A/N: Ok, now I wrote and re-wrote and re-re-wrote this chapter and I'm pretty pleased with it. Also, thank you SOO much to everyone who reviewed. That's the most amount of reviews I've ever got and I was really happy which made this chapter easier to write...hint hint. So, I hope you guys love this one.
Still, it never really changed things between them.
Zuko, never one for conversation, still kept to himself most of the time. The small percentage of time he wasn't brooding or whatever it was he did, he and Katara pored over maps and the water bender pointed out possible locations the Avatar could be.
"This was the town we were at when Aang went to school," said Katara squinting at the miniscule writing labeling the Fire Nation city they had visited. "And then we went here and blew up a factory." Her finger slid across to a tiny port. "Then we went there and Sokka learned sword fighting." She drew a small circle around the village where Piando lived. "And here, Toph scammed a load of people." The finger jumped. "Then we went to this tiny village and met this woman from the Southern Water Tribe." She didn't care to elaborate on this, having chosen to try and banish all thoughts of Hama from her head.
She looked up and saw Zuko staring at her, eyebrow slightly raised, his expression mimicked on the faces of his crew.
"What?"
They all simply stared back.
Their attempts at searching for Aang and the others resulted in many arguments although everyone on board was used to Prince Zuko's volatile temper and his prisoner-turned-partner's equally explosive disposition.
Zuko leaned back in his chair, his fingers massaging his temples. "You were with them last; you should know where they are."
She glared at him and bent her head over the map, her eyes tired from reading the small print. Zuko sat up straighter, pushing her hair out of the way so he could see also. She pulled back slightly as he swept it back over her shoulder casually. He didn't seem to notice her discomfort as the sudden warmth of his hand touching her shoulder shot through the rest of her body, making her super aware of every movement of his.
"Where are we now?" she asked, shaking her hair back over to the opposite shoulder. He didn't look up as he answered, his finger slowly tracing a route from some land near the Fire Nation and across the ocean. "This was where we found you," he pointed out. "And then we travelled to this port and now we're here." He jabbed at a spot on the map approximately a day's travel away from land. "This is where we'll be stopping for supplies."
He stood up as she nodded and stretched his arms widely, fighting back a yawn. He looked out of the window where the sun's dying rays bathed the deck in a warm yellow light and began to make his way outside.
"Here!" Katara exclaimed excitedly. He spun around and joined her quickly. Her finger pointed at an island some distance from where they were but closer to the Fire Nation. "We were supposed to meet there on the day of Black Sun…" her voice trailed off as realization sunk in.
Zuko sat in the seat he'd just vacated and looked at her. "Black Cliffs," he muttered. "That's not too far from the capital city. Do you think they'll be there by now?" That was it. No questions about the day of the eclipse. No confusion. No emotion. Zuko had kept his face carefully neutral. He was suspiciously unquestioning. That's when it hit Katara.
They knew.
She jumped to her feet, the chair teetering on its back legs behind her. Every one of Zuko's crew was suddenly alert at the same time. Zuko looked up at her, eyes narrowed.
"You know?"Katara's voice shook as she pointed her finger at him. "You know?"
"Know what? Your invasion plan? The day all Fire benders lose the ability to fire bend, you, your family, the Avatar, and anyone else you've managed to gather are going to invade and defeat the Fire Lord?" Zuko raised his eyebrows mockingly. "You think we didn't know? Come on Katara, give my sister some credit. Or maybe you could thank your friend, the Earth King, for telling her."
Katara took it all in, barely able to breathe. This couldn't be happening. That was supposed to be the day they would win…the day this stupid war would finally be over. And Aang didn't know! Before she knew what she was doing, she had taken a few steps forward and stumbled into his outstretched arm. He snared her around the waist preventing her from walking forward. Gently, he drew her back without getting out of his chair and pushed her back into her seat.
"Don't worry," he told her, evident amusement playing across his face. "Your secret is safe with me." His eyes glittered strangely, causing something to close around her heart.
"I don't believe you," she said quietly, shaking her head. Zuko sighed and turned his head, signaling for the rest of them to leave. They did so reluctantly and when the last one had closed the door, he shifted his chair closer to her, and put both hands on the arms of her chair.
"And why is that?" He kept her attention on him, leaning closer.
"Because!" she practically yelled. "This changes everything. You're not supposed to know. I have to tell Aang!" She tried to stand up again but he put a restraining hand on her shoulder.
"And how do you plan to do that?" he asked coolly.
She shrugged, impatient with the question. "We have to go," she insisted. "We –"
"We will go," he cut across her. "But first things first. We need to stop for supplies and you need to get some…new clothes." His eyes trailed over the silk robe before he glanced up again. "Then we have a five day trek across this island." He pointed at the map again.
"Why five days?" she asked, thrown off by this new revelation.
"We're going to land here," he said pointing at the back of the island, "because a Fire Navy ship will undoubtedly send your friends running again. So we'll approach from the back on foot. They won't be there because it's not ideally located as a lookout and you have better access to the Fire Nation this way."
Her blue eyes locked on his golden ones. "You've given this a lot of thought in a short space of time."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he picked up the map and began rolling it up. "If you remember, I did track the Avatar for almost half a year."
"Of course I remember," she said glaring at him. "Who would forget being chased by an angry freak with a ridiculous ponytail?"
"Ridiculous ponytail?" he looked offended. "That's a traditional Fire Nation custom!"
She brushed him off. "You sound like Sokka."
"That pathetic excuse for a warrior?"
She narrowed her eyes again. "He's pretty good with a sword."
"I'm sure he is," he drawled.
Katara rolled her eyes at him. "I'm going to bed." Zuko watched her leave before looking back at the map, staring at the spot Katara had told him the Avatar would be. Finally, after so many years, he could go back, really go back with the Avatar in tow.
The idea didn't make him feel any better than it should have done.
It was midnight and without the sun he could feel his energy depleting. Katara could wake up at any time and find him – she was the water bender and drew her energy from the moon. And tonight it was near full.
He didn't have to wait any longer. With the technology perfected in the Fire Nation, the front spike of the other, rather larger ship, was lowered almost silently and made the softest of thuds as it made contact with his ship.
Three figures walked across the connecting path, the middle walking ahead of the other two, her tread sure and balanced, each step a semblance of perfection. The other two couldn't have been more different. One preferred a shuffling gait while the other almost danced across. Zuko stood straighter as his sister, Mai and Ty Lee approached.
"Hey Zuko!" squealed Ty Lee as she flipped herself over once, landing perfectly in front of him. She threw her arms around him almost knocking him backwards. "It's so good to see you! I was just telling Mai –"
Zuko winced at her rib-breaking grip and choked slightly. She pulled away immediately, looking apologetic. Probably due to the amount of time he had been spending with a girl for the last few days, he felt guilty. "Nice to see you too," he said half-heartedly. Her smile burst back onto her face.
Azula came forward, not wasting time with pleasantries, her arms resting on her sides, all business. "Zuko," she said nodding.
"Azula," he replied tonelessly. His sister glanced at her friends and both immediately disappeared below deck. Evidently this was going to be a private conversation.
"So, making any progress with the water bender?" she demanded sweetly.
"Somewhat," was the short answer.
Azula's smiled didn't falter. In fact, she looked even happier. "Oh Zuzu, if you can't get it out of her yourself let me do it. I think we both know who'll be more successful." Her smirk told him exactly how she would extract the information out of Katara.
"She trusts me," said Zuko turning to look at her, his eyes narrowed. To an extent, he finished in his head.
"Does she now?" said Azula making a big show of seeming impressed. "And what did you tell her about your plan to turn against me?"
Zuko breathed out wearily. "I said that I'd help her find the Avatar so I can get his help in defeating the Fire – I mean, father. And I told her you knew about their invasion plan."
Azula cocked her eyebrow and appraised him for a moment. "A plausible story, I suppose, although full of loopholes. Might I suggest –?"
"She knows all the little details," Zuko snapped.
His sister watched him for a moment before taking on a different tone. "Dad already thinks you killed the Avatar; unless he finds out," she said making it seem as if that were hardly possible, "you're perfectly safe. You don't have to prove anything."
"I do," he muttered ignoring her sardonic words.
"Suit yourself," said Azula loftily. "But if you haven't got anything out of her within a week, consider yourself…" She pretended to flick something out from under her nails. "Relieved from the job."
"I can do this, Azula."
"I'm not doubting you, Zuko. But you do tend to over think things. Now, if you could just tell me what you know…"
"They're meeting up at a rendezvous point near the Fire Nation for the Invasion."
Azula looked slightly impressed. "Really? Where?"
Zuko paused for a second. "Black Cliffs."
His sister looked at him intently for a long time before straightening. "Fine. Just so you know we'll be tracking you so it would be in your interest not to slip up and reveal us."
"Why don't you just go there and capture him yourself?" He felt irked. Tracking him like game for a big predator…
"Zuko," she said sounding almost scandalized. "We're family! And as my older brother, it's only fitting for you to be awarded the honor of capturing the Avatar. You deserve it." Her carefully chosen words were spoken softly and her face was devoid of a sneer. But Zuko had known her too long to know it was still there.
"Anything else?"
"Just one," said Azula making her way past him to the door. "Don't screw this up."
He followed her with his eyes as she disappeared into the depths of his ship before unleashing a tidal wave of fury out into the dark, his hands flaring brightly. He punched fiercely at the air, letting the orange flames temporarily blind him as they burst out of his fists, each one hotter and more intense than the last, only stopping when he slumped forward over the cold metal bars, exhausted.
"Angry much?"
Zuko turned and smiled slightly. "Hey," he said softly. Mai walked forward, her arms wrapping around his waist as she faced him. He looked at her briefly, the moon throwing her pale skin into relief, her ocher eyes standing out against her otherwise colorless face. He leaned his head against hers and gently raised his hand to push some of her hair out of the way. She craned her neck slightly and their lips met. His arms wrapped around her tightly, the kiss lingering for a few seconds.
Dropping his arms as they pulled apart, he noticed the slight uncertain look in her eyes. "What?" he asked.
"Nothing," she replied monotonously. They were silent for a while. She looked a little uncomfortable, as if she wanted to tell him something but another force was stopping her. Zuko began to feel a little annoyed. Why did she always have to be like this? As if she had no mind of her own?
"This is fun," she mumbled under her breath, leaning against the rails, pulling out one of her many blades and twirling it around casually. Zuko rolled his eyes feeling irate. He suddenly wished she would just go. Seeing her, spending time with her was not what he wanted at the moment. He couldn't stand the long quiet periods or the lack of interest in anything; it was like Ember Island all over again. It took all his will power not to lose his temper this time.
Thankfully, Azula returned to break the awkward silence that had fallen between them.
--
She walked purposefully down the wooden stairs and caught sight of a stray crew member scurrying about.
"You!" she barked causing him to falter. He snapped to attention as he recognized her, his eyes betraying his fear.
"Princess Azula!" he gasped throwing himself into a bow, his head touching the floor. He straightened, not looking her in the eye.
"Take me to where the water bender is being held," she ordered. The man swallowed and turned around, walking quickly as if to reduce the amount of time he had to spend with her. Which was probably his exact motive.
They came to a stop outside a plain door and he bowed again before disappearing. Azula opened the door and stepped inside.
"Zuko?" said a voice. The princess said nothing, her eyes taking in the room obviously decorated for royalty. The candles in the room suddenly flared blue before dipping back down into a safe orange flame. They illuminated the girl sitting amidst the silk sheets on the large bed, tugging nervously at her robe, which Azula noted with slight amusement, was clearly her brother's.
Katara's blue eyes flared as she saw who it was and leapt to her feet, the red hem flapping around her ankles.
"You!" she said quickly moving into a bending stance.
"Relax," Azula drawled, leaning against the door frame. "I'm not here to harm you."
The water tribe girl's eyes narrowed. "That would be a first."
Azula smiled, a sadistic upturn of her mouth that seemed suited to her face. "I was just looking in, making sure my brother's treating you well," she said amiably. Katara's suspicion didn't lessen. For the obvious reason. "I didn't know him to be so…" she let the word hang in the air as her full lips curled into a sneer, "hospitable. Anyway," she continued, looking over her shoulder as she turned to leave, one hand resting on the door, "don't get too comfortable. You are a prisoner after all." She gave a final smirk before leaving.
Feeling satisfied with her night's work, she headed back up to the deck where she found Zuko and Mai standing a considerable distance apart, arguing in low voices. Her smirk grew wider.
"You know why I have to do this." said Zuko through gritted teeth, his lips barely moving.
"Or you could just get Azula to do it for you. It'd be quicker," Mai said a hint of impatience in her otherwise colorless tone.
"Am I interrupting?" said Azula approaching them. She looked between her brother and friend both whom looked back at her, annoyed.
"No," Zuko replied curtly, crossing his arms.
"Well, I must congratulate you Zuko. I have to admit, at first I had my doubts about whether you'd be able to handle the water bender but I am impressed." Azula fixed a smile on her face, patting her brother on the arm. "Quite impressed with the efforts you've gone to convince her. You're a better liar than I am. Was the one bedroom accommodation your idea?"
Zuko stiffened, his eyes rising to meet hers before flicking past her to Mai. His good ear began to turn red.
"And was that your robe she was wearing?" said Azula, pretending to be oblivious to the tension rising in the air. Mai's face remained expressionless while Zuko, cursing his sister, was torn between rising anger and discomfiture. He opened his mouth to speak, whether to defend himself or deny it, when the door opened, causing everyone to look around to see Ty Lee walk in on her hands. "Hi," she said cheerfully before taking in their expressions, her smile fading. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," said Azula. "We're leaving." She and Zuko locked eyes for the briefest moment before she led the way back to their ship. She made sure to give him a mocking clap on his arm as she walked past. Ty Lee gave him a quick hug before bouncing along behind her friend. Mai watched her friend go before straightening, her hands disappearing into her sleeves.
"Mai," Zuko started. She shook her head, ghosting past almost soundlessly.
"Don't bother," she muttered.
His hands curling into fists, Zuko didn't wait for the other ship to disengage before he walked back down to his room. He was surprised Katara hadn't followed his sister up deck where she would have heard everything, but instead found her perched on the edge of the bed, her face in her hands.
He coughed gruffly to announce his arrival and she looked up, her face, he noted thankfully, dry and tearless.
"Uh," he began. "Did Azula…do anything?"
"No," she replied, brushing aside his concern. "Are you ok?"
He raised his eyebrow, a little taken aback by the fact she was worried, for him of all people. "I'm fine," he said, running his hands through his hair.
"Why was she here? Does she suspect you of something?"
Zuko frowned and kicked his boots off as he sat down on his makeshift bed. "She wanted to know if I managed to get anything out of you yet."
"Oh." A brief silence then, "And what did you tell her?"
"I told her you had a prearranged rendezvous point but I didn't say where." He kept his tone calm but wondered if she could hear the rapid beating of his heart before reminding himself that was ridiculous. Still, his stomach twisted uncomfortably. The lies were coming too easily nowadays.
"Oh, ok." He heard her shifting and the sound of her sheets being pulled up. Her tone was one of utter trust, dismissing the fact he may have fed his sister valuable information concerning the safety of her and her friends. He rolled onto his front, turning his face into his pillow, a sudden surge of unexpected guilt gnawing at him.
"People are staring at me," she said looking unnerved and holding the robe tightly around her. People, mostly boys Zuko's age, were ogling her as the hem flapped around her bare legs, the simple grandness of the clothing surpassing their own by far. She stood out amongst all the citizens in this small Fire Nation town, their paleness contrasting with her tan, eyes gold while hers were blue, hair black while hers was brown.
"Who cares?" he muttered avoiding the stares of the people around them. Zuko's hair mostly hid the scar but he was still strange looks even though he had opted to wear his usual clothing devoid of armor. Katara was actually surprised many didn't recognize him as prince of the Fire Nation. She guessed the people had mostly heard about the scar but hadn't actually seen him in person. That tended to happen if royalty was shut up in the palace all day.
"I care," she hissed back.
"Fine." He sighed impatiently as he looked around. "Where can you buy clothes?"
"I saw a shop down that last street we were in," she said smiling brightly. He allowed her to lead him back down the path they had just walked, feeling the stares boring into the back of his head. He raised his head and glared at them all. They all quickly looked away and continued with their daily activities, sending the two furtive looks as they passed.
Katara glanced back at the people as she and Zuko walked side by side. Then she looked at the prince who was staring straight ahead as he walked, his amber eyes flickering to the sides as he observed his surroundings.
"There's a lot of…people looking at you," said Katara conversationally.
"I noticed," he replied acidly.
"I mean, there are a lot of girls looking at you," she amended.
"What?" She gave him one of those smiles that clearly meant he was missing something and walked past him to open the door. It was quiet inside and empty save for the old shop woman who was deftly cutting lengths of cloth.
"I'm just saying, I think some Fire Nation girls like you," she explained in an undertone, amusement dancing in her eyes. She waved to the woman before turning to the shelves of folded Fire Nation clothing. "Do you dress in anything other than red and black?" she asked holding up a red kimono lined in black, with red silk flowers adorning the sleeves.
"Gold," he replied. "What do you mean they like me?"
"I mean they like you," she said rolling her eyes as she put the dress back.
He rolled his eyes too. "I know what like means."
"Aren't you smart?" she said sarcastically picking out another outfit. "What do you think of this one?" She held up a long flowing dress (red) that was covered with a black sleeveless tunic tied together at the waist with a belt.
"It looks…ridiculous," he replied pushing it aside so he could talk to her properly. He met with her scowl as she roughly folded the suit up and stashed it back on its shelf.
"So is that a standard thing?" she asked peering at some more shelves. She was beginning to drift across to the next row of shelves and he followed her.
"Is what a standard thing?"
"That girls like you."
Zuko furrowed his brow. "I don't know…I haven't really thought about it…"
She turned and gave him a strange look. "You really don't notice?"
He glared at her impatiently. "I don't have time for that," he said remembering his own girlfriend who was currently annoyed with him because of this girl.
"I don't believe you," she said, holding up two dresses at once before replacing both of them back on their respective shelves.
"Believe what you want," he replied leaning back against the wall.
"Even Aang has time to notice girls and he's the Avatar," said Katara thinking of Onji or whatever her name was that Aang had danced with in the cave. "Plus he's twelve," she told Zuko. "Much younger than you."
Zuko merely grunted watching her examine more dresses. They weren't nearly as grand as the silks he wore to sleep but Katara didn't have picky tastes.
She rolled her eyes at him and pulled out another dress. He shook his head before she had even asked for his opinion. Scowling, she stuffed it back and grabbed another one, not even bothering to check with him before walking into one of the tiny stalls built along the far wall, slamming the door in his face. He crossed his arms and stared aimlessly around, vaguely aware a pair of young women had entered the store and were eyeing him discreetly. That turned his thoughts to his conversation with the water bender – Katara, he corrected himself – and made him slightly curious.
One of the girls giggled something into her friend's ear. He looked back, and caught their eye. She was…pretty, he guessed. The front of her dark fell to the side while the back of it was pulled up in a neat ponytail. Her skin was clear and her mouth perked up into a cheerful smile. He turned to the other girl. She was taller, her face more angular like Mai's, although her eyes were brighter. She had an intelligent look about her and –
"Zuko?"
He spun around feeling like a kid caught with his fingers in the fire flakes jar.
Katara gave him a strange look before her expression cleared. "Well?"
His attention completely diverted from the other two girls in the store, he looked her up and down. It was similar to what she was wearing when he captured her, a long red skirt with a gold band at the waist, just below her bare tan stomach followed by the short red top subtly decorated with small sequins at the seams, the wide straps clinging to her shoulders. Her brown hair pooled over the tops of her slender arms, almost masking the blue water tribe necklace around her neck. She didn't have anyone to hide it from anymore and she displayed it proudly.
"It…" he hesitated, his eyes lingering at the soft curves of her hips a little too long, gazing at the place where her brown skin melted into the silk of her attire a little too intently. "Looks ok," he finished somewhat lamely.
Her face fell and her eyes narrowed, her hand scrabbling for the door and pushing it shut. Zuko cursed himself and pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling guilty again. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall not even noticing when the girl he had been staring at tried to catch his attention again.
Katara emerged a few seconds later, dressed in the shapeless robe again her eyes averted. She had the clothes bundled under her arm and walked back to the shelves when she felt his warm hand land on her shoulder.
She turned around stiffly, pulling her shoulder out from under his grip. His expression didn't change as he tugged the outfit out from under her arm and strode over to the old woman.
"What are you doing?" she hissed following him.
He didn't answer, flipping a few coins onto the wooden surface as the smiling lady began wrapping up her dress. "It wasn't so bad," he muttered. Her cheeks brightened slightly and she didn't meet his eyes, mumbling a vague 'thank you' as she took the package from the woman.
He silently held the door open for her as they left and both remained quiet as they walked away from the store, her deliberately trailing a few feet behind him. Zuko stared straight ahead firmly, listening for her footsteps to make sure she was still following. His gaze drifted to the side stalls and he watched the humbler citizens of the Fire Nation bustle about as any small village should. People were purchasing fruit and vegetables, repairing equipment, selling homegrown produce. He noticed out of the corner of his eye saw a small boy sitting on the dirt, his nibble hands weaving a fishing net from feeble strings, probably waiting for his father to return from his work at sea. He looked the other way and saw two girls, possibly a few years younger than Katara, were helping their mother at the family stall, neatly picking out the ripe fruit from the rest and selling it to passersby.
"Zuko, look!"
He suddenly felt her tug on his arm and followed the direction her finger was pointing.
A heavenly scent was making its way over to where they were standing, taunting them with its delicious smell, almost forcing them to walk over. Katara looked at the crowded stall with interest before turning to look at him, a hopeful grin on her face.
"Let's go," she demanded taking the lead without asking.
He scowled; didn't she want to find the Avatar? Zuko rolled his eyes and followed reluctantly, wondering since when she held this power over him.
"Oh, wow," he heard her say in delight, taking in the scent of the thick mixture being stirred in the metal pot on the front of the stall. The women's husband was fire bending it to keep it hot while she slowly ran her spoon through it. People were lined up in front of them, talking excitedly about what must have been a new occurrence in the market, picking up all the different fruits neatly arranged in along the front of the stall, and dipping it in. Katara watched in fascination as the brown liquid dripped off their fingertips and bit down. Her mouth began watering.
"What is that?" she asked not taking her eyes off the sight.
"Chocolate," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets and looking away from whoever caught his eye, staring openly at the foreign girl beside him. Now would not be the best time to be recognized. He shook his hair again making sure it fell over his scarred eye, no matter how uncomfortable. "It's made from the cacao bean," he added.
"It looks…" Katara took a step forward, unconsciously licking her lips, fixated on the delectably smelling substance. Her eyes widened as another customer took a bite of fruit coated in the chocolate, spittle and juice running down their chin. Before Zuko realized it, she had joined the line. He growled inaudibly before stepping in beside her. The line was long and they had to get back to the ship soon.
The Water Tribe girl turned back to him, her attention temporarily diverted from the chocolate. "Are you going to get your uncle something? Lieutenant Jee told me he used to drag you shopping all the time."
Zuko looked at her thoughtfully. His uncle had spoken a few words to him since Katara had arrived but he was still distant and Zuko desperately hated what he'd done to him although still angry about the fact his uncle seemed to want to rub it in his face by ignoring him and making him feel more guilty. He crossed his arms. "I'll see."
Katara nodded and fell silent again, shuffling forward with the line. "Maybe a nice teapot," she suggested quietly, not looking at him.
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously and she glanced back innocently.
"I just thought you should do something nice for him," she said, shifting the package under her arm.
"I don't need you interfering in my business," he snapped, causing the couple standing behind him to look scandalized. "What?" he growled causing them to flinch.
Katara looked unperturbed. "My apologies," she said smoothly. Zuko stood with his arms crossed, angry heat rolling off his person for the duration of the line, now mad at his uncle and himself for snapping at Katara.
The water tribe girl paid him no more attention, fidgeting excitedly as they moved up the line slowly, her eyes fixed on the palatable treat in front of them. Zuko had half a mind to tell her to stand still but the couple behind them were still watching him suspiciously.
"Finally," Katara grumbled as soon as it was their turn. She picked looked at Zuko expectantly. He sighed impatiently (he was doing that a lot lately) before picking a moon-peach for himself and dipping it into the molten chocolate, carefully keeping his fingertips clean. He let the excess chocolate drip off while turning it and coating the whole fruit before raising it to his lips and biting it.
He almost moaned in delight as the taste of the fruit mingling with chocolate filled his mouth.
It was so sweet and he felt the warm chocolate spark the taste buds on his tongue and he closed his eyes without realizing it. It had been years since he'd actually eaten this and all his stress suddenly disappeared. The chocolate melted satisfyingly in his mouth and he licked his lips to ensure he had gotten all of it. It was edible perfection. Nothing the royal chefs could ever make would amount to this, nothing in the world that existed that was as wonderful and fantastic and satisfying and…
"Zuko?"
His eyes snapped open and he found Katara watching him in amusement. Quickly composing his face back into what he hoped was a serious and dignified expression, he looked pointedly at the moon-peach in her hand. Looking excited, she immersed her fruit in the brown bubbling soup, wincing as she burned her fingers. Zuko found himself watching her interestedly as she picked it up, some of the chocolate falling into her hand and burning her some more.
"Ow," she hissed. Zuko opened his mouth to give her some advice on the technique but decided he'd rather watch her instead. She held it up to her mouth and took a bite.
"Oh, wow," she mumbled her eyes closing as she savored the taste. Some of the chocolate had smeared against the corner of her mouth but she didn't seem to notice. Zuko watched, curiously fascinated as she sunk her teeth into the juicy, chocolate covered flesh, spraying juice everywhere, her face one of utter content.
"Oops," she said, covering her mouth with her hand as she spoke. "Sorry," she added, swallowing. Zuko didn't say anything, his hand rising hesitantly. She didn't notice until his warm fingers landed beneath her chin, his thumb gently grazing the edge of her lips, wiping the chocolate off. They stared at each other for a moment before he pulled away, his cheeks warm.
"Come on," he said gruffly, throwing a coin at the owners.
"Wait!" she said. He almost panicked, wondering if she was going to ask him what the hell he just did, when he realized she was pointing at the stall. "Can I have another one?" she pleaded.
"Fine," he said watching her run back and get another, this time without burning her fingers. When her back was turned he put his chocolate-smeared thumb to his lips and sucked on it.
So good.
They were two incredibly different people who led two incredibly different lives that just happened to intertwine with each other. They were pure opposites.
Yet, they moved in sync with each other, as if able to predict the other's movements. Both were graceful and talented, matching the other's abilities perfectly. Fire would blast out angrily, countered by a soothing water whip, melting the two elements into a mist above them. She would step forward as he stepped back, offensive when he took defensive, hands moving forward as his drew back. Then simultaneously, both would stop fighting and the yelling would begin. It would rage on for hours at a time, each able to retort to the other's comment with ease, never weary of the childish game they played.
It could be duly noted that the prince had always been a bit of a loner. He and his sister were rivals and stayed that way until his banishment, where he continued down of his path of loneliness, only expressing anger and authority while searching obsessively for the Avatar. Then by a sudden turn of events, he was back home, back as the spoiled prince with his father and sister and her friends for company. But even with Lady Mai, he'd never quite been on the same page. The girl was polite, well-bred, and overall would probably make a suitable life companion for the boy.
But not even she could bring out the side no one ever saw the way the water bender did. Maybe there really was nothing between the two, which, of course, would be preferable, but whatever it was they had that kept the air almost electrifyingly static, that turned heads when they passed, that kept the crew up talking about it late at night when they should be sound asleep to wake up early to follow their superior's orders, was anything but normal.
It was strange, Jee thought as he watched them board the ship, that two people who really wanted nothing to do with each other and who had been born on opposite ends of the pole could complete each other in almost indiscernible ways.
"Music night?" said Katara looking at Shen curiously. He glanced back at her as he pushed a few more crates filled with something that clinked loudly onto the deck.
"Yeah," he said, tightening his topknot. "We have it every now and then for the crew. General Iroh quite enjoys them."
"What about Zuko?"
Shen looked around as if the said prince could hear them talking about him. "Sometimes," he said. "But he usually sticks to his quarters. Are you going to come?"
Katara contemplated. They were sailing towards where Aang, Sokka and Toph were. But Zuko had said it would be another few days until they reached the island. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to have some fun. She humored herself briefly, imagining what Sokka might say if he knew she was 'having fun' with fire benders. But she had managed to make an acquaintance with some of them so they couldn't be all bad. "Sure," she replied enthusiastically. "What do you do? Play music?"
Shen smirked. "And a lot more?"
"Really?" she said raising her eyebrows interestedly. "Like?"
His eyes twinkled. "You'll see. Although," he said, his smile sliding off his face. "The prince might not like that."
Katara rolled her eyes. "So? He's not my dad." She snorted at that, realizing from the look on Shen's face that it wasn't in the least ladylike. "Sorry," she muttered moving to sit on one of the seats as the rest of the crew members joined them, talking more loudly and freely than she'd seen them since landing on this ship. Some of them waved to her, sending not-so-subtle glances at her new dress. She fidgeted a little uncomfortably; some of them were only a little older than Zuko. Who knew what they were thinking?
Music night was unbelievably fun. She never realized Fire Nation people could play music so well, some of the more inebriated ones getting up and dancing.
"You know," she said to Shen, raising her voice over the noise, "I thought it was illegal to dance in the Fire Nation."
He laughed, gulping down his drink. Katara watched in disgusted fascination as he belched fire out of his mouth after tossing the bottle aside. "We do whatever we want here. Prince Zuko couldn't care less." He looked around slyly, lowering his voice. "Besides, all royalty know how to dance. You should ask him."
"Yeah, right," she said. "Because dancing with Prince Zuko is at the top of my priorities."
"Isn't it?" he teased. She punched him playfully, wondering if beneath the war-supporters all Fire Nation people were really like this…normal.
"Hey," yelled another crew member. Katara recognized him as one of the chefs. Enlai. He too was surprisingly young. He swayed a little as he walked over to them. "Didn't your mother teach you anything, Shen? Why aren't you offering the Avatar's girl a drink?"
"But –" Katara protested, slightly miffed at the label.
"Yeah!" said Shen, grinning up at Enlai. "Katara, I challenge you –" he reached to his side, bringing up a bottle of fire whiskey and two grimy glasses. "To a drinking game."
Several of their fellow fire benders cheered.
"What?" she spluttered.
"The prince will have your heads," Jee warned, joining them, although there was a hint of a grin on his lined face.
Katara watched with a wrinkled nose as Shen poured two glassfuls and pushed one of them across to her. She picked it up and sniffed it, cringing slightly. "Now what?" she asked looking at them all.
"First one to pass out loses," said Shen raising his glass and throwing it down. Katara grimaced and tipped the glass back. It burned her throat and she almost choked it back up, coughing violently. The spectators laughed, and Enlai hit her on the back.
"My money's on the water bender," he said loudly. Katara recovered from her first taste of an alcoholic drink and watched them exchange bets with mild indignation. Then she noticed her refilled glass. As if the first hadn't been bad enough. Not wanting to lose face in front of a bunch of Fire Nation soldiers, she picked it up to more cheering. Shen joined in and sculled his drink with ease. Closing her eyes, Katara drank hers as quickly as possible. It was as bad as the first time, and she almost dropped the glass, struggling to draw in air as she coughed and choked.
"That's the spirit!" Shen yelled his unsteady hand spilling the whiskey everywhere as he poured more into their glasses. The third one was a slight improvement from the second, beginning to expect the burning in her throat. By the fourth she was actually starting to have some fun. By the fifth, she could drink the whiskey with almost as much ease as Shen. All the while, the crew was cheering and laughing and exchanging money.
Katara let the sixth glass drop out of her fingers as she swallowed. Shen looked like he was almost gone, considering he'd drunk much more than her before they'd started the game.
"Come on!" Enlai shouted into her ear, almost deafening her, shoving another glass into her hand. "Two more! Come on!" The water bender's eyes struggled to focus as she tipped back the seventh. She groaned, blinking rapidly trying to make sense of the blurring images in front of her. Katara vaguely saw Shen swallow half of his before the glass fell and shattered as he slumped down, unconscious.
They all roared, some in delight others in defeat as Katara let her drink fall too, victorious. Coins joined the slick and broken glass strewn deck as the men quarreled like school boys over the money. Katara watched the fuzzy scene unfold as she tried to push herself to her feet, an insane urge to laugh overcoming her.
"Whoa!" she muttered stumbling side-long into a heavy built fire bender. "Sorry," she giggled.
"Whaz so funny?" slurred Enlai staggering over to her side, attempting to hold her up but failing miserably.
Katara laughed even harder, her drunken laugh cutting through the hazy air. "I'm drunk!" she said, giggling harder as she swayed. "Even Sokka –"
"Who's Sokka?"
"My brother." Katara nodded seriously. Well, as serious as a near fifteen – year old could while intoxicated. "He's my biiiig brother. Big brother."
"He big?" came the question, the words running together.
Katara snorted and put a floppy hand on his shoulder. Both fell to the floor and laughed wildly. "No, he's tiny!" Katara cried out holding her thumb and forefinger out. "Eensy, weensy, tiny. Like you!" she laughed, pointing at the young chef. He laughed louder than her, slapping her on the back and sending her face first into her knees while his friends roared with mirth.
She found herself sitting in the midst of them, telling stories about her travels with her friends and brother, laughing so hard her face and stomach ached. Half of her audience had passed out like Shen. The other half were laughing louder than her, huge smiles on their faces as they encouraged her to keep talking.
"So, they pick him up," Katara said, holding her lifeless arms up in the air as if she were holding something, "and throw him out the window." The arms flailed and she accidentally hit one of the men in the face. "Oops," she chuckled as he slumped back, finally giving in. Enlai, who was still semi-sober, toppled over, howling with laughter. It was mostly the younger men left standing; the others were either lying unconscious or had retired to their quarters.
"And then?" said one of the men, one Katara knew, worked on the ships engine. She opened her mouth to speak when a sudden silence fell among the small group. The last snicker died out feebly and the men sobered slightly.
Zuko was standing in front of the door, arms crossed, usual angry frown in place as he surveyed what had been a once body-free, alcohol- less, clean deck on a Fire Navy ship. His golden eyes roamed over his wasted crew before stopping on her.
She smiled brightly, staggering to her feet before toppling over again. "Oof!" she said in surprise, looking up at Zuko's face. "Hi…" she waved.
"Are you drunk?" he asked incredulously, glaring at his crew.
"No!" she giggled, looking at him as if her were crazy all the while attempting to stand up again. He grabbed her before she fell, holding her upright. "Ok, maybe a little…" she held her two fingers up again and laughed, leaning off to one side.
"Can you walk?" he said impatiently his arm supporting her waist. Katara took a step and almost dragged him down as her knees gave way. "Apparently not," he sighed pulling her up again, slinging his other arm around her knees and pulling her up into his arms, easily carrying her weight.
"Whoa!" she cried out as her head spun from the sudden motion. Zuko's face blurred slightly as he looked down at her slightly unfocused eyes. She found this extremely hilarious, her trembling finger pointing at his pale face as he moved swiftly through the dimly lit corridor, her head hanging over his arm limply. "You look funny," she mumbled her finger accidentally hitting his nose.
He made a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, feeling his patience wearing thin. "How many did you drink exactly?"
Her happy smile faded slightly as she furrowed her brow to count on her fingers. After a few minutes of struggling to see and count her fingers she gave up, giggling softly. "Ha, I don't know," she tittered in a very un-Katara like way, throwing her arm out to touch one of the torches in the wall. "Ooh, pretty lights…whoa!" Zuko yanked her away from the wall as her head came dangerously close to hitting it and held her more securely.
"Stay still!" he snapped, holding her tighter against his chest. Her arm fell limp, and she rested the side of her head against his warm body, her eyes drifting shut.
"You're so warm," she sighed, curling her fingers around his tunic where it crossed over the inside. "So warm. And you smell nice." Zuko stiffened and his walk slowed as she turned her face into him, breathing deeply. The steady beat of his heart quickened its pace slightly. She raised her head to look back at him and the grip on his clothing became surprisingly tighter. He stopped, finally opening the door, when she tried to pull herself closer. Her eyes were still unfocused and he could feel her breath brushing against his neck. "You know what else?" she whispered. He didn't answer, his voice caught in his throat at her proximity, vaguely wondering how he could have found her dress distracting when she was perfectly capable of so much more. "You are…really…really…" her grip grew slacker as she sank into his embrace comfortably. "Ridiculously…good-looking…" Her eyelids closed, the startling blue orbs disappearing as she slumped back in his arms, out cold.
So what did you think? I know the whole Zoolander line was kinda out there and a bit much but i had this huge unexplainable urge to just put it there and i thought it sort of laid the groundwork for the beginning attraction. Anyway, please, please, please, review!!! =)
Ok, and there's that! I know the whole drinking scene was a bit much and I also thought the whole