The Girl and the Fire Lord

33 The Goodbyes - Kaori's POV

When Zuko pulled away everything inside of me ached for more. He was deeply caring and thoughtful, gentle with my heart, but protective and strong, not to mention devastatingly handsome. I'd told him earlier that day that I loved him. Could he not see how much I wanted him? Was it him that didn't want me in that way?

"You are so beautiful, Kaori. I love you." He said sweetly. He moved his hand to my face and my insecurity washed away. I knew then he wanted me too, he just wasn't ready to move forward like that. 

"I love you too Zuko. It's probably a good thing you stopped when you did. You were beginning to make me lose my mind." I said, meaning it genuinely. I would have made a big decision I wasn't sure I was ready to make if he hadn't stopped us. After all, we'd only known each other a short time.

"And you, my love, made me lose mine a long, long time ago."

I thought back all that time ago to when he first saw me in the garden as I was feeding my little turtle ducks. He had known even then that he wanted to get to know and possibly love me. He'd pursued me fervently since, even if he had taken a bit to actually find out who and where I was. Either way, that was all in the past now. 

"Are you ready to go?" He asked, picking up my bag for me. 

"I am." I answered, but first, I had to ask him something I wasn't sure he'd say yes to.

"But before we do, I have to ask you a question."

"Of course, what is it?"

"Well, I'd like it if we could stop by my friends' room and say a quick goodbye."

He shifted uncomfortably. 

"I could wait here for you." He suggested. So he still felt uncomfortable with Hiromi. It was understandable, given everything that had happened between them. Still, I really wanted to tell them the news, and I at least wanted him to like Hana. I really didn't have much else in the world what with my family...

"Or, if you really want me to go, I'll go with you. You are my highest priority Kaori." He said. I let out a little scream and threw my arms around him.

"Thank you, Zuko. I know that's not an easy sacrifice to make. I promise we'll be quick, and I want you to know that though I can't say this for Hiromi, Hana does truly like you and respect you."

"If you say so."

"I do."

We left my room and headed down my Hall to Hiromi and Hana's hall. I wondered when I'd see my little room again. It was a strange though to ponder, but that room wasn't my home. Now my home was next to me carrying my duffle and sporting the messiest hair I'd seen in a while.

When we got to their room I felt Zuko's mood change. He gripped my hand a little tighter, and in response, I held his arm and moved closer to him. Luckily, Hana opened the door. She smiled brightly at me, but her face fell when she saw Zuko.

"What is he doing here Kaori?" She spat.

I'd never heard Hana speak in that tone, let alone say something so nasty. I was stunned beyond words.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come back here. Kaori, I'll leave you with them and I'll meet you in front of the palace." 

Hiromi walked up and smirked the usual devilish smile she formed around Zuko.

"That sounds like a great idea, Fire Lord." She said. 

Before he could turn to leave, she spat at his feet.

One of my closest and dearest friends spat at the feet of the man I loved and the Ruler of the fire nation. 

"Hiromi." Hana whispered urgently. Hiromi's demeanor did not change.