a/n My inbox had so many wonderful notifications since my last update, I was compelled to write more!
Not much intro to this chapter, just a quick reminder: I do not own AtLA characters, but I am responsible for any additional characters.

Chapter 21 ~Feel~

-Zuko-

He was going to die. The pain had faded a little, but he knew that was a sign that his nerves had been damaged. A numbness spread across his chest and he was able to listen to the fight around him. He tried so hard to get up, but he couldn't. Then everything went silent. No footsteps. No insults. What? His head felt ten times heavier and he couldn't lift it. Suddenly he could hear someone racing towards him. Katara. His Katara was here. He asked her where Azula was, but apparently, Katara had defeated her. Good.
"Zuko, stay with me!" Katara shouted, as her tears fell, "you promised you'd always love me! And that you'd come back to me! Don't leave now!" I'm so sorry! He could see the pain in her eyes.
"Shhh…" he said soothingly and tried to reach up and touch her precious face. The motion made the pain spike, but he tried his best not to let it show. Before he left, he had to know. He had to ask her. "Katara," he whispered. It hurt to speak, but that didn't stop him.
"What?" she asked.
"Marry me?" he asked. It wasn't the way he had originally wanted to do it. He had envisioned something a little more romantic. Maybe in the garden by the turtleduck pond under the moon…
"Why are you doing this?" she answered his question with a question. He had hoped she would have said yes. Not this.
"Please…" he begged. Didn't she get it? "I want you to be mine before I d-" She interrupted him before he could finish.
"Shush. You're not going to die." Her face was so resolute there would be no arguing. He watched as she summoned water to her. She encased him in a water bubble, like a sleeping bag or cocoon.
"I-" he tried to speak.
"Shh!" she ordered. Well okay then. He felt himself being lifted slightly off the ground. The water around him started to swirl and glow as she pressed her palms against it. What? He closed his eyes. The pain was receding. He could feel it being drawn out. How was she doing it? He opened his eyes to find her worried, but determined gaze. The water bubble descended and laid him down gently on the ground. He smiled weakly up at Katara. Upon seeing his smile, she smiled back as a tear fell.
"Thank you, Katara." he husked. His voice was beyond scratchy, but he already felt better.
"I think I'm the one who should be thanking you." she replied. Then she leaned down and kissed him.

It was not a rushed kiss like their previous one, but slow, reassuring. He tried to pour in all of the hope, gratitude, and love he felt. They quickly broke apart though when they heard Azula scream somewhere behind them. Katara slowly helped him to his feet. He had to lean heavily on her, but he was standing. That's when he saw Azula. Chained, sobbing, and screaming uncontrollably. Fire shot out of her mouth as she writhed, trying to break free of her bonds. He felt sorry for her. She was no longer a human, but some mad animal. He glanced over and saw the same pity in Katara's eyes.
"What do we do now?" she asked, quietly.
"We should go see how the others are doing. We need to make sure Aang returned…" he said. If Aang had returned then he was probably still be battling Ozai.
"Okay," she agreed, but looked worried still.
"What is it?" What's wrong?
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"Fine," he replied automatically. Her stern look said she wasn't buying it, so he clarified, "I mean it still hurts, but I got a lightning blow to the chest." He tried to joke, but turned serious. "I would be dead already if it wasn't for you."
"I know it must feel better, but…"
"You can look at it on the trip over. We should take Appa and head out." He said. They couldn't stand around arguing.
"Fine." She agreed.

-Katara-

Something still felt wrong. While her hands glowed against him there was still something wrong. She frowned to herself. What was it?
"Is everything okay?" he asked. Should she tell him…? Yes, he needed to be aware that he could still be in danger.
"No, it's not. Something isn't right. I can sense it inside you."
"Maybe it will go away?" his hopeful smile was infectious, but still…
"I don't know. Maybe…" she chewed her bottom lip, "I think you could use a few more healing sessions… in a spiritual oasis if possible." He nodded, thinking.
"Yeah, I think I know a place. We can go there after…" his words hung in the air. Although they had defeated Azula the day was far from over.

They continued to fly towards the Earth Kingdom, hopefully towards Aang. For now, they both rode up on the saddle, something Appa didn't seem entirely pleased about. However, she was happy. Zuko was lying down with his head in her lap. She had finally convinced him to rest a little. Sometimes his eyes were open, staring up, and sometimes they were closed. Yet, she knew he wasn't sleeping.
"What will happen when Ozai is gone?" she asked, breaking the silence and running her fingers through his hair. His eyes opened.
"Once Ozai is gone we will have to bring…whatever remains back to the Fire Nation to show the Sages. Then…"
"You can claim the throne." She finished. He gave a small nod.
"It's weird to think about." He admitted.
"What? You being Fire Lord?"
"Yeah," he nodded again, "Ever since I was young I never felt good enough. Azula was better than me at everything and… our father used to say Azula was born lucky and I was lucky to be born…" His eyes closed as he relived the rejection. Her heart went out to him. What a horrible thing for a father to say!
"Zuko," she said firmly and he opened his eyes. They were sad. "You are good enough. You are more than good enough. You're amazing, caring, strong, talented, loving…" her voice was failing her. She could feel herself getting chocked up. Zuko moved, sitting up and embracing her.
"Thank you, Katara." his voice was thick too.
"You're welcome, Zuko." She smiled into his shoulder. When he released her and moved to sit next to her, his face briefly contorted in pain. "I saw that wince."
"Agni." He swore, "I can't get away with anything can I?" She smiled back at him.
"Never," she whispered, grinning.
"Good," he said it so quietly she wasn't sure if she heard him right. He rested his head against hers, sighing.

-Zuko-

He wished they could remain like this forever. Sure, it hurt to have an arm draped around her shoulders, but he didn't care. She was worth it. He took a moment to breathe in the delicious smell of her hair.
"Well," she said, moving her head to look at him, "I should probably get back to the front to guide Appa."
"Are you sure?" he asked
"Yeah, we should be nearing the others soon."
"You know…I could fly Appa…" he tried a convincing 'I'm perfectly fine' smile.
"Ha! Good try! I got this." She laughed, giving him a quick kiss before getting up. It was worth a try. The pain wasn't nearly as bad. In comparison to before, he felt great! So he had to laugh too. This brought back the pain though, with a sharp reminder. Maybe he wasn't all better. Foolish he thought, leaning back against the saddle's edge. He closed his eyes, conserving his strength.
"There!" she called out and he opened his eyes. She was pointing to a giant Fire Nation war balloon parked by some giant pillars of earth. As he looked around, he saw other war balloons grounded. Wasn't the water supposed to be closer? He thought. It didn't matter. He saw three people exit the balloon and walk towards a fourth figure: The Avatar. Aang.
"It's Aang!" he yelled up to her. She grinned and waved. The group looked up and them and shouted their surprise and glee.
"Aang!" she shouted. She guided Appa's reins in the group's direction. Appa landed with a groan-like sound on a nearby pillar.
"Katara! Zuko!" Aang yelled, smiling. He used his earth bending to form a bridge between the two pillars. Zuko stood up, wincing. "What's wrong?" Aang asked, leaping up with a super air jump. Katara crawled back and helped Zuko to his feet.
"Looks like I'm going to have a matching scar Aang." He tried to joke. Aang's look of horror surprised Zuko.
"Azula." Was all he said. Zuko nodded seriously.
"He took a bolt of lightning for me." Katara said, filling him in.
"Katara are you okay?" Sokka's voice came from the ground.
"Yeah! Be right down." She yelled back.
"Aang," Zuko said, trying not to sound sheepish, "Would you help me down?"
"Of course," Aang replied. With a flourish of movements, Zuko felt the air around him move and it gently picked him up. The air put him down lightly next to Katara who he leaned heavily on.
"Sokka!" Katara gasped, finally looking up at her brother, "What happened to you? Are you okay?" Sokka was using both Toph and Suki as crutches.
"I'm fine really," he said, hopping towards his sister, "Although I probably could use some of your glowing healing hands." Everyone but Zuko laughed. He was distracted, looking around. Where is he? Surly there is something left?
"What is it?" Katara asked in a whisper as Sokka animatedly described the battle.
"Ozai." He replied.
"I didn't kill him." Aang said, surprising Zuko. He didn't know The Avatar heard. "I took away his firebending, permanently." Zuko's eyes widened. He had no idea Aang had that power.
"Oh, I see." Zuko replied. He wasn't quite sure what he thought about that. Was it wrong that he felt disappointed? Or was that even what he was feeling? He didn't know how he felt anymore. It was too confusing. All he did know was Ozai was compromised, meaning he'd be Fire Lord and his chest was hurting from all the standing.

-Katara-

She watched different emotions flick across Zuko's face at Aang's news. Not to mention, she could tell he was in pain. He needs another healing session she thought.
"Well, I think we should head back to the Fire Nation Capital." She offered.
"Yeah," Aang agreed, "I can take Ozai back on the balloon. Anyone want to come with?"
"I will!" Offered Toph maybe a little too enthusiastically from Sokka's right. She stepped away from Sokka to stand by Aang. Who in turn, casually draped an arm around her waist. Aww! Sokka didn't look disappointed to be losing his right crutch as he clung closer to Suki. Eww!
"If it's all the same," Zuko said next to her, "I'd rather not see my father, yet." She nodded.
"We can ride back on Appa." She said.
"With us?" Suki asked, smiling.
"Of course," Katara replied, smiling back.
"There goes the comet," said Zuko softly, looking off at the horizon. Everyone turned to see the tail of the comet disappear.
"Good riddance." Toph said, making everyone smile and laugh. Even Zuko chuckled. Katara was beaming. She was so glad everyone had made it. They had survived Sozin's Comet.

-Zuko-

Aang, Toph, and Ozai flew ahead of them. Zuko was already trying to plan things out. Uncle would be proud. Agni, Uncle! Hopefully there would be news of the White Lotus' victory in Ba Sing Se when they landed. Zuko only had a little idea what would happen once they all arrived. Ozai would have to go to jail, immediately. And it'd have to be the high security prison in the capital so he could keep a close eye on him. As for Azula… He wasn't quite sure what to do about her. She shouldn't stay in the capital, but where could she go? She was crazy, vindictive, and power-hungry…not the best combination. For now, maybe she could be contained in a wing of the palace?
"Zuko," Sokka said excitedly, distracting him from his plans, "I forgot to ask." Zuko turned his head to look at Sokka. Even this small movement hurt. "How does it feel to be almost Fire Lord? Huh? Huh?" Sokka leaned in and playfully nudged him in the ribs a few times, causing him severe pain. He had to grit his teeth to prevent from crying out.
"Sokka!" Suki scolded, whacking him on the shoulder with the back of her hand, "He's hurt!"
"Ow!" he cried, turning to lean towards Suki, "I'm hurt too!"
"Yes, but you didn't get severely electrocuted did you? Hmm? And you don't see me prodding at your leg!" she said, not backing down.
"What's going on back there?" asked Katara from the front. Sokka and Suki quickly sat up.
"Nothing!" The three of them yelled back. Zuko had to smile. They were just like a family. Which reminded him: Katara never answered his marriage proposal earlier. Hmm… might just have to ask her again. He thought. Maybe this time he wouldn't be almost dying and could ask her in a proper and more romantic way. Might get the turtleduck pond scene after all.

They landed in front of the palace next to the war balloon. I need Aang… thought Zuko. There was no way he'd be able to get off Appa without the bender. Just then, Aang exited the balloon and walked over.
"Want a lift, Zuko?" he asked. Zuko smile and nodded. Once more, the gentle breeze picked him up and deposited him on the ground next to Katara. They smiled at each other. Sokka and Suki appeared next to them. Sokka also got a lift down from Aang.
"What now?" asked The Avatar. Zuko didn't answer Aang. He didn't have to because right on cue, a Fire Sage ran towards them.
"Prince Zuko!" the old Sage said. Zuko's eyes glanced around and he could see a few servants, soldiers, and Sages had gathered around them.
"Everybody stand down." Zuko boomed. A few firebenders dropped their defense stances. Zuko stepped away from Katara. He needed to appear strong. "The Avatar has neutralized Fire Lord Ozai and I have returned to the Capital as rightful heir to the throne." No one said anything, so he went on. "All soldiers of the Fire Nation are hereby instructed to stop fighting immediately. We do not need any more lives lost of people from any nation."
"As you wish, Prince Zuko," the Sage bowed and Zuko nodded back. The Sages were an ancient, loyal, and wise bunch, who deserved respect.
"Ozai must be transported to Prison Tower immediately." He turned to Aang, "I'm sure you'll want to see to it yourself, Avatar." Aang nodded firmly, as he expected. He turned back to the growing crowd, "If it's not too difficult to arrange, I'd like my coronation to be tomorrow. I know we must still have a few buildings on fire." A few people laughed at his small joke. "Also, all refugees are to be welcomed, fed, and given any materials we can provide. Now, I would like to go home." The crowd cheered and the palace doors were thrown open.

-Katara-

She was so proud of him. He had become quite the leader. However, she could tell by the tension in his back and shoulders that he was in serious pain. She understood why he had stepped away, but now he really needed a healing session. Once his speech was done, she walked up to him and innocently put her hand around his waist. He instantly sagged against her. Close up, she could see sweat on his brow.
"Hi," he said weakly.
"Hi yourself," she replied, smiling, "Good job out there."
"Thanks," he probably would have blushed if his face wasn't already flush.
"We can help escort Fir-Ozai to the tower with The Avatar, your majesty." Volunteered a man, approaching with a small band of men behind him.
"Very good," Zuko nodded, "What's your name Corporal?" He must know by the uniform she thought.
"Lee Huynh, your majesty." Lee said, bowing his head. Zuko nodded again.
"It is nice to meet you Lee. I'm sure once through you will make sure my friends get back to the palace and are treated well?"
"Of course, your majesty." Lee said excitedly and he and his men followed Aang aboard the war balloon where Toph was no doubt guarding Ozai. Katara smiled to herself. Zuko would be an amazing Fire Lord.
"If you would then follow me please," The original Fire Sage said, turning towards the palace. The group walked / limped after him.

All of the stair climbing and walking was taking its toll on Zuko. With each step, he seemed to rely on her a little more. She didn't mind. She was just worried. The magnificent architecture, painting, rugs didn't mean a thing to her right now.
"Zuko," she whispered, "Where are we headed? We can't go on." She knew Sokka must be having a rough time too.
"You're right." He panted. He was tiring more than she feared. "Have you ever been in a palanquin?" His eyes still sparkled as he smiled. She shook her head. "Right then." Zuko cleared his throat and the Fire Sage turned around to look at them, "My friends and I are in need of some medical attention. So walking…" Zuko let his words hang and the Sage's eyes lit up as.
"Of course, Prince Zuko, walking is definitely out of the question! I'll get some palanquin bearers and have them transport everyone to the hospital wing?"
"Uh, Lady Katara and I will not be going to the hospital wing. I will instruct our palanquin bearers accordingly."
"Yes, Prince Zuko. Please, wait here while I fetch the bearers and-"
"Thank you. I know my way around the palace. We'll just continue on to the northeast lounge." The Sage didn't argue. He bowed once more and left. "Just down this hall and to the left," Zuko said, using his left hand to gesture.
"Nice spread, Zuko." Sokka said, limping up beside them with Suki. Zuko tried to grin, but it looked more like a grimace to Katara.

-Zuko-

Every step began to hurt. The pain faded a little once he was seated in the lounge, but he was positively relieved once the palanquins arrived. The bearers had insisted that it was no trouble for them to carry both Katara and himself, which made him extremely happy.
"After you," he said, trying to smile. Katara's smile was a little stronger than his was, but not by much. She's worried about me. The thought oddly made his smile a little wider.
"Thank you." she replied, crawling in. This palanquin had a backboard, but no bench. This meant that the rider (or in this case riders) sat sitting up with their legs stretched out in front of them. Very comfy.

Or maybe not so comfy. His grimace was back as his chest and stomach muscles screamed out in pain with every jostle.
"Lie down," Katara instructed, noticing his pain. He had to tuck his legs a little, but otherwise the position was much more comfortable. "Better?"
"Yes," he sighed, briefly closing his eyes.
"You know you are allowed to tell me if you're in pain." She snapped. His eyes popped opened.
"I'm sorry," he said, trying not to grin. Why was her annoyance so adorable?
"Honestly," she admonished. She kneeled over him, "I'm going to do a little healing now, so you don't pass out." He didn't think he was close to passing out, especially not when they were alone, and she was so near. But he was in no shape to act on those feelings. He certainly didn't object to her healing, especially when he felt the water caress his torso and the pain faded a little. It was then he realized that maybe it wasn't entirely the physical healing, but partly the love and caring he was experiencing that made him feel better. He decided then that Katara's love was the best feeling ever.

a/n Even as the author I'm like 'oh! The feels!' As always thanks for reading and I greatly appreciate reviews! (were there too many feels? what do you think of [almost] Fire Lord Zuko already? what should happen to Azula? thoughts? "Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?")