Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of the characters, nor do I profit from this in any way.

A/N: Alright folks, this is the big finale. It's been a great time with the coments and watching the views absolutely sky rocket day after day. I didn't think this story would go as far as it did, but I'm glad everyone's enjoyed it so much. Anyway, Just so you know before you get aboard and read this thing. NO! THEY DID NOT KISS BETWEEN CHAPTERS. That's just incase there was any confusion there. Please check the end notes for a special surprise!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Chapter 10 – Where Blue Birds Fly

The plans were finalized that night and before the sun rose again, they were on the move to free the prisoners. Not soon after, the time came for the second invasion. Sokka stood in the place of his father and led the troops from across the world. The first invasion had inspired more to aid in the second attack on the capitol and the troops the young Water Tribe warrior commanded were far greater than before. Hakoda took second in command, proud of his son and loyal only to the Avatar.

The battle was long, starting just before day break. The fighters grew tired by late in the day and could barely lift their weapons to continue battling the enemy who were likewise exhausted. Suddenly, a loud roar carried across the city as the grand palace crumbled to the ground. The dust filled the air and Fire Nation soldiers surrendered to their knees. The defeat was clear but only two saw the Fire Lord fall and they pulled themselves from the rubble. Both could barely stand, clinging to rocks and remnants of a prideful nation, stared out at the soldiers who cried with joyous shrills of victory. The war was over and the Fire Nation had fallen.

Iroh tended to those who could walk while women from the Northern Water Tribe started their rounds healing the injured, starting with the most severe. Sokka rounded up the able bodies and collected the prisoners of the defeated nation. Aang sat on a rock, leaning on another, looked to Zuko and smiled weakly with sweat beading down his face and burn marks patching his skin and clothes. Zuko nodded, barely able to bring a smile forward as he rested on a lump of debris. The image of his father burned behind his glazed over eyes. His muscles ached, his chest was heavy and every breath was more painful than the one before. Aang watched his gasp and looked down at his own shaking hands. A terrible feeling turned over in his stomach. The young boy tightly shut his eyes and listened to the booming sound of the final moments play over in his head. The first relief from the fire came from the tears running down his cheeks. Then, with a whimpering cough he choked out something like a laugh. Zuko looked over at the younger boy and made a similar sound as though to confirm what had happened. The pain in his chest grew and his head rolled back on the rock as he stared into the sky filled with dark clouds. He felt the sting of tears rising in his eyes and no other feeling would be so great as to release a cry like the Avatar. Though he waited for it, the tears stayed pooled behind his eyelids.

Katara rushed over to Aang, healing the largest wounds first. A few other healers joined her, trying to save the life of the bravest among them. His strength started to return as many of the wounds began to close. His instructions were clear, "Zuko…Go help Zuko."

Without a second of hesitation, Katara ran to the other boy. One hand lay open and limp on the ground and the other clenching his stomach where burn marks stained his shirt. The sky rumbled as wind forced through the heavy clouds. Over and again, she rolled the glowing water over the worst burns and injuries. He forced himself up, sitting higher than before as she worked on his limp arm. At first, he felt his fingers, and then they moved and then his entire arm felt almost as it did before the battle. Katara pulled his other hand from his stomach and cringed at the sight of the burns. Zuko gasped a few times, feeling the pain return as he tried to relax. Aang limped over, clutching his staff like a crutch and peered down with a worried look that could have killed faster than the burns. Sokka looked over his shoulder and quickly ran over, more worried that Aang was up and walking than about the firebender being injured. Toph followed close behind, with every footstep honing in on his steady heartbeat.

Zuko gasped again, the pain stretching the length of his body. His muscles pulled tight, sending another electric shot up his spine. He groaned and panted, lying against the rock with shut eyes. Katara paused and looked around at her friends. The expression was familiar in a way that made them turn their heads. Toph took a deep breath and put her hand to the ground to make sure she was picking up the right beats and the right breathing. Katara returned to the healing, trying her best. The Water Tribe warrior put a hand on Aang's shoulder, "Come on…" His voice was quiet as though to say it would be better if they left. The younger boy frowned, desperately wanting to stay but followed Sokka's lead and turned away, slowly limping from the scene. Toph closed her eyes with a surprised smile but not a word spoken. She stood up and folded her arms as her smile grew wider the longer she stared into emptiness.

Her hands lifted and she summoned the water back into the skins. Zuko pushed himself up, grumbling words of pain and discomfort as his back rubbed the rough rubble. Katara grabbed his arms and eased him back. His eyes opened, staring at hers as though he'd been asleep for a long time. She smiled to see him responding again. A small tick sound came from the ground and then another, and another, and still more as the sky opened up for the first time in a long time. Zuko smiled through his pain, nearly laughing and still persistent on sitting upright. Katara held onto his arms as tight as she could in an attempt to help him and keep him from hurting himself further. He lifted a hand and placed it on her arm and that hand released, hovering in the air just in case. The rain started to fall harder and began soaking through clothes. Droplets fell from the tips of his hair and down his arms as the water came down harder by the minute. He took a deep pained breath again, fighting the desire to clutch his stomach again. Katara searched his eyes for anything she might be able to do. Zuko lifted his hand from her arm. She looked down at it as though it fell off and onto the ground. It rose slow, met her jaw line and lifted her face to him. Katara's eyes jumped from his hand to his eyes and in a second neither was in sight. A rush of warmth filled her face and a flutter rose from her stomach to her chest and just as she started to register what happened, it ended. Zuko's eyes opened, just enough to see her staring back, a breath away.

"Well, I didn't see that coming." Toph said in surprise. Katara and Zuko looked up at her with a blank stare, faces flushed and glowing. Aang and Sokka turned around, then looked at each other wonder what they missed. The blind girl spun around, "It's about time anyways." She walked off, satisfied.

"What did we miss?" Aang asked as she strolled by, gliding her feet through the puddles.

"Oh, nothing…" She said modestly. The boys looked at each other and then back at Toph, quickly following after her to pry out the information.

Katara stood up and offered out a hand, a smirk on her face and red filling her cheeks. He took hold and lifted himself up from the ground, the rain cooling the new burns. Once again, his hand cupped her jaw line, drew her close and took in a small final breath before their lips met. Her arms folded around his shoulders just as his free hand slipped around her waist. The hand across her jaw moved back behind her head and his fingers traced down the long strands of hair, slowly and carefully. When she first found the Avatar in an iceberg and first encountered him, she never would have imagined standing in the ruins of the Fire Nation palace lost in a kiss with him. Aang watched with a knowing, sad smile while Sokka scowled with folded arms. The older boy stared but spoke quietly to the Avatar, "Let's get back to work." Aang looked up at him as he turned around and returned to gathering and packing weapons for the journey home.

Neither was certain who pulled away first, but the cool rain dropped between them and splashed on the ground. The blush receded and vanished. His eyes drifted away, over her shoulder and then back to her. Zuko smiled as though the end of that day was the end of all bad things to come. He leaned forward, quickly kissed her cheek and joined the rest of the group gather belongs and pack them away. Katara turned around, watched him walk away and lifted her fingers to her necklace and placed them gently on the carved gem stone. Yugoda placed a hand on her shoulder, "He'll make a fine Fire Lord one day."

She turned around quickly, blush returning to her face, "Zuko?"

The old woman nodded, "General Iroh says Zuko will remain the Prince under him. I'm sure it will be nice for him to have some free time."

Katara looked around at the broken palace littered across the ground, "There's a lot of rebuilding that needs to be done first."

"Even so, he will have plenty of free time. It is the beginning of a new era." She smiled, comfortingly and turned back to her healers and the wounded.

Katara smiled, looking down into the puddle on the ground as raindrops plopped in making small splashes and waves. The rain was slowing at last and the troops were preparing to return home. Aang tossed another bag onto Appa's saddle and picked up a few extra belongings. Sokka carried Toph on to the flying bison and set her down in the saddle and then took a seat next to her, organizing the cargo. Aang climbed up to the bison's head and wrapped the reigns around his horns. Katara walked over and picked up her few belongs, handed them up to her brother and turned around. An awkward silence blocked out the ambient noises swirling around the ruin battlefield as she stared at Zuko. He smiled weakly. It was time to say goodbye.

"I'll see you later…" Katara tried her best to force a smile, though it turned more to a frown.

"Hopefully, soon…" His voice trailed away. The sky started to clear as she climbed up on Appa. The bison lifted from the ground and the group on board waved farewell to their friend.

Soon they were high in the sky and sailing over the sea. Katara leaned against the saddle with folded arms and staring at her feet as though there was something important about them that demanded her fullest attention. Even Aang felt out of sorts without the oldest boy with them. His shoulders hung low for a long time before he turned around to the group, "The rain…It was pretty amazing, wasn't it?"

Katara looked up with wide eyes but then relaxed. Zuko has said he wanted to stand in the rain after the war was over, and the rain that would come would be hard to forget. She frowned, feeling a swell in her chest, "It was…" Aang sighed and turned back around letting everyone sit in the silence. The every word she said to him ran through her head faster than she could keep up with and each memory from the nights they stayed up together rushed by in her mind. Katara's eyes lifted to her brother, "Where will be when the sun comes up tomorrow?"

"About half way home…we're about a quarter of the way there now. Why?" Sokka raised a suspicious eyebrow.

She sighed, "No reason." Her eyes shifted away, "I can't believe the war is finally over…" Katara raised her fingers to her necklace, placed them down and felt only her collarbone. With a gasp she flattened her hand across her neck and patted down the top of her chest frantically, "My necklace!"

The two boys turned around with wide eyes. Sokka pointed at her, "I thought you said you had everything."

"It must have fallen off before we left!" She searched around the saddle, "We have to go back for it!"

"Are you sure its not here?" Aang jumped onto the saddle and joined the frantic search.

"I was sure I had it when we left." Katara grumbled, frustrated.

Aang jumped back to Appa's head and pulled the reigns, "Alright, we're going back."

Iroh put a hand on Zuko's shoulder, "Avatar Aang and his friends were spotted not far from here." The boy smiled and looked down at the ground. The old man lifted a suspicious eyebrow, "You would not happen to know the reason for the sudden return; would you, Prince Zuko?"

"Perhaps they forgot something." He smiled wider; the tone of his voice was different. It was a sneaky, conniving voice that Iroh believed vanished when he changed sides. Zuko walked away from his Uncle and headed to the highest point of the city, a place he once spent with Mai but those were distant memories. He stared into the dark sky. It was late and soon the sun would rise again. Zuko watched the horizon and then reached into his shirt, pulled out his fist and looked down at it as his fingers unfolded revealing a blue sash with a carved stone attached. Iroh sighed loudly, catching a small glimpse of the fabric.

"It seems there is something that was forgotten." The old man folded his arms into his sleeves. Zuko closed his hand and stared down shamefully. Iroh looked up at the night sky and stroked his beard, "I wonder," He looked at his nephew with a warm smile and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Was it the necklace that was left behind?" Zuko stared at the ground as the bison yawned, closing in on the flat land.

Appa met the ground and hunched down for his passengers. One by one, they climbed off and greeted Zuko and his uncle. Aang jumped to the ground and bowed before his firebending master, "Flameo!"

He sighed, crossing his arms. Nothing would make the phrase less obnoxious, and the more he said it, the less it caught on. Sokka sighed, bags forming under his eyes, "Alright, can we just find Katara's necklace so we can go to sleep?"

"Oh, Miss Katara lost her necklace that is a shame. Isn't that right, Prince Zuko." He nudged the boy knowing the object pressed tight in his fist.

"It's late; we'll have better luck looking for it in the morning." His eyes shifted slyly to his uncle and then back to the group before him.

"Sounds good to me…" Sokka yawned out the last word, "What about you guys?"

"I don't think its going anywhere…" Toph shrugged, equally as tired.

"Maybe a good night's rest will help. What do you think, Katara?" Aang looked over with round eyes and dark circles hanging under them, begging for rest.

She pushed her hair back, contemplating the risk of leaving it out in the middle of nowhere. Her eyes drifted up from the ground, to her sleepy friends, and then to the gaze Zuko held. She smiled, blushing lightly. Iroh looked back and forth from his nephew and the waterbender. His eyebrow lifted, curiously unaware. Katara turned her attention to Aang, "I guess one night wouldn't hurt."

Iroh nodded slowly, catching another quick exchange between the two and then looked at the rest of the war heroes that seemed not to notice. He unfolded his arms, "I'm sure you would like a place to stay. If you come with me, I will show you to a place you can stay for the night." Sokka and Aang looked at each other and walked over to Iroh, Toph followed close behind. Soon the group vanished down the hill and around a small bend.

Katara searched her bag again, desperately trying to find the necklace. She threw the bag down and stood up, angry with herself for having lost such a precious heirloom. She looked up at the sky with a sad sigh. Zuko stepped behind her, wrapping an arm around her in a way he hadn't done since his loyalty to his father. Katara looked down with a gasp. With a smirk, he leaned forward resting his arms on her shoulders, "I believe this is yours."

She reached up, wrapping a hand around the necklace, "How did you—?" He kissed her cheek and stepped back, turned around and headed down toward the rest of the group. After a moment of staring at it she spun around, "Wait, Zuko…" He stopped and stared at her. She looked down and then back to him, "You stole it again." The boy turned his eyes away, ashamed of his act. Katara walked up with a small forgiving smile, "Thank you." With a free hand, she reached up, cupped his face, and gently kissed his cheek.

"You wanted to see the sun rise after the war was over." He said quietly.

"Is that why—

"Come with me." Zuko grabbed her hand, squeezed tightly and pulled her around a different bend from the rest of the group.

"Where are we going?" She stumbled along just on his heels.

"It's a surprise." He looked back, flashing a quick smile as he ducked into a cave, bringing her hand closer to his side.

"What about everyone else?" Katara hurried along, holding tight on his hand. He glanced back for just a second and blatantly ignored her question. The cave went on for a long time, though it was well lit with torches and small fires lining the walls. Their shadows danced up and down the dark walls before a light started to grow at the far end. It was the glow of the natural night peeking in through the opening. They stepped out onto a sandy beach, the waves crashing against the rocks at the edge of the water. Just off in the distance, sky and sea met blending together with a strange orange tint. The sun was starting to rise already. Katara's eyes grew wide and a smile spread across her face.

They sat down in the white sand and watched the glowing fiery orb climb up the pale sky as though coming out of the ocean. Zuko looked over, her eyes looked on the horizon and shimmering with happiness. He put an arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer to his side. Katara pressed into him, giving only a small glance of joy. There was little to be said either way. Soon she would leave again, go off with Aang and her brother and Toph. It was unfair and Zuko wanted anything to have that moment at sunrise to last. He was the Prince of the Fire Nation, an adult in the eyes of all nations and yet he had no control over the one thing he cared about at that moment.

Katara's chest pounded and she knew tears would return to her eyes when she had to say goodbye again. She was still a child in her tribe and to the other nations. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't stay on the beach watching the sunrise. She had only part of a year left until she could be seen as an adult and would no longer be bound to home. It felt as though her stomach bottomed out as she clung to Zuko's shirt.

Her fists tightened and pressed against his chest. He looked down at the tension in her hands and knew she didn't want to leave any more than he did. For a long moment, he simply watched her switching back and forth from happy to nearly crying as the sun continued its rise. Katara looked up at him, closer than she expected with noses nearly touching. A strange pull took over and she leaned forward. Zuko smiled as he met her half way, their lips just touching.

"I take it you didn't really lose your necklace." A familiar voice broke the silence.

"Sokka…?" She spun around, embarrassed by the moment her brother caught.

"I understand…" He said almost depressed. Though he wasn't comfortable with the idea of leaving his little sister in the Fire Nation with a boy just older than himself who'd taken a liking to her, he knew he would never be able to tell her she couldn't stay. Sokka backed up with raised hands, "Sorry I interrupted, please, continue." He turned around and walked into the cave.

"I want you to stay here." The words snuck out in a breath. Zuko clamped his jaw shut not a second after to keep any other thoughts he might have safely locked inside his mouth.

"I don't know…" Katara looked away knowing full well the trouble she would be in if she did and the misery she would have if she didn't stay. Her words trembled and it came out as more of a rejection than a confirmation.

Zuko glared at the ocean and then looked over at her as she muddled around with the idea. He'd let opportunities to do the right thing escape before and he wasn't about to let this one add on to his list of regrets, "It wasn't a question."

"What?" Katara looked up, surprised by the change in tone.

"I want you to stay here…with me." The last two words trembled from his lips as his eyes shifted away nervously. Something inside told him that if his uncle knew what he just said, the old man would keel over right then and there.

"What are you saying?" She turned completely to face him. Katara and Sokka were close and she knew if he ever said that to a girl, there were implications beyond just a visit. Zuko's eyes shifted over to her. He wasn't one to repeat, let alone a third time.

"I don't want you to leave." His voice dropped.

"I'll come and visit as much as I can…" She placed a hand over his, trying to comfort him and herself with the reality that she couldn't stay.

"Why can't you just stay here?" He was nearly begging.

"I'm still just a kid, I can't just stay here." Katara said softly. Zuko shifted his stare to the ocean, the thought running over in his mind.

"Two years…" He said quietly and looked back at her with sad eyes, "Visit for two years and then decide on the first day of summer."

"Zuko…" She placed her fingers on the stone of her necklace, a smile at last appeared and an agreement was reached.

They returned to the group and the last of morning was spent saying farewells. Appa flew off again and just as before, Zuko stayed behind surrounded in the ruins of the Fire Nation Palace. Day after day, new workers and prisoner-soldiers cleaned the city and worked for the other nations to restore them to the rightful way. Iroh drew out plans for a new palace, keeping some of what remained but the colors changed. Instead of the black and red, the new building was white and gold and red. It brightened everything as it was constructed. In just over a year, it was finished.

Meanwhile, Omashu was restored and the Northern Water Tribe helped rebuild the life of the Southern Water Tribe. Hakoda occasionally stepped down from being the chief, his age was beginning to show, and let Sokka handle the tribe's affairs. The young warrior grew a lot in two years and was looking more and more like his father. Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors were constantly busy, and yet she somehow always managed to find time to visit the Southern Water Tribe, mostly Sokka. Aang had a few dramatic and unexpected growth spurts. The Water Tribe warrior was having a hard time adjusting to being able to look him square in the eyes. Toph remained on the short side, but a curvy girly figure started to show. She resented it. Every time she visited, she reminded everyone that just because she looked girly didn't mean she wasn't as tough as she's always been. Aang challenged it once and never did a second time even though he technically let her win. Katara started teaching waterbending with Pakku, his age finally getting the best of him, and it kept her busy and grounded for the full two years.

She raised her arms in a circle, the small children mimicked her every move. Katara moved her foot forward and extended her arms. The small children copied the move with ease. One day they would use water instead of simply walking through the motions, but they were still young and didn't need to learn to fight in a time of fortune and peace. Sokka applauded as the children swiftly moved through the steps without guidance. His sister looked up from her students. He smiled and folded his arms, "I have a surprise for you and I think you're going to like it."

"It's not more whale jerky is it?" She lifted a suspicious eyebrow. The last few times he had a surprise it was something eatable and meaty.

"No, but good guess," He smiled cunningly, "Come on, I'll show you." Sokka waved a hand and led her back to their small home. They walked into Sokka's makeshift disaster of a study. He picked up a rolled paper and handed it to her.

"What is it?" She eyed the gold ribbon tied carefully around the parchment.

"It's a letter." Sokka leaned against the desk, "Read it."

Katara untied the ribbon, tossed it aside, unrolled the paper and quickly scanned over it. Her eyes nearly popped from her head as she read a second, third, fourth time before finally looking back at her brother, "Zuko's coming."

He smiled brightly, "I know. Some of the scouts spotted his ship a few days ago."

"Has it really been two years?" She rolled the piece of paper and carefully sat down, contemplating the situation.

Aang stepped into the room took a look at the siblings and immediately realized something was amiss. He didn't say a word as Sokka beat him to it, "Zuko's back."

"Really…?" A leap of joy rang in his voice, "It's been a long time since I've seen him!"

"It's been a week." Sokka corrected.

"That's a long time!" He argued, his childish ways still lingering.

"I never visited…I promised I would…" She put her head in her hand, "He probably thinks I changed my mind!"

Aang and Sokka glanced at each other, not following what she was saying. The Avatar knelt down beside her, "He doesn't think that, Katara. He's been really busy too. Zuko has an entire Nation to rebuild. It's not easy." She sighed. Aang took a deep breath after her, "It's not a big deal, and he hasn't really changed. He's still the same old Zuko."

"Really…?" Katara looked up.

"Yeah, except he's taller…and his hair's a lot longer…and he looks older now…and—

"I think that's enough, buddy." Sokka patted him on shoulder.

"You're right. I'm going to the ports to watch for him!" Aang waved as he left the snow house.

The ship slowed as it neared the new ports. The flags waved in the cold winds. Though it was summer, no one on board could tell as they shivered near small fires. Zuko stood out on the front deck, staring over the snowy land. The cold air sent chills up and down his spine with every blow of the wind. His face stung like the first time he encountered the tundra landscape. An old man stepped next to him, hands folded into his sleeves and puffs of warm breath escaping his aged lips. He chuckled and reached up, patting the back of the younger man's shoulder, "It's just as lovely as the first time, isn't it, my nephew?"

"Yes, it is…" Zuko's lips turned up in a smile. His scowls had become less frequent the more his father faded from his memory. Iroh had taken full place as the father figure, as well as taking the throne making it clear that his nephew would take it after him. In two years, the Fire Nation had pulled out of the colonies and returned home, the economy suffered immensely but Zuko proved to be a great worldly influence. When he turned his back on his father, it left an impression on the other nations as so they supported the heir and donated resources to help the fallen nation survive. The Dai Li's hypnosis techniques were adopted and used in the rehabilitation of soldiers and followers of Ozai. Even with the enormous improvements and the respect show to Zuko and Iroh, the nations still looked poorly at the Fire Nation. It was the stigma of war and memories that could never be erased.

The ship took port with a loud moan. Aang stared up at the haul of the new ship. No longer were they black and ominous, instead they were a silver grey, the insignia of the Fire Nation painted on the side and used steam instead of sooty fires. A group of waterbenders gathered, freezing the ship in place so the tide wouldn't sweep it out during the guests' stay. The ice climbed up the haul and stopped around halfway to the top. The benders turned to the side of the ship and lifted the snow, forming a staircase. Though it was far from necessary, the guests decided it best to simply thank the benders and continue off the ship. The crewmen wobbled off, trying to find land legs and at least one patch of snow instead of ice. Aang dashed up the staircase, pushing by the men wrapped in blankets. He reached the top and looked around frantically. His eyes stopped on his two friends.

Zuko glanced over, recognized the boy staring at him with a goofy smile, and felt his breath catch in his throat. Aang ran full speed at the firebender and threw his arms around him in a tight hug, "Zuko!"

"Let go!" He pushed against him. They were closer in height these days and it was hard to force the young Avatar away as he used to when they were younger, "I saw you a few days ago. Stop it!"

Aang stepped back and looked him over, "Aren't you cold?" The older boy crossed his arms. The long red robes jittered in the wind as though to say he was cold. The Fire Nation had yet to develop clothes that could keep them warm in the Water Tribes. Aang pulled his parka off and handed it to him, "Here, you can wear mine."

"I'm fine." He said argumentatively.

"Suit yourself." The Avatar shrugged and pulled the heavy coat back over his head, "So what brings you guys out of the palace?"

"That is an excellent question." Iroh eyed his nephew as though he too didn't know what brought about the sudden need to visit the Southern Water Tribe.

"Twinkle-toes, is that you?" A voice interrupted from the cabin.

"Toph…?" Aang tilted his head to the side.

"She was visiting for political reasons when I discovered a certain nephew of mine attempting to escape his responsibilities." The old man looked over at Zuko again, still trying to determine why he was so eager to leave the Fire Nation. Though he was not completely certain, the stare he gave suggested he might have an idea.

"It's good to see you again." Aang hugged the blind girl who'd hardly grown.

"I wish I could say the same." She laughed, giving him a strong punch in the arm. Though she wasn't taller, Toph was as strong as ever.

The group gathered together and walked down to the snow covered ground. Sokka stood, waiting for them. His arms were crossed as they filed in around him. The old man looked around at the growing tribe with a pleased smile, "I see the Water Tribe has prospered since the war ended."

"We've come a long way." Sokka nodded as he looked over the group, noting his unofficially adopted brother eyeing a certain blind girl, completely unaware and blind as she was forced to wear shoes whenever she visited.

"I'm sure everyone has been very busy." Iroh glowed with happiness.

"Yeah, and there's still a lot of work to do. Dad's still out with the new scouts and Bato's been working with the fishers all day." Sokka shrugged as though there was little happening around the rebuilding city.

"That is excellent!" The old man praised, "Perhaps some tea would be in order."

"That'd be great." He smiled at the thought of having a cup of the best tea in the world.

Iroh looked around the group curiously, "Where is Miss Katara?"

The young Water Tribe leader sighed, his shoulders sinking, "She's in her room."

"Why?" Aang jumped in, diverting his eyes.

"I don't know, I think it's a girl thing." He shrugged, "Anyway, she said she's not coming out so it's probably better to just leave her alone."

Zuko looked down, narrowing his eyes at the snow below his feet. Iroh lifted an eyebrow and quickly turned to Sokka, "How about we get started on that tea before it gets too late."

"Sure, you can make it at our house." He turned around nearly strutting as he led the parade of friends to the home made of thick white snow. They group filed in and became comfortable in the limited number of rooms while Iroh and Sokka prepared tea, casually chatting about politics and economy. Sokka had taken well to the role of Chief. His father had trained him well and continued to prepare him for the day he stepped down fully from the position. Zuko looked around at the various rooms; first he identified Sokka's as the messy room covered in maps and trinkets from his travels and a Kyoshi fan hanging on the wall. His mind wandered trying to decide if it was from the time he was dressed up and they fought or if it was from his lady friend. Either way, there was no doubt about it being his room. A small hallway off to the side looked as though it hadn't been there when the home was first created. The doorway offered only a peak at the empty room. The hay mattress bed was the tell tale sign that it belonged to the Avatar. On the other end of the hall was another fairly empty room, but was decorated heavily with furs and weaponry, and something about it was strikingly familiar to Sokka's room. There was no doubt that it belonged to Hakoda. Last was the room between. It sat at just the right angle, he wasn't able to see in but the process of elimination told him it belonged to Katara.

Zuko stood up, everyone caught in conversation seemed not to notice, and walked to the doorway. He leaned against the white snowy frame and looked around the room. It was about as feminine as it could be with furs and souvenirs. Katara ran a brush through her long brown hair. Of all the things she missed during her travels, spending quality time on her appearance was one of them. He smiled, looking her over, her curves had become smoother and even and her figure was something worthy of envy. She set the brush down and turned around. Her eyes jumped wide immediately recognizing the boy in her doorway, "Zuko!" He held his famous curious stare with her. She jumped to her feet and lifted her hands, bending a wall in front of him. Katara sat back down and called out, "Leave me alone!"

The group looked over, hearing the loud thud of the snow wall hitting the ceiling. Zuko glared at it as though she could see him. After a moment, the group resumed their conversations, somewhat tense by the sudden presence of Katara's anger. The firebender pulled his hand from his sleeve and pressed it against the snow wall, melting a hole, enough to step through. Katara watched him as he climbed through the opening and pulled his long red robes straight again. Her arms folded across her chest and hip stuck out to the side as though irritated, "What do you want?" He looked up as he dusted himself off; a flash of a smirk caught her attention sending an uncomfortable chill up her spine. She quickly turned her head to the side, "Just go away."

"Why?" He straightened up, waiting for her to calm down. The thump of Toph taking her shoes off echoes through the house, it was warmer inside and for her sake, Hakoda and Sokka put down stones below the snow. Katara looked over at the boy standing patiently with his hands in his sleeves.

"I know why you're here." She sighed, letting her arms fall to her sides and walked over to him, "I don't think I can come with you." Her eyes stared up.

"I'm not asking for you to stay, just to visit for the summer." His voice dropped. Years ago, it was to stay, but time played a toll and he could only ask for a summer. Even so, the chance she would reject the invitation was high.

"A lot has changed in the past two years…" She stepped forward, the space between closed significantly.

"I haven't changed." He said quietly, watching her every movement.

"Yes you have, Zuko." Katara stared at him sadly, "Look at you! You're so much taller, and you hair's grown out…"

His hands left his sleeves; one reached up and cupped her cheek drawing her closer. Zuko leaned forward a bit, something he had not needed to do when they were younger, and met her in the middle with a kiss. Just as soon as they met, he pulled away for just a moment, "I haven't changed…" The warmth of the words crossed her quivering lips. Katara stepped back, lifted her hands and brought the melted snow back to the doorway, closing the hole. She turned back to the firebender who stared with a bit of surprise at the gesture. With a smile, she reached up and pulled him down to her level, meeting his lips as though craving it. His arms immediately wrapped around her waist and pulled her as close as possible. Katara grabbed hold of the red robes and pulled off the heavy layers, revealing an outfit matching the one when he first joined the group. She looked him over for a moment before returning to the kiss.

A loud crash interrupted the room full of conversation. Iroh and Sokka looked at each other. The younger man stood up, imagining the endless possibilities as to the cause of the sound. Iroh stood up and put a hand on his shoulder, "Perhaps it would be best if I went first." Sokka lifted and eyebrow and then extended his hands as though to suggest that he'd be more than happy to let him go ahead. Iroh walked over to the walled doorway and cleared his throat. The Water Tribe boy looked at him a bit confused out the frantic sounds on the other side and then looked at the wall. The old man took a deep breath, "Prince Zuko, Miss Katara, there is tea ready if you are interested."

"Alright, thank you!" The waterbender's voice called out first. Then the sounds of muffled snickers followed.

"What are you doing?" Sokka stared, nearly offended at the wall.

"Nothing…!" Katara called back.

"Katara put this wall down right now!" Sokka pointed at the snow barrier.

"Calm down." Iroh put a hand on his shoulder. Aang and Toph joined them at the door.

"I can take it down." The Avatar offered, taking a step back from the group and lifted his arms. As they lowered, the wall came down to the floor.

Iroh's eyes widened. Sokka and Aang looked at each other, noticing nothing amiss and shrugged, walking away from the scene. Toph grinned and crossed her arms, walked away and joined the two boys. The old man stepped into the room, arms folded into his sleeves with a disapproving stare. Zuko's eyes followed him from his place against the wall, casual leaning. Katara stood up from the bed and quickly glanced over at him as she snuck out the room, noting Iroh's expression. The old man looked around the room again, for the most part, there was little to be put out of place, but enough he could easily read that something happened. The fur rug was scrunched against the wall, as if accidently pushed. The blankets across the bed were in disarray and the trinkets on the stand were piled up as if simply scooped off the floor. Zuko's clothes were wrinkled unlike they were when they arrived. His hair was still in a topknot but it was sloppy as though he'd done it himself. It was something he never truly learned how to do. "Just what exactly were you doing?" The old man glared with a lifted eyebrow.

Zuko tried to restrain a smug smile to little success and looked away as a rush of hot blood filled his face, "Nothing."

"Is this why you were so desperate to leave?" He hand left his sleeve and extended with an open palm toward the disordered room suggestively.

"What?" Zuko followed his hand and then looked back at the old man, slightly offended at the suggestion, "No!" His face glowed red giving away the partial lie.

"Are you aware of the repercussions of your actions? If you pursue this, you will lose your right to the throne!" Iroh's arms flailed in the air.

"I know, Uncle." He said quietly.

"You never think these things through!" He pointed finger at him.

Zuko looked up with a glare, "No. I have thought this through. I'd rather give up the throne than live forever alone."

The old man's mouth hung open as though to say something but it closed slowly. He mulled over the statement and looked away feeling somewhat betrayed by his nephew yet again. Iroh shut his eyes and let out a sigh as he turned back to the boy in front of him, standing against the wall as though to be executed, "It is very wise to choose love over power, but our nation needs an heir. I'm running out of summers, Prince Zuko."

He smiled, "I understand." A strange tone echoed in his voice and registered in Iroh's mind just as his nephew hurried out the doorway.

Sokka had Katara sitting on what appeared to be something of a couch with Toph barefoot next to her. It was rare to see Sokka and Aang on the same page regarding the affairs of the headstrong waterbender but this had them in a dead glare and cross-armed. Once more they asked what happened that they may or may not have been interrupting and again she denied that anything was occurring. Toph shook her head, sensing a lie; though it was weak it was still there. Zuko scanned the ground, searching for the words he wanted to say before taking along deep breath.

"Come back with me." He stepped forward, his words broke the interrogation and came out louder than he expected.

"What?" Sokka, Aang and Katara said simultaneously.

Zuko took a few daring steps forward, "I want you to come back to the Fire Nation."

"I don't think so." Sokka turned to him, protective of his younger sister. The older boy glared in his direction as Iroh stepped into the room. Katara looked around at the faces, some objecting while others simply surprised at the invitation. Her brother continued, "After this little stunt, I don't think it'd be in anyone's best interest."

"What are you talking about?" Zuko was taken aback, realizing everyone was accusing him of doing something horribly inappropriate.

"I don't exactly like the idea of you doing anything to my sister." Sokka's eyebrows furrowed deeper together. Though the thought crossed Zuko's mind, two things prevented it from going any further than a simple fantasy. First, she was apparently taking the lead and second, they were abruptly interrupted.

"I didn't do anything." His voice rose, trying to clear his own name.

The group turned to Toph. She shrugged; "He's not lying" They looked over at Katara as she uncomfortable shifted in her seat. The silence increased. Finally, she stood up and stormed out of the house. Everyone looked at each other and before a word was spoken, Zuko had followed her lead in both curiosity and frustration.

She stomped through the snow headed in no particular direction grumbling to herself as though fighting with someone. Zuko followed and gradual closed the space between. She turned around quickly, hearing the snow crunch below his feet assuming it was Sokka there to tell her she was wrong again, "Look—

Her words dropped the second she saw the sad face staring down at her. Zuko slowly turned his eyes away. She reached up, her fingers running along the scarred side and to his hair as though there was nothing different about the two halves of his face, "Zuko…"

"I understand." He said quietly staring out at the snow feeling an ache in his chest he'd never known before.

"I'm coming with you." Katara stared seriously at his turned face.

"What?" He swung around, eyes large with surprise.

"Two years ago, I didn't have a choice. Now I do, and I don't care what Sokka says or anyone else. If you want me to come with you, I will." Her eyes stayed focused.

"If you come with me," His hands slipped around her waist, drawing her close, "You have to stay…" Zuko's voice trailed off.

"I know." She smiled, a blush streaking from one side of her face to the other.

He leaned down, quickly kissing her lips with excitement, "It's going to be hard."

"I can handle it." Katara grinned cunningly.

"I'll lose my birthright." There was something in his voice that was serious. It was the truth of the matter. No one in the Fire Nation would welcome this with open arms, let alone open minds and it would take the wise words of his uncle and time for his people to consider allowing him rights to the throne.

"I won't let that happen." She turned serious as well.

"You can't change the minds of thousands of people." Zuko's voice lowered to a whisper.

"They can't get rid of me." Katara's voice dropped down to a whisper, her face growing more flush than ever before, "I think they know by now you never give up."

"If only it was that easy…" Zuko's eyes turned away, his head lowered and pressed against hers, his hands loosely hanging on her hips.

"They will have to change." A voice broke from behind the two clinging to each other as though the world itself was crumbling below their feet. Iroh smiled, his hands in his sleeves, "As the Fire Lord, I will not permit your birthright to be taken because of such a promising union."

"I'm not saying I'm happy about it, but if this is what you want, I'm all for it." Sokka shrugged, a slight smile tugged on his lips as he gave his approval for her to leave to the former enemy nation.

"Once a traitor always a traitor, I guess." Toph joked with a shrug. Time and again Zuko would work against the interest of this nation and every time it would turn out well. Word of his acts travelled the world on a regular basis and he'd earned the reputation as the unpredictable prince.

"I want you to be happy, and that means both of you." Aang smiled, holding his staff at his side.

It was decided; Katara would leave with Zuko and would stay in the Fire Nation with him. Sokka hated the idea of it, but he knew the more he said no the more she would argue and defy him. That was her nature. Of course, he couldn't just let her go alone and so he packed his things and went on the long trip with them. He knew he'd go home sooner than later, but he wanted to make sure everything started smoothly. Hakoda and Iroh spoke privately for some time and Katara's father joined the journey back to the Fire Nation. Aang came along, knowing he would play a role in the days to come. Toph was left without a choice either way and spent the entire trip nauseated and resting in bed.

Though it was completely unnecessary and what most deemed irrational, only a week passed before Zuko extended his hand to her. Iroh and Hakoda tried their best to prolong the event, holding it off until it was more appropriate and they succeeded for almost four years when the two finally caved and decided to have the ceremonies. Aang stood off to the side and tilted his head, watching the proceedings. Toph nudged him, "What?"

"This might sound crazy, but I think things were suppose to work out this way." Aang smiled. His mind drifted to the visions he once had of Roku's wedding day. There was something strangely familiar to what the previous Avatar had shown him and it was comforting.

"I don't think it could have been put off much longer." The blind girl shrugged, digging her toes into the dirt. A smile came across her face.

"What do you mean?" Aang looked over at the odd expression. The girl didn't say a word. He shrugged and turned back to the wedding ceremony. Iroh glowed with a pride that couldn't be paralleled while even though Hakoda was on the brink of tears, he was the happiest a father could be for his daughter. Sokka, though he denied it the rest of the day, was just as happy. With a final kiss, the ceremony ended.

Everyone stood around talking, munching on cookies and chatting with the two centers of the celebration. Toph strolled over to Katara who was surrounded by girl from the Fire Nation who couldn't help but envy her. The blind girl pushed through, grabbed her arm and pulled her from the crowd. They sighed in disappointment. The girl stopped and released her arm when they reached a safe distance from everyone else.

"Toph!" She put her hands on her hips.

"Calm down, Sugar Queen." She held up her hands as a peace offering, "I just needed to ask you something.

"Can it wait?" Katara folded her arms.

"No, it can't wait." She replied mockingly, "I know Zuko knows, and so do Iroh and your dad. If I had to guess, Sokka knows too. It makes sense that they all know, otherwise this whole thing couldn't have been thrown together so quickly."

"What are you talking about?" Katara lifted an eyebrow knowingly.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." She smirked and lowered her head, "I was just wondering when you were going to tell Aang you're pregnant."

A/N: I admit, I wrote the ending several times over and had several endings. This one seemed the best. Thank you, everyone, for all the beautiful comments and I will be writing at least 1 follow up chapter just so everyone know where everyone ends up. I doubt I'll continue it beyond that point. We'll just have to wait and see. I make no promises.

I loved everyone's comments. It was wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! I love you guys so much and thank you for all the support through the chapters. I have a very special shout out to a few in particular people:

-Electric Risk
-Fiery-Chan
-IheartZUKO
-CleverWriter2416
-AmberButterfly
and -Persephonefolly.

thank you guys for your undying loyalty to this story and consistant comments and support. I'd love to write a fic for each of you, or even collab. with any of you. I'm truly grateful for your comments. THANK YOU!!

As for all you semi-commentors and Annons...well...thank you for just reading! That means a ton too. I hope you guys come back for my up coming projects!Now that I'm finished with this, I will be on hiatus for a while. Not long though, i could never leave for a long time. So anyway, I'll be gone for a bit. I'll check in for any and all comments you people leave for me and I eagerly look forward to them! If anyone needs to contact me, here's my AIM: SecondHandDream5
I'm on a lot so look for me. I'll see you all again soon!

And as the great Bob Hope once said, "Thank you and Goodnight."

Amy.