Ello ello ello!~ I'm back and like I promised a chapter on Friday~~ I found out that if I'm not too tired writing half the chapter Thursday nights and then finishing in the morning I can get the chapter out like I promised!~ So here it is everyone!~
A mothers intuition?
Katara's POV
"Urgh finally." My class had ended, taking a timed test which was way harder than I originally thought. Then again, I had been so engrossed with Zuko lately it was most likely a fault of my own from not studying enough. I flopped down on my desk as my professor passed by and took up my test. Azula was on my right sighing as well.
"That test was hell. What's gotten up his ass? I swear some of that wasn't in the lecture.".
I rolled my eyes "Zula, quiet down!"
She shrugged. "He's down at the bottom now. He can't hear us up here, chill."
I groaned. "Still…"
She flipped out her phone and began texting someone with a smile on her face."So…I heard from Zuzu that he has to meet your parents tonight?"
"Don't remind me." She chuckled turning her phone off and tucking it into her leather jacket.
She shoved my shoulder playfully causing me to almost tumble off my chair. "Zula!"
"Oh please, it can't be that bad."
I shook my head and started packing my utensils away. "Zula trust me, your family's super chill compared to mine. I swear I can already tell what's going to happen."
She threw her bag around her back and looked at me with unimpressed eyes. "'Tara your family is wonderful, I swear you get paranoid too easily."
I glared at her and poked her in the side. "Remember how Jet was after meeting my family?"
She looked down thinking carefully. "Hmmmm not really…I mean he left pretty soon after…." she mumbled lowly, "Good riddance" I grabbed my bag and started walking toward our next class which was Business Communications. A pretty simple class compared to the Calculus we just sat through.
"He was terrified! Are you kidding me? Azula, he wouldn't speak to me all day. I remember clearly being upset. Then we figured it out and then…well…that happened." She flipped her hair back and glared.
"He was an ass 'Tara, sorry I only remember him hurting you." I sighed.
"If only I could avoid him, I wish he was the plague…it would be so much easier to not look weird avoiding him." She took her phone out to start texting again and then blushed, quickly throwing it into her pocket. I gasped and stopped in my tracks. "Whoa Zula, what was that? Who are you talking to! Is it Hahn!? Oh my gosh it IS isn't it!" She blushed even more, her face a bright red. She pulled my arm and tugged us over to a corner out of the way of other students. I squealed excitedly.
"Tara, would you shut up?!" I shut my mouth but begged her for details with my eyes. She shook her head and I bent my knees bouncing out of excitement. I mentally shouted please to her. She watched me and then sighed her shoulders slumping. "Fine, geeze its Hahn…We started dating last night. He took me to the fair, I was angry at first for suggesting something so childish but… he told me he liked me during the fireworks." As she spoke her voice grew quieter.
"Oh Zula Im so happy for you!"
"You don't understand Tara…this is great, but I don't know a thing about loving someone." She shook her head.
I waved my hand dismissing her statement. "Zula don't be ridiculous, if you push him away now you will regret it. I'm telling you Hahn is a great guy, he will be patient and understanding. Don't throw it away before it's even started."
"So what did he text that made you blush so much?" She shrugged and felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. I looked down and then smiled up at her. She smiled finally letting it happen smirking as she showed me the messages. I leaned into her and looked down at them.
Hahn- Good morning beautiful
Azula- oh..uhm good morning.
Hahn- what's wrong? Was I too forward?
Azula- no! no..im just not used to people…I'm not sure how to put this.
Hahn- Oh about people not liking you…Azula we talked about this.
Azula- I know…but I was a bitch…I just. I don't know Hahn.
Hahn- Look what or whoever you were in the past means nothing to me. I like the you now and I really enjoyed last night. To me you're beautiful, kind, and considerate. I like how your feisty and I like how you are so far. So have more faith in me.
Azula- Thank you Hahn… ;)
Hahn- So I'll see you tonight?
Azula- Yeah :3
Hahn- I'll see you later then gorgeous ;)
I squealed in delight. Hahn was more of a smooth talker than I thought. "That's adorable! Azula, you have to let him in more. Did you tell him about highschool?"
She nodded."Yeah, I did…I'm surprised he didn't run away then. I did some bad stuff, and I went into some detail."
"Zula that was years ago, he knows that too." I patted her on the back.
She sighed."Sometimes, I wish I never went through that whole rebellious phase. It's really messed up some of my life."
I rolled my eyes pushing her towards our classroom."Zula, it's done. Come on, we'll be late." She chuckled and began walking towards the third building. I sighed, Azula had a pretty rough childhood. Much like Toph had already explained about Zuko, I knew Azula. Sure we hadn't been friends for long, but I was the first friend she made here. And the only one she told about her past was me, until now of course.
Azula had some dark times, when she was younger he father originally wanted her to run the company. To be the head, but she didn't want to, and in anger her father had lost all respect for her. Her mother tried to help her, but Azula was closest to her dad, and without his guidance and acceptance she was lost. I sighed thinking about all the horrible things she got herself into. At such the early age of 14…drugs, gangs, drinking…it broke my heart to hear her tell me all of this. Of course Azula was in danger all the time, but she was able to protect herself. Hell she was even their leader, only thing was: she was lonely.
I watched her back as we walked into the classroom, getting ready for the next class of our day. Azula had literally made a 180. Started getting A's in school, preparing to become a lawyer, and stopped making destructive decisions. I smiled, now look at her, the young dignified women you expected her to be, especially for being an Azulon. I shook my head, we all hard some secrets, and most are invisible unless you looked hard enough. My heart broke thinking about my own secret…
"Tara, are you okay?" I smiled lightly but shook my head.
"I'm going to tell Zuko about Jet. I'm worried about what he's going to say." Zula's eyes widened, understanding the fear that was lodged into my core at this very moment.
"Tara,.. are-are you sure. I mean, I don't think Zuzu will break off anything or change his thoughts about you. But,"
"I know, but I can't have this relationship without him knowing. Plus he's bound to be curious why I won't let him do anything." I whispered. Azula took out her notebook and pen as soon as the teacher started talking. She scribbled down what she wanted to say and passed the notebook to me. Again, we were sat quite high up in the lecture hall where the teacher wouldn't be able to tell we were passing notes.
So you two still haven't had sex? She asked.
No, you know why Zula…I just can't. I need him to know first. She looked up at me and nodded her head.
Tell me if my idiot brother does anything when you tell him. But I wouldn't worry, Zuzu is a good guy and he's new at this too. Its sappy but he's a good guy, and brother. Trust him.
I blushed thinking about all the things he's done for me so far. How much hurt I've probably caused by avoiding sex. He would never ask, never argue…just leave it. Like he knew I would tell him when I was ready. I sighed, he's probably known for a while.
I will. l- I just felt really bad though. Last night got pretty heated and I completely left him to sort himself out while I was on the phone with my brother.
Ewww, Tara TMI okay? ….Bet it was funny though. She started snickering thinking about Zuko frustrated beyond imagination.
No I felt horrible, he was in the bathroom for a while. I sighed passing the notebook for her to read. Her face scrunched up and disguised. I snickered at the expression as she scribbled down a reply shoving the book back to me.
Tara Seriously? T. M. I. I did not need to know that. Stop elaborating, you could've left it at "I will, felt really bad though." I did NOT need to know the last bit.
She saw me snicker more and slapped my arm causing me to wince and rub it soothingly. I continued to chuckle until our professor shot us a glare and immediately halted our fun. I closed the notebook and smiled to Azula, knowing that was the first and final warning. She smirked and nodded, then turning to focus on the lecture. I ran my fingers through my dark curly locks, sweeping them away from my face. Why I didn't tie my hair up today? No idea. I rolled my shoulders and began taking notes, driving all my other worries and thoughts to the back of my head.
Later that night
"Damnit Zuko, where are you?" I tapped my finger impatiently on the counter. We agreed on meeting each other at 5- it was now 5:30. Thankfully, we agreed to meet earlier than dinner- but now we had to make it to the house in thirty minutes. Just as I pulled out my phone to text him, there were three consecutive knocks on my door. I sighed in relief, thank God.
When I opened the door he looked immaculate. A tight black button down dress shirt, black pants and a red tie settled perfectly. I had to snap myself back into focus before I drooled over his appearance.
"Hey," he smiled apologetically. "Sorry ran into some trouble at the company, I'm ready to go now if you are."
I smiled, twirling around. "What do you think? Am I ready?" I was wearing my favorite outfit, a pale blue pair of skinny jeans, blue top with a black flower in the center, and finished with a gorgeous leather jacket. My make up was just simple eyeliner. Hair pulled into a braid that cascaded over my shoulder, but left strands to frame my face.
He smiled pulling me out of my door. "You look perfect."
"I'm secretly waiting for you to stop being so sweet." I blushed, slapping his hand. He just chuckled and led us to his car. "Seriously Zuko you don't have to keep impressing me."
He cast a glance to my side smirking."You don't know what you're asking for. I can already tell we are like fire and water, but that's a good thing. You put out my temper." I rolled my eyes buckling myself into the seat. I knew he wasn't being that way just to impress me. He knew, or at least had a clue that I didn't have the greatest relationship before this. I sunk into the leather seats looking outside of the window.
"So if I'm like water to you, then you're the fire to my temper. I swear work will be interesting now. You know Toph is going to nag us right?" He chuckled turning his indicator on and glanced over to me.
"I'm the boss remember. I do what I want."
I rolled my eyes and shook my head, smiling slightly. "You are such a prince."
It didn't take too long to get to my parents house. In fact, Zuko likes to drive fast and we managed to arrive fifteen minutes earlier when they wanted us over. I took my seatbelt off and turned to Zuko who was checking his . "Hey Zuko?" His gold eyes looked at me, a smile ghosting his lips.
"Yeah?"
"Whatever my parents say, mostly my dad…just I don't know. I just-" he leaned over and kissed me, stopping me from rambling and continuing to make no sense.
"If it becomes too much for you Katara, we can always leave. I want to hear your side of everything first. I promise, I won't leave you because of a family dinner." I threw my arms around his neck pulling his slightly warmer body across the car to me.
"Okay." He kissed my cheek and headed out of the car, I needed to take a few breaths before I felt ready. I knew my dad was going to bring up Jet…maybe I should've told him before. I shook my head. It was too late now; I'd have to tell him afterwards.
"You can do this Katara." I slapped my cheeks preparing myself for the unfortunate hell I was about to drag Zuko into. When I stepped outside the car, I noticed Zuko was on my side and the familiar blue truck in the driveway.
"Oh, I guess Sokka is joining us tonight. Great, it's a full family dinner." Zuko placed a hand delicately on my back and pushed me forward.
"Too late to turn back now. Plus, I actually enjoy your brother, he's a funny guy."
I smiled. "Ah, well, you'll have to meet his fiancé Suki, well I hope fiancé." We walked to the front door Zuko straightening his tie and shoulders. I kissed his cheek. "You look handsome stop worrying." He chuckled.
"We'll see. So, did he ask her already?" I nodded and knocked on the door.
"I don't know what she said yet. Haven't heard anything, so I'm hoping it was a yes. My brothers infatuated with her." Zuko smiled, and then just as I expected my mother opened the door. Her deep blue eyes focused on Zuko then me.
"Katara! Oh my baby girl is home." She pulled me into a hug and tugged us inside. "Oh and you must be Zuko, what a pleasure to meet you!" I chuckled when she inspected him. Zuko shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, how handsome you are too! Katara you sure caught a winner."
"Mother!" I blushed and grumbled under my breath.
Zuko laughed and shook my mother's hand, starting out on the polite route. Smart, Zuko. Smart. "The honor is mine, Mrs. South. I actually like to think that I was the one who caught the winner." My mother squealed. "OH SUCH WONDERFUL NEWS! Come in, come in! We are just setting the table." I shook my head smiling happily. My mother was just a bundle of energy and I loved her for it. We walked into the main room where my family was setting the table. The large dark wood table with plush baby blue chairs and a powder blue kitchen brought back so many memories. Our family photos hung on the wall. I noticed Sokka, at the table where he was on his phone playing some game, and Suki was in the kitchen. "Sokka dear, your sister and her boyfriend are here." My mother announced happily.
Sokka looked up from his phone and grinned widely. "Katara!" I smiled, letting go of Zuko's hand to hug my goofball of a brother.
"Sokka! How are you?" He shrugged, a bright smile adorning his face.
"Amazing…Suki come over here for a bit." The young brunette turned to see me with her bright green eyes. She squealed and abandoned her spatula that she was using to help my mother cook. I ran to her and engulfed her in a huge hug.
"Suki! Oh I'm so glad to see you, I feel like it's been forever." She chuckled letting me go and joining Sokka's side.
"Tell me about it. Hey there Zuko how are you?" He put his arm back around my waist, pulling me close to his side.
"Great, perfect, somewhere along those lines." She shook her head and brushed a strand of hair off of her face, a light green gem sitting on a silver band on her ring finger. I screamed.
"SUKI! OH MY GOD YOU ASKED HER?!" They both blushed, snuggling into each other.
"Yeah, it took me a couple of times. I will say it's only taken so long because I kept messing it up. But she agreed not too long ago." Suki blushed and shoved him playfully.
"Your idiot brother made me think he was going to break up with me a couple of times. He kept shouting, 'Oh no not again'. I thought that meant I was doing something wrong! Then he would be out of it all night! I didn't know it was that he actually kept forgetting it!" Zuko started laughing and slapped Sokka on the back.
"Nice man, way to be smooth." I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
"Leave it to Sokka to mess that thing up." We all chuckled while Sokka rubbed the back of his head. My mother came over and pulled Suki and I from our significant others.
"Leave your brother and fiancé alone, boys you two can set the table. Sokka, show Zuko where everything is. Katara you can help Suki and I finish dinner." I watched Zuko roll up his sleeves and roll his shoulders to help Sokka with plates and silverware. I blushed seeing his skin suddenly. My mum bumped me with her hip ushering me to the kitchen.
"I understand your boyfriend is hot stuff but we got dinner to finish. Your father should be home soon." I blushed and looked around grabbing a spare apron and cut vegetables.
"Where is he?" She sighed.
"Making sure the restaurant can run itself tonight. He wanted to come for the congratulatory dinner with Suki and Sokka." I smiled when Suki's face blushed bright red.
"It's good to finally have a sister!" We chuckled and my mother sighed.
"Katara I'm going to try and keep your father on his best behavior. He's a bit angry, and we know it's not Zuko's fault about your last relationship but…" I smiled sadly.
"I know mum, I'm going to tell him tonight." Suki gasped.
"Really?" She put a hand to her mouth looking at me with a worried expression.
I nodded sadly, "He needs to know. And I'm sure it was going to come out eventually," I looked over my shoulder to see him and Sokka laughing as they set the table. "I trust him."
"I'd say it runs a little deeper than that. You're in love with each other. I can tell." I blushed as my mother hummed happily. "You're father won't be happy to see that, but I can tell he treasures you. Wouldn't be surprised if he was planning on asking for your hand soon either." I groaned.
"Mother, we only JUST started dating- and we've only known each other for a few months! I highly doubt he's thinking that right now." Suki chuckled taking out a few items out of the oven and placing them down on a rack to cool.
"Oh please, that boy is head over heels in love with you. Don't be so surprised Katara. You know your father and I only knew and dated each other for a year before we got married. Wouldn't change a thing either. Then we had Sokka around 3 years later." I blushed.
"Yeah, but mom I mean…you guys had a year…that's better than a few months." She slapped my arm.
"Well then, let's think about this shall we? I bet he's already told you he's in love with you. Taken you somewhere and picked you up from your apartment on every date. Respects your decisions and has told you pretty much all the dirty parts of his past. He's probably already told his parents about you, or you did. And I'm willing to bet that boy won't leave you if this dinner turns sour when your father comes." I blushed. How the hell were mothers so intuitive? How did she know all of that from meeting him once? She smirked seeing that all of her statements were correct. "I give the boy a few months for him to realize he wants more than a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship, and around a year mark to ask for your hand. He's so much like your father it's ridiculous." I blushed and shook my head.
"Believe what you want, mom, but I doubt it." Suki sighed and smacked me in the arm with the spatula.
"Katara, even I have to agree with your mother. Zuko acts fast and he's not afraid to get what he wants. Sokka and I liked our space and we were comfortable with dating. I bet it took some time before he even realized that unless he married me he couldn't keep me forever. We take things slow and enjoy it, but Zuko?" She looked over to him, they were now at the sofa watching football. "Zuko looks like he's ready to die for you. He never takes his eyes off of you. I bet if we keep watching he will glance over eventually." I rolled my eyes but damn was she right. Not even a thirty seconds after she said it Zuko's eyes cast over to the kitchen, locking in on mine. He smiled and I felt the blush rise. Damnit Zuko!
My mother laughed and began setting the food on the table. "Oh, I give it a year!" Suki chuckled as they left me leaning down on the counter, feeling like a huge pile of lovey-dovey goo. I stood back up taking a deep breath and calming my erratically beating heart only to hear the front door open. My father's voice ringing deep down the halls.
"I'm home!"
** UPDATE 10/26**
Hey everyone! I've gone ahead and substituted this chapter with the edited one, so it flows a lot better than before. My beta did a wonderful job pointing out some things that I tend to do and how to fix them. I was only able to find time tonight to go over this. I wanted to apologize now about another late chapter. I will try and get one done tomorrow night and have it edited and ready to go! Please don't hate me for missing another upload T.T! (Heads off to write another chapter)
Whew~ done and Done~~
I also wanted to just update you guys I now have a Beta Reader, but because we are still figuring it out and stuff I've gone ahead and posted this chapter. Once we get the chapter edited and stuff I will replace the chapter with the new one!
So I know I havent spoekn about Jet and Katara's relationship...lets just say next chapter it will be revealed, some might be a bit surprising ~ Oh no I've said too much!~
Tell me what you all think so far!~
Replies to my loves
PrincesaDeFuego- Thank you! And thank you for offering to Beta for me its such a huge help!~ I've decided I'm just going to keep uploading. I really love this story I just wish I got more feedback 3
Irianna Marie- THANK YOU! Ugh I totally understand don't worry. I just get super paranoid and I bet its really annoying T.T I'm so sorry. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! And trust me every review thats given just makes my day 10 x better than it was 3
Big thanks to Paternosterbol and Amberjwblue for the story follow!~ I hope you are both enjoying it :D
That's all for now you guys :3 who know's if I can finish my cosplay for wasbicon I might be able to write another chapter! Keep your fingers crossed hehehe
Ciao!
Rae