what do i not own? oh yeah...this........

"I told you, I didn't do anything to your sister last night. I swear." Zuko said as soon as Sokka and he were in the hall.

"This isn't about last night," he glared at Zuko, "The doctor found more than the bruise and cut I gave her."

Zuko glanced back to the room. He saw Aang holding Katara's limp hand.

"What else did he find?" Zuko was curious, but mostly worried. He really wanted to know how bad he had hurt her.

"Well, her entire back is bruised, she has two broken ribs, and her arms and wrists are also bruised."

This brought back the memory of the fight. When he pushed her against the palace wall and heard the crack. Sokka continued to glare at Zuko.

"Zuko, I know about the fight you had with Katara. I know everything."
"You do?"
"Yes I do, so will you please tell me what really went on?"

"Fine, I was watching Katara waterbend, then she hit me with water, then we got into a fight…and I sort of….pushed her against the palace wall and pinned her wrists up there. Then I dragged her to my room, where she was showing my waterbending when she passed out. I put her in my bed to sleep. And that's all that happened."

"Uh-huh." Sokka was taking in the story. That would explain the bruises, but the broken ribs?

"So how did she break the ribs?"
"I might have pushed her against the wall a few times. With some strength...Ok a lot of strength."

"Zuko…" Sokka hissed. If he let this creep near his sister, it could spell trouble.
"Where exactly did you sleep last night?" Sokka questioned. He was afraid of the answer.

Zuko glanced back into the room. Aang was now sitting next to Katara, it looked like he was talking to her. He glared back at Sokka, who was glaring right back.

"Why do you want to know?"
"Damn it Zuko! Just tell me!"
"I slept in my bed!" Sokka glared at him even more now. Zuko was actually afraid now. He knew Sokka, and Sokka was very defensive over his sister. What was he going to do now that he knew the his baby sister slept in the same bed as the Fire Lord?

"You mean, you slept in the bed after you moved Katara to another bed?"
"No, she was sleeping in my bed too."
"I'm going to kill you if you ever touch… no even look at my sister again!"
"Fine Sokka, I won't touch Katara, ever again" he lied.

"I'm serious Zuko. And Aang will probably agree with me. You know how much he likes Katara and what will happen when he found out that she slept in the same bed as you? The Fire Nation will be Fire Lord-less."
"Okay Sokka, just don't tell him, he would be pissed if he found out that Katara and I-"

"Katara's awake!" Aang flew through the door, "and she wants to see you, Sokka. And you too, Zuko."

Zuko and Sokka glared at each other as they walked into the room.

"I am so sorry, Katara." Sokka knelt next to her.
"Yea, I'm sorry too." Zuko muttered.
"It's okay Sokka, but when I get out of here, I am going to kick your butt. And you too Zuko." She glared at him, "You're the entire reason I'm here."

Zuko shuffled behind Aang and stood next to Katara. He went to place a hand on her shoulder, but Sokka was glaring at him.

"I am really sorry, but I do know you can get out now, but you'll have to stay in bed for a week."

Katara groaned. She hated being bed-ridden. When she finally got out she was so happy. Now she was back to being in bed.

"I'm not staying in bed. I am going to move around and get exercise. I am fine."
Both Sokka and Zuko glanced back to the doctor, who nodded his head in approval.

"Fine, you can. But either Aang or I have to be with you." Sokka told her firmly.
Katara sighed, "Oh great. I get to be babysat."

"Sorry sis."
"Why did I faint anyway," she turned to the doctor, " Is there something wrong with me?"
"No," he reassured her, "you're probably over stressed or it could be that you're not used to this kind of weather."

" So can I go?"
"I want to run some more tests, but after that I'll have the Fire Lord escort you back to your room."
Sokka glared at the doctor, "Maybe I should take her back to her room."
"Suit your-self." He said.

After he finished checking her for any more broken bones, the doctor released Katara. She could walk perfectly, and she said her head was fine. She spent the rest of the day with Aang, refusing to speak with Sokka or Zuko.

After dinner, she escaped from Aang and went to the garden. At night it was beautiful with the fireflies, and the flowers. The pond reflected the moon, and the stars were out and shining. She walked among the flowers, and she could hear the faint sound of music in the distance.

She wasn't looking where she was going and bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry" she turned around to see who it was and saw two golden eyes staring back at her.

chapter 9 coming your way!