Pure Drabble.
"I will never forgive the man who took my mother from me," Katara said, eyes glazing over as she held back her brimming tears. Aang reached out a hand hesitantly, and then dropped it, heaving a sigh.
"Forgiveness isn't easy," Aang mumbled as he clutched his staff. Sniffling, Katara looked up at Zuko with hooded eyes.
"You're right." Her voice was barely a whisper. The banished prince, son of the Fire Lord, heir to the legacy of death and dispair in the world - all of these titles Katara had tacked onto Zuko. They were his burden; she used to rationalize that after months of chasing them that Zuko deserved to be the outcast she made him. She loathed that Aang needed a firebending teacher and Zuko was the only viable option.
Zuko, the one who held her captive. The one who stole her mother's necklace.
His scar; it reflected more than his exile. It reflected his pain. She gave him burdens to carry, but he had his own. Although his past unknown, the road he'd taken was clear in the bevels etched into his skin. Like an artist's stroke, the pink and white scar tissue danced under his black hair. His eyes filled with so much pain, yet so much hope.
Zuko had helped Katara find her mother's murderer - to gain her approval!
Zuko had betrayed her in Ba Sing Se…
But even the regret of that betrayal reflected in her eyes.
"I won't forgive my mother's killer," Katara stated firmly. Eyes softening, she took a few steps closer to Zuko. "But I do forgive you."
It was as if Zuko had been holding his breath, watching her expression shift from anger to kindness. With a sigh of relief, his grimace faded. In a moment, Katara's arms were suddenly wrapped around him, clinging to his back as a cheek pressed against his chest. The shock faded to content, as he let his arms rest on her hips.
When she finally released him, Zuko felt warmness in his stomach as she gave him one final gaze. The wordless exchange made his throat swell, even as their eyes parted and she walked away.
Her eyes said thank you.