I apologize for taking forever with this chapter. I haven't had my charger for the past few days, not allowing me to work on it. But I think you'll like this edition. Please review! Also, I've been thinking about posting a new Zutara fanfiction, but I'm not sure. Should I? Five reviews and I will. I love you guys *Hugs for everyone*

Disclaimer: I don't own. I wish. . .*sniffle*

"Are you sure you'll be alright here by yourself?" Katara asked Iroh as they boarded the ship that would take them to the South Pole.

"I'll be fine, you four have fun down there with your family, but bring me back some souvenirs!" Iroh grinned from ear to ear.

"We will Uncle," Zuko promised, setting the course with the captain. They were traveling on a fancy ship for the Fire Lord, but with Zuko's old crew he had back when he was just a banished prince.

"My Lord," The captain interrupted, bowing. "we are ready to depart for the Southern Water Tribe."

"Thank you," Zuko dismissed the man. "We'll see you soon Uncle." Zuko hugged the old man.

"We'll miss you." It was Katara's turn to hug him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him close. He had become like her own uncle in many ways. He would always be considered a part of her family.

"Safe travels!" Iroh waved to them as they boarded the ship. Sokka and Suki were already on board and waving back at him. "Don't forget to bundle up! It gets cold down there!"

"I'll be fine Uncle." Zuko shook his head from the main deck. They started sailing off, saying goodbye to the Fire Nation for a while.

Zuko and Katara waited until the harbor was about of sight before turning and walking to their room together, hand in hand, swaying in between them.

Entering the huge cabin, Katara sat down on the bed. "He cares for you a lot." Zuko sat down next to her, taking off his heavy armor.

"I know." He smiled down at her, but she didn't return it. Instead, she placed her hand over his, rubbing the smooth skin with her thumb, her eyes down. "Katara? What is it? What's wrong?" He gently held her right cheek and made her look up at him.

"It's nothing," She couldn't hold his gaze, she looked somewhere else, anywhere besides his golden, fiery eyes.

"Katara. . ." Zuko spoke sternly, forcing her eyes back into his. "tell me what's bothering you."

She sighed, placing her hand over his, pressing his hand closer to her cheek. "I was just a little surprised when you said you've never thought about you and me getting married."

Zuko almost chuckled. Almost. "Katara, I lied to Sokka. I told him I've never thought about marriage, which I actually have. Besides that time when we talked about it with your grandmother, I think about marrying you all the time."

"Really?" She asked, her mood brightening. "But are you sure-"

"You are the woman I want to marry Katara, even if you're not of marrying age, and it's not the right time, I only want you Katara." Zuko kissed her nose, the feathery touch teasing her.

"You can have any girl in the Fire Nation, and yet you chose me, why?"

"Why not?"

"Zuko."

He sighed. "You're beautiful, strong, compassionate, loving, caring, you're the best bender there is, besides me of course." Katara giggled. "You love me for me, a scarred man."

"Zu-"

He held a finger to shush her. "I don't want some Fire Nation girl, who's overly skinny, pale, and looks like every other noblewoman. I don't want a loveless marriage, I need someone who I can wake up early next to, someone to care for not only my nation, but for any future children that just might happen."

Her eyes sparkled. "You want to start a family with me?"

"When the time is right, maybe a few years after marriage, when everything has settled down a bit." He smiled lovingly at her. "There is no one else in the world I would love to spend the rest of my life with. I love you Katara."

Tears escaped her eyes. "No one has ever said anything like that to me before. I love you too Zuko."

Their lips met.

Yeah I didn't know how to end that. :/ Review please! *If you haven't read the Author's note from above, I suggest you do please. ONLY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY.*

Thanks.

~EZ17