A:n/ Sorry I have loads of things on at the moment, a degree to study for, a boyfriend who's on the other half of the world! Argh! Anyway, back to the story. I think I need to wrap it up soon but I would like to introduce some other themes. If anyone has any ideas or anything, just inbox me! And as always, REVIEW! Thanks XXX

Zuko POV

I crept quietly along the dark shadows that outlined the forest. It was cold, and I didn't have the power to glide as the Avatar did.

I felt a stirring in my heart. I would see my Katara back, but would she want me?

The camp was fairly disorganized, clothes and possessions carelessly strewn all over the place. I thought to myself how Uncle Iroh would react to my betrayl.

Would he even see it as one?

Of all things, Uncle was aware of the force of love and just how powerful it was, to anyone.

Especially since Mom disappeared. Something snapped inside of him, something made him compassionate. It changed him.

A small bundle of clothing was hunched far away from the fire.

I recognized those dark caramel waves of hair anywhere.

'Katara.' I whispered it carefully, savoring it on my lips.

I whispered it like a prayer.

The bundle didn't respond.

'Katara...' I crooned to myself more than anything. I started forwards but a strong arm yanked my backwards.

'Zuko... What do you want here?' A young man glared at me, I glanced at his Water Tribe attire and realized quickly that this was Katara's brother.

'I have come to join you. Against my father.' I half stuttered, his glare was making me uneasy.

It made me feel hated.

The man laughed, clutching his side, he spat at me in irony.

'YOU? Great Zuko, now why the hell would you do that? Why would you throw everything away? It doesn't have anything to do with wanting to shag my sister does it?'

He snarled at me, preparing to launch himself at me.

I flinched, keeping my arms at my sides, whatever he was going to give me - i deserved it.

'Stop!' A clear, strong voice rang out in the cold of the night.

Katara.

She fixed her icy stare on me, blue locking onto black. Fire against water. The two factors that should never be pitted against each other.

'What are you doing here, Zuko?' She asked wearily. I saw pain flash in her eyes for a moment.

It caused a spasm of pain to stab my heart.

I didn't like seeing her pain, it made me feel helpless. Like I couldn't protect her.

'I came to join you. You told me that there's always a choice. And here is mine.' I answered stoutly, trying to show all my love for her in that single sentence.

Katara's eyes melted instantly.

'You would do that for me?' She asked incredulously. I nodded without hesitation, of course I would. I would die for her.

'Yes. I don't care what happens to me, I don't care about being a Prince, about having luxury and power. Because without you, I'm nothing. Without you, comes a poverty that would make even the greatest God cry. You make me whole, Katara. That's worth more than any kind of honor. The only honor I care about, is the one which you hold against me.'

I swallowed, I still found it hard to portray my feelings like this. But I was improving. Noticeably.

'Zuko...' She murmured, her eyes suddenly growing wide and watery.

'That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me.' She smiled almost shyly, drawing closer to me.

'You know, that to me, you will always be my Prince Charming.' She smiled before pressing her lips against mine.

I felt my body mold against hers, slot against it like a jigsaw piece. I felt at home.

I made the kiss more passionate, to show her that I would die if I was parted from her again. That I couldn't live without her.

'I love you, Katara. I love you so much.' I muttered, planting her neck with tender kisses, pressing my arms tightly around her.

Protecting her.

'I love you too, Zuko.' Her voice came out ragged and short, but she was grinning helplessly.

I noticed the little pink spots that had appeared on her cheeks and chuckled to myself.

'Never leave me again...' I kissed her again.

'Never.' She promised me.