In a New Light

Chapter 12 – The Sounds of Sunset

-/\/\/\/\/\/\-

"When did you arrive?" Katara asked Aang as they were led by one of the Earth King's servants into the palace.

"Hm, a couple hours ago? It was still dark," Aang replied. "General Iroh wanted to walk around the lower ring to visit his old apartment and that's when we ran into Smellerbee and Long Shot."

"How did they seem?" Katara asked carefully.

Aang scrunched up his face in thought, "fine mostly. They were surprised to see Iroh in Fire Nation clothes, and there was some confusion for a while until I figured out that their friend 'Lee' was our Zuko. They didn't believe me at first that he was really Fire Lord, but when Iroh explained that he was part of the White Lotus who retook the city during the comet, they came around."

"But even so, they must at least be upset that someone they considered to be their friend had been lying to them the entire time they knew each other," Katara said, still concerned.

Aang shrugged, "well, you can ask them yourself, I invited them to stay at the palace with us during the conferences."

Katara looked back behind her to where Smellerbee and Long Shot were talking animatedly with Sokka, Suki and Toph. She had to admit that they didn't seem too bothered by the whole situation. "Are you sure King Kuei is going to be okay with you inviting more guests into his home?" she turned back to Aang as they passed through the inner wall into the main courtyard of the palace.

"He's got plenty of room, and the more the merrier right? Besides, I'm the Avatar, he can't say no," he said with a cheeky grin.

Katara rolled her eyes, "Aang you know you can't keep pulling the Avatar card all the time, especially when we're here as his guests."

Aang shrugged again, "I just ended the hundred-year war, I think I'm entitled to a little bit of Avatar privileges" He didn't drop his grin.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "fair enough, I guess." Truthfully, she was glad to see his confidence back after all the indecision from a week ago. But she wasn't going to let him know that, no need to inflate his ego any more than it already was.

The Earth Kingdom's palace was much more spacious and open that the Fire Nation's. Where the Fire Nation had long hallways and tall pillars, the Earth kingdom had open courtyards and ornate murals made of earth. But they both shared a feeling of an almost haunting emptiness.

Their large group was slowly broken up into smaller groups as the servants split them up to lead them down different halls to their respective wings.

"Um, why are we aren't we all just staying in the same wing? Surely there's enough room in one side of the palace for all of us – we can even share rooms if we have to," Katara said to the servant who was closest to her. The idea of being separated from all her friends again gave her that familiar sinking feeling in her stomach.

"It is the Earth King's wish that the representatives from each nation stay in their own quarters so that there are no negotiations beyond the meeting rooms," the servant, a thin short man with a long skinny beard, said mechanically. "Now, if you and your brother will follow Ta Ling up toward the North Hallway, we will get you situated with the rest of the Water Tribe peoples."

"W-wait," Katara held out her hand impatiently before the servant turned away from her, "it doesn't make sense for us to all be separated! I mean, I'm here with the Avatar, and surely you aren't going to be making him stay alone as the only representation for the Air Nomads!?" The servant looked over her, barely managing to hide his disdain, which Katara promptly ignored, "and in addition, I'm also here as the sole medical representation for Zu – the Fire Lord, he's still going to need healing for the next few days!"

"Ah, yes, I was aware that there would be a few more complicated situations with some of our guests," the servant said with an air of annoyance. "Because of your circumstances, the Earth King has allowed those of you travelling with the Avatar to be allowed to choose where to stay. But know that wherever you decide will be who you represent in the upcoming meetings."

Katara's jaw dropped, affronted. "That's hardly fair! The whole point of being here is to come up with compromises – how is this good for anyone!?"

"It is the way it is, Miss," the servant said indifferently, finally turning away from her.

"Classic Ba Sing Se," Toph said, coming up from behind her, "just more walls and more rules."

"I just thought it would be better now that the war is over," Katara huffed.

"So, who're you going to pick, Sweetness? Your friends, your people, or lover boy?" she teased.

"Toph! Will you shut up with that!?" Katara scolded, while Toph only chuckled. She spoke again a moment later when she realized Toph was actually expecting an answer. "I guess I'll have to stay with the Water Tribe. My dad, Sokka and I will be the only people here from the Southern Tribe, and they'll need all help they can get," she breathed out, exasperated.

"And what about Fire Lord Hot Head?"

Katara shot her useless warning look, "I'll just sneak out in at night. It should only be another day or two anyway."

"Niiiice," Toph practically giggled, "we've been here all of ten minutes, and you're already defying their rules."

"So, then I take it you won't be staying with the Earth Kingdom delegation?" Katara asked knowingly.

"No way! I don't owe these stiffs any loyalty!" Toph punched one fist into the other palm.

"What're you so glad about?" Sokka said, hobbling closer to them on his crutch.

"Oh, Toph's just excited to break some rules," Katara said waving her hand.

Sokka nodded in solidarity, "I'm with you there. Can you believe they won't let me stay with Suki!? They barely even let the warriors in! Said they were all too 'suspicious.'" He made one-handed air quotes.

"Well, the last time they trusted the Kyoshi Warriors, they took over the entire city in the name of the Fire Nation. And now they come back as the personal guard to the Fire Lord. I mean, you can hardly blame them," Toph pointed out.

"Oh Spirits, this really is going to be harder than we thought, isn't it," Katara sighed.

Sokka made a noise of disgruntled agreement, and he and Katara waved goodbye to Toph and Aang and made their way up to the North Wing of the palace.

- \/\ -

"Gran-Pakku!" Sokka exclaimed when they walked into the common area of the North Wing. He hopped over to give him an enthusiastic hug.

"Ah, yes, good to see you too my boy," Pakku responded, patting Sokka's shoulder gruffly.

Katara walked over to give him a hug as well, "it is great to see you Master Pakku – we didn't know you'd still be in the city."

"Yes, well, Iroh asked me to stay and keep an eye on things while he checked on his nephew after the comet – and I heard you did a marvelous job healing him up, is that right?" Pakku asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"Yes I – " Katara started before Sokka interrupted her.

"Yeah, yeah Katara healed Zuko and took down Azula, but you know I helped too! Everyone seems to be forgetting I broke my leg while taking down a fleet of airships!" he gesticulated to his leg enthusiastically.

"We have not forgotten my boy, and we are all very proud of your efforts," Pakku said dismissively, "your father has actually arranged for you to be seen by our healers before the first meeting, so why don't you go find him over by the fireplace while I speak to your sister some more."

"But I – "

"Time is of the essence boy!" Pakku cut him off.

Sokka grumbled away, "stupid waterbenders… acting like it's some secret club… I did cool stuff too… dad will care… tell him all about my 'airship slice!'"

"That boy needs to learn not to talk so much," Pakku said under his breath, turning back to Katara.

Her brow furrowed, "he deserves recognition as much as I do, Pakku."

"He's a big boy, he can handle it," Pakku said, effectively steering the conversation elsewhere. "But I do have something important to talk to you about."

He motioned for them to sit at one of the couches in the center of the spacious room. She took a seat and looked at him apprehensively. Other than waterbending training and Gran-Gran, she wasn't sure what else she and Pakku really had in common to discuss.

"So, ever since we saw each other just before the comet, and you explained how you had learned to meditate from Iroh's nephew, I've been thinking," Pakku began.

Katara had never seen him excited before, and nodded hesitantly for him to keep going.

"It got me thinking about all the experience you've had travelling all over the world, and all of the unique and adaptive waterbending you would have learned, and well, I was hoping you accept my offer of becoming a waterbending teacher alongside me – well, not alongside per se, because your class would be quite unique and – "

"W-what, hold on, Master you're going too fast," Katara protested.

"– I already have two students, a brother and sister, who are very eager to learn from you. And you'd have all the freedom you have now, because it would be all over the world and – "

Katara held her hands up, "Master Pakku, wait, what exactly are you suggesting? You want me to… teach?" This was the man who, just half a year ago, refused to let her even learn combative waterbending, and now he wanted her to teach a brother and sister – and then there was something about all over the world?

"My apologies, I've gotten too excited and gotten ahead of myself," Pakku took a breath. "I have an idea for a different type of waterbending school, where instead of learning only in the North Pole, the students could travel to all four nations to learn different forms of waterbending that are more possible in other regions. I've heard from Iroh, among others, that you've adapted your skillset quite a bit since travelling in the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation, yes?"

While he was making more sense, Pakku was still talking a little too quickly for Katara's brain to fully catch up. "Uh, yes?"

"Ah, good!" Pakku clapped his hands together, "I'll send word to Sangook and Keo that you've agreed to teach them. Keo especially has been looking forward to this since I sent word last week – "

"Pakku, wait!" Katara hissed. "Yeesh you and Madame Zhi would really get along great," she muttered under her breath. "I really appreciate the offer, but I need to think about it. I honestly have no idea where I'll be after the peace conferences, I could be anywhere."

Pakku nodded in understanding, "but that's the beauty of it, my girl. I would send the students to you – you could teach them about bending the water in plants in the Earth Kingdom, or taking water right out of the air in the Fire Nation, and those meditation techniques you learned would be especially spiritually enriching in the Air Nomad temples – now that there's peace, we can all learn from each other again."

There's not peace quite yet… she thought worriedly before another thought struck her. "Pakku… how do you even know I learned all of that?"

"Oh, General Iroh was gushing about you a bit while we waited for our opportunity to retake the city during the comet," Pakku said proudly.

Katara's face scrunched in confusion, "but I've never told Iroh any of that eithe-" She stopped mid-sentence, her lips parted. Zuko. I've either shown or told Zuko about all of those things. He… he spoke to his uncle about me? When could he have even… that night he went into Iroh's tent to apologize? They had only a few hours together and Zuko spent some of it talking about… me? It was the only time that made sense, and yet she found herself looking for reasons to disbelieve it. The corner of her mouth turned up involuntarily in a fond smile, while a pink blush dusted her cheeks.

"I… I still have to think about it Master Pakku, thank you for thinking of me," she said, her voice cracking as she shook herself out of her haze.

Another adult with another prestigious offer for her. She had to admit that Pakku's travelling teacher idea was inviting, but she wasn't sure if she was ready for it. Even though he had appointed her as a master waterbender, she still felt like she had a lot more to learn. And as much as she didn't want to admit it, she wasn't sure if she was ready to be so much on her own. When she pictured her life in the unknown that was beyond the peace conferences, she was always with at least one of her friends – and the idea of travelling the world without Appa or Aang at a minimum just felt wrong. I suppose Aang could teach with me, and the Avatar teaching classes would certainly get us some more students…

The image of Aang rolling around in the snow playfully instead of learning waterbending with Pakku all those months ago, surfaced in her mind. Yeah, maybe trying to get Aang to focus long enough to teach bending to other people won't be the best idea, she thought fondly.

It would be a big change, and she was glad to have the next week or so to think it over.

Just then there was a knock at the main door that led back to the hallway. Chief Arnook stood from where he had been tapping his foot impatiently in a nearby armchair, and went to answer it.

An Earth Kingdom servant was stood there looking nervous. He bowed tentatively, "greetings Water Tribe peoples. It is now time for the first meeting to begin, if you and your dignitaries will please follow me to the conference room."

Chief Arnook nodded curtly, and motioned for everyone to follow him out of the room. Katara stood with the rest of the men as they made their way down the hallway to where she knew the war meeting room was. As they passed by the main courtyard that sat between the four guest wings of the Palace, she saw Aang and Toph across the way, leaving from the room in the South Wing. Aang caught her eye and waved to her cheerfully. Katara chuckled and waved back, shaking her head at his perpetual positive attitude.

With her attention focused on the far end of the courtyard off to her right, she didn't notice when the line of Water Tribe representatives stopped in front of her, and she ran directly into Pakku's back.

"Unh, oh, sorry Master," she apologized quickly. "Why have we stopped?" she asked curiously, taking note of the disapproving looks the other men were giving her as they proceeded through the door to the conference room.

"Erm, well, I'm sorry my dear, but Chief Arnook has explicitly stated that only those designated by him are to represent the Water Tribes," Pakku replied, unable to meet her eye.

"Right. And I'm here with my brother and father as the only representation for the Southern Tribe," she responded tersely.

"…er yes, my dear, that's true. But Chief Arnook has asked that only Chief Hakoda and your brother Sokka be the official representatives," Pakku's voice slowly grew smaller.

Katara inhaled through her nose, doing her best to fight the anger that was rising in her chest. "Are you telling me that I gave up my spot to represent the war heroes with Aang and Toph, just for you to stop me right before the meeting started!? My father is Chief in his own right, Arnook has no power to make decisions for him or our tribe!"

Pakku held his hands up in front of him, "you need to understand that this was not my decision my chil – "

"Oh!? Oh, was it not your decision!?" Katara snapped back, unable to contain her temper any longer, "but it was your decision to offer me the teaching position right!? They were fine with that idea apparently, so what exactly is the problem with me representing my own goddamn nation!?"

"They uh, have seen and acknowledged your prowess as a bender and I was able to convince them to let you teach," Pakku said sheepishly, "but for them to allow you to voice your opinions in an official setting such as this, is another thing entirely."

Katara practically growled in response, feeling the water in the nearby potted plants shiver as she clenched her fists to her sides. In the months she had spent away from the Northern Water Tribe, she had forgotten about their sexist policies. With Pakku allowing her to become a master, she must have somehow deluded herself that she had made significant changes to century old traditions.

"If… if that's all your questions my dear, I should probably, just head…" Pakku pointed to the door behind him and awkwardly slid inside.

As soon as it shut, Katara yelled out her rage, throwing her hands up, and smashing the potted plants in the process. She wanted to stomp her feet and cry, but resigned to just quietly huff out her anger for a few seconds instead. Someone surely must have heard the clay pots shatter and she didn't want to bring more attention to herself.

A moment later, her suspicion was confirmed as Sokka stuck his head out of the door, clearly balanced awkwardly between the door frame and his crutch.

"…They aren't letting you in?" he asked carefully, not meeting her eyes.

Katara let out a resigned sigh, and looked up at him sharply, "stay and represent the Southern Tribe with Dad. And you better do a good fucking job." She pointed at him harshly as she made her demands, immediately turning on her heel when he nodded back to her meekly.

Finally giving in to the urge, she stomped her way to the courtyard between the four guest wings, and found herself in front of a small pond. The whole courtyard was a beautiful Zen garden, with perfectly placed rocks and sand sculptures, a few small ponds and trickling streams. But, right now, Katara didn't see any of it. As far as she was concerned, the air in the entire palace had turned red from her rage.

Something about the calm movement of the pond in front of her only made her angrier. She closed her eyes to grasp at the water sloppily, pulling it up toward herself, only to thrash it back down. She repeated this a few times until there was more water on her clothes and in the grass surrounding her than in the pond itself. She collapsed to the ground out of breath.

Not bothering to bend the water out of her clothes, she just let it seep in and coat her skin. What made everything worse is that she should have expected this. When she left the common room, she had noticed that none of the women who had been healing Sokka's leg had followed along with them, and yet she still felt completely blindsided.

It must have only taken a few minutes for her breathing to return to normal, but it felt like an eternity. Slowly, she became aware of approaching footsteps. The courtyard must have looked like a mess, and it was probably one of the Earth King's servants come to tell her to leave, but she didn't care. She'd stay there and soak in her rage all day, she wasn't going to be listening to anymore orders today.

"Katara, why aren't you in the meeting?" a concerned voice drifted into her ears.

Oh, it's Aang, she relaxed slightly. "Pakku," she answered numbly.

"Oh," Aang said, floating down to sit cross legged with ease.

"Actually, not just Pakku. Arnook and all the rest too," Katara elaborated, pushing herself up to rest on her elbows and turn her face toward his.

"I thought things were better with Pakku now though? You said he was all proud of you when you saw him before the comet?" Aang asked curiously.

Katara sighed, and sat up fully, "not proud enough to convince the rest of the tribe that my opinions matter. Apparently, all I did was add the job of 'waterbending teacher' to the list of approved job titles for Water Tribe women," she spat bitterly.

"That's doesn't sound fair," Aang scrunched his face in distaste.

"Tell me about it…" Katara mumbled, picking at the damp grass by her feet. "Wait, Aang," she looked up at him, "what are you doing out here? I saw you go into the meeting."

"Oh, I left to come find you," he said simply, flashing her a sly grin, "I told them I wouldn't allow them to start the meeting without you there."

Her jaw dropped slightly, feeling a little giddy. "You stopped the first peace meeting in a hundred years, just to come get me?"

"Yep," he confirmed, matching her smile. "I'm telling you; you shouldn't knock the power of being the Avatar."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, but still smiled to show him her gratitude. "…So, you're saying that they'll hold the meeting for as long as it takes for you to convince me to come back inside?"

"Yep," he nodded, "I made them swear not to talk politics until I was back in the room. And then Toph threatened to smash their hands if they didn't wait for me, and that shut them up."

"Well, then I think we should make them wait a little longer then, shouldn't we?" She grinned and leaned back on her hands and crossed her ankles.

Aang chuckled and matched her relaxed positioning. "Sounds good to me, I hate meetings anyway."

Katara smiled, and they were quiet for a moment as they both leaned back and let their skin absorb some sunlight.

"Aang, what's your plan once the peace conferences are over?" she turned her face back toward him, realizing she hadn't asked him about it yet. He was in a similar position as she was after all; she had been so preoccupied with her own place in the no longer war-torn world, that she hadn't even considered that it must be a thousand times worse for Aang. He really had nowhere to go back to.

"I've actually been wanting to talk to you about it," he said, holding her gaze. "I was thinking about restoring all of the air temples. No one's been around for them for a hundred years, and now that I am here, I sort of feel like it's what I was meant to do next. And, well…" he paused, looking shy. "I was wondering if you'd want to come with me – I mean, I know the Southern Water tribe needs rebuilding too, and even the Northern Tribe too, and you'll want to spend time with your family now that you can, but, I'd really love it if you came with me too." His eyes were wide with hope, and she could see from his expression alone how much it would mean to him for her to say yes.

It was the first offer that had been presented to her that didn't feel like a job. And he was the first person not to immediately assume that she would agree. Beyond all of that, it sounded nice. She had come to really love travelling on Appa, and learning more about the Air Nomads and Aang's culture sounded fascinating. Plus, she was sure that with Aang in charge there would be plenty of down time to just have fun, and probably ride a wild animal or two. She realized she was smiling as she thought it over. But she had told both Pakku and Madame Zhi that she would consider their offers, and while she wasn't thrilled with Madame Zhi, and was definitely still upset with Pakku, it was only fair to all of them that she give each option a fair amount of consideration.

"That sounds really amazing, Aang, honestly," she answered sincerely, "but I'd like some time to think about, if that's okay?"

He nodded as if he had been expecting her to say just that. "I understand, just let me know."

She nodded back in confirmation, before leaning back again to stare up at the sky, weighing exactly how many more minutes were appropriate to keep all of the world's leaders waiting on her.

"Okay, I'm feeling a little guilty now, let's go in."

Aang used his airbending to lift himself back up to his feet and they walked side by side back to the large double doors.

As soon as they entered the room Katara could feel that everyone had just been talking about her. There was a hushed murmur running throughout the room and everyone was staring at the two of them from the corner of their eyes. Taking a look around the room, she saw all of the Water Tribe men, minus her father and Sokka, were looking at her with open disappointment. Pakku continued to avoid her eyeline.

Past the Water Tribe delegation, sat around the far-left corner of the large map that took up the center of the room, was Zuko and the rest of the representatives from the Fire Nation. Apart from her own new group of only three people, the Fire Nation had the least number of representatives, with only Zuko flanked by Mai and Iroh, and the small handful of Kyoshi Warriors that had met up with Suki and Ty Lee earlier this morning. Quickly running her eyes over each of their faces, she could tell that at least none of them were upset with her disruptive entrance. Zuko and Iroh both seemed almost proud of her actually. Zuko much less outwardly so, but she knew the slight curve at the corner of his mouth well enough to be sure.

The far-right corner of the map is where the large Earth Kingdom delegation sat. King Kuei was surrounded by tens of generals and other dignitaries, many of whom Katara recognized from her time in the Palace before the city fell to Azula. Even General Fong and King Bumi were there all the way from the western edges of the Earth Kingdom. King Bumi seemed to be the only person in the room who had no idea that the meeting had even been interrupted or stalled in the first place, he had been too busy playing with Momo while Aang was gone.

Aang led Katara over to where Toph was sitting at the near right-hand corner of the room, and they both sat down wordlessly.

Leaning over, Aang whispered into Toph's ear, "how did it go while I was gone?"

"No crushing was needed. But we'll definitely want to watch out for some of these goons. They were muttering under their breath as soon as you stood to leave," Toph jabbed her thumb in the direction of the men and few women surrounding King Kuei.

Not a moment later General Fong cleared his throat and rose from where he had been sitting behind the Earth King, "now that the teenage shenanigans with the Avatar and his little crush have been dealt with, can we please move on with the meeting?"

Katara clenched her fists, but willed herself not to retort. She knew responding to the bait would just further reinforce his ideas.

"As the girl is Water Tribe, we would like to apologize on her behalf. She was not meant to be representing us as these accords, and we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience she has caused," Chief Arnook stated, rising from his seat as well.

With a deep resigned breath Katara stood as well, forcing her words to stay steady, "as Chief Arnook and the rest of the Tribe have made clear, I do not represent them, and therefore they do not have the capacity to represent me or any apologies I may or may not decide to give. Now we have all come here for a reason so why don't we all – "

She was cut off by General Fong, who's strong voice overrode hers easily. "Come now, Your Highness," he turned toward King Kuei, "certainly you are not going to let this young girl have such an influence over such an important meeting!"

With her nails carving small half-moons into her palms, Katara was ready to defend herself further, when there was a strong gust of air that came from her right and caused everyone standing to stagger backwards.

"Enough!" Aang roared. "Katara is here regardless whether any of you like it or not! She helped end this war just as much as I or the rest of my friends did! While you two," he pointed at Arnook and then at Fong, "just sat around on your asses and waited for the war to end, Katara took down Azula before she could claim the Fire Nation for herself! Something that, if I remember correctly, none of you," he now turned to look directly at all of the military personnel around the Earth King, "were able to do when Azula came for Ba Sing Se!" The soldiers shifted uncomfortably. "Katara is a war hero, and regardless of my feelings for her, she deserves to be here, and you all just have to deal with it!"

Katara's cheeks flamed and she felt the small trickle of a tear line her eye as gratitude swelled in her chest. Aang huffed and sat back down crossed legged next to her and gave her a swift nod before turning his gaze back to the rest of the room, who were all still stunned into silence.

"Now, General Fong, why don't you start off with some of the concerns regarding the peace treaty that you're clearly very eager to discuss," Aang prompted, his voice regaining its professionality.

As the meeting commenced Katara couldn't help but occasionally glance at Aang in awe. She had forgotten how commanding he could be. How he really knew how to be decisive and get people to listen to him when the moment called for it. He was no longer the little kid who ran away from his responsibilities, secretly hoping he wasn't the Avatar. She was proud of him.

- \/\ -

Time dragged on slowly as it became clear that each nation was focused solely on themselves. What they individually wanted from the Fire Nation as retribution before they would accept peace. The Water Tribes wanted punishment, and the Earth Kingdom – led by General Fong, rather than King Kuei – wanted money so that they could help rebuild and take back the lands that were stolen by the Fire Nation.

Zuko remained silent during most of their demands, listening intently and nodding along respectfully. Occasionally he would listen as Mai or Iroh would lean over to whisper in his ear, which was usually followed by an exasperated sigh and pinching of the bridge of his nose. He gave the Earth Kingdom counsel no answer for today, stating his apologies for the state of the world, and telling them he needed time to go over everything with his advisors before making a decision.

This was met with some grumbles and general distaste from both the Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom, but Aang stood to pacify them both and remind everyone that just managing to speak civilly to one another for an extended period of time was some to be proud of. He effectively ended the meeting and everyone agreed to reconvene at the same time the next day. Everyone stood and bowed customarily before meandering out of the room and to their respective halls.

"Phew! Man, am I glad that is over," Toph exclaimed as she, Katara and Aang made their way across the courtyard toward the South Hall. Where the sun had shone brightly on their faces earlier today, now there was only the faint glow of the signature green Earth Kingdom crystals to light their path.

Katara scoffed, "oh please, you were asleep half the time, you barely even had to listen to any of it!"

"Well maybe if that Arnook guy didn't have such a boring voice, I could have stayed awake," she crossed her arms. "I don't know why I even need to go to any more of these things, I've heard enough."

"Sorry Toph," Aang said as he pushed open the door to their shared common room, "but we need you in case anyone starts lying."

"Ugh, can't you guys just find another blind earthbender to do it for you?" Toph said as she flopped down onto the large couch that stood in front of the fireplace.

Katara rolled her eyes as Aang fell for her compliment bait, "come on Toph, you know there's no one like you."

"Right you are Twinkle Toes," she crossed her ankles, "now if you two would be quiet so I could get my beauty sleep, thanks."

This time Aang joined Katara in rolling his eyes, and they both headed down the adjoined hallway nonetheless.

The layout of the South Hall's residential quarter looked to be a mirror image of the North Hall where the Water Tribes were staying. There was the large and spacious common room, full of comfortable chairs and couches, a stone fireplace with special crystals instead of wood – so that the fire would burn green – and then a long dining table next to the window on the far wall beyond the last of the arm chairs. To the right of the common room was a long hallway, lit by more glowing crystals in sconces, and about half a dozen doors on each side. Which, Katara presumed, led to the actual bedrooms.

The first door on the left had Aang's glider propped up against it, while the door across from it on the right, had Katara's small pack of belongings slumped beside it. Someone must have taken it back from the Water Tribe's hall at some point during the day.

"Well, I'm gonna get some sleep too, see you tomorrow?" Aang asked as Katara bent down to grab her sack of things.

"Wait," she turned back around quickly, slinging the bag over her shoulder as she went. Her hand shot out to grasp his before he could reach for the door.

He shifted to face her again, his eyebrows raised as he looked from where both of their left hands were intertwined, up to the sincere gaze of her eyes.

"I, I wanted to thank you for standing up for me today. You didn't have to, and I think it'll really make a difference over the next few days," her cheeks warmed.

He smiled fondly, "of course! I meant it; you deserve to be here more than most of those assholes."

Katara raised her brow teasingly at his swearing, and laughed lightly. "Well, thanks. And hopefully it'll be smooth sailing from here." She stepped forward to lightly kiss his cheek.

His smile widened a fraction, and his eyes shined. Something about the way he was looking at her with admiration made her chest swell. She turned around with a wave before she let him see her own smile creep any further up her cheekbones.

"Goodnight!" she called back and she pushed open the door to her bedroom.

The room was simple, a bed, a stone desk, and a set of dresser drawers with a mirror mounted on top. There must have been a shared bathroom somewhere down the hall. Knowing time was of the essence, Katara plopped her bag down at the foot of the bed and began to rummage until she found what she was looking for.

Her Fire Nation outfit was her best bet at getting in and out of the West Hall where Zuko and the rest of his party were staying, but she'd have to leave soon if she wanted to get a healing session in before the evening curfew set in. The fact that Ba Sing Se still had a curfew, and actually enforced it in the palace of all places made her roll her eyes and scoff to herself as she tied the knot at the bottom of her shirt.

Glancing over herself quickly, she decided she looked Fire Nation enough and she set out back to the open-air hallway next to the center courtyard. She wrung her hands nervously as she approached the west side. Getting caught sneaking into the new Fire Lord's bedchamber at night wouldn't look good for anyone. Even if they believed the truth, surely one of the Avatar's representatives giving personal medical attention to the supposed "enemy" would be a huge conflict of interest. And she didn't need another reason for Fong or Arnook, or anyone else, to dismiss her credibility in the meetings.

Once she reached the corner that connected the South and West Halls, she stopped to conceal herself behind one of the stone pillars and scan the area. The plan was to just walk into the common room like she belonged and hope that either the Kyoshi Warriors wouldn't notice her, or would recognize her and let her through. But as her eyes drifted further down to the main door, she saw that the Kyoshi Warriors weren't on duty after all. That same Earth Kingdom servant from earlier today was standing patiently, staring directly ahead.

Shit. They really must not trust the Warriors anymore.

Taking a moment to observe the rest of her surroundings, Katara moved on to Plan B: sneaking through the windows. To her left the West Hall continued on to connect to the rest of the Palace, and just beyond where it intersected with the South Hall there was a large window cut directly out of the stone of the wall. She tiptoed over, careful not to alert the servant-turned-guard, and looked down to see that the ground below the window was only a few feet beneath her. The jump would be easy enough.

With one last glance to her right to make sure she wouldn't be seen, she vaulted herself over the edge and landed with a precise thud. As she made her way along the backside of the hall, trying to assess which room could be Zuko's, it occurred to her that there hadn't been a guard outside her own room. And she hadn't seen any other servants or guards on her way over here either.

Must be the entire Fire Nation they don't trust. She scoffed, but after everything, she wasn't sure she could really blame them. To everyone else here, Zuko was just another Fire Lord. Son of former Fire Lord Ozai. What reason would they have to trust him?

A light from the window directly above her ignited and she was knocked out of her thoughts. She kept closer to the wall and made her way further along, deciding to peek into the rooms at the far end first, where the ground had begun to slope upward and would give her a better vantage point to look inside. We really should have set up a meeting time or something…

The first window that was low enough for her to peek into had the green glow of an active glow crystal. Slowly, she rose up onto her toes to look over the lip of the window. It looked like someone was lying down in their bed, but she could only get a good look at their feet.

As she gripped her fingers tighter on the rough earth of the window opening, she saw a rush of motion in the corner of her eye, followed by a light thunk. Someone had just jumped out of the window directly to her right. Katara froze, willing herself to turn invisible.

Shifting her eyes over in the dim light, she couldn't make out anything other than that there was a vaguely person-shaped thing in front of her.

"Katara?" they hissed in confusion.

She blinked a few times as recognition washed over her. It was Suki.

"Hey!" Katara whispered back excitedly. "…why did you just jump out of your window? And why aren't you in your Kyoshi gear?"

"Those stupid Earth Kingdom guys won't let us do our jobs, so I'm off to see Sokka," she said with a flippant wave of her hand.

"Ah," Katara nodded knowingly.

"What about you, why are you here and dressed like that?" Suki motioned to Katara's outfit.

"Healing session," she replied, "I had been hoping you'd let me in actually. The disguise was just in case anyone else saw me."

"I've been hearing about how great Ba Sing Se is my whole life, but now that we're here, this place really drags," Suki rolled her eyes. "I can't do my job, and you have to sneak around to do yours! Why are there so many rules?"

"It really is the worst," Katara couldn't help but smile. Suki usually was a fan of order and routine, but this city had a way of bringing out the inner Toph in them all. "Hey, you know which room is Zuko's right? I really don't want to go jumping through the wrong window."

"Oh yeah! It's two more down, the next one that's lit," Suki pointed just over Katara's shoulder.

Katara thanked her, and they parted with a wave. It was only a few more feet to the room Suki had indicated. She rose up on her toes again, this window was only a few inches above her shoulder and was a little easier to see into. But the room was arranged differently than the one she peeked into earlier. The crystal on the wall was glowing strong, but Katara couldn't see Zuko or anyone else inside. There didn't seem to be a bed inside either. Strange.

Brushing it off, she figured she'd just go inside anyway and wait until he came. With a deep breath she dug her fingers into the flat lip of the window and heaved herself up with all her strength, rolling over it in one swift motion.

As she flopped ungracefully inside, she became aware of several things at once. There was in fact, a bed in the room, it had just been so close to the window that she couldn't see it from where she stood before. And Zuko was definitely in the room as well. In the second and a half since she had taken her to jump through the window, she had landed front first onto a sleeping and shirtless Zuko, bumped her forehead painfully against his teeth and felt his hands as they squirmed, trapped awkwardly between his own chest and her breasts. They both let out a startled yelp and Zuko promptly threw her off of him, leaving her on the floor rubbing her head where his teeth had scraped across her brow.

"Ow," she pointedly.

His eyes roamed over her and she watched as the sleep-induced confusion slowly left him and recognition set in.

"You should have announced yourself!" he growled, "if I had known it was you, I wouldn't have thrown you off!"

"I didn't know you were in here!" she argued. "Wait, what do you mean you wouldn't have thrown me off," she asked, fully realizing what he had said.

His eyes widened and she spotted a faint blush in his annoyance, "you know that's not what I meant!"

I'm not sure I do know that… She shook her head before she could let either of them continue down that conversation. "It's not my fault your bed is so close to the window, and I don't want to argue about it. I had to sneak out to be here, so do you want me to heal you or not?"

She wasn't sure exactly where her own frustration was coming from, he had every right to be annoyed after she had practically pounced on him. But something about his anger was feeding into her own. They just couldn't seem to have a normal interaction lately.

His hard stare only lasted a moment longer before he sighed and slumped his shoulders, "sorry. It's been a long day. I actually was hoping you'd come, but I fell asleep while I was waiting."

She nodded and stood up, grateful for an easy apology, and her previous frustration left as quickly as it had come. "It has been a long day," she agreed, sitting next to him on the bed.

Luckily, any awkwardness surrounding her having to ask him to remove his shirt was avoided as he had already taken it off some time before she arrived.

"It looks to be healing well," she reached out to touch his wound tentatively.

He only nodded and leaned back against his pillows in response – signaling for her to go ahead and start healing. Tucking her legs underneath herself she got into the now familiar position. She was glad to have something to focus on, but this was becoming so routine that her mind drifted as she used the water from her sling to further stitch his skin back together.

"Does Mai know I'm here?" she asked, remembering how she had sat in on their healing session the night before.

"Er… no," Zuko bit his lip.

Katara's brow furrowed but she kept her tone light. She genuinely hadn't meant to imply anything with her question. "Well, you should probably tell her. She has the right to know when the girl who had a crush on her boyfriend sneaks into his room at night," she shrugged as she said it, imagining Mai's face if she had seen the way Katara had tumbled into the room a few minutes ago.

It wasn't until Zuko's head whipped up to face her with a look of surprise that she realized she had actually said it out loud. Shit. She was pretty sure he already knew, but the look on his face told her that hearing out loud must have solidified it for him.

"Had a crush?" he asked after a moment, his voice low.

She gulped. "Uh, what? Is that, uh, what I said? I think you're still tired, you probably misheard or something…" It was lame and she knew it. And she definitely wasn't fooling him.

But he didn't call her out. In fact, the longer the silence dragged on, the more she wasn't sure he had fully heard her response after all. His eyes were far off, deep in thought.

"Do you remember that night after we saw that awful play?" he asked, his voice matching the distance of his gaze.

Do you mean the actual play where we had to watch caricatures of ourselves go at it onstage, or later that night when I imagined what it would be like to kiss you… Remembering anything from that night seemed dangerous right now. "Uh, yeah I remember. Why?"

"You were conflicted about your feelings for Aang. You said there could be something there, but you weren't sure because you were so focused on the war," he turned back to face her. His face looked calm, but there was a slight flicker of something beneath the surface. "I saw the way you looked at him today." It was a statement, but with the slight uptick of a question.

He wasn't demanding an answer, but she couldn't help but wonder what had made him think to ask – and how long he had been thinking about it. "Why, jealous?" she asked, matching the casualty of his tone.

His eyes narrowed and his façade broke for the briefest moment, letting her see that she was at least a little bit right. Triumph threatened to tug at the corner of her mouth, but she kept her cool, and he quickly masked his expression once again. Something clicked in her head. They were playing a game of a sort. Honesty told through aloofness and indifference. Maybe she could get some answers – get some of her feelings out on the table, without showing too many of her cards.

She'd start with the honesty. "I, I still don't know. He means a lot to me, and I have a bond with him that I don't have with anyone else. But clearly, I'm not an expert on figuring out what the hell any of my feelings mean," she finished pointedly, bringing in the aloofness.

His eyes softened, and she knew he understood her meaning.

"Besides, it's not like you'd leave Mai even if I was sure I felt nothing for Aang." The indifference came through in her tone, and she held her breath. Where the sudden bravery to be open with him came from, she didn't know, but there was no turning back now. Her heart was pounding, she knew what she was implying and the risks that came along with committing to asking it. But she needed to know. She needed to know that at least one of them was sure of what they were doing. No more back and forth, no more blushing from surprise touches, no more what ifs, and no more waiting to see if things would change on their own.

As much as she had been telling herself to move on these past few days, she has still been holding out hope. It was tiring. And this could help make it easier.

"No… it, it wouldn't be right," he said firmly, but the apology was clear in his eyes. He was tired too, tired of having to make the decisions, and tired of hurting her.

It was the answer she had been expecting, and this time there was no all-consuming sorrow. Only a dull, far off pain. An improvement overall, she decided.

She nodded, "good. Friends, then?" She posed it as an offer. He could decline if he wanted – surely, she had made the past few days harder on him than they needed to be. The more she thought about it all, the sillier it seemed. The fighting might be over, but in many ways the war was still waging all around them. Neither of them should be worried about this, and she had been unfair to put this added pressure on him.

"Friends," he returned her nod, and a smile of relief lightened his features. Katara couldn't help but smile too. His friendship had been the thing she was most worried about losing, and it looked like he had shared that fear too.

They chatted more easily after that. She asked him how he thought the conference was going so far, and why he hadn't said much. His uncle had told him it would be more respectful to let the other nations let their grievances out first, so that Zuko could respond in the most diplomatic way possible. Most of Iroh's advice was centered around Zuko's image, rather than any policies he could suggest. The other nations have only had negative opinions of the Fire Nation for so long, that Zuko had to do whatever he could to show them that the Fire Lord could be cool, calm, collected – and most importantly, willing to listen.

"You," Katara pointed at him with a chuckle, "he wants you to be calm and collected?"

"Ha, ha" he rolled his eyes. They were now sitting cross legged across from each other, Katara having finished healing him some time ago. "I actually think I did a pretty good job – but those Earth Kingdom fucks are so stuck up I'm not sure Uncle's advice will even matter anyway."

"Yeah! Kuei is lost without someone telling him what to do, and General Fong doesn't seem to care about anything other than his own power or money."

"They're so disconnected from their people, it's a disgrace! I know more about what it's like to live in the slums of Ba Sing Se than they do!" Zuko threw his arms up in exasperation.

Katara sat up straight, "Zuko! You're right!"

"Err, about which part?"

"About knowing more about Ba Sing Se! All of Kuei's delegation are high up military men who have no real experience with the city – and Kuei himself didn't even know about the war until we had to tell him a few months ago!" she said excitedly.

"Yeah… but why do I get the feeling you think this is a good thing?" Zuko asked apprehensively.

"Well, it's not – but I've got an idea of how we can get better representation for the everyday Earth Kingdom citizens, and they might just vouch for you too!" she was practically bouncing up and down in place.

Zuko's eyes flickered as he understood her meaning. "I don't know Katara, I'm not sure they'll really be on my side…"

"Well… maybe not," she said dismissively, wringing her hands, "but it's worth a shot, and there's no way they'll be worse than Fong."

"I guess so," Zuko shrugged, looking unconvinced.

Katara rose to her knees and pushed herself back up onto the window ledge. "Well, I should get going to see if I can talk to them tonight," she turned back to face him. "Um, about your wound… it should mostly heal on its own from now on, but if you're feeling any discomfort I can come back again. We should uh, probably come up with some sort of system so I can know to come if you need me?"

He nodded and thought for a moment. "The servants usually leave spark rocks outside the rooms in the evening, so that everyone can safely make tea if they wanted to – we were all very politely asked not to firebend while in the palace," he grumbled and Katara rolled her eyes. "Anyway, how about if I leave two spark rocks outside your common room, instead of the usual one, it means you should come?"

He looked away sheepishly, and Katara couldn't help but smile. It was still hard for him to admit when he needed something, or someone, she thought. "That sounds like a great idea. Same time as tonight, if needed?"

"Mhm."

She held his gaze a moment longer before giving him a small wave, and hopping back outside.

- \/\ -

The walk back to her room was quiet and simple. There was still the one Earth Kingdom guard outside of the door to the West Hall's common room, but Katara was able to slip by easily enough. When she reached the door to her own quarter, she saw that someone had in fact left a single spark rock inside a small stone box right outside. Should be an easy enough system, she thought as she bent down to grab the box and head inside.

The common room looked like it had exploded in the hour or so that she had been gone. Furniture was overturned, and various sconces of glowing green crystals were completely askew on their walls. Katara would have thought they had been robbed if it weren't for the four sleeping bodies in the center of the room. Toph must have given up her spot on the couch since Katara had left, and was now on the floor next to it instead. Aang too must have left his room, and was now curled up in one of the few still standing arm chairs. And then Long Shot and Smellerbee – who Katara suspected were the reason for the state of the room – were laying across each other haphazardly, with their legs up on the dining table, and shoulders on the ground. The two Freedom Fighters had been missing all day – having not been invited to the actual meetings – and Katara could only imagine what kind of mayhem they had gotten into on their own today. Hopefully they didn't do any irreparable damage. We're going to need them tomorrow.

Katara placed the stone box with the spark rock on a side table near the door and crossed over to where her friends were sleeping. Careful not to disturb any of them, she pulled the armchair next to Aang's upright and settled into it. Being curled up in a small ball, surrounded by her peacefully sleeping friends was infinitely more comfortable than any palace bed could ever be.

- \/\ -

To Katara's surprise, Aang, along with Smellerbee and Long Shot, had come up with a similar plan to the one she and Zuko had thought of the night before – and they were set to put it into motion during the meeting today. Both she and Aang discussed everything in detail, away from the two Freedom Fighters, before heading out, and came to the conclusion that giving them the opportunity to speak could really go either way in terms of where exactly their allegiances would lie. But ultimately, their voices were ones that weren't being heard, and it was more important that they be given an opportunity while they were here.

So far, the meeting was going just about as smoothly as it had the day before. Kuei was indecisive, and Fong and Arnook continued to argue about what they were owed, all while Zuko continued to remain silent.

"Punishment is fine and dandy, but what we really need is money so that we can rebuild – that is the priority of the Earth Kingdom!" General Fong bellowed for the third time this morning.

Becoming exasperated with the repetition, Aang stood and held up a hand to silence the general. "What about you King Kuei, do you agree with General Fong that money to rebuild will be the primary need of the Earth Kingdom in the coming years?"

King Kuei looked startled to have been addressed directly, but stood to respond after a moment. "I apologize Avatar, while I have spent the last month or so travelling to learn more about my country, I must admit I don't think I have the authority to speak to what the Kingdom needs most. I trust General Fong's judgement."

"If that's the case, then maybe you all should hear from people who actually do have firsthand experience of how the war has affected everyday life?" Katara said, standing as well. She was about to nudge Toph so she'd give the signal to Smellerbee and Long Shot that it was time to come in, when General Fong spoke over her again.

"That doesn't even matter right now! None of our suggestions mean anything, if the young Fire Lord here," he jabbed his finger toward Zuko, "won't respond to any of our demands! How are we to get anything done if he just sits in silence!?"

Eyes narrowing in annoyance, Zuko let Fong's words ring throughout the room for a moment before he stood and faced the general. "I have spent the last day and a half listening to everything both you and Chief Arnook have said and asked for, but I think Master Katara has a point: the voices of the citizens should be heard as well."

General Fong shook with anger, "excuse me!? You don't get to decide who does or doesn't get to be heard, fire scum! I have let you sit here and judge us in silence for too long! You people shouldn't have even been allowed at these conferences – we were supposed to be discussing how to take you all down, not mulling over peace strategies with the people who have been trying to eradicate us for the past one hundred years!"

Kuei shifted uneasily in his chair at Fong's mention of a plan to destroy the Fire Nation.

"I know you're angry General," Zuko growled, "you deserve to be. You all deserve to be furious. And you may not believe it, but I am furious too. I am deeply sorry for the pain my country has put you all through, and I am painfully aware that there is nothing I can ever do that will even come close to making up for the damage we have done. I am here to listen to you and help rebuild the world to the best of my abilities. But after hearing you whine for the last day and a half about not being paid enough, I am no longer sure that you are the person who's requests I should be heeding."

Fong looked like a boiling pot getting ready to overflow, positioned to lash back at him any second, but Zuko continued nonetheless. "I want peace, General Fong. This war has done nothing good for my country either. I want peace for all of you, but I want peace for my country as well. And if I cannot show my people that I am at least trying to fight for them – especially the innocent among them – then they will rebel against me, and all of this will have been for nothing!" His anger was controlled, but evident – Katara swore for a second she saw steam coming off the crown tucked into his topknot.

"So, you admit it then?" Pakku's voice drifted over from the Water Tribe delegation.

Zuko turned toward him with surprise, fists still clenched. Arnook and the rest of the Northern Water Tribe looked equally as surprised that Pakku had spoken out of turn.

"You admit that the Fire Nation has shattered the world balance to the point that it would unrecognizable to anyone who was still alive one hundred years ago?" Pakku reiterated.

Zuko's brow scrunched in confusion, "wha – yes, yes of course I do."

"Eeh heh hahahaHAHA! Now this is getting interesting, finally everyone is on the same page!" King Bumi's voice echoed throughout the chamber. His laughter was so sharp that it startled everyone in the room. He had been so uncharacteristically silent this whole time that Katara had forgotten he was even there.

Bumi stood and somehow managed to make eye contact with every single person in the room, causing everyone who was standing to sit back down with mechanical awkwardness.

"Now that we all know the young fire boy just wants peace like the rest of us, I think it's time we actually get going somewhere with this damned meeting. Arnook, I'm sure the fire boy will agree to punishments for those who deserve it – so shut up about it! And Kuei, stop listening to Fong, he doesn't know what he's talking about – he's just here for his own personal interest." Bumi looked at each of them as he addressed them, "Katara and Aang, good idea bringing in your Earth Kingdom friends, I think it's time everyone heard their opinions as well."

Everyone nodded dumbly as Bumi continued to berate them all for not utilizing more neutral jing, while General Fong looked affronted and slowly shrank into himself. Aang looked oddly proud of his old friend, and turned to Katara to flash her a wide hopeful smile. She returned it with ease, relief flooding through her.

Moments later Smellerbee and Long Shot burst in, the former waving smugly while the latter nodded mutely as they passed by the various dignitaries.

Now that Bumi had effectively silenced General Fong, the two Freedom Fighters were given full reign of the floor. They explained how they had come to know the Avatar's group, their run in with Zuko in the lower ring, and how they had been a part of a group of renegades bent on getting revenge on the Fire Nation. The Earth Kingdom militia surrounding King Kuei seemed very interested in that last bit.

Another general – General How, Katara recognized him from her time going over the invasion plans – spoke up once Smellerbee finished explaining who the Freedom Fighters were. "So, you were part of a vigilante group who would raid the Fire Nation colonies and various soldier encampments?"

Long Shot nodded.

"Then, if everything you've said is to be believed, I imagine you both have a deep-seated hatred for the Fire Nation, and by extension the new Fire Lord. Especially after finding out he had been lying to you personally for some time. So, would you both agree with General Fong's assessment that Fire Lord Zuko and his country owe the Earth Kingdom payment?" How was diplomatic and fair, his voice was neutral and never wavered. His question posed with no threats or demands. It was the complete opposite of General Fong's approach to the situation.

Still, the room hinged on the silence that came once the last word left his mouth.

"Hell no." Smellerbee spat.

Katara, Aang and Toph's jaws fell open and they had to fight back laughter. Both General How and Zuko's eyebrows shot up their foreheads in surprise, and Bumi's laughter could be heard ringing throughout the room around them.

"We know firsthand what money and power in the hands of the Ba Sing Se government means for the scum like us. Your Dai Li agents," she pointed abruptly at King Kuei, "brainwashed and killed our friend – and who knows how many others!"

Kuei's face crumbled in sorrow, and after what looked like much deliberation, he stood to address her. "I am deeply sorry to you children. All of you," he said turning to face Katara's side of the room, then toward Sokka over with the Water Tribe men, and finally to Zuko. "You all have suffered at the hands of this war, and at the hands of my own people as well. I did not know of these horrors until recently, and Long Feng has since been dealt with of cou – "

"But that's exactly the problem!" Smellerbee interrupted, refusing to back down, "you don't know shit about what's been going on! At least the barely pubescent Fire Lord over there – " Zuko's face scrunched almost comically in a mixture of confusion and offense, " – knows who he's fighting for and what he's fighting against!"

Things erupted after that. General Fong had regained his defiant attitude, and got into a screaming match with Smellerbee. Kuei continued to look disgusted with himself, while General How tried to calm everyone down. And Bumi's laughter was the soundtrack to it all.

"…Aang," Katara nudged him with her elbow. "Do something," she whispered once he had lent his ear toward her.

"I think it's a good thing!" he whispered back, "they're all finally talking!"

"Yeah, but the plan was to get Long Shot and Smellerbee in with them! They're never going to get anywhere with all of us watching. We should let them talk and the rest of us will adjourn for the day?"

Aang looked around the room and saw the mixture of bored, amused, and judgmental faces of the other nations. "Okay," he confirmed, before he stood and slammed a blast of air down the center of the room with his glider – not unsimilar to the one he had made the day before.

"Quiet!" he bellowed.

He had their attention immediately.

"You all need to learn to listen to each other, so I say we all leave you to figure out what exactly you want, and we'll all come back same time tomorrow. Does that sound fair?"

Everyone looked around and grumbled to themselves but no one made a move to leave. The Water Tribe men especially looked eager to stay – as if they had been watching the world's most entertaining play.

"Ugh," Katara groaned as she got to her feet. "You heard Aang, everyone but the Earth Kingdom side, out!" she said fiercely.

Somehow, that worked, and everyone else slowly made their way out of the room.

Katara, Aang and Toph found themselves sitting around one of the ponds in the center courtyard. Moments later Sokka and Suki joined them, followed by Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee. With the entire Earth Kingdom delegation occupied in the map room, the guards didn't seem too bothered by all the kids lounging around in the zen garden.

"Phew… well that was…" Sokka trailed off, gazing up at the sky.

"Boring," Mai supplied matter-of-factly.

"Well, I was going to say it was a shitshow," Sokka waved his hand noncommittally, "but to each their own."

Everyone laughed at his ease, and even Mai cracked a smile. Having others sort out their problems on their own for once was a weight lifted off all their shoulders, even if they all knew it would only last a few hours.

"We should have like, a secret party once all of this is over!" Ty Lee giggled with excitement, "no adults allowed!"

There was a lull where Katara expected someone to dismiss Ty Lee's penchant for parties, but no one did.

"I hate to say it," Toph spoke up, "but I think I agree with Pinky."

Every one turned to her in surprise.

Toph shrugged, "I'm just saying. It's only been two days of these meetings and I already wanna smash my head in. It'll be nice to have some relaxation to look forward to."

"Ah! Sweet relaxation!" Sokka howled dramatically as he flopped backwards onto the grass, his arms spread straight out from his shoulders, "how I've missed you!"

"Sokka, haven't you spent the last two days being fawned over by all the Northern Water Tribe healers?" Katara said, rolling her eyes.

Sokka lifted his head to glare back at his sister, "hey! Those little old ladies are a lot less gentle than they seem!"

Toph erupted into laughter, while the rest of the group suppressed chuckles at the mental image of the healing women having their way with him.

"Ugh! That's not what I meant – Suki, you know what I meant right?" he turned to look at her desperately.

"Sure sweetie," she patted his shoulder, while flashing the rest of the group a sly grin.

Sokka groaned again, and flopped his forearm over his eyes while continuing to mumble to himself.

They were able to sit and just chat and laugh all together for another half an hour or so before the guards caught on and sent them all back to their respective halls. But not before they had hatched the plan to spend the last night of the conferences holed up at Zuko's Uncle's tea shop. It was a small thing, but just knowing that there was something silly and pressure free to look forward to, allowed a great sense of ease to settle over them all.

- \/\ -

The rest of the meetings went by with relative smoothness. King Kuei kicked General Fong out of his delegation after Smellerbee and Long Shot snuck into his quarters and found evidence of him embezzling money from King Kuei himself. He was planning to use the money to commission various historians from Ba Sing Se university to increase Fong's role in the ending of the war for the official history books. The two Freedom Fighters were then given a permanent position on King Kuei's council as "civilian life" experts, and Kuei would often turn to them for advice whenever he was unsure about a decision.

With General Fong gone, Chief Arnook had lost his focal adversary, and calmed down overall with his own demands. He began to allow other members of the Tribe to speak up more often – women still weren't allowed in the meetings, but he was at least allowing Hakoda to speak for the Southern Tribe.

Zuko became more attentive and involved as well. Making suggestions, and speaking more than just when spoken to. He still listened intently and took everything into account before he would either agree or disagree with an opposing suggestion. But, Katara could see that he was beginning to earn the respect of the foreign leaders. Maybe even their trust.

Grateful as she was to be a part of the meetings, Katara did have to admit that she served little actual purpose being there. The issues being presented were often things that, while she found them profoundly interesting, she had no place giving an opinion on. Even Aang found that he didn't have much input most of the time. Having been gone for the last one hundred years, and therefore missing a lot of the carnage of the war, he couldn't speak much to the details of current politics, or offer many nuanced solutions. However, he still took his duties in the meetings very seriously, and was always the voice of reminder for everyone else. If ever things got off track, Aang was there to remind everyone that their purpose there was to restore balance. He played the peacekeeper extremely well.

He and Katara would often talk at night about how they wished they could contribute more. Aang especially would feel down at the end of the meetings, like he wasn't fulfilling his duties as the Avatar. But Katara couldn't disagree more. For so long the world was without the Avatar, and she knew that his presence alone was enough to make a difference here. The fact that these meetings were Avatar approved and sanctioned spoke volumes of their importance, and of the impact the decisions made here would have on the entire world. Just having him serve as a reminder that world balance was what they were all striving for was exactly what they all needed.

After a few days, King Kuei lifted the ban on inter-nation communications during the day, meaning everyone was allowed to each lunch together. Every day without fail, the entire group would find their way to the edges of the largest pond in the zen garden to enjoy their food together. Katara found herself gravitating toward Aang, even during those small breaks. When they didn't have official business to discuss, they were often joking around and poking fun at all the seriousness that was the "official business."

Everyone bonded together quickly through those short lunch periods, even the Fire Nation girls. Katara had already begun to see Mai, and even Ty Lee, opened up since being on the airship with them, but it was nice to see them become more comfortable around everyone else too. It was beginning to feel more and more like a home. Just for those few precious moments where they all surrounded the pond and laughed about the scandalized expression on King Kuei's face whenever Smellerbee suggested another ridiculous punishment.

Even watching Zuko and Mai together had gotten easier for Katara too. That hollow feeling in her stomach would still creep up occasionally, but it was much smaller than it was before. Most days she didn't even notice it at all – she found herself taking less notice of them entirely. She used to have to train her gaze to the ground when they were around, to avoid that sting in her veins when he would inevitably caress Mai's arm, or place his hand on her lower back. But as the days went on, she felt freer and freer, and now she could look at them both with ease.

A few times she could have sworn she saw Zuko staring at her from the corner of her eye, while she and Aang practiced some waterbending in the pond, or when she was laughing at one of Aang's ridiculous impressions. But whenever she turned to wave and say hello, he was always steadfastly focused on something else. It must have just been her eyes playing tricks on her.

There was something that had been playing at the back of Katara's mind too, but she outright refused to entertain the idea of it.

Every night they had been in the palace, Katara had come back to her common room to find two spark rocks neatly placed in the stone box just outside the door. She would pick them up, head inside and talk with the rest of her side of the political delegation for a few minutes before making some excuse to go to her room to change and then sneak out. The path to Zuko's window was well worn in its familiarity now, and there were no more awkward tumbles to get inside. But Katara couldn't help but notice that his wound was significantly better. There was still a scar of course, and there always would be – but the muscle tissue was as good as she was ever going to get it to be. He really didn't need her healing abilities anymore. And yet, every evening, the spark rocks were there waiting for her, inviting her to come to his room.

One night, she dared to ask him about his pain level, wondering if she had missed some internal damage and he was just too proud to say outright that he needed more help. But he got all fidgety, and did that sheepish avoidance thing with his eyes and his words that he does whenever he's put on the spot. And then when she returned the next night, his wound was overly inflamed, as if he had been overexerting himself again with his firebending. As if he wanted to prove to her that his wound still needed her tending. But that couldn't be true, he wouldn't overexaggerate his discomfort. Because if he was, then that would mean… well, she didn't want to admit what she thought that could mean.

Other than her bothersome suspicions about whether or not she really needed to be there to heal him, things were going well between them. They spoke easily about the meetings, Katara often offering him advice on how to handle certain situations, and he felt comfortable to complain and vent to her about all of the pomp he had to adhere to just to be heard by all the foreign dignitaries. Their friendship began to fall into place easily.

When the meetings began to turn toward how exactly the Fire Nation could offer their services to the Southern Water Tribe, Katara used one of their healing sessions to finally tell him about Hama, and how she learned about bloodbending. His expression was overcome with both fear and awe, not unlike how he reacted when he saw her bloodbend himself all those weeks ago. But mostly, he was horrified at the circumstances that had led Hama to need to develop bloodbending in the first place. Yet another Fire Nation dirty secret.

Overcome with conviction, he made a vow to her right then and there that he would do everything in his power to make sure his country atoned for those wrongdoings. He suggested that she bring it up in the meeting the next day so that it could be made official, but he began drawing up paperwork immediately, of how exactly to go about rounding up all the former soldiers in that division. Katara's chest swelled with gratitude at his fierce display of dedication.

When the meeting did come around the next day, Katara explained the situation – how she came to know Hama and how she had been imprisoned. She left out the bit about the bloodbending – that was a conversation the world could hear at a different time. Even so, everyone in the room shifted uncomfortably in their seats. The Northern Tribesmen looked especially uncomfortable. Whether it was because they were hearing of the Southern Waterbenders mass imprisonment for the first time, or because they knew all along and never came to their aid, Katara wasn't sure. Either way, she kept her gaze trained straight ahead while she asked Fire Lord Zuko for some kind of retribution for her people.

Zuko nodded to her when she finished speaking, a knowing glint in his eye, while Aang reached up to give her hand a slight squeeze from where he was sitting to her right. Zuko's suggestion was for an investigation into all of the military personnel in the Fire Nation to determine who had a hand in all of the various atrocities that took place over the years. Those found guilty would be punished, but Zuko maintained that he didn't want to discipline violence with more violence, and instead suggested that those who contributed to the imprisonment of the waterbenders, would be the ones who tracked down any survivors, and would then live out their remaining days helping to rebuild the Southern Water Tribe.

He offered a similar plan to the Northern Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom. He wouldn't pay the nations directly, but instead set in motion a system to help rebuild what had been lost. He would lead the investigation team for now, with Toph's help – she agreed almost immediately – until someone trustworthy could take over and he could oversee the operations as a whole. It would likely take years, but he was willing to put in the work. And more importantly, Arnook, Kuei, Bumi and General How, could all see his sincerity.

Finally, Zuko turned to Aang.

"Avatar Aang," Zuko said with regality as he bowed deeply.

Aang stood and met Zuko's eye, matching his bow.

A hush swept across the room.

"It goes without saying that my people, and my own ancestors have hurt you most of all. I am truly sorry for the immeasurable loss we have caused you," his voice cracked, "and as you are the last airbender, I would like to offer you anything and everything I can to help you restore what balance there is left to be found."

"Thank you, Zuko," Aang's face hardened, keeping steady with Zuko's gaze. "I am the last airbender. But, I am also the Avatar," his voice rang out with a maturity far beyond his years, "I am grateful that you are so willing to help ease the pain of your ancestor's actions, and that you will be my partner in bringing balance back to the Four Nations."

He paused, taking a deep breath.

"But I think it's my duty as the Avatar and as the last airbender, to rebuild the Air Temples and search for more sky bison without your help. You should focus your efforts and supplies on those Nations where there are citizens who can benefit from your help."

Katara quickly wiped her face of the silent streams that had begun to flow down her cheeks. It could be so easy to forget just how much Aang had lost in this war as well.

Zuko held Aang's gaze a moment longer, before the corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly into a smile. "I expected as much," he nodded, before he took his seat again between his Uncle and Mai.

Aang bowed toward Zuko one last time, a smile threatening his features as well. When he rose back to his full height, he turned to address each of the other three corners of the room.

"Does anyone else have anything to add?" he asked diplomatically.

He waited until each of the various leaders confirmed their satisfaction before he let his smile engulf his face in earnest.

"Then, I declare that the First Annual Hundred-Year War Peace conference, over!" He tutted the bottom of his staff into the ground twice in finality, and a round of polite applause broke through the room. Followed quickly, by the loud whoops and cheers of Smellerbee, Sokka, and Toph.

Katara stood and saw Aang looking at her with shining eyes. They both moved in unison to wrap the other up in a bone crushing hug, Katara no longer having to bend down to have her chin rest comfortably in the crook of his shoulder.

"I've decided," she said loud enough so that only he could hear her. "I've decided to come with you to search for sky bison and restore the Air Temples."

He pulled back from her, his arms still slung tight around her lower back. She wasn't sure how it was possible, but his eyes managed to shine even brighter than they had just a moment ago. He held her gaze like that a moment longer before pulling her back into the hug. The room quickly dissolving into more and more chaotic celebratory chants by the minute.

- \/\ -

It was early afternoon when the meetings officially ended, and even though they were all technically free from all of their obligations, it still felt like they had to sneak away to meet up at the Jasmine Dragon.

Once they had all filed out of the map room, they quietly made their way back to their respective halls to change for their own celebration. They had each asked the various servants and guards to go into town for them during the week to pick up some more inconspicuous Earth Kingdom clothes for them to wear. Even though it was just going to be their group in the tea shop, it just sort of felt right to be unified under one color.

Katara slipped into her green wrap easily, and pinned back her hair with a flower she had plucked from a nearby planter earlier in the day. When she looked over herself in the mirror, she felt like a whole new person. She looked rested, no more bags under her eyes, and her shoulder straight and proud.

She met up with Toph and Aang in the common room to head out. Even Toph had managed to get a fancier outfit, while Aang opted for his new, more traditional Air Nomad robes. Smellerbee and Long Shot decided to head back to the lower districts instead of joining them – they were eager to get away from the opulent palace as soon as possible.

When they arrived at the Jasmine Dragon, everyone else was already there. Someone must have even gone to get Appa from where he had been staying in the Palace grounds. Sokka was helping Suki and Mai set up a pai sho table, while General Iroh was behind the counter, holding a large oddly shaped instrument, talking to Zuko and Ty Lee.

"Ty Lee, I don't want you back here! I know you're just trying to flirt with Lian!" Zuko yelled, gesturing to the young server who was in the back meekly washing dishes.

"I can flirt with whoever I want, thank you very much," Ty Lee retorted with a pout. "Besides, your hair is all floppy, and I don't see a crown – so you doubly can't tell me what to do!" She stuck out her tongue and gave him a mischievous wink before she vaulted herself through the small opening that divided the area behind the ordering counter from the rest of the kitchen.

Lian let out a squeal of surprise as Ty Lee hooked her fingers through the strap of his apron and dragged him off somewhere where Katara could no longer see them.

Zuko groaned, dragging his hand down his face.

"Well nephew, looks like you'll be picking up dish duty as well this evening," Iroh said with a hearty chuckle. "I was hoping before you started serving the tea though, that you wouldn't mind playing some tsungi horn for us?" He held out the odd twisting instrument that he was still holding in his arms.

"For the last time Uncle! I don't want to play the tsungi horn!" Zuko barked back at him, throwing his hands up in the air as he went through the swinging door to the kitchen to start pouring cups of tea.

"Typical," Mai said, with the slightest air of fondness, from where she sat at the newly assembled pai sho table next to where Katara was standing.

"Yeah," Katara said with a sigh. "It sort of feels right though, doesn't it?"

Mai looked up to meet Katara's eyes, "yeah, I guess it does." It looked as if she was biting her cheek to keep herself from showing her smile.

With a knowing frown at his nephew's refusal, Iroh pulled the tsungi horn over his shoulders and made his way to the front of the tea shop and began to play. The tunes were sweet and almost melancholy, as if they were meant to match the feeling of the sun setting on the balcony just beyond the doors to the shop.

It was easy going. Toph commandeered a table all to herself, propping her feet up onto the table in her usual fashion. Mai and Suki started a pretty heated game of pai sho. Katara shouldn't have been surprised that both girls would be so competitive. Aang spent his time playing with Momo and occasionally looking up to just take in the serenity of the moment. Katara herself would wandering between each little group, offering – likely unhelpful – pai sho tips, or joining Aang in teasing Momo with some small waterbending.

Sokka, seemed to be the only one trying to get some sort of organization happening. He had started out on some sort of artistic project as soon as he had gotten done helping Suki and Mai set up the pai sho table, and been very secretive about it since then.

Zuko had just handed Katara her first cup of tea when Sokka finally spoke up.

"Zuko! Stop moving. I am trying to capture the moment!" he ordered emphatically. "I wanted to do a painting, so we always remember the good times together."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Sokka," Katara said, making her way over to where he was sitting. Looking down at his actual drawing though, she frowned and her eyebrows shot straight up her forehead. "Wait. Why did you give me Momo's ears?"

Apparently, they were supposed to be her hair loopies. Although, she had to admit that she didn't have the worst drawing in Sokka's interpretation of them all. He had even drawn Suki firebending – that was just straight up wrong. Everyone had something to complain about. Katara was about to comment that Aang was the only one in the whole thing who looked even remotely like himself, when she looked up and saw that he wasn't there looking at the drawing with the rest of them.

Hoping he was okay, she followed him out onto the balcony.

Standing in the doorway, not yet making herself known, she looked at how the pink and purple sunset-tinted clouds stood against the yellow of his robes, and couldn't help but think about everything that they had been through together. She'd seen him like this before, contemplative as he looked out into the distance. And then, she'd always imagined how much the world must be weighing him down, the sheer amount of responsibility that sat alone on his shoulders. But even looking at just his back, she could see that weight had now been lifted. He looked taller, and prouder and more relieved that she had ever seen. It warmed her heart.

She wasn't sure exactly when she had made her decision to continue on and help him rebuild the Air Temples. This whole week had solidified their friendship and their partnership, and as the days went on, she just couldn't picture waking up in the coming months and not seeing Aang's silly, smiling face at breakfast. After everything in the past year, Aang had become her new home.

There were no more obstacles, and she was finally able to let hesitation slip away. Stepping forward she stood by his side to look out over the vast expanse of Ba Sing Se as it was coated with shimmering sunlight. Turning towards him, feeling her face match the pink dusting on his own cheeks, she pulled him for another hug.

The longer they held each other, the surer she became that this must be what she wanted. There was no use for what ifs anymore, who could have been or what might be later. Aang was here now with her. He was solid and real in her arms, and she felt good.

Pulling back from the hug, she met his eyes for a moment, and saw the same resolution in his eyes that she felt in her chest. Leaning in, all in one motion, she let her forearms slide down his shoulders so their chests were flush, and she locked her lips into his.

There were no fireworks, no flashing lights saying "congratulations Katara, you finally figured out how you feel!" And it wasn't anything like how those silly romance scrolls described big passionate moments. But it was nice. It felt warm, and sweet, and safe. With Iroh's sunset filled tsungi horn tunes playing smoothly through the air, the kiss was full of resolve, and peace.

- \/\ -

They held hands sheepishly as they made their way back into the tea shop, blushes filling their cheeks.

"Ew, gross!" Sokka said, making a half-hearted gagging noise.

"Shut up, Sokka," Katara scolded, but she couldn't quite manage her usual fierce tone.

Toph whooped, "way to go Twinkle Toes!"

"Okay, yeah, yeah, congratulations and all," Sokka continued, "but seriously, can we keep the kissing displays to a minimum please?"

"Seriously, Sokka. Shut up," Katara said, her usual air of sisterly annoyance resurfacing now.

Sokka grumbled, while Suki came over to give Katara a one-armed hug and whisper a quiet "congratulations" as she squeezed.

Looking over Suki's shoulder Katara briefly caught Zuko's expression. His mouth was turned upwards slightly, but his eyes looked stony. Realizing she had seen him, he nodded to her with a half-hearted smile, and choked out a small "congratulations" as well, before looking away to clear his throat and drink a sip of tea.

Unwilling to let herself think about what Zuko's almost pained expression could mean, Katara instead focused on the warmth radiating from the connection of the hand that was still holding tightly onto hers. The hand that she had chosen to hold, and had returned the embrace without a second thought.

-/\/\/\/\/\/\-

A/N: Thank you all so much for waiting so patiently, I know I've been uploading a lot slower than I was in the beginning, and I'm so grateful you're still reading :).

Not gonna lie, I've been dreading this chapter a bit as it's going to be the most Kataang-y chapter of the whole fic - most likely. Personally, I'm not opposed to Kataang, but I know that they aren't what brought you here to this story lol. That being said, I wanted to make sure to try and stay as true to both them as possible, while keeping in line with the Katara we've been seeing so far and how she navigates her feelings for the both of them, without making an outright love triangle. I'm not a fan of love triangles tbh.

I just want to make sure that it's clear this is still definitely a Zutara fic, and just because Katara and Aang just got together, doesn't mean that's going to be the story from here on out. I've been toying with the idea of a time jump after this chapter for a little while, and I'm pretty sure that's where things will be headed next - a little ways down the line. I'm pretty excited about how things are going to turn out actually, so I really hope you all bear with me as we get there, we aren't too too far off from the end now.

Also, sorry this chapter is like kind of crazy long - I considered breaking it up into two chapters, but there wasn't much of an even breaking point, and besides I figured you'd all waited long enough, that I'd just give it to you all in one. It comes in at 15,671 words, making the whole story 137,144.

As always, thank you so so much for reading and reviewing/commenting, it means so much to me to know what you guys are or aren't enjoying lol.