A/N: Thank you so so so much for all the kind reviews! There is so much more of the story coming and I'm happy to know so many people are enjoying it.

As always, beta'ed by the wonderful and amazing, GoddessxNyte2! Without her encouragement, I wouldn't have gotten this story out in the way I wanted to!

Bella woke before Zuko and studied his face. Deep down she knew, had always known. The very moment the tip of Zuko's dagger met the bandit's flesh at her own hands.

She was falling for him.

It wasn't because he comforted her after. It wasn't because he trained after. It wasn't because they had been through so much.

It was that something about him made her want to be better, to do better, to try again.

She was absolutely positive that had she remained in her own time—and life as she knew it hadn't been destroyed—she would have found her way again eventually. But the person she would have become wasn't who she was now, and if she was being honest, she loved who she had become.

This life provided her a chance to strive for something, a chance to work at building something, a chance to carve out her path.

Regardless of her connection to the Avatar, Bella was free of obligation. She could run away with Zuko that very moment without him doubting her decision. She could team up with the Avatar, and Zuko would follow her. Conversely, he could take her to the Fire Nation right now to tell his father to fuck off, and she would go without a moment's hesitation.

Zuko was right to call them equal.

He caught her staring, and Bella broke into an embarrassed smile. "You're adorable."

Rather than answer her, Zuko pulled her back into his arms and kissed her like he was afraid she would disappear.

"I'm here," she murmured against his lips and reached for his face. Her thumbs ran gently up and down his cheeks.

Zuko slowed the pace and gripped the hand running along his scarred side to press it harder against the rough flesh.

Bella took the hint and resumed soothing him, using more force where his skin was less sensitive to touch. Warmth bloomed in her chest as he relaxed into her, and she wondered if anyone had ever had the opportunity to learn how to touch him, especially there.

"Had you been with anyone before me?"

The question fell out of her mouth before she could think about it, as it usually happened.

Zuko met her even gaze and smiled. "Not fully," he admitted. "And the feelings weren't there. It pales in comparison to this; to what I have with you."

Bella felt her face blush at the compliment and smiled in return.

"What about you?"

"I was…" Bella thought of how to explain it. "Well, it's a long story."

Zuko waited patiently and she realized she would have to continue.

"Do you believe in…inhuman creatures?"

"Well, I've seen spirits."

"Wait, really?"

"Yes, really," Zuko smirked at her. "They can be kind, but it's a problem when there's an angry one. There was actually a village where one was taking women in the night. Aang figured it out, though."

Bella shuddered at the thought but pushed forward. "Okay, so, in my time there were legends of these things called vampires." He didn't seem to be familiar with the concept, so she clarified. "They needed to feed on blood to survive."

"Gross."

"Yeah," Bella agreed with a small laugh. "But uh. At the time, I thought it was fascinating, and I kind of. Fell in love with one. Well, I thought it was love. But he—he left me. And I know it was a good thing, now. But he kind of abandoned me in the woods and I—"

"How dare he endanger your life?! I will kill him!"

"He's gone," Bella reminded him with a grin. "But I appreciate the enthusiasm with which you would protect me."

"Did he drink your blood?"

"Never," Bella reassured him. "He and his family survived on animals…anyway, like I said, I thought I loved him. When he left, he told me we didn't have a future together, and I didn't understand, I couldn't understand how that could be."

"If you love someone, you fight for them, you meet challenges together," Zuko quoted her own words, spoken so many weeks ago, back to her.

"Exactly," Bella answered before pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "We have something to fight for. I didn't with him. And no," she circled back to the question. "We never had sex. We never went further than kissing. You were my first, too."

"I didn't know for sure because I didn't know what it would feel like, so I went slow—I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"You were amazing," she whispered with a smile. "It stung for only a few seconds, but all I wanted was for you to keep going, to share that love with me."

"Is that…is that what the song is about?"

Bella smiled at the memory of their time on the roof in the desert. "Yes, it is…And I wanted that with you. I still want that with you. I will always want that with you."

It was Zuko's turn to reach for her, to share just how much he wanted, wants, and would always want with her.

Their bubble of happiness had to burst eventually, and Iroh knocking on her door brought them back to reality.

"I believe we have a few things to discuss," he called through the door.

"We'll be out in a few minutes," Zuko called back, not bothering to pretend he wasn't in Bella's room.

They listened as Iroh walked away and Zuko finally noticed the deep crimson blush on her cheeks.

"He knows? All of it?"

"Yes. I mean. Not all of it in detail, but he knows what we do in our spare time," Zuko answered with a waggle of his eyebrows.

"Oh, god, that's so embarrassing."

"Is it?"

"You don't think so?"

"Not so much. People have sex, and," Zuko leaned closer to her ear to whisper, "where I'm from, it isn't as frowned upon to have done so before marriage."

Except nobility.

"Would you be held to a different standard?"

"You're clever—yes, I am, even now. And made the decision to be with you."

Bella flushed all over again, and he was certain the implication behind his words abundantly clear.

I intend to make you mine.

When it's safer to do so.

Someday. Someday.

"Oh my gosh!" Bella exploded and jumped, entirely naked, out of bed. "That reminds me…"

"What is it?"

Bella was digging through her pack, throwing things about until she happened upon the black garment she had made sure she kept when her belongings were being sorted through in the oasis.

"I can't believe I forgot about it."

"Forgot about what? Didn't you wear that on the way here?"

And where does it even go?

Bella returned to the bed and sat on the edge of it. "I— I think for a while I forgot because I was nervous to give it back to you, because I didn't want you to be offended that I got it back and I—"

"Whatever it is I won't be offended," Zuko reassured her with a quick squeeze of her thigh.

Bella nodded and handed the bundle over to him. There was something wrapped up in and it and with a burning curiosity, he unfolded the lace to reveal it.

Mother's bracelet…

"How did you…"

"I asked Tsuya where people would sell things like that and she gave me a list. I went and got it back before I got my daggers."

Zuko felt like crying; not with shame, or guilt, but at how incredible the woman before him was.

"Thank you," he choked. "It's all I have left of her."

Bella just nodded and ran a hand through his hair. "It was the least I could do."

Wait. Wait. Wait.

She was reminded about this…

When I implied she would be mine.

In that moment, he had no fear, no doubts, no insecurity.

The only thing Zuko felt was wholly and truly loved.

Bella and Zuko recounted her most recent conversation with Aang to get Iroh's opinion on the plan. It wasn't perfect, but it was the best option they had. The specifics would have to worked through during her next meeting with the Avatar, but she was growing more and more confident that they would manage.

"I feel good about it."

Iroh considered her, perhaps wondering if her judgement was actually sound, considering she had apparently defiled his nephew.

She blushed at the attention and looked down at her hands.

"Can you leave us, Zuko?" Bella asked calmly.

He looked confused and possibly nervous at her request, but did as she asked and retreated to the washroom to freshen himself up.

Bella moved to add water to their kettle while Iroh placed dried fruit peels into a mortar to grind with a pestle, and stuffed a handful of leaves into a pot for brewing. Together, they fixed themselves some tea and set up at the table.

"What did you wish to discuss, Bella?"

Dammit.

Bella sighed, realizing it was on her to broach the topic. "Your nephew. And me. Together."

Iroh acknowledged her with a brief nod, apparently proceeding cautiously.

"I don't regret it. I'll never regret it," she felt suddenly protective of their relationship, daring the older man to try to separate them.

"I didn't think you did. Zuko certainly doesn't."

She didn't expect his answer and had to take a sip of her tea to buy herself some tea.

"I thought—I thought you might not approve of me."

Iroh's features quickly softened, truly surprised by her statement. "Never!"

"Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

"I didn't think you would," the older man answered her with a grin. "But I'm glad to hear you say so." He paused to finish his tea and pour himself another cup and top Bella's off. "I take it things are different where you're from?"

"Yes," she admitted slowly. "There do not have to be expectations when two—or more—people come together."

Iroh looked shocked at her easy reference to joinings of multiple people and she laughed.

"It is very different, it would seem," Iroh answered with a quirk of his lips. "While that isn't unheard of, it isn't commonplace."

"Nor where I'm from, but my point is that it doesn't have to mean anything. But it means something to me. It did then, and it does now, and it always will. He always will."

Iroh seemed relieved to hear it, despite his previous assurances that he trusted the two of them to know what they were doing.

"Then I should probably teach you how to make some…special tea."

Bella felt an eyebrow raise in response, obviously not understanding his meaning.

"A preventative," the older man explained.

And rather than feel embarrassed by his assistance, Bella felt only grateful at the ease of his acceptance.

That will definitely help in terms of not being so worried about the timing…

"Thank you," she whispered with a quick hug once she had written down the ingredients and directions in English.

"Of course," came his answer. "You have been my family since you arrived and knowing you two have found each other brings me endless joy."

They parted with tears in their eyes, Iroh to his room, and Bella to the washroom to find and give love to her partner in the warmth of their tub.

Evening came quickly, and with it, a nervous feeling building inside of her stomach. Bella wasn't sure if she wanted Toph to have found the habitat or not, as she wasn't sure if she was ready or not.

But Zuko worked soothing circles into her back, and peppered her shoulders with kisses. He was reminding her she wasn't alone in this.

With a grateful smile, Bella allowed herself to relax and drifted into that mental state that was becoming easier and easier to find.

"What news?"

"Toph found Bosco's new space, but it's somewhat deep behind the palace walls. Near the center, and the king's rooms."

"Will that pose a challenge?"

"Not really, but the preexisting tunnels do. Toph is great, we just have to be careful."

Bella mentally nodded her understanding.

"How long until it's done?"

"Maybe a day or two? How will you know when Kelanna receives an invitation?"

"Iroh has contacts inside the medical facility. He can let them know to be on the lookout for it and send word to us."

"That's helpful…it feels like you have a question?"

Bella prepared herself, and was almost grateful the boy could sense her mind so she didn't have to bring it up.

"I notice we don't struggle to communicate…when you hear me, is it words in your language? Or do you hear mine but know what I mean?"

She felt Aang consider her question for a few minutes.

"I'm not sure. The communication is unbroken, though, so I would imagine if you're thinking in your language that the connection is bridging the difference."

At her silence, he continued, picking up on her thoughts.

"What your thinking might be possible, but it isn't something I know how to do or could get help with…"

"Just a thought."

She tried to put as little pressure on the notion as possible. But it was hard not to hope that something could be done about the remaining language barrier between herself and others.

"I'll check in tomorrow evening."

Two days later, Iroh was informed of Kelanna's invitation to visit the king near midday. The physician had to decline for her, due to her current state, but told the king she hoped he might visit the habitat without her and play with Bosco in her stead.

Zuko hoped it was enough to convince the king to wait for her there, but couldn't be sure. Even so, if Bella and Toph were able to get inside, there would be no reason they couldn't simply find him and pop up in his chambers.

They snuck out easily enough after Toph appeared outside of the kitchen window. She led them through a dark tunnel that she collapsed along the way, ensuring that it would at least give a few moments time if someone were to follow.

A few minutes later, a warm, glowing light be seen coming from around a short bend in the path. The light was emanating from torches, as Zuko had suspected, being carried by Sokka and Katara.

Aang darted forward to grip Bella's hand. Before he could become upset, Bella faced Zuko and pressed a finger to her lips.

He was telling her we can't speak at all.

With a soft sigh, Zuko pulled Bella back into his arms. One arm slung around her lower waist, the other tracing the curve of her jaw, he readied himself to be parted from her. That she was capable of escape, he had no doubt—Bella was the most capable woman he had ever met. But the thought of her needing to struggle to return was one that he worked hard to suppress.

As though sensing his thoughts, Bella reached for his face and rubbed his cheeks the way Zuko found he enjoyed. The pressure she applied against his scarred side was perfect, allowing him to feel her touch equally.

"I love you," she mouthed the words.

"I love you too," he said silently.

Then, he watched her disappear through a hole and stood silently in the company of two of his least favorite people. He wasn't entirely sure he could or should trust them, but waiting there for her to return was all he could do.

Bella's fingertips tingled with the warmth of his skin long after she parted from Zuko. She didn't think it would be possible to feel this way, still. But the security she felt in the knowledge that she was his, and he was hers, lent itself to a whole new kind of spark inside of her.

Whereas with Edward she thought she might have a future, with Zuko, she knew. The promise of more wouldn't happen today, or tomorrow, but someday…and they would have the rest of their lives to figure it out.

Head filled with such happy thoughts, she was surprised to find the small earthbender stopping already and chided herself for not paying better attention. Bella could hear the girl tapping her foot against the ground and wondered what exactly she might be doing. But now wasn't the time for questions.

After a few moments of silence, Toph led Bella and Aang deeper inside a premade tunnel.

She must have dug the path before so we wouldn't struggle so much. Smart girl.

Bella could hear rushing water coming from above and to the right and knew they were close. With another stomp of her foot, Toph raised them up through the earth above until they broke free alongside a massive boulder that shielded them from at least one side.

The king was waiting, but even so, seemed surprised at their sudden appearance.

Kuei cast furtive glances around the enclosure then dashed for Bella and embraced her tightly. He pulled away to study her face and said, "My dear, you are even more beautiful as yourself. I thank you very much for coming."

Bella nodded, feeling her face burn at the compliment. He wasn't exactly subtle, but clearly didn't believe anything could happen between them anyway.

Bosco caught her scent and made for the group at a rather quick pace. Where Kuei had hugged her, the bear ran her down entirely and proceeded to lick every square inch of her face affectionately. It was all she could do to keep her laughter contained and it wasn't until she leaned up to hug the animal's neck that he ceased the assault.

"I missed you too, buddy," she whispered softly into the fur at this ear.

A low whine of agreement escaped him before Bosco darted back to the comfort of his stream; apparently, he enjoyed his new habitat and wanted to show off some new tricks for her.

"He seems to be taking to it quite well," she murmured quietly as the bear's claws came away from the water, a fish in his grasp.

"Quite," the king agreed. "Thank you for the suggestion."

"Yeah, yeah, you're both great and that's great, let's get on with it," Toph exclaimed in a bored voice.

Bella couldn't help but giggle at the girl's bluntness and between herself and Aang, the king was quickly caught up.

"So, I was right about the Dai Li…but what can be done?"

"Well," Aang began nervously. "We were thinking maybe you could take a tour to the outer ring and confront Long Feng when we show you the drill."

"You would have cause to arrest him," Bella mused. "But what then?"

"We figure out how to combine forces so we can invade the Fire Nation during the eclipse," Aang offered.

"But wouldn't that leave Ba Sing Se vulnerable?" The King looked exceptionally nervous at the thought.

"You're already vulnerable," Toph pointed out. "The Fire Nation won't stop and Ba Sing Se falls."

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," Bella murmured quietly.

"That's incredibly apt," Keui answered her softly. "You are quite wise."

Bella laughed in response. "I wish I could take credit, but it's a very old saying."

"I've never heard it," he countered levelly.

"By old I mean…old."

"So, you are a traveler."

Bella and Aang met each other's eyes, suddenly nervous to be outed.

"I—uh."

"This is so exciting! The last known traveler is documented as traveling with Avatar Kyoshi, though, I believe Roku knew of a few."

"Hmm. Perhaps I should consult with her…" Aang trailed off.

Bella couldn't help but be curious. "How—"

"Someone is coming," Toph interrupted their thoughts. "Time to go."

"We'll get you later today with Appa to visit the wall, so you can see the drill yourself and get a move on Long Feng," Aang reassured Keui.

"Thank you, Avatar, traveler, and young earthbender. I am indebted to you all."

Zuko was about ready to give up on the entire mission and his promise to behave. Sure, Aang may be on the right side of history, and Zuko right there with him, but that didn't mean he had to tolerate the water tribe siblings that were busy whispering pointed remarks about the exiled prince's relationship with the weatherbender.

Katara and Sokka had come dangerously close to questioning her honor, and Zuko clenched his jaw so stiffly to keep from snapping back that he developed a headache. If not for the fact that they were so obviously trying to bait him, he would have driven them away with blasts of fire fueled by his rage.

Finally, finally, finally, he heard the other half of the group approach and before Bella had a chance to exit the tunnel fully, he pulled her into his arms.

"I love you," he whispered into her hair. "I just need you to know that."

"I love you too," she answered him and placed a kiss to the soft skin of his neck. "Thank you for reminding me."

Toph closed the tunnel behind them and leaned against the now solid wall. "So, what next, Twinkletoes?"

Zuko smirked at the nickname, though Bella looked a little confused. He promised himself he would explain it later with a gentle squeeze of her hand.

She smiled at him and met Aang's curious gaze.

"What do you think, Bella?"

"I think your plan to show him the destroyed drill is a good idea. I don't think we should join you."

"Definitely not," Aang agreed quickly. "That's far too dangerous."

"What drill? Whose?" Zuko didn't have to ask, not really.

Who else could it belong to?

Aang looked at the dirt but Katara was quick to barb him. "Your precious sister's, that's who."

Bella glared at the girl. "It has been made abundantly clear by his actions that Zuko has no ties to Azula. He might have been conflicted but has done nothing but help the entire time I've known him."

Zuko's heart swelled with her words, and he realized how unused he was to someone standing up for him.

"Oh?" Katara asked with a raised eyebrow. "And how exactly has he been helping you, Bella?"

Seriously?

That's low.

Bella must have caught the intended meaning and a sudden rush of electricity pressed down upon them, as though the tunnel was losing oxygen, and quickly. He caught sight of tiny flashes of lightning darting between her fingers, and where he should have felt afraid, Zuko felt only arousal.

Agni what's wrong with me?

She could kill all of us in a second.

And all I want to do is tear her clothes off.

To thoroughly worship her the way she should be.

He laced his fingers through hers and was surprised to find the lightning didn't hurt him.

Did she tell it not to?

Wait.

Does it listen to her?

Zuko raised her hand in his and pressed a gentle kiss to her wrist.

Bella shivered at the contact and turned to meet his gaze. Her face was cold and measured, and her eyes glowed softly in the darkness of the tunnel. It was as though all the things inside that made her who she was had been shifted aside to reveal another facet of herself.

She was the rain and the wind.

She was the calm and the storm.

She was destruction and devastation.

The force of nature before him was absolutely Bella, but he finally had the full picture when he had caught only glimpses before.

He was enraptured, forgetting they had an audience at all, and reached for her other hand. Where hers were cold, his were warm, and slowly, oh so very slowly, his flames met her lightning. The resulting burst of energy that passed between them was enough to leave him gasping for breath and brought Bella back to awareness.

"I…I can't tell if that was disgusting or not. Did something gross happen?"

"Oh, it was disgusting, Toph," the sound of Sokka's mocking voice grated in Zuko's head.

"It was beautiful," Zuko snapped angrily, daring anyone else to comment.

"It was…something," Aang allowed with an embarrassed grin.

"Mmm. Well, perhaps you could take me home so we could do some…truly disgusting things together," Bella stage-whispered in English.

The others may not have understood, but the tone left little to the imagination.

Zuko offered Bella his arm to escort her back home. From his peripheral vision, he caught Bella blow a mocking kiss Katara's way.

Letting them think whatever they may about us?

Because she's proud to be with me?

She's proud to be with me!

Toph tunneled their way back home, snickering all the way, but it wasn't until they reached their destination that she let them in on the joke.

"Way to stick it to the Sugar Queen, Zippy."

"Zippy?"

"Well, he's Sparky, because flames, and you're Zippy because you zip-zap."

Bella burst into a fit of giggles at the explanation. "Aw, well thanks Tuff!"

The earthbender quirked her head to the side as she pondered the name. "It sounds like my name, but it isn't. I give up. What does it mean?"

"In my language, 'tough' means strong, and seeing as you could move mountains and all, it fits, and it sounds a bit like your name" Bella finished with a shrug.

"I think I like it!"

"Good. See you around then, Tuff."

The house was empty, with nothing but a quickly scrawled note from his uncle that he was closing the tea shop tonight.

Bella gripped one of his hands in hers and dragged him to their side of the house.

"You in a hurry?"

"I was promised a truly disgusting display of affection…"

"I didn't promise anything," Zuko answered with a smirk, but pressed himself against her, backing her through her bedroom doorway.

Bella reached out to remove his shirt, and with a happy sigh, pulled him down with her to the bed.

"Show me what you've got," she dared him with a wicked grin.

Their lips crashed together, and Zuko reached along her thigh to twist the fabric there slowly upward. Each new grip brought more fabric against his palm, until he was sure he couldn't hold any more. But by the way Bella was responding below him, the edge of her dress couldn't be far from his fingers.

Zuko shifted the bunched-up fabric to rest between them then trailed his fingers back to her thigh. He teased the edge of the hem against her skin, leaving Bella gasping for breath, legs shaking with anticipation.

As much as he loved the way she sounded when she begged for more, Zuko wasn't in the mood to delay her pleasure—this was about her, for her.

Zuko pulled away from her lips and knelt on the floor between her legs. He rubbed her thighs firmly, helping to drive away some of the nervous energy that filled her when he disappeared. It was clearly as new for her as it was for him, and Zuko took his time exploring.

He trailed kisses up along her thigh and at the sound of her gasping breath Zuko's member grew stiff against his pants. And even though he wanted to focus all of his attention of her, he couldn't contain the groan of longing that he breathed against her skin.

"Fuck," Bella whispered roughly.

Well, at least the sound pleases her.

Zuko pulled her bindings down and let them pool on the floor between her long legs. She was finally revealed before him and let out a slow, jerking breath.

She's nervous.

Zuko looped one arm underneath her thigh and gripped her hip, effectively steadying her. He rested his head against one leg and pressed a kiss to her warm skin before leaning closer to her heat.

His fingers were familiar with her body, and within seconds, Bella was shaking for another reason. She twisted against the sheets and shifted her body to the edge, inviting him closer.

Zuko pressed his lips to the bud that she so enjoyed him to stroke, and dared to run his tongue along it.

Bella cried out and shifted up into a seated position so she could twist her fingers in his hair.

"Should I stop?" Zuko gasped against her heat, worried he had done something wrong.

"Fuck, no, please don't stop!" Her fingers gripped more tightly, pulling him back to her heat.

It didn't take him long to find a rhythm that made Bella's hips jerk forward, and Zuko realized she was seeking him in some capacity. He slid two fingers closer and closer to her center, and waited just shy of her entrance to let her decide if that's what she wanted.

With the next roll of her hips, Zuko's face was buried against her, and Bella took the digits up to his knuckles. A series of moans broke free from her lips, encouraging him to touch her in all the ways he had spent weeks learning.

He knew she was drawing close when her legs trembled and clenched closer together. She had effectively locked him against her, but if he suffocated against her warmth, he would die happy.

"Yes, yes, yes," she cried, gripping his hair tightly, grinding his face against her. "Fuck— fuck— Zuko," she gasped out.

And the sound of his name on her lips was quite possibly the most beautiful thing Zuko had ever heard.

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