Challenge Fic for Kunitsu on Aarinfantasy

Chapter 6 (Based on the epsiode "The Awakening")

Title: Could we have been…?

Author: dragonkat

Pairing: Zuko/Aang

Summary: What if Zuko had talked with Aang at the end of "The Blue Spirit." Could their relationship progress into something more as they traveled all over the world because of that one little moment? References/Spoilers to Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (up to the finale now)

Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender belongs to the gods of creation known as Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. I'm just burrowing it all for a spell.

WC: 4,683

AN: I know I said last time that we'd just breeze through season three…well I changed my mind. First I'm going to do a bigger chapter here based on the first episode of season three and introduce a new…plot device that might have some of you hunting me down. After this I think I'll have a Zuko – centric chapter detailing what happens to him leading up to the eclipse, and then a huge chapter there. Things are sure going to get interesting now that I've thrown canon pretty much out the window, at least for Zuzu.

In regards to this chapter…well I keep surprising myself as I write this thing, that's for sure. Last chapter Katara came in which I wasn't expecting…and now this chapter we have someone unexpected appearing and playing a part in this rollercoaster ride…so uh…be prepared.

Oh and also, I'm taking out that whole thing with Katara being mad at her dad, it seemed a little out there for me, I understand her feelings, but there were too many other times she was eager to see her father, and there were no feelings of anger there. I understand why it was there but I'm taking it out…this is my fic so I get to do anything I want right…right?

Ah well, hope ya'll enjoy, feel free to hunt me down at the end of this.

Drip. Clank. Drip. Drip. Clank. Murmur. Cough. Drip. Clank.

It was a strange rhythm that continued day in and day out…he had had plenty of time to hear it over the past few days in this metal cell aboard his sister's ship. Some days the rhythm changed if the guards switched places or more water leaked into his cell, and he yearned for it.

Because the monotony of being in that cell was going to slowly drive him mad.

That or the loss of his fire bending.

Zuko shifted in his sitting position, fingering the bands wrapped around his arms and legs. Each strong leather band had short rounded rods of metal pressing into his skin, each one pinching a different nerve, cutting off his connection to his fire but still allowing him to move. Apparently the devices were something his own sister had designed, taking points from Ty Lee's method of fighting. His uncle, who was in a cell as well on this ship, was also equipped with the bands.

He hadn't seen his uncle in days, nor anyone else. The only human contact he had was someone shoving a meager meal through a hatch at the bottom of the metal door to his cell. While Zuko liked his privacy…this was too much. If he had his fire bending he would have been out of this cell already, rescuing his uncle and off to find Aang…but it wasn't possible.

So Zuko sat, unchained in his prison, waiting to find out what would happen next.

One day, about a week after Ba Sing Se fell and he was separated from Aang, the ship stopped at a dock. Zuko stood to look out his tiny porthole, curious to see what was happening. He saw the boarding ramp from his little window, and he watched as the ship was re-supplied…and new prisoners were brought on…all of them girls. Zuko raised an eyebrow at this, wondering what these girls could have done to warrant them being captured and taken to the Fire Nation as war prisoners.

Zuko was brought from his musings with a gasp as he heard the key fitting into the lock of his cell. He turned, shocked enough not to make a break for the opening he was granted.

His eyes narrowed, sneer covering his face as his sister appeared, smirking at him smugly, arms crossed behind her back.

"Hello Zuzu," she purred, waving a hand above her shoulder, prompting a solider to drag in one of the new prisoners. "You have company brother. There aren't enough cells on the ship for my new guests…besides I thought you could use the company."

She chuckled as she turned out the door. Zuko sure wished he had one of his dual swords so he could stab Azula in the back…she deserved it. His new cell mate was tossed in roughly, sliding across the metal floor. His sister turned back around, hand on the door. "I've heard you two are old acquaintances…have fun," she said, mischievous glint in her eyes as the door was slammed.

Zuko glared at the door for a moment longer, fists clenched tight and trembling, wanting to scream in outrage or strangle his sister. He took a deep breath instead, calming himself down, knowing his temper wasn't going to get him anywhere. Zuko glanced at the girl slowly picking herself up from the floor. He knelt down, holding out a hand to her, prompting the girl to look at him.

"Are you okay," he asked, staring at her with confusion as she glared at him with a sneer, hatred burning in her eyes.

She roughly slapped his hand away, scooting away from him and drawing up her knees with a huff. "Great," she mumbled to herself, turning her head from him. "Not only am I captured I get stuck with this guy."

Zuko's eyes narrowed in annoyance at the harsh treatment…but he had made some mistakes earlier in his life…so it's possible that he'd done something to warrant this reaction from her. "Um…have we met before," he asked, sitting down on the opposite side of the cell from her.

The girl's head whipped up, short brown hair waving around her face, blue eyes fiery. She did look vaguely familiar to him. "You burned down my village," she growled, glaring at him then looking away, lips tight.

Zuko blanched at the statement, biting his lip…he really didn't like thinking about the person he used to be…but he didn't think he ever burnt down any towns…except. "Kyoshi," he murmured, hearing the huff from the girl in confirmation. Zuko rubbed the back of his neck, sighing when he knew he was right. It had been soon after he first found Aang and started hunting him…so he was more reckless and eager at that time then any other…well except when he realized he loved Aang.

"I'm sorry," he said, knowing it wasn't enough, but feeling uneasy sharing a cell with someone who hated him, which was probably his sister's intentions in the first place.

The girl glared even harder at him if possible, nose wrinkling in her anger, making her cute if not for the murderous look in her eyes. "I'm sure you are," she growled sarcastically.

Zuko shook his head, feeling his limited patience wane at her anger, wishing she would just forgive him. "I was a different person then," he replied, getting rolled eyes from her in response. "I've changed."

"Oh really?"

He frowned, gesturing to their cell. "If you haven't noticed I'm in here too," he said tightly, crossing his arms in a huff, looking away from her.

A few moments of tense silence passed between them, and Zuko saw from the corner of his eye the girl slowly unwind and calm down, seeming to take his words to heart. She turned to face him, taking on a more relaxed pose. "So what did you do," she asked, still watching warily…but now with some curiosity too.

Zuko stared at her for a bit, tilting his head at her question…wondering how to answer. "Well I turned on my sister, trying to stop her from taking over Ba Sing Se…but she had everything planned. She tried to kill the Avatar, and I fought her long enough to give him and his friend time to get out…which resulted in me being here," he said, leaving out some details, but figuring it was enough for now…he didn't know this girl enough to trust her with his feelings. "You?"

She stared at him wide eyes, head tilted to the side in disbelief…but it seemed she believed him because she smiled a bit, chuckling humorously. "I stopped you sister from capturing Appa, which resulted in me being here too," she said.

They smiled small grins at one another, both relaxing a bit, animosity evaded. The girl suddenly frowned a bit, looking at him hopefully. "Is Aang okay," the girl asked.

Zuko smiled a bit, having told this to himself every day for reassurance. "He'll be fine. His water bender friend would have healed him by now, no matter how bad the damage," he said softly.

"You mean Katara."

Zuko actually felt himself blush a bit…realizing…"Is that her name," he asked in embarrassment.

He got a laugh from the girl, her eyes crinkling in merriment, covering her mouth and nodding. "And my name's Suki by the way…Prince Zuko," she replied with a smile.

Rubbing the back of his neck Zuko chuckled, nodding at her. "Nice to officially meet you Suki…and it's just Zuko…after what I did I'm not a prince anymore."

Katara wrung her hands together, staring as she had for the past week at the prone body lying on the bed aboard their captured Fire Navy ship. Every once in a while she'd lift a hand and touch Aang's cheek, feeling the faint warmth of his skin, an indicator that he was still alive, watching the rise and fall of his chest for any changes.

She was so thankful he was alive, and so thankful to Zuko for reminding her of the special water she had, which had been the only way to save Aang. She didn't really know what she had done to save Aang, all Katara had done was pray that he would live, to save the world and to be happy again. She didn't know if that was all going to be possible when he woke up, he was still badly injured…and the trauma of it all might be too much for him. She could only hope that they all get through this war intact.

Water splashed against the side of the boat in a soothing rhythm and Katara felt herself drifting off to the sound and the gentle rocking of the ship, exhausted from her vigilance at Aang's bedside.

A hand landed on her shoulder and she jumped, shaking her head as she was suddenly woken up. Her father stood behind her, smiling gently as he squeezed her shoulder. Toph was in the doorway beside her brother. "Why don't you go get some fresh air Katara, Toph can look after Aang for a while," her father said quietly.

She smiled tiredly up at him, glancing at Aang one more time before nodding and standing up. Toph took up her position beside Aang as she was lead out of the room and up to the deck by her father and brother. Katara went to one of the railings, leaning against it and sighing tiredly. Her father's arm came around her shoulders and she leaned into his hold, seeking comfort from the man she hadn't seen in years.

Katara watched with a smile as her brother was pulled into the family hug reluctantly, though his head easily rested on their dad's shoulder's once he was there. They both took comfort in their father's embrace, their little family finally reunited for the first time. While she was a little sad and angry when she first saw her father, thinking back to how he left abruptly, leaving them alone, she had realized she needed to savor the moments she had with him…because she didn't know how long it would last.

She stared out at the sea, glancing at the half moon, breathing deep and feeling its calming power, taking comfort also in her connection with the water guiding them to the Fire Nation. A frown marred her face though as she thought…thinking back to the cave at Ba Sing Se, wishing there could have been someway to bring Zuko with them. Not only would he be helpful to them in the coming months as they prepared for the invasion, he also would have been with Aang, and Katara felt he'd be more helpful easing the boy's emotional wounds after their loss at Ba Sing Se.

"What are you thinking about Katara," Sokka asked, blue eyes curious in the moon's light.

"I'm just thinking about Zuko…I really wish there had been some way for him to come with us," she replied softly.

"I still can't believe he's on our side…or at least pretending to be," Sokka said gruffly, and Katara felt her anger boil a bit.

"I already told you Sokka, he's on our side. He wasn't pretending or anything. I was there," she said, breaking away from their father's hug to walk to the end of the ship in a huff.

She had explained to everyone what Zuko had done. After they met up with their father at Camelion Bay she had hoped they could mount a rescue mission and save Zuko from his sister, but her brother had whole heartedly refused, pushing them to stick with their new invasion plan, not to go off saving "crazy fire princes who pretend to be good."

Katara hadn't spoken to Sokka for three days after that statement.

No one understood, because they hadn't been there. They hadn't seen how Zuko nearly killed his sister trying to protect them. They hadn't seen Zuko hold Aang so tenderly and with such affection. They hadn't seen Aang's face light up like a thousand suns just from one whisper from Zuko. They hadn't seen the agony on Zuko's face as he clutched a dead Aang to his chest. They hadn't seen how he fought three dozen Dai Li agents and his sister, just to give Katara and Aang a way to escape.

They hadn't seen…

Deep down Katara knew it was a bit harsh to expect everyone to believe her right away, but at the same time she needed to know they trusted her, that they believed her.

Footsteps sounded behind her and Katara glanced over her shoulder, seeing her father standing there. "You shouldn't be so harsh on Sokka. It's just hard for him to understand," Hakoda said gently.

"I don't care," she said tightly, turning away from him and staring out into the ocean. "He should trust me. I know what I saw. Zuko's on our side."

"What did you see Katara? All you've told us is that he attacked his own sister and gave both of you a means of escape. How can you be so sure it wasn't just some plan?"

She bit her lip. Katara couldn't exactly say the real reason, it'd be invading both Zuko's and Aang's privacy, not to mention it might be even harder for everyone to accept the love they shared. While it was a bit uncommon for two men or two women to find love together, it wasn't unheard of. Still many people might not accept it, especially when it's between two very prominent people in the world. She was sure Sokka would throw a fit if he found out, which is why she didn't tell him…but it was also why he didn't believe her when she said Zuko was on their side.

Katara glanced over her shoulder at her father, seeing him standing there, so supportive and understanding. Maybe he would understand, and he could help her convince everyone else.

"There's more I didn't tell you. Zuko…well he and Aang are…" she trailed off, sighing and turning away.

She couldn't tell her father, she couldn't tell anyone really. This was something only Zuko and Aang should be allowed to tell. Katara was just going to have to wait for Aang to wake up, and explain to everyone that Zuko was on their side…and maybe even explain how their love came to be.

Katara hoped Aang would awaken soon.

"Okay um…favorite color?"

"Easy. Orange. You?"

"Green."

Zuko grinned at Suki as she tapped her chin, trying to think of another question. They had been together in the cell together for a week now. The two of them had talked about everything they could, played every game they knew, and had had a total of 57 staring contests…Suki was up one, but Zuko knew it was only a matter of time before he took the lead.

Suki had come up with the idea of asking each other questions, and since it was her idea she started. They had already found out a great deal about one another, like favorite foods or songs, and even the name of their stuffed animal when they were children. Suki's was a platypus bear named Ling, and Zuko's was a dragon named Koo-Koo.

It had taken five minutes and thirty two seconds for Suki to stop laughing. Zuko had counted.

If it was with anyone else he would have clamped up by now and said no more. But Zuko liked Suki, she was a nice friend. He wished they could have known one another when they were young…it would have saved him all of the humiliation he suffered with only having his sister for a companion.

"Oh I got one," Suki said after a few minutes of thinking about a new question. She turned with a grin and wide curious eyes. "Have you ever been in love?"

Zuko was shocked into silence by her question. He stared at her, gulping a bit before he nodded, knowing after all the time spent together she would know when he lied. He only hoped she didn't ask who…because he longed to tell her, but feared her reaction.

Her eyes widened in excitement at his nod and Zuko quickly asked before she could. "What about you," he hated how rough his voice sounded.

Suki's eyes took on a daydreaming expression and she nodded slowly with a sigh, obviously thinking of whomever it was she loved. He smiled warily, realizing he had probably had that expression on more than one occasion, especially after his fever. "Who is it," he asked, smirking as she shook her head, blushing sheepishly at getting lost in her daydreams.

"It's Sokka. You should know him actually," she said, smiling brightly.

They stared at each other, and Zuko felt a reluctant blush stain his face, looking at her blankly. Suki of course burst out laughing…and Zuko was glad she did that instead of getting angry that he didn't know who Sokka was.

"He's Katara's brother," she explained between her giggles.

Zuko almost slapped his forehead, now remembering the guy. Even Aang had mentioned him back in their clearing. Instead he just huffed and nodded, still embarrassed over his forgetfulness.

Suki's giggling calmed eventually and she turned curious and mischievous eyes on him…and he knew what was coming. "So who do you love? Do I know her," Suki asked, leaning forward eagerly to hear.

Zuko flinched at the use of the word 'her', wondering if Suki would be of accepting of the situation as he thought she would be. He looked away, pressing his lips together as he thought about how to answer. "I'm not sure if I should tell you," he said honestly. "I don't want you to look at me differently."

"I already look at you differently Zuko. I don't think your love life will change that. Besides whoever it is must be pretty special," Suki replied in kind, smiling at him encouragingly.

He took a deep breath. She was truly the only friend he had…maybe she would understand. "First of all it's…a 'he' I love, not a 'she,'" he whispered, turning his head away, eyes clenched shut.

Silence followed his answer, only the pitter patter of dripping water sounded in the air.

"So who is it? Do I know him?"

Zuko's head whipped up, staring at Suki in a bit of disbelief. She just grinned at him, scooting across the metal floor to sit right next to Zuko, patting his arm, eyes crinkling adorable with her smile. She stayed silent though, prompting him to speak first.

He smiled a bit, glancing at the door before he leaned in whispered in her ear. "It's Aang."

Now it was Suki's turn to look surprised, and she leaned back to stare at him, looking at him like he had lost him mind or he was joking with her. Zuko rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, but still he grinned a bit.

Suki started to smile though, when she seemed to realize he was telling the truth, and she leaned back in, whispering to him like they were sharing a big secret, which in a way they were. "Does he know," she asked, hand cupped to her mouth.

Zuko nodded a bit stupidly, cupping his own hand over his mouth the whisper back to her. "He feels the same too."

Suki surprisingly gave a little happy squeal at that, grabbing his arm and shaking him a bit. "Oh tell me more. When did it happen…" she asked a million questions a minute and Zuko chuckled, feeling relief flood him. He was finally able to tell someone about his secret. It was such a wonderful feeling; he wished he had done it earlier.

Before he could try to attempt to answer the questions she was bombarding him with the ship rocked hard as it came to a stop. The both lurched forward, grabbing one another to steady themselves. Zuko quickly stood up, looking out of the porthole of their cell. His eyes widened when he realized he was looking at something he hadn't seen in over three years.

The Fire Nation Royal Harbor.

Zuko gulped a bit. For so long he had dreamed of returning to this place. But then he had thought he would return a hero, Avatar dragged behind him in chains. But that was before he knew Aang, and before he really knew who he was. Now he was going to be the one dragged back in chains, his sister the hero.

Suki's hand landed on his shoulder comfortingly and he rested one of his own on hers. They both looked out into the harbor, preparing themselves for what was to come. He squeezed her hand, vowing he'd find some way for both of them to escape and return to the people they loved most.

The door to their cell was unlocked and Zuko turned, ready to face his decision and the consequences.

Aang was safe and well. That was all that mattered to Zuko as he was chained and dragged back to the shores of his home.

"…You need a healing session."

Katara just wanted to cry with relief.

She helped Aang back to his little room on the ship, the weight of him in her arms comforting her in the knowledge that he was still alive. Everyone was so happy, and she knew Zuko would be too if he was there with them.

And actually he was another reason why Katara wanted to get Aang alone for a healing session, because she wanted to find out how it all happened. She was happy for Aang, she really was, but it was still a little confusing how it all happened, because she had been under the impression the two of them hated each other, not loved.

She settled Aang down, helping him remove his bandages. When he had turned his back to her she winced, biting her lip when she saw the wound. Even after having healed it for weeks now it still made her cringe, once again thanking whatever gods were out there that Aang was safe and sound now. She bended her water focusing on healing the wound, hands flowing in circles over Aang's back.

"Tell me where your pain feels most intense," she whispered.

"A little higher," he replied, voice tight with pain. His body jerked suddenly, before slumping in exhaustion. "Wow, you're definitely in the right area there."

She continued the soothing motions of her hands, focusing on what she felt, trying to help her friend. "I can feel a lot of energy twisted up around there," she said softly. "Let me just see if I can…"

Katara trailed off, watching as Aang's back arched. She worried she had hurt him…but apparently she was only helping him remember. "I went down," he said in disbelief. "I didn't just get hurt, did I? It was worst than that. I was gone…but you brought me back."

She shrugged a bit helplessly. "I just used the spirit water from the North Pole. I don't know what I did exactly," she said quietly.

Aang turned to her, looking at her with such…loving eyes. "You saved me," he replied.

Katara raised a hand, holding it to Aang's face. "I wasn't the only one who saved you, you know. Zuko was the one who really saved you…actually both of us," she said, smiling at Aang, hoping her accepting attitude might help her friend open up and explain to her what had happened between them.

"Zuko?"

"Yes Zuko. It's too bad he's not here, I'm sure you'd like to see him."

She was probing gently, sitting back, hands folded in her lap unthreateningly, hoping to prompt Aang into talking. She kept he voice even and calm, a gentle smile on her face.

But then…Aang looked at her in confusion. "Why would you think I'd want Zuko here," he asked.

"Well because…I mean I know you probably didn't want me to find out that way Aang but I know what's going on between the two of you. I'm happy for you Aang. It's okay to admit you miss him," she said softly.

Her smile started to fall from her face though…Aang was looking at her with such confused eyes…like he didn't know what she was talking about.

"What's going on between us…there isn't anything Katara. All he did was help us apparently…that's the only good thing he's done. Have you forgotten he chased all the way across the world."

"Aang," she whispered, eyes wide…hoping what she feared wasn't true. "How do you feel about Zuko?"

"Well he can't be all bad if he helped us, but it's not like I'm friends with him."

"But what about…"

"What Katara?"

"…Oh Aang…"

He had forgotten, that had to be the only explanation. She knew she wasn't dreaming when she had seen them kiss and see the smile Aang only smiled for Zuko. That had been real…but how…

Aang seemed to remember Zuko, it's not like he had completely forgotten him…it's almost like he forgot his feelings. Katara had been around Aang long enough to know when he lied…and he wasn't lying now. What could have possibly happened to make him forget? It couldn't have been Azula's attack, at least not entirely. There had to be something else.

"I'm sorry Zuko."

Katara's eyes widened when she remembered Aang's soft apology before he went into the Avatar State…maybe that could be why. She stared at her friend, who looked at her in honest curiosity, feeling her insides twist at the implications of what was going on. "Aang," she asked gently. "How did you get into the Avatar State?"

He looked away, blushing a bit before he spoke, explaining the training he had gone through with the Guru, explaining the chakra's but not going into detail about the things that had blocked his chakras. "The last one…I had to give up my worldly attachment so I could be connected with all the cosmic energy in the universe. After that I could go into the Avatar State at will."

"What does that mean…what was your worldly attachment," she asked, having a sinking feeling she knew what it was.

"Well…it was uh…" Aang blushed, looking at her so shyly, like he had so long ago...before whatever happened with Zuko happened she supposed "I had to give up someone I loved."

And then it all made sense. Aang couldn't get into the Avatar State now, because his chakra was blocked by Azula's attack, that's what that bundle of energy she felt was…and somehow, his feelings for Zuko must have gotten mixed up with that power as he let Zuko go to master the Avatar State…and now he couldn't remember his love for Zuko just like he couldn't get into the Avatar State.

Oh no…

And now, from the look in Aang's eyes he didn't think anything was wrong, because the crush he had on her was back…and he wasn't going to think anything was wrong because he still had his love for her.

Katara stared at Aang with desperate eyes, wishing there was some way she could get him to remember…but she didn't know any details about their relationship, she couldn't jog his memory by mentioning his love for Zuko because she didn't understand it herself.

"You should rest," she finally whispered, standing up and walking blindly to the door, feeling her stomach drop as the reality set in.

How was she ever going to explain to Zuko the boy he loved didn't remember his love for him?

Katara closed the door to Aang's room, leaning against the metal and composing herself. She would just make sure it didn't come to that point. She was going to work every day to untangle that bundle of energy in Aang's back, giving him back the Avatar State and his love for Zuko. It had to work; she had to make it work.

She had to help Aang remember…it's what Zuko's going to need.

Other wise…she didn't know what would happen.

HOLY HELL……..WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST DO!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Okay sorry, had to get that out of my system. This concept had been in my head for the longest time, way before I even considered writing this fic. Aang's Avatar State had been sealed by Azula's attack so would it be too far of a stretch to say his feelings could be sealed away too. Well I don't know. Maybe I'm off my rocker and this is a stupid idea. Ya'll let me know. If it doesn't work, and everyone really hates it, I'll just go back and redo it, but that's only if this gets a huge negative review. Please be honest people. I do have plans to continue with this plot device, but if a lot of people hate it I can change things around and do something different. I just wanted to see if I could make this spinoff work.

Bet ya'll weren't expecting Suki…well neither was I, LOL. I had planned to have Zuko talking to his uncle for this chapter but Suki appeared (cause she had to get taken to the Fire Nation somehow, so it's possible she could have ended up on the same ship as Zuzu). I kinda like having her around…she may play a big part like Katara in the near future, we'll see.

So yeah, review, comment, rant and rave, whatever you feel like.

I'll probably start writing the next chapter even if it looks like I have to rewrite this one, cause the next one will be all about Zuko and what happens leading up to the eclipse. And like I said, big chapter there people.

So um, review if you like. I'll rewrite the last part of this chapter if I have to.

Oh and also, don't just say "Ah I hate it, rewrite it." Give me reasons people, it would really help in whether I do rewrite it or not. If all I get are reviews like that though, I won't bother. Sorry but that's how I feel.

Okay sorry for my own ranting and raving. Go ahead and click the little button on the bottom of your screen if you like.

TTFN