Katara had thought that leaving the Fire Nation this time would be easier than last time. It was worse. The thought of leaving filled her with a cold, sinking feeling that weighed heavier the closer the departure date actually came.

With everything stowed in the ships, it was time to say their final goodbyes. Katara was surprised by the number of people who turned up to wish them well on their journey home. She was going to miss everybody, even the finance minister with whom she had spent a lot of time arguing with. He and the rest of the ministers had the best interests of the Fire Nation at heart and she believed that they would help bring balance to the world again.

Uncle Iroh and Lady Ursa bade her farewell with a warm hug and a promise that she would be always welcomed in the Fire Nation.

Azula had even ventured out from the palace bid farewell. She looked better than she had in days.

"Make sure you return soon," she said. "I think you be interested to know that I overheard some ministers plotting to introduce Zuzu to some noblewoman known for her great beauty."

"Why would I-!?"

Azula bobbed her head slightly, her smirk reminiscent of the princess's old confidence.

And finally Katara had to say goodbye to Zuko. She hadn't completely gained composure after Azula's comment and was suddenly conscious of all the eyes watching them.

He stood there, regal, wearing the crown. He bowed to her, and she returned it.

When she rose she met his eye and recognised the glint of sadness beneath his mask. No longer caring about all the protocols of proper high society behaviour, Katara wrapped her arms around his shoulders and buried her face in his shoulder. If her brother and Toph were able to get away with punching the Fire Lord on the arm, she was allowed to give him a hug.

"Make sure you look after yourself," she said. "And reply to my letters, or else -"

"You'll send Hawky to make sure I do?" he said, with a hint of a chuckle. "Stop picking fights."

She gave a short laugh and slowly released her hold.

"I thought the dagger said "Never give up without a fight"."

His eyes softened and the corner of his mouth twitched.

Katara closed her eyes, committing this moment to memory and storing them with the rest.

She felt the earth tilt, but instead of losing her balance and falling over, everything fell into place.

Warmth filled Katara from where her body was in contact with his. His arms. His body. His lips. She had been kissed before and even thought about kissing Zuko, but actually kissing Zuko was better, much better.'

Author's Notes:

I know that that I have a lot of unfinished business to attend to, but I really wanted to write something again and Avatar the Last Airbender and this fandom is something that really inspired and influenced my life, even to this day.

The writing is a little bit unpolished, but me know what you think and if you got any questions.