A/N: So the other day I was scrolling through the Zutara tag on tumblr, and emmadilemma27 had asked if there was a fic where Katara picks Zuko instead of Aang (that takes place during/right after the war's end). I do not know of one (at least, off the top of my head) so I decided I would write one myself! So I give to you, Change of Heart! [A big thanks to my girl Kelsey for the title name!]

Standard Disclaimer about not owning A:TLA because I'm not cool enough.

The last thing he saw was lightning, directed at Katara. He jumped in front of her, protecting his love.

xx

Katara battled Azula until the end, when she chained the psychotic firebender to a grate.

She rushed over to the young prince and knelt down next to him. She tore his shirt, giving her a better view at his injury. If she didn't heal him now, he might not make it. She bent water over to her and placed her hands on his chest, above the injury. "Please work," she whispered to herself.

The water turned to a bright, iridescent blue and Zuko's eyes fluttered open.

"K-Katara?" Zuko sat up, coughing slightly. He glanced over to find his sister chained to a grate. She was snarling, fire coming from her mouth and tears running down her face.

"Zuko! You're okay!" Katara smiled, though tears were in her eyes. She hugged him. "I…I was so scared. I saw you jump out in front of me…"

Zuko looked at her. How could he explain this? He took a breath. "I saw the look in her eyes. She's gone mental. I knew I had to protect you. I wouldn't let her attack someone…that I…" he stopped, wondering if he should continue.

"Someone that you…?" She looked at him.

"Someone that I…love."

Time seemed to stop. Katara and Zuko locked eyes. In a sudden, swift motion, Katara had leaned forward and pressed her lips to the prince's.

Months of hate, irritation, aggravation, yelling, fighting – they vanished with that one kiss.

"I love you too, Zuko," Katara pulled away slightly so she could speak. "so much." She thought she would never say those words; it had seemed like she was going to end up with Aang for so long.

"Let's go, Katara."

The pair stood up, knowing that they would need to find their friends. They left the area, now destroyed because of the Agni Kai.

xx

"Katara! Katara! I did it! I beat Ozai without taking his life!" Aang had a big grin on his face, running to the waterbender. He was oblivious to her hand intertwined with Zuko's, apparently, because he grabbed her and kissed her.

Confused, and quite honestly a little disgusted, Katara pushed him away. "Aang…I'm sorry…"

Aang looked confused. "I…I thought we were going to be together?"

"I..I've made up my mind." She looked to Zuko, smiling softly.

Aang frowned. "But..Katara…"

"Aang. I've made my choice. If you don't respect it…" Katara looked away.

The young avatar nodded and walked away. Sokka looked confused. "You…and Zuko? Really sis?"

"Yeah. It just…happened. I know it's been weird, but I really do…love Zuko. I do."

Sokka smiled. "As long as I get to be the best man in the wedding!"

Katara and Zuko laughed.

xx

Sokka was the best man in the wedding.

When Katara turned sixteen, two years after Zuko's coronation as Fire Lord, Zuko presented her with a betrothal necklace. It was not necessary – only the Northern Water Tribe required betrothal necklaces – but he felt that he needed to show how much he loved her. It was the most exquisite necklace anyone had ever seen – it was a blue, red, and purple stone (Toph had apparently helped), with the phrase 'Opposites Attract: Zuko and Katara' engraved on it. It was on a blue ribbon, and Katara loved it.

The pair married in the spring – it was between winter and summer, so there was no real conflict. Sokka was the best man, and Toph was the Maid of Honor. Aang had finally gotten over his feelings for Katara, and moved on. (He and Toph had become quite close in the next few years, and got married 6 years after the wedding of Katara and Zuko.)

Now, Katara and Zuko are expecting their first child – a daughter they have decided to name Kyan Ursa. They are as in love as they ever could be.

And that's just the way they like it.

A/N 2: Did you like it? I really hope you did! I typically don't write fanfic like this, but ya know, I did my best! I figured we could see a little into the future as well. Review my loves!