Pain seared through Zuko's body, making him question if he was dead or alive. If he were dead, he would feel no pain. But to feel so much pain seemed impossible, something he couldn't possible survive.
But surely, if he were alive, he wouldn't hear angels calling out to him.
A blurred figure appeared in his vision. He didn't even remember opening his eyes. Could dead people open their eyes? The image, completely unfocused, seemed to glow with an unearthly light, surrounded by pale whiteness. It was most definitely an angel.
"Zuko!"
Why did this angel sound so familiar? Blinking without realizing it, the person slowly became clearer. Brown hair, dark skin, and tearful blue eyes revealed themselves, proving to the prince that he was indeed alive.
"Zuko!"
Why did Katara sound so upset? Hadn't she threatened to kill him three times that week? It didn't make sense for her to cry over someone she wanted dead.
Suddenly he was sitting up, squeezed into a painfully loving hug. The waterbender began to babble hysterically, making Zuko's head spin as he tried to figure out what was going on.
"I thought I'd lost you!" she sobbed. "I'm sorry I said all those awful things to you! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"
Zuko, coherent enough to understand she was upset, hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and began to rub her back in what he hoped was a soothing manner. Katara continued to talk, probably not even realizing what she was saying. Still, he listened to everything she said, taking comfort in one small fact.
She didn't hate him. She didn't want him dead.
For most, it was a simple thing. Completely normal. But to him, it meant the world.
Author's Notes: Hysterical!Katara and Confused!Zuko are fun to write. :D
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.
