13-Katara's Decision

Zuko lay in bed, feeling as if the night were going by way too slow. All his thoughts were on the wedding, on his failure to communicate. He ended up leaving the reception early, before even the new couple had left. But he couldn't take it. He didn't feel up to celebration, his brain was too heavy with thoughts, emotions. He almost wished he could turn off his heart. But it was impossible.

He sighed heavily and sat up, using a slight movement of his fingers to the light a tiny candle. The light was dim, but it was enough. He knew sleep wasn't going to come any time soon; at least he could have some light. He had wanted to stay on his ship, but Sokka insisted on giving him a room. It was a nice room too, just enough space, and a comfortable bed; it was all he really needed. But tonight, the room felt too small.

He couldn't get Katara out of his mind, hard as he tried. His last few words to her, before she raced off, leaving him in the night. It had filled him with doubt. Maybe she didn't want him like he wanted her. He knew it was best that he didn't get the words out in time. But he couldn't help feeling so disappointed, as if he should've done more.

Suddenly feeling too warm, he removed his shirt, and lay back down on the sheets with another heavy sigh. He knew he needed to get sleep; he had to leave early tomorrow to return to the fire nation. And he probably had responsibilities to take care of the moment he returned. But he felt wide awake. His mind was too heavy, too restless.

He shut his eyes tight, hoping it would accomplish something. Maybe he could force himself to sleep. But a soft knock at the door made him open them again. He frowned, wondering who it could be. He knew he left early, but that had been a couple hours ago, he was sure most people would be asleep by now.

"Who is it?" he asked, cautiously.

"Zuko? Can I come in?"

He recognized the voice immediately, making his heart skip a beat. What could Katara be doing here?

"Sure."

He sat up as the door opened, and Katara slipped through. She wore her same formal outfit, but what stuck out to Zuko most were her eyes. They were red and puffy, a strong indication that she had been crying. She seated herself on the edge of his bed, but on instinct, he scooted closer to her.

"Katara, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to bother you so late, but…I wasn't sure who else to talk to. You're really the only one who knows what's happening so…" she trailed off.

"What happened?" Zuko asked, brows furrowed.

Katara inhaled deeply, and met her eyes with his. "Aang and I…we're done."

Zuko said nothing right away. He knew this was coming, and he was pretty sure Aang had been the one to end it. But his heart ached for Katara, after all, much to his dismay, she loved him, and this was the last thing she probably wanted.

"I'm so sorry, Katara," he said sympathetically. His heart felt like it was breaking when he saw silent tears fall down her cheeks.

Anger suddenly fueled through him. This is the second time he has seen her cry, all because of how Aang was treating her. In a way, he was glad they were over. Aang could no longer hurt her.

He placed his hand over her, and squeezed it, as a sign of affection. Rather than grab his hand in return like she had done that previous night, she startled him by wrapping her arms around him. He did the same, giving her the hug that she desperately needed at this moment.

He could feel the chill coming off of her, as if she had been outside for a while. But this did not bother him. Even as her body shook with her tears, he held tightly, inwardly vowing that he would not let her go. He would not do as Aang had done.

Mai lingered in his thoughts for a moment, but it evaporated almost as quickly as it had come. Mai was gone, and Katara was here, in his arms. Just like she had been there for him, he has there for her, for comfort in her time of pain.

"I'm so sorry," she muttered against his chest.

"It's okay," Zuko said softly. "Do you want to talk about what happened?"

Katara slowly pulled away from him, and wiped her eyes, clearing her vision. She saw him, he genuinely looked concerned. It warmed what was left of her heart.

"I'm still trying to understand what happened…" she trailed, her gaze moving away from him as she recalled what happened only moments ago. "I went to talk to Aang, to try to understand why he was distancing himself from me…basically, he doesn't love me anymore." She moved her gaze back to Zuko. "I don't know if there is someone else, or if it really is his job like he says, but…he doesn't want my help, and he doesn't want me." Her face hardened.

Zuko hated to see her this way. He wanted to hurt Aang for what he did to her….but he knew he couldn't. Even though she was angry, Katara would never allow it. He grabbed her hand, and stroked it affectionately, which softened her features.

She looked up then, and smiled. "You have been so understanding…thank you."

"Of course," Zuko said at once. "I'm sorry he hurt you. You can always come to me. Anytime."

Katara moved her hands to his chest, giving Zuko an inward chill from her cold skin. But he did not display it, and he prayed she wouldn't hear his beating heart. She stroked his chest softly, moving down to the abs, tracing the scars that would forever be on him from battle.

"I'm sorry," Zuko said his voice very close to a whisper. "I should have put on a shirt."

"No," Katara's eyes met his. "This is your room, I shouldn't have bothered you."

Her hands felt so soft, it made his mind wander. He almost closed his eyes. But her eyes were locked so firmly on his, he couldn't look away, he didn't want to. Even after crying she looked beautiful, even with a mixture of red with the blue in her eyes, even with her cheeks flushed…she seemed to be getting closer. Was this really happening?

"You're not bothering me…" his voice came out close to a whisper. She was inches away from him now; it was not needed to speak loudly.

"Katara…"

She silenced him by placing her lips on his, with a kiss the two of them have desired for weeks. Zuko felt his heart beating rapidly, but he did not show it. He wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer, deepening the kiss, taking in every inch of her. Her hands moved around his neck, giving him further chills with her skin on his. If only her body weren't so entrapped in her clothes…

Even with his head spinning from her news, from her kiss, something in him clicked. He knew this wasn't right. No matter how much he wanted her, she had just broken up with her long time boyfriend. Things couldn't move this fast. He inwardly mourned it, but he broke away from her.

He gazed at her, trying to control his breathing, his rapidly beating heart before speaking.

"Katara…" he began.

"I know," she picked up. "I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me…but I want you. I have for a while now, I just…" she stopped and glanced at him. He smiled, relieving her.

"Me too," Zuko said softly. "But we shouldn't move too fast."

She nodded in understanding, then leaned into his chest.

"So…what now?"

It felt right, somehow. Even though she had broken up with Aang not too long ago, being in his arms just felt right, and she knew he felt the same. Just being in his presence was making the pain in her heart disappear.

"I don't know," Zuko responded, stroking her hair. It was so soft, and full just as he had imagined.

"I just feel so lost…I feel so not needed."

Then an idea clicked for Zuko. "You know, I could use your help."

She sat up and looked at him, her eyes full of questions.

"That illness I mentioned, it's getting worse, spreading like fire. The healers of the Fire Nation towns are not sure what to do anymore. You are a very skilled waterbender; maybe your ability can help them somehow."

Katara was silent for a moment, taking in his suggestion. Staying at the Fire Nation? He didn't specify for how long, but it seemed better than staying here with the new couple, or in the water tribe missing Aang. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she cared for Zuko, and she was curious about where this would lead. Her mind instantly wandered to a rebound. But Zuko didn't feel like a rebound. This was different. She knew it.

Zuko stared at Katara curiously, waiting anxiously for her answer. Then to his delight, she smiled at him.

"Of course, Zuko. I'll do what I can to help."

Zuko smiled, knowing his expression was not displaying how happy he felt. Katara was coming with him, to stay at the Fire Nation. Only this time, the situation was different. This time, something was happening between them.

"I have to go back tomorrow morning," he said.

"Okay," she responded softly. "Can I ask you a question, Zuko?"

He looked down at her, golden eyes soft, waiting.

"Can I stay here tonight?"

Zuko looked at her incredulously. Why would he say no to a request like that?

"Of course, Katara."

"Thanks," she sighed, leaning further into him.

Within minutes both were asleep, and for the first time in weeks, they woke the next morning, feeling peaceful and rested.