Burning Desires || Zuko x Reader x Sokka

|| Chapter XI ||

    "Well, well will you look who it is..." The hideous monster said through dying breaths. At first I was confused but it all became clear once I noticed the sharp knife plunged into his back. I saw through my watery eyes the blood being drained from his back, seeping into the earth's soil.

    "That's enough, Jet." A familiar husky voice said. I could see a gloomy figure stand before the body. I could feel my heartbeat gradually decrease. My entire body went numb and starry spots surrounded me. I attempted to rise from the ground but was still in shock. I found myself stumbling back but I was quickly caught by strong arms. I looked into the face of my hero, hoping to catch a glimpse of my guardian angel.

    "Z-Zuko?" And then it all went silent. I woke up to find myself sleeping comfortably in a velvety bed. It appeared to be the bed Zuko had previously chained me to, but nicer. I felt safer, more comfortable. I groaned, rubbing my head as I sat up in the bed. The windows were open and I could finally see the morning sunlight as it peaked in through the windows. I could feel the slight breeze as it sailed its way into the room. The door opened as my dark prince walked in carrying a tray of tea.

    "Oh, you woke up." He smiled that breathtaking side-smile as he placed the tea down. He sat at the end of the bed, facing me.  He was glowing, like he was happy to see me. "Here, drink some tea. It's jasmine." He passed me a cup and I carefully took a sip of the burning tea.  Needless to say, it wasn't exactly the best, but it was a good effort. I placed the tea on the bedside table. Straightening myself up, I looked at Zuko.

    "What happened?" I asked.

    "I think you know..." I thought back to myself and shivered at the cold touch of 'Jet's' hands. My heart raced and everything in my body went numb. I was helpless all over again. Zuko placed his hand on mine, a reassuring pull back to life.

    "Th-thank you, Zuko." I looked up at him.

    "It's what any other person would do..."

    "No..." I sighed, looking down at my hand. "No one followed me.  Not even Sokka." Zuko placed his tea down, taking a deep breath as he prepared himself for what he was going to say next.

    "Y/N, I went back to your campsite to apologize which is when I saw you stomp away from Sokka. I tried finding you, but it was no use until I heard you..." He took a deep breath, looking into my eyes. "I was going to apologize to you before. Ever since you left I didn't know what to do with myself. You showed me a new meaning to life, something I never knew before. Y/N, I love-"

    "No." I shook my head, breaking my hand away from his. I swallowed hard as I looked into his eyes. "As much as I want to say it, we can't keep doing this.  For god's sake, Zuko! You're engaged to Mai!"

    "We're betrothed, that's all! If that's what you're worried about I'll just leave her right now!" Zuko began to stand up but I pulled him back down, my face an ill, pale color.

    "What would your family think, Zuko? What about the fire nation? You're one step closer to being fire lord and you're just going to lose it all? I can't do that to you, Zuko..." I dramatically looked away from him, holding back my tears.  Zuko leaned over as his comforting hand wiped away the tears.

    "I would do anything for you. Even if it means losing everything."

    "I'm sorry Zuko, but we can't do this. Our love is forbidden..." We looked into eachothers eyes, which were glazed over with tears.. I leaned forward and pecked one last kiss on his lips. This was it, Zuko was now a distant memory to me.