a/n The feedback I've been getting is PHINOMINAL! You people are the best! Thank you so much!
This chapter is my longest by far because I did not want to split it up. Also, the POV progresses the timeline in some shifts or it tells what's happening/happened somewhere else. Hopefully it all makes sense as you read it.

Chapter 24 ~Yes~

-Katara-

"How long has it been?" he asked again.
"I don't know," she said breathily, "Zuko, please!"
"Really? I think you do remember," he said against her leg. She could hear the smile in his voice. "Do you remember the first time I kissed you?"
"Yes," her voice was so breathy and high she hardly recognized it.
"Do you remember the first time I touched your breasts?" As if to demonstrate, his right hand came up to knead her.
"Yes," she mewled.
"Uh-huh," he murmured, "And what about when I first tasted you?"
"Yes," she whispered and his mouth finally made contact to her center. "Oh…" she moaned, tilting her hips against him.
"I thought you remembered," he chuckled and drew away.
"What?" she asked dazed. Why had he stopped?
"Do you remember what comes next?" he asked, leaning over her.
"Yes," she whined, desperate, "Please, Zuko. Now."
"Yes," he whispered and thrust into her.
"Oh!" she cried out. He kissed her, absorbing her cries. His tongue met hers, hesitant at first. He leaned back, resting his forehead against hers, using his arms to support his weight.
"Oh Agni, Katara, I'm not going to last long." He groaned. The sound of his voice sent her over the edge.

-Zuko-

He felt her grip him as she rode out her own wave of pleasure.
"Ka…Katara…" he stuttered as his release came. He collapsed for a moment before he rolled them over, he didn't want to be too heavy. There was sweat on his back, as if he had just completed a long training session. She smiled down at him.
"Hi," she said, still smiling. He smiled back.
"Hi," he responded. Agni how he loved her.
"That was…something…"
"It uh… it was a good something though. Right?" he couldn't help but be unsure. He really had no other experience with women. She looked shocked.
"Yes!" she said as if it was obvious, "That was an amazing something."
"Oh." Was all he said. Definitely something to remember then… he thought, congratulating himself just a little.
"Yeah, 'Oh'" she smirked. He smiled and sighed. His eyelids drooped. He could feel her breathing leveling out. In the back of his mind, he knew he should wake up; that there were important things to do, but the moment was too perfect. His eyes closed and he drifted off.

-Katara-

He wasn't awake yet when she opened her eyes. Her head lie on his bare chest and she could hear his steady heartbeat. Sunlight was streaming in his windows. She nuzzled into him and he made a faint groan in protest. She stilled, but he didn't wake up. I should let him sleep she thought. Today was going to be a big day, so he would need his rest. She carefully got up, fearing her movements would wake him.
"Katara," he mumbled and turned over in his sleep. Phew!

By one of the windows was a desk. Perfect! She quickly found a brush, ink, and paper and wrote a note. Quietly, she placed the note on his bedside table where he'd be sure to see it. Then she slipped on her shoes and stole out of the room.

No one was out in the hallway. Good, she thought. She knew it'd look bad to be seen sneaking out of the prince's room in the morning. It was easier to find her way back in the light. She was almost back to her room when she turned a corner and ran into someone.
"Lady Katara!" they said in surprise, and she instantly knew who it was.
"General Iroh!" she squeaked, "I'm so sorry!" He laughed good-naturedly.
"It's alright," he smiled down at her. Awkward! "You seem lost, can I help you?" he finally asked.
"Uh… yeah. I was uh… just unsure of today's proceedings." She managed to reply, trying to calm her blush.
"Oh! Well, yes, there certainly is a lot to do today! Coronation day! That reminds me," something twinkled in his eyes, mischievous, "do you know if Prince Zuko is awake yet?"
"Uh…" What was she supposed to say?! "Uhm, I don't think so." Iroh smiled for an unknown reason before replying.
"Oh, no matter, I should probably wake him."
"No, don't," she said a little too quickly, "I…I think he should rest a little while longer."
"Why?"
"Haven't you heard?"
"No, I got back very late last night. What happened?" concern filled his eyes.
"He absorbed Azula's lightning to save me." Her voice grew quiet as she remembered how close he had been to death. Iroh's face was alarmed, "But I managed to heal him! I just think he should rest a little more since today is going to be so strenuous." Iroh nodded, deep in thought.
"Yes, yes, you're right," they were both silent for a moment. "Well," he said clapping his hands together, "you will probably want to get ready for the day. Let me walk you back to your room." She smiled and they headed off to the guest room she was in.

The palace was really beautiful. Even in the hallways, there were fine carpets, paintings, and carvings. Iroh and her walked the short distance in silence. As they approached her door, he spoke.
"I'm sure the bathroom is already prepared for your use. If not there should be a bell on your side table that will summon a servant to assist you." he said.
"Okay, thank you so much General Iroh." She smiled, grateful.
"Please, I thought we decided you would call me Iroh." He waved his hands in almost a dismissive style.
"Thank you, Iroh."
"You are welcome, Lady Katara. Whatever items you were traveling with are probably in the wardrobe, waiting for you." That's good! She really didn't want to put on her dirty clothes after she was clean.
"Thank you," she said again and went into the room.

Everything had been prepared for her bath. Even the tub was full of steamy hot water. Who did this? She thought, but she wasn't complaining. She stripped and brushed the water with her fingertips. Wow! The water was way too hot. For a moment, she thought she had burned her fingers. Nope, they were good. With a few deep breaths, she sent an icy cold front overtop the water. Her fingers carefully tested the water. It was perfect. She stepped in.

Wrapped in a fluffy towel, she stood looking at her clothing selection. Most of the clothes in there were red of course. The few garments she owned had been carefully washed, folded, and set on an empty shelf. Hmmm… she thought. Her ordinary clothes didn't seem fitting for the grandness of the event. But where would she find suitable clothes? She really wanted them to be blue and traditional of her people. In part, to symbolize the unity that Zuko's reign would bring. Hmm… there were supposed to be members of the tribe present, maybe one of them would have something she could work with. Her decision made, she dressed in her normal blue and left her room.

-Zuko-

Something was missing. But what was it? The question pestered him enough that he opened his eyes. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light that was streaming in his drawn curtains. Where's Katara? he thought, realizing he was alone. He sat up and saw a piece of paper on his nightstand. It was a note. Zuko, I didn't want to wake you. You need your sleep. Today's a big day, (almost) Fire Lord. Love, K. he read.
"Agni!" he swore aloud. Today was his coronation! He sprung out of bed to look outside. The sun hadn't yet reached midday, which was good he hadn't slept too late. But he was surprised he slept as long as he did. There was so much to do! But where was Katara?

He peeked out his door. People were hustling about the halls, preparing for his coronation. He wasn't exactly sure what he should do. He knew there was a bunch of traditions he had to do, but he also wanted to make sure Katara was okay. It worried him a little that he didn't know where she was. He soon decided that it was perfectly reasonable for the prince to be making sure his guests were happy and well cared for. With that, he headed off towards the guest rooms.

When he rounded the last corner that connected the two hallways, he almost ran into Uncle.
"Uncle!" Zuko said in surprise.
"Ah! Prince Zuko," Uncle smiled, "I see you are awake."
"Yes, what's going on?" he asked, "Why didn't you wake me sooner? There's so much to do! I probably sho-"
"I might have woken you sooner, but Lady Katara would not allow it." There was a twinkle in his eye that Zuko couldn't place.
"And erm…" he tried to remain casual, but he knew he was failing, "where is Lady Katara?" Uncle smiled.
"She is getting ready in her room. Funny, you just missed her." Oh. "Come, Prince Zuko, let us return to your room and get you ready as well." Zuko nodded and they walked back.

As they reached the door, Uncle stopped.
"Why don't you bathe and I will see about getting some tea?" Uncle suggested.
"Okay," Zuko replied and went into his room. He turned on the water for the bath before he stripped. A variety of incents and oils sat out by the bath. He poured a few in. The nice smell quickly filled the room. At first, the water was cool, but he quickly warmed it. He closed his eyes for a moment, relishing the hot water. It felt so nice. The only thing that would make it better was if Katara was there. "Katara," he whispered quietly, such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. He loved her. More truly and completely than he ever thought possible for him. It was there in the bath that he made his decision. He just needed to talk to Uncle, Chief Hakoda, and get something.

He sat dressed in only a robe on his bed, waiting for Uncle to return and meditating.
"I brought us some ginseng tea. It will help calm your nerves." Uncle said, slipping into the room an setting the tea trey on the bed.
"Thank you," Zukko said, distractedly.
"I know today is a big day, but is there something else troubling you?" How did he always know?
"Yes," Zuko admitted cautiously, "I was wondering… Well, I wanted you to know…"
"What is it, Prince Zuko?" Uncle asked giving him his full attention now seated in a chair facing him.
"It's about Katara." He paused
"Yes?" Zuko took a deep breath, gathering the nerve to say it.
"I want to ask her to marry me."
"That's great!" Uncle beamed, "But why are you talking to me?" Zuko was a little surprise by his reaction.
"I uh…" he scratched the back of his head awkwardly,
"You still have some doubts?" Zuko nodded, avoiding Uncle's eyes.
"What if she says no? What if I'm not the right man for her? What if I'm not… good enough?" Zuko voiced his deeper fears, staring down into the teacup in his hands.
"Zuko," Uncle said kindly, and Zuko looked up, "I once told you that you are not the man you used to be. I have never been prouder of you. You are stronger, wiser, and freer than you have ever been. You passed the crossroads of destiny. When it came time for you to choose again, you chose good. Just like I knew you would. You are at another crossroads now. This decision can shape the rest of your life. Will you let this opportunity pass or will you seize it? The choice is up to you. But you should never let doubt stop you from living. And you must know that I believe you are ready and that you are worthy. You are worthy of your new life, your new friends, and especially Katara." He felt tears build in his eyes.
"Thank you Uncle." Although unwelcomed, the doubt crept back. "How are you so sure she'll say yes?" Uncle surprised him by chuckling.
"I guess we shall see," was all he said, still chuckling.

-Katara-

"Dad!" she screamed with joy when she found him. He spun around to face her.
"Katara!" Hakoda yelled, smiling brightly. It seemed like it took her forever to find him. First, she had to ask someone where the Water Tribe members were and then repeatedly had to turn down palanquin rides. At last, she found them in a makeshift camp in a courtyard. She ran up to her dad and wrapped her arms around him. She had missed him.
"I heard what you and your brother did. I am the proudest father in the world and your mother would be proud, too." He said as they embraced. She felt a few tears run down her cheeks.
"Thanks Dad," she smiled up at him. She quickly whipped her tears away, "Have you seen Sokka?"
"Yeah, he's around here somewhere…" Hakoda glanced around, frowning, "Probably off with Suki." His tone wasn't disapproving, but it wasn't as reassuring as she would have liked. Maybe not the best time to mention my boyfriend…
"Anyways, Dad," she went on, changing the subject, "I was also wondering if there were any traditional clothing I could barrow for today." She glanced around the tent, not seeing any female warriors. She frowned. It was a dumb idea.
"Well, I actually might have just the thing." He responded, surprising her. "Come," and he started walking towards the main tent, his tent.

It was exquisite. As her father carefully unwrapped it, the fabric looked like waves. The dress had beading, silk, and fur, it was gorgeous.
"It's stunning," she gasped. He couldn't possibly mean for her to wear this? It was too beautiful.
"It was your mother's." he said softly, looking at the dress wistfully, "Now it is yours." And he placed the dress in her arms.
"Really?" she asked unbelieving.
"Yes," he replied still with his sad smile, "It has been in those wrappings long enough. Take it. Wear it." she nodded and quickly left her father, giving him the privacy he needed.

-Zuko-

With Uncle's blessing secured there was now only two more things he had to do. The easier of the two was getting the ring. He already knew what ring he wanted, a ring his mother owned. All of his mother's possessions had been moved into his cousin Lu Ten's old room after she disappeared. It was difficult for Zuko to see her things covered with cloth and dust. Her jewelry box was ornately decorated with beautiful golden dragons on it. Inside he found what he was looking for, a simple golden ring set with a stone known only as Life. The gem sparkled all of the colors in the world, even in the dim room. He put the ring in a small pouch and secured it inside his robes. He only hoped she liked it. And that she said yes.

Now he stood outside a big blue tent in one of the smaller courtyards.
"Chief Hakoda?" he asked. He was so nervous, ridiculously nervous. Not even facing Azula had been this difficult.
"Come in," a voice called. It was now or never. He entered. Chief Hakoda was sitting on a stool, looking at a small assortment of items. He looked up when Zuko entered. "Prince Zuko!" he exclaimed quickly rising to his feet.
"Chief Hakoda," Zuko replied, bowing to the man. Hakoda seemed surprised before he bowed back.
"What can I do for you?" he asked. "Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"Probably, but there was something very important I wanted to talk to you about that couldn't wait."
"What?" Hakoda looked very confused.
"I…erm…I…" Zuko took a deep breath, "I'd like to ask for your permission to marry Katara." His words hung in the air, Chief Hakoda not saying anything, just staring at him. So Zuko went on, "Chief Hakoda, Sir, I…I love your daughter. I-"
"You know," Hakoda interrupted finally speaking, but his voice was guarded, skeptical, "the last time I saw you two you weren't exactly 'in love.'"
"Yes," Zuko admitted, "We were both going through new changes and Katara had connected me to…to the man that took your wife. It wasn't until we confronted him and Katara let him go that she truly forgave me. After that…" His voice faded.
"Look, Zuko," Hakoda said, "I've got nothing against you. I honestly believe you will help restore balance. I just want to make sure that you mean what you say, that there's no underlying reason… political…personal… I don't want to see Katara getting hurt."
"Chief Hakoda, I…" he didn't quite know how to express himself and dispel Chief Hakoda's fears, "I don't know how to explain what I feel or really why I want to marry Katara. I know I want to make her happy, keep her safe, and love her for the rest of my days. I always… I never… I… I just love her, so much, more than I ever thought possible, and more and more each day. And by some miracle she loves me back and…" his voice failed him, thick with emotions. Hakoda didn't say anything, but slowly approach and hugged him.
"You remind me of myself, Prince Zuko." Hakoda said, releasing him, "I loved Kya like that, so honest and pure…" Zuko couldn't quite believe it. Was Chief Hakoda just about to agree?
"So…" Zuko said hesitantly, practically bouncing from foot to foot. Hakoda laughed. It was a deep laugh sort of like Sokka's only lower pitch.
"Yes." Hakoda straightened up completely, "Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, soon to become Fire Lord, I give you my permission and blessing to ask for Katara's hand in marriage." Zuko smiled broadly. He was so happy, so ridiculously happy.
"Thank you Chief Hakoda, Sir!"
"Do you have a betrothal necklace?" Zuko's smile faltered.
"Uhm…No, Chief Hakoda, it's tradition in my culture to present a ring…" Agni! Does he still agree?
"Oh? And do you have a ring?"
"Yes," Zuko's smile returned, faintly.
"Well, alright then," Hakoda said, clapping him on the back. Zuko smiled, "You should better go now." Zuko frowned. What? Why? He must have looked confused because Hakoda said carefully. "It's your coronation…"
"Oh yes! Of course!" Zuko quickly bowed to Chief Hakoda again and ran out of the tent, leaving Hakoda laughing.

-Katara-

Two girls had to help Katara dress. Her new dress was so intricate it was a job for more than just one person. Now she stood in a crowd of people from all the different nations, waiting for Zuko and Aang. She met up with the rest of her friends and there was a general nervous babble. Then everyone started clapping and cheering as Zuko and Aang walked out. Each was dressed in their finest and most traditional clothing. Zuko held up his hands and the crowd grew silent
"Please," he said, "The real hero is the Avatar." Everyone cheered again and she heard Toph whistle very loudly. "Today this war is finally over! The morning the comet arrived, I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided, but with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace." She was so proud of him. He would truly be a great leader. Zuko knelt down as a Fire Sage approached with the headpiece that would crown him Fire Lord.
"All hail Fire Lord Zuko!" the Fire Sage said and everyone cheered. Zuko slowly rose and surveyed the crowd. It wasn't until his eyes met hers that he smiled.

Everyone filed into the great hall. There was dancing, music, and food. People everywhere were laughing and telling stories. The room was bursting with merriment. But as hard as she tried, she couldn't find Zuko.
"Have you seen Z- Fire Lord Zuko?" she asked her dad over the noise. Hakoda shook his head, before resuming his conversation. Huh... Where was he?
"Looking for someone?" a familiar voice said by her ear. She knew before she even turned around that it was Zuko.
"Yes," she replied, "I was looking for you."
"Want to get out of here?" he asked. She nodded and took his hand. He led her away from the great hall. They walked in silence to a deserted part of the palace.
"Where are we going?" she finally asked.
"I want to show you something." Was all he replied.
"What's wrong?" she asked, looking over at him as they walked.
"Nothing… I'll tell you later. I promise." She decided to let it go.

The sun had already started to sink in the sky. They strolled into a beautiful courtyard that had a tree next to a small pond.
"I used to sit here with my mom and watch the turtleducks." He said, quietly. She smiled and nodded, not wanting to spoil the moment. They moved to stand by pond edge. A few little turtleducks swam around in circles, following their mother.
"They're so cute!" she exclaimed. When she turned to look at him, he was staring at her, smiling.
"This was my favorite spot in the entire palace."
"I can see why," she mused softly. "Can we sit?" she asked.
"Sure, there's a bench over here," he replied and walked them the few steps to the bench. There was still something up with him. He kept patting down a part of his robe. Why? She decided to ask him.
"Something wrong with your robes?"
"What?" he must have been thinking about something.
"Your robes?"
"Oh, they're fine, a bit bulky and grand." She looked at his beautiful red, black, and gold trimmed robes and smiled.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Her own dress was much finer than anything she'd ever worn.
"Yours…your dress is beautiful. It looks like a waterfall."
"Thank you, it… it was my mother's." She said quietly, smoothing out the dress. He seemed surprised by her words.
"I have something of my mother's too."
"What?" she asked, intrigued.
"Before I show you… I have to ask you something first." Where are you going with this?
"Okay…"
"First," he said shifting position slightly so he could face her better. "I have to say that I love you." She smiled.
"I love you too." He closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, they were so golden and full of love.
"Without you, I don't think I'd be where I am today. We have gone through so much. We've been enemies, friends, lovers… You bring out the best in me. I never knew life could be like this. You are caring, strong, courageous, protective, smart, beautiful inside and out... I want to wake up every morning with you and spend my life loving, cherishing, and protecting you." He moved off the bench so that one knee was on the ground and he fished a small pouch out of his robes. "Katara," she held her breath and he removed a sparkling ring from the pouch, "Katara, would you do me the immense honor of marrying me?"

a/n What did you think? Was the POV easy to follow? What did you think of the whole proposal process and the proposal itself? I hope you liked it! Thank you so much for reading! AND PLEASE if you could review to let me know how I'm doing, I'd be extremely grateful! Thanks in advanced!