A/N: So I've updated again and considering I'm usually pretty lazy when it comes to updating this is pretty good timing for me AND its probably one of the longest chapters i've ever written which is pathetic considering some of the chapters i've seen other people write. Oh well. Anyway, I know some people are a little miffed that this is turning out to be another "zuko captures katara" story but its going to be different, i promise. I just needed the setting to be like that.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, by the way, although I was a little disappointed I only got four so if you could please please please review that would greatly appreciated.

He stood in the doorway, watching her sleep. Her hair, recently cleaned, was spread out around her head like chocolate waves, the dim light causing the locks to shine. Some of it fell onto her shoulder as she shifted her head slightly, moving every time she breathed. Her face, for once, was peaceful, her skin smoothed out completely, glowing even.

Why won't you trust me? He asked in his head silently. The golden eyes shut as he pinched the bridge of his nose, breathing out heavily. Hadn't he been through this argument already? Wasn't it the same reason his uncle would no longer look at him, let alone talk?

He turned away from the room and headed back to his quarters to cool down. It was empty of any life as he entered as was to be expected. No one entered his room without his permission. Ignoring his bed, he walked to his desk and sat down, pulling a recently unfurled scroll towards him.

Pity your ambush on the Avatar was unsuccessful, brother, but I'm sure you're more than capable. Keep the water bender prisoner. Be ready for the Avatar when he comes. Good luck Zuzu…

Zuko scowled as he tossed it aside. Even when she wasn't there he could practically hear her sneering at him. His baby sister was giving him orders. Wonderful. They weren't hard to follow but there was something about following Azula's commands that irked him. Although he could simply pretend he never got them, he thought, as the scroll caught alight and burnt to ashes in seconds. He could do this his way. He would earn the water bender's trust (somehow) and together they'd draw the Avatar in safely. Azula's plan would end in a violent, rage-driven battle between the Avatar and his friends, and while she may be confident that they would win, Zuko wasn't so sure. He'd seen the Avatar's friends in action and knew what they were capable of when any one of their friends was in danger. It wasn't something Azula understood, something she hadn't factored in. But Zuko had spent the better part of the last year searching for the child and had seen everything with his own eyes. However, he now had the water bender who would definitely prove to be the biggest obstacle. Convince her he was good and the rest was easy from there. It was the perfect plan. Effortless.

With those thoughts in mind he headed over to his bed, pulling his armor and inner tunic off before settling in to sleep. Somewhere in his subconscious he noted a different but just as pleasant scent nestled in his pillows.

--

Unbelievable.

Was she really so incapable that she couldn't escape off his ship? Katara slumped back down on the uncomfortable bed she had been placed on. At least her wound no longer burned. Her side was tightly done up in bandages but she could probably heal it from there herself.

She sighed wondering how much longer she would be here. Stupid prince wouldn't let her out of his sight. It was a pity they were evenly matched. Otherwise she would be off his ship and helping Aang get ready to defeat the Fire Lord. If they were anywhere near land she could easily water bend her way to it. It was a lot harder in the middle of the ocean. She was strong and had great stamina but bending continuously would drain her of energy. And she tended to use most of it up when the Fire Nation idiots got in her way.

Or she could convince Zuko she actually was on his side and when his guard was down she could strike and escape, and find Aang by herself. She smiled to herself slightly. It was ridiculous and dangerous but it could possibly work, even though her acting skills weren't great and it felt a little…wrong. Betraying him. She frowned, pondering it. He had betrayed her…she knew how it felt. And she wouldn't sink to his level. Zuko wanted her help to find Aang to defeat his father and take over as the Fire Lord. The help she could give if she was willing to let go of her pride and resentment. Finding Aang wouldn't be too hard considering she knew their rendezvous point for the Invasion. However, if he was following her instead it wouldn't be too easy. On the other hand she was in the company of the guy who had tracked them all over the world. If anyone could find the Avatar it was him.

Slowly, trying not to disturb her injury, she flipped the blankets back and slid off the table bed. She headed to the door and opened it, sticking her head out. She jumped when she caught the eye of the guard stationed outside her door. The grip on his weapon tightened.

"Hi," she said cheerily. She couldn't see the face behind the mask but she had a feeling the guard was glaring. "Um, I was just wondering…is Zuko around?"

He stiffened slightly before replying gruffly, "Prince Zuko is asleep."

"Wow, what time is it?" She must've been out for a long time.

"Perhaps two hours past midnight."

"Oh," she said. "Well, I want to talk to Prince Zuko so can you tell him when he wakes up."

He nodded once before turning away. Katara sighed and turned to walk back inside before she stopped. There was no way she'd be able to sleep without getting some answers down. She wanted to make a decision quickly, one that would get her off this ship and away from the prince.

"No, you know what? I want to talk to him now," she insisted. She made her eyes big and pleading. "Please? It's important…it's about the Avatar."

The guard stood silent for a few moments before he pulled a key out of his pocket. "I have to lock in you in. I shall go alert the prince."

Katara smiled and nodded, stepping back inside and heard the key scraping in the lock. She sat on her bed and swung her legs impatiently as she waited for him. Finally, footsteps approached and the door opened. An irritated prince stood in the doorway his hair tousled and wearing black pants and a sleeveless tunic. It was obvious he had just gotten up.

"This had better be good!" he snapped slamming the door shut.

"Aww, did someone lose a little beauty sleep?" she taunted. He crossed his arms and blinked sleepily, too tired to retort back. She looked at his pathetic appearance and felt a surge of pity. She patted the bed next to her. He ignored her and leaned against the wall, his gold eyes glaring.

"I was wondering," she began, choosing her words carefully, "your sister shot Aang down in Ba Sing Se. He was practically dead. How did you know he was still alive?"

"You woke me up for this," he said annoyed, rubbing his eyes.

"How did you know?" she insisted.

He looked at her for a while before sighing. "That water you showed me. With special properties. You used it on the Avatar, didn't you?" His face took on an odd expression, even with the tiredness. He looked almost…bitter.

"Yes."

He unfolded his arms and let them drop to his sides. "My sister told my – the Fire Lord that I killed the Avatar. And he believed her. If he finds out that it's not true, he'd completely disown me and I'd be permanently banished. Which is exactly what she wants no doubt."

Katara watched him as he spoke. He could be speaking the truth. "So, now you're looking for the Avatar again? To kill him?"

"No," he replied, meeting her eyes. "He's going to help me defeat the Fire Lord and my sister."

His voice was cold. There was an air of determination around him. He meant it.

"If he doesn't know," she said slowly, "what did you tell him about being here? I mean, surely your own father would have noticed you left?"

"He thinks my sister and I are on vacation again," he replied without missing a beat.

"Your sister?" Katara exclaimed jumping to her feet as if expecting the sadistic princess to come bursting through the door.

"She's on a separate ship," he said quickly, trying to mask his slip up. "Actually, she thinks I'm helping her to capture the Avatar."

"Oh, ok," she said sitting back down. She looked thoughtful for a minute. "You want me to help you?"

"Yes."

"How do I know you won't betray me again?"

The question hung in the air as the two stared at each other. "You don't," he replied finally.

She stood up and walked closer to him. "You betrayed me once. I'm not going to let you make the same mistake twice."

His gold eyes gazed into her clear blue ones and he saw the strength and determination hidden in their depths. He nodded and turned to leave.

"Zuko?"

He looked back, itching to go back to sleep.

"Goodnight."

Sokka's hand clutched his sword tightly, gnashing his teeth, standing a good distance from Aang who looked equally angry. Toph was seated on a rock, her legs crossed as she remained neutral.

"We have to find her!" Sokka yelled, his fists balled.

"I know!" Aang replied just as loudly. "But she could be anywhere. Where do you think we should start?"

"I dunno," said Sokka sarcastically. "Maybe the crazy jerk's home in the Fire Nation!"

Toph winced as his voice rose three octaves at the end.

"He wouldn't go all the way there," Aang retorted. "What does he need Katara for?"

Sokka's face contorted into several weird expressions, visually conveying his thoughts. Toph cocked her head as she tried to imagine what was going on during the silence.

"I don't think Zuko's the type –" Aang began saying.

"What? You're supporting the guy?" Sokka spat.

"No! I'm just saying –"

"Ok, STOP!" Toph yelled jumping up and causing a tremor. The two boys fell silent. "Zuko doesn't have any need for Katara. But he knows we're going to come after her and then he's going to capture Aang."

"Well, we're not just going to sit here," said Sokka. "We're going to go after her."

"We'd be playing right into his hands if he went looking for her. That's exactly what he wants."

"I'm not leaving my baby sister in the hands of that jerk!"

"We don't want to either. But if we don't go looking for them, sooner or later they're going to come looking for us."

"I don't like it," said Sokka but he sat down anyway, unable to think of a better plan. Aang had to agree with Toph also. He couldn't care less about his own safety than Katara's but Toph had the right idea.

Seeing no one else was going to help set up camp, he jetted over to Appa and got Sokka's sleeping bag for him. It was warm close to the Fire Nation and they didn't require a fire that night which was just as well. Anything that left a mark they'd been there was best ignored. He settled on the ground between his two friends as he stared at the sky, watching the stars.

Please be ok, Katara…

His foot lashed out followed by a burst of fire. He placed it down behind him and spun around, hands open and slicing through the air, trailing flames. He crossed his fists in front of his face and pulled sharply back before double punching forward, forcing more fire out of his fists. Sweat rolled down his back from the heat as he punched rapidly, forcing himself to make them faster and stronger. He kept on going for as long as he could, perspiration dripping from his loose hair onto his face. He stopped finally, breathing heavily, bowing to an invisible superior before resting his hands on the ship rails for support.

She had never seen anything so dangerous and beautiful at the same time. The fire had arced across the dawn sky as he trained. The heat waves he caused were strong and she could feel a sheen of sweat on her own face. He wasn't like his sister, perfect and precise, but he was graceful and danced through the movements fluidly.

"What are you doing here?"

Katara glanced up from her place near the door where she had been standing and (although she hated to admit it) gawking. He had his back to her, his skin glistening in the dim light. She took a few steps forward and he turned around. His eyes watched her as she came and stood beside him.

"What are you doing here?" he repeated, clearly annoyed.

"I was watching you train," she said in a matter of fact voice. "Is that a problem?" She turned to face him, a challenging glare on her face. Her eyes told a different story, however. They drifted almost casually down his toned front, looking at the muscles rippling across his stomach and chest. She forced her gaze away, annoyed at herself. Stupid prince just had to have the perfect body, beautifully built and naturally attractive. Katara mentally groaned. What was it with all the guys she'd met in the past year that couldn't have attracted her? Why did he have to be so gorgeous? She drew the line there. Maybe gorgeous was a bit much. Attractive body, terrible personality was more like it. They needed a word for that.

"Yes," he said in a cutting voice, interrupting her thoughts. "I don't like people watching me train."

"I must apologize then, for invading his highness' personal space." The sarcasm dripped from her voice as she gave a mock bow. He stared at her before rolling his eyes and pushing away from the railing.

"I didn't realize I was such bad company," she called after him, slightly affronted.

"I wouldn't expect you to," was the reply.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" she yelled.

"Exactly what you think it does."

Katara growled under her breath before following him and grabbing his bare shoulder. The searing heat of his skin caused her to pull her hand away. He turned back around, his eyebrows raised as she dropped her hand by her side.

"What do you want?" he asked impatiently.

"You captured me," she said prodding a finger into his chest. He didn't budge an inch, his hand taking hers and pulling it away from his torso.

"And?"

"Well, I need to talk to someone. And I figured, since its your fault I'm stuck here, it should be you."

He let the words sink in. "You want to…talk to me?" he quizzed curiously.

"Unfortunately, you're all that's left." He narrowed his eyes at her biting tone and she glared back, painfully aware of the fact that he had almost a good eight inches on her. Nevertheless, she didn't back down. They stared each other down for a few minutes. He relaxed first, and swiftly sidestepped her, continuing on his path to the door.

"You're on your own there, peasant."

She snapped, her hand whipping out and snatching up a rope of sea water, bending its silvery body and whacking him across the back. It broke and splashed his entire form with the cold fluid. He spun around, snarling, shaking the water out of his already damp hair. She gave him an innocent wave, neatly dodging as he sliced the air with his hands, a wave of fire flying at her.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to attack an opponent when their back's turned?" His leg swung around in a powerful back kick, the flames scorching the deck planks as they hit empty air. She retaliated with a whip to the ankles which he jumped.

"I don't know. Didn't your mother ever tell you not to fight with girls?" She cart wheeled over as four simultaneous streams raced towards her. Her arms moved like the water as she pushed a big watery shield in front of her face, blocking more of his attacks.

"What, are you scared? I'll go easy on you if you like." He smirked, quickly covering a little more distance between them where he would have the advantage in a close range fight. She scowled and he ducked as the water whipped at his head. He heard a loud metallic clang as it hit the rails and bent them.

"You're improving," he taunted closing in on her. Admittedly, he was impressed. His legs had a dull pain in them from the hours of training and he could feel his muscles seizing up in his arms. But it would be a lot longer before Zuko admitted defeat.

Her eyes were narrowed in concentration as sweat rolled down her face. He was backing her up against the side of the ship and she had to feel the water with her back towards it. The prince had stopped bending now and swiped at her legs with a kick. She brought her hands forward bringing the water towards him and his hands hit hers, blocking her and causing the water to drop.

"You wouldn't stand a chance without your bending, would you?" he said grabbing her fist as she swung it at him. He looked at it briefly, almost amused, as he gently tucked her fingers beneath her thumb and straightened her wrist. She pulled back and kicked out, her foot aimed at his stomach. He pushed it aside almost easily. Her eyes were defiant but she felt a little fear for the first time. There was no way she would beat him with almost no experience in hand to hand combat. And he would never let her live it down. She had to beat him.

She stepped sideways as his fist rushed towards her head and he quickly turned it into a side punch. Her hands flew up to shield her face instinctively. There was no contact and she lowered them down. He was standing there, his fists hanging by his sides, giving her a look of disdain.

"And I thought you might actually make this interesting," he sneered. She balled her hands and raised them up into a guard stance. He smirked and mimicked her, his eyes daring her to hit him. She threw a jab at his face which he tried to block before she drew it back before it even made connected and threw herself on the ground, kicking his legs out from under him.

"Oof!" he thudded to his knees, surprised. He turned over in time to see her sink her fist into his stomach. The air blew out of him as she grabbed his fists and pinned them above his head, leaning over him.

"Still interested?" she said, a little breathlessly. Her hair hung down, the ends lightly brushing his cheeks, the shoulders of her robe sliding off, baring her neck and collarbone. Her knees were on either side of his body, supporting her weight.

He stared up at her, completely winded, all traces of arrogance gone as she held him down, her hands tightly gripping his as she hovered over him. She was so close he could feel her breath washing over him. Slowly, he relaxed and composed his face again. Unconsciously, her grip slackened as well. "Admit it," she said, a triumph grin growing on her face, "I won. You lose."

"You obviously don't know me very well," he said, a smirk unfolding across his own visage. "I never lose." His hands curled around her wrists and with a quick twist, flipped them over, pinning her beneath him. "I win. You lose."

Her cheeks flushed as she realized the tables had turned. She swallowed and found herself gazing into the golden depths of his eyes. Somewhere in the back of her mind she realized she'd stopped breathing. His lips quivered as if he were going to say something and his brow furrowed as his head came closer another inch. She tried to say something but her voice stuck in her throat. He was so close she could see the rough skin around the edge of his eye, see where the pale skin melded into the angry wound. Then all conscious thoughts rushed back. Prince Zuko, the angry exile who had tracked them all over the world, was two inches from her face lying on top of her.

"Get off!" she snapped. His head pulled back in surprise but his grip on her wrists tightened.

"Say it," he demanded.

"Say what?" Her heart was beginning to race as she desperately struggled against him.

"Admit that I won and you are a terrible fighter." He was enjoying this; she could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.

Her fingers wiggled as she tried to pull her hands out of his hold. "Fine. You won and I am a terrible fighter. Happy?"

"Disappointed, actually," he said still not moving. "I was expecting you to put up more of a fight. You give up too easily."

She smirked. "What can I say? I'm a sore loser. Just don't look up." Her smile widened.

Zuko looked up…and received a face full of sea water. Katara began to laugh as he stood up, angrily, the water steaming off his body. She sat up and rubbed her wrists, still giggling. He glared at her which she brushed off, getting to her feet. She paused mid step on her way back inside, turning back to him.

"I win. You lose."

He sat down quietly across from her, causing her to look up from her food. Her eyes widened in surprise and she laid down her chopsticks. Rather bored with spending the entire day holed up in his room with no company, she was a little pleased to see him. Not that she would ever tell him that.

"Is his highness actually honoring me with his presence?"

"As long as you feel honored," he replied picking up his own utensils and beginning to eat. Katara watched him for a moment before speaking.

"So, someone's not angry for once."

He shrugged, chewing carefully. His gaze was a little far off giving Katara the impression he was deep in thought. She let him eat in silence for a few minutes before deciding to risk asking the question that had been bothering her for a while.

"Zuko," she began tentatively. He raised his eyes to meet hers. "I was wondering…what are you going to do if I don't help you find Aang?"

His mouth quirked, settling into a frown. "You will," he replied.

"You don't know what I'm going to decide."

He leaned back, fixing her with his usual glare. "I do know. He's your friend. And you'll do anything to save him."

"You think you know me so well, don't you?" she said narrowing her eyes.

"I have been chasing you for a year, haven't I?"

"True," she replied thoughtfully. "Will you kill me if I don't, though?"

He stared at her for a long time. "What do you think?" he said finally, his eyes boring into hers.

"I," she slowly, her finger tracing a pattern on the ground beside her, "don't think you will."

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands, his elbows on the low table. "What makes you so sure?"

Her eyes flickered back to him. "You're not that cruel. You're not Azula."

"I betrayed you once," he countered. Her hands curled up.

"Are you trying to make me hate you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No." He tilted his head back, realizing how far inclined he was towards her. Feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze, she played with the food on her plate, no longer hungry. He wouldn't kill her, she was sure, but would she help him? It was probably her only chance of getting back to her friends and brother. She looked back up to find his attention was occupied elsewhere and she stood up, stifling a yawn.

"I'm going to bed," she said heading to door. A hand shot out and grabbed the neck of her robe, pulling her back.

"What?" she said indignantly, pulling the red silk straight.

"Where are you going?" he demanded not letting go of her.

"To sleep," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Where?"

She shrugged. "The infirmary, I guess. Although that table is rather uncomfort –" she cut herself off as he strode over to his bed and pulled the blankets back. She shook her head in disbelief. "No. No, no, no. I refuse."

"I'm not giving you a choice."

"Why would I want to sleep in your bed? What do you take me for? Some hussy you picked up off –"

"My uncle," he began through gritted teeth, "takes you for a well-respectable girl who 'deserves unconditional attention' although she's ungrateful and ill-mannered!"

Katara resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him and crossed her arms. "Where are you going to sleep then?"

Zuko walked over to the wooden closet and opened it, dragging from its depths a futon and a blanket which he threw on the ground beside the table. He snatched up one of the pillows from the bed and tossed it on the mess on the floor.

"Are you going to sleep in that?" she asked pointing to it. He spared it a glance and shrugged, untying the sash on his tunic.

"No, I was thinking about leaving it there and sleeping in the hall. What do you think?" he said sarcastically, his voice slightly muffled as the inside shirt came off. Katara turned away discreetly and bent down to fix up the makeshift bed.

"What are you doing?" he inquired raising his eyebrows and tossing his clothes aside.

"It was bugging me," she answered straightening the blankets. She stood up and admired her work. "What do you think?"

"As long as I can sleep in it, I don't care what it looks like," he smirked at her annoyed expression and she turned away, crawling onto the bed. She bit her lip and watched him pull the blankets over his chest. Katara was never one for just letting others stand by while she was nice and comfortable. Even if the 'other' was a crazy fire prince and she was not at all prone to sharing a bed with him. She laid her head down and closed her eyes.

She woke up a few hours later, the only light in the room a sliver of moonlight peeping through the window. The heat in the room was stifling and her throat felt parched. She sat up and could just make out his still form on the ground, the blanket having fallen away, revealing his bare upper body. His pale skin looked silver from the moonlight and Katara paused to take in his appearance. His face was peaceful and it was hard to believe this was the guy that had chased them around the globe. The same guy she'd fought furiously this morning, the same guy that had tied her to a tree. He looked almost…attractive.

Katara frowned and decided to find some water to drink before she retched. Silently, she slid out of the bed and stepped lightly around him, daring not to breathe until she was outside. Realizing she didn't know where the kitchens were or wherever the food was cooked, she walked down the many corridors pushing open each door. She finally found the small kitchen a few halls away from Zuko's room and gratefully walked in. Grabbing a cup from the table she uncovered one of the water barrels and scooped up some water, washing it down quickly.

A hand grabbed her.

Katara choked mid swallow and dropped the ceramic cup which shattered.

"You scared me!" she said pushing his hand off her shoulder. She took deep breaths trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he said, irate with lack of sleep.

"Well, I'm not trying to escape," she told him, rolling her eyes. "I was just getting a drink."

"There's a jug on my desk," he pointed out, the air around them growing warmer.

"Which I obviously didn't notice," she snapped. Brushing past him, she stalked out of the room and tried to make her way back through the dark to his room. Somehow, she couldn't find it. She began to walk down another unfamiliar hall when his warm fingers closed around her wrist and he gently pulled her along behind him.

"You're going the wrong way; that's where the crew sleeps." She kept her eyes on the back of his head as he walked, not letting go of her until they'd reached his quarters. This time she climbed into the bed with no objection and listened as the rustling of him settling back down faded away. Closing her eyes she realized her heart was still beating faster than normal and something told her it had less to do with the scare she got in the kitchen than walking alone down dark halls hand in hand with a certain someone.

Ok, please review!!!