Work Text:
There was no hesitation, he took lightning for her.
Her voice comes out in a whisper, strained, “You could have died.” A pause, an exhale, "You almost did."
“I know, but,” his tone is soft, “I didn’t.”
He took lightning for her and it changed everything.
“I could have dodged it,” her eyes don’t quite meet his, “there was time.”
His lips quirk, “Probably.”
She healed him.
“Katara,” his fingers gently brush against her wrist, “look at me.”
She healed him and nothing was the same.
“I’m okay.”
Her hands trembled, “You weren’t.”
The emotions linger, settle into something unfamiliar. Perhaps they’d always been there, waiting and just below the surface— she decides to stay.
“I know.” he sends her a small smile, “But, I’d do it again, if I had to.”
“Zuko.”
Everything was different, new.
He watches her eyebrows crinkle in frustration at his words.
“You...you have a scar,” her eyes squeeze tight in an effort to stop tears from falling, “because of me.”
“I don’t regret it.” His tone is firm, "It's a scar I can wear with honor."
The physical war was over.
“Thank you.”
His smile is both soft and fond, “I think,” he reaches over to cup her cheek, “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
And she chose to stay.