Zuko POV
I couldn't believe it. It was finally over, and we had won! The earth kingdom was safe, the fires were put out, and my father was powerless (and bending-less) in jail where he belonged. I felt a rush of relief at the thought. It felt amazing to know that he couldn't hurt anyone else ever again. In the back of my mind I wondered why Aang didn't just kill him, but I couldn't bring myself to ask. It didn't matter now anyway, without his bending Ozai could do no harm and for that I was grateful.
I carefully tried to put on my ceremonial robes for my coronation, but my injuries were making it difficult. I flinched as I tried to put my arm in the second sleeve. As I reached down to make another attempt I heard the door to my room open.
Maggie? I thought excitedly as I turned. The monotone voice that came to my ears let me know who it was immediately. I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of disappointment.
"Need any help with that?"
"Mai! You're out of prison?" I smiled and she walked over to me. She turned me around and helped me with the rest of my robes and sashes. I turned to look at her again and was surprised with a kiss. Shocked by her action I stepped back and gave her a hard glare. Not harsh, but serious.
"Mai we need to talk about this. About us."
"What do you mean? I know you 'broke up with me'," She added air quotes then continued,
"But first of all it was in a letter, and I thought you just did it to protect me!"
She stepped closer and I put my hands up defensively. I was starting to worry about her throwing knives at me so I chose my words carefully.
"Mai I meant what I said. I genuinely think that we should break up to spare your feelings. I already met someone else…"
I could feel my heart sink at the devastating look in her eyes. The moment lasted for about two seconds before the puppy eyes were replaced with those of a piranha. Her voice was shaking when she replied,
"But I thought you loved me? What, you just changed your mind?"
"No, it's not like that. I do love you, just not in a romantic way. You're my best friend and I don't want to lose you, but I can't date you while I'm in love with someone else."
The ever-gloomy girl had nothing to say to that. I saw her lips trembling, but she controlled the glassy tears filling her eyes. She turned abruptly and walked to the door. Before she walked out she turned to me and spoke with ice in her voice,
"You're going to regret this. I'll make damn sure of that."
And with that she walked out and slammed the door behind her, leaving me with the feeling of ice in my veins.