The two families stood on the snow banks at the water's edge, exchanging farewells and promises to see each other again. Katara, having already said goodbye to everyone else, stood across from Zuko in uncomfortable silence. She was once again reminded that this wasn't the little boy she had kissed goodbye so long ago.

Scratching the back of his head, Zuko offered a nervous laugh. "So... I guess this is it."

"Yeah," she nodded, studying her feet.

Azula, standing on the deck of their ship, yelled at them to hurry up so she could "leave this ice cube and go home".

"In a minute!" Zuko shouted in return. Turning back to Katara, he spread his arms in an awkward invitation for a hug.

Leaning into him, she wrapped her own arms around his neck as his went around her waist, resting her head against his shoulder. The heat radiating from him was even more inhuman than usual. "I'm gonna mss you."

"I-I'll miss you, too."

Then, with sudden sureness, he pulled back, one hand reaching up to cradle her cheek. She didn't realize what was happening until his lips were over hers in a brief, heart-jolting kiss.

(They hardly noticed when Sokka and Iroh simultaneously shouted, "Finally!").

"I thought we could make a kind of tradition," Zuko babbled, stepping back and avoiding her gaze. "You know; last time you hugged and kissed me, this time I hugged and kissed you. Next time – "

A second kiss cut him off (the cheering from Sokka and Iroh was hard to ignore at this point).

"I don't see why we have to save it for goodbyes," she said after they separated, resting her forehead against his. There was a strange sensation spreading through her, warm and light and twisting her stomach into somersaulting knots.

"So... You're not upset?" he asked, lips turned up into a dopey grin.

"Zuko!" Azula shouted from the boat, pulling both teens back to reality.

"Sorry, I gotta..." He gestured toward the ship.

"Right."

A moment later, she was standing with her family on the snow banks, watching Zuko and the rest of the royal family sail off into the now-rising sun.

Author's Notes: Aaand, it's done!

Thanks so much to everyone who read and reviewed! I really appreciate all the feedback you guys gave! 8D Hope you enjoyed these last few chapters as much as the rest.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.