This chapter was surprisingly easy to write. I think I know how things will go from here, and the story will probably wrap up pretty soon. I never really intended for this to be a long fic. xD I guess I just had something in my head that I needed to hash out. From here I should update a bit more frequently, I hope. Thank you so much for all the reviews that I've gotten, and I'm terribly sorry I haven't replied to them. Do forgive me.

Disclaimer: I unfortunately don't own ATLA, else it would have been a Zutara ending, not Kataang.

Hope for Tomorrow

His time here with her was going to end soon. His country needed him. He knew it. She knew it. Would she come back with him? He hadn't said the words out loud yet, but wasn't the silent pleading in his eyes enough for her to say yes? Wasn't the way he held Kara in his arms enough to convince her that he adored the little girl with ebony hair and amber eyes?

But however things went he would not force her into something she did not want. He would not force her into a marriage or leaving her people for his. He respected her as a woman, as an equal, as a master waterbender who was on par with him. He respected her as the woman he loved with all his heart, the only woman who could truly break him.

Ultimately, however his heart might wish to stay here, trapped in this time just to be with her, his head constantly reminded him of his duties. This trip was made out of goodwill, to show that he meant no harm to the Water Tribes. This was the beginning of a new era, one of peace and prosperity. Naturally the Fire Lord had to play his role. Iroh had more than earned his retirement in Ba Sing Se, where he happily ran a chain of tea shops that had many loyal customers as well as fervent players of pai sho.

Pushing all this thoughts from his mind, Zuko focused on the slender flame before him, breathing in deeply as he meditated, trying to bring some peace into his mind before he went to bed. The hours of forced meditation with Uncle had rubbed off and become a habit. Now it was something he did every night before bed to calm himself before he went to sleep. It was so different now and then, he mused. He had changed so much. We all changed a lot. He reflected, a sad smile on his face. Gone was the carefree laughter and innocence they still had then. The war and the constant uprisings after the war had taken its toll on all of them, hardening them into maturity against their will. After all, how many seventeen year olds get an entire throne, army and infamy thrust upon them after three years of exile?

He sighed and pinched the bridge between his nose. His mind didn't want to unwind and stop considering the happenings of the past. There was too much going on now. Wearily, Zuko extinguished the flame and crawled into bed, feeling exhaustion take hold of him. And yet, his mind continued whirring. It refused to settle, flitting from one matter to another. He lay on his bed, staring into the darkness as his mind mulled over matters.

.0.

Katara sat alone on her bed, her arms wrapped around her legs as she considered her options. Zuko would leave soon. He had indicated that he wanted her to go with him, but clearly the choice was hers. What did she want? She wanted to hole up and die, honestly. She didn't want to make a choice between the man she loved and her family. She didn't want to leave this way of life, this existence and build a new one where she would have to prove herself over again to another set of people who regarded her as second-class, unworthy to be in a position of authority. She didn't want to have to eke out a respect from the people again. She was tired and weary from doing that. All she had done in her life was to prove herself capable over and over, but still no one recognized that. But Zuko does. A little voice in her head whispered.

Oh you again. Shut up! She told it. It remained silent while she went over this again in her head, going round and round in circles. Simply put, she just wasn't sure of herself. She didn't know if she loved Zuko enough to start over again after disappearing from the world for so long. So much had changed from that time, when she could still smile without a care and laugh without the burden of the world on her shoulders.

Life had changed, her heart had changed. And now sitting here alone, she realized all she really wanted was to feel Zuko's arms around her, holding her tightly and just letting her know that he was there for her, come hell or high water. She didn't want the empty comfort of her own embrace. It just wasn't enough, not when loneliness clawed at her heart.

Silently, she slid out of her room and went to Zuko's, nothing more than a flitting shadow. She had learned to be sneaky when she played the Painted Lady, healing the people who needed her so. Opening his door a little, she slipped in and found herself in a dark room. Zuko was breathing steadily, like he was sleeping. She felt a little disappointed, unsure if she ought to leave or not.

"Katara?" His voice was husky, but there was no condemnation in it. A small fireball appeared in the palm of his hand, throwing the room into a state of half light. She just stood there, watching him for a moment. The fire light flickered over his skin, just showing his good half. She saw the man he could have been without the scar, so different from the man she knew and loved. He got out of bed and came to her, concern clear on his. "Is everything okay? Do you need something?" He asked. She shook her head mutely, unable to speak. She threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly onto him as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her, extinguishing the fireball just to hold her.

"Just hold me, please. " She whispered against his chest, inhaling the smell of him. She didn't know why, but he always smelled like wood smoke, with an undertone of sandalwood. It was comforting in its own way, just like him. His warmth, his touch, his smell, it all brought comfort to her, filling a void in her she never knew existed. She drew comfort in his solidarity, his presence, his strength as she held onto him, her heart wavering uncertainly from fear of the future. She wanted him so much, and yet her heart was shrinking back from the fear of being hurt once more. She stuck her neck out once and she only got hurt. Was it really worth the chance that she would find something special this time if she dared stick her head out?

Lifting her face to Zuko's, she kissed him gently, savouring the feel of his warm lips against hers. It was gentle and tender, unlike the many long passionate kisses they used to share. "Stay with me tonight." He breathed, capturing her lips again in a kiss. This kiss was a kiss of desire, of longing. It promised grand passions that swept one off their feet, drowning them in an ocean of sensuality and desire. She returned his kiss with a fervour almost equal to his own, a silent consent to his request.

They broke apart, breathless and panting lightly. Zuko lit the candle from earlier, lending a little light to the room. Katara looked like completely different from her usual self, seductive and exotic, a mystery waiting to be discovered. She was so beautiful that she took his breath away. She smiled at him, the smile of a sphinx as she began to shed her clothes, beginning with the parka. Her outer robe soon followed with the inner robe close by, until all she had on were her undergarments.

Smiling coyly, she reached out and began to undo the ties of Zuko's sleeping robe. He helped her as her fingers fumbled with the unfamiliar fastenings, she planting kisses on his chest as she undressed him. Soon, they were both in states of partial undress, quietly admiring each other in the dim light. He bent down to kiss her again, his tongue probing and teasing hers gently. They broke apart, smiling even as their faces flushed in anticipation. He began to unwind her breast bindings, with her spinning around as they came loose, her hair fanning out in chocolate waves around her. The rest of her clothing was quickly removed, the dim light revealing very little aside from the luminous blue eyes that captivated him so.

He swept her off her feet and pinned her on the bed, kissing her with more hunger. She responded fervently, pressing her body close to his, wanting him as much as he wanted her. They broke apart again and she smiled at him seductively, before claiming him in another kiss as she finished removing the rest of his clothes.

(insert your own personal Zutara kinky fantasy here)

.0.

Later they lay together, their bodies intertwined. Gently, Zuko placed a kiss at the place where her neck and shoulder joined together. "I love you, you know that?" He whispered against her neck, inhaling the scent of her. She smelled good, like those snowbells she adored so much. It was sweet and fleeting, like something there but not really there.

"I love you too." She answered softly, meaning it with all her heart. She did love him, but that didn't change things. She could feel his smile on her neck and he pulled her closer to him. Soon, his breathing grew slower and steadier, indicating he had fallen asleep. Katara lay awake, wrapped in his arms as the night passed, her heart warring against itself.

.0.

The morning brought a sense of emptiness when Zuko awoke to find Katara gone. He sighed as he ran a hand through his dark hair. Why was he feeling disappointed? He should have expected it. Even her clothes were gone. It was as if she had never been here. Zuko got out of bed, despite the sinking feeling in his stomach. He had a feeling today he would be tied up in a hundred and one meetings to finalize the trade agreements. If Hakoda was right, that would likely take up all day and possibly the next few days.

But it was a small price to pay, he reflected as he heated up the water somewhat so he didn't have to wash his face with freezing water. The warm water was nice. Even if he was a firebender, he did get cold. He studied his reflection in the water. As always, the first thing that his eyes were drawn to was the giant scar that covered half his face. It was a reminder, a painful one that told him nothing came without a price. He had gained self respect, understanding and a little wisdom when he got the scar, but at the price of realizing that his father couldn't give a shit about his son. Even today, his father's absolute rejection hurt.

But he was his own man now. He was everything Ozai had been and more. He was the Fire Lord, he had more honour in his little finger than his father ever had in his life. He didn't have to fear others nor have others fear him. There were better ways to have people under your control. Truly, he was no longer the young fourteen year old boy begging for his father's mercy, with tears streaming down his face even as he pleaded for his father to understand. His father had spoken true that day. He had learnt respect, with suffering and pain as his teacher. He had learnt the lesson the hardest way possible, or so it seemed. But it was clear his father never had a single iota of respect for anyone. Never.

Zuko's hands clenched around the rim of the bowl, bending his head. Enough. He got a grip on his emotions and thoughts, steeling his face into the implacable mask that everyone saw. Deftly, he pulled his hair into the traditional topknot and dressed in his formal robes. When he was finally ready, he walked out of his room. Nodding at his escorts, he began to make his way to the breakfast hall, every inch the Fire Lord, no longer Zuko.

Breakfast was a formal affair, with the various traders attending the meal so that they could begin straight after breakfast. Zuko kept his face expressionless, aware that everyone was scrutinizing him, hoping to get more favourable terms. In Zuko's opinion, the terms were very favourable to them, bordering being overly generous. If they were seeking more favourable terms, it was not happening. Zuko was adamant about that.

The men reconvened in the meeting hall, where everyone took their proper places as they began to discuss the matters at hand. Many formalities were carried out, and at long last, the papers were settled, copies were made and the men decided to break up the meeting. It was well past dinner time, in fact, it was almost midnight. The food had been brought in earlier, but most of the men were too busy reading and re-reading the terms of the agreement, offering suggestions and amendments until all were finally somewhat pleased with the terms.

Truly, they were extremely generous considering the circumstances. Nevertheless, it had been a hard day's work. Zuko longed for a long soak in hot water, which may have been possible if they could find a tub. He decided to mention this later to Hakoda, who would probably arranged for such a thing to be done.

As the meeting broke up, Zuko found himself nodding and inclining his head to every man as they came to take their leave and bid him good night. When finally, finally he and Hakoda were alone, he sank into a chair tiredly. "At least it's over now." Zuko murmured.

"Indeed. Thank you for such favourable terms. I still think you are being overly generous." Hakoda answered with a wry smile. Zuko just waved a hand absently.

"When you try to build peace and extend friendships, one should give the other the advantage. It pays off in the end." He responded, a corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile. He rose and bowed slightly to Hakoda. "With your permission, I will take my leave." He said formally. Hakoda nodded.

"Sleep well, Zuko. We'll probably have another long day tomorrow." Hakoda returned his bow and the men straightened at the same time, tired smiles on their faces before Zuko turned and left. He could see where Katara got her iron will from. It was clear that Hakoda was a man not easily bowed by troubles. As he swept from the meeting hall and to his own rooms, he wondered if Katara was perhaps in his room. He hadn't seen her the whole day. Nor had he seen Kara, come to think of it. Already, he missed the little girl who always had a bright smile on her face to lift the spirits of anyone.

As he retired to his own rooms, he felt the toll of the day on his shoulders, weighing him down with exhaustion. The curtains at the windows billowed as the wind gusted through them, toying with them. Zuko went to look outside, where the moon shone brightly, turning the arctic wasteland into a land of beauty and ethereality. A soft flash of lights in the distance caught his eye and he turned his attention to that, entranced by the dancing coloured lights.

"Beautiful aren't they?" A soft voice came. His head swivelled to see who his visitor was, only to find Katara standing next to him. "They appear in the winter months of the South Pole, dancing across the skies every night." She turned to face him, the moonlight throwing her features into sharp relief. The straight nose, wide set eyes that were an endless blue, soft pink lips in an oval face that was framed with brown locks. "I used to stay up all night, watching them." She murmured as she turned to watch the colourful lights as the cavorted across the skies.

Zuko tore his eyes away from her and watched the lights, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. "They're amazing." He said softly, not wanting to spoil the moment. He wondered why was she here. After all, it was late and it wasn't as if she seem to need him like she did last night. Or did she? He didn't know. A lock of hair fell in her face and he gently brushed it away. "I'll be leaving at the end of the week." He said, taking a step back into his room. He lit one of the candles in the room, bringing some illumination to the room.

She didn't respond, merely turned to regard him with sad eyes. Her heart was screaming at her to go with him, while her mind told her it was foolish of her, to tear Kara away from everything that she knew and follow Zuko into possible disaster. Was this worth it? Would it be enough just to have Zuko's arms around her even as the world came falling down around her? If not, they would only have another three days together before he left. She felt her heart twist painfully in her chest as she contemplated never seeing him again. If she were honest, she couldn't bear that. It was almost as bad as getting her heart broken again. Only this time it wasn't anyone's fault save her own.

"Zuko," She spoke up, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. "Promise me something?" She asked, looking once more like a child.

"Anything within my power." He answered promptly, walking over to hold her. She clung to him, burying her face in his chest.

"Don't ever leave me please." She whispered, her eyes closed as a tear leaked out involuntarily. His embrace tightened as he began to stroke her hair.

"Never, Katara. I never will leave you." He held her close. "I'll always be with you in your memories, in your heart as long as you love me." He whispered. "Love keeps people close, even though they're on separate poles." Katara didn't answer, but she held tighter onto him.

At last she let go of him and took a step back, a soft smile on her face. Her decision was made. She would go with Zuko. "Get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow." She smiled up at him, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Stay with me tonight." He requested, his eyes locked with hers. She nodded in assent. They shed their clothing for something more comfortable, Katara borrowing one of Zuko's robes before settling in the bed. They lay together, talking quietly and holding each other, just content to feel the other next to them until at last, they drifted into a sleep.

.0.

Katara awoke earlier than Zuko, a rare occurrence. She watched as he slept, a childlike vulnerability in his face as he slept. His arm was wrapped around her waist and she snuggled closer to him for warmth. Soon enough, his eyes opened and he smiled to see that she had yet to leave. "Good morning." He murmured, kissing her lightly.

"Good morning to you." She returned with a smile. "You better get up, you've got more meeting and I need to pack." She smiled at him. His eyes widened slightly.

"Pack?" He repeated somewhat hesitantly. "Are you coming back with me?" He asked.

"I guess. I can't very well let Kara leave her father." She teased lightly. "She adores you, you know." She added softly, now serious.

"I adore her too. She is my child after all." He smiled gently as he sat up. Yawning slightly, he got out of bed and went to wash his face. As he dressed, Katara helped him with some of the more complicated part of his robes. It wasn't that he couldn't do it himself, but simply it was easier when someone helped.

After he left, Katara shed his sleeping robe and dressed in her own clothing. She then went to see her grandmother, to tell her of her decision and ask for her help. Suki also had to be told, as well as her father. She felt a little fountain of happiness bubble up within her, now that she was going to follow Zuko. It would be hard, but since when had her life been easy? Katara thought wryly as she looked for her grandmother.

She found Kana in one of the healing tents, supervising as younger women mixed salves and tinctures for various ailments. Suki was also here, chatting to some of the women as she sat down in a chair. Katara told them of her decision, a smile on her face. Suki clapped her hands in excitement, pleased that Katara was now happy. Kana just smiled and said nothing. Finally, her darling Katara would be happy. While the past years hadn't been unhappy, they weren't exactly happy. She looked like she was pining, even though she vehemently denied it. Katara deserved the happiness, after all she had been through.

Sokka decided to make an appearance just then, and found out about his sister's imminent departure. While he wasn't pleased that his baby sister was leaving, he was still glad she had found someone special, the right person for her. He didn't have the heart to tell her that Aang had been all wrong for her so many years ago, but it was clear that Katara and Zuko were like fragments of a broken cup that fit together perfectly.

There would be much for her to do in the next few days before Zuko left if she were to leave with him. Tie up all the loose ends, pack and organize her things as Zuko finished up the trade agreements and signed the various documents. They would both be busy until he left. And yet he had never seen two people more in tune with each other. Truly, they were made for each other. Sokka only smiled and said he had to get back to work when Katara asked him whether he was planning anything as of yet.

.0.

The rest of the day was spent sorting through various clothing items, childhood mementos and scrolls she wanted to bring with her. She let Kara know what was happening and since then it had been a flurry of non-stop activity. Packing organizing, directing servants to help as she packed away her life into a few boxes and trunks to bring with her. Kara's were similarly sorted, but with fewer items.

As she watched Katara bustle around, Kara found herself having mixed feelings. She didn't want to leave Kyna or Uncle Sokka or Auntie Suki, but she wanted to follow her father. Maybe they could visit? Surely something would be done so that the family wasn't completely torn apart. But there was bound to be good things happening. Mama was happy, Kara could see that. She was happier than usual and showered her daughter with many kisses and hugs between the seemingly endless packing of her life. Anything and everything she held dear was taken and placed within the trunks or in boxes.

Fire Lord Zuko came in once, much to Kara's delight. "Daddy!" The word tore itself from her lips as she ran to him, threw herself in his arms as he lifted her up high, swinging her as she giggled and hugged him tightly. Soon enough, she started chattering away about the events of the day. Zuko listened, while he watched Katara run from room to room, searching for one thing or another.

"I'm so glad you're coming with me," He murmured as he held her in his arms, rubbing his nose against hers affectionately. She giggled at the sensation.

"I want to stay with you too. Are you and mummy getting marries? When?" The child threw the questions around.

"Soon. As soon as possible, my little turtle-duck." He smiled.

"What's a turtle-duck?" Kara frowned, her curiosity piqued.

"I'll show you when we get to my home." He promised, setting her down. "I need to go and finish some work now, but I'll have dinner with you, okay?" He asked.

"Promise?" Kara asked, holding out her little finger.

"Promise." He assured her, hooking her little finger with his and squeezing it gently. She smiled at him and gave him a hug before he left.

.0.

"We're almost there. Hopefully we'll catch Zuko before he leaves." Aang grinned excitedly. Toph just smiled at his enthusiasm. Honestly, she felt entirely useless. She only ever felt useful when she was around earth and beating people up. With reason for course, else that would make her pretty useless as well.

At least there weren't any more rebellions and uprisings to quell. There was simply no challenge in that, as a simple manoeuvre could stop hundreds if properly applied. "I hope so. I wanna see Sparky again." She brightened slightly at the thought of Zuko. He was so very much like her, hiding behind their own facades, he one of stoicism and she one of a daredevil. It wasn't truly the people they were inside, but the faces the presented to the world. No one yet had been able to see the hurt girl inside her except for Sokka and Zuko. Aang understood a little, but he didn't see it.

.0.

Zuko fulfilled his promise, having a light dinner with Kara before he headed into the dining hall for something more substantial and to let Katara's family know of the current arrangement. Or rather, back Katara up as she broke the news to the rest of her family.

"I've made up my mind." She told them. "I'm not changing it. I love Zuko, I will go with him and help him as his wife and partner and help him build peace and harmony throughout the world." She smiled at him, taking a deep breath. "I've been doing that most of my life, and I suppose this is a new approach for me to do it, and I really would like to do that. So with your blessings, I will do this. Even without, I will go, but it will make me happier if I have it." She looked around expectantly as one by one, her family nodded and acquiesced to her request.

Hakoda smiled and nodded. "You're all grown up, you make your own decisions now. I'll support you no matter what." He said, going to her and hugging her. Katara clung to her father. He had always been her rock and strength, and now that person would be Zuko. They pulled apart and she went to stand next to Zuko. Together, they exuded an air of command and dignity, people who were fair but implacable when necessary. Truly they were a good pair together. Anyone could see that.

.0.

"We're here!" Aang shouted excitedly, offering Toph a hand rather absentmindedly before he jumped of Appa's back. He landed lightly on his feet, holding Toph in his arms before he set her down. She held onto his hand tightly, completely terrified as she was truly blind now. She never like being blind. It scared to feel so helpless, so useless when all her life she had tried to prove just the opposite.

Gritting her teeth, she pulled herself upright. She wasn't a helpless girl anymore. She was and earthbending master, and she would behave like it even if she was (literally) out of her element. She held onto Aang's hand as a guide, but no more did she appear as the young girl who was fearful and scared.

"TOPH!" A voice screamed. A pair of arms enveloped her in a tight hug. "I didn't expect to see you here!" It exclaimed. Toph identified the speaker as Katara. Only she would dare hug Toph like that. A punch on her arm told her Sokka was there.

"Well, you know. Where the Avatar goes, there you find his earthbending teacher kicking his butt." She smirked. "Is Sparky here?" She asked. "We were kinda hoping to see him before he left." She made inverted commas when she said see, rolling her eyes. Katara smiled. Toph was the same as ever.

"Did you really miss me that much?" She could just hear the smirk in his voice. Uff. If she could 'see' by now he'd be flying.

"Nah. Just wondering if you'd piggy back me around." She threw back. They were beginning to ease into the old, familiar banter as they all began to chatter, regaling each other with stories of various incidents and happenings.

"Zuko and I are getting married." Katara confided in Toph during a quieter moment. Toph's eyes widened.

"I knew it!" She cried, a wide smile on her face. " I knew it! I knew you guys had something going on!" The smile on her face was positively scary.

"Yeah well, we're leaving in a day or so for the Fire Nation." Katara shrugged. "I need to pack, he needs to finish signing papers. Not much time for much really." A smile flitted on her face briefly before disappearing. :Come, there's someone I want you to meet." Katara pulled Toph in one direction, taking them away from the main group.

Toph followed her blindly, unable to do much. "Okay Toph, this is Kara. Kara, this is Toph." Katara introduced. A pair of small hands touched her.

"Is she the Blind Bandit?" A child's voice asked, awe apparent in her voice. Toph bent down, her using her hands to feel the girl's face.

"That's me." Toph grinned as she explored. It was like Katara, but in miniature. Her eyes widened, and she stood up abruptly. "Is she your child? And Zuko's?" Toph asked in a low voice, her hand squeezing Katara's tightly.

"Yeah." Katara admitted. A look of understanding dawned on Toph's face.

"I see."

"Don't tell Aang please." Katara begged.

"He should know." Was all Toph said. "Come on, we better get back before the rest start looking for us." Together they left, after Katara bent to give Kara a hug. They soon rejoined the rest of the Gaang, chattering away and catching up, making up for lost time.

.0.

That night, dinner was a colossal affair. Zuko and Katara were due to depart the next day, and Avatar Aang was here. Truly it was a celebration. Aang didn't seem to react much to the news that Katara and Zuko were together. If anything, the young man seemed more at peace with himself. It was as if he had found his centre.

After the announcements were made, many came to congratulate the couple and pay respects to the Avatar. There was much formality, but the food and drink flowed pretty easily nonetheless. It was a night of celebration. Music, food, drink, people, family, friends. It was an easy atmosphere, one that made Katara glad in her heart. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so much joy and happiness. She was content to stay here in this time, when all that she had ever wanted or needed was here with her. She leaned against Zuko as she watched everything going on around her.

The next morning was a rush to load everything onto Zuko's ship. There wasn't much time as he wanted to leave after the noon meal. After many tearful goodbyes and partings, they finally boarded the ship. The three of them, standing together as the ship sailed out of the harbour.

Earlier that day, Katara had pulled Aang aside and introduced him to Kara. It was obvious who her paternity was. Aang smiled at her, concealing his hurt as he bent to chat with the young girl. She was vivacious, and soon had Aang wrapped around her little finger. He loved young children, and this just reminded him of his duties as an airbender. "I'll come see you sometime in the Fire Nation." He murmured to Katara. "I'm happy for you, truly I am." He smiled at her, pushing aside the remnants of his crush on her. It had been a long time, and Katara had moved on without him.

It was time he did the same. As he stood amongst the crowd waving Katara and Zuko off, his eyes locked on Katara's. An unspoken goodbye was said in that moment their eyes met, as well as a thousand apologies. Time had changed them into different people from the young girl who had broken the monk out of the iceberg. She still believed in him, she always would. But now her heart belonged to someone else.

She smiled at him, forgiving him and letting him know that she still loved him, albeit differently. That was something that would never change.

Blah blah blah, the usual. Review. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this brain dribble.

~ewa