Work Text:
Time stopped.
All Katara could see was Zuko burning in front of her, drowning in white flames that ate him alive. She was running towards him, hands already coated in healing water, before her mind caught up with her body.
Until Azula demanded her attention.
Katara dodged the blue flames pouring from the sky but her mind was on one thing. She had to save Zuko. She couldn’t lose another loved one to the fire. Thinking quickly, Katara led Azula straight into a trap and tied her down to the grate. She immediately rushed to Zuko’s side, ignoring the traumatized princess’s cries.
Katara gently flipped Zuko onto his side, praying she wasn’t too late. There was a faint pulse, barely holding on. Katara hovered her hands over the large gapping wound over his heart.
She concentrated with all her might on mending the tissues and restoring his chi. The heavens open and rain began to pour down, putting out the fires scattered around the courtyard. Memories of fighting side by side, of long rides in the dead of night, of strong arms that held her as she wept, of glowing crystals and hushed confessions flooded her mind all at once.
Please be okay.
Don’t leave.
Please.
After an eternity, Zuko’s heartrate stabilized. Katara let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding when he cracked open his golden eyes and weakly thanked her.
“I should be the one thanking you.” Katara cried.
She slowly helped him up to sitting position, careful not to injure him any further. Katara’s hands lingered on his shoulders. She had to make sure he was really there. That this wasn’t a dream. That he wouldn’t suddenly slip through her fingers, gone forever. Her hands moved to his face, cupping his cheeks ever so tenderly.
Katara kissed him.
A quick gentle peck. She pulls back, surprised with herself.
Zuko’s gaze never left hers. Golden orbs, one dimmed from the scar that covered half his face, sparkled with tears and pure adoration. He wordlessly leaned in until their lips caressed in a deeper, more passionate kiss.
Katara didn’t know where these feeling came from. Or if they’ve been there the whole time.
She just knew, without a doubt, that she loved him.