Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Twenty
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
The middle aged man looked up one last time at the glowing lights in the sky and smiled softly. Somehow, he knew that in one shape or form, his ascended daughter would show them a sign. And by casting the brilliant colors in the sky, she had blessed the union of the first and last young man she had ever loved with his warrior beloved. Arnook closed his eyes and blinked back the tears that rimmed them.
Grown men, especially Chiefs of the Northern Water Tribe, do not cry.
"Chief Arnook," The said young man's voice called from behind him and he turned around, smiling proudly at the young man. Sokka had indeed grown up to be a striking Water Tribe warrior. He stopped in front of the older man and bowed his head. "Thank you so much for all your help tonight. Both Suki and I thank you."
"It was not a problem, Sokka. We owe much to your and your sister's efforts. This is the least we can do." the leader chuckled as he patted Sokka on the back.
"Regardless, sir," Sokka told him respectfully. "If you ever need me or Suki or even Katara, just go ahead and send us a message."
"I appreciate that, Sokka. Thank you. My daughter is happy to know that you have found such a wonderful bride," he added. Sokka smiled and blushed slightly. He bowed his head once more. "Now," Arnook chuckled as he looked out at the celebration below. "Shouldn't you be down there with your bride-to-be rather than up here, having a conversation with an old man?"
"If she really wanted me down there instead of up here, she would've already dragged me back down there," Sokka told him, completely assured. "Are you still going to come down there, sir? The celebration isn't over yet."
"No, I'm going to retire for the night. It has been quite an exciting evening," he chuckled. "And I'm not as young as I used to be."
"Yes, well tell that to my grandmother..." Sokka sighed. He looked down at the celebration below, where a large tarp of seal skin had been spread over a wide area. Women were holding the edges as in the center of the tarp; his Gran-Gran was flipped into the air. And the old woman looked like she was having the time of her life.
Arnook laughed. "I will see you in the morning, Sokka." The young man nodded and headed back down the steps from the palace. The Chief watched for the crowds a few moments longer before turning around and heading into the ice palace.
The musicians that had been inside the palace during the proposal had long since gone down to join the celebration. Even as he walked through the quiet and nearly vacant palace, he could still hear the drums beating below. He reached his room and opened his door. When he stepped inside, he frowned. It was unnaturally warm inside the room.
I didn't ask for someone to come in to heat up the room tonight... he thought to himself. His eyebrows furrowed as he walked deeper into the room. His eyes landed on the fire pit and his eyes widened. "Blue flames?"
"Chief Arnook?" a voice asked behind him. The man whirled around and peered through the dim light of the room.
Blue eyes narrowed. "Whose there?"
The last thing he saw was a hot flash of blue lightning.
His gold eyes slowly raked down her body, taking in the sight of her now that the bulky outer coat was out of the way. She wore a form fitting, long sleeved blue top that reached her mid thighs and was made of thinner material than her parka. The edges were rimmed with white fur, matching the lining that peeked at the top of her boots. Loose pants were tucked into her boots, hiding legs that had gotten longer since he had last seen her.
"Zuko, you didn't answer me," Katara frowned. "How did you get in here?"
"Same way I got in last time." He replied coolly. The waterbender rolled her eyes.
"And how was that?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He smirked as she let out a low grumbled.
Katara ran her hand down her face. "Zuko, what are you even doing here?" she asked, frustrated. She looked away, a part of her wondering if he had been waiting for her.
"I couldn't sleep," he admitted in a low voice. "I would've walked through the city, but I wanted peace and quiet. Thanks to your brother, it's hardly 'quiet' down there. This was the only place I could think of that would have some sort of peace. Unfortunately, you seemed to be here, as well."
Katara rolled her eyes and pushed down the disappointment she knew she shouldn't have been feeling. So it was just a coincidence that they happened to be there at the same time. Just like the first time they collided there. "Well, I'm sorry to be a downer on your quiet time."
Zuko merely shrugged. He stopped by the side of the stone bridge that led to the island. Part of him knew that the moment he saw her lying on her stomach on the grass, he should've turned around and dove back into the water. But instead, he had approached her. When he saw her waterbending, he couldn't resist the urge to test her just a little. Just to see if she'd gotten any stronger. Apparently she had. "Now you answer my question. What are you doing in here rather than with the peasants down below?"
Katara crossed her arms over her protruding chest and scowled at him. "For your information, your Uncle, who by your definition is not a peasant, is also down there."
"So you're telling me that my Uncle knows how to enjoy himself more than you."
"You're one to talk," Katara spat out defensively. "Iroh told me that all you ever do is lock yourself away in your study and work!"
His eyebrow rose with curiosity and Katara shut her eyes and mentally swore. "You've asked about me." He accused lightly.
Katara took a deep breath. The man...unnervered her. "He happened to mention it," she replied with gritted teeth. "And I'm little tired. That's why I'm here."
"And here I thought you were simply hiding."
"I'm not hiding!" Katara exclaimed. "Listen, I spent the whole day trying to get my brother's proposal ready! Before that, I had just spent several days on a flying bison to get here! And before that, I was out in the southern Earth Kingdom trying to create some sort of peace between Fire Nation settlers and Earth Kingdom villagers! I'm tired, okay, Zuko? Can you really blame me?"
Agni, did he miss that fiery passion. Everything about her voice, her movements...the expressions of her face sent all his senses into over drive. He always adored her most when she was riled up. Nothing heated his blood more than when Katara was arguing with him. Whether it was for a real, meaningful reason or simply because she disagreed with him, he found her ineradicably alluring.
The way her eyes held that burning flame, the way her voice rose, the way her cheeks heated up...Zuko licked his lips. Perhaps that was why he always used to take pleasure in pissing her off.
Across from him, Katara glared right back at him. Her blue eyes settled on his scarred face and she found herself growing nervous. There was a look in his eye she had seen before...only now it seemed much more heated. Her arms uncrossed from her chest and she took a cautious step back.
"You think you're tired?" he said in a low, dangerous voice.
Oh no... Katara felt her heart begin to race. She knew that tone. He was going to argue back. She hated it when he argued back or yelled or screamed. Not because he was dangerous. She hated it because she found herself attracted to it. He just oozed out the confidence and strength whenever he argued and she always liked that in a man.
"I have spent months cooped up in the Fire Palace reading document after document for my Nation. At the end of the day, I'm almost seeing double. But do I take a break? No. I arrive the next morning and continue my job," he stated as he moved from his spot. His eyes settled on hers and Katara felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "I spend countless hours at meetings with old men trying to get their way in my court and then wasting my time with their pathetic arguments when they don't. But do you know what is worse?" Zuko asked as he stalked forward, his eyes locked on to hers.
Katara swallowed nervously, suddenly feeling like prey to a rather large, rather powerful wild predator. Her heart was slamming against her chest and on instinct; her arms rose and seemed to block her chest. "Zuko..." she mumbled, her blue eyes wide. Their 'harmless' conversation had flown at the Oasis. "One of us should leave. I don't think that-"
"Not until I talk to you," Zuko cut her off with a frown. "Do you know how frustrating it is to see you act as if nothing happened?"
Katara's eyes widened. "Zuko, nothing was supposed to have happened! You know that!"
Zuko's eyes narrowed in to angry slits. "Who says nothing was supposed to happen? After nine months...nine long months of trying to push the thought of you from my mind and focus on my Nation and my fiancée, one look at you and I realize that I will never," he hissed as his hands shot and grabbed her wrists. "Never stop loving you and it is driving me insane. It's like I didn't pay enough for all the wrong I've done in my life. I have to see you again and see just how much more beautiful and strong you have gotten!"
His breath was hot against her face. She could feel the heat just seeping from his skin as their noses were stood less than an inch from each other. Katara narrowed her eyes and lifted her chin as defiantly as she could. "I did not ask you to look at me and notice those things," she spat out. "I asked you to do the opposite!"
"Don't you think I've tried?" Zuko suddenly released her and Katara stumbled back. She rubbed her wrists as Zuko whirled around and took deep breaths to control his rising emotions.
"I'm sorry this is hurting you, but I will not apologize for the decisions I have made," Katara told him proudly. "From what I hear, the Fire Nation is recovering well. I've heard about the changes that have been going on and I doubt that it was the nobles who pushed for them!"
Was she praising him for his work? Zuko tilted his head back and looked up at the sky. At that moment, he never hated her and loved her so much in his entire life. His hands tightened into fists at his sides and he shook his head. Katara watched him warily, keeping her eyes on his steady form. If there was one thing she knew about Zuko; when he was pissed off, he would work it out...by firebending.
A sudden yell escaped his lips as he whirled around, a wave of fire flying towards her. Katara jumped back, raising her arms quickly and shielding herself from the flames with another wall of water. She saw the frustrated look in his eyes. Better we fight than something else... Katara's mind whispered. She narrowed her own eyes and raised her hand.
A long stream of water was bended from the pond in front of them and she took her position. Zuko automatically took his. Gold met blue in a stare down. A small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Katara felt her own smirk appearing at hers. Her fingers twitched.
Fire flew from his first as he moved into an attack position, sending ball after ball of fire flying from his body. Katara's arms flew around her, blocking each attack with a wave of water. Zuko jumped into the air, kicking up flames as Katara ducked down, the fire missing the top of her head by mere inches. Her arms swept around her, dragging water around their ankles before pulling them up and shooting up at him as he danced around them. This was natural. Fire versus water was natural. Their words were nothing compared to their movements. And they gladly lost themselves.
He felt the cool caress of water whip past his face as she moved forward. Her shoulders rolled around with each step, twisting the water around him in the shape of long tentacles as fists armed with flaming daggers slashed at them with revelry. Elements extended as parts of their bodies clashed against each other creating steam as the two attacked and defended.
With a powerful wave of water, Zuko flew back and landed on his back. Katara's smirk grew wider as she held her hands up and moved them forward, trapping his feet and hands in ice as he lay before her. He momentarily paused and looked at what she had done. Gold eyes lifted up and looked at her curiously. "I didn't know you were into this sort of thing."
Katara's eyes widened and Zuko smirked. Her face flushed furiously as she raised her hands and rained down dozens of pointed icicles. Zuko barely managed to melt the ice cuffs and roll out of the way before he was impaled. He jumped out of the way as Katara summoned more water to her finger tips. "It's a full moon out tonight, Zuko. Don't test me."
His eyes narrowed. They stood a few paces from each other, standing in battle ready positions. Katara had a coil of liquid around her body, ready for bending. Zuko's hands glowed with an all consuming flame. "Try and stop me, peasant."
He darted forward, cutting through the water that Katara threw at him as he made his way over to her. Katara might have been a Master Waterbender; she wasn't exactly a best warrior when it came to close range fighting. There, Zuko would have the advantage.
Katara felt herself taking another step back. She could feel the heat from his body pushing at her, coming too close. It was harder for her to block him when his body was mere inches from her. His fist shot by her head and Katara let out a gasp. He was close. And she knew why. Before his hand could be pulled back she sent up a wave of water before them. Her hands shot out and grabbed his arm. Her body turned and pressed against his.
Zuko felt his heart nearly stop as her back ran up against his chest. He didn't notice he was being flipped over until he was halfway through the hair. He growled as he managed to land on his feet and whirled around to face her. A haughty took graced her face as she held her arms up defensively, just waiting for him to fight back. "I'm not that bad at close range hand to hand."
He snorted, steam coming out of his nose. "I was going to save this for later, but it seems I need to teach you a lesson now."
"Less talk, more fight." Katara smirked.
Water coiled around her body once more, like a protective snake ready to strike. Zuko closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the chi resting inside of him, collecting and waiting to be released. He willed control of it, sending it through his body. Katara watched as the he took a step back. Her eyes widened. She knew that position.
Arms rose and created arcs around his body. She could feel him bustling with energy and prepared herself. Then she saw the spark at his finger tips. A haunting blue flicker of lightning crackled and Katara felt her own heart beating with excitement. Golden eyes snapped open and Zuko out a yell. Katara watched as his hand flew forward, directing a crackling whip of blue lightning right at her.
Her arms rose and she twisted her body, keeping her feet firmly planted to the ground. Water rose into the air and instantly hardened into ice. The lightning slammed into the solid piece shattering it on contact. As soon as it did, Katara willed the fragments of ice to melt back into water and form harmlessly to the ground.
But even as one was deflected, another one was coming towards her. Out of breath from the first block, Katara jumped out of the way, barely having enough time to divert the lightning away from her. Gritting her teeth, she glared at Zuko. His arrogant smile was pasted back on his lips, but she could see that gathering the energy had taken its toll on him. His hair was displaced and he was breathing heavier than normal, even after their little work out.
"Not bad," he smirked. "Been practicing?"
"You never know when your crazy sister will show up again," she retorted as she pulled herself from the ground. "When'd you get that down?"
"A few months ago..." He admitted. "It's still hard to control."
"I can tell...it's no where near as strong as I remember your sister's being."
"She is a prodigy," Zuko retorted defensively. "Lightning didn't exactly come natural to me. I actually had to work at it." Katara brushed off her clothes and raised her hand to sooth her hair back. She tucked a few strands of brown hair behind her ear and narrowed her eyes at him. She shifted back into her defensive position and Zuko smirked once more. He wasn't ready to stop yet either.
This time, Katara attacked first. Waves of water barreled towards him and he cut through them, making his way towards her. He stated to wonder if he was coming closer for the advantage or coming closer for the sheer reason of being near her. Katara saw him approaching once more. His fighting style had always been closer in range than hers. As his arms and legs kicked fire at her, Katara's body bended water to block the flames.
His arms brushed up against hers as they circled each other, trapped in a dance of close combat, their legs stepping over each other as steam hissed into the air around them. A tangle of blue and red swept around each other as someone threw a kick and another deflected it. They twisted and turned around each other, only losing sight of their opponent's body for a nanosecond before they attacked. They were inches from each other now, lost in the heat of a fight that served to resolve whatever their words could not.
She could make out the intricate lines of his face now, even through the blurred movements of his body. He could see how her eyes had matured and how her lips had turned a distinctive pink hue in their time apart. Their movements grew sharper, faster, until a well placed leg sweep knocked Katara's legs out from under her. She let out a sharp gasp and readied herself for the ground.
She felt strong arms wrap around her body. For a moment, time had stopped. Katara opened her eyes and found golden ones looking up at her. Her body rested above the ground and on top of Zuko. His arms were wrapped tightly around her, keeping her securely placed on top of him as he stared up at her. Katara's arms were pinned between the soft, curvy mounds of her chest and the solid form of his. His heart was beating rapidly against her hands. She could feel each beat as clear as if it were her own. This was not good.
"Zuko..." she gasped out breathlessly. Her body had frozen in his arms, afraid to make another move, but unsure exactly why. Katara swallowed nervously and diverted her eyes. Her body was growing hotter by the second. "Um...had enough?"
She heard him let out a haughty laugh. "Never." His voice caressed her ear and she shut her eyes as shivers ran through her body, making her skin tingle. Zuko looked up at her, relishing how beautiful her flushed, breathless face looked in the moonlight. Her hair was completely out of place with wavy strands falling down against his cheeks. Her breath was ragged and uneven; her heart pounding faster than those drums in the celebration outside.
Her body was warm and soft. She had put on some weight, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. His hands unconsciously loosened from their hold and rested against her ribs. Her eyes widened at pressure against her and he felt her body tense up. Her heart sped up and a rosy tint reached her cheeks. He waited for her to protest.
Katara said nothing. Slowly, calloused hands trailed down the side of her body. The dip of her waist...the swell of her hips. Her breathing was growing more ragged. "Zuko..." she gasped out, her eyes shutting tightly. The abnormally thin material of her shirt was the only thing separating his hands from her skin. She swallowed, willing herself to protest. "Sto..."
His eyes cringed slightly. He didn't want her to say it. If she said it, he would comply. He would never force himself on her or on any woman, if he could help it. He watched the emotions dance across her ever expressive face. She wanted to say 'stop', he knew she did. But the word faltered on her lips. What she wanted was completely different than what she needed. Carefully, his hands went lower and stroked the side of her thigh.
She inhaled a sharp gasp and jerk her body against his. His teeth clamped down on his lower lip, willing himself to keep the groan from escaping. Damn is eighteen year old body and its 'urges'. His own breath was starting to grow uneven.
"Katara," his raspy voice reached her ears she bit her lower lip. "I love you...I will stop if you want me to. If you really want me to, just say those words."
Want him to? Of course she wanted him to stop! He was the Fire Lord. An engaged Fire Lord! His fiancée was just down the way in the palace! Katara's heart twisted in her chest, suddenly believing that she was betraying someone. Be he didn't love that someone...he was here now...with her. She wanted to cry. Yes, she wanted him to stop because she knew they shouldn't. But she needed him to continue because she knew they would never have a chance like this again. She felt the tears of frustration and anger rim on her lashes as she turned her head away.
"Let me go..." she whispered out in a broken voice.
Zuko stared up at her face. Glistening droplets of water collected in her eyes his hands froze in mid motion. "Answer me first." he asked softly. He was praying that she would not tell him to stop.
Katara shook her head. "You're engaged," she whimpered. Don't make me say it...please don't...
Part of him knew she would bring that up. He stared up at her confused, torn face. One hand rose and gently stroked the curve of her cheek. "This is it...I won't see you again after this," he whispered admittedly. "Not like this, Katara." I'm sorry, Mai...but I need this night.
"Then why?" Katara choked out.
Because I love you. Just one time...just one moment with you, that's all I ask...so I can have no regrets. He wanted to tell her all of that. Instead, he just gave her a pleading look, begging her to understand. "You know why."
"It's useless, you know," Katara added with a bitter little laugh. "This won't happen again."
I know... His eyes remained on her face. "Just answer my question, Katara," he told her seriously. "Forget about what we are and what we do. Forget out our backgrounds, our responsibly, and our ties to other people. Just forget about everything and everyone else right now and answer my question," he stressed. "Do you really want me to stop?"
Blue mirroring the depths of the ocean opened above him and warm, wet drops of salty tears fell on his face. He could see the internal battle she was waging on herself within those sapphire orbs. He could see the knowledge that they would both never speak of what happened on this night again. He saw the depth of love and desire, hope and frustration.
Beneath her, she felt his body still. One hand rested on the small of her back, the other gently cupping her cheek and wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes with his thumb. A small sob escaped her lips. Forgive me, Mai...I love him so much...just give me this one night, Katara closed her eyes. "Just one night..." she whispered.
Full, soft lips sealed over his hardened ones. Zuko's eyes closed as his arm tightened around her. Her fingers dug into the fabric of his robes, clinging on to him. His hand left her face and cupped the back of her head. Gently, he rolled them over, resting her body on the soft grass beneath them. Slowly, he pulled his head back, her lips following his until they parted with a breath.
Her hands rose and traced the outline of his face. Blue eyes studied every single line and curve of his face, imprinting his image in her mind. Soft finger tips caressed the scar of his left eye. Slowly it closed, relishing the feeling of her soft hands stroking the burnt skin in gentle, loving caresses. Her hands gently cupped his face and lowered him down.
Rough lips brushed over hers tentatively. She felt the heat of his breath against her own. Her mouth parted and he sealed himself over her once more. His hand let the back of her head and braced himself on the ground beside her, making sure not to put all his weight on her body. His knees brushed against the side of her legs as one hand stroked back her hair.
Nimble fingers rose and reached the tie that held her hair in a pony tail. For a moment, he thought she was going to unravel his hair. Instead, her fingers ran through the length of the silken, bound black mass and he felt the moan that escaped her lips.
The pony tail made him Zuko. Prince Zuko. The stubborn young man she had first ran into what seemed like a lifetime ago. He was back to just being the boy she had fallen for...not the Fire Lord she couldn't have. And so she left his hair in tact.
Her legs rose on either side of him and he shivered. They rubbed against his and he broke away from her to let out a groan. Slowly. He had to take this slowly. It would be their only night together and he wouldn't rush it. He would take it nice and slow and savor every single moment as if it were his last day alive. Katara watched his reaction with interest at the shift in her lower body. His head tilted up and ragged gasps of breath escaped his lips.
The smooth, pale length of his throat was exposed to her and Katara licked her lips. Leaning upwards, she pressed her lips against the exposed flesh and smiled as the vibrations from his throat rumbled against her lips. Zuko's hand clawed into the grass beside her as her lips trailed careful circles around his neck.
His hand reached back and braced her shoulder, pulling her up against him with one strong move. Her lips trailed down to the base of his neck. Tan fingers traveled up his chest and hooked themselves on to the opening of his collar. With fluid motions, the hands gently tugged the robe apart to reveal milky flesh. She could feel the heaving of his chest against hers as he tried to control his breathing at her mere touch. Her hands slipped beneath the smooth, silk fabric and caressed the toned skin beneath.
Warm lips gently kissed the indents of his collar bones, making him shudder at the painfully slow movement of her tongue against his silk. Under one palm, Katara felt his heart pounding. She smiled slightly and wondered if he could feel her heart, too. Zuko's head tilted back languidly. Her hands were gently rubbing the smooth muscles of his shoulders and working their way down to his arms. He felt the cool caress of air against his skin as the silk robe fell from his shoulders.
She felt his body shift against her. He pulled back, bringing her with him as he moved to a sitting position. Suddenly she found herself straddling his lap and blushed. "Do you like your shirt?" he asked, his voice rough and breathy as Katara's appreciative hands slid down the front of his body.
She gave him a confused look as she paused. "Yes...why?"
"Then I won't rip it open." He chuckled at the expression on her face as she froze on his lap. Katara's face burned and she diverted her eyes back down to his stomach. Her fingers were working the knot of his belt, resisting the urge to push him down on his back and spend the rest of the night just tracing the defined outlines of his chest and stomach muscles.
All that working out really did pay off. Finally, the cloth band around his waist unraveled and with near fervor, she ripped it out from around him and tossed it over her shoulder. She then tugged the clothing material away from his arms and threw them to the side. As Zuko sat with her resting on top of him, she pulled back to get a glimpse him under the moonlight.
His skin was smooth, yet covered tone muscle. Gently, her hands ran along the skin, stopping every now and then to inspect scars from attacks and fights. He sat there patiently, waiting for her to finish. Whenever she found a large one, she would lean in and plant a soft kiss on that spot and try to forget about how he could've received such a thing. Zuko's arms wrapped around her body and he leaned forward.
His lips gently landed on her forehead and slowly trailed down the side of her face. He remembered how Katara would just melt in his arms when he kissed the base of her neck and made is way down. Zuko frowned as his lips reached her jaw line and realized that the shirt was in the way. His hands slid down the sides of her body and began gathering the cloth that collected at the curve of her hips.
Her arms rested on his shoulders as he grasped the bottom of the shirt and began to pull it upwards. A small hiss escaped her lips as the air of the Oasis collided with her uncovered skin. Her arms were drawn up over her head as Zuko tugged the shirt over her head and arms. The blue mass then joined his shirt off to the side as he looked down at her smooth, soft brown body.
His lips tightened into a frown as his eyes narrowed. Katara smiled innocently, knowing exactly why he was frowning. "Is there a problem?"
"Yes," he stated in an annoyed voice. "That." She followed his gaze down to the white cloth that bound her chest in. Katara couldn't help but laugh at the perplexed look on his face. Obviously, he had no idea how to deal with the bindings.
"Need help?"
"Unless you want it burned off, then yes," he grumbled. Katara smiled and carefully began to unravel herself from the bindings. She could feel his eyes boring into her as she removed the cloth. "A little faster would be nice."
She snorted indignantly and purposely slowed down. She was about to remove the last band of cloth around her chest when she heard it. Her movements came to a halt as her body stiffened. She looked over Zuko's shoulder, towards the door to the Oasis. Zuko's head snapped to the side and looked towards sound.
They both froze as the sound of the jiggling door handle seemed to boom over the sound of the rushing water around them. Zuko looked back at his would-be lover and saw the terrified look on her face. As much as he didn't want it to end, he didn't have a choice. He pulled her against him and shot up from where they were sitting on the grass. Katara stumbled beside him, her arms desperately trying to cover her nearly bare chest as Zuko swept down and grabbed their clothes from the ground.
He kept looking over his shoulder as he pulled Katara deeper into the Oasis and behind the shrubs. He tossed their clothes beneath the bushes and gathered Katara against his body. He sat down, nearly hidden by the plants as he ignored the small branches and leaves cutting into his skin. He pulled Katara down him against him and quickly wrapped her body in his discarded top as he shielded her with his body.
Katara's mouth was sealed closed as she leaned heavily against him, her heart pounding in her chest as Zuko's arms wrapped around her comfortingly. He kissed the side of her. "It's okay...shh..." he whispered against her ear. She barely managed out a nod.
They heard the door open. "Katara!" The waterbender's eyes widened.
Toph?
"Do you see her, Twinkles...?" It was definitely Toph's voice, but something was different. Her voice was a bit slurred. "I don't see her!"
"I don't see her," Aang said. His voice was normal. "Maybe she went back into the city?" He offered.
"Nope!" Toph piped. "Gran-Gran said that she saw Katara walking up here! Isn't that right, Twinkles?"
"Is she drunk?" Zuko's surprised voice whispered in her ear. Katara found herself nodding, embarrassed. The Avatar's earthbending Master as drunk. And she was sure it was Sokka's fault. Somehow.
For some reason, Sokka had wine at the celebration and was trying to get everyone to join in and drink to the engagement. And most people were. However, Aang didn't drink, a product of his monk upbringing...at least that's what he claimed. Toph on the other hand...
"Maybe she's hiding!" Toph clapped her hands together. "I'll go look for her!"
Katara paled and Zuko went rigid. The blind earthbender could feel vibrations in the ground...and of all the places they had decided to go on the massive ice cap known as the North Pole, Katara and Zuko just happened to be on land.
"Hmm..." Aang mused. He rubbed his chin as he followed Toph into the Oasis. "Hey, Toph...are you okay?" In front of him, the blind bender was wobbling as she walked from side to side.
"I'm fine, Twinkle Toes! Totally fine!" Toph assured her. She stumbled forward and Aang followed, if only to make sure Toph didn't do anything she would regret. Toph stopped by the edge of the pond. "Ooh! Fish!"
Aang sighed heavily. "Do you feel anything, Toph?"
"Like fishing."
"Okay..." Aang trailed off. "No more wine for you."
Toph's eyebrows furrowed and she stomped towards Aang. "Are you saying I'm drunk?" she spat out. Aang swallowed nervously and stumbled back.
"No, of course not-"
"Because I..." Toph trailed off and Aang watched as she closed her eyes.
"Uh-oh..." Aang scrambled forward and caught his friend before she fell on the ground. Toph let out a little snort as Aang heaved her on his back. Her head rested on top of his bald one as her arms rested over his shoulders.
"Thanks, Twinkles..." Toph murmured in a half asleep, half drunk daze. "But this pillow is kind of hard...and weird looking."
Aang made a face and choose to ignore the comment. He made sure Toph was nice and secure on his back before he turned and headed back. As he walked around the pond where the black and white fish were circling each other, a red and gold edged strip of cloth caught his eyes. He paused for a moment, trying to place where he had seen the silk sash before.
Silk sash...Fire Nation... Aang's eyes widened. His mouth nearly dropped and his head turned to the bushes behind him. No way... Shaking his head, he turned back and continued out the door. As carried Toph out, he looked back into the Spirit Oasis. Um...maybe its best not to tell Sokka that we did find Katara... The door closed.
As soon as it did, the two hiding in the bushes instantly relaxed and fell against each other. Katara let out the breath she had been holding in and Zuko ran a hand down his face as he leaned back against one arm. "You forgot to lock the door."
"Forgive me," Katara rolled her eyes as she started to crawl off of him. "But I was caught up in the moment."
He chuckled and snatched her hand before she got away. With one firm tug, he pulled her forward and back on his lap. She let out a gasp as she landed against his body and felt his arms wrap around her once more. "Where are you going?" he told her seriously. "We have only one night," he reminded her softly. "And we're not done."
"Hey, Aang!" Sokka was smiling happily and didn't notice the young Avatar nearly jump out of his skin at the sound of his voice. Aang slowly turned around and looked over his shoulder. The happy couple was walking towards him, hands clasped firmly together.
"Sokka!" Aang yelped nervously. His eyes darted from side of side. "Suki! Um...what are you guys doing here?"
Sokka smiled widely. "What do you mean what are we doing here?"
"Our rooms are right there." Suki laughed as she pointed to the doors just ahead of them.
Aang stood up straight and offered them his biggest smile. "Right! Right..." he nodded. "Um...yeah..." Sokka raised his eyes curiously.
"Are you okay, Aang?" Sokka asked.
"Okay? I'm fine! Super! Great!" Aang insisted, rather loudly.
"You seem kind of...jumpy." Suki deduced. Aang shook his head and let out a nervous laugh. He was so bad at keeping secrets.
"I'm not jumpy, you're just imagining things!" Aang accused. Suki raised one eyebrow and Sokka furrowed his as they looked down at the young Avatar, slightly concerned.
"Okay..." he trailed off."I think it's time you get some rest, Aang. It's getting pretty late."
"Right! Rest!" Aang laughed weakly. "Well...good night!" He promptly turned on his heel and was about to air scooter away, when Sokka's voice stopped him.
"By the way, did you find Katara?"
The Avatar suddenly felt as if he had been hit by a saber tooth moose. He found Katara, all right... "Um...yeah... she was up in the Spirit Oasis. Like Gran-Gran said!" There. That wasn't a lie. He just didn't mention who she was with.
"Oh, okay," Sokka said. He leaned over and kissed Suki's cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Sure." Suki smiled warmly. Sokka turned around and started to head back from where he came.
Aang's eyes widened. "Sokka! Where are you going?" he gasped, panic rising at the thought of the over protective older brother finding his younger sister in some sort of compromising position, or merely alone, with the Fire Lord.
Sokka looked over his shoulder. "I wanted to talk to Katara before I go to bed. Do you think she's still at the Spirit Oasis?"
Aang wanted to cry. He didn't want to know if they were still in the Spirit Oasis or not. "Um...are you sure it can't wait until tomorrow?"
"Well, it's kind of important. I wanted to talk to her before I forget."
Think, Aang! Think! "She was kind of tired earlier. I think she just wanted some time to relax and be alone," Aang told him. "It's best to wait until tomorrow. You know how she gets when she's grumpy."
Sokka chuckled and nodded. "I guess you're right. Tomorrow then...I'm kind of tired myself," Aang let out a heavy sigh of relief as Sokka turned around and walked back towards them. He reached for Suki's hand as he passed Aang and patted him on the back. "Thanks for all your help tonight, Aang. I really appreciate it."
Aang merely kept that smile plastered on his face. "Yeah...sure..." Suki waved at him before they disappeared into Sokka's room. The young Avatar let out a heavy breath and ran a hand down his face. He thanked the gods and all Avatars past that Toph had been too out of it to sense Katara and Zuko in the bushes. He silently prayed that no one else knew.
She felt the warmth of his body shift against hers and on instinct, her arms tightened around his bare waist. His hand rose and gently stroked the side of her face as it rested against his shoulder. Half of her body was draped of his, her long dark legs tangled in his pale ones.
For a moment, Zuko just laid there, staring at the sky above them. Their clothes were in a heap by the bushes, save for her shirt, which he had helped her put back on to keep her warm. His hand rested on her hip as she crossed her leg over his. A mess of brown hair was strewn across his arm and shoulder as one hand rose and placed itself over his heart.
Katara had no idea how long they had been lying there, only that they were tired and had been watching the colors dancing across the sky as they lay in their places. Perhaps in an hour or two, the sun would start to rise. Meaning they had to part soon. She closed her eyes tightly.
Against his body, Zuko felt Katara begin to tremble against him. He turned his head and saw her eyes shut tightly, trying to stop from crying. His heart twisted in his chest as he turned his body on its side and gathered her against him. Just like he had done so many times that night. Katara turned her head towards his shoulder and began to cry.
Zuko closed his eyes and caressed the back of her head with his hand. He rested his head against hers and whispered reassuring words in her ears. Katara tried to nod, but couldn't stop the sobs that choked her. His arms tightened around her and pressed his face against her hair. As she buried her face against the crook of his neck, she felt them. Warm drops spilled on to the side of her face and she tilted her head up. Her heart ached.
Her arms wrapped around his neck and brought him down closer. Her lips sealed over his and Zuko tasted the salty tears that ran over her mouth. His arms tightened once more as he gave everything to this one last kiss.
Then her arms loosened. Her hands slipped between their bodies and began to push him away. Zuko felt his heart being stabbed a thousand times as Katara pulled away from him. Her legs slipped out from beneath his. Zuko's eyes lowered. Slowly, he pushed himself into a sitting position. Silently, he gathered his clothes and began to slip them on.
Katara watched, silent tears still streaming down her face as he dressed. When he turned to get one last look at her, Katara turned her head away. He wanted to run back and gather her in his arms. He wanted to kiss her tears away and hold her for eternity, just like he did every time she cried. With pain ripping through his body, Zuko took a deep breath. He turned his back to her and walked away.
Katara listened to his footsteps fading with each step he took from her. She closed her eyes and curled her legs up against her body. As she buried her face in her knees, she allowed herself to cry once more. Good-bye, Zuko.
His body ached. Silently, he wondered if that were natural after such activities. Rubbing his neck tiredly, he walked through the dimly lit corridor of the ice palace. As sleepy as he should've been, he was still wide awake. Something inside of him wasn't settled and he couldn't figure out what it was. He stopped and looked up at the door he was in front of.
Mai's.
His eyes narrowed as he stood in front of the wooden door. After everything that had happened, after the sky exploded around him and all his senses were drowned in Katara, that he knew that he wanted to, had to, call the wedding off. It wasn't fair to Mai. It wasn't fair to Katara. It wasn't fair to him. And if he couldn't even get his own life straight, now could he straighten out his country?
In a way, he did love Mai. Not in love with her, but loved her as a loyal friend. He respected her greatly and knew that one day, with her intelligence and love of her country; she would make an excellent noblewoman. Zuko had already made plans to make proper reparations to her family for their troubles. He would deal with his court and all the old nobleman. Damn them all.
He needed Katara. She was his source of sanity and without her; he didn't think he could control his nation. And if Katara didn't want to marry him, he would wait. He would wait for the rest of his life if he had to. After all, wasn't she worth waiting for? And if someone questioned him, he would fight tooth and nail to keep his throne. He had done so for half his life...he was foolish for ever thinking he would have to stop.
He raised his hand and knocked on the heavy wooden door. He hadn't even finished when he heard footsteps behind him. Zuko turned around and found himself surrounded by blue and white dressed Water Tribe Warriors. Zuko's eyes narrowed immediately as spears and the hands of waterbenders were pointed directly at him.
"What is the meaning of this?" Zuko demanded.
"Fire Lord Zuko," one man said. "You are under arrest. Please come quietly."
"What?" Zuko's eyes widened. "I demand to know the reason!"
"You will be withheld under the suspicion of the murder of Arnook! Chief of the Northern Water Tribe!"
She could hear his voice outside. He was yelling and protesting his arrest. He demanded to speak to whoever was in charge and for someone to call his Uncle immediately. She didn't hear the sound of flames and assumed, he must've gone without fighting, knowing that it would only make it worse.
Mai closed her eyes and clutched the pillow closer to her chest. Her heart was aching as she willed herself not to cry. A cool hand rested on her shoulder as the person beside her sat down and gave her a hug.
"Its okay, Mai," the understanding voice assured her as she rubbed her friend's shoulder. "This is what he gets for betraying you."
Mai lifted up her gray eyes and met golden ones. "Why are you doing this?" she asked in an unnaturally hurt voice. "Why are you doing this to me? Didn't I serve you loyally as a friend?"
"Well..." the other young woman said as she gently brushed Mai's hair back."You did take his side instead of mine. I'm still kind of hurt. I know it hurt when you saw them together in that Spirit Oasis place, but at least now you know what kind of man my brother is. Doing it with that filthy Water Tribe girl! He doesn't deserve the title of Fire Lord. I know you didn't want to see it, Mai, but you had to. Think of it as...tough love."
Mai's eyes narrowed as she studied the pretty face across from her. "Azula...when did you become like this...?"
"Mai..." Azula smiled sweetly. "I was always like this," She said in a caring tone. "Now..." Azula dug into the cloak that lay beside her. She pulled out a lacquered wooden box and opened it up. Dozens of sharp needles and thin blades were neatly arranged on rich, blood red velvet. "Are we friends again or not?"
The heart broken young woman stared down at the box in front of her. She had seen her fiancée betray her. She had seen the young woman who had brought her into his life take him away without remorse. Mai suddenly felt as if she were caught in the middle of some sick game. She deserved to be loved, didn't she? Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
Her hands moved over the box and plucked the weapons off with learned ease. Azula's lips curled into a triumphant smirk.
She walked slowly, her eyes downcast as her legs trudged through the snow. Her entire body ached and she made a mental note to go sit in a boiling hot bath and bend her aching muscles away. She had closed the Spirit Oasis door behind her and then locked it securely. The last thing she wanted as a tipsy Toph wandering in and literally shaking everything up.
Katara made her way towards the palace. For the millionth time after she finally crawled out of her little ball and dressed, she made sure her clothes were straight and didn't show any sign of fire damage. Zuko had accidentally singed the hem of her pant leg in his over eagerness and she wondered if he had accidentally burnt anything else as well. She ran her hand over her hair and looked out at the horizon.
The cold artic wind blew through her hair as she watched the night sky melt against the warm glow of the rising sun. She let out a heavy sigh stood on the flat plateau just before the Spirit Oasis. She closed her eyes as the warmth of the sun caressed her face. Like he had just hours earlier. She opened her eyes and stared out at the sky. Briefly she wondered where he was. If he was already asleep in bed...
"Katara!" a voice shouted behind her. She whipped around, her long dark hair flying around her body as she heard her brother's frantic voice calling in the distance.
This is going to be weird... She felt her cheeks heat up in a blush as Sokka and Suki were running forward, their arms waving in the air. Katara plastered a smile on her face and waved her arm at them.
"Katara!" Suki's voice was frantic. They were panting by the time they reached her. "Katara, were you at the Oasis all night?"
The waterbender's face flooded with warmth. "Yes...why do you ask?" she asked, her voice quaking slightly.
"We've been looking for you all morning!" Sokka exclaimed. Katara's eyebrows furrowed.
"Sokka, the sun is barely rising-"
"Never mind that," Suki cut her off quickly. Her hands grasped Katara's tightly. "This morning, Chief Arnook's wife arrived in their bedroom after the celebration and found him unconscious - practically burned to death on the floor."
"What?" Katara gasped. "Burned to death? How? Who did it?" Another dozen questions poured from her mouth and Suki shook her head and tried to calm her down.
"Katara, you need to get back and help with the healing." Suki told him.
"When they found him they thought he was dead," Sokka told her. "But Yugoda said he was still alive. He had a weak pulse and was barely breathing. They think they can heal him, but they need the most advanced healers they have."
"I understand!" Katara nodded as she pushed forward and started running towards the palace.
"Katara!" Suki said before she got to far away. Katara didn't hear her. Sokka grabbed his fiancée's wrist and she turned to look at him. Sokka shook his head and Suki frowned. "She has to know!"
"Not yet," Sokka insisted. "She needs to keep her mind of helping Chief Arnook. Zuko will be fine."
"Sokka," Suki said in a low voice. "Katara needs to know that Zuko has been arrested for murder."
"And we will tell her," Sokka told her. "Suki, we all know that Zuko didn't try to kill Chief Arnook. He wouldn't dare do anything like that...not to Water Tribe. Katara would never forgive him."
"But we can't tell her?" Suki frowned as she shot him an annoyed glare. "Sokka, if it were you arrested, I would want to know immediately!"
"I know, I know," Sokka assured her. "But Iroh is down there right now with Zuko. He'll be fine. I want Katara to focus on healing Chief Arnook. If he wakes up, then he can tell them that it wasn't Zuko."
Suki's shoulders slumped down and she closed her eyes. "I just don't understand...who could've done it?"
A.N. - I was going to write a sentence that said insert dorky and clichéd lemon here somewhere up there, but I thought that sounded weird. So instead, to keep the T rating, I had a tipsy Toph and concerned Aang intervene. (evil laughter) Yes, I know, that was the most horrible attempt as a pre-lemon scene ever. Oh well...tomorrow, no update. So until Monday, loves:D Thank you for reading!
