Disclaimer: I don't own ATLA or LOK
Chapter Nine: The Revelation
The morning sun had just peaked its head beyond the horizon when Zuko's eyes fluttered open. His mind felt foggy and his body felt like he'd just been tossed in a whirlpool for a few hours. Not to mention, the ache throbbing at his wound site managed to wake him up a little earlier than usual. He was getting too old to be fighting like this. Agni knows how Uncle kept fighting at this age and recaptured Ba Sing Se, Zuko thought dryly.
The Fire Lord yawned before craning his neck to the side to see the sleeping form of Katara still there. She was snuggled protectively against his body. One of her hands lay curled up on his chest while the other cushioned the side of her sleeping face. Katara's curls were in disarray and were bunched up together like a nest as she buried her face into Zuko's chest.
Zuko reached out and brushed her cheek with his thumb, not wanting to disturb her but to also slowly wake her. Katara stirred and burrowed herself further into her boyfriend's side.
"Don't wake me," she mumbled into his chest. "I'm not ready, Mr. Oh-I-Rise-With-The-Sun."
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay staying in here." She could hear Zuko's chuckle vibrate deeply in his chest as he reached over to press his lips to the top of her head. "As much as I love having you in my arms."
"Screw them all," Katara muttered, tightly screwing her eyes shut. "You're very warm and I had a long night. Besides, knowing Sokka we have a good couple of hours before we have to worry."
"Still a late riser, huh?" the Fire Lord quipped.
"You could say that," Katara smirked as she opened her eyelids fully to face Zuko. "He hasn't changed a great deal since he was a teenager. Sure, Suki gave him a good kick in the rear and he may have grown up to be the Chief, but he'll always be our Sokka."
Zuko laughed at this as he proceeded to nuzzle his face against Katara's. His stubble scratched against her smooth skin, but it was something that the waterbender reveled in as she cuddled closer. "Well good, because I want to keep you here all morning."
"How about I keep you here with me forever?" Katara teased lightly.
"Of course, love," Zuko murmured groggily against her hair.
"Love, huh?" Katara shifted herself in the bed so she was laying on her side now. She rested the side of her head against her propped up arm. "Already with the pet names?"
Zuko's cheeks turned a cherry red and he couldn't help but give her a sheepish smile. "I…Well, if it's too–"
"I like it. It's different." Katara reached out to play with some loose strands of Zuko's dark hair. "Aang and I always called each other sweetie."
"Mai and I had a few. Her's was babe. She often said it whenever she was annoyed with me," Zuko remembered fondly as he reached out to intertwine his hand with Katara's, brushing his thumb against the skin between her thumb and pointer finger. "Is…Is it weird talking about our late spouses like this?"
Katara shook her head. "I don't think so. We did it before we were together and if we didn't, then there'd always be some sort of elephant in the room. I think we should help each other remember them. And, I know it's weird. We'll need some time to get used to it, but I think it'll be okay."
"Agreed."
"There's going to be a lot we'll have to talk about," Katara continued truthfully. "Like little things in the relationship and what we want to do from here. Where we'll live–"
"Live? You're ready to move right in, huh?" Zuko remarked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Don't get any ideas, you dirty old man," Katara joked, giggling as she gently slapped him on the chest. "You're in no way, shape, or form to be doing anything like that anytime soon."
"Soon," Zuko countered, causing Katara to playfully huff. The firebender smirked before regaining a genuinely curious tone. "But, what about living together? Is that a step you're ready for?"
Katara shrugged as a blush crept upon her face. "I know. It sounds crazy. I want to move slow and get to know you this way, the romantic way, but also…I've known you forever, Zuko. I'm willing to move in with you the moment we both can. I'm a middle-aged woman who has nothing else to lose and I've fallen hard."
Zuko smiled as he cupped her cheek. "I'd marry you."
Katara gaped at his suggestion. "I'm sorry– did you just say marriage?"
"I mean– not right away. Or, I don't know. Maybe within the next year?" Zuko confessed, stammering as he stumbled on his point. "When everything calms down, I'd want to marry you…If you were okay, with marrying me, that is…"
"We'll discuss that later– we got to take some baby steps," Katara said, reaching up to press her lips against his for a moment. "However, let's leave it at a tentative yes…"
Zuko chuckled, running a strand of her chocolate hair between his ring and middle fingers. "And our kids? How do you want to tell them?"
"Give it a second before everything with Korra's attempted kidnapping blows over. When things find a sense of normalcy," Katara said. "Then, we can sit them down…As for the others– I think they have their suspicions."
"They definitely do. The moment Toph sees us she's going to know we're up to no good," Zuko muttered.
"Very true," Katara agreed. "We've never been able to get anything past her."
"Tell me about it." Zuko groaned, causing Katara to laugh softly.
"How about I go get changed before anyone notices and then I can come back here," Katara suggested, rubbing circles on his chest. "And then, we spend the day discussing some of this stuff, while, of course, also spending a couple of healing secessions on you."
"Sounds good to me," Zuko agreed as Katara carefully peeled back the sheets and crawled out of bed. She slipped her feet into her fur-lined moccasins before taking a seat beside Zuko on the edge of the bed so she could examine his wound site.
"How are you feeling today?" Katara asked, reaching up to place the back of her hand against his forehead after examining his injury. "You don't seem to have a fever, which is what I was mostly worried about. The entry site and the exit site are not infected and neither looks concerning. Seems it healed smoothly."
"It hurts, but it's mostly just sore. It doesn't sting like yesterday," Zuko said, trying to think of any ailments that were still bothering him. "For the most part, I just feel tired and weak."
"You lost a lot of blood. It's only natural your body is going to react this way." Katara gingerly grabbed his wrist to take his pulse. "You're going to need a lot of fluids and plenty of rest. Hopefully, another healing session or two today will have you feeling much, much stronger by the end of the day."
"I trust your judgment," Zuko replied adamantly as Katara then leaned in to press a brief kiss to his lips. "Now go, before someone catches you."
"I'll be back in ten minutes." Her eyes were half-closed as she rested her forehead against his for a beat before she gave in to another kiss. "Promise."
Zuko chuckled happily as Katara sneakily made her way back to her quarters in Suki and Sokka's guest room. She dug through the overnight bag she brought last night and quickly changed into a midnight blue tunic with aqua trim and a pair of matching pants she often wore for conducting long healing sessions.
Pretending as if she just got up, Katara went downstairs to make a pot of tea. She made small talk with Suki who had just risen. She briefly discussed Zuko's well-being with her sister-in-law before scurrying back upstairs with the excuse she needed to check in on her patient.
Katara and Zuko would spend all morning together. After a nice long healing session, the waterbender had the Fire Lord walk around the room in an attempt to get his strength back. As they did this, the new couple talked about their future and how they'd make this work with their conflicting schedules and how they might want to proceed.
"We'll take this one step at a time," Katara declared as she helped Zuko into his robe and set him up back in the bed. They just finished their walk and she was trying to help him feel a bit more presentable. "There's no need to rush and what we discussed seems like a good plan."
"I agree," Zuko chimed in, wincing a bit before settling against a mound of pillows.
Katara bit her lip as she took a seat beside him at the edge of the bed. She reached out and gently clasped his hands in hers. "Look, I know I probably sound really nervous."
Zuko adopted a soft expression. "Are you second-guessing? It's okay if this is too much. I understand."
"No, not at all," Katara said earnestly, shaking her head. "I'm ready to start something with you. What I'm trying to say is that this is scary and new, but I'm just glad that we'll be figuring this out together and that we're on the same page."
"I'm happy too," Zuko replied, giving her hand a tender squeeze. "And as much as this injury hurts me, it gives us more time to be with each other and figure this out as a team."
"True," Katara said mischievously, reaching over to kiss him. She pulled away only an inch, their noses touching and her breath still hot against Zuko's mouth– sending a tingle down his spine. "Because it'll make the build up a little more interesting."
"And I'm the dirty old man?" Zuko countered, grinning widely while Katara threw her head back in a laugh.
The waterbender's mouth went to hungrily connect with Zuko's. Katara proceeded very gently, not wanting the flesh she just mended back together to tear open. She could only focus though on how soft he felt against her mouth and how his warmth swarmed her and wrapped her up entirely in an intoxicating state. Her hands trailed up the open part of his robe and across his toned chest, wanting to feel his skin against her fingertips. Slowly, she bite his bottom lip before fully connecting to his mouth once again.
Zuko's hand reached out and rested it on the back of Katara's head while the other gripped to her upper thigh, trying to keep her steady beside him on the edge of the bed. He began to kiss the corner of Katara's mouth and gradually made his way down to her cheekbone, her chin, and then the base of her throat before finally reaching her neck. Inhaling her scent of the ocean and salted wind brought his senses into overdrive.
"We should slow down," Katara said breathlessly against swollen lips. She let out a small pleasurable gasp, wanting to bring him closer, knowing only that it would do him more harm than good.
"We should." Zuko's words seemed meaningless as they continued. However, it took Katara to be the one to wistfully pull away.
"Soon." She cupped his cheek and lovingly brought him closer for one final, heavy kiss. "I promise."
"Ah great," Zuko sputtered against her mouth. He was awestruck with Katara. The heat pooling from his stomach up to his face. "Sounds really, really great."
Katara giggled as they broke apart, yet still only inches away from him. However, the worrying call of "Father!" made the waterbender unexpectedly fall off the side of the bed.
"Katara!? Are you okay!?" Zuko looked down to see hunched over on the floor. Katara was frowning as she rubbed her back, probably the part of her body to break the fall.
"It's the kids," Katara stated fearfully, her face growing flushed along with the Fire Lord's.
In a haste, Katara brought herself up into the chair next to the bed, smoothing out any wrinkles in her tunic while Zuko fixed the covers, trying to make it appear as if nothing even occurred in the last few minutes.
Thankfully, they made it just in time. It was only a moment later that the Fire Nation Princess came dashing into the room. Izumi had a terrified expression on her face as she locked her gaze with the form of her injured father lying in the bed. When the princess saw him sitting up and breathing, she let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Dad."
"Don't worry. I'm alright," Zuko reassured his daughter right away as their identical amber eyes met. Izumi didn't say anything to this. She just ran straight for Zuko and gathered her father into a hug, much to the relief of The Fire Lord– who was just glad to be reunited with his only child.
"I was so worried," Izumi choked through her tears. Zuko stroked her hair as she sobbed into his chest. "I thought I lost you like mom. I–"
Despite the pain, Zuko brought his child into a tighter embrace. "I know. I'm so sorry I scared you like that, sweetheart."
As Katara smiled at the touching scene, she couldn't help but get distracted by new, yet familiar calls, echoing down the hallway.
"Mom!" Bumi shouted anxiously as he came running into the room first with Kya and Tenzin trailing right behind him. Her three children sharing looks of concern and fear. After all, only four years ago they had lost their father. The last thing Aang and Katara's children needed was to lose the only parent they had left.
"Oh thank Tui and La!" Kya exclaimed, seeing her mother perfectly healthy and sitting beside the bed of the injured Fire Lord.
"I'm safe. Everything and everyone is fine," Katara assured her children as she shot up from her chair and rushed to greet them. Bumi was the first to make it to his mother and swooped her up into a bone-crushing hug. Katara laughed at her oldest child's actions before Bumi placed her down so that Kya and Tenzin can cling to her sides.
"I'm so glad you're both alright," Kya said, hugging tightly to her mother before she looked back to Zuko. "And I'm glad little Korra is safe as well."
"Yeah. We're all glad little Dad is safe," Bumi remarked, causing Kya to shake her head in amusement and Tenzin to frown at his brother.
"For the last time, Bumi, Korra isn't Dad," Tenzin proclaimed, rolling his eyes. "She's his next life. She's just a kid."
"I'm still gonna call her Little Dad, squirt," Bumi retorted, patting the top of Tenzin's bald head– much to the annoyance of his little brother. Tenzin swatted at his older brother's hands, which only made Bumi more amused.
"Looks like the gang is all here, huh?" Sokka made his entrance known as he came forward with an arm around Suki's frame. Koda and Anna lingered in the doorway beside their parents while Lila and Ami came running forward into the bedroom to greet their family.
"Auntie Katara! Auntie Kya! Guess what, I'm a real waterbender!" Lila shrieked as she jumped into her great aunt's arms.
"I heard, sweetie, and I'm so happy for you," Katara cooed, pressing a kiss to the little girl's cheek.
"And we can't wait to train you, our little seal penguin!" Kya exclaimed, picking up the small child from her mother's arms and swirling her around.
Meanwhile, Koda and Bumi began to jovially tease Tenzin, while Izumi and Anna greeted each other with a hug. Suki's hands rested on Ami's shoulders as she pressed a kiss to the top of her oldest granddaughter's head.
"I think this is the first time in a long time we've all been together like this," Katara mentioned, studying the area around her with a sense of wholeness in her chest.
"We're just missing Su. She's with Toph's parents, but if she was here it would truly be a reunion," Suki added.
"Too bad these reunions keep happening under grave circumstances," Sokka pointed out. "The last time we were all together like this...Well..."
"It was Aang's funeral," Katara filled in with a grimace.
"Hey, today is a good day," Zuko retorted, motioning around the room at everyone in there. "We saved Korra, I'm alive, our children are here, me and you figured– I mean, Katara and I figured out how we'll possibly train Korra. It's all ah good." He earned a warning glance from his girlfriend, which thankfully went undetected by the others.
"Speaking of Korra, when you're feeling better buddy and when Toph is finished making sure those jokers are all locked up, we're all going to have to have a serious discussion," Sokka declared, his expression growing grim. "To ensure Korra's further safety."
"You know, I always knew she was the Avatar," Lila announced proudly.
Ami rolled her eyes at her little sister. "No, you didn't."
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too–"
"Girls," Koda chided, raising his eyebrows at his young daughters. As he crossed his arms over his broad chest, he looked so much like his namesake at that moment. Katara couldn't help but have a flashback to her father acting similarly to break her and Sokka up.
"Sorry, Dad…."
"Well, safety measures need to be put in place on agreement by us, Korra's parents, and the White Lotus," Sokka explained to the adults. "And also make sure we have prisons specially designed for each of them– that way they can't ever escape again."
Zuko and Katara simultaneously nodded. "Agreed."
"The Fire Nation is already supplying some methods for Toph to keep them all subdue," Izumi added.
"Yeah, and they're working magnificently keeping that Combustion Chick quiet."
"Toph!" everyone cheered as the police chief made her way into the room followed by Lin. They were both still in their police uniforms and despite their formal apparel, looked relaxed to see their friends and family.
Toph grinned proudly as she walked closer to everyone. "Sorry I'm late. We just had to make sure they were all locked up real good before we left them."
"It's fine, we're just glad to see you and Lin, Toph," Katara said as she greeted her friend with a hug. It'd been months since Katara has seen the Republic City Police Chief and missed her terribly.
"I'm glad to see you too, Sugar Queen," Toph replied as the friends broke apart from their embrace. "Although, I would like to be included on the next field trip, thank you very much."
"Next time Zuko and I get roped up in some spiritual quest to find the Avatar, we'll give you a ring," Katara said wryly.
"Good!" Toph's face lit up as she motioned around the room with her arms. "Because clearly, I missed some fireworks."
"Yeah, like when were you guys going to tell us what was going on here?" Kya asked in amusement, crossing her arms over her chest. "Wanted to surprise us that you and Uncle Zuko decided to take a trip across the globe on a dragon?"
"I just didn't want to worry any of you yet," Katara explained truthfully, looking at them with regret. "Besides, I was planning on letting you all know after we got out of the North Pole."
"We could've helped you, Mom," Tenzin pointed out warily. Despite being the youngest, he always tried to carry himself out as the most mature. The wisest.
"I know, it was a very last minute trip and we wanted to try to keep it as low profile as we could. We didn't want everyone knowing what we were up to," Katara explained. "I was going to let you once we landed in Republic City, but our plans changed."
"Jeeze, it seems like we did miss a lot." Bumi whistled, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Yeah, and speaking of getting left out, when were you all going to tell me Sugar Queen and Sparky over here were a thing now," Toph questioned loudly, jerking a thumb to Zuko and Katara who stood frozen in their spots. "You guys know I don't like being left out of the loop!"
Everyone grew deadly silent when Toph spoke those words. "That's hilarious, my mom? And the Fire Lord?" Bumi cackled, slapping his knee. "Those two are a couple? Good one."
"Ahh, Bumi," Kya muttered awkwardly, tugging on her older brother's sleeve. "I don't think..."
"What?" he questioned, scratching his head in confusion. "It's a joke...right?"
"Did I just reveal something I wasn't supposed to?" Toph asked slowly, wide-eyed.
Sokka reached out and clasped a hand on her shoulder. "Ah, I think you just did."
"Are…Are you two dating?" Izumi raised her eyebrows as she looked back and forth between Katara and Zuko. "Is there something you need to tell us?"
The waterbender fiddled with her hands as she turned to Zuko. The firebender bit his lip and nodded his head encouragingly in Katara's direction.
"Zuko and I…" Katara trailed off for a moment. "Well, Zuko and I are– yes, we're dating."
"You two are what?!" Bumi exclaimed incredulously, looking at his mother and then at the Fire Lord. "You're really dating!? It's not a joke!?"
"Yes, it's true," Zuko confirmed, clearing his throat as he reached out a hand for Katara to take. The waterbender did so, letting their fingers intertwine into a stronghold. "We are dating."
"To reciprocate the words of my young nephew," Sokka said, stepping forward to stand beside Bumi. "Say what now!?"
"Please, you saw this coming, Sokka. We literally talked about it last night," Suki muttered, rolling her eyes. She motioned her arms in the direction of the new couple for dramatic emphasis. "Everyone with eyes or who was paying even the slightest attention saw this coming!"
"I even saw it coming, Grandpa," Lila said, looking up at him with her big doe eyes. This caused Sokka to frown before looking back at the couple.
"Spirits, I'm sorry you two," Toph said, guilty biting her lip. "By the vibrations you two were giving off this morning and the sleeping in the same bed–"
"For Agni's sake, Toph!"
"Cool your mongoose lizards, Sparky!" Toph shot back. "It's not my fault you two were so damn loud! You're just as bad as Suki and Sokka were! Still are, if I'm being honest."
"Jee. Thanks, Toph," Suki grumbled.
"Hey, there are some people in this room that would rather not hear those details," Kya remarked, her face contorted in disgust.
Izumi cleared her throat as she curiously asked, "How did this happen?"
"I don't know," Zuko confessed honestly as he looked up at Katara warmly. "I guess…We both had been mourning for so long and grew closer that…It all just seemed to fall into place and it grew into more from there."
"It only just happened," Katara added quickly. "We only really started officially dating yesterday, but our time at the North Pole confirmed to both of us that something was there and that…We didn't want to wait any longer so, well, we decided to carry out with the relationship."
"Does this mean I have to call Zuko the Father Lord now?" Bumi asked bluntly, causing Katara and Zuko to scowl while Sokka and Toph snickered. However, Katara could see the way Tenzin didn't seem amused by his brother's joke at all.
"Please, do not," Zuko stated dryly, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"We're still who we were and wish you see us as we were," Katara explained. "And I know it might be difficult seeing us together…But we love each other and we care about the well-being of the other and only want what's best for everyone."
"This isn't the way we wanted to do this," Zuko announced, sharing a look of agreement with his girlfriend. "We wanted to wait after everything with Korra to be settled…And we have a few things we have to set up."
"Set up– what do you mean to set up?" Izumi questioned.
"Well, if everything goes according to plan, we'll be helping out to train Korra. Teach her bending," Katara explained. "I know we still need to figure some stuff out, but I think I was destined to be her waterbending master. And Zuko to teach her firebending."
"Let me get this straight," Kya said, holding a hand up to stop her mother and honorary uncle. "You two wish to live in the Southern Water Tribe to train and guide the new Avatar?"
"Yes," Katara confirmed, nodding her head gently alongside Zuko. "Well, for most of the year. We also plan to spend half of the year at Ember Island…Just to split some time up between our homelands. Or that's the tentative plan."
"If you two are going to be doing this, what about your duties as Fire Lord, Father?" Izumi asked skeptically, directly looking at Zuko. "From what it sounds like this is going to be a full-time thing."
Zuko paused for a moment, sharing a brief glance with Katara. He gingerly swung himself off the side of the bed and with the waterbender's help he stood up to approach his daughter.
"Izumi, with your blessing, in a few months…I wish to relinquish my role as Fire Lord to you," Zuko declared softly, placing his hands on her shoulders. This earned a collective gasp from the entire room as the current Fire Lord dropped the unexpected news.
The Fire Nation princess simply stared at her father in bewilderment as he continued. "It's time for me to retire, and not because I have found love again and wish to go upon a different path. Truthfully, fate just happened to give me more purpose in a life outside of being Fire Lord. No, I've known I wanted to retire for a few years now and I know you are fully ready to lead the Fire Nation."
"You think so, Father?" Izumi asked, her voice hesitant as her amber eyes sought her father's full support in the endeavor.
"I know so….I'm getting old, Izumi. For the last thirty-six years, I've given everything I have to be Fire Lord. To restore the glory of our nation. I rebuilt as much as I could of it with Aang and truthfully, without my friend by my side, I find it harder to continue, and at this point in my life, I just want peace. I will be there to help you, but the Fire Nation needs a young voice. A new voice to guide our citizens into a new era," Zuko proclaimed firmly, looking his daughter in the eye. "That voice is you, my daughter. My heart. My soul. You are and will only continue to be an amazing leader. I know it…Besides, my greatest wish is to watch you rule."
"Oh Daddy," Izumi sputtered out unexpectedly, throwing her arms around her father's shoulders. It was rare to see the very put together and studious Princess Izumi break her rather serious disposition, but she couldn't help be elated at her father's declaration. He believed in her enough to give up his position of power for her.
Meanwhile, the Fire Lord couldn't help but smile as he held his daughter as tight as he could without further hurting himself. Something about this moment reminded him strongly of when he was sixteen and Uncle Iroh told him that he should be the next Fire Lord– the one to rebuild their nation.
"I'm so proud of you, Izumi," Zuko whispered against her ebony hair. "Your mother would be so proud of you…You're going to do great things, my daughter."
"Thank you," Izumi replied as they slowly pulled away from one another. Her amber eyes glistening with tears behind the pair of thin-framed glasses she wore. "But I should warn you, Father, I might request that you wait about a year for me to take over these duties…"
"A year?" Zuko frowned, studying his daughter carefully. "Do you think you're not ready?"
"Well, no, I think I can handle it well," Izumi announced proudly, her cheeks suddenly tinted with pink. A hand then fell to her abdomen. "However, I wanted to tell you this when we went back home but…Akio and I have some news. Exciting news."
"News?" Zuko questioned, arching his eyebrow. "What kind of news?"
"Oh, my Tui and La!" Kya blurted out, a hand coming to her mouth as she stared at Izumi in shock. Katara's lips also curled into a knowing smile as she looked at her boyfriend with an amused glance. "I knew it! I knew it!"
"Knew what?" Sokka questioned, looking around rapidly in confusion.
"What other shocking news are we gonna get today, huh?" Bumi added, backing up his equally puzzled uncle.
"What's going on?" Zuko asked slowly, looking at his daughter who looked rather happy.
"Dad," Izumi began, taking his hands in hers as she took a steady breath. "I'm pregnant…You're going to be a grandfather."
"You're pregnant?!" Zuko blurted out, his eyes widening with tears. "I'm…You're gonna…A baby!?"
"Yes." Izumi chuckled, tears of joy welling up in her amber eyes.
"I'm going to be a grandpa!" Zuko exclaimed, bringing his daughter into another hug.
"Well if you and Mom are getting married, that means I'm gonna be an Uncle Bumi to the next Fire Lord!" Bumi cheered, clapping his hands together.
"Oh brother," Lin muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Are you kidding? I'm going to be an Auntie Kya!" Kya gleefully shouted as she and her brother jumped up and down in excitement, much to the delight of Katara.
"This is wonderful news," Suki announced, clasping her hands together. "Another baby! It's been so long!"
"It really is," Sokka agreed. "And I think I like to speak on behalf of everyone, that I'm happy my sister and one of the men I've considered to be a brother are together. Kind of odd that both men I loved like brothers have dated my sister–"
"Sokka–"
"But, I'm happy. We're family," Sokka declared emotionally, causing everyone in the room to nod in agreement. "We've lost a lot of people over the years. Mai, Iroh, Aang…After all the heartbreak the two of you have been, I for one am happy to see you together."
"And I think Hakoda and Malina owe me some money," Suki said deviously, smirking in the couple's direction.
"You guys bet on us?" Katara frowned while Zuko chuckled.
"Bato too– he bet the two of you would be together by the time you stepped foot on the South Pole," Suki explained, shrugging. "It was down to the three of us, guess I win."
"Glad to see our relationship is the form of entertainment for the south," Zuko echoed wryly.
"And I mean, Izumi and I kind of had our suspicions," Kya said, looking towards the Fire Princess who nodded in agreement. "And I'm happy to say I finally have a sister, after all these years putting up with Tenzin and Bumi."
"Hey! I wasn't so bad," the eldest of Aang and Katara's children sputtered. He then wrapped his arms around Kya and Izumi's shoulders. "But hey, I get another sister, that seems pretty awesome."
"I've never had siblings," Izumi added fondly. "This'll be interesting."
"And you know what, even though I had no clue, I'm glad it's Uncle Zuko you decided to hook up with, Mom," Bumi declared, causing Katara to scowl at her son. "Or sorry, Father Lord."
"For the love of Agni," Zuko grumbled, causing Toph to chortle– the earthbender was practically doubling over in laughter.
"And I didn't either," Tenzin spoke up coolly, crossing his arms over his chest as he angrily starred Zuko and Katara down. "This…I wasn't expecting this."
"I know, sweetheart," Katara said, approaching her son gently. "And I did not want to tell you this way, but…It happened."
"You think this, this is okay," Tenzin stammered, looking at his mother and uncle. "You two were friends, I mean–"
"You had to know something was going on, little bro," Kya spoke up carefully. "And it's not the end of the world."
"What about dad!?" Tenzin cried out, causing the air in the room to still.
"Tenzin, me being with Zuko has nothing to do with your father or the love I held for him," Katara spoke cautiously, her voice growing tight with emotion. "The same goes for Zuko and Mai…"
"I still wasn't expecting this," Tenzin said, trying to control his rage. "How could…I just–"
"Cut Mom some slack," Kya cut her brother off irritably, failing her arms slightly. "They're happy. It's not like you write or visit enough to care–"
"Kya!"
"No, it's true," Kya continued bitterly while Bumi stayed silent, but nodded his head in solidarity with his sister. "We get it, your dad's precious little airbender, but that doesn't mean you get to dictate anything about this family."
"You know that's not what I meant," Tenzin shot back fiercely, clenching his fists together.
"Kids, let's be calm about this," Katara suggested passively. "Let's talk–"
"I don't want to talk," Tenzin spat as he headed towards the door. "I need some time before I can even think about doing that."
"Tenzin!" Katara called out, but it was too late. Her son had stormed out the door in a hurry.
"I'll go be with him," Lin offered hesitantly she looked at Katara with a sympathetic glance. "He's under a lot of stress–"
"I know," Katara answered before Lin scurried out the door and after her boyfriend.
The room was quiet after Lin left to go look for Tenzin. "Maybe…I should talk to him some more," Katara said, biting her lip. "Or, I don't know, maybe this was too soon–"
"Mom, stop," Kya said, placing her hands on her mother's shoulders. Katara looked at her daughter and to Bumi, who had joined Kya's side, and placed one of his hands on his mother's shoulders as well.
"He'll come around. It's Tenzin," Bumi said, shrugging. "If he's anything like dad, he'll learn to accept this. Look, it was unexpected but hey, it's never a bad time for more love in this family."
"Wow, Bumi, that was incredibly wise of you," Kya commented, tilting her head to the side to look at older brother in surprise.
"What? I know things," Bumi shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Cut your brother some slack."
Kya rolled her eyes at this before wrapping an arm around Bumi's shoulder, bringing him in for a side hug.
"Well. I think we can call it a day," Sokka announced, looking at his wrist as if he had a watch there.
"It's only noon," Suki pointed out.
"Well, still, I think that's enough excitement and we still got a lot of work to do," Sokka said, rubbing his hands together. "Which is why this is going to be a family effort. Toph, you're with me and Suki to check out the prisoners and see if we can get anything out of them. Izumi and Bumi– wow, that oddly rhymes, can the two of you discuss some security measures with Toph's team. As for Kya, Koda, and Anna, my water tribe strong, I need your help with Korra and her family. Making sure they're guarded well. To which, Ami and Lila, it's your mission to go play with the Avatar. I think she could use some friends right now."
"Aye, aye Chief Grandpa!" Lila saluted alongside her older sister.
"Alright, everybody good?" Sokka asked, looking around and then his eyes falling on his confused sister and best friend. "Oh, and Katara and Zuko, you two get a free pass because you're both old and injured."
"I'm what, Sokka?" Katara placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot, almost like a mother about to scold her child.
"Never mind!" the chief sung as he began to walk out the door before he could hear his sister's retort. "You two just enjoy! You're off the hook today!"
As the others trickled out, Katara and Zuko were left with their remaining children, minus Tenzin. If they had it their way, this is how they'd be discussing it first.
"Are the rest of you sure you're okay with this?" Katara asked.
"Yes, Mom. This is completely fine with me," Kya insisted as she and Bumi went to hug their mom again. "Of course, we should maybe have a more in-depth family conversation about this once Tenzin is okay, but as of right now, I'm just happy to see you've found someone again."
"That is very true," Katara agreed as she pulled apart from her kids to look at them with a gentle smile. "But thank you."
"Look mom, as long as you're happy, we're happy," Bumi proclaimed. "Besides, I think Dad would have preferred Zuko over any of those other guys."
Katara raised her eyebrows at this. "You knew I was dating?"
"I talk to Kya and Kya talks to Aunt Suki and Uncle Sokka for the Southern Water Tribe gossip." Bumi shrugged indifferently. "You're dating the Fire Lord, which is kind of rad and now we have a Father Lord."
Zuko sighed. "Bumi…."
"What!?"
"In all seriousness," Kya began. "Mom, you've dedicated your entire life to being our mother. You taught me everything I know, you were there anytime Bumi got into trouble and needed some healing, and you keep Tenzin in check when he's being stubborn. You're our entire world and we know that you being with someone isn't going to replace dad…And well, we're just very happy for you and we want you to rest knowing that you don't have to worry about us."
"I'm always going to worry about you three," Katara rebuked through tears. Kya let out a watery chuckle as she brought her mother into one final tight hug while Bumi followed, enveloping his mother and sister into a bear hug.
"What about you?" Zuko asked his daughter as the other three processed everything. "Are you okay?"
"I've had a long time to process something like this, Dad. And well…I never told you this, but before she died, Mom pulled me aside," Izumi said, her tone growing hesitant as watched Zuko's gaze grow more intent. "She said, one day your father may find someone. Someone who he loves just like he loved me. Now, I know it won't be easy, but I want you to promise me you make sure your dad is happy. That he is being loved and cared for by whoever this person is...She just wanted you to be happy, Dad. That's all."
Zuko nodded, tears stinging his irises as he gave his daughter a gentle smile. "Thank you, Izumi."
"Of course. Now, we should get going. I'll check on you later," Izumi said to her dad, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Try not to get injured anymore, okay?"
The Fire Lord grunted as he rubbed the area of his wound. "Not planning on it."
"Come on, sister!" Bumi exclaimed, wrapping an arm around a surprised Izumi's shoulder. "Let's go do some security detail! Maybe even talk baby names? You know, Fire Prince Bumi and Future Fire Lord Bumi sound like very promising titles..."
"He gets a new sister and suddenly, he forgets me?" Kya joked as she followed the two out the door.
Katara and Zuko laughed at this until they were finally left alone in the room again. The waterbender sighed as she took a seat at the edge of Zuko's bed, fiddling with the bottom hem of her tunic. "I…I knew Tenzin wouldn't take it well. That's why I wanted to do this as carefully as possible."
"I know, but what's done is done. You can't change anything now," Zuko pointed out, tenderly grabbing Katara's hands in his. "But life had other plans…He'll come around. Tenzin's a lot like you. Has the same attitude as you."
Katara snorted. "Really?"
"I think so. He's got a stubborn streak, he doesn't get that from Aang," Zuko mentioned as he adopted more of a lighter tone. "You acted the same way when you found out about Malina and Hakoda, may I remind you, and you came around eventually, right?"
The waterbender frowned at first, but seconds later, as the realization hit in, her expression grew softer. "You're right…"
"I'm sure it's the same with Tenzin. You just got to give him a little time and I'm sure he'll come around," Zuko assured her.
"You're probably right…" Katara trailed off. "Hopefully he'll want to talk in the morning. For now, I need to process this all myself."
"Well, Sokka did give us a free pass today. We could just spend it in bed," Zuko mentioned, rubbing a hand up and down Katara's arm.
"It's been a while since I had a lazy morning in bed." Katara pondered, tapping her chin playfully in thought. "Hmmm….I think that would be nice."
The waterbender sat up to quickly grab a book that was laying on the bedroom's dresser. Earlier this morning, Suki had dropped off a few books and newspapers for Zuko to keep himself entertained with while he was bedridden. Katara picked up one the latest novels to come out of Republic City– something Kya had mentioned was pretty good.
She then climbed into the free spot beside Zuko. He snaked an arm around her frame, allowing the waterbender to snuggle close to his side. Zuko's arm reached across her torso and rested on her lap while Katara's free hand, which wasn't holding the book up, fell right into place on top of his hand. She proceeded to rest her head against his shoulder before opening up the book to the first page, her soothing voice echoing throughout the room as the couple enjoyed the day they could spend together.
Meanwhile, for the next day, Tenzin wouldn't know where to turn with this overload of information. The only person he was letting in at the moment was Lin, who knew the airbender well enough to push him towards the right direction and to be quiet when he just needed comfort. This was a time Tenzin just wanted to sit in the stillness of the night with his girlfriend and not think about his mother being together with his uncle, of all people.
The others would try to talk to him throughout the evening. His grandfather, Uncle Sokka, Aunt Suki, and Bumi and Kya. However, with his siblings, it just ended in another fight– Kya acting like the parent, chiding him, while Bumi pointed out that Tenzin was overreacting, that this wasn't as bad as he thought it was. Even Izumi tried to talk to him, which shocked him despite the fact the two have gotten to know one another better in the past few years, with Tenzin being the representative for the Fire Nation and Izumi often acting as one when her father could not. The Fire Princess told him about how she'd been upset the first time her father dated, but came to realize that "our parents are people too and they deserve to be happy…It doesn't mean that our parents loved their late spouses any less." Tenzin didn't listen though, to any of them.
Their dad's been dead for four years and even though they were reaching five next year, it didn't make the pain any easier. His siblings may be right, but Tenzin just couldn't quite come to terms with it.
Tenzin thought he could trust Zuko, after all, he thought of him as "Uncle Zuko" just like Toph was "Aunt Toph" to him for the longest time. He came to regard his parents' friends as mentors and respected family members. Zuko was there when Aang died and helped Tenzin resolve his grief in a lot of ways. While he found comfort from his family, Zuko had been his father's best friend and helped Tenzin overcome a lot of the stress and fear he was facing. They had formed a good relationship. Now, all of that seemed like was a bunch of nonsense.
"You're not being fair to Mom or Zuko. They weren't conspiring to ruin our lives or anything," Kya had told him the night before in the middle of their second fight. "They didn't choose to fall in love! It just happens!"
Now, it was a new day and everyone knew to stay away from Tenzin by now. He spent the day by himself, meditating and visiting the penguin seals. His father loved penguin sledding and whenever they visited their mother's home, the family would often go together. That would be a fond childhood memory ingrained in Tenzin's mind forever.
As he came down the hill and closer to his Uncle Sokka and Aunt Suki's house, Tenzin accidentally stumbled upon a scene. It was his mother and Zuko taking a walk out in the snow. He was about to turn away when something about their mannerisms caught his eye. His mom was supporting Zuko, despite the fact he was using a cane to walk. Her arms were around his body and the two seemed to be smiling widely. Brightly. They continued to talk to one another, their laughter echoing throughout the southern tundra. His mother's laugh stood out the most. It sounded like bells and he couldn't help but smile at the familiar noise.
Something about that moment made Tenzin pause. Even though it hurt him to see his mom with someone else, he then realized, his mother hasn't laughed or smiled like that in a long time. Although, he hasn't even seen his mother enough to know if she's laughed or smiled like that recently. He assumed so, after all– you always assume things with your parents. Kya was the only one who seemed to be home's most frequent visitor…
Tenzin watched as his mother said something to Zuko and helped him sit down outside on a bench. She pressed a loving, chaste kiss to his forehead before heading back inside to his aunt and uncle's house.
The airbender bit his lip. He wondered if he should run away again…but then he thought of his father. Aang had run away from the air temple when he found out he was the avatar. He didn't want to face the truth and just wanted to be a kid…Aang had told Tenzin many times before that even though running away brought him to the family they have now…He'd always regret leaving those he loved behind and he didn't want Tenzin or his siblings to feel regret like that. One must forgive and let go of any negative feelings to be able to move on.
With that, Tenzin made the ultimate decision to walk over to where the Fire Lord was currently seated by himself. He didn't say anything at first, but it didn't take long for Zuko to spot the airbender coming forth.
"Tenzin," Zuko said, his amber eyes blinking with brief surprise before softening.
"I'm angry," Tenzin stated bluntly. "I'm angry and I…I just don't understand anymore."
"It's understandable to be angry," Zuko replied slowly as Tenzin moved closer. "If anybody knows about being angry, I know a thing or two…"
"I get it's okay to be angry and I know I should try to move past it, but everything about this just hurts and it frustrates me!" Tenzin cried out, running a hand over his smooth head. "Mom was supposed to be with dad and dad's not here anymore but you are! And I get it, my dad's been gone for four years, but it's still all so confusing. He used to be the one that gave me advice, helped guide me through something like this! Now, I don't know how to handle this! I don't know how to handle you being with my mother and taking my dad's place!"
"I'm not trying to replace your father, Tenzin," Zuko said, looking at the boy with careful eyes. "I don't want to be Aang…I know how important he was to you."
Tenzin didn't say anything. Zuko sighed heavily as he patted the seat next to him, encouraging the airbender to sit down. Tenzin was hesitant at first but proceeded to take the spot next to his uncle. He watched as Zuko starred off in the direction of the snow-capped mountains for a moment, clutching his cane as if he was using it to tether him to reality for a moment.
"I miss him too," Zuko stated, swallowing hard. "He was one of the best friends I will ever have and I know it must be weird seeing your mother and me together, but I just want you to know I love her and I will never hurt her. However, even though I am not replacing your father, I want you to know I'll be there, just like I was there when I was simply Zuko or Uncle Zuko…"
"I don't need you," Tenzin snapped, sharply eyeing the Fire Lord.
"I know you don't. You're eighteen. You are not a child," Zuko continued, keeping his composure steady and calm. "However, you're still young and if you ever need guidance, I'm there for you if you want it. You're like a nephew to me and I will be here as long as you want me to be there."
Tenzin paused where he was sitting, his breath slightly hitched as he turned around to look at Zuko with gray eyes. Aang's eyes. That's when the Fire Lord noticed the tears threatening to fall. He hadn't seen Tenzin cry since he was a little kid and he fell and scraped his knee– he'd always been so serious.
"I know he wouldn't want me to be this way," Tenzin choked out without realizing it. "He'd want me to let go of all these feelings. That's what he taught me…But it's so hard to."
"I know how you feel," Zuko said. It was in times like this, it dawned on the Fire Lord how young his best friend's son actually was. "When I lost my uncle…It felt as if the world fell apart. He was one of the only people who ever really understood me. Understood my pain. And it didn't help to lose your father not too long after."
"Guess you have my mom for that now?" Tenzin questioned in a mumble. "To be there and vise versa."
"In a way, yes. Your mother and I always understood one another in a way the others didn't," Zuko confirmed. "But we never really felt this way about each other until recently. She loved your father…And I loved Mai."
"You always seemed very lonely," Tenzin blurted out, causing the firebender to raise his eyebrows. "I just mean…You always seemed lonely, without your wife and…And when mom lost dad, she looked the same. And I just want mom to be happy again, especially since I haven't been the best son and haven't visited her often."
"She knows you love her, Tenzin," Zuko assured. "And you haven't been a terrible son. You've just been trying to figure things out. You're eighteen, your mother was eighteen once too and she knows the kind of pressure you're dealing with."
"Still, that's no excuse for not writing to her more or visiting," Tenzin replied quietly. The airbender was silent for a few moments before speaking up. "I'm not angry at you or mom. I just…I just really miss him."
"I know," Zuko replied as the tears poured from Tenzin's eyes and down his cheeks. Without thinking, Zuko brought his best friend's son into a hug. He comforted the kid for a few moments, letting the young airbender with the weight of the world on his shoulders just let it out.
After a couple of minutes, Tenzin finally regained his composure and wiped his nose with his sleeve. "Sorry 'bout that…That wasn't very professional of me."
"Eh, screw being professional. Besides, this isn't the first time I've seen someone like this," Zuko said, reassuring the kid. "It doesn't hurt anyone to cry."
Tenzin nodded at this. "I should probably go apologize to my mom, huh?"
"I think she just wants to talk to you about everything," Zuko explained. "Trust me when this isn't the way we wanted to tell any of you…We didn't think you were ready just yet and wanted to give it some time."
"I understand." Tenzin's gaze fell on the house where his mother currently was. "And…And I'm going to go do that right now…I hope that's–"
"Of course, go." Zuko waved a hand in the direction of the home, encouraging him to run for it. Tenzin smiled at this before rushing back into the house to find his mother and talk this through with her.
Katara stood soundlessly in her brother's kitchen as she heated up a pot of tea. Zuko had been feeling better this morning, so they decided to take a walk together outside before they would meet in the council room to discuss further action for Korra's kidnappers. They were planning on keeping them in four separate prisons to separate them from their elements. Unalaq, who'd been informed of what transpired, oddly enough offered his brother to set up a prison in the North. Tonraq didn't seem quite on board with the idea but eventually caved in– wondering if this was his brother's way of trying to reconnect.
According to Sokka and Suki, the White Lotus seemed adamant about building a compound to protect the Avatar, which Katara wasn't entirely sure was the best idea. However, it seemed that Tonraq and Senna were on board. It only made sense since they were scared out of their wits, almost losing their daughter like that.
"Not to say I knew it, but…" Katara turned around to see Hakoda standing in the doorway. The retired Chief was laughing as he walked into the kitchen using his cane. Katara instantly put a hand on her hip and frowned. "What!? Can't an old man have a little bit of fun?"
"Well from what I heard, you lost to Suki in your little bet," she threw back at Hakoda, who grimaced.
"Yeah, well despite being out of the money, I'm happy for you, sweetheart," Hakoda said, heading over to place a hand on her shoulder. "That you and Zuko found each other like this. That your shared pain brought something beautiful."
"Thanks, Dad," Katara replied earnestly, softening up a bit.
"Although, I heard someone isn't too thrilled about this situation," Hakoda said, causing Katara's eyes to fall as she turned to face the steaming teapot again. "Don't beat yourself up too much. I remember a certain waterbender reacting similarly once upon a time ago."
"Zuko said the same thing," Katara muttered, crossing her arms over her chest to rub her arms.
"You gave Malina a tough time, but you eventually warmed up to her," Hakoda continued. "Now, I know Tenzin has known Zuko his entire life, so that might change a few things, but not really…You'll see."
"I guess I understand how you felt, Dad. How messy and confusing this can be," Katara confessed, biting her lip. "And I'm sorry I gave you a hard time."
"That's all in the past now," her dad replied. "Now watch, I can almost guarantee Tenzin's going to come running in here at any second to talk things out with you."
Katara shrugged. "I don't know. You saw how he was after Aang died…He's stubborn. He might need more time."
As if it was on cue, that's when Tenzin's robe of red, orange, and yellow flashed brightly through the doorway. Katara's son had a sullen expression on his face as he came forward. "Mom…I'm so sorry."
"Sorry?" Katara didn't have time to process as her son brought her into a bone-crushing hug. She looked to Hakoda who smirked knowingly before walking out of the room to leave the two. "You don't have to be sorry for anything, sweetie," she said, pulling away from her child to cup his cheeks. "I'm sorry you had to find out that way."
"It's okay. I'm sorry I don't communicate with you as often and I'm sorry I lashed out on you like that," Tenzin continued. "And that I'm a terrible son."
"Hey, you're not a terrible son," Katara chided, lifting her son's chin up with her hand so he could look her in the eye. "I'm so proud of you, Tenzin. You handle so much on your own and I know I can be a bit overprotective, but truthfully, I just want you to be a kid and I don't want you to worry about a lot of the things I had to."
"I know, and I'm sorry. I want to talk this through," Tenzin said sincerely. "With you, Bumi, and Kya. And maybe even Zuko and Izumi, after the four of us figure this all out."
"I would love that," Katara said, cupping her son's cheek. The two smiled at one another before hugging it out tightly once more.
That night, their family would talk everything out. At first, it was just Katara and her children. She discussed any troubles or worries they might have and then formed a plan to communicate with each other better. Not long after, they invited Zuko and Izumi to come in and discuss how they'd all come together as one big family.
It was sweet, wholesome, and Katara was just ecstatic to have her entire family with her. The next day would only cause for more celebration. After a meeting discussing the final and future preparations, the kidnappers were all shipped to different prisons with help from the White Lotus, the Fire Nation, and Republic City. It wouldn't be long before Zaheer and his cohorts would all become but a distant memory– even if they never quite got their reasons for kidnapping Korra out. However, they had time to further interrogate.
Once the kidnappers were gone, Suki and Sokka decided to host a small party. This was a way to celebrate everything positive that occurred. It wasn't very big– just the family and then Korra's family. Everyone was just happy to be with each other again after spending quite some time apart.
"This is a day of celebration, despite everything that's happened," Sokka declared as he made a speech to everyone in his living room. "Anna will be marrying the love of her life this year, Izumi will become the next Fire Lord and having her first baby, my granddaughter is a waterbender, my sister is hooking up with my best friend–"
"Sokka!"
"And here's to Avatar Korra's journey! Our Southern Water Tribe Avatar!" Sokka exclaimed over everything, holding up a cup of mulled wine. "To a bright and exciting future!"
Everyone echoed in cheers as they held their drinks up and toasted to the chief's speech. Katara couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as she watched everyone break into a tizzy of celebration.
Sokka and Suki were chatting jokingly with Toph and Zuko, Senna and Tonraq were laughing with Malina and Hakoda, Bumi and Kya were picking on Koda– much of the amusement to his wife, Lin, Anna, and Anna's fiancé, Jiao, while Ami and Lila adamantly told Izumi how they wanted to go to the Fire Nation. She could feel the spirits of everyone they'd ever lost in this room and smiled warmly, just feeling thankful that her family was whole, healthy, and safe.
"Hi, Korra. I'm Tenzin."
Katara turned to her left to see her youngest son kneeling before the Avatar, who looked at him very curiously.
"You look like my friend," Korra said, reaching out to touch Tenzin's cheek. "I haven't seen him in a while."
"Well, that's because I'm his son," the older boy explained, gently grabbing Korra's hand. "And I think he wanted us to become good friends."
"You're the airbender, aren't you?" Korra whispered in awe, wide-eyed. "Will you teach me one day?"
Tenzin's lips broke into a huge smile at that comment and she could almost swear her son's eyes were welling up with tears. "I'd love that very much."
"Good," Korra said before tugging his hand. "Now, let's go play! I've never seen an airbender bend before!"
Katara could see how Tenzin instantly became putty in Korra's hands as he proceeded to show her various airbending tricks his father would entertain him and his siblings with as kids. Tricks Tenzin hasn't done in years and not to mention his smile, it was youthful, as opposed to the strained expressions he's worn since losing his father.
This was a new chapter.
Katara relished at the moment for a minute longer before noticing Zuko drifting away from their friends to bring a few apples outside for Druk. That boy and his dragon, the waterbender thought as she followed close behind him.
It didn't take much to find him. Zuko was standing in the stalls on her brother's property. The firebender was stroking his dragon's neck as Druk munched happily on the treats the firebender brought. Katara observed how Zuko was now in much less pain, thanks to another healing secession today. He wasn't using the cane and the wound itself was practically non-existent now. The color in his cheeks was back and his overall strength improved tenfold.
"How you doing there, Father Lord?" Katara quipped, causing Zuko to instantly turn in her direction with a scowl.
"I'm going to have to get used to that, aren't I?"
"Yeah." the waterbender giggled as she walked closer to her boyfriend. "It's Bumi's way of showing he cares for you."
"I know. I hate to admit it, but it's pretty funny," Zuko said, causing Katara to laugh some more as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The Fire Lord grinned at this as he placed his hands at the base of Katara's torso.
"I'm going to miss you," Katara confessed as Zuko brushed a few strands of hair out of her face that'd been blown there by the wind. "I know it's for two months, but this is all so new and I don't want it to stop."
The two would be going their separate ways in a few days. Zuko was needed back in the Fire Nation while Katara planned to begin her waterbending lessons with Korra. However, the couple planned to reunite for a vacation together on Ember Island. It would just be the two of them and it would be a chance to reconnect with one another in a more intimate setting.
"I'm going to miss you too, but it'll go by quick. You'll see," the Fire Lord insisted. "You'll be busy teaching Korra and there's a lot I need to help Izumi with, especially announcing her pregnancy to the city and also starting the stages of me relinquishing my power."
"She's truly ready?" Katara asked curiously.
"She is. Izumi and Akio have ideas and energy I couldn't muster up nowadays. Not like I used to," Zuko said, a fondness glistening in his eyes. "They're going to do such amazing things…And they'll be terrific parents. This is truly a new era we're about to walk into."
"I couldn't agree more," Katara replied, reaching forward to connect her lips to his. Zuko pulled Katara's body closer to him as the kiss grew deeper.
"Soon, we'll be on Ember Island together," Zuko whispered as they pulled apart.
"Good," Katara stated as she inched closer to her boyfriend. Her warm breath tickling his cheek. "It'll be nice to not be interrupted."
A chuckle vibrated in Zuko's chest as the waterbender pulled him against her once more, her hands clutching to his thick robes in an attempt to keep him as close as possible to her. They drew in for a long, steady kiss– one to remember. It wasn't necessarily a goodbye kiss, but a kiss promising that there was only so much more to come. They had so much to look forward to in these upcoming months.
"I love you," Katara murmured under her breath as they pulled apart. Their noses brushed against one another as they stayed near each other.
"I love you too." With that, they kissed once more before Druk interrupted them with an annoyed grunt. This caused the couple to laugh as they proceeded to bid the dragon a goodnight before heading back inside to join their family and friends.
Even though Zuko and Katara had no clue where this would exactly take them, the members of the Widower's Club found themselves feeling a sense of wholeness. This was something new and beautiful and it could only mean good would follow through.
A/N: And with that, all that's left is the epilogue! I knew this story was going to be short from the beginning. It was an idea I was itching to explore and I'm glad I did! I feel like Tenzin is a little OOC in this chapter, but truthfully, he's 18 in this and I just wanted to mostly express how, even though 18 is such an adult number, you're still a kid and I think Tenzin was still dealing a lot with the lost of his father.
Anyway, hope you all enjoyed and thanks for reading!