Yes! I got this one out with plenty of time! Day Two of Zutara Week!

Euphoria

Zutara Week 2013

The fireworks overhead distract the citizens of Royal Caldera City from our black-clad forms running across the rooftops. This stealthy vigilante operation has been going on for some time now. Zuko had admitted to his nightly outings and, of course, I offered to go with him. We climb the rooftops and wander around the city making sure there aren't any problems the council advisors had "accidentally" forgotten to mention to their Fire Lord. The feeling of dashing and jumping across the gaps between houses is exhilarating. I can't let myself slow down, or my jump would fall short. To most people, Zuko and I are mere flickers – tricks of the eye. We move quickly, fluidly, and quietly., but when we see something out of the standard lull of sleeping civilians, we stop and hide in the shadows cast by alleys and houses. Often the crime is nothing but a robbery or a mugging, but it wasn't uncommon to catch a rape or a covered up murder.

However, today is a welcome slow day. It is the summer solstice, when Firebending is at its highest – a cause for celebration. With fireworks and parades, everyone is asleep with good consciences. We stop for a rest to watch the brilliant red, gold, and white fireworks. They form a beautiful display of flower-like explosions, and even though it is past midnight, many people still talk in the streets. I take off my bandana that covers the lower half of my face, and Zuko does the same with his. "The fireworks are really pretty this year."

"I don't think they're very pretty."

I look over at Zuko who sits there with a bemused expression. "Why? It's like they're trying to paint the sky! I wish we'd had these in the South Pole." The closest thing we had to fireworks were the rainbow lights, but that was more of a serene beauty.

Zuko's eyes turn to the fireworks. "I don't think they're very pretty because, well…. You're sitting right next to me. Ever since the day I'd first met you, I thought you were the most beautiful person I had ever met. No matter where I am, I'm always thinking of you. So, please… date me, Katara."

Time stands still.

'Isn't this what you've wanted for the past year, Katara? Zuko's finally offering you his heart. Take it, girl.'

"Do you really mean that? Really and truly?"

"Yeah." Zuko is still facing the fireworks, but I swear the red on his cheeks isn't the the light from the red explosions.

A Water Tribe chief's daughter and a Fire Lord… that will have so many technicalities, so many rules, so many disapproving people. "Yes."

Zuko's eyes turn to me in surprise. "Yes? As in you will be my girlfriend?"

I laugh and hug him. "Of course, Zuko. I would love to be your girlfriend."

The Fire Lord exhales a relieved breath, and I can tell the he is just a regular boy – no, a man – shouldered with the heavy responsibility of his birth. I can help him though. I can shoulder the responsibility with him. I smile and kiss Zuko under the fireworks.

P.S. Thank you to xyzisme for the follow! :)