Moonlight rippled over the water in silvery streaks. Katara hugged her knees to her chest and listened to the waves lap at the shore in an endless song, intermingled with the snuffles of Appa's snores.

"Couldn't sleep?"

She jumped and glanced over her shoulder, though all she could make out was a shadowy figure. "Zuko."

"Sorry. Did I startle you?"

"That's what happens when you creep up on people."

He rubbed the base of his neck. "Right."

Her lips curved a little and she made room for him so he could join her on the rock. He settled next to her, close enough so their arms brushed. The whisper of waves and bison snuffles filled the stillness.

"So, you couldn't sleep either?" she asked.

"I woke up when you left the tent."

"Oh." She fidgeted with her tunic. "Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's fine."

More silence.

He bumped her shoulder with his own. "What's wrong?"

She stiffened. "What? Nothing is—"

"Katara, you wouldn't be sitting out here in the cold if nothing was wrong."

"That obvious, huh?"

"Pretty much."

She worried her lip between her teeth and hugged her knees tighter.

"Hey." His arm came around her, warm and secure. "Talk to me."

"It's just …"

"What?" he prompted gently when the silence dragged.

"Sometimes I get scared."

He hugged her a bit closer. "If it helps, I think we're all a bit scared. The eclipse is almost here, and a lot of crazy stuff has been happening."

"It's not just that."

"Then what?"

She pressed her forehead to her knees. "Do you … do you remember how I held back Chiyo and the warriors? Before we escaped on Appa, I mean."

"Of course. You were amazing. You stopped the rain. I can't imagine how much control it took to bend it all like that without hurting anyone."

"I wasn't."

"Hrm?"

"I wasn't in control." She shook her head, face still pressed against her knees. "No, I guess I was in control, but I didn't care if I hurt them. I would have done anything to keep you all safe."

He went quiet. "And that scares you?"

"Sometimes, yeah. It's like all this power is swelling inside me, and the moment anyone I care about is in danger it all comes screaming out. I can't stop it. In those moments, I don't even want to stop it."

"I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. You're just trying to protect the people you care about. Most would say that's normal."

"It doesn't always feel that way."

There was a frown in his tone. "You're being really hard on yourself about this. Why? You have to realise it's amazing what you've done. You're such a powerful bender. You've done things I would have thought only Aang could pull off, like when you made that spirit stop possessing my mum and—"

Her flinch was sudden and sharp.

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked.

"I don't like thinking about it. What I did then … I know it worked out in the end, but …"

"But?"

"Have you ever wondered how I did it?"

"I guess. I remember there was no water for you to control, but you bent the spirit anyway."

"I didn't bend the spirit. I bent her blood. I bent your mum's blood."

They were close enough that she felt the way he paused. She pressed her hands to her mouth in a prayer-like gesture, her body rocking a little.

"I controlled her, Zuko. I turned her into my puppet and forced the spirit to get out." She squeezed her eyes shut. "I've told myself over and over I had no choice, that the spirit didn't give me a choice, but the fact is I still did it. I did that to your mum. And I would have done more if that's what it took to keep you all alive."

There were tears prickling her eyes. She trembled and huddled into herself, trying to be smaller. Trying to escape the judgement she knew had to come.

He wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her onto his lap. He held her like her dad had used to—extra close, almost cradling—except he wasn't her dad. Her heart thumped and thumped and thumped.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"Does it help?"

She curled her fingers into his tunic. "I don't understand. I thought you'd not want to be near me. I thought—"

"Katara, I'm a fire healer. I can drain people's energy to boost my bending. I've even done it to you. And, yeah, if I wanted I can take control of a person and force them to do my will." His hand smoothed along her back. "I'm saying I get it. I understand."

"But you've never wanted to do those things. You've always been so insistent about not using those abilities."

"Are you telling me you wanted to bend my mum's blood?"

"No, but—"

"Look, you saved her. You saved us. Why would I ever judge you for that?"

"I don't know." She hid her face against his chest. "Because it's an awful ability. Because I'm scared I don't know when to stop sometimes. Because—"

"Katara." One of his arms came away from her and light bloomed in a soft glow. "Look at me."

She was reluctant to move. The flames he cradled were small and danced in little flickers, and it took him tilting her chin to get her to actually look at him. His touch was warm, but his eyes were warmer, like pools of molten gold.

"There are people out there who don't have any limits," he murmured, "people who might as well be called monsters, but you're not one of them. You could never be one of them."

Fresh tears burned her eyes. "Maybe so, but sometimes I don't know what this war is turning me into. I feel it growing in me—this intense need to protect, to do whatever it takes, and it's terrifying. But I also know I can't stop. I can't bear the thought of losing any of you. I can't and I won't."

He caressed her cheek with his thumb, brushing away some of her tears. "Of course not. You're a warrior, you're a healer. You're you."

More tears. "What?"

He smiled. "There's no one I'd trust more to watch my back. You're amazing, not just because of your bending but everything about you."

Heat spread over her cheeks. "Oh."

The glow of the flames did mesmerising things to his eyes. She was conscious of how she was still on his lap, of how close their faces were. His hand trailed down her jaw, her neck, fingertips brushing against bare skin. Such an innocent touch yet it sent shivers all through her.

"I'm glad you're on my side," he said softly. "I'm glad you're here with me. It's like you said, I'd be totally lost without you. We all would."

Her heart thudded faster. "You really mean that?"

"I do." He leaned in and brushed his lips against her forehead. "So don't be scared. I know you. I know who you're becoming, and that girl? I'll always want her by my side."

If her heart had been pounding before, it was like a thundering drum now.

He snuffed the flames so he could pull her back into his arms. The darkness hid her blush, but her heart continued to drum long afterwards.

oOo

"You have such lovely hair."

Katara's cheeks warmed. She'd been sitting on a rock and fixing up her hair, but she almost dropped the comb now as she turned to Ursa. "Oh, thank you."

Ursa smiled and held out her hand. "May I?"

"What?"

"Sorry. Call it a quirk of mine. I've always liked playing with people's hair, but if you're not comfortable …"

"No." Katara's face got hotter as she realised how abrupt that must have sounded. "I mean, no I don't mind. Please, go ahead."

Ursa took the comb and examined the delicate floral design. "Pretty. You have good taste."

"Oh, um, actually Zuko gave it to me."

"He did?"

That little lift of her eyebrows spoke a thousand words that Katara wished she could interpret. It made her think of what Aang had said all those days ago about the Fire Nation love tradition. Was that why Ursa raised her eyebrows?

"It was a birthday gift," Katara said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Ah."

Ursa began to comb her hair, careful not to tug too hard or damage the natural waves. Katara fidgeted with her hands on her lap. This was the first time they'd been alone together. It made her shy and awkward. Still, a little bundle of warmth bloomed in her chest, much like when Ursa had taught her how to play the guzheng.

This was what it felt like to have a mum. Katara had almost forgotten. Gran Gran was always so no-nonsense, almost curt, but Ursa … she was more like Mum. Her touch was gentle, her voice was soft, and she took her time as she combed Katara's hair, happy to indulge in the quiet moment.

"Can I … can I ask you something?" Katara asked.

"Of course."

"Um, it's just Aang told me about this Fire Nation tradition …"

She squirmed on the rock as she struggled to get the words out. This was so embarrassing. Ursa was Zuko's mum, but she was kind and didn't seem the type to dismiss or make fun of people. Katara thought she could trust her to give a proper answer about the comb. After what had happened last night, she really wanted that answer. The things he'd said, the way he'd kissed her forehead and held her—there was so much fluttering inside her now that she felt like she'd burst if she didn't get some reassurance that she wasn't reading too much into his behaviour.

"What tradition might that be?" Ursa prompted.

"A … love tradition."

"Ah."

There it was again. That cryptic ah.

Katara bit her lip, twisting the fabric of her dress between her fingers. "I just wondered if it's true that, um, giving a comb as a gift can be like an … offer of marriage."

"It's true."

Heat flooded her cheeks and she spun around so the comb snagged her hair. "What? Really?"

Ursa laughed. "Yes. For centuries, men and women have gifted combs to the ones they love as a promise to be united in marriage. The people of the Fire Nation are quite romantic at heart, you see."

"B-but he gave me a …"

Amber eyes twinkled. "Yes, my son did give you a comb. A pretty one as well."

Katara pressed her hands to her hot cheeks. Was that why he had blushed and got so awkward about it? It wasn't just shyness? He really wanted to … be with her?

The happy bubble in her chest punctured as she remembered why she'd been so hesitant to believe Aang in the first place.

"Oh, but do you think that's what he meant?" she asked. "Because he told me he noticed I'd forgotten to bring my comb, so that's why he bought me this one."

"Katara." Ursa placed a hand on her shoulder. "May I ask you something?"

A small nod.

"Why haven't you asked him what he meant by the gift?"

She was too embarrassed to admit he'd either not noticed or had hesitated to reciprocate her advances, so she kept second-guessing everything he did.

"I guess, um, I'm worried I'll ruin things," she admitted. "He's never actually, you know, told me he's interested in me in that way …"

"But you love him, don't you?"

Katara's face was burning, her ears were burning. Everything was flustered burning. "Is it that obvious?"

"Very."

She groaned and hid her face in her hands.

Ursa's light laugh rang out and she joined Katara on the rock and pulled her into a one-armed hug. "You don't need to get so bothered by it."

"I do. This is mortifying."

Another laugh. "If it helps, neither of you are subtle."

She peeped up from her hands. "What?"

"I think you can safely assume he returns your feelings."

"You do?"

Ursa smiled. "I've seen the way he looks at you, the way he welcomes your closeness." She smoothed Katara's hair from her face. "Regardless of why he bought you that comb, you're someone special to him."

She ducked her head. "I always hoped so, but sometimes …"

"Sometimes?"

"I'm not sure he actually wants to be with me in a romantic way."

"Then ask him." Ursa placed the comb in her hands. "You'll get your answer. Zuko is quite straightforward if you ask him directly."

Katara bit her lip and ran her fingertip over the little flowers that had been painted onto the wood.

"You'd best hurry if you want to talk to him," Ursa advised as she stood up. "We'll be leaving soon."

"Do you really think I should?"

"Love doesn't tend to work out for those who wait." A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. "And with Zuko, I'm afraid you'll be waiting a long time if you're hoping he'll tell you how he feels. He probably thinks he already has." She nodded at the comb.

Maybe that was true. Maybe he thought he'd told her through actions rather than words.

Katara closed her fingers around the comb. "Okay. I'll do it. I'll talk to him."

"Glad to hear."

Katara's brow creased as it occurred how supportive Ursa was being, like she really wanted them to become a couple. "Um, not that I'm complaining, but why are you so willing to help me with this?"

"You did ask."

"Oh. Right."

Ursa's lips curved and she leaned down to clasp Katara's hands. "I helped because you are a nice girl who makes my son happy. I would like to see that continue. So, you see, I'm being quite selfish."

"Oh."

Now she was blushing again. Great.

Ursa gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "But you should know that you can come to me for anything, not just matters that concern Zuko." Her lips twitched. "Even if you just want to chat and have someone brush your hair."

That little bundle of warmth in Katara's chest got bigger and bigger. She surged up and wrapped her arms around Ursa. "Thank you."

Ursa returned the hug and stroked her back. "If you really wish to thank me, take me up on that offer. I would dearly like to get to know you more, Katara."

Katara smiled and hugged her closer. "I'd like to get to know you more too."

oOo

She ended up missing her chance to get Zuko alone that morning. Ursa had given her a sympathetic look as they'd all piled on Appa, but Katara had refused to be discouraged. She didn't want to have to rush or worry about interruptions anyway.

As Appa sped ever closer for the Fire Nation, her gaze often drifted to where Aang sat up front with the reins, stiff-backed and quiet. She had tried to talk to him, but he'd said he wanted some time alone so he could think. It was hard to sit back and leave him—at first. She wanted to help. She always did. But more and more she was realising he wasn't that same kid who she'd found in the iceberg. He seemed so much surer of his destiny and was a lot more serious about figuring out what needed to be done.

"What are you smiling about?" Azula asked.

"Nothing."

Katara didn't want to explain, not here when she knew it would start fresh arguments. It was enough for her to have realised that whatever Aang's decision—whether he chose to kill the Fire Lord or use energybending—it would be the right choice.

She believed in him. She would always believe in him.

Azula made an irritable sound. "Move your legs," she fussed at Zuko, kicking his feet and shins so she could stretch her own legs out more.

With seven of them crammed in the saddle, things were a little tight. There was an unspoken rule that you had to take turns stretching your legs. Zuko, however, was not in the mood to follow the rule, or maybe he just didn't like Azula's attitude. A squabble broke out. A very petty, cranky squabble. Katara had not expected it from either of them. Azula called him "llama-giraffe legs", among other unflattering things, and he responded by calling her "stupid face". (Actually, what he'd called her was much ruder, but Ursa had said his name in that tone, and he'd corrected it to stupid face). Zuko and Azula also kicked each other and put their feet all over each other to force the other into surrendering their leg room.

It was ridiculous. It was childish.

It was the kind of dumb fight Katara and Sokka used to have when they were younger.

Maybe that was why Ursa seemed almost happy, though she did stop them when blue flames appeared from Azula's fingers. "No fire in the saddle," Ursa said firmly.

Azula pursed her lips and glowered at Zuko as if contemplating whether it was worth it to disobey. He had this smug look on his face like, "Ha, you got in trouble with Mum." Katara bit the inside of her cheek to stop from laughing. She wasn't the only one either. Yuzo and Atsuo looked just as entertained. These were the Fire Lord's children, the royal siblings of the Fire Nation: Llama-Giraffe Legs and Stupid Face.

"Guys, please," Aang called from his perch. "Appa doesn't like it when people fight on him."

Zuko reined in his smug look and apologised to Aang. Azula didn't apologise. (She took advantage of her brother's distraction and gave him another kick.)

"Quit it!" Zuko snapped.

"Then move your llama-giraffe legs!"

"Guys, c'mon! Don't make me come down there."

Zuko and Azula looked a bit startled at having Aang use the exasperated Avatar tone on them. That was Shizue's cue to order them to move if they couldn't sit nicely together.

"Children," Shizue muttered with a roll of her eyes. "I thought you two would have grown out of this nonsense by now."

Azula raised her chin and decided haughty silence was the way to piece together her dignity. Zuko looked more chastened, though he still grumbled as he brought his knees closer to his chest so Azula could have proper leg room.

"How old are you again?" Katara asked him in a teasing tone.

He flushed and his shoulders crept up to his ears. "I'm tired, I'm sick of being in this saddle, and she doesn't hold back on those kicks, okay? Give me a break."

She snorted and shifted to her knees. "Here, we can share my spot. You'll have more room that way."

She got him to scooch over and then settled between his legs with her back against his chest. A low, humming sound escaped him as he stretched out more. He wrapped his arms loosely around her waist and, as he relaxed, fidgeted with her hands—little thumb caresses or tracing aimless patterns with his fingertip. It was nice. Being close to him like this was always nice.

Azula gave her a shrewd look. Katara's cheeks warmed. Okay, so maybe she'd taken advantage of the situation to get cuddles, but so what? He was happy. She was happy. Everyone was happy.

Momo hopped onto her lap to get in on the cuddle train. No doubt he wanted pets. Zuko rested his chin on her shoulder and idly scratched Momo behind the ears, one hand still intertwined with her own. She smiled and helped him pet Momo. As she did, contentment but also protectiveness welled within her. She cherished these moments—even the stupid fight Azula had with Zuko, because for all that it had been immature, at least they hadn't been trying to kill each other or flinging bitter words like they'd done in the past.

These were the moments the war threatened. These were the moments she was fighting to protect. The normal, the childish, the tender. She'd already lost so much to the war. She refused to lose anything else.

oOo

Their next stop was a small island that looked like a teardrop. Summer had kicked back in and the air was muggy. Everyone stripped off the bulky layers—sans Aang, who had discarded his the moment he stopped hiding his identity. The best part, however, was that the island had a pool of fresh water and even a hot spring. Katara was so relieved to bathe and wash her clothes properly.

"How is it now? Can you move it more?"

She glanced up at Ursa's voice and saw her reaching for Azula's bare arm. The burns were all healed, but the skin was still a mess of scarred tissue. Of course, the real damage lay underneath the surface.

"Does it look better to you?" Azula said shortly, snatching her arm away. "Just leave it."

Katara waded closer through the warm water. "You know, the fact you do have some movement in your fingers and wrist means there might still be a way."

Azula gave her an irritated look. "In case you've forgotten, you already tried to heal it and failed. So did Atsuo."

"I know, but if I combine my healing with Zuko's, we might be able to make a difference. It sort of boosts the healing effect when we do that."

Azula's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

"Sorry, I just wasn't thinking. I've only done it twice with Zuko and both times were unplanned." Katara planted her hands on her hips. "Besides, you haven't exactly been nice to me. It's not like I wanted to sit around thinking up ways to help you."

Azula gave a little shrug, conceding this point.

"Anyway," Katara said as she relaxed her stance, "it's worth a shot, isn't it?"

"Fine."

Ursa smiled at both of them.

oOo

The healing had gone well. Azula still didn't have perfect movement in her arm, wrist and fingers, but it was getting better. Zuko and Katara had offered to keep working at the nerve damage for her. She'd probably always have a few issues with that arm, but it seemed like there was a chance to get it at least functional. It would simply take time and some patience on her part—time they would only have if everything worked out during the eclipse.

Zuko frowned as he thought of the inevitable battle that was coming. A hand entered his vision. He looked up to meet Katara's eyes.

"Walk with me," she said.

Without a word, he accepted her hand and let her lead him away from camp. They walked until the others' voices faded and it was only the two of them standing alone, lush trees enclosing them like a shelter. He swallowed. There was a dusting of colour on her cheeks and she wasn't quite meeting his gaze.

"You must be wondering why I brought you here," she mumbled.

"A little."

"I didn't want anyone to interrupt us."

His heart quickened. "Oh?"

She looked down, fidgeting with her dress. "Aang and your mum, they told me about the tradition."

"Tradition?"

"The comb. They told me what it means when you give someone a comb in the Fire Nation."

His brow furrowed. "What do you—oh."

Oh.

Heat spread all over his face in intense waves. "I-I didn't mean it like that. I honestly forgot all about that tradition. All I was thinking when I bought it for you was that you needed a comb and it was your birthday, so …"

"Oh." Her shoulders slumped and she averted her face. "Right. Of course. Of course that's why you bought it."

His frown deepened and he dared to take a step closer. "Are you … were you hoping that I'd—"

"What? No." Her blush was vibrant and she waved her hand at him in a dismissive gesture. "Of course not. I was just confused and wanted to check why … I wanted to …" She sucked in a breath and turned her back on him. "You know what, forget it. This was a mistake."

He caught her wrist before she could dash away. "Hey. Don't run."

"Why not?"

"Because you seem upset." He gently tugged her wrist, turning her more towards him. "Because I think it might be my fault."

"I'm not upset. I just …" She bit her lip, gaze fixed on her feet. "I don't know what you want."

"What do you mean?"

"You say and do all these things—things that make me really happy, like telling me you want me by your side—but I don't know what it means. I don't know what you want from me. Every time I think I've got it figured out, you do something to make me feel I'm wrong." She plucked at his tunic with light fingers and her eyes sought his. "What do you want from me, Zuko? Is it friendship or …"

His heart thudded faster. "I …"

"Yes?"

He moistened his lips as he stared down at her. They were close. Her body was inclined to him and he was still holding her wrist. He tugged on that wrist now to draw her closer.

"I do want you by my side," he whispered. "As a friend, as a warrior, but also …"

She inhaled shakily as he paused when his lips were a hairsbreadth from hers. Their breath intermingled and everything in him was thudding and pulsing to the beating of his heart. He'd never kissed a girl before. He'd never kissed anyone, nor had he felt any desire to do so. But he wanted to kiss Katara. He really, really wanted to.

"Is this okay?" he asked.

"Yes."

He closed the last distance between them. Her lips were soft. So soft. She slanted her lips against his in a caress of silk and tingles. Then she did it again. His pulse stuttered and he pulled back.

"Too much?" she asked, biting her lip.

"No, I …" Warmth crept across his cheeks. "I just …"

"What?"

He let go of her wrist and rubbed the base of his neck. "I don't really know how to do this. I mean I've never actually …"

"Zuko, was that your first kiss?"

His face got hotter and he nodded.

"You don't need to be so embarrassed." She smiled and brushed a lock of hair from his eyes. "It's not like I'm an expert at kissing. We can figure it out together."

His entire body warmed at the thought. Together. She wanted that. She wanted him.

"Okay," he whispered.

They kissed again. It was a sweet, lingering kiss, but even then his heart pounded and pounded and pounded. By the time they broke apart, his hands were on her waist and his cheeks were flushed.

"We should head back," she murmured, unlinking her arms from around his neck.

"You're right."

He stepped back from her and they walked side by side, hands brushing until he dared to just hold her hand. Their eyes met and he smiled shyly. The way her lips curved in response sent a fresh stirring of flutters all through him. Yeah, he would always want this girl at his side.