Date: October 15th, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Pura Residence
407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTEzFrkMqW
Katara hobbled to the bathroom. She couldn’t believe the strange day she had had and now it was getting even stranger. After Gran Gran had gone to get the cookies, she and Zuko sat on the couch, not knowing what to say. Luckily, Gran Gran came back and began chatting all about her community service that day down at the local shelter. Katara had watched Zuko intently, trying to see his reactions to anything. After watching him eat his third cookie, she gave up. All she had discovered was that he absolutely loved Gran Gran’s cookies and wouldn’t stop eating them. He was actually…sweet. She had heard the stories of Zuko Lord, the billionaire playboy who always got what he wanted. But the Zuko Lord that sat in front of her only hours ago was not the same Zuko Lord from the stories.
Katara made it to the bathroom and closed the door. Flicking on the light, she stared at herself in the mirror. He wasn’t the same Zuko I’ve heard of. That Zuko would never have taken me home and agreed to Gran Gran’s nagging to stay for dinner. She leaned in closer to the mirror to check her make-up. It still was fresh from before. How? She didn’t know, but she was thankful for it.
“Why do I care what I look like?” She whispered to herself. It wasn’t like she had feelings for Zuko. She barely knew him! But…when he picked her up effortlessly, clutching her close to his strong chest, she had felt something. Something she had never felt before. A hidden passion, waiting to be released.
“Nope!” She said a bit too loudly. She couldn’t allow herself to think crazy things like that. For one, he was Zuko Lord and as attractive and tempting as he may be, she could not be with someone like him. Secondly, there was his crazy family. A shudder when through her as she remembered her earlier encounter with Azula. She did not want to have to deal with that nut! And if that wasn’t enough, Katara had clearly explained to her heart that she liked Jet and that was that.
“You all right, sweetie?” Gran Gran called from the kitchen right around the corner to the bathroom. Katara had left a few moments ago, refusing help from either Gran Gran or Zuko. She needed to get her thoughts straight and her heart to stop pounding so furiously. It would come straight out of her chest if she didn’t do something! She needed to get that under control. Maybe it was her stupid teenage hormones. Or maybe it was the fact that Zuko was in her house. Either way, it had to stop.
“I’ll be out in a minute, Gran Gran!” She replied in a sweet tone. There was no need to let Gran Gran in on her thoughts. Or anyone else for that matter. No, it was decided. Zuko Lord was not an option for her love life. Not now, not ever.
She fluffed her hair a bit then preceded to open the door. Taking a deep breath, she readied herself for her limp filled trek to the kitchen. She took one step, steading herself against the door frame. Then another, leaning against the wall.
“So far so good,” she encouraged herself.
She took another step, then one more. She was half way to the kitchen when Zuko walked out.
“What are you doing?” He stared at her pointedly.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” She replied, with a smile, hoping her words didn’t sound spiteful.
“You can’t walk on your own, Katara.” He began to walk towards her. Her heart began to pick up again. She let out a slight growl at her involuntary emotions.
“I’m fine, Zuko,” she said as she pressed to the wall. “I don’t need any help.” By this time he stood next to her. She turned, her back now pressed to the wall. Zuko looked down on her, his golden eyes pouring into her like he could read her every thought. “R-really,” she stammered, “I’m okay.” She tilted her chin down, her long hair slightly covering her face so he couldn’t see her curse herself for getting so nervous around him. What was with her? She was Katara Pura! AP and Honor student! She didn’t get nervous around guys! Well, only Jet, she corrected herself. But that was different! She didn’t get nervous around guys like Zuko Lord.
She was about to tell him she didn’t need help once more when she felt a firey touch to her face. Her head snapped up while her heart jumped wildly. For a moment they stared at one another. Zuko’s hand on her cheek, her head tilted up towards him. She thought she saw him begin to move closer to her, but thought better of it. He quickly moved the hair out of her eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets, looking towards the kitchen.
“Your grandmother wanted me to come help you,” he muttered.
Not knowing how to handle the slight feeling of disappointment at the loss of his touch, Katara nodded. Zuko didn’t respond.
“Alright, Fire Lord,” she said in a teasing voice. His head jerked back to her.
“What did you say?” Instead of being intimidated by the growl in his voice, she smiled big.
“I said, ‘alright, Fire Lord’ as in your hoodie?” She pointed to the nickname that had been embroidered on the right arm of his old soccer sweatshirt.
“Oh, right,” he said looking at his arm.
“Yes, well I have deemed you worthy to help me,” she said with a smirk.
He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Well, if you’re not going to leave me alone, you may as well carry me wherever I please. So, you may now carry me to the kitchen, Fire Lord.”
Zuko smiled. The same smile he had before when he was trying to suppress a huge grin. Katara smiled too. She wasn’t sure what was with her though. Never had she been so boldly flirtatious. If she was honest with herself, she knew she enjoyed seeing him smile, knowing that she was the reason behind it. She quickly lifted her arms to him like a child to a mother. He let out a low laugh and hoisted her up.
Her body reacted to his quickly. Tensing up, she refused her body to relax, not trusting what she would do. His muscles were so strong against her. She could feel the way they moved each time he took a step. And his scent. She almost let out a groan, but held it back by biting her lip. He smelled like spicy cinnamon and honey, the perfect combination of spice and sweet.
Finally arriving at the kitchen, Zuko placed her down next to her chair. Immediately, he pulled it out for her. She looked over at him with a shocked look. She never thought Zuko Lord would be such a gentleman. He gave her a playful smirk then eased her into the chair. Her skin burned where he gently guided her arms, as if he was branding her with his touch. Taking another deep breath, she smiled and thanked him. He nodded and took his seat across from her.
“What a fine young man!” Gran Gran beamed, bringing their dinner of fish and potatoes to the table. “So polite to my little kunik!”
“Gran Gran!” Katara said, embarrassed at her grandma using her childhood nickname in front of Zuko. She could feel her cheeks beginning to pink.
“Kunik? What does that mean?” Zuko’s eyes gleamed with laughter, but his lips were in a firm line.
Katara bit her lower lip. Wasn’t it bad enough that they just had an encounter in the hallway? Now she had to reveal what her silly little name meant? She was about to explain when Gran Gran jumped in.
“Oh, Zuko it’s a wonderful nickname to have! My little Katara, when she was but this high,” Gran Gran pointed to her own knee, “ would run, jump into my arms and rub her nose against mine! I used to live in Alaska and up there we call it a kunik, or a kiss!”
Katara was mortified. Placing her head in her hands, she wished she could slide into the floor and never return. She dared not look at Zuko, but the temptation was too great. Peeking one eye out, she saw him looking at her with that little smirk again.
“So, Katara’s your little kiss?” Katara groaned and hid back in her hands. What would only make this worse was if Sokka was here.
“Always was, always will be,” Gran Gran smiled and kissed Katara on the forehead. “So, Zuko, tell me about your family.”
Katara heard Zuko suck in a deep breath. She knew he knew that everyone in their community knew about his father. A sudden pang of sympathy for him struck her heart. For the first time she wondered if he didn’t want to be the son of the richest man in the city. His eyes met hers as if pleading for her to change the subject. She smiled slightly.
“Gran Gran, did I tell you that Zuko and I are in the same chemistry class?” A look of relief passed over Zuko’s face as he shoved more potatoes into his mouth.
“Oh really? How wonderful.” Gran Gran smiled again. Katara was beginning to become nauseated at her Gran Gran’s sudden enthusiasim. “My little Katara is so smart.”
“Gran Gran!” Katara exclaimed. What was wrong with this woman tonight? First the nickname, now bragging? At this rate, Katara would have to leave halfway through dinner.
“Yea, she is,” Zuko said. “That’s why I asked her to be my tutor.”
“Oh, how wonderful!” Gran Gran clapped happily. “Just what you need, Katara!”
Katara fought the urge to roll her eyes. Instead she plastered a fake smile across her lips. “What do you mean, Gran Gran? I have plenty of students I help.” She hoped Zuko wouldn’t take offense.
“Oh yes, but you don’t have anyone quite like this, dear,” she said giving Katara a wink.
Katara almost exploded. She couldn’t believe Gran Gran was trying to set her up with Zuko after only knowing he liked her cookies! The old woman was mad! Katara cautiously looked back to Zuko who seemed to be enjoying the conversation too much.
“Well, I haven’t had a chance to check my schedule yet,” Katara replied, trying to create an excuse to end this conversation. She knew it was a lie. She had checked her schedule at least three times since bumping into Zuko the first time. She knew exactly when she was free.
“We can study tonight,” Zuko cut in.
Katara and Gran Gran both looked at Zuko. Gran Gran with a look of approval and delight and Katara with a look of horror. She had barely made it through the hallway alone with him, how could she make it through the evening?
“Well, I don’t know,” she said.
“What a wonderful idea!” Gran Gran spoke over her. “I’ll make sure you have plenty of snacks!” Katara had never seen an older woman move as quickly as her Gran Gran did just then.
Katara looked back at Zuko who seemed to still be comprehending what was going on.
“Uh, I guess I’ll go get my book,” she said, standing back up.
“Do you need—”
“No!” She winced at her frantic tone. “Sorry, I mean no, I’m alright I can get it. Thanks though. I’ll meet you back on the sofa.” She began to hobble away, praying she would make it through the night.
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407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxcDRqJWLK
Date: October 15th, 2009
Time:6:30 PM
Place: Pura Residence
407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aNXUFAHyE
So much for trying to make a good impression, Zuko thought as he watched Katara hobble away from the table. After what had happened in the hallway, she had been either glaring at him like he killed her puppy or avoiding him like the plague. He silently cursed to himself. He knew he shouldn’t have gotten so close to her. And touching her face! He grunted as he shook his head. There was no use. He couldn’t get this feeling out of him. Every time he was near her his heart seemed to thump louder and his head! He grunted again. Her presence made his head spin out of control, allowing only the stupidest thoughts to stay, like caressing her cheek. He looked down at his hands. Her skin was so soft, so cool against his. She was like a summer shower; an impossible thing in which the sun is still shining, but it’s raining. Both an amazing and terrifying experience all in one.
So, why had he suggested to stay and study with her? Because you’re an idiot, he thought. No, it wasn’t that. It was because when he had cornered her against the wall, she didn’t flinch or hesitate in his presence. She only stood there, sizing him up. He hated to say it, but that made her even more attractive than she was before. He wanted a woman with a backbone. He smiled remembering her stubbornly hobble away from him. She could definitely hold her own, that’s for sure.
Picking up his plate, Zuko walked to the sink where Katara’s grandmother was washing the dishes. The poor old woman hunched over the sink, trying to scrub an old pot until it was new. A pang of guilt hit Zuko’s heart. He had never seen someone work so hard, especially not the elderly. From the day he was born, he had been surrounded by servant’s who did everything for him. He enjoyed that life until he realized what it would cost him. Involuntarily, he reached up and touched the bruises on his face. The cost was too high. He would rather live in a place like this than the prison he lived now.
“Here,” he said, grabbing the pot out of her hands, “let me do that.” He rolled up his sleeves and began scrubbing the pot in the soapy water.
“Why thank you, Zuko,” she said wiping her hands on her faded jeans. “That old pot always gives me trouble.”
“It’s no problem, Mrs. Pura.”
“Please, call me Kanna,” she smiled back at him. He nodded back and returned to the pot.
“There is something I do want to discuss though.” Zuko shot his head back up and stared at the woman. She eyed him carefully. For a moment he thought she was going to tell him she knew exactly who he was and to leave her house. But when she began, he breathed a slight sigh of relief.
“Katara is my only granddaughter and I love her dearly. But she hasn’t been the same sense her father left.”
His relief was short lived as dread settled back in his heart. Was she going to tell him he wasn’t allowed to see her granddaughter anymore? He didn’t know if he could live without Katara now that he had spent so much time with her.
“She is very wrapped up in her grades and extracurricular activities that she never has time to hang out with people her own age.” A smile appeared on the old woman’s face, easing Zuko’s nerves. “I am so glad she met you. You seem like a very good boy.”
Guilt began to build in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t deserve such praise. The spoiled brat son of Ozai Lord didn’t deserve such hospitality and kindness. Zuko nodded, giving a small smile in return. “Thank you.”
Satisfied, Kanna chuckled to herself then began to exit the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway and peered over her shoulder. “Oh, and I’ll be sure to go to bed early tonight!” With another chuckle she left the kitchen.
Zuko stared dumbfounded at the place where the old woman had just been. What was she expecting to happen? What was he expecting to happen? You know exactly what, he thought to himself. No, he replied to himself, Katara’s not like that. Zuko shook his head angrily, black strands whipping across his cheeks. If he kept this up, he’d be as crazy as Professor Bumi. He huffed and turned his fury back towards the pot.
As he scrubbed furiously at the burnt potatoes, he tried to clear his mind. What was it Uncle always said? “In order to be free of woe you must be free of worry”?
“What does that even mean?” Zuko asked himself, finally scrubbing the pot clean. Uncle Iroh as always giving him “things to think about” which Zuko never thought about.
Zuko placed the pot on the drying rack, wiped his hands on his jeans and walked to the other room, convinced he would be able to handle a few hours alone with Katara. When he walked into the room, all of his strength fled. Crouched in the corner of the sofa with a baby blue blanket, Katara sat gazing intensely at her chemistry book. Zuko gulped. She was so beautiful. How could he have never noticed her until she bumped into him? He sent a pray up thanking God for the encounter. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards her.
Once hearing his footsteps, she looked up from her book with a smile. “Hey, I was wondering what happened to you.” Zuko noticed that she looked a lot calmer than she had at dinner. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad.
“Yea, sorry, I was helping your grandmother out with the dishes,” he laughed nervously.
Katara rolled her eyes then smiled again. “Sorry about that and everything else at dinner.” Her cheeks began to turn pink just like they had at dinner. Zuko didn’t mind that she was embarrassed, she was adorable when she wasn’t conquering the world with good grades and community service.
“It’s no big deal,” he sat down beside her, making sure there was plenty of space. “We all have our strange nicknames.” He saw her cheeks turn from pink to red. Before she could ask him about his, he spoke again. “Thanks, by the way, for the save about my family.”
“Oh, yea,” Katara said, looking back down at her chemistry book. “I—I understand. It must be hard.”
Zuko stared at her in awe. No one had ever asked what it was like to be Ozai’s son, let alone say they understood. If he hadn’t already argued with himself in the kitchen, he probably would have given in to his previous self’s thoughts about tonight. He took a deep breath to calm his spinning head. “Thanks.”
She nodded to her chemistry book, flipped a couple of pages then looked up at him. “Ok, so let’s start with balancing chemical equations.”
The next four hours went by in a flash. They moved from balancing chemical equations to defining chemical compounds on to the noble gases, ending with organic chemistry. Zuko found himself mesmerized with the way Katara spoke. Her voice soft, but commanding and confident. She knew exactly what she was talking about. He loved the way she flailed her arms in excitement when he understood what she said or got a question right. One time she even grasped his hand in excitement, but quickly released it, realizing what she was doing.
Chemistry was easier to understand if Katara explained it to him. He hoped this wasn’t his first and last tutor session with her.
“Is that the time?” she gasped, looking down at her phone. “Zuko, I’m so sorry, you’ve been her practically the entire day!” She began to stack up her book and the papers they had been scribbling on.
“Katara,” he said. She continued stacking the papers.
“Katara,” he said more forcefully. She stopped and looked up at him. His heart almost burst through his chest. Her blue eyes stood out more now than they ever had. Like two blue sapphires looking into his soul. Zuko held his breath, trying to control his thoughts. Her tousled hair splayed around her shoulders didn't help him cleanse his mind. Clearing his throat, he tried to speak: “It’s fine. Thank you for letting me stay here so long.”
She slowly continued to pick up the papers. “What about your family? Won’t they be worried?”
Zuko snorted and looked towards the kitchen. “Yea, right, I could be dead for all they care.” He suddenly felt a cool touch on his hand. Turning, he met two sparkling eyes looking back at him.
“Zuko, I’m so sorry.”
He sucked in a sharp breath. He couldn’t hold out much longer, especially if she continued to be so irresistibly tempting. He stood abruptly.
“It’s fine,” he replied quickly. “I should probably go.” Looking back at her, his heart dropped to his stomach. A look of pain and rejection burrowed into her features. She was quick to mask it with a smile.
“I understand, let me write down a couple of problems for you to work on for next time.”
He couldn’t help, but feel happy. There would be a next time! Although he was stoic and brooding on the outside, he was jumping like a little girl in a flower field on the inside.
After she had written the problems down, Katara began to stand to hand him the paper. Not realizing her messenger bag was underneath her foot, she took a step forward, slipping on the fabric.
Seeing the same event that had already happened twice today, Zuko reacted quickly and caught her in his arms. Hooking his arms under hers, she landed with her face planted against his chest. He felt the vibration of her groan ripple through him.
“Three times in one day?” He laughed. “This is getting to be a bad habit.”
She craned her next up to look at him. “I’m sorry I’m such a klutz, Zuko. I swear I’m not always like this.”
“Sure you’re not,” he replied hoisting her up to stand on both feet. “Now sit down before your hurt yourself.”
With a joking glare, she obeyed. He sat down next to her.
“Look, I really am thankful for tonight. It’s been nice to escape from reality for a bit.”
Katara nodded and looked at him. Her eyes shifted between him and his scar. He suddenly felt self-conscious about his deformed face. Usually he hid underneath his hood, but right now he was completely exposed.
Cautiously, Katara slowly lifted hand up. Zuko watched as her delicate hand came towards his hideous appearance. He wanted to jerk back and run away, but he couldn’t. An invisible force kept him planted in his spot. When her hand reached his scar, he let out a small breath. It was so cool. He was always so hot, burning with anger and fury. Her touch immediately calmed his raging anger, evoking a calmer, intimate emotion.
Her fingers caressed the bruises carefully, as if he’d break if she pushed too hard. Zuko struggled to keep himself strong. He was doing well until he locked eyes with her. He could swim in those pools of blue. Not caring about his earlier promises, he leaned forward, testing her reaction. When she slightly leaned forward too, that was confirmation enough. He closed gap between them, pushing his lips firmly against hers. He heard her gasp at his sudden passion, but quickly tightened her grip around his neck. He kissed her furiously, his lips leading hers in an intimate dance. He couldn’t get enough of her. She was an oasis in the middle of the desert he lived in. He couldn’t drink her fast enough.
A small tug at his neck, lead him closer. Carefully, he pressed himself against her, feeling her curves underneath his body. He laid her on the sofa, slowing his kisses from quick gulps to long swallows, drinking in every ounce. He felt her hands run up and down his spine and he let out a soft moan. He moved from her lips to her cheek down to her neck. Her hands pressed into his back, urging him to continue. He kissed her neck more and anticipated his next move when he heard a phone buzz loudly on the table. He felt Katara immediately tense underneath it. Pausing, he whispered into her ear, “Ignore it.” He felt her smile at his response to the buzzing. She placed her hand back up to his face, pulling it back to hers. After another long kiss, she broke free.
“Zuko, I—” She was cut short by the buzzing again. They both looked at it. He sighed and sat up from her, allowing her to grab the phone.
“Hello?” She said in a hoarse voice. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t pleased that he affected her the same way she affected him. What he didn’t anticipate was the voice he heard on the other line. His once calm demeanor disappeared in a flash.
“Oh hey, Jet,” he heard Katara say. A rush of fury filled his chest. Why was Jet calling Katara? Jet was a pig! Zuko knew it was true because, regretfully, they had been friends until a few months ago. He knew what a scumbag like Jet wanted with Katara. It was the same thing Zuko use to want from unsuspecting girls. Zuko clenched his jaw. He wouldn’t let Jet get near Katara. He also couldn’t believe Katara would be so stupid as to get involved with someone like Jet!
He stood abruptly, gripping his fists until his knuckles were white.
Katara noticed his sudden change and quickly got off the phone. “Zuko, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he replied dryly. “I just need to get going.” Her hurt face sent pain through his heart once more, this time she didn’t cover it up with a smile, but narrowed her eyes at him. The cool blue eyes that held love and passion only moments ago now were filled with an intense anger.
“Is that the only reason you helped me?” She pointed back to the couch, referring to what just happened.
Zuko stepped towards her, still clenching his fists. “Of course not! I helped you ‘cause you needed it, not because I wanted something out of it!”
“So you don’t want me?” She folded her arms and glared at him.
Zuko let out an irritated grunt. Anything he said in response would be twisted against him. “Of course I want you! I’ve been trying to control myself all evening because you’re worth more than that.” Zuko breathed a sigh of relief at her face change from anger to surprise. “You’re not someone to be played with, Katara. You deserve someone who will treat you like the jewel you are, someone not like Jet.”
In an instant, he knew he had said the wrong thing. Her face changed from surprise back to fury, but he didn’t care. She didn’t know Jet like he did.
“Jet’s a great guy, you don’t know him.”
Zuko let out a sarcastic laugh. “No, you don’t know him. Not like I do.”
“You’re just jealous because Jet still has friends and everyone likes him.”
Zuko tried to control the hurt he felt from her stinging comment. He stepped up, inches away from her intense gaze. “I’m not jealous of a spoiled brat who uses people to get what he wants.” He scooped his hand behind her neck and kissed her harshly once more. “Good-bye, Katara.”
Leaning over her, he grabbed the chemistry notes and stalked out the door, not once looking back.
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