Zuko x Reader: Love Burns (REVAMPED)

Chapter Five: The Waterbending Scroll

(A/N): I decided to put in a few episodes I skipped when writing the original. 

I could feel a breeze around me. I wasn't exactly sure where I was or what was happening, but I could feel a cool breeze. I felt that I was on top of a smooth, familiar surface. I could hear the air rushing past me and Katara's, Aang's, and Sokka's voices. I could practically taste the water in the air.

But, I saw nothing. 

My head was pounding, and I saw nothing. 

My eyes were closed. 

Maybe I should just keep them closed for a little longer. 

How did I get here?

"You're already dead to me, (Y/N)."

I felt a pang in my chest. What had happened? Those words hurt more than any sword, bending, or punch I had taken in my entire life. They had literally taken a physical toll on me. My head had hit the ground afterward, and...

I guess that's where we are now. 

I had completely destroyed my bond with Zuko. I mean, what did I expect? But, I never thought he would have resented me this much. I never thought I would ever be nothing to him. I thought we had the kind of bond that would have transcended any conflict. 

And, I guess a small part of me thought that maybe he liked me as more than just a friend. Or, I guess I hoped. 

Let go, (Y/N). 

Pretend he doesn't exist. 

Pretend you're not in pain. 

You're already an expert at that anyway. 

Wake up now. 

Right, I should probably open my eyes. Who knows how long I've been out. 

My eyes fluttered open and I sat up, fast. I saw the back of Sokka's head as he steered Appa and then a gasp from Katara, causing me to whip around and lock eyes with her and Aang. They both stared at me in shock. 

"What?" Sokka said, "Why'd  you gasp?"

I groaned, "My head is killing me. How long was I-?"

I was cut off by Katara wrapping her arms around me and pulling me in tightly. I heard Sokka and Aang exclaim in excitement, but I was more surprised by Katara's reaction. She held me tighter. 

"I was so worried," Katara said, and I could hear that she was crying. 

I relaxed into the hug, "Sorry. I'll try not to worry you again, Kat."

She pulled away and held me by my shoulders, "What'd you just call me?"

"Oh, is that not okay? I thought it was kind of cute, like you know, Katara, Kat..."

"I like it," Katara smiled. 

***

Apparently, I had been out for weeks. I had missed the summer solstice, where apparently Aang met Avatar Roku, who told him he had to master all four elements in a year. 

He was currently pacing around Appa, clearly freaking out. Which was understandable. 

"Would you sit down?" Sokka asked, "If we hit a bump, you'll go flying off. What's bugging you anyway?"

Aang flailed his arms around, "It's what Avatar Roku said. I'm supposed to master all four elements before that comet arrives."

Sokka looked slightly amused, "Well, let's see. You pretty much mastered airbending and that only took you a hundred and twelve years. I'm sure you can master three more elements by next summer."