AN: Thanks to all the people who reviewed. And I don't mind if you call me Shorty. Haha, I'm used to it. You know who you are!
Before I had the chance to say something, he said something in his sleep.
"No…father, please! I had the Fire Nation's best interests at heart!" His face contorted in fear and pain, and I felt my heart break. What had happened in his life to cause him such pain? I reached out my hand and tentatively inched it toward him, but I lost my nerve and let it drop back to the bed. He gave a particularly violent twitch and awoke, breathing hard. He looked around wildly, as though trying to locate something. Then his eyes fell on me and he relaxed at once. He cleared his throat and blinked. Twice.
"So, you are feeling better?" he asked.
"Yes, but… why did you help me?" I had to know.
"You were sick. It was the honorable thing to do." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I looked at him quizzically, then looked around the room again.
"Where are we?" I asked him. When he didn't answer me, I looked around at him again. He was gazing at me, but his amber eyes were glazed and unfocused. I waved my hand over his eyes and he gave a start.
"What?" he said.
"I said, where are we?" I repeated. It was then that I noticed he seemed…different. He no longer had the topknot, but a considerable amount of dark, messy hair. His face no longer had an angry scowl to it, but a thoughtful look graced his features.
"We are on my ship." He answered. For the first time, fear prickled in my belly. Was he keeping e hostage?
As if he had read my thoughts, he said, "I'm not kidnapping you. You were hit by a poisonous Fire Nation dart. You have been sick for about two weeks." Shock hit me like a blow from a platypus-bear.
"T-two weeks?" I stuttered, horrified. To my surprise, he laid a comforting hand on my shoulder and said, "Yes. You should be okay, but we will keep you in bed a couple more days just to be sure. Then I will tell you everything." He rose from the chair and stretched. I couldn't help but notice how his taut muscles rippled beneath his black and red tunic. He was really very handsome, especially with his new hairdo. Realizing I was staring, I quickly dropped my eyes to my lap, my hands twisting uncomfortably. He smirked and said, "I will go get something for dinner. Be right back." With that, he strode from the room.
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Zuko returned with two plates of chicken soup and rolls about fifteen minutes later. He set them down at the table and walked back to my bed. He extended his hand out to me, which I took slowly. He helped me out of bed, and I was glad he did, for as soon as I stepped out of bed, my knees gave way and I fell against his chest. Immediately, his arms encircled me, holding me to him.
"Are you alright?" he murmured. I nodded, looking into his eyes. I have seen these eyes somewhere… he released me from his embrace, but held onto my hand and led me to the table. He pulled out a chair and helped me settle in it before pushing me in and sitting himself. After he had sat down, we ate our meal.
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When we were finished, he got me settled into my bed, and told me he would be back soon. I was touched that he wanted to make sure I was all right. Yes, I decided, as I drifted off to sleep. Zuko had defiantly changed for the better…