"Zuko!" Katara arose from the bed startled. She had had a nightmare, a memory she wished to forget. In the dark, her hand reached to the space next to her, but it was empty. Feeling the tears already building, Katara stretched her hand out further, this time feeling a firm body beneath her fingers.
Zuko flinched when she touched his scar. It had been a year. His hair was as long as hers, and there was peace in the world. However, that scar still caused him some pain.
"Zuko." She fell on top of him to embrace him.
Fully awake, he wrapped his arms around her. "Bad dream?"
"The same memory, the nightmare, but you never woke up. If the Northern Water Tribe had never given my father that gift-"
"Shh, shh." Zuko patted her hair gently. "Why does your mind torment you with scenarios that didn't happen? I'm here. I promised I would never leave you."
"But you did, that entire time I was fighting Azula and when I finally reached you. I had sworn to never blood bend, but if I had not been so stubborn, you would have never-"
"Never what? Died? Katara, I'm right here." He rolled his wife onto her back and bushed his thumb over Katara's lips. As he kissed her, he moved her hands above her head. "I'm real, now let me show you.
Zuko kissed her again, and they made love until Katara passed out. As Katara slept in his arms, he felt the dawn rise and glow on his skin. He moved slowly to not disturb her and halfway dressed.
Their room was connected to another. Zuko opened the door, and standing to greet him was a babe of light brown skin and black hair.
"Song," Zuko reached out to his child, and the child reached for him. "It seems I've beaten the servants. Let's go on and change you."
Zuko walked to the changing table, and after a wipe down, he replaced the dirty cloth wrapped around the child's buttocks with a clean one.
Katara woke to the orange sunlight that filled their room and the sweet sound of laughter. She sat up to see Zuko sitting by the window, tossing their beloved child in the air. Zuko was right. They were safe, and they were happy. Katara could have never imagined that day on the beach when her father and brother returned, that one day, this would be her life.
Thank you for enjoying this story with me. I loved reading your comments of encouragement and critiques. When I made this account I had two Zutara tales in mind. I honestly did not extend this one to be so long, or for it to take this many years to complete. I wanted so desperately to keep my promise and finish this for you. Even when life took over and drained my creativity I thought of you all and my promise. I am forever grateful for your patients.
My next Zutara doesn't have a name and hopefully isn't as long. I can tell you this, it is about the Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady. Hmm, maybe I should call it Spirit! We will see. Anyway, I'm starting it today so follow me and be on the lookout!
Again, thank you, everyone! (I'm not crying, you're crying.)
