Title: Build It Up, Watch It Fall
Prompt: #030 Drained
Notes: Uh…under the assumption that Zuko has a crush on Katara, and would be understandably a bit heartbroken at her leaving him for Aang. I'm beginning to notice that my drabbles are not nearly so restricted by cannon as they used to be. BTW, 'Avatar Aang'. Like you didn't already guess. Psht. Also, I am turning into the worst updater ever. If I weren't such a review whore and the plot bunnies didn't attack me, this account might fall into total neglect. XD
Build It Up, Watch It Fall
Zuko has never been broken. Not once. Even when he was dragged, burned and bleeding and maimed from the site of his first Agni Kai, one against his own father. Even when he was almost killed by his psychotic sister and forced to live as a refugee lucky to have fresh bread that he didn't have to steal. Even when he was forced to walk away from his homeland, his people, and his girlfriend in order to fulfill a destiny that would probably lead to a lot of heartache. He had not broken.
He had not been broken and he could now say that he is a better man for it. He's survived trials that would have shattered lesser men. Not only survived but, at times, thrived. He's beaten impossible odds. He's overcome.
Katara's hand is fleeting as it brushes his, her eyes meaningful as they meet his. Then she is gone, a phantom of green dress and brown skin and blue eyes. She is gone. Gone, gone, gone. There's no getting her back from where she's gone, not now.
He closes his eyes and breathes in through his nose. The back of his eyelids provides no comfort. Images of her petal soft lips brushing Aang's dance across his lids. Gone, gone, gone. Zuko can never have her.
Zuko breaks.