A/N: I am SO sorry it took me forever to get this up! This was a super hard chapter for me to write, but now that it's up, I hope you guys like it as much as I do! If not, let me know what you do/don't like and I'll try to tweak it . On to ch. 12...
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"Well?" Ozai's voice was low and deadly as his cold, emotionless, eyes studied the kneeling figure of his daughter, bent low before him in the empty, fire-lit throne room.
Azula smirked as she lifted her gaze to him, "It worked, perfectly." her quiet voice was as cold and malicious as his own; "There was a minor problem at beginning when she managed to get her feet and an arm free, but we were expecting it and the Dai Li subdued her quickly enough." She shrugged, "Once she was contained, they were able to perform their interesting mind trick on her." A sinister smile played with her lips as she remembered the girl fighting their attempt to forcefully manipulate her mind. She fought them well, but I won in the end. I always do.
Azula focused again on her father. "The foolish girl believes she was sent to a prison in the Earth Kingdom and was rescued by the Avatar and some of his friends. As if we would ever make it that easy!" her pretty face was marred by a cold sneer until her father's glare silenced her.
"So we are ready then?" he asked, showing no outward interest in his daughter.
"Yes. She has no memory of anything except being in the Ba Sing Se palace prison. Now, we just need to wait until they attack...and she will help us with our little problem. We will just need to give her the command, and she will killZuko!" her eyes burned with excitement. This time, when Ozai's deadly gaze met hers, there was approval shining at her.
Zuko froze the moment Sessa's soft mouth met his; tensing at the feel of her pressed against the hard, muscular planes of his body. They were lost together in the sensation until Sessa's brain caught up with her and she realized what she'd done. Oh shit!Embarrassment flooded through her, staining her face scarlet and turning her eyes into huge pools of blue.
Jumping back from him, she rushed a flustered apology, " .god! Zuko, I am so sorry! I have no idea what I was doing! I mean, I know what I was doing, but I don't know whyI did it. I wasn't thinking! I was just...I don't know what I was, but I'm SO sorry! I-"
His molten gold eyes were wide and stormy as they watched her try to make sense of the words tumbling from her mouth, but he couldn't hear her over the thundering drums in his ears. His mind raced with the fact that no one, in his entire life, not his mother, his uncle, or even Mai had ever run to him; let alone jumped into my arms to kiss me. While a part of him had been shocked by her unexpected actions, the rest of him had thoroughly enjoyed it; in fact, his body had reacted almost instantly to the feel of her, reminding him just how much of a man he had become since his banishment. Judging by the expression on her face, she felt the same,he couldn't help but smile slightly at the thought.
Ignoring the flabbergasted expressions of the others around them, Zuko reached out, caught Sessa's tiny wrist in a tight grip, and tugged her hard against him. Pulling her close, he bent down and continued where she had left off, cutting off her rambling apology. Instantly, all sensible, reasonable thoughts vanished from his mind, leaving him thinking only of the sweet taste of her; wrapping an arm around her small waist, he held her tightly while his lips parted hers and his tongue began a timeless dance with hers.
Oh, sweet mother of god! I've died haven't I? I died in that prison in the Ba Sing Se palace and this is heaven. This has to be heaven. That or I'm having the best dream of my entire life! AHHH! Oh girl! Shut up and enjoy this! Sessa's mind reeled with a million scattered thoughts as Zuko's mouth worked magic on her own, sending waves of heat through her blood and, she was quite sure, stopping her heart. However, the moment of her ultimate undoing came when she felt him twine his hand in her hair to deepen the kiss and his teeth gently nibbled on her lower lip. She had to remember how to breathe.
Toph's voice sliced through the intense moment like a sudden crash of ice water, "You know, I am SO glad I'm blind right now."
The moment gone, Zuko stepped back, pleased to note that they were both a little breathless from the encounter. His eyes glowed in the starlight and though she was sure he couldn't see it, she could feel the burn of heat along her skin, letting her know that she was about as red as a cherry tomato. She didn't care, I don't think I could care about anything right now, she grinned gleefully; their kiss had left her lightheaded and completely giddy. She had never, ever been kissed like that. Hell, I don't think I know anyone alive who's ever been kissed like that.
Katara glanced at Toph and laughed, "I wish I were. I don't think I'll ever get that image out of my head."
Sessa tried to look menacing when she glanced at them; she failed and smiled instead, "Ha. Ha. Very funny."
Katara and Toph snickered. Aang on the other hand, said nothing; his smile stretched form ear to ear; not just because his two friends had finally kissed, but because he had mentally taken notes for what he hoped he'd be able to do with Katara one day.
Appa rumbled at them as he headed up the stairs to the manor, reminding them there were better places to talk, giggling at him they quick followed.
When they finally reached the entrance to the house, Sessa turned to the others, slightly calmer than before, "Thanks guys. You know, for coming to get me...I have no idea how I'd have gotten out of there if you hadn't shown up."
Aang's face lost some of its humor when he spoke, but his grey eyes were still dancing with happiness, "We're a family. That's what we do."
Toph's punch hit her solidly in the arm, "An' don't you forget it!"
She nodded and smiled a million watt beam at them, happiness still thrumming through her from her kiss, although she knew some was from feeling like a true part of their group.
After exuberant hellos and hugs from both Sokka and Suki, and Suki checking to make sure she was okay, Sessa feigned a yawn and whispered goodnight before turning to head into the house. Even though she wasn't tired in the least, she felt the need to do something; after her rather heated moment with Zuko, she had no idea what to do! And she was certain that if she didn't do something soon, she'd end up acting like an idiot one way or another, so the best way to avoid that is to go to bed. Not that she'd be able to sleep. She groaned mentally.
"Wait!" Sokka's sharp voice held a note of concern.
Confused, she faced him, "Yea?"
"Do you guys really think it's a good idea to stay here again? I mean, is it safe?" He was no longer their goofy friend and brother, but the ever-ready warrior.
"Yes." Zuko answered, his eyes churned like magma as he surveyed them, "If Azula wanted to attack us, she would have done it when they had Sessa. They know we're here, they just don't care." He took in their varying expressions but remained quiet.
Aang's mercury eyes shimmered with worry in the dwindling light of the fire Suki had set up hours ago, "Why?" The uncertainty that brushed through him made him wish for the comfort that came with the wisdom of Monk Giatsu and Avatar Roku.
"I don't know," Zuko's voice was softer now, but the defiant determination was loud and clear, "but for right now, we're better off here than anywhere else."
The others agreed. Sessa nodded to them and had taken all of three steps when Zuko's voice stopped her. "And you," the tone of his voice sent shivers down her spine, "you are not sleeping alone tonight."
She raised an eyebrow at the authority in his voice, "And why not?" she hated being told what she could and could not do. It pissed her off.
He gave her a droll stare, "Because the last time I left you alone, they kidnapped you." And I will not let that happen again.
"Zuko, just because-" his furious glare killed her protest. Wow...I've never seen him that angry before. She narrowed her eyes at him and huffed, "Fine." She huffed.
"Perfect!" Katara cut in, a devious grin teasing her lips, "I'd love it if she spent the night with me!"
A truly evil smile blossomed across Sessa's face, she felt very much like the Cheshire cat, "Aw, Katara! Thank you, that'll be perfect! See Zuko? All taken care of. G'night!" laughing at his foul expression, Katara and Sessa followed Toph and Suki inside.
"Ouch. Tough break buddy," laughed Sokka as he watched the girls saunter into the house, leaving him, Aang and Zuko staring after them. "But you know, maybe next time" he winked at Zuko. "Well, I'm beat, so I'm going to bed, with my girlfriend! Night!" he waved as he followed the women into the house.
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"Sessa, are you really okay?" Katara's blue eyes were watching Sessa steadily, as if worried the girl would fall apart right in front of her.
Trying to smile, Sessa nodded as they began getting ready for bed, "Yea. I'm just kind of...I don't know, uneasy, you know? I think a good night's sleep will help me feel better, so I can sort everything out in the morning."
Katara smiled softly at her, "Of course. But if you need anything, just say so"
"Thanks Katara" Sessa surprised the other girl by giving her a swift, tight hug before climbing into the massive bed. Turning out the candles, they said good night and fell asleep; although it proved more challenging for Sessa.
-a.
Sessa mumbled as she tried to open her eyes, she felt heavy and drowsy, like someone had given her a very large dose of anesthesia.
-esa.
Raising an arm that felt like it had an elephant attached to it, she rubbed her eyes open only to find she was completely surrounded by darkness so vast and intense, she could almost believe it was alive.
Sessa. The voice that called her name was as soft as an evening spring breeze, gentle and soothing; this was not the voice of her other dream, here she would not be chased by fire and shadow. And though she was not afraid of whoever was calling her, she wished they would turn on the lights. I hate the dark.She frowned. She felt so tired, like she had been awake for weeks and all she really wanted to do was close her eyes and drift into the warmth of the blackness around her. She yawned and let her eyes begin to close.
SESSA!
Her eyes snapped open. She groaned out load and scrunched up her face at the urgency of the voice, of course, she thought annoyed, it never fails. You're tired, you just want to go to sleep and someone...or some THING keeps waking you up.
Huffing, she took a breath."Hello?" instead of the annoyance she'd expected to hear, her voice was quiet and raspy, as if she hadn't spoken in days. What the?!
Sessa, focus on my voice.
Following the command, she was surprised when the darkness slowly began to lighten, like the early morning breath of dawn, and the figure of the person speaking to her could be seen, Roku? With the ever increasing amount of light she could make out the lush green scenery and orange gold sky above her. Beautiful and terrifying at the same time, it was the most unsettling place she'd ever been.
She turned to him when he approached. "Roku? What in the world is going on? Where are we? And where's Katara?" her voice had recovered some of its strength but remained barely any louder than if it had been screamed hoarse the night before.
"Listen carefully Sessa, there isn't much time. You must remember everything I tell you. When you wake, this dream will fade quickly and you will forget everything unless you do as I say. We are in the dream realm of the Spirit World and you must wake up." His face showed none of his normal kindness or good humor; Aw, this can't be good. She sighed mentally, I miss life before random dreams with bad news and dead moon goddesses popping into my room. She pursed her lips, okay that's a lie, but seriously? A girl can go nuts with all this craziness going on. I seriously doubt these people have any consideration for what's normal. She shook her head of the silly thoughts.
"Ok, Roku you're freaking me out. Why do I have to wake up? And seriously, why don't you guys ever come see me when there's good news? It's nice to say hi people, you know? Without all the doom and gloom stuff."
At his surprised expression she pinched her nose and massaged the headache she could feel coming on. "Never mind. Okay, explain please."
"When you wake up, you mustwake Katara and have her heal your mind. Yue and I have been watching over you since you first arrived in our world, we saw what happened when you were taken to the Fire Nation. Something was done to your mind. We don't know what it is, but you must have Katara help you." As he spoke, the colors of the sky darkened and Roku's face began to show signs of worry.
"What are you talking about, Roku? My mind is fine." her voice was hard, a fact she attributed to feeling edgy; the elements of this "dream" were shifting, color was beginning to fade to darkness and she felt as if she and Roku were slowly being pulled apart.
Sessa awoke with a gasp, her skin felt ice cold, and her heart was thumping wildly in her chest, making her feel like she'd run a marathon. A wave of nausea swept over her as she tried to stand with only one though on her mind, What the?
"Sessa?" Katara's clear blue eyes shone in soft candlelight, worry was clearly in them.
Jumping, Sessa spun around to face her roommate "Katara? What are you doing awake?" she felt disoriented, as if she'd been given a heavy dose of potent wine, something she'd experienced only a few times with her family.
"You were talking in your sleep, you seemed upset...I, I was going to wake you." Katara answered quietly, her voice gentle.
"Oh, sorry." Sessa offered her a weak smile, "I think I just had a nightmare, but I can't remember it at all. Have you ever had one of those?"
Katara nodded, "Yea, a few times actually. Waterbending usually helps take the anxiety away. Maybe that will help?"
Sessa smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Maybe, I think I just need to get a little air. I'll be right back, but don't tell Mr. Hot Head".
Katara giggled "Oh don't you worry about that. I do not want to be the one to piss Zuko off." she winked.
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Wrapped in the shadows of his room, Zuko lay half naked in bed staring at the celling of his room, letting all of the previous events play over and over again in his mind. No matter how hard he tried to focus on sleeping, his mind kept going back to the feel of Sessa's lips and body pressed against his. His body remembered too, instantly responding to his thoughts. It had been months since he'd last taken care of that particular urge. Not since I was with Mai. He groaned, as much as he felt like he was betraying her, he was unable to fight the emotions and thoughts swirling through his mind. His hand was halfway to its destination, to relieve some of the building tension inside his body when a padded step outside the door had him shooting out of bed. Since the night Sessa had been taken, he heard every noise, no matter how quiet, that passed his door.
Stealthily, Zuko made his way across his room and stood by his door to hear outside. Someone was walking past his room as quietly as possible Or trying to, he frowned. Waiting until he was sure the intruder was just a little beyond his door, he threw the heavy wooden door open, ready to attack the stranger in an instant.
AHHH! Sessa felt her heart pound in her chest when she realized Zuko had opened his door. Oh shit. She didn't move an inch. She wasn't even sure she was breathing. Okay, maybe if I stay really, really still, he won't - the rest of her thought was cut off when she heard Zuko's low voice.
"And just what, exactly, do you think you are doing, hmm?"
The sounds of his voice skittered over her skin like ice, sending chills down her back. Eeep! I'm so dead! Not good! Turning as slowly as possible, she offered him her most innocent and charming smile. But it was gone the moment she met his gaze. His gold eyes were practically the molten with fury and some other emotion she couldn't quite put her finger on, as he stared her down. So...I'm totally gonna die. Great. She was distracted with what he would say to her, until her eyes drifted downward and took in the rest of him.
Oh. My. God. Her mouth went dry. With the exception of his black training pants, Zuko was naked and his black hair was slightly tousled which only added to the seriously hot look he was rocking. Oh momma. As the lamplight in the hallway flickered around them, it cast shadows that danced over his bare chest, making it look as though his muscles were bunching and rippling, even though he wasn't moving. So hot. She thought, feeling her cheeks flush even as she tried to fight it.
Zuko's voice cut into her train of thought again. "What are you doing?" his voice was low and dangerous, making her shiver and part of her body tremble, even though she wasn't; truly afraid of him.
"Eh..." she couldn't get her thoughts together. "I was just out getting some air" her voice was flustered and tight and she knew he could hear it. Damnit!
He walked towards her, moving in front of her and cutting off her path in the hallway. His entire body was giving off threatening vibes as he spoke to quietly to her, "And why, exactly, would you be doing that after everything that's happened?"
Unconsciously, Sessa stepped back and away from him...in the only direction she could go...towards his doorway. "Erm..."Oh my god! I sound like a total idiot! What is the matter with me? Sheesh, girl, speak!"I just needed to get some air and I didn't think that would be a problem, okay?" her voice was getting harsher as she channeled her embarrassment into anger.
Zuko didn't say anything as he let his eyes wander over her. Her light hair was all over the place, telling him she'd had a night as restless as his own. She wasn't wearing her usual black pants and tank top; instead, she was in a pair of black shorts and a red shirt that clung to her body in all the right places. Damnit! I'm going to kill her. What kind of girl gets kidnapped, held hostage, rescued, and then goes walking around the same mansion she was kidnapped from, ALONE, in the middle of the night?! He forced his mind to get angry instead of continue focusing on the way her body looked in the low light. "You obviously don't know Azula very well" he growled.
Raising an eyebrow at him, Sessa's eyes darkened from sapphire to indigo, "Well then, I'll just go back to bed and then there won't be a problem. Sheesh" she snapped at him.
Zuko's lips twitched upwards, and before she could say anything else, he rushed at her, forcing her to move backwards with him into his room before he spun her around, closed the door and pinned her against his bedroom wall. With one hand, Zuko kept both of her small wrists firmly above her head. He pressed his hips and legs tightly against hers to keep her from moving he legs, while his other hand rested gently on her hip. "Really?" he asked, his eyes glowing as he leaned towards her. "And what makes you think I'm going to let you go now that I've finally gotten you back?"
Gasping, Sessa stared wide-eyed at Zuko. Every thought in her head had scattered to the wind, leaving her able to focus only on their position and the look in those molten eyes.
"Zuko..." her voice was barely above a whisper when she tried to speak, but he cut her off again.
Without letting her finish her sentence, Zuko bent his head down and took possession of Sessa's lips the way he'd done earlier. Her body tensed at first, unsure of whether she should fight him or surrender to what they both knew the other wanted. What's the point? She asked herself mentally as she felt his lips move against her, silently asking her to open her mouth. We both want this. Hell! I practically jumped him earlier!She moaned when his tongue swept through her mouth and his teeth gently nibbled her lower lip.
Zuko pulled back from the kiss and was pleased to see Sessa looking as breathless and overcome by the feelings of the kiss as he was. Every inch of his body felt like it had been lit on fire and was slowly burning him from the inside out. And other, more masculine parts of his body were demanding he take some kind of action. The tension was almost too much for him to handle. I have to stop...otherwise...he couldn't finish the thought, he didn't want to stop.
"Sessa," his voice was low and rough "if you want me to stop, you had better tell me now...otherwise...I won't be able to."
Plese don't tell me to stop. His eyes burned as he watched her, and she realized now that the emotion she hadn't been able to define when he'd looked at her in the hallway had been desire. It took her brain a full eight seconds to function fully, Oh no, too late...don't stop,but her voice failed her. Instead, she wiggled her arms and tilted her head back, allowing him to see the permission she was giving him.
Zuko didn't need a second invitation. Releasing her wrists, he wrapped one hand in the loose waves of her hair and gently pulled her back, deepening the kiss; while with his other arm he reached down and lifted her off the ground. Instinctively, Sessa wrapped her legs around Zuko's waist and let him carry her over to his bed.
