Revision made 12. 18.12
Luminous
They were sparring when it happened. When Zuko accidently let the L-word slip.
Zuko was bending in his personal arena late at night, since sitting on his throne all day did not promise him to keep him in shape. Then Katara walked in, catching Zuko off guard. After a nip of teasing, a challenge ensued.
He wasn't sure if it was the rush of adrenaline in his veins or the way she moved like the element she commanded, but the moment he saw the moon reflected in Katara's gorgeous eyes, making them look more luminous than ever, he let it slip.
"I love you."
Katara stopped in her stance and stared at Zuko. Zuko realized what he said and almost grimaced in mortification. His heart was beating a hundred miles a second, waiting for her answer to his seemingly random, and not-planned-out-at-all confession. When Katara kept her montionless stance, with a blank on her face, Zuko's heart fell.
"I'm sorry" he mumbled as he turned red with embarrassment and hurt. "I didn't…"
"No, don't say that!" Katara suddenly begged. He looked up at her in surprise, only to barely catch her in a hug. Zuko's astonishment only grew when Katara spoke.
"I thought I would never hear those words from you," she quietly admitted. "I thought I was dreaming for a moment."
Zuko's shoulders sagged in relief, and held her tightly against him, never planning on letting her go.