Fire Lord Zuko stood at the top of the steps leading up to his palace. He was wearing his regal robes, the flame-shaped headpiece glinting in his topknot. He stood amongst his advisors and the foreign diplomats, as well as a parade of servants ready to admit their most royal guests. The nobility and lower-class citizens alike had gathered to welcome the incoming guests. For years it had been unspoken of to have all of the world's nation's rulers together like this. Even after the fall of Ozai, nothing of this magnitude had happened.

Zuko watched as the tall gates opened. He saw a sea of blue: the Southern Water Tribe was the first to arrive. He smiled satisfactorily. That gave him a chance to speak with Chief Hakoda before King Kuei and Chief Arnook arrived. He knew from the messenger hawks that King Kuei would arrive next, likely within the next few hours, and after that, in the early evening, Chief Arnook's procession would be there. Tomorrow the summit would truly begin, followed by his planned banquet.

The Fire Lord stepped away from the crowd and bowed graciously before the Southern Water Tribe procession. "The Fire Nation welcomes you with honor and amity," Zuko said, loud enough to be heard by those closest to him.

Before he could say anything else, Sokka had tackled him in a hug. After a moment, Zuko returned the gesture. Sokka pulled back and they sized each other up. It had been a while since the two of them had seen each other.

Sokka propped an arm on Zuko's shoulder with a satisfied smirk on his face. "Looks like I finally caught up, huh, Zuko?"

Heat rose in the Fire Lord's cheeks. The Water Tribe kid was just a little bit taller than he was. "Hmph," Zuko huffed, a bit disgruntled. "I bet I could still take you in a sword fight, though."

"I'll take you up on that offer before we leave, don't you worry," Sokka told him as he dug an elbow playfully into the Fire Lord's rib cage. "Now, where's Suki?"

Zuko pointed back toward the crowd and the young Water Tribe warrior disappeared. Zuko turned to face his father. He bowed again. "Chief Hakoda, it is with great honor that I welcome you to the Royal Palace. Thank you for accepting my invitation for this summit."

Hakoda offered his forearm and Zuko gripped it tightly. Hakoda returned the gesture before saying, "Enough of this formality, Fire Lord. We'll save that for when his Majesty arrives, eh?"

Zuko smiled and nodded.

"Now, my crew and I have been riding the rough seas for the last few weeks. Where's a good place to get a hot bath and a hot meal around here?"

"I see the capital!" Aang called out to his traveling companions. They had been flying for two days straight after they had left the trading village of Fudao on the western coast of the Earth Kingdom, opting to fly straight to the Capital City instead of stopping in a village in the Fire Nation. "We're almost there, guys!"

"Finally," Toph grumbled. The novelty of Appa's flight had soon worn off for the greatest earthbender in the world. She couldn't wait to be back on land.

"We'll be there just before sundown," Aang predicted. He patted Appa's scruff affectionately. "Don't worry, buddy. I'm sure Zuko will make sure you get lots of hay."

"He better have lots of food for me too," Toph remarked. "I'm starving."

"You sound just like Sokka," Katara teased her.

Toph turned away, hoping Katara didn't see her blush. "Yeah well, it's not my fault you two eat like birds."

Katara leaned against Appa's saddle. She saw the volcanic crater that housed the magnificent Capital City and beamed brightly. Her brother and father were likely there already. She couldn't wait to see them.

She grinned determinedly. "Appa, yip yip!"

"Come on, let's take a walk before King Kuei gets here," Suki said. She linked her arm through Sokka's and pulled him away from the crowd.

Sokka eyed her. His bottom lip stuck out in a mock pout. "You sure Zuko doesn't need you?"

Suki threw him a look. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy, lover boy?"

"No." Sokka pouted.

"He's got the other Kyoshi warriors and all of the warriors from your tribe. I'm sure he'll survive without me. Besides, I like tall handsome guys like yourself," Suki teased. "When did you get so tall?"

"That's a good question," Sokka returned with a white-toothed grin.

She led Sokka into the grounds of the Royal Palace. They walked hand in hand down the breezeways alongside the inner courtyards and gardens. It was serene, peaceful. Sokka was glad he had a moment to catch up with her.

"I've missed you so much, Sokka," Suki said as she snuggled into his side. "I'm glad you came with your dad."

Sokka kissed her temple. "I've missed you too. I try to keep busy with the construction and stuff, but it's been hard not to commandeer a canoe all the way to the Fire Nation to see you." He grinned at her.

Suki smiled brightly at him. "Maybe you could stay for awhile. I'm sure Zuko wouldn't mind your engineering ingenuity while drafting plans for his Great Route project."

"That's not a bad idea." He stroked the soft stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "And it's late in the season so I probably wouldn't be able to go home until spring…"

"We'll talk to him about it then," Suki said, as if that settled it. "I would love for you to stay until then."

They walked a little further through the palace with no particular destination in mind, feeling content.

They came to a stop in one of the many gardens the Royal Palace had to offer and leaned against the railing.

"How's your sister and Aang?" Suki inquired. "I haven't gotten a letter from them in a while."

Sokka shrugged. He looked out into the garden, still troubled by his sister. "They're doing okay, I guess. Aang is pretty busy with his Air Acolytes and Katara is...well, she's doing stuff."

"Don't you hear from her often?" Suki quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Eh, she sends a letter about once a month." Sokka eyed her. If he could tell anyone about his concerns, it was Suki. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course, Sokka."

"Okay, but you can't tell anyone." Sokka looked around and made sure no one could listen in. "I think Katara wants to come home. Alone."

Both of Suki's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. "You mean she wants to break up with Aang? Has she told you that?"

"Well no, but I just get the feeling...from her letters. I don't know. I know my sister. She just doesn't sound happy, Suki."

Suki frowned. "I wasn't going to say anything, but I've kind of gotten that vibe myself from her last few letters. She says Aang is really preoccupied with his Acolytes, but it seems like he's just ignoring her."

"He's just a kid." Sokka shook his head. "I never liked it. I just felt like Katara was too mature for him. They want different things in life."

"Aang's first duty is to the world. He's the Avatar," Suki said. "She'll never be able to be his top priority, even if he wants her to be. Katara should have realized that."

"I think they're too much alike," Sokka said. "But what can we do about it? They've got to realize it on their own."

Suki's frown deepened unhappily. "I guess you're right. We better get back so you can get cleaned up before the Earth King shows up."

"What, are you saying I stink?"

"Yes, like salt and sea prunes."

Zuko had allowed Hakoda and the rest of the Southern Water Tribesmen to take time to clean up and relax before he searched out their chief. He found him in the sitting room of the apartment that Zuko had set him up with, in the hall for visiting nations.

The rooms had sat empty and neglected for a century to such a point of disrepair that they all had to be remodeled when Zuko came into power. He had them modeled after the nations they represented: blue walls and animal pelts for the Water Tribes and green paint with stone adornments for the Earth Kingdom. They were a point of pride for him; it was a reminder of all that he had accomplished in his short reign, especially when they were occupied, which hadn't been nearly often enough for his liking. He was glad they were getting some well-deserved use.

"Chief Hakoda, may I borrow you for a moment?" Zuko implored quietly.

Hakoda nodded. He turned back to his travelling companions. "I'll be back in a bit. You all better be ready to present yourself to the Earth King when I get back." His words were sharp, but there was a gentleness to his tone that Zuko found himself often imitating.

Hakoda followed Zuko through the labyrinthian halls of the Royal Palace. The Fire Lord took him into the room for the Council of Foreign Affairs and gestured for him to sit. Zuko sat across from him, rather than at the head of the table, after Hakoda had knelt down.

"I wanted to speak with you privately before the others arrived. I need your help to convince King Kuei and Chief Arnook that this trade plan is in the best interests of all of our nations," Zuko told him without preamble.

"I'm already with you on it," Hakoda said. "I believe in this, Zuko. It may be the best thing that has ever happened to the world. Whatever you need to make it happen, I'm with you."

Zuko nodded, deeply grateful. "Thank you, Hakoda. It means a lot to me to have your support. And I truly appreciate you coming here."

"Of course." Hakoda's expression softened. "Pardon me if I cross a line, but you've taken the throne very young, Zuko. You've done an exceptional job leading the Fire Nation, given the mess you inherited. I just want to say I'm proud of you for all you've accomplished so far."

Zuko's cheeks pinked and for a moment he couldn't meet the older ruler's gaze. "Thank you, sir," he murmured.

"My kids are awfully fond of you, Zuko, and I can see why. You've truly redeemed yourself. I just want to let you know that I am here for you, with whatever you need," Hakoda went on. "I want to see you succeed. I want this world to be a better place when we leave it than it was when we were born. I think you can do that."

"Only if I have your help," Zuko said sincerely. "And Kuei's and Arnook's too."

Hakoda smiled. "But it will be because of you that we all come together. You are possibly the greatest leader this world has ever seen."

By early evening King Kuei and Chief Arnook had arrived with their respective processions. Zuko greeted them with more formality than he had shown Hakoda. The air was amicable enough but Zuko could sense King Kuei's tension. General How eyed the Fire Lord with barely-concealed distrust. Chief Arnook was more welcoming. Zuko hoped he would be able to turn the Northern chieftain in his favor. Once the greetings were done Zuko had his servants bring his honored guests into his home. His servants showed them to their quarters and gave them time to rest before bringing them all down to the Great Dining Hall for a complimentary dinner.

Zuko had the kitchen staff prepare an impressive feast. Foods from all of the nations had been cooked for his guests: sea prunes and ocean kumquats, rice and tofu, an assortment of wines and ales, and more. Zuko may have been trying to curry their favor, but he was good at it. The royal processions were wooed by the feast before them. The nations sat at the long tables in the spacious room, meshing together, discussing the current events of the world in seas of blue, green, and red.

The Fire Lord surveyed it all from his table at the top of the room, which he shared with the top advisors of the royalty he had summoned. Chief Hakoda, Bato, Sokka, and Suki sat on his right, King Kuei and his top advisor, General How, on his left. Chief Arnook, his wife, and his advisor, Turluk, sat next to Hakoda and Sokka. The conversation had stayed away from talks of the Great Road, which pleased Zuko. He wanted to talk about that matter tomorrow, at the official summit.

The conversation amongst the royals of the world's nation was light and amiable. Political matters were left untouched. Chief Hakoda and Bato talked about the progress on the construction of the Southern Water Tribe's city. King Kuei talked of his travels outside of the walls of Ba Sing Se. Chief Arnook and Panuk spoke of the new master waterbender in their tribe and his disciples.

"I noticed Master Pakku wasn't with you," Zuko noted to Hakoda and Sokka. "May I ask where he is?"

"He left a bit unexpectedly a few weeks before we did," Hakoda replied. "I asked where he was going but he only said it was a matter in the Earth Kingdom. He wouldn't say anything else."

"Yeah, he didn't even tell Gran-Gran where he was going," Sokka added around a mouth full of roasted saber moose. "Bit weird, but he's always been kind of a kook if you ask me."

"Sokka!" Suki scolded, nudging him under the table with her foot.

He shrugged. "What? It's true."

"I'm sure everything is just fine," Bato said. "Master Pakku would tell us if it wasn't."

Mal-Chin suddenly appeared at Zuko's right elbow. "My Lord? I apologize for the interruption but this couldn't wait."

Zuko turned to the Lord Chamberlain. "What is it now, Mal-Chin?"

He leaned in close to the Fire Lord's ear. "The Avatar is here."

Zuko looked up. "The Avatar? What is he doing here?"

"I don't know, sir. What would you like me to do?"

"Welcome him, of course! And bring him in for dinner." Zuko looked out over the dining hall. "He's more than welcome to join us."

Unbeknownst to anyone else, Sokka smiled knowingly. He checked to make sure Suki's necklace was in his shirt. His plan was working out wonderfully.

Aang landed Appa on the steps of the royal palace. Nobility and servants alike stared at the massive bison in awe. A trio of Firebending soldiers approached the bison as Aang dismounted.

"Do you have business with the Fire Lord?" the leader demanded to know.

"Nope! He doesn't even know we're coming," Aang chirped brightly. "I hope that's okay."

"I'll have to send for him," said the firebender. "You'll have to wait here."

"Oh my spirits, Aang, Katara!" A figure dressed in the armor of the Kyoshi warriors cartwheeled over to them before landing upright and bowing lavishly. "It's so good to see you guys!"

"Hi, Ty Lee," Aang greeted. He rubbed the back of his head with a nervous smile. "I sort of forgot you joined the Kyoshi warriors. What's up?"

Katara leaned over Appa's saddle to look at their enemy-turned-friend. "Hey, Ty Lee! Have my dad and brother arrived yet? We're trying to surprise them," Katara asked hopefully.

"Oh sure! They got here a few hours ago," Ty Lee replied, gesturing toward the palace. "Everyone is eating dinner in the Great Dining Hall. Come on!"

"Miss, we really need to ask Fire Lord Zuko if they're allowed—"

Ty Lee turned on him, her eyes glinting like two pieces of flint. She jabbed a finger in his direction and he stepped back warily. "Of course they're allowed here! Aang, Katara, and Toph are Fire Lord Zuko's friends! But if you insist, run along and tell him that you held up the Avatar."

The soldier fell back, holding his hands up placatingly. "Yes, Miss, of course."

Ty Lee waved to Aang, Katara, and Toph. "Come on, guys. I'll take you into the dining hall. Everyone will be so excited to see you!"

They followed the bubbly acrobat into the Royal Palace. Before they made it to the dining hall they were intercepted by a man named Mal-Chin, who Ty Lee said was Zuko's Lord Chamberlain.

"I will let his Grace know you are here," the thin man said as he bowed deeply. "If you would wait outside of the Great Dining Hall, I will return for you momentarily."

"Thank you," Aang said graciously as he returned the bow.

Mal-Chin disappeared into the room. Katara caught a glimpse of long tables piled high with aromatic foods. People of all nations gathered around. It warmed her to see blues and greens laughing and conversing with reds.

Katara smoothed out the skirt of her kaftan, wishing they had a moment to freshen up. But there was no time.

"Do I look okay?" she asked.

"Katara, you've got a leaf in your hair!" Toph exclaimed with a snicker.

"What? Where?" Katara ran her hands over her braid before turning to glare at the blind giggling girl. "Ha ha, very funny, Toph."

Aang and Toph chuckled. "I thought it was pretty funny, Katara," Aang said.

She turned her steely eyes on him. "Does my hair look okay?"

"Yeah, it looks fine," Aang said. He held his hands up in surrender.

With a sigh Katara released her hair from its travel-worn braid and fluffed her hair out behind her, chocolate curls falling over her shoulders. This will have to do. Aang looked at her appreciatively but she pretended not to notice. Nervous butterflies battered the wall of her stomach. Katara wasn't sure why. She didn't know why seeing her dad and brother again would make her feel that way. Or was she just anticipating Sokka's proposal?

Before she could find an answer, Zuko's Lord Chamberlain appeared. He beckoned them forth. "The Fire Lord has invited you to enjoy this meal with him and the visiting foreign leaders," Mal-Chin informed them with another bow. He looked at Katara. "Your father and brother are sitting with him, Princess Katara."

"Princess?" Katara squeaked.

Mal-Chin looked confused. "You are Chief Hakoda's daughter, yes?"

"Well yes, but I don't think I'm a princess," she replied with a nervous giggle. Heat rose in her cheeks. "I'm just...me."

"Don't be modest, Princess Katara," Toph said. She elbowed her friendly affectionately. "Enough talking. I'm so hungry I could eat a boulder." She walked into the dining hall first, leaving Katara and Aang to scramble in after her.

Katara saw Zuko before anyone else. Her eyes widened of their own accord at what she saw. His commanding presence in the room was magnetic, and in his regal silk robes and shining fire emblem headpiece, he was every inch a Fire Lord. He looked at her as soon as they entered, and they locked eyes for a brief moment. Katara smiled and offered a small wave, and then Zuko smiled back and beckoned them over.

As they approached, Zuko stood and bowed. The room around them had grown silent. The Avatar was not missed among this crowd of politicians and nobles. They returned the gesture to their old friend.

Zuko turned to the gathered diners. "May I welcome the Avatar, waterbending Master Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, and Toph Beifong, renowned metalbending teacher and earthbending Master, to our midst?" The crowd bowed to them.

"Princess Katara?" she inquired, arching a brow.

"It is your title, isn't it?" Zuko shot back with a bit of a crooked grin.

"Since when?"

Hakoda came around the table and wrapped his daughter up in a strong embrace. "Since your old man became the ruler of a formidable tribe, that's when." He held her at arm's length. "It's been too long, Katara. You look well."

Before she could say anything her brother had enveloped her in a rib-crushing hug. "Katara! Oh, how I've missed you, annoying sister of mine! From now on, you can call me Prince Sokka."

"In your dreams, big brother," Katara snorted. She gave him a gentle push.

He bowed mockingly. "As you wish, your highness." He was answered with a solid punch in the arm from Toph. "Ouch!"

"You haven't changed a bit, Snoozles," Toph remarked roughly. "Well, except your ego has gotten bigger."

The old friends melted into laughter. Extra chairs were brought out for the new arrivals. Katara sat between her father and Aang, who was seated beside Zuko. She was happy to see the two of them together and not angry with each other anymore. Their fallout during the Yu Dao conflict had scared her; without the Avatar's support, Zuko's reign surely would have crumbled in those early days. When Aang had gone into the Avatar State he had been ready to kill Zuko. If it hadn't been for Katara, he most likely would have.

Aang regaled the group with stories of his Air Acolytes before Toph went on to talking about the Beifong Metalbending academy and her students, who she simply referred to as the lily-livers. Sokka and Hakoda filled Katara in on the goings-on of home. Katara felt a pang of homesickness listening to her dad and brother talk. Home had changed so much since she had last been there. Would she even recognize it anymore?

She and Zuko were the only ones who barely said anything. She stole glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking. He had changed since the last time Katara saw him. There were shadows beneath his eyes that told of too many restless nights. He had grown up too: his shoulders had broadened and he had lost the last bit of boyish roundness in his face. But there was more to it than that: the air around him had changed, too. Gone was the uncertain, lonely teenage boy she had known. The man before her now exuded a calm power, his royal blood finally flourishing. She thought he wore it well.

After an hour or so, Sokka stood up and tapped his fork against his glass. Everyone turned to look at him. He cleared his throat and looked around. "I've got something to say, everybody," Sokka said. He stepped back from his chair and went to stand behind Suki. He began to rummage through his pocket. "I love this magnificent girl more than anything in the world, and I know we've spent a lot of time away from each other lately, but that doesn't mean I love her any less."

The entire room had grown quiet again and everyone watched the young Water Tribe prince with bated breath. Something exciting was happening at the Fire Lord's table.

Suki swiveled around in shock and looked past Bato and Hakoda to lock eyes with Katara, her deep blue eyes wide. Her face had gone as white as if she were wearing her Kyoshi makeup. Katara nodded encouragingly and flashed her a big smile.

Sokka produced his engagement necklace and held it in the palm of his hand before her. "Suki, you mean the world to me. Before I met you, I was a different person. A lesser person. But you taught me to respect all warriors, and you never held it against me. You were willing to give me a second chance. Every day you encourage me to be a better man. I would love nothing more than to be that better man for you, each and every day, for the rest of our lives." He took a steadying breath and finished strong. "Suki, I love you. Will you marry me?" He draped the necklace around her neck.

Suki's hand touched the cool green gemstone that rested against her skin. Color had rose to her cheeks and tears glistened in her eyes. She looked over her shoulder at him and a huge grin split her face. "Yes!"

Applause erupted from the onlookers. Sokka gently tied the necklace around her neck before Suki jumped up and wrapped her arms around him and planted a kiss on his mouth. Those at the Fire Lord's table clapped with gusto. Everyone knew it was going to happen; it had just been a matter of when. Katara looked at her brother and future sister-in-law with happy tears in her eyes.

A hand grabbed hers from under the table. She turned and saw Aang smiling at her. He nodded towards Sokka and Suki. Katara nodded, an unspoken conversation between the two of them. One day. He let go of her hand and she reached for her mother's necklace, fingering the smooth blue stone absently.

The applause died down. Sokka and Suki took their seat. Zuko rose, holding up his glass of fire spirits. "To Prince Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe and Suki, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, on their betrothal," the Fire Lord said. "May the spirits bless them with a long and happy marriage."

Everyone raised their glasses. Zuko, feeling a bit troubled, drank deeply from his cup. He caught Mal-Chin's eye from across the room. He knew what message his chamberlain was trying to send him. He just wasn't sure he was ready to hear it.

Katara slipped away from the dinner shortly after Sokka's proposal. She was happy for Suki and her brother, but she needed some air to clear her head. Aang wouldn't stop throwing looks at her after and she was starting to feel uncomfortable. He better not get any ideas, Katara thought as she walked down the empty corridors. He's too young and I'm not ready.

She wasn't sure where she was going but she allowed her feet to carry her, lost in her thoughts. Her mind drifted to the dream she'd been having, the one that had replaced the ominous nightmare of Tui and La: the three children, sitting at the waterside. Could they possibly be her children in some distant future? Surely she was nowhere near ready to become a mother. Katara was twenty and Aang was only eighteen; wasn't she too young to think of having children? Katara shook her head. It was just a dream, nothing more. And even if it was something more, who knew how far off that future might be?

Subconsciously she had been pulled toward her element. The moon was high, but not quite full, but its hold on her was strong. Katara soon found herself in a garden deep within the palace. A pond glittered soothingly in its center. The garden was filled with magnolias and cherry blossoms and flowerbeds with carved stone statues of dragons. She could see the fire lilies were in bloom.

Even though she wanted to approach the water and call it to her to soothe herself she resisted. Now was not the time to waterbend. Instead Katara climbed up onto the railing to sit and folded her hands in her lap, looking up at the moon. Her thoughts were a maelstrom and her emotions were just as confusing. Katara felt lost and incredibly small.

"It's a nice night, isn't it?" a husky voice murmured from behind her.

Katara jumped in surprise and steadied herself with a hand on the railing. Zuko appeared at her right side. He leaned against the rail on his elbows. The gold fire headpiece in his topknot shone under the moon's pale light. His scar was cast in deep hues of purple and red.

"It is," she said evenly.

"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that your brother had this all planned out, didn't he?" There was a hint of amusement in his voice. Katara also detected a slight slur. Is he drunk? she wondered.

"He did," Katara admitted with a smirk. "He wrote us all a letter as soon as Dad was invited here to see you for the summit. He knew it would be a perfect opportunity."

"I'll hand it to him: Sokka knows how to cause a scene," Zuko drawled. "But it works in my favor too. People from all of the nations saw a Water Tribe Prince propose to an Earth Kingdom girl. Unity is what I'm aiming for here."

She was desperate to change the subject and jumped at the opportunity."How are the trade talks going? I hear King Kuei still needs some convincing."

Zuko sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose. "He'll come around, I'm sure of it. That's why I called all of them here. Diplomats and letters weren't enough to convince him or Chief Arnook. Perhaps I can do that myself."

"I know you can, Zuko," Katara said.

He looked at her, surprise coloring his features. A soft smile came across his face. "I'm glad you have faith in me, Katara. My advisors don't necessarily have the same belief."

"Then they're fools. You're a good and wise leader. Chief Arnook will come around, and so will King Kuei." She smiled mischievously. "And you're not in this alone. Aang is here. His word carries more weight than anyone's."

Zuko's eyes widened. "Why didn't I think of that? Katara, that's perfect! I'll have to ask Aang to sit in on the summit tomorrow."

"I'd be happy to join you as well," Katara offered. She gave him a pointed look. "I'm the Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, after all."

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry to throw your title out like that, Katara. I guess I didn't expect it to take you by surprise."

"I'm just not used to it. Aang and I are pretty secluded in Yu Dao. Sort of...detached from everything, I suppose." She turned her face up to the moon. "I haven't even seen my dad and Sokka for a year and a half."

Zuko was surprised to learn that. "Why not?"

"We're just...busy." She shrugged. "Aang is really involved with the Air Acolytes, as he should be. It's important for him to keep his culture alive. And maybe the Acolytes aren't airbenders, but they may as well be. They try so hard to live just like the monks did. They even get the arrow tattoos when they master the knowledge of the Air Nomads. It's honorable."

"And what do you do while Aang is teaching the Acolytes?"

Katara dropped her gaze to her hands, her cheeks burning in embarrassment and shame. "Nothing," she whispered.

"I find that hard to believe. The Katara I know was always doing something. Usually helping others," Zuko said.

She shrugged again. "I help heal the sick in the village sometimes, but I'm not usually needed. So I just stay home and tend to the sewing and the cooking. Sometimes I'll go see Toph and her students and spar with them. I should really do that more."

They fell into silence. Katara felt relief and a little guilty; surely Zuko had enough problems of his own without her adding to them. She attributed that-and his slightly intoxicated state-to his quiet. But then he spoke.

"Katara, can I be honest with you?"

She looked up and found his golden gaze had settled on her. She swallowed. "Of course, Zuko."

"It sounds to me like you've been busy doing what Aang wants to do, and not enough time doing what you want to do," Zuko told her without breaking their gaze. "No offense, but you sound miserable."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she turned away from him. Maybe it was the alcohol or maybe he still knew her so well, but damn him for being able to see right through her! "It's how relationships work, right? You don't get what you want all the time. You have to meet your partner halfway."

"Well, that doesn't sound like he's meeting you halfway," Zuko said bluntly, emboldened by the alcohol.

Katara couldn't answer around the lump in her throat. She turned her eyes back to the moon and struggled to blink away the tears.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he murmured after a few moments of silence.

"I'm not mad at you," she said softly. "I'm mad at myself." The corner of his mouth quirked. He had once said the same thing. "Because you're right, Zuko. You are absolutely right."

Katara sighed, suddenly tired. She didn't know what had compelled her to spill her guts like that. But she had felt comfortable enough to tell Zuko about all of the things she had kept to herself for so long. And it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

They fell into silence, lost in their own thoughts. It was an easy silence, one that neither felt the desire to fill with senseless babble.

It reminded Katara of before; their time on Ember Island waiting for Sozin's Comet. Once she had forgiven him, she and Zuko had fallen into a rhythm together. Somehow they had ended up being the parental figures of the group. Katara hadn't realized how much of the mental load she had been carrying until Zuko had come, and he'd taken some of the weight off of her. Suddenly he was there to help deal with squabbles and assign work and actually get them to do it, something she had always struggled with.

"This is my mother's garden, you know." Zuko broke the silence, his voice a bit slurred. "This was always her favorite place. She and I spent a lot of time here when I was young."

"How is she? Your mother?" Katara inquired gently. She had yet to have the honor of meeting Zuko's mom.

He smiled happily. "She's well. She and Kiyi have taken a small vacation to Ember Island. That awful acting troupe is back to massacre Love Amongst the Dragons again. It's her favorite, you know."

Katara chuckled. "Those guys are still around? I expected them to go belly-up after their terrible play about us."

"To be honest, I've considered banishing them from the Fire Nation."

At that Katara laughed out loud, a light feeling spreading through her chest. She was surprised to find how happy she was feeling, for the first time in what seemed like forever. How long had it been since she had laughed like that? "Those were the good old days, weren't they, Zuko?"

"I guess they were," he demurred. He nudged her with his shoulder. "But I don't think we're done having good days, do you?"

"I hope not," she muttered. She looked at his golden gaze. A small, drunken smile was on his lips. "What are you staring at?"

Zuko dropped his gaze as color rose in his cheeks. "Nothing. Sorry. It's just been awhile. It's good to see you."

Her face flushed. "Thanks. You too." She side-eyed him. "How much did you have to drink tonight anyway, Zuko?"

"Maybe a little more than I should have," he admitted impishly. "I've got to admit, I'm a bit nervous about this summit."

She put her hand on his forearm and gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't be. You're going to get them to sign off on this trade deal. I know it."

"I wish I had half the confidence in myself that you have in me," Zuko told her.

Katara smiled and turned her eyes away from him. "You should be confident in yourself. Royalty suits you, Zuko."

"It suits you as well." He looked at her again with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

Katara squirmed uncomfortably and jumped down off the railing. "Maybe it's time we get His Majesty to bed. I think he's had a few too many fire spirits." She grabbed the sleeve of his robe and led him back into the palace. He teetered precariously on his feet.

"That's not right, Katara. His Majesty is for a king. I'm a Fire Lord."

"So enlighten me to the proper term then, Fire Lord Zuko."

He straightened himself regally. "The correct way to address a lord is either 'your Grace' or 'my Lord'."

Katara arched a brow. "Good to know. And how do you address a princess?"

"I think 'your Highness' is adequate."

"Then let's get you to your chambers, your Grace, before you fall down."

Zuko barked out a laugh. "Me? Fall down? Don't make me laugh, Princess." As soon as he finished talking, he stumbled and lost his balance, staggering into Katara.

She caught him and managed to prevent him from falling to the ground. She looped her arm around his waist to keep him balanced. "Oh, what was that about not falling, your Grace?"

"I was just testing your reflexes."

Katara eventually got Zuko to his bedchambers with some confusing directions from the tipsy Fire Lord. Katara brought him into his rooms and guided him to his bed. A few oil lamps had been lit, but most of the room was dark.

"I'm going to get you some water," Katara told him. She looked around in the dim room. "If I can find the water basin."

"Let me help you with that." Without further prompting he lit a few more oil lamps with small bursts of fire from the tip of his finger, bathing the room in an orange glow. "The bathroom is over there...should be some water."

Katara could tell he was losing the fight against the alcohol he had consumed so she needed to hurry with the water. If she didn't get something in him, he'd wake up with a nasty headache before his summit in the morning. She disappeared into the bathroom and hesitated. It was almost as big as her whole house in Yu Dao!

She filled up a cup with water from the basin and brought it back out to him. Zuko was sprawled out on the bed. He hadn't moved since she'd deposited him there. His eyes had been closed but they popped open when he heard her approach.

"Here, drink this," she ordered, holding the water out to him. "And you better get out of those heavy robes. Those won't be comfortable enough to sleep in."

With a grunt Zuko sat upright and took the proffered cup. He downed it easily and set it on the bedside table. "Yes, ma'am," he teased. He pulled the pin out of his headpiece and set it beside the glass.

"I'll leave you to it then," Katara said. "Get some rest, Zuko. We've got a big day tomorrow."

"Good night, Katara."