A/N: Some heated rated "M" scenes in this chapter. You've been warned.

Book 4 Air

Chapter 55 Service

"No, uncle…It there something you have for me?" Zuko said in a low voice.

Iroh's eyes slightly widen as he then smiled, "You are quite sharp, my dear nephew." Iroh said with a smirk as he took out a piece of paper.

"The councils have made the date official." Iroh said as he read through the document.

Zuko's eyes narrowed as Katara blinked. "Date, for what exactly?" Katara asked.

Before Zuko had a chance to say anything Iroh cut him in, "Why for the Golden Dragon Dance." Iroh said smiling mischievously.

"The Golden Dragon Dance…Yes, I've heard it from Ming once. Is it coming soon?" Katara asked as Iroh answered her question.

"This upcoming week, in fact." Iroh said as he placed the paper down.

Katara smiled, she looked forward to the event. Her last dance party she had in the cave during her hideout in the Fire Nation was indeed fun. Will this dance be just as fun for her and her friends when they arrive?

"I'm so excited! It sounds like it'll be fun." Katara said innocently as she turned to Zuko smiling.

Zuko nodded his head as he then looked at uncle, telling him to give them some privacy through his eyes as they narrowed coldly. Iroh chuckled as he folded the paper and placed it in the fold of his kimono. "Well then, I'll be off. There's much to do in such little time!" Iroh bellowed out as he walked pass the two teens and down the hallway.

Katara lightly waved to Iroh as she then turned back to Zuko. "Zuko, aren't you looking forward to the dance?" Katara asked noticing the lord's tensed expression.

"Yea…It's just going to be a lot of work for the preparations that's all." Zuko said misleading the girl from his thoughts.

"Well, I bet it's going to be worth it." Katara said as she walked off down the hall.

Zuko sighed as he followed the girl. Walking side by side, the two teens blushed. Zuko's hand twitched as he felt four fingers curl under his palm. Holding the girl's hand, he smiled. It was nice to be so close to the girl, enjoying her calming presence after his difficult hours throughout the day. As the two entered into the West wing, Katara blushed. She didn't want her time with Zuko to end. Why did the sun set so early in the day? Perhaps it was like during the winter years in the Southern pole where the sun slept for many months before it rise again in the summer time. In fact, Katara recalled Ming telling her something about day light savings time. Whatever that meant, the sun would set and the night will go on late 'til early morning. It sort of messed with the girl's sleeping patterns making her stay up later at night, feeling restless.

As they walked up to Katara's bedroom, Zuko turned and spoke softly. "Dinner won't be ready for a while. I know it's kind of late. But the chefs have been making preparations for the dance so if you're hungry I can call for room service if you'd like." Zuko said as he still held the girl's hand.

Katara smiled, "Sure…Would you like to join me in my room when they arrive?" Katara asked.

Zuko smiled, "Sure." The Fire Lord said, taking a chance to spend more time with the lovely waterbender.


As Appa flew across the skies, the sight of day slowly turned into evening as the skies darken. Flying through the air, it felt suddenly thicker with steam as the travelers entered into Fire Nation territory. The sight of volcanic islands scattered across the dark blue ocean as the flying bison dived underneath the few clouds above. Azula fidgeted on the saddle as her heart raced. She was drawing closer to home, closer to her fate.

"Azula, stop squirming." Mai said becoming more impatient with the girl. Azula gasped out as she hugged her knees laying her face on her knees.

Sokka sighed. The fire princess hasn't spoken since they left Kyoshi Island, plus at any rate he knew she would be nervous…Maybe he can help her out. The water tribe warrior thought.

"Don't be so nervous…Everything will be fine." Sokka said as Azula lifted her head up slightly.

Her golden orbs glistened as her cheeks tinted with embarrassment. Sokka blinked, it was as if the girl was merely five years old. Her movements were slow and at unease. Her eyes shined a frail innocence as her facial expression appeared as though she was a young child in trouble.

Sokka smiled lightly, "It's alright…You're almost home now." Sokka said calmly as Azula lifted her head higher.

Her mouth parted as if she wanted to say something, but stopped as she thinned her light pink lips tightly.

Sokka closed his eyes as his lips frowned lightly. 'She so stay a mute for now uh?' Sokka thought as he looked out at the ocean scenery below. 'Hopefully she will speak again.'

"We're almost there!" Aang called out as the three teens looked out from the saddle.

The view of distant islands of the Fire Nation capital was seen, across the horizon.


Sitting in the small room with seated upholstered red velvet chairs with golden silk throws on them, Katara and Zuko sat around a small circular table made of cherry wood near the hallway to her bedroom. Next a small fireplace, Katara and Zuko waited for their meals to arrive. Staring at the fire, Katara sighed peacefully.

As she watched the flames flicker and dance, she then noticed something odd, like the flames were shaping and bending in different forms by themselves. Smiling to herself she looked up at Zuko. He was flicking his wrist back and forth as he controlled the fire behind the mantle. Smiling at her, Zuko then turned back to the fireplace. Katara watched as the flames formed into two dragons seemly dancing in the fiery background. It was a breath-taking sight. Giggling and clapping her hands at the performance Katara smiled widely. The flaming dragons then met together meshing into a single large flame as the fire dimmed from the excitement and over use of burning wood.

Katara turned to Zuko, "That was beautiful…" Katara said as Zuko chuckled.

"It was merely child's play." Zuko said as he lowered his head pausing for a moment as the two sat in silence.

"I used to do something like that all the time, with my waterbending." Katara said.

Zuko looked up at her and smiled.

"I was only eight years old. I remember I would form little bubbles and balls of water in my igloo home. My mother encouraged me all the time to practice my waterbending. My brother Sokka on the other hand hated it." Katara said as she laughed lightly recalling the memories.

"He always used to say it was just stupid magic, and nothing special. Sometimes, I think he was a little jealous of my abilities …" Katara said as she sat further back in her chair, wrapping herself with the throw.

"I couldn't blame him…It was hard being the only waterbender in my village. No one understood how wonderful and beautiful my gift was. I used to think I was different or something... Then when my mother died in the raid, my gift felt like it was a curse. I stopped practicing my bending…It wasn't until I met Aang that I felt I had to learn more. I wanted to do in honor of my mother, my people and for myself." Katara said as she opened up, subconsciously hugging herself.

Zuko nodded his head as he spoke softly, "I've had a similar experience…When I was young; I always had a hard time mastering the most basic techniques. My sister, Azula mastered them in no time. She was always praised and was said she was a prodigy. I wanted to give up so many times. But my mother, she always supported me. Encouraged me to never give up without a fight. After she was banished, and my father became Fire Lord. I lost sight of myself; I couldn't bend as strongly as I could. Then when I was banished as well, I practiced night and day to perfect my abilities. I wanted to prove I could do it…For my mother's sake…and mine." Zuko said in a low voice as his lowered his head.

Katara smiled softly, "She must be very proud of you…" Katara said lightly as Zuko lifted his head.

"Yea…" Zuko said softly.

The two teens then sat in silence as a knock came at the door. "Come in." Zuko said as two servants walked in with trays.

"Here, Fire lord Zuko, Miss Katara." One servant said as they placed two trays of food and two cups of tea.

"Thank you." Katara said as the two servants bowed then left the room.

Looking down at the food, Katara then picked up her chopsticks and plucked a sushi roll. Dipping in the light soy sauce, Katara the nibbled on the seaweed wrapped rice ball stuffed with crab.

After she swallowed the small morsel, she smiled. "This is so good." Katara said as she picked another on off her tray.

Zuko smiled as he poured her a cup of tea then himself. The two spent their time in silence as they ate their meal quietly, lost in their thoughts…


Lying down on the small bunk bed, Cole folded his arms behind his head as he stared up at the top cot above his head. Aeron still hasn't spoke to him for the whole day as she spent her afternoon on a walk around the deck while he stayed inside sharpening their weapons. Apparently Aeron was taking a shower near the women's room in one of the rooms separate from the rest of the cabins. Closing his eyes, Cole sighed. Then he heard a door open as light footsteps entered the room. Cole kept silent as he heard the footsteps draw closer to him. His heart raced as he felt a hand rest on the end of his bed only to push off. Opening his eyes, he saw two feet dangling to climb up the top of the bunk. He heard a sad sigh escape the woman's lips above him. Deciding she retired for the night, Cole closed his eyes again trying to sleep.

"Cole?"

Cole opened his eyes. He said nothing as Aeron spoke again, "Cole, are you still awake?"

"Yea…" Cole said no longer able to resist ignoring the warrior girl.

The sound of the creaking cot was heard as two feet stepped off the bunk. By his bed side was Aeron. Her hair was still damp as she was dressed in a light green night gown. Cole blushed as she leaned over his bed and on top of him. Not taking his eyes off her Cole tried to speak but couldn't. The girl then sighed as she rested her head on his chest. "Sorry…" Aeron whispered as Cole wrapped his arm on her waist. "It's ok…" Cole said as his cheek tinted a darker shade of red. Aeron lifted her head and stared into his eyes. A light brown, like the enriched soil of her nation, his eyes were so beautiful…Aeron thought as she leaned in kissing him lightly. Cole hesitated as he felt the girl's soft lips caressed his mouth. Slightly kissing her back, she moaned as she placed her weight on him. Feeling her small breasts against his hard chest, embarrassed the young man as he continued to kiss her slightly. Aeron kissed back more passionately as Cole pulled her closer. Breathing through their noses as they kissed deeper, Aeron pulled away to breath as she looked down at Cole. Her damp hair waved slightly in curly locks as they traced over his cheek, tickling him lightly. "I love you…Cole." Aeron said in a light whisper as she leaned back and kissed the young man. Cole kissed her back as he nuzzled his cheek against her ear. "Same here…" Cole said as he then nibbled on her ear lobe. Aeron gasped as she whimpered. Cole gripped on her waist as she squirmed. Kissing down her neck, Cole loved the way she smelt. Like ash bananas and ginger, rough and spicy. It turned him on like never before.

Running her fingers through his hair, Aeron sighed out as he sucked on her neck. The girl then moaned as she breathed out in uneven words, "Co-le…We have to stop…W-we can't…" Aeron said as Cole rolled over hovering over her, "Yes we can…" Cole said in a huskily voice as he kissed down her collarbone. "I've wanted you for so long…You just don't know…" Cole said in a low voice as he continued to kiss down the girl's chest. Aeron started to pant as she tilted her head to the side. "Mmm…Cole…" Aeron moaned out as he pulled down her dress. Lifting his head up, he gazed at the girl's body. Aeron looked away from him as she begged, "Please don't look at me…" Aeron squeaked out as she tried to cover her scars over her shoulder and legs. Cole gulped as he breathes out passionately, "You look beautiful…" Cole said as Aeron opened her eyes. "Really?" Aeron asked as she looked at him.

"Yea…" Cole said as he dived his head down to her breasts.

Lightly touching her right mound softly, Cole then moved to the left one taking her peaked nipple in his mouth. Aeron whimpered as she squirmed her hips. Flicking his tongue over the pink skin, Cole then nibbled lightly. Hearing the girl's moans and pleads urged the young man to continue. Cole lifted his head slightly as he leaned over kissing her scar on her shoulder. Aeron blushed deeply as she shut her eyes. Cole sweetly kissed feather light kisses down her arm then to her stomach as he planted a brief kiss on her disfigured mark on the side. The young man then lifted his head, his eyes filled with lust and desire. "Do you want me? Aeron…" Cole asked as Aeron lifted her head, looking down at the young man.

"Yes…" Aeron said deeply as she gasped out as Cole rubbed her inner thigh.

"How badly…do you want me?" Cole asked as he hand trailed up further in between her legs.

"I-I want you!" Aeron cried out as Cole slid his fingers on the outside of her folds.

Cole smirked as he watched her squirm on the bed.

"Cole!" Aeron cried out.

The young man then hovered over her as leaned in and kissed her deeply, while still rubbing her lightly.

"Aeron…" Cole whispered as he pulled away.

The scene of the cabin door was seen focusing out to the view of the ship.


Katara sighed with content as she finished her last sip of tea. Looking over she noticed Zuko rising from his chair. "Are you leaving for tonight?" Katara asked with slight disappointment.

Zuko stopped, hearing the tone of her voice made him wonder, "I think it would be best…" Zuko said as Katara nodded her head slightly.

"Alright…" Katara said softly as Zuko pass her.

Quickly standing up, Katara walked up behind the young man. "Zuko…" Katara said as she froze when Zuko turned around and kissed her forehead.

"Good night…Princess…" Zuko said in a low, tender voice.

Katara blushed as she spoke lightly, "G-good night." The girl said as she watched Zuko leave the room.

Sighing lightly, Katara then turned back as she gazed at the dimming fire glowing in the char'd wood.

'Zuko…' Katara thought to herself as she sighed folding her hands on her lap.


I know you probably wanted some Zutara steamy goodness, but that comes next chapter, in the late evening…Hehe…I figured it wouldn't make sense to have two rated scenes in one chapter. I need to spice some things up right? Anyways, please review!!!!

As for the Sokkla attraction, don't worry, it's only one-sided for Azula…Unless any of you like the pairing. If not, then I will continue Sukka.