CHAPTER 12

So sorry for the long wait, I've had so many things going on in life I just haven't had the time nor the creative juices to make a remotely decent chapter. I always want to put something out that I'm proud of, even though it's rarely ever perfect. Enjoy!

ZUKO POV

He felt her small body lean back into him. Her lavender and tea tree scent was like aromatherapy to him; calming yet invigorating. His hands were still rested on her hips, glued to the fabric of her green dress. He looked around the room once again, wondering if he'd ever get the chance to return.

He had placed Haru and May in charge of the farm, giving them over half of his savings to help out with the upkeep. They had already hired a couple of farm hands to tend to the the grounds; two teenage boys who's mother was the town's baker. Zuko knew once he left that his cottage would be in good hands. He just wondered if he would live to return and see it again. He looked down at the moss colored couch to his left where a maroon throw blanket, beautifully knit by Katara, sat draped across the armrest. He gripped her hips a little firmer, remembering when they'd made love on that couch a few weeks ago. He heard her breath hitch. He was going to take her on every surface in this house, he decided. He'd brand the memory of this place on his soul through her. Nowhere in Zuko's entire life had anything felt so much like home. Not the palace, not the boat he sailed on after his banishment, not on the road with Team Avatar, and certainly not wondering around the rural Earth Kingdom alone. He had built this space for himself with his own spiritual and psychological brick and mortar. This farm was the place where he truly found himself, and could be himself without judgment or expectation. What was even better was the fact that he'd found someone to share it with. She was the same someone who had captured his heart so long ago, when he was just 18. He'd known after fighting beside her that she was more than a force to be reckoned with. She was the physical manifestation of her element. After traveling with Team Avatar he wanted nothing more than to be in her orbit. But he always feared he'd ruin her though. He had an ugly past, and she was as pure as fresh fallen snow. To stain such beauty would be distasteful. So he hoped and wished for the day he'd be worthy enough for her, at least a little bit.

When she'd shown up in his stables all those months ago after 3 years he couldn't believe his eyes. What god was kind enough to bring him what he desired most in this life? His Kat. She had turned his world upside down in the best way. He saw the world now in a completely different lens. Instead of one filled with destruction and pain, he saw a world of opportunity and love if only he chose to want it bad enough.

He spun her around so she could face him. Gripping her chin he tilted her face up, devouring her lips fervently. She gave a surprised moan, the cute noise ringing in his ear. He bent to pick her up, pivoting to place her on the kitchen counter top. He moved to stand snugly between her legs, hiking her dress up in the process.

"This looks familiar" he jested against her lips. He squeezed the side of her hips for emphasis. The thought of the first time he'd ever had the pleasure of kissing her lips flooded his mind. He remembered how he'd sat her on this very counter hoping to Agni the gods would favor him and let him have her. She kissed him deeper before coming up for air.

"I could never forget our first kiss" she said breathlessly. His hands roamed up her sides, coming to rest right beneath her heaving breasts.

"I have half a mind to bend you over this counter" he growled. He saw her face redden suddenly, yet her eyes told him she was up for the challenge. Her eyes were like blue fire, much hotter then any flame he could muster. She fisted the collar of his tunic bringing him in to kiss her once more. His hands took another detour, finding purchase on her behind. He squeezed her cheeks, causing her skirts to hike up even more exposing her panties. She was wearing her Earth Kingdom style underwear, which were much more cheeky than her wrappings. They reminded Zuko of the kind the Fire Nation girls would wear, accept they usually preferred thongs and small lacy braletts. These underwear seemed a little more practical with a sturdier bra design and a little more coverage on the ass. But Zuko found them all sexy, especially on his kitten.

He started unbuttoning the side of her dress, revealing her dark caramel skin to his gaze. The olive tones of her underwear set made her skin look all the more warm and golden. He removed her dress from her entirely, throwing it to the floor in front of the stove. He cupped her face with both hands looking down into her lust filled eyes.

"Tell me what you want Katara". He was trying to maintain his sense of dominance, yet his command came out sounding more like a beg.

"I just want you Zu" she begged back. That was all he needed to hear.

He chose to keep his clothes on in an attempt to exert his control. He knew that exposing her completely and keeping himself covered would make her feel more vulnerable. He was used to that kind of dynamic. He removed her bra in haste filling his hands with her ample breast. She moaned into his mouth scooting herself further towards the edge of the counter so that she was flush against him. He could feel just how wet she was even through the fabric of her panties and his trousers. He was amazed at how quickly he was able to turn her on. She wrapped her legs around him tightly, grinding against him. He was rock hard within seconds.

"Please Zu…I want you inside me" her voice like silk in his ears. Who was he to deny her? He reached down to pull her panties to the side, neither of them having the patience for any more foreplay. He looked down to find her completely soaked. Quickly unbuttoning his trousers he pulled his length out giving himself a few strokes before lining himself up with her entrance. He intended to tease her slowly giving her inch by inch and making her beg for it. But the heels of her feet dug deep into his ass pushing him forward so that he was fully sheathed within her. He had no time to adjust to her wet heat. He swore he could see stars in his vision as he bottomed out inside of her.

"Yes!" she screeched in excitement at having gotten her way. This was one small victory Zuko was happy to allow her. He pumped into her at a steady pace, her vocalisations becoming more excitable with each thrust.

"Tell me how much you love this cock kitten…tell me" he encouraged.

"It's all I think about" she cried "I love it so munch". He grunted putting his thumb in her mouth. She sucked it twirling her tongue around the digit as he pounded her right there on the counter. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head when he took his other thumb to rub circles against her bud.

"Mmmm" she screamed around his thumb. She was getting so wet Zuko could hear her leaking onto the floor.

"You're going to cum aren't you?" He said roughly, removing his thumb from her mouth so she could answer him.

"Uhhh" she answered. He reached up to grip her throat firmly in warning. Her eyes flew up to meet his, her icy blues boring into his amber orbes.

"Are you?" he asked again more firmly.

"Yes" she whimpered. She was already starting to squirt around his member.

"Tell me what you're doing"

"I'm cumming around your cock" she whimpered with delighful tears in her eyes.

"Yeah you are…like a good girl" he praised pounding into her even harder. His grip around her throat kept him tethered to reality, otherwise he felt his body would transcend to the spirit world. Zuko continued his strokes even after he knew her orgasm was finished. He only stopped when she was reduced to a trembling mess beneath him. He kissed her tenderly after awhile, pulling out of her slowly.

He carried her limp body to his bedroom where he laid her down gently onto the bed. Zuko removed the rest of his clothes slowly as to give her some recovery time. He knew she was probably exhausted yet he could not resist her body any more than a starved man could resist food. He kissed down her neck savoring the taste of her skin. He left a trail of kisses down her entire body until he reached the hymn of her underwear. Peeling them off of her he regarded her flower in rapture and appreciation. Sometimes he still couldn't believe that she had given herself to him. He pet her mound softly before placing a chaste kiss to her clit. He heard her hiss above him before he stuck his tongue out to lick her. He had only given one other woman oral sex in his life and that was June. But giving it to Katara was like an addiction that he knew he would never be able to shake. She tasted like the sweetest fruit and her reactions made it even better. The more he licked her the more her pedals seemed to open. He pulled back to see her wetness dripping down the valley between her legs. A beautiful sight to Zuko's amber orbes. She sat up looking down at him in wonder. Judging by her expression he could tell she was a bit embarrassed by how hard he was staring at her most intimate area, but he couldn't help but be captured by it. She was like a work of art.

"Zu…I want to help you" she said her voice wavering. He nodded seeing this as the perfect opportunity to let her take charge a little. He sat up moving to the middle of the bed and resting his back against the headboard. She straddled him, looking down at where they were soon to be joined again.

"Look me in my eyes when you sit down" he said softly. She obliged him, giving him access to the windows of her soul. He swore her eyes changed color when she sank down on him slowly, changing from the blue of the sky to a stormy gray. She rode him at a leisurely pace, using his shoulders for support. Every once in a while she'd lean forward to kiss his lips or his scar, and Zuko reveled in every affection she gave him.

He had never allowed any woman to see him in such a vulnerable position. He never allowed any of his concubines to be on top for that reason. But he wanted his Kat to understand that as much as she was his he was hers too. He reached up to run his thumbs over her nipples.

"Agni just look at you baby…so beautiful" he praised her reverently. She was starting to moan more, her hip movements becoming less steady and more erratic. He knew she was close so he allowed himself to let go. Zuko reached up to tangle his fingers in her curls as they came together. He felt fire erupting from his throat. In a panic he tilted his head up to release a plume of smoke into the air above them just as he released inside of her. She looked at him in awe as her own release took over her.

"I didn't know you could breath fire" she whispered after he'd settled. He looked back at her just as surprised as she.

"I didn't know either" he smiled, relieved that he hadn't burnt her in the process. He leaned up to kiss her once more.

"Let's get cleaned up" he said after awhile. She sighed in relief as she dismounted him.

"Don't think I'm done with you yet" he said gripping her chin "the bathroom can be a dangerous place"

She grinned toothily her eyes challenging him back.

"Who said anything about being done?"

He chuckled at her boldness. He had never met a woman as insatiable as him. He was glad that just like him she wanted to make the most of their last night there. He grabbed her swiftly making her shriek in surprise. And with that Zuko raced them to the bathroom.

KATARAS POV

Zuko woke her before the sun had a chance to break over the horizon. It was a wonder how he was still able to wake so early given how little they'd slept last night. She cracked her eyes open, the exhaustion making her mind feel cloudy. Even though her body ached from how much he had physically exerted her she held no regrets. She wouldn't have had it any other way.

He fixed them a quick breakfast of eggs, toast, apples and tea. She devoured it in appreciation knowing they would need all their energy that day. Within the hour they were riding Umi and Nalu out of Chao and to the Jasmin Dragon. The sky was still dark, the grass dewy, and the air thick with the remnants of the moon.

"Do you think we'll ever come back?" she asked him, as they crossed the boarder into Ba Sing Se. He looked at her, determination set on his face.

"When I become Fire Lord, and you my Lady, I will make this place our vacation home. We will visit in the summers with our children. I will make it so"

Her heart swelled at his words. He had never mentioned anything so concrete about their future. She had never heard him say the words that meant he wanted her by his side as he ruled. It changed everything. She wanted to ask him how it could be so. How could he risk civil unrest for a foreign bride such as her? She could tell he picked up on the uncertainty in her gaze, yet he chose to speak no further. Tightening the reins he sent Umi into a full trot, Katara quickening to follow behind him. Before long they had arrived to the Jasmin Dragon, greeted by Toph at the entrance.

"Right on time soldiers. I was beginning to think you'd skip out on us" she jested.

"Not a chance" Zuko answered, dismounting gracefully.

"So there's been a slight change in plans" Toph debriefed them as they descended down the secret passageway to the underground area "King Bumi has requested our audience before we depart"

"No doubt in regards to the letter we sent him" Zuko countered. Toph nodded her head.

"This will be our chance to go over the plans with him and ensure his approval. Hopefully he'll have something in mind to aid our travel"

Katara had never gotten the chance to even meet the King. The whole reason she was in the Earth Kingdom to begin with was because Aang had appointed her to be one of his diplomates. She was to act as liaison for the Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom, yet she never ended up going. She silently wondered how the King would react to seeing her now.

They changed into their military gear, comprised of golden armor that covered their vitals which included their joints breast and back. The city of Ba sing Se was carved on each of their breast plates complete with forest green gambesons underneath.

"Suki has already lead the rest of my soldiers to the palace, are you guys ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be" Katara said nervously.

It was approaching late summer, and the humidity in the air had gotten considerably thicker as the morning wore on. The sun was now peaking up over the thick fog of the morning when the group approached the palace's galant steps. Once dismounted from their steads, Katara, Zuko, and Toph trudged up the white marbled steps towing their heavy armor gracefully. Katara's stomach tied itself in knots the closer she got to the grand entrance. She wasn't sure how King Bumi would react to seeing her after her failed mission. All this time he had been expecting her, yet she'd abandoned her responsibilities to be with Zuko. Granted, she had been afraid to return to Ba Sing Se alone, the chances of passing through the wall unrecognized were slim. She was terrified of being kidnapped again. Even though she knew she was more than capable of handling her own on the battle field there was always the chance of being over powered, and with how high profile of a person she was they would always send back up.

Once they made it past the guard-ship a young steward led them further through the opulent palace and into the throne room. Katara had never been inside the Earth palace, and it certainly did not fall short of how she'd imagined it. It was common knowledge that Earth structures could get extremely intricate. The Kingdom held the world's best manipulators of natural stone, making it the mecca of infrastructure and architect. Where they stood was a direct reflection of that history. Not only were the pillars within the halls carved of curelean granite, but the ceilings as well. Sky light filtered through the domes that were scattered above their heads, shinning the sun's rays across the garden mural which took over the entire length of the grand hall. As they approached the throne, seated on an erected dais made of clear quartz, the aberrant King came more into view. The hall was silent, nothing could be heard but the light shingling of their armor as the three of them stepped before their King, the one they had sworn fealty to during this time of war. Katara looked to the floor like everyone else, dropping to her knee before him. Her face heated under his intense gaze. She had not gotten a good look at him, but she knew his eyes were boring into her forehead.

"Lift your head child" he told her. She had not expected the twang in his accent, one that reminded her more of the people of the swamps than an Earth aristocrat. She side eyed Zuko and Toph who were still on bended knee with their heads down. Katara followed her commander and chief's order, bringing her eyes to rest upon his. His forest orbs were aflame with a virality much below his years. Though his face was wrinkled and his under eyes darkened his eyes shun with a youthful mirth that set her mind at ease. But his face still held a sternness which befit a leader of his grandeur, and Katara chastened before him.

"My King" she bowed deeply then straightened to her full height before him.

"What brings my Water diplomate finally to my door? Even my finest trackers in all of Ba Sing Se could not find you Master Katara, Princess of the Southern Water Tribes". She blanched at her full title, never really feeling like she could subscribe to the traditional court system. The way tribal society was structured had such stark differences, she felt she could hardly call herself royalty.

"I was not in the city my King. I escaped to Chao after my capture"

"Ah…the rural city of Chao, a fine place for refugees indeed. Yet I have seen no attempts to return to me once things settled" he scolded. Katara's heart thundered in her chest. She knew the King had a reputation of harsh punishments. He was a diligent leader that was results driven, hence why him and Toph worked so well together. Although he was rumored to be odd, he was feared throughout his Kingdom just as much as he was loved. A cold sweat broke across her brow.

"I deeply apologize my King. If I may be honest I was afraid of being captured again. As you can imagine I was treated rather awfully the first time."her voice quivered. A deep frown settled over his features at her excuse.

"Surely a soldier of your reputation would not succumb to such fears so easily when duty is on the line. How will I know you will not run and hide during this mission that the scarred Prince has planned for the three of you?"

Katara felt like she could possibly combust from embarrassment. She'd known that he would be disappointed, but nothing prepared her for the shame she felt standing before him now. She was a coward. She hung her head to hide the redness spreading across her cheeks.

"My King, I assure you it was a severe lapse in judgment that I promise will never happen again. I am ready now, and I will not run. I am loyal to the cause. As I have sworn my fealty before to you I will swear it again." with her head bowed she went back to her knees resting her forehead against the floor in an ultimate display of submission and repentance. There was a long heavy silence before she heard his voice break across the still air.

"Very well then. I trust that your comrades will see to that. You may rise." Katara let out a puff of air, coming to her feet. "Now, let us discuss Prince Zuko's letter. Time is of the essance and we don't have much of it! Especially an old geezer like me" he said standing abruptly. His entire demeanor had changed in less than a second, a goofy smile spreading across his lopsided face. He hopped down the dais, walking past them much more swiftly than any man his age ought to be able to. The three of them exchanged looks before following behind him and out of the throne room.

3 WEEKS LATER

They had been marching for weeks. The four of them had joined the ranks of about one thousand foot soldiers who's path was set from Ba Sing Se to Pohuai Stronghold. This was an Earth Kingdom territory that had recently become a military hub for the Fire Nation. Fire Soldiers had been crossing the Mo Ce Sea from the Fire island of Jang Hui to infiltrate this land. King Bumi had ensured that Katara and her friends joined this regimen because they would be traveling in the direction of the fire nation. They were not supposed to join the battle that would surely ensue once these soldiers arrived to reclaim their territory, instead they would diverge paths, going west to take Yue Bay to Ember Island. There they would wait for further instruction. They knew their mission would end in Caldera, but the question now was when.

It was early morning and the sun had not yet peaked over the horizon. This was when Katara often felt her worst. She had no idea why but for the past week she would be awakened from her sleep every day just before the sun. Nausea would rack her body and she'd be forced to leave her tent in a rush to attempt to find somewhere discrete to vomit. Luckily she shared a tent with Suki, who would never question her when she left. The night before they had stopped just at the Jiashui River, setting up their camp right at the bank. The Sky Peak mountains rested just behind them, their apex spearing right through the clouds. It would have been a beautiful sight had Katara not been vomiting her brains out into a bush by the embankment. She hoped her grotesque sounds wouldn't wake anyone in the camp. She had chosen a cluster of foliage a few yards away from all the sleeping tents. She supposed that was the plus side to having her morning sickness so early. No one was awake to witness. For the most part she would be back to her normal self throughout the day, just a little more tired than usual. As she knelt on her knees in the grass Katara felt her pulse rise with a sense of impending doom. She was now almost sure that she was with child. The signs were too clear, yet she still had not officially checked herself. She didn't need a doctor to tell her. She could reach within with her bending. Her pulse jumped even more as she called the river water to her hands, coating them in a glowing glove. She placed it over her flat stomach, searching for any signs of life. She jumped in fright as another heartbeat radiated through her hand and up through her arm. It was like a gong, reverberating through her entire frame. The vibrations were so strong that she lost control of her element, water splashing in her lap and wetting her night clothes. She'd never felt a heartbeat so strong. When she searched for life in others it didn't feel that way, the subtle thrum of a babies heart beat had always been difficult for her to detect so early on in pregnancy, and usually took a lot of concentration. Maybe because this child was connected to her she felt it radiating through all of her veins when she touched it with her healing power. Katara's eyes welled with uncontrolled tears. She had been denying this for weeks, and now here it was…completely undeniable. She was with Zuko's child. But she couldn't tell him. He had so much on his shoulders…hell they all did. But he in particular was the one who had to face his sire at the end of all this. He was the one who would carry the burden of an entire nation in a few short months should they succeed. Life or death was on the line. Katara knew she couldn't stand in the way of that. She couldn't force him to choose. She decided she'd keep it a secret for as long as she could. Her belly wouldn't start to show for another three months at max. Behind her armor no one would notice. This would give her enough time to reach Ember Island and find a way to separate herself from Zuko. She would have to give birth in secret, something she was afraid beyond her wits to do. But she had to be brave. She wasn't sure now if she could ever let Zuko know. The child she now carried in her womb would be considered illegitimate in the Fire Nation court's eyes. Not only was this child created out of wedlock, it was half Water Tribe. She highly doubted they'd even be considered under the line of royal succession. She couldn't allow her child to be mistreated and cast aside by their outdated systems. Katara would rather keep them far away from the Fire Nation and raise them amongst her people who would be more accepting of their mixed heritage. Her hand reached down to cradle her stomach. Though she wasn't showing yet, the knowledge of her child existing there evoked strong feelings of protection within her. She knew Zuko would never forgive her for keeping this a secrete….it was unforgivable. But now her child came first, even at the sacrifice of her relationship with him. If she could escape to the Water Tribes before he became Fire Lord she had a good chance of him never finding out. She could tell her family that she'd met a Fire Nation soldier during her travels.

Sighing deeply she stood up to return to her tent. Turning around she came face to face with Toph. Katara startled clutching her chest in surprise and stumbling backwards.
"La Toph, how long have you been standing there?" she hissed. Toph narrowed her sightless eyes at the distressed Water bender.

"You selfish bitch" she growled. Katara's eyes widened and her pulse quickened.

"Wha-"

"You're pregnant."

Katara shook her head retreating backwards toward the river.

"How did y-"

"I knew I felt a second heart beat. You've been acting weird for weeks, getting up so early in the morning to hide"

"Toph…please, don't tell anyone" she begged, her tears leaking down her cheeks.

"Does Zuko even know?" she accused. Katara looked down at her feet.

"How could you willingly carry a child and put yourself in such danger? What if you get hurt?" her voice rose.

"Quiet!" Katara yelped looking around for any spectators. It looked like everyone was still sleeping within their tents so she turned back to her friend.

"Zuko can't find out, he wouldn't be able to accept my child as his heir once he's Fire Lord" she explained in a rush "I can't make him choose between his duty and me"

"Don't you think he'd want the power to make that choice Katara? Listen to yourself! You're making a decision without even asking him"

"There's no choice in this Toph! Whatever choice he makes everyone would loose. It's best if I'm just out of the picture" she sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"If he chooses us he'd be forfeiting his rule, and his entire nation needs him. But if he chooses his nation…I don't know if I could handle it. Him knowing that his child exists and not being apart of their life it would…ruin me. It would ruin our child knowing their father didn't want them" her voice broke.

"So you'd rather break his heart and disappear?" she questioned, but her voice was a lot softer, her face a lot more understanding.

"I'd rather break both of our hearts than break my child's. They could have a simple life in the Water Tribes…a happy one" she explained. Toph nodded her head reluctantly.
"Fine, I won't tell anyone. And I'll do my best to protect you on this idiotic mission you're going on" she grumbled crossing her arms.

"Thank you Toph" she signed in relief. She wanted to hug the small Earth bender but she knew it wouldn't be received well, so she settled for placing her hand on her shoulder "I appreciate it."

"You better not get yourself hurt! A war camp is no place for a pregnant lady" she scolded.

"I'll do my best" Katara smiled. And with that they both returned to their tents to get ready for the morning.

END CHAPTER 12