Lustful Bending

Disclaimer: I had this dream where I owned Avatar. I was so happy till I woke up.
And realized I did not.

I would like to thank you all for the very supportive reviews and the very helpful advice you offered this newbie! Thanks! So with out further a do!

Chapter 10

Flanked on both sides, one being her brother the other bing th prince, they neared the city gates. She had been walking with Aang, but had to come between the two to keep them from brawling. Her gaze shifting between the two, they shot hot glances to each other. But soon they all noticed the stares as they grew closer to the city. People were watching as their King and the Avatar walked side by side with fire benders. Aang casually talking to the old general, thinking nothing of the people. But the three behind them noticed, but no one spoke out. No one questioned their King. That is until they made there way into the city.

With determinate strides he walked up to his king. "I must ask my sire what are fire benders doing in our great city?" he demanded an answer. But the king just kept walking. The man the trio had come to know as the captain of the guards kept pace with his king. Casting a questioning glare at his monarch, he waited for him to answer.

The man everyone knew to be their king stopped in mid stride. "Captain Okurk, These people are my guests. If you don't like it I suggest you go home and think over your place in my kingdom." He said rather uncharacteristically. Defeated the man that had up in till this been know secretly to the trio as captain Ojurk, turned and began to walk away. "Captain!" The king shouted after the man stopping him from his retreat. "Please tell my grand daughter that it would be lovely to see her. And bring that beautiful great grandchild of mine." The man turned and bowed to his king and grandfather-in-law. Then he was gone.

Aang was shocked. Bumi didn't mention anything about kids! Great grandkids? He was speechless. What could he say? What should he say when he heard Sokka, "You didn't mention he was related to you." He heard King Bumi reply, 'Well it's not like any of you asked.' Well they hadn't. It never crossed any of their minds. Aang caught Katara's eyes and she must have been thinking the same thing. They shrugged it off for now and continued to fallow the king.

They made it to castle with no further incident. Katara was alighted to be safe from the prying eyes of the people of Omashu. They were kind, but she couldn't help but feel that they knew she harbored feelings for the prince of fire. She glanced over to where he was standing next to his uncle head held high. She thought back to the warmth they had shared just moments ago. Feeling tense overwhelm her she felt herself yearning for long hot bath. So she excused herself as King Bumi gave a servant orders to show his new guests to their chambers. Glancing back she met the eyes of the fire prince and quickly turned away. Praying he did not notice the rose hue that tinged her cheeks.

Sinking into the soothing hot water letting surround her. It felt so comforting, and yet it reminded her of a certain someone. Her mind began to recall what had transpired earlier in the day. Not only had the prince of fire kissed her and confessed his love for her, but he had asked Aang to accept his support. She wondered what had caused such a drastic change in Zuko. Mother always said 'Love can change a man.' But that couldn't be it. Could it be in a way she had effected a chance in him? He said he loved her, but she couldn't bring herself to say she loved him to. She only said she liked him and thought about him. 'Oh, what is happening to me? I'm so lame!' She thought as she rinsed the sweet smelling lather from her body. Stepping out of the tub she saw Frida come in with a change of clothing for her. Lost in her thought she almost didn't hear her speak. "It feels so weird having fire benders in the castle." Katara looked at her, 'Weird?' She was taken aback. Was that all Frida thought.

She wondered what she would think if she knew Zuko had told her that he loves her. She decided to keep it to herself and make small talk with the girl. "So you aren't scared to have them here?" She was wondering the same thing of herself. Even if they had pledged themselves to Aang they were still fire benders after all. Just because someone said they love you does it mean you can trust them? Trust was earned by actions and deeds. Zuko had yet to do either. How would he prove himself? She shrugged at the thought.

"King Bumi wouldn't have let them in the city if he thought they would do anything. Besides, we still have the advantage over them." This was true. She had counted about 20-30 men in Zuko's entourage, it was rather difficult to know an exact number as they kept moving about. But King Bumi Had all the castle guards and many other service men. Not to mention the citizens of the city, who would be outraged if the fire benders abused their Kings hospitality. Frida remained silent for a while as she helped Katara dress. "Now don't you feel better?" She gave Katara a warm smile. "Dinner will be ready in a little while would you like to rest for awhile?"

Catching her reflection in the mirror,Katara wondered what Zuko would say when he saw her? Probably something overrefined, to sweep her off her feet. Katara thought about it for a while, then spoke, "No, Frida, I think I'll go find my brother and Aang." Though she wanted to say Zuko. She looked herself up and down. Taking in the the way the dress flowed with her as she twisted her refection in the mirror. The dress was stunning, shimmering ever so slightly in the light. White at the shoulders then transcending into a deep blue at her feet. Swirls of silver sown by a delicate hand at the hem of the sleeves and base of the dress. What would he say to her when he saw her in this dress? She wondered what he was doing. Was he thinking about her? She wished she knew. But then what would she do? What would she say? She hoped he would speak first so she wouldn't have to start. Pushing him from her thought she gathered the courage to go find her brother and Aang.

Zuko was assessing the quarters he was given. They were nice, nicer than what he had to endure for the past two years. But it was still only nice. It couldn't compare to his suites back in the fire nation. Home? He was certain he would never see home again. At least not like he wanted to. He only snapped out of his reverie when he heard his uncle come in. "The servant said dinner will be ready soon. You should take a bath." He was about to protest when he heard. "Young lady's are more apt to be attracted to young men who do not smell." The wise old man pinched the bridge of his nose, snorting a chuckle out of his nose.

"Uncle!" But he noticed his uncle was right. He hated to admit it, the 'fight' had left him dirty to say the least. He walked into the bathing room that was provided and slammed the door. Anger consuming him he stripped off his clothing. Tossing them aside he saw the bath was already prepared. With fresh clothing set off the side for him. Sinking onto the tub he thought the hot water would drown him, but it only lead him to thoughts of her. Or rather, what she had said to him. He had to agree she was right, while a man could do what ever he wanted with in reason, a woman could not. If she was to quick to say she loved him in return with out knowing him she would be labeled a... He didn't what to think of that word and her at the same time. She was so much more to him than that.

She heard them even before she rounder the corner. Pausing, she leaned her back up against the wall and listened. Aang was trying to convince Sokka that not all fire benders were bad. Sokka would have none of it. She sighed, thinking of what her older brother would do to the prince if he had heard their conversation earlier. No matter what she chose to do there was going to be a fight in the end. Well better to get it over with sooner than latter. Taking a deep breath she pushed off the wall and turned the corner, calling to her brother, "Sokka!" She would need all the courage she had for this.

"Excuse me Miss? Have you seen my sister?" He bowed to her. Glancing up he lit his eyes up and quickly was on the floor laughing in spite of himself. Clutching his sides he stood, taking his sisters hand he kissed it, "You keep dressing like that I'll even have to fight that prince off of you." She cringed at his words. That was the response she was expecting but still it made her lose some of the courage she had welled up within her.

"Aang, do you mind if I talk to my brother for a moment?" The monk nodded, and Katara led her brother away. They soon found themselves in the gardens of the castle. Katara took in a deep breath of the fragrant flowers hoping they would aid her. "Sokka? I need you to stay calm because what I have to tell you might upset you." She looked to her brother as he took a seat on a bench, he motioned for her to sit next him.

Placing his hand on her shoulder he asked, "Is they something troubling you? There is nothing that you can say that would upset me. I'm your big brother, I'm her to look out for you. I'll make everything right." She looked into his eyes hoping that his words were true, but she doubted that.

Really not wanting to beat around the bush she decided to just come right out with it. Almost in a whisper, "Zuko kissed me." closing her eyes as if she couldn't see her he couldn't see her either. She felt so childish. When they were smaller she would play peek a boo with him, and not realize he was there the whole time. She wished she could be as carefree as she was then. Having to fight with herself to stay there she heard him speak.

"We all saw him kiss you. Do you want me to kick his ass? Did he make you feel bad?" Katara was amazed at how calm he was. She thought he would be raving at her. This was going to be easier for her.

"No, Sokka, he kissed me again by the stream." She met his gaze. He seemed shocked, and lost for words. So she used this opportunity to continue. "He said he loves me, Sokka." She looked to him for a response but got none. He was looking of in the distance. She found herself wishing he was mad. Yelling would be easier to cope with than this.

"He kissed you twice?" She nodded, whispering a meek, 'Yes.' Turning his gaze to his beautiful sister, he tried to comfort her. "How does it make you feel? Do you want me to say something to him?" He waited for a response. But was caught off guard when his little sister lunged at him burying her face in his chest. Wrapping his sister in a mild embrace he whispered words he hoped would comfort her.

Taking deep breaths she calmed herself. Not wanting to met her brothers gaze she looked down, "No, Sokka, I don't want you to fight with him. Please say you won't." She pleaded to her brother, hoping he would listen to her. "Sokka?" He silence was unnerving. Looking up she gathered the courage once more to look into his eyes. She found she could aways judge what he was thinking by his eyes. But she saw nothing. "Sokka.? I know your my big brother and you want to protect me. But there are somethings you can't protect me from."

He couldn't believe his ears. His own sister was defending the dumb prince. "Do you have feelings for him?" The look he was giving her made her uncomfortable, she looked away. He reached out to her trying to catch her gaze. "You do don't you?" Pausing hoping for a reply, realizing he wasn't going to get one he let out a immense sigh. "Well, what are we going to do?" Asking himself more than her. Needing to her it from her lips he waited for her to speak.

"I've been thinking about him a lot lately. Sokka, I've even had dreams about him." She looked over to her brother offering a gentle smile. Choking back tears she said, "When he told me he loved me all I replied was that I think of him, and like him. How lame is that?" Placing her head on his shoulder she let the tears fall.

"Your not lame, Katara. Your in love. All I ever wanted for you is to be happy" He nuzzled his sister trying to comfort her. "If you say you don't want me to fight with him I won't. But if he does ever do anything to hurt you I'll kill him. I'll have him barbecued." Wiping her tears away he smiled at her. What could he do no one could control who they loved. That is why they called it fate. "Speaking of barbecue, I'm hungry!"

"Sokka, your always hungry!" Overwrought with joy she tossed her arms around her dearest older brother. "Thank you, Sokka." She was so happy that her brother seemed to understand. They stood to go find their friend and see if dinner was ready.