PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW.

It's big and round and shiny. It's also rainbow colored, which makes it irresistible to her eight year old self. And it's also in the hands of her stinky (because all boys smell, Suki and Azula have told her) neighbor. She knows he's showing off, dangling it in front of her nose, but she can't help it. Her mouth is watering for that lollipop.

But it's Zuko's, and she's hated him ever since he played that mean trick with Sokka when they put papayas in my food, I haven't forgiven him. I have to forgive Sokka, he's my brother (and Mom made me after two weeks), but Zuko doesn't deserve it. So what if he'd apologized?

She looks determinedly away after he offers it to her, but can hear the crinkling of the wrapper behind her. There's silence for a while, and Katara thinks he's gone in and turns around cautiously.

He's still there, grinning and looking pleased at able to fool her like that. Ratfink. She doesn't know what it means, but heard Toph using it once, and was very impressed.The lollipop is in his hand, he's not even taken a lick yet.

"Why are you in my yard?"

"Waiting for Sokka." He grins, and it's not a triumphant grin, but a friendly one. Still, she fails to notice. It's amazing the capacity for revenge that an eight year old can have.

"I'll give you the lollipop if you forgive me."

"No. I'm never going to forgive you!" she says dramatically.

He smirks. "Not even for a mango-orange lollipop?"

Shoot! He knows her weakness! She fights her longing, but succumbs. "Fine." A brainwave strikes her. "But you also have to eat a full bowl of papaya."

He detests the fruit too, Sokka told her that's how he came up with the idea to mix papaya in her bowl of fruit salad (mainly made up of mangoes). Zuko was reluctant at first, but Sokka persuaded him. She knows this, but has convinced herself it's his fault.

His face pales, but he nods. To his mother's shock, he runs in and demands a bowl of papaya - "a big bowl", Katara calls after him loudly and clearly. Ursa smiles, but doesn't comment, giving him the bowl.

It takes eleven attempts and a great deal of gagging, but Zuko gets the bowl down. He looks up at Katara, his face slightly green, but still manages a smile.

Somehow, she abandons her plan to snatch the lollipop and laugh in his face. She takes the lollipop grudgingly, but without a word or sound. She bares her teeth at Zuko and he recoils before he realizes she's trying to smile.

Deciding not to push his luck, he leaves. But not before leaning in and kissing her cheek quickly, leaving a dumbfounded Katara and an unconscious Sokka (who he didn't see coming in) behind. When he's back in his garden, he leans over the wall and sees them both still in the same positions. Sokka's lying on the grass and Katara's there with a hand on her cheek as though it's been burned. But what makes Zuko go back into his house singing loudly is the smile upon her face.

Short and sweet AU to send you off. Though Zutara week may be over, Zutara will live on in all our hearts (soooo cheesy)! See you next year. :) And check out my other stories, especially Things We Lost In The Fire. ;)

Also, I have at least one other idea for each of the prompts. Should I post them later?