Thanks to Meerkatgirl13, Artistaa, and Insanity Is Iminent for the reviews on the last chapter. :] Now Hana-chan, do you have something you'd like to say?
Hana: YESH. *smiles sheepishly* Thanks so much everyone! *glomps*
I began running back to my room, ashamed of my moment of weakness. I could hear someone following, but didn't care enough to tell them to go away. Besides, I was pretty sure I knew who it was, and if I was right, I didn't care if they never let me out of their sight.
"Hana, wait." Zuko called after me as I entered my room.
I stopped, turning to look at him.
"What do you want, Zuko?" My mental barrier had been broken through, but I was slowly building it back up again. I couldn't get close to anyone. I would only end up hurting them… If they didn't hurt me, first.
"To… talk?" He muttered unconvincingly.
My mouth twitched a bit as I tried to hide a small smile. He looked so lost. I could tell it was hard for him to be good after so many years of being bad. He must have noticed my amusement, because his face quickly turned to anger.
"You know, I don't have to be nice to you!" Zuko said loudly, trying to shame me into an apology.
"You're right." I stated, sitting on the side of my bed defiantly. "You don't."
He blinked, taken aback. Sighing, he sat down next to me and placed his head in his hands.
"You are so frustrating. You know that?"
I laughed, patting him on the back. "So I've been told." Pause. "You know, I don't think I ever thanked you for saving my life."
He peered at me from between his fingers. "Technically, I didn't save your life. Katara did."
"Good point… Well, thank you for carrying me to the person you knew could save my life." I said with a proud smile.
He sat up straighter and let his hands fall onto his lap. "No problem. I wasn't about to just leave you there all bruised and broken and bleeding."
I shrugged. "You could have."
"But that's unethical."
"But it would have been better if you did."
Zuko looked shocked at that last comment. "Why's that?"
I looked down at my shoes. "I'm a complicated person. The world is probably better off without me."
He placed his first finger knuckle under my chin, tilting my head up to look at him. "That's not true." He said softly, gazing into my eyes.
"Yes, it is." I pulled away from his touch, immediately missing the warmth of his skin. "Honestly. If you knew my past, you'd agree."
Zuko chuckled. "Look who you're talking to."
I paused. "This is true."
There was a moment of silence before Zuko slowly began leaning in closer towards me. I bit my lip, knowing what he was going to try. Would I let him do this? Could I allow myself to get close to him? His eyes fluttered shut in anticipation as he moved even closer. His lips brushed gently against mine, his breath warm against my face. I almost let myself go through with it, but instead I pushed him back with everything I had. He slammed against the opposite wall, staring at me in shock.
"What-"
"I'm sorry, Zuko. I just… I can't get close to anyone. It will only end badly. I think it's best if you just leave."
He looked hurt, rejected. Standing up, he made a move to comfort me, but I shrank back from his outstretched arms.
"GET OUT!" I screamed.
Finally, he took my advice. With one last look of aggravation, he slammed the door behind him and stalked off towards who-knows-where. I sat in silence for what seemed like hours, just staring at the door.
Come back to me, I willed inside my head. Come back and hold me, no matter what I say. Please, just come back!
But he never did, and I told myself over and over again that I didn't care until I believed it.
Short again, I know. But I didn't want to drag this chapter out.
