Date: October 15th, 2009
Time: 1:15 PM
Place: Avatar Academy
With a sigh of relief, Katara walked out of the classroom overjoyed that the test was finally over. Though she knew she could have done better in studying, she guessed she would receive a low A or a high B on the exam. Well it could have been worse. At least it’s over now and I can finally think about my study date with Jet!
Katara looked down at her watch, happy to see that she had almost fifteen minutes until study hall. Great! I have plenty of time to refresh my makeup and make sure I look my absolute best! This date has to count! She thought with a smile as she started toward the women’s restroom. Suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed her arm.
With a gasp of fright, she twisted to see who had a hold on her, “Oh my gosh, Toph! Don’t scare me like that!”
“Oh chill it, sugar queen. And besides, I called your name. Twice. What were you thinking about that made you go into la la land?” Toph asked crossing her arms as she began following Katara to the bathroom.
A blush began to spread up her face, “I wasn’t thinking about anything. I just got out of a Chemistry test, so I was still thinking about that.” She cringed as to how easily she lied to her friend.
“Yeah. Sure you were.” She responded unbelievingly as she held the door open to the bathroom. “So listen,” Toph began as she leaned against the door of a stall while Katara pulled her makeup bag out of her messenger bag and placed it on the counter. “Are you really having a date with Jet?” The concern clearly evident in her voice.
“Yeah. But it’s a study date. Not a date date. It’s really not a big deal.” Katara repressed the wince as she lied again. Normally, she abhorred not telling anything but the absolute truth, but this was one subject where she would make an exception. Sokka, Suki, and Toph all felt the same way about Jet, but she knew he had changed. They were wrong and none of their opinions would sway what destiny clearly was making happen.
“Katara did you know that you are probably the worst liar on the planet?” Toph asked with a sardonic laugh.
Katara tensed up for a moment before ruffling through her makeup bag and pulling out her lip gloss.
With a sigh she whispered, tired from having to defend her choice to people, “Toph, can we not talk about this? I know what you and everyone else thinks about Jet, but I really just don’t have the time right now.”
Toph was uncommonly quiet for a moment as Katara focused on her image in the bathroom mirror.
“Alright Katara. I was only bringing it up ‘cause, regardless of how you’re a sugar queen,” she said with a smirk and upturned mouth “I would rather not have to deal with you after you get your hopes crushed…or worse your heart. But hey, do what you think is best for you. I won’t bug you about this again,” Toph stated firmly as she pushed off the stall and walked toward the door.
She paused, her hand on the door, “Just be careful Katara.” With that she left the restroom and the door slammed with finality that made Katara feel uneasy. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to try to be with Jet if it alienated her from her friends and family.
No, you’re overacting Katara. Jet has changed! Toph and everyone else are just slower to believe in people actually changing for the better.
With a mental shake, Katara finished refreshing her makeup. She took a deep calming breath and took a long look in the mirror. Just stay calm Katara. Don’t let your emotions run wild. Stay cool, calm, and collected. You can do this!
Katara smiled into the mirror as she finished her mental pep talk, moving to leave the restroom. She had five minutes to get to study hall. Just as she was about the push the door open, a group of girls pushed through, rudely bumping into Katara making her drop her bag. Books and makeup scattered into all corners of the disgusting bathroom floor.
“Excuse you!” The girl that seemed like the ring leader of the group huffed hotly. “What a klutz!” She said sending Katara the nastiest look.
“I’m sorry, but that wasn’t my fault,” Katara said, her ire igniting as she stooped to begin gathering her belongings. Due to her anger, she did not take the time to really look at the group.
“Ha, not your fault? What makes you think you can talk with me? Mai, Ti Lee can you believe this little bitch?” The girl asked as she glared at Katara with loathing.
Immediately heat flooded her face. No one had ever in her life called her that name. She was about to say something back when realization hit her like a fist to the stomach. The main girl was none other than Azula Lord, with her posse Mai and Ti Lee. They were the most popular and feared group of girls in the whole school. They were like royalty. To not bow down and worship was social suicide.
“I hope you’re going to apologize for your impertinence,” Azula said staring holes into her head.
Katara’s mouth dried up as she thought about what this turn of events could entail for her future, especially if she did not make it right with her. Azula had powerful sway over almost everything that went on at Avatar Academy.
“I apologize. I’m just having an off day today. Forgive me,” Katara said as she finished picking up her belongings and stood quickly as she planned her exit.
“What’s your name girl?” Azula asked before Katara could make her escape.
“M-my name’s Katara.” She stuttered out hesitantly. Katara watched Azula take her in from head to toe. It took everything within her not to break her gaze away from the narrowed eyes of Avatar Academy’s self-proclaimed princess.
“Well Katara,” Azula began as she slowly backed her into the corner of the bathroom, “let me give you some advice. It would be most advantageous for someone like you to stay quiet in the presence of those that are clearly out of your league,” she advised, reaching out to lightly run a pointed nail from Katara’s cheek down to her chin.
Katara eyes wide and too scared to move away just shook her head in agreement.
“Good,” Azula said tapping Katara’s chin with her long artificial pointed nail that was painted black and filed into what could only be described as talons.
Katara was about to let out a sigh of relief thinking she had gotten off easy when Azula roughly grabbed her face by her chin with her thumb and pointer finger. The strength of her grip made her pointed nails pinch her skin to the point Katara feared would make the skin break.
“If you ever have the nerve to defy me again I will make you regret it for the rest of your pitiful existence at this school. Do you understand me?” Azula asked her eyes burning with a look that bordered on crazy. It sent a chill down Katara’s spine.
“I- I understand.”
“Perfect. Now get out of my sight.” She sneered as she let go of Katara’s face and walked to the sink. “So like I was saying girls…”
Katara didn’t wait to hear the rest of the sentence. With heart pounding, she burst from the restroom, not pausing to look back until she was half way down the hall. That brief encounter with Azula Lord had shaken her to her very core.
What in the world is wrong with that girl? Azula Lord is a psycho! Thoughts of Azula quickly made her think of her awkward and strange encounter with her older brother, Zuko. She had agreed to help him with chemistry, but after personally meeting his sister and being threatened, she thought it might be a good idea to stay away from the whole family. Craziness like that must run in the family. Katara thought wryly as her cellphone started vibrating in her pocket.
She pulled the phone out of her pocket and looked down at the text glowing from the black screen. Hey we still on? ;). Read the text from Jet. Katara gasped as she noted the time. She was late for her study date with Jet! With a groan she practically ran to the study hall room which was practically on the other side of the school. So much for her perfect planning.
By the time she made it to the room she was breathing pretty heavily. She scanned the room looking for Jet and her eyes landed on him near the back of the room. Two giggling girls were sitting at the table with him. A wave of jealously washed over her. With firm resolve to make the most of the situation, Katara began to make her way over to him.
“Ah there you are Katara!” Jet said with that wonderful smirk of his, “I thought you had stood me up for a second there.”
“Like anyone would stand you up Jet!” The girl with blonde hair and perfect makeup said as she swatted at his arm while giggling obnoxiously.
“Yeah Jet, only someone certifiable would be late for any appointment with you.” The other girl with beautiful luscious auburn locks and the body of a model said while batting her eyelashes at him before giving Katara the stank eye with her big green ones.
“Sorry Jet, I got waylaid in the restroom. But I’m here now. Did you still want to take a look at that assignment?”
“Oh yeah! I was actually just telling Candice and Brittany how you were going to help me and they suggested since we are all in the same class that we could all do it together. I told’em it most likely wouldn’t be a problem.” Jet said pushing out the seat directly across from him with his foot and motioned for her to take a seat.
At his words, Katara’s heart sank down to the pit of her stomach. She had assumed it would have just been them and it probably would have been if she had been on time. Curse that Azula Lord! Everything was going so perfectly and because of her everything is ruined.
“That won’t be a problem will it Katara?” Jet asked again as he stared at her with his hypnotizing eyes.
“Um- Uh yeah that won’t be a problem.” Katara finally stated as she sat down in the chair he had pushed out.
With a wink, Jet said “You’re the best Katara.”
A warm feeling started in her heart and spread throughout her chest and up her neck to show in her face. Katara began rummaging through her bag to find the medieval lit book and her binder which was also a ruse to hide her obvious blush of pleasure at his praise. He just winked at me. He’s flirting with me! Maybe this study date won’t be so bad after all. She thought as her hope began to rise once more.
With a genuine smile Katara replied, “It’s no problem Jet.” She moved a loose strand of hair from her face and took a steadying breath. “Alright, let’s get started.” And with that they dove into the assignment.
Faster than she expected the bell rang signaling the end of the period. Immediately the two girls stood up and practically tried to drag Jet away saying something about needing to show something to Jet before the next class in their schedule which just happened to medieval lit.
Katara felt keen disappointment. Though during their study session Jet had been very attentive to her instruction and had lavished her with compliments about her superior intellect she could tell that the study date was more like a tutoring job with the compliments being payment instead of actual money.
With a sigh Katara began slowly packing her bag. They only good thing she could say about study hall period was that she had finished the assignment for Professor Iroh’s class. She walked to her next class with a heavy heart. Well what did you really expect Katara? That Jet Le the single most popular boy in the Junior class, possibly even the whole Academy, would be interested in me romantically? Yeah right, he just wanted my ‘superior intellect’.
Completely consumed in her thoughts as she was she didn’t even notice the person sitting against the wall of the hallway whose legs were stretched out just enough; just enough to trip her that is. One second she was upright and the next she was sprawled out in the bustling hallway. In that moment she wished the ground would simply open up and swallow her whole.
“Watch it klutz!” The person whose legs she had just tripped over said angrily as he stood and walked away without even offering to help her stand. Such were the manners of high school boys.
“Hey are you alright?” A voice that had said the exact words not two hours ago asked in concern.
More than ever she wished to vanish. With a grimace she began to push herself off the ground. She looked up into the face of Zuko Lord, her face flaming with utter mortification.
“Uh yeah I’m fine I think. Nothing hurt but my pride.” She mumbled as she took his outstretched hand. Katara felt her face flame hotter at the contact of her soft hand with his calloused. What in the world is that? She thought as she was gained her balance.
“Is this a normal habit for you, falling to the ground?” Zuko asked with a hint of a smile gracing his lips.
“Oh yes of course! I do it at least once a day, but you know I thought why not twice?” She said trying to deflect her embarrassment by being sarcastic. She brushed her hair behind her ears while she kept her eyes moving everywhere except his dark eyes.
The small smile on Zuko’s face began to grow but she could tell he was repressing it from becoming a full one. Strangely she wanted for him to straight out smile. With a mental shake she moved her thoughts to escaping as fast as humanly achievable with coming across as rude. She was already on thin ice with his sister she did not need to worry about Zuko too.
“Oh well if it’s a daily occurrence than I apologize for breaking into your routine.” He said with a completely serious face. Katara couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. He was playing along with her which made her feel instantly better about being caught on the floor once again by him. In all her years at the Academy she had never had any personal contact with him but in one day she ran into him twice in her most vulnerable and embarrassing moments.
They stood in the middle of the hallway staring at each other silently for a moment as people stared at them with curious looks before walking around them.
“Well I should get to class.” She said taking a step to go around him, ready to end the second strange encounter of the day. She would have succeeded in leaving if her left ankle had not sent a sharp piercing pain up her leg. It was impossible to keep the gasp of pain and the pinched pained expression quiet.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Zuko asked his forehead furrowed in concern. He reached out to steady her as she lifted left foot while breathing through the pain through her nose.
Katara stared at hand gripping her elbow and thought of lying so that he would leave but the pain emanating from her ankle made it impossible. “I think I spoke to soon when I said nothing but my pride was hurt.”
“Here let me help you over to a bench.” He said grabbing her bag off her shoulder and placing it on his before wrapping an arm around her waist. Katara let out a hiss of shock from the feeling on him being so close. “Put your arm around my neck. It’ll make it easier for you move.” He stated in a matter of fact manner as he looked down at her. She hesitated for a moment before following his instruction.
Her heart seemed to race in her chest, from the pain she was feeling or from the wonderful feel of being pressed against a solid as a rock body she did not know. Oh my gosh Katara get a grip on yourself. He’s just helping you to a seat for goodness sake!
They made it over to a bench that was situated in a corner of the hall and Zuko gently set her down. He let her bag slip to the floor beside him as he knelt down in front of her. Katara watched him wearily.
“Do you mind if I check the ankle? Being a former soccer player I’m pretty familiar with ankle injuries. It’s your left ankle, right?” He asked staring into her eyes completely focused on her.
For a moment Katara felt like a deer caught in the headlights. She had to force herself to breathe through her nose even as she heart felt like it jumpstarted. Relax Katara! This is not a big deal! He’s just showing a basic human concern. That is it.
She slowing began to nod her head, “Yeah it’s the left ankle.” Katara braced herself for whatever was about to happen. Her only consolation was that the halls were now almost completely empty.
“Okay, I’ll have to take your boot off. It might hurt a little if there’s swelling.” He said in a surprisingly calming voice. Katara nodded her head once again.
Katara stared down at Zuko’s working hands while he bent his head down and completely concentrated on his task. He gently worked her boot off her left foot than glanced up at her suddenly. Her breath caught in her throat as he pierced her with his gaze.
“Did that hurt at all?” His dark eyes completely encompassed her.
“Just a little.” Katara breathed out hoarsely.
“That’s a good sign. It’s not swelling badly. Let me know if anything I do hurts you.” He said quietly before looking back down to finished whatever he was going to do.
Katara watched him silently as he lightly touched her ankle and gently squeezed and prodded her ankle. She let out a pained groan at certain times in his examination and she answered the questions he periodically asked her. Finally, he sat back on his hunches and lifted his gaze to hers once again.
“Well, will I be lame for the rest of my life?” She asked hoping to break through the tension that had grown in the last few minutes.
Zuko let out a small chuckle and shook his head, “No. It looks like you just twisted your ankle enough to slightly sprain it. I’ll take you to the nurse’s station so they can wrap it. You should keep off the foot for a couple days and keep it elevated and iced.”
“I guess I should probably stop my habit of falling to the floor now.” Katara said dryly.
“I think that would be a good idea.” Zuko’s face was a mask as he stood slowly. He grabbed her bag again and handed her left boot to her to carry.
“I feel badly, making you miss class. By the time we get to the nurse’s station you’ll be beyond tardy.” Katara grimaced as she thought of how far the nurse’s station was from here. At least she would have an excuses absence from class.
Zuko let out a scoffing sound, “Don’t even worry about it. It’s not abnormal for me to miss class.” He reached his hand out and Katara took a deep breath before accepting it. Touching him did strange things to her for some reason she had yet to work out.
He wrapped his arm around her waist again and she silently lifted her arm to rest around his neck to better be able to move. They were quiet for quite some time while they made their way to the other side of the school.
About a third of the way there Katara started to get fatigued as she was moving with just one leg regardless of the fact that Zuko was doing a lot in keeping her upright. “Um hey could we stop for a second. My leg is getting tired.” At her words Zuko stopped their progression. He looked down at her for a moment before a strange look passed through his eyes.
“Hold on.” He said simply before quickly lifting her up into his arms. Katara let out a squeak of surprise. She began to let out a noise of protest when he said, “It’s easier if I just carry you. And it will be quicker.” His words stopped her from saying anything and if she was honest she was secretly glad to not have to hop the rest of the way.
She tried to hold her body as far away from his as possible while still being carried by him and she thought she was doing rather well when he commented, “Could you please hold on a little. Whatever you’re doing is making it hard for me to keep a good hold on you. Unless you do want me to drop you.” He said with a smirk.
A blush stole to her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body securely to his. “Sorry.” She mumbled.
“It’s alright. Just relax.” He said in a tone the bordered on indifference in her opinion.
He walked with her securely in his arms for a long moment all was silent between them. Katara felt the awkwardness and tension mounting to unbearable levels. Say something! Anything to cut through the awkwardness! She yelled at herself in her mind.
Zuko cleared his throat and asked, “So….what were you so caught up in thinking about that you tripped over that guys leg?”
Katara let out a groan of embarrassment, “Ah, you saw that did you?” Another wave of heat hit her. Oh how she wished this horribly awkward moment would just end!
“Yep.” He answered succinctly.
“Well if you must know I was in the throes of a pity party.” Katara grimaced when she realized what she had just disclosed. She hadn’t meant to, the words sort of just came out.
Zuko stopped for a moment and stared at her with a strange look. It passed before she could categorize it. “May I ask over what?” He said as he resumed walking.
“Something stupid.” Katara said shaking her head in a dismissive manner. She really really did not want to talk to Zuko about her boy troubles. Especially when he probably knew Jet well since they were in the same social class.
“Well it must have been something important to you to have taken up so much of your attention.” He said as he set her down gently. They had arrived at the nurse’s station. Zuko pushed open the door and wrapped his arm around her waist. She instinctively placed her arm around his neck and they moved forward.
She was happy that he had not picked her up again. It was the last thing she needed to be carried into the nurse’s station where her Gran Gran’s best friend Mrs. Flow was the head nurse.
“Oh my goodness gracious Katara! What happened!?” Mrs. Flow asked bustling around from her table to where Zuko was helping her to sit.
“I wasn’t paying attention and I tripped and fell. It was a silly accident.” Katara said hoping the close family friend wouldn’t blow her injury out of portion like she was prone to do.
“And who is this?” Mrs. Flow asked curiously as she stared Zuko up and down.
“Oh this is Zuko.” Katara purposely did not mention his last name. The Lord’s were not much liked among many of the town members but Mrs. Flow had a legitimate reason in disliking anyone related to Ozai Lord.
His company had bought out large portion of downtown to make a new shopping multiplex and Mrs. Flow’s old family home had been situated in the exact spot which would be the middle of it. At first she had been given an outrageous offer to sell the property to the company. When she had refused the offer she had started to receive threats though it had never been confirmed to have been perpetuated through the Lord’s company. Mrs. Flow had held out for a long time but when she had come home to a broken in home that had been vandalized she had finally given in and sold the property.
“Oh what a nice young man to help my dear Katara in her time of need.” Mrs. Flow gushed over him.
“It was no problem. I checked her ankle and I believe it’s just a slight sprain. But I’ll let you be the final judge.” Zuko said backing away towards the door.
“Oh? Are you interested in the subject of medicine Zuko?” Mrs. Flow asked as she began to examine Katara’s ankle.
“Not really ma’am. I just used to be involved in sports a lot. Got familiar with foot and leg injuries.” He explained with a shrug.
“Well young man I believe your prognosis was correct.” Mrs. Flow sent a smile in his direction and stood to grab stripes of bandage to wrap the ankle.
Katara watched Zuko secretly through her eyelashes. She could tell he was uncomfortable being the center of a complete stranger’s attention but he still did not leave even though he was right next to the door.
“Katara you should probably go home for the rest of the day and keep your foot elevated. Do you want me to give Sokka a call?” Mrs. Flow said as she finished wrapping her foot.
“No that’s alright Mrs. Flow. I can just wait here until the end of school. I don’t want Sokka to miss any classes because of me.” Katara said hoping Mrs. Flow would not press the issue. She grimaced when she remembered that Sokka and Suki were supposed to be going on their one and a half year anniversary date after school. Hopefully she could just get a ride with Mrs. Flow. She was sure she wouldn’t mind taking her home.
“Oh, but honey that’s almost two hours-”
“I can take her home.” Zuko said suddenly.
Katara snapped her head in his direction. Why in the world would he offer such a thing?
“Oh, that would be perfect! What a gentleman!” Mrs. Flow said grinning from ear to ear.
Katara’s mouth hung open and she looked quickly from Zuko to Mrs. Flow and back again. She began to speak and decline Zuko’s offer but was silenced by a sharp look from Mrs. Flow.
“I’ll just call your grandmother Katara and let her know what happened and that you’ll be on your way.” Mrs. Flow said smiling as she picked up her cell and made the call.
Katara turned her gaze to Zuko and stared completely at a loss of what to say. He moved forward and grabbed her bag that he had set on a chair. Katara thought of the awkwardness that was going to encompass their trip to her house and she let out a small shudder.
“Zuko, you really don’t have to take me home. I can wait ‘til school is over.” Katara said quietly hoping he would get the hint and back out of his offer.
“It’s not a problem. I was actually just wishing for a way to get out of here so you’re the perfect excuse. You’re really helping me out.” Zuko said offering his hand to her once more.
And with that Katara knew that she was trapped. She would have to endure a twenty-five minute car ride with Zuko Lord. Oh gosh could this day get any worse of more strange? Little did she know that it indeed could.
---------------------------------------------------
Zuko could not believe the turn of events. That he had been walking down to the hall just as Katara had tripped over that guy’s leg could only be labeled by him as fate. That he was now tasked with driving her home was his own doing. Once the opportunity had presented itself he had jumped for the chance to spend more time with her. However, he had not counted on the fact that he would have to make intelligent conversation with her.
Now as Zuko helped Katara hobble down the school steps to the parking lot he scrambled for anything to talk about. He had not talked so much in almost half a year as much as he had today. It was exhausting trying to think of the right thing to say and keep a conversation going.
At the moment all the noise between them was their respective breaths which was visible in the chilly October air. Zuko glanced over at Katara but averted his gaze when he realized she was looking up at him. To know that he was being scrutinized was unsettling. He was happy that he had situated on his right side, the unblemished side.
“Uh, so this weather…it’s pretty cold for early October…” Zuko could have slapped himself for such a retarded statement.
“Yeah, I read it’s going to be a really bad winter this year. Lots of snow.” Katara replied, thankfully.
“Do-Do you like the cold?” He asked grasping to keep the conversation going.
“Yeah, I’m used to it. My family used to live in Alaska and it gets pretty cold up there for a lot of the year.” She said brushing a wayward strand of hair out of her face.
“Why’d you live in Alaska?” He asked sincerely curious.
“My dad’s in the military. We moved around a lot.”
“Cool, what branch?” Zuko was pleased that it was becoming easier to maintain the conversation.
Katara motioned to stop so she could catch her breath before she answered, “He’s a Navy Seal.”
“Wow, so he does the really top secret stuff.” Zuko was immediately impressed. Anyone who went through the training to be a Navy Seal deserved the upmost respect.
“I guess. He never really talks to us about it.” She said as they resumed walking to his car. In hindsight Zuko wished that he had driven it up to school instead of making her have to hobble all the way to the back of the parking lot where he had parked due to being late.
Zuko quickly thought of some other questions to ask her, “So what does your mom think about your moving around so much?” The moment he mentioned her mother he felt her back literally stiffen.
“Could we not talk about my family, please?” Katara asked coolly. Zuko knew he had somehow stumbled into a forbidden topic and quickly backpedaled.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to be so nosy.” He mumbled contritely. Thankfully, they made it to his car. “Here it is.” He said motioning to his car which was a Steenstra GCM Styletto. One of the first of its kind.
Katara gawked at the car and then him, “This is your car?”
Zuko grimaced at her expression. The car was not what most eighteen year olds were driving. Heck it wasn’t what most 40 something’s were driving. “Technically, it’s my dad’s. I’m reminded daily that nothing in this world is mine. I owe everything to him.” Zuko chuckled harshly. He opened the passenger door and helped her in. He tried to ignore the look that she gave him but it was difficult. It was a look of disgust if ever there was one.
He shut the door gently after she had settled in and he moved slowly to the driver’s side. Mentally he prepared himself for the drive to her house. Already he would say that he was doing a horrible job in commending himself to her. But then again what had he really expected.
Zuko slid into the car and started it up not looking once at her. He quietly put in the address she had told him earlier into the navigation system and waited for the device to begin routing.
“You can turn on anything you like.” He commented nonchalantly glancing over at her quickly and motioning to the radio. She was staring quite openly at him. It felt like she was trying to figure him out- dissecting him. And finding what she to be lacking.
Zuko eased out of the parking and began the twenty-five minute drive to her house. He let out a tense breath that sounded loudly in the silence. Katara reached over to fiddle with the stereo and soon classical music was filling the enclosed space.
Not a word was spoken between them for the first fifteen minutes so it was a real surprise when Katara asked, “What’s with you Zuko?”
Startled, he shot her a confused look before refocusing on the road, “What do you mean?”
“I meant exactly what I said.” She said stubbornly.
“Yes, I’m sure you mean everything that comes out of your mouth,” he answered hotly, “What I’m asking is what you are specifically referring.” He answered tersely. Instantly, he was annoyed. He had been nothing but nice to her and she was acting as if he had been a jerk!
“This,” She said sweeping her hand out vaguely, “Everything that has happened today. What’s with it? We go to the same school for years and never interact because you’re much too preoccupied with the lifestyle of the rich and famous and suddenly today of all days you “randomly”, she uses quotation marks in the air, “show up and insert yourself into my life. You literally bump into me and then saw weird things as if you knew me when we have never spoken before and I’m sure none of your friends would speak about me. And then you show up again and play at being a knight in shining armor? None of this makes any sense. So what gives?”
Zuko immediately felt defensive. This girl is a piece of work! I do nothing but be nice to her and this is what I get?
“Katara if you’re insinuating that I somehow orchestrated this all to somehow do,” Zuko struggled to grasp at an appropriate word, “Well to do whatever you think I’m doing you’re delusional or on something.” The moment the words were out he wished he could take them back.
He could hear the loud intact of breath from the passenger side as if she had been physically punched by his words and instantly he felt ashamed that he could not control his temper. But it had become so ingrained in him to lash out at anyone who upset him. Trying to change almost half a year of behavior could not be accomplished over overnight.
“I am not delusional,” She said angrily “neither am I on anything! But if you are going to tell me that running into you and then your sister and then you again is me making something up in my head then fine.”
“Wait, what?” His confusion at this strange conversation was out the roof.
Zuko pulled over not wanting to drive upset while a passenger was in the car. He wasn’t stupid enough to keep driving while Katara was taking up so much of his concentration. He put the car in park and shifted in his seat to look directly at her. It amazed him how one moment they had been amiable and the next she was attacking his motives for helping her out.
“Why did you pull over?!” She asked he face becoming red from frustration.
“Because I can’t drive while also having a fight with you. Unless you’d rather get in a car accident I think it’s best if we hash this out and then drive.” Zuko tried to lower his voice and keep calm but he knew it would be difficult.
“I have a better idea. How about you just drive me home and we never speak again. I like that idea a lot more.” She said crossing her arms while staring him down.
“I’d rather clear the air, if you don’t mind.” He said locking the doors and turning the car off. They stared at each other in silence. He waited for her to begin but after several moments he realized he would have to initiate the peace talks.
“Alright I’ll start. I don’t know what I did or said to make you think that I’m secretly trying to ruin you or I’m out to get you but I’m not. Honestly. It was a coincidence that I ran into this morning and later this afternoon. There was no motivation in taking you home other than I strangely felt the need to help out a fellow human being- something I haven’t done in a long time. Katara I don’t know what else I can say about my behavior. So why don’t you tell me what I did wrong?” He let out a long breath. That was probably the longest he had spoken to a person in one sitting.
Zuko waited with raised eyebrow for her to speak. He could tell she was inwardly struggling with what to say. Finally, she uncrossed her arms and seemed to lose a little of her steam.
“So you’re telling me your sister didn’t get in on some scheme to socially ruin me because I bumped into her on accident in the bathroom?”
His face scrunched in complete confusion, “What?! No?! Me and Azula can’t stand each other. I would never do her any favors.” Suddenly, it dawned on him. “You thought this was some weird scheme to pay you back for knocking into me and then Azula?” Zuko let out a laugh. A genuine laugh. The first he had since his mother left.
Katara stared at him bewildered for a moment before joining his laughter. Zuko laughed until tears gathered in his eyes. He wiped them away and shook his head in disbelief. This girl is incredible. She went from making me angry to the point of seeing red and then she made me laugh. Maybe Katara is good for me. Zuko thought seriously while staring intently at her. He had to admit he had never met any girl like her. She was beautiful yes but it was different than the type of beauty he had always surrounded himself with. Her beauty was skin deep.
“Yeah I guess that was pretty silly to think.” She admitted after their laughter died down and it had been quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry I thought the worst of you, Zuko. It’s just been a really off day for me. That doesn’t justify my behavior but…” Katara trailed off as she sheepishly apologized. She averted her gaze from his when the tension seemed to grow to unbearable levels.
“It’s alright. Let’s just forget about it.” He said as he restarted the car and began driving again.
This time the silence in the car between them was comfortable instead of awkward. It didn’t take him long to drive the rest of the way to her house and he was slightly disappointed their trip was over. Zuko parked the car outside a quant small cottage in a well maintained neighborhood.
“Let me get the door for you.” Zuko insisted before jumping out and quickly going to her side. He opened the door and Katara thanked him in a shy voice as red flushed her cheeks.
“How’s your ankle feeling? We probably should have grabbed an ice pack to reduce the swelling before leaving school.” He said offhandedly as the moved up the stone pathway to the door.
“It hurts a little, but not walking on it is a big help. It sucks though to have only one leg to move with.” She said glancing up with a twisted grimace. Without thinking he lifted her up in his arms. “Whoa, that really wasn’t a hint for you to carry me Zuko. I can walk the rest of the way.”
“It’s no problem. Plus this pathway is really only wide enough for one person to walk at a time.” Even though what he said was true, really all he really wanted was an excuse to hold her close to his body one more time before leaving. The likelihood of them interacting again after today was slim to none in his mind. Katara would never want to get involved with a guy like him. Especially, if she was already on the outs with his evil sister.
The front door swung open and an elderly woman with silver hair hustled out.
“Oh Katara, my darling are you alright? Flow called and said you would be coming home early. She said you had a small sprain but this looks like you can’t even walk!” The woman said motioning to him carrying her. “Right this way young man.” She directed him into the house and pointed to the sofa where he could place Katara.
“Gran Gran this is Zuko, Zuko my grandmother,” Katara gave the introduction while still held aloft in his arms, “And Gran Gran it really isn’t as bad as you think. Zuko was just being nice in carrying me because it was difficult hoping on one foot.” Katara explained with a longsuffering sigh.
“Oh if you say so dear. Let me go get the ice pack and heating pad real quick.” Katara’s grandmother said shuffling out of the room with a smile at both of them.
Katara said something but it was muffled but it sounded something about a matchmaker he thought. “What’d you say?” He asked curiously. His curiosity doubled when Katara’s face reddened. “Nothing.” She answered quickly.
Zuko stood rocking on his heels as the awkwardness suddenly came back. “Well I should probably get going.” He finally said, his eyes flitting around the room. It was a cute little place. Small and cozy. His house could probably fit five of them inside it but bigger wasn’t always better. His house was more like a museum. Katara’s home was just that- a home.
“Okay. Well thank you Zuko for bringing me home and for everything else. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” He said backing out of the room.
“And where do you think you’re going young man?” Katara’s grandmother asked, hands on her hips as she reentered the room.
“I was just about to leave. I know Katara is just dying to get rid of me so she can get comfortable.” Zuko said with a small self-depreciating smile. He gave a wave to Katara and was beginning to turn to go when her grandmother’s hand clamped around his arm like a vise.
“No no no.” She said shaking her head as she led him to the sofa Katara was seated on. He was forcibly made to sit down next to her. Zuko was shocked that such a small and frail looking old woman had that much strength. “I just took some cookies out of the oven. Stay and help me keep Katara company. I’m so old I’m sure to nod off to sleep the moment I sit down.” Katara’s grandma smiled as she left the room once again.
Zuko awkwardly sat there ringing his hands together unsure of what to do. He knew that Katara most likely did not want him to stay. But it would be rude to leave now that he grandmother had ordered him to stay.
Zuko turned to Katara slowly unsure of how to proceed, “So I can still go if you want.”
Katara shook her head with a sigh, “No. My Gran Gran wouldn’t let me hear the end of it if you left. I know you probably want to get out of here as soon as possible. She wasn’t kidding about what she said though. Once she sits down she could be asleep in moments. If you could just wait until then…” She trailed off as she bite her lip in embarrassment. “I’m sorry I’m taking more of your time but I would appreciate if you did stay. Until she falls asleep and then you can make your escape.”
Zuko nodded his agreement and he settled into the worn couch. Never in his wildest dreams would he have believed he would be here; with Katara in her house. He was literally two feet away from her. He doubted there could be any better opportunity to befriend her then this. He just needed to make it count.
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