Chapter 1

A/N: Now, the story begins! I am going to keep the chapters short and it's quite likely that this will be a slow build up. Hope y'all stick around as the story unfolds. Happy reading!

Zuko had been too restless to sleep. A year had passed by in the blink of an eye. Aang had been traveling all over the world, aiding Zuko's efforts to foster goodwill between the earth kingdom, the fire nation, and the colonies, and rebuilding the ruined air temples with the help of Toph. Sokka and Katara's life had revolved around the restoration of the South Pole.

He had not met the gaang since their break in Ba Sing Se but the few letters that had been exchanged were enough to keep them updated on each others' lives. He had never outright asked anyone about the status of Katara and Aang's relationship despite the temptation. A part of him thought it was a given thing that their relationship had progressed to the next level and they hadn't 'announced' it because it was just so obvious. But another part of him drew hope in the fact that maybe there was nothing to announce.

Whatever the situation may be, her last letter to him had thrown him into a tizzy. She would be coming to the Fire Nation as a goodwill ambassador and master healer. For several weeks, maybe months! And now it was finally morning. And she would be here any minute.

Zuko rushed around like a madman, making sure all the necessary arrangements had been made. He had pushed his meetings for the day to make sure he could spend enough time with her. As he fumbled his way through his usual morning training session, he could hear his Uncle cluck in disapproval.

"Where is your mind, Zuko! You are completely out of balance today. What happ…", his voice trailed off.

Zuko saw his Uncle's expression change to a smirk. He didn't like the look of that.

"Oh, I see", was all Iroh said before placing his tea cup down and motioning for the guards to leave. "Enough training for today. Come, have some tea."

Zuko took a seat and wiped himself with the towel at hand. He closed his eyes and tried silencing his racing thoughts.

"Aren't the waterbenders arriving today?" Iroh maintained an aloof tone.

Zuko groaned. He definitely like the sound of this either. He said nothing as he leaned his head back and covered his face with the towel.

"But I believe Katara was unable to join them", Iroh picked his cup nonchalantly.

"Wha...when...why?" Zuko shot up and turned to his Uncle wide eyed.

Iroh chuckled and winked at his nephew prompting Zuko to throw on his robe and stomp off.

"I'm going to take a shower!"

"Uncle Iroh!" Katara nearly leapt off the ship and ran into the beaming man's arms.

"Katara, my dear!" Iroh held on to her tight.

"I've missed you", Katara smiled and pulled back after several seconds, involuntarily looking around.

"It seems I'm not the only one you missed", Iroh grinned.

"Uncle!" Katara laughed and shook her head, hiding her disappointment. "You're never going to change are…"

"Katara…", a voice interrupted her and Zuko appeared from behind the guards that flanked them.

Katara looked at him from head to toe in surprise. Zuko was taller and leaner now. His hair was tied in a top knot as was appropriate for the Firelord but he had kept it short. He looked regal and almost distant in his royal robes. It felt strange to see him like this. But she was reminded that this was her old friend Zuko when she saw his familiar awkward smile.

She felt a warmth spread across her chest as it dawned on her just how much she had missed him. Over the months since the coronation and finding his mother immediately after, her only contact with Zuko had been the letters they had written.

It had felt nice to have someone to express all the worries, concerns, insecurities, and fears to as the South was rebuilt. She had, however, chosen to leave out the situation with Aang. She had decided it wouldn't be fair to Aang. She wanted to give them the time needed to recover from her painful rejection of his feelings.

It had certainly not been the same since the coronation. He had come to meet her once at the South Pole but she felt him keeping a distance between them. His letters had been infrequent too but she knew he would come around. Much to her relief. She was glad he had Toph's company during his efforts to rebuild the air temples and Zuko's company as they traveled the earth kingdom on peace missions.

Now that the South was stable and more developed than she had ever seen it, she wanted to travel again, much to her own surprise. Another reason she wanted to leave was the growing hints from her father that it was time for her to marry.

Although Sokka was the next Chief in line, Katara had been held in high regard as well. She was involved in every tribe meeting and every decision. She had been able to bring about big changes due to her position of authority, but with it came the expectations to uphold the tribe's traditions as well.

Thankfully, a timely opportunity came her way. It was high time the water tribe got more involved in the global peace efforts and voiced its opinions as the world moved into a new era. The tribe had chosen her to represent them as Sokka continued his training as Chief-to-be. And now she was here, in the fire nation - as an ambassador from the Southern Water tribe and a Master healer.

"Katara...", Zuko's voice snapped her out of her thoughts and Katara jumped forward and hugged him.

Zuko fell back but kept his balance as he glanced nervously at the people around and then at his Uncle. Iroh smiled in approval and Zuko relaxed and put his arms around her, letting her hold on for a little longer.

"Zuko!"

"Hey, Katara."

"Hey", Katara pulled back and smiled warmly.