An alternate Zutara ending, modifying scenes in various episodes. It won't always be from the perspective of Zuko or Katara, but from the relevant character at that point in time, beginning from The Beach episode in Season 3.

########

The Beach - Final scene after Zuko and co. have left the house party and find themselves on, well, the beach.

"Who are you angry at?" Mai didn't know why she was adding her voice to the chorus. She was mad at Zuko. She wasn't meant to be talking to him. Yet, it was easier to follow Azula's lead, as she always had.

And safer, so much safer. Just as her baby brother had been safer with the Avatar and his ridiculous gang, until those idiots returned him to her parents so he could be used against them again.

She spoke louder as Zuko backed away. "Come on, answer the question."

Across the campfire, Zuko froze, eyes darting from face to face. She knew that look, knew what happened when he was cornered. So she didn't flinch when he slammed his hands down and the fire burst high into the sky, his beacon in the void.

"I'm angry at myself!" he yelled over its roar.

Mai leaned into its warmth, then caught herself and pulled back before any of the stray sparks could find their way onto her. Away from the fire, the cold night air pressed against her back, creeping up her sleeves and her throwing knives, curling around her arms.

The fire burned down to smouldering embers, its heat spent. There was no longer anything to keep the cold at bay, keep it from seeping into her bones. She pulled the light shawl tighter as she stared at the now-shadowed figure pacing the sand.

What did Zuko have to be angry about? Like he said, he'd killed the Avatar, reclaimed his honour, and was the hero of the Fire Nation. He had everything someone of their status could ever want, and surpassed everyone's expectations. What was his problem?

Zuko turned away and whispered, "Because I'm confused. Because I'm not sure I know the difference between right and wrong any more."

Azula crossed her arms, her lip curling in disgust. "You're pathetic."

No, you're the pathetic one. Mai bit back on those words, like she'd bitten back on so many others. This wasn't her place. And yet, Zuko remained with his back to them, staring out at the waves. Was he thinking of the months he'd spent with his traitor uncle? Did he want to be anywhere but here?

She couldn't deny that she'd been pleased when he'd pushed the guy away from her earlier that night. Despite being the hugest jerk known to mankind, there was something compelling about how passionately and freely he expressed his emotions. She'd never realised how painful feelings could be until he'd accused her of having none.

Mai stood up, still unwilling to forgive him, but also unwilling to let him walk away.

"What's so confusing?" she asked, facing Zuko and keeping her voice flat so she wouldn't have to see Azula's contempt. Mai still heard it through her snort, but she willed herself still and focused her attention on Zuko. "You saved the Fire Nation, killed the Avatar, and exposed General Iroh for the traitor he is. That's a good thing, Zuko, in case you hadn't noticed."

"Zu-Zu wouldn't let stupid things like feelings get in the way of loyalty to the Fire Nation, would he?" Azula's voice floated silky in the darkness, binding him.

Binding Mai.

It didn't matter what she thought or didn't think. It didn't matter what was right or wrong or whatever nonsense Zuko was angry about, because Azula could—and would—crush them all without a second thought.

And perhaps Azula had a point about her mother. Only obedient girls will get what they want.

What did she want?

It was easier not to think. Not to want. Not to feel. Not to care.

Zuko spun around and glared past her to Azula. "I'm here, aren't I?" Mai stepped back into the soft glow of the dying fire. But he didn't notice, didn't seem to feel the dying warmth as he continued, voice rising, "I gave everything to regain my honour and come back to where I belonged."

His left hand reached for his scar, the other to his chest where a pendant would hang, if there had been one. What was he thinking of? What else, other than his uncle, had he sacrificed? His gaze was no longer on Azula but turned inward. Perhaps the question was, who else?

"Why would I possibly doubt you?" Azula said with a predatory smile that made even Ty-Lee shrink away. "After all, you're the hero who killed the Avatar."

Zuko flinched and retreated a step, his hands still locked on his face and chest. Mai reached out and grabbed one arm. His flesh was warm against her cold fingers. Come back.

Who was she, if she wasn't his girlfriend? He was everything her parents would want for her. He was what Azula wanted for her. His warmth spread through her hand and up her own arm, and if she should want, then why shouldn't he be what she wanted? Everything fit so neatly, it would be stupid to question any of this.

She wrapped her arms around him, kissed him on the lips and stole more of his warmth to herself. "You are where you belong. Right here, with us."

Zuko's hand lowered slowly from his chest, hanging by his side. Hanging between them as though they were separated by the walls of Ba Sing Se. Azula's mocking laugher echoed in the now-silent night.

Mai didn't reach for his hand. But she did find the courage to spit out her thoughts at Azula. "I guess you wouldn't understand, would you, Azula? Because you've always been the perfect Fire Nation princess who gets everything she wants."

Azula smirked, unfazed. "Well, yes, I guess you're right. I don't have sob stories like all of you. I could sit here and complain how our mum liked Zuko more than me, but I don't really care." She kicked sand over the dying fire, burying the final glowing embers. "My own mother thought I was a monster."

Mai recognised her passionless tone, the same one she used to show the world she didn't give a damn. Under the stars and the cover of night, they four of them stood suspended in that moment, monsters all, jagged pieces held together by a nation that demanded everything they could give and paid in pride and honour.

A moment so delicate it was broken by Azula's shrug. "My mother was right, of course, but it still hurt." She glanced around at them and stood up. "Enough of this nonsense. You know what would make this trip really memorable?"