Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender purely begins to Mike and Bryan. This is just my vain attempt to live past the series finale.

Summary: Building a new world is never easy. Years after the end of the war, one night between Zuko and Katara leads to the reveal of hidden truths and disrupts their plans of the peaceful lives they thought they'd have. Even when everything spins wild, they will always find each other. They could fight the entire Fire Nation together, but what are they willing to sacrifice when the other is on the line?

Last Time…

Aang held his arms out and Katara welcomed the friendly hug, embracing him warmly before pulling back. "I'm glad we were able to talk," she confessed. "It really sucked not being able to talk to you the way we used to."

"I agree."

"Come on, they'll probably be serving dinner soon."

"You go ahead."

Katara nodded, understanding that the Avatar might want time to himself. She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly and disappeared from the shadows of the trees and back into the clamor of the campsite. Aang's eyes were trained on her, watching thoughtfully as Katara approached Zuko, who was waiting outside of her tent with a tiny, but warm smile, her hand briefly grazing Zuko's before he placed his hand on the small on her back as they walked to a campfire together.

Katara dipped her quill into the inkwell and signed her name at the bottom of the official scroll Aang had passed her. They had chosen to use special vellum instead of the usual parchment paper to signify its importance and to ensure it would be better preserved. Once she was done, she slid the document to Haru, who signed and then stamped King Kuei's seal next to his name before passing it to Zuko. They repeated this process another four times so that a copy of the document would be in the possession of the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, Air Acolytes, and the newly constituted United Republic of Nations.

They each sat back in their seats holding their nation's copy of the document, sharing tired smiles. Aang was the first to speak, rising from his seat.

"I'm glad we were able to work together to come to a new understanding. I have a lot of faith in the United Republic of Nations and what it stands for. What it symbolizes for everyone post-war. The four separate nations have a lot to learn from each other and it will be exciting to see how it comes to fruition in this new nation." He smiled warmly at everyone, though his eyes were weary.

Haru smiled and rose with him, lifting his glass. "To the United Republic of Nations!"

They all stood to follow in Haru's example and raised their glasses, though Katara kept her gaze on the young Airbender worriedly. As they separated, Katara quickly followed after Aang as he rushed out of the large tent they were using to hold their meetings. Zuko's eyes trailed after the two of them but he stayed put, engrossed in conversation with the leader of the protests that started it all, Morishita. He was giving his thanks to Zuko, reiterating how this allowed families to stay together, as Katara had championed for throughout all of their peace talks.

"The work isn't done yet," Zuko hedged. "We'll have to appoint the council members to lead, but that'll happen in due time. Once the news has spread and we've all deliberated on who the best representatives would be. We'll likely finalize the decisions after returning to Ba Sing Se and finishing our summit."

The middle-aged Fire Nation man nodded in understanding. "We will be fine in the meantime. As long as we can get back to living our lives as it was before." He gestured to his wife, an Earth Kingdom woman sitting with two young children, entertained by Haru and Toph as they made various figures out of dirt. "All of the people here— we can't thank you all enough."

Zuko smiled reassuringly and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's our duty," he said simply.

His eyes slid to the tent's entrance, where Katara and Aang exited. He sighed and led the man to join the rest of his family, watching the children laugh at Toph and Haru's antics, glancing over his shoulder again at the tent's entrance.

Katara quietly stepped into the stable as Aang made to climb onto Appa, the huge sky bison making soft grunting noises at the reappearance of his human companion. "Were you planning on saying goodbye?"

Aang turned over his shoulder with a shameful expression, but continued to make his way to Appa's neck, where he would steer. "Everyone's celebrating. My job here is done. I have more to do at the Eastern Air Temple."

"Aang… I know that you're upset."

Aang shook his head. "Roku's upset," he explained.

Frowning, Katara replied, "Because you agreed with me."

"He believes the four nations should have been kept separate. That that's the only way to maintain balance. But it's different. He doesn't understand the effects of the colonies. The colonies were after his time. You're right Katara— we can't break up more families. Don't feel bad."

"I just don't like the idea of you leaving when you're this upset."

"It's not for you to worry about," he said gently. "I have access to the previous Avatars to seek their counsel, but I don't necessarily have to listen. After all, they urged me to kill Zuko's father five years ago, but I couldn't. They can only advise me based on their own experiences. I'm the bridge between our worlds. As much as I try to impart their wisdom to us, they need to realize that sometimes, I'll have to impart our wisdom to them. That includes yours. So don't feel bad. I know we did the right thing. Appa, let's go."

Aang pulled on the reins and Appa obediently rose to his paws with a grumble. The gentle beast nuzzled his face against Katara as he passed her. They walked out of the stable, Katara slowly following them.

"Be safe," she told him.

"You, too," Aang replied. "Yip yip," he called out, and with a massive swing of Appa's tail, the last two Airbenders took off into the night sky.

Katara sighed and reflexively reached up to smooth her fingers over the cool pendant around her neck anxiously.

"Is everything all right?"

Katara jumped and whirled around, gasping in shock as she saw Zuko leaning against the stable's entrance, his arms crossed and one leg bent against the wooden door. His brow was furrowed as he stared up into the darkness and watched after Appa and Aang's shrinking silhouettes. He pushed away from the stable to stand closer to Katara and grasp her shoulders, his fingers rubbing soothingly at the juncture of her neck and shoulders, pressing against the tension in her trapezius muscles.

"How's Aang?"

Katara made a face. "Upset. Avatar Roku is one of his greatest friends. Aang respects him so much and always likes to seek his counsel. I think it really hurt him to know that Avatar Roku was disappointed in his handling of the colonies."

Zuko frowned. "On behalf of my great-grandfather, I'm sorry. I can see that my stubbornness is a common trait in my family tree. I seem to always witness firsthand how it causes us to hurt the ones we care about."

"Oh Zuko, you don't need to apologize. Some call it stubbornness; some call it determination. I love that about you, even when it does drive me insane. I'm the same way, too. I'm sure Sokka and all of our friends would concur. I just don't like seeing Aang so hurt. It always makes my heart ache knowing that he's already lost so many friends to time… and then to something that was my plan."

"Hey, don't go and get a big head. This was our plan, alright?" he teased, trying to lighten the mood as well as ease the guilt he knew she was feeling.

Katara nodded, though her lip trembled. Immediately, Zuko wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close, running his fingers through her hair rhythmically and pressing his lips to the top of her head. He relished how easily the hugs came now, how the feel of her in his arms was becoming more and more familiar. "It's going to be okay," he reassured her.

She turned in his embrace and he tightened his arms around her frame, his lips brushing against her hair soothingly. "It's okay," he repeated quietly.

Once she seemed to be ready, Zuko pulled away, cupping her face in his hands. His lips pursed into a frown as he saw her persistent frown. "You have nothing to feel guilty over. Trust me. You can't protect everyone all the time. You've got to have some hope that it will all work out in the end. We have to let time do its job."

Katara sniffled and offered him a weak smile. "A hope lecture coming from you?"

He grinned. "Next, it'll be you giving me a talk about honor."

"There they are!" Toph's voice echoed in the night. "Where the hell have you two been? Haru and I have been looking for you guys. The mayor of the colony gifted us with the special wine he's kept in his cellar for years and we're trying to celebrate." Her voice trailed off. "What's going on? Where's Twinkletoes?"

"Aang left," Katara said quietly. She kept her gaze down and turned her head slightly so that Haru couldn't see her expression.

The young Earthbender looked at her in concern anyway. "Is… everything alright?" he asked tentatively.

Zuko moved so that he slightly shielded Katara from view. "Everything's fine," he said with a tone of finality. "Go ahead, we'll catch up."

Toph considered Zuko and Katara for a moment before she took Haru's hand and tugged at him. "Well you heard them. Come on, before I grab you by your beard and hopefully convince you to shave it off."

Haru didn't look convinced, but Zuko met his gaze meaningfully and Haru nodded in return before allowing Toph to drag him away. He pulled his hand out of her tight grip before retaking her hand in a more gentle manner. Toph blushed but Haru smiled as they returned to the larger tent where everyone was having a celebratory drink.

Zuko stared and nodded at the retreating Earthbenders. "Guess Haru doesn't look at you quite like that. At least not anymore," he joked.

Despite her mood, Katara laughed, although the sound was thin. "I told you. Even Toph couldn't see that coming— well, I mean—"

Zuko laughed through his nose, fighting his smile. "I know what you mean." He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Are you feeling better?"

"Now I am," she said softly, her eyes meeting his warmly. "Thanks to you. And I guess Haru."

"Haru, huh?" he grumbled goodnaturedly, earning a quiet giggle from the Waterbender. He turned and tucked a strand of hair away from her face to tuck it behind her ear. "Shall we?"

Katara smiled up at him and to his surprise, grasped his hand in the same manner that Haru took Toph's hand. "We shall."

When the morning came for them to make the trip back to Ba Sing Se, Zuko found himself watching as Katara played with a large group of the town's school-aged children after they had come into town to quickly stock up on just-in-case supplies, as Katara called them, for the overnight trip. The children giggled and squealed as she created an octopus out of water, trying to tag them with her tentacles. Then, she morphed the water into the shape of the unagi, sending it through the crowd of kids, the watery eel chasing and weaving through them as they ran to avoid it. Finally, she sent the unagi into the air before throwing her hands down so it looked like she would drench everyone. The children closed their eyes and held their arms over their head in preparation, but when they felt nothing, they gasped and cooed at the delicate crystals falling onto them, the flakes melting as soon as it made contact with their skin. The snow glittered in the morning light and they all hurried to try and catch it in their hands, on their tongues.

Zuko's face softened as he continued to watch the scene, staring at his favorite Waterbender with tender affection. His golden eyes crinkled slightly as he smiled after watching several of the kids tackle Katara, wrapping themselves around her legs and reaching around her as much as they could with their small arms. Katara stumbled backwards in surprise but quickly caught her balance, hugging as much of them as she could in return, her laughter carrying across the road to him. He turned when he heard soft laughter near him.

A young Fire Nation woman was watching the same scene, her arms full with a basket of food from the market, her eyes focused on a small boy who was around four years old. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude, Fire Lord Zuko. I just wanted to call in my son to help the rest of his siblings with breakfast. But I think I'll let him play with the others a bit longer. It's not often that we get snow here."

Zuko considered the little boy. He was quite stocky and had bright green eyes, typical Earth Kingdom traits that accompanied his raven hair. The angle of his nose and more delicate shape of his mouth were the only clues that hinted towards his Fire Nation ancestry that came from his mother. "Master Katara's shows are always a rare treat," he said finally. "I don't blame him for wanting to see for himself."

"She is quite spectacular. The children here in Yu Dao adore her. And I know many of us mothers appreciate the respite she's provided during this time by watching over them when not involved in the meetings. I imagine her own children will be very lucky when the time comes."

Zuko's shoulders tightened slightly. "When the time comes," he murmured. "Forgive me for asking, but I couldn't help but notice—"

"That my husband is an Earth Kingdom man? Yes, well that is the case for many of us here and in the surrounding former colonies. Or you'll find many an Earth Kingdom woman with a Fire Nation man. Or even otherwise, not that it's any of my business," she said with a slight, knowing smile. "But the people of the colonies have had several generations of co-existing so we don't even think about it. I suppose it's not as common elsewhere?"

"Very rare," Zuko confirmed.

"I hope that the United Republic of Nations opens eyes, then. If such great love can be found between an Earth Kingdom man and a Fire Nation woman like my husband and me, then I should hope that others are inspired to find their own partner elsewhere if they haven't yet in their home nation. There are a great many people in the world. If you ask me, it's absurd to limit your options and search to whoever's down the street."

Zuko inclined his head in consideration. "It sounds as though you're trying to convince me, when believe me, you don't need to."

The woman looked between him and Katara and raised her eyebrows in delight. "Oh, I hadn't realized congratulations are in order, my lord."

Zuko's jaw dropped. "They aren't," he stuttered. "I simply meant that I needed no convincing of your ideas. It was our understanding and welcoming of the multicultural diversity of the colonies that led us to forming the United Republic of Nations."

"I see," she smiled wisely. "So it would have nothing to do with Master Katara, then. Or perhaps Master Toph? I do think that she may be soft on the other Earthbender, though."

Zuko commented, "You're quite astute."

She winked at him. "Call it a mother's intuition. Have safe travels, Fire Lord Zuko." She called for her son to follow her into a nearby home and the other children began to disperse as well.

Katara smoothed her tunic before joining Zuko. "Are we set to head back to Ba Sing Se? I'm sorry I got carried away with the young ones. But they've never really seen Waterbending and I couldn't help it."

"There's no rush, Katara," he assured her. "And apparently, your entertainment has been a welcome reprieve for many of the busy mothers in Yu Dao."

"Is that what that woman was talking to you about?"

"Among other things," Zuko said vaguely.

Katara rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. "I'm not the jealous type, Zuko, Besides, that woman is clearly unavailable."

With a raised eyebrow and a smirk, Zuko responded, "Firstly, you are the jealous type. Secondly, you forget, Katara— I'm the Fire Lord."

"Fire Lord, Schmire Lord. Careful, Zuko, or your crown won't fit on your big head anymore."

Zuko scowled at her and began to retort when he grabbed her by the waist and spun her around so that she was shielded by his own body. Then, he turned and immediately unsheathed his dual dao blades to block the strike that was coming for her, the metal ringing out as it collided with the man's sword.

Zuko's face darkened and his lips pulled back over his teeth in a snarl. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

"That witch is not welcome here!"

Using his second blade, Zuko used the butt of the sword to strike the man in the abdomen, causing him to lose his breath and crumple over. Zuko kicked the man in the chest, sending him flying back and the landed hard on his back in the middle of the road, the sword clattering loudly from his grasp. Many of the townspeople froze and watched the fight with wide eyes. Zuko advanced and continued to hold out one of his blades in the man's direction, the tip primed at the man's throat.

"Try again," he said in a quiet voice, the deadly tone unmistakable. "This woman came to Yu Dao to help its people and I won't have you disrespecting her. What issue do you have?"

"Fire Lord Zuko, I am a proud member of the Fire Nation and I only aim to protect you and your honor. This Water Tribe whore thirsts over powerful men and has already had her fill of the Avatar and cast him aside. It's obvious that she means to set her sights on you and I am doing my civic duty to defend my lord from those who would threaten him. First, she tries to ensnare you and now she curses our children—" The words tumbled out of his mouth, prompting Zuko to rush forward, the cool metal nearly touching the man's skin, and his already light skin paled further in fear at being the object of the Fire Lord's scorn.

"You're wrong," Zuko hissed. "By attacking Master Katara, you attack me and everything I hope to accomplish for the Fire Nation. We've dedicated our lives to rebuilding the world from the damage of my ancestors and Master Katara has done nothing but show compassion and understanding for all who need help in the wake of the war. If she is not welcome, then neither am I."

"My lord, you misunderstand—"

Zuko held the blade even closer to the man. "No, you misunderstand on two separate counts. I'm no longer your Fire Lord and any word against Master Katara is slander against me," he growled.

Katara pleaded, "Zuko, please."

"Katara, he needs to learn that his words have dangerous repercussions," he growled out.

"I don't care about his words!"

"I do!"

"We can't control other people's thoughts. Zuko, listen to me. What he did was wrong, but he did it with good intentions. Speaking harshly shouldn't cost him his life."

"My great-grandfather Sozin had what he thought were good intentions," he reminded her. "And this man wasn't just speaking harshly, Katara, he tried to kill you. You'd rather I let him go through with it?"

"I'd rather that you not kill this man here," she said evenly.

"Katara, he tried to kill you," Zuko ground out again, his jaw clenched.

"I know. And he wouldn't be the first. He certainly won't be the last."

She stepped closer and looked into the man's eyes, her blue eyes fierce. "I understand that you don't trust me. And that distrust comes from not knowing me or my people. But please know that I would never hurt Fire Lord Zuko. My prior relationship with Avatar Aang is between him and me. While many laud us as heroes, we're only human and experience many of the same personal tribulations as you. Avatar Aang is still a dear friend of mine, as is Fire Lord Zuko, and I don't owe you any other explanation."

Katara lifted her head to speak to the crowd watching them. "I came to Yu Dao to make sure that no more families would be torn apart and because I believe that love has no boundaries. It doesn't see race or background and I wanted to protect the unique love that is found here and in many of the colonies. I have a lot of hope for the future of the United Republic of Nations as a symbol of the possibilities we can achieve when we welcome the differences of the four nations instead of trying to keep them separate. That's all we came to do."

"And before you forget, I was the Avatar's Waterbending teacher. Don't let my display with the children fool you. I don't need Fire Lord Zuko's help to defend myself." Her voice held the barest hint of a threat and the man's eyes widened in recognition.

She turned to Zuko and inclined her head at him meaningfully, gesturing at the man held by the tip of Zuko's broadsword. "Zuko, your word isn't law here anymore. We're visiting diplomats. We have to leave this man to the laws of the United Republic of Nations."

Zuko's jaw shifted, but with a yell, he pulled back his blade. The man scrambled to his feet and was immediately swarmed by a group of men, who grabbed him by the arms and shuffled him away.

"We'll take care of him," one of the men swore. "He'll face proper punishment for the violence he tried to incite."

"Attempted murder is the phrase you're looking for," Zuko said coldly.

The man struggled, but Zuko and Katara only watched with a hard look in their eyes. Then, the man ducked his head shamefully and was pushed through the crowd of townspeople, many of whom jeered at him.

Zuko sheathed his swords and turned to Katara, agitation still etched on his face. She frowned at the expression and itched to reach up to touch his face, but she knew that they were still being watched by curious townspeople. His eyes roved over her as if to make sure she were alright, a tightness to the amber eyes that Katara had seen before. She nodded at him knowingly and he sighed, rubbing his hand over his face tiredly.

Without completely turning to the crowd, he said clearly, "I am sorry that we are leaving on a sour note. We truly are proud of what we've accomplished in our agreement with the colonies and only do our best to serve our people."

An older man stepped forward and inclined his head respectfully. "Fire Lord Zuko, Master Katara, that man does not speak for us. Many of us are overjoyed with your presence in Yu Dao and your aid in helping our communities find their footing after the war's end. We do hope that this doesn't spoil your opinion of this town and assure you that he will be dealt with lawfully. As the founding city of the fifth nation, we would like to set a better example."

Katara smiled kindly at him. "Thank you for that. Fire Lord Zuko and I both know from firsthand experience that one man's words and actions do not represent a whole nation's. I should like to come back to Yu Dao from time to time to visit and please, don't hesitate to send word if the need arises."

She bowed politely at him as well as the crowd, who returned the gesture. Many of them waved and cried out well wishes for safe travels as she and Zuko departed, heading back towards the campsite to return to Ba Sing Se, their supplies in hand. As soon as they had exited the town's boundaries and were far enough not to be seen, Zuko dropped their things and turned to Katara.

"Are you alright?" he asked tersely.

"I'm fine," she reassured him. "Are you?"

Zuko scoffed. "I'm fine. But that man— I could've killed him alone just for what he tried to do. And then what he said... he shouldn't have spoken to you like that!"

Katara shrugged sadly. "It comes with the territory of being the Avatar's former girlfriend and a public figure in general. And it proves that you were right." Her blue eyes were disappointed and they seemed to remember his previous words to her.

'Always the Avatar's Waterbending teacher or the Avatar's girlfriend or the Chief's daughter or the Southern Water Tribe's healer. Next, you want to be the Fire Lord's… what? I didn't even know the horrible things my court was saying about you behind my back. I can't even protect you from my own people! If I heard them slander you, I don't know what I'd do. I'd probably burn down the entire capital I respect you too much to subject you to that kind of treatment.'

Zuko frowned and gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. He shook his head slowly. "I don't want to be," he said quietly.

With another shrug, Katara replied, "Doesn't mean that you aren't."

"I was so incensed. Terrified. He didn't hurt you physically, but if I wasn't fast enough—"

"It's okay, Zuko. It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter?" he echoed incredulously. "How could it not?"

"I'm not afraid. It doesn't change how I feel."

Zuko locked eyes with her, his breath catching in his throat. "What do you mean? How do you feel then?"

Katara picked up their bag of supplies and smiled up at him before she began walking again, Zuko keeping pace at her side. She relented when he tugged her bag from her hands to carry it himself.

"One day at a time and one thing at a time. This is behind us and we need to focus on getting back to Ba Sing Se and finishing our duties. Then, maybe… afterwards, we can talk more about how I feel, among other things."

"Other things?" Zuko prodded.

"Duties to ourselves," Katara clarified. She wouldn't meet his eyes, but the tops of her cheeks turned pink. "I still don't want to promise anything, but I do think that it deserves more conversation."

Zuko's heart felt light. He smiled gently. "I'm glad."

They returned to their makeshift campsite, which had quickly been cleared, the Fire Nation soldiers able to disassemble the small tent city and begin moving out now that they were no longer needed to enforce the evacuation of Fire Nation citizens back across the sea to the archipelago. Many were glad for the chance to return home to their families earlier than planned. Zuko noted that a handful of the men had come to him to request their official discharge as this task was supposed to be their last assignment. It appeared that some of them had found reasons to stay in the Earth Kingdom after being stationed on the large continent for months or even years. Some had even approached Katara for tips on how to best make their way to the North Pole.

"The North Pole?" Zuko asked in surprise. He raised an eyebrow as he attached a bag to the saddle on their eel hound.

Fiddling with her hair, Katara shifted her weight as she watched him. "Apparently, some of the healers sent by the Northern Water Tribe crossed paths with some of your men after the retaking of Ba Sing Se by the Order of the White Lotus. They seem to have made quite the impression if a bunch of Firebenders are willing to go to the tundra to follow after them," she quipped.

"I don't blame them," Zuko murmured. "That will be an interesting situation. The Water Tribes are quite isolated due to the climate and distance from the other nations. There haven't really been chances for interracial relationships the way there have been between the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. And the Water Tribes are a very tight-knit community. I hope my men won't have too tough of a time."

Katara considered this and hummed to herself thoughtfully. "As long as the healers they're interested in aren't already betrothed, I don't foresee an issue. But the Northern Water Tribe, while more open than it used to be, is still very wary of outsiders," she admitted. "Chief Arnook didn't even approve of Sokka when it seemed that Princess Yue might be interested in him. I mean, she was already betrothed, but it was obvious she loathed her fiancé."

Zuko's eyes widened. "You mean Sokka's girlfriend that turned into the moon was the Princess of the Northern Water Tribe?"

Katara blinked. "He told you that? It was always a sore subject and Aang and I tried not to bring it up after the Siege of the North."

"When we went to free your father at the Boiling Rock." Zuko shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I think I told him, 'That's rough, buddy.' There's not exactly a protocol for what to say to Sokka's situation."

Katara laughed at the anecdote and helped Zuko secure the eel hound's bridle, patting the creature's cheek kindly. She explained, "I think all Sokka needed was someone to listen to him. And you two are best friends, so obviously he thought your response was fine. Yue was very sick as an infant. None of the healers could save her. She was given the chance to live by Tui, the Moon Spirit. Tui had imparted some of its own lifeforce to Yue… and when Zhao managed to kill Tui during the Siege of the North, Yue was brave enough to repay the favor and give back the lifeforce keeping her alive. She was reincarnated into Tui."

Her blue eyes softened at the memory of her old friend. Zuko covered her hand with his comfortingly and she continued, "But anyway, the point I was trying to make is that the Northern Water Tribe is very strict with tradition. It's eased up somewhat since the war, but to be frank, I wish your men all of the luck in the world. It won't be an easy transition, but when they came to talk to me, they seemed sincere, which will be respected by the tribe."

"Well if it isn't our royal highnesses, the Fire Lord and Sugar Queen themselves."

Zuko and Katara turned to see Toph sidling up to them with a grin, Haru at her side. Katara rolled her eyes at the detested nickname. "Will you be heading back to your school?"

"Yup. My students have taken enough of a vacation. Or at least the ones that didn't come with me. It's time to crack the whip and get them into shape. The workload should be much easier now that I have another teacher to help."

Katara blinked and asked excitedly, "Haru? Will you be helping Toph teach?"

Haru nodded shyly. "You'll remember that I wasn't able to use my Earthbending as much as I wanted to during my childhood. My father has been able to formally train me more since we freed him and the war's end. But having Toph open up my eyes to the larger possibilities of my Earthbending was too much of a good chance to pass up. I'll be learning as well as teaching. I haven't quite been able to Metalbend, but hopefully, I will soon."

"That's amazing. You already have such a natural talent and I'm sure that Toph will be able to help you improve," Katara said earnestly. She looked ruefully at Toph. "I'm glad you'll be having the extra… help, Toph."

To Katara's surprise, Toph's pale skin pinked, but the younger woman crossed her arms and tossed her head to get her dark bangs out of her face. "Shut it, Katara," she snapped, though there was no heat to her words. "It'll also give me time to keep an eye on Yu Dao," she continued. "Especially since Zuko told me you two had trouble earlier today. So don't worry, Sparky, I'll make sure that guy learns his lesson."

"Oh Zuko asked you to do this, did he?" Katara asked, her eyes sliding over to the Fire Lord in question.

Zuko cleared his throat. "You two have safe travels. I'm sure that the school will be churning out the best Earthbenders in the world if you two are there to teach."

"Thanks, Zuko," Haru replied. "Actually, I wanted to make sure to catch you guys before you leave so that I could hand you the Earth Kingdom's copy of the agreement. I'm sure King Kuei will want to hold onto it."

He held out the vellum secured with a wax seal of the Earth Kingdom. Zuko accepted the scroll and secured it in one of the saddlebags attached to their eel hound, next to where his and Katara's copies of the scrolls were kept.

"I actually think it would be safer with you two at the academy. No one would dare to try and steal from Toph. But you're right. King Kuei will want his copy for his personal records."

Katara sighed. "I guess this is it for a while."

She held her arms out wide and while Toph made a face, she stepped into the Waterbender's embrace easily, Haru not far behind. True to form, Zuko had to be tugged in by Toph and Katara to join the group hug. He was the first to break away. Katara held on to Haru for a moment longer, whispering something in his ear that caused him to avert his eyes shyly and blush. He ducked his head and squeezed her shoulder affectionately. Zuko raised an eyebrow at that but kept quiet.

"Be safe," he said finally, after attaching their last bag to the saddle.

Toph waved off his farewell with a lazy flick of her hand. "Don't worry about us, just make sure you and Madam Fussybritches make it back to Ba Sing Se in one piece. I'll be on the lookout for a messenger hawk from you two."

"You'll get one," Katara assured her. "Along with a package of your favorite sweets from that shop in the Upper Ring."

Toph grinned and lightly hit Katara in the upper arm. "Knew there was a reason I kept you around, Sweetness."

Zuko grasped Katara around the waist and lifted her up onto the eel hound, climbing up after her. With a final look at the two Earthbenders, he pulled on the reins, the eel hound rising to its full height and padding its feet in place before making off eastward, back to Ba Sing Se.

"What was that?" he asked once they had made it to the main road.

"What was what?" Katara smiled knowingly.

"Tease."

Katara laughed and leaned back, resting her head against his chest. "Oh you mean between Haru and me? It's nothing."

"Didn't look like nothing."

"For goodness' sake, Zuko, it's none of your business." She looked over her shoulder and giggled at the Fire Lord's disgruntled expression. "But if you must know, I just told him that he shouldn't get discouraged if Toph doesn't seem outwardly interested. That she's actually shy about these things. To give her time."

"But not too much time," Zuko pointed out.

Katara nodded. "Not too much. After all, he waited too long to tell me he had a crush on me and now—"

"Now what?" Zuko cut in, his voice shrill.

Katara smirked slyly. "Well..." she dragged it out.

"He confessed his feelings now?"

"Of course not, Zuko," she responded smartly. "But I'm just saying, who knows what might have happened if he acted a little sooner?"

Zuko narrowed his eyes and glowered at the road ahead of them. "Careful, Katara, I was really starting to like Haru."

Katara grinned at him and said, "Enough with the dramatic threats. You know as well as I do that any crush he had on me faded years ago. A girl just wants to be flattered with a little jealousy."

Zuko's eyes locked with hers and Katara felt her stomach flip from the intensity. "Be careful what you wish for," he advised, his voice low and warm.

With more bravado than she knew she actually had, she retorted, "Taken under advisement. Now let's go home, Zuko."

She turned and settled against his chest again and Zuko smiled to himself as he held her a bit closer, urging their eel hound to quicken its pace, suddenly excited to return to their home.