If the palace staff were surprised to find the Fire Lord in the Southern Water Tribe Ambassador's bed, they didn't show it, nor after the subsequent times that followed. Neither did they react to the blushes, the stolen kisses in the hallway or the random pieces of clothing scattered in both their bedrooms. As stoically and efficiently as always they did their work, currently presenting the pair with breakfast in the smaller and more intimate dining room, joined by General Iroh, Lady Ursa and her family. None blinked at the second cup of dandelion and ginger tea that Lady Ursa had requested for herself and Katara. It was only during their breaks in their quarters that the excited whispers and giggles of gossip would break free. Squeals spread about how excited they were to see their Fire Lord this happy. Bets were won by those who had seen this relationship coming by a mile. Superficially some servants couldn't stop gushing about how cute they looked together. On a deeper level, worries were also shared on how this relationship could change the politics of the Fire Nation. But overall there was happy excitement to see where this would go.

Back in the dining hall, neither Zuko or Katara knew about these sentiments, they were too obliviously enjoying each others company, while under the impression they were being discreet about it. Iroh and Ursa hadn't had the heart to tell them that, with the exception of some council ministers, everyone had figured it out, or at the very least suspected something more than friendship was going on. The two elders couldn't help giving each other smirking side glances as Zuko tried to innocently wipe away some cream on Katara's cheek. They were enjoying a quiet morning. A week had passed since the attack in Cranefish Town and they had been busy preparing for their postponed visit. But today was their day off and everyone was happy to see Zuko purposefully clear his entire schedule and enjoy the free time given to him.

"I am proud of you Fire Lord Zuko, a man needs his rest." Uncle Iroh had praised him, which earned him a glad smile and a few rounds of Pai Sho. Now the older man stared at his nephew and practically adopted son and couldn't help but beam at his apparent happiness. He had always sensed an attraction between the two of between, a push and pull that kept getting stronger with every meeting. Despite his best attempts to get Zuko to date in Ba Sing Se, he had always felt to keep this information about Katara to himself. Perhaps he had been mistaken and he didn't want either party to feel embarrassed, especially when he heard of the possible relationship between her and the young Avatar. But when he and Aang burst through the walls in the Ba Sing Se prison, Iroh knew he had interrupted a moment, and was sorry for it. He had seen their bond, full of trust, when they came to his camp with the Order of the White Lotus. He hid his surprise when Zuko, whom he had never known to trust anyone in his life, without a second hesitation asked Katara to help him bring down Azula. Iroh would never forget the pride on his nephews face when he told him how Katara defeated his sister, nor the worry on the young waterbender's, telling Zuko to slow down with his injury. The further letters and whispers had only fuelled Iroh into believing something was there. Love he knew was both beautiful and difficult, and he wanted Zuko to experience it fully and this powerful yet kind young woman could give him that. He would be lying if he would deny that her not being Fire Nation but someone from the Water Tribe was something he was very happy about. They needed bonding and diversification in the Fire Nation, and he was sure that someone from another nation would help his nephew become whole again. He had never heard Zuko laugh out loud as much as he did when Katara was around, and for that he and Ursa were eternally grateful.

"So, do you have anything special planned for today?" Ursa asked kindly as she sipped her morning tea. Zuko was in the middle of chewing on a dumpling so Katara answered smoothly.

"Zuko is going to practice some katas with Kiyi and then he promised to show me some of the spectacular coastline. It will be quite a hike so I believe we'll have our dinner at one of the towns below, right?" She turned to Zuko, who nodded as he swallowed quickly.

"Yes. I know one of the villages are specialised in preparing ocean kumquats in many different ways. I figured you'd like to try it yourself." She gave a dazzling smile.

"I'd love that!"

"But first we're practicing! Come on Zuzu, I'll race you!" Kiyi said loudly as she sprung from her seat. But before she could get anywhere, Ursa firmly took hold of her tunic.

"Sit down young lady and finish your breakfast, and let your brother finish his too." Grumpily Kiyi did what her mother commanded while Ursa wondered what she had ever done to deserve only bearing firecracker daughters. Katara couldn't help but find the whole situation hilarious.

Despite Kiyi's protest to the contrary, it wasn't long until the three of them found themselves in the training courtyard. While his little sister donned her ruby red training outfit, Zuko had opted for his looser black training pants and sash. Katara, who was watching them, perched under a maple tree, didn't mind the view of his bare toned chest. As a teenager, he already had well defined muscles from training. When he pushed her out of the way at the Western Air Temple during Azula's attack, Katara had felt, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was by far the strongest in their little group. Then it had enraged her, but now she couldn't wait to be wrapped around by those strong bare arms again. She blinked as a small fireball landed close to her feet. Looking up from her daydream, she saw Zuko looking at her with a smirk on her face. His arms were crosses, only further highlighting his adult physique and his long black hair spilling along his shoulders, made her stomach do somersaults. She could feel herself flush.

"If you keep staring like that, you'll light me on fire." He murmured amused and she raised an eyebrow.

"Well, maybe you should wear a shirt while training. Is it appropriate for a Fire Lord to practice like this?"

"The Fire Nation is a hot place, it's only natural and tradition."

"Hmph! A stupid tradition if you ask me."

"You don't seem to mind it."

"I don't, but anyone could see you like that. It hardly decent…"

"Oh I see, you're jealous."

"What? No! No I am not. I just…"

"Just what?" She wished she could water smack the satisfied smirk off his handsome face. He enjoyed taunting her, his eyes shimmering with glee. Two could play that game. She squared her shoulders, feeling bold.

"I just don't want to distract you with my stares."

"Oh, I see. Afraid I won't be able to concentrate?"

"Not if you knew what I am thinking about." His eyes darkened, nostrils flaring slightly. She grinned proudly.

"Zuzu!" The indignant shout of Kiyi broke the tension between them.

"Yeah Zuzu, concentrate." She resisted playfully sticking out her tongue. "Finish your Kata's and then we can play." A thrill of excitement passed over her as he drank her in and his voice dropped an octave.

"Oh, I will, I promise." And with that the young Fire Lord turned back to his sister feeling his lover's ocean eyes roaming his back. Agni help him.

After finishing their Kata routine, Zuko gave Kiyi a proud hug.

"I am so proud of you Kiyi. You improve every time. Keep this up and I'll take you to see the Masters Ran and Shaw."

Katara couldn't help the tears of happiness forming in her eyes as she saw Kiyi's beaming smile. Full of admiration the young girl looked up to her brother and Zuko was so very sweet and patient with her, like an older brother should. He was finally able to create the sibling bond that he had dreamed about. Being able to help Kiyi and support her as Sokka had always been there for her. Katara could only hope that one day he would be able to form some sort of bond with Azula. But so far it seemed she was the only person in the palace that believed that was possible. Not even Lady Ursa had allowed herself such hope. She pushed her feelings of longing to hold her daughter again deep within her. A feeling of guilt always present in her heart. She poured her energy and love to her other children and happily whisked Kiyi away from Zuko and Katara to go to her lessons.

The once Fire Lady had slowly started to adjust to life in the Palace, getting to trust her surroundings again, knowing that her former husband was locked up without his precious bending. Zuko's rule thus far had been fair and just. The beautiful prince she knew he had been as a child had truly blossomed into the ruler she hoped he would become. She owed that to Iroh, who had always been her dearest friend. He too had seen Zuko's potential and guided him, just as he had promised her he would when she left. The shift of palace atmosphere was obvious, and with Noren's love and support of her children, she knew she could handle whatever life decided to throw at her next. She hoped it would be something positive. Seeing the looks that had travelled between Zuko and Katara for the past months, she could only pray to witness their union. Iroh had teased her and drawn her into a bet to predict when she would become a grandmother. Despite still being a devoted mother to Kiyi, she couldn't deny the appeal that Iroh couldn't stop gushing about.

As Kiyi and his mother departed, a servant informed Zuko that everything was ready for their hiking outing to the coast. With an excited smile, Zuko took Katara's hand, pulling her back to his room, mumbling he wanted to shower before they left. Giggling like teenagers they quickly found themselves in his quarters. Even quicker Zuko's warm fingers had found their way beneath the layers of her dress, gripping her hips tightly as he kissed her breathless. She murmured happily against his bruising kisses and sighed as his lips travelled down her throat.

His hands made quick work of her robe and she now thoroughly his training gear, needing only a few firm tugs at his sash holding his pants in place before exposing him to her, ready to go. She couldn't help the giggle rising from her chest as it swelled with pride that she could evoke this reaction from him. This only seemed to excite him further as he wrapped his arms around her naked form.

"Zuko, you need a shower." She told him teasingly, laughing when his breath tickled her ear. He only smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"That can be arranged." Without warning he lifted her up. With a yelp she wrapped her legs around his waist and he swiftly moved her to his large bathing chamber. Katara couldn't help but continue to marvel at the marble stone, golden accents and dark wooden beams. A grand shower stood off to the side while a marvellous bathtub graced the centre of the room. A wooden door at the back gave access to a private hot spring, that, once Zuko had told her about it, Katara has wanted to try out. However right now her mind was far too preoccupied by the man in front of her, his arms still holding her firmly against him. She reached out and pulled his top knot loose. With a grin his hair tumbled down his shoulders.

"Do you have a hair fetish love?"

"I guess I do… but with hair as stunning as yours, you can hardly blame me." He simply shrugged.

"I never noticed it."

"Well you aren't the best with hairstyles dear." That made him laugh out loud and Katara savoured the sound of it.

"You mean you didn't like my ponytail?"

"Your ponytail was fine, the rest of it wasn't. It was awful!"

"It was a sign of banishment."

"Well thank Tui and La you banished that too." He smiled and kissed her.

As their tongues waged battle, he moved them to the shower and flicked it on. Water immediately gushed out, but instead of the cold that she had prepared herself for, a hot stream engulfed them. It was times such as these that she loved living in the Fire Nation. As much as her body was made and trained against the bitter cold of the South Pole, this was simply heavenly. As was Zuko who now firmly pressed her against the warm tiles. His eyes had darkened completely and desired pooled in her stomach.

"Hold on to that." He gestured roughly to the shower bar. Her eyes widened at the implication.

"Are… are you sure?"

"Absolutely." Before she could protest or question his resolve his lips found hers again. She quickly flung out one hand to grab to piece of metal while the other gripped his shoulder, hard.

With a growl Zuko angled his body to hers and with a swift move entered her. Neither could prevent the moans of pleasure leaving their lips as they moved together, the hot water streaming around them. This was so very different from what they had tried before and Katara loved every second of it. Her body was high aware of every touch, every stroke, every kiss. And as she pleasure rose, her walls tightened around him, making him groan in ecstasy.

"Agni Katara…" he muttered in her ear, his voice raspier than usual, it thrilled her.

"You feel so good Zuko…ah!" He quickened his pace and her nails dug into his skin. "Tui and La!" she cried out. His rhythm was unrelenting and her vision started to blur around her. Her body responded on its own, arching back. The shift in sensation sent her over the top. With a primal cry she came undone in his arms, triggering his own release. Somewhere, faraway in the back of her mind, she marvelled his strength in keeping them upright.

His head had settled into the crook of her neck and she couldn't help tenderly running her fingers along his jawline. With a satisfied smile he looked at her.

"Was that ok?" She laughed heartily and once they had untangled themselves with her feet back on the ground, she kissed him hard.

"It was amazing…very… amazing!" He smirked wrapping her in a hug and kissing the top of her head.

"I am glad to hear it. Now, would you like to join me for an actual shower?" His eyes twinkled cheekily and she laughed back at him.

"It would be my pleasure."

Several hours later they walked hand in hand along the stunning volcanic shoreline, admiring the setting autumn sun dancing on the waves. It had been a beautiful end to a fantastic day. A long hike had led them from the Caldera harbour, through dense and lush greenery to several small fishing villages. At one of them they had spontaneously decided to book a room at a quaint hotel. While some villagers had thrown Zuko suspicious glances, even with his cover name 'Lee', none decided to question him further, for which they were grateful.

After lunch they had decided to try out the local onzen including a stylish massage parlour and sauna. Katara had been surprised that Zuko had been willing to join her. She knew that on most occasions he didn't like to be touched. It appeared to be part of the everlasting trauma Ozai had inflicted. She had held his hand firmly when one of the girls had started to massage his temples. To the girl's credit, her hand never waivered away from his scar. And as distinctive as Zuko's scar was, Katara had found out that burn marks were prevalent among the Fire Nation population.

The hospital she visited often to provide some healing often has patients with marks littering their bodies. Many had received them during the war, due to stray blasts, wrong deflections or simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. She had recently however noticed a pattern with some new patients coming in. They all bore similar marks along their arms, hands and sometimes even their backs. Different stories were told but thus far none had given her an explanation that sounded truthful. Zuko was suspicious of it being a gang or mob punishment ritual, perhaps even New Ozai related. But for now, Katara just tried to heal them as best as possible and build a meaningful relationship with the lads, so that one day, one might want to tell her the truth.

Dinner hadn't been anything fancy and yet Katara had relished every taste of it. The freshly caught fish and prepared ocean kumquats with simple white rice simply melted on her tongue. As wonderful as the palace food was, she was a humble person deep down. It was this quality that Zuko admired about her. Unlike Mai or other Fire Nation nobles, Katara's ego always remained the same. She was kind and just, feeling a connection with everyone she saw. Building friendships with difficult ministers and new laundry maids alike. And Zuko loved that kind, just and humble side to her. Those were the qualities he had been looking for in his wife, his Fire Lady.

Their relationship was still too young to discuss marriage. They wanted to get to know each other more deeply than friends. Would they be compatible as lovers? If the past week and hours were anything to go by, Zuko was sure they were very compatible. It had thus far been the happiest moments of his life, without wanting to sound like a love-struck fool. He felt happy and at peace in her arms. He felt he could take on his father and the entire world if she was by his side. And for the first time, in a very long time, he felt confident in himself. All he could hope for was that those feelings would remain the same, as well as the desire every time he looked at her. After longing for so long, he couldn't imagine what his life had been like without her.

As the soft black sand engulfed their bare feet, Zuko looked down at the powerful waterbender beside him. The glittering ocean was reflected in her eyes and cast a ethereal glow upon her tanned face. His heart pounded in his chest from happiness. Sensing his stare, she looked up at him with a brilliant smile. He brought her hand, still interlocked with his, to his lips before wrapping his arms around her. Who would have guessed that a girl from the Southern Water Tribe would finally make him feel at home in the Fire Nation? Uncle would probably call it destiny. His mother always called love boundless. He simply called himself lucky.

Back at their hotel room, Katara had pulled out the Pai Sho board while Zuko prepared them some tea. The kind hostess had given them some freshly made mochi that both had happily dug into. Over their game of strategy, they discussed their upcoming trip. Zuko had quite easily managed to postponed their trip to Cranefish Town, but with the passing week preparations were now in full swing. They had planned in meetings with the necessary dignitaries as well as the centres from their respective nations. Obviously a lot of focus was given to the industries in the region where benders from all of the world came to work.

Without the colonies, the Fire Nation had felt the lack of resources, particularly grains and rice quite severely. The weather for the past months had been uncharacteristically dry and drought had started to spread throughout the land, making life more difficult for the farms who now had to feed more people. Zuko hoped he could sign deals with some of the farms in the surrounding hills of Cranefish Town, to relief pressure at home as well as boost business relations. But there was still a long way to go before anything to do with the Fire Nation wouldn't be looked at without suspicion.

For Katara it was an excited prospect to travel again and get more into the politics of the Earth Kingdom. Although the South Pole was rebuilding quickly, the tension with the North still remained and many people had been finding jobs away in the Earth Kingdom. She hoped she could strengthen the relations so her nation would collapse again with an outward migration. So far Nanouk and his officials had been very easy going and worked with her. She hoped it would remain that way, especially once her relationship with Zuko would be made public. She wasn't a fool and had picked up hints, especially from her Northern colleagues that such a union wouldn't be met with support. Like the Earth Kingdom, the Water Tribes scars of war with the Fire Nation ran deep. After years of over dominance, particularly in the South, most wanted to be independent from the Fire Nation, minimize contact as much as possible. Not everyone knew like Katara that the Fire Nation was the least of their troubles. Rebuilding the nation after a war wasn't easy and resources had always naturally been scarce. And now they wanted to rebuild while going along with the technical innovations of the times. It required strong economic bonds. The North with its feelings of cultural and economic superiority didn't help either. It was a delicate balance she had to move through, and was only too glad to have Zuko by her side.

They had decided to keep their blossoming relationship to themselves for a little while longer. They didn't want to throw away the precarious balance they had built. But both were confident they would be able to manage the week in the spotlight. They were going alone after all. In the evenings they would be able to share their hotel suites without anyone being the wiser. Thus making work trip still feel like a little holiday away from the curious palace eyes.

Another reason why Katara wanted to keep her relationship with Zuko under wraps was because she knew Aang would be coming as well. And although she was very proud of Zuko, she didn't want to hurt one of her dear friends so soon after their own separation. Zuko, although not overly convinced that was the best method for Aang also didn't want to hurt one of his best friends and decided to go along with it. He was happy enough to have her in his arms and heart.

Back in the Caldera palace, basking in the happy memories from their idyllic weekend, Zuko and Katara threw themselves in the preparations. Letters were sent, meetings held, wardrobes decided, reports after reports were read to remember all the necessary information and they sparred daily. Travelling with Aang to the Air Temples hadn't required a lot of physical activities and sparring rarely happened. But with Zuko she relished her sessions. She discovered that she just simply loved fighting. She loved the adrenaline rush, pushing herself to her limits and the exhaustion that followed. It made her feel alive!

She noticed it with her body. She muscles had started to strengthen back into shape, which became useful in more ways than one as Zuko had found out in his private hot spring one evening.

From their war days, they knew how well in sync they were, and become closer had only strengthened this bond. They didn't need to utter a word; a look was enough. It was exhilarating. With this in mind she had happily written to Sokka and Suki to challenge them in another volleyball competition whenever the next opportunity would arise. They would destroy them this time around.

Within no time at all, their bags were packed and they found themselves on a Fire Nation ship heading towards the Earth Kingdom. Perhaps the stressful days had made them less observant than normal. Perhaps they were still on a high from another passionate morning. Whatever it was, they had both missed the obvious signs when the boat was still docked. As they stood side by side, gazing out over the pacing ocean, neither had suspected they would be disturbed. Especially not by him. But as Zuko was preparing to softly brush away a strand of hair from her eyes, they heard a cough behind them and turned.

Decked out in his formal Water Tribe furs Ambassador Nanouk straightened from his bow.

"Fire Lord Zuko. Ambassador Katara. It's a pleasure to travel with you."