Zutara: A Second Chance

A Memory

     "Come on, let's get you inside," Katara said as she tried to pull Zuko up. His wound was really bad.
     "Ow, o— AH!" Zuko struggled to stand. Azula's lightning really damaged him.
     Katara lead Zuko inside, and supported as much weight as she can. Once they got inside, Katara realised they were in one of the sitting rooms. They walked over to a couch, and Katara set Zuko down.
"You're going to be alright." Katara said as she took Zuko's hand in hers, and gazed at his face.
"I know." He whispered.
     She waterbended water over his wound, and started the healing process with her free hand.
     "This might leave a scar." Katara said.
     "Yeah, well, I'm starting to think I have a knack for scars."
     "Well, at least your sense of humor isn't broken."
     "Like I had one to begin with." Zuko said sarcastically.
     Katara gave out a small laugh. She was just happy Zuko was okay. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if he didn't jump in front of her. Now, she couldn't help but imagine what it would've been like if Katara wasn't there to heal Zuko.
     Katara was silent for a few moments, then took in a deep breath and said, "We better get you all fixed up, Firelord. You'll have to look presentable. Everyone will be waiting for you... Mai will be waiting for you," as she said that, Katara let go of Zuko's hand.
     Zuko had just realised. Mai. Of course. He wouldn't have thought of Mai if Katara didn't remind him. At that moment, he decided what his first order will be as firelord. To free all war prisoners. He had been so busy, he barely even had time to miss Mai.
He loved Mai with all his heart, but he considered if getting back with Mai is even an option anymore. What if he wasn't made for her?
     "That's if Mai would have me back. What about you? I bet Aang is waiting for you, too." Zuko said. "I may be an idiot, but even I know there's something going on between you two."
He didn't know why, but Zuko just needed to know. He knew he loved Mai, but something about the thought of Katara and Aang made him feel uneasy. He watched Katara's face as she tried to speak, trying to find answers.
     "Oh, well," Katara said. She wasn't sure what to say. "I haven't given it any thought, actually. But, yeah I guess so... he did kiss me twice. Maybe— I don't know. Do you think I should have given it a try?"
"Uh, sure, I guess." Zuko said.
     "What are you doing up so early?" A voice echoed in the empty kitchen. Zuko emerged from his thoughts. He was revisiting the memory after the Agni Kai.
     Zuko turned towards the doorway, to see who had just walked in. It was Katara. The same girl who helped him become firelord in the first place.
     "I'm usually awake by this time." Zuko told her.
     "Oh, well then don't bother me. I woke up, and just wanted some water." Katara said, getting herself a glass of water. "I just went to bed an hour ago. I'll be on my way back to sleep right after."
     "An hour ago? It's already early morning."
     "Yes, well, I'm a night owl. After all, I rise with the moon, don't I?" Katara said, recalling one of Zuko's cheesy lines.
     He chuckled. "Ah yes, and it would appear that I rise with the sun. Well, good night then. You should get rest."
     Katara slowly walked out of the kitchen, and out of sight.