Slow Heat
Chapter 29 – Time Enough For Love
After last chapter, I bet y'all are looking forward to how I do things for the Sozin's Comet arc. Rest assured, you'll like it. But first, I wanted a chapter focusing on the Zuko/Katara/Aang triangle, so this chapter takes place between Ember Island Players and Sozin's Comet pt. 1. As you probably figured, that means this chapter should have good amount of tension. And heat. And UST. And attempted cockblocking. And more tension. And some humor too. :D If this all sounds good, then proceed. As always, crit, feedback, and reviews are welcome and much appreciated.
Without further ado, enjoy!
o0o0o0o
Two Weeks BSC
(Early-Mid September, 1101)
Zuko
After what had happened between Katara and the Avatar, he redoubled his efforts to catch her attention and get into my way. Whenever I wanted to be with Katara, he would find us and pop in, whether we were training with one another at the beach. I even caught him watching us when we got up early so we could do some sunrise calisthenics together, something Katara had enjoyed and learned from. At meals, he would grab a seat next to her whenever he could. Sometimes he was successful, sometimes not. It just depended on where I was at that time.
Toph had become an co-conspirator. She would drag Aang away to train with him, leaving the two of us alone. And in return, Katara and I would help nudge her and Sokka closer together by finding little opportunities for them to interact or have a bit of time together. I tried to drop subtle hints to Sokka to pay more attention to the Earthbender who had a crush on him. I knew he missed Suki and I respected that, but knowing that Suki was an prisoner of Azula and knowing what my sister was capable of, I knew very well that Sokka might never see her again. And besides, they did go well together. It was funny to hear them snark at one another.
I smiled in appreciation as I sipped my glass of iced tea. Having a hot cup of tea on a Fire Nation summer day seemed silly to me, but then when Katara turned some water into ice-balls and chilled the tea, it made the perfect treat. She and I sat on the steps, leaning back and drinking out tea, lounging around in swimsuits and basking in the warm sun with our limbs slightly splayed out like a pair of big cats.
"If I wasn't a Waterbender, I'd be so miserable." she announced before she took a big gulp of her drink.
"We'd all be miserable." I replied lightly. We both laughed, though not too loudly, mindful of Aang's gaze on us as he sat there on the sand, sipping his own drink. Sokka was just laying out in a pair of shorts, and Toph was wiggling her little toes in the sand.
After what I had learned at Chan's party, we had discussed what we would do. We knew we would have to leave Ember Island and intercept Ozai before he could raze Ba Sing Se. Before that, we would train and rest and I would try to contact the White Lotus. It'd be nice to know what they were up to and if we could coordinate our efforts for a cleaner victory.
"Maybe you and I could go out tonight for a walk on the beach or to the marketplace. The restaurants stay open late, and there's other things we could do." I smirked. Summer was the busiest season for this island, and there was no end of diversions for the young people that made up the majority of the island guests.
"Sounds lovely." She raised her hands over her head, the sunlight giving her skin a beautiful toned glow. I stared at her quietly, feeling happy just to be in her presence. I would have leaned over to kiss her, but the Avatar was still staring.
o0o0o0o
Aang
Zuko and Katara looked so at ease in one another's company as they sat there on the steps. Katara seemed to want to hang more with him than with me, and I actually missed the days where she would ignore him or they would fight with one another. And then when I wanted time with Katara, she'd always give it to me. But now she was giving it to him and just sitting with him, instead of training – I'd understand training time, but not this! I sipped my ice-tea as I watched them. She stretched out, and I saw him smile a little as he stared at her body. Oh, this was too much!
I got to my feet and walked up the steps, looking down at Katara and saying nothing to Zuko.
"I was thinking, you know, it's such a hot day, maybe you and I could walk along the shore and maybe swim a little." I smiled at her. I still felt like a idiot for what happened at the theater, and wanted to clear things up. The two of them exchanged a glance – wait,what did that mean – and she nodded before getting up.
"See you in a bit." Zuko said. She stared back at him before nodding, and gave him a light wave. He waved back before she turned away from him.
There's definitely something going on between them. Zuko had looked so mad when I kissed Katara. As we walked down the steps to the sand, I felt my stomach churn at the possibility that Zuko might like Katara the way I do. He couldn't like her! Not like that! I'd liked Katara for so long, and I didn't want to think that she... might actually like him back. He was a Firebender, she was a Waterbender. They had been such enemies before. It was nice that they were friends, but they couldn't be more than that. No way!
Katara was supposed to be my girl! She was perfect for me. Okay, okay. I would handle this carefully. I wasn't gonna make a mistake like I did before.
I was quiet as we walked along the shore, deciding to wait till we were out of earshot of the others. It was quiet and peaceful. Perfect.
"Katara... I wanted to apologize for the other night. I never meant to make you uncomfortable." I said as I gently grabbed hold of her arm. She turned to look at me.
"Forget about it."
"No! I mean... look, I don't want any misunderstandings between us. I just want to make sure everything's clear."
"Relax. I said forget it. I'm not mad, okay?" she replied. I relaxed a little. Not mad, I could definitely deal with that.
"Okay. Okay. That's cool. Uh... yes. But I was serious about what I said before about being with you. I like you a lot and I know you said you were confused right now, but I was thinking that after the War... you know... after we defeat the Fire Lord and everything..."
Katara was staring at me. I wasn't sure what she was thinking. I couldn't tell if she was happy or mad, but she did look just a bit sad. She quickly looked away.
"Katara?" I whispered.
"I heard what you said. Yeah. We can talk about it later." She turned away from me and walked down the sand as I followed her quietly before taking her hand. She let me hold it for just a bit, and I loved the feeling of her hand in mine. But after just a few moments, she pulled it away and placed it over her stomach along with her other hand, fiddling her fingers. Why was she so open around Zuko but couldn't be like that around me? I had seen the glances and little smiles they would share. Why couldn't Katara and me be like that?
o0o0o0o
One Week, Five Days BSC
Zuko
Over the next couple of days, we managed to glean a couple of new bits of information through the marketplace and by a secret ninja mission to another party thrown at a friend of Chan's house. Since Ember Island was not far from the path from Sozun to Ba Sing Se, we still had several days to train and prepare for the final showdown.
Over the last two days, I had barely had an opportunity to be alone with the Waterbender. My Waterbender. It rankled me that the Avatar seemed to always show up when we wanted to head off for some time alone – a training session or a walk, or even a soak in the hot springs – it was as if he could read my mind as to when I wanted some time with Katara, then proceeded to do his best to make sure it didn't happen.
I stood on the veranda in the shadows as I watched Katara Waterbend. She looked so beautiful, her eyes luminous as she lazily waved her hand, a long and ribbonlike water whip winding through the air much like a sea-snake. She wasn't training – merely relaxing and having a bit of fun – and I enjoyed watching her. The night breeze was cool against my bare chest as I leaned against the pillar, wearing my pajama pants.
I had set something up in my room, having planned it for a couple of days now and gathering all the things I needed. Everything now sat in readiness. Tonight... I would seduce Katara. I had a fire-lily – a fortuitous exploration trip revealed a small patch of them near the Summer Palace – and lightly fingered the silken petals as I watched my love.
I would give her a night she would enjoy. It would be to show my appreciation for her and what she had done for me. It was the least she deserved, and when she became my Fire Lady, I would give her the world.
After several minutes, she let the water whip drop back into the fountain and rose to her feet, her hair tied back in a loose braid. The thin crescent of the moon and the stars made for a soft, almost surreal light, surrounding us in shadows.
"Tara." I whispered, making a small flame in my hand, illuminating my face, chest, and the fire-lily.
"Hello there." she replied softly, moving through the inky blue-blackness and approaching the edge of the light given off by my flame. Her dark skin had a deep, delicious glow from that light, standing out in contrast to the cream-colored nightie and shorts she wore. I saw her raise her hand, her palm upturned in offering. Choosing the hand that held the flame, I extinguished it and took Katara's hand, my fingers stroking along her palm before gripping her wrist gently, pulling her closer so I could stroke the petals of the lily along her face. A soft little coo escaped her mouth as I ran it along her lips.
I had no fancy silk sheets, expensive oils or incense, or any jewelry or other expensive trinkets to offer Katara. But I knew that such things would not matter to her as long as she was made comfortable. We made out way through the halls silently and slid into my room, quietly closing and locking it before us.
The heavy, low table in the side area of the suite was set with candles, illuminating the room. Judging from her soft gasp, my efforts had been worthy. I had a pot of tea made, having tasted it before I went to Katara, to ensure it tasted good – at least, as good as I could make it, no one could rival my Uncle in tea-making. I had made up small plate with slices of fruit that I had drizzled honey over, along with a small bowl of more honey for dipping in, and had even managed to get some chocolate – a slightly expensive treat – and drew up some fresh water from the well, putting it in the pitcher next to the plate. I had made up the mat, straightening out the pillows and sheets and folding back the top sheet invitingly.
Katara smiled at me lovingly, her appreciation for my effort shining in her eyes.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Oh. How sweet of Zuko. I actually felt my eyes tear up for a moment as I gazed at the little things he had done to make it an comfortable and inviting scene. He was looking down at me with a soft smile, and I blushed.
I ran my fingers through his slightly damp hair, rumpling his hair before lowering it to touch his face, feeling the smooth skin of his scar. He tilted his head into my hand as he let out a quiet sigh. I smiled and continued to explore his scar, using my other hand to hook around his neck so I could pull him down for a kiss. I pressed my lips to his scar, hearing him give out a faint hum of appreciation. My lips then went lower, pressing against his own as I felt his hands touch my sides. I knew that my attention to his scar made him feel loved and treasured. The air felt thick around us as I stared up at him, touching his scar again.
"You are the most handsome man in the world." I whispered. I saw him smile faintly.
"Now, how about some tea?" I asked as I pulled away from him, seeing him idly touch his face where I had kissed his scar. It almost seemed as if he still felt that soft touch. I smiled at him again before I poured a cup of tea for him, the faint scent of ginseng and jasmine tickling my nose.
I saw the small arrangement of fruits and chocolate on the table, smiling to myself. How thoughtful. It seemed that Zuko's time spent working at the tea-shop had taught him a few things about food preparation, and he sat down as I plucked up a strawberry, savoring the burst of sweetness as I bit into it. Too bad that strawberries didn't grow in the snowfields that surrounded the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. I adored the plump and pink-red fruit. I felt his eyes on me, and gave out a soft 'Mmm' of satisfaction as I ate the rest of the strawberry.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Only if Katara knew just how much I wanted to have her to feast upon, rather than the offerings I had made. Absently, I plucked a random piece of fruit. Much to my horror, I bit into a piece of papaya, and had to keep from frowning angrily at this unpleasant discovery. It'd be hardly becoming to spit it out in front of her, so I swallowed it, catching her glancing at me in curiosity.
"If you don't like papaya, then why did you put it on the plate?" she asked in a point-blank but soft tone. My smile was slightly forced due to the flavor of my least favorite fruit lingering on my tongue.
"I thought you would like some."
"What? Are you kidding? I don't like papayas either!" She let out a small laugh and shook her head, and I wasn't sure whether to laugh at this revelation or grimace for the fact that I had eaten papaya.
"Well, that's another thing we have in common, I guess." I remarked with a small grin as I quickly plucked up the few other pieces of papaya and unceremoniously banished them to the very edge of the plate before sipping some tea to wash down the flavor.
"Why don't you have something else? Something sweeter?" she asked. She picked up a honeyed orange slice and offered it, daintily holding it between her thumb and index finger. I wiggled closer, removing the gap between us as I took it with my teeth, neatly lifting it out of her grip as my eyes twinkled. I winked at her before sucking the orange into my mouth. After a few chews, I swallowed it before grabbing her wrist gently, licking the orange juice and honey off her digits. Her hand remained where it was, its owner making no effort to take it back. I gently lowered my head, pressing my lips to her finger before swirling my tongue around it.
I wasn't sure how she would respond to the audacity of my action. I saw a number of emotions swirl in these azure depths, but disgust wasn't one of them.
When I lifted my head again, Katara picked up a strawberry, offering it to me with an almost shy smile. She waved the fruit in a slow and tempting way, her eyes offering an open invitation. I opened my mouth and claimed the fruit, but instead of eating it, I held it gently between my teeth, seeing the passion inflame Katara's gaze.
"Zuko..." she groaned huskily, inching towards me. I felt a light tug as her teeth clamped down on the fruit, our noses touching. As soon as she bit down on her half, she pressed her lips to mine. I quickly swallowed my piece and licked her lips with my tongue, tasting the flavor of the juice on her soft lips. I pushed it into her mouth, and delighted when she stroked it with her own.
My hands went to her sides as I pulled her even closer, and she wrapped her arm around my neck, wrestling her tongue against mine.
I broke free from the intoxicating kiss for air as I felt my heart pound wildly in my chest. Where in Agni's name did that come from? That searing, ravenous hunger, that overwhelming desire that exploded through my body at that kiss... It was an all-consuming desire that was clawing at my soul and core. It was a passion that my Waterbender matched. She was the perfect match for me, my intended mate, just as Agni had found his own mate.
"Oh, Zuko..." She almost seemed as she would faint. Her throaty moan only tantalized me further. Damnit. How I wanted to hear her moan and scream out my name in the throes of ecstasy I would bring her.
We shared a few more pieces of fruit before Katara slid her sandals off her feet, moving over to the futon and sitting on its edge of the mat, relaxed and welcoming. Her hands were loosely folded in her lap, looking comely in her white pajamas.
I slunk over to sit next to her, gazing down at her.
"What if I just wanted you to hold me?" Katara asked quietly. I blinked and stared down at her.
I couldn't lie to myself. I prayed it was just a hypothetical question as I desired her very much right now. My passion was raging now, and I felt it push against my pajama pants.
"That... would be all right." I managed to say. It would be hard to snuggle with her and ignore my erection, and suddenly, a cold shower seemed appropriate.
"I'll say one thing though. Right now... I'm in the mood for more than holding." she replied with a smirk.
Oh thank you, blessed Agni! I could hardly keep from grinning like a loon. She slowly pulled out of my embrace, and started to remove her little nightie, and I watched silently as she made short work of her shorts.
(This chapter has sizzling, hot, smexy Zutara steam smex. Of course, since FFN is too afraid to allow the good stuff on the site because of retarded soccer moms who can't be bothered to supervise their little brat's time on the computer and would rather foist the responsibility on someone else, I cannot post said smex here. Of course, if you've read this many chapters, you know the drill, you can find the location of the uncut chapter in my profile. Enjoy!)
"Ew, we're all sticky and sweaty." Katara stated in mock chagrin, a little grin on her face.
"Maybe we can take a bath together later." I suggested.
"How about a early morning bath? Before breakfast?"
"Well, you are aware at how I 'rise' with the sun."
"I'll be counting on you to wake me up." Katara replied softly, with a smile. And for the rest of the night, there was peace and contentment.
o0o0o0o
Katara
True to his word, he did rise with the sun, and we had a fun bath together. Sometimes I was frightened – but always exhilarated at the responses that Zuko could draw from my body.
I was grinning to myself as I slipped back into the room I shared with Toph, hearing her quiet snore as I lay down on my own mat. I'd always cherish these wonderful memories. And I would make more with him in the future. Gently, I fingered the scar on my breast, feeling it through the silk.
I would get to sleep in a bit more since Zuko had offered to make breakfast, and I grinned to myself as I lay there. In the beginning, I had seen him as nothing more than a bratty prince. What a marvelous gentleman he could be.
o0o0o0o
Aang
I woke up early, figuring that Katara might appreciate help with breakfast. It'd also give me a chance to spend some time with her alone, away from Zuko. I figured, if Zuko was hanging around her so much, then I should too. Infact, I'd beat him to it. If I spent enough time with her, surely she'd look at me the way she looked at Zuko. I just had to play it cool and be suave and all. I would never forget our dance, and how exciting that had been.
It wasn't Katara who was adding some oil and spices to the rice when I came downstairs. I stilled as I saw Zuko, casually preparing fried rice. What the heck?
Zuko looked up before I could quickly back out, and we stared at one another. He quickly stirred the rice before taking it off the fire.
"Breakfast will be ready in about ten." Zuko said as he checked the tea. "Why don't you practice some Firebending in the courtyard till then?" He sounded so calm, as if he did this every day. I frowned a little.
"... Fine." I muttered.
When we were sitting down, I rushed over to Katara's side, just barely beating Zuko to the seat next to her. Sokka glanced at me curiously from his sister's other side, but he quickly turned his attention to breakfast. As I sat down, I caught her exchanging a glance with Zuko. Now, what did that mean? Did they have a secret?
"Mmm, this is a good breakfast. Thanks, Zuko." Sokka said around a mouthful of stew.
"Zuko did a wonderful job, didn't he?" Katara added with a smile. Toph laughed and nodded.
"Who would have thought you'd be such a great cook, Sparky?" she asked with a grin. Zuko and Katara laughed softly.
"I did learn a few things when I was working with Uncle in the tea-shop." he replied casually. Too bad he couldn't have stayed there, I thought meanly. I felt bad about that thought, especially after I tasted his rice – it was good. Such petty thoughts was not becoming of an Air Monk, and even more, one who was an Avatar. We were supposed to raise ourselves above worldly concerns.
But what was I supposed to do about the girl I liked so much and the fact that I had a fierce competitor for her time and attention? It wasn't fair that he kept pulling her away from me for whatever reason. I wasn't going to sit back anymore and let Zuko hog her.
"Hey, after breakfast, I was thinking maybe you and I could Waterbend together. It's been a while, and it's such a warm day already, I wanna play in the water." I said before we finished our meal, so Zuko couldn't pull her away after the food was gone.
"Uh... sure." Katara said, nodding. Yes! I glanced at Zuko, holding back a grin. He stared at me for a moment before looking down at his food. Even though an Air Monk was not supposed to have such feelings, I was feeling smug and victorious. I'm not letting you snatch her away from me, so there, Zuko.
