Loving Again

Aang's death left a horrible feeling in Zuko. It wasn't just the pain of losing his best friend that hurt him, it was also the guilt of how he felt toward that same friend's widow. Zuko longed for Katara, and the idea that them getting together could even be possible was enough to make him feel like a villain. Loving someone who was married had felt disgusting, but loving someone who had just lost their spouse was somehow worse. Maybe it was because Zuko knew how it felt to lose a spouse, to be left alone.

His heart had been thoroughly broken when Mai had died in childbirth. Even when he'd essentially finished grieving, the Firelord hadn't been able to picture himself ever marrying again. He'd missed his wife and hadn't wanted a different one. Besides, all the women who had shown interest in him were clearly only attracted to his wealth and political power. That had been fine, marriage hadn't seemed important to Zuko. His daughter had given him a new purpose, and she'd always reminded him of Mai. He'd also had the perfect group of friends to support him, Aang and Katara especially. The couple had frequently visited Zuko and Izumi in the Fire Nation, and sometimes, when Aang had been traveling on Avatar business, Katara had taken it upon herself to visit on her own. She'd been an excellent friend, and even something of a mother figure to Izumi. Zuko had come to appreciate her more every time they had seen each other, as they'd enjoyed each other's company and become closer in friendship. It had occurred to him, at one point, that Katara was one of the only women whom he could picture a romance with. She'd been delightful to be around, and the passing years had shown that they truly understood each other. Zuko had come to care for Katara even more than Aang, and he'd eventually realized that his feelings about her were no longer platonic. But it hadn't been acceptable, and Zuko had never acted on it. He hadn't been able to bear the thought of trying to steal Katara from Aang, of trying to come between soulmates. And so he'd had to ignore his feelings, only ever treating Katara like a friend, respecting her marriage.

Aang was gone now, but Zuko still didn't accept his feelings. What was he supposed to do now? Maybe it would be best if he and Katara didn't see each other again. She deserved to mourn in peace without the presence of an old friend who had a ridiculous crush on her. Zuko would go to the funeral, but that would be it. He would go home afterwards and pretend that he didn't love the waterbender.

That plan only lasted a few days. As soon as Katara saw Zuko, she hugged him more tightly than ever. She then said how happy she was to see him, and explained that the recent days had been so lonely...

Zuko saw that his presence was a light in Katara's mourning life, so he decided to give her more of that light. Anything to see her happier.

In the months following Aang's death, Zuko spent as much time with Katara as he could. They went for walks, had lunch together, and happily chatted about old times. It made Zuko smile to see Katara smiling, and he even stopped feeling guilty about his personal feelings. Not that he planned to confess them, that was still out of question. Or so he thought.

"I can't thank you enough for being here with me." Katara said happily one afternoon as she and Zuko were sitting peacefully on a park bench.

"It's my pleasure." Zuko said with a smile. "You've always been such a good friend."

"As have you." Katara reciprocated. "You don't know how much I appreciate you, Zuko." Katara looked so beautiful, even in her sixties. Everything about her was wonderful. Zuko started to feel an urge to say something, which he fought. But looking at Katara in all of her loveliness, knowing that she was smiling because of him, maybe this meant that it was time?

"Katara..." Zuko started, beginning to give in. Katara looked at him with curiosity.

"Yes?" Zuko suddenly retreated. What was he doing? This was a terrible idea!

"Never mind." He said abruptly. "I shouldn't say it."

"Shouldn't say what? You can tell me anything." Zuko blushed. He felt so stupid. He shouldn't have said anything! What to do now... He thought about it for a moment. Maybe he just needed to let this out.

"Forgive me for this..." He began. "You probably don't feel the same way but... You see, for a long time I've... wanted to be more than friends..." Unexpectedly, Katara didn't seem offended, only surprised.

"Do you mean that?" she asked in disbelief. Zuko only nodded. Katara looked down sadly. "You realize I am still in love with Aang?"

"Yes." Zuko answered in understanding.

"And that I probably couldn't handle another relationship?"

"I understand." Zuko affirmed.

"But in spite of that... I do have feelings for you as well." Zuko reacted with shock. Was he imagining this?

"Do you really?" He asked.

"I've become very fond of you in the last few months." Katara explained. "I've always loved you as a friend, but our time together lately has made me so happy that I've started to imagine something... more." It was unreal. After all those years being friends, Katara finally wanted something more than friendship. "But Aang was the love of my life." Katara went on. "And I still think of him all the time. I really can't see myself with anyone else." Zuko nodded sadly. He had expected this. For a minute, they both ceased talking, but Katara finally broke the silence. "Zuko, what if..." She cut herself off. "No, I can't ask you to do that."

"What's wrong?" Zuko asked.

"I was going to suggest that we..." Katara couldn't finish. Zuko's eyes widened.

"You want to kiss me?"

"I thought it would give us some relief, and then we could carry on being friends, but I couldn't ask you to do that. I couldn't make you kiss me and then act like it didn't-"

Zuko suddenly took Katara by the hand, cutting her off. He looked at her sincerely, and expressed an unexpected gratefulness.

"Katara," He said caringly. "If I may be loved by you, even for a moment, I will take it. If I could kiss you, I would die satisfied. It would make me feel like my feelings for you weren't wasted." Katara showed a mix of sadness and appreciation. She reached her free hand up to touch Zuko's cheek.

"You are a wonderful man, Zuko." She said gently.

"Not as wonderful as you." Zuko said with a sad smile. They were still for a moment, just looking at each other, then they began to lean toward one another, closing their eyes just as they came together. The kiss was gentle, but long. They cherished every second of it, not wanting it to end.

Zuko came to the South Pole as quickly as he was invited. He wasn't sure why Katara needed him now, but she'd implied that it was important. It must have been for her to actually ask him to come there, Zuko had seldom ever been requested in this part of the world (mostly because he was known to dislike the climate). At least he would get to see his old friend again. Katara and Zuko hadn't seen each other much in the last few decades, although they'd kept in touch by mail. It would certainly be nice to reunite.

The former Firelord met the waterbender near the coastline, where they quickly exchanged smiles.

"It's been quite a while." Katara mentioned.

"Definitely." Zuko agreed. "Has Korra come home lately?"

"Yes." Katara confirmed. "Not long ago, in fact. She's doing very well these days."

"I would hope so. Now, why exactly did you ask me to come here?" Katara came closer to Zuko, taking his hand.

"Zuko, would you go on a date with me?" Zuko nearly jumped in plain shock.

"A date?!"

"If you're still interested, I know it's been a lifetime since we last discussed this."

"I- I am. But what made you decide to ask? After all this time?"

"Aang's time has passed. His spirit has moved on in Korra, and I have moved on too. Aang will always have a place in my heart, but I've let him go. I know we're old, but I love you, and I want to start a new page with you." Zuko smiled, feeling like everything he'd wanted was fulfilled.

"I love you too, and I'd be overjoyed to start something new with you."

He pulled Katara closer and they hugged each other warmly. They then found themselves kissing once again. It was a joyful and passionate kiss, one that made up for all the sadness of the first one.