A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews! I appreciate each and every one! :) I'm also trying to reply back to most of them and answer as many questions as I can (without giving away too much of what's to happen). For fear of giving away what a crazy shipper I am I must say, Iroh totally ships Zutara. XD Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter! It didn't quite come out as I originally planned... but hopefully that turns out to be a good thing.

p.s. I'm sorry it's moving so slowly! Dx As my friends can attest, I always freak about that, whether it's going too fast, too slow, blah blah. If you have an opinion, let me know! But I promise, the real bulk of the plot will be introduced soon, and then it'll barrel out of control, and hopefully be lots of Zutara epicness. Bear with me until then!

Summer Air

Chapter Two

He's gotten taller.

It was the first thing that flashed through her mind as she stared up at him, although she promptly told herself it was a silly thing to think. He'd always been taller, even when they were kids. Just like with Toph's half an inch to best her, however, she was suddenly feeling like the four inches she'd put on in five years was the bare minimum. Zuko had to be pushing six feet.

His hair is longer.

He was still cleanshaven, but his black hair just grazed his shoulders. But it was the five-pronged royal headpiece that held his topknot in place that told the true story of how much had changed.

Yet here she was noticing all these things and belatedly realizing she should be bowing, or showing some sort of respect to her host for the evening. With a blush, she finally blurted out, "Should I bow?"

Suddenly that stone façade cracked for a slight hint of a smile. "I think we're safe from stuffy formalities out here."

She was able to don a smile at that, turning back to face the courtyard, resting her hands on the balcony rail. "It must get tedious at times. I don't envy you in the slightest."

"I was raised for this. It's second nature now."

Katara wasn't really sure what to say to that. For some reason, she always felt like she was treading on thin ice when talking about his past. It was usually better to change the subject. "So is your uncle the one who sent you out here?"

"I asked him if he knew where you went. I saw you in the crowd and was hoping to say hello," Zuko said, stepping up beside her and resting one of his own palms on the smooth stone of the railing.

"I should have known better than to wear blue," she lamented with a sigh, though there was still a smile on her lips. "Toph did try to warn me, but you know me. Stubborn as ever."

"Toph's blind. She can't see how stunning you look in blue."

Katara felt that same blush creeping across her cheeks, especially when she noticed his golden gaze was trained on her as he offered the compliment. "Thanks." But considering she didn't want to seem just another silly girl swooning over the Fire Lord, she quickly added, "You look…"

However, as she looked at him again, she realized much more than just his height or his hair. His scar looked harsher than she remembered it, even in the pale moonlight. And he seemed…

With a slightly wistful smile she finally concluded, "You look tired, Zuko."

If he was disappointed about not receiving a compliment in return, he didn't show it. The only shift in his expression was a slight tug of a smirk at one corner of his mouth. "I'm the Fire Lord. If that isn't a tiring job, I don't know what is."

"Your uncle said—"

His fist briefly clenched at his side before he cast his gaze at the pond she'd been recently admiring. "I thought of everyone you might understand."

"Right, because we've always understood each other," she remarked sarcastically, before the truth behind the words dawned on her and she bit her lip. "Actually, don't respond to that."

"Exactly, Katara. Even when you hated me, when you didn't trust me, it's all because you understood me first. I've heard about your time at the North Pole…"

"That's not the same thing," she replied indignantly, looking at him while he continued to look away. "It's not like I had my friends right there with me trying to get me to take a break now and then."

"No, you just pushed them all away until there was no one left to tell you that you needed some time for yourself. I'm running a kingdom, after all. I think I'm entitled to some hard work."

His point stung. He was right, of course. But then again, so was she. She clenched her jaw against saying more and adding any fuel to what was already an argument in the making.

Taking a page from his book, she turned to face the pond again, elbows on the railing and chin resting on her hands. It was peaceful, the scenery. Whether it was the moon or the gentle ripple on the water, it was definitely enough to calm her temper.

"Maybe that's why we're both here. Now. The solstice is supposed to be some big deal, right? I'm here to enjoy myself. Can you do the same? Then it can be back to business as usual." For both of us, she added silently.

Without even looking at him she could hear the slight smile in his voice. "I think I can do that, yeah."

"Good. Then I don't have to tell the others how you and your uncle set me up for this lecture."

Zuko threw up his hands in innocence. "Hey, I just wanted to say hello, like I said." But when he saw the grin on her face he relaxed and even adopted his own tamer version. "It's been awhile, but I still think of all of you guys. I get to see Toph and Aang, and even Sokka and Suki come to visit at Toph's insistence, but you haven't been around since… Well, I can't even remember. My coronation, I guess."

"It's not like I've been avoiding you, Zuko. Although you know I've always felt out of place in the Fire Nation…"

"I know. That's why I've told Toph not to push you."

"You have?" That was news to her. It shed a bit of light on some things.

"I even suggested she go visit you at the North Pole once. But she said ice and her don't mix."

Katara laughed at that. "I don't think ice really mixes with anyone, but I don't blame her. Anyway, uh, thank you for that, too."

He shook his head slightly, wearing a wry smile. "Don't thank me. I really only cautioned her against it because I figured pushing you would only push you away. Really it wasn't all that nice of me."

It wasn't, but she understood. In retrospect, she could see that they always did have some level of understanding between them. Thankfully five years had given her the maturity to fully forgive him – and all of them – all their transgressions.

After a moment of silence that was edging toward awkward she tossed out a casual, "So, how's Mai?"

"Uh…" He idly tugged at his collar. "She's well, from what I've heard. I haven't seen her much for the past year or so."

"Oh," she said simply, before the reality hit her. "Oh. Oh, I'm sorry, Zuko."

"That's the way things go." He was shrugging it off, casting a surreptitious glance her way before venturing, "I heard about you and Aang, too."

"That was years ago. And I know it's terrible of me, but I never really had a hard time accepting that it was over. We were so young, we had our own lives. I just like him better as a friend. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way."

"Now that's something to be envious of." And without saying more, she could tell he was still in pain over whatever transpired between him and Mai.

It wasn't her place to press, but she did feel compelled to rest a hand comfortingly on his. He was surprisingly warm, despite that a cool breeze was picking up and stirring the curtains behind them. It was a firebender thing, she'd always imagined.

"Ah, so you did find her."

Katara immediately snatched her hand away as Iroh approached, though she mentally kicked herself for the hasty action. It wasn't as though there was anything wrong with comforting a friend. By the way Iroh was smiling it seemed he had seen enough before she'd managed to move anyway.

"Nephew, the last of your guests are taking their leave. Perhaps you should wish them a good evening before you accompany Lady Katara and myself to Lady Bei Fong's house."

She fully expected Zuko to protest being dragged back to Toph's, but again he surprised her. All he offered was a slight smile and a soft, "Excuse me while I tend my duties. I'll meet both of you on the steps," before he disappeared through the curtains and she could hear his voice making farewells. It was one of the things that hadn't changed about him, she realized as an afterthought. Marginally deeper but otherwise still Zuko as she'd knew him. Oddly enough, somehow that was a comforting thought.

"I must apologize. I hope you don't believe I intended to ambush you, Lady Katara. My nephew simply asked if I knew if you'd already left and I couldn't bring myself to lie," Iroh was saying to draw her from her thoughts, gallantly offering an arm to escort her back through the drapes.

"How honorable of you," she couldn't help but jest, allowing him to guide her through the maze of the palace. "But really, it's nice seeing Zuko again. It's nice seeing everyone again. I'm sorry I haven't come to visit your shop or anything…"

"Ah, don't worry about it for now. Although when the solstice has passed, perhaps I'll be able to convince you to sojourn in Ba Sing Se before you head back north?"

There was a certain amiable charm that Iroh possessed that made it impossible to say no. It was strange that every one of his family members she'd met completely lacked the quality. "Perhaps," was all she said.

But the old man wasn't about to be deterred. As he led her back through the corridors toward the main entrance he regaled her with stories of his tea business, anecdotes about some of his most cantankerous customers – though Katara was willing to bet Iroh could give them all a run if he wanted to – and even a few tips about his beloved game of Pai Sho. She had to confess she'd never actually played, and it was in the middle of Iroh's feigned incredulity that Zuko joined them on the steps.

"Just what exactly can't you believe, Uncle?"

Katara's laughter over Iroh's purposeful dramatics came to something of a halt, stifled by her hand over her mouth as she looked over to the Fire Lord. He wasn't dressed according to his position anymore, having changed into much more simple clothing—probably so he wouldn't be mobbed once he left the palace grounds. Unfortunately, it just left her feeling still sorely out of place in her finery.

"Lady Katara has never played Pai Sho. It's a travesty!"

"Well, I'm sure we can remedy that."

She raised a brow and looked at Zuko, who was now – at his uncle's insistence – offering her his arm in Iroh's stead. "I didn't know you played."After only a moment's hesitation, she took his arm and they all continued on their way. Truth be told she hated needing an escort at all, but didn't overly fancy getting lost in the Fire Nation capital after nightfall either.

"As if my uncle would ever have considered my education complete without teaching me," Zuko chuckled. The sound was echoed by his uncle. "I take it the game's not as popular among the Water Tribes as it is elsewhere?"

"Not really. But we do have penguin-sledding." Even saying it sounded incredibly juvenile, but she couldn't take it back.

"Ah, when I was a young man I did my fair share of penguin-sledding. Was always a wonderful way to get in a Water Tribe woman's good graces," Iroh commented with his typical complacent smile.

"Aang used to talk about that. He always said he wanted to do it again someday." Zuko sent her a sidelong glance as he added, "Didn't you take him after you found him in the iceberg?"

Considering Iroh's comment, she was blushing again, merely hoping the moonlight would mask the expression. "Yes, well, he'd been frozen for a hundred years. I figured he deserved to have some fun before he had to run off and save the world."

"Ahhh," Iroh said, and it was enough for both of young people to fall silent. They knew he was making a silent statement about how they'd fallen out of touch with 'having fun' in the last years.

Thankfully they were arriving at Toph's house in no time, lights still on the loud clatter of breaking pottery sounding through one of the open windows. "Sokka, if your son isn't allowed to play with your boomerang indoors neither are you," they heard Suki's stern voice saying.

"I just wanted to—"

"We've got company," Toph announced matter-of-factly, and before they could speculate further the door was swinging open to reveal the chaotic scene otherwise known as the parlor.

"Katara! What were you thinking taking off—" Sokka was already rearing up to chastise her, she could tell. But he stopped short at the sight of Zuko and Iroh standing on either side of her. She'd been wise enough to remove her hand from Zuko's arm before it could cause even more of a scene. "Uh, I mean, I'm sure you handled yourself well and the Fire Lord would always make sure to take good care of his guests…"

"Oh, Sokka, just cut it out," she said, taking a step inside so the men could follow her and the servant holding the door open could shut it again behind them. "I hope you don't mind, but I kind of brought company, Toph."

"I don't mind," the young woman said nonchalantly, not even getting up from where she was lying across the couch with her feet up. "Hey, Zuko. Hey, old man. Bring me something good from back home this time?"

"How about I brew everyone my newest tea blend?" Iroh suggested as he glanced around the room and graciously looked past the mess. "I brought some with me in case Zuko's attendants still hadn't learned to make anything truly worth drinking." A small pouch emerged from his sleeve, and the grin on the man's face was priceless.

The tea was exactly what everyone needed to relax. Conversation flowed so freely that Katara could imagine five years hadn't even passed since they'd sat in a circle and visited as they did now. There were a few exceptions, of course; Satoru was bounced on Suki's knee until he fell asleep against her shoulder, Toph was still wearing a dress, and there was no longer that burden of responsibility making the air heavy. Things were at peace, not only in that one house for the evening, but in the whole world. It was a good feeling.

But all good things come to an end, and before she even knew it, Suki was masking a yawn and slipping off to put her son to bed, Sokka following after her. Iroh and Zuko were taking their leave lest they overstay their welcome, and even Toph was complaining about a lack of beauty sleep and some meeting she had to attend early the next morning—because "those firebenders rise with the sun like complete loons." At long last Katara was seated across from Aang, who was staring her way but past her with an almost blank look in his eyes.

"Something on your mind?" she finally ventured, stifling a yawn of her own and knowing she'd be calling it a night sooner rather than later.

For a long moment he was silent, his eyes focusing on her before they fell away. "I guess I thought if I brought you here for the festival, it could be just like old times."

She couldn't help but smile. Even after all these years he still possessed a childlike innocence she found endearing. "It is just like old times. Thank you for convincing me to come."

He didn't share her smile. "But it's not, Katara. It's not like old times at all."

"What do you mean? I know some things are different, sure, but for the most part…" She paused, abruptly glancing his way. "Are you talking about us?"

"No. Well, not just us. I don't want to get back together or try and make it work now or something. We're just as busy as we ever were, and… well… er…" He trailed off as he blushed.

Now this was strange. "What?" But as soon as she'd asked, it dawned on her and her eyes widened. "Aang, have you found someone? I'm so glad for you if you have!" In fact, she was already across the room to give him a hug.

"Sort of," he said sheepishly, though he returned her hug before shaking his head again. "But that's not what I mean either. We're just… I don't know. There's no comet coming, but we're all different now, and we'll never be the same as we were before it all ended."

She frowned. "We're happier now, though."

"Are you, Katara? Are you really happier now, with the life you've made for yourself, than you were when we were all together as a family?"

She didn't answer. He already knew what she'd say and it would only prove his point.

"That's what I'm talking about. It's not like old times at all. And… And I wish I could fix it! But I can't. Instead I just see everyone pretending that things haven't changed, and this whole festival isn't just the first and last time we'll probably ever be together again like this."

"Don't say that, Aang…"

"Why not? It's true, isn't it? You're going to run back to the North Pole after this and we'll never see you again!"

She frowned again. "Is that what this is about? Don't let what I'm going to do affect your chance to enjoy the festival. Please. Besides, I haven't even decided what I'm going to do yet. Iroh invited me back to Ba Sing Se, actually. I don't know, maybe I'll take him up on the offer."

The airbender perked up a bit at that prospect. She was glad to see that at least his penchant for optimism hadn't diminished over the years. "You should. Or at least don't go secluding yourself up north again. I know Toph misses you, even if she won't come out and say it."

"And this is all about Toph, as we all know," she remarked dryly.

"We all miss you, Katara. I'm happy you came. You just need to make sure you enjoy it, too. Not just for our sakes."

At that she smiled, instinctively giving him another hug. "Thanks, Aang. At least one thing hasn't changed. You all still care about me, even if I've been keeping to myself."

"That'll never change."

But as they said goodnight, Katara couldn't help but wonder. They all had their own lives now, it was true. Where did she fit in? She'd never really taken the time to figure that out, instead fleeing back to her comfort zone with her own people and enough to keep her too busy to think about how lonely the life she'd chosen might be.

This vacation was a start, but it was just a vacation. She'd enjoy herself but she wasn't about to get carried away. They'd just have to forgive her for that.