Disclaimer: So, Hey! All I have to say is I don't own Avatar. Nope. Enjoy! Fluffy, Fluffy, Fluffy! I Love Fluff!
Chapter 17
King Bumi looked the man before him in the eyes. The Commander did not yield. "What kind of game are you playing young man?" Turning to the Prince of Fire, he felt his own anger set a blaze. "I take you and your people in to my city, my very arms and you betray us by bringing your army here?"
"King Bumi, Why do you look to me? I have no army. Hell I don't even have a battalion. All I have is a small crew and a little ship." The prince said, hardly able to believe what was happening to his world. "There is no way I could command 6 thousand men. Much less expect them to fallow me." Pointing a finger at his very person he pleaded the good king to believe his every word. "What I want to know is what are you talking about, Jee?" Compelled to the man he thought he knew as the captain of his ship. "Just who are you really?"
"Your loyal servant, as always. But you are mistaken, My Prince, this is your army. Those men take command from my brother and me. While my brother and I take command from you and you alone. Who in turn have allied yourself with the Avatar." Kneeling before all to see, "My Prince, My Majesty." Bowing his head to submission he could not guage the expressions on their faces. Zuko found it hard to accept the gesture laid before him.
Stupor, surprise, shock it was written all over their faces. Even Iroh, who knew for some time Jee was a commander in disguise. He had served under him when they both were much younger. Iroh had been so impressed with the young Jee that he personal recommended his promotion. Taking great pleasure in watching Jee's progress as he entered retirement. They had even spoke about how there were others that wished to for lack of a better term, see management change hands. But Iroh never expected so many men. Two whole divisions. that meant there were well over five to six thousand men standing below them.
Zuko was lost for words yet again to this man. If it weren't for the steady arms of both Sokka and Aang he would have fallen to his knees as well. Facing the man, "This is one hell of a way to make your point, Commander." No longer perceiving the need of his guardians he shook himself free of them. "Rise, Commander Jee." Turning so he could face Aang, "We have much need of you."Offering a smile to the young Avatar he hoped he would accept this offer. As much as a shock as it was Zuko was sincere.
Aang slowly coming out of his stupor, extended a hand in good faith to the Prince of Fire. Zuko gladly excepted it in friendship. "What other tricks do you have hidden up your sleeve?" Aang chuckled, feeling great relief that they would not have to fight today. For a very long time he had hoped Zuko would be a friend to him. Aang was so very happy. Maybe Zuko would let his guard down now. But Aang knew he would have to be patient with the prince. So much was happening he would need time.
"I have nothing. You have me confused with my uncle." Raising his arms for all to see. It felt good to join in on the mirth. Finally he was making friends. He had to admit it was a good feeling, he liked it. Just when he thought things were taking a turn for the worst. He all most lost the few people he was beginning to think of as friends. If that army had attacked, what would Katara had thought of him? Sighing he realized it was all over. He didn't have to waste another moment thinking on it.
King Bumi advanced to the young prince, "Shall we go greet these good men who sworn themselves to you?" Zuko nodded. Stepping into stride with the old king. Head held high, wishing to know if Katara was behind him but to prideful to turn his head and offer her a glance. He wondered if this would change how she treated him. He desired it would not.
The King of Omashu ordered the Gate to be opened allowing the Commanding officers and their entourage admittance. They all watched as the started to cross the sturdy expansion. King side by side with Prince. Prince adjacent to his Uncle. Wise retired General standing with the former captain. It was a sight to behold. Mothers would lull their babes to slumber with fantastic stories of this day.
Katara could see from her vantage that the man she spied earlier to be Commander Sus seemed to be carrying something in his arms. To far away to make out what it was she let out a sigh. Zuko forgetting his pride turned to her and smiled. Reaching for her hand, she gave it to him. He pulled her close, but said nothing. He didn't have to. She tried to understand how he was feeling. Leaning into him she wondered if he was overwhelmed but trying to be brave.
As the entourage neared them the Commanding Officer, known to be Jee's twin, paused. He seemed to be struggling with what he was carrying. Katara could now see it was some sort of bundle. Was it a gift for Zuko? Thinking of what it could be she realized it must be heavy. Suddenly the Commander gently placed it on the ground. Katara almost laughed as it looked like he was talking to it. Dying to know what it was she gasped as the bundle started to move. The small cloak that had covered it flew off to expose a small child. Running towards them, arms raised.
Stepping forward, Commander Jee knelt on on knee, extended his arms to the small child. Who readily excepted the invitation. "Daddy." The minuscule voice exclaimed. Katara raised he hands to cover gasp of sudden shock. Everyone was so taken by the sight of father and son reunited most were moved to tears. Some were just better at hiding it. Katara looked to Sokka who was sniffling a little bitting back the tears. The feeling of jealousy washed over them. They missed their father so much.
All eyes having been on the reunion no one took notice that the entourage had joined them, they understood. They missed their family's too. Jee looked up to see his brother standing next to him. Shifting his son to his hip he clasped his brothers hand in his and pulled him to him. Silently thanking him for all he had done for him. Turning the trio bowed to everyone. Katara wondered if that was a blush on Jee's face.
King Bumi being the oldest child present was drawn to the child. "And whom do we have here?" He asked the bundle of joy nesting in his fathers arms. Bumi know understood why he thought he saw Jee smile earlier. He was smiling. He knew his son would be with him soon. Yes he understood, indeed. He to was a father.
Shying away further into his fathers embrace the little boy would not answer the king. "Suza, This is King Bumi of Omashu. Tell him you are happy to meet him." The father told his son. Suza looked up to his father making sure it was okay to talk to the strange man.
"Hello." The diminutive boy whispered to the king. The King smiled. He would have laughed if he thought it wouldn't have scared the child. "My name is Suza." He pointed to himself. "This is my daddy." he leaned into his father. Katara guessed his age to be close to six. Maybe seven but she wasn't sure. He was so cute she was fighting the urge to hold him. Not wanting to give Zuko the wrong impression. Indefinably not wanting to be teased by her brother.
Gesturing for them to follow King Bumi lead the way to the castle. Everyone safe from the prying eyes of the people. Zuko suggested they all rest and reconvene later to discuss what action they would take. Everyone in agreement young and old allowed themselves a reprieve as they allowed themselves much needed relaxation. Katara followed Sokka and Aang to their room and they were almost there when she remembered she left everything a strew in the garden. Telling them she'll be right back she ran to get her things.
It wasn't long till she reached her little corner of her secret world. Pausing she noticed a hint of red through the flowers. Slowly making her way around she saw Zuko sitting there. Not making a sound she wondered if he was waiting for her or if he wanted to be alone. She wasn't sure what to do. So as quietly as she could she sat next to him. Saying nothing, not because she didn't know what to say, but because she didn't want to ruin his moment. If he wanted her here he would speak. If not she would go and give time to think in solitude.
After a while he didn't speak he just looked at the water rolling by. Just about to get up and leave him be. She felt him lean his head on her shoulder. She wrapped an arm around his, placing her hand in his. 'Zuko must be in shock at their proclamation.' They sat in silence as twilight descended upon them. Seeing he was very tired from the stress of the day she shifted away from him. Feeling she didn't want to be with him anymore he was about to get up and leave. When he saw he leaning on the bolder gesturing for him to rest his head in her lap. Smiling he gladly did.
Her lap was so warm and inviting, he wished he could lay for ever in her embrace. Zuko felt the soothing sensation of gentle fingers brush is hair across his bare scalp. Her other hand resting on his shoulder. He reached for it. Taking it in his hand he lowered it to his lips. Kissing her soft hand he turned to lie on his back so he could watch her reaction to his loving touch. He was not disappointed. She smiled down at him a slight blush gracing her cheeks. "I love you." He whispered, his voice raspy full of desire. He longed to feel his lips upon hers. Though at the same time he did not want to leave the warmth he was delighting in.
Not able to reply, Katara nodded. She knew he cared very much for her. Still she was not able to express her feelings to him. "Earlier, you wanted to say something but you never got the chance. Do you still want to tell me? I understand if you don't. So much has happened today." Looking away from him she was unprepared for what happened next.
Leaving his nest he placed a soft hand to her face. Turning her to face him he bathed her with tender kisses. Leaving trails of his affection over the course of her delicate neck. Leaning further into her, he smiled inwardly as she moaned as he sucked lightly on her refined curves. Was that his name that escaped her lips? Wanting to hear her utter his name again he continued his ministrations. Giving himself over to her he lost all sense of time.
"Zuko." Forcing his name out took all she had. Thinking, she would never leave his embrace if only he asked her to stay. Returning his attention to her sweet lips he pleaded for more of her. Silently she allowed him to take more of her. So sweet she was. He couldn't have enough of her. Yet he wanted more. Brushing his mouth against hers, his tongue entangled hers. His heart raced as his ears heard the soft moans of his love. For the want of breath he slowed, resting his cheek to hers.
Wavering as he attempted to speak, "I love you, Katara." Drowning in the deep ocean of her eyes, he saw what she could not say. "Your bother is right about me you know?" She questioned him with her eyes. "I mean I don't have much to offer you." Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Her heart loved this man so much it was about to burst from her being to rest in his hands. "I have nothing, Katara. My uncle provides me with everything. From the clothing I wear to the food in my belly. My ship is truly his as well." His face now downcast, "What do you see in me? I'm not worthy of your affections."
Sensing a gentle hand in his, "What do I see? I see many things, Zuko." His heart skipped a beat as she made mention of his name. "You are very determined and relentless, for one. No matter where we ran you were never far behind. Obviously intelligent. Though," She chuckled, "Not very smart." He shot her a glare that melted instantly, on seeing her bright smile. Was she trying to raise his spirits? "And besides what does it matter if you have nothing? I have very little and I'm happy." He wanted to know if she was happy or if she was happy because of him? "Do you know what makes me happiest?" He shook his head, he did not know. "I'm happy because I believe for all your faults, all the past wrongs you had ever committed..." Pausing, almost chocking the words out. "I love you."