Chapter 40

I'm SO SORRY, and pardon for the long wait, and please excuse my language, but this chapter, and next chapter were such a bitch to type.

Azula

He'd never summoned her so early in the morning. Azula raised her hand, poised to delicately knock on her father's door when she heard it.

"I don't understand Ozai…you're suddenly in agreement with this marriage?" A soft voice spoke out accusingly. "Am I supposed to believe in earnest that you're suddenly supportive of Zuko and Katara? You were never one to change your mind so quickly."

"Ah, but my love, her abilities—,"

"Yes, yes, so you've told me, Ozai," She heard the muffled voice of Zuko's mother through the doorframe. "Surely, there must be another way—,"

"There is no other way, Ursa." Prince Ozai bit back roughly, his voice murky and distorted. "Honestly, you think that—,"

"So why not give Lu Ten the chance to rule?" Azula's heart sped up. Could Ursa really interrupt her father and get away with it?

Azula's father laughed darkly, the sardonic tone obvious through the door that separated Azula from her father. And yet, there was a twisted sort of humor there as Prince Ozai asked his wife, "You honestly don't recommend I let Katara cure Iroh?" He laughed darkly

"No. What use would it be?" Ursa murmured almost inaudibly, her voice devoid of emotion. "Iroh will still die."

Her father laughed again, making Azula cringe. "I never thought it possible for you to talk about your beloved brother-in-law so harshly."

"It's not so harsh. It's a fact. You've made sure of it." Ursa bit out at him.

"Don't look at me like that Ursa."

"Ozai you never gave Iroh a chance!" She cried, and Azula took a step back in surprise. "He never had the chance to be the Fire Lord that Azulon wanted him to be."

"My father was a fool. Iroh would have never made it the first five years, even on his own. He's too friendly, too nice." He spat the offensive word as though it repulsed him.

"Be serious Ozai. Iroh is a good Fire Lord."

"How could he be, Ursa?" he chuckled. "He talks about every decision with his wife! They take his wife seriously. And she is far more decisive, stubborn, and rash than he ever could be. Yun Xi is the true ruler out of the three, I saw that from day one."

"Lu Ten obviously inherited his skill from her."

"Please. You and I both know that Lu Ten has neither the skill nor the ambition to rule the Fire Nation. This isn't like war torn days of old. Lu Ten wasn't brought up to lead. He was brought up to play a role. His mother will be behind the scenes, coddling him until her death. And then where will we be?"

"We will be together, Ozai. You, Zuko, Azula and I…provided I do as you ask?"

"If you do as I ask Ursa, we will be together forever." And there was some twisted sort of love, and devotion in her father's voice.

What did her father want from Zuko's mother? Something he couldn't get from Azula's own mother?

And Azula realized it. In her father's mind, all of this was inevitable.

But she didn't want to hear anymore. Azula didn't think she could take it. Her father…had sent her mother to die, and he had no qualms about it. He would go off and be happy with his wife, while Azula was left to rot. Well fine, this only cemented her desire to run away. They could have their perfect little life together, she didn't care.

But she still had to be safe. Until she left, she had to play the dutiful daughter.

She couldn't afford to slip up. Mistakes meant death in this world.

Taking a deep breath, and preparing herself for the worst, the teenage girl knocked on the door to her father's bedchamber.

"Damn it."

She heard his muffled curse through the doorframe. Azula paused, her hand only a few centimeters away from knocking on the door again. She heard a rustle, and then—nothing. He wasn't coming to the door.

She sighed. "Father, it's not Aunt Yun Xi. It's me."

Now there were footsteps as he approached the doorway. It opened with a creak and suddenly he was there. He looked a wreck. Well, as much of a wreck as her self-controlled father could look, anyway. He probably spent the night scheming. She wouldn't put it past him.

"Not that I'm unhappy to see you," He began. "But now is not the right time, Azula." He paused, glancing back at the other person who occupied the room.

Past her father's body, she could see Ursa, straightening her hair and clothes. They spent the night together? How disgusting.

"No, that's okay, Ozai." Ursa said sweetly, brushing up to her father. Azula hated Ursa with every bone in her body. Azula's mother had done everything, and yet still he chose her. Why her!? "I need to wish Katara a happy birthday, anyway. She will be up early this morning, and with her cousin, I believe."

How lovely for Katara.

"It's already morning." Azula hissed coolly.

Ursa blushed. "Well then, I better be going." And somehow, the sight of Ursa's embarrassed face, and the smirk on her father's lips only infuriated Azula more. She was nothing but a joke to them? To all of them? That hurt more than her mother's rejection.

With a gentle squeeze on her father's shoulder, Ursa slipped past them both and made her way down the hallway.

Whatever my father has you doing, Ursa…the price will be too much to bear.

Azula forced a smile for her father, still looking down on her with those taunting, malicious eyes. "You've always said that it is better to be early, than late." Better to show her devotion to him now. "And how could I refuse you?" She added for good measure. Not to mention that she had way too many things to do today.

Ozai blinked, once, before nodding. "You may come in, if you'd like." He said smoothly. He stepped aside to allow her entry into the room.

"Yes father, thank you." She walked briskly past him, making sure to keep her head down submissively. She couldn't let him detect her newfound bravery or see the rebellion in her eyes. "May I sit?"

Despite her love for Jet…he was still her father. Azula planned to play a game of facades with Ozai. A game she wasn't all that sure she'd win.

He waved a hand dismissively at her.

She sat down on one of the low chairs at his table.

Azula watched the way her father moved around the room with ease, relaxed. As though 24 hours ago he didn't just condemn her mother to certain death.

She looked at him and paused. to study him, reading his expression and guessing his mood before she continued. Something short of a smile played at the corners of his mouth, but more than that, his face was kind. Strange, because he wasn't usually kind. She arched an eyebrow. Something was off.

He wore a loose robe of plain red, and there were traces of stubble on his face, making him look at least a few years older than he was. He looked…almost…human. But she stopped herself from commenting.

No, she couldn't bring up her mother at this moment. Not while he must still be upset. And he…he was likely to be upset, despite the smile on his mouth. It wasn't on the surface, but it was there. Because she was still upset. Her own mother tried to kill the boy she loved. Granted, her father almost tried to kill Katara, the girl Zuko loved, but it was different. Katara was stronger than her brother was. Zuko didn't deserve it. But she couldn't be so blatant about it. Instead, she said. "Father…"

"You have something on your mind, don't you Azula?"

She froze. Did she give something away? She ran over her facial expressions in her mind, deciphering them, looking for any cracks, and hint that all wasn't as it seemed with her.

"I-I…Yes, Father." She faltered, before resuming a steely expression.

His lips curled in amusement, and his eyes glittered. "Then speak. I don't have all day."

Azula nodded and turned away while her father resumed getting ready for the day. There was a question burning inside of her mind, one that she had to ask. Here, with his back turned away from her, she could do so without his intimidating gaze boring holes into her mind.

"Are you angry, Father?" She asked after a pause that seemed to stretch forever.

"Angry?" He asked, sounding mildly bewildered. His smooth caramel eyes met hers in the mirror. "Why would I be angry, Daughter?"

"I mean…" She, for the first time in a long time, fought for words. "…About Mother…about Lu Ten…about the Water Tribe girl."

Good, Azula. Distract him. Get his mind on anything else but you. Focus all his attention on someone else.

The Fire Prince chuckled darkly. "I've had better days. Your mother is of course, no concern to me now."

Ouch. That stung just a bit. Granted, her mother wasn't Azula's favorite person on the planet, but still. She fought to keep her expression smooth, as though she were facing Koh, the face stealer.

"I thought—,"

"She is in disgrace. And she is useless." He said pointedly and Azula flinched at his cold tone. "You'll find, Azula, as you grow older, that it is better to distance yourself from useless people. They will only drag you down in the future. Those who are useless…can't be allowed to survive, you understand?"

He looked at her directly. Don't let yourself become useless. That's what he was trying to tell her. Her heart pounded. If she ran away, would he look for her? Bring her back? Have her killed on the spot?

"Yes father." She said quietly. "Your daughter understands."

"I knew you would." He couldn't hide the dark smile in his voice.

Get the topic off you! She scolded herself. Clearing her throat, she asked. "Do you think that the Water Tribe girl is carrying Lu Ten's child?"

"I wouldn't put it past him…he was so infatuated with her at the South Pole. It is unfortunate you couldn't remain on the ship, Azula. I hated for you to see such lecherous behavior." She wanted to call him hypocrite. But he was her father. He turned, clean shaven now, and made his way over to her. He sat down across from her, dark robes billowing around him, his lips pressed together, a calculating look in his eyes. "Water Tribe women—," He scoffed, not finishing.

"Father…" She cringed, the words inaudible. "And yet…you're allowing them to go through with the marriage?"

He nodded. "While it's none of your concern, Azula, yes, I'm allowing this marriage. Your brother and his betrothed are…useful. Or they will be in the future."

And the malevolent glint in her father's eye didn't quell the nervous churning of her stomach.

While Azula didn't hate Katara, she still didn't like the girl, but she understood that there was almost an unspoken level of respect between the two of them that had come to pass because of Jet. Zuko would practically die at the knowledge that his sister had found an unlikely ally in his girlfriend.

Her father snorted almost mockingly. "Thanks to the priestess, the little prince will have himself an heir. This changes everything, you know. All of my plans…" He trailed off, staring at her with a dark glint in his eyes. "Although I do have to give your mother credit. If not for her…closeness to Zhao, my plans would never have taken off."

Azula tore her gaze from her father's, ever the submissive daughter. "Father, why are you speaking to me about this—,"

His hand hit the table—hard. "Oh please, Azula. How stupid do you think I am? You think I didn't know that your mother was intimate with my biggest military supporter? That she was leaving the palace nearly every night?" He laughed harshly, a malevolent sound bursting from his lips. "I even encouraged it!" He laughed again, louder.

Azula didn't get the joke.

"Encouraged? Father—,"

His laugh died down, but the flashy smile remained. How could he speak so calmly about her mother's betrayal? "Oh, I never let on that I knew, and your mother planned to kill Zhao once your Uncle was dead, but Katara's interference forced me to execute the plan faster than I would have liked." He said simply.

"So, everything that happened over these few months…was your doing?" She asked, almost in disbelief. Azula knew her father wanted the crown, and he deserved it, being so much more capable than Uncle Iroh, but… "Even the plague on Kyoshi Island… that was you?"

Ozai only shrugged. "An unfortunate side effect, but yes. That was all my doing—," He smiled. "Well, my plan, Zhao's execution, but still—," At her disbelieving face, he glared at her harshly, his eyes growing dark with irritation. "Honestly, Azula. Did you really think that your mother was smart enough to come up with this plan on her own? Not on her life. And then that awful outburst at Katara's trial…you see what your mother's stupidity cost her. Her freedom, and possibly her life."

"O-Of course, Father." She murmured in agreement. Azula had been playing this game from the day she was born. And yet…she still wasn't an expert. "Mother didn't deserve to remain at your side. She wasn't useful enough."

He nodded, rising. "So you must understand then, that only useful people will remain by my side, as I rise from the ashes of this corrupted palace." His voice was softer, calmer, but it didn't lose that menacing tone. Fear began to build in Azula's chest. If she ran, and her father's plan became true…and he became Fire Lord…she could never return to the Fire Nation again.

He turned to her, and despite his natural attire, his face was almost malevolent as he stared at her. "So, I ask you, Azula. Pale pink lips pulled back over pearl-like teeth and he smiled at her. A smile that on any other person would be kind, looked sick and twisted on her father's face. "Are you going to be useful to your father? Will you help him in his new regime?"

A lead ball dropped into her stomach as she realized the severity of what he'd asked her. There was a veiled message lying beneath his words. He wasn't talking about politics. He was talking about love. Could he detect her lies? Could he tell?

Who will you choose, her father was asking her, your boyfriend? Or your Father?

"Naturally, Father." Azula replied, looking her father directly in his eye and lying to his face. "I only live to serve you, and to help you attain your highest glory."

"And that, my darling daughter, is why I need you now, more than ever." He said, and all at once, the dark glare faded, and a loving grin was its cruel replacement.

Azula fought against shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Yes, Father." She replied with the same lack of emotion. "May I go?"

"Of course, daughter." He offered her a smile. There was a look in his eyes that suggested he knew more than he let on. But she couldn't think about it. Because if he knew, she would be dead. "I will be seeing you at the party tonight?" She nodded. "Good."

And that was all.

Katara

Katara's steps were slow and heavy as she approached the gardens of the Main Palace, though her heart beat wildly. Her hands clutched at the light robes she wore tightly, as though they were the only thing holding her together. Yue wore her out. Perhaps the girl didn't understand exactly what was to befall her should she make the wrong move…or maybe she did, now.

Maybe the best way for her to learn a lesson would be to find out the hard way.

Katara stopped, her fists clenched, cursing herself for having such thoughts.

No, no one deserved to suffer like she had, not even Yue. She leaned against one of the marble columns for support, feeling as though her legs were about to give out on her. This was too much for her to bear. Why did she have to face this problem alone? Why, since she'd come to the palace, was she ensnared in politics between people that were not only better masterminds, but had already planned this for years, and were likely three or four steps ahead.

But it wasn't like she'd had no effect.

Tiang was under house arrest and couldn't receive any visitor without express written consent of the Fire Lord, Fire Lady, or Lu Ten. It was better not to get Song involved, though with the way the girl behaved, it appeared she could handle her own problems.

Her eyes closed, and she felt the weight of her entire country on her shoulders. Maybe if she could block it out for a few seconds…

"Katara?"

Her eyes opened. Zuko stood there, a little bit down the hallways, about two or three columns down. He looked tired, the bags under his eyes a purple that made his skin looked even more pale and gaunt, but then again, they both were tired, and had been for the past few days. It seemed to Katara that tired was the new norm, and pleasant sleep and dreams were just distant memories

And it had only been a day since she'd last seen him, but it didn't matter.

"Zuko." She breathed.

And somehow, she'd closed the spaced between them, her arms latched around his neck. He stumbled backwards a bit in shock, but it didn't take him long to respond to the girl pressing herself against him. He pulled her closer, Katara's feet lifting off of the ground as his arms wrapped around her waist.

"I missed you." She mumbled into his neck, breathing the heady sent of smoke and cherries that seemed to come from him always.

And for one moment, the world was as it should be. Just the two of them. No Yue, no Azula, no one trying to kill her or use her for their own advantage…It was just them, and it was perfect.

He chuckled into her dark hair, "You saw me yesterday, not that I'm complaining." Gently, he set her on the ground, though she lingered close to him. Pulling back slightly, their eyes met, and a smile tugged at Zuko's lips. "Happy birthday, love."

She broke out into a grin. "Thank you."

Zuko started to step away from her, but Katara's slender fingers looped around his neck even more securely and pulled him down for a kiss. Something had changed in her, though whether it was from the responsibility she now faced, or maybe it was just her own confidence at being a recognized adult in her tribe…she kissed him even more deeply, her lips parting almost unconsciously, savoring his natural warmth, feeling how defined his muscles were beneath the light shirt he wore…Katara craved more contact, she craved more of him, of them, of blocking everything and everyone else out until they were the only two people left in the entire world.

His eyes were opened in surprise, and they never left hers, but as the kiss deepened, as their fingers grazed over more and more of each other, the colors of his eyes darkened, and she could almost see the flames of desire flicker beneath them, rumbling, waiting for the right moment.

But that moment wouldn't be today.

He pulled back, restraining, his hands shook as he let go although she could see in his eyes how much he too, wanted this, wanted her—, he wouldn't act on it. Because that was just the way Zuko was. He wouldn't do anything to compromise their relationship, no matter what the cost was to himself or his own personal desires.

And she loved him even more for it.

"As much as I'd like for this to continue—," And the molten glint of his eyes suggested that he would like nothing more than that. "I did have something planned for us in the garden."

"Anywhere but here." She pleaded, practically begging him. Her fingers almost dug into the skin of his arms, and his eyes widened at her cry.

"I don't get it—."

"I want to forget, Zuko." She said, pressing her lips to his once more. "Make me forget that I'm the princess of the Water Tribe, make me forget about Yue, and politics, and that our world may fall apart any moment."

"Ignoring a situation won't make it go away Katara." He pointed out.

"I know." She acknowledged. "But can't I put all of this stress aside for a moment at the very least? For my birthday?"

"Okay." He smiled. "I guess I can make it work.'

Azula

"I didn't see you at dinner last night." Azula said, walking into her bedroom. As far as she knew, Jet was off with his sister or something, making plans for their escape.

The thought still made her tingle. What she and Jet were going to do, was undoubtedly dangerous, completely psychotic and was more than likely doomed to fail for the start. And yet, she was going through with it anyway. Which is why she needing the girl sitting across from her usual seat at the table in her bedroom.

Her friend snorted as Azula sat down in the chair across from her. "I don't know why you told them that I'd be coming in the first place. I don't know why you thought it would somehow benefit me to see Zuko and his new toy fawning all over each other. Please, Azula. I might not care, but I'm not a glutton for punishment."

"Oh please, Mai. They've hardly spoken since." Azula raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean you've given up on him then?"

The girl in black shrugged. "I don't know, maybe I've given up on him, maybe not. I don't really care, like I've said."

Azula sighed, leaning back. "I guess that's fine then."

Mai quirked a perfect eyebrow. "I thought you and Katara became friends?"

Azula scoffed, "Whatever gave you that idea?"

"You saved her life, Azula. Nothing could be more advantageous than that for a friendship."

"I didn't do it for her." Azula said aggressively, narrowing her eyes at her friend. "I did it for him."

"Ah yes," Mai smirked. "You and your commoner."

Azula spluttered, blinking and looking more frazzled than Mai had ever seen her. "I—ah—he's not my commoner! And he's barely even a commoner," She defended. "Thanks to my Aunt, he's got more money than half the aristocracy!"

More than Tylee's family, anyway.

"And whose fault is that? I'd say yours, Azula." She too, relaxed her posture in the chair. "Face it, Jet wouldn't be anywhere without you. Which is why you're running away with him."

"Wha-Who said I was—," Azula stammered, at a loss for words.

"It's written all over your face. I'd have to be an imbecile to miss it." But Mai shrugged. "Don't worry, I'll cover for you."

"You will?" Azula asked. "Even though there's a possibility you'll never be with Zuko."

"Never say never, Azula."

Katara

"But I don't get it," Zuko laughed, the rice on his chopstick dangerously close to escaping. "How did he get the second fishhook stuck in his finger?"

Katara laughed as well, holding up a peach. "He tried to get the first fishhook out with a second fishhook!"

"But that doesn't make any sense," He said, laughing harder.

"Zuko, its Sokka, nothing he does or says makes sense. Well, maybe in his own head, it makes sense, but the problem is when he says his things out-loud."

The cave was just as they'd left it, all peaceful and serene, quiet except for the lapping of the waves against the sand or the calling of birds. They were given privacy by the large outcropping of rocks that shielded them from the view of any passerby. But she was glad for it. This small cave, connected to the Main Palace by old tunnels that people forgot about, seemed to Katara to be her and Zuko's sanctuary from the world. It was where she'd kissed him, where they'd spent the night peacefully in each other's arms before returning to the chaos…

And it was perfect for Zuko to bring her here.

He'd brought a picnic basket, laying a smooth dark red blanket out on the sand, placing the basket in front of them. They'd sat next to each other, resting their backs on the wall, just enjoying each other's company and telling stories about their childhoods. It was the first time she'd been able to tell Zuko about what it was like growing up in the South Pole.

"And your father actually expects him to inherit?" Zuko asked. It was an innocent enough question, but there was a disbelieving look in his eyes.

"Hey," She nudged him with her shoulder. "Sokka really isn't that bad. I mean, sure, he has his moments, but for the most part he's really good big brother."

Zuko grimaced. "Yeah, I'm sure, compared to me he gets the Brother of the Year Award." He grumbled.

"Come on," she said, slipping a finger under his chin, forcing him to look at him. "You've been given rough circumstances and reacted the best you can. Azula isn't exactly…caring, but she shouldn't affect how you see yourself, Zuko."

"Yeah, well…" He mumbled, and tried to turn his head away, but he hands stayed firm, forcing him to look at her.

"You're a great guy, Zuko." She blushed, even though he shouldn't still be affecting her like this. "You're a great brother, a great Prince, and a great…" She trailed off, and this time, she broke her gaze first.

"Kisser?" He quipped, rattling off all of the titles that were applicable to him. "Boyfriend? Betrothed? Future husband?"

"All of the above." She smiled, pecking his lips gently.

"I'm glad I met you, Katara," He said, an arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her to him gently. "I don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for you."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Well…Mai wouldn't appreciate this," He pointed to the space between them. "She preferred distance, and she wouldn't like to be outside, in the fresh and salty sea air."

"No, I guess love of the ocean comes standard with me." Katara chuckled. "Though I can't say I'm sorry that I ended up with you. But…the one thing I'm most appreciative of?"

He looked at her expectantly, brows furrowed.

"I think I'm the most appreciative that we're stronger together, than we are apart. I mean, when I'm with you, I don't know…I feel invincible, like I can take on the world…or at least this mad house that you call home."

He grinned at her, and stood, her hands suddenly in his as he pulled her up. "You said you want to forget, right?"

"Right…" She blinked at him, unsure.

His smile widened, and he placed a kiss on her lips, though the grin didn't disappear. "Then let's forget—together—if only for a moment." He pulled her away, the food suddenly forgotten as Zuko pulled her close.

"Spar with me." He said, something mischievous glinting in his eye.

Katara's mouth dropped open. He wanted to spar? She thought—well…it didn't matter what she thought, or what she'd have liked for them to do…but…He wanted to play? Okay. They'll play. "You sure you're ready to get your butt kicked?"

But Zuko continued to lead her to the water at the mouth of the cave. The clear blue water was unlike the cold and frigid water of her home. She could see her reflection and the tiny bits of sea-life that existed beneath her feet. "Oh please, you don't think I'm scared of you, short stuff?"

"I'm not short!" She protested, even as Zuko started to disrobe, revealing the lean muscles of his chest and broad shoulders. She paused only for a second to ogle him. "You think you can take me on? You've only been bending for what, a week?"

"Afraid that you're going to get beaten?" He said cockily, the glint in his eyes playful and exuberant. "Maybe you can't? Maybe you're not tough enough to stay here? What happened to the girl that never backed down from a challenge?"

"Zuko…" Katara sighed, though a competitive spirit was rising inside of her, and she gripped at the skirt of her dress, almost ready to pull it up.

But then Zuko said it.

"Maybe I should call Mai…" He mused, that glint "I'm sure she would like to spar with me. But first…" He moved to pull the shirt back over his head, turning around as he did so.

Her eyes narrowed, and before she knew what she was doing, her hand shot out, and a small little burst of water knocked Zuko's red shirt out of his hand. It landed in the water with a small plop.

"You leave that shirt off, Zuko." She smirked, a look that sent Zuko reeling, Katara never smirked. "And don't you think about letting Mai see you like that."

"And if I want her to?" He fired right back, though he hadn't lost the grin. "You're going to have to stop me, Princess Katara."

And she didn't know why, she didn't understand how it happened, but she just reacted. It's like she told Princess Ursa, bending was a part of you, as natural as breathing, as blinking. Her arm lashed out, and a tendril of water reached its way around Zuko's ankle, and she pulled back, sending him sprawling into the water with a crash.

"Augh!" He sputtered, spitting the saltwater out of his mouth. As he wiped the water from his eyes, Katara pulled the dress over her head, revealing her white bindings, starting to soak up the water from the sea. When Zuko opened his eyes, he saw Katara, standing over him. Her cheeks reddened at the way his eyes laved over her, up and down, his eyes lingering on certain areas of her anatomy…it seemed he liked the view. And to her own surprise, she didn't shy away from him. No, Katara was done hiding.

She was a woman now, and it was time she start acting like it.

He still sat in the water, staring up at her, when she crouched over him, and feeling braver than she'd ever felt, she straddled his hips, hovering slightly over him, careful not to touch any of his skin. The sun heated her upper body, and she felt the full heat of the Fire Nation summer wash over her, while the cool water, coming in from the Arctic cooled her legs.

"So Zuko," She murmured, ghosting her lips over his shoulders and necks. "Will you allow Mai to do this?" Katara's hands traced the wet droplets along Zuko's skin. Breathing suddenly became a lot more different for the both of them as her lips traced along her jawline. Pulling away, she fixed him a look that said that he'd better not allow Mai to come anywhere near him.

"Will I…what?" He breathed out, his smoky scent filling Katara's nose and swirling over her senses. He blinked, trying to clear his head, but Katara wouldn't have any of that.

"Did I…challenge you enough, Zuko?" She asked as her arms looped lazily around his neck. Feeling brave, she kissed down his neck, doing what came naturally, and loving the taste of the salty droplets over his skin.

He coughed, and his breaths came out hot and heavy. "Katara, this was supposed to be about you, not me." He protested, but his hands didn't hesitate to rest naturally on her waist. And the surprising thing was, how easily, Katara welcomed the feel of his hands. She felt safe, she felt right, and she knew…after what happened last time…if she felt uncomfortable in any way, he'd stop.

But she didn't want it.

Here, surrounded by her element, she felt more comfortable, and at home and confident than she ever could be. She loved him

"But seeing you happy, makes me happy." She whispered in his ear. She stared at him, showing him all of her wishes and desires in her eyes. She felt something pressing against her thigh, "And it seems like you're very happy."

Zuko let out a low groan and slammed his lips against hers. "Happy Birthday Katara." he whispered against her sun kissed skin, before his hands disappeared underneath her breastband, starting to lift it over her head.

Her eyes fluttered closed as he roamed over her heated skin, she let out shaking breaths as he set off a tingling sensation starting in her fingertips and toes, her body rapidly filling with heat that had nothing to do with the warmth of the Fire Nation summer.