Something I keep forgetting to add during every update. When I write the character's speaking, I always imagine their voice in my head. It helps me make a much better analysis of their character, if I can't hear them saying it in my head, I won't write it. Some characters are harder than others, but I'm fairly pleased with how it all is turning out.

Thanks for all the reviews! I know it's been awhile, but I've rewritten the first three chapters and given you another one. I really do like this story, and I'd like to keep going with it. Any other pairings you guys want to see? Aang? Toph? Suki and Sokka are staying together because I think they're kinda cute together.

An important thing, I will eventually have to write both a Fire Nation and a Water Tribe wedding. I desperately need ideas on what exactly should happen, the traditions, and everything else. Please let me know in the reviews!

Flying still wasn't pleasant. But she had managed to get used to it. She could 'see' everyone in the saddle, which was a small comfort when they were flying blind through the air. She had to trust everyone she was with. If she trusted them, she would be fine. They'd saved her tail more than enough times to trust them with her life.

Sokka was singing. Which was surprising for him. He must have gotten laid again. And with Suki appearing to be right beside him, it must have happened during their last night they spent. It was still early morning, so she was still tired. Aang seemed that way too, he was far too quiet where he was sitting, probably on Appa's head.

Then again, Aang had been quiet ever since Katara had accepted Iroh and Pakku's proposal. But she had known it all along. Katara always seemed a little different around Zuko. She had questioned her about it once, shortly after the two of them had come back from their little adventure. She seemed different, they seemed to like each other and when she asked him if she liked him, she had said yes.

Then quickly added 'just as a friend!' right after. It was a little too hasty, a little bit obvious that she was hiding something. Zuko had always seemed comfortable with her around, more comfortable than with anything else. He had also spent as much time as he could trying to gain her trust.

So this wasn't a surprise.

Sokka quieted down, eventually, him and Suki began cheerfully chatting to themselves.

She closed her eyes. They could still hurt if she kept them open for too long. She was good about it most of the time, but sometimes she forgot. Only seeing blackness with her eyes caused her to forget that she did need to blink sometimes.

As far as she knew, they were heading to the Fire Nation. There had been a time that she felt nervous going to the Fire Nation. But not anymore, now they could come and go as they pleased. But as Aang said that they were getting nearer after a few days travel, she found herself gripping the saddle a little harder as they got closer. She couldn't see, but unconsciously she worried that Appa would suddenly start swerving to avoid a fireball.

But they didn't, they landed just fine and climbed off. Sokka gave her a hand down to the ground, where she was able to 'see'. Finally.

Katara rushed over to her brother, tackling him in a hug first, then hugging Suki and Toph. She turned to Aang, looking at him awkwardly. He still looked sad, he still looked like he was hurt. She bit her tongue, and he held out his hand awkwardly. She smiled, laughing softly as she wrapped her arm around him in a hug. "It's nice to see you." She said gladly.

"What happened to your arm, Katara?" Suki asked, frowning slightly.

The female smiled. "It's a long story. Come inside, Zuko's waiting for you." She said. With Aang here, her heart felt panicked, worried, and uncertain.

But the thing that got her the most was that she felt nothing for him. Nothing but the same friendship she felt towards Toph or Suki. It really did concern her, but she smiled and passed it off. They went inside to meet Zuko. At the table, drinks had been set out while the food was being prepared. Zuko and Iroh were there already, chatting about various things.

"Tell us about the Air Nomads, Aang" Iroh said with a smile as they all sat down.

Aang looked unhappy for a moment, before nodding. There was no point in being sad. "I was doing some thinking while we were travelling. We found water benders in the Fire Nation. And if there were water benders in the Fire Nation, then there had to have been Air Nomads who weren't at any of the temples at the time. Maybe a small group of people who had heard about the raids, or who had enough time to escape. We ran into them completely by accident, and they were able to gather as many people as they could to get away. And they said they knew of a few more groups of nomads too" He was beaming, Katara was pleased to see him smile. "Now yell me, what's happened here?"

Zuko launched into the story. Excluding everything between him and Katara. As far as everyone else could know, it was only for their nations, not for any other reasons. Even though it was turning into something else.

They sat in silence for a moment, then the food arrived. They burst into light conversations with one another, catching up on all that had happened.

It was really nice to see all her friends again. It was a nice break from her usual days. They were spent busying around with the preparations for what was coming. Two marriage ceremonies. It seemed like such a huge amount. Not to mention that they were going to go to her home town soon too.

There was a lot to do in the coming months. After dinner, her, Suki, and Toph took a walk around the pond. She didn't know where Aang, Sokka and Zuko had gone off to, but they were safe. They didn't have to worry anymore about all these things.

"I see he made you a new necklace" Suki grinned, playfully nudging Katara with her elbow. "It's pretty, let me see" Suki bent to stare at the necklace. "I love the design" She straightened, a huge grin on her face. "He must really like you, it looks like he put a lot of work into it."

"He did" She mumbled, blushing.

"Seems like the two of you are getting more on than just combining your nations." Toph grinned, her arms crossed.

"Sush, Toph" She stated as the three of them sat down on the grass near the pond.

"So, have you and Zuko done the nasty yet?"

"Toph!" Katara flushed deeply, and at Suki's evil little grinned she added "And no! We haven't! And why does it matter, even if we do?"

Toph laughed. "Stop fooling yourself. The boys might be oblivious but I'm not. You stand and talk differently when you're around him."

"Yeah, you seem to glow whenever the two of you are together." Suki added.

Once they had stopped making fun of each other, their discussions turned a bit more serious. They spoke about what they had been working on. The issues with Mai and what they had been through. She really had missed them, and it wasn't until the sun had set that the three of them decided to move indoors, and eventually to bed. Her and Zuko had grown used to sleeping beside one another, though she made sure to go to bed after Zuko did, and only when no one was looking.

The last thing she wanted was for Aang to find out. Or worse, Sokka. Her brother would never let her hear the end of it, even if he did approve for the sake of their nations.

Zuko was sitting on the bed, drinking a cup of tea slowly. Katara made her way in after locking the door behind her. She sat down beside him, placing her hand against Zuko's knee. The male turned to head to look at her, giving her a small smile. His hair was down and hanging messily in his face. "Hey" He greeted, Katara smiled and allowed herself to lean against his shoulder.

"I spoke to Aang" He started slowly. "He seems okay with it." Katara nodded.

"I'm glad. I had been worried that he would be mad at us" He wrapped an arm around her, grabbing her hand in his and kissing her temple.

"Sokka avoided talking about it at all costs. But I think him and Suki snuck off to the same room" He smiled faintly, turning his head to look at her as she angled her face in response. Her cheeks warmed as he pressed his mouth against hers.

Zuko was always so warm. His lips were almost spicy, his hands were rough and gentle, if a little clumsy. Their mouths slid against each other slowly, her good hand finding its way into his hair, gripping the dark strands and tugging him closer.

She wasn't sure what came over her, but his hands wandered across her back. In the back of her mind, a part of her was yelling to stop because Aang was here and they really shouldn't. The rest of her said 'fuck it' and kept going. He lay back on the bed, partly because she had pushed him. Propping herself up with her good hand and letting her injured one rest comfortably near her.

Warmth was rising in her, something she wasn't entirely familiar with. It was different than any usual sensations she had through a day. Their legs were tangled together and he broke their kiss to trail them across her cheek down to her neck. Katara gasped, completely unused to the tremble that whipped down her spine. His mouth was fire against her ear, his tongue was magma against her throat. His hands slowly moved to the ties of her clothing but hesitated. They broke away, breathless and flushed, to stare at each other.

"Zuko.."

"Katara.."

He kissed her again, this time with more force. Gripping her shoulders and rolling her over, nimble fingers untying the binds on her clothing. The sling and her wrapped up arm was in his way, but he was still able to undo the vibrant red shirt she wore. Sliding his hands slowly against her smooth skin. She shivered at his touch, looking up at him, her eyes misted and filled with hazy lust. He could hardly believe how much he wanted her, how badly he wanted to taste every inch of her tanned skin.

Her good hand wandered, sliding across his flesh in attempt to remove his shirt. He chuckled, sliding it off himself and tossing it to the side. She let her hand wander across his chest, examining the rippling muscle under his skin. Slowly she wormed her arm out of the sling and gently hooking it over his neck.

Zuko moved slowly, very careful not to go too fast. She put her trust in him, especially because once his fingertips moved across her stomach she had no desire to deny anything. His mouth explored her, her hand lost itself in his dark hair.

Katara never really slept without clothing. In the North Pole, it was far too cold, and they were travelling it would be too embarrassing to try it. It was an interesting sensation, especially when she was with someone else. That was new.

Her arm was sore, but it was kind of worth it. She woke up with his arms tied around her, his warm breath against her shoulder. He mumbled something in his sleep and she rolled over, facing him and wriggling to try to get comfortable. Her body was humming pleasantly, she felt satisfied. Complete. Sure, she hadn't really done anything, but she was far too shy.

They left Zuko's room together. She wondered how long it would take her to call it their room. Or her room. Their fingers were linked together loosely as they made their way down to breakfast. Casually, they released one another's hands as they made their way into the main hall for breakfast. Suki linked her fingers together and rest her chin on them, smirking evilly.

'Crap, she knows'She thought with a small smile, sitting down beside Toph and Zuko who was already seated. She was still worried about Aang and Sokka, but in the end – did it matter? She found that she was too satisfied and happy that she couldn't bring herself to care if they knew.

Not that she was going to flaunt it, but she wasn't going to lie or keep it completely bottled up. In the end, she was happy with this new turn of events. Even if she did feel a little but guilty over doing something like that with Aang around.

Even just thinking about it made her blush, she hadn't expected it to happen. Sure, he was a very attractive man, but she hadn't thought that she would want to do anything with him so soon. It seemed like it hadn't been that long, but in a way, it had. As soon as she was sixteen then she would be a married woman. Married to the Fire Lord. A spokesperson of the Water Tribes.

As a little girl, she had expected she would fall in love and her life would turn story-book. She had expected it would be Aang that she wound up with. Growing up in such a small tribe, she hadn't thought that an arranged marriage would be an option. But with the remains of the war still hurting everyone, it had become that. Everyone knew of the Water Tribe girl travelling with the Avatar, who captured Azula, who spent almost a long long time trying to saving the world.

And now look at where she was.

Zuko looked happy. He was lounging around in his seat and she wondered how long his newfound happiness would last before something bothered him again.

And she wondered how long it would be until Suki cornered her to ask her fifty questions about her.. steamy… night with Zuko.. He knew what he was doing, her skin trembled under his hot fingers, his mouth…

She took a quick drink of water to try to stifle her thoughts, no more thinking about that! Not with Aang sitting at the table happily chatting to a somewhat suspicious looking Sokka. Suki still hadn't stopped grinning her evil little grin and she knew it was only a matter of time before Katara was pulled away for questioning.

And as soon as they were done eating, Suki grabbed her arm and tugged her outside to the grass. She sat down and pulled the other girl with her, still grinning that grin of hers. "Sooo. Tell me everything, Katara."

Zuko watched the girls leave, Toph following behind after a few more minutes, leaving the three of them behind. Sokka looked between Zuko and Aang suspiciously. "You seem different Zuko" He accused, "What did you do to my sister?"

Zuko couldn't tell if he was joking or being serious. "I didn't do anything!" He defended quickly.

"But you look different."

"So?"

"You had to have done something. And I'm going to figure out what it is"

Zuko grunted. There was no way Sokka was going to figure out what he had done. What he and Katara did in their free time was no one's business bit theirs.

And besides, the last two people he would tell would be Aang and Sokka. Sokka especially, who was no doubt protective over his sister.

"Hey, Sokka? Can I speak to Zuko alone for a minute?"

Zuko felt worried, but Sokka sighed and stood up. "Fine, fine, you guys don't want me here. I'll go" And stormed off, grumbling about Katara.

Aang turned to Zuko. "You've slept with her, haven't you?" She asked. He flushed and shook his head. "But you have done something, right? I can tell.." Zuko said nothing, glancing sideways. "It's okay. I'm not mad. You two look happy together." Though he still looked sad, maybe regretful. Katara had found someone else.

"How did you know?" He asked quietly.

"You get the same look on your face that Sokka does any time he and Suki spend a night together" He admitted, then smiled. "I know that it's for your people, and you two are helping change the world. If we all work together, the world will be a better place. I'm happy you two have found something in each other, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she wasn't happy." He stood, offering his hand to Zuko.

Zuko smiled, taking Aang hand as he stood and shaking it. "Thank you, Aang" He said before brightening. "Come on, let's go find the girls."

"But don't hurt her. If you hurt her I'll have to hurt you" He threatened, his expression turning angry for a moment as they walked, Zuko bowed his head respectfully.

Zuko followed Aang outside. Aang hopping on his little wind bubble and rolling around as they settled into a relaxing morning. Katara was using her good arm to bend the water around her, trying to become good using just one of them. She was one of the greatest Waterbenders of her time, he could see it already.

He could still hardly believe that she had let him get so close. Her skin, her eyes, her taste, ran through his mind as he watched her.

Everything seemed to finally feel better. There was no worry, no anxiousness, no nothing. They were enjoying themselves, just like old times. Everything seemed to finally come together. He sat down beside Toph, watching Katara elegantly bend the water around her. Desire seemed to constantly pump through his veins when he was around her. Especially when she moved.

Kanna had not seen Katara in a long time. She had heard stories, she had received letters – and now her granddaughter was betrothed to a Fire Nation man. The Fire Lord, no less. The one that had, from her letters, been trailing them for most of their journey.

But she would wait and see before she could pass judgment on this boy. She knew what their marriage had done for their Tribe, only a few weeks ago the boat had arrived, carrying Waterbenders and healers, builders, people that have lived there a long long time ago.

Their little village had grown over the year. It was beginning to look like home again, and with more people arriving, it was only getting bigger. They were once again connected with their sister Tribe. They didn't have to worry about their little village falling under attack.

And it was all thanks to her granddaughter, Katara. She was only a few months away from marrying age, it had been too long.

She watched for that sky bison, knowing that her granddaughter was going to be arriving any day now. She smiled, it had been a long, long time.

"Gran-Gran!" Katara hugged her grandmother tightly, her eyes moist from happiness. "I haven't seen you in so long"

Sokka joined them, the two of them hugged their grandmother for a long time. It really had been a long time, there were many stories to tell.

The tribe had grown. The walls were higher, there were many more homes. It was a wonderful sight to see. So many more people were walking around. Waterbenders were training and Katara felt as though her home was finally complete. The world seemed to be finally coming together. Was it all because of her? Because of them? She turned her head to look at Zuko, who was simply standing there wearing his borrowed blue coat. She smiled and grabbed his hand, pulling him over to her family. "Gran-Gran, meet Zuko" She said, her smile light. She was at home here. He wasn't, but at least with him around means that starting fires would be easier.

Gran-Gran eyed him carefully, Zuko's expression shifting to a slightly worried one, hoping he could pass judgment. Doing his best not to grip Katara's hand any tighter.

The old woman broke into a smile. "It's nice to meet you" She said warmly. "I welcome you into the family." She bowed her head respectfully, he was still the Fire Lord, and still wore the headpiece. He, in return, bowed his head to her.

Katara beamed, squeezing his hand tightly.

Being back home was wonderful. The first night they were back, even though they were exhausted from greeting everyone and making plans. A date had been set, and her heart was racing. When it was darker, when everyone else had gone to sleep, the two of them went for a walk. Hand in hand, his other hand holding a small ball of fire for light.

They walked to the old Fire Nation ship. Katara told him stories about it. They didn't go inside, but the two of them climbed to the very top and sat together, his arms winding around her tightly. Though it was a little difficult because of their bulky coats.

They talked for a long time, sitting together in the snow. Noses occasionally brushing together softly as they spoke, occasionally letting their lips fall together gently. It was the story romance she had always dreamed of, even if the circumstances were completely different than what she had originally thought.

But Zuko was realizing something. Something he should have known for a long time. Something that, looking back, he had always known.

She had always been a passionate woman. He had always desired a fight between the two of them. He had always wanted her. First it had been to find her, to capture her, to turn her in. Whatever had gone through his mind at the time. But now it was completely different. He wanted her for her. He wanted her to care for him, he wanted her to be his, and he wanted to belong to her.

He ran his fingers through her soft hair. It had grown much longer in the last few months. It was hanging down past her waist now. His own hair was getting longer too, but he had been cutting it somewhat regularly.

Being in the cold was a new experience for him - having been used to living either on a ship sailing endless waters or travelling on relatively warm ground. Walking around, living, and sleeping within the snow like this was completely new to him. He was grateful for the warm animal skins that decorated the walls and floors. It made everything comfortable.

Zuko did like it here, it had given him time to see how other people had lived. Their life here was much harder than the life he had lived. Everyone's lives had been difficult, the Fire Nation hadn't helped. Which was something he was ashamed of. But it felt nice knowing that he was finally trying to make it right.

Zuko was up early. He just wasn't used to the cold, even with all the layers he wore. Katara was still sleeping and he made his way out to see the others. Aang was awake too, holding a rolled letter in his hands. He was outside, sitting on the top of one of the walls. He climbed up to meet him and sat down, that's when Aang passed him the letter grimly.

After reading it, Zuko sighed heavily. The Earth Kingdom was in trouble. Fire Nation soldiers who had been in the towns were being held captive, they were being mistreated. In other places, the Fire Nation soldiers were still stamping on the Earth Kingdom villagers. "We're going to have to fix this" Aang said softly. "We all need to live and work together, we can't let them suffer. Revenge isn't the answer." His voice was calm, his expression steady.

"You're right" Zuko replied, his voice gruff. But he couldn't just.. leave. He had to keep planning, he had to take care of everything. He couldn't just go.

But he had to. It was his duty. Which meant that someone had to stay. Katara was going to be left behind. He clenched his jaw hard, tightening his hands into fists.

Katara didn't know what was happening, when Aang and Zuko walked in with sullen expressions. She rose and walked to them, lightly resting a hand on the fire bender's arm. "What's going on?" She asked, looking between the two of them.

"There's trouble in the Earth Kingdom. People are suffering, they're still using their power after the war. They're trying to get revenge." Aang said, looking at her with a hard expression.

"Then let's go" She said earnestly as the letter was passed to her.

"You can't go, Katara" Zuko stated, not looking at her. "You need to stay and heal, there's too much we need to do."

Her heart fell, then anger took its place. "No!" She stated. "I can't stay behind. I need to go with you, I have to help them too!"

"No." Was all he said.

"He's right" Aang said. "You have to stay behind, Katara. You're in no condition to fight, and you have your own duty to fulfill. You can't be running off."

"I don't wantto stay behind!" The female growled. "How dare you tell me I can't go? This is my duty too!"

"No, it's not. You're staying." The others in the room were quiet, watching the argument. The irritated water bender pushed roughly between the two to make her way outside. Zuko made to follow, but Aang grabbed his arm.

"Give her time. She'll realize it's for the best" His voice was firm, and the male sighed.

"I suppose you're right.."

She was mad.

She was mad because they told her she couldn't go. She was mad because her arm was still sore. She was mad that they were right. Someone needed to stay behind. The people of the Fire Nation were Zuko's business. Not hers.

Katara wanted to go with them. They were her friends and she didn't feel right leaving them behind. She heard footsteps behind her, and didn't bother looking up.

"Katara?" He started, walking towards her slowly. She was sitting in the snow, her knees pulled to her chest. Her brother walked up behind her, kneeling and wrapping his arms around her. "I know you don't like it." He started. "I'm going to stay here with you, so you won't be alone. We'll have Gran-Gran and the other members of our tribe too."

"You should just go, Sokka." Came her bitter reply. "Don't stay here, I know you don't want to."

"Not if you'll be unhappy. You're my sister, it's my job to stand by you."

She turned and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Thank you Sokka" She said gratefully.

"We're not leaving for a few days, so we can all spend some time together first."

Zuko felt absolutely terrible. He wished that he could stay behind. He wished that Katara could join him. Aang said that it was for the best, with the Avatar and the Fire Lord attempting to bring peace to these towns, their influence would stretch much farther.

And someone needed to stay behind to continue the preparations for the ceremonies. Unfortunately, that duty fell upon Katara. After she stormed off, Zuko cut himself off from everyone, choosing to wait in Katara's room for her to come back. The ice made him cold, but the lantern was hot in his hand. He could wait it out.

It wasn't until very late at night that Katara returned, looking surprised to see him sitting on her bed of furs. "Katara I—"

"Is this where you were all night?" She asked kindly, which surprised him, she had been so angry earlier. He nodded, and she smiled faintly, sliding off her coat slowly. She didn't struggle with her arm as much, he could tell it still hurt, but it obviously didn't hurt too much. "You must be hungry, there was quite a large meal out there. I missed you."

Zuko was surprised when she came over to him, sitting down on the bed beside him and placing one arm around his shoulders. "So, you're not mad?"

She shook her head. "I was.." She looked at the ground for a moment, then back up at him. "Sokka's planning on staying." She slid her fingers through his hair lightly, he shivered slightly.

"I wish I didn't have to leave you."

"We all have our part to play in this. If we want to help, this is what we have to do." Even if it meant that the two of them had to split up for awhile. It didn't matter – he'd see her again soon. He silenced whatever she had been about to say next with his mouth, which she greeted by humming slightly.

Cautiously, he pulled her into his lap. It was so much warmer when she was here, hopefully she wouldn't make him leave tonight. After all, he had opted to ignore dinner to wait for her in case she was angry.

Every move she made caught him off guard. From the way her hand slid across his chest and how easily she was able to slip her small hand into his coat. He wondered, briefly, if Katara missed Aang. The thought was brief as her lips trailed gently across his scar to kiss his neck.

They had been planning and preparing everything for a long time, a couple months, and in those months their relationship had progressed. She was on his mind all the time, he couldn't even think half the time when she was around. He was going to miss her. But she was sliding off his coat and vaguely surprised how quickly she was taking control of the situation.