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Slow Heat	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 77367 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Slow Heat

Chapter 12 – Captivated

This chapter takes place during the episode 'The Runaway', albeit with my own modifications, of course. Reviews are always appreciated.

o0o0o0o
1 Month, 25 Days BSC
(Late July, 1101)
Katara

The clash of swords met my ears as I lay there against the rock, feeling the sun on my limbs. After two days of traveling and training, I was ready to just relax. Aang was doing very well with his Waterbending – there were very few techniques left for him to work on, all of them of the most advanced set. Right now, he was off training with Toph while Sokka and Zuko dueled with their swords. I could see how pleased my brother was to have someone to hone his skills with, and I sensed that Zuko felt the same. At least Zuko was doing something good for my brother after kicking him around when his ship had broken into our village back at the South Pole.
I opened one eye to see them training a short distance away, both of them shirtless, their arms and chests having a slight sheen of sweat as the metal of their swords flashed in the sun. As if of its own volition, my eye fixed on Zuko, and the way he moved against my brother, swinging his swords expertly, albeit with no intent to harm Sokka. His skin was so pale, looking as white under the sun as it did under the moon, and I bit back a slight blush. He was so graceful, his muscles flexing and coiling...
Damnit. This was silly. I shouldn't be looking at him like that. All he was doing was sparring with Sokka – typical guy activity. So what if it was warm that he needed to take off his shirt? So why did I keep looking at him?
After a while, they slowed down, and came to a stop before bowing to one another quickly. I had to admit, it was fun to watch them spar. Though sword fighting wasn't really my forte, I could appreciate it in others, as long as it wasn't being done to hurt someone else.
“Need some water?” I asked casually as they strolled over to the supplies. I already had one of the jugs open, anticipating that they would feel a bit parched. Sokka smiled at me a little and nodded. The other boy merely nodded slightly. I offered them both cups of water – I wasn't going to be rude to Zuko by offering just my brother some water – but I didn't look at him either as he took the cup, and quickly withdrew my hand.
Sokka, Aang, and Toph decided to leave for the nearby town. I had walked and trained enough, so I decided to stay at camp and take a nap or perhaps wade in the river. Zuko opted to stay behind as well, and I was not too happy about it. If he left me alone though, that'd be fine. It seemed that he had been trying to capture my attention as of late, but I wouldn't give him any. We were allies, and that was it. Once he was Fire Lord, we would never see one another again.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

I was silent as I watched her stretch herself out, hands extending towards the sky. It almost looked as if she were reaching for the Sun. Now that we were alone, I figured it was a good time to try to talk to her again. Silently, I approached until I was several paces away from her, and waited until she brought her arms down. She started to walk away, not realizing that I was there as she had her back to me.
“Wait.” I called out softly. I saw her stiffen slightly. She didn't turn towards me.
“What is it?”
“I want to talk.”
“About what?” she asked tersely.
“I... Stop acting like this.”
“Like what? I gave you water too. I'm treating you equally.”
“I appreciate that, but you're still...” I hesitated. How did I describe her behavior towards me? Cold? Yes, that was it.
“You act as if you don't want me around.” I finally stated.
“Why should you care? You're here to teach Aang Firebending. And when the War is over, you'll be Fire Lord. You'll never see me again.”
Never see her again? That was a thought that I did not relish. How could I explain that her attitude bothered me, without sounding... well, sensitive? I wasn't trying to be, but she would doubtlessly regard me as such. Honestly, I didn't know why I should let her coldness towards me bother me so much!
“You didn't seem to be bothered by my presence when I was wearing a mask.”
“We were doing something important to help people. That's all. Now, I'm going into the river. So, go and do something else. Practice Firebending or take a nap or gather some wood.” Katara stated and stalked off before I could respond. Agni damnit! Why did she have to be such... a stubborn wench?

o0o0o0o

This is so wrong, I told myself as I crouched beside a rock a short while later, staring at the Waterbender. She had nothing on. It was the first time I had ever seen her like this. After Katara stalked away from me, I had stood there for several moments, trying to think of what to do or say. I had decided to make another attempt at conversation, so I had decided to go down to the river, even though she had told me not to. So I got to see her naked... a unexpected but not unpleasant surprise.
She was also Waterbending, apparently using her bathtime to get in some practice, taking advantage of the fact that there was so much of her element. Usually, my observations of others were limited to the Avatar and Toph, so that I could learn from their Bending. Uncle was wise to tell me to pay attention to all the Bending arts, not just my own. But I had not seen too much of Katara's own; she didn't like my presence and often Bended on her own late at night, when I was starting to sleep.
The sunlight made her dark skin seem almost golden, and there was a undeniable bronze sheen that only accentuated the droplets of water that clung to her flesh. Katara looked... alluring.
Wait a minute. Alluring? I couldn't be thinking like that! Katara's Painted Lady outfit had suited her well, and what man wouldn't enjoy the sight of a woman bathing? I kept telling myself that, but the fantasies of Katara I had tickled the back of my mind. When I was alone at night, I could not help but think of her. The passion she showed when we had dueled...
Agni, deliver me from my thoughts, I prayed silently. How many times had I sent out that request to Agni, to clear my mind of the Waterbender? When I had come to her village in pursuit of the Avatar, I had been startled to see her blue eyes staring at me so openly. After that, I had quickly put her out of my mind. But I had found myself thinking of her at unexpected occasions, like meditating. And now... it was damn impossible to not think about her. One dream of mine had quite the effect on me; her with the red stripes of the Painted Lady on her... and nothing else.
Such dreams and mental images had been occurring with an alarming regularity. I had to shake myself free of them. They were foolish and a waste of time. Katara had made it clear that she didn't want a friendship with me. She most certainly wouldn't take too kindly to me if she knew what lurked within the depths of my imagination and desire. After the War, she would never see me again. I didn't want to admit it, but that thought actually made me feel.... forlorn.
I should be leaving her alone. Turn away, Zuko! If she saw me looking at her, there was no doubt I would land on my ass after being attacked by one of her water whips. Why were my prayers to Agni unanswered? As soon as I became Fire Lord, countless ladies would throw themselves at my feet, wanting to be part of my harem, hoping to lead a life of luxury and comfort, and vying with one another to bear me heirs. Any man would want to have a harem of beauties for himself. Yes. That's what I would have. It was expected. Not all Fire Lord and nobles followed this tradition, but there certainly was no law against this privilege.
The water arcing through the air flashed silver in the sunlight, and I stared. As entrancing as the water was, I kept focusing on Katara. The way her lithe form moved, her slender wrists flicking, her body twisted sinuously... Damnit. This would feed even more fantasies, now that I had seen her bare top in reality. My hands on her chest, at her sides... her flesh warm under my fingers and palms...
It's just a meaningless distraction! Stop that! I mentally scolded myself. I didn't know how long I had been rooted to this spot. But I needed to get up and turn away...
She rose out of the water, her bottom half now also exposed as she stepped onto the riverbank before Bending the water off her body. Rather than wrap a towel around herself or taking the wet clothes that were laying against a rock and drying them with Bending, she just stood there, as if she wanted to bask in the sun.
Go ahead and bask, that hidden part of me whispered into my ear. No, idiot! Turn away, or it'll be even harder to forget her! the more reasonable part of me argued. To hell with reason. I stared at her, confident that the others would not be back from town for a while. I might be a Prince – albeit an exiled one – and teacher to the Avatar, but there was no denying that I was a healthy male with... certain needs.
When I had been searching for the Avatar, I had been able to ignore it, for the most part. Restoring my honor had been first and foremost in my mind, and on a ship full of men, it had been easy to fix my mind on that one goal. I spent my days training, meditating, and searching. When my men went to brothels on shore leave, I stayed behind. I had no desire for whores, even if they promised release and a good time. It just didn't feel... right. Besides, I had seen the looks of pity sent my way when I came onto shore. I didn't want to pay for this kind of thing, or have it given to me out of pity.
The sun gave her skin such a beautiful glow. It seemed almost insane that the Water Tribes should have such dark skin when they kept themselves covered, and I, who spent much time in the sun, should be so pale. Her rear end was so firm and rounded, and the front view was titillating – nipples the color of chocolate, and a view of something else that I had never seen with my own eyes, and it was something I knew I would never forget. I imagined myself touching that mocha-colored skin, my fingers sliding along it slowly. Her flesh would be so warm and inviting...
She dressed in her now-dry clothes and returned to camp. I quickly moved from my location, lest she wonder what I was doing so close to the water. I needed to meditate.
After our rather skimpy rations over the last week, I couldn't complain about what Toph had done to win all the money that she brought home. My stomach was full – completely full – for the first time in several days, thanks to the thick and spicy stew that Katara had made. The tea that she made wasn't too bad either. People thought that tea was just leaf-juice... well, that's what it was, no matter what Uncle said. But it took more than just stewing leaves in hot water to make tea. I didn't quite understand how Uncle was able to make such good tea.
My eyes moved along the campsite, quickly taking note of everyone. As soon as my eyes moved over to Katara, she quickly looked down, as if I had caught her glancing at me. I had to hold back a smirk at this, and continued sipping my tea, thinking about what I had seen this afternoon. It was something that I would never forget, that was for sure. And if Katara disliked me so much, then why did she keep stealing glances over at me?

o0o0o0o
Katara

It was hard to not think of his bare chest and arms as Zuko lay against a rock, his back pressed to the stone as he sipped his tea. At least he wasn't insulting my tea anymore. His hair was so shaggy, and I felt an urge to rumple it and see if it was as thick and soft as it looked. One thing was for sure; this shaggy hair of his somehow suited him better than his shaved head and topknot.
It was so stupid to be thinking of Zuko's hair. Let him do with his hair whatever the hell he wanted.
After dinner, I went to Waterbend. Even though I often practiced during the day, I also felt more comfortable doing it at night, under the light of the Moon. I stripped down to my breast bindings and undershorts and waded into the water. Sometimes I trained at night with Aang, but he was so far along with Waterbending that constant practice with me was no longer necessary.
I Bended until I was tired. I felt that warm glow in my muscles that came from working hard and stretched out a bit, my arms raised over my head. Tonight's sleep would be good.
I wasn't alone, and I didn't realize that until I came out of the water. There was Zuko, sitting there against a rock, his arms crossed. I had been so lost in my Waterbending, and I silently cursed myself for it. What if it had been Azula sitting there, ready to strike? And just how long had Zuko been sitting there? It made me feel... weird to think that he might have been here the whole time. Often he went to bed earlier than I, and likewise woke up earlier.
He said nothing, but I could feel his stare on me.
“How long have you been there?” I asked warily as I quickly pulled on my loose pants. Thank the spirits that I had not gone naked!
“Long enough.” was his reply. I couldn't read the tone of his voice, and didn't know if he was being sarcastic or not.
“Shouldn't you be in bed?” I snapped back. Even in the darkness, I knew he was smirking.
“You're younger than me. Shouldn't you be going to bed first?”
“So you're a big boy and I'm a little girl?” I asked as I slipped on my top.
“Don't forget that I am a Prince, and you are a peasant.” he added. I huffed angrily, glaring at him as I slipped on my sandals before I stalked over to him.
“You're an exiled Prince, and I am a Waterbending Master. Now, weren't you taught that it is not appropriate to spy on a woman?”
“You think too highly of yourself.” Zuko responded. Oh, I wanted to smack that smirk off his face!
“Having a hard time sleeping? I thought you rose with the sun.” I replied, refusing to be cowed before his haughty words.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

Rose with the sun? So she remembered the battle at the North as well as I did. It was hard to not smile at that.
“I couldn't sleep and decided to take a walk.” I replied evenly.
“You decided to walk to where I was Bending and watch?” she asked tersely.
“Sounds just about right.” I replied, enjoying the spark in her eyes. She muttered softly to herself and quickly pulled on her clothes before storming off.
I let out a sigh and placed my hands behind my head, staring up at the Moon.

One Month, 23 Days BSC
(Late July, 1101)

Despite Katara's misgivings about what Toph was doing in town, I could not help but be amused. I had gone into town the day before, and watched what had happened. Toph explained to me how she sensed what the scammer was doing with the pebble, flicking it into his sleeve to fool his mark.
If he was going to scam people like that, then I saw no problem with what Toph was doing. My stomach also saw no problem, as we had been eating well for the last two days, and the tea that I had bought yesterday reminded me of Uncle. Everyone had enjoyed it when I had given some to Katara to brew for supper.
Toph was generous with her money. Sokka had bought himself a messenger hawk. I had gotten myself a new pair of boots, since my old ones were starting to get worn, and a couple of new articles of clothing that were simple but comfortable. Gone were the days of wearing expensive silk garments and delicate, ornamental shoes, but if things went the way they were supposed to, I'd be seeing these days again.
However, when I found out that Toph and Sokka had worked together to scam a rich man by having Toph fake an injury, I had to agree with Katara. This was going too far. We had plenty of money already, more than we had had in a very long time. It did make me laugh a little to see how Toph was depicted on her wanted poster, with the evil eyes and the sharp, pointy teeth.
And I said just that – save for the last part – as we were walking back to camp. There was so much money that it had to be split between the three of us to carry it with ease.
“What are you complaining about? You got new clothes and stuff.” Toph replied. I was aware of the bundle of said things strapped to my back. Not only had I gotten the clothes, I had decided to buy some new papers, brushes, and ink.
“Look, scamming the man with the pebble under the cups was funny. But what you did to that rich man... you and Sokka...” I fixed eyes on him for a moment to make my point, “went too far. He was just minding his own business and then you throw yourself at the carriage and pretend to be hurt.”
“He had plenty of money, and he wasn't going to miss it. Besides, it was fun.”
Sokka was staring ahead, clearly refusing to be involved in another argument.
“We already had enough money from you throwing the street games. What do we need more money for? We have food, and new clothes and supplies, with plenty of money to spare.”
“Don't tell me that you're gonna start nagging me like Sugar Queen. I ran away from home so I wouldn't have to put up with this!” Toph grumbled. I suppose I could have told her about the time that Katara had stolen the scroll from the pirates, but that would not help this situation any. Toph would just toss that into Katara's face and more arguing would ensue, and then Katara would become even more pissed off at me..

o0o0o0o
Katara

I seethed as I sat near the fire, the wanted poster of Toph lying on the ground nearby. Why couldn't she understand that the last thing we needed was attention drawn to ourselves? What she was doing was dangerous, and the last thing I wanted was to see anyone get hurt. I considered the group my family, and was concerned for their welfare. Even though I wasn't too crazy about Zuko, I didn't want to see him hurt either.
Screw this. I needed to swim and let off some steam. Let Toph be a brat all she wanted. At least we were staying in a scenic place, and I could distract myself with our surroundings.
I swam against the current for a while, enjoying the burn I felt in my muscles. When I had tired of it, I swam to the grotto that lay under the small cliff, where the water was much calmer. Things were so much simpler when it was just Sokka and Aang and me. I missed Iroh and the calming influence that he had on the group.
Then I heard Sokka and Toph talking.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

I was silent as I heard Sokka and Toph talking about mothers, and him trying to explain his sister's behavior to Toph. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his mother, but it really wasn't my place to ask. Katara wasn't anywhere to be seen. I know she had needed to blow off steam – not that I could blame her. Toph knew how to push people's buttons when she really wanted to. It'd be nice to have her meet my sister. Azula might have her blue flames, but Toph had her no-nonsense attitude. But then, Katara had a strong attitude too. It was reflected clearly in the shouting match that they had had earlier. All us males could do was stay out of the way.
As I heard Toph unload her feelings about running away from home, I thought of my own, and my mother. It had been so hard after Mother left. I had often thought of her during banishment, and what she would think of me. Would she still want me now – scarred and banished? This talk of mothers put a heavy weight on my heart. My mother was possibly dead, and my father didn't want me. Hakoda clearly cared about his children and from what I understood, Toph's father had been overprotective – but caring. Why was my family so fucked up?
“You got something to add to the conversation, Sparky?” I heard Toph ask. I glanced over at her and Sokka. Sokka looked back at me curiously, seeming surprised that I was there.
I could have told them about my mother. They already knew who my father was and what he had done. They knew Uncle well enough, and knew that my sister was psychotic. But not once had I brought up my mother.
“No.” I muttered before I rose to my feet.
Late at night, I lay on my sleeping bag, looking up at the sky. Katara had gone to Waterbend again. I had watched her the last couple of nights, always feeling guilty but aroused for it. Tonight, I had decided to leave her alone.
But when I noticed her coming back to camp, I was unable to resist giving notice.
“Good night.” I stated. I heard her gasp softly, and kept my smirk to myself. She walked to her sleeping bag and laid down, and I eyed her.
“Not going to wish me a good night?” I asked, not wishing for her to ignore me.
“Go to bed!” was her terse reply. I caught her staring at me, and when I fixed my eyes on hers, she quickly rolled over so that her back was to me. I kept my eyes on her for a while longer before I fell asleep.
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