Okay, so we all know that Mike and Bryan announced that Zuko and Katara were originally suppose to be together, but Aang was more appealing to kids, right? Well, I've been stewing over it for WEEKS and THIS is my brain-child! A post-series fanfiction that is mostly cannon compliant for both Avatar: The Last Airbender AND Legend of Korra, but contains all the juicy Zutarian goodness!

Little bit of back ground info:

-Aang was born about 6 years sooner in this universe, so he was 18 when the monks told him he was the Avatar. After they tell him that he would have to give up his attachment to Gyatsu, he ran away, and we all know the story after that.

Ages for all characters are:

18 - Aang and Suki

17 - Sokka and Zuko

15 - Katara and Toph (just so she isn't so many years younger then everyone else)

I don't own A:TLA sadly, or I'd have stuck with Zutara and said screw those brats, they'll get over it! Read and review, Zutara lovers!

Chapter One

Katara smiled widely as she slowly woke from her long, restful slumber, stretching her over-worked muscles and working all of the kinks out of her back, wincing through her smile as she took notice to the newest of her aches, one she had never felt before that morning.

The war was finally over, and the Gaang had decided to take some much needed rest in Ba Sing Se to take time to re-cooperate after the long battle against the Fire Nation, their former enemy.

When Katara had kissed Aang the day before on the balcony, and he had kissed back with equal vigor, Katara had seen it as the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship. She'd been so happy, so ready to be a part of Aang's life that when he had stumbled drunkenly into her room that night after the party, she hadn't even thought to deny him what they both wanted.

She had no regrets. At least, she hadn't, until she saw Aang standing in his robe on the balcony overlooking the streets. He was frowning, not at all happy, and Katara had a sinking feeling in her stomach as she slipped on her own green robes and went to stand behind him, wrapping her arms around his narrow waist and laying her head on his broad shoulder. Katara was short, at only 5 feet and 2 inches tall, and Aang stood but a head taller then her, measuring only 5 feet and 8 inches tall at 18 years old. His frown etched deeper as he turned around and looked into the young Water bender's eyes. He sighed and reached for her hands, removing them from his waist.

"Katara, we shouldn't have done that."

Katara looked up at him in confusion, hoping that he was joking, but knowing that he was deathly serious.

"I... I don't understand. Yesterday on the balcony, you kissed me back. You wanted this as much as I did."

"I know, Katara, believe me, that's not the problem-"

"Then what IS the problem, Aang?"

The avatar sighed and turned away from the angry girl.

"The problem is that as much as I want to be with you, as much as the thought of having a relationship with you makes me want to jump for joy and sing to the moon, I CAN'T. I'm the Avatar, and I have a duty to the world, and falling in love with you, starting a family with you, would be selfish. Not just because being with you would mean giving up time as the Avatar, but because being the Avatar would keep me away from my family. It's just not right, Katara. It's not possible for me to be a good husband AND the Avatar. I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say."

Katara was silently crying, her heart breaking apart as the truth hit her.

"So, what you're telling me, is that last night, it was... a mistake?"

"Yes, Katara, it was a mistake. As much as I wish it wasn't, as utterly perfect as last night was, as happy as I was to be with you for that short time, it was a mistake. But I don't regret it. My only regret is that I hurt you like this."

Katara took in a shaky breath, trying to steady herself with a smile, "I don't either. No matter what happens, I will never regret that we had this one time together."

Aang smiled sadly and kissed her on the forehead.

"I love you, Katara. I hope that in the future you find someone who can make you happy."

"Be safe," she whispered as he walked out the door, shutting it softly behind him. Katara backed up intil the back of her knees hit the bed and she collapsed onto it, sobbing her heart out as she hadn't cried since her mother's death.

Aang's POV

I stood outside of Katara's bedroom door and collected myself. I could hear her hysterical sobbing even out in the hallway and felt like my heart was ripping in two. I couldn't help her, couldn't spare her the pain I was putting her through, and for that I would always hate myself a little bit. Katara was a great person, had taken care of me ever since she had found me, had acted like the mother I never had and supported me through the war. She didn't deserve what I'd done to her.

"Hey, Aang, what're you doing outside Katara's door?" Sokka asked as he yawned, walking towards him on his way to the dining hall.

Sokka blinked when he heard his sister crying.

"Why is Katara crying?"

Aang sighed and put his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Come one, I'll explain everything on the way to the stables."

"Stables?" Sokka asked in confusion, "are you leaving already?"

"I think it would be best."

So, what do you guys think? Reviews are quite welcome, don't be shy!