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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.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Slow Heat

Chapter 17 – Steam

I would like to give a huge thank-you to everyone for their feedback and reviews, they really are what keeps me going. Several of you also sent me e-mails or personal messages... you know who you are. I gained a lot of insight from these messages as I listened to what my fans said they liked about my work as well as the food of thought they offered me. Again thank you to everyone for their kind words and support, and their constructive criticism and encouragement.

o0o0o0o
Katara

I heard the cloth being swept aside, and I turned back to look at Zuko, silhouetted in the moonlight.
“What we did. It meant the world to me.” Zuko stated after he let the cloth drop back down and took a step towards me. His golden eyes were practically luminous, and I felt riveted to the spot.
“Never think of yourself as inferior.” he added as he looked down at me. “I... was stupid to provoke and belittle you. Very stupid.” It was almost odd, hearing Zuko speak of himself in such a way. He was usually far more aloof and taciturn, even arrogant at times.
“Look... you already apologized. Let's just... forget it.”
“I will not provoke you again, or try to make you angry.” Zuko's tone was solid, making it clear to me that he meant it. I looked down quickly.
“I appreciate that. I really do.” I replied quietly, and there was silence between us for several long moments as I felt his gaze on me.
“Good. So... I guess the floor's pretty interesting.” It sounded almost odd to hear him make small talk. I couldn't help but smile just a bit.
“Truth be told... it's not really that interesting to look at.” I replied, still looking down.
“So why are you looking at it so much?” he asked. I could almost swear that I heard a bit of playfulness in his tone.
“I... I honestly don't know. Is there something I should be looking at?”
“Me?” Zuko ventured.
“Why?”
“How can you not? I've caught you looking at me, especially when I'm shirtless.” he said. When I looked up, there was a small smirk on his face, but his tone remained light and friendly. I let my eyes rove along his body for a moment before coming back to his face. He was good-looking despite his scar. If anything, the scar gave him a bit of character. Without it, he might have been merely a pretty boy who demanded respect and admiration just because he was good-looking. I didn't know much about the scar, but I did know enough that without it, he would not be on our side.
And now, I couldn't picture him without it. I held back a shiver as he took a step closer. He was clad in his regular clothes, but I had the feeling that he would strip down soon enough unless I raised a serious objection. What would a warm bath with him be like? My heart pounding, I took a step back. He took another step forward, and I countered with another backwards step. This continued a few more times until my back bumped against the side of the tub. I gasped softly before he closed in, placing his hands on the edge of the tub, at either side of myself, denying me a chance to slip away.
“You should be more careful, Katara...” Zuko whispered, his hot breath tickling my cheek.
“What... do you mean?” I asked softly. His scent enveloped me. While it was not altogether unpleasant, he apparently needed a bath after his trip with Aang, and it seemed that that was exactly what he had in mind.
“I... wouldn't want you to slip.”
“I... I'm fine.” I replied, feeling a blush on my cheeks. “I'm... just going to take a bath and go to bed. It is getting late, after all.”
“Would you like some company?” he asked, his voice now softer and more... velvety. I felt a shiver up my back.
“That wouldn't be proper.” I replied as I ventured to gaze into his eyes, even as I felt a thrill race through me at the prospect of bathing with him.
“Does that really matter to you?” he asked, now smirking again.
“We shouldn't be doing this.” I said softly, turning my head to the side, to look down at the floor. What would come of this, if I allowed it to continue? He was a Prince, soon to be Fire Lord. Surely, he would never be allowed to have a relationship with a Water Tribe woman. And as for me – what of my brother and father? They certainly would be dead set against me having any intimacy with Zuko... and if they knew what I had already done...
“We're just going to take a bath together...” Zuko whispered warmly. “Look... I promise that nothing will happen that you don't want to happen. Okay? You have my word on that.”
The offer was tempting. A hot bath with Zuko. And his word that he wouldn't pressure me into doing anything that I didn't want to.
“Trust me.” he murmured, lowering his head to whisper these words into my ear. “I would never hurt you. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you...”
With a shaky nod, I gave him my assent. His hands slowly lifted themselves from the stone, and I found the sash of my robe being tugged at. I stood there as my robe fell open and I felt his hungry gaze move along my nudity, but his touch remained chaste as he slid the fabric off my shoulders.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

With Katara naked in front of me, it would be hard to keep things platonic during our bath. I swallowed as I saw the soft rise of her breasts, and how the flesh that tipped them was a sweet dark chocolate color. I bit my lip, trying to keep my passion from becoming too... obvious as I took a step back, letting her climb into the tub. This treated me to a lovely sight of her rear end, which I remembered stroking and squeezing fondly before. I was patient as she ascended the wooden steps, and felt longing grip me as she made her way into the hot water and waded over to the other side before turning to face me. This exposed her again, her breasts and womanhood in full view for several long moments as she placed her hands on her hips.
There was a small smirk on her lips as she gazed at me evenly. Damnit. She was fully aware of what she was doing, and giving me a good eyeful before she lowered herself, the water coming up to her shoulders. The sight inflamed me so much that I had to think about Zhao naked in order to cool down.
I noticed a slight frown, and cocked my head.
“Is something wrong?” I asked her. She let out a soft sigh.
“While we were talking... the water, it cooled down.” she explained.
“Let me take care of that.” I replied. I placed my fists in the lukewarm water, channeling the heat through the liquid. In no time, steam rose from the surface, and I heard a sigh of content.
“One of the advantages of being a Firebender. We can have hot baths anytime we please...” I stated before I started to take off my shirt. I felt her eyes on me and continued to disrobe, even though I felt a bit shy, since I had never been naked in front of anyone else before.
I slipped out of my boots and stockings, and undid the sash of my pants. I decided to be silent and let her enjoy the show. Slowly, I lowered my pants and underwear, stepping out of them and standing before her for a moment as she had done. Her gaze was appreciative, and I felt a bit less shy about myself. I stood like that for a few moments before climbing into the tub, giving her a good eyeful before I lowered myself. I felt smug to see that her blush was more visible now.
She took a washcloth off the side of the bathtub and started to attend to herself, keeping her body angled away from me. Why was she now acting so shy, after she had bared herself before me with a knowing smirk? Carefully, I moved closer. While I intended to keep my word and not force her into anything, I would let her know how much I had missed... and needed her. Apparently, Katara noticed me because she scooted away a bit, though I didn't see anger or displeasure on her face.

o0o0o0o
Katara

I felt so exposed. I had Bended with Aang in my underclothes, but I had never bathed naked with a boy before. Especially when we wanted one another. But my pulse was racing not with fear, but with arousal. I knew I was teasing Zuko by making a play at being shy and scooting away. My desires clashed with the ideas that I had been raised with, the rules and taboos of intimacy, and my position compared to Zuko's. Certainly, when the War was over, our relationship – if I did give Zuko what he wanted – would come to an end as he took his rightful place, and I'd probably go back to the Water Tribe.
But oh, there was no way that I could simply pretend that nothing had happened. Watching Zuko strip... it had given me far more of a thrill than I would ever have expected. Taking off his shirt showed his bare chest and arms, the flesh as pale as cream. And then when he had taken off his boots and slowly slid off his pants... I would never forget the sight of the tip of his pubic patch peeking over the top of his underwear. I didn't know why I should find a treasure trail so sexy, but I did.
Of course, my biggest treat was when he pulled off his underwear, standing there before me and letting me see what I had not gotten a good look at before. His body was nicely sculpted, lean and full of hard muscle. It was impossible to forget the feeling of that delicious, hard flesh pressed against my own body when we had come together in anger and then passion...
After seeing him strip himself for me, how could I not look at the most intimate part of the Prince of the Fire Nation? It was impossible to forget the... comfortable fullness I had felt when he had slid it into me. And damnit, he was now smirking at me! It wasn't a insolent smirk, but it told me that he was aware of the effect that his nude form had on me. Well, since he knew, I might as well enjoy it. I let my gaze roam freely along his body as he stood there. His male flesh was soft right now, but it was still a impressive sight as it hung between his legs, and I ached to feel it inside of me again.
I tried to not think about the show that Zuko had put on for me as the washcloth slid against my stomach as I felt his intent gaze. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him scoot closer.
“I thought you had to wash yourself.” I stated lightly.
“I do.” Zuko agreed with a shrug.
“Well, there's a extra cloth on the ledge, and some soap.” I pointed out helpfully, gesturing to the side of the tub. I continued washing myself, and when I glanced at him, I saw him smirking back at me again as he rubbed the cloth along his chest. I decided to not call him out on it.
He moved towards me again, and I scooted away. He wasn't deterred, and simply scooted closer again, bringing the distance between our bodies to a narrow gap.
“I'm done with the bath.” I whispered before I started to climb out, determined to keep my cool. Even though my back was to him, I could still feel the heat of his gaze. He sounded almost amused.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes.” I replied simply. My hands were on the ledge. It should be a simple task to hoist myself out, but my legs refused to lift at my command.
“I don't think you are.” Zuko purred. To my horror, his voice had become like pure velvet, calling out to me like a moth to the flame. How could someone manage to speak in such a way? Again, I tried to command my limbs to do as I asked them to, but I was no more successful than I had been on my first attempt.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

I took a few moments to study the smooth skin of her back and rear end as I spoke to her. I glided through the water and stopped but a foot away from her.
“But you forgot to wash your back.” I reminded her, seeing her shiver at the way I was talking. I was afraid that I sounded silly, but this purr felt natural to me at this moment. And the Waterbender seemed to be enjoying it...
“I could do it for you.” I whispered, letting my fingers slide along the edge of the tub to stop a short distance from her hand. I remained silent as I gave her a few seconds to think about it.
“Perhaps you shouldn't...” she murmured, looking over at the wall. Seeing the blush on her cheeks only reminded me of how fierce and responsive she was able to, given the right incentive. My more wicked imagination provided me with all sorts of things that could be done in a hot tub, and I felt the heat in my loins again. But I would not push Katara past her comfort zone, not when she was opening up to me. The last thing I needed or wanted was to destroy out progress.
“Why not?” I asked in a gentler tone.
“Because...” She swallowed before she turned her head to look at me. “Because I'm afraid of what might happen if I let you touch me...”
I was unable to speak for several moments, and Katara started to hoist herself out. I reached out to grab her wrist without even thinking, and she stopped immediately.
“Like I told you before... nothing will happen that you don't want to.” I stated firmly. “I swear on my honor.”
With that, I tugged her wrist. She still had room to move away, but to my pleasure, she didn't. She sat down in the hot water, and I smiled to myself as I took the washcloth and started rubbing her back gently. I felt her give out a soft sigh as her head lolled forward slightly. After a few minutes, my rubs became firmer, and she wiggled around a bit in pleasure. I used my hands for many things, and they were callused from the hard work and training I did, but I never imagined that I might be doing something so gentle as washing a girl's back. I took my time, enjoying this simple activity and the closeness between Katara and myself. There was no rush at all, and with my other hand, I would wipe away the soap and damp locks of her hair, and massage the smooth skin. I made sure to wash the back of her neck and her shoulders as well, feeling them slump under my touch.
Touching her back like this was enough to get me aroused again. It wasn't the same raging arousal that had caused me to take Katara in the heat of passion. Rather it was like a slow, steady fire that burned deep within. I was able to continue touching her slowly, instead of pouncing her and making my desires known. When we did it again, it would be at the right time, and not before.
“Thank you.” I heard Katara comment so softly that I almost missed it, and I smiled as I quickly rinsed off her back. She looked over her shoulder at me, her eyes half-lidded in contentment.
“Should I return the favor?” she asked quietly. I felt a thrill pass through me at that thought, and managed to nod calmly. Thank Agni that my back would be turned to her, so she couldn't see how... heated I got just from being close to her.
I tried to think of Zhao, but this time, it didn't work. The Waterbender's exploring touches along my back made it impossible to think of anything else. She did to me pretty much the same what I did for her, using one hand to hold the washcloth and the other to rub my skin, and I felt her knee against my hip. I bit my lip, all too aware how hard I was. I let my hand drift through the water to my erection. At that point, it felt as hard as a steel rod, and I bit back a groan as I squeezed it lightly.
“So...” I heard Katara whisper as I felt her brush aside the hair at the nape of my neck before feeling the washcloth rub along there. “You say that what you did with me... meant the world to you. Have you ever had anyone else?”

o0o0o0o
Katara

I felt a little weird asking him that, but I felt that it was important to know... and to be sure. After all, he was the man that I had lost my maidenhead too. I imagined that when he was younger, he might have had his share of concubines, or used the local brothels during his hunt for the Avatar. I couldn't help but feel jealous at the thought that Zuko might have made love with another girl.
“No. Never.” Zuko murmured as he looked over his shoulder at me.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

Had anyone else? After having her, I knew that taking any other girl would be 'settling'. And besides... why would Katara ask about such a thing... unless she truly were interested in me? Hiding my exultation, I answered her question. I saw her eyes widen just a bit.
“I've never been with anyone else besides you, Katara.” I clarified. And should things go well... I wouldn't be with anyone else but her. I felt her hands stop for a moment, and it was clear that she hadn't been expecting that answer. She quickly resumed her rhythm, now washing my shoulders.
I felt rather disappointed when her hands pulled away from me, signaling that she was done.
“Well, Zuko. I hope you enjoyed that... Well, I should be getting out now, I'm just about done, and I need to uh... go relax.”
“It's barely evening yet.” I stated casually, slowly turning around to face her. And what better way to relax than for my Waterbender sitting in a hot bath with me, her Prince? I thought to myself. I wasn't sure if that was my heart or my loins talking – of course, either choice would be rather interesting. And just when did I start thinking of myself as her Prince and she as my Waterbender?
“Then what do you suggest I do?” Katara asked, almost breathlessly as I lowered my head.
“Do whatever you feel like.” or whoever you like, I added to myself.
“... You sure?”
“I'm sure.” I added a soft purr to my whisper as I sat back, letting the water soothe my aching limbs. “I'm just going to relax in this tub for a while. If you want, you can stay in with me. I'll keep my hands where you can see them...”
“I can see something else.” Katara blurted before clasping her hand over her mouth, cerulean eyes wide with surprise. Of course, it was far too late to take back these words, and over her hand, I saw her cheeks take on a definite tint of red.
This outburst had left me shocked – and smug. Subtly shifting in my seat so that 'something else' was more visible, I struggled to keep my demeanor calm despite the throbbing of my need.
“Katara, I'm shocked.” I said with a chuckle. She lowered her hand.
“Shocked at what, Zuko?” she asked, obviously trying to maintain her calm. The surface of the water rippled gently, distorting my image, but I knew that everything was still very much visible.
“I never pictured such a demure maiden saying something like that.” I teased. Leaning closer, I purred.
“Say it again.”
“No.” she whispered defiantly, her eyes sparking a bit. I had to hold back a grin. ”You may be Prince of the Fire Nation, but I am not your subject.” she added. I merely continued smirking.
“That's a surprise.”
“Why is it a surprise?”
“You're more like me than you know. I wouldn't have been surprised if you were a Firebender in your past life.”
She paused, blinking in surprise before shaking her head, as id the thought of being Fire Nation displeased her. I remembered with a pang, the revelation that her mother had been killed in a Fire Nation attack. But now was not the right time to try to comfort her about that.
“So, just because I am defiant, I have to be Fire Nation?”
“That would just make you impertinent.” I replied casually,”You have that inner spark... it's hard to explain in words.”
She sighed softly and looked down. I did not press any further, and like I had told her, I was keeping my hands where she could see them. Even though my manhood was throbbing, I managed to keep myself collected, simply enjoying the hot water and Katara's presence. To my relief, our talk apparently hadn't made her too uncomfortable, because she was staying right where she was, shifting around to get more comfortable. Her head lolled against the edge of the tub, and her foot was close to mine. The silence was comfortable, steam rising around us and enveloping the chamber in a soporific haze.
o0o0o0o
Katara
He looked so damn relaxed, even in arousal. It was hard to not notice what was between his legs, especially when I had gotten to know him intimately. My womanhood ached almost as much as Zuko's sex apparently did. Why did I have to want him so much?
Tentatively, I slid my foot along the bottom of the tub, seeking out his foot. A electric thrill passed through me as my toes made contact with his own, and I lifted my foot just a bit so that I could caress his digits with my own while I stared up at the ceiling innocently. I felt him jump slightly in surprise before he relaxed again, and I was aware ofl his gaze on me as I continued to touch his toes. To my delight, he picked up his feet and started to touch me back, his toes sliding along the sides of my feet. When he lightly poked the bottom of my left foot with his big toe, I had to hold back a giggle
I wouldn't be one-upped though, and let my toes slide up his feet to caress his ankles. I felt him move his right foot, so that he could touch the top of my foot with his sole before he moved to my ankles. I moved my feet even further up along his legs, admiring the lean muscles that I felt under his pale skin, massaging them slightly with my toes as I continued my exploration upwards. I scooted closer so I would have a better time exploring, finding his knees and then his thighs and pressing down with my soles. I felt one of his feet on my hip and smirked a little, my hand slicing through the water to rest on top of it. He wiggled his toes under my hand in response, and I chuckled softly.
Our previous coupling had been passionate and fierce, with barely any exploration as we got right down to the 'heart' of the matter. But now, we were taking our time. It seemed that Zuko wanted to explore as much as I did, and that reassured me.
“You know... I shouldn't even want you. I'm supposed to marry a Water Tribe man when I become of age. I'm supposed to go back to my tribe when the war is over. Yet... I cannot help but want you.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
“Life is rarely predictable, you know...” I replied as I remembered making the same type of remarks to my uncle one evening, talking about how I was supposed to be the Prince, supposed to be loved by my father unconditionally. Uncle's response came back to memory, and I found myself repeating it. “All you can do is learn to adapt to new circumstances and deal with what life throws your way. You can't dwell on what-ifs. If you spend all your time thinking about what should be, you'll miss out on what is and can be....”
Her feet stopped at my inner thighs, mere inches from my manhood.
“What about you? Did you ever think you would lay with a Water Tribe woman? I know that I never thought that the Prince of the Fire Nation would want me.” She was now looking at me.
“I didn't think that I would see a lot of things. But I can't say that I have too many regrets...” I shrugged slightly, knowing that she would understand. She nodded, slowly, and scooted a bit closer, drawing her feet away to make it easier for her to do so. Slowly, her arms rose out of the water – was she offering comfort, or asking to be comforted? Perhaps both.
Either way, I would give her what she wanted... what she needed. Shifting closer, I picked up my arms and held them open in welcome, reaching out for her. In my family, such displays of affection were rare in both quantity and quality. To show such compassion, my father had once remarked, would be to demonstrate weakness.
It was glorious to have her wrap her arms around me, hugging me tightly, offering me comfort of her own accord. When we embraced, it just felt as if things... were right. A balance had been found between the two of us, as if we represented two sides of the same coin. There was no need to speak or articulate the feelings that I had, feelings that she apparently shared. This moment was too profound to taint with words and I let out a slow sigh of contentment, hugging her tightly and relishing her presence.
o0o0o0o
Katara
There was no denying the feeling of rightness in Zuko's embrace. It reassured and frightened me, and I nuzzled his shoulder so as to not look into his eyes. His flesh was warm, and I placed a gentle kiss on it. Lifting my head, I placed another kiss at the place where his neck and shoulder met. And then another one, just as gentle, on the pulse of his throat. His hand rubbed my back gently, and I let out a contented murmur.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
All the kisses were immensely comforting. I would never forget the passionate kisses that Katara and I had shared before, filled with fire and emotion that had nearly engulfed us both., but the kisses I was now getting was like soothing raindrops, comforting and healing even as I felt my desire for her grow in a slow but steady pace with each touch from her lips.
The lips traveled further up along my jaw and cheek, and when she found my lips, I was rewarded with another soft kiss, her lips sweet against mine. I did not press down or try to deepen the kiss. Let Katara do as she felt most comfortable. I smiled faintly as I felt her suck on my bottom lip for a couple of moments before breaking the kiss, shivering slightly. She started to pull away, but my embrace was firm. I wasn't going to let go, nor did I ever want to.
o0o0o0o
Katara
His embrace was strong. It was all too apparent that he had no desire to part company... and honestly, I didn't want to either. His erection was pressing against my stomach, but I bore no ill will. Why should I, when we were naked in a bath together, desiring one another? I was happy that he refused to let go. I felt safe in his arms, more secure than I had ever felt before. I shifted around against his lap, purposefully wiggling my stomach against his engorged organ, drawing out a soft groan from him.
“Do... do you want to?” I asked softly, staring at him steadily even as I tried to not blush.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Oh, Agni. She was asking me if I wanted to be intimate. My prick was throbbing at the memory of being embedded in her tight heat. I couldn't speak. I restrained myself to a slow nod and reached up with one hand to caress her cheek, keeping my other arm wrapped around her.
“Uh... perhaps we should get out of the tub and find a comfortable place to do it, or...?” Katara asked hesitantly. Apparently, doing it in a tub had never crossed her mind, but then, I had seen her village, and the Northern City. There were less opportunities, less 'exotic' places to have sex, especially because of the cold weather. Well, I would be all too happy to share with her what I did know, even though I was hardly a expert on carnal matters myself. What I did know came from rumors and whispers, and a few pieces of advice dropped down from Father or Uncle. I wasn't too picky about where things took place, as long as it was with Katara. Honestly, if I had the opportunity, I'd make love to her on top of a rampaging Komodo rhino.
I shook my head and held onto her, indicating that we would do it right here. Her eyes widened slightly at this realization, before a small smile spread on her face. Apparently, she was in no rush to get out of the hot water. I shifted around so that I was sitting with my back against the side of the tub comfortably. I placed my hands on her hips and positioned her so that she was now straddling me, and I smiled at her encouragingly.
“I think this will do just fine.” I purred, feeling her velvet skin against mine and reveling in the sensation. With my hands on her hips, it was easy to handle her with the water around us. It was up to my shoulders, and up to just above her nipples. She gave out a low moan as I lifted her hips, positioning her above my manhood, its head gently brushing along her inflamed sex. She shuddered under my hands, the promise of fulfillment imminent for both of us. Her hands found my shoulders, squeezing them gently as she looked down at me. The heat in her eyes left me no doubt as to her willingness to do this, and I grinned up at her. She returned it with one of her own, and we savored the moment.
Slowly setting her down so she could grow reacquainted with my iron-hard manhood, a low moan of completion escaped my lips as I felt myself swallowed up by her welcoming body, inch by inch. This incredible heat, so tight and hot and soft, was driving me crazy, and my head lolled back as I stared at her.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Before, he had just shoved it in me. Now, taking him inch by inch, I got a feel of how... endowed he was. His cock felt like steel, and it was so warm. I gave out a relaxed sigh when I found myself filled to the brim, his pelvis flush against mine as I clenched against him, causing him to give out a shuddering groan. Suddenly he stilled, a look of worry on his face.
What could he possibly be worried about now, I wondered.
“Zuko. What's wrong?” I asked urgently.
“You were angry with me before...”
“I'm not angry now, honestly. It's okay...”
“No, I mean about... what could happen after sex. You yelled at me about it. We should be careful...” he said. I shook my head.
“I yelled at you before because I was still upset about what we had done. I was trying to make you feel bad, and I'm sorry about that. It's okay...”
“Okay? But... I mean, you and I, we're in the middle of a war and we're still teenagers and...” His words ended when I pressed my fingers to his lips.
“Zuko, listen. I'm a master Waterbender. I can bend perfume, soup, sweat, even blood. What else do you think I can bend?” I whispered slyly. “There will be no... consequences. Don't worry your pretty little head about it.” I tapped his nose, so that the moment didn't get too serious. I wanted us to remain in the mood so that we could continue to enjoy one another. There was no denying the... feeling of rightness in this, no matter who he was. His eyes – they reflected more than mere lust or need, though there was a lot of both right now in that golden gaze, and he held me there for a few moments, processing what I had said before a slow smile spread on his face.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, a gesture that obviously pleased him. He continued to smile softly, obviously savoring it all as much as I did. With a small sigh of relaxation, I rested my head against his shoulder. I expected him to be moving any minute now, so we could thrust against one another and share the same pleasure that we did before. He had been so fierce before, and it surprised me that he was being so... quiet now. After several moments of waiting, I lifted my head to look down at him.
“I thought you wanted this.” I whispered, looking at his face. He looked right back at me, his eyebrow crooked in a questioning expression.
“I do. Don't you feel it?”
“But you're not moving or anything.” I answered softly. I felt Zuko's hand start to slide up and down my back in a gentle rub.
“I... well, the first time we did this, it was so quick and fierce. But this time... I want to take my time. Is that okay with you?”
I was silent for a few moments, thinking about his words. So he wanted to savor this, and take his time? How could I not be flattered by that? It warmed my heart to hear this admission, and I nodded and smiled up at him before placing my head on his shoulder again, unwrapping one of my arms from his neck so that I could touch his chest and feel his heartbeat.
After a while, I contracted my inner muscles, something I had figured out how to do during our first coupling, and I was pleased to see his reaction. He let out a soft growl, responding by making a quick thrust of his hips, sending a frisson of pleasure racing through us both.
I responded by unclenching for several moments before slowly clenching around him, repeating this several times. When we had first had sex, the clenching had mainly been in response to his vicious thrusts, but it thrilled me to now be able to do this on my own. Before Zuko took me, I never even imagined that I'd have muscles down there that I could flex like I would any other muscle on my body.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Her slow and teasing movements around my cock felt far better than my own fist had ever, and it was far warmer too. I squeezed her hips and wiggled against her, smiling as I heard her soft gasp of delight. She picked up on this cue and started to move her hips – a bit unsteadily at first, but as she gained confidence, she rode against me more firmly. Agni be praised, but her on top of me... it was incredible the way her body felt around and against my own, her breasts pressed against my chest.
I wanted her always. I wanted her to come to Fire Nation with me when the war was over and remain at my side as my companion. There was no one else better matched for me.
She continued moving against me, her undulations more languorous than heated, but I enjoyed this as much as I did the rough sex from before. My hands slid along her body, savoring her soft and warm curves, squeezing her breasts lightly as her hands explored me as well. It felt wonderful to feel so... wanted. There was no rush, and I slowly thrust my hips, feeling my orgasm approach. I wished that this could last forever. All I could think about or feel was wonderful warmth.
Before I knew it, kisses were being peppered along my face. These kisses were firm and hungry, but at the same time it wasn't the heated and mindless making out we had done during our first time. I stared up in her eyes as she kissed my lips, and I kissed her back before I let my lips roam along her forehead, cheeks and throat as we continued to languidly undulate against one another. As I pressed my lips to her cheek, I inadvertently rubbed my scar against her face.
“Hold on a minute.” Katara said. I stopped rocking against her, and looked up wonderingly.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, reaching up to brush a few loose strands of hair from her face.
“I... I want to feel your scar. Against me, I mean.” she replied. I crinkled my eyebrow in confusion. My scar was unattractive, even Toph was aware of it.
“It's a scar. A stupid, ugly...” I said, only I found her finger pressed against my lips.
“Zuko, you're not ugly. Forget what your father or sister or anyone else said. I don't know much about the story behind it, but I do know that you got that scar for being honorable. Don't be ashamed of it, Zuko. I know that I'm not.” she said firmly. I was silent as she lowered her head, gently pressing her lips against my scarred eyelid. Had anyone else ever tried to touch my scar, I would have pushed them away. But now, all I could do was sit there, my hands loosely on her sides as her lips traveled against the taut skin. There were no words to describe the feelings that churned in me at Katara's... acceptance of the scar that had haunted me for three years. Before I knew it, she was now rubbing her cheek against it, letting out a soft sigh.
“How does it feel?” I asked. I couldn't feel anything on the scarred area itself, but I did feel her flesh at the fringes of it.
“It's so smooth and a bit crinkly and warm...” she murmured, her hand trailing up my neck to touch my scarred ear. I could see and hear on my left side, but I could only open up my scarred eye so much, and the hearing in my ear was slightly distorted due to the damaged flesh. But I could hear Katara well enough, and there was only curiosity and interest in her tone. Feeling more confident, I started rubbing it against her, hearing her murmur in contentment.
“Lower, Zuko...?” she asked. I started nuzzling her jaw before I went down to her throat.
o0o0o0o
Katara
The scar didn't disgust me, and the texture was actually pleasant. It was a unique sensation to have his scar rubbing against me, but I liked it, and I saw that my words had done much to make Zuko feel better. I couldn't help but imagine what it would feel like against my nipples, but realized that I would have to lift myself off him to do that. Oh well, there was always next time...
I started to rock again, this time more firmly. His pleased groan caused me to smile, and he nuzzled me a bit more before lifting his head to place a kiss against my lips. I placed my hands on the edge of the tub near his shoulders, so I could have more leverage. I ground against him, thrilling in the sensations that raced through my loins as I felt his hands tighten their grip on my hips. I was so close to my climax that I could practically taste it, and I had to bite down on my lips so that I wouldn't scream when the white-hot pleasure came over me. My nails were now digging into his shoulders, but he didn't seem to notice or care, and my orgasm continued as he continued to rock against me.
Zuko didn't breathe out fire this time when he came, but there was a sharp rise of temperature in the water, and the room was hit with a new influx of steam. I stared at him through the haze, smiling as I felt the warmth deep within myself. I slumped against him, and he stroked my hair and back as I listened to his heartbeat.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Again, I pondered at the rightness of being with Katara. I felt at peace and accepted, even loved, by this Waterbender. Thank you Agni, I silently prayed as I sat in the tub for another five or ten minutes, gently touching Katara and basking in the afterglow.
A soft whimper escaped her lips as I started to get up, easing her gently onto the side of the tub. The steam had a very soporific effect, and Katara seemed almost out of it as I rubbed her arms.
“How do you feel?” I whispered as I looked up at her.
“Good.” she purred. I couldn't help but smile at that.
“So... everything good between us?” I asked, trying not to sound too insistent as I continued to rub her to keep her happy and relaxed. She nodded slowly before I helped her off the edge of the tub. A large amount of steam still hung in the air, and I could not help but smirk to myself. We had taken it slow and taken the time to explore and enjoy one another – though there would still be plenty to explore later – and the lovemaking had still been intense.
I watched with curiosity as she used her Waterbending in that way she had hinted at before. The milky white fluid slid out of her easily and with a flick of her wrist, it fell in the water with a soft splash. When she caught me staring at her, she smirked a bit.
“That didn't bother you, did it?” she asked.
“Uh... no. I just never thought that anyone would ever Bend my...” I waved over to the bathtub, unable to say the last word.
“Would you rather worry?”
“No, no.” I said, cracking a smile. She pulled the plug, letting the water flow along the drainage. All of this she did naked, hiding nothing from me, and I did not waste the opportunity to appreciate it.
I was about to start getting dressed again when I noticed Katara Bending out some water from the old cistern. She used this to clean her clothes, effectively washing and then drying them within a short amount of time. I looked down at my clothes, knowing full well that they needed to be washed, since I had not had a bath since just before we left for the Sun Warriors.
“Katara?” I asked, feeling a bit silly standing there naked with my clothes in my arms.
“Yes?”
“If you don't mind... would you do my clothes too? They need to be washed.”
“I kinda figured.” she said with a small smile. She did the same for my clothing, and when she tossed them back to me, they no longer smelled like sweat or Appa. There was nothing like putting on fresh clothes, especially clean underwear. I quickly dressed.
“Just so you know, that doesn't mean I'm gonna become your personal maid.” Katara stated, still smiling, placing a hand on her hip.
“Katara... I wouldn't dream of it.” I shot back. Her laughter filled my ears and I smiled more widely.
Katara was the first one to peek beyond the cloth, to make sure that no one would see me sneaking out. She nodded to me, and we both slipped out in the moonlight, the steam pouring out from behind us.
“Maybe we better split up now. It's not too late, and someone might see us.” she said softly. There was no reproach in her tone, and I understood what she meant. Sokka certainly didn't need to know about us. Aang's crush on Katara was all too obvious. I didn't know what Toph might say, but best to not take chances.
“... I'll see you later, right?” I asked softly. She would know exactly what I meant by that. Her response was a soft smile and nod, and I held back a sigh of relief.
o0o0o0o
Katara
My instincts about being cautious paid off. Aang found me not too much later, and asked me to Waterbend with him. I didn't Waterbend with him too much lately as he was getting very good at it and he was focusing more on Firebending now. All Aang and me really worked on now was the most advanced moves, and to goof off a bit.
After we were done, we both sat at the edge of the fountain. I was ready to go to bed, and couldn't help but think of Zuko...
“I'll see you in the morning, okay? Good night, Aang.” I said as I playfully rumpled his dark hair. If this kept going, he'd end up having a shaggy mop of hair like Zuko... but it wouldn't look quite the same. Ooh, Zuko looked so good with a head full of hair...
“Sweet dreams, Katara.” Aang replied as he looked up at me, climbing off the edge of the fountain and grabbing my wrist. I was so surprised that I didn't say anything for a moment.
“Aang, is something wrong?” I asked. He blinked and shook his head, slowly letting go of my wrist.
“No, nothing. I'll see you tomorrow.”
I was headed for bed when I felt a hand grasp my upper arm. I gasped softly and turned to see Zuko.
“Sleep with me?” he asked. Before I could answer, he pulled me in the shadows. He was rather good at doing that...
“I hope it doesn't bother you that I keep doing that.” Zuko teased when he closed the door to his room. I couldn't help but chuckle a little at that.
We sat down on his mat, and I looked up at him, feeling my pulse race again. He was quiet for several moments as he slipped off his boots and socks, and I watched bemusedly as he took off my sandals.
“So... what will happen to us?” I ventured softly after he had set our shoes down.
“What do you want to happen?” he countered evenly. I looked down.
“I don't know. I guess after the War is over, Aang will probably want me to travel with him. Or I would just go back to either the Southern Water Tribe to help rebuild, or continue studying under Pakku.”
“I was thinking...” Zuko sighed softly and I looked up at him, “Maybe... you could stay in Fire Nation after the War is over. With me...”
“Stay in Fire Nation? With you and Iroh... Why?” I asked. “There's no use for me there. I'm not the Avatar.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
And thank Agni for that, I thought wryly. At least she didn't sound disgusted with the suggestion.
“But, Katara... there is use for you there. As a lady... as my consort.” I answered. Her gaze was unreadable as she regarded me silently. We had known each other for a while, though mostly as enemies. We had been allies for a shorter amount of time. And as lovers... well, we had only known each other intimately a few days ago... but I knew that I wanted more.
I silently prayed to Agni that she would agree to be with me once this was all over. I couldn't imagine never seeing her again. I knew that at my side, she could do a world of good with her compassion and courage. I would treat her above all other women, and would never take a concubine. No other woman could give me what Katara had.
“I'm... not sure what to say.” Katara finally answered at length. Well, at least she wasn't saying no.
“Just promise me that you will think about it.” I coaxed gently, placing my hand on her shoulder.
“What's there for me in the Fire Nation?” she asked hesitantly, as she looked up at me. “What could you offer me, Zuko? This... it's a serious request. I'm a Water Tribe woman. I don't think your Court would receive me well, and... I would miss my people.”
What could I offer you? I asked in my mind. Oh Katara, what couldn't I offer you? Part of me understood her hesitation. She wasn't going all moony at the prospect of being Fire Lady and having riches and servants. That went to show me how mature and intelligent she was. Other girls would have fawned all over me at the opportunity to be Fire Lady.
But I was dead serious. Even though I had not been intimate with her long, I just knew.
o0o0o0o
Katara

Being Fire Lady. It was a prospect that stunned me. Me, a Water Tribe girl? Surely Zuko was just attracted to the novelty of having a Water Tribe woman as his lover, and that would wear off after a while. When Zuko became Fire Lord, he would have his choice of ladies and courtesans, and I would be a fish out of the water. I almost cursed my raging hormones for having given in to Zuko a second time, but the memories of what we had done in the bath were far too pleasant. His gentle words and touches, his respect of me... these had been genuine.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

My concern grew with each moment that she remained silent. I knew she was right about her concerns. No doubt the Court would question a partnership between the Fire Lord and a Waterbender. At best, they would see her as a passing fancy. At worst... they would see my pairing with Katara as a insult to their culture and traditions.
But if I angled it differently for them... saying that Katara was an ambassador and that it would cement a alliance between the Fire Nation and the Water Tribes. Yes, that would work. Would Uncle approve of this? Obviously, he liked Katara and was respectful to her. But would he be as welcoming to a Waterbender as a daughter-in-law? Damn. I would have to proceed with care, but like Uncle once said, anything worth having isn't easily gained.
“I should... be going.” Katara murmured, apparently bothered by the silence.
“Don't go.” I whispered firmly, staring at her intently. “I will not lie about my feelings for you, nor would I lie that we would have to proceed with great caution. But I am willing to give it my all... if you're willing to stand by my side.”
Katara settled back down at the mat, letting out a soft sigh.
“Never in my life... did I imagine that the Prince of the Fire Nation would ever ask me to be his consort.”
“Life is full of surprises.” I replied with a half-smile on my lips.
“I won't argue with that. But... if... if I do agree to go with you... what would become of me? Would I have to share you with other women? Would you ask for children from me?'”
The idea that I'd find someone else attractive was downright laughable... but I knew it would be a error to do so right now, as she would see it the wrong way. As for children... well, needless to say, I didn't need or want to be a father right now. But later down the road, when I was more secure in my position and could provide a stable home, siring children with Katara was actually a rather appealing prospect.
“Katara...I wouldn't even want to touch another woman. How could I, when I have you.” I pleaded softly. Even though the room was dark, the moonlight that wafted in let me see that the glint in her eyes had softened, and she reached out to touch my hand.
“Do... do you really mean that?” she asked tremulously.
“No other woman on Earth could make me feel how you do.” Okay, so that sounded a bit sappy, but it was indeed how I felt about Katara. I nudged her to one side so I had room to lay down, and took her into my arms. I couldn't help but imagine how it would be with my Waterbender in the royal chamber, silks surrounding us, rather than being on this old mat.
My Waterbender. That sounded just right. For the first time in my life, I had someone that was mine and mine alone. And I was doing something that made me happy. This did not reflect my sire's desires, or my Uncle's, or anyone else's. I looked down at her as she looked back at me. Her azure eyes seemed luminous in the semidarkness as she lay there.
I looked forward to sleeping with her. But would she sneak off in the middle of the night as she had before, and shut me out again?
“What's the matter?” she asked, seeming to feel my change in mood.
“You aren't going to leave me, are you?” I asked, my question seeming to echo through the quiet room.
“What do... you mean?” she asked, not quite meeting my eyes.
“You won't sneak off while I sleep?” I asked bluntly. I felt her stiffen.
“Are you going to let me sneak off?” she asked. Her tone was slightly defiant as she raised her chin. I tightened my grip, pressing her against my warm body.
“Are you?” she asked again, in a softer tone. “After what we talked about, are you?”
“Never.” I meant it, too. “I'll never let you get away from me again, Katara.” I said in a gentle but firm tone. I saw her smile a little, and she relaxed in my embrace. I inhaled her scent, soft and sweet and feminine, yet reminding me of the ocean. I heard her soft sigh as she nestled her face against my chest, apparently enjoying my scent as much as I enjoyed hers. Even though she hadn't said yes to coming to Fire Nation with me, I was determined.
“Sleep well.” I murmured.
“You too, Zuko.” came her sleepy reply. I watched as she closed her eyes, listening to her soft breathing as I enjoyed the warmth of her body.
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