Author's Note: So ya... it's been literally forever since I've updated. I'm truly sorry, but I've just been busy with my new job and everything. But I know that's no excuse. Anyways, here's my long delayed chapter! It's a pretty key chapter, with a lot of dialogue. Hope you enjoy the spicy beginning and fluffy ending. Gosh I just live for these two idiots :) Hope you like it!

The blizzard howled outside as Zuko pulled on his boots. It was early. Daybreak to be exact. But waking up at the crack of dawn was not uncommon for Zuko. Firebenders tend to 'rise with the sun'. Often in more ways than one. Yesterday morning had been a prime example of that. Zuko groaned quietly at the memory. What had he been thinking? He shouldn't have given in to Katara and should have just slept on the ground. What a nightmare it must have been for her to wake up to him rutting into her in his sleep like an animal. He had never been more ashamed of himself. He was the Fire Lord for Spirit's sake! He was supposed to protect people and make them feel safe. Instead, he had groped an innocent woman who he had sworn to protect. She must despise him now. Yet for some reason, she had allowed him to hold her last night and had even fallen asleep on him. It confused Zuko to no end. He had tried to apologize after breakfast, but she had started speaking before he had the chance. Maybe he would seek her forgiveness sometime today.

As he stood, he quietly stretched his muscles. They were still a little sore from sparring yesterday. As he walked further into the cave and away from the sleeping girl, he chuckled. Katara had been so incredibly bad at fighting, that he had barely been able to conceal his laughter at the time. It was not her fault though. He knew that. Everyone had to start somewhere, and he actually was impressed that Katara had found the courage to ask him for help. But then his idiotic self had decided that getting unnecessarily close was in fact necessary. Luckily Katara hadn't seemed to catch on or mind too greatly. However, his raspy breaths had been unable to hide, but he hoped that Katara had assumed it was a result of his work out and not his arousal.

And then when he had trapped her after her feeble attempt to defeat him, he had gotten too carried away yet again. He had sniffed her hair for Spirit's sake! She must have thought him such a creep. Luckily as soon as he realized, he had dropped his hold and stepped away. It wasn't her fault he was horny as hell. In fact, that was something he was on his way to remedy right now.

Dodging puddles on the cave floor, Zuko made his way towards the back of the cave. So far neither of them have ventured back there again. There was no need to since all the supplies had been moved to the entrance. But now Zuko was grateful for that fact. Finally he could be alone and somewhat secluded to take care of his 'little problem'. A problem that had only grown in the days he had spent here. In fact, he had woken up this morning in a similar state to yesterday morning. But at least this time he had woken up before Katara and had been able to detach himself from her without her waking up. His cock had not wanted to be removed from the cozy embrace of the waterbender, but in the end (with the promise of a release) it had relented and allowed him to get up. Now however, it was pressing urgently against his pants as if saying, "Okay, I've done my bit, now do yours."

Sighing, Zuko leaned against the cave wall and tugged at the ties of his pants. He was no stranger to self pleasure. In fact, in recent months, Zuko had found his hand wrapped around his cock an embarrassing amount of times. It was all Katara's fault. Well not really. But that is what he told himself when he found his pleasure to thoughts of the waterbender.

He had tried to imagine the pretty Fire Nation girls who paraded around hoping to gain his attention, but every night it was not pale hands and red lips that he fantasized about; it was tan fingers and bright blue eyes. No other woman could make him find his pleasure. So even now, Zuko's thoughts turned to Katara as he tugged down his pants and pulled his aching cock free.

The cold air hitting his hot flesh made him shiver. Reaching down, Zuko wrapped his fingers around his girth and squeezed lightly, making himself grunt at the burst of pleasure. Oh how he'd missed this.

Zuko kept stroking his cock, making sure to rub his thumb over the sensitive tip every so often. He groaned and tilted his head back. What a relief it was to finally get some relief! He had been pent up too long. Now he was ready to burst. Gradually, his thoughts turned to the girl sleeping only 20 meters from where he stood. Usually his fantasies involved her on her knees or bent over a desk as he pounded into her from behind, but today he imagined something different. He imagined Katara pinning him to the ground, freezing his hands above his head. She would run her hands up his chest, grinding slowly on his clothed cock… Stroking faster, Zuko groaned. Katara would have that sassy little smirk on her face as she teased him. She would be eager, but she would not rush. No, she would kiss and lick him all over until he couldn't take it anymore. Then she would remove both of their clothes and sink so very slowly down on his hard cock. Oh Spirits, she would squeeze him so tightly and–

Zuko's eyes flew open at the sound of Katara's voice. He quickly turned away from the dim halfway where Katara was just turning the corner.

"What are you doing down here, Zuko?" Katara asked questioningly. Oh he was so screwed.

"I was–um." He stuttered fretfully. "I was–uh–looking for any supplies we might have missed." Thank the Spirits he had quick thinking. His back to Katara, he managed to force his still erect cock back into his pants, lacing them up as fast as he could.

Katara didn't seem to notice his situation, or at least did not mention it. Instead she answered calmly, "Oh. Did you find anything?"

"No." He said as he turned around, finally presentable.

"Too bad." Katara said, narrowing her eyes quizzically at him. "Well, if you are ready, I was going to start breakfast now."

"Yes." He rushed, determined to steer the conversation away from the situation. And hopefully keep Katara from seeing the bulge in his pants. "Let's go."

As they walked towards their campsite, Zuko sighed. He was in deep shit.

…

If they could have seen the sun, it would have been in the middle of the sky now. The morning had gone fairly well. They ate breakfast, talked, and even practiced fighting some more. Katara was getting better and better. Zuko had to remember to ask Suki to show her some of the Kyoshi warrior's moves. He was really happy Katara had taken such a keen interest in hand combat. It was nice to share his passions with her. He had hoped this trip would be a way for him to learn her interests as well, and in a way he had. Even though they did not get to visit much of the Southern Water Tribe or go to many cultural events, Zuko had learned about surviving in cold weather, making Water Tribe meals, and enough about blizzards to last a lifetime. Besides, he had been able to learn so much already about her just by their daily talks and conversations. To be honest, it was a nice break from palace meetings and business paperwork. He liked just being here with Katara.

Currently, they were curled up on the furs by the fire. Katara was sitting between his legs, resting her back against his chest. It was cozy like this. Zuko had been hesitant at first, since it was only earlier in the morning that he had been, let's just say… aroused beyond belief. But after a few calming breaths he had settled down enough to hold her.

"Let's play a game." Katara said, breaking the peaceful haze that had settled around them.

"What game?" He asked. "We do not have anything to play with. It's not like this cave has a pai sho board complete with pieces."

"Of course not, silly." Katara batted at his arm. "I meant a bucket list game. Me, Aang, Sokka, and Toph used to play it all the time on our travels." At his confused look, Katara continued. "Basically, we go back and forth and say things we want to do or places we want to visit. It can be anywhere!"

She looked so excited to play with him that Zuko had to go along. "Okay, you go first to show me what to do."

Katara let out a little squeal of happiness that Zuko found immensely adorable. "I would like to visit Sapphire Beach. I heard it has the deepest blue water in the world, and the sand is made of tiny gemstones that glitter in the sun and glow in the moon." Katara's eyes sparkled like the gems she was talking about as she spoke. Her awe and excitement was contagious.

"I've been there actually." He said after she finished speaking.

"Really?!" Katara exclaimed.

"Ya. My mom would take me to see it when I was young. She said it was her favorite place to visit." Zuko often thought back fondly to those trips. They were some of the best vacations he had been on with his mom. And the beach really was as beautiful as Katara had described. "Since the beach is on the edge of the Fire Nation, we would go there often for vacation. We even own a beach house nearby."

Katara clasped her hands together in excitement. "Oh wow. That sounds amazing!"

"I could take you there sometime." Zuko offered, smiling down at the waterbender's awed face.

"Oh, that would be incredible!" She gasped. Then she continued in a quieter voice, "You would be okay sharing your special place with me? I wouldn't want to ruin the memories of your mother that you have there."

Zuko pulled her closer. "You could never ruin anything, Katara." He could have sworn she blushed. "I would be honored to take you there." Then after a pause, he added, "If we ever get out of this cave that is." They both chuckled at that.

"Now your turn." Katara piped in.

Zuko sighed and leaned back a bit. "I would visit… hmm… how about the Shitsujan Rainforest in the Southern Earth Kingdom."

Katara giggled, the sound vibrating through him, turning his insides into a thousand butterflies. "Why on earth would you of all people want to go there?" Katara laughed. "It's name literally means 'wet'. I doubt you would last ten minutes there without any shelter."

"Well, you would be there to keep me dry, so I wouldn't have to worry about being soaked and miserable." He flicked her nose.

Katara smiled almost shyly. "You want me to go with you? I thought one vacation would be stretching your tolerance of me thin enough already."

Zuko's arms tightened on their own accord around her. "I could never get tired of being with you."

Oddly, Katara turned her head away at that. When she turned back, she sighed, "I could never get tired of being with you either, Zuko."

His heart leapt in his chest. Was it possible she had similar feelings towards him as he had for her? No, he was probably just imagining things. He decided to change the subject.

"So why is it that you haven't traveled to all the places on your list yet? I'm sure Aang would have loved to take you." Katara flinched at that which surprised Zuko.

Katara paused for a moment and closed her eyes, sighing. "Aang and I…" She began before halting once more. "Aang and I are not really together anymore. We took a break a few weeks after the war was over and then never really got back together."

Zuko was surprised. He had not known this. Sure, Katara and Aang never really seemed to see much of each other lately, but he had assumed it was because of how busy Aang was being the avatar. This was news to him. Good news, the voice in his head whispered to him. Very good news. But his elation was reined in when he saw the light dim in Katara's eyes a little. What was he thinking? He should be comforting his friend not rejoicing in her singleness. "I'm sorry, Katara. I had no idea. Are you okay?"

Her lips turned up at the corners. "Ya Zuko, I'm fine. It was a while ago now, and to be honest, I was glad we ended it. In fact, I was the one who suggested the idea. Aang was still wanting to keep trying, but I knew it wasn't the same as before anymore. Besides, I don't think I ever really loved him. It was more of an infatuation and lack of other options." Katara let out a strained laugh. "The more I think about it, the more I suspect it was only because of no options. He was the first boy around my age I had met. Besides Sokka of course. So it's not too far-fetched that I would fall for the first boy who stumbled into my life. In fact," Katara chuckled. "I think I would have fallen for any boy who I met at that point."

"Even me?" Zuko joked with a grin.

"Especially you." Katara said, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink. Oh how he wished what she was saying was true.

"Oh ya?" He returned. "Even when I was ugly with a shaved head?" He meant it as a joke, but Katara stopped laughing.

"You were never ugly, Zuko." She said firmly. "You could never be ugly. Even on your worst day you're still more attractive than most people I've met."

Now it was Zuko's turn to turn red. He wasn't used to complaints. Compliments were a luxury for those who hadn't had their face burned off by their own father. But he knew Katara wouldn't lie to him like that. Nevertheless, he still found the statement hard to believe. Mai had never complimented him. She used to say 'compliments were for losers who didn't know their own worth'. Let's just say words of affirmation was not her love language.

Zuko cleared his throat and answered lightheartedly, "Well, at least you never had to go through an ugly phase. You've always been beautiful, Katara."

Katara turned her head away from him and hid her face in his chest. "You're too good at flattery, Fire Lord Zuko."

He tried to ignore the feeling of her pressed against him, and chuckled. "It isn't flattery if it's true. Or at least it is the good type of flattery."

Katara laughed, her face still against his chest. Then all of a sudden, she popped her head up. "Oh, I forgot to tell you! I found Water Tribe whisky in a bottle in the bottom of the food bag."

"Well don't just sit here, go get it." Zuko said grinning. "We already played a Water Tribe game, now it's time to play a Fire Nation game. A drinking game."

…

Katara took only a minute to get the bottle. It was a fairly big bottle for such a strong drink, but they were by no means going to finish it all. Katara walked back over and plopped herself down between Zuko's legs, settling in as if she were sitting in a cozy armchair. Zuko smiled happily. This was nice. He liked this cuddly Katara.

After a few tries by Katara to open the seal, she gave it to Zuko who popped it open easily. He had never tried Water Tribe alcohol, but how different could it be?

With a flick of his wrist, Zuko gulped down a fairly big swig of the liquid. And promptly began to cough. Damn this drink was strong!

Katara only laughed and giggled out "weakling".

"Hey!" Zuko argued. "I just wasn't expecting it. I can handle alcohol." Katara just kept laughing.

After a few minutes and even more swigs, they were ready to play the game. "Okay." Zuko said. "Here's the rules. You either answer the question the other gives you, or you take a drink."

"But we already were drinking." Katara said, questioningly. "Doesn't that defeat the purpose?"

"The game is no fun if we are somber." Zuko teased. "But from now on we only drink if we don't answer."

"Okay, your Highness." Katara chuckled. "Who goes first?"

"You can. Ask away, peasant." He teased back.

"Hmm…" Katara thought. "What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in front of a girl?"

Zuko paused to think. There were too many to count to be honest. "When I was younger, I tried to ask a girl out on a date, but before I could get the words out, I tripped on my own shoes and fell face first into the mud at the edge of a pond. To be expected, I didn't get my date." Katara giggled so hard that Zuko had to hold her in place so she wouldn't fall over. "Okay miss I-skipped-my-awkward-phase, it's time for your question." He said with a grin.

He already knew what he was going to ask.

…

Thirty minutes and a whole lot of drinks later, Zuko and Katara were still nestled by the fire. The questions so far were all fairly normal. Along the lines of embarrassing moments, favorite foods, and best memories. But now Zuko was feeling a little lightheaded. They had been a little free with drinking. Sometimes even choosing that option instead of answering an easy question. By the sluggish movements of Katara, Zuko knew she must be feeling tipsy as well. Was it just him or was the cave getting hotter?

"Okay," Zuko started. "Here's my question. Do you… believe in soulmates?" He had meant it in jest, but he found himself waiting for her answer.

Katara leaned her head back on his shoulder and pursed her lips in thought. "I think… hmm… I think some people have them. I mean, I would like to think some people have them. When I see the love some people share, it makes it hard to think of them as anything but soulmates." Then after a short pause, she continued, "I think fate will draw two people together despite life's challenges if they are meant to be together."

Zuko watched her face the whole time she spoke. "Ya I agree. I think everyone has that one person that brings out the best in them and makes them happy." Too bad she didn't realize she was that person to him. He grabbed the bottle and took a swig.

"Hey!" Katara exclaimed. "You can't drink without a question. It's against the rules!"

"Fine." He grumbled, smiling despite himself. "Your turn."

After a moment of thought, she said, "If you could kiss anyone–"

"You." Zuko interrupted without thinking. He realized what he had just blurted out when he saw Katara's blushing cheeks. Oh shit, the alcohol must be really getting to him.

"But you didn't even hear the rest of the question." She started.

"Didn't need to." Zuko stated drunkenly. Might as well go all in now that he had let it out.

"I was going to say, 'If you could kiss anyone in the whole world who would it be'."

"Same answer." Zuko said bluntly.

"Oh." Katara whispered. Zuko couldn't see her face anymore since she tilted it away from him. Which was probably a good idea since he might have kissed her then if she hadn't.

Zuko cleared his throat. "So I guess it's my turn now." He racked his lust addled brain for something not related to kissing or sex, and decided upon an easy one, "Best dream you've ever had?"

But for some reason Katara didn't consider it easy, because she bit her lip and took a drink of alcohol. What dream could be too embarrassing to tell him? "Your turn then." He said to Katara.

She fiddled with a piece of her shirt as she asked, "First kiss?"

"Sapphire from sixth grade." Katara burst into laughter right after he finished talking. "What's so funny?" He questioned.

After another fit of drunken giggles, Katara said, "My fake name when we were in the Fire Nation was Sapphire Fire. Courtesy of my brother of course."

Zuko chuckled. What a coincidence. "Don't tell me your first kiss was someone named Lee." He teased.

"No," She giggled. "But that would have been so funny." Yup they were definitely drunk. "My first kiss was obviously Aang." The sigh that followed made Zuko pause.

"Why did you sigh? Was it not a good kiss?"

Katara lolled her head back against his shoulder. "It wasn't terrible..." She slurred. "But it just didn't feel exciting or anything. Not like kisses in books which are full of love and passion."

Zuko's jaw dropped open slightly. "Katara, are you saying you read smutty books?"

The waterbender looked like a mouse trapped in a corner. She bit her lip and said, "Yes? I mean it's not like that." She paused. "I mean I guess it is like that, but… it's not?" She was blushing cherry red.

"Hey," Zuko said. "I'm not judging. Even I enjoy a good romance story every now and again. Mostly through plays, but I've been known to pick up a book or two."

Katara looked astonished.

"Hey, in my defense–" He started.

"No need to explain, Zuko." She said, a little smile forming on her perfect lips. "I just can't wait to tell Sokka and the others about your 'pastimes'." That little devil.

"Don't you dare!" He exclaimed. "I just told you that to make you feel less embarrassed!"

"Calm down, Zuko." She giggled. "I'm not going to tell anyone you like to read smut."

"It's not smut!" He blurted. "It's just… well… not smut!" Katara laughed so hard her eyes started to water. "Moving on." He grumbled.

Whipping a tear from the side of her eye, Katara said, "Okay, okay. Whose turn is it again?"

"Oh, I don't remember."

"You just go then." Katara said.

"Okay. Well then, on the topic of smut, who was your first time?"

Katara only blushed and looked away.

"Sorry, you don't have to answer that." Zuko added hurriedly. He shouldn't have gone that far. Stupid alcohol.

Katara bit her lip. "No, it's okay. I'll answer."

"Was it Aang again?" Zuko asked as lightheartedly as he could manage. Maybe him guessing would make it less embarrassing for her.

But she surprised him by muttering a soft "No" as she twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers.

"Really? Not Aang?" Zuko couldn't hide his surprise. "Surely not Jet?" Spirits, he wished she would not say Jet.

"Not him either." She whispered shyly. "But he did get close once." The very thought of Jet touching Katara made Zuko's blood boil. But who else could it be? Unless… Oh Spirits. Katara was a virgin.

"You're a virgin?" He almost whispered.

Katara blushed again. "Don't sound so surprised."

"It's just that… Wow. I never would have thought… No wonder Aang was always so stressed."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Katara demanded.

"Oh. It's just that it makes sense he was so stressed and angsty all the time if he wasn't getting any…" Zuko broke off at Katara's glaring look. "I wasn't meaning it was your fault or anything!" He rushed. "Just that guys tend to get… moody when they don't… nevermind." Zuko blushed. 'Why was he so bad with words right now?'

Katara's frown gradually changed into a smirk. Oh shit. "Is that why you were always so… how'd you put it… moody back then?"

"No!" He defended. "I've had… sex before. And there's other ways to… why am I needing to defend myself?! Weren't we talking about you?" Zuko muttered grouchily.

"Yeesh." Katara smirked wickedly. "No need to be so moody, Zuko."

He almost growled at that. But thought better of it because she'd only prove her point more. And she was right anyways. He had been feeling particularly frustrated lately because of that very reason.

After a beat of silence, Katara spoke again. "So… you've had sex?"

"Is that a 'question question' or a question?" He teased.

"Well it's my turn right?"

Zuko chuckled. "Yes, I've had sex. With Mai." Was that a sullen look on Katara's face? "Are you jealous?" He chuckled drunkenly.

Katara huffed and turned away, but not before he saw her cheeks turn pink. "No, of course not." She was jealous. "You probably aren't any good at it anyway."

Zuko smirked. "Mai's never complained." Katara squirmed a little in his arms at that. Wait, how'd they get on this topic? Oh ya, the drinking game. Speaking of said drinking game, he had better either switch topics or move Katara off his lap soon otherwise she's gonna feel something she doesn't want to. It was late anyway. The fire had long since burned to embers, and the sky outside was dark.

"We should probably go to sleep soon." He muttered into her hair.

"Ya." Katara sighed. "But I'm already dreading the headache I'm going to have in the morning." Yes, there was no doubt that they were both going to be miserable tomorrow. But that was tomorrow's problem.

With the fire relit and the blankets rearranged, Zuko and Katara fell asleep in each other's arms once again.

Tbh I love this chapter :) As you probably know by now, I love to make both of the little clueless idiots embarrassed ;D And this chapter was fullll of fluffy humor. I did throw in some smuttiness at the beginning to tease yall a bit ;) I'm probably as excited as you for their first kiss... but alas, the slow burn has to burn slowly. Well, I hope you liked it! Pleaseee comment your favorite part or any suggestions you have, I'd love to hear from you! Oh and tell me if you want Katara to have caught Zuko masterbating or not. I haven't decided if I want her to be clueless or have seen him. Please vote below!