Chapter Summary: Zuko takes Katara to the beach for the first time and they both encounter someone from Zuko's past. The reunion has Katara looking back at the flaws in her and Zuko's relationship.
"I'm gonna throw caution to the wind
I'm gonna send love
I can't handle my heart, or water
I want to stay afloat
I wanna go the extra mile this time"- Becky Hill, Caution to the Wind
I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender
The water! Oh, how she missed it. The smell of ocean reached her nostrils and Katara breathed it in like fresh air to her lungs. It had been months since she was able to touch the cool waves of the ocean. Granted, it was freezing back at the South Pole but being a waterbender, the temperature meant nothing as long as she was surrounded by her element.
She was surprised at Zuko's willingness to take her outside of the volcano. Being unsocial made it difficult to get him to take her out more often. They had been to a couple villages to seek provisions much to his reluctance, but he knew her being human, charcoaling large game was not to her liking. Katara wasn't sure if it bothered him when she wouldn't eat anything he hunted but he seemed pleased to have the kill all to himself, so she guessed it worked in both their favors.
Katara had never been to a tropical beach. Zuko suggested taking her to the east side of the island in what he considered was the most beautiful of all the beaches surrounding it. Katara decided to take his word for it. Staying inside the volcano day in and day out was both boing and suffocating. Zuko didn't seem to mind. When he wasn't sleeping, eating, or bathing, he was making love to her. Eventually she had to get him to slow down when intercourse was causing her to become sore. He had too much stamina for her to keep up with, although he did comply without complaint when she asked him to give her time.
Giddy when lifting her hands in the air to feel the ocean breeze run through her fingers, hair whipping in the air, Katara jumped off of Zuko's back, landing in the sand below her. The strange feel of sand covering her feet made her slightly jump and she almost lost her footing. Katara ignored it immediately, running like an overexcited kid to where the water and the sand met. She quickly removed her Fire Nation attire, flinging it in every direction, before stripping down to her bindings. The waterbender clumsily tripped over her own foot, not being use to walking on sand, and almost landed flat on her face, legs thrown in the air. She braced herself just in time.
Quickly jumping back to her feet, Katara flipped her wavy hair out of her face and spit sand out of her mouth. "I'm fine!" she exclaimed. A blush reddening her cheeks. She waved at Zuko, assuring him that it did not bother her in the least, but she could sense a snicker coming from his thoughts.
Meeting the waves crashing on the beach, Katara smiled at how the cool water ran between her toes. She inhaled through her nose, closing her eyes, and felt the pull of the water through her fingertips. Lifting both hands, she extended the wave way above her head. Drops of water rained down on her as she kept the wave above her, giggling as it trickled down her exposed skin.
Zuko watched on. Eyeing his young wife from a distance. As nice as it was to see his little waterbender get excited, the sun rays made him a sleepy. Opening his jaws to release a large yawn, Zuko flipped on his back to feel the warmth of the sun on his belly, stretching his tail out, and closed his eyes to take an afternoon nap.
The ground shook and Katara caught a glimpse of the dragon's reflective red/gold scales as he laid out on his back. She puffed her cheeks in disappointment. The waterbender never met a creature who slept as much as he did. She was hoping he would at least take the time to enjoy the water with her but apparently, he had other plans. She decided not to allow his laziness to interfere with her fun.
Katara began to wonder if he knew he was getting fatter over the last several months since she's been brought to his lair on the island.
I heard that.
Katara whipped her head around. Zuko hadn't moved from his napping spot since she last checked five seconds ago. Scrunching her nose and sticking her tongue out in his direction, Katara dismissed his comment and went off to swim. Kicking her feet and holding her breath, the waterbender dove deeper into the water.
To her surprise, the deeper she got the more she encountered various creatures and fish that resided there. A blue and yellow stripped elephant koi swam by her. Katara extended a hand to brush its gorgeous scales, reveling in the fear and excitement that coursed through her very soul. In all her years, she never thought she would leave the South Pole to discover such a world. She only ever imagined living a peaceful life in her village well into old age, married to a tribesman and caring for their children.
After the creature was out of sight, Katara swam further into the ocean, using her waterbending to form an air bubble to breathe into now and then, otherwise, she was very good at holding her breath for long periods of time. She knew she should probably be cautious, considering she's never ventured far from Zuko outside their home since they've been together. But eagerness to explore more of the watery world left her unaware of any possible danger. Not even the shift in the water's temperature caught her undivided attention.
Swimming towards a school of fish, Katara swirled around when she felt something brush the heel of her foot. She frantically twirled around in the water, narrowing her eyes to catch whatever it was that touched her. After a few moments of observing her surroundings, Katara concluded that a small creature happen to pass by her when she wasn't paying attention and continued on with her journey.
The school of fish swam around a circle in unison like a tornado. Katara gleefully kicked her feet to move inside the middle of it, using her waterbending to create a sprout, and pushed herself towards the surface. She flipped her hair once she reached the surface, gasping, and wiped drops of water from her eyes. Turning towards the beach where Zuko rested, Katara's happy expression turned to confusion when she seen Zuko standing by the water, teeth bare and back arched, glaring in her direction.
Why was he looking at her like that?
Suddenly the temperature in the water started to become excruciatingly hot. Katara yelped, pushing the water to propel herself backwards towards the beach and that's when she noticed. A pool bubbled like boiling water and suddenly a creature broke through the surface, black and silver scales reflected in the light of the afternoon sun and Katara had to cover her eyes to keep from getting blinded. A cry, louder and sharper than any eagle-hawk, ripped through the waterbender's eardrums, causing her vision to blur and her hands to slap over her ears.
Katara!
She could barely hear the call when the cry caused a loud buzz to ring in her ears as it subsided.
Katara!
The voice was louder this time, seeming to be closer than before and she shook her head to wake herself up out of the daze she was under and used her waterbending to make it back to the surface. Katara began to wonder what creature could make such a noise then she recalled only one.
The waterbender's eyes widened in terror as she caught a glimpse of the beast and its gold eyes locked onto her form in a death glare. Katara almost lost control of her waterbending as her heart pounded into her ears. "Zuko!" she cried. But before she could finish saying his name, red scales flashed by and a tail swooped underneath her, flinging her skidded across the water and she landed hard into the sand. It took her only seconds to jump to her feet, skin covered in sand, and watched as her dragon-husband wrestled in the sky with the crazed beast.
"Zuko!" Katara called again, worried that he might get hurt. Wings sending waves into the ocean, claws whipping at one another. Zuko fought hard against the black beast but despite its smaller form, it seemed to have just as much fierce in its fight as he did.
But not for long. Zuko gripped the creature by his shoulders, sinking his claws through its protective scales earning himself an even louder cry, and flung it aggressively towards the beach.
Katara seen it coming in time and ran out of the way before it collided into the ground, sending sand flying in the air. The waterbender made sure to get as far away from it as she could and was relieved when Zuko landed by her, allowing his wife to hide behind his hind leg, growling a warning at the beast that disturbed their afternoon.
The creature stood up, shaking its body of the sand, and turned to the couple, baring its teeth.
Zuko! Zuko! What is that?! Katara asked panicky, steadying herself against his leg.
His muscles tensed under her touch and he didn't turn to look at her. Only keeping his eyes on the intruder. It took a moment for Katara to realize the creature he just fought was another dragon. Only it was smaller and didn't seem as powerful. But she wasn't going to take the chance in underestimating it. She called the water to her, bringing it around the hand she wasn't touching Zuko with, and prepared herself in case she needed to help her husband.
So, this is what you choose? A human? Out of all the low life pest you could've chosen as your mate, you not only choose a human but a water peasant as well.
Katara swallowed the dry lump in her throat. She could hear it. She could hear that thing!
You have no business here, Mai. Zuko warned, crouching down in case she made a move.
Mai? Katara screeched, dropping the water and narrowed her eyes jealously at the she-dragon. It relaxed its form, curling its tail up in what looked to be a seductive manner and strode a few more steps toward them.
There was a time when my business was welcomed. Did you forget me so quickly, Zuko? She purred.
The dragon-god stood up straight, silently observing the female dragon in front of him. If I recall, you left me for Ryujin. Apparently, Water-gods were more to your liking. Zuko snapped.
Katara's face gave a pained expression. Was he upset over losing Mai? The waterbender pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, unable to make sense of the situation.
The she-dragon made what looked like a frown and stomped her feet. Don't mention that sorry excuse of a Dragon-God to my face again. To think he took a lower dragon over me. And died. She laughed darkly. He knew the consequences of being with a mortal and he paid price for it.
Zuko, what is she talking about? Katara asked worriedly.
Hah! You don't know, you pathetic little slut. Zuko roared sharply over the comment but Mai didn't move an inch. My, my, Zuko, to take a human as your mate and failing to give her the details? For shame. Mai stretched her front claws before laying on the ground comfortably and folded her arms. For your information, human, dragons can only have one mate. Their bond is strong and therefore, is unable to live without one another.
I already know that! Katara bit. I'm well aware that we cannot be separated.
Why yes, little human, but while separation isn't the only thing that could take either of your lives, so can death itself.
Katara's face contorted in confusion. Zuko growled a warning. Stay out of this Ma-
For you see, when your life ends, so does dear Zuko's. That is the strength of the bond.
What? Katara shook her head, turning in her husband's direction. Zuko that can't be true.
He was silent, giving her confirmation that the she-dragon's words were true.
But he was a God. Why would he willing give up immortality to be her mate?
Mai blew hot air out of her nostrils, standing up on her feet and strode over to where the couple stood, stopping ten feet in from the larger dragon. Your guess is as good as mine, water peasant. There are very few of us dragon-gods and he prefers to throw his life away for a mere human. Tell me this, waterbender, do you prefer his human form over that of his dragon? Because it would certainly be shallow of you to accept only that side of him.
Katara didn't know what to say. She wasn't as frightened of Zuko's dragon form as she was in the beginning and his ability to turn into human made it easier to transition into their new life together. But when she really thought about it, she rarely was near him when he was dragon and a part of her wondered if she was self-consciously hurting him by distancing herself during those times. Was she being shallow for enjoying his human form more than his dragon? Did she truly like Zuko? All of him for who he is? They talked about their growing feelings for one another, but she never actually told him she loved him. He was her first and all this time she figured he knew. But thinking back, she realized Zuko wasn't one for reading people. Maybe he did doubt her feelings for him. Maybe she should've made it clear that she loved everything about him, human or otherwise.
Zuko snapped his teeth in Mai's direction. Yet here you are, coming back to seek my attentions after five thousand years when you yourself are barely a deity. You are only ageless not immortal. Do not forget that death can take you at any time and I would gladly oblige to sending you into its realm sooner.
Mai growled low.
I have chosen my mate and you are no longer welcome in my presence.
And you forget that once your precious waterbender is dead so will you follow. And if you've chosen this path, then you will pay dearly! With that, Mai lunged at Katara, snapping her teeth at her and missed when Zuko shoved the she-dragon with his head, curling his tail protectively around his wife.
Mai stood up quickly, eyes crazed and ran towards the couple once again. Zuko lifted his front claws, the two slamming into one another. The she-dragon flung her body side to side, using her strength to throw Zuko on his side and pinned him to the ground, scraping his jaw with her tusk. His scales reflected to gold, locking like armor, and blocked her tusk from piercing his flesh.
Katara rolled away when the two collided, leaving her dizzy and confused as her body slammed into a nearby palm tree.
Zuko whipped his tail at Mai's backside, the sharpness of his gold scales ripped a part of her hide and she yelped. Deciding it was best to protect herself as well, Mai's scales turned to silver and clinked her tail against Zuko's. The she-dragon knew her odds against him were low. She was not immortal nor was she a high-ranking god, but she was determined to get to the waterbender before he overpowered her.
Zuko clawed Mai's face, catching her by surprise, and some of her scales ripped off her face to the ground. Having enough, she opened her jaws and clamped down on Zuko's neck. She was not hurting him, but it left him confused and riled up, jerking his neck back to get her off of him. His efforts proved worthless when he went to attack Mai, only for her to avoid or counter his attacks and causing her sharp teeth to cling harder onto his neck.
This is what you get! Mai hissed. You chose this!
And would your reaction have been any different if I had chosen a Dragon-goddess as my bride? Zuko retorted.
Mai made no reply, instead, bit down harder and to her surprise, felt the scales under her jaws crack.
Zuko's golden eyes widened, body flailing more aggressively to get her off him. She could not kill him, but she could definitely hurt him if she got past his armor. Then there was no way for him to stop Mai from going after Katara.
Just when the she-dragon broke her way through another layer of scales, a large wave sprung out of nowhere, filling her mouth and nostrils, and she opened her jaws to gasp for air, releasing Zuko. Mai was washed away, landing where the ocean met the beach and away from Zuko. She whirled around, searching for the cause of the abnormal phenomenon, and caught sight of the waterbender.
"Don't think for a minute that I'm weak, you slimy bitch!" Katara panted, lifting her arms defensively, "I have no problem drowning your sorry ass if you so much as touch him again."
Mai chuckled weakly, locking her armor in place and turned to the waterbender. Try me, peasant.
Katara growled, clenching her teeth, and lifted the waves behind Mai high enough that she knew the she-dragon couldn't escape. Mai looked up behind her, eyes widened in shock and attempted to make a run for it. But before her wings could carry any momentum, water came crashing down on her, encasing her body and then freezing in place. Katara inhaled through her nose, lifting her right foot off the ground, then exhaled slowly, taking a wide stance and the waves carried the frozen orb away. Silence settled as it disappeared into the water.
*break*
Katara barely said a word to Zuko. He gazed at her as she sat by the fire in silence, arms wrapped around her knees. He had asked if she wanted to go home but she shook her head in silence. He was worried about her reaction to the situation that took place that afternoon. They sat still for hours until the sun began to set and Katara announced she was going to find firewood.
Is she dead? Zuko asked, trying to break the silence. Probably not his best choice of words but he was never good at conversing to begin with.
Katara shook her head. She'll eventually get out. Ice only last so long in these climates. Maybe she'll think twice before going up against me.
You should have killed her.
Katara frowned deeply, closing her eyes shut and sighed. I'm not like that, Zuko.
I know. That's one of the many reasons why I chose you as my mate.
"How can you say that?" She said, tears stinging her eyes. "How can you choose me, some random human? And one who is opposite your element? Why would you choose me after only knowing me for thirty seconds?"
Zuko moved his eyes past her towards the ocean. I originally had no plans of keeping you alive. You showed up at my home, wearing that attire and I had assumed you were there of your own accord to seduce me. But once I read your thoughts and realized you had no idea of the circumstances you were in, I changed mind. I wanted to test you, see what your motives really were.
"Zuko, what really happened to all your previous brides?"
His eyes snapped to hers. Is that something you want to get into. He warned.
Katara's stomach flipped but she had to know. "No secrets, Zuko."
If you must know, I had eaten them.
She cringed.
I know this is something you do not accept but these women were selfish. Rich, powerful and demeaning. From what I've learned from their thoughts, they were part of a high society that took for themselves and let the poor go hungry. Even going as far as physically and financially abusing the lower-class citizens of the Fire Nation. When I learned of the sages and the royal families and their nobles destroying my lands for their own selfish purposes, I made myself aware after many years of slumber. They tried to appease me with gifts and women, but I would have none of it. After trying to sacrifice you, an outsider and slave to their schemes, I knew that was the last straw. I destroyed the capital with fire, running them out of my home for good.
Katara sat there, allowing his words to sink in. She supposed she understood. Being a God meant making judgments well beyond her comprehension. If the same happened to her people, she couldn't just idly stand by. Even if that meant taking lives. The waterbender was grateful to not hold such power.
As for the very reason I chose you as my mate, would you believe me if I said I fell for you at first sight?
"No." Katara stated flatly.
My cleaver waterbender. He mused. No, your beauty and your thoughts intrigued me. I had met many humans, some kind, some evil, some lost. Yet you struck my interest like lighting. I had never met someone as selfless yet powerful and strong as you are. You could hold the world in your very palm, if you wanted, my wife, and the world would crumble at your feet.
His words touched Katara's heart. He really did care for her and she wanted him to know that she felt the same.
Picking herself up off the ground, Katara made her way to the bag she packed for their day out. She pulled out a blanket, walking over to stand in front of her mate and spread the blanket on the ground. He watched her in awe as she began to unwrap her bindings and let them pool at her feet.
Licking her lips, Katara sighed, averting her eyes to look at Zuko. "I don't know what you really think of me, Zuko. Or more so, what you believe I think of you. What Mai said about weather I loved your human form more than your dragon made me think if you really believed that."
He stared at her, waiting for her to continue.
"I want you to know that no matter what form you take, that my feelings for you remain the same. You saved me, cared for me, and loved me…." Katara's voice shook at the last two words. "and I want to show you how much I love you as well." Slowly turning to the blanket, Katara kneeled, crawling to the middle, and lied on her back, bending her knees and spreading her legs to expose her sex to her dragon-husband.
Zuko caught scent of her sweet fluids and went to make a move.
"No." Katara stopped him in his tracks. "I want you to stay in that form. I want to show you how much I love you. How much you turn me on no matter what."
Zuko, settled back down reluctantly, curious where his wife was taking this.
Taking a deep breath, Katara slid her hands up her sides, skimming her fingers over the side of her breast and exhaled shakenly as she looked into Zuko's gold eyes and ran her hands over her nipples. They harden as she pinched and prodded her nubs, eliciting a moan from deep within her chest. A blush surfaced on her cheeks as she aggressively worked her nipples, arching her back and spreading her thighs wider. The waterbender's toes curled, the sensation of touching herself in front of Zuko in his dragon form set her soul on fire, sending pressure to her lower abdomen and making her lower lips slick. Her brows knitted, heat coursing through her body and she breathed Zuko's name with need.
He bore into her, willing himself not to change and ravish her body. What Katara was doing aroused him to no end. He always though his dragon form disgusted her but seeing her touch herself like this meant more to him than she could ever realize. He had grown to love her and since the first moment she kissed him back at the Fire Nation Capital, he knew it was inevitable. Zuko couldn't say he developed feeling for her then, but she definitely sparked something in him that made him want to make her his mate. The idea of death never crossed his mind in the beginning, knowing what their bond would be like but even after that, he could care less as long as it meant he could have her to himself.
Hot air left her mouth as Katara slid her hand down her stomach to reach the wetness developing between her legs. She rolled her clit with the tip of her middle finger, gasping from the intense sensation. It was swollen-sensitive to the touch and Katara couldn't take how much having Zuko watch her turned her on. Her walls clenched involuntarily when smoke released from his nostrils and she was pleased to see how much her ministrations was to his liking.
Moving her finger more aggressively over her swollen nub, Katara bent her head back against the blanket, crying out loud when her vision blurred, and she succumbed to euphoria. "Zuko." She called. "I love you. I love all of you." She whimpered, feeling air brush her clit when Zuko shifted, giving out a deep groan. "Look how much you arouse me, Zuko." Katara sunk two of her fingers in her wet core and lifted her left leg to get a better angle at her g-spot. "Any way you want me to please you-I will. I-I-" before she knew it, the dam broke, leaving her breathless and soaking her finger from her strong orgasm. No matter what they do to each other, Zuko always seemed to have a way to bring her to new highs and she couldn't help her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
Katara removed her fingers from her folds, squinting her eyes shut and slumped lazily on the blanket. The fire illuminating against the glow of her brown, sweat sheened skin.
Panting softly, Katara stirred as she felt a pair of hands run up her calves to her thighs, brushing pass her stomach to her breast then to the back of her neck. Pulling it up until her lips pressed against another. The waterbender opened her mouth to taste the hot breath of her husband's, moaning wantonly at the way he molded his lips with hers.
Zuko grinded his erection against her core, feeling the wetness of her orgasm rub up against his aching cock. She had him on edge since she first touched herself. Precum dripping from his head. His cock purpled and veins protruding. Katara clung to him, finger dug into the softness of his back.
The dragon-god lifted his hips, angling his nature so he could slide inside his wife's tight warmth. His stomach muscles clenched, an overwhelming sensation sending tremors up his body.
Keeping his lips locked with hers, Zuko plunged into her sex, swallowing the cry he caused. Breaking the kiss, he lifted upright slinging the back of Katara's knees over the crease between his bicep and forearms, slamming hard into her. Katara clung to his thighs, willing him to go as deep into her as he could. Her breast bouncing as he shook her with his aggressive lovemaking. She caught his golden eyes with her own and she could see the he looked at her with such need. Whatever barriers were between them that they hadn't realized was there, crumbled to pieces and they could see the vulnerability in each other's eyes.
"I love you, Katara." Zuko admitted. "Agni, I can't live without you." His right hand moved to her side, rubbing his thumb over the softness of her belly. "Anything you want-anything you want, I'll give you. You need only ask."
"I want you, Zuko!" she replied, gripping the back of his thighs harder. "Fuck! I want only you." Katara arched her back, feeling her climax descend and screamed as another wave of orgasm crashed down on her, a delicious feeling swimming through her stomach.
Zuko followed after, pulling their connection as flush as he could as he shot spurts of heavy come into her cunt. Blood rushed to his head as he tried to clear his orgasmed induced mind from causing him to collapse. He bit the corner of his bottom lip, moaning loudly as he rode out both of their orgasms and reveled in the afterglow. Katara clenched so tight around his cock, he had to wait for her to relax to remove himself.
"Zuko?" she sighed. He scanned her face lovingly, sliding his hand into her hair. "I want to lay next to you in your dragon form."
He smiled, happy to know that she loved and accepted him for who he is, and placed a kiss on her temple before changing into his original form.
A/N: I'm glad to have released this chapter. I've been stumped but I think it turned out fantastic. Still trying to come up with an idea for the next chapter, so please don't hesitate if any of you want to throw out some ideas. Look forward to another chapter! And I hope you enjoyed.
