Just an Ordinary Girl

--

Disclaimer: I own nothing in "Avatar: the Last Airbender" and make no money from writing this.

Note(s): Well, this is it! The end! Again, sorry for the long wait. But I promise, this'll be worth it! Thanks for reading, you guys. You're the best!

--

Just an Ordinary Girl

Epilogue

--

It had been several months since Zuko and Katara had gotten together, and a lot had happened since then.

Katara's birthday had passed. She had turned seventeen. There was a small party, held at Zuko's estate. All of her close friends were there, even Aang. The tension between the two boys had seemingly vanished. They started to act like they were old friends, despite being rivals not long before then. As a surprise, Zuko gave her a moped with her name painted on the side of it. She hadn't stopped riding it since.

Not long after Azula was arrested, Lady Ursa's funeral was finally held. Ozai had finally returned from his trip and made all the arrangements himself. And for the first time in many years, he had an actual conversation with his son. He told him that he was sorry for not being there, and that he was proud of him for sticking it out and finding his own happiness. It startled Zuko to see him that way. The prince had always figured his parents' marriage had been arranged. To think that maybe his father was grieving shocked him. Perhaps that was the reason for the delay?

It didn't work out between Sokka and Toph. She finally brought him to officially meet her parents, and to say they didn't approve would've been an understatement. She was still allowed to see him, but they weren't able to date. Only a few weeks after, he got back together with Suki. Toph meanwhile found a new crush, a boy in a wheelchair named Teo. While still feeling sad, Sokka was glad she was able to move on.

The relationship between Zuko and Katara had certainly heated up. Of course, there were a few bumps along the road. One evening Katara paid him a visit and found him making out with Jet on his bed. If that had happened months ago, she would've been upset. But she had grown to know him, and knew he was only messing around. She had also picked up on Jet's crush on him, only adding to her amusement. Besides, the scare Zuko got when he saw her standing over them was punishment enough. At least, by her standards it was.

With Azula gone, Mai and Ty Lee were able to officiate their relationship. Mai knew Zuko could not be hers. Ty Lee loved her with all her heart. They still felt sad that their dear friend was in prison, but at the same time they were relieved. No longer did they have someone holding secrets and threats over their heads. Now they could finally relax. And heal.

School had ended. It was finally summer vacation. The empty streets were not littered with children. It was always Katara's favorite time of year. However, while Zuko was able to lessen his workload, she was still feeling sad. Aang had gone away to shoot a new film, and didn't tell when he would be returning. She was so used to him being around that she forgot he actually had a job. Zuko did all he could to comfort her, but he knew her friendship with Aang was very important. He also wasn't happy the boy vanished without a trace.

As a surprise, one evening in July Zuko had debuted his secret project. It was a glitzy nightclub in the upper ring. Guaranteed to get all the celebrities and then some. It was named "Yin and Yang" as a homage to his relationship with Katara. Opening night alone it was bustling. The music was loud, the people were beautiful, and the drinks were pouring. Zuko and Katara watched it all from the far corner of the dance floor, taking in everything. He wore an expensive suit, and she had one a light blue cocktail dress that matched their eyes. Despite it being a club, opening night of anything was considered to be a formal event.

"You did an amazing job," Katara told him when she saw all the smiling faces.

"And to think this is only a hobby," he replied.

"So what do you do for a day job?"

Zuko flashed her a grin. "Nothing nearly this fun."

Suddenly, several of the dancers stopped and stepped out of the way. A young man moved towards them with a girl in tow. At first it was hard to see, the club was so dimly lit. After a minute of squinting Katara was able to make out the face of who was approaching. To her surprise, and much delight, it was….Aang.

"Aang!" she shrieked and hugged him when he came over.

"Hey Katara," he hugged her back then nodded at Zuko. "Hey Hotman."

"Don't call me that," Zuko snapped, but he smiled nonetheless. It was good to see him.

"Who's your friend?" Katara asked, motioning towards the girl latched onto Aang's arm.

"Oh, her?" Aang blushed for a moment then grinned. "This is On Ji. We met during the shoot."

"Hi," she waved at them, beaming. She was definitely cute. It was no surprise he had taken a liking to her.

"She's…." Aang scratched the back of his head nervously. "…My new girlfriend."

"Oh Aang!" Katara smiled, and then hugged him again. "That's wonderful. Good for you!"

"Yeah," Zuko nudged him with his elbow. "Way to go."

"Thanks," Aang smiled, still blushing.

"He's told me so much about you two," On Ji said, still beaming. "Don't worry, Miss Katara, no hard feelings or anything. First loves are always the hardest." She winked.

"Thanks…I guess…" Katara smiled nervously.

"Same for you, Zuko," On Ji added. "You can still tap him anytime."

"Hey!" Aang hissed at her, but he was smiling.

"What?" she frowned. "I don't want them to hate me. I heard exes can be really mean…"

"I'm not really an…" Both Katara and Zuko started to say then realized they were speaking in unison and burst out laughing.

"We're going to go get a couple of drinks," Aang told them, taking On Ji's hand. "I'll be back to hang with you later."

"Nice meeting you," On Ji nodded and followed him.

"I'm so happy for him…." Katara sighed when they were out of sight. "She looks nice enough…"

"Yeah," Zuko agreed. "She does."

"Things are going smoothly…"

Zuko smirked and took Katara by the hand. "Shall we dance?"

She followed him onto the dance floor. The other dancers knew well enough to make a space for them right in the center. The DJ changed the song and beat accordingly. It wasn't long until they were rocking and grinding to the beat. Katara's arms wrapped around Zuko's neck. His hands gripped her hips. She picked her head up and gave him a peck on the lips. He smiled.

"It's hard to believe only a few months ago I hated you," she said quietly.

"Same," he nodded. "Now look at us…"

"We act like we've been in love for years," she smiled.

"I never thought I'd be able to open up again," Zuko told her. "Not after June…"

"I know," she replied. "I was still mulling over my feelings for Aang…"

"It's as if fate brought us together…" He grinned.

"And isn't fate a wonderful thing?"

Zuko smiled warmly then, and slid his hands up to cup her face. He peered into her eyes. They were so blue and so bright; it almost took his breath away.

"I love you," he whispered."Katara."

"Zuko…"

Her murmur was cut off when he closed the distance between them. His hands slid down to grip her waist. Katara's arms still tightly around his neck. He kissed her deeply and passionately, for once not caring who was there to watch. The crowd around them erupted in cheers and whistles. It was overwhelming, and yet it felt wonderful. He could tell that by the way Katara kissed him back that she felt the same.

In one week, he had turned an ordinary girl, into someone who rivaled royalty. The girl who celebrities fought over. The girl who the press stalked. The girl who stole two of the most powerful hearts in the country. She had become queen of the world.

And things couldn't be any sweeter.

--

The End