Hey guys, I loved ALL of the positive reviews you guys gave me about my writing and things like that. I just finished this chapter and I hope you guys like it. You guys are the reason I continue writing. I love you all, thanks.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own. If I could. . .

Sunlight from the small window above Katara's head, broke through and blinded the waterbender for a few moments before she rubbed her eyes and slowly attempted to sit up.

A pair of warm hands pushed her back down and handed her a glass of water, which she gulped down as fast as she could without choking. She was so thirsty, she felt like her throat was sucked dry of all water.

"The poison inside weakened and dehydrated you." The person with her spoke, and it was a man.

"How long have I been out?" She asked, she couldn't quiet see his face, he was hiding in the shadows.

"Almost a week," He answered, moving his chair closer into the light so she could see him.

Zuko gently took Katara's hand in his, and held it to his mouth where he softly pressed his lips against the smooth skin. Pakku has been able to heal most of the wounds on her body, but some of the deep scars remain.

"How are you feeling?" Zuko asked, rubbing his thumb against the back of her palm.

Katara studied his facial expression; it was deep in thought and neutral. "I'm feeling fine, more than fine, I'm so proud of you Zuko." She smiled at him, but he didn't reply. He just stared out in space, thinking.

"You shouldn't be with me anymore," He looked down at his feet, holding her hand to his forehead.

"What?" Katara almost shrieked. Why was he telling her this? Why now after all that they've been through?

Katara couldn't live without Zuko, it hurt too much; it was impossible. He was the spark that boiled her inner water; he was the one who made her feel like she has a purpose to be living. He makes her feel whole, and complete. He has the cutest smile and the cheesiest jokes that don't make sense. He's an amazing firebender and the best person to cuddle with. He's the only person who's made her heartbeat speed up just by sitting in the same room as her!

"How can you still stand to be around me after all the wrong things I've done?" He asked, looking up and into her eyes. Gold eyes glistened with tears wanting to fall, but won't. "I've put you through so much danger and pain-I've caused you misery and disappointment, how can you even think about loving someone like me? How can you love a failure?"

Katara was speechless. She couldn't think of anything to say after what he just called himself. Why can't he see that she loves him no matter what? Why can't he see that she could have gone with Aang, or Sokka, or Toph but she chose to stay with Zuko?

"Yes, you have failed at a lot of things Zuko," She started. "but you've also done more right that wrong. You've chosen to betray your father and join the Avatar, you've fought your sister at the Last Agni Kai for the rightful place on the throne. You've helped us defeat the Fire Nation on Sozin's Comet. You've restored your place as Fire Lord and restored balance to the world. You've saved your uncle from earthbenders and you've saved Lee from those bullies in the Earth Kingdom. Even when you rescued him and gave the knife back, he still hated you. You've restored the honor of the Fire Nation and yourself. You saved me from Sakida, and that masked woman. You've saved me from Azula's lightning and from those falling rocks in the Western Air Temple. You helped me find the man that took my mother away and helped Sokka find our dad. You taught Aang firebending and saved us from Combustion Man. You are not a failure, in fact, you're the complete opposite. You've succeeded in so many things-including capturing my heart."

A tear actually fell from Zuko's eye-the scarred one.

"I love you so much, my heart nearly shattered when I thought you were dead from Azula's lightning." Katara sniffed, getting emotional as well. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and only you. I don't think I can love another man as much as I love you."

Zuko smiled, leaned over her head, and whispered: "I love you too." Then he kissed her.

What was he thinking? How could he even think about not having Katara in his life anymore? He was blinded by the fact that Katara might have been angry at him for causing her pain. He felt guilty from all the cold looks Hakoda was giving him the past week.

"Prince Zuko," His uncle interrupted them by bursting through the door. "I heard voices, is. . ." Iroh trailed off as he watched Zuko pull back from Katara's lips and sit back down in his chair. "Miss Katara, you're awake!"

Iroh quickly made his way over the other side of Katara's bed; she had been moved three days ago, to make room for other patients. Zuko had stayed by her side the whole time, only leaving to go to the bathroom, change into clean clothes, and shower. He had his food brought to Katara's room so he could eat while keeping an eye on her.

"Yeah, I'm so stiff, I guess being asleep for a week really takes it's toll on you." She lightly laughed, trying to brighten the mood. "Where's Sokka?"

"He's in the dining hall with everybody else, breakfast is about to start." Zuko answered for her, holding her right hand.

"Do you think we can join them?" Katara asked, lifting her eyebrows slightly. "I'm a little hungry and really want to stretch my legs."

Zuko smiled. "Of course." He stood and fetched Katara's robe. Helping her stand, he wrapped the robe around Katara's shoulders and helped her arms through the sleeves. She was only wearing pajamas underneath, the silk pants falling to her ankles.

Together hand in hand, they both walked to the dining hall where their friends and family waited. Zuko was wearing a light tunic and some baggy pants, not bothering to dress up like he should. When they entered, immediately Aang, Sokka, Suki and Toph all bombarded Katara in hugs and Sokka gave her a big sloppy kiss on the cheek.

"Okay!" Katara giggled, pushing Sokka off her. "I didn't know I was missed that much."

"You're my sister, I'll miss you even if you go to the bathroom." Sokka replied, crossing his arms, smirking.

Katara laughed, then looked around the room, not seeing her father. "Where's Dad?"

Sokka looked behind him at the table, then back at her. "After we got you and Zuko into the infirmary, Sakida walked up feeling ill. She claims to have chest pains. Dad is taking care of her now."

Zuko and Katara exchanged a knowing glance.