Chapter 6

Authors Note- Another Chapter is up and ready to read, score! Warning to Kataang fans and younger children-some intimate romance for Zutara in this chapter, but nothing drastic. Hmm… this chapter seemed to be told more from Zukos point of view…opps.

Disclaimer-Nope, I don't own Avatar

Katara let out a yelp of surprise as she was roughly pulled to the ground. She attempted to get up, but was held fast.

"Get off!" She demanded angrily, trying to grab her canteen that ad been knocked away.

"Katara?" A confused voice asked. A small fire illuminated a circle around them, revealing Zuko holding her to the ground. He stood up, an annoyed look cast over his face.

"What are you doing following me?" He asked, though his voice said that it was more of a command to answer then a question. Katara stood up, rubbing her arms. She frowned unhappily at him.

"How do you know I was following you? Maybe I was just going for a walk." She said.

"Behind me, exactly where and when I go?" Zuko said, growing more irritated. Katara didn't really care if he was irritated or not, he couldn't tell her that she wasn't allowed out.

"Fine, I didn't know who you were. I saw you getting off the ship and followed you. What are you doing out here?" She said, beginning to wonder why he was sneaking out. Zuko turned away from her.

"I've the right to a walk don't I?" He snarled. Katara drew back, startled by his harsh tone. Zuko sighed, knowing that he was overreacting a bit. Turning to her, he spoke again.

"I'm sorry. I was just out for a walk, care to join me?" He asked. Katara looked at him, still glaring.

"Fine." She said, acting as if he'd asked her to hug some troll. Yet inside, Katara was delighted at the chance to walk with Zuko, anywhere. Just to be near him.

For a while the two walked in a surprisingly comfortable silence. Katara smiled as they came upon a clearing, though this was no ordinary one. Instead of grass, the middle contained a pure lake. Its water was a deep blue, the moon and stars reflecting off it perfectly. Its surface was as smooth as glass, making it look like a version of the sky. Katara gave a small gasp, walking forwards to admire it.

Zuko reluctantly followed her. What was so great about the lake? It was just some giant puddle. Waterbenders. He thought to himself, almost rolling his eyes. Katara knelt down, running her fingers slowly though the rippling water. Zuko began walking smoothly towards her, at least until a rock seemed to find its way in front of his foot.

He stumbled forwards, losing his balance. Crashing in Katara, he sent both of them sprawling into the icy lake. For a moment, he remained submerged. Smooooth.

Coming up to the surface, he spat out the water that had leaked into his mouth. Looking over he saw that they were only a few yards from the shore, and the water was already incredibly deep. Suddenly, his eyes widened. Where was Katara? The sound of splashing caught his attention, and he turned to see the young girl walking up the shore. She was dripping wet, and shivering slightly.

"Zuko!" She said angrily, turning around. He looked up at her, astonished.

"What! It was an accident." He said.

"I'm sure."

"You really think I would have jumped in to if it was on purpose?" He said, finishing off feeling triumphant. Apparently he was, for Katara said nothing else. Instead, she began to storm off.

"Don't tell me your afraid of the water." Zuko taunted, a mischievous feeling crawling up him. Katara turned around, growing irritated.

"I'm a waterbender, of course I'm not afraid." She declared. Zuko smirked.

"That doesn't mean anything." He said.

"I'm not afraid!" Katara insisted.

"Prove it." Zuko said daringly. Katara began to catch on, knowing he simply wanted to swim. Well, maybe he didn't, but she did. Katara slowly pulled off her water tribe robe, revealing her white two-piece bathing suit (like the one she wore in the Cave of Two Lovers). Zuko stared at her, not even realizing that his mouth was open. But Katara realized, and blushed.

"I—w—wow." He finally stammered. Katara smiled at him, slowly slinking into the cool water. She felt chilled as its coldness crept up her, but then began to numb completely. Slowly, she made her way over to Zuko, her eyes closed. Zuko at this point was barley able to move, so entranced by her own movements. He could watch her forever.

Suddenly, Katara dove underwater. Zuko was stunned, waiting for her to resurface. She came up behind him, giggling slightly. He turned around, only to find that she'd gone under again. For a moment, there was more silence. Another giggle came from behind him again. Now Zuko was growing irritated. He whirled around, only to find ripples.

Getting a breath, he dove underwater. For a moment, he simply floated there. Finally, he opened his eyes. The lake was surprisingly clear, and he could see almost everything, except Katara. Turning around, he saw her. She was floating peacefully on her side, her dark hair swirling beautifully around the water. Now Zuko was speechless. They both swam upwards, taking in a deep breath before swimming under again.

Opening his eyes, he saw that they were incredibly close. If she had been breathing, he could have felt it. For a moment, he stared into her soft, welcoming eyes. She was so beautiful. To Zuko, it felt like someone else were in his body. Like he was just watching the show. An arm extended, wrapping around the water girls waste. She made no move away, and instead wrapped her own slim arms around his neck.

The two of them closed their eyes, leaning in towards one another. Everything was so still, so peaceful, as they floated so near one another. Suddenly, Zuko felt their lips brush. It wasn't an intimate kiss, nor was it a small peck. Whatever it was, they both wanted more. There was something else they wanted though, air. Swimming upwards, they surfaced and turned to face each other.

Katara looked around them, noticing a small circle of light that surrounded them. Confused, she looked up. With a smile, she realized that they were in the middle of the moons reflection. How romantic. Zuko noticed as well, losing himself to that other person again. Her inched closer to her, working her hands onto her lower waist and gently leaning into her. Katara closed her eyes, feeling his large muscles and warm body against hers. She felt like she could float away.

Turning to him, she moved towards his face. Their lips meet briefly, but soon opened. Katara felt his tongue work into her mouth, though not roughly by any manner. She meet it with her own, feeling an unnormal peace over her. His hands slid up and down her body, caressing her curves and warming her back. She pressed harder into his lips, finding her own way into his mouth.

Their heads tilted slightly more, allowing the kiss to last even longer. Both of them appeared to have lost themselves, both seemed so in love. But were they?

Finally, they broke apart. Katara stared into his deep, powerful yet compassionate golden eyes. Smiling, she made her way to the shore. Zuko followed, lying down on the soft grass if the embankment. Katara followed, feeling very tired all of a sudden. Lying down next to him, she rested her head on his warm chest. Why was he always so warm? Maybe it was a firebender thing. Whatever it was, she liked it.

Moving closer, she edged her body until it curved into his. Zuko wrapped his arms gently around her waist, closing his eyes. Before either of them knew it, they had drifted off to sleep.

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Kataras eyes slowly fluttered open, finding herself in Zukos soft embrace. Slowly, she rose, waking him as well. How wonderful last night had been, how romantic. Getting to her feet, Katara rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"We should head back to the ship." Zuko said, getting to his feet as well. Katara nodded, smiling sweetly. The two headed off into the forest, when a mischievous glint came in Kataras eyes. Time to get back at him for shoving me in. She thought to herself. Opening her canteen, she sent a small whip of water to splash Zuko in the face.

He gave her a pretend angry look, to which she responded by giggling. Katara ran forwards, Zuko following close behind. He could have easily caught her if he wanted, but didn't. Katara slowed to a stop when they neared another clearing, unsure of where to go. Zuko came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and gently grabbing her wrists. His warm body softly pressed into hers, much to Kataras enjoyment. They closed their eyes, enjoying the moment.

"Get away from her." An angry voice said. Katara and Zuko looked up into the eyes of a very, very angry Avatar.