Skinny Love

Do You Remember?

3 years ago....

Zuko POV •••

I couldn't believe what had just happened. I was such as fool.

I've never been good at keeping my emotions contained; it just wasn't the nature of a fire-bender. Uncle taught me that our emotions are what make us strong, but I felt incredibly weak.

I felt weak because I lost all control last night. I felt weak because I couldn't bring myself to stay. I felt weak because I couldn't bare to look at her, knowing she would never be mine.

"Zuko." Iroh's voice sounded outside of my chambers, pulling me out of the never ending spiral of my thoughts. "The Avatar and his friends will be leaving shortly. It would be rude not to see them off."

Great.

"Zuko...."

"Not now, Uncle. I'm- I'm busy." I dragged my hand down my face, trying to remain calm.

"Zuko I would advise that you-"

"That I see them off. I got it, Uncle." My emotions boiled over, coming out as anger per usual.

I crossed the chambers to open the doors. Of course, I had been ready for hours. I found every way to avoid thinking about her as possible.

"You look very busy, nephew." Iroh pressed his lips into a fine line. "You have been in your chambers all morning. Is all well?"

"Everything is fine, Uncle." I forced out unconvincingly.

"Is it your wound?" His voice changed from irritated to concerned.

I took the out. "Yes, it hurts."

He nodded in a satisfied manner, proud of his "intuition".

"Well, we don't have all day." He noticed my hesitation, prompting me to get moving.

I sighed, brushing past him to make my way to the west courtyard where Apa was housed. They would surely be departing from there, not wanting to cause a crowd.

As I turned the corner, I realized how deeply I actually did want to see them off, well, see Katara off.

I didn't care if it would shatter my broken heart into a million pieces, I yearned to see her deep eyes one more time. Those eyes.

The first time I saw her, I looked into them and saw a scared little girl.

The second time, I saw a strong woman.

Now, I see the future we could have. The future we deserve to have. I can finally be happy, no longer living in constant fear of my father. Why couldn't we be together? We have faced far more difficult challenges. It was time to pen my destiny and stop waiting for someone else to write it for me.

I love her, for Spirits sake, I love Katara. I love her laugh and her smile. I love her temper. I love the way she moves and how she talks. I love her pain and her heart and everything else.

I was sprinting to the west wing, a smile taking over my scarred face. I will first kiss her, hold her, and tell her I loved her. I would say how I never wanted to leave her after last night. It was spectacular! Anything to make her stay. To hell with anyone who dares stand in my way. To hell with Mai. To hell with Aang. I'm the damned Firelord! This is my nation.

I reached the entrance to the west wing courtyard. I didn't acknowledge the guards stationed by the entryway, bowing in deference.

"Forgive me, your Majesty, but you just missed them." One of them chimed in an even tone.

I heard him, but it didn't register until I was in the empty courtyard. I looked around frantically, hoping to see one of my friends.

"Your Majesty, my apologies. If we had known...."

They were gone.

I AM SO SOOOO SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. I WILL FINISH THIS STORY, BUT IT MAY NOT BE QUICK. REPEAT: I WILL FINISH THIS STORY, DO NOT WORRY!!!!!!

I LOVE U ALL. I AM INCREDIBLY THANKFUL FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS AND DEDICATION!!!!!