At the Jasmine Dragon 7

At the Jasmine Dragon
Chapter Seven: Caught

"Funny how your job is cleaning here when you don't even clean at home," Katara said with a laugh as Sokka wiped the empty tables and straightened magazines.

"I'm saving my energy for here," Sokka calmly retorted.

"Yeah, right."

"Whatever, anyway I'm off in about fifteen, want me to hang around and study till you're done?" Sokka asked leaning against the counter.

"No, it's okay," Katara shook her head and handed him the napkin dispenser she finished filling. "No sense in you waiting for me for four hours. Just leave Appa here, he can walk home with me."

"Alright, I guess nine's not that late. I'll save you some pizza." Sokka placed the dispenser on one of the tables as he headed to the back to do one last load of dishes before heading home.

"Your brother worries about you?" Katara jumped, she hadn't even heard Zuko come up behind her. "Scare you?" he laughed.

"You surprised me," she said haughtily. "Yeah, he does. Ever since Mom died he's taken it upon himself to 'protect' me. What about you? Do you have any siblings?"

"I have a younger sister."

"Oh, so then I guess you kinda see things the same way Sokka does."

"Well, my mother died as well, but I never saw Azula as the type to need protection. She's a very strong person, and we never really got along as kids," he explained. "After moving to live with Uncle I rarely saw her."

"Zuko, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

"It's alright. Can't change the past, or run from it." Katara watched him walk away and for the first time she realized just how dark and painful his past must be.

"Okay I'm off- Are you okay?" Sokka asked, stopping so face Katara on the opposite side of the counter, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine, just thinking. So what kind of pizza are you taking home?"

"I was thinking meat lovers with extra meat for me," Katara wrinkled her nose so Sokka continued with a sigh. "And either vegetarian for Aang or cheese."

"Hmm, can you get both? I'm in the mood for cheese. Got enough money?" she asked reaching into her pocket.

"Yeah, I got. See ya later."

***

The shift passed quickly and soon it was almost closing time. Zuko was about to lock the front door when three girls came in. The tallest girl had her black hair done in two buns and would have been cute if she had any emotion on her face and didn't have that black lipstick while the second girl wore all pink with her brown hair in a high pony tail. The third, and apparent leader, wore her dark hair up as well and wore black and red like her goth friend, but it didn't seem so dark on her.

"We're closing," Zuko told them bluntly.

"Oh come on now, we just came to talk," the leader said. Zuko glanced back to where Katara stood, broom in hand, waiting for him to tell her if she should start sweeping or not yet.

"Fine, we'll talk outside. Katara, I'll be right back." Katara nodded and watched him go outside. She had no idea who the girls were, but the queen bee resembled Zuko a little. Maybe that's his sister? Then, who are the other two girls? It's none of my business. Katara went about sweeping and was nearly finished when she glanced up and caught sight of Zuko and the goth looking girl deep in a kiss. Katara held back a gasp and looked away, quietly continuing her work even after she heard Zuko come back in.

"Hey, you can go ahead if you want. I know you've got pizza waiting for you," Zuko told her, gently taking the broom from her hands.

"Right, thanks," she said softly. "I'll see you in class on Monday then. Bye." Katara hurried to the back and grabbed Appa's leash before heading to get the fluffy dog. She left through the back door and as she made her way around the shop she glanced in the window and was surprised to see the three girls sitting in one of the booths. What do I care? she thought rebelliously. It's not like we're dating or anything. We've hung out a few times and almost kissed once, weeks ago. I shouldn't feel anything...

Appa whined and pawed at her knee, snapping her out of her thoughts. She smiled weakly at the dog and scratched him behind the ears.

"It's alright. C'mon, let's go home. I'll bet Sokka saved you the crusts," she told the sheepdog as they jogged home, leaving hopes Katara didn't even know she had behind.