Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar, the Last Airbender, or any of it's characters or concepts. It's called Fan Fiction for a reason. And may Mike and Brian be blessed by whatever's out there. I am so jealous. Wow, that was a long disclaimer.
This is my first Fanfic. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Unless you really think It sucks and feel the urge to flame. BRING IT ON.
A Full Confession
Zuko pulled himself over the top of the cliff that hid the Western Air Temple. Grunting with exhaustion, he collapsed to the ground. He began muttering to himself.
"Ugh…all I…wanted…was…some…food." He pulled himself to his feet. Next time I'll get that little blind girl to bend me up here, he thought, overlooking the fact that he had horribly burned her feet.
The disowned Prince (He did zap his dad with lightning) strode purposefully through the forest. A few days ago he had found a plum tree near the campsite of the "Foot-Roasting Incident" as Sokka referred to it, or "Offense Number 13" as Katara called it, or "just another mistake" as the Avatar -Aang- called it. Toph referred to the accident in a…profane manner. Zuko had never heard most of those words before he met the tiny Earthbender. How old was she again? He could never remember. Her swearing threw him out of perspective.
As Zuko passed his old campsite in the direction of the plum tree, he thought he heard someone talking. The voice was distorted, it could easily be a soldier. Or Azula.
Shit!!! Scary thought! He attempted to duck down behind a bush, only to trip himself on a root. The Fire Nation prince leapt up cursing.
"Mother fu-" His voice died in his throat when he saw the source of the voice.
Why would Aang be talking to himself in such a distraught way? Or hitting his head against a tree? He needed to listen closer.
"Crap…crap…so stupid…"The Airbender sobbed. "She's…she's…avoiding me. Avoiding me!!" He slammed his head into the tree again. The Firebender could see the edges of his tattoos glowing faintly. I've never seen him so…depressed, Zuko thought. He's always so bubbly… Tears were streaming down the Avatar's cheeks.
"I probably ruined our friendship! She only kissed me to get out of the cave!" He cried. Wow. He actually got that far with her? I never would have guessed…nice!!
"She looked away…she must…hate me!" The arrows on the Aang's head and arms were getting pretty bright. The prince stepped out of the foliage, interrupting the Airbender in mid-sob.
"Ava-…Aang, that's enough." He said. Aang whipped around, startled. When he saw who had spoken however, his expression reverted and he turned away.
"Go away, Zuko." The voice that had so recently been filled with anticipation at learning Firebending was clouded in grief. He spoke the prince's name in a scornful tone that surprised both of them.
"Just tell me what's wrong." Zuko winced as the word's left his mouth. That wasn't supposed to sound so much like a demand…
"I…k-kissed Katara before the invasion…it's like she forgot…she hasn't said anything about it…I…I'll never get a chance with someone like her…" The Avatar's voice cracked during the final statement. Zuko could see more tears welling up when he turned. His face was grief-stricken, full of resentment. There was no otherworldly rage. Only helplessness.
Crap…I wish I was better with kids, he thought.
"Aang, you shouldn't…I mean, don't worry." He tentatively put his hand on the Airbender's shoulder. "I mean, I've been hanging out with you guys for about a week, and I don't know any of you very well, but I have noticed that you and the Water-er, Katara, have this weird…I don't know. Connection." Aang's frown softened a bit.
"I might be wrong. It's not like I have frightening powers of foresight…" Aang smiled and chuckled a tiny bit.
"But even if I am, don't freak out. First crushes don't last forever. I had to leave behind my girlfriend, Mai, to come help you guys. I really liked her. I might even love her. And Sokka had some kind of relationship with that Kyoshi Warrior that Azula captured, right? And so far, Sokka hasn't noticed Toph's feelings. At least I don't think he has…" He trailed off when he saw Aang's expression. The torrent of negative emotions had vanished. In their place was happy, content Aang, the way everyone knew him.
"Thanks, Zuko. You have good speaking skills. But it's not a crush." The Avatar used his sleeve to wipe away the tears on his face. Then he was gone, rushing back to the Temple as fast as his Airbending could take him. Which was pretty fast. Zuko let out a sigh of relief. He never knew he was capable of giving such a speech.
"Wait, TOPH LIKES SOKKA!!??"
I think all us fans know that if A.T.L.A. was more realistic, Ms. Beifong would be swearing like a sailor. And there would be blood. And Ty Lee would be Bi. Maybe Azula.
Ah, Nickelodeon.