The war had ended over 3 years ago the world was a peaceful place to live passed and months rolled by.
Zuko sat on his throne finishing his duties as fire lord for the day. He dismissed his advisers and stood leave himself. They left chamber in a line behind Zuko heads bowed. It was almost time for dinner the sun was setting in quietly in the courtyard. As they walked along the path in the garden Zuko saw someone standing in front of the koi pond. It took him a moment to realize that it was a visitor, a good friend he hadn't seen for a while. Halting the line behind him Zuko turned to his company and advised them to go ahead without him. He waited until they had all entered the building before he stepped onto the grass. His guest was deep in thought looking into the pond. "Aang! It's been a few months. How have you been?" Zuko smiled and stood next to the Avatar. Aang who had jumped a bit smiled back, "Hey! I've been good. Sorry I've been pretty busy lately. How are things in the fire nation?" "They're going good. It's amazing how much you can do in a few years." Zuko looked around the garden "So where is everyone? I'd think Katara would have at least come with you." Aang paused,"Yeah well, she's busy too. She had a few things she had to take care of." "That's too bad. You should have at least sent a messenger letting me know you were coming I would have prepared something special." Zuko was beaming his heart was a twitter and his mind buzzing. Even though he was married now he couldn't help how he felt for his friend. Even if that was what they would ever be his heart would still hold a part for him. Aang looked back at the pond and sighed. "Zuko." The Fire Lord looked over at Aang. "Yes, what is it." "Katara left me. Well I should say we left each other." Zuko's eyes widened with disbelief. "What? Are you serious. I thought she was your forever girl?! How did that happen?" Aang's brow twisted and he breathed in. "It's kinda hard to explain. It's not like I don't love her anymore. And I know she loves me but well just not like we used to. I don't know. It's hard though. I don't know how to act around her anymore." Zuko shifted his weight," Is that why you came here?" Aang nodded and squeezed his eyes shut. His shoulders began to bob and he began to cry. THe young man next to him was in shock he wasn't sure what to do. He put his hand on his friends shoulder,"It's alright." Aang breathed in deep and covered his face. Stepping closer Zuko wrapped his arms around Aang's shoulder. "It must be hard. Don't worry we're all here for you. I'm here for you." They stood there for an eternity until Aang could breathe again. Aang pushed against zuko's chest loosening his tight grip. Rubbing his eyes he looked up at Zuko,"Thank you." He wiped the tears away and stood up straight still in Zuko's arms. He meakly looked up kissed him on the crown then gently pushed him away. Zuko let his arm's drop and let Aang step stood there for a moment before the silence was broken. "It's about supper time. I'll show you to your room so you can wash up." Aang nodded and followed his host inside.
Walking in the long hallways Aang began to talk quietly,"There was something else I wanted to tell you." Zuko's heart skipped a beat at the tone of his friends voice. "What else is there?" Aang continued his steady pace beside his host. "It's something master Rokku told me. I'm his reincarnation." Zuko sighed with relief,"Everyone already knows that" Aang stopped,"Well that's not it. It's about you. You're, well, Sozin." The Fire Lord stared at Aang. "What? I'm his reincarnation? Why are you telling me this?" Aang looked around and nervously swung his arms about. "Well, I just thought that you might want to know." Zuko pressed his lips together, "Well I might but for now lets just relax tonight." Aang nodded and continued to follow Zuko.
Later supper was served Mai Zuko and Aang talked and laughed talking about old times and things they had missed in each other's lives. Keeping the mood light they refrained from telling Mai about what had happened earlier. "Well it was nice visiting but I haven't been feeling well for a few days. I think I'll go lie down." Mai wiped her face and stood up Zuko followed suite and touched Mai's hand. "Would you like me to come with you?" Mai looked over at their guest and he smiled. "No stay and visit with Aang. It's not too often you two can enjoy and evening like this. With your titles and duties." Zuko nodded and kissed Mai goodnight. Aang looked down and played with his food. Once Mai had left Zuko finally turned to back to his friend. "Sorry, She's just been so sick. It started yesterday actually." Aang nodded. "Let's go on a walk." Zuko walked around the table and gestured to the door. "OK." Aang smiled and practically skipped over to the door. The two of them walked through the hall chatting pleasantly until they found themselves outside in the gentle glow of the moon. "Remember when I first joined your group?" Zuko chuckled. "Toph was the only one who would even try to listen to me. I don't really blame you guys though. I did some pretty awful things." Aang tossed his hands up and said," Yeah you were vicious! I had nightmares about you catching us!" The two of them laughed out loud. "That was a long time ago." Zuko looked up at the sky and remembered his heart that was beating. He then felt Aang hand brush against his palm shyly pressing his hand against his hand. They stood there for a moment enjoying their hands touching. "I think we should go to bed." Aang whispered. The young Fire Lord nodded and release Aang's hand and headed toward the doorway.