The pigster seemed to cry from the top of its lungs as is it was furious with her. Not as furious as she felt with herself, she gathered her skirt up higher so she could run faster. She was sure it was amusing for the palace staff seeing Master Katara, Southern Watertribe Ambassador dash through the halls in the morning. Again! She was cursing Tui and La and all the other Spirits combined for oversleeping. But she also cursed the Fire Nation for planning their meetings at these ungodly hours. How could anyone in their right mind expect non-Fire Nation Nationals to attend something planning just after sunrise? She might have called the Palace home for the past 4 months, but she knew she would never get used to it no matter how hard she tried, especially after last night. She was sure Zuko was just testing her, to see if she could manage.

The thought of him twisted her stomach as she skidded around another corner. The feeling was followed by relief as the large double doors signalling her destination domed into view. She stopped running and with a final few steps, she brushed down her skirts and her hair in the hope of looking presentable. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door as nonchalantly as she could, preparing herself for the disapproving stares. She wasn't disappointed.

The old War Room, that Zuko had renamed to the Conference Room, was filled with Fire Nation Council members as well as the other 5 ambassadors. Three were from different areas of the Earth Kingdom, one Air Acolyte and Nanouk from the Northern Water Tribe. While most of the Officials looked disapproving and some even angry, Nanouk gave her a comforting smile. Fire Lord Zuko sat on the elevated throne. But unlike his father or grandfather, he never had flames around him. He liked being approachable and close to his ministers and ambassadors. His golden eyes looked at her and were full of mirth. She felt her stomach flip at his intense stare.

She had been on the receiving end of them quite a few times these past couple of months. But acting on them hadn't been possible. After his holiday week, Zuko had been thrust back into work and Katara had been prepped by everyone and anyone into her new role. Even her father, Chief Hakoda, had spent a few days at the Palace in the first week to help her. Thankfully, just like Zuko, she could count on the support of General Iroh and Lady Ursa. They guided her whenever possible, and even Zuko had taken some time – his advisors thought too much time – to help her settle in. But apart from intense stares, they hadn't really been able to talk to each other like they used to, or even be alone. The last time than had happened had been on Ember Island. That electrically charged evening still played vividly in her mind. On the one hand she thought it was still too soon after Aang to act on the intense pull between them. But it had been years since she felt so much desire and simply a dire need to feel his arm arms around her. But with Toph back in Cranefish Town and Sokka and Suki back travelling between the South Pole and Kyoshi Island, there just wasn't anyone she could talk to about these conflicting feelings. Although she was sure Lady Ursa would want to offer help as her own mother would have done, she still was Zuko's mother, and that, Katara had decided, would be far too awkward.

So instead she gave him her signature warm smile and bowed apologetically.

"I am sorry my Lord for my tardiness."

"Do not worry Ambassador Katara, you are forgiven." Zuko said kindly and as she went to her seat next to Nanouk, she could hear the mutterings of disagreement. She honestly couldn't blame them. They couldn't understand and she would just have to try harder next time. Zuko, however, offered an excuse on her behalf.

"I believe it was the full moon last night. It must have been a difficult night for you. And especially with a meeting this early. Perhaps we could have taken some consideration before planning this session."

Katara bowed her head gratefully and was surprised when he focused his attention on Nanouk. Although they had never talked about it, she always got the impression Zuko wasn't fond of the Northern Water Tribe man. Although he was always civil, his polite smiles never reached his eyes.

"Did you also have trouble this morning?" Nanouk was flustered being so directly addressed but swiftly recollected himself.

"It is true that we get our energy from the moon, a full moon especially. I am not a bender so did does not affect me as much. But I know from my fellow tribesmen that the morning after is usually quite rough. I assume it must be the same for such a powerful Master as Ambassador Katara." Now it was Katara's turn to smile at him, surprised by his compliment. His silver eyes and handsome grin smiled back.

"Yes, well I'll have it noted, thank you." Zuko said swiftly and turned back to his other ministers. "Now if I can have everyone's attention, I would like to start discussing the Heathcare Improvements Minister Aiko has submitted…"

The meeting lasted several hours. Katara had to struggle to fully understand all that was being said and the problems and solutions that were brought up. Thankfully it was a subject that interested her fully. She had decided during the course of the morning to offer Minister Aiko her services as Healer whenever she had some time off. Not only would she be able to help people in need, but it could also earn some respect from within Zuko's council. Not that she needed their approval for anything but it would be nice to be respected from time to time. The meeting was disbanded and everyone dismissed. Katara gathered her skirts once more and cornered the older female minister.

Minister Aiko had been surprised by her approach but listened earnestly as Katara told her of her enthusiasm and plans. Her blue eyes shimmered animatedly and they delighted the minister so much that both women missed the adoring look Zuko was giving her. Never in his wildest dreams would he have expected her to fill out this role so well. Not only did she take an interest in her people but also the needs of his own. She was a caring person at heart and it didn't seem to matter what nationality anyone belonged to. She never turned her back on people who needed her.

Sokka had once told him about how she singlehandedly stopped his precious Black Sun Invasion plan to help a Fire Nation village, dressed as the Painted Lady. Seeing it in the Ember Island play didn't do it justice. Zuko couldn't help but smile at the parallels between them. They both enjoyed the shrouds of mystery when helping others. And despite having recruited her as an Ambassador, these past few months had shown him that she would make an excellent Fire Lady.

At that thought his heart made a leap in his chest, so hard that is was painful. The desire he thought he had felt before, to have her by his side, had only increased. It terrified him. He wanted to give her all the space possible. Space after breaking up with Aang, space to learn her new job. He didn't want her to feel as if he only wanted her here because of his lust towards her. Agni, he would swear to never touch her again if that made her happy. He had no right to her. He didn't even have the right to her friendship, but somehow he had managed that. But whatever way their relationship would go, for now he was quite certain the feelings were mutual. And that gave him hope for the future.

A soft cough drew his attention. He turned to find his mother by the door. Surprised he walked towards her. She usually avoided meetings and the conference room still brought back too many painful memories.

"Good morning mother." He gave her a customary bow. "Is everything alright?"

"Good morning my son. Do not worry, all is well. I simply wanted to inform you that…" and her eyes shifted to look behind Zuko, mirth twinkling in her golden eyes that mirrored his own, "your lunch and Lady Katara's will be served by the turtle pond today. It seems you will have some things to discuss." Before Zuko could even interject she left.

Now any type of self control he might have had seemed to disappear like smoke. And it seemed Katara had noticed the exchange. Both her and Minister Aiko had come to the door.

"Good day Fire Lord Zuko." The minister bowed and left to her chambers. Katara meanwhile grinned.

"I am not sure I will ever get used to calling you Fire Lord Zuko."

"You don't have to, I never asked you to." He said seriously and she rolled her eyes.

"I know, but it would be rude and weird if I didn't call you that in public." Zuko couldn't help the smirk rising to his face.

"And what would you call me in private?" He enjoyed seeing the flush rising on her dark cheeks. She feigned a thinking face.

"Hmmm I am not sure yet. What about Zuzu?" Zuko grimaced which earned him a giggle.

"Azula and Kiyi already call me that."

"So I can't?"

"I'd rather not. Maybe something more creative."

"I promise I'll think about it." Katara quipped laughingly. "Anyway, what was your mother doing here? I've never seen her at meetings before." Zuko tried to repress his own blush from spreading. His mother had set him up and he wasn't sure how he felt about it.

"My mother wanted to inform us actually that our lunch would be served by the turtleduck pond." She grinned

"Oh our lunch is it? You haven't even invited me!"

"Yes well I didn't know I would be invited either, but…" And Zuko cleared his ever raspy throat. "Would you like to join me for lunch Katara?" She smiled her dazzling smile.

"I would love that very much Zuko." A flash of worry swept across her face. "Would it be okay for us to have lunch… just us together?"

"I am the Fire Lord. I can have lunch with whomever I want." He said firmly but then softened his voice again. "I would really enjoy it if you were there. I feel bad for not having been able to spend time with you." Without needing anymore prompting, Katara weaved her arm through his and lead them towards the Royal Gardens. He liked feeling her closeness and couldn't care less if any servant or courtesan saw his happy smile as he looked down at her.

They strolled through the Palace halls and Zuko felt himself relax as they entered the open space, full of blossom and maple trees. The height of summer had passed and autumn started to turn everything into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, making the whole garden shimmer. He was sure this was his favourite season.

As they approached the pond, they saw a picnic blanked had been laid out and a multitude of dishes were ready for them. Zuko was sure his mother and uncle had been planning this for quite some time. The only thing missing were scattered rose petals. He snorted inwardly and made mental note to ask them to kindly stay out of his love life. He didn't want to scare her away. But as he looked at Katara's he only saw looks of glee.

"Oh how cute! I love to picnic! Great to unwind after a morning meeting." She said happily and dragged him down beside her.

"I am… um… glad you like it." He mumbled and she raised an eyebrow.

"So you were aware?"

"No! I swear to Agni I wasn't. But if I knew you would like it, I would have organised it myself sooner."

"That's okay. This is good for future reference." She said cheekily and used her chopsticks to attack some of the dimsum in front of her.

"Would you like to have lunch together more often?" He asked a bit unsure.

"Of course I would Zuko. Ever since we came back from Ember Island we've barely been able to talk and sit together. I like spending time with you."

"I know and I am sorry. I've been so busy. And I didn't want to distract you when you were learning everything."

"I know it's not your fault Zuko and I appreciate all the help, guidance and space you have given me, truly. But let's make some more time for this, or dinner together." She felt very bold suggesting dinner but satisfied Zuko's face was heating up as well.

"Well, I think that can be arranged." She had to bite back a giggle, he truly looked like an awkward turtleduck. She quickly took a bite of a steambun filled with delicious spicy vegetables instead. Zuko followed her example.

For a little while they ate in blissful happiness, enjoying the soft sun rays. Several of the baby turtleducks had gathered their courage to approach them. Katara watched as Zuko carefully crumbled some of the bread in small pieces and scattered them in their direction. They instantly reacted, racing towards the crumbs while loudly quacking.

"Oh they are so cute!" Katara cooed, and became even more excited when one of them came to her to see if she had anything to offer. The fluffy bun she was eating seemed to fill their appetite too. Having satisfied their own hunger, Zuko turned to her again.

"How are you doing here Katara? Is everyone welcoming enough? And have you recovered from last night?"

"Yes absolutely. Everyone has been very helpful and welcoming, surprisingly so. And I wanted to thank you for this morning, covering for me. I really try my best to get up early enough but…"

"But the moon kept you too busy last night, don't worry Katara, I understand." She almost choked. If only he knew the effect that the full moon could have on her body, on her desires, desires that only seemed to grow stronger the longer she stayed here. She mumbled another thanks and filled him further in how she was feeling and the excitement she felt at starting her new projects.

"Minister Aiko thinks it would be a good idea to visit the hospital and see some of the patients. It will also advertise our teamwork. With your support, people in the colonies and even some of the undocumented refugees in the Fire Nation might feeling safer to call for help." Zuko listened carefully.

He remembered the story of Hama, a Southern Water Tribe prisoner that had escaped her Fire Nation prison and had lived among them for decades. Of course he knew she had made bad choices and taught Katara bloodbending. But he couldn't help but feel pity for the woman. Maybe her and Katara could meet on neutral ground and build each other back up, the Southern Water Tribe mentality was to always help and support each other. But that was something for another day. Meanwhile he still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that surprisingly many Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom refugees had been forced to make their homes in the Fire Nation after escaping prisons and battle. He wanted to do something for them, to let them know that they were welcome. He expressed this to her and her stunning blue eyes lit up in delight.

"You should come to the Northern Water Tribe Embassy tonight. Nanouk invited me to an informal meeting to discuss just that." Zuko couldn't help the jealous dragon from crawling at his insides.

"Ambassador Nanouk invited you to his residence?" He hoped his voice sounded more civil than it did in his mind.

"Yes of course. A lot of the Water Tribe meetings are held there. It is also the only cultural meeting centre in the Fire Nation so rather special. You should come see it!"

"Would it be proper for me to attend such meetings?"

"Of course! You are the Fire Lord but also my best friend. It would be great to have you there." She reached out to touch his hand in reassurance.

It was the first time in a long while that they had touched each others skin and the electric shocks travelled between them immediately, surprising them both. But instead of letting go, her cool slim hand remained on his and he found himself drowning in her ocean eyes. Everything felt hot and heavy. His heart hammered in his chest so loudly it made his ears ring. His vision seemed to blur so he could only see her face, her eyes, her lips… Agni he wanted to kiss them so badly. All the nights he had dreamed, all the stares from afar, all the self control he had tried to muster and contain. It all appeared to be unravelling as their faces drew closer. He saw her eyelashes flutter close and he leaned in, determined to close the distance between them. But then he picked up a sound. The rushing of footsteps. He immediately pulled away. Katara feeling his shift in energy opened her eyes. She blushed heavily at the thought of what they had almost done. He looked away, concerned.

"Z… Zuko? Is everything alright?" He looked back at her apologetically.

"Someone's coming." And sure enough, not one but two people came into sight. They both quickly scooted apart to an appropriate distance. Neither wanted the intense rumour mill to start spinning. Zuko recognised one of his messengers. The other wasn't familiar, wearing Water Tribe robes. Both young men came to a halt and bowed deeply.

"Excuse our interruption Fire Lord Zuko and Ambassador Katara. We were not made aware your lunch would be served here."

"My uncle General Iroh organised it but unfortunately he was unable to join himself. What is so urgent for you to run here?" His own servant spoke first.

"Your highness, reports had been coming in from Cranefish Town. Apparently an attack has occurred by the New Ozai Society. So far no casualties have been reported, but it naturally has caused a lot of chaos." Zuko and Katara quickly looked at each other in alarm. They were supposed to travel there in 2 weeks' time. As if he could read their minds the Water Tribe messenger spoke.

"His royal highness, Ambassador Nanouk wanted to relay the news that due to the attack the meeting today will be extended to discuss the necessary safety and security requirements." The young man looked between them. "All things considered, I am sure Ambassador Nanouk would want to extend tonight's invitation to you as well, Fire Lord Zuko." Zuko gave them both a bow.

"Thank you gentlemen. Kijo, I will accompany you to Minister Shang's office to discuss our response. And please thank Ambassador Nanouk for his gracious invitation. Unfortunately I will have to decline his seeing as Ambassador Katara has already invited me." He then turned to Katara. "I will send a servant to pick you up this evening. We should travel by palanquin."

Despite his respectful response and bow, his eyes still burned into hers. She could sense his anger at their moment being interrupted. She gave him a smile and bow in return before they both went their separate ways.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Zuko was thrown into an emergency meeting. Thankfully, the information they received got better every time. Yes, the New Ozai Society had launched an attack on one of the cultural centres in Cranefish Town. But it hadn't been a successful one. There were, thankfully, no casualties and even the injured were easily patched up. Still, Zuko worried and it was the fact that the attack had failed that made him even more on edge. They usually made no mistakes with their attacks. Some of his ministers wanted him to reschedule his trip, while others argued against the advice. Zuko had to agree with the latter. For the past year everything had started to settle down and some true rebuilding and innovation had been accomplished, something he as well as the rest of the Gaang were very proud of. He wanted to see the progress and plan ahead for the next 5 years. And he wanted to involve Katara in the process. That gave him the most worry. He was used to attempted attacks on himself but he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if anything happened to her. No doubt such matters would be discussed later at the Northern Water Tribe Embassy. He suppressed a grin thinking about her reaction to his worry. He knew damn well she could handle herself in any situation. He wondered whether his ministers or the Northern Water Tribe had any idea how powerful the woman sitting across from them everyday truly was.

Within no time he was waiting for her at the palace gates, palanquin at the ready. Unlike Mai, Katara never liked to keep anyone waiting and within several minutes she appeared. After travelling the world in simple clothes, Zuko admired her now extensive wardrobe. This evening she donned classic Southern Water Tribe wear, made in breathable materials against the Fire Nation heat. The blue and silver silks shimmered, with decorative tassels glistening in the moon light. Her hair was twisted into a more formal hairstyle, thick braids leaving her face bare, except for her signature hair loopies. He thought she looked radiant.

"Good evening Zuko." She said with a smile and blushed when he brought her hand to his lips.

"Good evening Katara. Are you ready?"

"Y…yes of course. Let's go." And he helped her into the palanquin, noting how pleasant her hand felt in his own. Once inside they sat opposite each other, but Katara seemed determined not to let go of his hand.

"How did your meeting go? Is there any more news?"

"Thankfully all is going well. I don't think we have much to worry about. The attack failed quite miserably. Nothing they can't handle themselves."

"You still want to go there?"

"Of course." He said, quite confident but looked at her in concern. "Do you still want to go?"

"Yes! Of course! I won't let some silly New Ozai antics stop me. Things are finally getting more interesting." He couldn't help but laugh at that.

"I'll be sure to send them my thanks for making your life a bit spicier."

"I am living in the Fire Nation now. Aren't things supposed to be spicy here?" He didn't miss the mischievous glint in her eyes. The evening had cooled down but he suddenly felt hot again.

"A lot of things are spicy here." He said huskily without breaking eye contact and brought her hand to his lips again. They didn't have to utter a word for all their wants and needs travelled between them in a single stare.

A sudden jolt brought them back to earth as the palanquin came to a halt and Katara released the breath she had unconsciously been holding. She was surprised she could even stand and get out without melting into a puddle on the ground. Apart from seeing Zuko again, she hadn't particularly looked forward to this meeting. Especially after the attack, she knew everyone would be worried and want to retreat back into their shells. Her time after the war in the South Pole and now 4 months as Ambassador had taught her some distinct differences between her own tribe and that of the North. Southerners were far more direct, straight to the point and not afraid to fight. The opposite was true for men like Ambassador Nanouk, who preferred to act on the defence and inwardly. There was a reason why the South had been raided for a hundred years while the North had simple withheld attacks and reactions. Neither were better than the other, simply different. But working together had meant that she could feel Northern customs being pushed onto her. It was almost laughable. Hadn't they seen her fight against their Master Pakku?

One of her attractions to Zuko was the fact that he knew her so well and could read her better than any other. Even when they were on the opposites sides of the war and he was hunting down Aang, he saw her skill and capabilities and respected her for it. During their time travelling together he saw she wasn't someone to back down from a confrontation. And when she faced her demons, he was the only person who didn't try to stop her, but respected that she needed it and supported her in every way he could. And he was headstrong himself, in that way they were more alike than anyone would previously have thought. She was curious to know how this meeting would go down. She was also curious to see how things went down when they got back, because she didn't know how she would survive another sweltering palanquin ride with him.

They entered the grand building made of light sandstone with silver decorations and carvings, the symbol of the Water Tribes front and centre. Despite not made of snow and ice, Zuko was impressed but how the architecture had been replicated in the building. He could almost feel a colder chill pass over him. Different water ways and fountains added drama, and he had to admit that it also felt soothing. He noticed that some of the staff couldn't hide their surprise as Katara lead him through the halls. He also saw that she couldn't bite back a grin. The Water Tribes weren't known for their poker faces and wore their feelings on their elaborate fur sleeves.

They arrived at an elegant seating room, an open and spacious hall, decorated with carved pillars and a multitude of rugs and furs for visitors to sit on. Several Water Tribe dignitaries and elders were already seated in the sunken seats along a long table filled with Water Tribe cuisine. Zuko easily spotted the sea prunes and ocean kumquats, both he, unlike Aang and Toph, actually enjoyed. Perhaps because both cultures relied heavily on fishing for their diet, and pickling fish in the Fire Nation was not uncommon either.

Everyone rose to greet them. Zuko especially received deep bows. Ambassador Nanouk was only to happy to greet him. Apparently it was his greatest honour that the Fire Lord himself would visit his residence. Zuko meanwhile wondered for whom else they could possibly have made it this grand for? Obviously Katara would deserve it more than any other in the room, but she was very happy with her decorated yet still relatively humble living quarters in the palace. He knew Chief Tulok and his son had already repeatedly offered Katara a whole wing of this residence to make her own. He wondered what else they wanted to offer her. Such thoughts left a bitter taste in his mouth and a scowl to develop which he tried to push away quickly.

After pleasantries were made, he sat down next to Katara and they first all started their evening meals. Zuko had to admit that this was one of the clearer Water Tribe customs in comparison to the Fire Nation. It still occurred relatively often that meetings and councils ran late, or even just processing paper that meant that dinner was either delayed or sometimes skipped all together. It was a bad habit that naturally no one enjoyed. The mind couldn't function well over an empty stomach as his uncle would often say. Of course uncle Iroh was never wrong.

Despite the wonderful diverse meals, the palace had to offer, Katara relished herself eating all the special dishes from her home and she was more than happy to introduce them to Zuko as well. During the dinner she was reminded how much easier things were with Zuko. It never bothered her that Aang was a vegetarian, she even admired to and during her time at the Air Temples she enjoyed it. But it did make Water Tribe dinners very difficult and anything vegetarian they did have, he didn't like as well. But the handsome man beside her tasted and clearly enjoyed most that was served in front of him, which meant she felt she could let her mothering side go and enjoy herself as well. She caught his golden eyes darkening as she licked off her fingers from a particular juicy sea prune. Now she wasn't just hungry. She was ravenous.

With the arrival of some simple sweet desserts and hot beverages, the council meeting also started. Of course all the events in Cranefish Town were relayed and discussed. There was obvious relief but also an aggravated worry over why and what was to come. Quite quickly the conversation turned to their planned visit. Ambassador Nanouk took the lead.

"I think we should consider this wisely. Obviously the attacks today were meant to scare rather than harm. If their goal is to harm the new members to the Fire Nation court then maybe we should postponed the visits entirely." Not everyone agreed with that statement.

"We can't let them scare us away, we have our own reputation to uphold.'

"I agree! We have to show a united front."

"But should we risk our safety? Neither of our ambassadors have held their positions for a long time."

"If the visit does occur then who will travel?"

"Everyone should go as planned!"

"I disagree. Of course I cannot decide anything for Fire Lord Zuko but perhaps it would be wise if Ambassador Katara would travel at a later date."

"Perhaps," Katara broke through the men's conversation "I can decide that for myself, whether I will or will not travel. I agree with Master Kaneq and Master Pitak that we should show a united front. This will be my first visit as Ambassador of the Southern Water Tribe. There is a lot we can and should do. I won't let a New Ozai scuffle interfere with that."

"Ambassador Katara, you do realise that these attacks will probably be towards yourself as newest member?"

"With all due respect Master Runur, I fought alongside the Avatar and travelled all over the world with him together with Fire Lord Zuko. Many times I was a target, so I do understand the severity of your concern. But as you can see, threats and attacks have never been a problem for me." Zuko bite back a proud grin.

"I understand your feelings and admire your confidence Ambassador Katara," Nanouk had taken over the conversation, flashing a charming smile. Zuko wanted to throw a sweet bun to his face. "I might a suggest that we perhaps expand the travelling company for your protection." The anger slammed in like lightening during a storm.

"Excuse me Ambassador Nanouk," Zuko said slowly, a sharp undertone to his voice that made the entire hall fall silent. "Are you suggesting that neither I nor Ambassador Katara are able to protect ourselves?" An almost audible gulp was heard from the head of the table. If Nanouk had been as pale as Zuko, his face would have been deep crimson.

"No of course not Your Highness. I merely wanted to suggest extra protection for a smooth trip. It is a cultural tradition in the North to protect our women as best as possible."

"Ambassador Katara has faced both me and the most dangerous Fire Bender of our generation, my sister. Some rebels won't be a problem. And while I appreciate your concern, I would like to remind you that Katara is the Southern Water Tribe Ambassador, were the women are very capable against protecting themselves."

Zuko wasn't sure if he regretted the final jab about Katara being Southern Water Tribe. He knew the tension both tribes had about their traditions. It wasn't lost to him how heavy muttering had started around him. But he couldn't help himself as Nanouk tried to claim her as their… his… own. Because if Agni would help him, he would make her his. And even then he would never stop her for doing anything under the stupid excuses of protect. He knew fully well she could beat him in battle once she set her mind to it. Let alone her powers during the full moon. She could fold him into a pretzel. That did offer him an idea. He tried to ignore the angry stares the Northerners were giving him. Katara had been trying to calm them down. He cleared his throat.

"Excuse me gentlemen, I did not want to cause any offence. And I am truly thankful to hear your opinions and advice for this trip. I think I speak for the majority here that it should go ahead as planned. I do however want to make an adjustment." Everyone fell silent and even Katara looked at him with wide blue eyes. "I want to propose to delay the trip for two weeks. I think this will have to be done with an excuse that we can come up with some other time. But by delaying we will travel during the full moon." He stopped the let his words sink in. He immediately saw a proud glimmer from Katara and several of the elders sat up straighter to ponder this. Ambassador Nanouk was the first to speak.

"I think that is a very good plan Fire Lord Zuko." His agreement and friendly tone surprised Zuko. "It will give us more time to assess the situation whilst also making sure we are at the greatest advantage."

"Yes," Katara agreed almost breathlessly. "We don't want to add anymore fear or trepidation by increasing our visiting group. But during the full moon I will have no problem protecting anyone if the need should arise."

Her final words seemed to settle the matter, and after some agreeable discussions, the meeting was adjourned. Saying their goodbyes, Zuko and Katara made their way back through the walls and into the waiting palanquin. They were still too full of the meeting to assess their similar positions from before. They discussed the issues and eventual plan. Neither could stop laughing at how absurd the situation was. It also strengthend Katara's resolve to create a name for herself again as Ambassador. Before the war had ended she had been perceived as a strong and fearsome warrior. Years with Aang had diminished that into the 'girlfriend of the Avatar' with no respect to her own accomplishments. Neither she nor Zuko could wait until that error had been set right.

But as he walked with her to her quarters, moonlight filtering through, their feeling of anticipation was for something else entirely. Zuko felt his heart hammer in his chest. He hadn't let go yet of her hand, which didn't seem to help the anxious fluttering to go away. They arrived at her door. She turned to him, her ever present smile on her face with a blush highlighting her cheeks.

"Thank you Zuko, for standing up for me like that."

"Don't worry about it. You shouldn't even need me to do that."

"You're right, I don't. But I still appreciate you doing so." He couldn't stop himself from reaching out and brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

"It's my pleasure." He said softly and she felt a shiver pass through her body.

"There… there are other things that give me pleasure." The words tumbled out of her as she inched closer, unconsciously laying her hand on his chest. A smirk filled his face as his eyes darkened.

"Oh… like what?" He dared her. She had to take the step he was desperate to leap into. She barely hesitated.

"Like this." The words fell like a whisper on to his skin as she captured his warm lips with her own.

Electrifying, that was the only way either could describe it as they bodies became one. A hunger that would finally be satisfied. But Zuko realised, as he tasted her lips for the very first time, his hands tangling into her hair as she opened her door for them, that it would never truly be satisfied. It would remain vast and true and he would never be able to let her go.