* I didn't mean to take so long to post this chapter. Been working a little more on some original stuff. I also couldn't think of better title for this chapter :(

lumisakom- let me just say- WOW, that was quite a review! Thank you. I LOVE feedback, especially from people who are pleased with what I've written. I really try to make things as realistic as possible within the realm of the original story. Although, I do find myself concentrating on some characters so much, I forget about others. I didn't mean to ignore Katara and Toph completely for the last few chapters lol.

raddishzukka- I'm glad you came back to keep reading. At this point there should only be a few chapters left. And thank you for the nice compliment. readers like you keep me writing!

NJay-Ficilist- Hmm, sounds like maybe a good one shot :)

Thanks also to casyy1994, and Kigen Dawn for reading and reviewing that last chapter!

Standing in the training courtyard, Zuko sighed contentedly as the pieces of his life were coming together. Kudan had finally committed to joining the royal family, and Ozai no longer held anything over Zuko.

"Everything is almost ready. I should go polish up my speech for the big announcement," the Fire Lord said. He began to pick up his clothes in order to get dressed.

Sokka bit his lip, gazing up and down at his husband's sweaty, barely dressed body. "Don't bother dressing. I was thinking of polishing up something else first." He took hold of Zuko's wrist.

Allowing himself to be led out of the courtyard, Zuko blushed. Only Sokka could reduce the Fire Lord into an obedient submissive, wandering the palace in his undergarments. He had to admit, Sokka's aggressiveness, coupled with the fear of getting caught so scantily clad made Zuko randy.

Making a half-hearted attempt at protest, Zuko said as they reached the door, "Sokka, I really have to work on my speech."

"That bulge in your underwear says otherwise."

As soon as the door was closed behind them, Sokka pushed him toward the bed, directing him to get on all fours. He tugged at the small white wrappings covering Zuko's bottom, revealing the birthmark that was similar in shape and size to Kudan's. Sokka leaned over and kissed it.

"I'm all sweaty," Zuko said. "You don't want to put your mouth on me."

Sokka laughed as he caressed the round, firm cheeks before him. "Zuko, there is never a time when I don't want to put my mouth on you. You smell so . . . manly."

While Sokka undressed himself, Zuko quickly removed his undergarments, retaking his position on his hands and knees. Despite his protests, he spread his legs a little wider for his husband.

Once nude, Sokka kissed and licked his way up Zuko's back, stopping only when their bodies became flush, save for Sokka's erection trapped between them.

"Damn, I forgot the oil," Sokka groused. "Don't move."

He moved swiftly to the bedside table to retrieve their well used bottle of special oil. He slathered plenty on his cock and poured more into his hand to spread over Zuko's hole. After many months of regular sexual activity, Zuko no longer required preparation beyond a swipe of lubricant. Standing behind his lover, Sokka was immediately in to the hilt.

"Oh, Sokka," groaned the Fire Lord.

"Spirits you feel good."

While he kissed and nipped at Zuko's neck, Sokka slowly thrust in and out. He normally liked to face his lover, but seeing as Zuko had been in a submissive mood, Sokka took control, feeling both powerful and protective as he draped himself over Zuko, reversing their public image.

"Sokka, I need you deeper."

Happily complying, Sokka climbed onto the bed for better leverage. The new angle provided Zuko with the friction he desired.

"Yes. There." Zuko clutched at the silky sheets to keep from sliding out of position.

Sokka pumped his hips into his lover's. He knew Zuko was close to the edge when his moans grew loud enough to drown out the creaking of the bed.

"Touch me Sokka. I want to feel your hands on me."

Though it most turned Sokka on when Zuko came without being touched, he couldn't watch this time, so he couldn't deny Zuko's request. Wrapping a hand around Zuko's cock, he stroked in time against the movements of his hips. Soon, Zuko was crying out and spilling onto the sheets before him.

They stilled while Zuko caught his breath.

The Fire Lord turned his head. "Did I miss it?"

"No," Sokka said, still with lust in his eyes.

Zuko disengaged himself and rolled Sokka onto his back with a grin. He feasted his eyes on the large cock standing at attention for him.

"Can I use the instrument from the concubines?" Zuko humbly asked.

Sokka nodded his permission.

Excited by the prospect, Zuko got the neglected device out of the table drawer. Because Sokka was skilled at bringing the pair of them to climax together so often, they rarely used props and toys, normally preferring to use their own body parts.

Grinning the whole while, Zuko poured some oil on the phallus shaped toy, then on Sokka's seldom used entrance.

"Are you sure?" Zuko asked.

When Sokka nodded once more, he gently pushed a finger inside. Though he squirmed, Sokka didn't try to move away. Zuko slowly moved the finger in and out while stroking Sokka, to get him to relax. He added a second finger when the muscles around the first began to ease.

"Is this all right?"

"Yes," Sokka responded. "I'm getting used to it."

Zuko frowned. He didn't want Sokka to merely get used to it. He wanted it to make him feel good. Better than good.

"I'm going to use the instrument," Zuko informed him. "It's smoother than my fingers."

Sokka nodded again, nervously. It was smoother, but it was also larger. Despite his apprehension, he remained hard and in need of relief, so he allowed Zuko to have his way with him.

Sensing his reluctance, Zuko kissed him, distracting Sokka from the intrusion going on below. When he was sure that Sokka was fully relaxed, he sat back between Sokka's spread legs.

Expertly manipulating the instrument of pleasure, Zuko twisted and turned it while maneuvering it in and out. He'd had plenty of practice on himself, but hadn't used it on anyone else, so it was a matter of trial and error. He listened and watched careful to Sokka's reactions in order to guide him.

Sokka suddenly gasped, clutching the sheets and arching his back.

"Fuck. I think that's what you were telling me about."

Zuko grinned. "Right here?" Zuko repeated the movement he'd just performed.

Another gasp. "Yes. Oh, fuck yes."

Duplicating the motion over and over, Zuko watched Sokka become more and more undone. The loud whimpers and moans pleased Zuko greatly, as his own usually overshadowed Sokka's. With his free hand, he raked his nails tenderly across Sokka's stiff nipples, rather than give attention to Sokka's cock. Sokka often made him cum without handling him directly, and this was his chance to do the same, to feel that control.

The moment Zuko's finger touched his left nipple, Sokka forcefully let loose a stream of cum, followed by several more. He cried out so loudly with each burst, that Zuko was sure the guards would break into the room to make sure everything was all right.

By then, Zuko was so entranced by Sokka, he was hard, and nearly ready to cum again. He gripped himself firmly and pumped his fist as fast as he ever had. So turned on by the sight of Sokka- flushed, covered in cum, with their toy still half inside him- Zuko came quickly, unashamedly. Sokka grinned up at him.

"I couldn't help myself," Zuko confessed. "That was, by far, the sexiest thing I have ever seen."

"And you wanted to work on your speech," Sokka smirked.

"I should always listen to my most trusted advisor," said Zuko, leaning forward to kiss him. "You always know best." He bit his lip. "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you or anything, did I?"

"No," Sokka blushed. "I kind of lost control, though."

"I know. That's what made it so sexy. You're always in charge. But I loved seeing you let go and let me take over. I'd like to do that again."

"Me too," Sokka admitted.

Reluctantly, Zuko got off the bed to clean up in the bathroom. "I guess I need to work on that speech now."

"I'll help," Sokka offered, carefully getting out of bed without letting their bodily fluids spill onto the sheets. He was unsuccessful.

Zuko laughed at Sokka's efforts. "I don't know why you bother. The girls in the laundry come every day to change the sheets. They know by now that we have sex. A lot."

"I know. But we don't have to leave a big mess every time."

"So take the sheets off yourself and ball them up if it would make you feel better."

"I will." Sokka hesitated. "But I'd better clean myself up first. The indoor waterfall?"

They enjoyed a leisurely bathing under the spray of water, lathering one another up. And after dressing, Zuko sat at his desk to finish writing his address to the nation regarding Kudan. Sokka had been working on a proposal to change the marriage laws concerning royals. He hoped to have a document to present to the Council within a few days. Engrossed in what they were each doing, the sudden knock at the door startled them.

"Come in," Zuko called.

A guard stepped over the threshold. "Announcing Lady Mai."

She swept past him, rolling her eyes. "You don't need to announce me. They know who I am."

Zuko stood to greet her. "Mai," he smiled warmly.

"Things have changed. We need to discuss."

"Thank you, Kang," Zuko said. "You may leave us."

The guard bowed and resumed his place outside the door.

"Come, sit," Zuko gestured for Mai to take a seat on the chaise.

From his own desk in the corner, Sokka watched curiously.

"What's changed?" Zuko questioned.

"Well, for starters, you're going to present Kudan as your brother in two days," Mai answered.

"Yes, but . . . that doesn't change anything between us." Zuko glanced to Sokka. "The three of us, I mean. Does it?" He was referring to the contract Mai had given him offering heirs to the Fire Lord and his Prince.

"Your new brother can now provide blood heirs to the throne," she said. "In fact, I believe he's already chosen the future mother of his children."

Zuko hesitated. "It's true. Kudan wants to marry Quan. And Sokka is working on changes to the marriage laws as we speak. But, I still want to have children of my own someday. I mean, we want to." He looked anxiously to Sokka. "Don't we?"

"Yes," Sokka nodded. "But, Kudan and Quan are older. I'm sure they'll be ready long before us."

"Exactly what I was thinking," Mai said.

"Are you withdrawing your offer?" Zuko frowned.

Placing a hand on his arm, Mai reassured him. "No. However, since we are so young, I've given some more thought to the situation. I would like to leave the palace. Just for a while," she quickly added.

"To go where?" Zuko asked.

"Anywhere. Everywhere. There is nothing holding me here right now. I'd like to travel while I can. Eventually, I'll come back to the palace when you and Sokka are ready to start a family."

Zuko's brow furrowed. "I would miss you. We still need you."

Sokka got up from his desk and approached the pair. "I think it's a great idea."

"You do?" Mai raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Zuko and I both got to travel the world. Granted, it was running for our lives at times. But it was an adventure. We saw all corners of the word, met all kinds of interesting people, tried new things. I think maybe that's why we're so content to settle down here together now. But you've been stuck here for so long, doing the proper thing . . ."

"Except for the times Azula dragged me and Ty Lee around," she laughed. "I wouldn't exactly call it adventure, though."

"You could be . . . a traveling ambassador of the Fire Nation," Sokka said excitedly. "We have representatives from other nations and cultures here, but we've only sent a few to major cities."

Zuko nodded. "And you could travel under our protection. I can provide you with transportation and funds."

"I wasn't looking for a hand out," Mai said. "My father still has enough money, and he owes me, as far as I'm concerned."

"It's not a hand out, Mai. I want to take care of you." Zuko paused. "More importantly, I don't want to to have to rely on your father for anything. Chief Hakoda may have let him off easy regarding his business dealings, but I still don't trust him."

"Yeah, my dad never did tell me exactly what he has on Mai's father," Sokka said. "But Zuko's right. You should probably distance yourself from him, just in case it ever goes public."

"I will bring up your ambassadorship at the next Council meeting," Zuko said. "There shouldn't be any question of approval. But I will miss you."

"I'll miss the two of you also," she said. "And, who knows, maybe I'll bring back my own little Water Tribe boy."

"Whatever will make you happy."

Mai kissed Zuko's cheek and left the Fire Lord's chambers.

"Are you all right?" Sokka asked.

"Yes. I want Mai to be happy. It will be strange without her around, though. I've known her since I was a child. And we haven't spent much time apart, except for the time I was chasing Aang."

"I know. Katara is leaving after you introduce Kudan." The mood was somber, but Sokka tried to put his usual bright spin on things. "But, hey, change is good. Maybe Mai will find love out there, and Katara and Aang will get married- not too soon I hope- and Kudan will get Quan. And everyone can be as happy as us."

"You're right. We're all moving forward. I need to finish my speech. We have some celebrating to do."

zszszszszszszszs

"Are you nervous?" asked Sokka.

"No." Kudan paused. "A little."

"At least you're not secretly planning to trick someone into marrying you," Sokka joked. "Now that's nerve-wracking. You don't even have to say anything if you don't want to."

Kudan nodded anxiously. He could hear the guards announcing Zuko's entrance into the courtyard.

Zuko held his hands up to stay the cheers from the citizens in the courtyard. It was packed even tighter than his wedding. As he looked over the crowd and scanned the faces of his people, he saw hope and joy. It was never the case when his father, or Azulon addressed the nation. He wished Iroh had been able to see it. But at least his uncle knew the truth about Kudan before he went back to Ba Sing Se to run his tea shop.

"Fire Nation citizens, welcome. I apologize that not everyone who wished to attend was able to be here in person. This is the largest turnout I have ever witnessed here in this court. And I am grateful for your support. A written announcement will be distributed once I am finished here."

Zuko smiled as he prepared to deliver his speech. "But first, please welcome your Fire Prince." He glanced back to Sokka and motioned for him to stand by his side. It wasn't the original plan, but Sokka complied. The crowd applauded and cheered nearly as much for Sokka as for the Fire Lord himself.

"Thanks to this man, we have have made many changes. Changes that are meant to benefit all of us. And the palace is a better place thanks to him," Zuko ad libbed. He grasped Sokka's hand and kissed the back of it before continuing with his prepared speech.

"Everything I do, I do with our great nation in mind. It is always my intention to answer to the greater good. You have always trusted the Fire Lord to make the best choices for you and our nation. That trust has not always been well placed. I have tried my best, over the past year and a half to earn that trust back. I have allowed changes to our government system to give power to more people. We are moving toward a true democracy. One, in which someday, perhaps the Fire Lord will be an elected official, and not a member of the royal family."

Gasps could be heard throughout the crowd, as well as murmurs and sporadic applause. Some liked the idea of no longer relying on a royal family for leadership.

"However, that day is not today. And I still have much work to accomplish. I know many of you are wondering why I have gathered you. I assure you, it is wonderful news. Regretfully, my father and sister are no longer able to function in society. My uncle has retired from public life and lives a peaceful life in his tea shop, which pleases me greatly. But it has left me alone to carry on the royal family."

He put his hands up as he heard more talk among the crowd. Sokka looked around, a strange sound catching his attention before Zuko captured it again.

"Before you make any suppositions, Sokka and I are not ready to continue the family line just yet," he snickered, knowing the people would jump to that conclusion. "However, recently I have discovered that my father had unknowingly produced another heir. A son. My brother."

He allowed the people talk amongst themselves, letting the news sink in. Of course, there would always be those who would find the news disturbing, for lack of tradition. But most seemed simply surprised by the news, and not necessarily upset.

Zuko turned back to the door at which Kudan was standing. He frowned when he didn't see his former guard. In a moment of panic, he gestured to the other guards, asking silently what was going on. They merely shrugged. Ready to go in search of Kudan himself, Zuko breathed a sigh of relief when Kudan appeared in the doorway once more. Nodding to him, Zuko made the official announcement.

"I present to you, my brother, Prince Kudan."

The crowd reaction was mixed. Some clapped, some gasped, recognizing Kudan as Zuko's personal assistant. Others were skeptical of the whole situation.

Kudan nervously surveyed the audience. He knew most were suspicious and it would take some convincing for them to accept him.

High Sage Shyu stepped out onto the terrace and bowed to Zuko, Sokka and Kudan. He faced the crowd and bowed to them.

"After reviewing the evidence regarding Kudan's birthright, the sages and Council members have all agreed that he is indeed the son of Ozai, nephew of the great General Iroh, and half brother to Fire Lord Zuko and Princess Azula. He shall therefore be granted all rights and privileges as a member of the royal family, including the title of Fire Prince. All hail Fire Prince Kudan."

Shyu bowed once again to the new prince. The audience, for the most part, followed suit, for they trusted the word of the High Sage implicitly. Kudan instinctively bowed back, though he was not required to do so.

Some nobles, such as Governor Tomo, who was invited for appearance sake only, did not bow to Kudan. It was within their rights to examine the evidence for themselves before accepting it as fact. Other nobles immediately began scheming a way to get their daughters married off to the new royalty.

Much to Sokka's disappointment, there was no official reception after the announcement due to the large turn out. But they had planned a small gathering for ambassadors, council members and nobles to meet Kudan in a more intimate setting later on.

Zuko stepped forward once more.

"Thank you, my citizens, for sharing in this most joyous occasion. For on this day, the Fire Nation has grown stronger."

The audience applauded and shouted at Zuko's words, then started to disperse. Two of the nobles approached Shyu.

"I would like to see this . . . evidence for myself," one said.

Shyu bowed and smiled pleasantly. "Of course. Though, the Council and the sages have already found it to be satisfactory. However, if you think you can glean some bit of information out of it that the twenty-two of us have not, you are most welcome to examine it."

The message was subtle, but Shyu got his point across, implying the conclusion was unanimous. Going against the entire Council would not be wise.

The nobleman backpedaled. "I was . . . merely curious as to what the evidence was. This man has been a servant in the palace for years, and now suddenly he's royalty."

"A most loyal and trusted servant," Shyu added. "You are welcome to attend the next Council meeting to hear the details, if you like."

"I will do that," the man said. He walked away unsatisfied.

Rather than subject Kudan to questions he was not prepared to answer, Zuko and Sokka whisked him away to the lounging room with all the big pillows Sokka favored.

"I'll order some tea," Sokka offered. "Maybe ginger tea. You don't look so good Kudan."

"Where were you?" Zuko asked. "When I was ready to introduce you, you weren't at the door."

Kudan looked away, a bit embarrassed. "I . . . um, was not feeling well."

Sokka chuckled. "Did you get sick in the bushes? I thought I heard retching, but then Zuko said something about us having a baby."

"I said we weren't having a baby," Zuko reiterated.

"I know. But I was distracted at the time and at first I imagined what it will be like when you do make that announcement."

Zuko gave a small smile. "Some day." He straightened himself up and cleared his throat. "I think it went well. People were unsure, but you'll prove yourself to them and they'll accept you, as easily as they've accepted Sokka."

"Prove myself, how?"

"By joining the Council and helping me make good decisions."

"What if I am not good at those things?" Kudan asked.

"Then just be yourself," Sokka said. "Don't think about trying to be a good Fire Prince. Just be a good man."

Zuko beamed. "And listen to Sokka. He's a very good advisor."