Chapter Text
0 Years after Sozin's Comet (ASC)
Zuko - 16 Katara - 14
The few days after Zuko was crowned Firelord felt unreal, how could it be real? Everyone was safe, Ozai was defeated, Azula locked up and the war finally over. Zuko couldn’t believe his luck. It could easily have gone the other way, it nearly did.
Zuko rubbed the bandage over his chest to relieve some of the itch, he knew that feeling. It was going to scar but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. This was a scar he was proud of, he would wear it with honour. This scar was a badge of his growth, it was proof he had something to care for and look after. He knew he would do anything for his friends and his people.
Though Zuko had to be honest with himself, he hadn’t even thought of the consequences when he jumped in front of Azula’s lightning. His only thought was that he had to save her, what would be the point of winning the war if it meant living in a world without Katara.
He couldn’t quite pinpoint the moment when she became so important to him. He suspected it was when he realised she was not so easily going to accept him, it was a challenge he could not back down from. The lack of trust in him he could understand and he even admired it. After all, it was his fault, she was the first to trust him in the caves and he crushed it just as soon as it began. Katara cares more than anyone. He wanted to care for people that much, he wanted to be like her and give everything in himself to protect what he cared about. When Katara finally did accept him, he wore her trust like armour. It was a prize he was honoured by, a gift he would never take advantage of again. While the others had quickly accepted him she had remained firm. Katara’s trust had to be earned and this was something he would continue to earn for as long as she would let him.
She was his closest confidant, there had not been many people he had even spoken his mother’s name to and yet speaking to her was as calming and soothing as her element. Talking to her was easy. He cherished that. In a life with few friends, to have one like her was a blessing. It had meant that he could open up to others too. Maybe it was the similarity between them but Sokka was a fast friend.
He admired Sokka, the Water Tribe teen was not born with a voice that people would follow but he had earned one. He was an ingenious thinker and planner. While some looked down at him because of his lack of bending Zuko wished he had his talent. The thought crossed his mind that Sokka would likely be a better Firelord than he would. Sokka would have the chance to lead his own Tribe though and Zuko couldn’t wait to see that day.
He had formed a strange relationship with Aang, it was one of mutual respect but was marred by their differing views of the world and likely their age difference. Aang the forever optimist and Zuko the realist. He would never want to see any harm come to Aang and greatly enjoyed his company but it was a little more business-like. The last time a Firelord was trusted by an Avatar he was betrayed. Zuko knew that this would not happen again but it still hung in the air.
Toph was an easy ally. When the group raged about whatever the newest disagreement was she was there with him. She was uncomplicated, constant and easy to understand. It helped that they had similar childhoods, one of luxury and wealth. Both understood each other. Zuko did regret that they never had a proper ‘field trip’ Perhaps he would make it up to her one day.
A knock rang against the door.
A tentative smile graced his face at the new arrival. Mai.
“Ready for briefings?” She asked, coming to straighten his official robes. “A noble wanted to come get you himself but I thought I would take on that chore.” Her monotone voice hid her own smile.
“Thank you for burdening yourself with such a chore.” Zuko arched an eyebrow and leaned in to kiss her.
Zuko deserved this. He had to battle to where he was now. He looked after his friends and now his country; Mai looked after him. How could she have stood up to Azula if she didn’t love him? Their relationship was easy to slip back into. He knew where he stood with Mai. They had practically been matched together since childhood. These last few months had only confirmed that Mai was right for him and right for the country. A nobleman's daughter, born and raised. A perfect match for the Firelord. He was content. She relaxed him, when they were together he was safe in the knowledge that she would be honest with him.
Mai joined Zuko in the briefings, as did the Avatar gang. Katara sat across from him with a strange look. It was the same look she has given him every time they had seen each other in the last few days. He wasn’t sure what the look meant. They hadn't been able to talk properly since they went against Azula. He made a mental note to find time to chat with her. Until then he had to get through the day's meetings.
Peace talks were intense. Zuko knew they would be, the Fire Nation had a lot to pay for but he was determined that it wasn’t going to be the average citizen that paid the price. They had been through enough.
The colonies were to be re-integrated under Earth Kingdom control but the citizens were given a choice, return to the Fire Nation or integrate into Earth Kingdom life. Reparations would be paid to those places most affected by the war. The Southern Water was to get a large share, they had been devastated by raids. It was only fair. Zuko was happy that he could help his friends in this way. Sokka was to be in charge of overseeing how this money was to be used, it was the logical choice. He had the skills and had close friends in the Fire Nation if troubles arose. Deciding how to best pay back the other nations was a little more tricky. Every foreign noble wanted the best deal, most meetings devolved into talking in circles.
Educational and medical policies were set up between nations to share knowledge and improve lives. Engineers from Fire Nation were to be sent to the other nations to improve the sharing of technology. One benefit of war meant that their technology had taken a huge leap forward, Zuko felt obliged to share these advances for the world.
It was 3 days before Zuko managed to pin down Katara to talk. Katara and the others were due to leave the Fire Nation soon to travel to help spread peace. The Avatar needed to show his face to the world as a saviour.
She was sitting by the turtle duck pond, the waning light hiding her features from him. Her hair tumbled down her back and her blue skirt fell around her knees. She wore her blue robes in a traditional Fire Nation style to help with the humid heat. She gently twirled her fingers and the water around the turtle ducklings danced, the young animals played with the ripples and chirped happily.
“You mind if I join you?” Zuko asked, stepping to her side.
Katara’s blue eyes turned up to see him, that same unbearable look still swirling behind them. She nodded, giving nothing away. Zuko sat cross-legged beside her, close but not touching. They sat in silence for a moment enjoying the peace.
“Wha-” He started to say. Just as she turned her head and opened her mouth to speak.
“Sorry, you go.” He waved his hand for her to talk.
She turned her head back to the pond.
“I want to be angry at you.”
Katara offered nothing else. Zuko’s mind whirled. Had he said something? Did he do something to harm her trust in him? Where the peace talks not going as well as he thought?
Before he had time to question her, she continued.
“I want to be angry at you. You risked everything Zuko. This war wouldn’t have been worth it all if you died and could not lead your nation. And yet you nearly threw that all away. To save me. A ‘water tribe peasant’.” She almost glared at him but her face soon softened and tears threatened to fall.
Zuko opened and closed his mouth unsure what to say. Sure, he could see where she was coming from. But there was always Iroh to lead, it wouldn’t have been such a loss. In fact, he felt as if he didn’t deserve to be Firelord. He had done so much wrong.
“I want to be angry but I can’t because you saved me.”
He looked at her in surprise. His good eye-widening.
“I want to be angry but all I feel is how grateful I am. I am happy I am still here. Thank you.” She turned her eyes to him and smiled a sad smile. Zuko relaxed, at least she wasn’t angry.
Zuko coughed to clear his throat. “I didn’t think about that. You are my friend Katara. Winning the war wouldn’t have been worth it without friends to be there with you afterwards. I would do it again Katara, don’t doubt that. I would do it for you, any of our friends, anyone in my nation. Anyone in need.” Katara stared at Zuko, listening intently. “You mean a lot to me so please don’t forget that.” He smiled.
“When I couldn’t get to you, I thought you were gone. I was desperate to get to you. I thought I wouldn’t get to you in time.” Katara’s face pulled into a grimace full of pain. “Your chest… you will always have that scar because of me.”
Zuko rubbed his chest slightly, it was true. Even with all of Katara’s healing, it would remain with him forever. “That's not a bad thing.” Katara looked confused at his words. He explained “I always thought scars were a mark of shame, that's what my first scar said to the world. But this one is different, it shows that I have something to fight for and protect. I saved my friend, that is something to wear with pride.” The Fire Lord smiled at her, trying to convey the emotion behind his words.
Katara gave a small smile back. “When did you get so wise?” She let out a breath she had been holding.
“Somewhere in between Ba Sing Se and the Western air temple, I think.” He laughed and so did she, it was a small laugh. A laugh between friends shaped by their shared past. The good and the bad.
Katara rested her head on his shoulder and looked back to the pond. “Thank you. And for what it is worth I am glad I let you join the group.” It was meant as a joke but she didn’t know how close to the truth her words were, Zuko would never have been part of the group fully if it wasn’t for her.
Zuko relished the weight of his friend's head on his shoulder, it anchored him. He was happy.
They left only a few days later. Zuko couldn’t help feel the loss of them, more specifically a certain blue-eyed water bender.