A/N: Waaah! Guess who's back! I have been stumped lately but I'm glad I was able to get this posted. This this, by far, has been my most favorite fic to write, and let's face it, it's cause I'm a sucker for mythology. Just a little announcement, I will being releasing a new fic with Dragon!Zuko. Just a warning, it will be darker, with marital rape and major character death involved. So look forward to it later this spring!
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Katara awoke with a deep sigh, arms stretched above her head, reaching towards the headboard of her bed. Her legs shifted against something warm and hard. Air hitched in her throat. Brazen heat struck her loins like fierce lightening, igniting a familiar feeling.
"Zuko…" Katara moaned arching her back. Her eyes blinked twice, narrowing at the new morning sunlight. She furrowed her brow, it was obvious she was no morning person but sleep hardly took her that night. It was not uncommon over the last several days.
Dreams of home surfaced in her slumber almost every night and the closer the date of their journey back to the South Pole, the more anxious she felt. She had not seen her father and brother in over ten years and Gran Gran in almost a year. She wondered all this time how she was and if the other women were faring well. Did her father and Sokka survive? Did they make it back home safe now that Zuko ended the war?
She gasped, arching her back. A trail of wetness left behind by Zuko's tongue, swept up her pelvis from her clit. He dipped it into her bellybutton, swirling it in circles before moving direction to her breasts. He collected the supple mounds into his hands, caressing them carefully and pressing them together to take both nipples into his mouth. He sucked them gradually, his deep moan sending ripples of pleasure into her lower abdomen and he smirked against her hardened nubs, pleased with the results of his morning attack.
A part of her wanted to tell him to bug off. Katara was amazed that her body wasn't overstimulated by his constant morning routines, especially most recently. He would wake her up every day when the sun would rise with his head buried in her crotch, ravishing her with his mouth.
He would finish her up at his own pace. Some days he was abrasive and others he was thorough. Sometimes he would finish her off in more tantalizing ways and some, he would enjoy using only his mouth.
Zuko's calloused fingers trickled down her newly swollen belly, warming his hand over. He released her breasts with a pop, sending eager kisses south. Katara clung to the edge of the bed, bracing herself.
He reached the apex of her thighs, his hot breath hitting her throbbing nub and growled, "Mine."
Katara pinched her eyes shut, craning her neck back and cried out. Zuko lifted her hips, her heels digging into the softness of his back. He flicked his tongue over the cleft of her sex, releasing a grunted moan of approval as she bucked her hips wildly.
Her immense string of dirty talk had a bead of perspiration trickling down Zuko's neck, her inner walls constricting around his sleek muscle and he readied himself for her sweet nectar. She came into his mouth splendidly, a rush of her essence slipping past his tongue down his throat.
He didn't waste a drop, leaving only traces of his saliva after he finished. Zuko licked his lips, a sly grin spread across his handsome face and he eyed his wife predatorially, towering over her and resting his forehead on hers. Katara's panting increased, the smell of herself on his breath spurred her arousal once again.
Zuko slid painfully slow into her waiting entrance, amused by her contorted face of impatience. Katara raked her nailed down his back when he snapped his hips. A faint spell of dizziness hit her like a wave and she almost climaxed from the thrust alone. Heat jolted up her spine, her mouth enclosed in a passionate kiss when she made to moan again.
Zuko rolled his hips in long, slow strokes, burying his hands into the sheets until his knuckles turned white.
Every moment with Katara was breath taking, he was overwhelmed by her unyielding personality, her compassionate nature, and her ability to make him fall to his knees to admire every part of her curvaceous body. For that he loved her and even more so for the child she carried in her stomach.
Everything about her was indulging and he could see himself spending an eternity doting over her.
He increased his thrust, branding her deliciously with his cock, but not enough to pound into her aggressively.
Katara's limbs shook uncontrollably. She could feel herself getting close, her hands cupped his face, forcing Zuko to lean on his forearms, and coaxing his tongue out with her own. She placed her feet flat onto the bed, rutting her hips up to meet his and he gasped in her mouth. They parted their kiss, their names spilling from each other's mouths in a throe of passion and Katara's high pitched scream of pleasure had Zuko tensing and he followed her into the depths of her orgasm with his own.
Katara stroked lazy circles into Zuko's back after they were done basking in their afterglow. She couldn't wipe the smile on her face. Her other hand caressed her pregnant belly, a sense of pride and affection had her eager to start a new life with her dragon-mate.
Her smile disappeared. The uneasiness came rearing back when she thought about how today would be the day she was going home. Fear of how her people might react to a Fire Nation native dragon prodded at her thoughts.
Zuko turned around to face her, sensing something off about his wife's emtions.
There is nothing to fear. From what I've learned, the Water Tribespeople are a close knit and loving kind of people. I would not doubt that with your element comes understanding, I believe it's only natural that they accept you no matter their dislike.
Katara sobbed. That's the thing. I'm afraid that I would disappoint them. I love you so much, Zuko, that my biggest worry is that they'll never come to see you the way I see you, and I can't bear the thought of my family looking at me different.
Zuko swept her into his arms, sitting upright with his legs crossed, he rocked his pregnant mate back and forth, kissing her on the temple before leaning in to nuzzle his nose into the crook of her neck. You doubt yourself, love. You are still you, if not, better. The person you are today is due to the love and support your tribe has given you, do not doubt them.
Katara released a shaky sigh, nodding her head in agreement.
Zuko advised her to get ready, leaving their shared room to prepare previsions for their two-day journey. It would likely take less than a day but Zuko refused to head straight there without breaks due to her state.
Katara eyed herself in the mirror after dressing. The furred parka Zuko had given her, found amongst his gifts, was more than just beautiful. It was obviously hundreds of years before her time and most likely made in the North due to its pale color of purple. The dress she was given was white, the furred boots also matching in color. It's possible that it was given to him by a Northern Watertribe noble or someone of higher ranking.
Slipping the gloves on, Katara headed out the room to meet her husband. It was hot in the Fire Nation, but the speed and height of Zuko's flight would call for a chilly journey.
Freezing winds wiped around her face. Katara clung tight to Zuko, willing tears not to spill. The whole ride she kept her face buried in Zuko's back, his soft scales emitting heat to keep her warm. She allowed herself to take a peek, ensuring they were on the right course and her heart leapt in her throat. There is was. The Southern Water Tribe. Her home.
But…it wasn't.
Large buildings occupied the areas where huts once stood. Ships, ones she did not recognize, lined in a row of what looked like ice made docks. A ring of snow circled what was now a small town. Katara could see people wonder the streets. From above they looked like ants but even then, she knew there was something completely different about her home now.
Land outside the city, Katara Relayed. We don't want to frighten anyone. I'll do all the talking.
Zuko snorted in response, flexing his wings to shift against the rapid winds, allowing him to be carried north of the city. People below pointed to the sky, scattering in different directions when Zuko swopped by. The dragon-god landed gracefully on the icy tundra, leaning down to allow his mate to jump off his back. Katara removed the mask off her face, her eyes narrowing through the blizzard to see a group of warriors heading their way.
Her hear hammered with anticipation the closer they got. Howling winds muffled the yells of the descending group carrying weapons. Some were waterbenders, Katara could tell. Making a quick judgement, she slammed her foot in the snow in front of her to make a stance. She bent at the knees, reaching down before lifting her hands in the air to build a wall of snow around Zuko.
The men stopped, eyes wide as they stared up at the red scaled creature who carelessly glanced their way before shaking the ground in an abrupt sitting position and proceeded to groom his claws. Weather he was in the mood for a good grooming or he was sending a threat by showing off, Katara wasn't sure.
She averted her attention to the group shakenly holding spears and brought her hands up in surrender. "Please." She called out. "I am Katara, daughter of Chief Hakoda." She swallowed hard. "Can you please escort me and my companion into the village?"
The group exchanged looks of uncertainty. All but one, who's eyes like her own widened in shock.
Stepping from the group the man immediately removed his mask, mouth gaped open and brows furrowed. "Katara?" he spoke, his voice deep. But Katara recognized it. Her heart leapt with an immense amount of joy and she couldn't stop the tears from surfacing.
"Sokka." She stumbled forward a bit, her hesitancy hindering her ability to walk. Was it really him? "Sokka!" She cried out with a sob running towards the group. The winds knocked her hood off, revealing her crying face, long braid blowing in the wind. She jumped into her brother's arms. He caught her with a humpf but laughed joyfully as he spun her in his arms.
"Katara?! Is that really you?" She could feel him shaking. He parted their hug, looking over her face like she was some sort of ghost. "Yue, it really is you!" He hugged her again, this time tighter.
"It's me." She whispered with a smile. Katara thought she would never see him again. "It's me…" Her breathing became hallow. All the weight that barreled down on her shoulders from the war to losing her mother to being stolen and sacrificed, all of it whisked away with the hurtle, carried away by the winds and her eyes flutter closed.
"How is she?"
"She's been unconscious since they've brought her in an hour ago. She seems quite fatigue so no worries there. Considering she's been carrying, it's best that she rest as much as she can."
"Thank you."
"Of course, Chief Hakoda. It is an honor that you requested my aid. It's good to see your daughter back safe and sound."
Katara slowly opened her eyes at the sound of familiar voices. Fire cackled in the room and she hummed in delight. She bolted upright, panicked by the feel of fur rather than silk sheets. Her eyes darted around the room, startling the others that occupied it.
Hakoda was the first to approach her. He ran to her bedside, worry on his face, and she could see the gray hairs on his temple and the crow's feet at the corner of his eyes. Katara reached a hand out, taken aback by the man that she had not seen since childhood.
A tear surfaced in the corner of her father's eye when she cupped his cheek and Katara gave him a lazy smile. "Dad." She rasped.
He brushed stray hairs from her brow, pursing his lips and clearing his voice before responding. "Katara…" He choked pulling her in for a hug.
It was him. It really was. His stature was as strong as ever and his voice hadn't changed. Katara clung tight to his parka. How she missed him.
Another presence caught her attention. Gran Gran stood behind Hakoda with a wrinkled smile, her hand placed over the one Katara had flat against his back.
"It is good to see you alive and well. Welcome home, my little waterbender."
That's right, she's home.
"Sorry to disturb this reunion." Sokka interrupted. "It's good to have Katara home and all but what exactly do we plan on doing about that beast outside. He refuses to let anyone leave or enter the palace and keeps growling at passer byers."
"Zuko!" Katara shouted, pushing herself out of bed but was caught when stumbling backwards.
"Goodness." Gran Gran apprehended with a wave of her finger. "You are with child, and have fainted after traveling in a blizzard, you need rest!" She carefully led Katara back to bed. "I understand that he is your companion and a possessive one at that." She shot a glare at Sokka who huffed. "But it's obvious you two share something special so we will respect it."
"May I ask how you had come to meet such a creature?" Hakoda inquired.
Katara accepted a glass of water from her grandmother, gulping it down loudly before handing Kanna the empty cup and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Uh, it's sort of…complicated." That was an understatement.
"We are listening." Gran Gran nodded for her to continue.
La. "He's not just my…companion. He's- uh…He's my husband."
"Husband?" they exclaimed in unison.
"Okay." Sokka walked to her side, placing the flat of his hand on her brow. "She's clearly delusional."
Katara smacked his hand away provoking a yelp. "I am not! Look, it's a long, long story but Zuko is my husband. He even stopped the war!"
Gran Gran and Hakoda exchanged looks. He father scratched the nape of his neck, shaking his head "I've heard rumors of some winged beast destroying the Fire Nation capital along with a good majority of their vessels and weaponry. It's kind of the reason the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribes were able to apprehend both the royal family and their war generals. In fact, they basically showed up on damaged ships begging for help. It was the oddest damn thing…"
Katara grinned. She knew her husband would have such an impact. Granted, it was more out of anger than it was for the benefit of the world, but he had done what he felt was right as a guardian of the Fire Nation and she was thankful for his good judgement.
"See, he means well." She finished.
"Not trying to pry into your freakishly weird relationship with that thing, but how the hell did he get you knocked up?"
"Well, he's not like other dragons but it's better explained if I show you."
"Amazing." Kanna circled the dragon-god in human form, fascinated as she poked and prodded at him much to his annoyance. "In all my life…to think your kind still exist! I have only heard stories of the Dragon-Gods as a child."
They stood in the center of the palace's great hall surrounded by bystanders eager to see the dragon who flew over their village, in human form. They were fascinated by his pale skin and gold eyes.
Entering the castle in only a light tunic and trousers, Zuko was bombarded by a group of women, some who Katara had hunted and trained with during the men's absence, offering the dragon-god proper clothing despite Katara informing them that he was incapable of feeling cold. They didn't take no for an answer, carrying her husband away to dress him.
Kanna carefully examined Zuko, humming approvingly. He tensed, his face going flush when she pinched his bottom. "Firm." Kanna commented with a chuckle. "No wonder my granddaughter carries your child so proudly. I would not be surprised if she comes out with twins."
"Gran Gran!" Katara and Sokka both shrieked in unison.
Katara covered her face, avoiding the whispers of her husband's features from among the giggling women surrounding her.
"Don't be so embarrassed." Anana, one of Katara's best hunters from before she was kidnapped, laughed. "It's all in good fun. The tribe hasn't been this lively in a long time."
Katara returned the laugh. "Yeah…it's good to see you and the ladies are doing well. I can't tell you how worried I've been."
"You? Worried about us. If anything, we spent every day that you had gone missing blaming ourselves., wishin' we were strong enough to have stopped those Fire Nation scum! Uh…no offense."
"None taken." Katara laughed. It faltered. So, they blamed themselves…She should have come sooner.
"None of that look, now, Kat. We're fine, you're fine. That's all that matters."
After finding out about Katara's arrival and her dragon-mate, the whole tribe had gathered in the palace with food and gifts to celebrate. It was touching seeing her people cheerful and laughing, something she had not witness since before her mother died.
This was what she missed. She missed it so much, the thought of leaving tore at her heart.
"Hey." Sokka grasped her shoulder. "You okay?"
"Yeah." She forced, tapping her fingers nervously on her thigh.
"You know." Sokka started. "It wasn't easy for us to leave you. When we returned, and you weren't here, Dad blamed himself. For months he refused to leave his hut, growing thin and wary."
Katara averted her eyes, not wanting to hear anymore.
"I, on the other hand, wish I could've joined him." Sokka took his sister's hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "I thought…if anyone was to blame, it should be me. I was the one he guilted Dad into taking me with him. I should've been the one here, protecting you. I abandoned you." His voiced lowered, face contorted in both anger and shame.
Katara leaned her head on his shoulder. "Sokka you're my best friend, I would never in a million years think that you would abandon me. You did what you felt was right to protect the people you love." She smiled thinking of the day she convinced the women left behind to band together, learning to hunt and fight on their own. "And I did what I felt was right to protect the women and children here. If I didn't go…La, Sokka, I don't know what the Fire Nation would've done to our home."
Katara would gladly sacrifice herself again for their wellbeing. In the long run, she met the love of her life in the most frightful of circumstances. But he protected her and loved her, her beautiful husband.
She stifled a grin, watching almost every housewife charge at him with different dishes, arguing with one another as they tried to spoon feed him. Poor Zuko was pretty much backed up in a corner.
"I met someone." Sokka declared. "Her name is Suki. She's the leader of a group of warriors on Kyoshi Island and man can she kick butt! I-I think I want to marry her."
"Well, if she's willing to put up with you, she must be pretty darn great." Katara teased.
He blushed, expressing a face of a lovesick puppy. "Yeah, she is."
The festivities went on for hours and Katara's eyes began to drift. Excusing herself, she left the Great Hall, but not without checking up on her husband who was smiling reluctantly around the women who proceeded to ask him a million question. He was shy but willing.
She rubbed her belly, stepping outside the palace and lifting her head towards the darkened sky. The blizzard subsided during her state of unconsciousness, making way for a crescent moon and the stars. It was peaceful.
The light posts made on the streets made glows that sparkled in the snow, reminding her of her last day here. Albeit, her home had changed, it was still her home and she never felt this content. The thought of leaving was overwhelming, but she had a place elsewhere, with her mate and their unborn child.
It was okay. She'll be okay.
What is it, my love? Zuko brushed his snout against her back, curling his tail around her to bring her closer.
Nothing, just…I never thought that I would see the South Pole again.
Zuko groaned, piercing gold eyes analyzing her saddened face. But you are here now.
Yes. I am. She stroked his snout.
But you are not happy.
Of course, I'm happy!
No. Zuko formed back into a human. You are not.
He held her close in his arms. "You want to stay." He stated.
Katara buried her face in his chest. "I do. I really do. But…"
"You think I do not belong here?" Zuko finished.
Katara arched a brow. "Zuko…La, Zuko, no! I mean, why would you think that? I just- this is not your native land. I don't want to force you from your home just to be with me."
Her husband smirked, caressing her face, and wiped a stray tear with his thumb. "You are my home." He kissed her cheek, then the other. He cupped her chin, tilting it to meet her lips with his. "You and everything about you are my objective." He rubbed her belly in confirmation and Katara's heart soared.
"Do you mean it?"
Zuko chuckled, revealing his signature lopsided grin. The couple held each other close, relief washing over Katara.
Unbeknownst to them, the villagers had all gathered outside the palace, watching the two in an embrace. They all looked up, gasping and awing among themselves as they pointed at the sky, witnessing shooting stars go by.
Gran Gran tugged Hakoda's arm and held Sokka's hand. "This is truly the blessing from Yue and La." She stated. "And I have a feeling there's many more to come."
