a/n Three updates in one month? Whaat? Yup, that's right! All because of you! Thank you so much for all of the favorites, follows, and reviews! I love having my inbox full of notifications; it shows me there are people who actually like my writing/this story! It also is a supremely good motivator! I know my last cliffhanger was a bit of a doozy, so enough with the into… here's the chapter!

Chapter 25 ~We~

-Zuko-

He knelt on the grass in front of her.
"Katara," he said, pulling the glimmering ring from the pouch, "Katara, would you do me the immense honor of marrying me?" he asked with all of his heart and soul. His heartbeat thumped so loudly he was sure she could hear it. His ears pounded with the rhythm as well.

He stared into her endless blue eyes. In them, he read her surprise. A good surprise, right? He hoped. Why wasn't she answering? She just stared down at him. A tear slid down her cheeks.
"I…I…" she started to say, barely managing to choke out the syllables.
"Hey?" he asked, reaching up to wipe the tear away, "What's wrong?" He tried to remain patient for her answer, but he was really dying on the inside. More tears followed.
"I can't," she whispered. His heart was shattering. He closed his eyes, let the ring fall from his grasp, rose to his feet, and turned to walk away. "No! Wait!" he felt a hand on his shoulder and stopped, but didn't turn around. He didn't want her to see the tears that had started to stream down his face. "I can't marry you," THANKS FOR THE CLEARIFICATION! He yelled in his head, "Yet." What?! He turned slowly, not wanting to get too excited.
"What do you mean 'yet?'" he was careful to keep his voice neutral. Her beautiful eyes still told him she loved him.
"There's something I need first. Something we need." Anything.
"What's that?" he asked. She took a deep breath.
"I want your mother's blessing." She said, staring him straight in the eyes, serious. He stumbled back a step.
"What? I…I… I…" he couldn't form words. She closed the gap between them and cupped his face with her hand. He tried to resist, but he couldn't help leaning into her touch. His mother was gone. What she wanted was impossible.

-Katara-

She needed to make him understand. Of course, she wanted to marry him, but they both needed to learn what happened to Ursa.
"Zuko, your mother… you need to learn what actually happened to her." Katara said, looking up at him. She had asked someone about a painting she saw with Ursa in it and whatever happened to her. No one was quite sure. "This ring," she reached down to pick it up off the ground, "it's beautiful." She used her thumb to wipe away his tears.
"The stone's name is Life." He murmured more to himself than to her.
"I can see why," she turned the ring over in her hand a few times. It sparkled with every color imaginable and even with colors that had no name. "I do want to marry you, Zuko." She reassured him, "Is it too late to say 'Yes?'" He smiled, hesitantly.
"Katara," his voice was scratchy, "are you sure?" She could see the hope and heartache in his amber eyes.
"Yes, of course I want to marry you Zuko. I love you." she paused, "I still think we should find out what happened to your mother. I don't think it would be right for us to get married and her not know. That is if she's still…" she wouldn't say the rest.
"I..I don't…I," he said and paled. She could tell he was unsure. Thinking quickly, she bended a small bubble of water from the pond. She froze the water and shaped it into a ring. Then she got down on her knees, not caring about the dirt on her dress.
"Zuko," she started, "I still think you need this closure. We can find out what happened to her together. If my future mother-in-law is out there, I need to meet her. I know our love has been a whirlwind. I've almost lost you on more than one occasion now and I won't let it happen again. Never doubt us. I'm so sorry I didn't respond to your beautiful proposal immediately. I love you so much. I would be honored if you married me." She waited in silence for his response.
"I've…" he smiled and pulled her to her feet, "I've never wanted anything more." He leaned down and kissed her.

-Zuko-

"Can I put your ring on?" he asked her. Their foreheads were pressed together and they stared into each other's eyes. She nodded and handed him the ring. He reached for her left hand and slid the ring on. It was a perfect fit.
"Does it matter what finger it goes on? I've never worn a ring before." She asked. He nodded and kissed her hand.
"This finger," he tapped her fourth finger with his other hand, "has a blood vein that is said to lead straight to your heart." His hand trailed the path up arm to her heart. He felt her heartbeat quicken.
"Oh," she said contentedly. Then she remembered something, "Oh! Your ring melted." She looked at the small puddle on the ground where she dropped the 'ring.'
"It's okay. Men don't usually get their rings until the wedding." She smiled at this.
"Well, I guess I will have the time to find the perfect one for you." She glanced down at the ring on her finger.
"Not too long though, right?" he said quietly. He didn't want to wait too long. Agni, he'd get married now if she wanted to. She shook her head.
"No, not too long. Just after we find your mother." She replied. He sighed. He had no idea where to start looking. Then it came to him, but that mean he'd have to talk to… "What is it?" she asked, interrupting his thoughts.
"Oh, well there is only one person who knows what happened to her."
"Really!" her eyes were alight with excitement, "Who?" Her face grew serious and she noticed his displeasure.
"My father." He spat. He hated that his father was controlling his life still. Agni! He couldn't even get married without having to talk to his father.
"Hey," she said soothingly, enveloping him in a hug, "it's okay. We don't have to talk to him right away."
"No, not 'we,'" his voice was firm, "I will speak with him. I don't want you to talk to him. He's not… good."
"Don't you think I know that?" she snapped, letting him go.
"I know, but… He messes with people's heads. He can make you believe the worst and that you're useless and a failure and…" How many times had Ozai told him these things? Too many to count. Zuko didn't want his precious Katara to have to go through speaking to that manipulative scum.
"Okay," she whispered, conceding and held him close. He kissed the top of her head, taking a deep breath of the smell of her hair. "I love you," she whispered into his chest.
"I love you too." He smiled.
"We should probably get back," she sighed. He nodded.

They walked hand in hand back towards the party. He loved how her hand felt in his with the ring. It was different, but a good different. He could hear the sounds of the party. They were getting nearer until it was just two thick double doors that separated them from the celebration.
"When can we tell people?" he asked, looking to his right at her. She smiled and looked back at him.
"Whenever you want," she told him. He grinned and pushed open the doors.
"Excuse me," he said, projecting his voice throughout the room. Everyone fell silent and turned to look at them. He felt Katara shrink away a little at the attention, but he held on tightly to her hand. "I have an important announcement. The lovely Lady Katara has consented to be my wife and I'd like you to be the first to know." There was a brief moment when the room was dead silent before it exploded with cheers. He looked down to make sure she was okay. She had a sheepish grin on. He squeezed her hand reassuringly and she squeezed his back in return as they braced themselves for the tide of well-wishers.

-Katara-

NOW? She was a little surprise that he announced their engagement so quickly, but it just showed her how excited he was. Everyone seemed to rush for them at once. If he hadn't been by her side, she didn't know what she'd done. Maybe run, create an ice wall with the drinks, or something. The first to reach them was Suki. She threw her arms around Katara.
"Wow! Congratulations!" she said in Katara's ear above the ambient noise. "I think you guys are perfect together."
"Thanks!" Katara replied, blushing slightly. She was about to continue when Sokka appeared, pushing his girlfriend out of the way.
"Who said you two could get married, anyhow?" he half yelled at them. She wasn't sure what to say. Come to think of it: What was her father going to say?!
"Actually, Sokka," Zuko's voice was calm, "I had the permission of Chief Hakoda to ask for Katara's hand." When did you talk to dad? Sokka deflated a little and Suki shoved him out of the way to hug Zuko. Her lips were moving, whispering something to him. Zuko nodded solemnly to whatever she was saying. Sokka rejoined the conversation.
"Well, you're both too young!" he accused, looking mainly at her.
"Actually by both Water Tribe and Fire Nation customs we are both of age." Zuko replied as Suki released him.
"Well, you're too old for her then." Sokka glared at Zuko.
"Actually they're closer in age than your mother and I were." Dad said as he approached and put a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Come on son, don't tell me you're not happy for your sister?"
"I am happy for you, Katara," said Sokka sincerely, but then he turned back to Zuko, "I don't think I can be happier for you, Zuko, because you know you're getting the best girl in the world. So that should make you the happiest person alive." She wasn't quite sure what he was getting at, but apparently Zuko did.
"Thank you, Sokka." Zuko smiled.
"But I'm just saying!" Sokka went on, "If anything happens to her…" Suki linked her arm in his.
"It's okay, Sokka. Zuko and I already have an understanding. Don't we?" she said, giving Zuko her fiercest warrior glare. He nodded solemnly. "See!" Suki grinned, kissing Sokka on the cheek.
"Alright, welcome to the family Zuzu." Sokka conceded. He shook Zuko's hand and smacked on the back with his other hand, maybe harder than absolutely necessary.

Sokka and Suki rejoined the celebration, leaving just Dad with them.
"Thank you again Chief Hakoda for your support." Zuko said. Dad laughed and reached to shake Zuko's hand.
"You're welcome, but please Hakoda will do." Dad said, smiling. He glanced over his shoulder, "Looks like you've got more well-wishers." He hugged her one more time before we walked off.

-Zuko-

"And you were worried she'd say 'yes!'" laughed Uncle who approached after Chief Hakoda left. Zuko couldn't help by smile. Katara looked up at him a little surprised.
"When did you have the time to discuss this with everyone?" she asked.
"Uh, I probably didn't have the time. I think I ended up skipping a few ceremonial traditions, but it was well worth it." He grinned and pulled her closer.
"I must say, you two look very good together." Uncle said. Zuko could feel his ears turn red. "You also complement each other." He looked back and forth between them. "Hmm…fire and water. All elements are misunderstood, but fire and water I think are the most misunderstood. Some see fire as only death, burning and destroying, but then water can be deadly too, drowning and freezing." Katara and Zuko remained quiet, knowing by now he was probably going to say something wise that they would rely on later in life. "There always needs to be a balance." Uncle continued, "Tea is like that. It cannot be too strong or too weak. It cannot be too hot or too cold." Tea. It always came back to tea. There used to be a time when Zuko couldn't stand Uncle's tea analogies, but now he could see the greater wisdom. Hmm...tea.

Zuko could see the truth in Uncle's words. In some ways, Katara completed him and balanced him out. But in other ways, they were just alike. There was such a pull between the two of them.
"Like the moon and sun." he heard Katara murmur. Uncle smiled and nodded.
"Yes, Lady Katara. At first, they may seem like opposites, night and day, but they have more similarities than differences and they are both essential for the rhythm of life." Uncle seemed pleased that Katara
"Koh said something like that once," Aang said, approaching. "'Tui and La, your Moon and Ocean, have always circled each other in an eternal dance. They balance each other: push and pull, life and death, good and evil, yin and yang.' But what are we talking about again?"
"You haven't heard?" asked Katara, carefully. Zuko felt her tense next to him.
"No… Heard what?" Aang replied with a confused expression.
"Uh…well…uhm…" she stuttered.
"Your highness," someone said, Zuko turned to see an official walking towards them. From his clothes Zuko guessed he was a governor. Might have to look into removing you Zuko thought, if Ozai appointed you… "Congratulations on your betrayal-I mean betrothal, your highness." He gushed, bowing. Oh, you definitely have to go. But maybe his coronation gala wasn't the place to start politics, so Zuko just nodded stiffly. At least the man had good enough sense to bow once more and leave. Don't think I won't forget this meeting.
"What?!" Aang shouted incredulously and Zuko's attention was snapped back.

-Katara-

She tried to tell Aang, she really did. Then some rich looking guy walked up and congratulated Zuko. Maybe not the best way to tell her best-friend-who-used-to-have-a-crush-on-her… Aang's eyes had bugged out a little at the news. She jumped a little when he shouted and his ears promptly started to redden.
"Is it true?" he asked, in a quieter voice.
"Yes, it is Aang," she confirmed, nodding. Aang looked in between her and Zuko carefully. She could tell Zuko wanted to say something, but she tried to will him to remain quiet. She squeezed his hand and flashed him a serious look. He remained quiet.
"Hey, what's wrong Twinkle-Toes?" Toph asked, joining the group. She placed a reassuring hand on Aang's arm. "I could feel your heart accelerate from across the room."
"Zuko and Katara are getting married." He said, his voice was careful, measured.
"Oh?" Toph said, acting surprised. "Wondered when Sparky would get up the courage."
"Excuse me?" Aang said looking down at her like she was crazy. "You saw this coming?"
"Yeah… and you didn't?"
"Well…maybe…I don't know." Aang shrugged.
"It's okay, Aang." She comforted him. The two of them seemed to talk as if no one else was there. "They really love each other. We should be happy for them."
"I know, I am," he sighed and turned back to Zuko and Katara. "I am happy, really. Just a little…surprised. I mean honestly, we go out for a little while and you guys announce your engagement."
"Yeah, I know it's sudden but…" she couldn't help it, she glanced up at Zuko. She just loved him so much. Before she could get lost in him, she tore her gaze away. "So uhm…where did you guys go?"
"Oh," Aang's ears turned bright red. 'Oh' indeed. "We uh…we just went out to get some air. Uh…we were…"
"We were just… admiring some of the architecture." Toph filled in suddenly. Sure you were. Katara thought. She also noticed the collective 'we' they kept using. Yup, definitely something going on between them.
"So, we're all good, right?" asked Zuko, speaking for the first time in a while. Katara could detect anxiousness in his voice. Obviously, he sought Aang's approval.
"Yeah, I guess we are," Aang replied, smiling slightly. "I'm going to get something to drink."
"I'll come with you," said Toph. "See you guys later." Aang casually draped an arm around Toph before the two of them walked off, leaving just Zuko and Katara

The two of them worked the floor. They were congratulated by so many people, there was no way she'd keep all of their names straight. The party had slowly begun to settle down. People returned to their homes, camps, or wherever they were staying. She was getting a little tired from it all. She just managed to suppress a yawn when Zuko said goodbye to some fancy nobleman.
"Well, I think that's good enough." He said to her.
"Hmm?" she hadn't really been paying much attention. Then the yawn slipped out and she dashed to cover it.
"Come," he smiled, "you're tired."

He whisked her away from the great hall towards his chambers.
"Won't people talk?" she yawned as they approached.
"No, we're engaged aren't we?" he smiled down at her and pushed the doors to his room open. The bed was turned down and silky red robes lie folded on the covers. "Hmm, seems like they were expecting this anyways." He said, picking up the clothes to discover they were for her.
"Who?" she asked
"Servants," he replied, "Let's get you out of that dress, yes?" She nodded sleepily. Slowly, lace by clasp by layer, he took her dress off. It was all she could do to stay standing. The next thing she knew she was in between the warm silky sheets of the bed.
"Thank you," she mumbled almost asleep.
"Of course, love." He murmured and kissed the top of her head. With a soft smile at the contact, she drifted off to sleep.

-Zuko-

"Katara?" he asked quietly. Nothing. She was asleep. Good. He felt a little guilty about leaving her. At the door, he glanced back once at her sleeping form and smiled. Then he headed for the Fire Nation Prison Tower. He was determined to get the answers he needed so they could get married.

He took all of the back passageways so he wouldn't be spotted. The moon was out, reminding him of his love. It was quite a walk to the prison, but one he remembered well from visiting his Uncle. He had done that in the night too. The guard at the entrance seemed surprised to see him, but let him pass without question. Zuko walked along the hallway until he met another guard.
"Which one is he in?" he asked gruffly.
"Uh… your fath-" catching the glare Zuko shot him, the guard changed his mind, "Ozai is in the cell on the end of this hallway, your highness."
"Thank you," Zuko grunted, "I was never here."
"Yes, Fire Lord Zuko. I will instruct his guards to stand down." Zuko gave one nod before he continued his path. Sure enough, there were no guards outside Ozai's cell. Zuko took a deep breath and entered the room.

The cell was identical to the one Uncle had been in. Ozai lay slouched against the brick wall of his cell. His head didn't move as Zuko entered.
"I should count myself lucky." Ozai said, his words dripping with sarcasm, "The new Fire Lord has graced me with his presence in my lowly prison cell."
"You should count yourself lucky that the Avatar spared your life." Zuko said impassively.
"Pfft." Ozai scoffed.
"Banishing me was the best thing you could have done for my life. It put me on the right path. Perhaps your time in here could do the same for you."
"Why are you really here?" asked Ozai scrutinizing Zuko's every move. Down to business.
"Because you're going to tell me something," he bent down to stare directly into Ozai's eyes, "Where is my mother?"

a/n And thus ends the original story line! From here on out it will be completely from me *gulp* No pressure. I hope you liked the chapter! What did you think of everyone's reactions to the engagement? What did you think of Iroh's tea comparison? Do you think Katara is being unreasonable about Ursa?
I know this is a cliffhanger too, but hopefully you can forgive me! If you can or cannot leave me a review to let me know! I love every single review I get and it really does help motivate me to write more! Thanks for reading!

The Congressman has been helping me brainstorm a new title. I believe "Hot Days at the Summer Palace" no longer fits, now that the story has moved way beyond that. SO, I am renaming the story to "It Started at the Summer Palace..."