Author's Note: The feel of this story has been rushed so far, but I've intended it as such. Starting Chapter 4, shit gets real guys! Keep reading and reviewing, I love you dearly for it.

I followed Zuko like an obedient puppy. I wasn't sure how to act or what to say. I had gotten myself decently dressed up for this, swathed in fire Nation clothes the color of dying embers, but made much like a Water Tribe summer dress. Was I trying to signal Zuko? No…. well, maybe. But not really.

He led me through some winding hallways, all the way to a large, airy room that our footsteps echoed in. His throne room. He didn't take a seat though, but spun around abruptly, causing me to walk straight into him. My breath left my chest in a whoosh and I collided with him. And all I noticed was the hard muscles of his body and-

Katara, stop it. I ordered myself mentally. I backed away from Zuko a few steps and looked up to him.

"Why are you here, Katara?" His voice was still light and raspy, but held a much more authoritative tone to it.

"I had to get away." I answered, meeting his golden eyes with my blue.

Zuko looked confused. "Away from what?"

"Aang." I answered; decided honesty would be my best bet. Zuko now looked thoroughly baffled, and scratched his head, pulling some of his long hair from the bun it was held in. I took a deep breath. "Let's just say I've been feeling cooped up lately and I needed a break. It was spur of the moment but I left for a while. I decided to come here first."

"Why?"Zuko was perplexed. I nearly sighed in exasperation. How could such a strong leader be so clueless?

"Why did I need a break? For the love of the Gods, Zuko, we're not kids anymore. We were so young and so… expected to fall in love. But I'm not anymore. Aang was barely turning 15 when we got married. I was nearly 18. I'm 22 now. And… Aang has hardly grown up. I love him- just not the way I should." Why was I spilling this all so unceremoniously? "So I just came to see my friends. To visit through the Nations."

Zuko listened, propping his chin on one hand and tapping the edge of his lips with a slender finger. Finally, he nodded. "Makes sense. But me first?"

"Well, yes."

"Why?"

I didn't want to be quite honest with this answer, so I shrugged. Zuko stepped forward, smirking a bit and repeating the question. Again, I shrugged, backing away from him. A wicked light flared in his eyes, molten, like the fire he was so good at bending, as my back hit the wall. My eyes widened as Zuko lowered his face to mine.

"I said why, Katara?" He hissed. I could feel his breath on my cheek. He smelled of burning coals and strong Fire Nation spices. I swallowed heavily.

"B-because I missed you, Zuko." I whispered.

To my disappointment, he grinned and pulled away, walking briskly across the room.

"Well, Katara, I should inform you. As you probably know I am unwed, and at 24 years old that's almost unheard of. I'm expected to wed and father a child any time now. But I have found no one I feel is worthy. Mai and I did not last long- as you can guess it was less than exciting." He paused. "In every way." My face flushed- was that intended to be a sex joke? It had to be- "And I have missed my Water Peasant."

"Water peas-!" I snapped, before Zuko cut me off.

"Shut up and listen."

I nodded.

"So I feel that I will take a bit of a break, and go along with you wherever you're going next. For old time's sake."

"Well, if you insist, since you didn't really ask or anything." I grumbled, flipping my light brown hair over my shoulder.

"So, shall we get going?"

"Now?"

"Well of course. Where are you headed to next?"

"Earth Kingdom. Visit Ba Sing Se. And go see Toph and Sokka."

"It surprises me that they got together the way they did. Who would have imagined Suki to cheat? And Sokka moved in right after she turned 18…he was already 21. But, I think I saw it coming. She was pretty smitten."

"She was smitten with you too!" I laughed, and Zuko shrugged.

"So, anyway, onward to Ba Sing Se. Let me change and get some of my stuff ready and inform the guards that I'll be gone for a while. It's decently peaceful at this moment, and Li and Lo will be in charge while I'm gone."I could barely believe the old twins were still alive. Let alone competent. But I did as Zuko asked and took a seat, studying the elaborate paintings on the walls and the beautiful color-changing draperies that seemed almost made from dragon scales.

Zuko soon returned with a small pack and completely different clothes, similar to the outfit he wore when traveling with myself, Aang, Sokka and Toph years ago. A crimson, light shirt with a deep-v, a typical peasant traveling shirt. Except, and I definitely suspecting this was on purpose, he wore no shirt underneath as one would typically do. He was just showing a whole slice of that pale, lightly scarred skin and… I shook my head. He wore a matching pair of pants and simple leather shoes. Not bad.

I got up, and Zuko shook his head disapprovingly. I furrowed my brows, and looked down. Well. I wasn't quite dressed for long treks. Zuko smirked and tossed a balled-up garment at me and I stopped, mouth dropping open.

It was an old summer dress of mine.

"How did you get this?"

"Well. After everything, after the war ended, do you remember how everyone stayed at the palace for a few nights? You left this. You haven't grown too much. I mean, you definitely look a bit more womanly, but you haven't grown so I'm sure you still fit it. Nope, don't say anything, go put it on."

I tried to protest, tried to thank him, tried to say something, but in the end, I just obliged, and slipped away to put the old garment on. It was washed clean and looked more brand new than it had when I left it. It fit me slightly snugly, but not uncomfortably. I stepped back out.

"Good, now do you have your things?"

I shook her head. I was still at a bit of a loss for words.

"Then let's go get them, and head out." Zuko stated, walking ahead of me.

I absolutely couldn't figure out if this was normal for Zuko, or odd behavior… and something just seemed so off. Like he was expecting me.

Maybe I was just paranoid.

But I would certainly find out soon.