Disclaimer: Just want to get that out of the way.

Now, I have asked for suggestions, and I got some pretty good ones, and let's just say, you'll be shocked, not this chapter but future chapters. I'm still up for suggestions if you have any!

I'm sorry for not updating in a long time, I've been having Writer's block :P

In this chapter, it will kinda be jumping from scene to scene I wanted to hurry and get to the good part :P

Enjoy! No flames please!

A week has passed, and Katara and I have been getting closer. We sneak little kisses in the hall, and our feet will touch during dinner. We spar more and more often now.

Aang and the others are supposed to be arriving in a day, maybe two. I've told Katara we should dial it down, so the others don't get suspicious. She agreed right away.

I was in my office, undergoing some more paper work, when the doors burst open, and the whole gaang piled into the room, attacking me in hugs.

"Hey, I thought you guys were supposed to get here tomorrow!" I laughed as Toph picked me up off the floor.

"Appa's a fast flyer." Aang laughed.

"Thank goodness!" Toph complained. "I hate flying even more now. Is that possible?"

"For you, yes." Katara replied, laughing. I love her laugh, I could listen to it all day if I could.

"Well? Who's hungry?" I asked, wanting to get out of this cramped up office.

"I am!" Sokka shouted right away, raising his hands. We all laughed at him and made our way to the dining hall.

I sat at the head of the table, with Katara on my left, and Sokka on my right. After we all piled our plates with food, Aang started a conversation.

"So what's everybody been up to?" He asked.

"Nothing much, just practicing, running a country, etc. . ." Katara replied.

"What about you guys?" I asked, changing the spotlight.

"The circus is amazing! I love it so much! It's been too long!" Ty Lee giggled in her cheerful self.

"Omashu is really interesting." Mai replied, her bored self, maybe a little more cheerful than usual.

"What about you Toph?" Suki asked.

"These lily-livers can't metalbend to save their lives!" She complained. "I've tried to break them into it, but their too scared!"

We all laughed at our annoyed, little, earthbender.

"I've actually revisited Guru-Pathik from the Eastern Air Temple, he's helping me become better at the Avatar state." Aang said, proudly.

"The Guru? You mean that guy you went to while we were in Ba Sing Se?" Katara asked.

"Mmhhmm, the first time didn't go so well, so I decided to practice some more. It's actually going great." Aang replied.

"So? Any word from when your father is getting here?" Toph asked.

I think the question took Katara off guard, because she started coughing on her drink. Everyone looked at her weirdly, wondering why she was acting this way over a simple question.

"He's supposed to arrive in two days time." Sokka answered for her, digging into his own meal.

"Did something happen?" Mai asked, curious to Katara's actions.

"No, nothing really, I was just taken back a little because I completely let it slip my mind." Katara replied.

I knew Katara was lying, because she was really upset about that letter she got from her father.

We all started eating again, before Ty Lee spoke directly to me.

"Zuko what happened to your lip?" She asked, making everyone's face turn to look at mine. I felt my heart beat speed up, and I noticed Katara blushed right next to me, because she knows what happened, it wasn't completely healed yet.

"I uh. . .tripped. . .and hit my lip on the. . .stairs?" I lied terribly. Everyone seemed to buy it though.

"Clumsy Zuko, just like when we were kids." Ty Lee shook her head.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, a little annoyed.

"What do you think it means?" Toph repeated. "It means you don't exactly have Twinkletoes' feet."

Everyone laughed at me, while I hid my face, and slid down in my seat.

After dinner, we all walked to the gardens, where we sat and chatted about our lives, and future plans.

It turns out, Aang and Toph have actually grown closer to each other. They even broke the ice between them and announced they were dating. Nothing too serious. . .yet.

Mai told us she's met someone in Omashu, Jedrek, as she and Ty Lee call him. There was a sprinkle of jealousy, but one glance at Katara and it all disappeared.

"Aw, are you jealous Zuko?" Sokka teased, a huge grin on his face.

"No, I'm not." I reply firmly.

"You should be, I know I am, he's gorgeous!" Ty Lee exclaims.

It wasn't until later, when I got Katara alone to myself.

I walked into the library, where I saw Katara reading a book under a small candle light, which was dying out.

"Let me light that back up for you." I smiled, igniting the candle again.

She looked up, her smile growing bigger.

"Thanks, I was just about to head to bed." She replies, closing the book and standing up. She walked over to me, and wrapped her arms around my torso.

"Without seeing me first?" I asked, kissing her forehead.

"I don't know, you are being a tease right now." She chuckled, leaning up and pressing her lips to mine.

"When is your father supposed to arrive tomorrow." I ask, kissing her back.

She pulled away and kissed my cheek.

"Around mid-day, plenty of time to spar in the morning." She smiled.

"Are you doing okay?" I asked. "I know you didn't let your dad slip you mind at dinner tonight."

"I'm doing fine," She replied, looking down.

"Katara," I put my hand under her chin and lifted her head up. Tears sprinkled her eyes and one accidentally fell, which I caught for her.

"I'm just, afraid of what Sakida might say when my father proposes to her. I don't wanna think about what might happen to the South Pole if she becomes the Chief's wife. I," She sniffed. "I don't want her in my family."

"She won't. I'll make sure of it." I kissed her lips.

"How? You can't stop my father once he makes a decision, you're not exactly the South Pole's ruler either." She sniffed, wiping her eyes with her nightwear sleeve.

"I'm Zuko, I'll think of something." I teased her, trying to cheer her up. She giggled.

"That's why I love you." She looked me in the eyes. My golden amber eyes, one covered in an ugly, mangled scar.

"I love you more," I leaned down and kissed her.

Katara's P.O.V

"Katara, Sokka!" My Dad called from the huge Water Tribe warship. Or at least, that's what it was during the war, now it's just a regular ship.

"Dad!" Sokka and I cheered. The others, Aang, Toph, Zuko, Suki, Ty Lee, and Mai were nice enough to come greet my father this afternoon.

With her arm wrapped around my father's, Sakida and my father walked down the dock and over to where we were waiting.

Sokka went right into dad's arms, disregarding Sakida, who unusually, kindly moved out of the way.

"We missed you dad!" Sokka said, smiling his toothy grin.

"I missed you guys too." Dad laughed, looking up to meet my gaze. He smiled warmly, turning into the father I once knew and love.

Sokka moved out of the way so I could hug my dad. Tears wanted to fall, but I refused.

"Hi dad." I said, wrapping my arms around his chest.

"Hi Katara." He replied, hugging me back. "I've missed you the most."

"Hey!" Sokka complained. "I'm right here!"

Everyone laughed as I let go of my dad.

"I'm kidding." Dad chuckled.

"So," Toph interrupted. "when's the party getting started?"

Narrator P.O.V

Two days after Hakoda and Sakida's arrival, the Christmas party that Zuko was hosting took place in the royal ballroom. Toph's parents, Mai's family, and other allies and friends from around the world came to attend. Pakku, and Kana are here too. Even some nobles from the Fire Nation. Everyone was dressed in their nicest clothing and robes.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, everyone but Katara. She was still getting ready and her father was supposed to escort her.

"You almost ready?" Hakoda's annoyance for his daughter sprang through the room. He wanted to dance with Sakida before the big announcement.

"I told you already, go on without me! I'm almost done." Katara replied from inside her room, she was trying to finish her hair on her head.

"Nonsense, it's against Southern Water Tribe tradition to let a man's daughter walk herself to a party without her father's escort." Hakoda explained.

"Then quit nagging me!"

There, she was ready. The fine blue robes covered her from neck to the ground. The long, medium blue sleeves fell over her hands, an old fashioned look. The skirt was covered in spiral water-like designs, different shades of blues giving it the right color. A light blue sash wrapped around her waist, the rest falling behind her onto the floor. Blue gemstones and jewels also covered the dress in a beautiful way. Her hair was partially up, and partially down. She kept the hair loopies in, sticking with the old water tribe ways. Little gems stuck into her hair was well. The last thing that stuck out, was her mother's necklace.

"I miss you mom, please," Katara prayed silently, reaching up and placing her fingertips on the light blue stone. "don't let dad do this."

Taking a deep breath and composing herself, Katara stood up from the vanity, and made her way to the door.

Once open, she stepped out and closed it behind her, unaware of her father's staring.

"What?" She asked, finally looking at him.

"Uh, nothing. You just look so beautiful." He smiled, holding out his arm for her to take, which she did.

They walked down the hallways down to the ballroom. Katara's heart was speeding up, she was so nervous. About? Well, for one, Zuko's reaction to the dress she was wearing. If her father was speechless, what about Zuko? Or anybody else? What would happen when Hakoda finally proposes? What will her grandmother think? What will anyone think?

All of her thoughts and worries vanished when Hakoda finally opened the door to the ballroom, making everyone stop and turn to stare at her. Warmth rose to her cheeks, making her blush. She looked around, everyone was in awe.

Hakoda proceeded to walk to where Zuko, Aang, Sokka, Toph and Suki stood chatting.

"I'll leave you here, see you soon." Hakoda whispered, letting go and going to find Sakida. Katara turned to her friends, who still stared.

"Cut it out guys!" Katara frowned, smacking Sokka's head.

"Sorry!" Sokka rubbed his head. "You took forever, we were wondering when you'd show up."

"You're one to talk Sokka," Suki rolled her eyes. "You kept talking to yourself about which outfit you should wear, and how you should do your hair."

"Hey, getting to look this good takes time!" Sokka replied.

Aang noticed the look on Zuko's face, and grinned in his mind.

"Hey Toph, let's go chat with King Bumi, I'd love for you to meet him." Aang suggested, trying to get Zuko and Katara alone.

"Sure Twinkletoes, and on the way, I'm grabbing some food, I'm starving!" Toph complained, walking off with Aang.

Suki took the hint, and guided Sokka to chat with Master Piandao.

That left Zuko, and Katara. . .alone.

"You look, so beautiful." Zuko finally said.

"Thank you," Katara blushed again.

They eventually wandered off to a bench and chatted. It seemed like minutes, when it was really hours later, when Sokka walked over.

"Hey, dad wants us in the center of the room," He said, holding his hand out to help Katara stand.

Before she took his hand, she turned her head to Zuko, who looked back at her with afraid eyes. He stood up, and helped Katara stand instead.

"Let's get this over with," Katara spoke to Sokka, grief and sadness overpowering her.

The trio continued walking to the center of the room, where Suki waited along with the rest of the Gaang. The crowd moved so there was an open circle in the middle of the room. Hakoda, with Sakida's hand, walked into the center.

"I have an announcement to make." Hakoda stated out loud, getting everyone's attention.

Katara, who had her arm wrapped around Zuko's as an escort, gripped his sleeves tighter in anxiety.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I need what's best for my family," Hakoda continued. Everyone turned their heads either to Katara, or Sokka. "I love this woman," He gestured to Sakida. "so much, I want her to become my wife."

Gasps erupted from the crowd. Katara wanted to cry, so bad. It was eating her alive.

"Sakida," Hakoda knelt down in front of her, on one knee. "will you marry me?"

It was fast, if you blinked you would have missed it, but Sakida sent one evil glare towards Katara, then looked back. The only other person who caught that besides Katara, was Zuko.

"Yes, of course." She replied, smiling. That proved it. The old, more evil and sick twisted Sakida was back. Now what has she got planned for Katara and her family?

Congratulations shouted through the crowd, expect for the Gaang, who looked at Katara in shock. Even Kana and Pakku were disappointed in the troubled chief.

"Katara, are you alright?" Aang asked, his voice a little louder than intended. The room quieted, waiting for the young warrior to respond to the Avatar.

"No, I'm not." She yanked her arm from Zuko's and turned and ran.

"Katara!" Hakoda shouted.

Hakoda tried to run after her, but Aang and Sokka stopped him, only letting Zuko run after her.

"Katara wait!" Zuko cried, charging through the crowd, pushing people out of the way in order to catch the fading blue figure.

"Let me through Sokka!" Hakoda ordered, wanting to see what was upsetting his daughter.

"No, I think you've done enough for one night." Sokka frowned.

"What are you talking about?" Hakoda demanded, only getting a shake of the head from his son.

"Did you ever stop and think; 'how will Katara feel if I did this?' or 'I wonder what kind of pain I can cause Katara if this happened.'" Sokka retorted harshly.

"Sokka," Suki gripped his arm, warning him to back down. He did, but not before turning around to say something to his father.

"If you'll excuse me," Sokka said, frowning deeper. "I need to see how my sister is feeling."

Sokka turned around and ran in the same direction the young female warrior and the young Fire Lord went, leaving his father speechless.

Katara bobbed and weaved through the crowd, trying her best to escape the horrors and nightmares threatening to escape. She finally reached her room, and just as she was about to open it up, a hand reached over her mouth, another around her waist.

After what just happened, with all of her fears escaping, she was frightened once more. She screamed and thrashed around, trying to escape the tightening grip on her. The person who held her, opened up her bedroom door, stepped in, and close it behind them.

She was about to use the water from the plants in her room, when her captor turned around and pressed his lips to hers, calming her down.

She'd take Zuko's lips over anything else in the world. She needed the comfort Zuko brought with him.

"I tried to hold it in, and be strong, but when Aang asked if I was okay," Katara choked on the think lump forming in her throat, coughing in her tears.

"Shh," Zuko murmured, reassuring her. "I didn't expect you to go through all of it. We're here now, no one is going to bother you."

"Zuko! I know you're in here!" Sokka's bangs on the door was loud enough to be heard from the gardens. "Katara?"

The two secret lovers separated and Katara opened the door to reveal her brother and Suki.

"Are you alright?" He asked stepping in and hugging his sister. Sokka and Suki knew about their secret love and was okay with it. As long as Sokka was in the clear about everything that went on.

'No,' Katara thought in her mind, she left so empty and alone. "Yes, Sokka. I just lost it a little back there, I just want to be alone right now."

"No way," Sokka disagreed, pulling back from the hug. "There are tons of strangers and people we don't know here, plus Sakida's here, I don't want you going anywhere without any one of us with you." Katara knew he meant anyone in the Gaang, plus Uncle Iroh.

"I'll be alright Sokka." Katara sniffed, wiping the leftover tears away.

She was after all, a waterbending master, let alone the Avatar's waterbending teacher who helped stop the war. She went against the most dangerous firebender in the world, Azula, the firebending prodigy.

"No, I agree with Sokka," Zuko spoke up. He walked over and wrapped his arm around Katara's waist. "I don't want you out of my sight."

"That, I don't mind." Katara smiled faintly.

"I don't care if it's Zuko, or Appa, I do not want you alone." Sokka ordered.

"Okay, I promise." Katara said, giving in.

"We'll leave you alone so you can sleep." Suki smiled at Katara, grabbing Sokka's hand and pulling him out.

Once the door was shut, Katara shrugged out of Zuko's grip, and walked over to the vanity, getting ready for bed by pulling the jewels from her hair.

Zuko followed her and helped her, taking over her hands so that she could pull all the jewelry off. Once he was done, his hands rested on her shoulders as both of them looked at their reflection in the mirror.

Katara looked like she had just lifted a sky bison off the ground for a whole night. Dark circles showed themselves in the dark, her red, puffy eyes from crying a lot. She looked exhausted.

"How much sleep have you been getting?" He asked, frowning just a notch.

"Not much, I've been thinking a lot." She replied, closing her eyes as Zuko began to massage her shoulders.

"I'll prepare a bath, if you'd like."

"No, I think I just need to lie down for a while, maybe then the night will take over me."

"I'm not letting you sleep alone." Zuko stated.

"Zuko-"

"No, I saw the look Sakida gave you. No way am I letting you out of my sight."

"Fine."

After they were changed into their nightwear, they climbed into bed, where Katara rested her head on Zuko's chest, and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I will never let anyone hurt you." Zuko promised.

But they knew, they both knew, that Katara was already hurt. By her father, by Sakida. They both knew Zuko was trying his best to keep Katara safe, but what they didn't know, is who's keeping Zuko safe?