Skinny Love

Tensions Resurfaced

Zuko POV

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My breath hitched in my throat when I saw Katara enter the dining chamber with Toph just in front of her.

She said something, but I was too focused to the slender Watertribe girl in front of me.

Of course she had to be scantily dressed.

I'm not sure what is was about Katara that attracted me. True, she was beautiful, but she was only a child.

All I'm certain of is that these lustful attractions all started during the invasion of the Northern Watertribe.

She had obviously found a master, transforming her bending abilities into their destined potential.

"Prince Zuko, how about you show these fine young ladies to their seats." Uncle gestured from next to me, looking between us as if to clarify what he meant.

"Katara you're next to my uncle and Toph you're across from Katara." I grumbled, agitated with how distracted I had become.

He sent a glare of displeasure my way before restoring his cheerful demeanor and making small talk with the guests.

"Where is Sokka and The Avatar?" I interrupted rudely, earning another glare from my uncle.

I wasn't in the mood for pleasantries, and just wanted to rest before my coronation tomorrow. So of course this was all of Iroh's idea, greatly to my distaste.

"What's your problem Zuko?" Toph crossed her arms, squaring her broad shoulders.

I swear, this girl had a major attitude issue. Although I couldn't complain because it was rather refreshing to have someone who wasn't goody goody all of the time.

That was another turning point in the relationship between me and Katara.

When she was so determined to find the man who ultimately broke her family apart, I could understand and connect with her just like the instance before in the crystal catacombs of Ba Sing Se.

But these thoughts only momentarily distracted me from my growing anger.

"My problem," I pointed a finger to my chest roughly "My problem is that I don't want to be here exchanging small talk with you. My life is hard enough as it is without having to come to these celebratory....whatever the hell this is. So please, excuse me."

Somewhere in that complaint I had stood up, my hands gripping the table.

Uncle Iroh looked thoroughly shocked and displeased.

Toph looked as if she was scheming another sarcastic retort.

And Katara-

"You know what Zuko, we're all struggling a little bit here, so I suggest you get over how hard your life is." Katara's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, her voice louder and higher than usual.

Uncle opened his mouth to say something, but Katara had already stormed out of the room, pushing past the crowd who had gathered at the door.

Sokka and Aang both stood awkwardly with huge grins plastered on their faces.

"Sorry we're late."