Beginnings, Endings, & in Between

New Beginnings

"There's a life that I've been aiming for
To please the world I see and live by taking more
But I'm lost 'cause I always come up short
I guess living for yourself will leave you wanting more

So here's to new beginnings and here's to breaking free
Let's chase a new horizon, chase who we're meant to be
Close your eyes and listen 'cause love's calling you and me
To see a new tomorrow, it's who we're meant to be

Here I am, I can't do this anymore
Keep following the blind, there's a sound I can't ignore
And I know that I've got a chance to change
But I know the only way, I've got to run through the grave

So here's to new beginnings and here's to breaking free
Let's chase a new horizon, chase who we're meant to be
Just close your eyes and listen 'cause love's calling you and me
To see a new tomorrow, it's who we're meant to be

We're meant to be
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
We're meant to be
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)"

It was just one decision. One small moment that changed everything. Maybe some aren't aware of certain things in their life. Life is too mixed up. It's like reading a story. You only know what's happening in that story when you get to that page. Except you can't skip to any page or go back. You just read one page at a time. When one chapter ends, another one starts.

People love reading the beginnings. How something came to be. How everything started. The reason you choose to pursue a certain job. The reason you love something. Beginning is full of promise and hope. Even ones that don't start good, have the chance to get better.

People love reading the ends. You get through a whole story of ups and downs. You want to know how it all ties together. If the hero wins the battle, if the boy gets the girl, if the character finds the answers they were seeking. Most stories end happily, sometimes greater than reality, but that's because everyone wants a good ending.

I like the middle. The in between of the beginning and the ending. I like knowing how one thing leads to another. The in-the-moment experience. Occasionally, those can be the slow times. The part everyone wants to fast forward. I don't like endings, because it means nothing comes after that.

All of this doesn't have to apply to a story, it could be said about one event. It could be about a job, a relationship, or a passion. We don't tend to think that way though. We forget to look at something in our life and see all the stages. We look at the big picture, not the details. Everything that makes up a whole story. Every word chosen carefully. Every moment plays a part. No matter how big, no matter how small.

Everything has a beginning and ending, and all the in between. Sometimes we can't change when those happen. And lots of the time, they're not what we expect them to be.

My life completely transformed within a few short months. One day I'm stuck on my island feeling trapped and alone. The next, I'm out in the world experiencing every emotion out there. Not all of it was perfect. In fact, a lot of it pretty much sucked. Yet, I wouldn't trade one second of it. Not one bad experience. It was all worth it.

The world was full of people. Every one of those people has a story. That intrigues me. Knowing that every person I meet has a different personality, a different back story, different interests, different dislikes, different goals, and a different life ahead of them.

Was I naïve to believe everyone out there was good? Of course not. The world is full of evil things and people too. Even with the long, horrendous war behind us, didn't mean the world's problems were gone. But that's what we were going to do. Assess the problems and needs of the world. How to rekindle broken bonds, restore damaged places, heal scars, and bring peace and love back into the world. Even if the process was long and hard.

The wind blew in my face as I stood on the edge of the platform. The night sky was dark and the only light around was from the stars and the two Fire Nation airships. The silence calmed me. Though I could hear the engine running softly. My mind was too occupied to notice much. My ears did pick up the footsteps that approached me. Turning my head slightly, I could tell who it was instantly.

"Sneaking around so late?" I ask.

"You were sneaking around first," Zuko replies.

"I just came out for fresh air," I answer though he didn't ask.

It was stuffy inside, hot from conditions to keep the balloon in the air. The air was almost too cold out here, but because I grew up on the beach, it didn't bother me too badly. Zuko kept walking until he was leaning against the rail next to me. He sighed quietly.

"Nervous?" I ask.

I knew he was without asking.

"It's just a lot of pressure. I haven't been Fire Lord long. I don't want to end up starting a new war," Zuko says.

I nod.

"Some people, if not most, will most likely lash out. Against your nation and even you. It won't be easy, but I know you can bring everyone together," I praise.

"How can you be so sure?" Zuko asks unconvinced. "You don't know these type of people. They're uptight and stubborn and difficult to deal with."

"But I know you. You've changed from the person most people know. Let them get to know the real you. Don't just try to solve their problems, win their hearts. And that I know you can do. After all, you won mine," I reply smiling in encouragement.

Zuko smiles and grabs one of my hands. He squeezes it tight. His hand feels so warm compared to my numb one. He pulls me into a tender hug. I bury my head in his chest as he wraps his arms around me tighter. Gently, he rests his head on top of mine. A faint inhale indicates he just made an effort to smell my hair. I didn't want to ever leave his arms.

"I'm never letting you go," Zuko says.

I slowly nod my head in agreement.

"We'll just have to remain attached forever," Zuko continues.

He briefly kisses my forehead before I pull my head back to look up at him.

"Walking shouldn't be a problem," I state sarcastically.

Zuko takes a step back and forces me to follow. He smirks before continuing on his way backwards. I match his steps across the gangplank and back inside. We try to contain our laughter and we walk linked down the halls.

"See, this isn't so bad," Zuko says.

Before I can agree, Zuko takes a misstep and trips backwards. I'm forced to follow and land on top of him. We burst out laughing.

"Yeah, not bad at all," I agree teasingly.

I lean down and kiss Zuko sweetly on his lips. He immediately kisses me back with as much passion. Pulling back for air, we're both left breathless. Zuko sits up with me still pressed against him. He moves a strand of my hair and cups my cheek. I lean my face further into his hand. I smile.

"I love you so much Mikaila," Zuko says.

"I love you too… Smolder," I tease.

Zuko frowns slightly and I begin to laugh. He stands and crushes me to him. He walks quickly backwards toward the rooms. I'm unable to control my laughter as he "punishes" me. Once we reach my door, Zuko stops and presses me against the door. He leans down, leaving me to believe he was going to kiss me again. His lips stop a couple centimeters away.

"Good night… peasant," Zuko whispers.

Zuko smirks seeing my rigid change in posture. He turns down the hall and goes down the hall to his room. I smile before quietly opening the door, inside I don't wake anyone up. I shut the door just as quietly. I sigh in relief.

"And just what were you two doing?" Suki scolds.

My heart nearly jumps out of my chest. Suki is standing by her bed with her hands on her hip. Her lantern is barely lit allowing minimum light in the room.

"Just talking," I answer.

"And laughing? Plus there was some silence. You were gone a long time…" Suki states suggestively.

I blush deeply at the accusation.

"Nothing like that happened," I say.

She raises her eyebrow, debating whether she believes me or not.

"We better get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day. And the next few weeks will be difficult," Suki says.

I yawn and nod in agreement. I change my clothes before climbing under the covers. It wasn't long before I was fast asleep.

Shouting and footsteps running back and forth woke me the next morning. Noticing Suki was gone, I got dressed before venturing out. No one was in the hall by the time I left my room. I headed up to the control room, where I'm sure everyone was. Just as I predicted, I could hear the loud voices of the gang when I was around the corner.

"What do you mean best behavior?!" Sokka squawks offended. "I'm always on my best behavior!"

"I just mean to act in a professional manner," Katara explains in a calm manner.

Toph holds her sides and laughs.

"Yeah Sokka, don't go around insulting people with your lame jokes," Toph says.

"LAME?!" Sokka shouts. "My jokes are the best!"

Toph laughs harder.

"They could be better," I interject revealing my presence.

All heads turn to me. The captain keeps navigating as if it wasn't distracting.

"Not you too!" Sokka whines.

"Morning Mikaila," Katara greets.

"Mikaila!" Toph greets coming over to me. "I knew I liked you."

I laugh lightly.

"I've heard some pretty bad ones," I continue.

"You guys are so mean!" Sokka complains crossing his arms and turning his head away.

Katara rolls her eyes and steps over to us.

"We thought you never would wake up this morning," Katara says.

"Sorry, I had a late night," I apologize rubbing the back of my head.

Toph and Katara give me the look, the 'oh-what-were-you-doing' look. I blushed but didn't say anything more about it.

"Where is Zuko?" I ask.

"Downstairs with the others," Toph answers. "Now… about these lame Sokka jokes."

I smile.

"I'll tell you every single one of them if you lead the way," I offer.

"Deal!" Toph says.

She grabs my arm and the two of us head down the hall. We can hear Sokka's protests behind us. He must have followed us. Zuko, Aang, and Suki are all sitting down eating breakfast and talking. We exchange pleasantries when we're together. I take a seat next to Zuko. He grabs my hand and brings it up to his lips for a brief kiss. I blush.

"You two are so cute together," Katara comments.

Zuko blushes but refuses to let go of my hand.

"Yeah, I'm so glad you guys are dating," Suki says.

I lightly laugh awkward. Everyone seemed confused.

"Well technically we're not dating. I mean Zuko hasn't asked me. Not that he has to! I mean we are dating, I guess…" I clarify partly.

I confuse myself and everyone else more. I awkwardly laugh again before standing up.

"I'm going to get food!" I shout before scurrying to the line.

I groan as I grab some food. Katara stands next to me. She grabs some food too.

"So… that was… weird," Katara says.

"Tell me about it. I didn't know what I'm saying! I mean just because he hasn't said the words doesn't mean we aren't dating," I say slumping a little. "Right? It's just, maybe Zuko isn't that type of guy."

Katara puts a hand on my shoulder.

"You're right. Zuko has his own way. You shouldn't worry, he loves you. He probably considers you dating. Heck, he probably considers you guys engaged," Katara says teasing.

I turn the brightest red imaginable.

"DON'T JOKE LIKE THAT!" I screech before leaving her behind.

I can still her laughter as I join the table. Everyone stares at my face.

"Are you alright?" Zuko asks.

"Your face is super red," Sokka points out.

"And your heart is racing," Toph says smirking.

I stand up again.

"I'm… going to get dressed!" I yell.

"You're already dressed," Suki says.

Oh right haha. Think Mikaila think!

"I'm going to pack then! We should be there any minute right?" I state.

Everyone nods. I sigh in relief.

"I'm going to pack then," I say leaving the table.

"Women are weird," Sokka says.

A second later I hear his cry.

"Ow!"

Which I can only assume because Suki and Toph hit him. I walk to my room, which is clean, and sit on my bed. I didn't really need to pack. Everything was already together. Were Zuko and I dating? It seemed like it. What else would you call what we are? I was overthinking this. Nothing to get upset over. I was still a little embarrassed though with Katara's comment. We weren't ready for marriage. One day I hoped we would. Was it too soon to think about that? Maybe. I didn't care. I love Zuko.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I cleared my throat.

"Come in," I say.

Suki walks in with a bright smile on her face.

"We're nearing Ba Sing Se. You doing alright?" Suki states.

I nod with a small smile on my face.

"I am. I hope I can represent my people well enough. It's a lot of pressure. I can't even imagine how Zuko is feeling," I respond.

"We can get through this. With all of us together," Suki assures me.

"I'm so glad you're representing Kyoshi Island," I say.

"Me too. I'm enjoying being a part of this group. Anything to stay longer," Suki says.

"I know what you mean. The future is so uncertain. My people are discussing what they should do now they're no longer in danger. Some want to stay on the island. Others want to travel and settle in villages where our ancestors lived. As for me, I'm not sure," I confide in Suki.

She sits down on the bed next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"What do you want to do?" Suki asks plain and simple.

I take a deep breath.

"I want to be with Zuko, but that doesn't mean Zuko will be allowed to be with me. What if he's forced into an arranged marriage? Would the nation even want me as his wife? Would I even do a good job? I don't know if I want that. Being forced to be something I'm not. I would lose my freedom again," I rant until I'm out of breath.

Suki smiles as if she's trying not to laugh.

"No one is asking you to figure it out right now. There's no rush. I doubt Zuko will marry anyone by force, and I know the Fire Nation would be honored to have you. Whatever you decide is your choice. So calm down," Suki says.

I nod feeling foolish. We hear shouts from the soldiers and look at the window. Ba Sing Se is in our sights. We grab our bags and make our way to everyone else. Luckily we were allowed to land close to the palace. The guards unpacked what we needed then the airship took off to be put outside the walls. We were greeted by a general.

"Welcome Avatar, Fire Lord, and guests. I hope your journey was smooth," the general greets us kindly.

We all bowed.

"Thank you, our trip went well. Thank you for having us," Zuko replies.

"And please, you may call me Aang," Aang says.

"It's so good to see you again General How," Katara says.

"So where's the Earth King? Is he back from his trip around the world?" Sokka asks.

"He returned a couple week ago. Eager to resume his duties," General How answers.

"Shall we get started with the meeting?" Suki suggests.

"Not everyone has arrived. We expect the rest to arrive tomorrow. The meeting will start the day after," General How explains.

"Sounds good. Gives us a chance to see Iroh and settle in," I state.

"Of course. We've prepared some rooms for you," General How says.

"That's sweet but um… what about our house?" Toph asks.

"Yeah, the one in the upper ring. Is it still there?" Katara asks.

"I believe so. You're welcome to stay there if you want," General How says.

"I'll stay in the palace," Zuko accepts politely.

"Me too. If that's alright," I say.

"Of course Miss Mikaila," General How says.

"I'll stay with the gang," Suki states.

I just knew she wanted to be close to Sokka. I didn't mind it would just be Zuko and me in the palace. We only would be in our rooms at night. Though, sleeping in a palace still seems weird to me. I'll just have to get used to it.

"Let's settle in and meet at Iroh's shop in an hour," Aang recommends.

Everyone nods and agrees. The gang take off on Appa to their house while Zuko and I follow General How inside. The inside was just as beautiful and grand as I remembered it. Every inch screamed of Earth Kingdom grace. There were little staff in the halls, but every one we passed would stop their actions or conversations and bow until we disappeared around the corner. Our journey was mostly silent but not uncomfortable.

"The Earth King may want to speak to you later. He's been greeting all his guests when he finds the time," General How speaks up.

"If we aren't in our rooms you can find us at my Uncle's tea shop," Zuko says.

General How nods. We take a flight of stairs before continuing down a few more halls. Eventually, we come to a hall and General How stops at a door.

"This will be your room Miss Mikaila," General How says opening the door.

I gasp lightly as I open it. The room is decorated in a beautiful, light green. Next to the door was a vanity with an elegant design and mirror. The bed was to the left and it was a rather good size. It could easily fit two people sprawled out if you wanted to. A thousand decorative pillows were on display and the curtains were all tied to the posts. A desk was on the far wall. Other than that, only a clothes cabinet and dresser furnished the room. There was a door between the desk and bed. I assume it led to an equally elegant bathroom.

I smiled at General How.

"Thank you," I say.

General How takes Zuko to the room next door.

"And this is your room Fire Lord Zuko," General How says.

"Thank you," Zuko replies.

General How bows before heading down the hall to attend other business. I smile at Zuko before going inside and closing my door. Everything just blew my mind away. I opened the closet to find numerous, lovely dresses. Most of which were a shade of green. Deciding I was in need of cleaning, I went into the bathroom and took a nice, long shower. I dressed in another one of my outfits. I simple short sleeve, green shirt, short, patterned, green shirt, and light brown leggings. I tied my brown boots on. Next, I dried my hair a bit before putting it up in my usual, half up do. Just as I finished a knock came at the door.

I opened the door and smiled when Zuko was standing there. He had changed too into another casual outfit.

"Hi," I greeted.

"Hello," Zuko smirked back. "Are you ready to head over?"

I nodded and stepped out. After shutting the door, we walked back down the halls to the door. We only made it down some of the steps when a carriage pulled up.

"Would you like a ride?" the driver offered.

"Thank you," Zuko bowed.

He opened the door for me and I stepped in. Zuko followed and sat across from me. The driver whipped the ostrich horse and we were off. I gazed out the window at all the sights. Zuko was unusually quiet. I didn't think much of it. He did have a lot on his mind with the meetings coming up.

Giving him space, I continued to look at the window, seeing how the place had changed and how it was completely the same. Some folks would wave or bow as we passed. I smiled and returned a wave, not that I was of noble status.

"It feels so weird to be back," I say not able to handle the silence anymore.

Zuko looks up with wide eyes. It could have been my imagination but it looked like be gulped. His mouth opened slightly but no words came out. He looked nervous? Ashamed? But why?

"Yeah, strange," Zuko says.

His head whips to the side and he looks back out the window, as if our "conversation" never happened. I raise an eyebrow, confused by his behavior. I'll ask him later.

My mind began to drift on the subject of Zuko and me. Our relationship wasn't so clearly established, but we had to be dating right? What else would you call two people who kissed, went on dates, and loved each other? And Katara's comment. There's no way Zuko would consider us engaged. That was moving too fast! My heart raced at the thought. Raced because it was terrified… but also excited. Did I want that? To someday marry Zuko. I think I would want that, but would he be allowed to marry me? Was this all for nothing?

This time it was my turn to gulp nervously and look at Zuko from the corner of my eye. I tried to glue my eye to outside but something pulled my eye back to Zuko. Luckily, the carriage stopped. Both Zuko and I avoided eye contact as we exited the carriage. Our steps up to the tea shop were awkward and silent. Once inside, a smile spread across my face. The place was just as I remembered it. Beautiful, bright, and full of life. Iroh was standing in his usual spot overlooking all his happy customers.

His smile grew once he saw our faces.

"Nephew! Mikaila! It's so great to see you again!" Iroh stated excitedly.

"It's good to see you too Uncle," Zuko greets in return.

He wrapped Zuko in a hug before moving on to me. Once he pulled apart he held onto my arms.

"How did your journey back home go?" Iroh asks.

"It was good. It was incredible seeing my family. Right now everyone is at the Fire Nation palace. I'm here as a representative for the dual benders," I answer.

"How exciting! I'm glad you'll be in the city. Come and visit as much as you like," Iroh says.

"Thank you. Are the rest of the gang here?" I ask.

"They're sitting in the corner over there," Iroh points.

We see the gang, mostly maturely, sitting in a table in the back corner. Appa's head is just outside the window. Momo is resting on his head.

"Go ahead and join them. Want anything?" Iroh states.

"Jasmine tea for me," I reply.

"Herbal tea and some soup. Whichever," Zuko says.

The two of us join the rest of the gang.

"Well look who it is," Toph smirks crossing her arms. "What took you two so long? Were you doing something?"

Toph wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. My face turned bright red. I avoided eye contact with everyone as I sat down.

"We got carried away," Zuko answered.

My face immediately went to his. I was shocked by his reply and the inappropriate implications. Did he mean to make it sound that way?! I had to clarify.

"We were showering," I state.

All their mouths opened and everyone froze in shock. Zuko looked ready to choke.

"Separate showers! We took SEPARATE showers!" I clarify by yelling.

Some other tables turn their gaze at us. I cover my face and sink lower in my chair.

"Just let the floor swallow me whole," I say to no one in particular.

Iroh comes to the table with our two teas. He sets them down then pauses.

"Is she okay?" Iroh asks.

"She's just… tired," Katara lies.

"Oh like that's believable! Should have said something like she's ashamed to tell us her real name isn't Mikaila!" Sokka butts in.

Humiliation forgotten I sit back up and glare at Sokka.

"My name is Mikaila," I defend.

Sokka laughs. I glare harder.

"Yeah right! Who would have such a stupid name?" Sokka states continuing to laugh.

"Well at least my name doesn't sound like someone hacked while trying to say 'sock'. That's a stupid name," I retort.

Sokka laughs harder.

"Whose name is–oh… hey!" Sokka says offended.

Everyone laughed, Sokka's face turned red from annoyance. Iroh smiled before going to attend other customers. I picked up my tea and took a small sip. This caused my stomach to growl and I realized I didn't order any food for lunch.

"Why didn't I order? I'm hungry! What should I have? Is the soup good?" I ask.

Zuko took a spoon full of his soup and offered it to me. He fed me the scoop. It tasted so good. Like a little piece of heaven.

"Mmm, that is good. Not sure it's enough to ease my hunger though," I say.

I wave over a waitress who happily comes over.

"Is there something I can get miss?" she asks.

"Yes, can I get some of this soup? But do you guys have a…" I gestured with my hands too ashamed to ask for a bigger bowl.

"A bigger bowl?" she inquires.

I nod.

"We do. I'll bring you some shortly," she asks heading to the kitchen.

"Just bring the whole pot!" Zuko yells at her.

I slapped Zuko's arm.

"I'm not an animal!" I protest.

We glared at each other.

"You two are so cute," Suki speaks up.

I look down nervously and avoid eye contact. But why? It was a compliment. We were cute together. We're finally at the stage where we can express how we feel. I looked back at Zuko. His head was turned and there was an unreadable expression on his face. The next few minutes were silent.

"So what should we do tomorrow?" Aang asks breaking the silence.

"We should train! It'll be nice to kick your butts before having to go through boring meetings," Toph suggests.

"Sounds good! We could get off some steam," Katara adds.

"And I've missed it. When we travelled together, it seemed we did that all the time," Aang states.

"Now that my leg is healed, I'll be able to participate," Sokka says excitedly while rubbing his hands.

"We'll probably find some space in the fields. We'll just have to be careful about not destroying the land," I recommend.

"Or we could train near Lake Laogai," Aang proposes.

"That's better," I agree.

"Alright, let's meet tomorrow morning. We can stop and have a picnic there for lunch," Suki says.

"Oh, that sounds perfect. I'll go to the market later," Katara says.

"I'll go with," Suki says.

"You've been quiet Zuko, you okay with the plans?" Aang asks.

Zuko nods once. Apparently there was something more fascinating in his soup bowl than the conversation we were having. I go to rest my hand on his but he moves it before I can. That took me back. Was he mad at me for something? It was the same behavior from the cart on the way over here.

Just as we were finishing up lunch, a messenger came over to our table.

"Sorry to disturb your lunch but I have a message from the Earth King. He'd like to meet with you now," the messenger states.

We all ride back on Appa to the palace. All of us form a line in the throne room. Earth King Kuei is sitting with Bosco sleeping at his side.

"It's so good to see all of you again," Earth King Kuei greets smiling.

"It's good to be back," Aang replies.

"Thank you for having us," Zuko says.

We all bow.

"How were your travels in the Earth Kingdom?" Katara asks.

"They were enlightening. My knowledge of the world has greatly expanded. It showed me how much I still have to learn. And how much our world needs healing and peace," Earth King Kuei says.

"Hopefully, all of us can manage to achieve just that," Zuko says.

"I can't wait to get started. It may be a long, difficult road but I know we're capable of restoring the world to greatness," Earth King Kuei says. "As mentioned, our meeting will start the day after tomorrow. The rest of the representatives and rulers will come tomorrow. Hope you're all settling in well."

"We are, thank you for hosting us," I say.

Earth King Kuei smiles at me.

"I'm so glad that we have a representative from the dual benders. It's an honor to have them back. How are they transitioning?" Earth King Kuei replies.

"Right now they're at the Fire Nation capital. We hope the world will be as accepting to us as you all are. We want peace and getting back to the way of our ancestors," I answer.

He nods in agreement.

"For now, please feel free do what you please in our city. Let me know if there's anything you need. I'll see you the day after tomorrow nine am sharp in the royal meeting room," Earth King Kuei says.

He stands and bows. We all bow in return. We exit the room and walk down the halls.

"Should we meet up for dinner tonight?" Katara asks.

"I don't feel like going out again," Toph complains.

"Then how about I cook something? We can eat at the house," Katara suggests.

"Great idea!" Aang agrees.

"Might as well go to the market now," Suki says.

"Good point. Would you like to join us, Toph? Mikaila?" Katara asks.

"Nah. I'll pass," Toph says. "Don't feel like going shopping."

"Thank you, but I'll pass too," I say.

Katara nods.

"Zuko want to joins us? Aang, Toph, and I are going to go exploring!" Sokka says joyfully with a small hint of mischief.

"No thanks," Zuko declines.

"Don't get into trouble you guys," Katara warns.

"Yeah, yeah. We'll be fine!" Toph says reassuring no one.

The three run off with Katara and Suki walking out of the palace not too far behind. Zuko and I stop in the hall before awkwardly heading back to our rooms. He still wasn't speaking to me. Not unless everyone else was around. We reached our rooms. I stopped at my door while Zuko kept walking.

"Wait!" I call out.

Zuko stops.

"Did I say something? Is there a reason you're being so quiet?" I ask.

Zuko slowly turns to me.

"What did I do wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing," Zuko answers immediately.

"Then why?" I continue.

"This place… being back in Ba Sing Se, in the palace. It reminds me of what I did, what I did to you," Zuko says.

That was unexpected. Was he still upset over that?

"I forgave you," I say.

"I know. I've learned to accept my mistakes, but it still holds so many memories," Zuko states.

"I wouldn't trade them. We're here because of them," I remind him.

Zuko nods.

"I just wish I hadn't hurt you," Zuko says.

I smile and walk over to Zuko. I take his hand and place it over my heart. His eyes widen.

"I'm healed now. I love you. We're in this together," I say.

Zuko leans down and kisses my forehead. I close my eyes capturing his warmth before he pulls back.

"What's been on your mind?" Zuko asks.

I look back surprised but clear my throat.

"It's kind of silly," I say.

Zuko looks at me with an 'I-just-shared-something-silly' face. I nod.

"I've been thinking about Katara's comment… on marriage," I say lowering my head. "She said you practically consider us engaged."

I try to laugh it nervously off. A gentle but firm hand lifts my chin. Zuko smiles sweetly. In an instant, he's pushed me against the wall and his lips crash on my mind. I'm so stunned but I kiss back eagerly. He pulls back to give me some breathing room. Red dusts my cheeks.

"You don't have to think about it today or even tomorrow," Zuko says.

"I know but… is it crazy to even think that? Can I even hope to be your side? You are Fire Lord," I say.

Zuko grabs one of my hands.

"It's not their choice. It's what you want," Zuko says.

"M-Me?" I stutter. "Does that mean you…?"

Zuko smiles brighter.

"I do. I want to marry you Mikaila. We're probably too young for that now but I don't mind waiting for you. If this is what you want," Zuko says holding both my hands.

I look up at Zuko, mouth open but unsure what to say. He really wants to marry me. I could cry at any moment.

"Like I said, you don't have to think about it right now, okay? I like where we are. And I guess we never defined that. I know I asked you a long time ago on that hill, and even though this time I don't have the right words or the right romantic setting, I'd love if you were my girlfriend," Zuko says.

My throat closes up and I'm only able to nod. I pull Zuko closer and kiss him. Zuko pulls back. I smile up at him, cupping his cheek.

"Here's to new beginnings," I smile.

Zuko grins widely.

So it's my choice. And I don't even have to decide right now. We are sixteen after all. There was no need to worry, I'm happy with the way things are. These were about to change, hopefully for the best. I'm ready for our new adventure.

Thanks for reading! May not be as exciting but it's only the first chapter! I'm really excited to see how this develops. I'd also really love to hear your feedback. About how it's going so far, if there's something you'd love to see in this story, and please write if I ask questions. I may not be able to find answers I need on the internet. Shocking I know. I'd like to know if anyone knows when Zuko's birthday is. It's not a big deal. I might incorporate it. We'll see. Next chapter coming soon, have a lot to do this week. Anyway, thanks again and please REVIEW!