Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire [Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfic]

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Later that afternoon, Zuko read quietly while Izara dozed peacefully at the other end of the couch. She had barely shifted in her sleep since she'd nodded off, and Zuko had put her book on the coffee table to save her place. He'd kept an eye on her, ensuring she slept soundly for the last few hours. Seeing her so relaxed for a change had been nice since she was usually so on guard. He hoped that the few days' rest would do her good.

She'd slept for at least an hour or two but began to twitch and flinch. Zuko lowered his book in response to her movements, assuming she was dreaming.

Abruptly, she sat upright, her fist clenched tightly, raised and ready to strike, eyes wide in panic and taking shallow breaths. She was frightened and alarmed, and her head snapped towards Zuko in panic. Zuko wanted to reach out to her but waited a moment to ensure she recognised him first, not wanting to terrify her further. Instead, he waited where he was, staying still, and just gave her a gentle smile. When her fist relaxed as she got her bearings, he put his book down and reached out to her, holding his arms outstretched, not knowing what else to do but comfort her.

Izara frowned sharply before relaxing and took the invitation, all but diving towards him on the couch as she realised she was in a safe place. Her head ended up on his chest, and she lay between his legs, with his arms enclosed tightly around her. Zuko nuzzled into her, wanting to make her feel safe in his presence. It was also nice to be able to hold her like this.

"You're okay. You're safe. I've got you. No one will ever hurt you again. I'll protect you. You're safe. I'm here. I'm here." Zuko whispered to her softly, reassuring her that she was alright, running his hand over her hair.

Eventually, after his soft affirmations, the tension in her body began to fade, and Izara nodded off to sleep again. Her cheek was squished against his pectoral muscle, and she breathed softly. Zuko did his best to slow his heart rate, to stop it from hammering loudly in his chest and disturbing her rest. He allowed himself to doze lightly, leaning his head against the back of the couch and keeping his arms wrapped over Izara's back.

Despite the slight awkwardness from earlier, it had come from a place inside him that cared deeply for Izara. It was practically a dream come true to have her so close, wrapped in his arms. Even if she accepted his affection just to feel safe, he would still offer it freely.

Later on, Izara shifted and thus woke Zuko from his light sleep. He roused much quicker and looked down at the woman in his arms, his eyes softening at the sight.

"Hey. You okay?" He asked softly, touching her cheek to wake her fully.

"Mmhmm." She responded with a drowsy, affirmative groan, as she slowly cracked her eyes open.

"Want some tea?" Zuko offered with a smile.

"Please." She nodded against his chest.

Lifting his back off the couch, Izara scrambled off him in a startled fashion and looked at him with wide eyes. She must not have realised she was lying on him until she'd woken up a little more.

"Sorry!"

"Don't be," Zuko replied swiftly and continued, despite his better judgement. "It was really nice." He was too nervous to make eye contact with her, staring at the floor as he rose to his feet.

Shuffling to the kitchen, Zuko filled the kettle and put it on the stovetop. He glanced over to Izara, turning her head to one side as if trying to stretch her muscles as she came down the hallway.

"You must be feeling safe here. You didn't try to kill me when I woke you." He said with a soft laugh.

Izara glared at him. "I still feel bad about that."