Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, or any of its characters.
Zuko gazed around the small room at the Western Air Temple, a small smile on his lips. It was very different from his expansive suite at the Royal Palace, but he didn't mind. In time, that small room would become more of a home to him than the Royal Palace ever was. He finally felt as if he had finally accomplished something meaningful, something good. He had now shown the Avatar that he had changed, this time for good. He gently unpacked the few belongings that he brought with him, among them being a portrait of his uncle.
If only he could see him here now, joining the Avatar. He would be so proud. Zuko would be able to tell him how sorry he was in helping Azula and how he was beginning to understand all of the things he had heard from him…
"If you keep an open mind, and an open heart, I promise that you will find your own destiny one day," Iroh had told Zuko a little over three years ago, when his banishment first began.
Someday, he will see Uncle Iroh again, and tell him…
Suddenly, he saw someone standing in the doorway. It was Katara. He stood up, wondering what she was going to say. Her eyes were as hard as the stone in her mother's betrothal necklace. She sneered, "You might have the others here buying your…transformation, but you and I both know that you struggled with doing the right thing in the past." She walked closer, being as rigid as a statue. "So let me tell you something right now. You take one step backward, one slip-up, give me one reason to believe that you might hurt Aang, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore." Zuko recoiled, as if Katara was a dangerous snake ready to strike. She continued, speaking each word with disdain, "Because I will make sure that your destiny ends, right then and there, permanently." She turned around and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Zuko sighed, his head hanging. Katara obviously didn't believe him, and he could not blame her. He was afraid that she would do something like this, but it could have been a lot worse. She could have told the Avatar not to let him join, and then he would be shut out of the group. Given how much she despised him, she could have just come into the room and attacked him. But she just gave him a strict warning, and left Zuko somewhat relieved.
He sank onto the bed, holding his head in his hands. How can I convince Katara that she can trust me? He had convinced her once before, and then went and blew it.
Someday, and hopefully someday soon, I'll do something that will convince her. After she sees me teach the Avatar firebending, maybe she'll see that I am actually good this time. Maybe…But if she still does not believe me after that, I will show her, somehow…
Zuko could not help but hope. Perhaps Katara would come to trust him…maybe someday.
Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you think! This is my first A:TLA fanfic, so I could really use some feedback. Thanks! ; )