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The Garden

Setting: Post-war

Both Zuko and Katara knew that even though the war was over, there was still plenty left to do. Zuko had already met with his advisors (newly appointed loyal ones who'd opposed Ozai's reign) to schedule a peace summit for all the nations. There was the summit to organize, treaties, reparations, the election of new officers, the prosecution of Ozai for war crimes—the list just went on and on. But it would all be done. Despite the riots and rebellions in the Fire Nation, there were enough people committed to peace and balance in the world, that it would all get done. Everyone had a long and difficult road ahead of them, but they would all be okay—the struggle would be worth it in the end.

Zuko was quickly learning that being Firelord came with a lot of stress and demands, but he accepted it full on because he knew it was part of his destiny. But he was human, too. Surely even very busy young Firelords had the right to feel overwhelmed? Surely they had the right to get away from it all for a day? Surely he had the right to spend some time alone with the girl he loved?

But wrong or right, Zuko didn't care. Neither did Katara. He felt so humbled that she wanted to spend time with him before going back home. It meant the world to him.

Since Katara had never seen the nicer parts of the palace, the two of them took a walk around it, as well as the grounds and the gardens (hand-in-hand). When they reached the garden with the fountain and the pond, the one where Zuko spent so much time with Ursa when he was a child, they stopped.

They sat at the edge of the pond inhabited by turtle ducks and set up their picnic.

"This garden is so beautiful," said Katara, feeding breadcrumbs to the turtle ducks out of the palm of her hand.

"Yes, it is," said Zuko. "It's my favorite place to be, actually. Before—before I lost my mother—before she disappeared—I used to sit out here with her all the time. And we'd just talk…I know that doesn't sound like much, but she's one of the only people to ever love me."

Katara rested her head against his shoulder.

"Zuko, of course it's significant," she said. "Your mother was the only one in your family besides your uncle who was on your side. She loved you for who you are—not for who she wanted you to be. And she didn't abuse you...It sounds like she was your best friend. I understand. My mother was my best friend…Zuko?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm flattered that you brought me here."

"Of course. I mean—well, I—I associate this place with people I trust and love…"

Katara lifted her head up off his shoulder and gently touched the left side of his face. He closed his eyes while she did so. Then the two of them leaned in toward each other and kissed.

***

THE END