Hey there! So sorry for the late update. This year has been all over the place as I'm sure many of you agree. I haven't been in the mood to write lately, especially since I'm not getting much feedback on this story, but I forced myself to keep on writing and finish this chapter for Christmas.

Enjoy!

Many thanks to PurseMonger for her awesome feedback and suggestions. I don't know what I'd do without her!

AtLA is not mine.

Chapter Seventeen

In Which the Prince Leaves the Mountain

In one of the opulent sitting rooms of the Fire Nation Palace, Mai suppressed a bored sigh as Ty Lee prattled on about her numerous children and grandchildren. She really didn't care. Mai had made sure to give her husband his heir and that was that. She rarely interacted with her son or her grandchildren. Children were a nuisance. Loud, intrusive, and always wanting something. She barely even spoke to her husband when he had still been alive.

Brushing a strand of her graying hair away from her face, Mai tuned out what Ty Lee was saying as the noblewoman lost herself in her thoughts. Once news broke that Zuko had abandoned his duties, her parents had rushed to arrange another suitable marriage for her. Ruon-Jian had been a good-looking young man, but he had not compared to Zuko, whom she had been in love with since they were children. She knew Zuko had not been happy with their arranged marriage, but she had been confident that she could make him come to love her. That hope died, however, when he disappeared.

There were rumors that Azula had him assassinated before his coronation, but no one knew for sure what really happened. Mai would rather think Zuko died instead of thinking he didn't want to marry her. She had tolerated Ruon-Jian when they got married and did her wifely duties when he visited her bedchamber. On those nights, she would imagine Zuko with her instead of Ruon-Jian. He had not been a bad man, but he was boring and they didn't have much in common, which was why she had not begrudged his concubines and he had not minded her lovers. She had not felt much sadness when he died three years ago. Yet, even after all these years, she could not forget Zuko...

She was interrupted from her thoughts when Azula strode into the sitting room, a sharp smile on her face. Her handmaids trailed silently behind her, their heads bowed and backs stiff. Mai and Ty Lee stood up and bowed as Azula sat down on a cushion. She waved her hand at them and they quickly sat back down while the servants went about serving them tea and pastries.

Once her teacup had been filled, Mai took a sip as she glanced back at Azula who was instead drinking wine. She still found it unnatural to see Azula looking like she did forty years ago. She was curious as to why she was still young, but she had learned not to question the conniving princess years ago.

"How have you two been?" Azula asked as she took a bite of a pastry.

"My family and I have been great!" Ty Lee piped in enthusiastically, her graying braid swinging against her back with her animated gestures. Age had definitely not curved the former acrobat's giddiness. "I was just telling Mai that…"

Mai drowned them out as she again thought about her past. She could not help lamenting her life and wondering how things would have been if Zuko had become Fire Lord and she had become his Fire Lady.

"Are you still pining over my coward of a brother?" Azula suddenly asked snidely, rudely interrupting Ty Lee mid-sentence.

Mai was barely able to stop herself from reacting to the sudden question. She hated how perceptive Azula could be.

"No," she smoothly responded, "I have forgotten him long ago."

She calmly returned Azula's sharp gaze, even though she was feeling rattled inside. It seemed she was not able to fool the former princess because Azula smirked knowingly before she lifted her hand, holding her now empty cup of wine.

A long, tension-filled silence stretched among them as they waited for a servant to refill the Fire Lord's winecup. Ty Lee squirmed slightly in her place and Mai curled and uncurled her fingers around her fan. Once the cup was refilled, the servant bowed her head as she retreated backwards to stand with the other servants against the wall. They watched as Azula took a drink of her wine as she again focused her attention to the dreary noblewoman.

"You must be feeling lonely now that your dear husband is dead," Azula observed casually as she ran her long nails through her hair. "I can have one of Chan's friends keep you company..."

Mai barely suppressed her sneer as she thought about the arrogant whelp that fell all over Azula.

"No, thank you," she coldly replied.

Azula shrugged as she took another sip of her wine while Ty Lee pretended not to notice the tension as she looked through the array of pastries.

"Maybe you'd prefer a rough Earth Kingdom man or a brave Water Tribe warrior, or perhaps a prudish Air Nomad monk?" Azula continued with a raised eyebrow before she added, "I'll bring both of you several slaves to choose from once I win the war."

Ty Lee shifted uneasily, a nervous smile splitting her face.

Mai narrowed her eyes as she opened and then closed her fan.

"You seem very confident of the outcome," the noblewoman stated.

A smirk curled Azula's lips.

"What can I say? I was born lucky."

A week after the baby dragon hatched, the human couple and the mated dragons came to the agreement that it was time they made their way to the small hidden village. Currently, they were in the dragons' lair as they watched over the baby dragon. Katara laughed and Zuko smiled as they watched the small dragon run around their legs before zooming over to his parents, climbing over their tails and backs before Druk growled softly at his offspring to behave.

"He's a ball of energy, isn't he?" Zuko said amusedly as they watched the baby dragon whine softly up at his father before he bounded towards the humans again for scratches.

"He's adorable, that's what he is," Katara responded as she bent down to scratch the baby dragon's chin before cooing, "Aren't you? Aren't you just adorable?"

Just you wait until you have your own offspring running around, Zuko heard Druk rumble amusedly.

"Luckily, that won't be until a few years from now," the firebender responded with a small smirk as they watched the little dragon bound up toward his parents before he tackled his father's tail.

They continued to watch the baby dragon's antics before he tired himself out and snuggled against his mother's warmth for a nap.

"I think it's best that we head out tomorrow," Zuko spoke up after a moment of silence. "I think it's better if we leave sooner rather than later, so we can avoid Jet and his men."

Katara narrowed her eyes and nodded while the dragons rumbled their agreement. A moment later, the human pair left the dragon family and made their way back to their cave before night settled completely. Once inside, they had dinner before they took a quick bath, each lost in their own thoughts about what the next day would bring. They laid down on their bedding and sighed as they rested close against each other, the warm glow of the fire surrounding them.

"Zuko?" Katara spoke up after a moment of companionable silence.

"Yes?" he replied as he caressed her arm softly.

"I'm a bit nervous seeing my grandparents again after running away from home," she confessed before she smiled, "but I'm also excited to introduce you to them. I wonder how Gran Pakku will react when he sees you again and what they will say about our engagement."

Zuko hummed as his chest tightened in sudden nerves. He felt Katara shift next to him before he saw her lean over him with a slight frown.

"Maybe we should keep our relationship a secret for now until my grandfather becomes reacquainted with you and I speak to my father," she said slowly as she gazed into his face.

The firebender frowned at her words, wanting to protest the idea of keeping their relationship a secret since he wanted everyone to know that Katara was his. However, he agreed that Pakku would probably accept their relationship much more easily if they didn't spring the news to him as soon as they arrived at the Northern Water Tribe. If he wanted to have her family accept him, he needed to prove himself and gain their trust.

"Yes, perhaps you're right," he agreed as he stared up into her azure eyes before he cupped her cheek as he added, "Hopefully, we don't have to wait too long, though."

Katara smiled as she nuzzled his hand.

"I hope so, too," she replied before she leaned down to kiss him before she cuddled against his side again.

Tomorrow was the start of their new lives.

"The construction of the new warships is on schedule, Your Majesty," the old advisor reported as he read through the scroll in his hands, "Several of them are ready to be launched out to sea."

"It is never too late to right the wrongs you have created."

"Good," Azula spoke over Ursa's voice.

She could just sense her mother's specter hovering behind her. It seemed like she was seeing Ursa everywhere with more frequency. Azula narrowed her eyes. She did not like it.

"Violence and power do not create happiness."

Azula suppressed a sneer at those words.

"Power is everything!" she growled.

"Your Majesty?" the old advisor inquired in confusion while the other advisors looked at each other quizzically.

"Nothing," Azula said dismissively before she gruffly added, "Do you have anything else to report?"

"Your greed will be your undoing if you do not mend your ways," Ursa's sad voice drowned out the advisor's words.

"Shut up!" Azula screamed as she swiped a blazing hand behind her.

The wall of blue fire flared wildly, causing a few advisors to either flinch or scramble away from their cushions.

"I-is everything a-alright, Fire Lord A-Azula?" another of the old men asked tentatively while a few others muttered among themselves, wondering what was wrong with her.

Azula forced herself not to hurl a fireball at the questioning fool as she clenched her hands on her knees. She took a deep breath to calm herself down. What was wrong with her? She was always in control of herself. It was all Ursa's fault. How dare she try to destroy her composure…

Smoothing her hair back and clearing her throat, Azula haughtily waved the man's concern away before she casually inspected her long nails.

"Send the order for the warships to set sail and attack any foreign ship they come across. I want them to send anything of value back to the Fire Nation," she ordered firmly.

"What about those on board?" another advisor asked.

"Bring them back as slaves," she responded with a sinister smile, "And whoever resists...kill them."

The men reluctantly murmured their consent and bowed at her demand.

On her throne, Azula grinned triumphantly as Ursa's presence slowly vanished.

Ursa was dead. Azula made sure of that. She was present at her funeral where the former Fire Lady was cremated. Azula had told everyone that Ursa had ended her life due to grief over Ozai's death and to escape the shame of her cowardly son. Azula had at first thought of blaming Zuko for Ursa's death, but she knew no one would have believed her since everyone knew how much Zuko loved their mother and how much she loved him.

Azula sneered.

Why had Mother loved Zuko more? He was a weak and naive fool who thought too much about honor and the insignificant lives of the peasants.

Even Father wanted to give Zuko the throne and refused to name her his heir.

Why couldn't they see she was better than Zuko?

She narrowed her golden eyes as blue sparks flew from her clenched hands.

It didn't matter.

She didn't need anyone...

Zuko chuckled and Katara cooed at the baby dragon as he wobbled toward them with happy squeals and squawks. His feet seemed to be too big for his body. His parents had wanted to go hunting before they all set out towards the village and the human pair had agreed to watch their son while they were away. The baby dragon sat next to Katara's feet and whined as he looked up at her with large eyes. The princess gushed over him as she picked him up and cuddled him to her chest. As Zuko watched his waterbender interact with the small dragon, he could not help imagining her interacting with their own child. He quickly shook his head. Now was not the time to think about that.

He frowned as he glanced toward the morning sun. He wondered once again what would happen when he met Pakku again, how he would react when he found out Zuko was alive, and that he wanted to marry Katara. He grimaced. He hoped Pakku believed him, but also, he hoped his old friend would not disapprove of his relationship with Katara.

"Everything okay?" he mentally heard Katara ask in concern.

The firebender blinked before he looked back at her to see both her and the baby dragon looking at him. He opened his mouth to respond, but he was interrupted when the mated dragons returned. The small dragon chirped loudly and Katara placed him back on the ground so he could run to his parents. They both nuzzled him before Tanik dropped a small piece of meat in front of him. The baby dragon immediately began to devour it.

Katara winced slightly as they watched the baby dragon rip the meat apart. Since he was so small and adorable, she sometimes forgot that he was a carnivorous dragon that would grow to be ten times her size. To distract herself, she looked back at Zuko only to see that he turned to look at her as well. They smiled at each other.

"So how are we going to get to the village?" she asked curiously.

"I was just going to ask Druk," he replied as he shouldered her pack with the bedroll attached to it.

At the sound of his name, the dark dragon lifted his head to look at them before he let out a low rumble.

"He said we can approach. His, uh, offspring just finished eating," the prince explained.

With a small smile, Katara walked with Zuko until they were standing by Druk's side.

"We were wondering how we were going to travel to the village," Zuko said.

You will fly with me, of course, Druk responded, And your mate will fly with us as well. Only bonded humans and dragons are supposed to fly together, but I have come to care for Katara, so I will not mind having her ride with you.

"Great, thanks," Zuko replied with a smile.

He turned to translate Druk's sentiment to Katara and she looked up to give the large dragon a huge smile.

"Thanks, Druk," she said sincerely, "I care for you, Tanik, and your baby, too."

Smiling, Zuko repeated her words to Druk who let out a rumble as he leaned down to rub his snout against Katara's head, causing her to laugh.

Can you ask Katara if she can hold my offspring? Druk asked the firebender, He is still too young to fly.

When Zuko relayed the message, Katara immediately agreed before she walked over to Tanik and the baby dragon.

"When will he be old enough to fly?" the prince asked curiously as he looked back at the baby dragon who was now running around his mother's legs.

In a couple of months, but he will continue to grow slowly until he reaches maturity several years from now, Druk explained proudly, Then he would be able to form a bond and perform the Dragon Dance. Hopefully, your heir would be grown by then.

Instead of flushing at Druk's teasing remark about children, Zuko hummed pensively.

"Hm, that would be nice," he said as he mulled over the thought, "Then the Dragon Dance tradition will continue."

Druk rumbled, pleased, before they turned their attention to the females and the baby dragon.

"Should we give him a name?" Katara asked curiously as she turned back to look at Zuko and Druk, "It's weird to keep calling him baby dragon."

Zuko hummed at her question before he turned to ask Druk. Katara heard the black dragon rumble a response. She raised an eyebrow when she saw Zuko flush slightly before he cleared his throat.

"What did he say?"

"Uh, he said that we should leave that up to our, uh, firstborn…Since they will hopefully form a bond with the Dragon Dance..."

Katara felt herself flush despite herself. She could not help how her heart warmed at the thought that Zuko wanted a family with her one day...

"Oh, uh, I guess that makes sense..." she replied as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Zuko could not help smiling at the blush on her face and he went up to her to kiss her soundly. He grinned when she flushed more deeply before she smacked his chest when he chuckled amusedly.

Several minutes later, Zuko helped Katara climb onto Druk's back before handing her the now sleepy baby dragon under the watchful eye of Tanik. Once he climbed up behind her and settled down, Zuko let Druk know they were ready. With loud rumbles, both dragons took to the sky.

Katara let out a small gasp as the cold wind rushed past them and she tightened her hold on the small dragon. She felt Zuko wrap his arms around her, pulling her gently against his strong chest, and she relaxed against his warmth, knowing he and Druk wouldn't let her fall.

Zuko smiled when Katara trustingly relaxed against him, her chocolate hair caressing his face and her sweet scent ticking his nose. He turned his head back to see the large mountain range growing smaller and smaller as they flew away, the frozen lake barely visible under the sunlight. The mountain had been his refuge for so many years. He had not been away from the area since he first arrived so long ago. It felt surreal that he was leaving it behind forever to venture back into the world. A world that was probably different from what he remembered, a world that he feared would not accept him...

He felt Katara squeeze his hand and he looked back to see her give him an understanding smile.

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine, you'll see," she told him softly, caringly.

He returned her smile.

"Thanks," he said sincerely as he tightened his arms around her, looking straight ahead to the beauty of the wilderness before them.

Hopefully, he could return to the Fire Nation one day.

Return home.

Home.

He frowned slightly. Would Katara want to go with him, though? He would need to ask her, but if she preferred they live in the Southern Water Tribe, then he would.

Katara was his future and he would remain by her side. She was his home.

Night was just approaching when Katara advised they should stop a few miles away from the village and rest. She was worried that they might frighten the villagers if they arrived at night and she didn't want them to attack the dragons out of fear. Zuko agreed with her and he relayed her suggestion to Druk.

A few miles from the mountain range Zuko remembered seeing months before, they landed on a small clearing in the forest. The human couple immediately began looking for wood for a campfire to warm them and the meat they had brought with them. Once they had a nicely blazing campfire, Druk told them he and Tanik were going to hunt their dinner. Once they left, Katara decided to place the drowsy baby dragon on the blanket while they set up to warm their dinner. They watched as he circled the blanket several times before using his snout to arrange it into a messy ball. Then with a low growl, he burrowed within its warmth, completely hiding from view.

"Looks like we'll have to use the fire and the dragons' heat to stay warm," Zuko said amusedly as he spread the bedroll close to the campfire.

"Yeah, I didn't think he was going to take over the blanket," Katara responded with a light laugh as she rummaged through the pack for the dried meat.

A moment later, they were sitting on top of the bedroll, eating the cooked meat and soaking up the heat from the fire as night settled in. They discussed what would be the best method to approach the village for help without alerting them to the dragons before talking about what would happen when they finally arrived at the Northern Water Tribe.

"I hope Sokka, Aang, and Toph made it there," Katara said in a low tone as she stared into the fire, her hands clasped tightly together over her lap, "I don't know what I'll do if…"

She swallowed thickly before taking a shaky breath. She would never be able to live with herself if something bad happened to them...She sighed when Zuko wrapped an arm around her and brought her gently to his side.

"I'm sure you will see them soon," he tried to reassure her, although they both knew there was no guarantee she would.

They were silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts, as the fire created dancing shadows around them. A cold wind blew past them, causing Katara to shiver and to press herself closer to Zuko. She smiled when he arranged her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She sighed contentedly as she snuggled against his warm chest, placing her hands between them to warm them up.

She shivered for a different reason when she felt him run his hand down her back and she wiggled against his groin, causing him to let out a low groan. Unbidden, a memory of them making passionate love against the trickling waterfall in the cave flashed through her mind; Zuko pressing her against the wall, his hands cupping her backside, her legs wrapped tightly around his hips as he drove himself wildly into her, the sound of their pleasured moans filling the crystal cave. Feeling the telltale signs of arousal stirring within her, the waterbender lifted her head only to realize Zuko was feeling the same sexual pull as he stared at her with gleaming, golden eyes. She didn't know who moved first, but next thing she knew, their lips were hungrily pressing together and they let out simultaneous groans.

Zuko had no idea what happened. One moment he was trying to keep Katara warm, and then the next, passionate heat had surged between them. He groaned approvingly when Katara moved to straddle his hips, her hands tightly gripping his hair at the back of his head, while her mouth moved lustfully over his as he cupped her ass. He gasped then groaned when she began rubbing her clothed core against his swelling manhood, causing sparks of pleasure to shoot up his spine. With a growl, he spun them around so that she was lying on the bedroll with him on top, their hips still rocking together as they continued to kiss.

They froze when a sleepy, muffled squawk sounded from within the blanket a few feet away. The pair looked in that direction before they looked back at each other, their ardor cooling down a bit at the distraction. Zuko chuckled and Katara let out a small laugh.

"You are too tempting for your own good," the firebender admonished playfully as he brushed some of her hair away from her face.

"Takes one to know one," Katara quipped with a grin as she teasingly ran her hands down his back before she more seriously added, "We'll need to be more discreet in our...intimacy when we're at the Northern Water Tribe."

"You're right," Zuko sighed before he added with a grin, "So let's take advantage of our privacy for now."

He swooped down to take her lips with renewed passion, causing Katara to moan deeply as she returned his ardent kiss.

The sudden sound of rustling leaves and footsteps penetrated through their aroused minds too late that by the time they broke their kiss to scramble to their feet they were already surrounded by a group of people. Zuko took on a fighting stance, but Katara relaxed slightly when she identified some of them as Kyoshi warriors.

"Whoops, didn't mean to interrupt," someone said to their right and they quickly turned toward the masculine voice, "We just saw the campfire and...Wait. Katara?!"

"Sokka!" Katara exclaimed happily as she immediately recognized her brother's voice and his shocked face.

With a happy cry, she raced toward Sokka who was already running toward her before she was enveloped in a crushing bear hug. Relief and joy washed over her to know her brother was fine that she could not help tearing up a little.

"Thank La you're alive," Sokka muttered against her hair as he felt all the tension, worry, and guilt dissipate.

Then he pushed her back slightly to run a critical eye over her, humming pensively with a serious look on his face, causing Katara to roll her eyes good-naturedly. She frowned worriedly when she noticed that his leg was in some sort of cast. Before either of them could say anything, Aang and Toph approached to envelop the waterbender in a hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" the airbender exclaimed while Momo chattered excitedly on his head.

"You gave us quite a scare, Sweetness," Toph muttered as she playfully punched Katara's arm.

"I'm glad all of you are okay, too," Katara replied with a laugh.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around to see one of the Kyoshi warriors smiling at her. Katara returned the smile when she realized who it was.

"Suki!" she said excitedly, "I'm glad to see you again. How have you been?"

"I'm glad to see you, too," Suki replied genuinely before she added with a grin, "I've been well. Just trying to make sure to keep your brother out of trouble."

"You must've had your work cut out for you," Katara responded with a laugh.

"Hey!" Sokka shouted.

Zuko watched the scene with a small smile. He was glad to see how happy Katara was to be reunited with her brother and friends. It was not hard to tell who was Katara's brother, although, admittedly, he was expecting someone more intimidating than the young man with the silly grin. He quickly regarded the rest of the group to see a couple of men with torches and several women with armor and makeup he recognized from many years ago as Kyoshi warriors. Some were looking at the reunited group while others were observing him both curiously and warily. It was then he realized he was still in a fighting stance, which prompted him to slowly relax his posture. His movement, however, caught the attention of the Water Tribe warrior.

Sokka locked eyes with the scarred, dark-haired man, which reminded him that they had come upon Katara being pinned down by the stranger. Righteous anger swelled in his chest as he pushed Katara behind him. He ignored her indignant gasp as he pulled out his club.

"I'll kill you for daring to put your hands on my sister!" he shouted menacingly.

Zuko frowned. This was not looking good. Maybe he had been wrong about this warrior not being intimidating.

"Sokka!" Katara cried out as she tried to force his arm down.

Unable to help it, Zuko huffed as he replied, "I wasn't forcing myself on her."

"Zuko!" Katara exclaimed in mortification before shooting him a glare when she heard Sokka sputter.

Aang gaped at the unrepentant stranger while Toph chortled.

"I like him," the earthbender quipped with a grin.

"I'm gonna kill you!" Sokka screamed as he raised his club and prepared to launch forward.

Before he could move, however, they were interrupted by the deafening sounds of angry roars before two large creatures landed heavily behind the dark-haired man. They stood protectively behind him as they growled menacingly, sparks flying from their mouths. The sight of the dragons arose panic within the group, causing some to scramble back while others took up defensive stances.

This is definitely not looking good, Zuko groaned mentally.

One of the Kyoshi warriors threw her metal fan at Tanik's face, but Zuko quickly flung it away with a fire whip, which caused a collective gasp from the group.

"A firebender!" Sokka shouted before looking back at the growling dragons, "And dragons! We're dead!"

"Everybody calm down!" Katara ordered as she stood between the panicked group and Zuko.

"Stand down," Zuko told the mated dragons. He frowned at Druk when the dragon continued to growl, "It's Katara's brother and her friends."

Very well, Druk replied reluctantly.

The group watched in amazement as the dragons obeyed the man and laid down behind him, although their eyes continued to watch them warily.

"Okay...what the hell is going on?" Sokka asked with wide eyes before he rounded on Katara, "Who's he? And how are the dragons listening to him? And...where have you been?!"

Katara sighed as she resisted the urge to rub her temples.

"It's a long story," she began before she continued when Sokka, Aang, and Toph frowned at her, "Zuko saved me from the storm that separated us and now he's accompanying me to the Northern Water Tribe. We were on our way to the village close by for assistance."

"I see," Sokka said as he eyed Zuko suspiciously. "Well, now you're back with us. He can go on his way now."

"I'm not leaving Katara," Zuko responded firmly as he narrowed his eyes.

"And why not?" Sokka retorted as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Because we love each other and we're engaged!" Katara blurted out before she groaned and smacked her forehead. "I was going to tell you more delicately than that."

"You're what?!" Sokka shouted in shock.

"Engaged?" both Aang and Suki asked, also in shock.

"This is getting good," Toph piped in as she rubbed her chin with a grin.

The sound of a weak growl interrupted everyone. All eyes turned to the forgotten blanket as it began to move before a small baby dragon emerged out from beneath it with a yawn. It stumbled onto its stomach with a squawk before sitting back on its haunches as it stared curiously at the newcomers. They all gaped at the baby dragon before it tilted its head to the side with a chirp.

"A baby dragon!" Aang exclaimed while a few Kyoshi warriors let out gushes of "how cute!"

Aang gasped when Momo flew away from his shoulder and made his way to the baby dragon. They held their breath as the flying lemur landed beside the small dragon. They sniffed each other curiously before they let out happy chirps and began to play together.

Katara took this moment to walk toward Zuko and stand beside him. He placed one arm around her while the mated dragons leaned toward them. Sokka sputtered at the sight before he stopped when he finally noticed what the stranger holding his sister was wearing.

"Wait. Are those my clothes?" he asked as he placed his hands on his hips.

"Yeah, he didn't have anything else to wear," Katara replied with a shrug.

"What do you mean by that?!"

"I think we should head back to the village," Suki interrupted Sokka's question. "It's getting late."

She was sure Katara had quite a tale to tell.

A few hours later, the group of friends was sitting at the guest house that was given to Sokka, Aang, and Toph. Suki had sent one of the men to inform the village headman about their discovery and the presence of the dragons. The headman had been understandably concerned, but agreed to let the dragons rest in the stables as long as they didn't attack any of the farm animals or villagers. Druk has not been pleased to share the space with Appa and the other farm animals, but Zuko asked him to bear with it for now. It was the only way to be sure the dragons would be safe.

Once the group retreated to the guest house, Sokka, Toph, and Aang relayed what happened after the storm took them by surprise. Then Katara explained everything that happened while they were separated. The more she talked, the more the others looked at her and Zuko with wide eyes. Once she was done, she waited for them to say something. She felt Zuko grab her hand and she glanced at him with a small smile.

After a moment of silence, Sokka finally spoke with a shake of his head and flailing arms as he frowned at Zuko.

"Do you really expect us to believe you were a dragon?! And that you're actually the missing Crown Prince Zuko?"

"It's true," the firebender said gruffly.

"It's not possible," the blue-eyed warrior retorted, "Magic doesn't exist anymore."

"I don't appreciate my honor being questioned," Zuko growled out indignantly.

"Well, you're pretty questionable to me," Sokka sniffed.

Zuko stiffened as he glared at him, but Katara tightened her hold of his hand.

"Please calm down," she told him mentally. "Sokka is more of a logical person. Plus he's just worried for me."

"All right..." Zuko grumbled before he sighed, unable to argue with her. He could understand Sokka's concern and skepticism.

"He's telling the truth," Toph spoke up as she looked curiously in the direction of the suddenly silent pair. The vibrations coming from them were...interesting.

Katara relaxed, Aang smiled, Suki hummed, and Sokka grumbled at the earthbender's words.

Zuko looked at the small woman wonderingly and he watched as she looked in his direction with a grin, although she didn't quite meet his eyes. The sight of her misty eyes reminded him that Katara had told him months ago that Toph was blind. He had forgotten since she carried herself so confidently. However, how did she know he was telling the truth? Without any prompting, Toph explained how she could detect the truth of his words by using her earthbending to read the vibrations his body emitted. He was completely impressed.

"Well, his story still sounds crazy to me," Sokka said despite Toph's proclamation.

"Well, I think it's romantic that the curse was broken because of your love for each other," Suki piped in as she smiled at the couple sitting close together.

Katara blushed deeply and Zuko shifted self-consciously before they glanced at each other with smiles, causing Sokka to grumble at the sight before he sighed. The sound made the waterbender look at him and she was surprised to see the serious expression on his face.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, "About...marrying him?"

"I've never been so sure of something in my life," Katara responded firmly. She smiled when Zuko squeezed her hand.

Sokka crossed his arms and frowned. This was something he definitely needed to think about. Just a few months ago, Katara had run away from home because she didn't want to get married to Jet, but now she was engaged to some firebender who used to be a dragon because of some curse, but was also the missing prince of the Fire Nation who was supposed to be an old man. It was just so weird. Speaking of Jet…

"I can't believe Jet tracked you down and tried to force you to go with him," he growled.

"Yeah, you'd think he'd get the hint that you're not interested," Toph added as she wiggled her toes.

Zuko let out a snort while Katara narrowed her eyes.

"You have no idea," she said angrily.

"I would if you'd explained why you don't like him," Sokka replied with a frown.

Katara looked away and bit her lip while Zuko turned to look at her.

"He doesn't know?" he asked.

"Know what?" Sokka asked as he looked worriedly at his sister.

Katara fidgeted in her spot before she let out a sigh when Zuko gave her hand a comforting squeeze. It was time she told her brother the whole truth. Once she finished telling them what Jet had tried to do, she looked up to see the look of both horror and anger on Sokka's face before he exploded into a long string of expletives that had even Toph shocked. It was only after Suki laid a hand on his shoulder and Katara told him to calm down that Sokka took deep breaths to regain his composure. He rubbed at his face before he looked back at Katara with a frown.

"If Dad knew he wouldn't have tried to force you to marry Jet."

Katara let out a soft sigh.

"I tried to tell him, but Jet convinced him that I was making it all up because I didn't want to get married," she explained.

Sokka frowned darkly. How could their father believe that worthless piece of scum over his own daughter? His anger shifted into shame for not realizing what Katara had been going through.

"I'm sorry for not noticing what was happening..."

"It's not your fault, Sokka," Katara told him gently, "I should've confided in you sooner, but...well, I guess I just thought things would be easier if I just asked Gran Pakku and Gran-Gran to talk to Dad. Hopefully, he will understand now."

"He better," Sokka grumbled before he growled, "I'll kill Jet next time I see him!"

"Not if I kill him first," Zuko said darkly.

Sokka and Zuko looked at each other before the blue-eyed warrior grinned.

"Maybe you're not that bad, after all," he mused.

Zuko smirked. "Likewise."

Katara rolled her eyes. Men. At least it seemed like her brother and her betrothed finally found something to agree on.

"So...what's the plan now?" Aang spoke up.

"I still want to go to the Northern Water Tribe as originally planned," Katara responded, "We want to see if Gran Pakku can help Zuko somehow since they were friends when they were young." She looked at Zuko. "Well, when Gran Pakku was young."

"Not weird at all," Sokka muttered.

"Have you contacted Dad at all?" Katara asked with a frown, "He must be so worried..."

"Yeah, I sent a letter out a few weeks ago, but you were still missing, so he's going to be even more worried."

"I'll send him another letter to reassure him we're fine and we're heading to the Northern Water Tribe," Katara said before she frowned, "I have so much to tell him… but some things I think are best I tell him when we see each other again."

"Sounds like a plan," Sokka said before adding, "We should head out as soon as we can."

They all agreed before deciding to call it a night.

"Not that there will be much sleeping, right, Twinkletoes?" Toph said suggestively as she grinned at Aang.

"Wait. You two…?" Katara began.

Toph grinned.

"Yeah…" Aang replied as he flushed a deep red.

"I knew it," the waterbender exclaimed as she smiled up at Zuko who returned her smile.

Sokka frowned.

"Wait. Where's...Zuko gonna sleep?" he asked.

"With Katara, of course," Zuko replied matter-of-factly.

Katara flushed while Sokka sputtered.

"Oh, hell no!" he shouted.

"We've been sleeping close to each other for months, even when I was a dragon," Zuko replied nonchalantly.

"What have you been doing to my little sister?!" Sokka screamed.

"Sokka!" Katara admonished before she added with a sniff, "He hasn't done anything I didn't want."

"Katara!" he gasped, scandalized.

"Oh, Snoozles, please," Toph interrupted with an amused snort, "You're not one to talk since you've been sleeping with Suki."

Suki's eyes widened while Sokka gaped at the short earthbender. Aang smiled uncertainly.

"You and Suki?" Katara asked before she grinned at the blushing Kyoshi warrior, "Well, I'm not really surprised."

Before they could respond, Toph interrupted them.

"Well, since we've established who's sleeping with who, let's get some shut eye, hm?"

"Toph!" all but Zuko exclaimed.

It was not until several minutes later that they began to make their way to their rooms, but not before Sokka stopped Katara.

"Can we talk...alone?" he asked.

"Let me show you to the room you and Katara can sleep in," Suki told Zuko, knowing Sokka needed some time with his sister.

Zuko looked at Katara who smiled at him reassuringly.

"I'll see you soon," she told him mentally.

Zuko gave her an understanding nod before he turned to follow the Kyoshi warrior.

Once the siblings were alone, Sokka embraced her tightly and she buried her face in the soft fur of his parka. Although he could be annoying sometimes, she really missed her brother.

"I'm really glad you're okay," he said softly before his voice hitched as he added, "I was afraid that you were..."

He trailed off. Katara squeezed his middle before she pulled back to look at him.

"I felt the same way," she said before she added sadly, "I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean for all of this to happen. I just wanted to get away from Jet..."

"Don't be sorry," he told her firmly as he placed his hands on her shoulders and moved back so he could see her, "You were trying to protect yourself. I'm sorry for not backing you up against Dad's decision to marry you off to that bastard. But I promise that you have my support from now on."

"Thanks, Sokka," she replied with a smile.

Sokka returned her smile before he frowned.

"Are you really sure about this Zuko guy?"

"I am," she replied confidently, "He's a great person. He's even training me in hand-to-hand combat. He's supportive in my dream to become a waterbending master." With a smile, she added, "And he loves me as much as I love him."

Sokka stared at her for a long time before he sighed.

"Fine. I'll give him a chance for you."

"I appreciate it," she replied happily before she added, "Do you want me to heal your leg?"

"Yes, please!" he exclaimed dramatically as he looked down at his leg. "It's getting in my way during my special times with Suki!"

"Ew, Sokka!" Katara said even though she could not help laughing.

All her fear, worry, and guilt seemed to seep out from her bones.

She just hoped her father and grandfather could just as easily accept Zuko.

Once she had healed Sokka's leg and bid him goodnight, Katara made her way to the room she was sharing with Zuko. She expected him to be sleeping, but instead found him meditating in the middle of the room. The room was small, but tidy. There was a low futon that was big enough for both of them to fit. As soon as he heard her close the door behind her, Zuko opened his eyes and stood up.

"Is everything alright?" he asked as he walked up to her.

"Yes," she replied with a smile before she grimaced, "I apologize for my brother's...suspicions."

"He's sentiments are understandable," he responded with a small shrug, "I was already expecting it, but I hope he comes to terms that I won't let you go."

Smiling, the waterbender wrapped her arms around him and lifted herself on her toes to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her back and returned her kiss.

"Thanks for coming with me," she said softly as she looked into his eyes.

"And thank you for coming into my life," he replied sincerely.

They smiled at each other before they kissed. It was not long before their kiss turned passionate.

"What do you say we continue where we left off before we were interrupted?" he asked huskily as he pressed against her back so she was flushed against his groin while he placed hot kisses along her throat.

Katara let out a moan as she rubbed herself against him.

"We have to be quiet, though," she said before she let out a loud gasp when he squeezed her breast, "I don't want Sokka or Toph to hear."

Zuko smirked down into her flushed face.

"Then you should follow your own advice," he teased before chuckling when she smacked his chest.

"Shut up and make love to me," she hissed before she kissed him hard.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Feedback would be a nice Christmas gift :3

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

~alwaysZutarian