job that paid well.

Does this mean you're done with weeding? Zuko asked, yawning.

"No."

I slid my shoes off at the welcome mat, and padded in through the kitchen. Pouring myself a big glass of water, I drained it, filling a large bowl for Zuko. I knew he was thirsty too, so I didn't bother asking. When I got back, I set his drink down on the porch, and got back to weeding. I attacked the poor weeds, thinking of the last month. The sound of lapping was soft, and Zuko shook himself before resettling in the grass.

After getting over the initial shock, I consider my adjustment to be fairly well. Or as well as a girl could do when she discovers she's living with a cursed man trapped inside a wolf's body. Did I mention that he's bound to the house too? According to him, he was stuck until the curse was broken. His confinements were the house and the property, but even so, it was still a prison for him.

After I'd found him snarfing down all my bread the night we met, I had to stop him and figure out what was going on.

I remember that night with vivid recollection. I turned out the light of the basement, flicking on my flashlight to find my way up the stairs. I was dazed, and somewhat out of it. When I arrived to the kitchen, the proof had jumped up, placing his front paws on my counter as he was eating all my bread. Somehow, he'd tugged the twisty tie off. No plastic had been shredded, and he was wolfing down the last of my bread. That was when I realized someone was talking. And once I added two and two, I'd headed straight for the fridge and pulled out a wine cooler. At first, I'd thought I completely lost it.

And then…I was okay with having lost it. I accepted it, not fighting the supposed insanity. So what if a talking animal—who was never and never would be a pet—was living with me?

He'd actually paused for a minute to make sure if I was okay as I pulled things out for his meal. Apparently, he'd expected a melt down from me. He hadn't gotten it. Instead, at four in the morning, he got six hamburger patties—minus the bread, unfortunately.

The initial choice he made was to get everything out in the open so it wouldn't arise again. He announced the situation and my options. Either get out of the house and leave like the last dozen or so people, or stay. With him. And coexist with him. In his house.

But how can two persons own a house at the same time if they aren't in agreement? Um…Well, just because I have the rights and the papers, doesn't mean much to a two-hundred pound creature. Besides, he comes in handy. Zuko's curse had somehow manifested until he'd gotten partial control of the magic. Or…at least that's what I've been told.

After looking to see if there was any way I could get out of the house deal, I found to my horror that I was stuck. My bank had decided that I didn't have the resources or the insurance to file complaint. To them, there was nothing wrong.

Just how in the world should I start that conversation with the real estate agent? "Oh, I found out that there's a man trapped in a wolf's body living in the house. He's cursed to the house, you see. But the house it okay. It's worth more now that I had I fixed up. Let me give you a deal. We can trade back the house in present condition and the money I paid. I'll throw him in for free. So… is it a for sure deal?"

Yep, that wasn't going to work.

So…this was my life.

My name is Katara. I hale from the Southern Tribe, and was a part of the last group of natives to migrate out of the frozen, barren waste land my people could no longer thrive on. I grew up with my brother, Sokka, in Omashu. When the both of us had graduated high school, I was the only one to stay. Sokka went to Kyoshi, headed for the university with a full ride of scholarships. My father lives up in the Northern Atric, researching the unknown illness that took my mother away from us.

When I finished my schooling, I started working for the university. Eventually, I became a professor. A few years passed, and I had saved up enough of my money to move away from the crowded area. I moved to the outskirts of almost unknown city in the northwestern part of the Earth Kingdom. That part was of last month. I took up a job as the nearby collage's ligature teacher.

Weekday routine for me now was highlighted with nine major events. Wake up, feed me and Zuko, leave for school, teach classes, tutor, leave for home, feed hungry housemate and self, shower, fall asleep. One weekends, it was simpler. Wake up, breakfast, relax, tidy up, grade papers, work in garden, and coexist with Zuko.

I really should have known the deal for the house was too good to be true. The house was too perfect—that should have been the indicator that something was there to compensate for its wholeness. Oh, the house was perfect, aright. It was more than perfect. It had high ceilings. Deep rooms that my interior decorating skills had cried to the heavens for, and once I'd painted and cleaned up a bit... I had every room restored. Of course, my budget is practically nonexistent, but… it was worth it. I'll never regret investing in this home.

Something I noticed, was that the owner had left personal products. He must have just decided that he didn't need the supplies. I kept them there, sadly having need of the soap myself. I was still having to compensate having splurged on the house and the new furniture. Which was also one of the reasons I was starting a garden. I was tired of just the cheapest staples. I needed fresh food as soon as possible.

My personal favorite is the master bathroom and the kitchen. I swear, the bathroom was designed by God. The neutral, earth toned tiles reaches up from the open shower. A glass wall separates the vast shower from the rest of the bathroom, the door made from the same seamless glass. The walls, I repainted the same earthy green. Which is why I love the bathroom. It's such a contrast to the rest of the house, yet it still coordinates in harmony. The kitchen looked like a far away café, complete with stainless steel, deep, deep red walls, and dark cherry wood cabinets. I'd had the air conditioner fixed—which had drained my funds dry, but otherwise, everything was in order. The house was that of my best dreams.

It was just the included assists it came with. Zuko.

After I finished weeding, I carried the large bucket for the umpteenth time to the burn pile out back. Technically, I was pulling up chunks of grass, not weeds. But who actually remembered what the task was called?

Zuko voice his thoughts aloud for me to hear. It would be easier if you got a wheelbarrow.

"Can't afford that right now. Maybe when I get my next paycheck, I'll think about it." I'd gotten so used to his commentary that it didn't annoy me anymore. Not much, if any.

I smiled to myself. I really was set for the while. I had the house, I wasn't in dept, and I was living comfortably. I looked over to Zuko, who was lying on the lush carpet of grass, watching me. "Would it be too much to ask for some help?" I sweetly fluttered my eyelashes.

Yes, it would be.

An idea flashed through my mind. "Even if I threatened to give you nothing but rotten cabbage for a week?"

That made his narrow his eyes, and he gave me a furious, but cautious look. You wouldn't.

I was the one who cooked meals and kept him fed, wasn't I? He should know the answer. "Think again, Zuko. I can and I will. I'm not asking for a lot."

He made a groaning noise as he rolled his eyes and picked himself up. Turning to face the house, he looking over his shoulder and gave me a look full of malice. Sarcasm laced his voice as his gold eyes flashed in annoyance. What does the lady want?

"Oh. Nothing much. I just wanted to know if there's any way you could use your abilities to help me tend the land any faster."

There isn't.

"Why not?" I teased the poor guy, full of lightheartedness. Working outside on my day off had lifted me until a grin was playing on my lips. "You act all high and mighty. I thought you told me you could do anything you wanted to. What happened to the arrogance I've gotten so used to? The high and mighty prince attitude! Where'd it go?"

Just because I was in good spirits didn't mean my housemate was. He growled, going into the house, head held high. Just because I say something doesn't mean I'm capable of it. His black pelt disappeared, but his voice was just as strong. Don't wake me up.

"Fine! I guess I have to do all this work on my own." I shook my head, laughing, and looked to the yard. There was so much to do! At the rate I was going, my progress of one day a week still wasn't going to dent anything. And I really didn't have the money to hire anyone…

Today was the first since I moved in that Zuko's foul, gloomy mood hadn't affected me. He was a grump, through and through. He didn't expect much from me other than food and occasional company. Which was good. I really didn't expect that much from him either.

Something I'd learned to expect was that I shouldn't expect the usual.

I worked at the surprisingly unknown collage, which had an amazing campus and even more amazingly unknown courses. As a teacher and tutor, after regular school hours, the facilities were still open to me, so I used the work out gym to my full advantage.

One day, I'd come home, collapsed in my bed, fully dressed—with a car load of papers to grade before I left for work the next morning. There hadn't been the strength to even grade the papers I needed to. I slept the whole night without hearing a thing. It had been a terrible day, putting it in a very understated manner. God, I still do my best not to remember the horrors of what happened that day. All I would say to Zuko is that I was about to start sobbing it I didn't get down-time.

When I woke up late the following morning, I found that the papers were graded, my house had been tidied, and breakfast had been made. Apparently, that was Zuko's doing. Those magic abilities, perhaps? I still don't know how he did it. He won't tell me.

I fetched a sketch pad, glancing up to find Zuko in the couch. Like he'd said, he was sleeping, stretched out over the furniture, breathing deeply. Despite his attitude, he was a beautiful animal. I could watch him for the longest time—only to get questioned once I was caught.

I tore my eyes away, wondering what type of man could get cursed to such a magnificent form. If this is what he looked like now, then what exactly had he looked like as a human? I cast away this useless thought, knowing the answer would blow my mind had I the energy to really analyze that question.

Softly, the pencil I'd chosen glided over the paper. I used a ruler to straighten out the lines, and soon, I had a good sketch of my plans.

Could you be any louder? Irritated, he opened one golden eye to glare at me.

"Sorry." I tore the paper off the pad, and picked up the phone. Dialing a number, I apologetically explained. "Not all of us have loads of time to do absolutely nothing with, Zuko. I have to go back to school tomorrow. And grading papers for over a hundred students doesn't really contribute to any house work."

Why don't you just ask for help? He closed his eyes again, exhaling.

"I did. You. I don't know of anyone else that would help me."

Zuko yawned. What about that brother of yours?

"Sokka only came up to visit. He lives in Kyoshi." As the phone line connected I shook off the rest of my reply as a familiar voice asked, "Hello?"

"Aang! How are you?" I asked. In a slur of relaxed motion, I rushed to the sketch pad, and started doodling. It was just like old times. My handwriting was scribbled as I jotted down notes on the rough planning of my yard.

Who is that? Zuko inquired. His hearing was exceptional, I swear. Even for a wolf-dog, he could hear things from one end of the property to the next. A phone call would be nothing for him, should he ever choose to listen in as he was doing right now. I shook my head, hoping he got the meaning. Everything Aang said, Zuko would hear. Though it made me feel bad, the phone had a cord, and going outside to escape listening ears wasn't an option.

Aang laughed, cheerful as always. "Great, actually! Man, it's been forever, hasn't it?"

Yeah, it really had been. Aang was one of my best friends during collage. It had been absolute chance that we'd ever met. It had been in the library. The newer librarian was having problems locating a book, and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I'd cut in, relieving the stressed out woman and leading the tattooed boy to the right place. Heck, I'd even known the shelf the book would be on, if that says any of how much I frequented the building.

After we'd talked for a few minutes, it turned out we knew some of the same people. It had been nice meeting him like that. He left, and sometime a few weeks later, I showed up to find him in the same predicament.

We've been friends ever since.

Me and my friend chatted about generic stuff for a few minutes, and I brushed off Zuko's persistence. Angered, he started growling, and demanded to know who I was talking to and what some of the subjects were. And I was trying not to lose it with him for interrupting the conversation.

Aang swallowed, curiously asking. "Katara, since when did you get a giant dog?"

Trust Aang to know what exactly was over here. "Oh, since I moved in."

I'm no one's possession. Yours especially. Now, Zuko rumbled. Answer my question, woman.

That did it. I was sick of the attitude. I dealt with this with the teenagers I taught every day. I was sick of leaving one place, getting nothing but adolescence attitude, then coming back home to get grumpy, adult male attitude. My foot went down on the matter. "No." I replied to Zuko, my eyes narrowing as I held his gaze. "I don't have to tell you anything."

"It's alright if you don't want to, Katara. I was just curious." Aang sounded hurt, but pushed that aside. "Hey, I have an idea. Do you have any plans for next weekend?"

No, I didn't. Other than fix up the yard. And since Aang was asking…

A smile played at my lips. "What do you have in mind?"

"Oh, nothing much. I was just want to know if there was anything we could do together."

Yes! YES! I actually looked up to the ceiling and mouthed thanks to God. Maybe this was a sign that better things were coming.

"Actually," I brought up the subject. "There is something we can do. And…I'm wondering if there's anyone else you know that would like to give a helping hand."

No. No one's coming over. Zuko bared his teeth at me. He advanced, and I glared right back. Forget it. He's not coming over.

"I'm sorry. Give me a minute, Aang. Please don't hang up." I pressed the phone against my stomach to muffle anything that was said between me and Zuko. Or rather, just me talking to Zuko. It seemed that Zuko had selective telepathy. If he wanted you to hear him, then that's what you heard. If he didn't feel like talking, there was nothing heard from him. To anyone.

We argued.

Even with Zuko at eyelevel with me, I wasn't intimidated. Okay, so maybe a little. Or a lot—but still! I don't remember a single time in my life where I'd ever defended myself verbally with such an intimidating creature. And I'm pretty sure no one else could have claimant to this feat either. "I have friends, Zuko. Just because you like your privacy doesn't mean you can control my social life."

Zuko's piercing eyes were unblinking. After I stared back, I realized something. I had just as much say as he did. I had my own life, and no one could rule it.

Why should you invite people over? So they can mess up the house? So they can eat us out? Tell me why and maybe I'll consider—

"No. It's final, Zuko. Either you straighten out your perception that you have total control, or you can just go sleep in your cage tonight."

I held up the phone, and the smuggest smile whispered over my lips. Stunned, Zuko stared at me, as if the fact that anyone standing up to him had never been done.

"So, Aang…" I turned to look out the window, giving Zuko full view of my back. It had to be the biggest insult I could give him.

Aang and I made arrangements, and I hung up the phone. I stared out the window, and closed my eyes, leaning against the cool glass.

I still don't like the idea of having people over. He was silent except for his response.

"I never asked if you liked it, Zuko. Besides, you want nothing to do with my stupid garden, right? Then you can just stay inside the house. Why don't you stay in the bedroom? No one will bother you in there."

Can't. Smells too much like you.

That was uncalled for. My cheeks flushed, and I was hurt. Of everything Zuko had ever said, that one seemed to hit me the hardest. "What I nice way of telling me I stink. I'll make sure to scrub harder when I get in the shower, if that helps any."

No. The sound of his claws against the floor grew louder. I didn't mean it like that. I looked up as he moved closer. To show me, he gently thrust his nose against my skin and he breathed in deeply. See? You don't smell bad. His nose was moist against my skin and his muzzle soft.

"But I don't smell all that good right now either." Boldly, my hand reached for his face. For a minute, I forgot he was cursed, and I cupped his face closer. "You can't tell me you don't smell the sweat."

Of course I smell your sweat. But you don't stink like you think you do.

"Oh. I guess that's better." I weakly laughed. Looking at the reflection in the glass instead of through it, I realized how intimate this felt. Zuko had never come this close to me before, much less willingly touch me.

Maybe this was God's way of telling me the guy was finally lightening up…?

But it wouldn't hurt if you washed up.

So much for hoping.