Disclaimer: Due to my financial situation there is little chance of me ever owning Avatar! (Cries! Blows Nose!)
Attn: FLUFFISH WARNING! You have been warned! LOL
Chapter 12
Finding sleep alluded him, he sighed. Sneaking past the door that housed his slumbering uncle, he quietly exited his suite. Roaming the extensive corridors for what seemed like forever and a day, he spotted a balcony. Longing for nothing more than a breath of fresh air, he made his way into the brisk moonlight night. Leaning on the ledge, he exhaled, thinking of the days events. He wished he hadn't sounded like some stupid scroll that spouted poetic nonsense. Always at a lose for words so he said the first thing that came to mind. When he was a lone he had no problem thinking of things he would say to her, but in her presence was another matter.
Casting his gaze to the castle grounds he took survey of what the castle had to offer. His eye made out a shape of a building that he assumed was a stable of some sort. Probably for those odd winged birds. There was also a clearing surrounded by a small yet sturdy wall. Most likely for earth bending. Then his eyes trailed to hedge that went round and round waving in and out of itself. He wondered if wandering in its maze would help his quest for sleep. As he made his way down the stairs to the maze he caught a glimpse of a figure in the moonlight. His heart skipped and his pulse quickened. On instinct he sought out the figure.
Amongst the moon lite garden, her mind wondered, drifting in and around the days events. Her conversation with Zuko had been short and to the point. She wished she had said more. There just hadn't been much of a chance to speak to him at dinner. Iroh ans Aang had tried to hold her attention, finding herself agreeing with the silliest questions. Offering a small sorry she excused herself from further conversation, as she imagined all sorts of things about Zuko. She wondered if her imagination was far better than the real him? But her imagination never kissed her quite like that.
Intoxicating, never having smelt such aromatic flowers before. Her home being the infertile, unchanged tundra that it was, didn't offer flowers the chance to sprout. In awe of the tremendous variety that there was to be had. They each had there own aroma. Captivated buy a night blooming variety that resembled a purple-ish songi horn, not even notice the gilded eyes watching her.
"Trouble sleeping?" On hearing his voice she snapped back to reality. Modesty overwhelmed her, upon realizing she was standing before him while wearing only a nightgown and simple robe. Clinging to the edges of the robe to gather warmth to her she nodded her reply. "Beautiful night isn't it?" She noticed he too was clinging to his robe. "Though, I think it is a bit to cold for my liking." She wondered could a fire bender be cold?
Striding towards him, "Yes, though I think it is obvious that I am having a sleepless night. You?" He nodded. "I go for walks when I can not sleep." Closing the distance between them, "Would you care to walk the maze with me?" As soon as she asked, she realized that if they were seen together late at night in a secluded sanctuary rumors would run rampant. Pushing this thought out of her mind she turned, not waiting for a reply. Though she silently hoped he would fallow.
Running her hand along the hedge row, she turned her head slightly to see if indeed he had fallowed her. To her surprise he had, his hands tucked into the pockets sown into his robe. "You must be cold. It might sound funny but I didn't realize fire benders got cold." She let a small giggle escape her lips.
"What other notions do you have about us?" He questioned, though not in a condescending way. He just simply wanted to know how she viewed his people, though he supposed it wasn't good. He knew his people weren't the best in the world.
"Your well known for your gentle dispositions." giggling once again, she knew this would get a response from the prince. He crossed his arms against his chest. Striding up to her she felt heat radiating from his body. She wondered if he would hurt her. Feeling more and more nervous as he drew closer. On instinct she stepped back. He placed a firm hand on her arm. Leaning into her, She could feel his breath upon her neck.
"Our tempers are only rivaled by or passion." Suddenly, felling her own warmth crest to her cheeks, she looked away. Shivers coursed through her body, feeling his other arm on her waist. It was all she could do not to run, she wanted to be there with him, but was still so very afraid of him. Just as she dreaded the worst she felt his hand on her cheek. He was so gentle, her fears faded away as dewy tears trailed down her cheeks. Brushing them away with his thumb, "Did you think I would hurt what I cherish most?"Nodding, she turned into his touch.
His warm lips press against hers. A small moan fell free from her as his hands roamed the soft contours of her body. Gasping for breath, she felt conflicting emotions fill her being. Desire that he would never stop and fear that he would consume her. Finding her voice she pleaded, "Zuko, please stop." Her raspy voice filled the air between them.
Tightly wrapping his arms around her, he nestled his head in the crook of her neck. "Your eyes mesmerize me. You have only to look at me and I will always do as you ask." His voice raspy as his heart was racing, he was in desperate need of her warmth. She was unsure of what to do. He held her as if his life depended on it. She wished it did. Returning his embrace, she sighed. He felt so good in her arms. The soothing warmth radiating from his person. It seemed that time had stopped and they stood there interlocked in an embrace the great Agni couldn't have broken.
Then she heard him whisper, "What is is about you?" She had been wondered the same thing for the greater part of the day. Chills ran down her spine as his hands stroked her hair. Lifting his head as if it was a great feat, his eyes sought out hers. He longed to feel the tamed warmth of her lips upon his. He didn't want her to think he would force her though, so he waited for her.
He felt her hands move from his back to his chest and his body responded sending lightning quick surges trough out him. Her fingertips traced the contours of his chest, moving upward he felt the cool sensations running over his cheeks. He closed his eyes reveling in her touch. Surprise over came him when he felt her lips grace his with gentle, feather light kisses. He hopped this was not a dream and it would never end.
But it must. He hated to admit it. Soon he would not be in control of his actions. He would not do that to his angle. Pulling away from her seemed more painful than that fateful day two years ago. "Katara, It is late. I don't want you here. You should go." He begged her to stay with his eyes, 'Please stay with me!' He silently pleaded as he pulled away from her.
She looked at him, she was so confused. Why did he not want her here? Why was he pushing her away? Fighting back tears she turned from him. She wouldn't let him see the tears she shed for him. He didn't deserve them if he was going to kiss here one moment and push her away the next. Starting to walk away she couldn't help but look back. He wasn't looking at her, he was looking at the ground. Her tears fell freely now and she began to run for the safety of her room, where her brother and best friend were slumbering.
His heart broke when he looked up to see he had brought tears to her eyes. He told himself it was for the best. He would explain things in the morning. She would be great full for his actions tonight.