A/N Sadly, our lovebirds don't interact much in this chapter, so I decided to upload the next one too (since I love you all so much) :D Enjoy chapters 8 and 9!

The sunlight blazed brightly through Zuko's window. As opposed to practicing his fire bending this morning, Zuko was sitting at the small desk in his room going through old pictures. He'd been awake since the sun had started to peek through, not being able to help how fidgety he was when that happened.

He hadn't left his room on the off chance he'd accidentally run into Katara, and that was the last thing he wanted right now. She definitely needed time to think, and Zuko didn't want to see her anyways. Zuko's mind flashed to last night and he couldn't help the anger he felt. If he had come to care for Katara but she didn't feel the same….well…he didn't want to think about that. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. Did Katara think this was some sort of game? Honestly. How come it always felt like she was running away from him? But then…she had been the one to kiss him, right? Zuko felt like he'd been pretty open and straight-forward with her, but maybe he hadn't been? It wasn't like they'd actually talked about anything, but how could she not understand why he'd done the things he'd done? No. That couldn't be her excuse. Which must mean she just didn't feel the same.

Zuko shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn't let his mind wander down that path today. Not when he'd already lost enough sleep over it all last night.

He also couldn't think about Azula today. His worry about her had died down since she'd escaped, but not completely. Zuko had wondered if maybe she was planning on pulling something at the coronation. He'd confided this worry in Uncle after explaining everything that had happened. It had almost been the first thing Zuko told him after he'd stepped off the boat from Ba Sing Se.

"You've handled this well, Zuko. It is best to not raise alarm right now. I have a feeling your sister will want to stay off the map for as long as she can, and I doubt she will try anything soon. Especially during a time of great celebration when we have so many friends and guests here," he had explained.

"You forget, Uncle, lying low isn't Azula's specialty."

Iroh laughed. "That is true, Zuko. But with your explanation, I feel Azula isn't herself. If anything, I am more worried about her own well-being."

"But you think she is in the Fire Nation?"

"Who knows?" his uncle had said with a smile. This had only annoyed Zuko more.

Zuko brought his mind to the present, attempting to clear his head of any thoughts of Katara or Azula. He needed to be totally focused today. It probably would've been nice to fire bend this morning. To let off some steam.

Zuko looked at the sheet of paper with a small portrait of his mother painted on it. It was one of the few of her left in the palace and had survived only because Zuko kept it in a small, discreet drawer of his desk. He'd already had the maids clear most of his father's stuff out of the Fire Lord's office and had his dad's throne room and bedroom cleared out too.

Living here without his parents or Azula would be strange. It almost didn't even feel like the same place anymore. The palace had been full of more joy in the last two days than he remembered it ever being in the thirteen years he'd lived here previously. Still, some rooms would always haunt his memory and remind him of darker times.

A knock on the door broke the silence in his room, and Zuko mumbled a quiet "come in," as he stood to pull his robe back on over his bandaged chest. The bandages Katara had wrapped so expertly.

"Need some help with that?" Zuko whipped around at the sound of the familiar voice.

"Mai!" She had smile on her face, which Zuko found looked different on her, but also kind of nice. Her dark, sleek hair looked as beautiful as ever. "You're okay!" She walked over to Zuko and grabbed his other sleeve, pulling his robe on completely. "They let you out of prison?"

"My uncle pulled some strings. And, it doesn't hurt when the new Fire Lord is your boyfriend."

Zuko's stomach clenched uncomfortably at the word 'boyfriend.' But he couldn't get rid of his smile. He was genuinely happy she was okay, even though he did feel bad. How had he completely forgotten that Mai would be getting released as well?

"So, does this mean you don't hate me anymore?"

Mai blushed, and Zuko kept his eyes on her. "I think it means I actually kind of like you." She lifted her hand to his cheek and Zuko felt the familiar touch of her soft skin. She leaned up and kissed him.

Zuko kissed her back. It was nice. Familiar. He liked Mai, and she liked him a lot. But he didn't feel the same way he felt about Katara. Zuko hated that. Katara had done nothing but run from him, and here Mai was openly showing how much she cared for him. Kissing him and calling him her boyfriend even though Zuko had technically ended things. She hadn't given up on him. It made him mad that he was still wishing Katara was here instead. Spirits. Why couldn't he get her out of his head?

Mai broke their kiss and wrapped her arms around him, burying her head to his chest in a tight embrace. Zuko closed his eyes and returned the hug, relishing the comfortable feeling of familiarity and trying to bury the longing he felt for Katara.

. . .

A couple hours later, Zuko was fully dressed for the coronation ceremony. His hair, which usually hung long and loose around his face, had been pulled into a neat top knot, the gold Fire Prince crown resting on it carefully. He was wearing long, dark red robes with the Fire Nation insignia on the front.

He followed the servant who had helped him with his robes out of the room and up the stairs. The servant stopped at the top and gestured to the end of a hallway where curtains covered the entrance to the main balcony of the palace. His people were waiting.

As he walked down further, he noticed Aang meditating on the ground by the entrance. He was wearing formal air bending robes. Suddenly, the overwhelming weight of everything that had happened in the last year washed over Zuko as he stared at the avatar. He couldn't believe how much had changed. The heaviness of what was about to happen fell on his shoulders. He was about to become Fire Lord.

"I can't believe a year ago my purpose in life was hunting you down. And now…"

Aang smiled, recognizing just how much had changed too. "And now we're friends."

Zuko smiled back. He didn't have many of those. He wondered if Aang was remembering the time so long ago when he'd offered to be Zuko's friend. "Yeah. We are friends."

Aang stood and faced Zuko. "I can't believe a year ago I was still frozen in a block of ice. The world's so different now."

"And it's going to be even more different. We'll rebuild it together." A newfound confidence Zuko hadn't felt in a while washed over him. They could do this. The war had ended but the work towards peace and balance had barely begun. He put his hand on Aang's shoulder, but Aang threw his arms around Zuko, clearly overcome with happiness. Zuko hugged him back, imagining the world they would create.

The sound of a gong echoed through the curtains and Zuko knew that to be his que to step through to face the crowd. He raised his hand and took a deep breath, pulling aside the divider. He blinked at the sudden harsh daylight and smiled as the cheers of his friends and his people filled his ears. He walked forward, greeting them.

Zuko watched them continue to cheer and wave their arms. But these people weren't just here for him. He'd played a sideline role in the ending of this war. Aang was the one who had been fighting for this day from the very beginning. Zuko motioned to Aang before he'd even realized he'd made the decision to.

"Please, the real hero is the avatar." Zuko stepped aside and Aang stepped forward. Zuko watched as the crowd of people from the Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes, and many other places, cheered louder than ever. Aang smiled, his eyes almost tearful, as he looked out into the mass of people chanting his name. This was truly a remarkable day.

Zuko stepped forward again. "Today, this war is finally over!" More cheers and jumps followed this statement. "I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation, and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the avatar's help, we can get it on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace."

The Fire Sages sensed this was the end of his speech, and one of them stepped forward holding the crown of the Fire Lord. The same crown that had almost fallen upon Azula's head not long ago. Another Fire Sage stepped forward and Zuko knelt to allow him access to remove the Fire Prince crown.

"All hail Fire Lord Zuko!" Zuko felt the heavy weight of the larger crown as it was placed on his head. The symbolism of the burden he now carried didn't escape him. As he stood, the crowd cheered louder than ever, jumping and waving their arms in the air.

Zuko and Aang looked at each other and walked closer to the end of the platform. He could feel himself smiling, and saw his expression reflected in Aang's face as they both turned to face the crowd again. Unconsciously, Zuko looked for Katara. His eyes locked easily with her bright blue ones, even from so great a distance. She was standing with her father, brother and other water tribe natives. Her eyes gleamed and she smiled at him. It almost looked like tears were pooling in her eyes. She continued to hold his gaze and Zuko smiled back brightly.

A thousand memories ran through his brain in the matter of a second. Memories he had clung to as he'd tossed and turned in confusion last night. He remembered how beautiful she looked bending in the moonlight, or in front of those children. He remembered how impressed he'd been at her fierce fighting abilities during her confrontation with Yon Rha. Zuko couldn't imagine the courage it took to let Yon Rha go. But that was Katara. She was courageous, determined, honorable. But she was sweet and kind too. He remembered the feeling of Katara hugging him for the first time, saying she'd finally forgiven him. All the times she'd ever comforted him came flooding back to his memory as well. Having earned Katara's trust was one of the things Zuko was most proud of. Whatever anger he'd felt towards her for last night dissipated.

Zuko hadn't ever felt this about Mai. He couldn't pinpoint why, but it just wasn't the same. Right there on the balcony, Zuko made up his mind. If Katara needed time to work things out, he was going to give her however much she needed. He knew she at least felt something towards him. She couldn't deny that. She couldn't take back her kiss. So he would give her time to work it out, because he was sure that she felt their connection too. Katara just needed time to figure everything out. He refused to let her go without trying. At the very least, they needed to talk. Maybe then he'd be able to help ease whatever confusion she seemed to have.

Katara's eyes shifted to something behind Zuko quickly, as if something had caught her attention. Her smiled faltered ever so slightly and her eyebrows knit in confusion. Before he could figure out why, the Fire Sages began ushering him and Aang back inside. The crowd's cheering had shifted to a general hum of conversation.

Zuko turned to leave and saw what Katara had noticed. Mai was standing on the balcony too, smiling widely at him. When he'd turned around fully, she walked up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Not now, Mai," he whispered, trying hard to keep any anger out of his voice. He reached his hands up to her arms, pulling them back down. She scoffed in obvious annoyance but turned and fell into step next to him. As they walked down the hall, Zuko's mind raced. What had Katara been thinking when she noticed Mai? Maybe she was just surprised to see her there. Zuko had never told any of them that Mai had once been his girlfriend. Wait. Spirits. He'd told Sokka on their way to the Boiling Rock. Argh. But he didn't want to be with Mai now! Would Sokka go around telling everybody Mai was Zuko's girlfriend? Zuko's thoughts stopped for a moment. Probably. Argh, what would Katara think if she heard that?

And it wasn't like Zuko could break up with Mai now. That was one of the first things she'd told him when she got here. He'd have to wait a while if he wanted to spare Mai's feelings. Zuko turned to look at Mai. He couldn't read her expression. Her face was totally blank. Just as it used to always be.

Mai had saved his life. Mai had been there waiting when he'd come back to the Fire Nation. If he was being honest, Mai had always been there. Ever since they'd been kids. She'd liked him even when he was at his low points. And she was someone who did not hand out her affection to just anyone. Even when she hated his guts, she'd still saved his life. He couldn't break her heart again. In fact, he should be grateful to have someone in his life who cared about him that much. Zuko sighed and looked down as a maid approached Mai to lead her away. This was not simple matter.

Another servant came and lead Aang away. Zuko stood there a moment, lost in thought, before he realized a servant had approached him as well.

"Fire Lord Zuko." He bowed low. "If you'll follow me, I can help you prepare for the celebration." Zuko nodded solemnly and followed the servant.

. . .

Zuko watched another firework burst behind him in the sky above the palace with a loud bang and shower of color. The celebration had started almost immediately after the coronation in the same area where the crowd had been gathered earlier. It continued out past the gates of the palace grounds to the capital city streets.

The palace workers had been letting off fireworks almost non-stop since it had turned dark. By the feel of it, this party was going to last the rest of the night. Tables filled with all kinds of food and drink lined the edges of the main party. Lanterns were strung above everyone's heads and dancers and musicians were performing throughout the crowd. There was a general feeling of excitement and celebration in the air.

Guests, both citizens of the Fire Nation and some who'd traveled from other nations, had been greeting Zuko and his uncle on the front palace steps since the start of the celebration nearly four hours ago. Aang had stood with them for the first few hours before he'd disappeared, mumbling something about getting a drink.

In front of Zuko now was an older fire nation couple and a young boy who looked about Zuko's age or little older. He had a bad burn on his lower leg and foot which seemed to hinder his ability to walk properly.

"Hello, my boy," Uncle said to the young man as the family bowed. The boy smiled at the recognition.

"General Iroh, it is an honor to meet you," he said bowing again. The mother approached them both slowly. Her hands were clasped on her chest, tears spilling down her cheeks. But she was smiling as she knelt down in front of them.

"Thank you, Fire Lord, for ending this war. I owe everything to you and the avatar. Because of you, my son was able to come home safe. I don't know what I would've done if he'd been killed." Zuko and his uncle smiled at the woman before sharing a side glance. Soldiers had to be 21 to enlist in the Fire Nation army. Had this boy lied about his age to join?

Uncle stared at the boy a moment longer. He seemed to hesitate before he asked the question. "How old are you?" Iroh's voice was calm and unassuming.

The parent's eyes widened, but the boy didn't appear nervous when he answered, his eyes still locked with Zuko's uncle's. "Eighteen, sir." Iroh nodded solemnly, his mouth a thin line. The family bowed again before leaving.

"How is that possible, Uncle?" Zuko said, turning to the old man.

"It is more common than you think, Zuko. Ozai and the other war generals likely would've turned a blind eye. They would've seen the boost in numbers as a positive thing. The young man probably felt pressure to join early. He likely felt he had no choice. I would even suppose that to not join early would be seen as a disgrace in some villages around the country. We should be thankful that he is home safe. And so soon too."

Zuko realized this was true. How many wouldn't return? Zuko had already started the process of pulling soldiers out of the Earth Kingdom and other places, put it would be a long time until they were all back. There were only so many ships. Perhaps the boy had been one of the soldiers Ozai had kept in the Fire Nation to prevent any rebellion among the people. He remembered hearing his father say they had started doing that placing soldiers in villages. That would explain why the boy was already home.

"It's important to remember," started Uncle again, "that age is no measure of capability or drive. Look at the avatar and his friends. Even you, nephew, have become Fire Lord at only seventeen! It is indeed sad, that the problems and responsibilities of this world so often fall into the hands of the young. But I believe that, in some cases, there are no better hands for them to fall into." Zuko's uncle smiled kindly, and Zuko smiled back, laughing internally at the return of his uncle's wise words. "You should go take a break, Zuko," he spoke again, eyeing the next group of people coming to greet them. "Find your friends and enjoy the party. This line will still be here in an hour."

Zuko hesitated, but his Uncle raised his eyebrows, and Zuko knew he didn't have a choice in this. He bowed to his uncle and quickly hurried away before the group reached them.

It was difficult maneuvering through the crowd, and his crown and scar made him extremely recognizable. He sneakily slipped his crown off and into his pocket, hoping that would lesson the number of people trying to talk to him. He didn't know where he was going or who he was trying to find. Part of him wanted to just stand on the side apart from everything, but he knew his uncle would see him and yell at him for not being social. Well, he probably wouldn't actually yell, but still.

Another part of him wanted to find Katara, but it wouldn't be possible to have a good talk with her here and he knew it would be awkward between them until they did that. Besides, she probably wanted to spend time with her dad.

Zuko had just pushed around a large huddle of fire nation children when he spotted a large group of girls wearing long, dark green dresses. The Kyoshi warriors had made it back after all. Suki wouldn't be a bad person to talk with, even if it meant he may have to meet new people, which he despised.

"Zuko!" he heard a familiar voice yell. Suddenly, a large flurry of green and white rushed into his vision and he felt arms wrap tightly around him.

"Ty Lee?" he asked, confused. The person hugging him laughed loudly and released him, holding his upper arms.

"You make a great Fire Lord! Your aura is ten times brighter. I'm so happy for you Zuko!" She giggled again, smiling brightly. Zuko stared at her. It was like two different regions of his brain were merging together and he couldn't quite make sense of it.

"You're a Kyoshi warrior now?"

"Yep!" She giggled again and Zuko remembered why Ty Lee had always felt slightly annoying to him. Now that the shock had wore off though, Zuko smiled at seeing her so happy.

"Isn't it oddly fitting?" asked another familiar voice. Zuko turned and saw Mai walking towards them. His stomach churned and he immediately felt uncomfortable. Still, he managed to plaster a smile on his face.

"Mai."

Ty Lee wrapped an arm around Zuko's neck and another around Mai's, squeezing them all together. "Look at us all back together again! Who would've thought?!" She let out a high-pitched squeal of excitement.

"Not me," said Zuko and Mai simultaneously, an equal amount of dullness lining their voices. This made Ty Lee jump with laughter, roughly releasing them from her grip. Mai grabbed Zuko's hand which he thought was weird. Showing affection when they were out in public was uncharacteristic of her. He didn't have the heart to pull away, especially after his rough annoyance with her earlier, so he just limply held her hand back.

Before he knew it, three more people had walked up and joined their group.

"Zuko, my maaan!" Sokka sauntered up to them, one hand was holding a drink and the other was slung around Suki, who was also in full Kyoshi warrior uniform. She looked slightly annoyed at her boyfriend. Toph was walking with them too. "I must say. Ba Sing Se's food may have been tastier, but the Fire Nation throws a mean party."

Zuko smiled at this. "Hi, Sokka."

Sokka's eyes drifted down to Zuko and Mai's clasped hands. "Oh man! I totally forgot! This is your girlfriend. What's your name again? Mai?"

Mai nodded, already looking bored. Conversation passed for a little while longer pretty comfortably. This was definitely weird. Everyone standing in this circle had come across each other at different times but had never actually met. It was awkward for a moment when Suki and Mai were formally introduced. It seemed Suki had come to terms with Ty Lee, but she still seemed stiff when it came to Mai. Zuko vaguely knew that something had happened between Azula, Mai, Ty Lee and the Kyoshi Warriors, but he'd never asked Azula about it when he came home, and he didn't care enough now to figure out the details.

"Does anyone know where Aang is?" Zuko asked. He could care less where Aang was, but he hoped by asking about Aang first, it would seem less weird for him to ask about Katara next. He silently wondered if they were together. What was their deal anyway? Did he still have feelings for Katara? Was that the reason for her confusion?

"I bumped into him earlier," said Toph. "I think he said he was going to go find Appa. I don't think he's been to see him yet."

"He's probably sick of all of the people too," Suki added.

"Sounds like a party pooper if you ask me," Sokka said.

"No kidding," giggled Ty Lee. Toph had just bent a balance beam and Ty Lee was walking on it on her hands. Toph was making it harder by shaking it and moving it up and down.

Zuko nodded. "What about Katara?" he asked as coolly as he could manage.

"Last I saw she was with our dad, Haru and Haru's dad. But it's been a couple hours since I saw them." Ugh. Maybe she was with Aang. Zuko's stomach clenched at the thought and he shook his head, trying to clear his head of of Katara. "Also! Zuko. Is it true your uncle invited us all back to Ba Sing Se for the reopening of his tea shop? I thought I heard Aang mention that this morning."

"Yeah. My uncle is really excited about it. He was planning on staying here a while to help me get settled, but I know he wants to get back as soon as he can. I mentioned leaving tomorrow and he seemed to like the idea. Would you guys be able to come?"

Sokka and Suki happily said they would be able to, but Toph let out a groan.

"We just came from Ba Sing Se!" she complained. "But I guess I would never miss your old uncle's tea shop opening. I love the guy too much. And he does make some pretty good tea." Everyone laughed at this.

"Great," said Zuko. "He'll be so happy."

The rest of the celebration passed fairly easily. The grouped talked for a while longer before Zuko remembered he'd promised to return to his uncle. The fireworks continued to light up the sky, and the music seemed to have grown louder. The food on the tables had been depleted and more people seemed to be dancing and singing. Zuko slipped his hand out of Mai's and mumbled something about finding her later. She nodded, her face expressionless.

He moved his way back through the crowd of people and up the front palace steps, slipping his crown back on.

"Sorry, Uncle. I lost track of time."

Iroh let out a laugh deep from his belly. "It's okay. I hope your time with your friends was enjoyable. I am sorry you won't get to spend the remainder of the party with them. Tell me, how is Miss Katara?"

Zuko whipped his head to look at him. Iroh was just smiling and staring at the family now approaching them. Zuko's face flushed red with embarrassment. "If you must know," he whispered earnestly. The family was now on the top step and within earshot. "I didn't see her. I have no idea."

Zuko's uncle let out another laugh at Zuko's flustered response, and it took all of Zuko's self-control to not roll his eyes. He took a deep, calming breath as he greeted the family. This celebration could not be over soon enough.