Katara's threat had been intimidating enough, but Zuko might have been able to cope with it. He didn't intend to hurt Aang or betray them again, so there was no reason she would need to "end him", as she'd so eloquently put it.

But all throughout dinner, Sokka and The Duke kept shooting him dirty looks while Toph made a big deal of complaining about her feet. Teo and Haru were content to ignore him, thankfully, but he knew they didn't exactly trust him either. So far, Aang was the only one to treat him kindly, and it was more likely out of respect for his teacher than wanting to be friends.

That night, after everyone else had gone to sleep, he sat outside the temple, back to the wall as he vented to the only member of the group who actually seemed to like him and trust him so far.

"Maybe this iwasn't/i the right thing to do after all," he sighed. "What do you think, Appa? I'm sure there's other ways to end the war and take my father down, right?"

The bison could only blink in response, and Zuko sighed.

"I know I'm being a little selfish, wanting them to trust me so easily," he said. "I know I've hardly given them any reason to before now...let's face it, saving them from that assassin and rescuing you doesn't exactly make up for months of chasing them and trying to capture Aang." He closed his eyes. "And what I did to them in Ba Sing Se..."

Appa gave a sympathetic grunt, lumbering closer and pressing his muzzle against Zuko's shoulder, sort of a comforting gesture. Zuko smiled a little.

"I guess I just want to feel accepted for once in my life," he said. "I've always either been rejected or had to lie in order to fit in."

Appa gave a critical grunt.

"I know, it's gonna take time for them to trust me and realize I'm on their side now," Zuko said. "But what if they never do? What if they trust me but they still don't like me? What if-"

The bison nudged him, and Zuko laughed sheepishly.

"You're right," he sighed, "no use in getting worked up over 'what ifs'." He leaned against Appa's side. "Just take it one day at a time, I guess." He smiled. "Thanks, Appa. You're a really good listener!"

The bison simply gave a huge yawn in response, and laid down to sleep.