A/N:

Bay45220: I'm glad you're intrigued. The hurt won't last for long though.

TheQuietReader23: Yeah, in this story, my main focus is to keep the characters as in character as I possibly can while also writing an enjoyable story. So I'm glad it seems to working so far. Yeah, Aang is a saint in that regard. yes, I did change what happend in the past, not just on Ember Island, but in most of Season 3. Those changes will be revealed through flashbacks in later episodes.

Storm-over-the-Sea67: I'm pleased to know you're enjoying it so ar. The hurt won't last for too long so don't worry, and yeah, keeping characters in character is gonna be my main goal.

Sporkofdoom23: i'm glad you're intrigued :) and I will continue, don't worry

Sly8800: If you say it enough, I might just start believing it :)

one sad kataang writer: Yep, will def write it out and hopefully you'll continue enjoying it

KwikEMarty: Yep, Suki and Aang is one of my fav fandom pairs tbh. mai and Aang is great too.

aanginthebuildin: I'm glad you're liking it so far. I will continue to update, but due to music and uni, it might take a while. Maybe once or twice a week.

TayBone2305: Thanks! And no, I'm not that talented, if at all. Those are all fanarts, i just edit them and make em better ;) Yep, the reason i connected with Aang so much in the show is because his beliefs are also similar to the beliefs I hold myself, so it was like an instant connection. That's why i enjoy making OOC Aang; cause him doing a 180 is so interesting, but here, I'm trying to keep him as in character as I can, because in almost all my stories, he isn't. Yeah, I'm trying to keep everyone in character, even Zuko. I havent' treated him right in the past, and i want to right that wrong here. YESSSSSSS! Zuko is always depicted as the perfect chad, smooth talker that in actuality is Aang. Like, Aang had a whole Fire nation school gushing after him, not to mention On Ji and Meng, and he had Katara choosing him in the show obviously. Meanwhile Zuko, no offense to his character, was soooooo awkward with Jin, awkward and jealous towards Mai and impatient even, untrusting. Though, in the end he changes, so I do think he'd be better in relationships than he was in the show. Yeah, she doesn't really know because I changed the past, mostly Season 3. What I changed will be revealed through flashbacks in later chapters. Yeah, I love Sukaang. And I've only ever focused on Kataang vs Zutara in my stories, I've never delved too deep into Sukka or Tokka if at all since Kataang is my fav. But I'm tryan challenge myself with this fic, so here we are. Idk how smoothly Tokka will go compared to Sukaang, and Kataang, i guess we'll have to wait and see. So, I want to do justice to Zutara too. Unlike others, I don't actually think Zutara would be as toxic as I had believed before. I reckon they could acutally work in the right circumstances, so I'm gonna try to make them an acutal couple how are awkward, cute, hot and supporting all together. Their future will be revealed as the chapters continue, and whether they'll breakup or not will be judged through their interactions when they argue and make up. Yes, slow burn Kataang but there's a twist to it. Just wait and watch.

Guest: Yep. LOVE Sukaang too! And yeah, I like Unlikely Love too, but I didn't like the Zutara part only cause they cheated, that was fucked. Yeah, I love their brother dynamic and it will be centre stage in this fic.

Guest: I go to Google translate and copy and past your review from Spanish to English just to hear what you have to say lol! I'm glad you enjoy them if you're reading this.

Guest: I'm glad you're enjoying it. I will definitely update consistently, but it may not be as often due to my university work and music

Ashley Barbosa: This story won't be as Angsty, I promise. It'll be a bit at the start and when drama ensues, but only then.

Honeysucklebee: Thanks! I'm trying to keep everyone in character so hopefully I'm achieveing it :)

XOXOXOXOXOX

Episode 2:

In Ba Sing Se – One month and two days After Ozai

The narrow corridors carried their shadows, flashes of blue, green, red, and orange fireworks lighting the sky, as well as the lit lamps floating above their heads; all living embodiments of the celebrations the entire world was enjoying. The locals of the middle sector cheered and applauded, grins and content smiles permanently painted across their faces as they finally marvelled at the fact that the one moment they'd all thought to be a myth, or a figment of their self-thought feeble imaginations, brought on by a baseless sense of hope, was finally a reality. And it was all thanks to the teenagers flying above them.

Amidst the various colours highlighting the skies, seated on the saddle atop Appa's back, were the formally and officially, worldwide declared and renowned heroes of the 100-year war. They sat together, beside their significant others, save for the two master benders equivalent in age.

She let her head dangle backwards against the edge of the saddle, the wind brushing against her hair and face so refreshingly and soothingly. A lemur sat, curled up in her pap as she stroked the top of his head comfortingly, trying to ignore the giggles residing from the Kyoshi Warrior and Southern WaterTribe Warrior. Normally, when facing situations like these as she had in the past few months in the Fire Nation, Toph would search for a distraction, and in the rare occurrence that there wasn't one, she'd make one. Up here however, about 15 feet high in the air, there were no distractions, and no way she could conjure one; the others were too caught up in their partners to notice her, and the earth that would usually be beneath her was now replaced by cushions, a flying bison, and about 15 feet of nothingness which would lead to her eventual death if she tried to reunite with her native element dramatically – though Aang wouldn't allow that.

But she didn't seem to mind.

As stated before, this was a rare occurrence; the war was over, and until the reparations began, there was nothing to do but reflect. No next fight. No new opponent. No immense challenge. No one trying to insult her. No one mocking her lack of sight. No one questioning her abilities. Nothing.

There was peace, and she felt lost.

Like the others, she hadn't a vivid description of what a world without war could possibly sound and feel like, much less look. Therefore, she hadn't an idea of what she would do now; a consequence all children of war harboured. The exception was the airbender perched atop Appa's head; the one and only person in their group who had known how beautifully a world without such senseless suffering could bloom – maybe that's why he was the unofficial leader; he didn't need to envision the impossible for he had lived in it. Therefore, his belief in achieving it again was unwavering once he finally gained the confidence and self-belief required to defeat a Fire Lord. However, from reading his emotions before, he seemed the most dejected – lost. And judging by the announcement Zuko and Katara made yesterday, she understood why. Aang's feelings were no secret to her; his heartbeat was in no way subtle. She smiled sadly when she realised that now the both of them had something in common. Though, she didn't know if her admiration and crush on Sokka was anywhere near as strong as the feelings Aang held for Katara, yet she could still sympathise and understand.

'Maybe this'll deeper our bond,' she mulled it over, 'two rejects finding solace in each other.' She snickered to herself at the thought, 'yeah, right. Like that'll ever happen.'

Just when Togh had made the decision to join Aang atop Sokka's head, it seemed like someone had beat her to the punch. "I'm gonna go see if he's alright," Suki stated, kissing Sokka on the cheek as she made her way towards the airbender while Sokka scanned the scene, cringing when he saw Katara and Zuko holding hands somewhat awkwardly before his eyes landed on Toph, who was seated on the far-left end of the saddle.

Deciding that he could at least entertain himself while he awaited his girlfriend's return, Sokka scooted over to the earthbender, hoping to annoy or tease her as much as he could since she couldn't throw rocks at him now that they were high above ground.

The poor warrior had miscalculated, however; he'd forgotten that Toph packed a mean punch.

"Aang?" the boy glanced over his shoulder when he fer someone calling out to him. Turning around, he was met with the worried yet earnest eyes of one Kyoshi Warrior as she leaned over the edge of the saddle slightly. "Mind if I join you?"

The young monk smiled as he nodded his head, happy to finally have received a chance to talk to her since they hadn't had a proper conversation since they'd met. It was odd, to be honest, the fact that she was one of the first people he'd met in the beginning of his travels, and they still hadn't established a proper flow of dialogue between them. They were preoccupied of course, between saving Kyoshi Island, surviving the Serpent's Pass, and preparing for Ozai in the Fire Nation, it was understandable why they hadn't spoken alone during these high-pressure situations. Though, it was still bizarre, but it didn't matter; they could make up for lost conversation and friendship now.

When she sat beside him, she reciprocated his smile as they both turned to the view before them, marvelling at the display of the native colours of the Four Nations painting the night sky. Though, their silence didn't last when she glanced at him, studying him, and noticed a certain sadness lurking just behind that content smile.

"I can't believe its finally over," she sighed, breathing in the fresh air as she thought of a way to approach the subject without upsetting him. "For so long, my people and I remained impartial. Believing that if we ignored the war, its atrocities and horrors wouldn't touch us; it was foolish, cowardice. We were silently wishing some unknown hero would slay the evil Fire Lord and bring forth an era of peace; subjugating ourselves to the delusion that we'd essentially reap the benefits of a tranquil world without having done nothing to help achieve the outcome." Sighing again, her lips turned upwards slightly as she regarded him, facing him completely now while she declared, "I'm really glad I joined you guys. And thank you."

"For what?" Aang asked, returning her gaze as he yanked his eyes away from the view of the lower sector of Ba Sing Se and was met with her brown eyes.

"For defeating Ozai, for saving the world."

"You guys were just as responsible for saving the world as I was," Aang declared, shaking his head in refute as he relinquished Appa's reigns and turned to face her completely, giving her his full attention. "We wouldn't have won without you Suki, I mean it."

She blushed at the compliment as she diverted her gaze. "Thanks," she said shyly. "So, what are your plans now?"

Aang simply shrugged, "Help rebuild the world, visit all nations and mediate the negotiations between them, help Zuko repair his nation's relationships with the others – you know, Avatar stuff."

"Seems like quite a lot," she observed.

"Compared to mastering all elements within a single year," Aang deadpanned, "this sounds like a cakewalk."

"You say that now," Suki teased, quirking her eyebrow as smirked at him, "but you were falling asleep in that meeting with the Earth King today."

Aang chuckled before gazing off into the distance – the sad smile he had donned in that moment didn't go unnoticed by her.

"I didn't sleep well the night before," he admitted, a glint in his eyes reminding her of how she felt when she often found Sokka sitting in the distance, muttering something to himself as he stared at the moon.

Running on instinct, Suki reached forward and placed a comforting hand on his back as she tried leaning forward to get a look at his hidden expression. "Are you… are you okay?"

Aang regarded her for a moment, seriously considering if he should just open up and tell her the truth, maybe then, carrying load of acting like he was undoubtedly and always happy wouldn't be so heavy. But he didn't know much of her, he decided, and though he did trust Suki, he didn't feel she deserved to be burdened by his problems, even if she was willingly asking him.

Glancing away to steel himself, he turned back around with a soft smile, "I'm fine." He fake-chuckled then, hoping it would assure her worries. "What would I be upset about?"

Suki frowned in reaction, from the corner of her eye, noticing Katara and Zuko talking quietly until Sokka said something that made Toph punch him relentlessly and mercilessly, thus causing the warrior to cry in pain and the waterbender to laugh gleefully. As she laughed, Suki glanced back at Aang, watching in real time – almost as if it was in slow motion – his lips stretching further upwards, a smile almost transforming into a grin until it faded, the arc of his lips returning to a straight line so suddenly. Glancing back at the saddle, Suki realised the catalyst when she saw Katara leaning back on Zuko, her back resting on his chest while he stared off into the distance as she continued listening to Sokka and Toph bicker and argue.

It had been clear to the Kyoshi Warrior ever since she escaped from the Boiling Rock that Aang had a crush on the waterbender. Though, her suspicion regarding his crush was originally born during their time at the Serpent's Pass, it had only been confirmed and strengthened when she observed them offhandedly. During every interaction, no matter the subject matter or seriousness, there'd always be at least one moment where he'd look at her in a certain type of way. She recognised it; it was the same way she looked at Sokka. From then on, she understood completely that Aang had likely fallen for the waterbender, but she couldn't gather much insight regarding Katara's feelings. However, assessing the circumstances now, she guessed it was safe to say that Katara didn't feel the same.

When Katara laughed again and leaned further back into Zuko's embrace, Aang's distant and dejected expression only fell further. Suddenly, the bags camping underneath his eyes became much more noticeable, the way his eyebrows furrowed in thought and sadness more visible, and that same glint in his eyes now vividly causing an ache in her heart.

Suki could sympathise with him; though she hadn't experienced it to the extent the airbender likely was now, she too had felt something similar when she thought Sokka didn't feel the same about her – when all his thoughts and feelings seemed to circle around Yue. Her doubts only grew while she was imprisoned in the Boiling Rock, but Sokka had proved her wrong of course, it wasn't an issue anymore. But the reminder that he couldn't completely be hers because he had already lost a part of himself in the Moon Spirit still stung at times. Not enough to make a difference, but just enough to make her think about it during nights like this: when celebrations, instead influencing tranquillity and content, caused one to reflect on their life, their ups and downs, their mistakes, their deeds, their loved ones and the lingering fact that nothing ever lasts forever.

Trying once again, Suki scooted closer to the airbender and placed a hand on his shoulder, thus catching his attention as he regarded her by turning to face her, "Really Aang… are you okay?"

He stared at her again, searching within her orbs for any signs, anything at all that would communicate to him that her intentions weren't genuine – he received no such confirmation.

Aang had suspected that Suki, along with Zuko, also knew of his feelings for Katara. And if she didn't, he recognised that he had likely just hinted at them or confirmed her suspicions when he frowned in her direction earlier. He couldn't deny forever that he was indeed somewhat jealous – though, he didn't degrade himself for it; he was half-human after all, Aang understood that it was okay for him to feel this way. What would be wrong however, was to allow his jealousy to grow out of proportion to the point where it would consume him and transform into something he'd despise.

He decided that night: if he was going to suffer, he'd suffer quietly. Soon enough, it would stop; the feeling of his heart being stabbed whenever he saw them hug, or kiss, or hold hands… it would eventually dissolve into nothing but genuine happiness for the two of them. He would get over her, eventually, he'd have to.

Sighing deeply, Aang smiled sadly as he and Suki darted their eyes to the side, eyeing the new set of fireworks being launched into the night sky as he answered softly:

"No, but I will be."

Katara sighed in bliss when she felt the wind caress her face lovingly – Zuko's arms around her waist were a big bonus though. The entire night for her had been peaceful, and the ride on Appa was just the icing on the cake.

"'Tara?" She heard her boyfriend call out to her, making her smile at the nickname he had picked for her.

"Mhm," she answered, her eyes still closed as she dug herself deeper into his embrace.

Zuko hesitated for a while, torn between not wanting to ruin the moment yet not wanting to hide anything from her. After mulling over it for a while, he chose the latter. "I had a talk with Aang the other night."

Just like that, at the mere mention of her best friend, she tensed up slightly and shot up from his embrace, leaving his arms as she turned around to provide him her undivided attention.

"And? What did he say? Is he okay?" She asked frantically, hoping Zuko's answer wouldn't disappoint her or make her feel guiltier than she already did. She had planned to let him know that they were together ever since they arrived in Ba Sing Se, but she never wanted him to uncover the truth in the way that he did. Even though he did tell her he was okay and happy for her, she knew she had likely crushed his crush, no pun intended.

"He's… he says he's fine…" Zuko trailed off, staring out into the distance while Katara grew more impatient.

"And? What else? Is he… is he mad at me?" She asked dejectedly, feeling like the lowest person in the world for having a boy as sweet and caring as Aang being upset with her.

"No, he's not," Zuko answered, smiling reassuring until he added with a thought – 'I don't think he ever could be.'

"So, he's not… upset with me?" She asked hopefully, feeling better at the thought of laughing and joking alongside him again.

Zuko rubbed her arm comfortingly, trying to reassure her with a smile that came out slightly awkward as he spoke, "You know Aang, Katara. Even if he is, he's not going to show it or admit it." He had known he was right, of course, but upon witnessing the crestfallen expression painted across her face, he knew he had messed up and had only made her feel even more guilty and doubtful. "I – I mean, no! He's not upset 'Tara."

"But you said – "

"Forget what I said," Zuko cut her off, cupping her face with both his hands as he tried to reassure her once again, "Aang's fine with us."

"Then why did you – "

"Because I'm stupid, and I say dumb things sometimes."

"I can't argue with that," Katara joked, causing him to scoff as he let go of her face and sulked back against the outlining of Appa's saddle. "That wasn't an invitation to start brooding and being moody," Katara teased, leaning forward to peck his lips before turning around and leaning back against him, thus returning to their previous cuddling position.

"I'm glad he's not angry with me," Katara stated after a short while, relief laced in every syllable that rolled off her tongue as she spoke. "But I hope he gets over his crush on me soon. I miss talking to him, and laughing with him…" She knew she was being somewhat selfish, but she couldn't help it. After travelling and living with the airbender for almost an entire year, she couldn't help but miss him when he withdrew himself from her, especially to the extent he had during the last two days. She knew he needed time and space to mull things over, and she respected and accepted his choice to remain cordial… but she still missed him; having a boyfriend didn't automatically make her forget about her best friend, despite what people think.

Growing curious, she glanced over to Appa's head and noticed that he wasn't alone; he and Suki were locked in what seemed to be a deep conversation and it made Katara smile, glad that he at least wasn't closing himself off to everyone else. "What else did Aang say?"

"Nothing much," Zuko lied, feeling guiltier than he thought possible when he heard how concerned Katara was for him. Though, his guilt only deepened when she mentioned Aang's 'crush' on her… 'If only it were just a crush' – Zuko thought to himself. "He said that it would take time for him to come around, but he was happy for us either way, and that he's not mad at either of us." The firebender admitted, torn between wanting to be honest with his girlfriend yet also wanting to keep the promise he made to his friend. Though, he supposed he wasn't technically lying to her; withholding information that she hadn't necessarily asked for isn't the same as being dishonest, if he was to get argumentative. Though, the guilt remained. "I still feel bad though," Zuko stated, feeling the need to confide in her as she had him after they tracked down Yon Rah. "He's my first real friend, the first person to ever consider me worthy of redemption and friendship, and I… "

"You did nothing wrong," Katara stated sternly, gazing up to stare into his eyes defiantly as he stared into hers. "I feel bad too, but no one is in the wrong; this is just a messy situation that we have to allow him to deal with in the way he thinks is best for him." Noticing the uncertainty in her boyfriend's eyes, she cupped his face and brought his lips down to hers, kissing him softly before pulling away after a short while. "We like each other and are happy. And even if we weren't, I don't feel the same way about him… at least, not the way I feel about you. So, it likely wouldn't change anything."

"I know," Zuko agreed reluctantly; he believed her, but with the knowledge he had gained from Aang the other night, he knew that even the smallest shard of doubt would torture him with the insurmountable amount of guilt and shame he already harboured. "But… he's been through so much… I just wish he didn't have to go through this. I feel like I'm hurting him."

"You're not, Zuko," Katara stated firmly, "he'll get over his crush on me soon, and in no time, it'll be like how it was always meant to be."

"And how is that?" Zuko asked, smiling as he leaned down while Katara craned her neck upwards, their faces mere inches away, his hot breath on her lips causing her to shiver pleasantly. "With you in my arms?"

"I'm already in your arms, idiot," Katara giggled.

Amused, Zuko simply leaned down and shut her up by kissing her passionately, sighing into her mouth when she kissed back and entangled her fingers in his hair. Though Zuko had been in a relationship before, this was Katara's first, so she was mildly surprised and shocked when she felt his tongue tracing her lips. Taken back, while thinking they were moving a little too quick for her comfort, Katara pulled back abruptly and pressed her hand up against his chest.

Breathing deeply while he gazed at her, confused, he asked, "What's wrong?"

She didn't' want to tell him the truth; fearing her insecurity of her inexperience and sudden discomfort would cause him to turn away from her. "Nothing," she lied, smiling with fake-reassurance as she turned back around into their cuddling position, attempting to think of anything except how awkward the moment had now gotten.

Shrugging it off, Zuko leaned back and allowed her to rest against him, trying to keep his mind off the airbender unless if he wanted to drown in his guilt – which he didn't.

"I can't wait to go back home," Katara stated in an attempt to alleviate the awkwardness, sighing with relief when she imagined the proud look on her father's and Gran Gran's face when she'd arrive. "I can't wait to see my father, Gran Gran… to help with the reparations…"

Zuko felt a sinking feeling in his gut when she didn't add how she wanted to spend her time in the Fire Nation with him, "Uhh, and… ummm – how long are you gonna stay there for?"

Not catching on to the worry hidden beneath the rasp in his voice, Katara simply shrugged as she stated, "I don't know. However long it takes I guess."

"So," he began carefully and sadly, "you're not coming with me? To the Fire Nation?"

Finally understanding what the issue was, and growing concerned herself, Katara turned back around to face him. "I – I thought you'd visit the South for a while… you know, stay with me for a few days or weeks. So, we can spend time together."

"Katara," Zuko began dejectedly, "I'm the Fire Lord. I have a duty to my Nation."

"And I have a duty to my Tribe," Katara stated defiantly, until she sighed, sinking her sudden rise in anger as she realised either one of them would have to compromise or they'd have to enter a long-distance relationship for a while. "So, what are we going to do?" She asked, sounding hopeful while knowing there was no way he could even consider what she was suggesting – not at a time like this: when the world needed leaders like him and Aang and her father the most. He, like her, had a duty to his Nation, and if he abandoned it for while to spend some time with her, his Nation could likely turn his back on him – she still couldn't let it go though. "I know you've got to run your nation and help Aang fix the world, but… what are we going to do about us?"

Zuko sighed as he stared into her eyes before glancing away, his raspy voice drifting off into the breeze, "I don't know."