Katara hurried over to where Aang was lying in a similar bedroom. This one wasn't as grand, it had no fireplace. Just a double bed and a fire nation banner.
Aang wasn't hurt badly, just a few scrapes and bruises. He was also weak, from the lightning and everything else. He was awake and grinned at Katara when she came in. He didn't know what had happened between her and Zuko; he was never to know. It was just a silly little thing. Friends kiss, don't they? Especially after one friend had saved the other friends life... Of course they did.
Katara sighed and thought she may as well go the whole hog now. She had nothing to lose. She leaned down and pecked Aang lightly on the lips. "How are you?" She asked.
"Good I guess. Just tired." He grinned at her. She smiled a faint smile. She and Aang were meant to be, so why did she feel this way? She was very confused, and tired. She still wanted to sleep.
Aang yawned and she sighed again. "Aang, I think we should go." She couldn't stay around here, not with Zuko here. Too much temptation. "Maybe to Ba-Sing-Se? We could all live there, like a big happy family. I'll just go say goodbye to Zuko."
"Tell him I said hi, and that he'll be a great firelord." Aang said, nodding.
Katara walked down the hall and into Zuko's room. He had his back to her and was stroking the picture of Ursa with his fingers. She thought she saw a tear roll down his cheek but when she looked again it was gone.
"Zuko- I think it would be best if we left. With Aang and everything..." He jumped at the sound of her voice and turned around.
"Don't you want to stay for my coronation ceremony?" He asked, sounding hurt.
"Oh! I'm sorry, of course! I forgot all about it. When is it?" She said, sounding sheepish.
"Tomorrow. If I'm healed. Speaking of which, would you, um, like to heal me?" He felt very stupid. It was a silly thing to ask. He wouldn't be surprised if she said no, but instead she came over to him and pulled the water out of her canteen. Embarrassed, he took his shirt off and lay down. Healing was a very intimate thing and the fact he was sharing it with her was... strange.
She gently moved the water over his wound and then bandaged it up. He tried not to stare at her but he couldn't help it. It was like he was possessed, he thought. First the kiss, now this. But the funny thing was it seemed it was as if she was possessed too. And she liked it.
She sat down on the bed next to him and looked down at her hands. It was awkward, there was nothing to do or say. She didn't understand the feelings that were slowly pulling her carefully built world down.
Zuko was used to pain. He had accepted it long ago when it had seemed that he would live with pain his whole life. It was a usual, given thing. But the only time he felt relief was when this girl, the Avatar's waterbender, was in his arms. It was selfish, but he wanted her more often to come near him. Perhaps this was why he slid an arm around her back and gently cupped her chin with his hand. She looked up at him. She had been right; although she looked vulnerable, she certainly knew how to take care of herself. She was one of the youngest waterbending masters- she was only fourteen.
The two stared at each other. Then, slowly, they leaned in. Their lips touched for the briefest of moments, then came a shout from outside. Aang! He was yelling for Katara.
She stood up, yelled to him that she was coming. She faced Zuko, who stood too. She gently placed her hand on his scar, leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Don't forget. I'll be back, I promise you." She kissed his cheek, turned and ran out the door.
Zuko rubbed his scar. It was burning from her touch.