Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything associated with it. This is for amusement purposes only—so I hope you're amused!

Epilogue

The end of the semester always arrives sooner than expected, and this time around was no different. Between the flurry of projects, papers, presentations, and final exams, Zuko and Katara spent very little time alone with each other. They had already tried to study together at Zuko's house and had miserably failed at keeping their attention on their textbooks…and were, of course, caught in the act. And by Iroh, no less!

Suki sat at her desk, alternating between studying for her pending final and watching Katara methodically pack up some of her things in anticipation of the winter vacation. Peeking from her textbook, the Kyoshi girl noticed her roommate staring off into space. When Katara noticed Suki's observation of her, she fiercely blushed and quickly returned her attention to the task at hand.

Without waiting to be acknowledged, Suki spoke out loud knowingly, "You don't even have to tell me—you're thinking about that night, aren't you?"

Katara shook her head, ignoring her teammate's incessant giggling and letting her mind return to that night nearly two weeks ago. What a way to get caught—and I thought getting caught by Mr. Zei in the library last year was the height of embarrassment!

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They had made it through a whole hour of studying at Zuko's house before succumbing to their baser instincts. Katara was returning from the restroom and Zuko was walking out of the kitchen, having put away the snacks they had been eating earlier. Katara stood there staring at him for a moment until she made her move, stepping lithely in front of him and snaking her small, brown hands up his chest. Her hands slid over the muscles of his upper body, slowly making their way across his shoulders and around his neck. Zuko sharply inhaled as he felt her hands move up his torso. Pulling him close, she kissed him sweetly. She began to pull away, but Zuko refused her action and quickly engulfed her lips with his again. His hand trailed up from her waist, his fingertips coming to rest on the side of her face after they'd ghosted across her closed eyelids. His thumb stroked her cheek tenderly as he pulled on her lower lip with his. Closing his eyes, he tentatively licked her lips as his hand cradled the back of her head.

Following his lead, Katara opened her mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss as she threaded her fingers through his shaggy hair. She barely registered that he tasted of chai green tea and fire flakes—spicy and spicier, she thought to herself. But that gesture of invitation nearly undid them. Within moments, they were completely lost in each other's arms, ignoring the world around them. They moved together blindly, fumbling along the hallway towards his room. So unaware of anything outside of the other's embrace, they didn't hear the sound of someone entering the house. However, a deliberately loud clearing of Iroh's throat quickly brought the impromptu make-out session to an end.

Freezing in Zuko's arms, Katara was mortified with embarrassment when she realized that the kindly teashop owner had caught them. Silently and with some deserved bittersweet irony, she wondered how she always seemed to get caught in compromising positions with the opposite sex. Thinking to herself, she admitted that at least his hand wasn't up her shirt…Not that she was necessarily opposed to the idea or anything…Of course, Katara's cheeks flushed a little deeper as she realized that not only was she thinking about Zuko's hands on her chest, but she was thinking about it in front of his uncle. Desperate for some kind of distraction, she looked just past Iroh to the next room—and saw the massive bookcases lining the wall. Oh Gods! My book fetish is completely subconscious now—how did I not notice the library-esque look of the living room earlier?

While Katara stood there quietly in embarrassment, Zuko had quickly removed his hands from her person. Running one hand through his now decidedly mussed hair as the other shoved itself into his pocket, Zuko addressed his uncle somewhat sheepishly, "Uh, hey Uncle. Katara and I were just studying. How are things at the shop?"

"It was rather slow this evening, Nephew—everyone else must be 'studying' like you, too." He momentarily chuckled to himself before continuing. "Interesting technique—I don't believe I'm familiar with that method," the gray-bearded man responded as a knowing smile graced his features. Patting his belly, he continued, "I hope you don't mind, but I'll need to use the kitchen."

Finally finding her voice, Katara stood aside from the doorway to the adjoining kitchen, "Of course not, Iroh. Besides, I think I ought to head home anyway." Somewhat reluctant to leave her spot near Zuko, she walked past Iroh, gathering her things in the living room. She shot the bookcase a thoughtful, if suspicious, look as she passed by.I do not need a shrink, I do NOT need a shrink, this is NOT a fetish…

Watching the young lady as she collected her books, Iroh glared at Zuko as he lamely attempted to mime something important to his nephew. Unfortunately, the young man's response was obvious confusion with a touch of agitation. Mouthing "take her home" as he pointed to Katara and then at the door, Iroh hoped that Zuko had gotten the message.

Finally nodding in understanding, Zuko queried Katara, "I guess I should walk you back to your dorm, huh, Katara?"

She nodded at Zuko, providing a simple "sure" as she packed up the last of her things. "Have a good evening, Iroh!" She smiled at the gentleman as he held open the door for her.

"I will, Katara. Thank you. You two have a nice walk," Iroh emphasized with a waggle of his eyebrows as Zuko walked past him. Iroh was rewarded with what he had decided long ago was one of Zuko's 'scowls of endearment.'

After that thoroughly embarrassing incident (which Zuko never heard the end of, thanks to his uncle), Zuko had suggested that they move to the library, hoping that the prospect of studying in public would help them restrain themselves. Oddly enough, Katara had point-blank refused the suggestion, and reacted as if he had just suggested she lead a panty-clad conga line across campus. And Zuko could have sworn that her face had even flushed a little at the suggestion…

So, instead, they settled on studying independently of each other for the rest of the semester—about two weeks; it wasn't ideal, but it would guarantee at least some focus on academics, as opposed to physics. As for their final presentation for Professor Wu's class, they didn't have the time to practice together anyway, and instead worked things out separately. When the big day came, they confidently gave their presentation and turned in their paper with matching satisfied grins on their faces.

When they handed the freshly bound document in, Zuko could have sworn that the matronly professor was wearing a smirk at his expense. Of course, Katara told him he was just being paranoid. It wouldn't be until much later that Zuko and Katara would both learn the truth about their teacher.

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So what if it was cold, grey, and windy that day? As far as Katara was concerned, it was an absolutely perfect day—she had just finished her last final and it felt like an unbearable weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Practically skipping across campus, she grinned broadly when her cellphone rang. Picking up the call, she answered in a sing-song voice.

"You're certainly in a good mood," a vaguely amused voice answered.

"Of course, I'm in a good mood, Zuko! I just finished my last final—no more worries until next semester," the Southern Water Tribe girl responded confidently.

"But doesn't that mean you have to move out of your dorm room tomorrow?"

At the reminder of her impending pack-a-thon, she chewed her lip thoughtfully a moment before she spoke in a somewhat annoyed tone, "You really know how to bring down the party, huh, Zuko? Geez, you might as well have said you were bringing a keg of non-alcoholic beer to a frat party…"

"No, that wasn't what I—"

"And here I was trying to not think about packing up all my crap and moving to Sokka's apartment tomorrow…"

Hoping to distract her, Zuko tried again. "Speaking of, isn't your brother out of town this weekend through next week?" he asked as nonchalantly as possible, his face smug at the thought of spending uninterrupted and thoroughly alone time with his girlfriend.

Practically hearing his confident grin through the phone, Katara rolled her eyes, "Yeah, he is, but don't get any ideas. He still doesn't know about us, yet…"

"Yeah, I know…He hasn't figured out why you wanted to stay here during winter break, has he?"

"Of course not. He just thinks I felt like doing something a little different for my birthday and winter solstice this year. I just got lucky that he's playing a home game that day."

"He's not the only lucky one…"

"Anyways," she plodded on, grinning and trying to ignore the faint heat in her face at Zuko's comment, "do you want to meet up for lunch at the tea shop?"

"Sure, I'm nearly there now. See you in ten?"

"See you then," she said before flipping the phone shut.

Pulling the fake fur-lined hood of the parka closer around her to fend off the seasonal chill, Katara hurried across campus to DragonsTea. As she made her way inside, she soon found Zuko at a table inside, a small pot of her favorite tea ready and waiting for her beside him. Pulling her hood down, she sauntered up to him and gave him an innocent peck on the cheek before lacing her fingers in his as she took a seat across from him.

Grunting at the touch of Katara's still icy hands, Zuko jokingly whined, "How can your hands always be cold, Katara? They always feel like little icicles."

"I'm small, so I get cold more easily. If you'd prefer, I could just not hold your hand you know," she replied with feigned indifference. "And to be really considerate, I'll even promise to never touch you again. Ever."

Recognizing her jest, he played along, "That would be really thoughtful—especially since I wouldn't have to worry about some crazy brown midget trying to suck my body heat away at every opportunity…"

Tightening her grip on his hand, Katara's eyes narrowed as she spoke, "'Crazy brown midget' huh?"

Surprised at his girlfriend's sudden burst of strength and vice-like grip, Zuko did his best to play it off. "Uh, I didn't mean that! It was, uh, nothing, I was just joking…You know, haha, funny," he said as he carefully extricated his fingers from the lovely, though occasionally volatile, young woman next to him. Once his hands were free, he instinctively moved them into a defensive position, unsure of what to expect from what he believed to be his now-fuming girlfriend.

Raising an eyebrow at him, Katara knew her boyfriend was, in fact, joking, but she couldn't help herself from seeing what might happen if she kept her "angry face" going, "Well, it wasn't funny…And I'm absolutely not crazy…" Finishing with a straight face, she turned from him in false anger, intently staring at the menu board (as if she hadn't viewed it plenty of times and had inadvertently memorized its contents).

She couldn't keep the act up, though, as she glanced sideways at Zuko, who was currently wearing a look that hovered between a confused stare and frustrated scowl. Realizing that she had successfully tricked him, the blue-eyed girl promptly began to giggle uncontrollably.

"What are you laughing at?" Zuko asked with a slight strain to his voice.

"Now that was funny," Katara said as she quieted herself.

Zuko simply scowled, ignoring his girlfriend for the time being.

"That look on your face…It's like you've never had someone play a little trick on you, Zuko, or maybe someone's played one too many tricks on you," Katara said slightly condescendingly as she patted his arm. Looking around, she realized that there was a very empty counter before them. Turning to Zuko, she shared her observation, "Isn't Iroh supposed to be working today?" Or should we just put the closed sign up in the window for a little while, she thought suggestively to herself.

"Yeah, he is. Maybe he's in the back office," Zuko said as he went behind the counter and made his way to the cozy room. Popping his head into the doorway, Zuko practically jumped when he saw someone very familiar in the office with his uncle. Not only was the person a woman, but she was a laughing woman…and his (former) interpersonal communications professor! What the hell is she doing with Uncle? And why is she laughing—I don't think I've ever seen her smile, let alone laugh? Can profs even do that? Isn't there some kind of 'scholar' code that prevents them from being human in situations where they could potentially run into a student?!?

Noticing his nephew, Iroh addressed the startled-looking young man, "Ah, Zuko, how are you?"

"G-good, Uncle. Uh, there was no one up front, so I thought I'd, uh, let you know," the young man shifted uncomfortably from side to side, wondering if he should leave or not.

Iroh recognized the look of discomfit on Zuko's face, and pointed to the now professionally composed woman across from him, "I believe you know Ms. Wu."

"Hello, Zuko, I hope your remaining finals went well," the older woman said seriously. Turning to the older man still seated across from her, "Iroh, I believe I should get going. If I don't get those papers graded soon, I'll have a crowd of angry young people congregating at my office door." Getting up from her seat, she finished, "Thanks for the tea, old friend. Until next time." She glided past Zuko with a secret smile and exited the small tea shop. The chimes above the door signaled her officially-out-of-earshot status.

He wasted no time and immediately took the now-empty seat before him.

"Uncle, what was my professor doing in here?" Zuko didn't even pause to give Iroh a chance to explain. "And why did she call you 'old friend'? What's going on?"

Iroh took a pensive breath before he patiently explained that they were old business associates and had been friends for some time now. Sputtering like a fish out of water, Zuko looked at his uncle inquiringly, but before he could speak, he was interrupted by an exasperated young woman rushing up to the office door.

"Did I just see Professor Wu exit the building?" Looking at Iroh suspiciously, Katara queried, "What were you talking to her about, Iroh?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. We were just catching up on something that I had asked her to do…" the old man trailed off as he rose from his seat, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"And just what kind of a 'something' would you two be working on, Uncle?"

"If you must know Nephew, the project was you," Iroh answered, patting Zuko's head as he walked past him.

"What do you mean 'you'?" the young man responded, his brow furrowed in confusion as he turned awkwardly in his chair.

"Well, I knew you were taking Wu's class this semester, so I asked her to pair you up with a nice young lady. I just never expected it to be young Miss Kuruk." Pausing a moment to chuckle as he remembered Zuko's frustration that first day at being paired up with that girl from the bookstore, the rotund man continued, "But it seems to have worked out for the best, hasn't it?"

The little chime above the door of the tiny shop tinkled pleasantly, alerting the tea master to the arrival of more guests. Iroh didn't bother to turn around to see the look on Zuko's face—although he was sure it was priceless—and instead walked to the front to tend the counter.

Katara, who had been standing in the hallway the entire time, wore a look balanced between confusion and frustration. What makes her think she should be playing matchmaker? The last thing I needed this semester was a boyfriend and here MY PROFESSOR is setting me up with some total stranger? What the hell?!? What if he was a date rapist or something?!? But if she hadn't, I wouldn't be with Zuko. And it's not an entirely bad thing being his girlfriend…Realizing that Iroh had only meant well in regards to Zuko, she decided to simply let it go and wore a small smile of acceptance in recognition of the serendipitous situation.

"And, what, exactly are you smiling about?" the scowling man asked as he stewed in his seat.

"I just came to the conclusion that it's kind of sweet what your uncle did."

"Sweet…sweet? He manipulated my teacher and butted into my private life! How is that sweet?"

Walking around him, Katara mused for a moment as to whether she should show or tell Zuko her response. Eyes shining and a wicked grin on her face, she decided on the former. Silent as a whisper, she toed the door to the small office shut.

Zuko, who was completely unaware of what was going on, still sat in his chair fuming a few moments later, still waiting for her answer. Looking up from his lap, he was surprised to find Katara standing there before him, intently gazing down at him. He opened his mouth to ask her again, but lost his voice upon recognizing that look—the one that looked hungry for something he couldn't describe—in her eyes. Suddenly, he really wanted to know what she thought 'sweet' was…

She quietly removed his curled fists from his lap and gingerly sat down in their place, her legs off to one side. Zuko, still speechless, watched her with attentive eyes as she bent down towards his face. Instead of kissing his lips, Katara had decided at the last moment to trail kisses down his unscarred cheek and down his neck. Zuko let out a low moan as Katara reached the base of his neck, taking a moment to luxuriate in the cinnamon and sandalwood smell that was distinctly him. She kissed her way back up his neck, pausing at the juncture between his jawline and his ear for a moment to delicately suck on his earlobe. She hadn't released his wrists, and held them captive, allowing herself a triumphant smirk as she felt his pulse slowly beat more strongly, then race.

After satisfying her need to physically tease Zuko (very, very effectively, too, if his obvious below-the-belt physical reaction was any indication), she sensually whispered in his ear, "Was that sweet enough for you, Zuko? Because without your uncle's interference, you wouldn't have sugar like that in your life…"

"Uhn-huh," was all Zuko could think of to say at the moment as he looked up with half-lidded eyes. Or spice, he added deliciously to himself, since that's what good girls are made of…He smiled back at her wolfishly. In that short moment, he decided that if that was sugar, he couldn't wait for spice.

Impressed with her boyfriend's reaction, Katara couldn't help but giggle at his oh-so-articulate comeback. Giving him a perfunctory kiss on the lips and rising from his lap, she grabbed his hand, "Come on, let's get something to eat soon or I'm going to turn into Sokka."

"And eat everything in sight like some crazed, starving, goalie-stick-wielding barbarian?"

Katara looked at him a moment in shock before she burst out laughing.

Zuko had finally cultivated a sense of humor.

Shaking his head out of the last of its stupor, Zuko willingly followed Katara out of the office smiling. I suppose Uncle isn't that bad after all…

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Katara had been living at Sokka's apartment alone for about a week since Sokka'd been traveling to away games. Of course she had Zuko over often, enjoying as much time as she could with him before her brother came back from his road trip. She also paid attention to the Ba Sing Se Bears scores, knowing that how well or poorly the team had played would most definitely affect her brother's demeanor upon his return.

If they had done well—say a couple of scoreless games for the opponent—Sokka would be a in a chipper mood, ignorant of how his sister was out "gallivanting" as their Gran-Gran called it. However, if they were suffering from a losing streak—or Tui and La forbid—had fallen out of first place in their division, her brother would be as angry as a platypus-bear awoken early from its hibernation. And that would make for a tough, if not nearly impossible, introduction to her new boyfriend. As one might imagine, Katara cheered for the Bears every chance she got.

By the time Sokka arrived back in Ba Sing Se, his team had done fairly well and Katara knew that her brother would be in high spirits. The Bears were still in first place, the all-star game was coming up, and Sokka was a shoe-in for the goalie position on the North team. Things couldn't have been better for her impending confession.

Unfortunately, good things don't last, and neither did the peace between the two Southern Water Tribe siblings. And what exactly brought the younger Kuruk's current relationship status to light? Laundry, of course…

It was a dreary Sunday afternoon and it was a perfect day for laundry. Not only would the dryer warm up Sokka's large apartment, but it would be so nice to have some toasty towels for when she finished her bath, Katara decided as she popped her laundry into the dryer. Unfortunately, Katara was still in the bathroom when the dryer dinged, signaling the end of its load.

Since Sokka needed to get his own freshly washed clothing into the machine, he decided to do his sister a favor and empty it out for her. Whistling to himself, he hastily threw the clothing into the basket at his feet. Before shutting the door, he remembered his sister's nagging voice ever-so-gently reminding him to feel around the bottom of the drum to make sure he didn't miss anything—and he certainly didn't want his sister's girly clothes coming into contact with all of his "manly things." As his hand blindly explored the area underneath the lint trap, Sokka felt something soft. He pulled the lone piece of clothing up, his jaw dropping at what he saw.

Why is there a pair of men's boxers in Katara's laundry? Is she seeing somebody? Who is this guy—spirits smite him—potentially touching my baby sister?

…And how exactly am I gonna kick his ass?

Brandishing the offensive boxers at arm's length, Sokka marched over to his sister's room bellowing, "Katara, why is there a pair of men's flannel boxers in your laundry? And don't you dare try to pull off the 'they're comfy to sleep in'-excuse again, young lady! I know you've got pajamas for that!"

Katara, who was comfortably lying on her stomach reading a magazine on the guest bed, looked up at her brother in horror. She jumped up from the bed like it was on fire and stood up ramrod straight in her bathrobe, unsure as to how to address her brother.

Nervously she responded, "What do you mean 'men's boxers'? Why would I have 'men's boxers' in my laundry?" Giggling in distress, she supposed with a slight squeak to her voice, "Are you sure they aren't, um, your 'men's boxers,' Sokka?"

At the realization of the fact that she had said 'men's boxers' no less than three times in the span of just as many sentences, Katara mentally smacked herself. Way to sound not guilty! Could I have been any weirder right then? Okay, stop freaking out, I just have to figure out a way to smooth this over—this is definitely NOT the way I wanted him to find out…

She paused a moment. And how the hell did Zuko's boxers get in the laundry anyways? I mean, we haven't gotten that, uh, far, yet…Maybe he left them here when we went to the hot tub that day? Or maybe that night when he accidentally fell asleep–he took a shower here before he went back home in the morning…Maybe it was…

While Katara's scattered thoughts careened from one scenario to the next, Sokka's face became thoughtful. He stretched the pair of boxers in between his two hands, holding them up to the light, much like a scientist would hold a test tube up to examine its contents. His brow furrowed until he realized his mistake—they were his, the pair he'd lost months before. They must've just been caught in the off-kilter dryer drum. No wonder he hadn't been able to find them. Or identify them. He hadn't seen them in weeks.

His mouth opened to apologize, but his sister interrupted him instead.

"Uh, Sokka, well, it's just that…" the blue-eyed girl stared off into space for a moment, considering how she would admit her relationship to her brother. I should tell him, but how? Come on, mouth and brain—why can't you work together right now? She wondered vaguely if he'd understand it through charades or pictionary—it really was too bad that she sucked at both games. She just needed some way to tell him that didn't involve her actually saying, "I'm dating this really nice guy."

Realizing that his sister had trailed off in thought, Sokka shrugged his shoulders and confessed. "Sorry 'bout that Katara, but, uh, I think you're right. These are mine; I must've left them in there the last time I did laundry. Sorry for freaking out on you," he said as he crumpled the underwear in his fist. He turned away, as if to return to the laundry room before looking at his sister, whose face was in an obvious state of shock, "Were you going to say something?"

"Uh, no, Sokka, uh," Katara paused a moment before plastering on a falsely angry face. She decided to go on the 'defensive.'

Poking her brother in the chest with her index finger, she haughtily stated, "Don't start screaming at me like that ever again, Sokka! What did you think was going on, anyway? It's not like I'm 10 years old or something—I'm a grown woman for goodness sake!"

Sokka raised his hands in surrender and he started to apologize again, but she interrupted him.

"Besides, would it be so horrible if I did have a boyfriend?" she quietly queried next, avoiding his eyes.

Feeling guilty for falsely accusing his little sister, his arm hugged her around the shoulders as he sat down on the edge of the bed with her, "No, of course not, Katara. Look, I trust you, it's just that I don't trust other guys. We're dogs, you know—all we want to do is eat, sleep, shit, and screw." Hearing his sister giggle, he continued, "And not necessarily in that order, either. But, you would tell me if you were seeing somebody, right? You don't have to keep your boyfriends a secret from me—that is, unless it's Jet. 'Cause if you're dating Jet again, I just might have to beat him bloody with my hockey stick." At least twice, if I have the opportunity.

Laughing at the thought of her brother defending her honor, Katara finally spoke, "No, I'm not dating, Jet…But, uh, there is somebody…"

Sokka, not expecting his sister's confession, sat there dumbfounded and mute as Katara explained her relationship with Zuko. She decided to start off by telling Sokka how they had met, and how they were classmates all semester, and how they became more than friends. Of course, she didn't mention Zuko's little white lie and his online identity—she didn't want to make her brother dislike Zuko anymore than she figured he would on his own and without her prompting.

Sputtering, Sokka rose from the bed, ready to shred the pair of boxers in his hands, "The tea shop guy! That's who you're dating?!?" Cracking his knuckles loudly with a murderous look on his face, he continued, "And isn't he older than you? What are you doing dating older guys? Didn't I warn you about them? Why don't you ever listen to me?" After that outburst, Sokka simply muttered under his breath and all Katara could hear was "idiot" and "told him to stay away from her."

Sokka went on like that for about ten minutes, pacing across the room, flinging his arms into the air for effect every few sentences. Katara just sat there, massaging her temples, before she finally decided she could no longer take her brother's idiotic overreaction.

"Look, Sokka, I really like him, he's good to me, and we get along, okay? He's reliable, kind, and smart. He's even funny…sometimes. Besides, Suki's met him a couple of times and likes him just fine—"

"Suki, MY Suki, knew about this? Why didn't she tell me? Why would she keep something so important a secret? How could she—"

Katara gave her brother a level glare that got the point across—until Sokka started again.

"So he's got some kind of mind control powers to get you to keep his secrets—"

"Cut it out, Sokka! I asked her to keep it a secret because I knew you would freak out the second you found out. Just like you're doing right now…"

Stopping his rampage across the carpet, Sokka looked at his sister with slight surprise, "I DID not freak out—I'm just, uh, surprised okay…Only girls freak out." Puffing out his chest he continued, "Men don't freak out—we get, uh, concerned, yeah, concerned. I was just merely being concerned, Katara."

Only women—and effeminate men—freak out like that. But maybe she's right? No way, just play it off cool…She'll forget all about it! Right? Plastering on his most aloof face in order to hide his embarrassment for being caught "freaking out," Sokka sauntered towards the door. Leaning against the frame, he twirled his boxers on his fingertips as he smiled at his little sister who was still seated on the bed. "Well, just know that if he hurts you, I hurt him. Bad. So let me know if he does anything particularly idiotic that you'd like me to pay him back for, okay?"

Returning his grin, she replied, "Okay, Sokka, I'll keep that in mind."

With that, Sokka simply said "good" as he walked back over to the other side of the apartment to finish his laundry.

Falling back on the bed, Katara slid a hand down her face, mumbling, "That actually went better than I thought it would…"

As she lay there motionless, Katara's mind went back to thinking about how Sokka had reacted when he found out about Jet—mind you, it wasn't until after they broke up that Sokka had found about him. Sokka had been enraged and spoiling for a fight, but he had realized his little sister needed him more. Or at least, she needed him more by her side than she needed him to beat up Jet. Closing her eyes, Katara felt herself awed by how much things had changed in the past year.

This time last year, she was in the middle of her freshmen year. Not to mention, she was in the middle of dating—and getting her heart broken by—Jet. She remembered the lonely, depressed feeling that engulfed her when she found out he'd been cheating on her. She recalled how she'd thought that those feelings would never leave her; and how she'd felt like an empty husk other times, allowing herself to dwell on his actions and forgetting to take care of herself. Sokka had been there for her, convincing her that things would be okay eventually and that, one day, she'd meet a guy that would treat her like gold.

She kept smiling in a daydream-like haze, thinking that maybe Zuko was that guy. Sure they argued from time to time and he still had to work on the whole "sense of humor" thing, but she did care about him. And when they kissed, it was unlike anything else she'd ever felt with another guy—something electric, she mused. There was something special there; she just knew it.

She remained there across the bed smiling like an idiot—that is, until Sokka threw the basket of laundry in her room, joking, "Get your heads out of the clouds, and fold your damned laundry!"

Blowing a puff of air through her bangs in annoyance, Katara rose from the bed and tended to her warm clothes. She wondered if the rest of Zuko's family was as friendly as Iroh, and if they were there for Zuko as much as Sokka was there for her.

She momentarily wondered what it would be like when they met each other's families. Thinking better of it, she decided instead to turn her attention to folding laundry instead of imagining the horror that would be Zuko and Sokka in the same room with her father.

Blanching, she made a mental note to round up and securely hide all of the traditional family hunting paraphernalia before inviting Zuko to her family's home. Just in case…

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Author's Note: So, here we are "The End!" Thanks to everyone for reading along—especially those of you that have been with me since the beginning.

In case you're wondering, yes, there is going to be a sequel, with the possibility of a one-shot somewhere in between. But, I can't tell you when the sequel will be out since I'm getting married later this year and starting grad school while continuing to work full-time…So, life's hectic, but there will be more modern Zutara goodness down the road—think "Meet the Parents" only with whale bone clubs and a crazy sister. So, make sure you place an author alert on your account if you'd like to be notified of when said sequel comes out!

Thanks again to everyone and, most of all, thanks to Moor for being my ever-faithful beta reader!