Author Note: Okay okay, my last chapter didn't get any reviews so I get it - ya'll want to fluff ;)
I'm really enjoying writing this, and thank you all for the support so far! Also, I binge read all the comics, so I will try to keep my facts straight now! I feel like the timeline of the comics is not very clear, so I'm kind of taking some creative liberties there.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, as usual. That ain't gonna change either.
Fire Nation Capital
"He is going to do WHAT?"
Zuko paced the throne room. Unlike the Fire Lords before him, he did not keep a ring of fire around him. Instead, the room was bright and large, and Zuko welcomed anyone who requested a presence with him. At that very moment, he had a break from visitors, so him and Suki were finally able to talk after her return.
"I had that same response when Aang told us," Suki replied, "but he really is. And I think they're ready. They've been through a lot together and love each other so much."
"Wow, Aang and Katara," Zuko replied with a hint of amazement in his voice, "I have to admit, I've felt that they've been secretly married for the last year."
"Zuko," Suki began, "you forget Aang just turned 16. Don't you think 15 is a little young to get married?"
Zuko shrugged. "I have to admit, I sometimes forget that, too. He's grown up so much since we won the war."
"I think that comes with being the Avatar. You've grown up a lot too, you know."
"We all have. We're not kids any more."
Suki smiled and nudged Zuko on the arm. "You're making a great Fire Lord, Zuko."
"I still have a lot to learn."
"Well, hopefully you've learned enough to handle things without Aang for a few days. He needs to surprise Katara down at the South Pole. That's why I'm telling you this, Zuko. If something crazy happens over the next few weeks, Aang won't be available to help."
"Suki, you act like I can't handle anything without Aang."
"No... that's not what I-"
"Oh come on Zuko," a dry voice came from behind them, "you know that every time something remotely crazy happens you send a hawk straight to him." Mai was walking up to where Zuko and Suki were standing. She quickly grabbed his face and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Mai!" Zuko smiled as his girlfriend kissed him. "How long have you been here?"
"Just to hear that Aang is proposing to Katara," Mai smiled as she said this, "I'm so happy for them." Mai still had her arms wrapped around Zuko's waist. Ever since they decided to give their relationship another go, it seemed neither could keep their hands off each other.
"Well," Suki said awkwardly as she realized that was her queue to leave, "I'm gonna go meet with the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors. If you need me, I'll be outside."
Zuko smirked, still keeping his eyes locked on Mai. "I think we have it all handled, Suki."
As Suki walked out the door, Mai and Zuko shared another kiss. "It's so romantic, isn't it? I'm so excited for them."
"You don't think Aang is too young?" Zuko asked. After all, Aang was one of the youngest of the group of friends. And he was now ahead of Zuko and Mai, and Suki and Sokka. "He just turned 16."
"Oh Zuko, love is love," Mai sighed, "they are crazy about each other, so why not?"
Zuko looked away, the wheels in his head turning. Mai grabbed his chin, noticing his intense thought. "What is it?"
He shook his head. "Nothing, Mai. I... I was thinking about Azula and where she may be."
"Are you sure that's what you're thinking about?"
"Yes, I-"
"You're not thinking of what would happen if you proposed to me?"
Zuko's eyes grew wide. "What? No! Um, that's not at all what I was thinking.. I, uh."
"Zuko," Mai was rolling her eyes once again, "you're not good at lying to me. And it's okay. We only started dating again a few months ago. We have a lot to work through before we take any steps like that. Our's has not been smooth sailing like Aang and Katara. Some times it's a good idea to give it time," she took Zuko's hand, "besides, I'm not in any rush. I like what we have, right now."
A smile crept on to Zuko's face at that statement. "I won't rush anything, Mai."
Ba Sing Se
Katara sat in her room, a bag open next to her as she placed items in it for her journey. She kept getting sidetracked with her mind wondering off. The last time she visited her home, a mad man almost murdered her dad. Her brain was telling her this situation could be worse than her had was letting on, but she knew if she showed any nerves Aang would be worried and insist on going. In all fairness, she truly did want Aang there, but she knew he was needed more in Ba Sing Se. She longed to sit in Aang's embrace forever, to feel his warmth. But, that was the curse of dating the Avatar. Sometimes it meant he was needed elsewhere.
And then she thought of how Aang acted a couple of weeks ago. They kept saying they were planning a surprise for Zuko, but nothing had happened since, and she knew Aang feeling embarrassed about something. What was he up to?
She looked over at a painting that a man made for them a few months ago. When she picked it up, she found herself tearing up. She didn't really know why - she and Aang would only be apart for a few weeks, at the most. But she was so happy whenever she was around him. She grasped it to her chest and then placed it in her bag, then closed it. Focusing on reality, she wanted to savor the next 24 hours with her boyfriend.
"Hey, sweetie," she said as she walked into the large room where he was sitting. Toph also sat near him, playing with her space rock.
Aang stood up as Katara walked in. "Katara! You're done packing?"
"Sure am," she smiled as she placed a hand on his chest, "and now I just want to relax before we leave tomorrow."
"Bleh," came Toph from where she sat, "you guys and your fluttering heart beats. I'll be in my room." She quickly exited and purposefully slammed the door to make a point.
Aang and Katara shared a giggle. "Aang," Katara began, "I'm sorry about last night. I'm trying to let go of the past. I just don't do a very good job at it, I guess."
"It's okay sweetie," Aang replied as he kissed her on the top of her head, "I think we both needed to talk it out. It's been 3 years now and neither one of us has really talked about it. I mean, I feel a lot better now."
"I do too," Katara smiled and wrapped her arms around Aang. "I'm going to miss you so much."
"It's only a couple weeks Katara," Aang drew himself closer to Katara as he said this, "it will be over before we know it."
They embraced for a long kiss after this. As if they wanted to make up for the weeks they were about to miss, it seemed to go on for hours. Neither wanted to let go. Aang combed his fingers through Katara's hair, while Katara kept her arms wrapped around him. They breathed in and out, but didn't disconnect for what felt like all night.
"Katara.." Aang whispered, rubbing a hand on her neck, "I love you more than I can ever explain. I don't know what I'll do without you for the next few weeks."
"I love you more than life itself Aang," she breathed back, "and I'll be counting down the days before we see each other again."
Without another word, Aang picked Katara up, bridal style, kissing her once more. It was one of Katara's favorite things. As Aang got older, he had grown so strong, and Katara felt safe in his arms. He placed her on a seat of pillows and continued a passionate kiss, this time placing a hand on her leg.
"Aang.." Katara breathed, closing her eyes. "don't stop."
"I'll never stop loving you."
Author Note: Whew! I got a little sweaty at the end there! I wanted to also throw in so Maiko, and even though they aren't together at the end of the most recent comic, I really felt that they were making it seem that they would end up back together again. They're literally perfect for each other, so I wanted to throw some of that in too! As always, please review! It's almost time for the main event!