Zuko x Reader: Fire and Ice

Chapter 12: Secrets and Lies

Katara's POV

I made it back to the palace nearly out of breath. I'm just so shocked at what I witnessed! Are Zuko and Y/N dating? No, no, that's silly...Is it? Um, duh, of course it is! They must be acquaintances or something. Friends, maybe? Whatever they are--why didn't Y/N just tell me about it? There was a time where the mere mention of Zuko's name would get her fired up! Regardless of the reason, we never used to keep secrets from one another. So...what's changed? It's not like her to lie about anything. Well, I still have a few hours left to kill, so I guess I'll explore the Upper Ring of the city, making sure to avoid Y/N and...ugh, Zuko. 

Or...

Y/N's POV

Phew, it's been a busy day! I love this job, but I'll be so happy to lie down on that huge ultra soft bed back at the palace. I'm on my break right now, so I'm just sitting at one of the outdoor tables. I look at my glass of water and form three tiny little bubbles. Then, I levitate them into the air and spin them around. Hey, it kind of looks like my cup is juggling! I get so distracted that I don't even notice when someone approaches me. 

"Hey, what are you doing?" Startled, I drop my bubbles onto the floor. I turn around and see Zuko. "Hey! I'm just sitting here, bored. As you can tell."

"Yeah, it's been a long day. My uncle is going out to dinner with some customer he met. Wanna go eat somewhere?"

"Oh, like where?"

"Hmm...there's a popular restaurant here in the Upper Ring. Hayong's. Wanna give it a try?"

"Why not? Let's go!"

~~~

We made it to the entrance of the building. The restaurant looked a lot bigger on the inside than on the outside. I looked around and noticed there were people dancing, live chefs, and music! The place was also beautifully decorated, which was easily the cherry on top. "Wow, this place is beautiful! I can't believe I've never heard of it!"

"Yeah. I only heard about it a few days ago." A hostess walked up to us, greeted us, and led us to a nice table next to a window.

"Alright, you two lovebirds, what would you like to drink?" 

Zuko looked at me then back at the waitress. "Water is fine."

"Same here."

"Okay, I'll be back with your waters!"

I looked back at Zuko. "Lovebirds? Why do people keep assuming we're dating? Can't a guy and a girl just be friends? Yeesh."

"I mean, yeah, but from other perspectives, it might look like we're...romantically involved?"

"Ahh, way to make it awkward."

"To be fair, you did kiss me back in that lake."

"Um, no, no, no, I do not recall making the first move. I'm pretty sure it was 100% mutual. Besides, I didn't ask you to kiss me! And I didn't hear you complain afterwards." Oooh, look at how red his face is! "Aww, am I making you blush?!"

"Shut it."

"I will not be silenced!" Then, Zuko rolled his eyes at me as everyone around us looked at our table. "Oh. Sorry. Awkward." 

The waitress had come back with our drinks. Simultaneously, we thanked her. "Alright, now, what would you two like to eat?"

???'s POV

I noticed the two of them from the window. So, this is where they went? What is this? I decided to sit inside so that I'd be able to hear them. A hostess approached me. "Hello, Sir. Here's your menu. What would you like to drink?"