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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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S
low Heat

Chapter 21 – Heat's Coming

o0o0o0o
One Month, 8 Days BSC
(Mid-August 1101)
Zuko

The sky was already becoming light as I stirred awake. Everyone else was sleeping, and I contented myself with staring at Katara as she slept, remembering the events of the night before with a fond smile. Red stripes and swirls on dark skin under the moonlight, with mist around us to give us cover... it seemed almost surreal. Katara looked so serene right now, as opposed to the impassioned Waterbender that had freely made her desire known, and even used her Waterbending to bind me. Even now, I shivered at the memories, and felt a familiar stirring of my lower regions. Was it too early to nudge her awake and sneak off with her for some more intimacy before breakfast?
Before I could climb out of my sleeping bag, I saw the Avatar staring at me. He was sleeping over on the other side of Katara, and as soon as I caught his stare, I glared right back. I wished that I had set up my tent the night before, but it had been such a pleasant and warm evening that we had opted to just sleep under the stars. That's it, I vowed to myself. Tonight – warm weather or no, I'd set up my tent and get some privacy. I sat up, keeping my stare level as I studied the Avatar. It went without saying that he would just increase his bid for Katara's attention, and that wasn't something I looked forward to. Agni, let me get through this without losing my temper, I prayed as I rose from my bag. I wanted to pull Katara close and hold her as I had whenever waking up with her in one of the private rooms of the Air Temple.
Instead, I occupied myself with my exercises as the sun rose. The Avatar was now sticking close to Katara, offering to help her cook or serve, and when we ate, he sat close to her. It was going to be a long day... I hoped we would have some mission to do, or a trip into town, or anything. If I had to watch the Avatar follow Katara around....
“C'mon, Twinkletoes. It's time to get some practice in.” Toph declared authoritatively as she rose to her feet. As Aang left with Toph, he shot one last glance at Katara over his shoulder. She did not return the gaze.
Naturally, we wasted no time in being together. Some light sparring and Bending was involved before I started to feel rather warm. It was a balmy morning, with promise to become rather hot as the sun pressed on. I stripped my shirt and boots off, and she took off her own unnecessary garments before wading into the shallows of the creek, looking brilliant in a red wrap and long red undershorts. I never got tired of seeing her in her wrap and undershorts, and briefly entertained the thought of going after her, pulling them down, and enjoying what would ensue. All it would take was a tug at the drawstring that held up her underwear, and then, mmm...
“You're thinking naughty thoughts, aren't you?” Katara asked, her hands on her hips. Her underwear was rather modest, revealing not one bit of cleavage, and her shorts covered much of her thighs. Fire Nation swimming suits were more revealing than a wide wrap and shorts, but this was as enjoyable as the idea of her in a red silk swimsuit.
“Can I help it? After last night, and then seeing you in your underwear...” I murmured. I wasn't sure whether I liked more – her in her old white underwear, or her new red undergarments that she had made with leftover fabric. White made her skin look darker, which was a contrast I enjoyed, but the deep red looked so good against her skin!
“Well, you look pretty good shirtless.” she shot back.
“Pretty good? Is that all you can say?” I teased as I waded into the water after her.
“Okay... you look pretty hot.” she returned, flashing a brilliant smile. I laughed and went after her, careful to not trip over any rocks on the creek bottom.
“Well, you look hot too. So I think you need some cooling off.” With that statement, I bent down and flicked my wrists, splashing some water at her. She laughed and started splashing back at me, the cool water hitting our sweat-dappled skin. Her giggle was infectious, and I fund myself chuckling, chasing after her and splashing her.
“Stay still!” I commanded as she danced around me, waving around tendrils of water playfully.
“Why should I?” she countered.
“Because I command it.” I replied, smiling a little to show her that I wasn't trying to boss her around.
“Who are you to command?” she shot back with another smile of her own, wiggling away when I reached for her.
“I am the Prince of the Fire Nation, next in line of Agni's blood.” I replied, raising my chin imperiously.
“Sorry, but since I'm not Fire Nation, I don't have to obey you... Princess.” she replied, raising her chin in kind. I smirked as I splashed her again.
“Disobedient wench. I should spank you.” I teased as she splashed back.
“Sifu Hotman.” she shot back.
“You know, that's actually a decent nickname.” I drawled.
“I'll remember that the next time I need to cry something out when you're making me feel good.” she replied, and a wide smirk crept across my face. I would never tire of such bantering. I loved Katara's spirit, and how she challenged me.
“Well, the Blue Spirit made you feel good too.” I chased her into the deeper part of the creek, splashing her again. Her laughter rang through the air.
“How could I forget?”
“How indeed.” I replied, the water now just below my hips. I couldn't think of a better way to cool off during a hot day than frolicking around in a creek with a certain Waterbender. Before I could say anything else, the water around me churned and spun, putting me in a small whirlpool.
“Hey! No fair!” I gasped when I was able to speak.
“Mess with a Waterbender, that's what you get.” she shot back, though the whirlpool didn't get any fiercer. I broke free after a few moments and pounced at her. She was as slippery as an eel-otter when I tried to catch her, but it was fun nonetheless as we frolicked and found refuge from the heat of the day. I had not played around like this for... for... only Agni knew how long! Katara's laughter was music to my ears, and I moved towards her, wanting to surprise her with some tickling. Her laughter suddenly stopped, and I stopped as well, wondering what was wrong. Had she stepped on something sharp? I followed her gaze to see the damned Avatar standing at the creek's edge, staring down at the two of us. Toph must be done with him, I thought to myself as I stared him down, refusing to back down.
“So... having fun?” he asked awkwardly, returning my stare with a hard one of his own.
“There are few things more fun than cooling off on a sweltering day.” I replied evenly. It was the truth, after all.
“Yeah. It's getting really hot. I need to cool off too.” he stated. I held back a low groan and had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. He was already shirtless and shoeless, and I sent out a silent prayer of thanks to Agni that he did not remove his pants before he waded into the water. Katara and me glanced at one another silently. If we told him to leave, then he would suspect how Katara and I really were. Resignedly, I sat down in the water, submerged to my chin. I'd just stay here for like five minutes, and then leave Aang to do whatever he wanted.
“Wanna play?” Aang asked Katara, splashing at her a bit.
“No, I just wanna sit and cool off.” Katara replied, sitting down and glancing off.
“But you were playing before.” he stubbornly persisted.
“And I wore myself out. I need to sit down.” she replied firmly. Aang looked like a kid who had just had his toy taken from him. No one said anything for a good while, and I had to resist the temptation to slide over to Katara and tease her under the water. Finally, she rose from the water and climbed up the bank, wet red fabric clinging to the curves of her body. It was a sight I enjoyed, and apparently, so did someone else... the Avatar's cheeks were a bit pink as he stared up at her. I wanted to put my hands over his eyes so he couldn't see how the wet fabric outlined Katara's pert rear end. Apparently Katara felt the same way I did, because she quickly Bended the water off herself before getting dressed and disappearing into the trees.
See what you did, I thought as the Avatar turned to stare back at me.
“Why do you hang around her so much?” he asked point-blank. Look who's talking, I thought derisively. At least Katara welcomed and appreciated my company!
“We were sparring and it was so hot we decided to take a break in the creek. Wait, I don't even have to explain myself to you! You're the one who keeps following her around like a puppy!”
“Am not!”
“Are too.”
“Am not!”
“Are... forget this.” I wasn't going to get in an argument with a kid who had barely hit puberty, if even that, over my lover! I quickly rose to my feet and stalked out of the water, yanking my clothes off the ground.

o0o0o0o
Katara

I stalked into the campsite casually, refusing to let Sokka see how on edge I was.
“Katara!” he called out, and I had to stop myself from wincing. Did he see I was bothered?
“What?”
“Wanna go to town now? Might as well do it since we're low on supplies!” he reminded me that we had run out of rice just this morning, and didn't have much left in the way of vegetables or spices. Thank goodness for a diversion.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

I sat quietly as Katara wrapped my makeshift bandage around my head , her fingers running through my hair as she fastened the gauze.
“Poor Zuko, you look like you're in need of some nursing.” she murmured as she examined her handiwork.
“It'd have been so nice if you had attended to me back then.” I whispered. How nice it would have been to have my hands held, or to be talked to in a loving way when I was drifting through a world of pain, still reeling from what my father had done to me and trying to keep my mind clear through the agony of burned flesh. And if I had had Katara's healing abilities at hand when it happened, would I have this scar today?
“I'll kiss your scar better tonight.” she said with a small smile. I had to resist the urge to stroke her sides or pull her into my lap. But we had all already grouped together, and I could feel Aang's eyes on us as he fed Momo a few berries.
I had not had fireflakes since before my banishment, and I savored the crunchy and spicy treatment as I walked at Katara's side through the marketplace. Once in a while, her little hand might find its way to the paper bag in my hand to steal a few fireflakes, but I was happy to share. It was something for us both to enjoy as we wandered the market, looking for the best food at the best bargain. Shopping by myself before gave me a new-found appreciation for how food was grown or obtained, something I had never paid mind to when I was still living at the Palace, There was also the fact that I had seen plenty of fields during my travels, and even done some work a few times to earn money to support myself. The ocean breeze roused my appetite, and I took a deep breath, reminded of my days on my ship, looking for the Avatar.
In the distance, beyond the horizon I saw a plume of smoke, only it wasn't as dark as smoke usually would be. Then I realized what it was. Steam. I remembered from Sokka's map where we were, and what lay just beyond the horizon. It was the most infamous prison in Fire Nation history. Not a single soul had managed to ever escape it. We did have a smaller prison in the Palace City, but that was for more special prisoners, like a disgraced member of the Royal Family. I couldn't help but wonder if any of the Earth Kingdom men under General Hao or the General himself were being held there. I knew that soldiers who had tried to desert were sent there if they weren't executed, or political prisoners. Would such people be on my side?
I barely had any time to think on that before I felt Katara tug my sleeve, leading me along the stalls. As I walked at her side, my mind wandered again. Now that we had no Ba Sing Se forces on our side, we had to manage with our own small group, Hakoda's forces, and whatever men Iroh could pull from the White Lotus. I wondered what kind of men the Society held. And when we were gathered together, would we be enough, even with the mighty Avatar at our sides?

o0o0o0o
Katara

Surprisingly, Aang didn't seem as obnoxious as he had been before. He was a big help, finding some of the good supplies we now had, and didn't bother Zuko or I. He helped me with dinner, and he didn't talk much, like Zuko. It was as if he was now trying to get my attention by using a different strategy. Well, let him. Right now he wasn't bothering anyone, and I found this quieter behavior of his refreshing.
Just as we were cleaning up and getting ready to relax, it started to rain a bit. Of course, this meant no more sleeping out in the open. Toph obligingly raised a few more stone walls for anyone to use or attach their tent to, and I saw an opportunity for myself.
Generally, Zuko preferred sleeping away from the others. It was how he had always been, and I was glad for it tonight. As it continued to rain gently, the drops falling into the forest and ocean alike, I made my way along the slope that led down to the beach. I had already pitched my tent – but I was not going to be sleeping in it. The rain fell on my head and shoulders in a gentle but steady beat as I came to Zuko's tent-flap. Doubtless he would welcome me should I crawl into there, I decided to knock. I did so by rapping gently on the tentpole.
“Who is it?” he called out. I bit my lip and knocked again.
“Stop playing out there and tell me who you are!” he growled.
“Is this how you speak to me?” I asked in the sweetest tone I could muster. The flap was pulled open and he stared up at me with a small smirk.
“You know, I was actually planning to sneak over to your tent in a bit.”
“I guess I saved you the trouble of going out in the rain, huh?”
“You're the Waterbender, not me.” he replied as he grasped my wrist, tugging me inside.
“But you're a Firebender and can steam your wet clothes.” I shot back lightly.
“It's more fun to watch you Bend.” Zuko murmured as he wrapped an arm around my middle. I let out a quiet sigh of contentment. This was the first time we'd be able to actually sleep together since the Western Air Temple, instead of having to separate should we choose intimacy for that particular night.
“Glad you think so. Because I can say the same about myself.” I teased, waiting to see if he would catch on.
“That's gr... Wait. Yourself?” A smirk crept across his face. “You were already naughty once today, do I need to discipline you?”
“Admit it, you like when I'm defiant and naughty.” I retorted hotly. In the shadows, I could swear that he grinned. He did chuckle softly, and I felt his arm squeeze me tightly. He smelled clean and warm, with that faint smoky and spicy scent that I was now familiar with.
I took my blanket and tossed it onto the ground of the tent before we both lay down, facing one another with my face near his throat. I smiled as his hand stroked my arm. The pattering of raindrops on the tent made a soothing backdrop to Zuko's quiet breathing, and I sighed contentedly.
“I could get used to this. I already am.” Zuko murmured as he trailed his fingers along the inside of my arm.
“Good to know you enjoy it so much.” I cooed softly, feeling warm under his praise. I was met with silence for several moments and felt a tingle on the back of my neck. Zuko wanted to talk about something important. He was always silent for a few moments before he did.
“Remember when I asked you to stay in Fire Nation with me?” he asked softly. I stiffened slightly. The future was something I was afraid to think of. Sure, I was hopeful, and was certain that we would win and that the Avatar would set things right. But anything else than that struck me with a fear I could not describe, especially when Zuko mentioned our future together.
For so long I had hated Fire Nation. They had killed my mother, raided our village since before I was born, stole away the Waterbenders and tortured them. So to have the Prince of the Fire Nation as my lover was something that was almost impossible for me to contemplate at times. And the fact that I actually cared for him, just as he obviously did for me. And then for him to ask me to stay at his side while he ruled as Fire Lord...
“Do you still think that staying with me would be a terrible idea?” he asked, his fingers still stroking me.
“It's not something I want to talk about.”
“Why not?” His tone was harsher now, and more insistent. His hand stilled.
“I just can't think about that right now.”
“Tara, you know I don't speak of this lightly.”
“I know.” I whispered. He exhaled slowly before continuing to caress my arm.
“Look, I just want to enjoy this night with you, okay?” I pleaded softly, “Please... don't be angry at me.”
“I'm not angry....” A moment of silence before he spoke again, “I just... wish you were more confident about this. I know you're worried about the future. Do you think I'm not? But that doesn't change what I want.” I felt him squeeze my arm. I nodded slowly. The silence between us was becoming tense, and I rolled over on my back to sleep. This time, Zuko's sigh was much sharper than it had been before.
“Do you want me to leave?” I asked hesitantly.
“Agni, no.” he growled, and I felt him shift towards me, as if preparing to catch me should I bolt.
“I won't leave.” I reassured him. I was so used to seeing him that it was a different experience to rely on sound and touch, since the moon was new tonight and we were pretty much ensconced in the darkness. But at the same time, it was rather enjoyable.
“I don't ever want you to leave.” Zuko whispered. “Not ever.” His hand slid along the blanket to rest on my stomach.
“It's just... a lot for me to think about, okay? Let's just enjoy what we already have.” I pleaded softly.
“Don't think that I won't.” he murmured, and I felt his head on my shoulder as he cuddled up close.

o0o0o0o
One Month, 7 Days BSC
Zuko

I felt sad at Katara's reluctance. Sure, her explanation did make sense... kind of. I guess it was my own surety that left me wanting to shake her out of her uncertainty. Fortunately, the rain made a soothing sound that was easy to fall asleep to.
When I woke up, the rain had stopped, and the faint glowing through the tent fabric told me that dawn was near. Katara remained as peaceful as ever, her head now against my chest as we lay facing one another, curled up loosely. Oh, yes. I meant it truly when I told her that I had gotten used to this. I wanted so much to wake up to this every morning, to have someone to share my innermost self with away from the eyes of the Court. Reluctantly, I nudged her awake.
“Mmm?” she murmured before snuggling closer. I smiled faintly and squeezed her close for a moment before going back to waking her up. I leaned my head down and started placing kisses along her throat and shoulder, knowing she'd respond well to that. And she did.
“Mmm. Zu...” she whispered as she slowly came awake, rubbing her eyes.
“Rise and shine. Time to go back to your tent before anyone notices.” I replied softly.
“Feh.” she grunted, frowning as she sat up.
“Sorry, you know I'd rather have it otherwise.” I said as I rubbed her arms, reveling in the closeness. She smiled before I opened the tent flap, checking to see if anyone else was out there.
“Coast is clear.” I finally stated when I was satisfied. She crawled through the flap, giving me a nice view of her rear end before she slid away into the semidarkness. It had stopped raining, though the grass was still wet. I let out a low sigh, deciding that I might as well get up and do some calisthenics and Firebending.
I decided to exercise on the shore. Sometimes I preferred the quietness of the forest, but once in a while I wanted to be near the ocean. Maybe because it reminded me of Katara...
I froze when I saw a flash of dark red among the boulders that clustered along the shoreline. Had Katara come here to practice? It wasn't moving, and I came closer to investigate, seeing that it was a lightly-tanned man lying face-down amongst the sand and rocks, apparently thinking it'd be a good place to sleep, or... Wait a minute. The clothes he wore was a prisoner uniform. I looked up to see the faint plume of steam in the distance. Had this man managed to escape the Boiling Rock? I stiffened, looking around to see if there was anyone nearby. I was alone, so tentatively I approached him, keeping a good distance as the waves splashed around his lower legs and feet. He was a well-built man.
“Hello?” I whispered, poking his back with a stick I had found in the sand. At first, I thought he might be dead, but he let out a low grunt.
“You ain't a soldier, are you?” I heard him mumble when he started to raise his head
“No.” I replied, feeling apprehensive. What if he had been put in jail for a violent crime?
“Could you help me up?” he asked. I remained where I was as he looked up at me, and I figured him to be in his thirties. Maybe forties.
“No, seriously... I've been out here for who knows how long. I'm surprised I reached the shore. It might be summer, but that water is damn cold!”
“I know you're a escaped prisoner.” I stated, widening my stance and preparing for a attack.
“Damnit. But hey, I'm not gonna hurt you, okay? All I want is a bit of food and a place to get warm and rest.” he said as he looked at me levelly, pulling himself to his feet with the help of a nearby boulder. He held his arms out loosely, palms facing up to show that he was no threat. Unless that was a ploy of his, of course. I stared at him for a long while, not moving.
“Okay. I guess I can't blame you for being paranoid. I would be too, if I were you.” he replied. Toph would be able to tell us if this man were lying or not, and if he was, she would summarily remedy the situation. What had this man done to get into Boiling Rock?
“What was your crime?” I asked, point-blank.
“Well, they said that I was a traitor to my country, but honestly, these are just trumped-up charges, I'd never hurt anybody.” He seemed sincere, and I didn't catch any kid of cruel or subversive glint in his blue eyes.
... Blue? Yes. A gray-blue that I had never seen on anyone who was pure Fire Nation. I kept that observation to myself.
“Me and my friends are having breakfast in a bit. You can join us, but know that if you're lying to us or try to harm us...”
“I am a man of my word. Your friends aren't soldiers or guards, are they?”
“Not one.” I replied as he approached me.
“How did you escape the Boiling Rock?” I asked.
“Do you mind if I eat and rest up a bit first? It is a long story after all.” Was it my imagination, or was there a small, tentative smile on his face?
“I guess not. But my warning stands.” At this, he nodded, offering no argument, or even a angry look. “What's your name?” I asked.
“Chit Sang.”
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Slow Heat