LOG: HOLY SHIT WE FINALLY FINISHED.
LOL....Trisha and I are slow. Haaaaah. ♥
-No one can see, etc.-
[Who:] Zuko & Katara
[Where:] Katara's apartment
[When:] June 16th (night)
[What:] Katara is mad at Zuko about confronting Light and wants to know why he's been acting like such an idiot lately. Zuko angsts. They split a drink, and there's blood and cuteness and ANSWERS. Oh my!
[Why:] Because their interactions are adorable.
[Rating:] PG-13 for language.
Back at Katara’s apartment, Zuko sat on the kitchen counter, his back pressed up against the side of the refrigerator. The feel of cool metal and the vibrations reminded him of the years on the Fire Navy ship-It felt almost like home. Headphones, from his walkman, in his ears, and a lit cigarette in his hand he was trying to force himself to relax. Out of all the battles he had been in that one was probably the tamest. If Katara hadn’t butted in he was certain Light would be nothing more than a pile of ashes at this point. So that bastard had better thank his lucky spirits that she’d come in to save his ass. Still feeling a bit broody, Zuko hunched up more against the metal siding and took a drag from the cigarette. The only reason he’d surrendered was because of Katara, he knew better than to go against her word. However, no one, not even Katara would ever understand his reasons for what he had tried to do.
Katara stepped into the kitchen, pulling the cigarette from his mouth, putting it out. "No smoking inside. I don't want it smelling like ass in here." She was obviously still pissed about the whole thing. She crossed her arms, cocking her hip out as narrowed eyes glared at him. "Care to explain why you were about to murder Light?"
Frowning at having his new addiction taken away, Zuko turned his head from her. Even though the volume was turned up loud enough that the bass could be heard around him, he could still hear what she said just fine. “You wouldn’t understand,” he said flatly, and turned away from her.
She grabbed his arm, turning him around to face her. "What the hell makes you think I wouldn't understand? You haven't told me ANYTHING and yet you're dictating how I feel about it."
Zuko looked at her, a very sad, remorseful look in his eyes. “By….By doing things with her….” He pulled the headphones off his head so they could talk. “I’ve sworn myself to her. He stole her from me! He’s evil and deserves proper punishment…”
She sighed, her arms uncrossing. "He's not evil. You have to keep in mind that it's a two way street. Ginny had to do something to give him the idea, you know."
“I don’t understand!” He snapped, his eyes narrowing. “I did everything she asked, gave her everything she wanted. I practically gave up on my honor for her and this is what I get in return!” He bit his lip and glanced away. “Maybe I’m just cursed.”
She crossed her arms again, raising her brow. "So then it's all Light's fault. Ginny's completely innocent. Light forced her to betray you and manipulated her into acting this way for his own selfish desires and Ginny's just an innocent pawn that needs to be rescued. That pretty much it?"
"That's not what I meant!" he snapped bitterly then hunched up a bit, regretting the fact he raised his voice at her. "It's just...She would tell me these things..." he sighed softly. "And then, not long ago when I was talking to Mai she brought up some points I never noticed before until now. And...And I'm starting to think it really was all for nothing. Obviously she'd rather have some smart-mouthed weak bastard who can talk his way in and out of things rather than someone who could actually save her life if it was necessary." He bristled a bit, his eyes glowing slightly, much like an irritated cat. "Maybe if I was a cold-hearted bitch like Azula who didn't care one way or another it wouldn't hurt so much...but it does."
She moved to stand next to him. "So...you think you're the only one who'd protect her?" She sighed. "Zuko...Light would probably give his own life to protect hers. Being able to talk his way out of a bad situation is a sign of how good he is. Physical fights may be a sign of strength, but not really a sign of intelligence. No offense, but you're proof of that. Especially after tonight's display." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it seems like I'm defending Light, and in every definition I am, but you just pulled him off the street and tried to kill him. Without even trying to talk to him first. With all the evidence, Light's looking more innocent than you. Do you really want that?" She paused a moment. "Here's a question for you. Even though you're not together anymore, do you still care for her?"
"Don't think my pride's completely shot," he smirked and held up a hand. "I still totally kicked his ass hardcore and would've probably roasted him if you hadn't dumped half of Tokyo's supply of water on us." His tone lightened a bit, as if he was amused by her small display of Waterbending. "Your idiot brother is a stronger opponent."
"But..." Zuko's voice lowered again and he balled up. "I've sacrificed too much for this...for her...Of course I still care for her...It's just..." He tilted his head up to peer into her eyes. "You know I don't like to lose. Times like this I just wish the comet would come and everything would be over. Rocks fall. Everybody dies."
She sighed. "You care for her, and yet you almost destroyed her happiness. Not to mention she'd only grow to loathe you. And Light had no reason to fight you other than to defend himself." She gently knocked him in the head. "And don't boast about it. I'm ticked off that you would run out and fight him. I know you hate losing but you have to have some self control or you'll lose everything. Do you honestly want to destroy your entire future for a few minutes of pride? And if you say yes, I swear I'll throw you down all 14 stories out a window with no balconies to catch you."
"What're you talking about?" he glowered, turning as much of himself into a lumpy ball as possible. "My future's already been destroyed. I've lost my mother...my father...my honor...my girlfriend...Now even my throne and my country. Azula's won. Our world is doomed....and it's all because I wasn't there to stop her."
With a soft 'thunk' Zuko leaned his head back against the metal side of the fridge and looked up at the ceiling. "We thought we were safe, but this should've been expected. Azula's swift and stealthy. I should've known she would've waited until we thought things were calm. I was stupid and selfish for ignoring everything...It's too late now. It's over. My only destiny now...Is to remain a slave to my country and to her. I'm not worth believing in anymore."
She clenched her fists before giving him a firm smack across his face. "I can't believe you're just giving up! It's not like she can make things worse. Your country has cause war for 100 years. No one's been able to stop it, what makes you think you're the only one that has to bear that burden? Your past is ruined, Zuko. You're still alive so you still have a future! Your friends haven't given up on you. I haven't given up on you but you're too absorbed in your "Let's all feel sorry for Zuko because he has it the worst" party to pay attention to anyone but Zuko. You're nation KILLED my mother, but I'm not curled up on the floor, am I? Look at where I am. I have friends that care for me, I'm supporting myself and doing very well, I might add, I have Toph, I have you. You can't just say 'It's over.' Just because everything seems to be falling apart. Stop seeing everything so negatively. We'll beat Azula one way or another. Why don't you start thinking of a plan to rectify the situation as opposed to giving in and letting Azula win? She hasn't won yet, but if you concede to her, she will."
It was if he'd just been hit by a jolt of electricity. "That's it!" Zuko said suddenly, beaming up at her as he rubbed his reddening cheek. "That's exactly what I have to do. I have to make her think she's won. That's her weakness; she has too much pride in herself. That's when she loses her defense. I just need to be close to her to do it...." Another thought crossed his mind. "And I already know someone who'd probably help me. She's shown in the past she's not entirely loyal to Azula." A smile crept across his face. "I'm going to get close to Mai. By getting close to her, I can find out what Azula's plotting, then find a way to bring her down." The smile turned into a grin. "You're a genius, Katara."
Katara smiled. "Good for you, Zuko. I--" She paused, blinking a moment. "Wait...what did I do?"
"You've given me an excellent idea," he smiled and swung his legs over the side of the counter so he could slide off and stand up.
"I'm going to go home. Back to the Fire Nation. I'll concede to Azula, play good-obedient-slave for a week or so, get it into her head that I'm so downtrodden that she can talk me into anything. Get her good and full of herself...All the meanwhile...." A smug smirk crept across his face. "I'm going to try my hand at courting Mai. Once I've gained her trust, I'll get the information I need to take Azula down." Zuko stopped to think for a moment. "I should probably go see my father too. I need to know what happened to...." His voice lowered and he looked away. "I've been letting too many things distract me. It's time to get my act together. Let them go get married in a flaming inferno and give birth to platypusbear-spawn, I don't care anymore."
With a small smile he turned around and opened a cupboard to get a bottle of rum he'd stored there. "I still need to find the Ava-I mean, Aang too. No matter what I pull off the world would still be a mess without him." He then turned to face her. "Care to split a drink?"
She smiled. "Sure...but...promise me you won't hurt Mai. Don't court her unless your intentions are a meaningful relationship, okay?"
"I'll never have the kind of...intensity I had with Ginny, no matter who I find. Such emotions were a mistake for me." Zuko frowned for a moment before rummaging through another cupboard for two glasses. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to respect her to the highest degree."
He closed the cabinet door and set the glasses on the counter to pour some rum into them. "Even when we were younger I knew Mai was...different. She always did things for herself, not because someone else wanted her to. Personally I think the only reason she bothers with Azula is because she's got nothing better to do with her time. And it's not like she's weak." He then grabbed a couple cans of cola from the fridge and emptied their contents into the glasses. "Your brother and Suki don't trust her...I can't blame them. However, I'm certain she could prove to be a good ally. I may not be head over heels for her, but if things turn out right I'm certain I can give her what she wants." Smirking, he handed her a drink, and held his out in salute. "Cheers to no matter how much life sucks, there's good in knowing there's still one more ass to kick?"
Katara laughed. "Exactly. And...I'll be honest. If you can trust her, I can."
"Thanks Katara," Zuko beamed. "Coming from you, that means a lot." He took a small sip of his drink. "And don't worry about the window...I prepaid a repairman to come in this week to fix it while you're at work."
There was a moment of silence as he glanced down into his glass. "You know, soon there may be a time when I'll need you to return home...Will you be ready or willing? Or...Is this where you feel you truly belong?"
She looked to her glass, taking a small sip before responding. "I'll come back if I am needed...but I feel more at place here. If the time comes and I'm needed back, I really have no choice. I will come if I am needed. Especially if it helps end the war and keep the world at peace."
It took a great deal of iron will for Zuko not to accidentally snort his drink from holding back laughter. "I take it if I need you I can count on you," he said with as straight a face as he could muster.
There was a pause before he eyed her seriously. "You still have that water from the oasis, yeah?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I still have it."
"Good," he blinked slowly. "Hey...If I take Azula down and restore my honor and right to the throne...Would you use it to take the scar away?" Zuko bit his lip. "Would've been nice...you know...before...But now, I realize if I'm to rid myself of this mark it has to have meaning. So if I fail, it wouldn't be worth it."
She nodded, swirling her drink. "Yeah...that sounds like a good use for it."
Zuko sighed and got up to rummage through a drawer for a sharp knife. "Might as well accept the fact I've lost," he said as he pulled his shirt up over his head and set it down. The metal of the knife started to have a heated glow to it and he held the blade to the back of his right shoulder- where there was a certain black tattoo.
"I've got nothing more keeping me tied here," he said quietly and plunged the knife into his flesh, slicing a line clean through the name printed on his skin. The only sound he made showing it was painful was the fact he sucked in a deep breath. Quickly he tossed the bloody knife into the sink and pressed his hand on the wound to stop the bleeding. "Don't try to heal it," he told her firmly before she could whip out any of her water.
She gasped, seeing what he was doing. She was already poised before he told her not to. Her expression turned from one of shock to one of anger. "What the HELL Zuko? I know WHY you did that but you're an IDIOT!"
He sighed again and found some gauze and an ace bandage that was kept in a First Aid kit on top of the fridge. He pressed the gauze against the wound and wrapped it the best he could. "We'd made so many promises..." he said softly, leaning back against the counter slightly. "I was an idiot for thinking they meant anything." His gaze shifted back to Katara. "Things are much different here, and I'm sure you're well aware of that. Here, words can mean less than nothing. There's no order, nothing binding anyone to anything. For example, your job. If you wanted to, you could just quit and no one would bat an eyelash. You can move on to anything whenever you wanted to...You have freedom. Until Aang's ready and things are made right again, I'm bound to my title and to my home. Nothing can get in the way of that."
Zuko sat on top of the counter again and leaned back against the fridge as he flipped through the booklet of CDs he had left there. "I thought I loved her....and I guess I still do. But I can't be bound to her any longer if she's with someone else. I'm not going to be responsible if something were to happen to her, I've no need to look out for her well being anymore. It'd be for the best....if I never saw her again."
She sighed, setting her drink on the counter. "Zuko...you need to cheer up. It wasn't a good thing what happened, but you need to move on. You keep saying you're better off without her....then why do your conversations end up back at her? You just need...to let her go. Let it all go. Go back, Zuko. It's better for the both of you."
"Tomorrow I'm going to go back home...to my family. Even if Azula's lying and I wind up being imprisoned...Anything would be a pleasant escape from this." He closed his eyes and rested his head against the cool metal side of the fridge. "You're more important to me, Katara, than you'll ever know...." His voice lowered. "...I'm tired."
She pulled him gently forward, undoing his bandage to adjust it properly. "If you're tired, you should go to bed. Don't push yourself too hard."
"I think I'll do that," Zuko gave her a small smile and stood up, sliding off the counter in the process. He then downed the rest of his drink and put the empty glass in the sink. "I'll probably leave sometime tomorrow afternoon while you're at work. If you need to use the car for anything just go ahead and take it. I won't have any use for it back at home. " He was about to step out of the kitchen when he turned around and hugged her with one arm and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
"'Night Katara," he said softly with a nod and then walked out of the room.
She smiled. "'Night Zuko. Good luck."
-No one can see, etc.-
[Who:] Zuko & Katara
[Where:] Katara's apartment
[When:] June 16th (night)
[What:] Katara is mad at Zuko about confronting Light and wants to know why he's been acting like such an idiot lately. Zuko angsts. They split a drink, and there's blood and cuteness and ANSWERS. Oh my!
[Why:] Because their interactions are adorable.
[Rating:] PG-13 for language.
Back at Katara’s apartment, Zuko sat on the kitchen counter, his back pressed up against the side of the refrigerator. The feel of cool metal and the vibrations reminded him of the years on the Fire Navy ship-It felt almost like home. Headphones, from his walkman, in his ears, and a lit cigarette in his hand he was trying to force himself to relax. Out of all the battles he had been in that one was probably the tamest. If Katara hadn’t butted in he was certain Light would be nothing more than a pile of ashes at this point. So that bastard had better thank his lucky spirits that she’d come in to save his ass. Still feeling a bit broody, Zuko hunched up more against the metal siding and took a drag from the cigarette. The only reason he’d surrendered was because of Katara, he knew better than to go against her word. However, no one, not even Katara would ever understand his reasons for what he had tried to do.
Katara stepped into the kitchen, pulling the cigarette from his mouth, putting it out. "No smoking inside. I don't want it smelling like ass in here." She was obviously still pissed about the whole thing. She crossed her arms, cocking her hip out as narrowed eyes glared at him. "Care to explain why you were about to murder Light?"
Frowning at having his new addiction taken away, Zuko turned his head from her. Even though the volume was turned up loud enough that the bass could be heard around him, he could still hear what she said just fine. “You wouldn’t understand,” he said flatly, and turned away from her.
She grabbed his arm, turning him around to face her. "What the hell makes you think I wouldn't understand? You haven't told me ANYTHING and yet you're dictating how I feel about it."
Zuko looked at her, a very sad, remorseful look in his eyes. “By….By doing things with her….” He pulled the headphones off his head so they could talk. “I’ve sworn myself to her. He stole her from me! He’s evil and deserves proper punishment…”
She sighed, her arms uncrossing. "He's not evil. You have to keep in mind that it's a two way street. Ginny had to do something to give him the idea, you know."
“I don’t understand!” He snapped, his eyes narrowing. “I did everything she asked, gave her everything she wanted. I practically gave up on my honor for her and this is what I get in return!” He bit his lip and glanced away. “Maybe I’m just cursed.”
She crossed her arms again, raising her brow. "So then it's all Light's fault. Ginny's completely innocent. Light forced her to betray you and manipulated her into acting this way for his own selfish desires and Ginny's just an innocent pawn that needs to be rescued. That pretty much it?"
"That's not what I meant!" he snapped bitterly then hunched up a bit, regretting the fact he raised his voice at her. "It's just...She would tell me these things..." he sighed softly. "And then, not long ago when I was talking to Mai she brought up some points I never noticed before until now. And...And I'm starting to think it really was all for nothing. Obviously she'd rather have some smart-mouthed weak bastard who can talk his way in and out of things rather than someone who could actually save her life if it was necessary." He bristled a bit, his eyes glowing slightly, much like an irritated cat. "Maybe if I was a cold-hearted bitch like Azula who didn't care one way or another it wouldn't hurt so much...but it does."
She moved to stand next to him. "So...you think you're the only one who'd protect her?" She sighed. "Zuko...Light would probably give his own life to protect hers. Being able to talk his way out of a bad situation is a sign of how good he is. Physical fights may be a sign of strength, but not really a sign of intelligence. No offense, but you're proof of that. Especially after tonight's display." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it seems like I'm defending Light, and in every definition I am, but you just pulled him off the street and tried to kill him. Without even trying to talk to him first. With all the evidence, Light's looking more innocent than you. Do you really want that?" She paused a moment. "Here's a question for you. Even though you're not together anymore, do you still care for her?"
"Don't think my pride's completely shot," he smirked and held up a hand. "I still totally kicked his ass hardcore and would've probably roasted him if you hadn't dumped half of Tokyo's supply of water on us." His tone lightened a bit, as if he was amused by her small display of Waterbending. "Your idiot brother is a stronger opponent."
"But..." Zuko's voice lowered again and he balled up. "I've sacrificed too much for this...for her...Of course I still care for her...It's just..." He tilted his head up to peer into her eyes. "You know I don't like to lose. Times like this I just wish the comet would come and everything would be over. Rocks fall. Everybody dies."
She sighed. "You care for her, and yet you almost destroyed her happiness. Not to mention she'd only grow to loathe you. And Light had no reason to fight you other than to defend himself." She gently knocked him in the head. "And don't boast about it. I'm ticked off that you would run out and fight him. I know you hate losing but you have to have some self control or you'll lose everything. Do you honestly want to destroy your entire future for a few minutes of pride? And if you say yes, I swear I'll throw you down all 14 stories out a window with no balconies to catch you."
"What're you talking about?" he glowered, turning as much of himself into a lumpy ball as possible. "My future's already been destroyed. I've lost my mother...my father...my honor...my girlfriend...Now even my throne and my country. Azula's won. Our world is doomed....and it's all because I wasn't there to stop her."
With a soft 'thunk' Zuko leaned his head back against the metal side of the fridge and looked up at the ceiling. "We thought we were safe, but this should've been expected. Azula's swift and stealthy. I should've known she would've waited until we thought things were calm. I was stupid and selfish for ignoring everything...It's too late now. It's over. My only destiny now...Is to remain a slave to my country and to her. I'm not worth believing in anymore."
She clenched her fists before giving him a firm smack across his face. "I can't believe you're just giving up! It's not like she can make things worse. Your country has cause war for 100 years. No one's been able to stop it, what makes you think you're the only one that has to bear that burden? Your past is ruined, Zuko. You're still alive so you still have a future! Your friends haven't given up on you. I haven't given up on you but you're too absorbed in your "Let's all feel sorry for Zuko because he has it the worst" party to pay attention to anyone but Zuko. You're nation KILLED my mother, but I'm not curled up on the floor, am I? Look at where I am. I have friends that care for me, I'm supporting myself and doing very well, I might add, I have Toph, I have you. You can't just say 'It's over.' Just because everything seems to be falling apart. Stop seeing everything so negatively. We'll beat Azula one way or another. Why don't you start thinking of a plan to rectify the situation as opposed to giving in and letting Azula win? She hasn't won yet, but if you concede to her, she will."
It was if he'd just been hit by a jolt of electricity. "That's it!" Zuko said suddenly, beaming up at her as he rubbed his reddening cheek. "That's exactly what I have to do. I have to make her think she's won. That's her weakness; she has too much pride in herself. That's when she loses her defense. I just need to be close to her to do it...." Another thought crossed his mind. "And I already know someone who'd probably help me. She's shown in the past she's not entirely loyal to Azula." A smile crept across his face. "I'm going to get close to Mai. By getting close to her, I can find out what Azula's plotting, then find a way to bring her down." The smile turned into a grin. "You're a genius, Katara."
Katara smiled. "Good for you, Zuko. I--" She paused, blinking a moment. "Wait...what did I do?"
"You've given me an excellent idea," he smiled and swung his legs over the side of the counter so he could slide off and stand up.
"I'm going to go home. Back to the Fire Nation. I'll concede to Azula, play good-obedient-slave for a week or so, get it into her head that I'm so downtrodden that she can talk me into anything. Get her good and full of herself...All the meanwhile...." A smug smirk crept across his face. "I'm going to try my hand at courting Mai. Once I've gained her trust, I'll get the information I need to take Azula down." Zuko stopped to think for a moment. "I should probably go see my father too. I need to know what happened to...." His voice lowered and he looked away. "I've been letting too many things distract me. It's time to get my act together. Let them go get married in a flaming inferno and give birth to platypusbear-spawn, I don't care anymore."
With a small smile he turned around and opened a cupboard to get a bottle of rum he'd stored there. "I still need to find the Ava-I mean, Aang too. No matter what I pull off the world would still be a mess without him." He then turned to face her. "Care to split a drink?"
She smiled. "Sure...but...promise me you won't hurt Mai. Don't court her unless your intentions are a meaningful relationship, okay?"
"I'll never have the kind of...intensity I had with Ginny, no matter who I find. Such emotions were a mistake for me." Zuko frowned for a moment before rummaging through another cupboard for two glasses. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to respect her to the highest degree."
He closed the cabinet door and set the glasses on the counter to pour some rum into them. "Even when we were younger I knew Mai was...different. She always did things for herself, not because someone else wanted her to. Personally I think the only reason she bothers with Azula is because she's got nothing better to do with her time. And it's not like she's weak." He then grabbed a couple cans of cola from the fridge and emptied their contents into the glasses. "Your brother and Suki don't trust her...I can't blame them. However, I'm certain she could prove to be a good ally. I may not be head over heels for her, but if things turn out right I'm certain I can give her what she wants." Smirking, he handed her a drink, and held his out in salute. "Cheers to no matter how much life sucks, there's good in knowing there's still one more ass to kick?"
Katara laughed. "Exactly. And...I'll be honest. If you can trust her, I can."
"Thanks Katara," Zuko beamed. "Coming from you, that means a lot." He took a small sip of his drink. "And don't worry about the window...I prepaid a repairman to come in this week to fix it while you're at work."
There was a moment of silence as he glanced down into his glass. "You know, soon there may be a time when I'll need you to return home...Will you be ready or willing? Or...Is this where you feel you truly belong?"
She looked to her glass, taking a small sip before responding. "I'll come back if I am needed...but I feel more at place here. If the time comes and I'm needed back, I really have no choice. I will come if I am needed. Especially if it helps end the war and keep the world at peace."
It took a great deal of iron will for Zuko not to accidentally snort his drink from holding back laughter. "I take it if I need you I can count on you," he said with as straight a face as he could muster.
There was a pause before he eyed her seriously. "You still have that water from the oasis, yeah?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I still have it."
"Good," he blinked slowly. "Hey...If I take Azula down and restore my honor and right to the throne...Would you use it to take the scar away?" Zuko bit his lip. "Would've been nice...you know...before...But now, I realize if I'm to rid myself of this mark it has to have meaning. So if I fail, it wouldn't be worth it."
She nodded, swirling her drink. "Yeah...that sounds like a good use for it."
Zuko sighed and got up to rummage through a drawer for a sharp knife. "Might as well accept the fact I've lost," he said as he pulled his shirt up over his head and set it down. The metal of the knife started to have a heated glow to it and he held the blade to the back of his right shoulder- where there was a certain black tattoo.
"I've got nothing more keeping me tied here," he said quietly and plunged the knife into his flesh, slicing a line clean through the name printed on his skin. The only sound he made showing it was painful was the fact he sucked in a deep breath. Quickly he tossed the bloody knife into the sink and pressed his hand on the wound to stop the bleeding. "Don't try to heal it," he told her firmly before she could whip out any of her water.
She gasped, seeing what he was doing. She was already poised before he told her not to. Her expression turned from one of shock to one of anger. "What the HELL Zuko? I know WHY you did that but you're an IDIOT!"
He sighed again and found some gauze and an ace bandage that was kept in a First Aid kit on top of the fridge. He pressed the gauze against the wound and wrapped it the best he could. "We'd made so many promises..." he said softly, leaning back against the counter slightly. "I was an idiot for thinking they meant anything." His gaze shifted back to Katara. "Things are much different here, and I'm sure you're well aware of that. Here, words can mean less than nothing. There's no order, nothing binding anyone to anything. For example, your job. If you wanted to, you could just quit and no one would bat an eyelash. You can move on to anything whenever you wanted to...You have freedom. Until Aang's ready and things are made right again, I'm bound to my title and to my home. Nothing can get in the way of that."
Zuko sat on top of the counter again and leaned back against the fridge as he flipped through the booklet of CDs he had left there. "I thought I loved her....and I guess I still do. But I can't be bound to her any longer if she's with someone else. I'm not going to be responsible if something were to happen to her, I've no need to look out for her well being anymore. It'd be for the best....if I never saw her again."
She sighed, setting her drink on the counter. "Zuko...you need to cheer up. It wasn't a good thing what happened, but you need to move on. You keep saying you're better off without her....then why do your conversations end up back at her? You just need...to let her go. Let it all go. Go back, Zuko. It's better for the both of you."
"Tomorrow I'm going to go back home...to my family. Even if Azula's lying and I wind up being imprisoned...Anything would be a pleasant escape from this." He closed his eyes and rested his head against the cool metal side of the fridge. "You're more important to me, Katara, than you'll ever know...." His voice lowered. "...I'm tired."
She pulled him gently forward, undoing his bandage to adjust it properly. "If you're tired, you should go to bed. Don't push yourself too hard."
"I think I'll do that," Zuko gave her a small smile and stood up, sliding off the counter in the process. He then downed the rest of his drink and put the empty glass in the sink. "I'll probably leave sometime tomorrow afternoon while you're at work. If you need to use the car for anything just go ahead and take it. I won't have any use for it back at home. " He was about to step out of the kitchen when he turned around and hugged her with one arm and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
"'Night Katara," he said softly with a nod and then walked out of the room.
She smiled. "'Night Zuko. Good luck."