"Thank you for the lovely day today again Zuko. And thank you for your offer. I promise you I will fully consider it." She said and gave him a smile.

"The honour was all mine Katara. Whatever you decide I will respect completely." He promised seriously and before he had time to think about it further he raised one of her hands to his lips, sealing the promise.

Gold and blue met and sparks seemed to fly like lightening.

"Katara? Zuko? Is everything alright?"

The burning sensations in their bodies were doused by ice.

"Aang?"

The pair made some distance between them as they looked towards the sound of Aang's voice, and there he was, standing in the courtyard garden, having just landed with his glider. The tall monk looked between them, eyebrows furrowed together and in the moonlight Katara could see his grey eyes travelling from her hand to Zuko's. But instead of feeling joy about seeing him after so many months apart she felt anger rise in her body like the coming of the tides. She folded her arms together and pressed her lips in an angry line. Aang noticed and took a step towards her.

"I've just arrived. Appa's in one of the stables, I just settled him in. I hope that's okay." His eyes flitted to Zuko. Zuko in turn placed his hands together and gave him a small bow as was their usual greeting.

"It's good to see you Aang." Katara didn't miss how his words lacked its usual warmth. Aang returned the gesture but looked sceptically at his friend.

"Really? It doesn't feel like it." He said and looked at Katara. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"No."

Neither of the men had expected that cold response and even Zuko stared in shock at Katara as Aang recoiled slightly. That didn't seem to affect Katara at all as she continued savagely.

"Why would I be happy to see you Aang? You ignore all my letters! You didn't even have the decency to reply to Zuko's invitation. And now you decide its okay to drop in on the last day as if everything is alright. How could you? Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"Katara please, you know how busy I've been and I thought you of all people would understand…"

"No!" Her eyes were murderous and Zuko decided then that this anger was even more frightening then when she faced Yon Rha. "I am sick of your excuses and your inability to be a mature adult. You should be responsible of your own actions and apart from making me worry, you also made me appear like a fool, not knowing where my boyfriend would be. So no, I am not happy to see you."

"Katara… I've missed you, can we just talk about this calmly?" Aang tried and Zuko had to admit he thought Aang was brave for even talking, this wasn't good.

He cleared his throat rather unsubtly.

"I will leave you both to talk…"

"No that won't be necessary, Aang and I have nothing more to talk about. Zuko could you be so kind to show the Avatar his room?"

"Katara don't be like this, of course we have to talk!"

"No, I am done talking to you! You obviously have far more important things to think about. I am surprised you even came at all! Don't let your friends get in your way of your important duties. And I don't need to talk to you just because you decided you want to talk now, after months!" She then turned to Zuko and gave him a small nod. "Goodnight Zuko." And turned to her room.

"Katara!" Aang took another step but suddenly a wall of ice blocked his path and her door closed with a bang.

A long and uncomfortable silence filled the evening sky. Zuko cautiously looked at his friend who was staring with shock at the ice in front of him. He thought Aang wouldn't let the ice stop him but then the young monk seemed to decide against it. His eyes found Zuko before looking away embarrassed.

"I am sorry you had to see that. I didn't think that would happen." Zuko tried to shrug it off as much as he could.

"Don't worry about it. It happens. Come let me show you to your room. I've redecorated it so you will feel more at home." With a sigh Aang turned to follow him.

"This seems to happen a lot." He mumbled unhappily as they walked to a different wing.

Zuko had wanted every room to be close to the element they represented and so the Air Nation room was removed from the others. It lay on a higher altitude surrounded by the volcanic rock formations. It too had a magnificent view that he had hoped would help with mediation. But as they walked further from Katara's room, Zuko wasn't sure if this had been the right idea or gave Aang the right impression. His friend was unusually quiet as they walked, nothing like his usual upbeat demeanour. Zuko had never been great at creating small talk but he also hated awkward silences.

"So… eh, how have you been Aang? Did you have a good trip here?"

"Fine… ugh usually everything is fine. I am at the Eastern Air Temple now."

"And how's that going?"

"Good actually, it's busy but we're making good progress. It's just hard when your girlfriend wants to leave all the time." Zuko had to grit his teeth to reply angrily at the jab at Katara. He took a deep breath, and they turned into the final hallway.

"I guess it's hard on both of you if you're so busy." He tried diplomatically.

"I would be done sooner with some more help." Aang muttered frustrated.

"Knowing Katara, I am sure she does everything she can to help you Aang." He couldn't help the words spilling from his mouth and the Avatar's grey eyes turned to him.

"Of course you would take her side! And let me ask you, what was I interrupting exactly?"

"I am not trying to take any side, this is between you and Katara. And you weren't interrupting anything."

"Oh really, then what was the kiss for?"

"It wasn't a kiss; it was a promise." Aang raised an eyebrow hotly.

"For what?"

"I've been talking a lot with my ministers and offered Katara a job."

"What job? She doesn't need a job; she's already helping me!"

"That's for Katara to discuss with you not me, which by the way I told her to do."

"Katara would always discuss everything with me, you don't need to tell her that."

"And you don't have to decide for her what she can and can't do!"

"Last time I checked she was my girlfriend."

"I am not saying she's not."

"But you are trying to interfere."

"I am not trying to interfere with anything Aang! Argh!" He pinched his nose in frustration.

"Look, you never responded to my invitation. We had a great few days here but your absence hurt, Katara most of all. You hurt her badly. Whatever is going on between you, don't throw your frustrations on me." This stopped Aang in his tracks and the words he was about to say died on his lips. He bowed his head.

"You're right Zuko. I am frustrated but that's not your fault. And I am sorry for not responding to your invitation myself. I thought Katara would, but I was wrong. It was kind of you to invite us here. Is it okay if I stay?"

"Of course Aang. We've all been waiting for you. Now get some rest. You must be tired from your travels."

"Thank you Zuko." Aang bowed his head in thanks. "Goodnight."

As his door closed, Zuko let out the breath he had been holding. He quickly strode back to the familiar courtyard. He briefly contemplated whether to check if Katara was okay. But he decided against it, she needed her space right now. As he entered his own room the smell of sandalwood and ocean engulfed him. It always made him feel at home. With its dark floors and red walls, it felt like the room cradled him, making him feel safe.

He quickly discarded his Fire Lord crown and untied his top knot. His long hair ran over his back. At first his thought the longer hair would remind him too much of his father, but then he would see his scar and know that he would never be his father. Despite his trauma receiving it, the scar had become a comfort to him, branding him as different. It had helped when Katara had told him that in the Water Tribe scars were seen as signs of honour and bravery unlike in the Fire Nation. That had been good to hear.

But he couldn't think of Katara right now. His head was swimming with too many thoughts. Having discarded the rest of his clothes he threw himself onto his large bed. Agni help him! He couldn't get her eyes out of his mind. Her eyes, her skin, her hair, her voice, everything about her just pulled him in. He didn't even know were the impulse had come from to kiss her hand. Maybe his cravings to be closer – to taste her – just became too much. If Aang hadn't been there, what would have happened? He hadn't lied to Aang, the hand kiss had been a way to seal his promise but by Agni he had wanted to kiss her so badly, it hurt.
He let out a frustrated groan and sat back up.

No he had to control himself! Katara was his friend. Aang too was still his friend and he wanted to keep it that way. And despite everything Katara had told him and he had seen tonight, they were still together. He would never want to cross those boundaries. He would never want to betray that trust. He had worked too hard for his friendships to lose them due to lust. Dark, hungry lust, he felt it through his body, making everything hard. And now she wanted to accept the post of Southern Water Tribe Ambassador. Yet all the hope and happiness he had felt on the beach had disappeared. It was replaced by dread. How for Agni's sake would he be able to work closely with her when he left this way?

But she hadn't accepted yet, maybe she wouldn't after all, and then there would be no problem. And if she did… then finding a wife would be his first priority he decided grimly before trying to find some sleep.

Sleep had been difficult and very short as the first sun rays entered his room, waking him. Grumbling he quickly took a bath and dressed informally, knowing another day at the beach had been planned. Perhaps he would be able to take a quick nap in the afternoon. He quietly made his way to his favourite veranda for some stimulating tea. To his surprise someone had arrived before him. Staring at her long dark hair he had to quickly collect himself. When he had slept last night, his dreams had involved her and her hair in the most inappropriate ways, much to his embarrassment. He shot a quick prayer to Agni to cut him some slack before acknowledging her presence.

"You're up early." She turned to him and he could see she hadn't slept well either.

"So are you."

"Yes," he responded and took a seat across from her, placing a cup of tea on the table for either of them. "But I rise with the sun. I thought you rose with the moon."

"It was a full moon last night. It's hard for me to sleep then. I am too full of… energy…" She said but didn't meet his eyes.

"I see…" He wasn't sure how to handle this tension between them. Thankfully she did and sipped her tea.

"Thank you for the tea and I want to apologize to you about last night."

"You have nothing to apologize for Katara."

"No, I do. It's not fair for you to have to witness Aang and my fights in your own home. It won't happen again."

"Katara…" he reached out to touch her hand in reassurance. When he did shocks seemed to travel through them. She looked at him with her large eyes. He quickly withdrew. "Agni I am sorry Katara… I didn't mean…" He breathed out loudly. "What I wanted to say is that I didn't mind. I mean I don't want you to fight… but just, well, if you both have to out your frustrations you can. No judgement from me. You don't want to know the fights me and Mai got into when we were together." This earned him a sympathetic look.

"Did you two fight often?"

"Almost all the time. We just didn't understand each other."

"Do you miss her?" He looked at her in surprise.

"Well no, not really. I mean, she's still my friend and I am thankful that hasn't changed. It did take a while to actually be comfortable around each other again though, but I guess that's expected."

"Why did you break up?"

"For loads of reasons. I know you all didn't really understand Mai and thought she was just a bored and gloomy girl. Of course she was that, but she was also perceptive and kind to me. She was an ally when I didn't have one. But we just weren't able to make each other happy no matter what we did. It was frustrating and sad, but in the end breaking up for good was for the best. I think it has only made our friendship stronger."

"That sounds good." Katara said wistfully and Zuko looked at her with his sharp golden eyes.

"It does now, but it has taken 4 years to get to this point and it wasn't all smooth sailing. We've hurt each other a lot in the process. That's the only thing I regret. I wish we had stopped sooner to stop the hurt."

"Hmmm I can understand that." They fell silent and Zuko focused on his tea. He didn't want to push her into talking about last night, even though he wanted to.

They watched the sunrise and the different birds on the island come to life, happily chirping away.

"I've thought a lot about your offer last night Zuko."

"Oh?"

"And I've decided to accept." He almost choked on his tea.

"What… you have? But you haven't talked to Aang yet."

"Do you think I need his permission?" Her blue eyes glittered dangerously.

"No, that's not what I meant… I just…"

"It doesn't matter what Aang wants Zuko. Whatever happens between us, I want this. I've been pushing my own wants out of the way for years. Even before I met Aang I was never able to chase my own dreams, I didn't even dare to think about them. But now I can, and I know what I want." She looked at him and bowed her head, pushing her two hands together. "I accept the position of Southern Water Tribe Ambassador, if you will have me."

His throat dried up painfully.

"Agni of course I'll have you Katara…" He choked out before flushing hot with embarrassment as he saw her face change at the double meaning. "As Ambassador! I… this makes me very happy Katara, but only if you are sure."

"I am." She said simply and took another sip of tea.

"When um… when will you tell him?" He asked carefully.

"Later, right now I just want to enjoy the last day here."

"Sounds to me like you're avoiding…"

"Don't lecture me on this Zuko." She said sharply earning her a chuckle.

"Sorry ma'am." That made her smile as well.

"Am I interrupting anything?" They both jumped at the sound of Toph's voice.

"What? No not at all!" Katara exclaimed and waterbend some of her spilled tea back in her cup.

"Good, because I am starving." Sokka said as both he and Suki trailed behind Toph. Zuko stood quickly and mumbled he would ask for the breakfast to be brought here. He furiously hoped they hadn't heard their whole conversation.

Toph meanwhile plopped down next to Katara.

"You are a horrible liar Sugarqueen." She muttered softly, making Katara's face heat up even further. But before she could contradict the statement, the earthbender interrupted.
"Is it true that Twinkletoes has arrived?"

"Yeah I was wondering that too. I could have sworn I heard Appa this morning." All eyes turned to Katara expectantly.

"Yes, Aang arrived last night."

"Oh that's wonderful right?" Suki asked looking curiously at her friend, but Katara folded her arms and huffed, anger once again filled her body.

"Not really, we had a row." Then she looked concerned. "I hope we didn't wake any of you."

"Nah Suki and I slept through everything." Sokka reassured her.

"I did hear something, but that's not your fault, this place just heightens my senses."

"Oh I am sorry Toph." But she waved it away.

"Don't worry, I know you didn't mean it and I am sure Twinkletoes deserved it."

"Yeah you can say that…" Katara muttered and seeing the pain in her eyes, they decided to drop the topic. Thankfully Zuko also joined them again with some servants carrying breakfast trays.

"Do you guys want to wait for Aang? I can go wake him?" He offered but Katara declined.

"Don't worry Zuko, he'll come when he's hungry. He'll probably want to mediate some time first." He shrugged at this and they all dug into the food.

As Katara had predicted Aang arrived a while later. When he entered Katara immediately excused herself. He called after her and wanted to follow her but Sokka stopped him.

"Give her some space buddy, she needs some time to cool down."

"I didn't expect for her to be so angry." Aang sighed sadly. Sokka draped an arm around him.

"Don't worry about it buddy, we are happy to have you here, finally." That earned him and smile and warm hug.

"Thanks Sokka, I am happy to be here too. Sorry it took me longer to arrive but I am very happy to see you guys."

Zuko watched from a distance as the rest of the group greeted Aang. He could help a smirk when Toph punched his arm roughly.

"Oww Toph! Can't you just hug like normal people?"

"Oh you're such a softie Twinkletoes. We will have to spar later so I can slap that out of you." There was no way he would be able to wiggle himself out of that one. Privately Zuko thought it would be good for him to have some sense stomped into him.

"So what's the plan for today?" Aang asked excitedly and Sokka immediately filled him in.

"What we've been doing for several days now. This will be our final beach party so we have to make it epic. Beach Ball tournament, sparring contests and a whole lot of food!"

"You're just so easy to please aren't you?" Suki teased earning her a grin.

"You would know." Came the husky reply and Toph covered her ears in dismay.

"No, no, no, I already hear way too much that I don't want to hear. I still haven't forgiven you for the night after Azula attacked us you know!"

"Toph!" Suki sputtered mortified.

"We almost got killed, what did you expect?"

"Well not that!"

"I've apologized!"

"That doesn't help my memory!"

Zuko and Aang didn't know where to look, feeling embarrassment and disgust.
"Okay enough! Let's just get ready for the beach. I'll let Katara know." Suki said and rushed out much to everyone's relief.

Hot embarrassment turned into icy silence as Katara refused to acknowledge Aang's presence, making it awkward for everyone involved, especially when Aang kept trying to involve her in conversation. Although they would never admit it out loud, the rest of the group had secretly agreed that they now wished Aang hadn't arrived at all to not ruin the last day of freedom and bliss. Of course Aang wasn't the only one to blame, but after everything was examined none could really fault Katara's anger.

It was another beautiful day. The temperature was just perfect and there were some small little clouds in the sky to provide a little bit of necessary shade. Toph had been practicing her sandbending skills, creating beautiful statues, mainly of herself. Katara had taken some time to surf the waves. Aang and Suki indulged themselves in making an Appa sand statue, while Sokka and Zuko engaged in a few sparing sessions. But the air wasn't free of tension and after some discussion the rest of the Gaang came up with a plan.

Despite Aang's protests Toph dragged him away for an earthbending session a few miles from the beach where the earth was better suited. Suki and Sokka had challenged Zuko and Katara in a Beach Ball game. Zuko hoped this would distract Katara and allow her to enjoy this day a bit more. Thankfully that plan seemed to work.

After all those years of separation, they hadn't lost their synch. Just like how they could anticipate each others moves during sparring or battle, playing Beach Ball together just appeared to be second nature. They hardly had to say anything, a simple look would say enough. Sokka and Suki were tough competition, still reigning champions of the group. Katara was able to channel all her frustrations into the game and Zuko needed his own releases from the tension riddling his body. They were so focused they didn't even notice the perceptive stares Sokka and Suki were giving each other. Despite their efforts however, Zuko and Katara saw their lead diminish and eventually over taken. In a final attempt Zuko tried to slam the final ball, but Katara had thought the same, leading to them colliding into each other. They crashed and rolled onto the sand below as Sokka and Suki celebrated their victory.

They were too distracted to notice how the competition losers laid entangled in each other arms. Flushed Zuko raised himself slightly off Katara's body that lay beneath him. She too had flushed cheeks and she was hyper aware where she felt his hot skin on her. A pang of excitement travelled down her body and she saw his golden eyes darken, drinking her in. He was too close, she felt she could burst at any second. She had to fight off every urge she had to close the gap between them, just like last night by her room. She could still feel her hand burn where his lips had been. If only she…? If only he…? But thankfully Zuko was able to tear himself away, breaking the spell. He panted heavily as he rolled away from her, staring intensely at the sky above.

"Hah, we absolutely floored you!" The winners appeared to have finally noticed them again. Thank Tui and La it hadn't been in the uncompromising situation earlier.

"Yeah… you did." She breathed hoping to sound convincing. She looked sideways at Zuko but he refused to look her in the eye, even when he helped her up. She didn't know what to tell him, she only felt embarrassed. What must he think of her? She had to get out of this situation.

And with that she'd made up her mind.

When Aang and Toph returned to the group, she made an effort to make things less awkward, and promised Aang they would talk later that evening privately. This appeared to satisfy Aang, although she wasn't sure he would be too happy later on.

At least this truce helped them and the rest of their friends to enjoy the rest of the day. She and Sokka went swimming by the nearby cove. There she told him all about what had happened and Zuko's job offer. She wasn't really surprised when Sokka offered his support.

"You're my little sister Katara, and whatever makes you happy makes me happy. It's been hard watching you beat yourself up all the time, especially these last few months."

"So you've noticed huh?"

"Of course I have! Despite Toph's insistence I am really not blind. I am your brother Katara."

"I know; I just didn't want to bother you."

"You have to know you wouldn't have. If I knew that's why you weren't talking about it to me then I would have pulled you aside sooner. But you're an adult now and I wanted to give you some space to figure it out. I don't want to be a constant overbearing protective brother."

"Thank you Sokka, that means a lot to me."

"No problem."

"Do… do you think I could do it?"

"Be a Southern Water Tribe Ambassador? Of course you could. Katara, that's something you were born to do. You would be much better at it than me and dad could ever be."

"You think dad would approve?"

"Of course he would! He's been worried about you too; he knows your current life isn't giving you any happiness." Katara couldn't help but snort.

"It seems like everyone but me really knew I was that unhappy."

"That's something only you can say. Whatever you choose, we will support. But I think you are making the right choice. You need this opportunity and you need to talk to Aang."

"I know I am just worried. I care so much about him Sokka."

"I know you do, and so do we. Aang is like a little brother to me. But I want you both to be happy. You're not and I don't think Aang is either."

"You're right. Thank you Sokka." And she gave him a warm hug. He softly patted her head affectionately.

"Anything for you little sister." They both grinned and decided to swim back to the beach.

"By the way, how is the carving going?" Sokka looked around him wildly.

"Sushh I don't want Suki to hear yet, you know she's a Kyoshi ninja…" Katara laughed.

"Alright alright, I'll be quiet. I don't want to ruin the surprise."

"Good." Then she saw a nervously flicker go across her brother's face. She gently squeezed him hand.

"Don't worry, she'll be absolutely delighted. She loves you very much."

"Thank you, I just want to do it right. And I hope one day you will find someone who will make you as happy as Suki makes me." Katara couldn't help the blush spreading her face.

"I am sure I will one day."

Dinner was a relaxing affair but also held some excitement for the day to come. Everyone was excited for the Anniversary Celebrations. Questions were fired at Zuko about what to expect. But apart from an evening of dancing, his mother and uncle hadn't let him be too involved in the preparations. He admitted it would be as much as a surprise for himself. And so they didn't make it too late, they all had packing to do.

With a reluctant feeling, Katara gently folded all her clothes, placing them back in her trunk. Apart from last night, she had thoroughly enjoyed her time here and she felt sorry to leave. However, she did keep in mind that as Ambassador it would be possible to visit this place more often. But to do that she first had to talk to Aang. Dread pooled in her stomach. She had to do it, and rather before than after the celebrations. She didn't think she could take another evening where people only regarded her as the Avatar's companion rather than Master Katara.

After some deliberation she added the dark blue dress to her clothing pile. Zuko wouldn't mind. All done she checked herself in the mirror, tucking a stray hair away before quietly slipping out her beautiful room. She was about to cross through the courtyard when she heard Zuko's voice.

"Off to talk to him?" She spun around and saw him leaning against one of the posts, moonlight highlighting his hair and features. He looked ethereal with those gemlike eyes.

"Y… yes. I have to."

"Hmmm." He said softly, never breaking her gaze. She placed a hand on her hip.

"Anything else you'd like to say? You've been avoiding me this afternoon." He couldn't deny this. After the Beach Ball game, he'd tried to keep enough distance between them. He wasn't a fool; he knew she'd notice.

"Yes." He admitted and he could see this admission surprised her.

"Well…why?"

"Why?" He almost snorted annoyed. "You know why."

"No…no I don't."

"Yes you do." He took a step towards her, now fully exposed by the moon. She instinctively took a step back.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She tried saying strongly but she heard the weakness in her voice. He kept advancing, she was running out of space between her and the wall.

"Don't even try Katara, you're braver than that."

"I…I…"

"So you don't feel it? You don't feel the tension?" She could only swallow harshly, he was so close.

"You don't feel that spark every time our hands touch? Tell me you don't."

"Why?"

"It's getting so hard Katara, so hard to control. But…" Her back touched the wall and he stepped into her space and she drowned in the smell of smoke and sandalwood he emitted. His eyes were dark ambers. "But if you don't feel that spark then by Agni I swear I won't be this close to you again." His promises had become sacred now, he would never break them, especially not with her.

"I…I didn't know you felt it…too." She said softly, her mind was becoming hazy. Somewhere above her she heard Zuko take a steadying breath.

"I see…" Was all he could say and Katara bit her lip. He growled. He began to pull back but her hand found his tunic.

"I… I like it when you're close to me."

"Good." He breathed, his breathe was hot on her skin. His eyes searched hers and then he took a step back and she let go of his shirt, her fingers almost groaning in frustration.
Another step back and she finally felt able to breathe again.

"Katara?" His voice sounded pained.

"Yes?"

"I don't want to do anything you don't want to do. And I can't do anything as long as you and Aang are together. If… if you remain with him, I'll respect that, but I'll need distance from you for both our sakes."

"I… I understand, of course Zuko. I know you're honourable…"

"And I didn't ask you to be Ambassador because of this. I asked you because you are the absolute best person for the job. I can understand if you don't want it now."

"But I do want it, I told you that this morning."

"I know, but I couldn't keep this… I had to tell somehow… After these few days… these feelings…"

"I know Zuko, I understand."

His golden eyes swept over her face and he nodded.

"Okay." Another step back.

"I have to go now."

"I know."

"Goodnight Zuko." And she turned to ahead over to Aang's wing. But before she could, Zuko reached out and brought her hand to his lips again.

"Goodnight Katara."