Here it is, just like I promised, a new chapter. I've been waiting to write this chapter, I think you'll like it :)
Disclaimer: I think I've said enough.
Zuko's P.O.V
It's been about three months since Aang left. Katara an I haven't talked since then. I want to talk to her, but whenever she's in the same room, she has this. . .grey, and depressing feeling around her. She hasn't been the same, but none of us have either.
We weren't the same since the war ended, and all of us started taking on responsibility.
Tonight though, was different. It's nearing winter and in the Fire Nation, it doesn't snow, it rains.
No P.O.V
Katara was in her bed, sleeping, or trying to sleep.
Thunder and lightning shot through the sky, causing Katara to wake with a slight scream.
She held her hand over her racing heart, and jumped again when lightning lit up her room again.
Maybe some warm milk will help, she thought as she ripped the blankets from her body, and wrapped her blue robe around her.
She tucked her water skin under her rope, just in case. Katara took it everywhere with her. She wrapped her arms around her torso, and started walking down the long hallway, to the kitchen.
The thunder and lightning didn't stop, rather, it increased. She trembled and shook in fear.
Zuko was sitting on his couch, which was facing his large window, watching the rain fall.
He couldn't sleep, he never could when a storm was happening.
He had candles lighting up the room, warming him up.
He only wore a pair of red baggy pants, no shirt.
Katara on the other hand, was still trying to escape the lightning, the fear was eating her apart. When she turned around a corner, there was a faint light coming from someone's open door.
She walked towards it, wondering what Zuko was doing up this late. She peeked though the open door, only to see Zuko sitting on his couch, facing the window. She blushed when she noticed he had no shirt on.
"What's the Fire Lord doing up this late?" She asked quietly as she walked up to the couch.
"I should be asking you the same thing." He replied, turning his head to look at her.
She had a tank top, and shorts on, but the robe hid everything. Her hair was down, some sticking to her neck due to her sweating.
"I couldn't sleep, the storm woke me up." She replied, walking over to the window.
Zuko stood, and stood behind her as they watched the rain fall, and the lightning strike.
"I never sleep during a storm." Zuko murmured, trying not to ruin the quiet moment. This is the most conversation they've had in months.
It was quiet for a while, before Katara spoke again.
"I know it's my element, and usually right about now I would be running and dancing in the rain, but. . ." She trailed off. "ever since we fought Azula. . ."
"You've been scared of lightning." Zuko finished for her. She looked at him the moment he said lightning.
"Yeah," Katara sighed, looking down at her feet.
"It's okay, to be afraid. That's why I can't sleep during a storm. I'm always afraid of something happening, and I'm in here, sleeping peacefully." Zuko frowned.
"The lightning reminds me of how Azula tried to kill me," Katara admitted. "and so whenever I see lightning, I think it's Azula trying to finished the job."
"I'll never let that happen." Zuko promised.
"I know." Katara smiled, looking up at him.
They both turned to the window, to watch the sky cry.
Suddenly, lightning struck close to the window, scaring Katara. She turned, and buried her face into Zuko's chest, without even thinking about it.
Zuko, who was surprised for a split second, wrapped his arms around Katara, comforting her.
Katara realized what was going on, and quickly stepped back.
"S-sorry, I was just-"
"Why don't you stay here tonight." Zuko suggested.
"What?" Katara gasped.
"Sleep with me tonight, you'll be safe. I won't do anything. I promise." He replied.
"But Sokka would-"
"Katara, we both know you don't want to sleep alone, we'll both sleep better." He smiled a small one.
Katara eyed the bed, it did look warm and soft.
"Come on," Zuko slowly and gently grabbed Katara's hand, and walked towards the bed.
Zuko let go, and crawled in, leaning over and blew out the candle next to him, and all the other's around the room.
While he had his back turned, Katara took the chance to take off her robe. She set it gently on the floor, and crawled into the bed. She was right, it was warm and soft, but she figured as much since she's sharing the bed with a firebender. She turned her back to him, still cautious about this whole situation. Zuko was facing Katara, his eyes on the windows, watching the rain fall.
Lightning cracked, lighting up the room, startling Katara. She turned and buried her head into Zuko's chest once again.
He sighed softly, wrapping his arms around her, warming her.
"Thank you," Katara whispered, kissing his shoulder. "for everything."
"Always."
Awww 3 I love Zuko.