Hello everyone! Thank you to those who have reviewed :)

So I went back to previous chapters and did some very minor revisions. Instead of 50 years passing since Zuko was cursed, I changed it to 40 years. That way Pakku and Kanna are in their sixties and Yong is in his fifties. I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

*Note* For the full, smutty chapter, please see the link on my profile ;)

Many thanks to PurseMonger for her awesome help!

AtLA doesn't belong to me.

Chapter Fifteen

In Which the Prince Contemplates the Future

The energy of the morning sun slowly awoke Zuko from a restful sleep. Murmuring softly, he buried his face into Katara's soft hair as his arm tightened around her middle. He heard her let out a soft sigh and he slowly opened his eyes as he became fully awake. Memories of the previous night resurfaced in a delightful rush. Gods, making love to Katara had been incredible. He never knew sex with the person you love could be so…amazing.

He could not believe she had agreed to be his; his wife and mate. His arm once again tightened around her as emotions flooded him. He would prove to her and everybody else that he was worthy of her. Although they could not get married now, he already considered them bonded to each other. His commitment to her was complete and unwavering. Even so, he would enjoy their intimacy, both physically and emotionally until the moment they could make it official to the rest of the world.

Katara made a soft sleepy sound that immediately stirred his blood. Agni, he wanted her again with such an intensity that it was alarming. However, he knew that she must be in pain and in discomfort from taking him in for the first time. He needed to be patient and wait until she was ready to be made love to again. He excitedly looked forward to it.

Carefully, he leaned on his elbow so he could admire her face and smiled at her peaceful expression before images of how her face had flushed with pleasure and her eyes had darkened with lust the previous night once again resurfaced in his mind. He had never experienced such intense pleasure before and he could not help going over the incredible events yet again. She had been shy at first, which was understandable and also endearing, but once her lust had taken over her, she had been like a wanton goddess. Her body was utter perfection and the feeling of being inside her was indescribable. He was pleased that he was able to bring her to ecstasy before he had experienced the best orgasm in his life.

He froze when he finally registered the fact that he had spilled himself inside her. In his previous…dalliances, few as they were, he had always been careful to release himself on the sheets. But with Katara, he had been unable to pull out. Being inside her had felt so good and in the moment when he was about to orgasm a part of him had wanted to implant her with his seed.

He frowned at the almost animalistic thought before he shook his head. He needed to be careful next time. It wouldn't be a good idea to bring a child into the world while their future and that of the world was so uncertain. He looked down to where his arm rested against her stomach before he gazed back at Katara's beautiful features. Damn, would he love to plant a child within her womb. To make a child that was a combination of the two of them. To see her perfect face on a little girl or boy. To be tied forever…

He frowned at himself for such selfish thoughts. It was something they would need to discuss later, but for now he wanted her all to himself. He was distracted from his thoughts when he felt Katara beginning to stir. Pleasant memories once again resurfaced and he smiled as he pressed himself closer to her.

Katara let out a soft sigh as she languidly stretched and sleep gradually left her. She could feel Zuko's arm tightening around her middle and she smiled drowsily. Slowly, like a gentle stream, memories of the previous night entered her mind. La, it was marvelous! Her imagination had been sorely lacking when compared to the real thing.

Zuko had given her so much pleasure and he had been so gentle and patient yet passionate. She remembered the incredible sight of his body and the impressive shaft between his legs. His first penetration had been painful, but fortunately, the pain did not last long as it was replaced with a pleasure she had never imagined possible. She recalled the sensual way he moved over her as he made love to her, the intense and loving manner in which he looked at her, and the gentle way he held her once they had found their release. And La, the orgasms she experienced were…sublime.

She felt her body immediately react to her memories. She frowned slightly when she registered the soreness between her legs, which she knew was natural. She hoped the discomfort went away soon because she wanted to make love to Zuko again.

It was not just the passionate lovemaking that had her feeling so blissful, but also the fact that Zuko had asked her to marry him. She could not imagine wanting to be with anyone else. The thought of being Zuko's wife, of having him as her husband was exhilarating. She could not wait for them to tie their lives together forever. Feeling her chest tighten in happiness, she cuddled closer to him and placed a hand over his, smiling when he squeezed her in response.

"Good morning," she heard him greet softly.

The princess opened her eyes to see him staring warmly down at her.

"Good morning," she replied with a soft smile.

Zuko returned her smile as he cupped her cheek.

"How do you feel?" he asked her as his thumb caressed her smooth skin while his eyes held her gaze.

"A bit sore…" she responded truthfully before adding with a loving sigh, "but wonderful."

Zuko watched as a blush rose to her cheeks and she averted her eyes bashfully for a second before she looked back at him.

"Last night was amazing," she confessed in a gentle whisper.

Her confession, the manner in which she was looking at him, made Zuko's chest explode with tender emotions that he was unfamiliar with, but was beginning to understand. Smiling, he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips before leaning back to gaze softly into her blue eyes.

"I feel the same way," he asserted ardently, his golden eyes gleaming, "You have no idea the pleasure I experienced with you last night. I don't think I'll ever have enough of you."

"Oh," Katara murmured breathlessly.

"But I will wait to make love to you again, once you're ready," he added with a gentle smile.

Feeling her heart expand, Katara returned his smile before cupping the back of his head and urging him down for a kiss. She sighed and he murmured as their lips gently, caressingly, touched while their arms wrapped around each other. A moment later, they pulled away and stared lovingly at each other.

The sound of their hungry stomachs immediately dispelled the tender moment and they laughed. Zuko pressed one more kiss to Katara's lips before they sat up, causing the blanket he had thrown over them to fall at their lap. Instead of his eyes falling onto her glorious naked body, he was met with her clothed form. Although he really wished he could wake up to Katara's nude body, the cold from the cave had made them put on their clothes once their bodies had cooled down from their heated arousal. They had slept on top of the sleeping bag, pressed closed together, with the warm blanket tucked around them as they let their pleasurable intimacy lull them to sleep.

"Could you heat up a bath for me?" Katara's question brought Zuko out of his memories.

"Of course," he replied before a wicked grin curled his lips as he purred, "Or we could bathe together."

She laughed as he pressed hungry kissed to her throat before she pressed a hand against his chest to stop him.

"Maybe next time," she responded with a grin before she blushingly added, "I, uh, would like a moment to myself."

Zuko didn't push the issue and instead smiled at her as he stood up. He reached a hand down and pulled her up when she grasped his hand. They gazed at each other for a moment before Zuko cupped her cheeks. His thumbs caressed her skin before he pressed a kiss to her lips.

"I love you."

Katara smiled as she placed her hands over his.

"And I love you."

Sokka stared pensively at the map he was able to borrow from the village headman. It was a bit old and tattered, but it depicted a wide radius of the local area. He could see where the hidden village was nestled between the two small mountains. To the north was a longer mountain range that met the sea between the great continent and the Northern Water Tribe. There was nothing but wilderness in the west and east. Several miles to the south was the nearest village their group had passed months ago.

He hoped he could figure out where Katara had taken shelter for the past months. He frowned deeply at the thought of his sister. He had to believe that she was alive and well or else he would lose his mind. He shook his head to dispel his dark thoughts as he focused back on the map. Could she have perhaps turned back and headed to the village further south to wait for winter to pass? He didn't know how she could have paid for a room in the inn without any money. It seemed she had grabbed his pack while he grabbed hers during their confusion when they were hit by that sudden snowstorm. She had placed their money pouch in her pack for safekeeping after he almost wagered it all during a card game when they visited Omashu. She had scolded him for hours after that. Her other necessities and her waterskin were in the pack, which worried him.

His sister was one of the best healers in their tribe, but she had not been allowed to train for combat, as was tradition because she was a woman and a princess. He had not really thought much about the inequality since he had assumed that he would always be there to protect her, as he had done since their mother's death. But after spending time with Suki and her warriors, his worry about Katara's safety made him realize how outdated and unjust their traditions were. Now, more than ever, he supported her wish to become a waterbending master. He was sure it was going to be hard to convince Grand Pakku since he was a super traditional old man, but he vowed that he would help Katara convince him just as he promised himself that he would convince their father to give her the chance to choose her own husband.

He understood that their father wanted her to marry Jet so she could be protected behind the walls of Ba Sing Se if war did break out with the Fire Nation. But it was obvious that she hated the prince. He knew there was something shady about Jet the first time they met and he was glad that Katara was able to see that for herself before she made the mistake of marrying him. However, he wasn't exactly sure what happened between Katara and Jet. She refused to tell him, even after all his attempts to make her confide in him. Her evasiveness only made him detest the arrogant Earth Prince even more.

His frown deepened. How would he be able to help Katara if he couldn't even find her?

His eyes scanned the map and his attention was once again caught by the mountain that was several miles south, between the village they were currently staying at and the previous village they came across. Could Katara have perhaps found shelter in a cave or something? Luckily, his leg was almost completely healed, unfortunately, the snowstorms have not abated so he could not go and investigate. Although the brotherly side of him wanted to go and look for Katara no matter what, the logical side knew it would be a suicide mission.

Ugh, he hated feeling so useless!

He flailed his arms at his sides which caused him to accidentally knock the map to the floor. With a grumble, he leaned over his chair to pick it up.

"Hey, Sokka!"

The sudden sound of Suki's voice startled the warrior and he toppled over his chair. He yelped when he crashed onto the floor before he quickly scrambled to his feet and dusted himself off as he gave Suki a sheepish smile.

"Are you okay?" she asked even as her lips quirked in an amused smile.

"Yup, I'm good," he responded quickly as he bent down to snatch the map back up before he gave her a large grin.

Suki suppressed her frown as she closed the door behind her and walked further into the living room. Even through his charming smile, she could see the lingering worry in Sokka's eyes. She wished she knew of a way to help him find Katara, but she was not familiar with the area since she only visited her distant relatives once in a while. She wished she could bring his happiness back...She quickly shook the thought away.

"Any luck?" she asked as she glanced at the map.

Sokka's smile dropped and he sighed as he placed the map back on the desk.

"Not really," he grumbled as he looked back at the old parchment, "My hope is that Katara made her way back to the last village and found refuge. Or that maybe she found shelter at the mountain range closest to us here."

Suki looked down where the dark-skinned warrior was pointing. Her brow furrowed as she thought of something.

"Hey, isn't that in the same direction where we saw that strange…creature in the sky weeks ago?" she asked absentmindedly.

"Yeah, I think you're right."

Sokka frowned as he rubbed his chin and brought back the memory. Even now he wondered what it could have been. Whatever it was, he hoped it didn't harm Katara if she happened to be in that direction.

"Hey, so…" he heard Suki say hesitantly, "have you thought about sending a letter to your father to let him know what happened? He must be worried sick."

Sokka sighed as he rubbed at his face. He had actually written a letter to his dad days ago, but he lost his courage before he was able to send it out. To his shame, he was afraid of his father's disappointment for not keeping his baby sister safe. But Suki was right, he had to let his father know what happened…

"I'll send him a letter soon," he muttered.

He blinked when he felt a hand settle on his shoulder and squeeze comfortingly. He turned his head to see Suki giving him an encouraging smile. He felt his breath hitch at the same time his heart skipped a beat.

He had had the same reaction over her for the past months. He could no longer deny that he was falling for her and hard. He had tried to flirt subtly with her, but as Toph had so rudely pointed out, he had not been subtle at all. To his relief, Suki had taken his attempts in stride and began to flirt back, but he was not exactly sure what she felt for him.

His eyes darted to her soft lips. Damn! He wanted to kiss her so badly! But he didn't want to ruin their friendship if she happened to see him as only a friend. How should he go about making her fall for him so that she would eventually agree to become his wife? The thought no longer frightened him. It felt right.

He opened his mouth to speak, but to his surprise, Suki grabbed the front of his tunic, pulled him down toward her, and kissed him. His eyes widened impossibly large at the unexpected action, his mind reeling in shock as he froze in her grip. Before he could react, however, she quickly pulled away. Mouth agape, he watched as a blush covered her cheeks as she let him go before she averted her eyes.

Suki tried to suppress her mortification and disappointment when Sokka didn't respond to her kiss. She had been sure that he was interested in her after the way he flirted with her and after all the time they had spent talking together. She had tried to stop her attraction for him, but she could no longer deny that she liked him. It seemed she had been wrong; he did not share her attraction. Resisting the urge to run away and hide, she took a step back and cleared her throat.

"Uh, well, goodnight," she said and winced at how pathetic she sounded as she turned away and began walking toward the door.

Sokka finally snapped out of his shock as he watched her leave.

"Suki, wait!" he shouted as he sprang after her.

The Kyoshi warrior turned around at her name before she gasped when Sokka enveloped her in a crushing hug before he pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes widened before she closed them as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. They pulled back to look at each other. She was smiling and he was grinning goofily.

"I like you, Suki. Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Sokka blurted out before he could stop himself. He mentally groaned.

Smooth, Sokka, smooth.

To his relief, Suki smiled happily before she pressed a quick kiss to his mouth.

"Yes," she replied with a grin before adding, "And I like you, too, Sokka."

The silly grin he gave her made Suki chuckle before she pulled his head down for another kiss.

Sokka murmured against her lips as bliss settled in his chest.

All that he needed was having his sister back safely with them to feel completely happy.

Under the ethereal light of the glowing crystals in the smaller pool chamber, the waterbending princess and the banished prince panted heavily as they stared intensely at each other. With a shout, Zuko sprang forward with a raised fist. Sidestepping him, Katara grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her before she pivoted on her foot, swinging her body roughly as she pressed her hips against his before using his momentum and all her strength to throw him over her shoulder.

Zuko landed on his back with a grunt, but before he could jump to his feet, Katara swiftly jumped on him, grabbing his throat as she brought her fist down to his face. Her fist stopped suddenly, almost touching the tip of his nose. He stared at it wide-eyed before he looked up the blue-eyed woman who had a large, triumphant grin on her face.

"Too slow," she said with a smirk, "I win."

Surrendering, Zuko relaxed back onto the hard ground as he chuckled under her.

"You're being too smug about it," he said playfully.

"Well, I have a great teacher, who likes to show off. So you know where I learned it," she replied with a small laugh as she moved away from him and helped him stand up.

"I do not," he replied with a huff.

"Sure," Katara said before she teasingly added, "I know you purposely flex your muscles to distract me."

A scoff escaped the golden-eyed prince.

"It's not my fault you can't take your eyes off my body," he countered before he deliberately flexed the muscles of his arms as he reached up to push his sweaty hair from his eyes. He mentally grinned when he saw Katara's eyes immediately rake up his naked torso. He smirked. "Besides, you do the same when you intentionally stretch in front of me when you're just wearing your under-wrappings."

"Who me?" Katara asked as she innocently batted her eyelashes. She had begun to spar with only her under-wrappings in order to move easier while they trained, but she also knew how much the view affected him and she loved it.

"Yes, you, princess," Zuko replied as his eyes hungrily raked her body. Seeing her so scantily clad was torture. He quickly shook his head to refocus. Grinning, he sprung toward her again.

The waterbender laughed at his words as she nimbly sidestepped him, enjoying their playful banter and the adrenaline of their sparring match. She loved how much more at ease Zuko was with her and how his eyes were no longer filled with pain and loneliness. She knew he had not completely forgotten his horrific past or his anger toward Azula, but she was glad to see that she was able to make him happy.

And he definitely made her happy. He took his promise in training her seriously and his efforts made her more determined to become a better fighter, which she was proud to say she was. He had told her that once they could go outside, they could try sparring with their bending. She was looking forward to it.

When their stomachs rumbled in hunger, they decided it was time for a break so they could eat dinner. Katara swiped at her sweaty forehead once they finished stretching their muscles.

"Could you heat up the water for me, please?" she asked, "I need a bath."

"Of course," Zuko replied with a smile as he moved toward the small pool and dipped his hands inside.

He suppressed the urge to suggest for them to bathe together, but decided not to push the issue. Two days had passed since that incredible night they first made love, and even though he wanted her badly, he had not tried to persuade her into sex in case she was still feeling sore. Once he was done heating up the water, he reluctantly retreated to the bigger cave. He was waiting for her to make the first move so he could be sure that she was ready for him. He hoped it would not be long before he could have her again.

Katara watched him go with a small smile. She could tell he wanted her again, but he was trying to be considerate of her comfort. He could be so sweet. He didn't have to wait any longer. She was ready for lovemaking again and, spirits, did she want him.

She quickly took a bath, making sure to clean every inch of her body and her under-wrappings with the soap, before she stepped out and used her waterbending to extract the moisture on her skin, hair, and clothes. Once dressed, she walked back to the other chamber to see Zuko adding more wood to the fire. At the sound of her footsteps, he looked up to smile at her before he stood up and dusted his hands.

"I'm going to take a bath," he said as he walked toward the pool.

Katara smiled and nodded.

"I left the bar of soap at the edge," she told him as she made her way toward the fire, "I'll warm up some meat."

Zuko gave her a brief nod. Once in the other cavern, the firebender reheated the water and quickly stepped in. He took a few minutes to thoroughly wash himself as he again wondered when it would be a prudent time to seduce Katara again. Agni, his need for her was almost terrifying. Shaking his head, he continued with his bath. Once he was done and clothed, he walked back and groaned hungrily at the smell of cooked meat. He smiled when Katara turned to smile at him. He sat next to her as they began to eat, talking about her training and their plans to make their way to the village.

"I hope Druk, Tanik, and their egg are okay," Katara spoke up after a moment of companionable silence once they finished eating.

Zuko looked away from staring into the fire to glance at the hidden entrance of the cave. He furrowed his brow as he concentrated on the link he shared with Druk and only relaxed when he felt an answering nudge.

"It seems they're fine," he reassured her as he looked back at the waterbender.

Katara relaxed before she frowned as another thought crossed her mind.

Sensing her sudden change in mood, Zuko looked at her questioningly.

"I can't stop worrying over Jet's last words," the princess murmured as her eyes narrowed before she looked worriedly at the firebender, "What if he comes back? And with more men? If the dragons stay behind, they could get hurt. We need to take them with us."

Zuko frowned deeply at her words. He had not thought of that, but he wouldn't put it past the bastard to kill the dragons or to return in order to capture Katara. He had proven he had an unhealthy obsession with her. Zuko narrowed his eyes. He needed to keep her and the dragons safe.

"As soon as the weather improves, we'll head over to that village and then to the Northern Water Tribe," he said firmly, "I'll talk to Druk about them coming with us. I'm not sure how he'll feel having his family travel with us to the North Pole, but I hope to convince them."

"I hope they agree to come with us," Katara responded before she let out a sigh as she stared into the fire. "If only we could get married now…then Jet wouldn't chase after me anymore. Not that that's the reason I want to marry you!" she quickly added with a blush.

Zuko smiled at her words as he leaned down to kiss her flushed cheek. He pulled away to smile at her before he frowned.

"I doubt he will stop chasing you even if you were married to me," he growled before he added pensively, "I wouldn't want to let you go so easily either, although I wouldn't force you into anything you didn't want."

Katara smiled at his words before she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. He immediately brought her closer to him and he returned her gentle kisses.

"I don't want you to let me go, ever," she murmured softly against his lips before she deepened their kiss.

Zuko groaned at her passionate kisses as he tightened his hold of her. She clutched his hair as she gently nipped his lower lip. He moaned as the slight sting immediately caused his shaft to swell in arousal. He grasped her own hair as he slanted his mouth against hers, breathing heavily as lust clouded his mind, before he swiftly brought her onto his lap, pressing her hips tightly against his. She gasped loudly and he groaned when his erection pressed tightly against her sex. He was thick and hard as steel in his trousers, and there was no need for him to even try hiding it. She knew he wanted her.

"Oh," she moaned breathlessly as she shifted against him, whimpering at the pleasure that shot up her spine as his hardness pressed against her sensitive bud. "Zuko…"

"Gods, I want you, Katara," he growled against her lips as he slowly ground her hips against his, hissing at the pleasure. "Please tell me you're ready."

"Yes," the princess moaned as she raked her nails down his clothed chest while she pressed desperate kisses to his mouth, "I need you. Please."

Her desperate plea made the firebender's lust grow more than he thought possible and he quickly began to undress her even as he continued to devour her mouth while her slender fingers made short work of his clothes. Soon, they were both naked and they panted hard as their eyes roamed each other's bodies. Trying to rein in his mindless lust for a moment, Zuko cupped her cheeks and kissed her tenderly.

Katara sighed lovingly into his mouth as her arms once again wrapped around his neck, feeling her whole body tingling with pleasure just as her core ached with need. She barely noticed as Zuko slowly pressed her back, too distracted with his lips moving frantically against hers, before she felt her back settle on top of the bedroll. She arched her back with a moan when he pressed his body over hers, feeling his hot breath fan across her face, clouding all her senses and igniting a fire in her belly.

"Katara," he panted hoarsely as he looked down into her half-lidded eyes, "You have no idea how you've tortured me…" He groaned as his hand slowly ran down the curve of her waist and down the roundness of her backside. "Wearing just your under-wrappings while we trained...It was hard not to touch all of you…"

"Zuko," she whimpered as she placed her hands against his shoulder blades to push him toward her so she could kiss him. He mumbled against her lips as her hands mapped his bare back, marveling at the smooth muscles beneath her fingers. "Please…"

The firebender groaned as her plea and he had to close his eyes for a moment to control his savage need. He felt her place her hand on his scarred cheek and he opened his eyes to see her looking up at him, her blue eyes reflecting both love and passionate need. He felt his breath hitch and he gently grasped her hand. Agni, she was so beautiful and she was all his.

Something in the way Zuko was staring down at her made Katara's heart flutter in her chest and she swallowed heavily. She gasped softly when he turned his head to press a kiss to her wrist before he brought her hand down to her side. He kissed her softly before he slowly slid down her body, pressing hot kisses down her chest before making his way further down her body.

He had never performed such an act on a woman before, but he could not deny that he wanted to pleasure Katara in such a way. He had been unable to stop fantasizing about tasting her between her legs ever since that game of chase where he had pinned her down and licked her face, her sweet flavor exploding on his sensitive dragon tongue. He wondered if she would taste even better at her core.

He continued his slow path down her perfect body, grazing his lips over her smooth stomach. To her shock and amazement, he pleasured her with his mouth until she screamed as an intense ecstasy crashed into her.

Once she slumped back down with a delirious moan of his name, he slinked up her still trembling body. He smiled proudly as he looked down to her heaving chest, flushed face, and dazed eyes. He cupped her cheek and kissed her softly before he pulled back, his thumb caressing her smooth skin.

"Good?" he asked with a small grin.

"That…you…wow," was all she could say in her befuddled state as she continued to pant, enjoying the lingering pleasure still coursing through her. "I had no idea…"

Zuko chuckled quietly before he again leaned down to kiss her. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kisses eagerly, amorously.

"The things I want to do with you…" he groaned as he slowly rocked his hips against hers, a predatory gleam in his golden eyes as he stared down at her.

"Zuko, please," she moaned as she squirmed beneath him, wanting, needing everything he could offer. She came to realize that she was becoming addicted to the way Zuko touched her, even after having only done so once before. Maybe she could have lived without those amazing sensations before she knew they were even possible…but now she knew she could never go back. She would not be able to live without his touch.

Any lingering shyness left her as she cupped the back of his head and brought him down at the same time she lifted her head to crash her mouth to his in a needy, wanton kiss. He groaned against her as she sucked and bit at his lower lip while she rubbed her entire body against his hard frame. They gasped when their bodied finally joined together, rocking desperately against each other as their pleasure mounted higher and higher. Soon they were screaming their pleasure. At the last second, Zuko pulled out and spilled himself on her, unaware of the way the campfire flared high next to them and the amazement on Katara's face at his reaction.

A moment later, he brought his head back down as he held himself absolutely still above her as they panted, their bodies trembling with the aftershocks. Finally, he relaxed and brought her legs back down as he softly breathed her name. He moved onto his back and carefully wrapped his arms around her, pressing her gently against his chest. She sighed softly with satisfaction and rested her head blissfully against his shoulder. They were silent for a moment as they tried to catch their breaths.

"Are you okay?" he asked a moment later as he ran a soothing hand down her arms. He had been a little more rough with her than he had intended, but he couldn't seem to help himself.

"Mm, yes," she purred as she nuzzled her face on his chest. "Perfect."

Zuko smiled at her words, feeling his heart expand with a myriad of emotions.

The cooling, sticky sensation of Zuko's seed finally registered in Katara's mind and she lifted her head slightly to glance down at herself. Although it was erotic that he had spilled himself on her, she wished he had climaxed within her like he had the last time.

Sensing her distraction, the firebender opened his eyes and saw what had her attention. The sight of the whitish liquid against the dark skin of her breasts was extremely arousing, but he was sure she must want to clean up. Before he could look for the blanket to clean up the mess, he watched as she swiped her fingers along her chest and stared at her wet fingers curiously.

"Sorry," he muttered as he watched her, "I didn't want to accidentally spill myself inside you again…and end up getting you…pregnant…"

Katara froze as she felt a sudden pain in her chest, saddened and hurt at his words. Did that mean that he didn't want to have a child with her? Not that she or they were ready for one anytime soon, but she had hoped one day…

"Oh…right…" was all she could say.

Zuko immediately moved over her and cupped her cheek when he felt her mentally withdraw herself from him.

"I didn't mean it that way," he quickly tried to explain himself as he stared sincerely into her hurt, blue eyes, "It would be irresponsible of us to bring a child into the world when our future is so uncertain and a possible war looms over us."

Katara immediately relaxed at his sincere words, feeling the painfully constricting sensation in her chest loosen. She completely agreed with him. However, before she could say anything, he pressed a deep kiss to her lips. She sighed softly as she curled her fingers in his hair. They pulled apart and she watched as a smile spread on his face.

"To be honest, I've thought about getting you pregnant because then we would be tied forever. I would love a child that looks like you," he confessed with a smile before adding more seriously, "But I know now isn't the right time."

The waterbender smiled, ecstatic that he wanted to have a child, a family, with her. Her mind conjured the image of a little boy or girl with Zuko's dark hair and golden eyes. She mentally shook her head.

"Even if there is no child in question, I will want to be with you always," she replied softly before adding, "But it's something we can look forward to in the future."

Zuko was thrilled to know that she wanted to build a family with him one day. He had never really thought much about having one before, but with Katara, it was definitely something he wanted. He was distracted from his thoughts when he saw her soft smile turn seductive and he felt his semi-erect flesh twitch.

"I'm a waterbender, remember?" she purred as she stared intensely into his eyes, "You can keep spilling yourself inside me. I know you like it and I do, too." She grinned when his eyes widened and he swallowed thickly.

Ecstatic and a little shocked at her brazen words, Zuko watched curiously as she lifted one of her hands over her body before she slowly bent his semen from her skin and deposited into the fire. Well…that was definitely convenient.

"Thank, Agni," he rasped before he bent down to kiss her passionately. "I enjoyed climaxing inside you immensely last time. It was an incredible sensation I've never experienced before and I definitely want to experience it with you again and again…"

Mentally smiling, Katara moaned softly as she returned his ardent kisses, which turned slow and tender a moment later. She opened her eyes when he pulled away and stared at him wonderingly. He let out a quiet breath as he smoothed her hair back.

"I love you, Katara," he told her softly.

She smiled as she cupped his scarred cheek.

"I love you," she replied just as softly.

They kissed gently before the coldness of the cave settled on their bodies, prompting them to reluctantly put on their clothes. They lied on top of the bedroll with the warm blanket tucked around them, pressed tightly together as they talked about their hope for the future. A moment later, the sound of the princess's sleepy sighs reached the firebender's ears.

Zuko continued to watch his betrothed as she slept peacefully as he thought about the past, the present, and the future. For the past years, he had cursed that horrible day when he had been turned into a dragon and lost everything. However, if he had not been cursed, he never would have been able to be with Katara and have her love. Although he had suffered a lot because of it, the curse had also been a blessing in disguise, for he was able to meet his soul mate and know true love. For that, it seemed he would have to thank Azula.

As Iroh would say: Destiny was a funny thing.

He frowned. Yet, he will never forgive Azula for murdering their mother, for cursing him, for causing Iroh's untimely death, for the dragons' near extinction, and for destroying the Fire Nation. Azula would pay for her crimes.

He will make sure of it for the sake of the world, for Katara, and for any future children they had.

The Fire Nation advisors and generals shifted uneasily at the oppressing silence in the new throne room as they waited for their Fire Lord to speak. Throughout the years, they had learned that they needed to make sure she was happy, even if they disagreed with many of her decisions, if they valued their lives. It was still very unnerving to see that she had not aged at all with the passing of the years. Previous advisors had come and gone, either dying from natural causes or through executions for displeasing their ruler, but Fire Lord Azula remained the same youthful woman she had been when she was crowned Fire Lord forty years ago. Although they would never dare say it out loud, many wondered how different things would have been if Crown Prince Zuko had taken up the throne.

Sitting on her throne, Azula impatiently tapped her nails on her knee as she let the silence stretch. She could see a few of the old men squirm more nervously and she suppressed a smirk. She loved the apprehension and terror she brought to those she believed to be beneath her. They needed to know their place. Thinking she had tortured them long enough, she decided to speak.

"So when will my warships be ready to head over to the Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes, and Air Temples?" she questioned in a smooth tone.

The old advisors shifted nervously and the generals stiffened rigidly. They all glanced at each other, hoping someone would speak up.

"Well?" Azula growled out impatiently.

The men jumped at the icy anger in her voice. Finally, a middle-aged general stood and bowed nervously.

"They should be ready by the time Sozin's Comet arrives," the man said.

"That's months away," Azula replied with a deep frown that made the men cower back, "I want to launch the first attacks now. That way, the other nations will be too weak to go against me by the time the comet arrives."

An old advisor slowly stood up and cleared his throat, prompting the general to quickly sit back down in relief. The advisor gulped when the Fire Lord's cold eyes shifted on him.

"Your Majesty, the civil war and the continued fight with the rebels have heavily depleted our resources and manpower," the man reported carefully.

"I don't care," Azula growled out with narrowed eyes. "I want a at least a few ships and soldiers ready soon, even if it means raising the peasants' taxes to achieve it."

The men murmured quietly at the callous words.

"Your Majesty," the same advisor continued as he nervously wrung his hands, "Many of the villages are too poor. They will starve if they are taxed more than they are now."

Azula raised an eyebrow.

"And how is that my problem?" she asked indifferently before she added, "They should be honored to lay down their lives for me, their Fire Lord. If they can't pay their taxes, then they can make it up by working on my warships."

The advisor gaped at her while some of the other men began to protest.

"Or would you like the funds to be taken from your personal wealth?" she interrupted their quiet protests with a sinister smile.

At her words, the men immediately quieted down. They all remembered the last time an advisor made the mistake of telling Fire Lord Azula that the nation's treasury would be better if she didn't waste it on unnecessary expenses. The man only had a moment to see her sharp smile before he was engulfed in blue flames.

Sensing their acceptance, Azula's lips curled into a triumphant smile.

"I want at least a few battalions ready by the beginning of spring."

"It will be done as Her Majesty wishes," the old advisor spoke up with a bow which the other men mimicked.

"Good," Azula responded with a smile before she waved a dismissing hand, "You may leave."

The men stood up and bowed deeply before they retreated.

Standing up from her elaborate throne, Azula walked down the dais and parted the wall of blue fire. Mentally calculating her next moves, she made her way to her royal chambers. Once she reached her room, her maidservants immediately rushed to remove her armor and prepared her bath, knowing one small mistake might cost them their lives.

Once she had been scrubbed clean and her dark hair had been dried and perfectly brushed so that it fell smoothly down her back, Azula turned to one of the maids.

"Bring me my dinner and let Chan know that I wish to see him," she ordered sharply while another servant tied the sash to her sleeping robe.

"Yes, Fire Lord Azula."

The young woman bowed her head and quickly left the room to do her bidding. Once the other servants had finished, Azula dismissed them flippantly as she drank from the wine cup one of her servants had previously poured for her. The women bowed and filed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind them

Taking a sip of her wine, Azula slowly walked toward the full-length mirror. She smirked as she remembered the mirrors she had ordered to be brought to Zuko's prison before his escape. She knew the sight of his draconic body had upset him since he destroyed many of the mirrors before he gave up when they just kept being replaced. She frowned as she once again wondered what happened to Zuko. Wherever he was, she was pretty sure he was suffering, if he wasn't already dead.

She let out a cruel chuckle at the thought before she dismissed her fool of a brother from her mind as she once again admired her youthful beauty. She brushed her long hair back before she glanced down at the magical ring on her finger. She again went over her plans to rule the world. She didn't care how many peasant lives she needed to sacrifice in order to reach her goals.

"A great leader is only as great as its people," she heard a familiar feminine voice whisper in her mind. "Kings and queens would be nothing without them."

Azula scoffed as she took a long drink of her wine.

"They are just weak peasants," Azula responded nonchalantly, "Their lives are insignificant."

"There is great strength in a united people."

Another scoff escaped the former princess's lips. "That sounds like something that traitor Iroh would say."

"Power does not bring happiness when you are alone," the voice continued.

Narrowing her eyes, Azula looked back at the mirror to see Ursa standing behind her, the same sad expression she wore years before when she realized she would die by her daughter's hand still on her face. Azula was no longer fazed by her mother's apparition after all these years, but she still tried to drown her out with alcohol or with her lovers. Azula sneered at Ursa's words.

"I need no one," Azula growled as she clenched her hand around her wine cup, "Sentiments are for the weak. That is why you're dead and Zuko's cursed while I'm alive and ruling the Fire Nation."

"Then why can't you let me go if that is true?" the image of Ursa asked softly.

"Shut up!" Azula screamed as she threw her cup at the mirror.

The glass broke with a loud crash. Fragments flew everywhere as the red wine splattered down what remained of the mirror. Azula panted as she stared at her fragmented reflection. Ursa was gone. With a hiss, she turned away from the mess and made her way to her bed.

It was all in her head.

Ursa was dead. Zuko was gone. And she was the most powerful person in the Fire Nation.

She regretted nothing.

A/N: Not much action here. This was more of a filler to move things along.

Anyway, thank you for reading!

~alwaysZutarian