Steam: An Avatar Story

Chapter 19

Katara curled under the pelts in her room, hurt by what she saw, but mostly angry. How could he do that to her? How can he be doing that now? She got out of the healer cave today, she would've thought maybe he'd be happy to see her, not with a random girl. Is that what he was doing all day that he never bothered to come visit her again? Was he really that angry about their mishap in the cave?

Her cheeks were wet. Was she crying? She should not be crying about this, he has every right to do whatever the hell he wants. He didn't owe anything to her.

Still tired from her injuries, emotionally and physically, Katara slipped into a restless sleep.

Her door opened a little while later, waking her gently. Katara blinked her eyes open, squinting at the figure highlighted by the torches behind him. Gold eyes flashed, and Katara's breath hitched, then she got angry. It was Zuko.

"What do you want Zuko?" Katara snapped, not wanting to deal with the prince right now.

"I came to check on you. You didn't come out for dinner."

"I wonder why," Katara muttered angrily.

"Katara, what are you talking about?"

"I can feel you thinking about the cave. Do us both a favor and put that out of your mind. I did. I'm sure you have other—things—to attend to." A muscle in Zuko's jaw twitched. "Tell me something Zuko, did you even get her name before you lured her into your bed?"

"Lured..? For Agni's sake Katara, you make me sound like some villain who is just bedding unknowing girls left and right!" Katara clenched her fists and rose from her bed, getting in Zuko's face.

"I don't trust any of them! How can you spend your time with them? She's a councilors daughter!" Zuko leaned closer to her, golden eyes hard with anger.

"I don't care who she is!" Zuko yelled.

"If she finds out who you are, we are FINISHED here!" Katara growled. "You can't seriously be thinking you'll be with her!"

"She's not going to find out Katara!" Zuko's nose was inches away from her own now. "It's not like I'm going to marry this girl!" She could feel the heat radiating off his body. "And why do you even care? We owe each other nothing." Zuko's eyes widened as he seemed to understand. "You're jealous,"

"I am not!" Katara snapped. "I have Beck." A fraction of a second, but his eyes seemed to shatter. They hardened an instant later, cold and steely once more.

"How is he any better Katara? He's the chief's nephew. And Agni knows that boy does not like or trust me. What happens if he decides to turn me in to Arnook?"

"He wouldn't," Katara said coldly.

"He would Katara, because he hates me. He hates my nation. He hates my father, but he loves you. If he thought for a second he'd have a better chance with you if I'm not around, he wouldn't hesitate to get me out of the picture." Katara didn't miss what he said, but her heart fluttered. She would need to investigate that later.

Beck was funny, kind, and sweet. He made her laugh, and it's no secret he was handsome. Katara did like him. Her heart always felt warm and soft when she was near him. He made her forget her problems, and treated her like a person, not the Avatar. And he was always so patient with her.

"Why on earth would he ever need to get you out of the picture Zuko? You said yourself. We don't owe each other anything. Unless you're jealous of my relationship with Beck!" Katara stepped back slightly, trying to take in his reaction.