Chapter Seventeen

Heart Lines and Hopeful Signs

"You should still be resting Katara," the healer told her. It had been roughly three hours since Katara had awoken from her journey in the Dragonbone Catacombs, and about thirty minutes since she'd reluctantly left the warmth and safety of Zuko's arms. As much as she longed to stay curled up alongside him, she also knew the guilt gnawing at her subconscious wouldn't subside until she had checked on the safety and wellness of her friends. She told Zuko as much, but he refused to let her out of his sight until a healer had looked her over.

"I feel rested," Katara lied to the man. He had to be pushing eighty Katara thought; his arms were dotted with age marks and rose slightly where the river of veins swam beneath paper-thin skin. His eyes were kind, the color of watered-down tea that seemed to hold a lifetime of memories. Katara wondered how that had slipped her attention the first time he'd tended to her wounds and placed stitches in her arm. Of course, the palace had just been attacked then and she and Zuko had been consumed with the restless need to track and locate their friends.

"You sacrificed a lot of yourself to bring the Avatar out of his drug-induced haze, my lady, and you've suffered quite the myriad of wounds. I'm well aware that you can heal them yourself, but you need to be at your full strength to do so. And what, pray tell, will get you to full strength fastest?" The healer lifted a fuzzy gray brow.

Katara puckered her lips and shifted her gaze to the fraying thread on the throw pillow beside her. "Rest," she murmured in a barely audible tone.

"What was that?" the healer asked. "Sorry dear, with these old ears I'm afraid you'll have to speak up so I can hear." A coy grin twitched along his lips.

Katara narrowed her eyes at the man, but she couldn't stay irritated for long. The scowl on her face quickly turned into a smile. "Fine," she said, "I'll rest, but I at least want to check on my friends and speak with them first. After that you can lock me in my room and I won't come out until you say so."

"I'll hold you to it Katara," the healer told her. He rose from the chair beside her bed and patted the back of her hand. "We're happy to have you returned to the palace." He smiled at her warmly before turning to Zuko. "She has one hour before I want her back in bed."

"Healer's orders," Zuko replied with a nod. "I'll see to it that she is properly taken care of."

"See that you do." The healer excused himself from the Fire Lord's chambers.

"Wow," Katara said after he'd gone, "he seems awfully casual with you…"

"He should," Zuko said, "he delivered me from my mother's womb."

"Oh," Katara replied. She supposed that made a good deal of sense.

"Well I suppose we should get you to your friends so you can do as the healer instructed," Zuko said, rising from the red-velvet ottoman that was perched at the foot of the bed.

"You're not really going to tell on me if we're gone more than an hour are you?" Katara tossed back the comforter, exposing the full length of her bare toned legs beneath the hem of her tunic. She cleared her throat, tugging at the short hem as she stood from the bed. "Could you," Katara paused to wet her lips, "could you hand me that robe over there?"

Zuko cast an unconvincing half glance at the silk fabric draped over the lounge chair before setting his gaze on Katara. The light in his golden eyes changed, darkening with something that seemed to Katara like desire. "Are you quite certain you want to leave?" Zuko took a step forward, slowly, and then another.

Katara let go of her shirt hem, flexing her fingers at her side. Zuko was still closing the distance between them, and Katara didn't make a move to stop him. She couldn't much think straight with him looking at her that way… For a moment, his gaze rendered her self-conscious. She wanted to cover up, to hide behind a throw blanket so he wouldn't see. But as Katara held Zuko's gaze, she had a feeling that hiding behind a layer of clothing or a blanket would do little to stop the intense connection she felt when he looked at her this way; clothes or not, it was as if Zuko was glimpsing through her very own skin–peering right into her soul.

"Zuko," she murmured his name when his hands found their way onto her waist and pulled her closer. She set her hands to his chest, bracing her forearms as his hands slid around her back and crushed her tightly to his body. He bent, seeking Katara's mouth as he pressed his lips to hers and she melted into him. He kissed her passionately, claiming her mouth with his. This kiss was different than the one she'd given him in the tunnels. Then, there was a very real possibility that they might not make it out alive. It was a kiss of unfulfilled promises–of wants and hopes and need. But this kiss, Katara thought, was one of hunger.

Katara gave his chest a little nudge, breaking her mouth from his as she dropped her gaze and let her forehead rest against his collarbones that she so loved. "We should probably–" she breathed against his skin, unable to finish her sentence because… what was it that they were supposed to be doing?

"Is this… too much?" Zuko guessed.

"No," Katara answered hastily, and then changed her mind, "yes. I mean… well I don't know what I mean." She leaned away from his chest and flattened her palm against her forehead. Maybe she was coming down with something–the healer had told her she'd received a minor concussion. Perhaps she'd stood up too quickly. Perhaps she was dizzy. Katara kind of chuckled at that notion. If she were being honest, it was the man standing before her, kissing her like a man starved that was making her dizzy.

"Which is it Katara?"

"No," she decided, lifting her gaze to Zuko's beautiful face. "It isn't too much."

"Then what is it?"

"We haven't really had a chance to talk about what any of this means, and I just don't want to get involved too deeply if we're not on the same page. I–" Katara paused. "–I don't want to get hurt, or end up hurting you."

Zuko's expression softened. He released a hand on her waist only to gently take her chin and tilt her face to his. "I know what this is for me, Katara. I know what I want. This isn't casual–at least not for me, and if I'm being honest, I've wanted this for a very long time." He'd told her that much in the tunnels. "I never want to pressure you or make you feel as though you have to choose a certain path, Katara. This decision is yours to make." Zuko took her hands, brushing a kiss over the back of her knuckles.

A flurry of emotion rose and swelled in her stomach. "My decision?" she repeated.

"What do you want?"

You, she answered mentally, looking him directly in the eyes. But what did that mean, exactly? What would she have to give up to try and make a relationship with him work? Katara was aware of the time passing with each stroke Zuko's thumb made across the back of her hand. She watched his chest expanding as he inhaled, and felt his breath fanning across her face when he exhaled.

"You don't have to answer right now. I don't mean to put you in an awkward position." His tone had hardened just a little, as if she'd somehow managed to inadvertently wound his pride.

"It's not that," Katara rushed to explain. "I want you," she said, "of that much I'm sure. It's just… I don't know what that means for us in the long run."

A small smile flirted with the corner of Zuko's lips. "What do you want it to mean?"

Katara chuckled and shook her head. "Those questions are not helping make this any easier."

An expression of irritation flitted across Zuko's features as he released her from his grip and dropped his hands to his sides. This was an expression of the boy without patience, the stubborn part of him that never really left. "I'm not trying to make this difficult Katara, I just want you to choose your own path as I previously stated. I don't want to influence you or manipulate you into doing something you wouldn't do on your own accord. Don't you get it? If I asked you to stay and you only did it out of obligation, well, I couldn't live with that." A shadow passed behind his irises and his eyebrow contorted as he lowered his gaze.

Katara understood. Now it was her turn to sigh as she looked at the Fire Lord and the expression of sorrow corrupting his features. Perhaps there would always be a part of him that doubted his self-worth or his place in the world… It stemmed from his childhood; the years of neglect his father bestowed, and the many years he'd fought to earn what was rightfully his. Zuko was a changed man, but even changed men had the ghost of past memories that haunted them now and again. "Oh Zuko," she said softly, "you're never going to believe that you're worth it, are you?"

Zuko's head snapped up to meet her gaze, lips slightly parting. He didn't answer her, but he didn't reject the arms she slid behind his back as she pressed herself neatly to his body.

"I think you know me well enough to know that I never do anything that I don't believe in," Katara said as she pressed her cheek to his sternum. "Maybe a girl just needs to hear that you want her to stay because of her own insecurities."

Zuko's hand smoothed the back of her hair, fingers slipping through the dark strands. "What would you possibly have to be insecure about?" Zuko asked her in disbelief.

A few things came rushing to the foreground of Katara's mind… like, oh, say for starters the fact that she had never been involved romantically with another man. What if she was a poor lover, or shy, and Zuko decided he preferred a woman with more experience–someone that knew what she wanted? Katara was a lot of things, and she knew she could come off a little strong sometimes, but she had no idea how she would perform under that sort of… pressure.

"Katara?"

"Zuko…" Katara cleared her throat. "I've never… been with anyone. And–" Oh Great Ancestors, she thought as her pulse hammered in her ears–what was she even confessing this for?

"I know," the Fire Lord responded simply.

For whatever reason this only caused the waterbender's tempter to spike a notch and she pulled back to glower up at him. "What do you mean you know?"

"Well I just assumed that with Aang being a monk and all that his vows of abstinence were kind of a big deal. Not that he wasn't tempted to break them Katara, believe me, it would be impossible to not want to with you."

Katara's scowl deepened. "Can we maybe not talk about Aang and-and-and that." Katara could feel the chagrin rising up the back of her neck.

"Sure." Zuko grinned.

"Good." She fell quiet for a moment, pretending to take particular interest in a small stain on his bedroom rug. She swallowed as color rushed to her cheeks, singing the tips of her ears. "So, have you?"

"Been with Aang?" Zuko lifted his singular eyebrow. "No, he's not really my type."

Katara huffed and shoved him in the chest as she sidestepped him to get to her robe. She'd finally had enough of being half naked in front of him whilst having a conversation of this caliber. "You're unbelievable!" Katara pulled both halves of her robe closed, tying them with a little more force than necessary and momentarily forgot all about her cracked rib. It smarted as the knot secured, and Katara hunched forward to catch her breath.

"Take it easy, Katara." Zuko's palms were on either side of her arms; his voice at her back. "I was just trying to make light of the subject; I'm sorry." His hand moved around her waist, gently pressing to the bandage secured around her middle.

Katara gathered her pride and turned to face him. "So have you?"

Zuko sighed until one corner of his mouth seemed to pinch together. "I'm not exactly innocent, Katara, but, I haven't gone to bed with a woman in the traditional sense of the meaning," he attempted to explain. "Mai and I… experimented," he decided on the word, "but technically I'm still a virgin. Technically."

Katara didn't exactly want to think about his experiences with Mai, but she wasn't totally naïve and it didn't take her mind long to conjure uninvited images of the two of them together… Even so, she supposed she was a bit shocked to learn that he was still technically a virgin. After all, they had dated for quite a while… She imagined that during the war, having sex was about the last thing on anyone's mind, but it had been two years since its end.

"Being the Lord of an entire nation is very demanding; there hasn't exactly been a whole lot of time to fraternize with the opposite sex," Zuko said, answering her silent train of thought.

"You could have had Mai…" Katara remembered the sound of his tone when she'd found him that night in the training arena–when he thought she was Mai.

"I could have," Zuko agreed, "but I would never use someone to satiate my loneliness, Katara. I guess I'm just not that kind of guy."

No, Katara agreed silently, he was the admirable and honorable type. She set her hands to his sides and looked up at him. "Well, I guess that sort of makes me happy," she admitted.

Zuko's lips twitched. He tightened his arms around her shoulders, carefully pulling her to his chest to mind her bruises and cracked rib. He pressed his lips to her temple and then whispered, "But I want you, Katara. I want all of you."

Katara hid her smile in his shirt.

~xXx~

Toph wrapped her small arms around Katara and squeezed hard enough to crack a second rib. Katara winced, eyes bulging as she coughed and struggled to take in a gulp of air.

"You might want to take it easy on her Toph," Zuko said, placing a hand on Katara's shoulder to steady her when the earthbender released her from her vice grip. "She has a cracked rib."

"Oh, sorry Sugar Queen." Toph made a face and plopped down on the couch cushion. "Didn't realize you were so fragile."

Katara snorted. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Toph."

Suki chuckled at that, taking care to hug Katara a little more gently than Toph had done. "How are you feeling? The healer said you needed to rest. We weren't expecting to see much of you for another day or so."

"I'm fine," Katara answered. "I just wanted to see you guys to make sure that you were all okay." Katara shifted her gaze to the Avatar standing quietly behind Sokka's shoulder. He was smiling warmly at her, and stepped forward to hug her.

"Thank you for what you did Katara," Aang said. "None of us would be standing here if it weren't for you."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Katara said. "It was a team effort. I'm just glad we managed to get everyone back safe and in once piece–well, mostly one piece."

"So when do we go home?" Sokka asked. "I mean, no offence or anything Zuko but I think I've just about had enough of the Fire Nation for a while. Plus, we still have the wedding and whatnot to finish planning."

"You can leave as soon as you wish, Sokka. I'll have the marina ready your ship whenever you say the word," Zuko replied. "I'll hate to see you go, but I promise Uncle and I will visit Kyoshi for the wedding." The Fire Lord smiled, and Katara noticed that he'd put on a diplomatic mask; a face that his friends wanted to see, and yet, Katara could somehow see through the nuance.

Absently, Katara flattened her palm against her stomach as if to soothe the knot that had taken up sudden residency. Of course it was only natural that her brother and Suki would want to return to Kyoshi as soon as possible, but Katara wasn't ready… There was plenty of unfinished business to attend to here. For example, Zuko had told her that his soldiers had apprehended Meili's rebel army and they were all being held in the Fire Nation prison. There was still the trials and punishments, and also the fact that Katara didn't want to leave because she was falling for the Fire Lord and they still had a lot they needed to figure out.

"Everything okay Katara?" Aang asked. He was studying her with a quizzical brow.

"Actually Aang, can I talk with you for a minute?"

"Oh, come on Katara, you don't have to leave us out of your secret meeting," Toph said. "We're a family; I think you can say what you need to in front of everyone."

Suki pursed her lips as she glanced at Katara. "You know, Toph, maybe we should give them a minute."

The earthbender sighed. "Fine. But it's not like we won't hear about it eventually."

"I'm not intentionally trying to keep anything from you guys," Katara said, "I just have something I want to talk to Aang about and believe it or not, it doesn't involve everyone."

"Yeah yeah, Sugar Queen," Toph waved it off. "We'll be here waiting when you get back. After all, you have some serious explaining to do."

"In regards to what?" Katara lifted her eyebrow.

"In regards to the fact that you chose to snap Aang out of the drug coma before me. I missed all the action because I woke up in the palace!" the earthbender complained.

"Sorry Toph," Katara said with a smile, "but seeing as how Aang is a master of all the elements, I figured he was our best bet at getting us out of there alive."

"Likely story," Toph said, pretending to pout as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Zuko gave Katara a small nod as she and Aang left the room and took a stroll through one of the many grand hallways in the palace. There were guards posted in various places, but none of them paid either of them any mind as they walked.

"You sure you're holding up okay?" Aang asked Katara in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine," she tried to assure him. "I'll admit that I am tired, but taking a little walk is nothing I can't handle. Besides, I needed to get my blood flowing again."

Aang nodded. "I can't imagine what you must have gone through trying to find us. I knew that you would of course; I just hate that there was nothing I could do to help sooner."

"You were being drugged, Aang." Katara's tone was sullen.

"I almost woke up before they got me out of the palace, but, someone stuck a needle in my arm and made sure that I couldn't." Aang rubbed his left bicep absently. "I feel terrible that someone in Zuko's own family would choose to do this to him."

Katara flicked her eyebrows upward. "Yeah, well, I guess we shouldn't be surprised after everything Ozai put him through. Azula was willing to kill him; I suppose it makes sense that his cousin would too." Katara cupped her left bicep, squeezing. "I'm glad he has his uncle, but I wish he had more family that loved him the way someone should be loved."

"He has us." Aang shrugged at the turn of a smile. "But most importantly, he has you."

Katara stumbled over a lump in the carpet, nearly twisting her ankle as Aang reached out to steady her. Color rushed to her cheeks, dusting the blades of her cheekbones as she looked up to meet Aang's unwavering gaze.

"He's loved you for a long time I think," Aang continued. "If I'm being honest with myself, I think I always knew that something would bring the two of you together again."

"Aang–"

"It's okay Katara. I mean, this is what you wanted to talk to me about, right?" He smiled down at her. "I'm not upset. We made our peace and no matter what life throws our way, we'll always be friends. I know my fate Katara, and my love for the world–for the human race–has to come first. I've only ever wanted you to be happy, and if Zuko is a part of your happiness, then I'm glad for you."

Katara dropped her gaze from his, picking at a cuticle. "I didn't plan for this to happen."

"I know that," Aang told her. "I know your heart Katara, and it's pure."

"Thank you," she murmured softly. She was glad to hear Aang's feelings and even happier to know that he wouldn't harbor any resentment towards her. Her confession and his acceptance slackened the guilt that had been weighing down her shoulders.

"So," Aang said as they started walking again, "do you think you'll stay here in the palace with him?"

Katara sighed. "I don't know, Aang. I still haven't talked to my brother or Suki about it. Their wedding is just around the corner, and I'm sure she needs help with the final arrangements."

"Perhaps after," Aang suggested. "I have a feeling that your journey has only just begun. Plus, you still have to come and visit me at the Southern Air Temple." He grinned down at her. "Momo really misses you."

Katara looped her arm through the crook of Aang's elbow and hugged his arm to her side. "I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to just that."

Hello my lovely readers! I wanted to thank TrollBerserker for the kind words and compliment on chapter 16, and welcome OurFeather to the story following. That's so cool you read the first 16 chapters all at once - and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the read!

So I have a question for you guys... I know this story is rated T, but things may start heating up between our beloved heroes and I wanted to try and get a read on my audience. I don't want to offend anyone by writing smut, but, this is a romance story after all... I'll keep it tasteful, but how do you guys feel about a possible M-rated scene in the near future?

As always, thank you for reading!

~Sparrow