Zuko left for the Fire Nation a few days later. He bid farewell to Toph and left a message with Sokka that something urgent had arose while he was away and his presence was needed. He'd spent far too much time away from his throne as it was. He hoped Aang would understand and that Katara would forgive him. As Zuko headed towards the waiting airship, lost in his thoughts, his uncle accompanied him.
"I was thinking of coming back to my homeland for a visit," Iroh told his nephew once they were almost there. "Perhaps when I do the Fire Lord will be preparing for his own wedding." Zuko's stomach sank at his words. While he could tell his uncle, more like a father to him than Ozai had ever been, was half joking, he knew the country needed a Fire Lady soon. It had been years since there had been one and the nobles had expressed multiple times their desire for the parties there once were. Another way Zuko had to bring the Fire Nation back to how it was. The soldiers in the armies had been free to follow whatever path they chose and those that wished to stay were sent to be missionaries and peace keepers in the other nations.
"Perhaps Uncle," was all Zuko replied as he tried to ignore the look Iroh gave him. Saying their goodbyes Zuko boarded the airship and watched as the Earth Kingdom quickly faded away from his sight. He would miss it, he always found himself at peace there, but he needed to be away from Katara, at least until he could handle being around her again. Even if it meant he had to go years without seeing her, like last time.
Once he was home Zuko found himself wandering the halls, lost in thought. As much as he loved Katara they couldn't be together. She had a duty to perform, for her nation, the Avatar and for the world. And so do I. Zuko finally accepted as he realized he was standing at the gates that would lead him to Mai's house. He touched his pocket, the small box was still there. I have a duty to my nation and to my people, I also owe Mai. With a sigh Zuko left for her house, brushing of the protests of his attendants. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door, moments later Mai was inviting him in. As she talked about what had been going on while he was away, Zuko found himself noticing everything about her that was different from Katara. Mai's eyes were still cold and aloof, though less so when she was looking at him. And her voice still carried the same bored, sarcastic tone. And, despite all the differences he found similarities too. And it was those similarities that helped him now. Zuko closed his eyes for a moment, strengthening his resolve. If Katara can sacrifice her happiness for others than so can I, he told himself sternly.
"Mai, there's something I've been thinking about," he began slowly. Mai looked confused for a moment, but put down her tea and waited for him to finish. "It's been a long time since this country has had a Fire Lady, technically speaking even my mother wasn't one, since she left before Father was crowned. Perhaps it's time we had another one," he finished taking the box out of his pocket and opening it to show her. Inside lay a necklace with a pendant of dragons entwined in their courtship dance, one was white gold and the other yellow. Slowly Mai picked up the box and took the necklace into her hands. "I know traditionally our culture uses bracelets for marriage, but I saw these and I knew they would be perfect." And it means I won't have to take off my bracelet.
"Zuko they're beautiful," Mai replied as she pulled him into a hug. "I'm so happy." And for once she actually sounded it.
They opted to have a small wedding, only themselves and a Fire Sage were present. A large public appearance was held after-wards to formally introduce the Fire Nation's new Fire Lady. Mai smiled and greeted her people warmly while Zuko stayed next to her, a smile on his face as he watched her. He liked this new Mai, Maybe I could learn to love her, he thought as their eyes met. I probably won't see Katara again for years and when she's like this it's almost as though Katara is here.
Time passed, the people loved Mai and Zuko found that being Fire Lady gave her a sense of freedom she never had, making her warmer, the complete opposite effect it had on Azula. And while Zuko wasn't as miserable as he was before, he still didn't love Mai in the same way he loved Katara. She was his friend and he cared about her, but he didn't feel passion, only obligation. As she began hinting that they should give the country an heir Zuko recoiled, he had only been with his new wife a few times, he always had excuses. With her wanting to have a child he would be expected to want an heir as well. For the moment he postponed, saying that the Avatar's visit would leave little time for anything of the sort and it would have to wait until after.
The morning Aang was due to arrive Zuko looked out the window watching for the familiar sky bison to come soaring towards his home, and soon enough he saw it. As he watched the bison land he noticed Aang wasn't alone in the saddle. Even from this distance he could recognize the portly figure of his uncle and the person wearing blue could only be Katara. He slammed his fist against the window sill, startling his attendant. Why is she here? It's just supposed to be Aang. Regaining his composure he found Mai and together they walked to meet the trio.
"Uncle, it's great to see you. I wasn't expecting you," he said pulling the older man into a hug while Mai made small talk with Aang and Katara.
"I had to see my new niece, though I wish you had an actual wedding, I would've closed the shop to come. Now, let's see your bracelets," Iroh said taking Zuko's hand.
"We went the nontraditional route, we chose to wear necklaces instead," Mai said cutting in. Iroh looked at the bracelet his nephew wore, he had seen it, he was sure. He knew it was a wedding bracelet, he could tell from the craftsmanship.
"Well let's see the necklaces then," Iroh replied lowering Zuko's hand and pushing the bracelet from his thoughts. As Mai sowed off her necklace to Iroh Zuko made pleasantries with Aang and Katara before they five of the headed inside for dinner together.
"It'll take a long time yet, another 20 years at least, until the world is back they way it was before the war," Aang finished tiredly putting away his reports. Zuko nodded, he had been channeling as much funds as he could into helping the rest of the world rebuild and had greatly lessened the numbers of his military. A large amount of his people worked in helping the other nations as well.
"We knew it would take a long time to heal everything, the war lasted a hundred years, we're lucky everything is going as well as it is," Zuko told his friend. He was able to revert back to his old self when he was alone with Aang, as if the past year hadn't happened.
"You're right of course. Oh, congratulations on you and Mai. I didn't want to interrupt your uncle yesterday," Aang said, instantly brightening up. "If I knew you were getting married Katara and I would've come. Iroh told us on the way, he was so happy you two had gotten married, apparently he and Mai ha quiet a lot in common when it comes to tea."
"After the large ordeal your wedding was Mai and I wanted something quiet."
"I'm happy for you either way. What do you say we go down to the market and meet up with Katara? Mai and Iroh are welcome to come along as well."
"I'll send for them while I change into something less formal," Zuko replied getting up. "If you wait by the main gate I'll be there shortly."
After he had changed into his casual clothes he made his way to the main gate and the four of them left for the market together. Zuko dutifully took Mai's hand as she made small talk with Aang. Zuko quietly looked around, pretending to be looking at the goods for sale and not for his friend's wife.
"There she is!" Aang called pointing and racing over to her, Zuko watched as they closed the distance Katara smile and give Aang a peck on the cheek in greeting.
"Iroh I see you've dragged the newlywed Fire Nation royals from the palace," she joked as she gave Mai and Zuko an awkward hug.
"Everyone needs some time to relax," Iroh said wisely. "There's a great baked goods stand not far from here, you know. Shall we?" Iroh led the way to a small booth and ordered for everyone, ignoring their protests. Zuko watched Aang look hesitantly as the cake, he knew the Avatar wasn't a fan of Fire Nation cuisine, but to both of their surprise he seemed to really enjoy it.
"Katara you need to try this one," he exclaimed as he fed a piece to his wife, at that exact moment Iroh looked over at his nephew and saw the look on his face and connected where the bracelet he saw Katara wear, and the one he now noticed Zuko also sported, was from.
"Nephew!" He admonished, startling the young man. Zuko flushed and walked off muttering something unintelligible.
"I've never seen him like this before," Aang said quietly after Zuko was out of ear shot.
"Maybe I should talk to him," Katara offered, catching the glare Mai shot her she hastened to explain. "We really bonded when he took me to find the man who killed my mother, maybe it's something he wants to keep from family for a reason." Mai frowned, suspicious, but she and Aang agreed to let her go.
"They believe you are distant. They're worried about you," Katara said quietly finding Zuko on the edge of the town watching the water. "So am I."
"I can tell. Laughing at the market, holding hands, a kiss when he greets you," Zuko replied bitterly, letting the mask drop and allowing himself to feel all the emotions he kept hidden within.
"He's my husband, Zuko" Katara said with a sigh resisting the urge to touch him. "I remember that his happiness comes before mine."
"Yes well, forgive m if I thought you might find it harder performing this elaborate act."
"Am I not allowed to be as close to happiness as I can, or should I mourn a love that never existed? I am living with this Zuko, as you said we had to." Katara argued, her voice rising, she wanted to yell and fight, but not in public. She would dishonour too many if she did that.
"I feel like I'm being tortured having to watch you act like this. With every look he gives you I get sicker and sicker. There is a burning in me, I feel like I'm on fire and the guilt is eating me. I want to be rid of this, but can't. Does it make you happy to know that?" Zuko snapped back, also trying to keep his voice down.
"Is there anywhere we can go?" Katara asked desperately "Somewhere we can be alone and forget about duty."
"There's a secret garden in the palace, behind a curtain of vines. It's attached to the Turtle Duck pond. We can both get there without being seen, and I will go there anytime to be with you," Zuko said remembering the garden, he had only seen it once when he was very young, only his parents, Azula and himself knew about it, his father had ordered it built for Ursa to give her a place of peace.
"Tonight then, I'll meet you there after Aang and Mai are asleep."
That night after Aang was sound asleep she crept out to the turtle duck pond and searched along the walls for the hidden door, finding it at last she slipped inside and gasped. The garden was beautiful, small candles gently illuminated the small enclosure and the flowers, left to grow wild and natural were beautiful. Tearing her eyes away from the calm waterfall and pond she noticed Zuko was already there. She ran into his arms and hugged him tight, he looked the same as in the old days, his hair loose and the sweet yet awkward smile she fell in love with was back.
"Did you get away alright?" She asked breaking away and sitting next to the water.
"The Blue Spirit can always get away alright," he replied almost smug. "Of course, Mai's sleeping. I take late night walks often so even if she were to wake up she wouldn't suspect anything. But enough, we only have tonight. You and Aang leave tomorrow and won't be back until winter for the dinner and the signing of the Avatar's declaration that all nations band together to rebuild." With that he kissed Katara, gently at first, becoming more passionate as he pulled her down into the grass. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but his heart told him it was right, so he pushed aside his feelings of guilt and let himself enjoy the moment.
Okay so latest chapter. This has been sitting open on my computer for days now so I understand if you are grumpy it took so long. We're about halfway done the story, my aim is to end around chapter 10 or 12. And please the feedback, I love hearing what you think.