Skinny Love

Words and Feelings

The next morning I woke up at daybreak in Zuko's arms. At first it felt that it was all a dream, but I soon realized that it wasn't as good as that.

I was still leaving.

He was still with Mai.

So I just watched him sleep peacefully like the night I stayed with him after Azula, his sister, struck him. He had saved my life.

It was then that'd I cried, letting out all of the hurt that's been building up. I was so naïve to think that all of this would vanish as soon as we saved the world. It didn't. It made it worse because now I have the time to process it.

After regained composure, I wriggled out of his grip, careful not to wake him. He rustled, turning the other way, giving me a view of his pale back.

"Katara." He mumbled, startling me.

He rolled back over, the covers dipping dangerously low on his hips.

Not knowing what to say, I gave him a small smile. What would I say?

Last night felt so good.

What happened.

Hey?

The same look of confusion crossed his face, his dark eyebrow slightly furrowed.

"What do we do about last night?" He finally asked, breaking the silence.

I sat up straighter, my legs hanging off of the side of the bed,"What can we do?"

I let out a self deprecating laugh.

"I mean we fooled around last night when I have to leave today and you're with someone else. What can we do Zuko? If you know please tell me." My voice had grown frantic, eyes darting around the room to focus on anything but him.

A concerned look crossed his face as he sat up and raked both hands through his hair.

"I don't know Katara, I'm just as confused as you are." He voice only got softer.

"Was it a mistake?" Sometime in the last few moments, tears had filled my eyes.

"No."

"I don't know."

"Should it have been?"

"No."

"Maybe."

"I don't know."

I bit my lower lip, fighting off the oncoming slew of tears. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

My back was now turned to him, my face buried in my petite hands.

"Maybe I should go." Zuko mumbled from behind me.

No. Don't go.

I pivoted my body to face the sixteen year old Firelord in front of me who was now standing up, wrestling on trousers.

"You don't need my permission." I forced out, trying to keep my voice even.

I gripped the blanket around my body tighter as I discreetly watched him dress.

"Katara should we just treat this as a mistake that never happened? I feel as if acknowledging this would be way too taxing."

No, I want to be with you.

"Of course. Anyways I should start getting ready. We'll be leaving soon." I too, stood up still holding the sheet to my body.

We both finished dressing in silence with only our thoughts to occupy us. I felt slightly better fully clothed with my tangles combed. At least I recognized myself.

"Goodbye Katara." Zuko waved his hand awkwardly.

Little did I know those were the last words I would hear from Zuko for a long time.

"Goodbye Zuko."