Now this is Zuko's side. She has her side of the story and Zuko has his. Thanks for the comments and thank you very much for reading. I could end it here, but if you want me to continue… please tell me! :)

MY HEARTBEAT

"Zuko!"

I was lying on the ground when I heard her scream. It was very unlike her to scream for my name like that. Mostly, I would her shout my name in anger. Or she would add threatening messages as she mentioned my name. But when she called my name, it's like she said a lot. How can she put a lot of emotions into just one word?

I felt her beside me, and I swear I heard her whimper. Right, she must be crying. I'm not dead, Katara. I'm just dying…

I gasped.

"Katara…"

I wanted to say her name, but all that comes out from my mouth were gasps, I was breathing heavily. My lungs might have been hit, or worse my heart. I tried to look at her, but all I see was the red sky, it felt like blood over me. Then I met her eyes. Whether she was thanking me, or praying for me, I wanted to touch her cheeks, and lie, 'I'm okay'. But my fingers just twitched, my arms were numb. I couldn't do anything.

Suddenly, everything was blurry. The red sky was getting darker. While everything else was black, her blue eyes shone right before me. For one more breathe of air, I closed my eyes.

Aah.

I felt her soft hands touch me. Her fingers were cloaked around with a warm liquid. She stroked my chest slowly. I could feel her hands trembling, she must be panicking.

It felt warm and nice… but the pain was overpowering. I wanted to see her. But I'm just too tired.

She moved her hands slowly. I felt something painful in my ribs, ah! That hurt. It must have been a little dislocated. But they were just bones. What I fear was my heart. It was hit by lightning after all.

A heartbeat. Even I know that my pulse is slowing.

I'm sorry.

I began tracing the first time I've met the water bender. It was in South Pole. She was terrified that time. Then her brother tried defending their tribe. After putting him aside, I then met the Avatar. He gave himself up, just for the sake of the Water Tribe. I felt fulfilled. For at last I can go home. But after so, he managed to get away. And I was angry.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry.

I chased them all over the world, as much as my ship could allow. Then I came across the water bender's necklace. I knew it was hers; it was gleaming with the light whenever I'd see it. Then when I found her, I tied her to a tree. It was not very nice of me to do, but my hunger to go home over-clouded my judgment. And I am now sorry.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry.

I felt her fingers twitched a little. Then I remembered the time we fought in the Northern Water Tribe. If I were asked who would win, I'd say none. We can go on and on and on. Not stopping. Because she's strong and skilled. And she can heal herself. While for me, physical pain is nothing. We can fight forever and not stop. But the Avatar was my target, not her.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry.

I thought everything was about to change in Ba Sing Se. But then we were attacked and I got trapped in a cave with her. She knew I was changed. She offered help to heal my scar. But then Azula talked me out of it. I was a fool to believe her. So I turned against the Avatar. That is how I know why Katara hates me that much; it was because I betrayed them.

Ugh. I opened my eyes. Something had struck inside me, it was painful.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry, Katara.

I turned to her, lifting my head a little. I tried smiling at her, not to make her worry. But her eyes were overflowing with tears. She tried her best to smile. I felt relieve, I closed my eyes again. I'm exhausted.

Suddenly everything was black. But I felt lightning inside me again, my heart was aching. I woke up from it. My world was turning around. It was painful. I couldn't take this.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry, Katara.

I traced back memories of her once again. When I came to them. She was the last person to believe me. I can't blame her though. But she was though to please.

I wanted to laugh at the thought, but she was working with my muscles I can't even force a smile.

I tried lowering my pride as much as I could, but I needed some dignity as well. I tried helping her find her mother's killer. When we successfully found the murderer, she did not do away with him. But it was not her fault. She cannot forgive him, but she did forgive me. And I was happy when she embraced me, accepting me not just the Avatar's fire bending teacher, but as well as a friend.

A heartbeat.

I'm sorry, Katara.

I can't let her die. I was the one who asked her to come with me to fight Azula. If she was to hit by lightning, I wouldn't be able to heal her. And if I were struck instead, she might be able to heal me and cure me. But if she failed, at least she tried.

But I didn't have the time to think that way when Azula began striking. All I could ever think that time was I can't let her get hurt. I'm glad I took it for her.

I'm sorry, Katara. For all I've done.

A heartbeat.

I'm really, really sorry, Katara… and everyone…

I left my nation. I left my family. I left Mai. I'm sorry, Mai. But I have to do this. I have to do what is right. Whatever happens to me right now is not important. At least in my heart I know I did the right thing, and that Uncle has forgiven me.

Am I an idiot for doing this? I didn't care.

A heartbeat.

Katara…

If I make it through this, I am forever in debt to you, Katara.

A heartbeat.

Katara… I

I can feel at ease. Though there are still traces of pain, I feel a bit relieved. Agni… ah. She's making me feel a whole lot better. Thank you, Spirits. Katara is such an amazing water bender. A great friend. A beautiful person. Katara… oh Katara. I feel much better already.

A heartbeat

Katara… I think…

I remember how big your blue eyes can be. You would smile and those sapphire spheres would shine. When you're scared, your cerulean orbs would tremble. When I just joined you, your eyes never left me. Though it was awkward, I miss that. Two cobalt big round eyes following me around. I miss that, Katara. I would like to see them once again, and stare at them.

A heartbeat

I think… I…

Your mocha colored skin looked pretty with your blue outfit. Your waist is in perfect height for my hands to rest. Your fingers are soft; I'd love to touch them. I felt your hug before, it was warm. I want to squeeze you in my arms again. If I am allowed that is. I'll gather as much energy as I can to stand up again.

A heartbeat

I think I love you…

My scar. Father's unique gift. I don't like it. Whenever someone sees me, they think I'm a monster. I don't like that. I, too, feel hurt. Katara was the only one who offered to heal me, though it was clearly impossible for me. But I also learned that healing this won't be healing me. This scar would remind me that I am good.

Now I got me a new scar. This is Azula's fault. But I was the one who took it for Katara, so I guess it is also mine as well. And this scar means I've done something great. This scar is how saved Katara. This wound right above my heart is her. And if I would wake up, and be alright, I'd love to take her hand, entwine my fingers with hers, and go wherever she wishes to.

A heartbeat.

I love you, Katara!

I twinge. Slowly cracking his eyes open. Finally, I'm fine. I'm awake. I'm alright. And I'm with her.

She was on her knees, crying as she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Katara."