A little bit of Korrasami in this one as well. Enjoy! /

"Lovers come, lovers go,

Lovers leave me alone.

She'll come back to me."

-The Lumineers

The reception hall was bursting with guests. Joyous, celebratory music swelled in the air. A feast of the finest foods Republic City had to offer was spread out on various tables throughout the hall. People ate, drank, and talked excitedly. They danced on a polished dancefloor under a sparkling oversized chandelier.

It was the wedding of Avatar Korra, and it seemed all of Republic City had turned up to celebrate her marriage to Asami Sato.

Katara stood off to the side, holding a half-empty champagne glass and watching her grandchildren dance wildly with a bemused expression. She had yet to give in to Meelo's pleas for her to join them. Frankly, she felt a little ridiculous and she wasn't too keen on the thought of drawing attention to herself.

Korra had shown up at her door that morning carrying a dress, hair styling supplies, and makeup. Instead of focusing on getting herself ready for her wedding, the young avatar insisted on getting Katara all dolled up. "To thank you for all of the support and help you've given me," she had said. Katara couldn't bring herself to reject the offer.

The dress was beautiful – the height of current fashion – but Katara wasn't sure if it was her style. The rich navy-blue garment had a V-neck and cap sleeves and was layered with black, glittering fringe. Intricate black beading detailed the bodice and accentuated the gem that sat at the point of her neckline. The fringe swished around her knees when she walked, and although the majority of the female guests wore similar styles, she felt too old to be wearing such a showy dress.

Korra had styled her hair in an up-do with thick finger waves. Where she had learned to do such a thing Katara could never guess. The bride-to-be then placed a black headband with a delicately beaded applique around Katara's head.

"This is too much," Katara had insisted while Korra applied a light layer of makeup to her face.

Korra only shook her head and said, "It's not enough."

Somehow, Korra had managed to find time to get herself ready. Katara watched from the sidelines as the avatar took Jinora's hands and spun her, laughing. The white fringe of her gold beaded dress fanned out around her and the feathers of her headpiece rippled with the movement. Katara smiled as Asami, looking radiant in her own gold and white fringe dress, emerged from a crowd of dancers and hugged Korra tightly from behind, surprising her. The were so young and happy, their whole lives and big plans ahead of them.

Katara looked down at the remains of her champagne, a sudden sinking in her heart. She remembered being that happy. She remembered having a partner to dance with at special occasions. Even with her children and grandchildren, it was lonely to be a widow. Tenzin was too busy keeping his unruly children under control to dance with his wife, let alone his mother. Bumi, off on some mission, was unable to make it to the wedding. Kya had spent some time chatting with her, but she had been whisked onto the dancefloor by some handsome suitor Katara did not recognize.

As it grew late, the food was mostly forgotten and the guests, mostly intoxicated and in a merry mood, crowded onto the dancefloor. The band was really earning their pay that night as the party showed no signs of dying down. Katara watched as Tenzin and Pema left the reception with their exhausted, half-asleep children in tow. She had lost sight of Kya and wondered if her daughter had snuck out without saying goodbye.

Korra and Asami were the center of attention, surrounded by a large dancing crowd. Katara didn't think they would notice if she ducked out the door and went back to her room at Tenzin's house. With the big ceremony over and her children gone, Katara had no reason to dwell on the sidelines any longer. She would go home, take off the beautiful but too-young-for-her dress, let down her hair, and enjoy a good night's rest.

Head down, she turned to leave, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"You look like you could use a refill."

Katara looked up in surprise, nearly dropping her champagne glass. "Oh, Zuko! I didn't know you were here."

"I've been here. It just seems that everyone wants to speak to the retired Fire Lord." He plucked the glass from her hand. "Can I get you another?"

Katara glanced to the side. "I was actually just about to leave."

"I see. I was hoping to catch up with you. It's been a long time."

"It has," Katara agreed. "I suppose I could stay for one more drink."

Zuko nodded, a light smile touching his features as he walked with her towards the bar. "You look wonderful."

For the first time in many years, a blush touched Katara's cheeks. "You really think so? Korra insisted I wear it. She did all of this, actually." She motioned to her hair and face. "I don't know why she was so set on dressing me up."

"You're very important to her. I'm sure she just wanted to do something special for you." He handed Katara's empty glass to the barkeep and took two freshly filled wine glasses.

"It was very kind of her to think of me on her wedding day." Katara accepted the wine. "Although I don't think this style was meant for someone as old as me."

"Nonsense, you look ten years younger." Zuko smirked.

Heat tinged her cheeks for the second time, and she took a quick sip of her wine. Wanting to change the subject, she glanced over the crowd and asked, "Where is Izumi? And Iroh?"

Zuko followed her gaze over the crowd. "They're around here somewhere. Where are yours?"

"Bumi couldn't make it. Tenzin and Pema took the kids home, and I think Kya snuck out with some man."

Zuko snorted, holding back laughter at her blunt remark. "I guess kids will never stop being kids no matter how old they get."

Katara smiled sadly and swirled the wine in her glass. "When did we get so old?"

"I'm not old. I feel as young as I did when I was chasing Aang around the world."

Katara laughed and shook her head slowly. "Well we've certainly changed on the outside to say the least."

Zuko paused, a look of sympathy washing over him. "You must miss him."

Katara nodded. "But I have my family still."

"Will you be going back to the South Pole?"

"Oh, I don't know," Katara sighed. "Kya's taken over most of my work and I feel like I don't have much to do these days. Tenzin has invited me to move in with them, but I fear I'll just become the wrangler for those little animals." She made a face and Zuko laughed.

"Well, if you decide to do that, and you need a break…or an escape…" he glanced to the side, lowering his voice, "you could spend some time with me."

Katara blinked and studied his face. Was that a hint of embarrassment in his features? How long had it been since the two of them had spent any real time together? Once the founding of Republic City began and Zuko started fulfilling his duty as Fire Lord, they had seen each other strictly for business only. His offer brought out yet another flush to her cheeks. The thought of having someone to talk with, spend time with, and ease her emptiness was wonderful.

A slow smile spread over Katara's glossed lips. "Have you been lonely too?"

Zuko sighed. "Izumi doesn't need anymore guidance from me. She's a better Fire Lord than I ever was. Iroh spends time with me when he can, but he has a duty to fulfill."

"I understand." Katara reached out bravely and took his free hand in hers. "I would be happy to spend time with you."

Zuko looked down at their hands and slowly intertwined their fingers. "Were you happy, Katara?"

She looked down, memories flooding into her mind. Feelings that she never got to fully explore, unhappy moments, joyous moments, victories, and losses all washing up to the surface. It was a loaded question, and she considered it carefully. Finally, she looked up to meet his bright, amber eyes with a nostalgic smile and said, "For the most part. Were you?"

Zuko nodded in agreement, his eyes momentarily far away. "For the most part."

The music shifted as the mood of the party began to mellow down. It was getting late and the guests were growing tired. Couples gathered on the dancefloor, holding each other and swaying gently to the sweet melodies.

They watched the couples dance in silence for a few moments before Zuko set their empty glasses on a nearby table and cleared his throat. "Would the esteemed waterbender Katara care to dance with the retired Fire Lord?"

"She would," Katara said as a genuine smile brightened her features.

Never letting go of her hand, he led her out onto the dancefloor. The crowd was beginning to thin out as late night turned into early morning, and they secured a nice, quiet spot near the middle of the floor. His hands went to her waist, fingers lightly tracing the intricate beading of her dress. Her arms draped around his neck as they began to sway to the music.

How was it possible, Katara wondered, that their closeness felt so natural? They had spent so much time together in their teen years, getting to know each other, sympathizing with the other's losses, that at one point Katara thought that maybe they could be more than friends. What had changed her mind? She couldn't remember exactly; it was so long ago, after all. She didn't regret choosing Aang back then. She loved him dearly and she wouldn't trade her children for anything. But perhaps it wasn't too late to rekindle an old spark from the past.

Across the way, Asami locked eyes with Katara. She was resting her cheek against Korra's shoulder, swaying sleepily to the tireless music. A light smile touched her red lips and she gave Katara a quick wink.

Katara sucked in a slow breath as she watched the newlyweds bask in their young love. But perhaps love didn't have an age. Maybe it was a timeless thing.

She shifted and moved to press her cheek against Zuko's shoulder, mirroring Korra and Asami's embrace. Zuko's arms tightened around her waist and he placed his chin atop her head. Her heart skipped a beat as she basked in his warm embrace. She didn't want the dance to end. She wanted his gentle touch on her always. Was it crazy, she wondered, to be feeling this way?

No, she decided. Love was timeless. Love did not touch a person just once. It was an endless thing and there was always more to give.

She closed her eyes as the band played on into the night, taking in every romantic note. Even as the wedding guests grew tired and went home, they danced on. And for the first time in many years, Katara felt young and beautiful.