16- Zuko's Comfort

"There is an outbreak in the Fire Nation," Zuko announced early on a clear morning. The nation below waited quietly for him to continue, as the message they had received said the news was urgent. "A very serious illness has been spreading rapidly."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves at this piece of information. It was difficult for Zuko to tell if this was new information, or if they had already known and he was late in announcing it.

"It is not quite understood what it is, but it is deadly," he stretched this last word, trying to get their attention once more. It worked, the crowd quieted. Many worried eyes looked back up at him.

"We have lost a good number of citizens which is why I feel I should inform you. Be careful of anything that you come in contact with or consume. We have not yet found the source, and to put it plainly, it could be anywhere or anything." The crowd was completely silent now.

"If you start having unusual symptoms of any kind, visit the hospital immediately. We might be able to track the source of this illness. I urge all of you to be careful."

He left them with this, hoping they would heed his words. He believed Katara when she said they needed to catch this early. Whatever would stop the spread of this disease.

Katara did not hear Zuko's speech, as well as most of the people in the hospital. Her days were full now, tending to all the patients with this strange illness. The symptoms seemed different for everyone; some experience excruciating pain, others so weak they could not move, some could not hold food down, and others, unfortunately, had a combination of the three.

Katara couldn't do more than ease their suffering. Her patients were grateful, but she wanted to do more. To cure them. But so far, no remedies have had an effect. She knew some of them were beyond her care, they were dying. Katara tried to communicate with them, the ones who were not severely weakened by their condition. She spoke in soft tones as she worked on them; urging them to try to remember. But it did little; many did not even seem to be aware of where they were. Katara couldn't get over how aggressive this illness was, how much damage it did to the body…it was frightening. But she tried not to show this fear, only confidence as she worked on these patients.

She worked on one in particular this morning, a sleeping man. She didn't know his name, but he was a new patient, and didn't seem to be as sick as the rest. Forming the familiar water around her hands, she explored his system. The illness hadn't spread yet. He had come early. Maybe, with regular healings he could be rid of the illness for good. Katara could only hope. She worked silently, but glanced up at his face when she felt him stir. He opened his eyes gently.

"Don't worry sir, I'm just trying to help you," Katara said instantly. She didn't want to unnerve him.

"I know…thank you," the man said softly; Katara almost didn't hear him. But maybe he could tell her what happened, since he came here so early. And since he was in better condition than the rest.

"Sir? If you don't mind me asking, what did you do before you arrived here? When did your symptoms begin?" She knew she sounded too eager. She waited for a moment, then glanced back up. He had fallen back asleep.

Katara returned to the palace by late afternoon. The nurses wanted her to leave early, since she had been working so hard. She tried to take a nap in one of the guest rooms. But she found she couldn't sleep, and decided to wander the hallways instead. She wished she could visit the art room that Zuko had shown her, but she couldn't remember where it was. The only thing familiar to her was the guest hallways, and the open areas where they all used to eat together.

She missed those days. She had lived in this palace for nearly a year before everyone began to part ways. That year was filled with good memories; all of them were enjoying the new found peace and relaxation after the war. It was also when she and Aang began their relationship. She remembered their kiss right out on the balcony. And plenty more kisses had taken place in this very hallway.

She remembered the first time that he told her he loved her. They had just spent a day together, just the two of them. And he held her, and said, "I love you, Katara. I have since you found me in that iceberg…" And she had believed him.

Maybe it had been true at one point. But things were different now. He loved somebody else. The thought didn't make her heart ache like it did a few weeks ago. But she still couldn't shake the empty feeling that took hold of her. She missed him, she missed what they had. Was it only a month ago that he had held her in this hallway, that he had kissed her passionately after returning from a mission? It was hard to believe. She could almost see the two of them here, years ago, happy….now broken. She sighed.

"Katara?"

She turned at the sound of her name. Zuko neared her. He was still wearing semi-formal robes, but his hair was down. Perhaps he had been relaxing for a while.

"Are you okay?" he questioned.

She said nothing at first, just stared into his concerned eyes, as he approached. So many things had been running through her mind only seconds ago. But the sight of him…all was forgotten. Aang was not here. Just Zuko; just the two of them in this quiet hallway. She smiled at the effect he had on her, at how much has changed over the years.

He returned the smile, amused. "What is it?"

In response, she kissed him gently first, but growing in passion. His initial surprise faded into heat, sensing what she wanted and returning it. Their mouths moved against one another, releasing the stress that had been building up. The illness, the worry, was gone in an instant during the kiss. But Katara was not satisfied with just kissing, she wanted more. She grabbed at his robes, wanting to feel skin, not cloth.

Zuko's heart, beating wildly, couldn't stop his brain from wondering what was happening. What did she want? Was it possible that she was ready for him so soon? And why now? He knew something was wrong. But maybe this was what she needed. Maybe he would be the one to give her what Aang never did. He decided to go with it; if she felt pressured, he knew she would stop it.

But to his surprise, she giggled as he pinned her against the wall. His lips moved down her neck, making her sigh in content. She couldn't stop it, she wanted more. But she didn't want to rush. She clutched at his robes more. Why were there so many layers on him? Reading her movements, he released the sash that bound them, giving her access to his chest.

She had seen this before; it was not new. She had touched him. But this time felt different, exciting. Her hands explored his chest while his mouth moved back up to hers. Her hands felt like silk to Zuko. He knew her hands could do powerful things, but now, they were warm, soft, and gentle. Feeling the heat growing, he broke off the kiss suddenly and stared at her. He had to know for sure. He didn't need to voice what he was thinking, the question reflected in his eyes. She nodded in response, a smile playing on her lips.

"Not here," Zuko whispered. He took her hand and led her upstairs to the master chamber. He wanted this to be special; in his own bed, where they wouldn't be disturbed. He closed the hallway doors behind them, ensuring complete privacy. He had avoided this room for months, avoiding painful memories. But now, this was the opportunity to form a new memory.

Hand still clutched within Katara's, he led the way to his bedroom. Upon entry, with a few flicks of his hands, he skillfully lit up all the candles within the room, giving it a nice warm glow. Placing a soft kiss upon Katara's lips, he took both her hands and led her to the bed. She noticed it was much larger than the guest beds; the red sheets looked soft and inviting.

Zuko wanted to do anything but rush her. So, he approached her slowly, and wrapped her hands around her waist affectionately. The tips of her hair brushed his hands, and he couldn't stop himself from stroking it as he stared into her deep blue eyes.

"Katara…you truly are beautiful…" he murmured, and silenced her with another kiss before she could respond. He knew he told her this repeatedly. But it was what he felt; somehow, he felt the word alone wasn't enough. He wanted to show it.

Their mouths moved hungrily against one another, picking up the passion that began in the hallway. The two of them landed on the bed sooner than expected, and Katara, smiling sweetly, started to shed her clothes. Zuko stared in amazement as the layers came off, revealing the stunning body underneath. She was even more beautiful then he could have imagined, even with her white bindings still on.

Brushing a stray hair from her face, he released the bindings holding her breasts. Katara's cheeks reddened as soon as they were revealed; not even Aang had seen this much of her. But her smile returned as soon as she saw the gaze in Zuko's eyes. She had no need to be embarrassed. She knew Zuko thought she was beautiful just the way she was. He kissed her gently, then moved his mouth down to her awaiting breasts.

Zuko had to admit, he knew he was skilled with his tongue. There were countless nights that he made Mai thrash around in pleasure. But he still couldn't fight the nerves. What if Katara doesn't enjoy him? Would he be able to make this special for her?

These thoughts were instantly put out of his mind when he heard her sigh in content. She wanted him just as badly as he wanted her. He rolled his tongue across her nipple skillfully, making Katara moan. Aang had only gone as far as kissing and touching…

Zuko did not ignore the other one. With ease, he moved to the other breast. His soft touches, his tongue, it made Katara arch her back, close her eyes. Craving the taste of his lips again, she brought his head back up until they met. Their mouths moved smoothly together, making them want more of one another.

Zuko moved his hands against her body, exploring, enjoying, and Katara did the same. She could feel the muscle, underneath the smooth skin. He almost shivered under her soft touch. They moved further into the bed, and Zuko flipped Katara over so that her back was resting against the satin sheets. Arms locked in one another; she stared into his golden eyes, hazed with lust.

He kissed her lips gently, and then moved down her body, placing gently kisses along the way. She had an idea of what he was going to do. It was just like her dreams, only this was reality. A beautiful reality. Zuko carefully removed the white bindings that covered her most sensitive area, revealing all of her.

Zuko was at a loss for words, she was so beautiful. Deciding to show it, rather than say it again, he spread her legs, revealing her womanhood, and used his tongue once again. He licked and sucked, making her moan. She was delicious; he wanted every piece of her, he had for a long time. Soon he used his fingers, finding a good pace with those and his tongue. He could feel her body moving against his fingers, her moans becoming more intense. He felt himself stiffen with the pleasure that he was giving her. He didn't want her to return the favor. Tonight was about her, making this special for her.

Katara couldn't believe how skilled he was. It seemed like he had only just begun when she started to feel that wonderful pleasure building inside of her. Zuko sensed this; he didn't want it to happen yet. So he stopped, making her open her glazed eyes at him. She gazed at him as he removed his own bottom layers, revealing the hard entirety of him. Lust overtaking her, she grabbed him back to her and kissed him roughly, wanting every inch of him inside of her.

Zuko complied. As his tongue rolled with hers, he pushed himself inside of her gently, moving further in as she adjusted. She could feel the pain, but the pleasure was overpowering it, the passion that Zuko was radiating just made her want him more. He started to move, and she moved with him, each finding a good rhythm with one another. She had never felt this kind of pleasure before, it was unbelievable. Their mouths were glued to one another, their bodies intertwined. They were one.

They moaned into each other's mouths, each feeling that wonderful pressure building up. They screamed as they came, each knowing that they could be as loud as they wished. Katara's head was spinning. Breathing heavy, she opened her eyes and looked at him. She pushed back a damp piece of hair away from his face and touched his scar. He leaned into her hand, feeling so many things….he felt like he was falling in love…but he dared not say it. Somehow, he thought she knew though, and he wished with all his heart that she felt the same.

There wasn't much sleeping that night, so Zuko and Katara didn't wake until the late morning. Zuko was grateful that no messengers or guards had disturbed them. They got to have a magical night together, and wake up in each other's arms.

"Good morning," he said softly against her ear. Katara rolled over and smiled at him.

"Morning," she said sweetly.

The sun was shining brightly through the windows. Somehow things felt different, better, more beautiful.

"Are you feeling better?" Zuko asked, stroking her hair. He couldn't keep himself from touching it. He loved the way it felt.

"So much better," Katara responded. Her voice was groggy; she was still tired from lack of sleep. Zuko smiled at her, then it faded.

"What was wrong? You seemed down when I found you yesterday."

Katara inhaled deeply. She didn't want to tell him what she was thinking, how much she was missing Aang. And after last night, all the feelings and thoughts of Aang had been abandoned. It was all just him now. She decided to choose her words carefully.

"I was just thinking about years ago, after the war had ended, and we all were together. I guess I just missed those days."

"I know it must be hard without them."

"It's okay," Katara smiled. "You're here." Zuko gave her a soft kiss on the lips in response. "I was also worried about the patients. I tried to communicate with one of them, but I got nothing."

The two of them were silent for a moment.

"Katara?" Zuko said, breaking the silence.

She looked over at him. "Hmm?"

"I think I might know who could be doing this."

"You do?"

His face hardened. "I don't know how yet, but I think, somehow, that my father and sister are behind this."