Afar, a dance of deep oranges and pinks melt in the sky as the sun descends into the depths of the azure sea. A soft breeze weaved it way through the trees, the branches dancing softly to the invisible force.
A young woman lays beneath a large Cherry Blossoms tree, enjoying nature take its course, waiting for the moment day meets night.
The soft powdered petals drift around the young Waterbender, kissing her cheeks as they pass her to greet the ground.
Autumn is not far off, ready to greet the Fire Nation with renewed life. Whisking away the intense heat of Summer and welcoming the calm coolness Autumn brings.
Far off in the distance, a young Fire Lord watches the Waterbender appreciating her surroundings.
He appreciates her beauty out shining all the Fire lilies and all the Cherry Blossoms.
Her traditional blue dress refuses to mold into the bright reds surrounding her. Begging her to fold and become the same. He shakes his head from the thought, knowing well enough she is not meant to blend in, but stand out.
Slowly, he makes his way across the garden, careful not to disturb the peace Katara has created for herself.
The quiet quacks of the turtleducks can only be heard if you listen close enough, knowing they too soon will retire for the night.
Passing the pond, Zuko feels the heat of the sun rest on his back, pushing him towards the sea of petals.
The soft sound of grass crunching brings Katara from her daydream. She sneaks a glance to her left noticing Zuko approaching. She smiles to herself, her eyes fluttering shut and embracing the last few rays of the day. The foot steps grow nearer, but she pretends not to hear them. Granting the Fire Lord this one moment to catch her without warning.
Like he used to.
But that's was a year ago, running from one another to prevent the inevitable.
And now living in a time of peace and harmony.
The place where the sky shifts from dark to light. Where the moon and sun coexist at the same time.
"Katara."
She hums, her heart quickens hearing her name come from his lips. The husky way he says her name is her favorite sound.
"Zuko."
He smirks, knowing she heard him coming but giving him this one moment. He settles down next to her. Feeling the plush grass against his back, the coolness calming his heated body.
His shoulder brushes hers, creating the sensation he can only describe as lightening.
And he knows that sensation all too well.
They lay there in silence for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night seeping its way through the garden.
Katara opens her eyes to see her body covered in small petals. She pinches it between her fingers, looking at the delicacy and the detail of the single petal.
"What are these?" she gently places the petal in Zuko's hand. He closes his hand around her, slowly lacing their fingers together before turning his head to look at her fully.
"Cherry Blossoms."
She furrows her brows, not quite sure what they are. Before she asks, Zuko sits up, pulling her with him. He rests himself against the base of the tree, feeling the bark rough against his back.
Katara follows him, sitting between his legs, letting her back rest against his chest. She instantly relaxes when his arms come up to wrap around her, chasing away the early night chill that is slowly seeping its way across the garden.
"My mother planted these Cherry Blossoms as a symbol." Zuko plucks a Blossoms from a low hanging branch and cups it between his and Katara's hands. "She always told me that life is too short not to cherish beautiful things..." Zuko rests his cheek against Katara's head, his lips gently grazing the side of her ear. "…and if there is something beautiful you see…" Katara feels herself blush. "…make sure to love it and cherish the time you have with it."
Looking up at Zuko's deep amber eyes, all she could see is love. And she knew he could see the same love in her artic blue eyes.