Several days later, the three of us were eating dinner together. Katara was telling me of how she went to talk with Sokka today. To be honest, I really couldn't care less. However, she looked to have been getting used to being on the ship, so I listened. I didn't want to frighten her off again. Finally, when we were all about finished eating, Iroh stood up.
"I must go play Pai Sho with some of the other crewmen. Would you mind cleaning up the dishes, Zuko?" he asked.
"Where is Rono?" I asked. Rono was the man who usually acted as "waiter" and "busboy."
Iroh grinned and said slyly, "Waiting to play Pai Sho." I rolled my eyes and groaned. I turned towards Katara, who looked a little too pleased at my suffering for my taste.
"Come. You're helping." I told her, as Uncle Iroh walked up the stairs just outside the room.
"What?" Katara asked distastefully, "Why?"
"Because I could use some help and some company." I said. "I'll wash, you dry." I began gathering dishes, and Katara reluctantly did the same. I led her into the kitchen. We stacked them up next to the sink, and I found a towel to give Katara. I got a sponge and some soap, and began washing.
After Katara finished drying the first plate, she asked, "Where do I put it?"
"Just stack them up, sorted. We'll put them away when we're done so I can show you where they go." I replied. We washed and dried, and talked some. Mostly about what it's like in the Fire Nation and what things will be like for her. I was thinking Katara was finally getting used to me and will stop hating me so much. However, that could all change with one false move. And, in case you haven't noticed, I tend to make a lot of false moves.
Eventually, when we were putting away the last few utensils, Katara asked, "So, how often do you think I'll be able to see Sokka when we get to the Fire Nation." Being a jerk, I didn't notice the danger of this question. I treated it normally and answered without hesitation. I'm so stupid.
"Well, Sokka's most likely going to end up working in some coal mine or factory, so you won't really ever see him again." I said.
"What?" Katara shrieked, clearly angry at me in particular. Right about now, I realized my mistake. "You're going to give Sokka off to slave away all day, miles and miles from Aang and I? You're...You're the worst person in the world!" She turned away from me coldly.
I gently put my hand on her shoulder, fearing her reaction, and said, "Katara, it's not like I have much of a choice. My father would never allow me to keep a Water Tribe prisoner in the palace. I'm taking a risk with you as it is!" She ignored me. I thought and thought of something to do. I was actually just thinking of ways to get Katara's mood up, but a plan occurred to me instead. "Wait," I said, "I think I have an idea." I noticed Katara's eyes open a little wider, but she didn't think I noticed I suppose. "What if...Sokka could become one of my guards! Yes! I could say I found him on some Fire Nation island and recruited him! Yes...yes this could work!" Katara turned around.
"Really? You-...You'd do that for me?" Her excited tone slowed down a bit.
I hesitated only a second before smiling and saying, "Yes." However, Katara still didn't realize it. She just continued putting away the utensils.
"So, what about Aang? How often do you suppose I can go see him once we get to the Fire Nation?" Katara asked casually.
"Oh, Aang? You definitely won't ever see him. There's nothing I can do about that." How much of an idiot can once person be?
The fork Katara was holding clanged to the ground. "Never...again? Forever?" she asked fearfully.
"Yep." I replied. You know, I think if you look up the word "stupid" in the dictionary, my picture is there. Katara ran out of the room, sobbing. Finally, I realized the jerk-ness of my actions. After a mere moment, I started running after her. But she was faster. If it weren't for the hatch door left open, I never would've found her. But I did find her, on the floor, banging on the door to Aang's cell, crying her eyes out. By now the guards on duty were prying her away roughly. I told them to stop and let her go. They did so, and I walked over to her. I kneeled down next to her and put my arm around her shoulder. "Katara?" I said soothingly, "You have to calm down now. You hear me? Please calm down. I'll let you in to see Aang soon, but right now, just come with me. We'll get you something warm to drink, and let you settle down a little. Then you can come and see Aang. How's that sound?" I gently pulled her to her feet and led her into the crew's galley. I didn't want to chance it with the stairs. Katara just followed me dumbly, trying to stop sobbing. I made her some hot tea (heated myself) and tried to soothe her. After the tea, she did calm down quite a bit. By now she was just hyperventilated from the crying. I was rubbing her back slowly. Finally, she stood up steadily.
"I'd...like to see Aang now." she said, her voice a little wobbly. I silently cursed their love. By now, I had gotten the impression that she loved him as much as he loved her. I now know she didn't even realize Aang loved her until-...Well hang on; I'll go in order here.
Anyway, we went back to Aang's door and went in. I noticed the guards disdainful murmuring to each other about Katara and tried not to punch them out.
Katara told Aang about how they'd never be able to see each other again and she cried again. Aang started to tear a little bit as well. "I'll never see you once we get to the Fire Nation? But...Katara, I...I love you." he said, finally summoning up the guts. (Or just not realizing what he was saying!)
"I love you, too." Katara replied, barely hesitating. You don't know how badly I wanted to drag her away from Aang! And, to make it even worse, the two started kissing! And all I could do was stand in my corner and clench my fists.
That was it. It was over. Now they knew they were in love, and I could do nothing about it. Now, I had lost Katara. There was no way I could get her to love me now. Now that she knows she loves Aang. I'm finished.