Chapter 49

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Word count 12,598 words

(Zuko) POV

I dropped to my knees as I finished the last line of the letter stuffed in my bag.

By the time you are reading this I will be gone, but I will be dying without regrets. Or that's what I'd like to say. The truth is, I do have one. I never got to marry you...

With love, (Y/n).

"She's gone. She's fucking g..one" I clenched my teeth together as I tried to not focus on my sore chest.

I looked over at Katara as she was lying on Appa, crying. The Fire Sages took my sister away and offered to show me inside, but I refused. I needed time alone.

I looked up at the sun and watched it begin to dim. I didn't want it to. The sunset meant night, night meant the moon, the moon was when we danced.

The wind sent a chill down my spine as the sun was no longer in view. I should've know. I should've known something was off. The way she so easily agreed to stay back during the battle. God I was so stupid!

I sniffled as Katara's voice brought me back into reality, "Zuko? You're mumbling... do you want to talk about this?" She choked out through her sobs.

"I'm so stupid. I should've know" I exclaimed.

"It's (Y/n), she could never be read so easily"

I shook my head as I tried my hardest not to cry. According to this fucking letter she didn't want me to be sad. How could she not want me to?

I shook my head re-reading the letter for the eighth time. It still was the same words in the same font.

I began to think of my life with her, and I realized something. I was only truly happy when I was with her. Here, in this palace I had the constant mental abuse from my father and it only got worse when mom left. Then I got burned by the man who was supposed to protect me, fathers were supposed to protect and help their kids. Not hurt them and send them away. Then I spent three years filled with angst trying to restore something I already had.

Then I met her, I met (Y/n). I actually smiled around her. When I was with her in Ba Sing Se, I didn't care that I was a penniless boy. When she was here with me, I was able to see her everyday. And when we were with her family, I felt like I actually mattered.

I looked back at Katara who clenched her letter tighter into her chest as I began to tear up again.

I looked up to the sky to see the lights completely gone. There was nothing but the rising moon behind me to create some light.

My eyes focused on the stars as I pictured her next to me. Maybe her Spirit was right next to me. Maybe she was watching over me. Maybe.

I put my hands together and began to pray as if she could hear me, "Tell me (Y/n), were you happy in this world? Or was I even enough?" I asked.

I sniffled again as I tried to stay calm. I've felt this emotion before and I hate it just as much as the first time. The pain of loss. It felt like I was falling, even though I was perfectly still.

"I'm falling right now. In all the good times I find myself longin' for you. And in the bad times, I fear myself," I admitted to the sky, just hoping she was hearing my prayers in the Spirit world. "I have to tell you something, Orchid," I struggled on my words. "I don't want to fill this void, I'm falling.
In all the good times I find myself longing for you. And in the bad times, I fear myself" I told her again.

I couldn't help myself as I let out a pained scream, as strings of fire blasted out, "Watch me Orchid! I'm going off the deep end! Watch as I dive in!" I screamed as more fire came out of me, "You promised me a dance! You promised me!" I lost full control of myself, "You said you'd be with me! You told me you'd always be here when I needed you! I told you I would always be there for you! Why didn't you tell me?! Why?!" I sobbed, "WHY?!"

I clenched my letter as my screaming became even more dominant as I tried to let it all out.

She promised me. She promised me she'd be okay! Why couldn't she tell me? Why can't anything ever go my fucking way!

"Zuko?" I sniffled looking ahead of me.

That's when I saw her. My eyes fixated on a girl standing by a war ballon that must've landed when I was having my breakdown. I looked down to her scars, but what drove me insane was her hair. Red.

"(Y-Y/n)?" Is all I said as I looked into her blue eyes.

I watched her begin to tear up before she charged at me. Right as I got to my feet she smashed into me, sending us both to the floor.

She curled closer into my arms while I held her close. I felt her head digging into the crook of my neck, as mine was digging into her hair.

"What happened?" I held her closer, "What happened?" I choked out.

She pulled away slightly to look me in the eyes. She gave me a smile as water was leaking out of her eyes, "I did it," is all she said. "I did it!"

I placed my hand on her scarred cheek. She melted into my touch as I used my other hand to try and dry her eyes, "You did it"

She began to weep as our foreheads found each other's. Our hands somehow intertwined as I began to enjoy the silence.

"I love your hair" I told her.

"Really? It's not to strange?" She cringed.

I let out a little chuckle, "No it's... you" I found the words.

She looked back at me and smiled before she grabbed the back of my head and without warning, she smashed our lips together.

Before I knew it as we pulled away the rest of the team, who I didn't realize were around, joined us on the ground for a hug. I didn't mind though, since it felt right.

———

"Okay everyone hand me those shitty letters" (Y/n) laughed as the group began to put them in her hand.

"I still don't understand why you wrote me one," Toph grumbled. "I can't even read"

"Just give her the letter" Katara sighed as (Y/n) took it.

"Thank you" she grabbed all the letters and held them in her hands.

I looked at her and tilted my head, "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean... even thought they aren't needed... they still have value"

"I'm sure," she told me. "I wrote these... when I thought I was good as gone. But now..." she crumpled the up in her grasp, "Now it's time I was in control of my life" she smiled.

I wrapped my arm around her waist as she looked to the group, "Well, whenever you're ready Smarty-pants"

She chuckled before putting her hands in between the crumpled pages. I watched as a blue spark was visible between her fingers, as the paper began to become charred.

She threw her hands up into the air and let go of the pages as the embers of paper flew away with the wind.

"We did it guys," she exclaimed. "We fucking won"

I held her closer, "Yeah. We did"

—————
(Y/n) POV

I pasted by a couple of servants as I tried to find Zuko. It's been a couple days since the comet and after days of planning and getting Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe soldiers out of prison; we were finally crowning Zuko as Fire Lord.

I held the box containing a little gift I made for him, with Katara's help. The entire family had been so busy with announcing the end of the war and getting everything together for the coronation, that we haven't even had time to all have dinner together. I haven't spoken to Zuko much since the day after I returned.

I then began to fix my outfit Katara put me in. A blue dress with white fur on the form fitting sleeve cuffs, and a dark blue cape with the same fur draped over my shoulders. Luckily Zuko's mother was very heavily into theater, meaning that department had historically accurate tribal clothing I could wear for this occasion.

I then caught sight of the boy I was looking for, as he struggled to put his robes on, "Need some help with that?" I smiled as he looked over to me.

"Orchid," he smiled as I walked over and placed his gift on the railing before helping him place his robes on. "You look great"

I chuckled, "Yeah, sure. I still hate my hair up like this, it's too heavy"

"You don't have to have it all up" he told me.

"Yeah I do," I exclaimed finishing his outfit. "It's one of your traditions, and I want to respect it," I watched as his eyes trailed down to my neck as he looked at my betrothal necklace, then to my left hand. "Is everything okay?" I asked him.

He grabbed my hand and lifted it up, "Where's your ribbon?"

My eyes widened, "Oh!" I grabbed the small box from before, "I almost forgot" I held it out to him.

He raised his brow, "What's this?"

"Open it and find out" I grinned, basically shoving it into his chest.

He picked up the box and let out a small laugh, "Okay, okay, okay. I'll open it-" he stopped as he looked at my gift, "W-what is this?"

"It's for your hair Zuku," I explained picking it up. "I took my ribbon and altered it for your hair. I thought since it helped me in my biggest time of need... it would help you. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown," I turned him around and began to fix his hair so I could use it to make a bun. "But I thought maybe with a bit help, the right ribbon can keep it in place" I made a perfect bun as he looked to me baffled.

Katara and I spent all night working on this present. Let me tell you this, sewing is not as easy as it looks. Especially when you put gold rims on both sides of said ribbon that has been on someone's wrist for a year.

"Thank you," he pulled me into a hug. "Thank you so much"

I chuckled, "I'm always gonna be here," I made him look at me. "I am always going to be here now. I promise"

"Good," he pulled away before reaching into his pocket. "Because I do as well"

I tilted my head as he pulled out a blue necklace. I raised a brow before seeing his wrist, and his ribbon was gone as well.

"Look, (Y/n). When I ask you a couple months ago, it was influenced by my father. Even though I really wanted to do it, looking back I felt like I only did at that point because of him. I used his ribbon he gave me, I used a charm he helped me create. It felt like it wasn't right," he sighed before trying to get the words out. "So I wanted to ask you again... (Y/n). I love you. I really do, and I did before all of this, and you loved me when I was nothing... I want your help here and I need it. I really do... so, will you marry m-" Before he finished I pulled him into a long kiss. I didn't need to hear the words, I knew what he was going to say and I was happy.

He pulled away as his face was a flush colour that matched my new hair, "I'll take that as a yes?"

I snickered, "Just put it on me you big dork"

"I hope you like the charm," he said as I glanced at the gold painted wood in the shape of a crooked orchid with red painted petals. "It took me nights to make it, and then when I asked Sokka and Aang what they thought about it, Sokka asked me why Momo whittled you a betrothal charm" he grumbled putting it on my neck to replace the other one now in his hands.

"You made this yourself?" I grinned ear to ear.

"Well yeah," he shrugged. "I mean... you have traditions to" he exclaimed.

I kissed his cheek, "Well I love it"

He placed his hand on my cheek, "Well I'm glad"

The bells began to ring signalling it was almost time for the ceremony to start.

He smirked holding his arm out, "Well. I guess they're expecting us Fire Lady (Y/n)" he told me in a fake snooty accent.

I chuckled locking our arms together, "Well we mustn't keep the public waiting, Fire Lord Zuko~"

—————
(Third Person) POV

Outside the castle Katara and Sokka began to look for their dad.

Soon they saw a group of men in blue and gasped seeing their father with his men, "Dad!" They both yelled running over towards him.

He smiled as they all embraced, "Where's (Y/n)?" He asked.

"With Aang and Zuko, they asked her to join them considering she helped take down the Fire Lord" Sokka exclaimed.

"And is engaged to Zuko" Katara added.

Their dad looked proud as the council men behind him all wore shamed expression, as the other men glared at them.

Hakoda then ruffled the two's hair, "I heard what you two also did. I am the proudest father in the world," he looked to Katara. "And your mother would be proud, too" she clenched her necklace as the words hit her.

Sokka let the two have a private hug as he saw a flash of green. He held his crutch as he hobbled over towards the Kyoshi Warriors.

"There's my favorite warriors! I have to admit, I kind of missed the face paint. So how does it feel to be in uniform again?" He asked Suki as two familiar faces came into view.

"It feels great!" Ty Lee smiled.

Mai shrugged, "This gives me an excuse to beat the shit out of people... I'm in love"

Sokka's eyes widened as he slowly 'ran' over to Suki and pointed his crutch at the two girls, "Careful, Suki! Ty Lee and Mai are pretending to be Kyoshi Warriors again!

"Wow. I feel the love" Mai rolled her eyes.

Suki placed her hands on Sokka to calm him down, "It's okay. They're both one of us now" she explained as Sokka looked confused/scared.

Ty Lee laughed as Mai kept her guard up, "Yeah, the girls and I really bonded in prison. And after a few chi blocking lessons, they said I could join their group. We're going to be best friends forever" she put her hands around two of the girls as they smiled.

"And I gave they some help with knife throwing," Mai explained. "Apparently it's a great skill and the fans have the same weight distribution as my knives, making easy and larger throwing stars"

"Plus (Y/n) gave us residents here, so we will all be together!" Ty Lee added.

Sokka raised a brow, "What?"

"(Y/n)'s still a warrior with us. So she's now getting lessons on the side here," Suki explained. "What? You thought she'd quit one of her dreams because she met a guy who could provide for her?" She laughed.

—————
(Y/n) POV

The two of us walked over to the entrance as we saw Aang sitting and waiting for us.

"The necklace looks good" I smiled at him.

"Thank you again for it," he told me standing up. "I know it meant a lot to you and-"

"It belongs to you" I told him as he sheepishly nodded.

Zuko pulled away from me as he walked to Aang, "I can't believe a year ago my purpose in life was hunting you both down. And now..." he trailed off.

"And now we're friends" Aang finished.

Zuko smiled, "Yeah, we are friends"

Aang sighed, "I can't believe a year ago I was still frozen in a block of ice"

"I can't believe I had demon slowly killing me a year ago" I chuckled as they looked to me.

"The world's so different now" Aang looked down as Zuko placed a hand in the Avatar's shoulder.

"And it's gonna be even more different..."

I then placed a hand on both boy's shoulders, "Then I guess we all are gonna have to build it together" the three of us all began to hug before the bell came again and we walked outside.

There out of the palace we could see people from the Fire Nation, the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom and the Foggy Swamp Tribe. All the Nation's were here. United.

It may sound strange, but that's what I want. Now with all this responsibility that's going to be put on my shoulders, I need to make a goal for myself. I want to give people something that I couldn't have as a child, freedom.

I want kids to be born from all nations, and be proud if they have a different element then what country they are from. I never want someone to be discriminated against for something they can't control. That's my goal. I want freedom.

I stayed back next to Aang as Zuko walked ahead while a gong is struck. The crowd cheered for their new Lord as Zuko raised his hand.

"Please. The real heroes are the Avatar, and Lady (Y/n)" he said as the two of us walked to each of his sides.

The crowd began to cheer again but for us. I locked hands with Zuko as he began to address them, "Today this war is finally over! I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided," he looked at Aang and then to me. "But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace"

He let go of my hand as he knelt down, preparing to be crowned Fire Lord. A Fire Sage approached with the headpiece and held it up high for us all to see before placing it in Zuko's top knot I did, "All hail Fire Lord Zuko!" He proclaimed as the crowd went insane.

I watched as he stood up proud and looked towards his people. I had so much faith in him. He was going to be great at this. My fiancé was going to be the greatest Fire Lord in history, and I'll be sure of that.

Zuko walked over towards me and grabbed my hand. I raised a brow as he pulled me to the front and he flashed me a smile. What the hell was he up to?

A Fire Sage walked over and handed something to Zuko. My eyes lit up even more looking at the multicoloured lantern, each section was the colour of each nation.

"You didn't" I looked down at it.

"We needed a new tradition" he told me, making me smile even more, "Thank you"

The two of us lit our palms and lit the lantern together. We lifted it up into the air and all began to watch it float away.

Almost as it lead a pack, more began to follow. More from behind the palace. I began to tear up watching as lanterns filled the sky.

"Why did you do this?" I asked him as everyone was watching the lights.

"Because you wanted them," he put his arm around my waist. "And I thought you'd like them here again... for birthdays, events... war victories"

I mad him face me and kissed his nose. This was only just the beginning of our adventure.

——————

Zuko vanished for a little while to made a trip to see his father, while I did the same.

I walked into the large room we spaced out for the members of my tribe to sleep in, until we were able to bring them back home.

It's been a couple of days since they've all gotten here, but I still haven't had a chance to actually talk to them. Father and I were able to meet the first day after we won the war. I cried, he cried, everybody cried. But in the end, everything worked out.

I closed the door behind me, making a couple look over to see me. I saw one of the men smile and bump my father's shoulder making him turn to see me.

"Father" I smiled as he ran to me.

Before I could even react, he picked me up and spun me around, "(Y/n)!"

"How's the group? Are they all here?" I asked him.

Even though I haven't talked to him much, I promised to get them all out. Even the ones who I didn't want to see.

"Yes, thank you," he told me before looking at my hair. "I still can't get over this" he picked up a strand.

I shrugged, "I personally like it," I flipped my hair. "It complements my competition"

He nodded, "Yeah it does"

I then looked to see the rest of the Tribe looking at me. I sighed separating from my dad and walking over towards them.

"Hello" I greeted them as they all got up from their cots I had provided them for their stay.

I sighed scanning them, "I'm looking for Bato, Enji, Eren, Reiner, Toya and Zeke" I told them as the six were pushed forward.

I looked them up and down as they all wore scared faces. Good.

"Before I say anything, i'll have you know you are in my domain. This is my house, this is my future country and this is my fiancé's land he so generously let you step on," I held my head up high. "Just like back when I was a child, you will not speak unless I tell you too. I've been wanting to say things but I never got to, because we were in the council room. This is my council room," my eyes went dark as the became tense. "Is that clear?"

They all nodded before I continued, "Good. For starters congratulations. While all of you were rotting in a prison cell, my family and I not only defeated the Fire Lord, but I made history and killed a demon," I gave a fake smile. "I'm aware my tone isn't that kind, but the thing is I do not give a fuck what you all think of me. Since the six of you are the reason I hated my life. The six of you are the reason I hated myself. The reason I cried myself to sleep every night! The reason I almost died! The only reason that demon got into my body was because of you. Because of the pain and mental abuse you all put me through. Because of you" I sneered.

They all tried to look me in the eyes but failed miserably. I watched as the other men were glaring daggers into them as I tried to contain myself.

"I dreamed of the day I would be able to look you all in the eye and tell you off... but now I don't want to," I shook my head. "I would love to throw myself a pity party right now and talk about all of little details of how terrible my life was... but no. I'm good," I put my hands together and dramatically shook my head again. "Especially now, since I'm now more powerful then all of you and my father combined. Raising the Avatar and being engaged to a Lord has its perks I suppose... But I will have you all know that I'm done fighting. I don't wanna look back on my past and cry, I want to look to the future and smile. So I am going to, and I'm not looking back. All you need to know is by decree of Fire Lord Zuko, if any of you six ever step foot on Fire Nation soil again you will be prosecuted"

They all nodded, "Yes Lady (Y/n)"

"The Fire Lord and I have also prepared some airships. Tomorrow morning we will begin our dissent to the south. We should be there before sundown"

"You're coming with us (Y/n)?" Father asked me.

I nodded, "Fire Lord Zuko and I are going with you all," I explained. "He has to ask my grandmother something important," I said before walking towards the door. "Enjoy your night" and with that I closed the door, and got my closer.

—————
(Third Person) POV

Zuko walked into a cell as his shadow over casted a sad figure of a man.

"I should count myself lucky. The new Fire Lord has graced me with his presence in my lowly prison cell" Ozai sarcastically exclaimed to his son.

Zuko glared at him through the bars that once held his uncle, "You should count yourself lucky that the Avatar and (Y/n) spared your life"

Ozai grumbled not making eye contact with his son.

"Banishing me was the best thing you could have done for my life. It put me on the right path. Perhaps your time in here could do the same for you" Zuko told him.

"Why are you really here?" Ozai sneered.

"Because you're going to tell me something," he bent down to his fathers eye level. "Where is my mother?"

—————
(Y/n) POV

"So you'll meet us in Ba Sing Se tomorrow?" Aang asked as we stood by the air ships holding the tribe's men.

"Yep, it shouldn't take to long," I explained. "I just need to go back there"

Katana placed her hand on my shoulders, "We understand," she smiled before hugging me. "Just tell Gran-Gran we said hi"

I smiled squeezing her, "Don't worry, I will"

"We shouldn't be gone for to long, maybe a day or so" Zuko told Sokka and Toph who looked unconvinced.

"You two are gonna do something when we are gone, aren't yeah?" She asked him as Zuko shook his head.

"Toph, (Y/n) just wants to see Gran-Gran. Last time they saw each other-"

"We were fighting like cats and dog-fish" I explained.

"I also need to ask her something" Zuko rubbed his head as Toph smirked.

"Well good luck with that Sparky, you're gonna need it. If Smarty-pants was raised by her, you have no chance" she laughed.

Zuko cringed, "She's not that bad right?" He asked as my eyes trailed away as he kept asking, "Right?!"

"I'll prepare some flowers just to be safe" Aang told him making the Fire Lord's eyes widen.

"You've met her too?!"

Aang shrugged, "Yeah, and the same day she banished me," he laughed before seeing Zuko's face. "B-BUT! I don't think she will for you..." he tried to fix his mistake.

It didn't work as Zuko looked like he was sick.

"Okay guys let's stop before he has a heart attack," I sighed. "Zuko, you'll be fine"

He slowly nodded, "Yeah... fine" I began to lead him away.

"We'll see you guys soon!" I told them before we got on the airship.

"He's doomed" I heard Toph tell my brother.

"Oh most definitely"

"Yup"

"Not even a question"

——————

The men began to exit the ship as only Zuko and my father stayed back for me. I wanted to be sure everyone got off before me.

I could already hear the cries of some of the villagers as their husbands, brothers and fathers all finally returned after four years away.

It made all of this worth it. Hell, I'd go through all of that pain I had to endure, if it meant my people could be back home safe with their families.

I took a step onto the ramp but stopped at the edge. My eyes trailed to the ice bellow the metal and I bit my lip. I haven't been here in a year and I was, dare I say it... scared.

It took a minute to even realize that my foot was hovering over the ice. I then brought it back onto the metal as I stepped back.

"Hey," a voice brought me back into reality as Zuko looked to me. His puffy blue coat one of the men gave him was covering most of his face as he put his hand out. "I'm here for you" he told me.

I let out a sigh as I grabbed his hand and he tried to lead me forward but I planted myself on the ramp.

He began to rub circles on my hand as he sighed, "Hey," he walked forward. "You can do this. I know you can do this" he gave me a smile as I nodded.

"You're right..."

"Just one foot in front of the other" he told me as I closed my eyes and breathed out while my foot met the snow. Then my other foot. Then my first took another step. And another. And another.

And before I knew it, we were walking with my father into the village.

I looked to see families all weeping as they embraced.

"Look at you! You're so big!"

"I missed you so much"

"Marry me"

"I'm never letting you go again"

"Daddy!"

Hearing bits and pieces of their conversations made me feel a bit better as dad led us to our house.

"She should be in there" my father told us.

I nodded staying silent.

"Are you okay?" Zuko asked me as I shook my head.

"The last time I saw her we were fighting about Aang. I was so cruel to her and before I could even apologize I was kidna- I left" I sighed.

He squeezed my hand tighter, "But what about the letter she sent you in Ba Sing Se? She said she was proud of you"

I shook my head, "That was before I got burned and-" I cringed, "Burned her letter to ash"

I felt my fathers hand on my back, "Mom will understand, (Y/n). I know I shouldn't say this but, you were always her favourite"

I bit my lip as my eyes became fixated on the door, "But she might think I'm dead... I sent her a letter. W-w-w-what if when she sees me, she thinks I'm a spirit and has a heart attack! What if she doesn't like my hair?!" I gasped gripping my scalp, "What if-"

"You're stalling (Y/n)," Zuko told me. "You can do this"

I nodded, "Yeah. I can do this. I can do this" I walked closer towards the tarp separating her from me.

My arm trailed out as I reached out for it and looked back at my father and Zuko. While my dad smiled, Zuko tried to as he was shaking like a leaf. I sent them one as well as I bit the bullet and entered the house.

Inside was just how it was when I left it. A small window covered by a blanket, a fire pit in the centre of the room, lots of pelts and woven tapestries my ancestors made and there was a women operating the flame.

"Need some help with that?" I asked her before making the embers turn blue as it grew slightly.

The older women tilted her head up and she smirked, "So... you chose to live huh?"

My eyes widened as I tried not to get emotional (I failed), "Y-you mean... you mean you actually were there?"

She nodded as I lost it and ran at her, "Gran-Gran!"

——————
(Third Person) POV

Zuko stood on the other side of the house awkwardly. Saying he felt unwelcome and unwanted was an understatement. He could feel the eyes fixated onto him as he swayed to keep warm.

The last time he was here, he did some things. Could you blame him though? The last time he came here he threatened the town and demanded to know where Aang was... before kidnapping the Chief's daughter.

As he was contemplating bolting out of town, a little tug on his coat made him look down. He saw a small girl with little pigtails and a similar blue coat was pulling on him.

He raised a brow before darting around trying to find this kids parents, "Uh... hi?"

She tilted her head, "Are you the man who brought my daddy back?"

Zuko was taken back by this little girls question. Why would she ask him? Considering the fact it's his fathers fault these men haven't been home in years.

"Uh..." he looked around again as he now felt more eyes on him. He then looked to Hakoda as he smiled crossing his arms before back to the kid, "Kinda? I mean yes but I had help from (Y/n) and-"

She then squeezed his leg making him shut up, "Thank you"

Zuko had no words as the little girl stuck to his leg like a leech-snake. He then looked over to see a couple watching him intensely as the man had his arm around the older women. The man gave him a respectful nod as the women mouthed, 'Thank you'.

He then knelt down slightly so he could see the girl better, "I'm uh.. I'm happy you are... happy?" He tried to exclaimed as she blinked.

"So are you really the new Fire Lord?" She asked.

"Uh," he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah. I am... but! I'm trying to be good. I promise I'm nothing like my father-"

"Hey guys!" She yelled out cutting the Fire Lord off, "I told you! He's the Fire Lord! He's the one marring (Y/n)!"

"Uh oh," Hakoda chuckled making Zuko look up to him. "Good luck son"

"W-what?" Before he could react a group of kids made him scream as they all began to jump on him, "AH!"

"Let me see!"

"Does he really have fire powers?!"

"Can you shoot a laser beam?!"

"What's the Fire Nation like?"

"Isn't he Mr. Iroh's nephew?"

"Why do you have that scar?"

"Are you in love with (Y/n)?"

"Are you staying for dinner?!"

Hakoda began to laugh seeing Zuko struggling to not drown, "I'm guessing you don't have much experience with kids"

"No," he yelped as some kid pulled his hair. "Kids are usually scared of mEH!" One accidentally hit him in the groin.

"Can you please show us your fire?" A little girl got in his face, "Mommy said that (Y/n) is a firebender too, but she told me we shouldn't be scared of it. I was at first but then she explained that it shouldn't change how we see her since fire helps us stay warm, and we need it to see at night and we need it to cook food," she told him. "So now I want to be one! So can I see how you do it?" She asked.

"Eri what do you say when you ask people things, especially a Lord"

"Sorry daddy," she looked behind her before back to the Lord. "May you please show us some of your firebending, Mr. Fire Lord Sir?"

Zuko looked at the group of kids all awaiting his answer, "Uhh... sure?" He got to his feet and all of the kids took a step back in anticipation.

He gave them all a look, "Alright guys just... don't get to close" he explained before sending a shot of fire forward.

The kids began to gasp and run up to him and asking him many more questions, "Do it again!"

"Can you teach us how to bend?!"

"That was so cool!"

"Can you do it in another colour?!"

"Doing party tricks now, Fire Lord Zuko?" Iroh asked.

Zuko shook his head, "No. Uncle I'm no- UNCLE?!" He gasped seeing Iroh standing in front of him drinking a tea.

Iroh smiled as Zuko ran over and held him tight, "So you won?" He laughed as he was squeezed tighter.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were in Ba Sing Se" Zuko asked.

"I was supposed to, but I came to pay my respects to Kanna. Pakku and I didn't know (Y/n) survived until Kanna came out of her meditation to the spirit world" he explained.

"I'm glad you're okay," Zuko sighed. "After the week I've had, I didn't know what state you'd be in"

———

A little while later they sat by the fire with the people for dinner as Zuko kept looking back at the house (Y/n) and Kanna were in.

"Are you okay Zuzu?" The little girl Eri asked eating her stew on Zuko's lap.

"Huh?" He turned back to look at the tribe all staring at him, "No. I'm fine. I'm fine..." he trailed off before groaning, "They've been in there for hours, what's taking so long?!" He grumbled.

"It's been three hours Fire Lord Zuko, the two haven't seen each other in a year" Iroh exclaimed as he poured some tea for the tribe.

Pakku nodded, "Kanna used tell me many stories of the two of them. I wouldn't be surprised if there talking till morning"

"Morning?!" Zuko's eyes extended outwards.

Eri let out a little gasp, "That means you can stay for breakfast tomorrow! My Daddy said we're making sea prunes!" She smiled.

"Eri don't pressure him," her father sighed. "I'm sure he wouldn't like some of our cuisine. Just like how we wouldn't like some food from his nation," the father sighed looking to the lord. "Sorry about her"

"No, no it's okay," he smiled. "When (Y/n) was with me a couple months ago in the capital, we had many meals native here. The stewed sea prunes were a hit with the staff, but the grilled fish with sea salt was my personal favourite," The entire tribe all stopped eating as Zuko looked around, "Did I say something wrong?" He asked Eri.

"You had our meals?" One women asked.

"Yeah," he smiled. "I wanted (Y/n) to have a little taste of home when she was recovering"

"So you made her traditional meals?" Another asked.

Zuko nodded, "Yeah. After the entire... incident, I wanted her to feel safe," he smiled taking a bite of his stew. "I remember when I proposed I had transformed the garden into a winter wonderland" he acted like it was nothing as the tribe just looked at him.

"That's so romantic!" Eri wiggled in his lap.

"How did you do it?"

"Did she say yes right away?"

"What happened after you asked?"

Zuko looked to Iroh as he smirked, "You better answer, I want to know as well" he laughed.

The Lord blushed as he began to answer then, "I asked her after a nice dinner, she said yes right away and afterwards we danced the night away," he explained as the tribe all continued to eyeball him. "You're not gonna stop asking me questions are you?"

"No" they all said in sync.

He sighed, "Okay"

—————

After (Y/n) finished wiping her eyes she stepped outside of my house and saw the entire tribe gathered around Zuko.

"And then I thought she deserved something special for her birthday, you know since it was my fault she wasn't home, so I found a venue. It needed some work, but I was able to clean it up" she heard him tell the tribe.

"How long did it take you?" A man ask.

Zuko shrugged, "About five or six days, but it was worth it"

(Y/n) smiled seeing him before walking over and placing her hand on his shoulder, "Hey"

"Orchid! Are you alright? Is everything okay?" He asked her.

(Y/n) nodded before looking down at Eri, "Can I please steal him for a minute?"

She nodded getting off his lap, "Just don't leave without saying goodbye"

(Y/n) chuckled helping Zuko up, "Don't worry, we won't"

As she began to pull him along they made it over towards the igloo, "Is everything okay?" He asked the bender.

"Yeah," (Y/n) opened the tarp up for him to enter. "Gran-Gran just wanted to talk to you... Alone"

He nodded entering the house as Kanna gave Zuko a glare as she drunk her tea.

Zuko bowed before sitting down across from her, "Kanna. Before we start I just wanted to apologiz-"

"Last time I met you, you held me by the coat demanding to know where the Avatar was" she exclaimed in a monotones voice.

Zuko's face changed into a cringed expression, "Well I uh... yeah..." he looked down.

She put her cup to the side, "You then saw my granddaughter and realized she had a talent, so you took her from me"

"Yes, but-"

"She was a prize to you. A chance to go home to your comfy castle and get your shinny crown back" she snarked.

"I understand but I was a different man back then"

"Before the but is meaningless," she deadpanned. "I never got to say goodbye to (Y/n). Did you know that?"

He looked away, "Yeah... I've heard that before"

"After (Y/n) escaped the 'old' you," she made quotation marks with her hands. "You began to chase her for months. Eventually you cornered her in the North and helped when she was being held by that Admiral or whoever he was. The only thing that concerns me was the fact you kidnapped her hours earlier from her bedroom," she snapped her fingers. "Just like that"

"Yes but that was the last time I tried to" he exclaimed looking back up at her.

She blinked twice, "Wow. Thank you for telling me you stopped kidnapping her"

Zuko looked down again, "Yeah... I'm sorry"

"Time and time again she's been through so much. Even before you Fire Lord Zuko," she exclaimed. "But you have done some good. I can't deny that," she exclaimed taking another sip of her tea. "Making a truce with her, the dances she told me about, helping her when she was hurt... and changing her bandages"

Zuko smiled thinking about that how he used to help her.

~~~

(Y/n) hissed as the air hit her burns, "Ow!"

Zuko continued to unwrap her dirty bandages, "I said it's going to hurt a bit, but if we don't change them, they'll get infected"

"What's the point?" She sniffled, "I already am a monster, I might as well look the part"

"(Y/n)," he made her face him. "Don't say that about yourself. You are not a monster"

She shook her head, "I am Zuko! I k-killed him!" She became on the brink of tears, "I can't even look at myself" she began to cry.

"Hey," he placed his hands on her face. "You're not a monster, okay? You're not"

She shook her head as Zuko pulled her closer towards him and she wailed into his shirt. They held each other closer as time went on.

After a while Zuko began to treat her burns before he re-wrapped her fresh bandages on.

"Thank you" she sighed.

He looked up to her and gently held her now banged hand, "I'll always be here for you"

"How can you say that? Even if you mean it, it's impossible" she looked away.

Zuko began to rub circles on her hand, "Because I promise you. I promise I will never leave you"

~~~

"So tell me, Fire Lord Zuko," Kanna deadpanned. "If your honour was on the line. If something was happening and you had to pick between your honour or (Y/n), who would you pick?"

Zuko waisted no time as he shook his head, "No" he told her.

"Excuse me?" She raised a brow.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Kanna, but I'm not answering that question"

"And why not?"

"Mrs. Kanna I really want you to like me, and I really wanted to get your blessing, I really do, but I'm not answering that question" he explained.

"And why not?"

"Because there is no answer. My honour is something inside of me. It's only something I can give myself"

"So is (Y/n) not an option?" She tilted her head.

"No," he shook her head. "(Y/n) is the most important thing to me. She helped me learn about myself and I want to be with her for the rest of my life. She is my honour and making me chose isn't possible. So I'm not going to, and if this makes you hate me for how I'm acting, I don't care. Making someone chose is what caused (Y/n) to get burned" he got to his feet and began to walk to the exit.

"I never said you didn't have my blessing" she said making Zuko stop, "What?"

"Sit down boy," she snapped her fingers making the Lord sit back down. "(Y/n) has said what she has thought about you and I just wants what's best for her. My little girl has had a shit life and I've done all I could to help her, but I didn't do enough, so now I want to make sure she's okay. So Fire Lord Zuko. Do you love (Y/n)?"

"Yes" he said with no hesitation.

"Are you ready to stick by her?"

"Yes"

"Will you protect her?"

"She will probably protect me, but in the off chance I have to protect her yes"

"Did you make her betrothal necklace yourself?"

"Yes"

"I can tell"

"Thank you"

"That wasn't a complement"

"Okay"

She then gave him a smile, "Fire Lord Zuko, I don't like you, but (Y/n) does. So I am willing to try"

Zuko smiled, "I am willing to as well"

She nodded, "Good. Then you have my blessing" she got to her feet.

He smiled as she intertwined their arms together, "You hurt her and I will kill you"

"I wasn't planning on it"

The two walked outside to see a flash of blue in the moonlight. They both saw as (Y/n) and Iroh were showing off their bending techniques to the tribe.

"You truly got lucky Fire Lord Zuko" she exclaimed.

"Yeah I did" he smiled watching as (Y/n)'s smile became brighter then the moon.

"I expect a room in your palace" she told him.

He nodded, "Okay"

—————
(Y/n) POV

"(Y/n) are you sure about this?" He asked me as we walked two miles outside of the village.

"Come on Zuku, I used to go here every night... then some days, and nights... okay so I spent most of my life out here" I cringed as we walked over towards my fishing spot.

"Yeah, but I thought you hated this place"

"I do" I agreed with him.

"Then why are we going out-"

I sighed, "We are not going to my fishing spot Zuko"

He raised a brow, "Then where are we going?"

"You'll see~" I chuckled pulling him along.

After everyone said they were going to bed I grabbed Zuko's and I decided to take him somewhere very special to me.

"Oh no" he sighed.

I tilted my head, "What do you mean, 'Oh no'?"

He pointed in my face, "You're doing what I did to you in Ba Sing Se!"

"Maybe~" I continued to pull him along until we came across a large slab of ice.

Zuko looked at it before back to me, "It's a slab of ice. You dragged me out at three in the morning, to see a glacier?"

I shrugged, "Well personally I don't know if it actually is just a glacier"

He crossed his arms, "What's that supposed to mean?"

I began to feel around the ice to try and find a weak spot. I placed my ear against the ice and began to knock, until I felt it. It was still hollow, meaning my little ballroom might still be in there.

"Stand back" I placed both of my hands on the ice and began to focus my heat into that one section.

"What are you doing?" Zuko asked me.

"You'll see"

"I swear the Spirits if you kill us..."

"Just trust me" I told him before I started to melt the ice.

I watched as a small hole begin to form, making me able to peek inside. I gasped seeing the ice sculptures and dragged my hand downward to allow us entry.

"Come in" I gestured Zuko to follow me inside as I placed my hands over my mouth.

The entire ballroom was still intact. I giggled looking at how small all of my sculptures were. The tables reached to my knees and the partygoers we're all up to my shoulder.

"What is this place?" Zuko asked.

"My ballroom. I made this place when I was only a kid, before the whole possession thing," I sighed. "This place was my escape. Where all foreign nations could live together in harmony, in a single ballroom"

He grabbed my hand as we both look to each other, "It's gorgeous"

I began to blush from embarrassment, "Not really"

"No it is," he smiled. "I love it!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! I remember you tell me about this place at the beach," he exclaimed. "You used to have fake balls, fake weddings and-" his face changed to a scowl, "Where is he?"

I tilted my head, "Where who?"

"That... that boy you danced with?" He grumbled.

"You mean the ice prince I made when I was seven? The ice sculpture? I made when I was seven" I deadpanned as he grumbled in embarrassment.

I laughed dragging him over towards the centre of the cave, as he looked down at a sculpture with blue paint on his forehead.

"Here he is Zuko. My first dance partner" I gestured to the small boy.

He glared at it before looking at the paint, "What's on his head?"

I shrugged, "Fake wedding paint"

"You got married to him?!" He yelled.

I couldn't hold it in and began to laugh even more, "Zuku! It's a block of ice. I don't understand why you're so jealous of it" I grinned as he crossed his arms.

I sighed pushing the sculpture towards him, "Do what you have too"

He gave me a smirk, "Really? Are you sure?"

"It will make us both feel better so-" before I could finish, the water was all ready freezing on the floor, "Well that was fast"

"The deed is done" he put his gloved back on.

I rolled my eyes as he turned to me, "So what was that paint for?"

"Huh?" I raised a brow, "Oh! Yeah," I chuckled. "Down South a proper marriage ceremony involves paint," I explained moving closer towards him. "One person has a circle painted on their forehead, while the other has two lines crossed in the middle. After they say their vows in front of an elder," I grabbed his head and placed our foreheads against each other. "They place their heads like this and the paint intertwines, giving them both a circle with for sections representing the nations. Then they become one, and are married" I smiled.

He chuckled, "I guess we're gonna do this when we tie the knot"

I looked up to him, "Seriously?"

"Well yeah," he shrugged. "I mean it's your culture and you kinda are giving a lot up to be apart of mine. So of course!"

I grinned kissing him, "Thank you"

"Spirits," he laughed between each kiss. "I honestly don't care how or when we marry. Spirits I'd do it here right now"

I smirked, "Really? You'd elope here in this little cave?"

He nodded, "Honesty, yeah"

I began to grin, "I thought you wanted a large wedding for the Nation to see"

"I do yeah, but..." he looked around, "This place is pretty... perfect"

I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him closer, "We need an elder and a witness"

"Well you're in luck" a voice told us making us look to see my Gran-Gran.

"Kanna?" Zuko raised a brow.

She smirked, "I had a feeling you would be out here tonight"

"What are you doing here?" I asked her.

She shrugged, "Iroh and I went on a walk to talk about the place my granddaughter's spending the rest of her life in, and where I will be staying eventually. And then I saw that the cave (Y/n) used to spend her nights in was finally open again. And yes (Y/n), I've always known about this place. I know everything" she smirked.

"Wait uncles here?" Zuko asked as Iroh popped his head inside the cave.

"You said you needed a witness to elope"

"And I happen to be an elder" Gran-Gran gestured to herself.

"This is perfect!" Zuko smiled.

"Wait, you seriously want to do this?" I asked Zuko.

He turned to me and grabbed my hand, "I do. I really do"

I clenched his hand and nodded, "Let's do it"

He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me into another kiss.

Gran-Gran and Iroh soon pulled us to opposite ends of the cave and began to fix us up to the best of their abilities. Luckily I still had some paint frozen in my little chest I had. We also found my old princess dress mom made me and I stared at my crown.

"You used to dream of being a Princess" Gran-Gran told me.

I smiled clenching the crown, "I did"

"Well now you've got your prince you've always wanted" she chuckled taking my crown.

I shrugged, "I don't really care anymore. May he be a prince, may he be a peasant. I don't care, as long as I have him"

She placed the crown on my head and fixed my red locks, "Then this is perfect"

I began to show a couple tears as I hugged her, "Thank you. Thank you for doing this" I sniffled.

"I told you (Y/n). I would always be here for you"

"Your mother would be so proud of you" she told me as I pulled away.

I nodded, "I know"

She began to pull me towards Zuko as Iroh finished fixing up his hair. We made our way into the centre as we both smirked at each other.

"I like your crown" he whispered to me.

"I like your hair" I chuckled.

"No you don't"

"No I don't" I agreed with him.

"Join hands," Gran-Gran told us as we did. "Spirits, we are gathered here today to join the union of Fire Lord Zuko from the Fire Nation and (Y/n) the Southern Water Tribe Firebender of the Southern Water Tribe. Fire Lord Zuko, who is presenting you?" She asked.

Zuko raised a brow, "What?"

"Who is presenting you?" She asked again.

"Who is giving you away Zuku" I whispered as I tilted my head to gesture to Iroh.

"Oh!" He figured it out, "My uncle Iroh" he smiled.

Gran-Gran nodded turning to me, "And who is presenting you (Y/n)?"

"You Gran-Gran" I smiled as she nodded.

She then took the recently unfrozen paint and walked up to us, "For Fire Lord Zuko, I bestowed upon you the mark of trust," she painted a circle on his forehead. "And for (Y/n)," she gave me the two lines. "The mark of love"

The two of us looked back at each other as we tried to hid our excitement.

"You may start with your vows, Fire Lord Zuko"

He nodded to my grandmother before looking at me and smiling, "(Y/n). I care about you so much. It's hard to find the words to explain how I'm feeling, but you made me feel something I never thought it would feel again, happy. When we were in Ba Sing Se, at first I thought my life was over. I thought I would never recover, I thought I was worthless, I felt like my life has no meaning since I was not welcome home anymore. I didn't realize at the time that wasn't my home, because you taught me home is with you. Being able to get off my shift, and dance with you all night gave me a purpose. And I vow to make sure we don't stop. I vow for us to dance at least once a week," he told me as I couldn't stop smiling. "I'm happy you cared and loved me when I was nothing, and I promise that now I will give you everything, even if you don't want it. I promise to stay by your side, I promise to be there when you need me and I promise to change your bandages when they need to be. Deciding to elope now with the smartest girl I've ever met has to be the smartest thing I've ever done, because it means that I will be able to rebuild my country with someone I can trust, someone who trusts me and someone who loves this idiot of a Lord" he finished as making me clenched his hands harder.

If we weren't in the middle of of ceremony I probably would've kissed him by now.

"(Y/n)?" Gran-Gran turned to me.

I took a deep breath before letting it out, "Zuko. In the last year alone you've changed more than anyone, but you've also help me change, and you help me change for the better. You've helped me realize that I should be proud of my element, you help me realize I am worthy of forgiveness, I am worthy to forgive and I am worthy of love. Growing up I never thought I could have any of that, and you proved me wrong. You were with me when I needed you, you were with me when I thought I wasn't worthy of living. Even though I didn't want you around you stayed and you helped me get through it. You were the best thing I could ever ask for in those days. Even if I just wanted to see a pretty flower, you had a bouquet prepared for me. I vow and I promise to be by your side. You help me in my time of need, and now it's time for me to be there in yours. I vow to be there when you need help with work, with money, with neighbouring countries, I will be there when you need a hot meal, a dance and even when you just need to hear the words 'You're doing amazing'. I promise you I will be there for you," I sniffled. "When I gave you that letter, I meant everything a word and I still do. I just never thought that I would be able to do the things I wanted to the most. When it was just me and Sozin fighting, I was told I needed to fight for something I wanted... and do you know what I wanted? I wanted to grow old with you. I want to. I want to be able to wake up every morning next to you, I want to help you bring your country back into the light... and I want to raise a family with you. I always wanted to be with the prince, I just never expected that he would be so perfect" I cried over my words.

He was crying as well, while he rubbed my tears away.

"Well, Fire Lord Zuko. Do you take (Y/n) of the Southern Water Tribe to have and to hold, to protect as you long shall both live?" Gran-Gran asked him.

He nodded as his hand stayed on my face, "I do"

"And (Y/n). Do you take Fire Lord Zuko to have and to hold, to protect as you long shall both live?"

I leaned into his touch and smiled, "I do"

Gran-Gran nodded as the two of us just looked at each other. He gave me a smirk and raised both brows as I couldn't help but chuckle at him.

"Connect your heads" she told us as Zuko and I did so.

I felt the sticky paint seep onto my skin as I closed my eyes. I tried not to cry but I couldn't stop, I was so fucking happy.

"As the paint joins together, your vows do as well. It is by the power vested in me, by the Spirits above, I now pronounce you Fire Lord and Fire Lady, husband and wife, Zuko and (Y/n). Congratulations" she told us as we disconnected our heads and smiled at each other before pulling each other closer and kissed.

Once we gave a moment to breath Zuko smirked, "My wife... I can get used to calling you that"

"Same with you... my husband" I snickered.

My husband. Zuko's my fucking husband. Now that's something I never thought would happen. If you told me the day we met he'd be the man I would marry, I'd laugh. But now let me tell you this, it felt fucking great.

———————

We all stood around the Earth King inside his throne room and began to go over what we missed yesterday when we were... busy eloping.

Zuko was back wearing his traditional Fire Lord attire as I had on a simple red and gold dress, with black accents on the sleeves.

My eyes widened as we were scanning all of the Fire Colonies, even though I knew there was a lot, there were more than even I realized.

"I never realized the Fire Nation had built so many colonies in the Earth Kingdom" Aang gasped overlooking a the map.

The Earth King Kuei nodded, "Yes. For the earth people, they're a constant reminder of the War, like an old scar," he exclaimed before I watched his eyes widened and he jolted turning to Zuko and I. "Oh, I... I– Fire Lord Zuko, Lady (Y/n), I meant nothing personal!" He exclaimed as I simply smiled shaking my head.

"We know you didn't mean anything personal King Kuei. I completely understand" I nodded trying to act as civil as possible.

Zuko sighed, "You're right. After all the pain my father has caused, it's my duty to bring healing to the world. I'll remove those colonies. I'll do whatever it takes"

I heard a small noise and saw Momo stealing the king's bear Bosco's hat. I smiled before hearing something that stoke me as a tad odd, "But removing the colonies won't be easy. A lot of people's lives are gonna be disrupted. We need someone to oversee everything, to make sure it all goes peacefully. Someone like me!" Aang smiled gesturing to himself.

"Really? You'd want to do that?" Zuko asked.

"Yeah, are you sure?" I chimed in.

Aang nodded, "Yeah, I'm the Avatar! Making stuff go peacefully is kind of my thing!"

Okay, no we were not on the same page here. I need to say something, "I'm sorry, but how old are these colonies?" I asked.

The king shrugged, "We are unaware as of right now, but soon we can get rid of the Fire Nation citizens peace can fully be restored"

"By segregation?" I added with a hint of fire.

Aang placed a hand on my shoulder, "We can work out the detail later (Y/n), don't worry about it" he smiled.

Zuko nodded, "I'm going to make sure that no one will ever have to go through what you did" he told me.

King Kuei nodded as well, "We will work this all out, it's just going to take some time" he reassured me.

I gave a fake smile, but it was convincing enough for these three men in power, "Okay" I'm not convinced.

"Wonderful! With the Southern Dragon and the Avatar's personal involvement will give the entire process an air of hope!" The king smiled.

"Oh I'm not the Southern Dragon," I chuckled. "I'm just Lady (Y/n). Future Lady of the Fire Nation"

He nodded, "Of course, I'm sorry I forgot about that"

Katara then smiled getting back on track, "Sokka and I can help as well!"

Sokka began to wine, "Aw. I was gonna visit Kyoshi Island before they all moved to the Fire Nation"

The King smiled and began to think of this terrible plan, "It'll be a movement... a movement towards harmony! We'll call it... We'll call it..." he began to struggle on the name.

"I think I can help with that," I smirked. "Sokka" I pointed to him.

"The Harmony Restoration Movement" he said immediately as the King gasped in excitement, "Yes! The Harmony Restoration Movement! I like it!"

"Your welcome" I chuckled as Toph turned to Sokka.

"What's with you and your goofy names for everything?" She asked my brother.

Sokka smirked, "It's a gift"

"Hell yeah" I laughed before we high-fived.

——————

Later that night the gaang and I all went to Iroh's new permanent home, The Jasmine Dragon.

Zuko finished handing out his fresh tea to everyone as we all took a chance to relax. Toph had her feet on the table listening to Iroh playing the tsungi horn, Sokka was painting something, Katara and Suki were playing Pai Sho, Aang was playing with Momo while I sat reading a book on the construction of the Ba Sing Se walls.

Some of the stories in this book were insane. Like at one point people used to say giants lived in the walls, and that's why they were impenetrable. I laughed at that legend, it's really just stone and concrete. I think...

Zuko placed a cup of tea next to me making me look up, "Thank you" I grinned taking a sip.

He smiled as we sat there listening to his uncle... wait that's my new uncle-in-law or we'll I should say father-in-law, considering he was more of a better man then his real one.

"Wanna dance?" He put his hand out for me.

I smirked taking it, "Most definitely"

We got to our feet and began to spin around the room together. Right as we got about three steps into the movements Sokka yelled at the two of us, "Zuko, (Y/n), stop moving! I'm trying to capture the moment" he told us as he went back to work.

"What do you need to capture the moment for?" I asked crossing my arms.

He smiled, "I wanted to do a painting, so we always remember the good times together" he told us making me run over.

I looked at the work and smiled seeing the entire gaang all fighting together, "I love it!" I hugged his side.

The best part had to be me shooting lightning out of my mouth, next to an angry Zuko.

"Thank you, at least someone knows I have talent"

Katara walked over to his other side, "That's very thoughtful of you, Sokka-" she frowned seeing the work, "Wait, why did you give me Momo's ears?"

Sokka scoffed, "Those are your hair loopies!"

"Can't you tell?" I asked pointing to them.

Zuko came over and twisted his face at the work, "At least you don't look like a boar-q-pine! My hair is not that spiky!"

I bumped him, "Be nice"

"And why did you paint me firebending?" Suki asked.

"I thought it looked more exciting that way" he told her.

"Hell yeah it is!" I smirked as Momo jumped onto the table and chittered, "Oh, you think you can do a better job, Momo?" He asked the lemur.

"Everyone's a critic" I told him.

Iroh then walked over and raised his brow, "Hey, my belly's not that big anymore. I've really trimmed down"

"Well I think you all look perfect!" Toph told us making everyone begin to laugh.

As everyone pushed past me to complain about the already perfect painting, I looked outside to see the sunset.

I slowly stepped away and walked over towards the balcony to watch as then sun began to set on a new peaceful world.

I took a deep breath in as I heard Zuko behind me, "You okay?"

I turned back to look at him, "Couldn't be better"

He walked over and joined me by the railing, "The sunsets nice"

I nodded, "Yeah"

I felt his arm wrap around me before pulling me closer to him. I placed my head on his shoulder and enjoyed my quiet moment.

"So when do you want to tell them we got married?" He asked me.

I let out a sigh, "I'm not sure"

"We can tell them tomorrow at breakfast or... not" he shrugged.

I raised a brow and looked to him, "Not?"

He sighed, "I was thinking... what if we waited to tell anyone"

"Why not? Are you embarrassed-"

"No! That's not what I meant," he corrected himself. "What I meant was why not wait till letting the public know about this. So you could be Fire Lady in secret" he exclaimed.

"Zuko is everything okay-"

"I'm already getting death threats" he told me.

My eyes widened before I blinked a couple times, "I was not expecting that... did you say fucking death threats?"

He sighed leaning on the railing, "They are calling themselves the 'New Ozai Society'," he grumbled. "They think I'm unworthy to lead and want my father out of prison" he handed me a slip of paper containing the guard report.

Apparently some people snuck into the palace last night and tried to kill us... but we were luckily not there.

"But he was literally put in prison days ago for trying to commit genocide," I exclaimed. "Why would they want him back?!" I clenched the report detailing two men who got caught by the guards near where our room was in our home.

"I know that," he gripped his knuckles on the railing. "But apparently that report says they want to kill me or anything associated with me" he shook his head.

I placed my hand on his shoulder and used my other to rub his back, "And if it got out that we were married..."

"They'd kill you or worse" he sighed.

I put the report in my pocket, "Hey, look at me," I made him look at me. "Listen. We're going to get through this. There will always been some threats but if we work together, we can get through them together"

He nodded, "Thank you. Thank you," he placed his forehead on mine. "I just... I can't lose you again"

"Hey," I kissed his nose. "You're not going to," I reassured him. "I promised I'd be here for you and I am going to. I'm your.. I'm your wife now. We're a team"

He placed his hands on mine, "Yeah, we are," he kissed me again. "And when these people are gone, we can announce it"

"And until then I'll help you from the shadows," I nodded. "That sound perfect"

The two of us then heard Iroh start another song from inside and we both gasped knowing the song.

He looked to me and smirked, "So... my secret wife... it's out honeymoon, and I think we take a moment off. So... may I have this dance?"

I wiggled my brows taking it, "Of course I will, my secret husband~"

The two of us then got closer together before beginning to spin around the balcony.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Just like last time we sung this song he lifted me in the air, "Every night I lie in bed. The brightest colors fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake~"

I laughed waltzing with my husband, "I think of what the world could be. A vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take~"

"A million dreams for the world we're gonna make" he sung lifting me in the air again.

I snickered, "However big, however small. Let me be part of it all. Share your dreams with me," he dipped me. "You may be right, you may be wrong. But say that you'll bring me along. To the world you see. To the world I close my eyes to see. I close my eyes to see~" I chuckled/sung as we just spun.

We slowed down our pace significantly and as we slowly danced looking into each other's eyes "Every night I lie in bed. The brightest colors fill my head" he sung looking into mine.

"A million dreams are keeping me awake" I smiled.

"A million dreams, a million dreams!" He placed his hand on my scarred cheek.

"I think of what the world could be. A vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take. A million dreams for the world we're gonna make" we both sung before he lifted me very high into the air as I felt the sunlight leave us.

He set me down as we smiled at each other, "For the world we're gonna make"

•••

Thank you all so much for letting me tell this story, I will be writing an epilogue and I'm so happy people were able to enjoy this story I got to tell.

•••

Also! Thank you @leviissupersmexy for the beautiful fan art!!!