Epilogue

Three weeks later they all sat around a blazing fire in the middle of a clearing. Katara glanced at the back of Zuko's head and smiled to herself as she watched him drop another piece of wood into the leaping orange flames. She couldn't help but smiling every time she looked at him. She wanted to laugh, it was all so girlish of her and yet she loved every minute of it.

Sokka and Aang were sitting across from the two of them, both full from the large meal Zuko had brought them from his ship. Sokka and Aang had been furious when they had found out about Zuko and Katara. Actually, Katara thought, it was more like Sokka wouldn't speak to me for a week and Aang was quiet for a few days but then got over it.

"So," said Sokka, finally breaking the comfortable silence, "You leave tomorrow." He nodded in Zuko's direction and Katara couldn't help but notice a brief look of relief pass across his face.

"Well you don't have to look so happy about it." Katara said, leaning over to punch him in the shoulder.

"Ouch!" Sokka yelped. "Geez, I think training was a bad idea. You shouldn't be that strong." Katara laughed at the look at his face. They had told Sokka and Aang the entire story of what had happened. Sokka had also been very mad about her training but she figured that was just cause she could now kick his butt.

Katara sighed and looked down as Zuko began to talk to Sokka about leaving the next day. It was true that he was leaving. Even after all that had happened to them, it was still true that Zuko was a Prince of the Fire Nation, Aang was still the Avatar, and Katara was still a water bender. Zuko had promised to come visit her as much as possible and she had smiled and said ok but she knew it wouldn't be like that. How could they see each other? How would she even know where to find him?

I'm you'll see him again. She tried to reassure herself. After all, he always seemed to be popping up unexpectedly before. But she was still sad that he was leaving. She didn't know where he would go either. It was sort of an unspoken agreement that he wouldn't be chasing Aang anymore but Katara didn't know what he would do. That had been his life. How could he just give it up?

Meanwhile Zuko was having the same thoughts as he poked the fire with a stick. What will I do now? He wondered. Katara had wanted him to stay with them but he just couldn't do that. He loved her more than anything but even though he was no longer planning to capture the Avatar, he couldn't bring himself to help him train to beat the Fire Lord. He couldn't turn against his father; even after all he had done to him. He would let the Avatar go but he couldn't help him. He just couldn't.

"Well I think I'm going to go to bed now," Aang said with a yawn, "I'm really tired. Aren't you Sokka?"

"What?" Sokka looked at him in confusion. "No. I'm wide as awake as-"

"Ahem!" Aang coughed, and nodded in Katara and Zuko's direction. "Yes. You. Are." He said, raising his eyebrows up and down. Katara stifled a laugh.

"Oh! Yeah," Sokka said, finally catching on, "Yeah I am. Good night Katara." He and Aang stood up and walked off, leaving the two teenagers alone.

Katara scooted over closer to Zuko until she was leaning her head against his shoulder. He sighed in contentment and stroked her hair gently with his hand.

"I'm sorry I have to go." He whispered.

Katara was quiet for a while, unsure what to say. "I'll miss you." She said finally.

"Don't worry; I'll see you again soon." He said firmly. "I'll make sure of it. And everyone will just think that I'm chasing the Avatar so I can follow you and see you again."

"There's not really anyone to pay much attention to that know that Zhao is gone." Katara replied.

"No, but soon people will realize something happened to him." Zuko said. "And my father might send spies. After all this blows over then I can spend time with you more often."

"I hope so." Katara said, willing herself not to cry. At least he wasn't leaving her forever like he would have if his memory had been gone. I'll see him again. Katara told herself. And maybe there will come a time when it won't matter if we're seen together. She looked up at him and took his face in her hands.

"I love you." She whispered, kissing him on the lips.

"Love you too." He whispered back, taking her in his arms. I'm giving up the Avatar for this. He thought as their kiss deepened as the fire slowly died. It's worth it. He realized. It's definitely worth it.

The End

A/N: And there you have it. I actually finished it throws confetti I can't believe I have over two hundred reviews! You guys are so awesome. I would do a shout out but there are just too many people. I want to thank all of you for reading and reviewing and for helping me with the story. The people who said I inspired them in their writing made me feel really good and thanks for having such an interest in an epilogue. You guys are the best and who knows, maybe some day I'll make a sequel. Until then, thanks and good luck with your own stories.