What better way to start off the new year than with some Zutara?

"Zuko?" she whispered, hoping he was still awake.

It took a moment, but the boy finally turned over, his eyes reflecting in the moonlight.

Katara twisted a piece of Appa's hair between her fingers. "Is he okay?"

"I don't know."

He was being honest, but it hurt. June had told them that Aang didn't exist anymore. What was that supposed to mean? How could Aang just…disappear?

Stupid Aang and the stupid stress he caused her.

A breeze blew through the mountain pass, and she shivered.

"Are you cold?" Zuko asked.

"Just a little."

He nodded for her to move closer, and she made a face.

"What, you still don't trust me?" he teased.

She rolled her eyes and scooted over, turning so that her back was to his chest. Was this spooning? She wasn't sure. It was so…intimate. She could imagine her grandmother scolding her for being so bold.

She didn't even have to touch him to feel the heat from his body, but she nestled against him anyway. There was no harm in this, right? Zuko was just being kind. Nothing more.

She could tell he didn't know what to do with his other hand, so she reached behind her and grabbed his wrist, pulling his arm over her waist.

"If you're going to keep me warm, do it properly."

She felt him laugh against her neck, and her heart skipped a beat.

"I'm not even tired," she said, lying still, her heart racing.

Zuko hummed behind her, barely conscious.

"I'm sorry. I'm just keeping you awake. I'll move back."

"Katara," he whispered.

"What?"

And he didn't answer. Instead, he removed his hand from her stomach and brushed away her hair. She waited apprehensively.

"Zuko?"

Something brushed the back of her neck. It took her a moment to realize it was his lips. When she didn't respond—trying to catch her breath—he kissed her again, and again, down her neck to her shoulder. Soft, confident kisses.

She was too stunned to move. And maybe, maybe it actually felt nice, but she'd never admit that.

He kissed her again, an open, wet kiss on her skin.

She shuddered, and she turned over.

They were face to face. Inches apart. He tilted his chin toward her, and kissed her cheek, and she closed her eyes.

Immersed.

His lips trailed down to the corner of her mouth. He whispered her name, a soft, husky, breath.

And then she woke up in a ring of fire.

Katara watched him enter the tent, and she smiled. Zuko had changed so much, and she was so proud of him. She knew Iroh would be too.

Then she remembered her lustful dream, and she felt heat surge to her cheeks and her stomach.

Spirits. How embarrassing.

Was that normal? Why did she dream about Zuko like that? Kissing her neck? Her face?

And why had it felt so…right? Had June's earlier comment about them being boyfriend and girlfriend freaked her out that much?

Flustered, she wandered back to her own tent.

"What's wrong with you?" Toph asked, sprawled on a sleeping bag, a grin on her face.

"Nothing. I'm just…a little tired."

"Liar."

"What? I am!"

"Katara," the girl sighed. "Admit it. You like him."

Katara knew immediately whom she was referring to, but she played dumb. "Aang?"

"Zuko," she responded. "You two are so obvious. Late night talks, cuddling. Please, you're an open book, Sugar Queen."

Katara knew she was blushing, but she forced herself to ignore the feeling in her chest. Was it guilt? Excitement? Fear?

"Toph, Zuko and I are just good friends. He sees me as his sister. Besides. We each have…other people in our lives."

"Whatever. It's your life. Waste it if you want."

The words cut deep, but Katara simply turned over and shut her eyes, shut it all out.

It only took several minutes for Zuko's face to float back to the surface.