Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender purely begins to Mike and Bryan. This is just my vain attempt to live past the series finale.

Summary: Building a new world is never easy. Years after the end of the war, one night between Zuko and Katara leads to the reveal of hidden truths and disrupts their plans of the peaceful lives they thought they'd have. Even when everything spins wild, they will always find each other. They could fight the entire Fire Nation together, but what are they willing to sacrifice when the other is on the line?

Last Time…

Katara's eyes flew open and she looked from his satisfied smirk to the waning light that came in through the window. "Spirits, we're going to be late, aren't we?"

Zuko kissed her quickly. "Don't forget, you promised me after."

Katara started to scramble and Zuko tightened his hold on her to slow her down. "It'll be okay, Katara," he assured her before grinning. "You know… We'll save time if we share a shower."

He watched as Katara blinked at him impassively before her cheeks colored again and she bit on her lower lip. Looping her arms around the back of his neck, she relented, "Well you are the one who's been to more of these things than me. I'll defer to your expertise."

Zuko's heated look caused Katara's core to throb again. But soon, she was trembling with laughter instead as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into his bathroom.

"We're sharing the shower then."

Katara stared at her reflection in the mirror as she finished getting dressed. She was thankful that her formal dress robes had a high collar to hide the smudges of purple blooming on her neck. Leaning away from the mirror, she sighed and purposefully arranged her hair by bringing some strands forward over her shoulders, hoping the thick waves would also help to hide the hickeys from curious eyes.

"Did I hurt you?"

Katara whipped her head around to see Zuko in the doorway to her bedroom, his golden eyes tight as he watched her closely, leaning his shoulder against the wooden doorframe as he crossed his arms over his chest. Zuko's expression was an interesting mixture of pride and concern and Katara had to suppress a laugh.

"Of course not," she told him honestly. She arched a brow at him. "Obviously, I enjoyed myself. Are you telling me that your back doesn't have evidence of my nails?"

Zuko's expression relaxed as he smirked and responded smoothly, "Of course it does."

"Does it bother you?"

"Of course not," he parroted.

He crossed into her room confidently now. Standing in front of her, he gently pulled at the collar of her dress to see the fresh bruises for himself, his fingers dusting over the skin with a feathery touch. Katara involuntarily shivered from it and Zuko's eyes raised to meet hers. "You'll tell me if I go too far?" he asked quietly.

Katara blinked at him and took his hand in hers. "Yes," she told him firmly.

Katara was still adjusting to their new dynamic. She had seen many of Zuko's sides over the years of their friendship. She could handle Angry Zuko, Aloof Zuko, Brooding Zuko, lightly teased Awkward Zuko, admired Fire Lord Zuko's confidence and regality, relished in Uncle Iroh's Nephew Zuko's embarrassment, and she had a particularly soft spot for Vulnerable Zuko. But Sex God Zuko was a completely new side to him that she had been completely taken aback by, but quickly embraced. It never occurred to her that Zuko himself might not understand that side of him yet. They were learning together, and that made her heart ache and stomach flip in a good way.

"Zuko, I know you would never hurt me. And you'd know if you did, anyway. You always seem to know what I can and can't handle. I've told you before that you'd know immediately if something wasn't welcome, and if you recall, I could just Bloodbend you to stop if worse comes to worse. But I doubt we'd ever reach that point. Besides, you do realize that I could just heal these if I wanted, don't you?"

Zuko's brow furrowed. "So why don't you?"

A blush spread over the top of Katara's cheekbones and she struggled to keep his gaze as she told him quietly, "I like them."

A roguish grin spread across Zuko's face. "You do?" he asked, the surprise evident in his voice.

Katara rolled her eyes and sighed as she tried to speak without blushing even more, but she could feel the heat intensify on her skin. "It's our last night together for a while and… it's like I have a little reminder of you. Just for a little while."

Zuko's face sobered and he took her chin so that he could maintain eye contact with her. "I told you not to worry. We'll make it work. Your brother said so himself— once I have my mind set on something, I'm practically manic about it."

Katara huffed out a small laugh. "And you're manic about me?"

His eyes darkened and her told her lowly, "Katara, you have no idea." Leaning down to give her a kiss, Zuko pulled away with less tension in his face and Katara grinned, knowing he was probably noticing the same with her. She saw how his eyes looked her up and down and his voice was wanting as he told her, "You look beautiful."

Katara blushed again and fought the urge to duck her head. "Thank you, Zuko."

She nervously ran her hands over the front of her dress, the silky fabric rustling quietly between them. She was wearing the dress that she wore to Sokka and Suki's wedding as she didn't have the time or money to commission a new one for the summit. A pale lavender that accentuated the umber tones of Katara's complexion with its creaminess, the dress skimmed over Katara's torso before flaring slightly at her hips in a slim a-line silhouette. Her shoulders were bare as the large bell sleeves were detached and billowed around her hands. This was an alteration she had made so as to make the dress appropriate for the Earth Kingdom as opposed to the violet, fur-lined outer layer that she had to wear in the South Pole. She had to admit to herself that she was inspired by her makeshift Painted Lady outfit from years ago, recalling how powerful she felt in it. Her sleeves and the bottom of her dress were delicately trimmed in silvery silk instead of the fur as well. And as always, her mother's necklace was settled in the hollow of her throat, the only thing disrupting the otherwise uninterrupted expanse of skin from her neck to where the bust line of her dress began.

Similarly to the night of King Kuei's birthday, Katara wore light make up, her eyes carefully lined with kohl and a dusty pink painted onto her lips and cheeks.

Zuko smiled at Katara and tucked an errand strand of hair behind her ear. Katara noted that he'd been doing that often and she savored the little show of affection. She still had her hair loopies in, but instead of a braid, she allowed her thick mane to flow freely with the exception of her front strands being pulled away from her face and tied at the crown of her head in a bun. It was the hairstyle she favored at the end of the war when Zuko had finally joined them at the Western Air Temple.

"You don't look half bad, yourself, Fire Lord."

Zuko saw Katara's cerulean eyes darken as she looked over him. Zuko, as always, was dressed in the shades of red and gold that was befitting of the Fire Lord. He had not yet put on his final layer of heavy dress robes so he had on a long sleeved shirt that tightened when he crossed his arms across his chest and dark red pants tucked into his boots. His raven hair was pulled back into a top knot, fastened by his headpiece. His golden eyes were bright and warm as he met her stare.

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm afraid I was rushing to get ready. My shower went on for far longer than I anticipated."

Katara rolled her eyes. "I'm sure," she said with as much nonchalance as she could muster. The memory of their tryst in the shower caused a pleasant heat to settle in her lower abdomen as she recalled how he had crowded her against the wall, the water raining over them as he brought her to another climax amidst the steam.

Smirking at her as if he knew what she was thinking, Zuko gestured for her to follow him out of her bedroom, his hand stretched towards her. "Come on, otherwise, we'll be suspiciously late instead of fashionably late."

She grasped his hand and her heart skipped as he squeezed her hand tightly, his thumb absentmindedly stroking over her skin. He let go of her only to put on his dress robes. Katara helped him fasten the clasp at his chest while he held the heavy armor atop his shoulders before she smoothed down the fabric. Then, he settled the armor onto his shoulders, the weight now familiar and comforting instead of overbearing as they once were. Once they had descended the front stairs of their home, Katara frowned in confusion at the two separate carriages outside. She turned to Zuko with a questioning gaze.

"You'll be going ahead without me," he explained. "While you were getting dressed, a messenger dropped off a missive from one of my cabinet members in the Fire Nation. I just need to take care of something before I head to the palace for closing ceremonies. It won't take long."

Katara's frown deepened. "Is everything alright? Can I do anything to help?"

Zuko reassured her, "Nothing concerning. Just want to get started on it so that my job gets a little easier once I get back to the Fire Nation. I also want to give my advisors some instruction so they're not acting like a bunch of headless pig chickens." His mouth twisted into a half-smile at Katara's quiet laugh. He promised, "I'll catch up with you soon. Enjoy— this night is yours to celebrate moreso than anyone else's."

Katara hesitated but nodded and leaned up to kiss him quickly, her hand stroking his face tenderly before she accepted his help getting into one of the waiting carriages. She turned and stared out the window, watching Zuko climb into the second carriage and head in the opposite direction, towards the Middle Ring. She sighed and sank back in her seat once she could no longer see him.

Iroh bid goodnight to his last employee, standing in the entrance of the Jasmine Dragon. As he was ready to turn in and close the shop, he paused at the sound of an approaching carriage. His brow furrowed when he saw Zuko disembark and stalk towards him, his face dark. Iroh sighed and beckoned his nephew to enter quickly, locking the door behind him. The Jasmine Dragon was now closed and completely empty save for him and Zuko.

Once the two had settled down at a table, Iroh guessed, "This is not a social call."

"No, unfortunately."

"Yes, I thought that this afternoon would be the last time I see you for a while." When Zuko remained silent, Iroh prodded, "And how are you handling your upcoming separation from Master Katara?"

Zuko's eyebrows knit together. "What do you mean? I'm handling it fine. We've seen each other more in the last month and a half than we have in the last two years. Being separated is the usual for us," he said brusquely.

Eyeing him knowingly, Iroh prompted, "So as soon as morning comes, it's business as usual?"

Zuko held his uncle's gaze for as long as possible before snapping his eyes away cursing under his breath. "Damn it, Uncle. You can't leave well enough alone."

With a low chuckle Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Are congratulations in order? Zuko if I'm being frank, you two are not subtle. Though I am surprised at the speed with which this came to fruition. The last time we broached the subject, you insisted that it was nothing more than a crush on your part."

"Don't act smug, Uncle. It's not a good look at your age. Katara wants to keep this as private as possible. She's already had one public relationship and I don't fault her for wanting to keep something for herself. Especially when she's given so much to the world. Especially with the vindictive nature of the Fire Nation Court."

"As I said, you two are not subtle. Besides me, who else knows?"

Zuko rolled his eyes. "Sokka guessed during the final summit meeting and confronted us about it. Which means Suki knows by now. Toph might have guessed when we went to Yu Dao a month ago, or she forced it out of Katara."

Iroh hummed in thought. "General Jee also confided his suspicions to me."

"General Jee?" Zuko asked incredulously, his general being the furthest thing from his mind.

"We were catching up over some tea and he hinted that there might be something between you and Katara. Of course, I kept my mouth closed, but he let it slip that the way you two behaved in council meetings was akin to… well…"

"Say it, Uncle," Zuko deadpanned.

Iroh grinned. "A bickering, married couple. General Jee is, of course, a man of great honor, and didn't dare say a word to anyone else, but he's not a fool. He and the other council members could sense the… I'm trying to find another word besides 'sparks'."

Zuko scrubbed a hand over his face exasperatedly. "Agni, Katara's going to freak out."

"Zuko, you two are young and should be able to enjoy the thrills of young love without worry." Iroh paused when he noticed Zuko's eyes bulge. "What's really the matter Zuko?"

"I love her," Zuko admitted quietly. "But I don't know that she… I mean, I don't expect her to— we just— she just agreed to try a relationship with me, for Agni's sake. Neither of us planned for this!"

"No one ever does," Iroh told him gently. "I cannot speak for Katara and pretend that I know how she's feeling. But as an observant man, take it from me when I am confident in saying that she carries much affection and respect for you and that it is painfully obvious that you are very important to her."

Zuko felt his cheeks pink but he gave a wan smile and cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Listen to me carefully. The only people whose opinion matters regarding any relationship is the people in the actual relationship. No matter what, other people will have an opinion and try as you might, you have no control over it. What other people think of you and Katara's relationship is none of your business. Enjoy your relationship and be good to each other and that's the best you can do."

"Thank you, Uncle," Zuko said eventually.

"Now, you didn't come here on your last night in Ba Sing Se for relationship advice. What has you so worried that you'd come to me and not spend the evening with Katara at the closing ceremonies?"

Zuko reached into his robes and pulled out an unassuming scroll, sliding it across the table. "A messenger dropped this off at the house. Said it was urgent from the Fire Nation. It was authenticated and sent by Ming."

Knowing Ming was one of the most trustworthy guards in the Fire Nation capital, Iroh's eyes roved over her hastily written missive before he turned his attention to the smaller scrap of paper folded within her scroll. Then, Iroh sighed heavily and put the letter down on the table. Zuko maintained a baleful glare at the seemingly innocuous piece of parchment. The younger Firebender's hands tightened into fists on the table and Zuko exhaled forcefully.

"What do you think, Uncle?" he asked tightly.

Speaking cautiously, Iroh answered, "I am not quite sure what to make of that. It is unusual that this is coming up after years of dead ends and stubborn silence. And I do not think the information that is being offered is being offered without selfish intentions. I know my brother better than that. There must be something that has been set in motion and this is the first step."

Raising his eyes, Iroh lifted an eyebrow at Zuko. "You would do well to remember that we must be many steps ahead of your father, Fire Lord Zuko. It's the only way we can make sure that we do not fall into a trap. Remember what happened on the Day of Black Sun."

"What could he possibly be planning?" Zuko demanded. "He's been in solitary imprisonment for five years in the capital's highest security facility. No one is allowed to visit him without my explicit approval and I have to be there for every visit. How could this be happening? Someone must have betrayed me."

"Do not get ahead of yourself. We'll handle this wisely and not with rash decisions. This, of course, will take priority once you return to the Fire Nation tomorrow."

Zuko's brow furrowed. "Uncle, I know that I can't possibly ask this of you and that it's my responsibility as Fire Lord to take care of this, but I need your help. Will you help me?"

Iroh's face softened with an understanding smile. "Of course. It will take me some time—"

"There's no rush. I know you need to make sure that everything is arranged so your shop will be taken care of when you go to the Fire Nation."

"Zuko."

Zuko looked up at Iroh and sighed at the older man's gaze. "I'm scared, Uncle," he revealed.

"There is no reason to be ashamed to admit when you need help or if you are afraid. What matters is that you are handling it. Don't worry, Zuko. I'll help you with this and will join you as soon as I'm able. Though, if I may make a suggestion, it would be handy if Master Bei Fong could make her way to the Fire Nation as well. I think her special talents would be quite advantageous here."

"Exactly what I was thinking." Zuko shook his head and fought the urge to rake his hand through his hair, not wanting to look the part of a disheveled mess at the closing ceremonies, even though that was how he felt. "I'll have to tell Katara later tonight. She'll be suspicious that Toph is being called to the Fire Nation when she arrives in Yu Dao and I don't want to keep any secrets from her. I don't want to worry Katara and distract her from her new duties in Yu Dao, either. I just don't understand what Father's goal is. "

"I imagine it is the same goal that it has always been— rule the world with an iron fist. He no longer has his Firebending. So his next most valuable weapon is his cruelty and manipulation."

Pressing his lips into a hard line, Zuko growled out, "It's like I'm sixteen years old again. Here he is, taunting me with my mother!" He slammed his hand against the table in frustration. To his credit, Iroh did not flinch, used to his nephew's angry outbursts.

"But do you think it's possible, Uncle? Do you think that after a decade, I'll finally be able to find her?"

Iroh pressed his lips together and sighed again. "It is difficult to say, Zuko. While I hope that you'll be able to be reunited with her, I am hesitant to think of what the cost may be and if this is real to begin with. But if there is a chance that your mother is alive… I would want nothing more than for you to have her again."

Gold eyes slid over to the letter. In a quickly scribbled hand, the message was short but clear.

Come see me and I'll tell you where your traitor mother is. Alone.

"Where's your Fire Lord?"

Katara turned over her shoulder to see Toriq grinning at her over his goblet of wine as he approached her. She raised an eyebrow but otherwise fought to keep her expression neutral as she shot back, "My Fire Lord?"

"Alright, to be fair, he's just the Fire Lord. But the question still stands."

"He had some Fire Lord-y business to attend to before coming to the closing ceremonies. He wants a head start since he'll be spending most of tomorrow traveling." Katara tried not to let out the sigh that threatened to spill from her lips. Every time she thought about how Zuko would be separating from her tomorrow, her chest tightened. She stared at her goblet forlornly.

"Will you miss him?"

Katara stiffened and glared at Toriq. "What kind of question is that?"

Toriq shrugged and casually drank his wine. "Just a question." His blue eyes slid to hers deliberately and he leaned in and whispered. "In case you forgot, I was there when you saved his life the other day. I saw the way you looked at him. How he looked at you. It doesn't take a genius."

Katara's eyes narrowed. "He's one of my best friends," she said defensively. "He was dying. You saw the scar on his chest that he got for saving my life. How else should I have behaved?"

At this point, the story of Fire Lord's Zuko sacrifice to save the master Waterbender was world-renowned. It was one of the reasons that Zuko's transition into power was better swallowed by wary Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe citizens. Nodding, Toriq, remained silent, but the slight curve to his lips was enough of a signal that Katara knew he didn't completely believe her.

"Alright, Master Katara," he said breezily. "I know better than to get on my sifu's bad side. I've already made that mistake with Master Pakku in the past."

Toriq, along with one other healer from the Northern Water Tribe, would be Katara's first Bloodbending students and they would go with her to Yu Dao in the morning to start their training while Katara began her term as a councilwoman.

Sighing, Katara relented, knowing that she would be spending the next year with Toriq due to his Bloodbending training. She would prefer that it not be a miserable year so she asked quietly, "Please, Toriq, whatever you think you saw…. can you at least keep it to yourself?"

"Why does it have to be a secret?"

Her eyes flashed and she retorted, "Because it's no one else's business. And I am entitled to my own privacy and Zuko is entitled to his as well. If we weren't Fire Lord Zuko and Master Katara, no one would give a damn, would they?" Katara scoffed. "You talk about respecting me as your sifu but then you make a bonehead threat like this? You forget, Toriq, that I'm the one who decides if you even get the opportunity to come with me to Yu Dao."

Toriq's face turned stricken before it softened and he whispered earnestly, "Katara, I'm only teasing. I apologize deeply if it came off disrespectfully or as a threat. You're right— it's none of my business and that was a bonehead comment on my part. I… just thought that we might be good enough friends that I could tease you a bit. I obviously misunderstood."

Katara sighed and held a hand to her temple tiredly. "No… I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. You're my student and I shouldn't have threatened your learning."

"You're being too forgiving, Master Katara. I was being a little shit about it. You're being protective over him and you're well within your rights to do that. I should have known better than to press you. You're my teacher and that wasn't my place to make a joke. I was out of line."

"Coming from a Northern Water Tribe man… that's new," she said dryly.

Toriq nodded, taking the dig at his tribe in stride. "The elders are set in their ways, but the new generations have their own mind. And you caused quite the stir when you challenged Master Pakku all those years ago… there were some irreversible effects from your impressive display. I hope the fact that I've learned healing and would like to learn Bloodbending under you is proof of that." A pink stain appeared on his tan cheeks and he admitted, "But I guess this confirms that my father's hopes for us to start dating during my training are dashed."

Raising a dark eyebrow at him, Katara asked, "What?" incredulously.

Toriq laughed nervously. "Come on, as if you don't know that you're the most eligible bachelorette in either of the Water Tribes."

Katara's barked out a loud laugh. "I had no idea," she confirmed, bringing up a hand to try and hide her disbelieving smile. "To be honest, I don't know how to react to that— it would be more flattering if it wasn't slightly objectifying."

Toriq shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "Truly, Master Katara, it's only meant to be flattering. You're a hero— the first woman Master Pakku taught combat Waterbending to, teacher to the Avatar, and you defeated the Princess of the Fire Nation to help secure the end of the Hundred Year War. And now? You're a founder of the United Republic of Nations. A lot of the tribal elders pray to the spirits that you'll give their sons a second glance, especially since Chief Arnook has no one to pass the title to since Yue's death. Once he resigns, a new chief will have to be selected and it would be extremely auspicious to be linked to you."

Katara shook her head. "I have no dowry, no title, and no claim. That's a lot of pressure just for a reputation."

"It is quite the reputation," a baritone voice said from over her shoulder.

Katara looked over her shoulder to see Zuko approaching them. She didn't expect that he would stand so close to her in public and shifted her weight nervously once he settled at her side. She could feel the heat of his body and smell the soap he had used during their shower. Even remembering it brought a blush to Katara's face. She was taken out of her thoughts when she felt Zuko's strong arm secure itself around her waist. She looked up to see how Zuko's jaw clenched slightly as he tilted his head at Toriq in greeting.

Toriq shifted uncomfortably and inclined his head as a small bow to return the favor. "Fire Lord Zuko! I was just asking Master Katara when you'd arrive."

Smoothly, Zuko replied meaningfully, "I'm here now."

At a loss for words, Toriq replied weakly, "Right…" He squirmed a bit underneath the Firebender's intimidating stare. "How are you feeling?"

Zuko felt Katara's elbow jab into his side and he relented, "Much better, thanks to you and Master Katara. Without your help, I wouldn't be able to stand here. Please accept my deepest gratitude."

Katara bit back a sigh at the thinly veiled annoyance in Zuko's voice. Taking pity on her student, she cut in pointedly, "That's right, Toriq. Fire Lord Zuko owes you for your assistance the other day. Especially since it was his own stubborn decision that led to needing your help in the first place."

Zuko's hand tightened on her waist for a moment before it relaxed again. Zuko took a deep breath before smiling placidly, if not a bit forcedly. "Master Katara is right."

Toriq lifted an eyebrow and nodded at Katara. "Right. Well I'm not a complete idiot. I can tell when my presence isn't welcome. Fire Lord Zuko, you need not worry. I have eyes. I hope you have safe travels to the Fire Nation and I'm sure I'll see you during your visits to Yu Dao. Have a good night, you two."

Katara watched Zuko's golden eyes narrow thoughtfully, but he surprised her by reaching out his hand. Toriq stared at it confusedly before smiling tentatively and grasping Zuko's forearm— the traditional Water Tribe greeting. When he walked away, Katara rounded on Zuko, but her reproach died on her lips once she noted the tension in his face.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"You told Toriq?"

Katara blinked at him in confusion. "What? Toriq? I— no, he figured it out himself, or at least he heavily suspects, but he swore he wouldn't tell anyone."

"Damn it."

"Zuko, what's going on?"

"Apparently, we're not as subtle as we think we are. I've just been informed by my uncle that some of the other council members seem to have picked up on us. And that was after he confirmed his own suspicions."

Katara's brow furrowed. "While the council members might have suspicions, I don't believe that they think much of them. Otherwise, the gossip would have spread like wildfire by now. Toriq only knew because of what he saw up close when he helped me heal you. I guess I wasn't doing a very good job being subtle, but I was distracted by the fact that you were dying. And besides, you're doing a very poor job of hiding it right now, if you were really concerned." She pointedly cast a glance at the arm he had wrapped around her waist.

Zuko pressed his lips into a thin line and took a deep breath, fighting the urge to run a hand through his hair in frustration. He stepped back from Katara to leave more room between them and slid his hand from Katara's waist to her shoulder. He was slightly mollified by the fact that he could feel the warmth of her skin since the cut of her dress left her shoulders bare.

"I… I'm sorry. I just saw Toriq hovering closely to you and I just did it. Agni, and he saved my life. I owe him another apology before the end of the night."

Katara raised an eyebrow and offered a weak smile. "You did warn me about your jealousy," she reminded him, trying to lift his mood. She frowned when the tension didn't leave his face. "Zuko? There's more, isn't there?"

His hand tightened for a moment on her shoulder before he pulled his hand back. "Later," he told her. With a slight twist of his lips, he said, "I don't want to ruin the closing ceremonies for you. It's a big night for you."

"Zuko, it doesn't matter—"

"It matters," he cut in. "This summit was your summit to celebrate and it's your first one. Let's end it on a good note and then we'll talk at home."

Katara frowned and shook her head. "I can't think about that when I know that you're—"

"I'm not anything right now, Katara. Let's enjoy the closing ceremonies, head home, and then I'll tell you everything," he promised her.

Zuko desperately fought the urge to lean in and place a kiss on her temple, hating the worried furrow between her brows. He sighed, especially hating how they had to keep their relationship a secret now more than ever. He had gotten used to conveying everything to Katara non-verbally that he was struggle to express his frustration with words.

The worry didn't leave Katara's face but she nodded him and ventured a reassuring smile. "I know. Okay, I'll save it for later, if you're sure."

"I'm sure."

Katara's smile widened a bit more but right when she was about to say something else, King Kuei's voice echoed across the room.

"And to kick things off, I'd like to welcome Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe to represent both Water Tribes and officially start the closing ceremonies. Master Katara, if you don't mind."

Looking over her shoulder, Katara raised her eyebrows at Zuko uncertainly and he nodded at her encouragingly. She nodded back at him before crossing through the crowd to join King Kuei at the small stage set up near his throne. Zuko took a deep breath and tried to focus on how proud Katara looked as she stood with King Kuei. He met her eyes and this time, when his chest tightened, it wasn't because of anxiety or worry but because of the way she beamed at him and made him feel like the only person in the room. And for now, that was enough.

Katara chewed on her lip nervously as they walked back into the house. Zuko immediately lit the fireplace and sighed as he removed his armor. He sank down at one of the seats around the kitchen table and removed his crown, the golden hairpiece clattering noisily as it hit the marble surface. Immediately, Zuko's pale fingers twisted through the dark strands, as he had been wanting to all night, his knuckles white. Katara sighed and slowly came up behind him, rubbing his shoulders soothingly. Zuko made a small noise of content and Katara smiled to herself as she continued her ministrations, focusing on the tight knots she could feel under his skin. His grip in his hair loosened slightly.

"What's going on?" she asked quietly.

Zuko sighed heavily and murmured, "Thank you."

Katara momentarily interrupted her massage to disentangle his fingers and run her hand through his silken hair comfortingly before leaning down and kissing his cheek. She whispered, "I've got you."

Zuko's eyes closed and he savored the soft intimacy of her quiet voice before he grasped her hands and turned around to look her in the eye. He brought one of her hands to his lips to place a gentle kiss on the inside of her wrist. "You do— have me, that is. Completely. I'm yours," he said quietly, slowly.

Reaching up to cup his face in her hand, Katara leaned in and asked worriedly, "What's going on, Zuko? Something's been on your mind the whole night. Let me help."

"It's my father," he told her eventually.

Katara's eyes widened. "What's wrong? Did he get out? We have to—"

She had lunged away, towards the door, as if prepared to run out and head straight to the Fire Nation herself, her blue eyes alight with determination. Zuko rushed to grasp her wrist and pull her back. "He's still locked up…" he trailed off.

Blinking confusedly, Katara asked, "Then, what?"

She watched as Zuko's golden eyes squinted thoughtfully. Zuko wouldn't meet her eyes and he let go of her and sighed, getting out of his seat to begin pacing, his anxious hands going through his hair again. Katara watched him make a few laps before reaching for his hand, taking it in hers. For a moment, he looked as though he might snatch it back, but just as quickly, the anger disappeared from his face, melting into worry and exhaustion. He sank back into the chair next to hers while Katara rose and cooed soft, soothing noises, her other hand picking up where she left off, rubbing his back comfortingly.

"Zuko, if you don't want to tell me, it's okay."

"It's not that. I do. I just don't know how—" he bit out, his shoulders tensing again.

Katara frowned and laid her head on his shoulder, wrapping one arm around his back tightly. She waited with him in silence, never letting go of him or stopping the gentle patterns she was rubbing across his back. Eventually, she realized that his breathing was calming, syncing with her hand.

"I received a message from my father," he revealed finally.

Katara remained silent as she waited for him to continue. She felt a small ounce of relief when Zuko leaned into her.

"He's offering information about my mother if I go visit him. I haven't gone to see him in at least two years. I gave up when he refused to answer my questions or look at me. No one is allowed to visit him without my approval and presence so he hasn't seen anyone except the guard that slides his meal through the door. I'm scared of what the cost of this information might be. If it's even real. What it could possibly mean for him to offer this after so many years… Uncle and I think it might be the first step in a plot to gain back the throne."

Katara's stomach dropped and rose to her full height. "Which would mean it's the first step in a plot to hurt you."

Zuko lifted his eyes to hers. "And everyone I care about," he said meaningfully.

Shaking her head, Katara told him vehemently, "Zuko, no."

"Katara—"

"I said, 'No'. I know what you're going to say and I'm telling you now that I'm not letting you—"

"It's not what about what I want, it's about keeping you safe—"

"I can handle myself," she grit out.

Zuko shot out of his seat. "Damn it, Katara, it will destroy me if anything happened to you! Why can't you understand that? You think I'm being honorable? Fuck that— I'm being selfish. I can't let you get involved in this because if anything were to happen to you, I will lose everything!"

"I'm not some weak little—"

"You're not. I know that, more than anyone. You're strong, so strong. And brave and stubborn and selfless and beautiful and kind and resilient and everything I wish I was. You are everything that makes the world good and without you, I can't—" Zuko's voice broke and his golden eyes were tight with fear as he met Katara's eyes. "In a world without you, I would barely exist… And I refuse to let you be used in some sick, twisted game my father has in store for me."

Katara's lips trembled and she turned away, screwing her eyes shut and taking a deep breath. Then, she opened her eyes and looked at Zuko imploringly. "Zuko, you know as well as I do that we're stronger together. You told me that the only way this would work would be for us to give it a real shot. This is as real as it gets. We're going back into the real world, not playing house in our own little bubble in Ba Sing Se. And it is scary but it's real. You've been telling me that whatever comes next, you and I will handle it together. We stick together and help each other get through the worst. Do I need to remind you of what happened the last time you tried to leave me behind to protect me?"

She looked pointedly at the center of his chest.

"Katara, the worst for me… I wouldn't be able to survive." Zuko's face was paler than usual and he whispered brokenly, "I don't want to lose you. I wouldn't be able to—"

Rushing towards him, Katara threw her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. "You wont," she repeated over and over.

His arms closed around her tightly and he tucked his face into the crook of her neck. Katara could feel the dampness of his tears against her skin and she squeezed her arms around him even more, silently reassuring him that she was there with him.

"Zuko, I promise you, you won't lose me."

Leaning back, Zuko looked her in the eye. He knew that was a promise that Katara couldn't keep, no matter how hard she tried. There was too much out of their control but her words triggered a comforting warmth to spread throughout his body nonetheless. Instead, he nodded and gently brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek.

"Zuko?"

"Hm?"

Katara reciprocated his gesture and cupped his cheek with one hand. "We'll handle it one day at a time. Together. You said you're mine… well I'm equally yours."

She leaned up to kiss him and between the feel of her soft lips against his and her affirming words, Zuko almost allowed himself to believe her.