Dear Diary. . .
It has been just over a month after the conquer of the fire nation and all has returned to normal in the world except for one thing, Zuko and I are still staying with Aang. Toph was offered a teaching job in the rebuilt Ba Sing Se and quickly accepted. Dad sent a message from the south pole requesting he return to train the new fleet of warriors come from the north. Suki left with Sokka. All three left within the past two weeks. After many struggles Zuko and I have become close, abnormally close. Beautifully close. The hard part is, with every touch of Zuko's fingers intertwined in mine, I see Aang's face strain. He feels for me what I only want with another.
This morning Zuko awoke me with a soft flame beside my eyes. I was startled at first, but then comforted by the sight of his scar.
"What's going on?" I asked drowsily, tension striking through.
"I have to get out of here. It's too constrained staying here for no reason. I am leaving at sunrise and I was hoping you would come with me," his voice continues to be ruff from years of hardship though recent joy lightly flows inside.
"But Aang needs me," I defended, though in my mind and heart I disagreed.
Katara, you can't be serious. The only reason you're still here is because he can't let go of you. He couldn't do it at Ba Sing Se and he can't do it now. There is so much more he can do to help the world, but he won't because he would have to leave you. Help him and run away with me," he was forceful, but I knew he meant well.
"I don't know, we've been together so long."
"The longer you say, the harder it will be on him when you finally do leave."
I sighed and sat up, "You're right."
He grinned mischievously, "Then let's go." He took my hand and lifted me up playfully.
"Wait, shouldn't we say goodbye first?" I knew he couldn't wait to leave, but I could only imagine the look on Aang's face when he sees us gone.
"If you don't leave now you never will," he paused, "And we will never be together."
His word 'together' rang through my mind.
I began to walk with him, "Let's go before I change my mind." We walked out of my tent as the sun peeked its way through two mountains. Zuko was again playful, knowing we will be on our own. He knelt down and I climbed on his shoulders.
Pain jolted my stomach when I looked behind me to see Aang meditating on the edge of the cliff out looking the sun, unaware of everything around him.
Then I looked down to see Zuko smiling at me, then kiss my cheek. I smiled back and felt his glee once again. We ran into the forest laughing, happy to be together. Happy to be free. Happy to know that Aang can now find his own joy.