ARC TWO: BODY
The Ninth Chapter
Lust
People lust for many things in life…money, luxury, health, food…and a companion. That night I let my lust overtake me, and sometimes that can be the best feeling in the world.
Even after the frantic tumble of forgiveness (in which we sought desperately to relieve each other of our…burdens), I clutch her close to me, dissatisfied. I want more – every inch of her, smelling like the ocean I knew she'd never been to.
"What will we do?" Her question, not unexpected, rings about my ears like a message on the wind.
"What will we do?" I wonder. "We'll leave."
"Leave." She repeats this, unbelieving. "Where?"
"The country. I'm 19, Katara. I have money." I look her in the eyes, that form, that lovely form, curled up close to me. "I can easily make the arrangements."
"Go away…and live together?"
I run one hand along her jaw. "Yeah."
"I love you."
Without hesitation, I repeat it to her. "I love you."
And I mean it.
It seems so natural to say it; neither of us give second thoughts to the enormity of the statement. In a world of little innocence, the phrase "I love you" is often used in vain.
But I don't think it has been, this time. Even now, I can't imagine life without Katara.
It might seem idiotic, going from enemies to lovers that quickly. But we are just two desperate people, a boy and girl, Katara and Zuko, hoping to come to a small understanding together…trying to find comfort in a world of hate.
It is nearly impossible to explain. Yes, I lust for her.
But I also love her.