Zuko stared out his bedroom window, watching as red and orange leaves fell from the trees. It was autumn and exactly one year since the day he had first met the Avatar. One year since the chase began. One year since he had met her.
The last time he had seen her was three months ago, shortly after he had taken the position of Fire Lord. Truthfully, he missed being around the group. They were his first true friends.
"Is something on your mind, nephew?" Uncle Iroh asked from the doorway. Iroh had insisted upon staying and helping Zuko with his duties as the Fire Lord, further displaying how much of a son Zuko had become to him.
"No, I'm fine," Zuko lied, not turning to face his uncle.
"Perhaps you should pay her a visit, rather than sitting and sulking in your room," Iroh suggested, easily seeing through his nephew's lie.
"I can't," Zuko said, sitting down on his bed. "I have to stay here and attend to my duties. Besides, what would I say?"
"I'll take care of your duties until you get back," His uncle said, sitting next to him. "Why don't you just tell her that you missed her, rather than beating around the bush?"
"But…"
"You don't have any excuse for why can't go and pay a few old friends a visit. I'm sure she and the other's miss you very much as well."
Unable to protest, Zuko agreed and began preparing for his trip. Three hours later, he was on a ship, sailing out to the South Pole, with only three words keeping him from turning back.
"I missed you," Zuko said as soon as he saw Katara.
Author's Note: So much for posting again soon, eh? Ah well, better late than never.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar.
