Ruka (3)
I trailed behind my brother as he showed Zuko to his new room. When he left, I stood next to the doorway. I repeatedly breathed in and out while fidgeting with my fingers until I found myself in the room.
Zuko was looking down at a picture of Iroh and I softly smiled. Again, I found my own words coming out on their own. "I miss him too."
He quickly turns around and realizing its me, he stands up straighter. Zuko looks me up and down, which I've gotten used to by now. I ignore it.
"Where do you think he is right now?" I ask him. He slowly shakes his head. "I-I don't know. He didn't tell you where he went?"
"No, he left that part out of our master plan. He told me he'd be safe though, and that I had nothing to worry about." I said. "So, I guess that eases some of my nerves."
Zuko clears his throat. "You-uh, you look a lot better."
I shrug, "I put on a few pounds. No big deal."
The corners of his lips turn upward. "Thank you for earlier - for what you said to Aang. I really appreciate it. I don't deserve it after what I did to you."
I cautiously walk over and sit down at the end of his bed. It didn't take long for him to sit down next to me.
"What made you realize your true destiny?" I asked him.
"You." He said softly. "Amongst other things."
There was silence between us for a moment before I started slowly. "Iroh taught me something, too: second chances. I've been trying so hard to let it go, but I think that's what's hurting me more. Now I see the only way I'm free of this darkness inside me is forgiving you. It's easier now because you are the Zuko I know and love." We both smile at each other, a wave of light traveling between us both.
"Thank you, Ruka. I don't deserve your forgiveness. But I will never, never take it for granted."
When I stand up from the bed, he does the same. "I should check if Katara needs help on lunch." I turn around and before I could leave the room, Zuko stops me.
"You said I'm the Zuko you know and love. Not loved. Does that mean something?"
My heart raced. I'm surprised it didn't take me all across the temple. Does it? I slightly look over my shoulder at him, "I guess only time will tell."
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The Ruka Wild ↠ Book 3 > A:TLA
Fanfiction( third book in The Ruka Wild series ) Heartbroken and alone, Ruka is sent to the Boiling Rock where she faces her biggest fear: alone in the dark. No one is there to give her the one remedy she's never lived without. Join her as she becomes a diffe...
