Arranged

Six: Something New

*Zuko's POV*

"To Sokka." I said, quietly. Hoping that this dinner would soon be over. I can't stand being in the same room as my father, if i can even call him that. 

"Louder!" The Fire Lord yelled. I winced at the volume of my father's domineering voice.

"To Sokka!" I shouted. How dare he force me to raise my glass to some insolent captain from the Water Tribe; I am the future Fire Lord for crying out loud. Suddenly I threw my cup to the ground and stomped out of the dining room. I am so angry that I could burn this palace down. How could he do that to me; especially in front of Katara. She probably thinks I am a hot headed spoiled prince; however, I haven't done anything that would convince her otherwise. I can't help but get angry when I am disrespected, especially by my own father. Ozai has taught me to be just like him and I hate it. I want to be like my Uncle Iroh; kind, wise and brave. He is the exact opposite of the man I call "father". My Uncle however has been fighting the war in Ba Sing Se so I haven't seen him in a great while and that has taken a toll on me. I need his guidance to navigate my feelings about me being the future Firelord and about Katara. 

Katara is an innocent in all this and I treat her as if she is the reason for all of my problems. That is not right. I want her to forgive me for all of the things I have done, but I feel as if I am too far gone. I have done so many things that have made her hate me; tonight is no help either. 

I stormed into my chambers and plopped into my head. I put my head in my hands. Why do bad things always happen to me? Why am I the target of ridicule here? Suddenly there is a knock on the door. I yell for the person to come in. 

It is Katara. 

I quickly sat up in my bed and looked at her with a puzzled face.

"Hi." she simply said. I smirked at her greeting. 

"I wanted to say I was sorry for the way I've been acting around you" She said while walking toward me. Then, she sat on my bed close next to me

"I haven't made things pleasant either." I chuckled. 

"I know but if we want to make this work, we both need to suck in out pride and communicate. We shouldn't respond to anger with more anger." Katara said. I shook my head "yes" and she let out a small smile. 

"Glad we understand each other." She said. She started to stand up but I lightly grabbed her wrist. Katara looked at me with confusion. I began to stand up. I looked into her crystal blue eyes; they are as beautiful as I remember. I leaned down and grabbed the small of her chin. I put my lips onto hers and the room suddenly was on fire. I could feel her hesitation turn into certainty as we kissed. I broke the embrace to see Katara blushing, I smiled. 

"I hope you'll accept my apology." I said. She nodded her head "yes" and began to exit the room. She turned to me and waved goodbye and I waved back. 

I can feel that there is something developing in me, something new.