Greetings, avid readers!

I'd like to start with thanking all the reads, favs and follows in this story. Even if silent, your support means a lot. As for the ones that took their time to write a review, thank you as well!

The website was having some issues yesterday and today with the firewall, not letting unput be added into the database, so IT'S NOT MY FAULT THIS TIME! I am exhausted. I need a bed. I feel like I got punched in the face. But on the bright side, I'm having a good hair day!

My weekly obsession is... food! I've been crazy about cooking lately, and though I've always loved it, this week was an extreme. We're talking full course meals, people. Except cake, because I don't have an oven. My heart is still out for Ms. LiAnne Kay, but Book 5 of Little Hope series is coming out in less than a month, and I shit you not, I had a hype,kok attack last night.

Dommie, you wanted Zuko? Have at him.

Brain Fart, fuck yeah it is!

This is my first try at a Avatar fanfiction. Go easy on me. Reviews and flames are always welcomed, for they keep my cat and I warm at night.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar nor any of the characters. Such credit should go to Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. I do own a... certain amount of characters that will be recognized further into the story.

Thank you, and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter XVII: The Ruling Firebender

X—X

"Oh, wow."

The group walked past the large double doors of the castle. The hall was enormous, and clearly designed to be impressive. Two guards stood on either side of the door, and another came to greet them. Ahria stepped closer to Aang and Toph, feeling too many eyes on her. The earthbender nudged her shoulder, and the Avatar smiled down at her.

"I was starting to think you had forgotten about me."

Ahria looked in the direction of the deep, baritone voice and gasped. Standing in front of them was a young man, tall with broad shoulders He was handsome, even with the scar marring one of his golden eyes. He was dressed in simple but expensive clothing, and his dark, shaggy hair was up in a messy bun.

"Hey there."

"Zuko!"

"You know you're always welcomed... but what brings you?" he frowned.

"Is there any place we can talk?" Aang asked.

"Does that talk explain her presence here?" his golden eyes fell on Ahria.

"Yes."

"Let's go."

Zuko walked them to a meeting room and had them sit down, not before glaring at the petite airbender. Once they were settled, Aang started explaining the story, how they all came together, and what was his end goal. Zuko sat in silence throughout his tale, only showing any emotion when Sokka told him he accidentally attacked Katara and almost tore her leg off.

He eyed the necklace around Suki's throat with interest, and the Water Tribe soon-to-be-Chief was quick to officially announce his engagement to the Kyoshi warrior and demanded the Fire Lord to be the main supplier of rice wine for their wedding. He tried to hide a grin but failed, and asked if that was his official invitation as a caterer, or also as a guest.

"So, I need your help. I know you're super busy, but please Zuko. I need your help to set my people free." Aang gulped.

"You're right... I am super busy." he frowned.

"Please?"

"... I need time."

"Ahria?"

"... we can spare a week. Maybe two. We have to be out of here by the next new moon." she pondered. "Would that be enough, Fire Lord?"

"Does all that cheek come with a backbone?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Several, actually. Does all that talk come with action?" she smirked.

"A lot, actually. Want to test it?"

"Are you sure you're allowed to firebend?"

Zuko glared. "How do you know about that?"

"I have friends." she giggled. "Loved your attitude about it."

"Thank you." he nodded. "How can you bend a flame?"

"I can't. I airbended it."

"Show me." he threw a small flame up and Ahria raised her hand.

She twirled her fingers and the flame danced around, taking the form of a woman performing firebending movements. Zuko let out a small chuckle and nodded. "Impressive."

"Thank you."

"I'll have someone prepare your rooms. Four?"

"Five, please." Katara let out, and Zuko glanced at her.

"...five." he nodded. "If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for a meeting. Someone will lead you to your rooms, and we'll gather around for dinner. Feel free to explore in the meantime."

"Thank you, Zuko." Aang smiled.

"...you're welcome." he stood up and bowed his head. "Excuse me."

–X–

Dinner was nothing if not joyful. Uncle Iroh had joined them upon hearing the gaang was back together. Toph was teased into telling all about her new academy, Suki revealed some of the people on the wedding guest list and Sokka proudly talked about the changes in the Water Tribes.

Ahria remained quiet, or mostly quiet throughout dinner. She answered all of Uncle Iroh's questions and laughed at Toph's jokes, but she remained quiet. Zuko was careful to watch her at first, but eventually moved on to participate in the conversation. He did note however how Katara and Aang weren't sitting side by side, having placed Toph between them.

Night had fallen when Zuko stepped out to the gardens. He needed some time for himself, a minute or two to breathe and come to terms with the fact that Katara was back, and two rooms down from his own sleeping quarters.

Now, it was no secret – at least to Uncle Iroh – that the firebender had feelings for the waterbender. Although he never acted on it, since she was with the Avatar, Zuko never hid his attraction for the young woman, at least not from his closest friends.

He looked up and smiled. The reason for his turbulent thoughts sat on the grass; knees pressed against her chest as one hand manipulated a water figurine that danced on the edge of the fountain. Zuko took her in, long luscious brown hair falling down her back in waves, sharp curves heightened by the flair, smooth fabric of Fire Nation clothes.

He produced a flame and made it climb up the fountain, making it the shape of a similar figurine. He heard her gasp, and her figurine stopped. His reached out a hand and hers shakily took it, creating steam when they touched. Hers removed her hand and tried to dance away, but the little flame chased it. The two began dancing around each other without touching, elegantly performing a wonderful show for the two benders.

Zuko sat next to her when her figurine stopped and sat down on the fountain, and his mimicked hers. Katara tensed, but soon let her shoulders drop and sighed. He scooted closer to her and crossed his legs. They sat in silence for a moment, taking in each other's presence. That was one of the things Zuko loved the most about their relationship: though they were both stubborn and with harsh tempers, they knew how to simply be together.

"You don't have to keep me company," she spoke softly.

"I want to." he smiled. "How are you?"

"I'm okay." she nodded. "You?"

"Handling everything." he licked his lips. "Troubles here and there, but that's the legacy I decided to inherit."

"You look... broodier."

"People don't like me." he frowned. "People with... access to poison, knives, and remedies."

"Assassination attempts?!" Katara gasped. "How many?"

"Three just this past month." he gulped. "Nothing I'm not handling."

"Zuko, that's too much! Do you need help?"

"I got it." he turned to smile at her. "Thank you, though."

"I'm worried about you."

"So am I. Who's Rea?"

"An Airbender. It's a great thing, Zuko."

"Do you like her?"

"She's... interesting. Comes with an attitude, but it's all just for show." Katara smiled. "She's kind, and sweet."

"Aang seems to like her."

"He does." she frowned. "Of course he does, she's living proof of the airbenders' legacy."

"Are you sure that's all there is?"

"...why do you say that?"

"I don't know... he looks at her funny."

"She's a friend."

"Okay, if you say so." he nodded.

"Yeah."

"Have you thought about my proposition?" he licked his lips.

"The clinic?" she asked, and he nodded. "Zuko, I... I can't."

"Because of Aang."

"...yes."

"Okay." he stood up.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Why are you sorry?" he turned his head to look at her. "For turning me down? For turning down my people, whom I know need you? I'm not trying to guilt trip you into staying, Kat, I just know you're a lot more than a trophy!"

"He doesn't see me as a trophy." she stood up too "How can you say that to me?!"

"Because I'm watching you fall apart into nothing, day after day, and I don't know what to do to help you!" he exclaimed. "Katara, you are one of the most powerful waterbenders I have ever met. You're a Master, the Avatar learned from you! But right now, you're nothing more than a girl hanging from his arm."

"You're an asshole." she pushed him.

"Yeah, but I'm the only asshole with balls to tell you the truth straight to your face!" he glared. "You think Toph and Sokka don't notice?! Toph sent me a hawk asking me to 'fucking fix it'! Sokka sees you fall apart, the only time he sees you smile, genuinely smile, is when you're healing! He tells me this, like the good big brother he is, trying to protect you, and I'm supposed to sit by and let you become a shadow of yourself?!"

"You don't have to meddle in my business!" she screamed. "If I am, let me fall apart!"

"I love you too much to watch you fall apart and not do anything about it!" he screamed, and she froze.

"Zuko..."

"...but you know that." he gulped and lowered his head. "I... I don't know what I was thinking."

"What do you mean?"

"You asked me for a room for yourself. You got Toph to sit between the two of you. For a moment, I thought I had a chance. For a small, fickle moment, I thought..." but he shook his head. "Forget it. I should have known by now."

"Know what?" she whispered.

"That I should accept the bride my councilmen are trying to set me up with and live a loveless marriage because the only woman I will ever love is with someone else." he licked his lips.

"Zuko..."

"Goodnight, Katara."

"Zuko!"

But he was gone.

A/N: I promised Zutara, and I am here to deliver. I got to the point of no return where I can't drop the story... but still. Keep in mind, I'll keep this story up or drop it depending on your feedback.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to review if you want, or if you don't, I hope you liked it!

First to review gets a cookie!

Lots of love from this weirdo,

LoneeWolf :)