The blue dragon lunged at Zuko, opening its mouth wide. Zuko could almost feel those myriad teeth digging into his skin.

He sat up fast, digging his nails into his palms. He shook his head, staring around the little room with tired eyes. Then he stretched and stood, shaking his shaggy hair with his fingers.

He felt... better. He smiled.

He sniffed the air and smelled something amazing. Uncle must be cooking.

He wandered into the large kitchen. Uncle leaned over the stove, stirring a pot. Zuko rubbed the sleep from his eyes and smiled.

"What's that smell?"

"It's Juk. I'm sure you wouldn't like it."

Zuko walked over to it and breathed deep. It smelled really good. "Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle."

Uncle blinked, then went back to stirring.

"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow."

Zuko laughed as Uncle scooped some Juk into his bowl. "It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle."

And Kara... Kara loves me.

His smile widened as he sat at the table. Which reminded him....

"Where's Kara?"

"She went to the market to get a few things. She should be back soon."

Zuko sipped from his bowl and stared out the window. They hadn't really talked about what had happened in the base. Zuko had gotten sick, and now... now all he knew was that things were brighter today than they'd been in a long time.

**__**

Toph listened with ever-growing impatience and anger as the two idiots who'd kidnapped her argued.

"I believe we need to go right!"

"What are you talking about? The Bei Fong estate's this way."

"I'm quite certain you're mistaken."

Toph pounded on the metal walls of her moving prison.

"Hey! Can you two old ladies stop your bickering for a second? I gotta go to the bathroom!" She held her breath, hoping they would take the bait.

"Oh. Okay, but, make it quick!"

"What's wrong with you?" The Boulder's voice dashed her hopes.

"Oh, very sneaky, Toph! Nice try, but you can't trick me!"

Toph pounded some more. "Let me out of here so I can kick both your butts!"

"Quit your banging! You might think you're the greatest earthbender in the world, but even you can't bend metal!"

And the wagon started moving again.

Toph sighed and placed a hand on the cold metal wall.

Nothing.

She had to get out of here!

**__**

I've only got a few minutes before the Grand Opening, so I hurry down the street with my basket of fruits, spices, and an adorable necklace that I couldn't resist. It has a metal Earth Kingdom symbol tied to a dark green ribbon. It called to me. I couldn't resist. I dart through the back door of the shop with seconds to spare. I can hear the front doors creak open.

And a crowd pours into the Jasmine Dragon.

I hear them through the walls, and I smile, snatching up my apron and tying it on. Zuko appears through the doorway. I bite my lip. I'm not sure how to react, what to do. "You're better. That's... good."

"Yeah. Can we talk?"

He wants to talk? Now?

"Later. We don't want to miss Uncle's opening!" With that I push past him and into the main room of the tea shop.

I stop beside Uncle, dressed in his new finery. He smiles at me. "Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Kara, and life will reward you."

I smile. "Congratulations, Uncle!"

"I'm very thankful."

Zuko stops on Uncle's other side. "You deserve it! The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city." I blink at him. No moody Zuko? That's good. Isn't it? I'm not sure what to think.

"No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know."

Zuko leaned forward and hugged Uncle. I stared as he leaned back and grinned. Grinned! How I have missed that grin!

"Now let's make these people some tea!"

"Yes! Let's make some tea!"

And they both disappear into the back room. I shake my head. Sometimes I don't understand him at all. But this is a good change. It has to be.

I hope it will be!

I hurry into the back room and wash my hands. As I dry them on a fluffy towel, I glance up and meet my own eyes in the mirror.

And I realize something.

The reason that boy's eyes were so familiar.

They were my eyes.

________

Meh. :) What think you? TELL ME!! Lol.

Sorry there's no update date today- I'm using my BlackBerry!! I just got it yesterday... :) anywho, when I have five comments from you all, I will update. :) however keep in mind that this ends at 10 tonight, because that's my bedtime and when I turn off my phone. :)

-Tess