Katara
As Zuko walks off, I put my head between my knees, replaying the last week in my head. Did I do the right thing? Zuko's proud of me, but am I proud of myself? What would my mother think? And the whole time since I let that horrible man go, I've been with Zuko. We had an adventure of stealing Fire Glacier Cakes, and I laughed during that more than I have in ages.
I think about Zuko, and If I'm ready to forgive him. The problem is, ever since the first time I noticed I was attracted to him almost a year ago it's been hard to not notice that. My anger towards him has kept a shield up, kept me from letting him get close. But why keep it up now? I mean, I know Aang likes me, but that's never happening so it's not a valid reason. Do I think this is some kind of long standing act, that he's going to betray us again? No. So I don't know what's holding me back, but I know I'm still keeping my anger up as a shield. Or trying to. It's getting harder though. On the way over here I had a dream about him. Nothing crazy, just him playing with my hair, but it was one of the best dreams I've had in months, maybe in years. And he's being so helpful and thoughtful now. I can't keep pushing him away, but if I let him in, what then?
I shake the thoughts out of my head, and decide to go inside and look through the house. Zuko's right, it is abandoned. There's about an inch of dust and dirt on everything, and it smells like must. The sun has finally set, so I take one of the lanterns and light a stick to light the rest of them inside the house. Once I'm done with that, I figure I should get to work. If we're all going to stay here, it can't be this musky. Toph may love dirt, but dust makes even her sneeze. I get to cleaning, pulling water out of the air and running it over everything then sending the dirty muck out of whatever window is nearby. When I finish a room, everything is so clean it shines. The power of water truly is amazing. I head into the hallway after cleaning the last bedroom and send a powerful blast down the hall, kinda just having fun with it at this point. It isn't until I've sent it that I notice Zuko has come back inside, and is in the path of the blast.
"Zuko watch-" I start to yell, but it's too late. My water blast knocks the fire prince on his back, and I have to cover my mouth to hide the fact I'm laughing as he struggles to get up.
"Oh you think that's funny, huh?" He smiles at me, and I notice, again, how handsome he is. All the time, but especially when he's smiling.
"I'm…sorry?" I say with a lopsided grin. His smile falls off his face as soon as I do.
"You're not the one who needs to be sorry about anything, Katara." He says, and my stomach drops. I need to forgive him. I need to say it, I know I do, but I still can't get the words out. I'm afraid of what's going to happen both inside me and between us if I do. Does he even like me anymore? I think once upon a time he might have, but I've been nothing but awful to him for weeks. How could he possibly have feelings for me now? "Thanks for cleaning up, the place looks great." He says and rubs the back of his neck. "I ran into town and stole some supplies, they're put away in the kitchen. Perks of Royalty, The house has indoor plumbing. So feel free to eat, take a shower, whatever you want. I'm going to take Appa and get everyone else."
"No." I say without thinking.
"No?" He asks. I take a deep breath.
"Appa needs his rest."
"No, he's fine. He just ate like a whole bundle of sea grass."
"But the journey will take a whole day there and back. We should let him rest."
"He's flown a lot farther than that before."
"Zuko!" I close my eyes and sigh. "Please. I don't want to be alone right now. Can you stay with me for a bit? At least until I go to sleep later?" I ask. A hint of a smile plays on his lips.
"Of course, Katara."