AN: This is easily the longest chapter of them all, but it should be. To answer some questions, I've decided to make it 10 chapters, so there will be another one after this to tie up any loose ends.

I've had a lot of fun writing this, and I hope you still review even though I'm posting everything so close together, because I churned out over 22,000 words this weekend because I love you all so dearly. I deserve a medal or something. I'm talking shrine-status. (I kid. Sort of.)

And with that, enjoy.


Zuko arrived at the house on Ember Island first, unsure when the others would arrive. He'd received confirmation from everyone. They would all be there, including Aang and Katara. He didn't know how things were between them, but honestly at this point, he didn't care. He and Katara were going to talk things out for real this time, and if this destiny Uncle Iroh was always talking about even remotely existed, he hoped and prayed that things would work out in his favor.

He walked through the halls, remembering the times they'd all spent there. Unsure if they would live to see the next day. Always looking over their shoulders for an enemy, and they'd had plenty. Strange to think how those terrifying days now brought a smile to his face.

He took a walk to the beach, relishing the feel of the sand between his toes. There really was just something about this beach, this whole place, that calmed him. His eyes fell upon the spot where this had all started, and a real smile broke out across his face as he looked at his surprise for Katara. He remembered the conversation with his uncle that had spawned it.

They'd been sitting at that tree, the bread for the turtleducks long gone. Zuko was asking for ideas, and somehow, Iroh had happened upon this. Zuko wasn't sure about it.

"Uncle, I thought you said 'We must let the ones we love go'. Aren't I supposed to wait and she if she returns to me? Why should I go out of my way to—"

"Because sometimes, Zuko, destiny needs a shove in the right direction. And because the biggest coward is a fool in love. If you want to be with her, an excuse to see her isn't enough. Do something big that she can't possibly misinterpret."

Zuko laughed to think back on those words. Well, I guess this counts as something big.

He turned away from the beach and headed back for the house, pleased to see a boat in the distance as he did so. Someone was there.

When he reached the steps he saw just who it was. Toph stood in front of him, and she looked exactly the same, like not a day had passed since she was the "Melon Lord". Zuko laughed, opening his arms. "Toph. It's good to see you."

The small Earth Bender gave him a short hug, ending it with a playful shove. "You too, Zuko. Am I the first one here?"

"Yeah. I think everyone else was in the Southern Water Tribe. They should be here with Appa sometime today."

"No one invited me to the party in the South Pole."

Zuko laughed again, amazed at how easily he could laugh in this place. It was so much different than the palace. "Well if it makes you feel better, they didn't invite me either."

"Too busy running a country now, huh?"

"Something like that."

Toph threw her pack to the side as she created a seat for herself out of rock. Zuko sat beside her on the perfectly good bench she could have used, rolling his eyes at the Earth Bender's quirks. Some things just never change.

Zuko asked her what she'd been up to and she began her story, talking about the reconciliation with her parents, how she was running the Earth Bending competitions now. Apparently she was trying to get other kinds of Benders involved, to make some kind of tag-team event. Zuko nodded along like he was interested enough, but the longer they sat there, the more Zuko retreated inside his own head. He hadn't let himself feel it, but the closer he got to actually seeing her, the more nervous he became.

It wasn't long before Toph picked up on the change in his breathing patterns. "You okay, Sparky?"

"I'm fine, Toph."

"You just seem…nervous. Kinda twitchy."

He shrugged, trying to seem casual. "I'm not nervous. Why would I be nervous?"

"I dunno. Why would you be?"

If Toph could give a knowing stare, Zuko was sure this was it. He tried to find an acceptable excuse. "I just haven't seen everyone in a long time. It'll be good to catch up."

"Not too long ago, though. Right?"

He narrowed his eyes at her. "How do you know that?"

"Just a guess. Because I can feel that you're lying, I just don't know about what. But you're lying about something."

Zuko tried to give her a piece of the truth without revealing the whole thing. The last thing he needed was Toph sensing all of his personal business. "Not that it matters, but Katara and Aang came to visit me in the Fire Nation a few months ago."

"And how was that?"

"Fine."

"Oh, I don't think it was."

"Will you stop that?" Zuko stood, desperately looking for some water to stand in or something, anything to get Toph to quit doing her freaky Earth Bending lie detector.

"Okay, Zuko. Don't get your royal self all bent out of shape. I'll figure it out. Unless you wanna tell me why you're nervous about seeing Katara and Aang—"

"Toph!"

"Alright, alright. Jeesh," Toph laughed, glad to get a rise out of him. It was a favorite pastime that she missed from the old days. She felt a small wave in her toes and angled her head sideways. She recognized that large, lunging pattern. "They're here!"

Zuko felt his heart sink as he turned to look, and there they were, all sitting up to wave on top of Appa as he walked up to the house. Appa lay down, clearly exhausted from the trip, but the rest of them were too excited to be tired. Sokka was the first slide down. "Toph! Zuko!"

"Hey, Sokka!"

Sokka and Suki hugged Toph, and Sokka landed a good "how's it going" punch on Zuko's shoulder. Aang was the next down, after making sure Appa was alright, and he seemed warm enough to both Zuko and Toph. Zuko turned from all the congratulations to see Katara, in her usual Water Tribe dress, hair loopies and all. He could feel the relief flood through his body.

She looked exactly like he remembered, and yet, something was different. She seemed…nervous? What does she have to be nervous about? She stepped up to him, almost unsure what to say. "Hello, Zuko."

He tried to keep his distance, unsure if he could hug her or if that would be weird. Or too obvious. Too anything. He decided to stay where he was, nodding in her direction. "Katara. Good to see you again."

"You too."

The moment was interrupted by Sokka's big mouth, who was glancing around looking for another person. "Hey Zuko! Where's Mai? She inside or something?"

Zuko turned to Katara, his heavy gaze intimidating, like he wanted to say so much more than he was able. He glanced back to Sokka, his answer soft and clipped. "She's not coming. Mai and I aren't together anymore."

Katara wasn't ready for how her heart leapt at that. After their trip to the Fire Nation, she'd assumed that they were over, but she hadn't heard it confirmed. To hear that he was available, finally available to her after all this time…Katara's head was spinning. She mumbled a reply to fill the silence. "Oh…I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's alright."

Sokka whistled. "Oops. Awkward. Sooo, changing topics…who's up for a beach party?"

Aang perked up, glad they weren't continuing in the vein of awkward break-ups. "Yeah! Let's go!"

Zuko's eyes widened, but he schooled his features. It's fine. Everything would be fine. He just had to wait until he could pull Katara aside, and then they'd talk. Though as he watched everyone scamper down to the beach, haphazardly stripping to swim attire as they went, he wondered if they'd ever get that chance. This all seemed so much easier when I planned it.

Katara ran faster than the rest of them to the beach, but it wasn't because she wanted to get there. She needed to think. She hadn't stopped blushing since she'd seen him. He looked tired. Exhausted, really. But she noticed how the light returned to his eyes when he saw her. It gave her hope. He was real and warm in front of her and it took everything within her to not wrap herself around him on the spot. And the way he looked at her when he finally told her about Mai…had he been doing the same thing she was all along? Too afraid to take the chance until now?

As she pulled off her dress, Katara was glad she'd put her swimming clothes on beneath it that morning, in case of this exact scenario. Gran-Gran's words came back to her as it fell to the ground, and she sighed. You might be standing in the way of your own happiness, my love.

She glanced to Zuko as they all arrived on the beach, fully aware of exactly what stretch of beach they were on. The rest of the group was oblivious, but she knew. Just around the curve of that rock was where it had all begun. She squinted at it as she walked towards it, almost unsure of what she saw.

Around the corner of the rock was a small structure, not big enough to call a house, but a fairly sizeable cabin. It was quaint, and it looked new. She knew for a fact it hadn't been there a year ago, and there was a fire pit beside it. In the same place where…really? Did he do this on purpose?

She felt someone walk up behind her and turned to find a shirtless Zuko, his robe thrown over his shoulder. Great. As if she wasn't having enough trouble not touching him before, now he was shirtless, still toned as ever. Her voice caught in her throat. "What is this?"

He shrugged, but she saw right through him. "I remember how we all used to love this beach. Thought it might be nice to be closer to the waves."

It was all too much. The way he was acting, the cabin...it was making her hope. She needed answers, now. She felt her eyes start to dampen, unable to look at him. "Zuko, why'd you do this?"

It wasn't exactly the response he was expecting. It made him fearful. Unsure. He reached out a hand as if to touch her shoulder, but he pulled back before he got there. Touching her was a bad idea right now, especially with her wearing practically nothing but her bindings, golden skin glowing in the sun. His voice was low. "I thought you'd like it. My mistake."

He turned and headed toward the others, head held high.

She started to call after him. "That wasn't what I—Zuko!"

But he'd already joined the others in the water. She steadied herself, reassuring herself that all wasn't lost. This just wasn't their time to talk. She'd find time later. She'd make time.


They stayed on the beach long past the sunset before they were finally tired enough to return to the house. They all changed back into their clothes, Zuko into his old red shirt and pants rather than any Fire Lord robes, and Katara let her hair out, hoping it would air dry before bed. When they entered the house, dinner was already on the table. Sokka's mouth almost hit the floor. "How did this happen? Is it a magic table?"

"More like magic servants, but yeah."

Toph laughed. "Guess it's good to be the Fire Lord, huh?"

"Sometimes."

Katara noticed him glance her way and straightened, trying her best to walk calmly to sit on the ground. There was a small circular table with lots of pillows, and it looked extraordinarily comfortable. And after all the travel and playing in the water, she was starving. It looked like a similar spread to that fateful dinner in the Fire Nation. She sighed as she helped herself. Hopefully Zuko can make it through this meal without harassing me.

It seemed Zuko was on his best behavior, because there wasn't a single quip thrown her way. It was amazing how natural it all felt. They all caught up, telling stories about their time apart, and before they knew it, their plates were empty and their stomachs were full. Zuko stood to head towards the kitchens. "I'm going to make some tea. You guys want some?"

Everyone agreed as he left for the kitchen. Katara watched him go, physically in pain with the strain of having to wait this long to talk to him. She saw Toph smile privately to herself, turning her sightless gaze on Katara.

"What?"

Toph held up her hands in defense. "Nothing, Sweetness. Absolutely nothing."

It had been too long since she'd been around Toph. She'd nearly forgotten about her ridiculously sensitive powers. It made her straighten up where she sat, consciously regulating her breathing, even as Zuko entered with the tea and handed her a steaming cup. She accepted it with quiet thanks, unable to hide the yearning in her eyes. He saw it clearly, and it surprised him a little. He had no idea what to think with her. Ever. It was the most maddening and exciting thing about her.

Once he'd served everyone, Zuko took his seat and raised his cup. "I know it's a few hours early, but I think this deserves a toast. To the first year of peace!"

Aang raised his cup and happily added, "Hear hear!"

"Yeah, happy anniversary, world! You're welcome!" Sokka cheered, teacup raised in the air. The group joined him in laughter, but the word he used got Toph thinking.

"Hey, that's not the only happy anniversary we've got to celebrate. To Aang and Katara!" Toph raised her cup high, but noticed a shocking lack of enthusiasm for her toast. Zuko looked down and raised his cup half-heartedly, but noticed that no one else joined him. Really?

Toph felt four heartbeats jump in an awkward silence. "Uh…guys? Something I should know?"

Aang and Katara exchanged an embarrassed glance. Suki ran her finger around the rim of her cup. Sokka whistled and looked away. Aang rolled his eyes, finally breaking the tension, an awkward chuckle escaping as he spoke. "Actually Toph, Katara and I aren't really…together anymore."

The Earth Bender's eyes grew wide, her face the very picture of embarrassment. It quickly turned to anger. "And you didn't think to tell me that? When did this happen?"

Katara shrugged in apology. "A few months ago?"

"A few months ago? Didn't occur to you to send me a letter or something?"

Katara's eyes narrowed. "Toph. You can't read."

"Oh. Right," Toph piped down, but was still flustered, stumbling over her words. "Well, still. I could have someone read it to me, you know. How d'you think I got Zuko's letter about the trip? Now I just look like an idiot."

"It's not a big deal, Toph. Really. Katara and I are fine, it was a while ago. We're still friends."

"Glad to hear it."

Katara glanced at Zuko as he spoke, blue eyes locking with gold. She swore she could see lightning in his eyes; she felt it crackle between them. She lowered her gaze back to her teacup, sipping it slowly.

Zuko looked to follow her example, but found his cup empty. He reached for the pot in the center of their circle and stood. "I'll make some more tea."

She watched him leave, fully aware of the blush still painting her cheeks bright red. She'd wanted to tell him, but there hadn't really been time since they'd arrived. Leave it to Toph to find a way to bring it up in the least graceful way possible. Aang stood as well, taking his cup with him and following Zuko off. "I'm gonna help."

Sokka turned to Suki, confused. "How much help does he really need to make tea?"

Katara snapped, entirely not in the mood. "Shut up, Sokka."


Aang walked into the kitchen to find Zuko measuring out tealeaves, heating the water with his other hand. Aang leaned against the doorway, watching his friend. Apparently Katara hadn't kept Zuko informed, for some reason or another. But they needed to talk. Aang didn't just want to stay friends with Katara. It was important that he and Zuko bury any sort of ill will they might have against each other. He was well aware that the fate of the Fire Nation depended on it.

Aang started the conversation as abruptly as possible. "I know."

Zuko turned to see the young Airbender, his eyebrow quirked in question. "What?"

"About you and Katara. She told me. I know it all. And I meant what I said in there. We're all still friends here. Even me and you."

Zuko was astonished by the Avatar's maturity. It seemed the past year had really grown him. Zuko felt humbled by this show of peace. He had no problem with Aang, he'd never meant to hurt him. It was just bad timing. Bad timing all around. Zuko rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before turning back to the tea. "Does it help if I say I'm sorry?"

"I guess. Katara's done her share of apologizing, but I really only needed to hear it once. I guess it makes her feel better."

"Yeah."

Aang took the pot from Zuko, creating a small flame in his hand, heating it so Zuko could put the tealeaves away. Zuko could tell there was something Aang wanted to say, so he turned and waited, ready to listen. Finally Aang spoke up. "Just…do me a favor. Take care of her, okay?"

Zuko wasn't sure what to do with that. Aang was acting like he and Katara were together already. What exactly had she told him to make him think that? He answered as honestly as he could. "I want to. But I don't know if she wants me to."

"She's had a hard year, especially with her grandmother. She's got a lot to sort out."

"We all do, I guess. In our own ways."

Aang smiled at that. "Yeah. I think this is what's like to grow up."

Zuko returned his smile, taking the pot from his friend. "Must be."


Katara didn't know what they were talking about in there, but it made her nervous. It wasn't fair that Aang should get to talk to Zuko before her. She was a wreck, completely trapped inside her own head.

Toph cocked her head at Katara. "You okay?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You just seem…fidgety."

Katara was losing control and she knew it. She couldn't wait any longer. "I think I'm just antsy. I'm gonna take a walk. Alone."

Suki and Sokka exchanged glances, but Sokka merely shrugged, still finishing off a bit of rice on his plate. Suki didn't have Toph's acute senses, but she knew Katara. And there was definitely something off about her. Maybe she just needed to talk. "I'm gonna follow her."

"She said she wanted to go alone."

"I know. I just want to make sure she's okay. Something's up."

Suki excused herself and planted a kiss on Sokka's cheek, jogging out of the room to catch up with her friend.

Aang and Zuko arrived to see Suki dashing out of the house. Aang questioned Sokka. "What's up?"

"I don't know. Something with Katara, apparently."

Zuko's eyes narrowed, but he moved to serve the tea. I'll find her. I always do.


Suki found Katara around the side of the house, perched in the shadows of one of the outside corridors. There was space beside her on the bench, but as Suki got closer, she heard her crying. She was muttering something to herself.

"Get it together, Katara. First time you see him in six months and you run away crying? Real nice."

Suki reached out an arm to touch her on the shoulder, and Katara inhaled sharply, afraid. She relaxed a bit when she saw it was just Suki, hastily brushing her cheeks dry. "I'm sorry. You scared me."

Suki didn't know what she expected to find, but it certainly wasn't this. "Katara, what's wrong? You've been acting weird since we got here."

Katara took a shuddering breath, trying to calm herself. "I know. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize, I'm just…is there anything I can do?"

Katara looked up at her friend and saw the face of someone who might be able to help. She couldn't exactly ask Gran-Gran. Maybe Suki would know what to do, how to keep it together. "It's a long story."

"I don't mind. Start at the beginning."

Katara laughed to herself. "That's the thing. We're kind of at the beginning."

Suki looked at her in confusion, but Katara just slid over on the bench, making room for her friend. She told her about the play and the conversation with Aang. That night on the beach. What happened in the Fire Nation. And how she hid like a coward in the South Pole because she was too afraid that he'd already given up on her. To her credit, Suki listened to it all with sympathetic ears, never once judging Katara for anything she'd done. When the story was over, Suki thought for a long time, trying to find the right words to say.

"Katara, listen to me. You clearly want to see him, right?"

"Yeah. I really do. We have so much to figure out."

"Well, you can't really have that conversation with him and get anything done unless you know what you want first. So tell me. What do you want?"

"I don't know, Suki. I've tried to forget him for a whole year, but I can't. I don't even know what it is…I've never felt like this before. He makes me bold. I feel like I can do anything." She stood and crossed her arms, turning back around to face Suki. "I can remember every time he's ever touched me, every kiss. It replays over and over in my head, like it's on some kind of loop. Everything reminds me of him, the way he fights, the way he talks, how he laughs, smirks…how he challenges me. How he holds me. Spirits, Suki. I've never felt safer than when he holds me. And the way he cried for me when I first saved him from the lightning…I can't explain it."

"You're in love with him."

She looked at her friend, who was smiling up at her in a knowing stare. The more she thought about it, the more Katara knew it was true. She nodded, trying the words out on her tongue. "I know I am. I've known for a long time. I'm in love with Zuko, and I always have been." She looked at Suki in a tearful plea. "But that solves nothing. What do I do?"

"You should probably tell him."

Katara gasped and turned toward the voice. It was far too deep to be Suki. She knew that voice all too well. Peering into the shadows, she saw Zuko, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

Katara turned bright red as he took a step into the light. His eyes were golden fire, intense with emotion, hoping against hope that this was real. She met his gaze and froze. She knew that look. He'd caught her and there was no taking it back. He knew.

Zuko's eyes slipped closed, taking a moment to steady himself. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat, opening his eyes to meet hers, piercing her with his gaze. "I'll be in the cabin if you've got something to say."

Katara watched him go, completely unable to speak. She looked to her friend; Suki's eyebrows shot straight to her hairline. She was just as shocked as Katara.

Suki spoke first. "What will you do? Are you going?"

Katara stood frozen, too overwhelmed to think. Suki tried another angle. "Well…what would happen if you did? Does he love you too?"

Katara sighed and moved to sit on the bench, covering her face with her hands. "I think he did. Once."

Suki let out a long breath. "Katara, how come you never told anyone?"

"I told Gran-Gran."

"Because she pried it out of you. Come on, Katara. You've been trying to figure this out all by yourself for a year, you've got to be tired of it by now."

Katara couldn't hold it in any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she opened up. "I'm exhausted, Suki. I thought I was doing the right thing staying with Aang at first. I thought eventually it would start to feel natural, but it never happened. Everything felt forced, but I told myself it didn't matter because I'd already blown my chance with Zuko. But then we went to Fire Nation and…and everything came back so quickly…and now we're all here and he's building cabins where we first kissed, and then he finally admits that he's not with Mai, and I'm not with Aang either, but we just started being friends again and I don't know if Zuko can forgive me for—"

"Katara, come here." Suki sat beside her friend, taking Katara in her arms, holding her tightly and letting her cry. Katara was always thinking of others, thinking of what she could do for them to make their lives easier. No one ever stopped to ask Katara what she wanted. "You think too much, you know that?"

Katara laughed despite her tears, nodding against Suki's shoulder. "I know."

Eventually she pulled away, her sobs slowing as she wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, Suki. I'm such a mess, I don't know what I'm doing anymore."

"It's alright, you have nothing to apologize for. Just answer one question for me, okay? And I don't want you to think about what Aang wants or what you think Zuko wants, or what anyone else wants, okay?"

Katara shook her head and waited for the question.

"Are you happy without him?"

She sniffed, still calming down from her tears. The truth settled in her chest, releasing some kind of weight as she finally admitted it. "No. I'm really not."

"Then you have to talk to Zuko. Because if he ever loved you, he'll hear what you have to say."


Zuko could barely contain the joy that was growing inside him. She loves me. His heart had been beating out of his chest since he'd heard her say it. For all he'd hoped for this, he never thought it would happen. With all they'd been through, with all the missed connections, all the doubt, all the everything…he was sure he'd lost her. But he'd heard her say it. She loves me. Agni, she loves me.

But she was still scared, and he had a good idea of what. Still too afraid of what other people would think, about how their relationship might affect the rest of the world. He knew full well what his Council would think of her. What many of his people might say about him because of her. And he didn't care. He was willing to do it if it meant being with her. Because trying to be Fire Lord without her…it was slowly killing him. He needed her spark, that charge that he felt between them when they touched.

But as much as he needed her, he couldn't just catch her in his arms and carry her away. They'd been down this road before, and she rejected him. If she wanted them to be together now, she needed to come to him.

He sat on the steps to the cabin, staring out into the ocean. This is how it had started, a little over one year ago, with a walk by the ocean to clear his head. And she found him. A smile ghosted over his lips as he remembered. Her offer to heal him. Her thumbs smoothing across his burning cheeks. Her tentative kisses. Her sighs of pleasure that had worked their way into his heart.

He sighed nervously. It was up to her now. If she didn't come, he would leave in the morning, the others and his vacation be damned. This was the last chance he could give her.

He continued to sit, watching the waves. It had been a while since he'd left her and Suki. He watched the tides roll in for what seemed like hours, waiting in agony for her to show. Eventually he couldn't hold the thoughts back, and he felt his sorrow set in. She's not coming. After all of this, she's not coming. It was more than he could take.

He cleared his throat, ignoring the stinging in his eyes as he stood, ready to leave. But as he turned the corner of the cabin, his eyes fell on the most beautiful sight.

Katara was standing by the ocean, staring off at the distant waves. The tides rolled in to her ankles, her free-flowing hair gently tossed by the wind. Her golden skin reflected the moonlight; it gave her an ethereal glow. It stole the breath from his lungs.

She's here. She came.

He felt a rush of conflicting emotions as he saw her. Joy and frustration. Happiness and pain. And want. Agni, but he wanted her. As he watched her, he felt doubt start to fill his mind, unbidden and unwanted. He heard all of her reasons over again. Could they really make this work? Were they crazy? Could they really make the world accept them, together?

Katara seemed to sense his presence and turned to him, eyes radiant in the moonlight, lips quirked in an apologetic smile.

Yes. This is worth anything.

He cleared his throat, frozen to the ground a few feet from her. "I didn't think you were coming."

Katara glanced back to the ocean, struggling to keep her voice even. "I didn't know if I should."

"But you came anyways?"

"Yes. I did."

"Why?"

She met his gaze, features softening. "Because you asked me to. More or less."

He breathed a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. He focused on her smile, watching it fade to something much deeper. They had so much time to make up for. This was the first they'd really talked in six long months. Where do I even start? "How's your grandmother?"

"She's fine now. Thanks for asking."

"Of course. I'm glad she's well."

"And Mai?"

He felt a twinge of guilt as she brought up Mai. He really should've told her sooner. "We ended things shortly after you left. But yes, she's doing well."

Katara tried to keep her tone light. She was curious, that was all. "Not sure why you didn't tell me sooner."

"I thought you were still with Aang until a couple hours ago. It seems it didn't occur to you to fill me in, either."

Katara's voice was low as she admitted, "I didn't know if you'd want to hear from me."

"If I were smarter, maybe I wouldn't."

She didn't expect that reaction. Something was off. His words were short, self-depracating. Something had changed. "Zuko, what's wrong?"

He knew he shouldn't bring this up now, but there was no stopping it. He had to find a way to banish that doubt, to get rid of her excuses that made too much sense. And it was more than the politics. He had to tell her the truth, had to tell her what her uncertainty had done to him.

His words were strong, but his voice was soft. "Do you have any idea how infuriating you are? Ever since that night by the fire, I feel like I've had to chase you and pressure you into telling me anything. It messes with my head. It makes me wonder if…" he trailed off, not wanting to even finish the thought aloud. "Never mind."

"What?"

"I said, never mind."

"And I asked you, what? Tell me," he wouldn't meet her gaze, and it frustrated her beyond belief. Could he still not talk to her about his feelings? She marched over to him and turned his head, forcing him to look at her. "What does it make you wonder?"

The power of her touch after all this time…it disarmed him. Made him tell her the truth. "It makes me wonder if you ever had feelings for me at all."

Katara's eyes narrowed in disbelief, but his voice was so pitiful she knew he was in earnest. The face between her palms was full of pain and worry. Part of him still thinks I might run from this. "But you just heard me tell Suki—"

"You're right. I did hear you tell Suki. You said you're in love with me. That you always have been. But that doesn't make sense to me."

"Why not?"

Zuko tried to keep a lid on his emotions, but clearly they were not to be contained tonight. He pulled away from Katara and finally let it all out. "Because if you've always loved me, you've got a whole year you need to explain to me. A year of me sitting back and telling myself that this was what you wanted, and I needed to make the best of the situation," His gaze was piercing, stripping through any excuses she might have prepared. His voice faltered and cracked as he spoke, betraying the depth of his sadness. "A year of trying to replace you, telling myself I didn't need you. That you were happy, no matter what you left in your note. Because you couldn't even tell me that yourself. You had to leave it so I'd get it once you were gone. Like you were never coming back."

His words touched her deeper than she could express. The need to reconcile was heavy in her heart. "I didn't know."

He didn't respond. He could only stare at her, hoping the moonlight wasn't reflecting his tears.

She tried again. "Zuko, I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to apologize."

"Then what? What do you want?"

"I want you, Katara. I always have, since that first night, right here. I thought that was clear."

His response piqued a multitude of responses in Katara, all at the same time. She had so many things she could quip back with, so many ways this could turn into a full-fledged fight. But she was so tired of fighting, and she could tell from his confessions that Zuko was too. She wanted to be with him. Period. But the mistakes she'd made in the past still hung heavy around them, weighing them down. She loved him. Now it was her job to convince him.

She stepped towards him again, eyes never leaving his. She took hold of his arms, ignoring his wary stare, wrapping them around herself so he was holding her. Tentatively, she ran a hand through his hair, watching his eyes slip closed at the sensation, feeling the increase of speed in his breathing against her chest. She curled her hand around to rest at the back of his neck. Her voice was soft and low, coaxing but seductive. "Look at me."

His golden eyes shone in the moonlight. She stared straight into them as she spoke. "I love you, Zuko. I know you're scared, and so am I. But I'm not leaving you, not again. Not ever," she reached up and placed a tender kiss over his scar; the hitch in his breath was warm on her face. She pulled away just slightly to see that his eyes had closed at her kiss. She moved her other hand from his arm, pleased to see that he made no move to break their embrace, and cupped his other cheek. "Okay? I know I've made mistakes in the past, but I want to make it up to you. I love you. And I want to be with you, if you'll have me."

His eyes opened, and she watched something in them change. Her confession had satisfied the part of him that needed it, but there was a different emotion behind the relief and the happiness. He almost seemed mischievous, his eyes darkening with desire as he studied her face. "Oh I'll have you, alright."

His lips crashed down onto hers, and all she could do was sigh. Yes. Relief flooded her body, her mouth fully meeting his. Their moan was a duet as they kissed, finally kissing again, letting go of their pain in a frustrated embrace. He almost whimpered as he pulled her flush against his body, the strain in his arms evident as he struggled to pull her closer. She broke their kiss, gasping for air, but he just moved to her neck.

Katara was on fire, nearly grinding out her words in ecstasy. "Spirits, I missed this…" Zuko started to pull at the tie on her dress, not caring that they were still on the beach. He couldn't get close enough to her.

Katara could feel his desperation, and she reciprocated. She was done waiting. She wanted him. Now. She took control, lacing his hands with hers and pulling away from his embrace, giving no explanation, but heading for the cabin. Zuko watched her hips sway as they walked, following her inside. He caught her in his arms, slamming the door behind them. He pressed Katara against it, grasping her wrists in one of his hands and pinning them above her head. She slid up the door slightly as he caught her lips for a soul-searing kiss, one that made her whimper and writhe against him. He exhaled with desire, pinning her to the door with his hips.

Zuko's need for possession took hold of him. After all this time of wondering…he wanted to hear it again, to make her cry out as she said it. He slipped a hand into her dress, caressing her breast and relishing in her moans. His mouth was at her ear as he brushed his hand across her aching peaks. "Say it again."

She was in no position to argue, chest heaving for air to control the sensations he was creating in her. Her breathy voice answered him. "I love you."

She was rewarded with a nip on the neck, sending her reeling. Katara jumped up and locked her legs around Zuko's torso to steady herself, then pushing off the door, using the momentum to guide them towards the bed. Zuko let her fall on the mattress, quickly covering her body with his, tasting her mouth with his tongue. Their hands fought with the opening to her dress, getting in each other's way in their haste to rid Katara of her clothes. Zuko finally won out, tossing the garment over his shoulder as she rid him of his shirt, their kiss only breaking to toss it aside.

She ran her hands over his well-muscled arms and chest, loving the sound of his halted breathing. To affect him this much made her feel powerful. Bold. Wanted. She curled her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her. She sighed as she felt all the places they touched skin-on-skin, but there was still far too much clothing in the way for her liking.

When she felt him straddle her with his knees and pull away from her kiss, she assumed he wanted to start on her bindings. She leaned up on her elbows to give him better access, toes curling in anticipation. She watched him as he worked, unwrapping the linen at her chest with desire written in every feature. When she was fully exposed to him he sat back and admired her, greedily drinking in the beautiful sight that was Katara. His gaze took every liberty; she felt admired under his eyes. She captured his lips in a kiss, pulling back just slightly. Her lips brushed his as she spoke.

"Say it back."

Zuko's lips quirked with an idea. His gleaming eyes betrayed the amusement he gained from toying with her. He rolled his hips against hers, trying to distract her with her own body. "Say what back?"

She knew exactly what Zuko was playing at. He was making her pay for all those times she went back and forth, all of her old uncertainties. Two can play that game. She rolled her hips with him, matching his rhythm. "Tell me you love me."

He feigned confusion, but she noticed the strain in his features as she rolled against him, struggling to keep a straight face. "Why?"

"Because you haven't yet, don't think I didn't notice." Katara shot him a look, fully aware he was messing with her, but in her state of arousal, she wasn't having any of it.

He continued to goad her. "That's a bit demanding, Katara. Or what?"

"Or I'll make you say it. I can be rather convincing." Her hand started a lazy trail up his thigh, lightly brushing up and over his stomach before going down the other leg.

Her deliberate avoidance of pressure where he needed it most only fuelled the fire. "If that's supposed to be a threat, it's a terrible one," her hand glided over his stomach again, this time hovering just above his obvious arousal, "I've got fond memories of your skills of persuasion."

"Do you?"

"A few, yeah."

"Too bad." Katara pulled her hand back sharply and shifted suddenly, catching Zuko off guard, flipping their positions so she was straddling him. Her face broke into a satisfied grin at his look of surprise. She pinned his arms down, holding him tight between her toned thighs. They both laughed as he struggled, but she held him fast. She was beaming at him. "Say it, Zuko."

She watched as his laughter faded and his face softened, his eyes growing brighter, his joking manner gone. In its place was a tender seriousness. He looked at her and saw all he needed in this world. His tenderness touched her deeply. She loosened her grip on his hands and he stroked her face, almost marveling at the fact that she was there, really there. She leaned into his hand; she could hear the contentment in his voice, and it warmed her to the core. "I love you, Katara. So much it hurts."

Her eyes instantly filled with tears at his confession, and even though she'd said it already, she found she couldn't say it enough. "I love you, too."

Zuko leaned up until he was sitting, taking Katara's face between his hands, kissing her slowly. Gently. For once, they didn't have to rush. They didn't have to hide. They could take their time with each other. Truly enjoy each other. And Zuko meant to enjoy every single inch of her. She stroked his tongue with her own, deepening the kiss as her arms locked around his head. He slowly turned them, gently lying her down on her back, starting a trek down her body that Katara remembered all too well.

She felt him everywhere, from the first kiss he pressed over her pulse to the way his teeth grazed the curve of her hip. She'd never wanted him so badly, her body already tightly wound by the time he slipped her undergarments off her legs. He could feel the tension in her limbs; it wouldn't take her long. He kissed up the insides of each leg before finally settling where she needed him most, rewarding her patience with a long lick against her center.

Katara's back arched, hands fisted in the thin sheets beneath her. Zuko held her hips down, swirling and strafing the tight bundle of nerves at her core. He reached a hand up to tweak her nipple, his eyes on her at all times, not wanting to miss a second of the erotic show she was putting on. The crease of her eyes, the sounds she made when he found just the right spot—small hiccups of pleasure that tore from her throat, it all fed his own arousal, steadily growing as he worked her.

He ran a finger along her sex, slowly circling her opening. He felt her hand tangle in his hair, guiding him back up her body.

"Do it," she whispered huskily, giving him a quick kiss as her hand met his between her legs, giving him the permission he needed to continue.

"It might hurt."

"Okay."

Zuko lay beside her, cradling her sex in his hand, slowly kissing her neck as he slid a finger inside her. Katara felt a small twinge, but nothing too painful. She was quickly distracted by the overwhelming pleasure of it, the satisfying stoke of Zuko's hand, the warmth of his mouth as it covered her nipple, the patterns he traced with his tongue. She arched against him as he started to move, encouraging his subtle thrusts by dragging his mouth to hers. He swallowed her moans as he added another finger, the feeling of Katara riding his hand almost enough to send him over the edge.

He rubbed her with his thumb as he stroked her, desperate to bring her release, finding the place inside her that made her tense and tight, the place that made her meet his strokes with the seductive roll of her hips. He heard the change in her breathing and thrust his fingers once, twice more against her as she finally exploded around him, his name a cry on her lips as she came.

It took a few moments for Katara to come back to reality. When she finally opened her eyes and turned, she found Zuko's heated gaze waiting for her, struggling between giving her time and wanting more. She smiled at him, momentarily satisfied, kissing him gratefully as her hand lightly brushed his stomach. She felt his muscles twitch beneath her fingers as she dared lower, slipping beneath the waist of his pants until he was hot and hard in her hand. She watched all of his barriers fall. There were no walls between them anymore—they would hide nothing from each other. She watched him shudder as she stroked him, wanting to bring him the same pleasure he'd brought her. A desperate hand grabbed her wrist, stilling her movements. "Don't."

"What?"

"Just…trust me. Don't."

Zuko rested his forehead against hers as he regained his composure, breathing deeply to keep some semblance of control. He wanted her too badly to let her finish him off so quickly. He pressed a kiss into her hair as he stood, shuffling his pants and undergarments to the ground. She felt a chill on her skin as he stood, missing the heat of his body immediately.

He wasn't gone long. He lay down on top of her, bracing his weight on his arms beside her head. He covered her body with his, pulling a light sheet over them both, and she felt his arousal hot against her leg. She felt strangely nervous, but also excited, her body recognizing this primal need and pumping desire through her bloodstream. She looked up at him through hooded lids, reaching up for a tender kiss. She pulled away and smiled, rolling her hips against him as she spoke. "I'm ready."

He settled between her legs, running a hand up her leg. "You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Thank Agni."

She breathed a laugh at his obvious relief, her amusement turning to sighs as he stroked her with his hand. Zuko positioned himself, taking a deep breath to steady himself as he slowly pressed into her, trying his best not to hurt her. He pushed until he was fully inside her, completely in awe of the feeling of completion. It was like coming home. His head fell to her shoulder, amazed by the feeling of joining with Katara. Her body was warm and wet; he reveled in it, this most intimate embrace, trying his best not to move.

It was different than his fingers, but not painful. The stretch felt delicious, Zuko filling her, rubbing against her in all the right places. Being this close to him, cradling his body with hers as he brushed light kisses all over her face and neck…it was perfect. They fit perfectly. She felt her hips tip instinctively upward and Zuko tensed, trying not to meet her movements in case she was uncomfortable.

"You okay?"

The sound of his heavy breathing in her ear betrayed how much he wanted her. She never wanted it to end. "More than okay."

"Good."

Slowly but surely, Zuko started to move, a rolling motion that Katara was familiar with. She started to meet his movements, thrust for thrust, and a moan escaped from deep in her throat. Her nails bit into his shoulders as they moved together, gradually picking up the pace as they rocked against each other, the friction growing with every stroke. Zuko's lips found hers as he smoothed his hand through her hair; she met his kiss with just as much passion, amazed at how he stoked the fire deep inside her. She felt like the ocean, waves cresting and crashing against each other, moving in rhythm. She felt a deeper spasm coming on, one that had her clenching around him as he moved; Zuko groaned into her mouth, knowing he wouldn't last much longer.

He was determined to bring her with him, to bring her such excruciating pleasure that she would know how much she meant to him. Every kiss, every stroke, every caress was a declaration of love. Of adoration. Of appreciation. Of how very much he needed her in his life.

She could feel the spasms starting, but it wasn't enough. She panted out a plea as she hooked her legs around him. "Zuko, please…"

Katara didn't know what she needed, but she knew that he could give it to her. Zuko increased their speed, pulling all the way out just to slam back into her again and again, never breaking their rhythm. His hand reached between them and found the tight bundle of nerves begging for his attention; she nearly screamed as he rubbed her, in perfect time with every stroke as they drove faster and faster towards oblivion. Finally she felt it, a wave that rocked her hard against his body, pulling him even deeper inside herself. Her arms locked around his neck, her quaking legs biting into his hips as she came.

Feeling her come undone around him pushed him over the edge. Zuko was about to pull out when he heard her breathy whisper, her hips still meeting his. "It's fine."

"No, I shouldn't—"

"Trust me, it's fine. Let go."

She gently clenched herself around him, nipping lightly at his neck as her hands smoothed down his back. It was more than he could take. Zuko stiffened against her, a guttural groan escaping him as he came, spilling himself into her, bright lights exploding behind his eyelids. Utterly spent, Zuko collapsed on top of her, still buried inside her warmth.

Their bodies had a subtle sheen, a fine layer of sweat that made their skin stick together as they caught their breaths. With the last of his strength, Zuko lifted himself to press a kiss to her forehead, pulling out of her, appreciating her gasp as she felt the loss of his size within her. He pulled her into his arms so they were spooning back to front, throwing a leg over hers, an arm around her waist, burying his face in her hair.

Katara regained the ability to speak first, a thoroughly contented smile playing upon her lips as she snuggled against him. "Zuko…that was—"

"Pretty. Damn. Amazing."

"Yeah."

She felt him laugh into her neck, a throaty chuckle that was music to her ears. They lay like that for a few moments before Katara disentangled herself, walking to the other room and happy to find it was a kitchen. She found a basin of water and discreetly cleansed herself. Zuko shook his head as he realized what she was doing. Serious advantages to being a Water Bender.

Katara returned rather quickly, immediately moving into his arms, facing him this time, her head nestled against his chest. Zuko absently traced the full curve of her hip with the tips of his fingers, appreciating how even after all that, she still shivered at his touch. She snuggled even closer, the tip of her nose running along his cheek before she kissed him, deep and long.

Zuko kept expecting her to stop, but she didn't let up, coaxing his mouth to open for her tongue. She eventually rolled to straddle him, hands framing his face as she pulled away. He arched an eyebrow at her. "What are you doing?"

"You made it very clear that I have lots of time to make up for," she pressed a kiss to his cheek, then his neck, continuing as she spoke. "And I think you mentioned something about 'fond memories'…"

Katara continued kissing down his chest as a baffled, but willing, Zuko combed his fingers through her hair. As she kissed lower and lower, Zuko felt his body responding, bewitched by the insatiable Water Bender running her tongue over his lightning scar.

He smirked to himself, amending a thought he'd had so many nights ago, back in the Fire Nation.

If this is how she wants to make up, I am very fine with that.


Phew. Is it just me, or do you need a cold shower after that?

Read and review! They're finally together, and I think rather tenderly, and I want to hear your thoughts!