Zuko closed his eyes, trying not the let the swaying of the ship disorient him. Living on a boat for three or so years with his Uncle had acquainted him with the monotonous back and forth motion of the sea, but he was certain he would still never be fully okay with it. It still messed with his insides sometimes.

Katara, on the other hand, looked completely content, if not a little bored, sprawled out on her back on the other side of the bed. She was staring at the ceiling of the room, her long brown hair splayed out haphazardly behind her. One of her legs was dangling off the side of the bed.

He smiled, knowing he would never get used to the fact that they could be this comfortable with each other. During their journey three months ago to the Fire Nation, they hadn't seen much of each other. But on this return journey, they spent nearly all hours of the day together. So much had changed.

They'd been traveling for a few days now, and it was starting to get hard to fill the time. Luckily though, they were supposed to hit the Southern Water Tribe within a few hours. He could already feel the chill in the air. A fire was crackling, lighting the windowless, dark room with an orange glow. The chugs and groans of the metal ship had been the only sounds between them for a while.

"I still feel like it was such a bad time to leave," said Katara.

"You worry too much," he replied. "I'm sure everything is fine."

She groaned quietly and covered her face with her hands. "I just hate that Azula has to spend another week or so in a cell. Without healing too." It still amazed Zuko how attached to Azula Katara had become. But honestly, he didn't know why he was surprised. If there was one thing he knew, it was that above everything else, Katara was the most selfless person he'd ever known. Of course she'd be worried about Azula. "And with your Uncle gone too." She was shaking her head now.

Zuko reached over and grabbed her wrists, gently pulling them away from her face. He placed a quick kiss on her lips, breathing her in. "You worry too much."

Katara rolled her eyes and smiled. Her smell awakened something in him that hadn't been there ten seconds ago. How did she manage to do this to him so quickly? With her wrists still in his hands, he pinned them softly just above her head, catching her lips in a deep kiss as he rolled over and on top of her. Katara kissed him back, but after a while, she broke apart for air, laughing at how his mood had changed so suddenly. Zuko moved to the soft skin at her neck, teasing and pulling with his mouth until he knew there'd be a mark.

"Zuko, no," she said breathlessly, another small laugh escaping her lips. "We can't have them know before we even say anything."

Zuko let out a groan of annoyance knowing she was right. He rolled off of her and back to where'd he'd been laying before, falling with a huff and letting one of his arms flop off the side. "You're right. Sorry."

They both laid still for a moment. Katara's hands were still above her head. "What are we going to say to them?" Her voice was light, and she was looking at the ceiling. She sounded kind of amused, like this was a situation she never thought she'd find herself in.

Zuko chuckled, shaking his head against the pillow. "I have no idea."

He felt Katara shift so she was on her side facing him, resting her head on her hand. "I'm a lot less worried about it than when we left. I don't think people will react badly. We just need to find a good way to tell them." Zuko turned his head to face her, raising his eyebrow as if to ask 'really?' Katara laughed. "I'm serious. I think people will be happy. Toph, Aang, Suki," she listed, falling onto her back again and looking at the ceiling.

"You're forgetting someone," he replied.

"Sokka?" she said. Zuko could tell from her voice that she was smiling. Almost like she was laughing at him.

Zuko groaned through a laugh, trying to hide that fact that he really was worried about what Sokka was going to say. At least a little. Three months ago, Katara had sailed off from her home and family as nothing more than his friend. Someone he hadn't seen for years. Katara had only been a part of his life during the war. Nothing else. Now he was coming back with her to face those same people, but their relationship had completely changed. Zuko laced his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling of the room.

Based on how distant they'd been three months ago, Zuko was amazed at where they were now. How familiar and how comfortable. He couldn't believe he'd lived three and a half years of his life without her. It was almost as if she'd been there all along. But she hadn't. She'd been with Aang and her family. Even if this didn't feel new for them, it would be for her family.

"Don't worry about Sokka. If we don't mention it, he probably won't even notice. Especially since it's the week of his wedding. He'll be extra oblivious," Katara said, half joking.

"But when he does find out?" Zuko asked seriously. "What will he say? And your father? And grandmother? What will they think?"

He turned his gaze from the ceiling to look at the side of her face. The orange glow of the room outlined her profile softly. She was smiling. Katara turned so they were looking in each other's eyes from across the large bed. She shifted closer to him, so their faces were only a few inches apart. Zuko saw her close her eyes before she placed a soft kiss on his lips. His hands were still stuck behind his head, but Katara had one of hers on his chest.

"You worry too much," she said with a smile. Zuko couldn't hold back his own small laugh at her use of his own words. "Come on," she said getting up off the bed and attempting to pull him with her. "We can play another game of Pai Sho before we arrive."

Zuko groaned. "You're worse than Uncle."

. . .

The few small people dressed in blue at the bottom of the gangway did little to comfort his already high-strung nerves. Spirits. He was the Fire Lord. The leader of one of the most advanced and successful countries in the world. Get a grip. Thankfully, this job had taught him how to keep a calm exterior. He felt the weight of the crown on his head, reminding him he still had to act like a monarch, even if he would be among friends.

Zuko felt the familiar feeling of Katara looping her arm through his, and felt his heart calm a little. He turned and was surprised to see her dressed in her furs. He hadn't seen that for a long time. Her hair was braided back too. She smiled comfortingly and they walked down together, a respectable distance between them. A host of guards walked along with Zuko. Ugh. Why did so many have to come when he traveled?

They reached the bottom and were greeted by Katara's father, Chief Hakoda, and some other leaders of the tribe.

"Welcome, Fire Lord Zuko. We are honored you've come to visit again so soon," said Hakoda. Zuko bowed, showing respect to the leader of the tribe. Even though he was the Fire Lord, when he was in the Water Tribe, Hakoda held more power Zuko.

"The honor is all mine," he replied. Hakoda nodded, but Zuko saw he was already turned to face his daughter.

"Katara," he said warmly.

Zuko felt her slip away from him. "Dad." She took the couple steps towards her father and wrapped her arms around him. Hakoda returned the hug, closing his eyes and embracing her tightly. Their relationship was so natural and genuine. There was something really special about it. The realization only made Zuko more nervous for some reason.

Without warning, Zuko felt a familiar, and still annoying, thump on the back. He smiled.

"Zuko! My man. I can't believe it's been over three months. I feel like you were just here!" Zuko agreed. It did feel like he'd just been here. And yet so much has happened, he reminded himself, thinking of Azula, the banquet and everything with Yzona. The last three months had been crazy. "How are you?"

Zuko turned to face his friend. He really did look older. Sometimes he forgot they were the same age. Sokka's mouth was spread in a huge, wide smile, nearly taking up his whole face. Zuko had never seen him look this happy and got the impression Sokka'd been smiling like that since he'd officially gotten engaged.

"I'm doing well. How are you? Are you ready for tomorrow?" Suki walked up behind Sokka, and Zuko watched as Sokka instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist before answering Zuko's question. He seemed to have sensed she'd come close, even without looking.

"Are you kidding? I've been ready for this for so long," replied Sokka. "Pretty much the day I met her."

Suki rolled her eyes. "Not true. You fell hard for the moon lady after you met me."

Sokka shook his head in a way that reminded Zuko of Katara. "Minor distraction."

They all laughed and Zuko greeted Suki, asking her how she was.

Suddenly, he felt a whoosh and turned to see Katara approaching her brother quickly. Sokka let out a grunt as Katara hugged him and Suki tightly, holding them both close. "I am so happy for you guys," she said.

"Easy, Katara. Geez. You don't want to kill us the day before our wedding." Katara let up on them, and Sokka shifted to give her a proper hug. "I missed ya, sis," he said in a quieter voice. Zuko heard Katara say something but she was turned away from him and it was too soft for him to hear. When they broke apart, Katara faced Suki.

"Congratulations, Suki," she said. Suki smiled and thanked her, and Katara hugged her again, a bright smile on her face too.

"Oh, you guys are going to be sisters! That's so cute!" said a recognizable voice. Zuko looked to see Ty Lee walking towards them, her hands at her mouth as she watched Katara and Suki, who had just released each other again. It was weird to see her dressed in furs. A few other Kyoshi warriors who must've come for the wedding approached the group too.

"Ty Lee!" said Katara. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm so good! I absolutely love weddings. I wouldn't have missed Suki's for the world. Plus, I had no idea how much fun snow is!" Her smile was huge. Zuko and Sokka stood awkwardly as the group of girls caught up with each other. He turned and noticed Sokka was still smiling. Zuko really was happy for him.

"How's Mai?" Sokka finally said.

Zuko's stomach sunk. He hadn't even reached out to Mai to invite her to this, knowing her well enough to know she'd absolutely hate the idea. Plus, the last time they'd spoken, things hadn't gone well. Katara had told him that she thought he should invite Mai, but he'd never shared with Katara how bad his last conversation with Mai had gone. She didn't know that things hadn't ended well between them.

But what was he supposed to tell Sokka right now? Argh. Why hadn't he and Katara discussed this better. They'd had so much time on the ship to plan this out.

"She's doing well." He paused, his mind working fast. "She's visiting her parents in the southern part of the Fire Nation, so she was unable to come." Technically, none of that was a lie. Right?

Sokka nodded. "I understand—"

"Wait, Mai didn't come?" Ty Lee interrupted, turning to Zuko. The conversation between the girls had stopped. Everyone was looking at Ty Lee now. "Bummer, I really wanted to…" Her voice trailed off, and she looked at Zuko curiously, then to Katara, then back to Zuko. Her already large eyes grew bigger, her mouth opened, and she smiled. In that moment, Zuko knew that she knew. There were few people who had known Zuko as long as Ty Lee had. Unfortunately, that meant she could read him pretty easily. Not to mention the freaky way she read people's auras.

Zuko's heart pounded in his chest. Was Ty Lee going to expose them to Sokka and Suki right now? Like this? He knew his eyes were wide too. He wanted to see Katara's expression but didn't dare glance at her. Fortunately, Ty Lee's face changed back to how'd it'd been before, but she still seemed happy about something. No one else seemed to notice anything strange had passed.

"I really wanted to see her," she finished simply.

"She's really sorry she couldn't make it," said Zuko, trying to get the conversation flowing again, after the quick pause. He was lying straight through his teeth now. He chanced a look at Katara. Her cheeks were red, but other than that, she seemed unfazed. Or was trying to seem unfazed at least. She didn't look at him. An awkward silence was about to fall. Thankfully, Sokka didn't let it.

"Here. You can all follow me back to the house for dinner," he said, his arm slipping off from Suki and immediately grabbing her hand. He walked to the front of the group as they started down the snowy path through the town and to the area where Zuko knew most of the residencies were. "I think Gran-Gran has something great cooking."

With a quick nod to the guards that had followed him down off the ship, he began walking with the group. He didn't want this to feel so formal by having guards follow him around everywhere. The guards bowed and walked back onto the ship, leaving him alone with his friends.

As they made their way to the house, Zuko admired the architecture of the Southern Water Tribe. It truly astounded him. The buildings of the Fire Nation were indeed elaborate, but there was something beautiful in the simplicity and style of Water Tribe buildings. Besides the fact that they were made from snow.

Several people in town looked towards the group curiously, whispering to people next to them. They'd undoubtedly spotted the large black ship. Zuko was walking behind the group, and he looked forward to watch Katara. She was laughing and talking with Suki and her brother. She seemed so happy. Would she know some of those people? Probably. As opposed to the Fire Nation, where Katara stood out, here she blended in. These people looked like her. He was the one that stuck out now.

Zuko felt like he was only just realizing how uncomfortable Katara may have been in the Fire Nation. He'd known that she was of course, but for some reason, he felt like it was only just now truly dawning on him. It wasn't her home. This was. These buildings, these people, everything…this was where she'd grown up. Where she was from. Would she really ever be okay leaving it all behind to live in the Fire Nation? Be its Fire Lady even? Forget about the people accepting her, is that a life she would want?

The thought made him sad. Zuko couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone else. Couldn't imagine bearing the burden of leading the country with anyone else. But who else could he marry that would make him even half as happy as he was with Katara? No one.

They arrived at the house, and Zuko was forced to pause his thoughts. Katara's grandmother, who'd he'd officially met the last time he came to the South Pole, ushered them all in graciously. Katara hugged her and they exchanged the usual pleasantries of family who hadn't seen each other in a while. Zuko could see just how close Katara was with her grandmother. The love shone brilliantly in her kind, blue eyes. He noticed for the first time that her eyes were nearly identical to Kanna's. When Zuko reached Kanna, he bowed his head out of respect and she nodded back, greeting him warmly.

Once inside, Zuko couldn't help but smile at the atmosphere of the home. Last time he'd been here, it'd been a quick visit, and Zuko had slept and eaten on his ship. He'd never come to Katara's house. A fire was crackling, and the smell wafting in from the small kitchen was unlike anything he'd ever smelled before. It smelled unfamiliar and strange, but still delicious. Beat down couches and older looking fur rugs made up the living room to his right. Some spears and bows hung on the wall. He supposed they were used for hunting and fishing. To the left was a large table with faded, but plush looking pillows around it. The home had a spirit of happiness and love. When Zuko'd been growing up, he'd either been in a palace, or on the streets. Never anything like this. A pang of sadness washed over him. He hadn't realized what he'd missed out on until now.

Kanna and an older man both began setting down plates of food as everyone shook off their heavy furs. Was the man's name Pakku? He cursed himself for not remembering. They'd definitely been introduced last time Zuko was here. And he'd been at the White Lotus camp. He should've asked Katara what his name was earlier.

The chatter between the group was as loud as it had been when they'd first stepped off the ship, but Zuko smiled when Katara turned from the group and walked towards him. She winked at him as they knelt side-by-side to eat.

When everyone had been served, Ty Lee turned to Zuko and Katara as the smaller conversations between people died down. "So, tell me, Katara, how was your stay in the Fire Nation? I had no idea you were even visiting there!" Her voice was as giggly as ever, but Zuko didn't care for the knowing smile she had.

Katara was completely calm, no sign of embarrassment of nerves. "I enjoyed it a lot," she said with a smile. "The firebending school is amazing. It's an honor to teach there."

Ty Lee nodded. "Oh yeah, it's great!" She slurped up some more noodles. Zuko sometimes couldn't believe she'd grown up in a noble family. "What'd you think of the palace? Isn't it amazing?"

"Very," said Katara. "I was lucky to be able to stay there. Zuko is a great host."

Ty Lee nodded, her chin resting on her hands and eyes trained on Katara. "I bet he is!" she said with a giggle.

Zuko almost choked on his drink. Everyone slipped into their own conversations after this, all of them unfazed. Sokka and Suki were having one, and the Kyoshi warriors, Ty Lee and Katara were having another. To Zuko's surprise, Pakku struck up a conversation with him. The older man was interested in Zuko's views on different political matters and how things were coming along in his nation since his coronation. He found he didn't mind Pakku. The man was pleasant and easy to talk with. He reminded Zuko a little of his uncle.

"Wait a second," he heard Katara say next to him. Everyone looked towards her. "Sokka, weren't Aang and Toph supposed to arrive a few days before us? Where are they?"

Sokka looked away from Suki for the first time during the meal. "Aang wrote to me saying they were going to leave a few days later than planned. But they should be here this evening. Aang is bringing a big surprise," he said with a knowing smile. The Kyoshi warriors started chattering again, clearly not interested in the topic of conversation.

Katara's face scrunched in confusion. She looked like she was about to ask another question about Aang and Toph, but Zuko was watching Sokka now, his heart pounding again. Sokka had forgotten about his food and his fiancée and was looking closely at Katara's bare, uncovered arms, his face confused now too. Zuko knew what Sokka had noticed, and knew he was about to make a scene.

"Sokka. I just remembered," he said calmly. Sokka looked up at him. "I wanted to ask you something." Sokka raised an eyebrow. "In private," Zuko added, standing up.

"Hang on," said Sokka looking back at Katara. He looked a little angry now. "What—"

"Please, Sokka." said Zuko forcefully. He hadn't meant to use his commanding voice, but it'd come out that way. This only seemed to make Sokka madder. He stood sharply and walked briskly out the entrance of the house. Zuko followed, not allowing himself a glance at Katara.

When he was outside, the wind bit the skin on his face. The sun was setting, and it was getting colder. Sokka was facing away from him but whipped around when Zuko was out. He pointed an accusing finger at the house. He'd never seen Sokka like this.

"Those were scars. All the way up her arms."

"Sokka, please—"

"There'd better be a good explanation, Zuko," he spat.

Zuko closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He understood Sokka's uncharacteristic anger, but he wished Sokka would stop yelling.

"Stop, yelling," he hissed. "There is."

"Great, I can't wait," said Sokka sarcastically as he folded his arms. His face was still hard and angry. Zuko was suddenly acutely aware of how large Sokka was. They were about the same height, but Sokka was considerably more filled out than he had been four years ago. Zuko was pretty sure if Sokka came at him, he could still take him. But it was scary seeing such a large man so angry. Especially one who hadn't stopped smiling since Zuko had arrived.

"She saved my life," he started. Sokka scoffed.

"What happened?"

"It was my sister," said Zuko. For a split second, he thought he saw a flame in Sokka's blue eyes. He didn't say anything, and Zuko knew he was waiting for Zuko to continue. "She took Katara."

Sokka's angry eyes widened. "I told you, Zuko," he whisper-yelled. "When you guys left, I told you to watch out for her. I trusted you. I thought your psycho sister was locked up anyways!"

Zuko had to hold himself back from yelling at Sokka for the dig at Azula. As much as he'd come to feel protective of Azula, she had hurt Katara. And it was his fault.

"I know. I'm sorry," said Zuko. He felt his shoulders slump as he looked down. Sokka didn't say anything. "It's a long story. Azula escaped a long time ago, and she used to Katara to bait me. I wasn't good enough to beat her and her man." A beat passed. "She was about to kill me, but Katara stopped her. She saved my life."

"Was it lightning?" Sokka's voice was still angry. But he was at least quiet now.

Zuko nodded without looking at him and Sokka let out a sound of anger. "How could you let that happen, Zuko?!"

"You don't understand," he defended. "I blame myself too. Every day when I see her arms and her stomach, I curse myself. I—"

"Stop trying to defend yourself! You're lucky she's not dead. If—"

"No, you stop," Zuko said forcefully. Sokka faltered at Zuko's change in tone. "I care about her more than anything in this world. I would never—"

"What?"

"I love her," said Zuko. His words weren't loud, but they were profound. Sokka's mouth fell open. For some reason, Zuko's voice was quieter when he spoke again. "I love her, and I want to marry her." A beat passed. "I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with her." Spirits, when had he turned so sappy?

Sokka stood up straight and eyed him, almost like he wasn't believing what Zuko had said. He closed his mouth. It was a moment before he spoke.

"Wait so…does she…? Are you guys…?"

Zuko nodded, understanding his friend's unfinished questions. He slumped against the side of the house and slid down to sit on the cold ground. His elbows leaned on his knees. Sokka sat down next to him.

"Since when?"

Zuko shrugged. "Since the end of the war I guess. But we've only been together since she came to the Fire Nation."

Sokka mouthed the word 'wow.' "Were you guys going to tell us?"

"Of course," replied Zuko quickly. "We just didn't know how. Especially with it being your wedding tomorrow."

Sokka didn't say anything, so Zuko turned to look at him. He was sitting in the same position as Zuko, looking out into distance. It seemed he was letting all the new information sink it. A minute or two of silence passed.

"But this is serious? You're not just…messing around?" A beat passed. "You would marry her if she said yes?"

"In a heartbeat," Zuko said, his voice strangely rough.

Sokka shook his head. "Wow, Zuko. I'm…so happy for you guys."

His response surprised Zuko. "You are?" he replied.

Sokka nodded, still looking off into the distance. Zuko could tell he was smiling. "I don't think there's a better guy out there that she could be with," he said simply.

A beat passed. "Wow. Thanks, Sokka."

"It feels right…somehow. If that makes sense," he laughed. "I mean, there was that brief time when she hated everything about you." Zuko laughed. "But now, you guys just fit. I can see it." Sokka thumped him on the back and Zuko let out a grunt. But the gesture made him smile. He appreciated Sokka's words. "When are you going to ask her?"

The question caught him off guard and all the thoughts Zuko had had on the walk over here suddenly came flying back. Could he ever really ask her to marry him? The smallest part of him wished things between them could just stay how they were. "Oh…I don't…I haven't really thought about…that."

Sokka watched him for a second. "Well, my friend," he said looking back out into the distance. "My advice is to not wait. You'll be so much happier once you do. You can even carve the betrothal necklace while you're here. And perhaps talk to our dad."

Zuko's stomach lurched, and for the quickest second he had the urge to throw up. Thankfully, the moment passed, and he decided to ask a question instead, realizing Sokka might understand. "Was it ever an issue for Suki? To leave her home, I mean?"

"No actually," he said, considering the question carefully. "She knew I needed to stay down here to work with my dad. She didn't mind." Another moment passed. "Don't worry about Katara, Zuko. If she loves you like I think she does, she'll move up there without a second thought."

Sokka's words were reassuring. Maybe he was right. It was nearly dark outside now, but yellow light was shining from the entrance and windows of the house. Sokka stood and held out a hand to help Zuko up. He took it and stood too.

"This is great, Zuko," he said with another clap on Zuko's back. "My best friend and my sister. I never woulda thought." His head shook at his last words, and the large smile Zuko had come to recognize so well on Sokka's face returned. The old Sokka was back.

Zuko smiled too, genuinely happy Sokka was so excited about all of this. "I'm so glad you think so." They took a few steps towards the door, when Zuko remembered something. "Oh, I forgot. I had the crew load some Firewhiskey on the ship before we left. For after your wedding tomorrow."

Sokka whipped around. "No way," he said his smile growing even larger and his blue eyes wide. Zuko didn't know what to say, so he just shrugged and nodded. "Man, Zuko. I think I just fell in love with you."

They both laughed at this, continuing towards the door. Right before they reentered the house, Sokka whipped around again, suddenly serious. "I feel like I should tell you what-" He paused, seeming to change his mind. "Actually. I'm sure it won't matter," he said, but Zuko thought he still sounded concerned. With that Sokka turned back around and disappeared into the house. Zuko followed, completely confused with what had just happened.

When he was back inside, Zuko noticed Katara's grandmother was clearing the table as the others were standing up. Katara caught his eye immediately, her face filled with worry. Zuko flashed her a reassuring small smile from across the room and nodded. She let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing as she smiled back.

Ty Lee and the other Kyoshi warriors thanked the hosts for the meal before leaving. From what Zuko could understand, it sounded like they were staying at an inn in town. Sokka caught Suki's hand and they walked out the door, both equally excited. It sounded like they were going on a 'nighttime stroll.'

It was now just him, Katara and her grandparents, and Zuko felt suddenly awkward. But like she always did, Katara saved the moment. "I can walk you back to your ship, Zuko. It can be hard to find the way in the dark." Zuko felt this wasn't necessarily true considering the moon was bright and his ship wasn't exactly hard to miss. Kanna turned away from the sink to look at Katara but Katara didn't meet her grandmother's curious gaze.

"Thank you. That's very kind." He turned to Pakku and Kanna. "And thank you for the meal and the company," he said with a small bow. "This is a beautiful home." The old couple smiled kindly. Katara walked to where Zuko was standing at the entrance and grabbed her furs from the hook next to him. They both walked out the door.

The moon was bright and the wind was calmer now. Zuko stared up in wonder at the soft snow falling from the sky. It was strangely beautiful. The houses around them all had yellow light shining through their windows. The larger buildings of town could be seen in the near distance with light shining out of them as well. It amazed him that people had carved out a community, a home and a society in a place like this. There was nothing like it.

"What did you say to Sokka?" Katara asked quickly.

They began slowly walking down the small snow road. "I had to tell him what happened with Azula. He was pretty angry."

He wasn't looking at her but was pretty confident she was rolling her eyes. "He's so dramatic."

Zuko gave a half smile. "And then I explained about us." He felt Katara look at him and Zuko turned to meet her gaze. The sliver moonlight gave her a sort of ethereal glow. It was beautiful. "He said he thought it was great."

"Really?" said Katara, clearly surprised. "Just like that?"

Zuko nodded. "I was surprised too. Telling him about the Firewhiskey helped though." They both laughed. He could tell she was significantly more comfortable now.

"I should've been more careful with my arms," she said seriously. "I completely forgot."

"No," Zuko shook his head. "I should've made sure you never got those scars," he said simply. Katara smiled at him walked in peace for a little while longer, the snow falling gently and peacefully around them

"Here, follow me," she whispered. They were among the buildings of town now. Katara grabbed his bare hand with her gloved one and ran. He felt himself jerk forward and moved to follow her quickly. She weaved between some buildings until they were tucked away in a small alley type area. She looked up at him and Zuko smiled. Katara slipped her gloves off and placed her cool hands on the back of his neck. He closed his eyes and leaned down to kiss her, his arms wrapping around her waist. The snow was falling a little harder around them now, and he noticed it was sticking to Katara's brown hair.

Katara deepened their kiss, her back falling against the outside wall of the building they were closest too. Zuko didn't know what the building was used for, but luckily it seemed empty. He pressed closer to her, and felt her hands slip into his hair, tugging it out of its knot. He broke away.

"Is this what Sokka and Suki are doing right now?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh, gross. I do not need to be thinking about that," she replied. Zuko laughed.

"Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something," he said. He wanted to talk about what he'd realized when they'd walked to her house. About whether they could actually build a life together. About whether she would actually marry him if he asked. Sokka had said to ask her as soon as he was able, and for some reason Zuko felt compelled to follow that advice. He was even starting to think that he should ask her during their stay here. A part of him was scared that if he didn't, Katara may not want to return to the Fire Nation. Maybe that was irrational, but still. And besides, that was the logical next step for them, right? Zuko already knew that's what he wanted, so maybe it was best to not wait. If he could just causally bring it up, he could understand what she was thinking. Katara interrupted him with a kiss.

"Not now," she whispered after a moment before continuing to run her hands through his hair and kiss him deeply.

"Katara, wait." Her arms were around his neck, trapping him against her. Her smell was distracting, but Zuko knew they needed to talk about this. Katara continued to kiss him and Zuko eventually gave in. It's not like kissing Katara was unpleasant. He could bring it up later.

Suddenly, a large shadow passed over them, which was weird considering it was dark out. Momentarily distracted, they both looked up. Appa was flying low over the tribe, heading straight for Katara's house.

Zuko heard her sigh as they released each other. "We should probably go," she whispered. Zuko nodded.

The walk to her house was quicker on the way back. Light shone out from a few of the upstairs bedrooms, but the downstairs was dark. It didn't look like Sokka and Suki were back. Appa had just landed next to the house and Aang and Toph were hopping down.

"Hey guys!" said Aang brightly. Even though it was snowing, he looked completely comfortable in his usual thin jumpsuit. Toph on the other hand looked miserable.

"Finally. Solid ground. I can't believe I agreed to come back to this frozen tundra."

Zuko and Katara approached them and Katara hugged them both with a smile, clearly happy to see them. Warm greetings were exchanged between them all before Katara started to lead them towards the house.

"Wait," stopped Aang, smiling largely. "We brought a surprise."

"Oh, that's right. I remember Sokka mentioning something…like…"

Katara had turned to look at something and Zuko followed her gaze to see what had distracted her. There was movement on Appa's saddle. A third person jumped to the ground, but their face was hidden in shadow. It seemed strangely familiar to Zuko, but Katara recognized it right away.

"Jet?"

A/N Thanks for reading and thanks for all the reviews guys! They're the best! Please let me know know what you think of this chapter!