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Chapter Text

“Hello, brother. So Beifong and I have been talking,” Azula announced, barging into Zuko’s office and perching on his desk. He sighed and looked up, bags under his eyes. 

“I can’t think of a single more terrifying sentence. Remind me why I introduced you two, again?” 

“Because everyone else who tried to work with me ran screaming into the sea, remember? Regardless, we have come to a conclusion. You need to fuck.” 

“Excuse me??” 

Azula rolled her eyes. “You need to have sex. Get laid. Engage in intercourse. Need I make myself more clear?” 

He leaned back in his chair and scrubbed a hand over his face. “No, I heard you the first time. I don’t know why you and Toph of all people are discussing my sex life! Shouldn’t you be teaching impressionable firebenders to bend glass?” 

“It’s your lack of sex life. And the kids are on a week’s recess. They’ll be fine. You will not. We’re staging an intervention.” 

“Zuli,” he warned. “We’ve come a long way, but you’re not interfering with my life like this.” 

“You wound me, Zuzu. When have I led you astray?” 

He fixed her with a hard look.

She rolled her eyes again and slid off the desk. “You’re going to become a sad, miserable hermit if you don’t get out of this office, you know.” 

“Is this your version of helping?” 

“Would you prefer lightning? I think I could get Toph to convince the council to make me your regent.” 

“Too soon, Azula.” 

“It’s been nearly ten years . Come on.” 

“So what is your solution to my apparent need for sex?” Zuko groaned. 

“I’m so glad you asked,” she clapped, nails clicking together. “You’re going on a date.” 

“No, no, no, more no, hell no, and no. There is absolutely no way.” 

“You and Mai broke it off how long ago?” Azula raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. 

“Make sure to close the door on your way out, please.” 

“We have the perfect match in mind. Aren’t you the slightest bit curious?” 

“Azula! I said no. This is not a fucking game for you and Toph to snicker about while I make a fool of myself.” 

For the briefest moment, a flicker of real hurt crossed her face before she schooled her expression back into haughty indifference. “Have it your way, Zuzu.” 

He rubbed the back of his neck and settled back into his seat. “I’m sorry. I know you’re just trying to help but just… don’t. I’m fine, promise.” 

“Lonely is the head that wears the crown. One date and I’ll never bother you again.” 

“Liar,” he said, but he couldn’t stop the smile on his face. 

“Is that yes?” 

“I’ll take it into consideration.” 

Azula threw her head back and cackled. “I know your council manipulation tactics too well, Brother. I promise it’ll be worth your while to cooperate with me.” 

“Is that because you’ll antagonize me to death if I don’t?” 

His only answer was a sly smile. 

Zuko sighed again. “I’ll think about it, okay? That’s the best you’re going to get right now, so don’t push it.” 

She raised her hands in defeat, but never dropped the frankly terrifying grin. “You’ve got me. The princess surrenders with honor.” 

Azula kept smiling all the way to her office. I have a letter to write.

Chapter Text

From the Beifong School of Advanced Earthbending

Home of the World’s First Metalbending and Inter-bending Glass Arts Programs

To Chief-Elect Sokka and General Suki of the Esteemed Kyoshi Warriors,

It’s worse than we thought. Even with the most crass and blunt of nudges, my brother will barely entertain the idea of even a single date. It’s time to set our plans in motion. Contact the Avatar. I head back to the school in three days, and Beifong and I will hold up our end.

We’re going to save these dum dums from themselves, no matter what. 

With Honor, 

Princess Azula

Director of Glassbending

BSAE

Dear Toph and Azula, since I know you’re going to read this together, 

Aang came to meet with Hakoda and Sokka today about the trade dispute with the new Southern Air Temple. Negotiations are pretty solid, and I’m happy to say he seems to be growing into a better mediator as he matures.

He and Katara had lunch together, and holy shit it was so awkward. It’s been three years since they broke up but she still tiptoes around his feelings like it was yesterday. I swear, everyone can tell that they’ve both moved on except for her. Ever since Kanna died, she’s been folding in on herself and taking on more and more. If even Aang can see it, you know something is seriously wrong. 

Sokka casually mentioned an invitation to Caldera and I think we can count on Aang and Appa to get her there. We’ll have to be subtle, though. You know if she has even the slightest inkling that this is a setup, she’ll freeze our asses to the ground. 

It’s not surprising to hear our Favorite Fire Lord is still working himself to the bone. Not good, but not surprising. I swear these two are made for each other. 

Anyway, you handle Zuko. We’ve got the rest. Smooches to both you crazy bitches. 

Love, 

Suki

Hey Sokka, 

It was great seeing you and your dad a few weeks ago. You were right about the air currents messing up the airship routes by the Temple. We’ll need to talk to Teo about working out a redesign on the balloons. 

How’s Katara? Any better? I think you’re right and a change of scenery will do her a lot of good. Do you think she’ll agree to it, though? She and I barely had time for the world’s most awkward lunch before she was spinning off to the next thing. We both know she’ll work herself to death before she’ll admit something’s wrong. 

I mean, I saw how she and Zuko looked at each other years ago and, even when it hurt, I knew deep down that they share something really special that she and I never had. Maybe they can help each other. Time and distance heal many wounds, the monks used to say. But you’re right. I’m worried too. 

I know Hawky’s gotten better about finding people, but in case he needs some direction, I’ll be in Omashu for the next couple of weeks sorting out an issue with crop rotations. After that, I’m heading to Ember Island to see Zuli and Toph. They’ve been threatening me about learning glassbending again. Hey! Maybe we’ll have more luck getting Zuko and Katara together if we all meet up. It’ll be like old times, except without the war and general trauma. 

Something to think about. Just let me know how I can help. Katara’s one of the most important people in my life, and I hate seeing her suffer so much in silence. 

Love you, 

Aang

Yo Twinkletoes, 

I’m just cackling from making Princess write that out for me. Snoozles and Sukes mentioned your Ember Island idea. I think that’s gold. Let’s aim for the week of the Solstice. We’ll make it a party. 

I’m sending Sweetness a special gift. We think it’ll be just the right bait to peel her off the South Pole. 

Azula speaking - do not let her know what we’re planning. I’ll fry your insides if you spoil this surprise, Avatar. 

Bye for now, 

Toph and Azula

Chapter Text

Katara stretched her arms over her head, trying to work the kink out of her shoulders that had pinched for… weeks? Years? Who even knew now. The waterbending school was quiet at last, but for her, there was always work to be done.

“Hey sis,” Sokka called from the door of the bending arena. “You look rough.” 

“Exactly what every woman wants to hear. How did you manage to get not one, not two, but three incredible women to want to date you?” 

He preened. “It’s my exceptional wit and good looks.” 

She flicked her wrist and a snowball smacked him square in the nose. 

“HEY! Fine. I won’t tell you anything.” 

“Tell me what? Sokka!” 

“Nope. You used your magic water against me.” 

“I know where Bato hid the good seal jerky…” 

His eyes widened, and it was then that she noticed his hands behind his back. “Wait, what do you have?” she asked. 

“Seal jerky first, answers later.” 

Katara rolled her eyes. “It’s in the back of the booze cabinet in Central Hall. That’s the only place Pipaluk won’t get into it. Now will you let me know what you’re doing here?” 

He pulled out a delicate glass vase, with patterns of blue and red swirling like fire and water up the slender neck. A small scroll stuck out of the opening, but even from a distance, she recognized both the craftsmanship and the seal. 

“The royal family sends their regards,” Sokka smirked. She stepped closer and reached for the vase, tracing her fingers over the intricate glasswork. Up close, she could see the intertwined streams of ice and flame, with subtle shading of the sun and moon. Her mind immediately wandered to Zuko, a riot of butterflies erupting in her stomach.

You rise with the moon, but I rise with the sun.

“I’ll never get over what Azula and Toph can do with glassbending,” she murmured. 

“Yeah, well, I’m glad someone figured out a way she can use her crazy fire powers for good. Even if the combined disaster potential of those two actually keeps me up at night.” 

Katara laughed and handed the vase back to him, quickly unrolling the scroll. “Oh! It’s an invitation for us to come to the summer palace at Ember Island.” 

“Nice! I could use a vacation. You’re gonna come, right?” 

“Sokka… I don’t think that’s a good idea.” 

He scoffed. “And why not?” 

“I have so much to do here. Who will run the waterbending school? Who will coordinate the healers from the North? Who will -” 

Sokka raised a hand to cut her off. “Katara. We love how much you do for the tribe. I know how hard you work. But even Yue can see that it’s making you miserable, and she’s the moon!” 

“I’m not miserable. I’m just - ” 

“Yes you fucking are, and do not say you’re just tired. Suki and I are worried about you. Dad too. I know you’ve been taking Gran-Gran’s death really hard, but you’re burying yourself here, just like you buried yourself with Aang.” 

She turned away and sniffled. “No one else was supposed to die after the war. That was the whole point.” 

“She was 102 years old, and she got to see what so many others didn’t - the return of peace. That’s a good life, right?”

“I just miss her so much.” 

He pulled her into a tight hug. “I know you do. Me too. But you were never meant to make yourself small. She wouldn’t want that either.” 

“I don’t think I know how to be great anymore. That Katara is gone.” 

“Pretty sure that’s not true. Come on. Let’s take this trip. You and my wife can pretend you’re not checking Zuko out while he does his katas.” 

“We do not!”  

“Katara.” Something in his voice made her look up at his unusually solemn face. “Don’t write this off, okay? At least think about it.” 

She swallowed back unexpected tears. ”Sokka…” 

“Please?” 

“How would we even get there?” 

He smiled and patted her on the shoulder. “Leave that to me.” 

Chapter Text

Aang grinned from ear to ear as he deftly guided Appa over the glimmering glaciers to the thriving city of Wolf Cove. He had barely floated from the bison’s back when he was tackled in a hug. 

“Buddy! Damn I’m excited to get some sun,” Sokka laughed, clapping him on the back. “Come on. The ladies are taking an entire ice age to pack. I think Katara’s afraid we’re going to starve to death.” 

“I guess old habits die hard. She was the only reason we had anything to eat when we were traveling together.” 

Sokka shrugged and guided him towards the ice houses near Central Hall, his arm comfortably slung around Aang’s shoulders. It was hard to resist the urge to snuggle in like a koalacat - traveling alone after his breakup with Katara made this kind of easy touch difficult to come by. 

They were a good 100 feet from the beautiful ice centerpiece that was Katara’s home when he heard the shouting. 

“I am not wearing that, Suki!” 

“Come on!”

“No!”

We’re going to the beach in the Fire Nation. For the Summer Solstice. You can’t wear your parka.” 

“It’s indecent!” 

“It’s the fashion. You know the style on Ember Island runs skimpy, and it didn’t bother you that much before.” 

“Yeah, because I was 15 and the only person looking at me was Aang!” 

“Seriously?” 

Sokka cleared his throat loudly, barely suppressing a smile. “My beloved wife and sister, our ride has arrived.” 

As the two women spilled out into the pale sunlight, Aang briefly wondered if Katara would ever stop stealing the breath from his lungs. She was still the most beautiful person he’d ever seen, but now, at least, he could see her beauty like a sunrise and not like a blade. 

He frowned slightly at her taut, drawn features and the way her parka hung loosely from her frame. Kanna had made that shortly before she died, and he knew she always crafted to incredibly precise measurements. Clearly, this trip was going to do even more good than they thought.  

“Hi,” she mumbled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “You didn’t happen to hear all that, did you?” 

“Every word, Sis. Stop fighting and get packed. We’re on a schedule here.” 

“Hon, it’s vacation ,” Suki chuckled before pulling Aang into a hug. “Thanks for the lift - literally.” 

Sokka groaned. “My love, my darling, please leave the jokes to Toph and me.” 

Aang stepped forward to stop the inevitable arguing. “Hi Katara. Do you need any help?” 

She startled, and he flushed at the realization that it was probably the first time he’d ever asked her that. 

“Uh, thanks, but I think I’ll be alright. Just give me a few more minutes.” 

“You will wear that bathing suit, even if I have to shove it into my own luggage,” Suki warned. 

“You just want to see my tits, you chaotic slut,” Katara teased, sticking her tongue out before sauntering back into the house. Aang gaped - he had never heard her talk like that. 

Maybe they were all healing.

It didn’t actually take very long for Katara and Suki to haul their stuffed trunks to the dock where Appa was basking in the not-so-gentle pets from the Tribe’s children. Hakoda leaned on his cane with a smile. 

“Take care of each other,” he said, giving all four of them big bear hugs. “We’ve got everything under control here.” 

“If you need -” 

“Katara,” he clasped her on the shoulder. “It’s one week. We’ll be fine, I promise.” 

Aang airbent the luggage onto the saddle and helped his friends leap up, waving a last goodbye. 

“Yip yip!” he called as Appa gracefully took to the air.  

It didn’t take long for Sokka and Suki to curl into each other for a nap, but he did miss their soothing buffer against the strained tension between him and Katara. 

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, finally breaking the silence. Aang turned from his spot on Appa’s head with a frown.

“Why?” 

She picked at her nails without meeting his gaze. “I know I broke your heart. I’m surprised you want anything to do with me.” 

“Katara.” His voice was a subtle command. “You have nothing to apologize for.” 

“But-” 

“No. I was a brat and you were a mother arctic-hen. We weren’t good together, and everyone in the four kingdoms saw it except for us. I was hurt and angry for a pretty long time, but we’re both better off and you know it. It’s time to let the past go.” 

“When did you become so wise?” 

He cracked a wry smile. “When my forever girl quit sheltering me and forced me to grow.” 

Katara leaned back on her hands, enjoying the breeze in her hair. “I don’t know that I grew. I think I just stopped moving.” 

“You’ve been grieving. Your mom, your grandmother, our relationship, all the changes. It’s a lot. Don’t be hard on yourself.” 

“Do you ever miss it? The war?” 

Aang closed his eyes against the vivid memory of a red sky, terror coursing through his veins. “I don’t miss the war. I do miss our friends, our friendship, and that feeling of knowing, without a single doubt, that someone always had my back.”

“I think that’s what I mean. Do you think we can be friends again?” 

“Of course. We should practice waterbending at the beach. It’ll be like old times.” 

“Sometimes I wish we could all be together again,” she sighed. 

“Be careful what you wish for,” he said, the smile obvious in his voice. “After all, Iroh always says water is the element of change. Who knows? This week could change everything.”

Chapter Text

Zuko blinked at the scroll in front of him so many times the ink swam in his vision. 

“Daishi!” He called out to his steward. “Why do I have a full week on my schedule that is completely blank?” 

The rail thin man melted from his post by the door, moving with the kind of silent grace that came only from years of training. He was one of the few members of staff that had served under both Ozai and Azulon, but he was so intimidatingly competent that Zuko couldn’t quite make himself worry about those implications.  

“The Princess Azula, Master of Glassbending and Lightning, requested that this time be freed from your demands. Lord Iroh, Crown Regent and Dragon of the West, approved this on your behalf.” 

“What? Why?” 

Daishi cleared his throat. “I believe it’s called a vacation, great Fire Lord Zuko, Bringer of Peace and Uniter of Lands.” 

“Can we work on that title after I figure out why my family is fucking meddling in my life?” 

“Of course, my liege.” 

“Do you know where the Princess and the Regent are right now?” 

Daishi cleared his throat once more. Zuko shoved away the errant thought to have his uncle send the poor man some tea. “I believe they are on Ember Island, my Lord. Preparing for our….visitors.” 

“Visitors?” 

“I thought Your Majesty had been informed of such esteemed guests. The Great and Holy Avatar is soon to arrive at your summer palace with the Prince and Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, along with General Suki of the Esteemed Kyoshi Warriors.” 

“Katara’s coming here? To the Fire Nation?” he gasped, nearly overturning his chair as he sprang to his feet. 

Daishi made a sound that may have been considered a scoff from a less dignified man. “Yes, My Lord. Among others. I believe that the Lady, Master Beifong will also be joining you at the summer palace in celebration of the solstice.”

 “We have a whole celebration planned here in Caldera. I can’t just go to Ember Island.” 

“Lord Iroh, Crown Regent and Dragon of the West, has informed your council that he will attend the festivities in your stead.”

“Did he now.” 

“Yes, My Lord. He should be returning to the capital tomorrow.”  

“Very well. Coordinate with Amah and the rest of the household staff to prepare for my absence. I’ll figure out what Uncle is planning.” 

Daishi took the dismissal for what it was and dipped into a perfect bow before striding silently from the room. 

Zuko scrubbed a hand over his face, wincing slightly at the pull of dry skin under his palm. “What are you up to?” he murmured, studying his blank schedule once more.

Chapter Text

“These are ocean kumquats, not authentic sea prunes! I was very clear that I expect perfection,” Azula snapped. Emuru, the lead housekeeper in the summer palace, barely resisted rolling her eyes. 

“Yes, Your Highness. We will ensure all of the preparations meet your standards. Will that be all?” 

“Very well. No more mistakes!” 

Toph strolled into the vast dining room just as Emuru made her exit. “Why are you pissing in everybody’s congee, Princess? Lightning scramble your brains?” 

Azula adjusted the fire lilies infinitesimally in the bending-blown vase before her. “We can’t mess this up. It has to work, and everything has to be perfect.” 

“Perfect is a myth. I thought you figured that out years ago.” 

“It doesn’t matter. I thought I could trust the staff to follow my very simple instructions and yet, I am once again surrounded by imbeciles! They wouldn’t know a flower arrangement if I pelted one at their heads.”

“Zuli,” Toph murmured, running her hand down her back. “What’s bothering you? It’s not the flowers and it’s not the food.” 

Azula melted into her touch and sighed, resting her head on top of Toph’s. “It has to be right. I owe them that much.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“They saved the fucking world and Zuko is still unhappy. Katara too, if the letters are any indication. I have to fix it. They didn’t give up on me, and Agni knows they both had every reason to. It isn’t fair” 

“They forgave you.” 

“He still touches the scar, you know. When he’s tired or lonely or when he thinks no one is looking, he rubs the scar I gave him over her. It’s one reason why Mai left.” 

“Honey, Mai left because she’s head over heels in love with Ty Lee.”

“I know what he needs, Toph, but what if they hate me again? What if we pushed too far? I have to fix it.” 

“I think it’s up to them. We can set the stage, but until one of them finds that spirit that dragged us through hell and war, there’s only so much we can do, and we’re going to have to be okay with that.” 

“I suppose,” Azula huffed, pulling away and smoothing her hair back into its tidy topknot. “ We should get back to the school. Who knows what the children are getting away with with only Haru to attend to them.” 

Toph punched her in the arm, grinning a wide toothy grin. “Let’s go.” 

Chapter Text

Katara’s nerves mounted the closer they got to Ember Island. Suki reached over and squeezed her hand. 

“Relax, babe.” 

“I don’t think I remember how.” 

“Well you have this whole week to learn again.” 

Sokka yawned. “First thing I’m gonna do is hit the beach. I wonder if Zuko’s cleared up the paths from the house.” 

“He has. He and Azula come out here pretty often, and sometimes they host important visitors and stuff. It’s really nice now,” Aang nodded. 

Katara picked at the hem of her old Fire Nation skirt and swallowed hard. 

“What if it’s different now?” she murmured low so only Suki could hear. Suki squeezed her hand again. 

“It’s going to be great. I promise.”  

She spotted him as soon as they landed, her breath catching in her lungs. This wasn’t Fire Lord Zuko. Clad only in loose pants, his hair reaching past his shoulders, this was at once her Zuko and someone new - someone incredibly appealing. He was taller and broader than she remembered, his shoulders narrowing in a perfect v to his waist. Her gaze traced his muscular frame, landing with a heart-thump pang on the starburst scar in the center of his chest. 

Zuko turned and their eyes caught. She was running before she realized her feet hit the ground, launching herself at him in a tight, lingering hug. 

“Hi Katara,” he murmured, holding her so tightly her toes barely grazed the ground. His breath tickled her neck, sending shivers down her spine. 

“Zuko,” she sighed, feeling more than hearing his groan in return. “I missed you.” 

She swore his lips grazed her ear before he pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. “Me too. Much more than you know.” 

Suki blushed and whispered, “should we leave them alone?” 

“No fucking way,” Sokka started before Aang grasped his arm. 

“This is the whole plan, remember? If you scare her off, she’ll be back in Wolf Cove before you can say Avatar Kuruk.” 

“There’s a difference between matchmaking from a distance and watching my sister give me the oogies right in front of my face.” 

“Babe. We were making out in front of everyone back when we all shared tents,” Suki said. “I had to have a very awkward sex talk with Toph after she overheard us one night. Thank the Spirits for Katara, or I think I would have combusted on the spot.” 

Sokka deflated. “I guess. It’s still…. Ugh.” 

Aang rolled his eyes and turned back to the couple, who still stood, heads together and hands clasped. “Just kiss already,” he muttered. 

“Welcome, esteemed friends!” Azula called from the doorway of the palace, the late evening sun highlighting her in gilded gold. Aang shook away the stray thought that, if anyone was as beautiful as Katara, it may be her. She was sharp and slender as always, but time and care had smoothed her deadly edges. Still cutting, but no longer lethal - most of the time, anyway. “We welcome you to Ember Island.” 

To his surprise, Zuko and Katara didn’t jump apart like they had sometimes in the past. In fact, he rested his hand on her lower back and grinned at his sister. “Zuli, you can drop the formalities. As you said, we’re all friends.” 

“Mmmm, of course,” she purred. “Well then, come in and get comfortable. Emuru says dinner will be served in approximately one hour.” 

“Is Toph here yet?” Sokka asked. 

“She was detained at the school, but she looks forward to joining us soon.” 

Zuko leaned down, his lips once again brushing the shell of Katara’s ear. “She’s up to something.” 

She resisted the twin urges to curl up into his warmth and tackle him to the ground, company be damned. “Mmmmhmmm… you think so?” 

His chuckle sent lightning shooting through her veins. “At least it’s not a coup. We’ve all learned better.” 

Chapter Text

“Hey Katara, can I borrow your - woah,” Suki started before skidding to a halt inside the bedroom door. “Your room is so nice! And look! You have a view of the ocean. How perfect.” 

“That’s not all. I think Azula got me a whole new wardrobe. You wouldn’t know how she figured out my sizes, would you?” Katara arched a brow, even as she ran her hand over the rich, beautiful fabrics. 

“She didn’t hear it from me!” 

“I don’t like being kept out of the loop, you know.” 

“Come here.” Suki pulled her to sit on the edge of the bed, face earnest. “No one is messing with you or playing pranks. We love you. We’re worried about you. If Azula thinks some pretty clothes or Aang thinks playing in the surf will cheer you up, where’s the harm?” 

“Zuko said she’s up to something.” 

“Was that before or after the eye-fucking?” 

“Suki!” 

“Relax. I’m only playing.” 

“Were we really eye-fucking? It felt like…” 

“Like what?” 

Katara squirmed, picking at a stray thread on her skirt. “Different. Intimate. Like I’m still beautiful and special.” 

“Look at me. First off, you are still beautiful and special. Nothing will ever change that. Second, Zuko took lightning to the chest for you and you literally knitted his heart back together. I don’t know how your interactions could be anything but intimate after that.”  

“Maybe once. I don’t know. It’s been a long time.” 

“Can I ask you something?” 

Katara laughed. “I don’t like the sound of that.” 

“You can tell me to shut up, but I’ve been curious for a long time - what happened between the two of you? Sokka, Toph, and I thought for sure you’d end up married after the war ended but then it was like you could barely be in the same room.” 

Silence stretched between them, until Suki was certain her friend wouldn’t answer. 

“Okay, you can’t get mad, and you can’t let this affect your friendship with him because we agreed to move on. Promise?” Katara finally said, her words tripping out in a rush. 

Suki linked their pinkies with a nod.

“Aang. He’s what happened. No one knows this except the three of us, and you can’t tell Sokka because he’ll lose it, but Zuko and I slept together once while I was healing him.” 

“Holy shit .”  

“I know. It was late and it was so hot, we were half-dressed anyway, and he’s an awful patient and we had all these feelings, you know? And then everything just spilled over until we were both naked in his bed.

“Anyway, after you came back, Aang declared that we were dating. The Fire Sages had made it pretty clear that Zuko’s betrothal with Mai still stood, and he didn’t, I guess couldn’t, fight for me, so I let it happen. Except then Aang caught me sneaking some of the contraceptive tea the maids keep in the kitchen. We had a huge fight and he basically told me he didn’t want me to be alone with Zuko anymore because we were destined to be together. Suki, I was so tired and confused and hurt. I just… agreed.”  

“Oh honey,” Suki crooned, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry you dealt with this alone.” 

“You couldn’t have changed anything.” Katara took a deep breath and continued. “After that, it was like there was a Zuko-shaped hole in both of our lives. Aang was still so young, but he was supposed to be this powerful leader solving all the world’s problems, so every time he had to come to Caldera, he left me behind. We didn’t know how to get past it, and it just festered until I was torn between acting like his mother and being a trophy, and then he was terrified that he was one wrong move from being alone again. And I know. We weren’t ever right together. But I hurt him, so deeply.” 

“Is that why you went to the South Pole?” 

She nodded. “At first, it was rebellion. The Air Acolytes hated me, and waterbending is only so useful at a temple in the sky. I was bored and lonely and angry, so I took off one day on Appa and came home. Aang barely even noticed I was gone. Gran Gran was already starting to struggle, and Dad really needed someone to help push back against Pakku and Arnook’s influence in the rebuilding efforts, so we eventually agreed that it made sense for me to spend most of my time there. And then most of my time became all of my time, especially once Gran Gran got sick. When she died, it was like Mom all over again - I felt like my entire world shattered, and Aang wasn’t there. When he brought everyone to the funeral…that hug from Zuko? It was the first time I’d felt warm in weeks. That’s when I realized I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t pretend to love Aang when my heart was broken and grief was swallowing me whole. And now, it’s been three years and I’m stuck. I don’t know how to be friends with Aang. He said on the way here he’s not angry with me, but I don’t know how to move on from this pit I’m in. Even now, it feels selfish to let myself look at Zuko and want what I’ve wanted for a decade. I’m just lost.” 

“Well, we’re all here for you now. And remember the old saying - ‘Ember Island gives everyone a clean slate. Ember Island reveals the true you.” 

Katara flopped back on the bed and covered her eyes with her forearm. “I hope that’s true.” 

Suki stretched out next to her with a grin. “Can I ask one more thing?” 

“You already know my deep, dark secrets. What else could I possibly say?” 

“How was he? Zuko, I mean.”

She buried her face in a pillow, muffling a fit of giggles. “Tui and La, Suki! What kind of question is that?” 

“I’m curious! Because if somebody who looks like that can’t move in the sheets, I think we need an international day of mourning.” 

“You’re the worst.” 

“You looooove me.” 

Katara rolled to her side, a furious blush still staining her cheeks. “For some reason, I really do. If you have to know… it was incredible. Even though we were both hurt and had to be so careful… It was the most perfect night of my entire life.” 

“Babe. That's the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard,” Suki squealed. “You have to go after him.” 

“I don’t know…” 

“At least try , Katara.” She pulled them up from the bed and over to the opulent wardrobe. “Let’s get ready for dinner. You’re going to blow him away.” 

Chapter Text

Zuko twisted his wine glass between his long fingers, trying to focus on the tall tale Sokka was telling about his most recent trip to the Northern Air Temple. His attention kept snagging on the two empty chairs at the table, though. 

Dinner wasn’t exactly a formal affair at the summer palace, but he knew Katara and Suki had run off to “freshen up” - a phrase Azula assured him meant gossip - a few hours ago. Did she not like her room? Had she decided to go back home after all? She could be halfway to the Southern Water Tribe by now if she - 

The grand double doors creaked, jerking him from his spiraling thoughts. 

“The Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, Master Katara, and General Suki of the Esteemed Kyoshi Warriors, my Lord,” the random herald he’d tried to lay off a dozen times intoned, his booming voice silencing all conversation. Great. Just exactly what she needs to be comfortable here.

“Thank you, Yumo,” Suki laughed, stepping into the room. She gently tugged Katara’s hand, pulling her into the flickering firelight - 

And it was all he could not to let his jaw drop to the floor. She was gorgeous. 

A long blue skirt swung around her, the loose, beaded panels splitting to show off her toned legs. Two chains of whalebone beads and gold links hung low on her hips, while strips of gold and navy fabric wrapped from her shoulders to her ribs, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her full breasts. His mouth went completely dry as she strode to her seat, hips swaying even as her hand was still clasped tightly in Suki’s. 

He jumped to pull her chair out. “Your Highness,” he murmured. Suki winked and passed Katara’s hand to his. He brushed his lips over her knuckles. “You look absolutely beautiful this evening.”

Katara snickered, a small blush rising to her cheeks. “Your uncle would be proud, my Lord. That was almost charming.” 

Zuko shook his head to clear the glitch that her sultry my Lord caused in his brain. “I’ll just have to work harder then.” 

“If you’re finished flirting - owww! What was that for?” Sokka whined, rubbing his shoulder. Toph grinned from her seat next to him. 

“Who’s hungry?” Azula asked. 

Katara ignored them, lighting up as the servers came in with the food. “Berries! I forgot how amazing fruit is in the Fire Nation.” She plucked a plump, juicy flameberry off one of the many small plates and took a bite, her eyes fluttering shut with pleasure.

Zuko bit back a groan. 

She smiled around the luscious fruit, licking the sweet juice from her fingers. “Best thing I’ve ever tasted.” 

“So you don’t miss Gran Gran’s five flavor soup?” Sokka said. 

“I make that all the time. This is special.” 

For the next hour, Zuko was closer to spontaneous combustion than he had been since he first bent a tiny flame in his hand. Every fucking thing Katara did was sexy. The way she held her chopsticks between long, nimble fingers. The way she tossed her head back to laugh or how she delicately nibbled on a steaming soup dumpling. He wasn’t even following the conversation anymore because his entire world had narrowed to her. Again . 

This was wrong. He had to consider Aang, their friendship. The peace they’d worked so hard on. He couldn’t throw that away. 

Toph punched him, shaking him from his reverie. Most of the party had trailed off from the table while he’d been off in space.  “Twinkletoes is out on the balcony, Sparky. You might want to say a few words.” 

He swallowed hard but nodded, gazing one last time at Katara before striding away. 

The ornate double doors opened soundlessly into the balmy night air. Aang stood at the railway, leaning on his elbows. 

“You know I’m not mad anymore,” he said without turning, his face tilted toward the sky. “I did a lot of meditating and even went to the Spirit World, but even without that, it’s clear that Katara’s soul and mine don’t have a bond like I wanted.” 

“We never meant to hurt you, Aang.” 

“Of course you didn’t. You both would cut your own bleeding heart out and give it to someone else before you’d intentionally hurt someone you love. But now, you’re hurting yourselves in trying not to upset me.” 

“It’s not -” 

“Zuko.” Aang finally turned and gently grasped his hand. “I know you love her. Please don’t deprive yourself of that beauty and joy because you want to spare my feelings. They’re already resolved.” 

“You’re the best of us.” 

He laughed, bright and carefree, before pulling Zuko into a hug. “I’m really not.” 

Chapter Text

Katara sighed as she lifted a pile of sandy towels from the mudroom. “Children, all of them.” 

“You know we have servants for that, Peasant,” Azula called from the other side of the airy space. Katara stiffened instinctively before forcing her shoulders to relax. 

“It’s rude to leave a mess for someone else to clean up.” 

“Oh loosen up. Emuru asked us to leave our towels in here.” She gently pulled the towels away and put them back in the hamper. “Besides, you’re on vacation .” 

Katara fidgeted with her now empty hands. “I don’t know how to be on vacation.” 

“Easy! Go lay on the beach. Eat mango ice cream. Drink whatever deadly concoction my beloved decides to bully Sokka into making. Daydream about fucking my brother. Your pick, really.” 

“Azula!” 

“Do you remember the Ember Island Players?” she asked, completely unfazed. 

“How could I forget? They made me look like a weepy, humorless airhead who only thought about boys.” 

Azula leveled her with a speaking look. “For a long time, they have reflected public opinion, especially around, shall we say… celebrities.” 

“Are you suggesting we go to another show?” 

“Ugh, and listen to my brother bitch and moan about the ‘poor acting’ and ‘terrible scripts’ again? I think not. However, there is something that may interest you.” 

“I don’t understand.” 

“They have a new production, you see. Their most popular ever, in fact. People have been traveling from as far as Ba Sing Se just to see performances of it.” 

Katara rolled her eyes. “And? Would it kill you to get to the point?” 

“You two really are perfect for each other. It’s The Fire Lord’s Lover , Katara, and it’s about you.” 

“ WHAT.” 

“I don’t know why you’re surprised. There have been ballads and stories written about the two of you for years. Even when I was still in the hospital, the aides used to gossip about the romance .” 

“I can’t believe this. Nothing happened!”

“There is nothing the Fire Nation loves more than a good love story. Even if we have to fill in the blanks.” 

“Still. I was with Aang. Why didn’t they write about that?” 

“They did. The play was terrible.” 

Katara crossed her arms and turned towards the window, letting the silence stretch between them.  

Azula sighed. “Why do you think I aimed at you during the Agni Kai?” 

“Honestly? I’ve always wondered what you saw that day.” 

“Other than hallucinations of my dear mother?” she chuckled. “You should know as well as anyone that I’ve always been perceptive. Zuko wears his heart on his sleeve, and that heart has been yours since Ba Sing Se. I knew, even back then, that he had given you a piece of himself, and that made you extremely dangerous. So when he showed up with you, and I found myself losing , of all things, I hit where it hurt. I always do.” 

She picked up an odd pile of sand, lighting it carefully between her palms until it glittered in the light, stretching idly into a small, swooping string of glass. “Now, I just want him to be happy, shocking as that may seem.” 

“It isn’t, really. Not anymore. But why are you telling me this?” 

“Because love saved my life. Toph and Zuko saved my life. You saved my life, though you didn’t really mean to. He deserves the same, to have someone by his side who cares about him and our fucked up country, who will balance him and share the love he wants so badly to give.” 

“And you think… that’s me?” 

“I know it’s you, Peasant. Keep up.” 

“Azula, this is a lot. I don’t -” 

“Yes, you do. You know exactly what to do, because you have loved him for just as long. Let go, Katara, and be happy. You deserve it too.”

“I don’t know how!” she cried, pulling at her hair. Azula gently tugged her hand away and pressed the glass figure into it, still warm from her fire. 

“Yes you do. Throw water at the wall and start crying about hope, if that’s what it takes, but when you figure it out, you’ll be better for it.” 

With a final nod, she turned sharply on her heel and strode out of the room. Katara carefully unfolded her fingers to study the gift. It was simple, but the shapes were unmistakable - a flame wrapped around a wave.  

Chapter Text

Aang stormed into Zuko’s office, the door banging behind him. 

“You missed morning meditation, Sifu Hotman. Give me the scroll. You’re grounded.” 

Zuko cringed but still studied the letter on his desk. “I’m the Fire Lord. I don’t get to just swan off for a week.” 

“I’m the Avatar and I say you do! Give me the scroll.” 

“King Chumeng keeps saying I’m giving unfair price breaks on imports to High Priestess Laron and the rest of Kyoshi Island, even though we agreed on that in the treaty because she sends her Warriors to be my personal guard. He’s calling it favoritism.” 

“Is he wrong?” 

“Of course he’s wrong, Aang!” 

“Then why are you even worrying about it right now? It’s not like you can do anything to fix it anyway. At least, not here.”

“If I don’t stay on top of my correspondence, I’ll miss something important.” 

“Zuko,” Aang murmured. “You’re going to kill yourself if you don’t loosen the reins a little. Iroh has everything under control.” 

He finally sat back in his chair and rubbed both hands over his face. “What else am I supposed to do? It’s going to take three lifetimes to unfuck everything my family did to the world. And it’s not like I have much support. The council still treats me like a teenager. Uncle has been helpful, but I can’t keep leaning on him. He has earned a peaceful life.” 

“And you haven’t?” 

Zuko shook his head. “Not enough. I wish… well, it doesn’t matter what I wish. Diplomacy waits for no one.” 

“It does this week. Let it rest, just for now.” 

“Maybe later. I just need to…” 

Aang slammed his hand on the desk and made a show of sucking in a very deep breath. 

“Don’t you dare .” 

With a single puff, all of the papers and scrolls on the desk went flying. 

“Aang!” Zuko leapt up and chased him out of his office and down the hall. 

“Can’t catch me, Hotman!”

“Wanna fucking bet?” 

Aang spun around a corner, nearly overturning a bust that had probably been in the summer palace for centuries. “Whoops!” 

“Dammit, Aang! I have work to do!” 

“Not anymore, you don’t!” 

Zuko skidded around the bend, a laugh bursting almost involuntarily from his chest. “You little shit !” 

Aang cackled and spun up the wall, landing behind him and racing off in another direction. 

Another laugh bubbled up as Zuko charged around a corner -  just to crash directly into someone. She scrabbled for purchase on his tunic, and he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other behind her head. However, it didn’t take long before his size and momentum took over, sending them tumbling to the ground. 

“Owwww…” Katara groaned. “What the fuck, Zuko?”

“I’m so sorry. Are you hurt?” he asked. She shook her head but wiggled a little, her chest brushing his. 

Their position finally hit him like a lightning bolt. Katara was sprawled out under him, his arm tucked behind her head while his thighs bracketed her hips. Her big, blue eyes traced his face while her hands rested on his back. Spirits, she looked like every memory and fantasy and dream he’d had, rolled up into the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. 

But this wasn’t the time or place. He moved to roll off of her, another apology on his lips, when she moved her hand to squeeze his bicep. 

“Don’t,” she whispered. “Stay. I don’t mind.” He swallowed hard as she bit her bottom lip, eyes roaming over his body. 

Zuko leaned in, just a little. “Is that so?” 

A pretty blush colored her cheeks but she didn’t look away. “I find that I like being held down by you.” 

“Just by me?” 

Her eyes were wider than stars when she nodded, almost imperceptibly. 

He slid his hands to her wrists and pulled them up above her head, bringing their bodies flush against each other. “Something like this?” 

She brushed her nose against his and smiled. “Mmmhmm.” 

He lowered his mouth until it was next to her ear, nipping ever so gently before -  

“Sifu Hotman, if you went back to your - oh. ” 

Zuko shifted up so he was sitting on his heels, still straddling Katara, and fixed Aang with a glare that would melt steel. 

“Nevermind! Nothing urgent! Carry on as you were.” He shot them a cheeky grin in reply and wandered off, whistling something very off-key. 

Katara sighed and laid her hand on his thigh. “I think… I think you can let me up now. Maybe that’s for the best.” 

He swallowed his own disappointment and rolled to his feet, helping her up. She looked away while subtly brushing off her skirts and hair. “What were you two even doing?” 

“Recapturing the Avatar and my honor. What did you think?” Zuko mimicked his teenage rasp. She just laughed. 

“You are all overgrown children.” 

“What does that make you?” 

Katara’s smile was bittersweet. “Well, Momtara, of course. Isn’t that how it’s always been?” 

She slipped away before he could form an answer.

Chapter Text

Even though it was wonderful to be among her friends - her family - again, it didn’t take long before Katara sought out the sea. She decided to venture to the small town they had visited in the past, packed with both vendors she recognized and new stalls cropping up everywhere there was space. 

The sun stood high in the sky, humid air curling against her skin. The ocean called to her, though the crowds away from Zuko’s summer palace kept her from bending too obviously. Old habits die hard, after all. 

She strolled idly down the main thoroughfare, stopping occasionally to marvel at the sheer variety of goods for sale. Cloudberries and mangos shared space with rock cakes and dried kelp. She spotted a stall selling jewelry from all four nations.

“Does something catch your eye, my Lady?” The older man approached with a salesman’s smile. 

“I’m mostly just browsing.” 

He lifted a delicate moonstone hair comb. “I think this would be most suitable for a beauty like yourself. One might say it’s fit for a queen.” 

Katara sputtered and blushed. “Oh, uh. Thank you! That’s very - thank you.” 

She had barely scrambled off when she heard a shout. 

“Lady Katara!” She looked around with a frown. The square was bustling but mostly calm, no sign of scuffles or distress. 

“Hey! Lady Katara! It’s you, right?” she felt someone tug on her sleeve and glanced down. The child was maybe 10 or 11, all long limbs and skinny, knobby frame, but she was struck by the gold-flecked blue eyes that stared up at her. 

“Hi, yeah. That’s me. Can I -” 

“Oh good! You have to come with me,” the child said, grabbing her arm and running towards the docks. 

“Hey! Wait a minute!” 

“We don’t have time! My mom says you saved her whole hometown. You can help us, right?” 

Katara pulled the kid back. “I want to help you. But I can do that better if I know what I’m getting into, okay?” 

“Fine. My name is Shaikuroq. A bunch of us mixed up kids were playing by the harbor when these big guys started making trouble. Momma said they’d move on if we kept our heads down, but now they took Azveh and Kyarra on their ship! They’re going to hurt them!” 

“Wait, mixed up kids?” 

“Colony babies. We have parents from different nations.” 

Her mind raced. “Shaikuroq, can you take me to the harbor? I’ll talk to them.” 

He scoffed but tugged her away from the square, along back alleys and slippery side streets. Katara blinked against the sudden blinding sunlight as they burst onto the docks. 

“It’s that one,” Shaikuroq muttered, pointing to a massive sailing ship with workers scuffing all over the deck and gangplank. 

“Are you sure?” 

“My honor and my sisters rest on you. Do you think I’d guess?” 

She placed her fist in her palm and bowed. “My deepest apologies.” 

To her surprise, he extended both hands and clasped her forearms. “No need, Auntie. We just need to move .” 

They approached the busy dock, scanning for any sign of the girls. Soon enough, a pair of roughly dressed men emerged, each holding a child with a gag and bound wrists. 

“Quit your wiggling, brats! You’ll fetch a good price, but if you keep fighting, I’ll turn you into unagi bait.” 

Fury rose like she hadn’t felt in years. Katara surged forward, pushing Shaikuroq behind her. 

“Stay here.” 

“What? No, those are - “ 

He recoiled from her sharp, terrifying grin. “I’m about to wreck some shit, sweetie. Someone is going to need to catch your friends.” 

Katara marched to the end of the gangplank. 

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Those children need to go back to their families. Release them at once.” she ordered. The men laughed. 

“Oh, aren’t you a pretty thing?”

“I’m warning you. This is your one chance or you will suffer. Let them go.” 

One of the sailors grinned. “Hey cap, innit the Bastard Lord’s sweetheart?”

The captain leered. “She’ll make a nice prize, won’t she?” 

“The children. NOW.” 

The sailor grabbed Azveh in a harsh grip, drawing a weak cry. “What will you pay, bitch?” 

Katara looked over her shoulder at Shaikuroq and nodded. With a single motion, she used a thin water whip to slap both men away from the girls. She swept both arms apart, one sending the kids off the ship and down the alley, the other tossing the slavers out to sea. The captain charged towards her with his sword drawn. 

With a laugh, she wrapped a tendril of water around his waist and raised him in the air. “Are there others?” 

“I will kill you, Water Witch!” 

“What a creative threat. Are. There. Other. Children.” 

He writhed against the water, tightening like a python-eel around him. "What will you give me for them?” 

She carelessly waved a hand and raised the entire ship a hundred feet above the dock. “You can keep your ship and your life, as long as you give me what I want by the count of ten.” 

“Or then what?” 

“Try me and find out.” 

“You might be fucking the royalty, bitch, but you shouldn’t have crossed the Willow Conglomerate,” he hissed. 

“Ten.” Katara tightened her water, twining a new strand around his neck.

“I mean it! We will kill you and everyone you care about!” 

“Mmmhhmmm. That’s why you’re kidnapping preteens at well-lit docks in the middle of the day. You’re so professional.” 

“No one will miss them!” 

She squeezed harder. “See, now you made me skip a few numbers. Seven.” 

“That’s not fair!”

Her laugh was like sandpaper. “You want to talk fair? Where are the other children! Their lives are not pawns in your game. You don’t get to talk to me about fair.” 

“My lady - “ 

“Five.” She moved her water from his waist and split it to wrap around his wrists and ankles, splaying him open. “And it’s Master, Captain. Swear to me that there are no children on your ship and I will let you live.” 

He writhed against the restraints. “You fucking whore! You think you can just stop me?” 

Katara marched right up in his face, grabbing his jaw in an iron fist. “I know I can, you insignificant little fuck. Are there other slaves?” 

The captain glared at her with pure hatred before slumping in retreat. “No. This was the first stop.” 

“And the reason for these kids in particular?” 

His look was equal parts venom and pity. “There’s high demand for, shall we say, novelty, my Lady. Might want to think about that before you start breeding with the king.” 

She wrapped her hand around his throat. “I should tear you apart and leave your remains as an example of what happens to fucking scum who kidnap little ones. You deserve to be picked apart by ratgulls and for your bones to bleach under the sky. There will be no mourning, no burial for a worthless piece of shit like you.” 

He shook in her gip. “Then do it,” he choked.

“Fortunately for you, and unfortunately for me, I love someone who believes in mercy. More than you deserve. Justice will have to suffice.” 

She tossed the captain aside and swept back toward the shore. As she suspected, three other ships bore the same emblem. Katara plunged her hand down and, clenching her fist, punched holes like boulders in the hulls. A tide of people, between ages six and twenty, fell screaming into the sea. With her free hand, she swept them onto the shore to join Shaikuroq and his sisters. 

“Surrender now or I will rip your ships to tinder,” she bellowed. 

“You’ve already torn them up! What more can you do?” the captain cried. 

Katara let out a chilling laugh. “Pray you never find out.”  

She waved both hands and chucked all of the sailors in a gasping pile onshore, then froze them to the ground. 

A trio of constables ran up, gaping at the sinking ships and frozen men. “What - but-” 

“These men were attempting to kidnap children to be sold into slavery. They must be imprisoned.” 

Constable Ozasu stepped up and swallowed. “With all due respect, my lady, all of the evidence is either sinking into the bay or frozen to the sand.” 

“What? That’s ridiculous!” 

He gulped and looked away. “I’m sorry. Unless other witnesses step forward, you’re under arrest for destruction of property and obstruction of justice.” 

Katara’s heart sank as she noticed the vacant streets where Shaikuroq and his friends had hidden. She squared her shoulders. “How the fuck did I obstruct justice?” 

Ozasu leveled her with a hard glance. “As I said, all of the evidence of wrongdoing, which we’ve been tracking for moons , just sank into the deep. With your help.” 

“It’s slavery!” 

“Yes. But we can’t prove that until someone gets caught. Which we had very carefully arranged for until an overexcited Waterbender decided to sink the whole armada. So, you’re under arrest. Are you going to fight us, or do I need to call in the Fire Lord’s chi-blockers?” 

She held her hands in front of her with a wry grin. “The chi-blockers are my personal friends. Do what you must, Constable.”

Chapter Text

Zuko basked in the midday sun, moving easily through his katas. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Aang or Sokka came to rope him into their latest mischief, so he relished the moment of peace. 

Of course it had to come to an end. 

“My Lord, there is some… commotion at the gate,” Emuru said with a bow. “Some children are demanding to see you.” 

He shrugged his tunic back on. “Children? What on earth?” 

“Small versions of people, my Lord.” 

He snorted. “Very funny.” 

“They’re very insistent,” she said with the barest hint of a smile. “Something about Master Katara, I think.” 

As Emuru predicted, that got his attention. “Katara? Is she okay?” 

“I suggest you find out for yourself.” 

He raced down the pathway, barely nodding at Sokka and Suki as he passed their small table. 

“Hey, what’s the hurry?” Sokka called.

“It’s Katara.” 

“What? What happened?”

“That’s what I’m trying to find out.” 

Sokka leapt to his feet and ran after Zuko, Suki on his heels. 

The trio skidded to a halt at the gate, where guards had blocked a whole crowd of children from entering. 

“We have to see the Fire Lord! It’s important!” a boy in front yelled, apparently not for the first time. 

“I can’t just let you on the palace grounds, kid.” 

Suki whistled. “Mina, Cailo, stand down.” 

The two guards immediately stood at rest. Zuko strolled forward, surveying the group of wet, dirty, very angry kids. 

“Esteemed friends. May I ask what’s going on?” 

The boy looked up, his gold-flecked blue eyes startling in his round, youthful face, before executing a sloppy Fire Nation bow. “Fire Lord Zuko, my name is Shaikuroq, and these are my friends. We were just freed from the fate of slavery by Master Katara.” 

“That’s our girl,” Sokka murmured. 

Shaikuroq cut him off with a glare. “However, she kind of got arrested. Constable Ozasu took her to the holding cells in town.” 

“She got arrested?? ” 

A small girl that reminded him of Toph stomped forward, blowing her shaggy brown hair away from her face. “They made a whole stink about how she messed up their jobs by sinking the ships. How was she supposed to know about ‘evidence’?” she sneered. 

Sokka and Zuko shared a whole conversation with a glance. 

“I think you need to start at the beginning.” 

“We can talk on the way to town. Come on!” the girl cried.

“Miss…” 

“Kyarra. You’re wasting time, Fire Lord. You need to come save your girlfriend!” 

“You’re going to come get her, right?” another little girl whispered. “That’s what you’re going to do.” 

Suki elbowed him and smirked. “Come on, Fire Lord. What are we waiting for?” 

Zuko sighed. “Send for Azula and Toph, then. Probably Aang, too. If we go on a rescue mission without them, we will never hear the end of it.” 

_________

Constable Ozasu had expected the Princess and the Lady, Master Beifong. They were often in residence on the island, and it wasn’t hard to figure out who the formidable (terrifying) bender he had in custody was, even without the nearly impossible feats he’d seen earlier. 

The woman sat primly in her cell, playing with a thin strand of water like Princess Azula often spun glass. The slavers - and they were slave traders, he knew that - shouted and carried on in the other holding cells, threatening all kinds of awful nonsense on her, himself, the Fire Lord, and anyone else they could think of. One came up with a particularly creative threat to the Avatar’s bison, which made Ozasu shudder. 

So yes, he knew, from the moment he saw her form the ocean into fists, sinking three ships in a matter of minutes, that the woman could only be Master Katara, Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, and rumored lover of their Fire Lord, Bringer of Peace and Uniter of Lands. Such an esteemed… guest would only be retrieved by a member of the royal entourage or similarly illustrious folk. 

It was probably foolhardy to hold her at all, but dammit she ruined his investigation into the Willow Conglomerate! Years of work, literally sunk into the ocean. He poured a cup of tea and winced. 

“You Firebenders always overheat the water,” Master Katara said. “It burns the tea leaves.” 

“Are you a connoisseur, my Lady?” 

“I have been spoiled by my beloved Uncle Iroh. I believe you’re familiar with the Crown Regent?” 

He choked on his tea. Before he could recover, Aliah, one of his deputies rushed through the door.  

“Uh, Constable, you have visitors.” 

He cleared his throat a few times, then adjusted his hat and uniform. “Bring them in.” 

She flinched. “Uh, there are rather too many of them, sir. You will need to come to the lobby.” 

Ozasu squared his shoulders. “Very well.” 

He was expecting Princess Azula, Master of Glass and Lightning. He anticipated the Lady, Master Beifong. What he was not prepared for was the Fire Lord, joined by the entire “Team Avatar”, also known as leaders and representatives from every nation in the world, along with enough kids and young adults to spill out into the courtyard. 

“What in Koh’s name is going on here?” he muttered. Aliah shrugged. 

“You arrested Master Katara, sir. What did you think was going to happen?” 

The Fire Lord stormed forward. “Constable Ozasu, I demand to know why you have detained one of my guests.” 

He dipped into a deep bow. “My Lord, Princess - “ 

“ Master. ”

“Forgive me. Master Katara interfered with a major, ongoing investigation into the Willow Conglomerate.”

Avatar Aang stepped forward, putting a calming hand on the Fire Lord’s shoulder. “I see. My young friends tell me that slave traders have been picking off mixed-nation children from remote parts of the coasts and no one felt a need to inform me of this,” he said, his voice managing to admonish and demand information with barely a change in his tone. “That seems like an oversight.” 

Ozasu dropped to his knees, his nose brushing the floor. “Oh Great and Holy Avatar, we did not mean to slight your influence or wisdom.” 

“Except that’s kinda what you did, dumbass,” Toph chimed in. “You were running your own investigation without even thinking that maybe anyone else was doing the same.”  

“Lady Beifong -” 

“She saved us and you arrested her! You’re the bad guy!” Kyarra yelled, drawing a chorus of cheers from the other kids. They crowded around him before he could even form an answer.

“Look, man. I know you were probably trying to help, but did you think that maybe there was another way to get evidence?” Sokka said. 

“They weren’t at the scene! We only had her word and years of evidence sinking into the sea!” 

“Did you ask her to un-sink the evidence?” 

Ozasu gulped. 

Zuko gestured everyone to silence, even as he puffed out a breath of smoke. “Constable. I admire your dedication to this issue. However, hear me this - if one single hair on Katara’s head is injured, I will rain fury like you have never seen.” 

Princess Azula laughed. “Zuzu, you’re showing your hand. Here’s what we’re going to do. Ozasu, you are going to get statements from these urchins until you know enough to move forward with your case. You’re then going to send notice to the Crown Regent, my Uncle, and coordinate your investigation with that of the White Lotus.” 

“Yes, Princess.”  

“Once you have done that, you will schedule a meeting with me to make sure there are no further mishaps that result in a diplomat’s arrest, understood?”  

In the chaos, Deputy Aliah sidled up next to Zuko. “First cell through the main doors. Ignore all the others or you’ll probably be deposed,” she murmured, looking away while she dangled a key in her hand. He grabbed it and grinned, more boyish than she ever thought she would see from their leader. 

“Thank you.” 

He burst through the public doors and wound through the constabulary desks and offices until he came to the double doors, his hand shaking as he unlocked it. 

His heart stuttered in his chest when he saw her, humming a soft and unfamiliar tune while she made pretty, useless shapes out of the dank water seeping into the walls. Her eyes widened. 

“Zuko?” 

“Thank Agni you’re alright.” He blasted the lock with fire and, in three long steps, pulled her into a bone melting, toe curling kiss.

Chapter Text

It took a second to register what was happening before Katara’s spine melted into spun sugar. Zuko was kissing her (her!) like his entire life depended on it. His mouth explored hers, nipping at her lip before slowly flicking his tongue against hers. His hands somehow felt like they were both everywhere, touching each sensitive part of her, and holding back. She sighed and tangled her hands in his hair, arching against him so every inch of their torsos were pressed together. 

She came back to reality at the metallic clang when his crown hit the stone floor. 

“Zuko, wait, wait. How did - are the kids - where’s Shaikuroq?” 

He smiled and kissed her softly. “The kids are here. They’re safe. You’ve found yourself quite the champion.”

“These bastards were going to sell them!” 

“I know. That's why they stormed the castle until we staged a rescue mission.”   

Katara turned and crossed her arms. “I could have handled myself.” 

“Of course you could. Does it hurt to have a little royal leverage?” He reached for her and frowned as she scooted away.

“I didn’t need it! I have been dealing with everything on my own!” 

“So have I, Katara. Does that mean we have to?”

“YES! Because I’m not some fucking damsel in distress! I didn’t need an intervention, I didn't need pretty dresses, I didn’t need a vacation, and I don’t need all of you swooping in to save the day!” 

“Why are you mad at me?” he asked, temper rising. “Are we not allowed to care about you?” 

“No!” 

“Well too fucking bad, Katara, because we love you!” 

The charged silence stretched, both of their shoulders heaving. Zuko took a breath and - 

She burst into tears. 

“Oooookay. Okay. Come here, I’ve got you,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms. 

Zuko rocked slightly, stroking her back in slow circles as she cried into his shoulder. Her whole body wracked with sobs, gasping in shuddering breaths as she wept. He held her, ignoring the wet patch on his tunic, for what could have been minutes, hours, or days.

“Be still, my love. You’re safe. I’ve got you,” he repeated, murmuring into her hair.

Katara pulled back again, swiping at her face. “I’m sorry.” 

He tilted her chin up and gently kissed the tears from her cheeks. “Don’t be.” 

“It’s just…” she took a deep breath and met his eyes. “I haven’t cried since the funeral.” 

“That was three years ago.” 

“I guess Sokka was right. Suki too. I buried myself again. The grief, the pain, the… the loneliness. It became this thing that was too big to untangle. Just like before, with Mom. Too much to do, too much to feel.” 

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.” 

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t have let you in even if you were. And honestly, your letters were a bright point for me. Even with Aang… well, you know even with Aang. It brought me joy.” 

He squeezed her hand. She smiled a little and shrugged. 

“Ember Island has a way of smoothing out the rough edges. I guess I didn’t expect that it would crack me open first.” 

Zuko was hit with a sudden wave of shame. “Of course. The kids.” 

“I don’t blame you for what the Southern Raiders did to us. I haven’t since the war. It just brought back all the memories of people being dragged away and something in me just… I don’t know. It was like Yon Rah. All the rage and sadness and everything came spewing to the surface and I wanted to hurt those men. I haven’t felt that in years.” 

“I probably didn’t make it better by freaking out and then kissing you,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck like he hadn’t since they were teenagers. 

“I mean, I don’t know if it helped the emotional turmoil, but I’m not going to complain about you kissing my brains out.” 

He twined their fingers together. “Let’s get out of here. I think there is a much longer conversation to be had, and a nasty holding cell is not where I want to have it.” 

“Yeah, someone really should talk to the leadership. This place is gross.”  

Zuko flicked her ear. 

They strolled into the lobby hand in hand. Before anyone could get a single word in, Shaikuroq shouted in joy. 

“Thank Tui and La!” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. The other kids whooped and cheered, and in seconds, she was swarmed, all of them trying to hug her or thank her or climb onto her back. Katara laughed and listened, propping a five year old on her hip while Azveh and Kyaara chattered at her like old friends. Shaikuroq had very pointedly wrested her hand from Zuko and was guiding her around. 

“This is Luruyu, and this is Shaia, and here’s Ilah, and that’s Lu Ten. He’s shy.” 

“What did you say his name was?” 

He bowed. “Lu Ten, my Lord. Named after your cousin. It’s a very popular name for colony kids.” 

Zuko looked down at the boy, probably no older than seven, with sharp golden eyes against nut-brown skin. “Is he a Firebender?” 

Shaikuroq shrugged, eyes narrowed. “Maybe.” 

Katara raised her brows but said nothing, still bouncing Raya on her hip and letting some of the other kids run circles around her legs. 

“Mister Shaikuroq, it would be my honor to speak with you soon, in the place and time of your choosing, with the adults you choose. I don’t have many days left on this vacation, but it seems that there are some things happening on the islands that I need to learn,” Zuko said, extending his arms in a traditional Water Tribe bow. The boy studied him for a long, almost awkward minute, before Katara nudged him with her foot. 

“Very well, Fire Lord,” he said, grasping arms and lowering his head a fraction less than was proper. Katara just laughed. 

“Let me guess, friend. Your mother is from the Southern Water Tribe and your father from the Fire Nation.” 

Shaikuroq grinned. “Love match, if you can believe it.” 

She met Zuko’s eyes. “I think I can.”  

Sokka bustled forward. “Okay, everyone. That’s enough. We need to get the Under-20s back to their homes and the over 20s back to our beds. I’m getting too old for this -” 

Suki and Azula slapped their hands over his mouth. 

Raya snuggled her head against Katara’s shoulder. “Tha’s okay. You’re going to marry the good guy and then we’ll see you bunches.” 

Kyaara piped up, “Yeah, is it true? Are you Fire Lord Zuko’s girlfriend?” 

Katara locked eyes with Zuko once more. “Well he hasn’t asked, friends, but… yeah. I think I am.” 

They began the slow process of leaving when Ozasu piped up, "but! My Lord! Southern Masters! What of the slave traders?" 

Katara and Aang, working on some kind of friendship telepathy, smirked and strolled out of the building. 

"But!" 

Zuko stalled the Constable with a glare. 

"You get the ships, I get the stuff," Aang murmured. "And then you get your man." 

Katara grinned and pulled him into a tight hug. "Love you." 

He squeezed twice. "Love you more. Get justice. Be happy."

With a feral smile, she raised her arms. "I don't know if I can get all three ships this time." 

"Sure you can." 

"Come on, Auntie! Come on!" the kids cheered. Sokka, Toph, and Suki whooped and hollered along. 

"You can do this!" 

Katara closed her eyes and focused her energy. One...two...three... She formed the water into shelves beneath the sunken ships, grunting with effort as she lifted and pushed, pushed, pushed them towards the surface. 

"Aang! Help her!" she heard someone cry (she thinks it was Azula.) 

"No! She's got this. I promise." 

She looked around at the rocky cove. "Where?" she panted. 

Zuko wrapped his arm around her waist. "Can you get them to the sandbar?" 

Even as she swayed with effort, Katara nodded. "Anything you want." 

She closed her eyes and shoved all three ships onto a shallow, sandy bridge to the shore. "Aang?" 

"On it. Get some rest." 

The words had barely left his mouth before she collapsed into Zuko's arms. 

Chapter Text

Katara woke in her bed, blankets pulled up to her chin. She blinked, a little disoriented, but stretched out her aching limbs, until someone stirred nearby. 

“Oh good, you’re up. You scared me!” Sokka sat up in his chair, leg propped on her bed. 

“How long was I out?” 

“Couple of hours. Long enough for Toph to challenge Zuko to a sparring match because he was driving everyone insane. I thought she was going to have to knock him out to get him to stop hovering.”

Katara gazed out the open window to hide her blush. A comfortable silence stretched between them, only broken by the sound of birds and waves. 

“Anyway, you owe me at least three dozen seaweed cookies, Sis. It nearly took an act of Yue to get those kids to leave you alone.” 

“Did everyone make it home?” 

He nodded. “That little gold-eyed kid latched onto Zuko like a koala-lemur, but we eventually got him off. But really, what happened back there? I got twelve-part harmony from the critters, but I’d love to hear your story.” 

She settled back against her pillows. “Do you remember one of the last raids? Not the one where Mom died, but the one before.” 

He gestured for her to go on. 

“That was when they took Halleh and Onnak. You know, they were only a little older than I was.” 

She looked to the window again. “These kids were about the same ages. I couldn’t do anything then but I sure as fuck can now. And knowing that I can, means I must. ” 

Sokka took her hand. “There she is.” 

“What?” 

“There’s my sister. I was wondering when she would come out to play.” 

Katara laughed. “I’m not sure I’d call that playing.” 

“Sure it is. You are never as happy as when you get to kick ass and take names.”

“It does feel good. I’m out of practice.” 

Sokka squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry.” 

“For what?” 

“When you came back to the Tribe from the Air Temples, we all fell into the same old routines. I know better and I let it happen.” 

“Don’t -” 

“No, Katara. Dad and I let you down. We let too many things slide until they landed in your lap, because on some level, we knew you’d clean up the mess. That’s not fair, and it’s not right.”  

“Hey, listen to me. By the time I came home, I was so defeated that nothing would have made a difference. And then when Gran Gran died, there was nothing left but grief. No one would have been able to get through to me.” 

“One person could. One person did.” 

“He’s different.” 

“Always has been, if you ask me,” he grinned

“Since when do you want to talk to me about boys? Normally you scream about the oogies the minute it becomes real that I’m a woman.” 

He took a moment and studied their still-grasped hands. “It’s not about Zuko. Or, well, it’s not just about Zuko. I guess I want you to think about what you actually want. You, Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. Not as a master bender, not as the chief’s daughter, not as the Avatar’s ex. Just as you, my favorite person. And when you decide, we’re going to make that happen, together.” 

She opened her mouth and closed it again. “I… I have no idea.” 

Sokka pulled her into a hug. “Liar. You have one idea.” 

Just as she had with Aang that afternoon, she squeezed tight. “Love you.” 

He smiled into her hair. “Love you more.” 

Katara startled at a sudden crash in the hallway. 

“Dammit, Toph! Let me go!” 

“No way, Sparky. I’m not dealing with you setting the curtains on fire again because your girlfriend overdid it with the bending.” 

Something hissed and then hit the wall with a thud . 

“OWW!!”

“She’s awake now. You can stop fighting,” Sokka called, strolling over to the door. “Shit, Toph. Did you have to wreck the place?” 

“It’s his fault! If he hadn’t -” 

“You should have -”

“-been such a lovesick -” 

“I was not!” 

“Yes you fucking were. Sweet furry badgermoles, I’ve never heard someone as hopeless as you.” 

The argument was cut short by a sharp whistle. “Enough!” Sokka bellowed. “Toph, we’re leaving. Somebody’s gotta clean up this mess you two made. Zuko, get in there. Figure your shit out.” 

He stormed out, grumbling under his breath. Katara giggled as Toph’s, “what the fuck, Snoozles?” echoed down the hall. 

Zuko leaned on the doorframe with a smile. “Hey, you. Feeling any better?” 

“Back to normal. It’s been a while since I did that kind of bending. Suki says I depleted my chi.” 

He strolled into the room, never taking his eyes off of her. An electric shiver ran down her spine. “She learned from Ty Lee, so I’ll take her word on it. Still, you should be more careful.” 

“I am careful, Zuko. Don’t fucking underestimate me.” 

He raised his hands in surrender. “Hey, I’m on your side here. I just can’t help but worry about you.” 

Katara patted the bed next to her. “I’m fine. Promise.” 

“Are you?” 

She looked away. “I… no. I don’t suppose I am. But right now, I’m better than I have been in a long time.” 

Silence stretched again, his thumb gently stroking over her knuckles. 

“Are you okay?” she murmured. 

“Better now, too, but… I won’t lie. You scared the shit out of me. And, well, that made me think about some things.” 

“Things?” 

“I don’t know. It’s been hard. I feel like I’ve been swimming against a tidal wave since the war ended. Every time I think I have something settled, three more issues pop up. And now, the council is demanding that I get married to ‘secure the line’ like my family is not an entire epic saga of fucked up lunatics.”

The thought of Zuko getting married made her stomach sink. “That sounds like a lot.” 

“It is. I mean, I owe it to the world, but it’s nice to complain every now and then. The council has had my marriage tied up with honor and duty and sacrifice, and I haven’t really let myself think about what it could be if -”  

“If what?” she breathed. 

Zuko swallowed hard and brought her hand to his lips. “Do you remember that night? After the Agni Kai?” 

“How could I forget?”

“Do you regret it?” he whispered.

“Never. Not once. Do you?” 

“Never. Not even when I probably should have. It was perfect. You were perfect.” 

She took a deep breath and met his eyes. “When we argued earlier, you said ‘ we love you.’” 

“Katara -” 

“Because I love you, just you, more than anything. Your voice was in my ear when I spared those men, because you have grown into such a wonderful, kind man, and I knew you would choose mercy.” 

“I’m not sure I would have chosen mercy today, but yes. I meant that I love you too. More than anything, for longer than I can say.” 

She opened her arms, inviting him to shift his weight into her arms. “When you think about that night, what do you think?” 

“I should have worshiped you. I should have shown you how much I love you, shown you every way you could feel good. I should have put my mouth on every inch of your body. I should have -” 

He stopped at her finger on his lips. “Show me now?” 

Zuko nipped her finger and stole a kiss. “Gladly, my love.”  

Katara gasped as he tackled her onto the mattress, swallowing her laugh with his lips. “I seem to remember something about you liking being held down,” he purred. 

“Mmmm,” she hummed, pushing his tunic off his shoulders and mapping her fingers across the muscles of his back, her sounds turning to sharp moans as he trailed kisses down her neck and across her collarbone. 

She twined her fingers in his hair and pulled him back up to her mouth. “On second thought, you can show me next time. It’s been ten years and my love, I am starving. ” 

“As you wish,” he murmured before pulling her top over her head, marveling at her unbound breasts. 

“ Katara.” 

“Stare later. You’re wearing too much.” 

He snickered when her fingers caught the knot on his trousers, and swore when she finally grazed her fingers over his cock. 

“Don’t tease me. I want to be good for you.” 

She met his lips and guided him between her folds. “I know you will be.” 

_________

“If they aren’t fucking at this very moment, I am going to light something on fire,” Azula said, storming into the kitchen where their friends had gathered. “If today’s heroics weren’t enough, they’re utterly hopeless.” 

“Zuli, what do you know?” Sokka laughed, flicking the tail end of a pastry at her. “You’re a mean lesbian. The straights do it differently.” 

“Yeah, you do it worse. Absolutely useless, all of you.” 

“Guys, they basically announced a relationship today,” Aang soothed. “I think they’re figuring it out on their own.”

“What? What did I miss?” Suki shouted. 

“Oh right, you and Azula were busy with the Constable. I’m pretty sure Zuko kissed her brains out once he got to the holding cell.” 

“How the fuck do you know that?” 

Aang laughed. “What were you doing with your feet, Toph? Even I could sense their heartbeats going crazy, and you’re way better at that than I am.” 

“Twinkletoes, there were three dozen hearts in that room going lemur-shit wild for a hundred reasons. I was trying to find a threat, not a romance.” 

“Come on! We’ve had a bet going for years, and we don’t even know who won??” Sokka cried. 

A sharp knock at the door broke up the argument. “Come,” Aang and Azula said in unison. 

Emuru entered with a tray of sake and seven cups. “My esteemed leaders,” she said with a sly smile, “it appears it is time for a long-awaited toast.” 

“What do you mean?” 

Her grin sharpened. “Fire Lord Zuko, Bringer of Peace and Uniter of Lands -” 

“Must you use the full title every time -” Azula grumbled under her breath.

“- and the Princess, Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribes - “ 

“Fuck yeah, they get her title right!” Sokka cheered before Toph punched him in the arm. 

“ - have consummated a long-wagered and debated relationship approximately…” 

“Say it….” Toph huffed.

“22 minutes ago.” 

“Are you KIDDING me??” Aang flopped back against the counter. “I lost by 2 hours!” 

“At least you were close, Twinkletoes. I lost by three whole days.” 

“So who won?” Azula asked. Emuru stretched her hand out and smiled. 

“You?? How?” Sokka squawked. She just shrugged. 

“Live as long as I have and you learn to see.” 

Azula took the hint as it was and one by one, the Gaang handed over their coins. “Wait,” she said after a moment. “How did you know?” 

Emuru grimaced. “I know what lovemaking sounds like when I hear it, Princess Master. What is the saying? ‘This is not my first Rumble.’”