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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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
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Kiss of Fire

Chapter Twenty-Three – Father
This is the final chapter in this arc. In the next arc I have an exciting storyline planned, as well as a couple of unique and steamy Zutara scenes. :3
Some fun news in the writing world... I have two new fics up. One for Hunger Games. One for Megaman. For those of you who enjoy either one, you may want to check out my fics. I also have a Tahnorra fic planned. Isn't that exciting? My book is also almost out, I will post news of it on my profile in the near future. As always, enjoy and leave feedback. You thrive on my Zutara, I thrive on your feedback.

o0o0o0o
Zuko
It felt good to feel his warm body in my arms. I silently thanked Agni that he was going to be well, and that I would have the chance to close the rift I had inadvertently placed between us. I looked down at him, seeing him dozing peacefully, his little head resting against my chest. With my wife at my side, I couldn’t have asked for more.
In the morning, the three of us were still together on my wife’s sofa. I found a blanket draped across us, and guessed it was my wife’s doing. I stirred awake and looked down at my son. He was a little pale, but he was no longer flush with fever. Carefully, I shifted him over onto my wife’s lap, and she moaned softly, coming awake.
“I have duties to attend to. But you do not need to come to Court. Stay with Kuzon all day, if you wish. I will see you two later.” I said softly. She nodded, and Kuzon stirred awake with a whimper. I looked down at him, resting my hand on his back.
“Listen to her, and the doctor. Rest.” I stated firmly, placing my hand on his head for several moments.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Without the fever to battle, Kuzon was no longer in pain, though the whole ordeal had left him drained. I continued to let him stay in my room – the surroundings and my presence clearly comforted him and he liked having Hinode and my personal servants there when I was not around. Before, the only person who was with Kuzon regularly was his nurse, and she had called forth servants for various purposes, such as delivering meals or doing laundry.
I planned to get rid of the nurse, she had given me the perfect excuse to do so with her thievery. I hoped to be able to choose the new nurse myself – and perhaps a personal servant or two. He was a mature boy, and needed to be able to make a few decisions by himself, and learn how to give orders and how to be a good master.
Kuzon looked so quiet and pale, sleeping there in my bed. Not long after Zuko left, Sylid came to check on him. I saw the surprise and relief on his face when he saw that Kuzon was no longer feverish.
“How do you feel, my Prince?” Sylid asked as he examined Kuzon.
“Tired.”
“Does anything hurt?”
“No, just tired.” Kuzon murmured.
“That’s good, that there is no more pain. You must stay in bed for a few days, Prince. Do not try to get up or go around until I tell you to.” he said. Kuzon nodded listlessly and Sylid left his side. The physician pulled me aside and gazed at me with some scrutiny.
“When did his fever break, my lady?” he asked.
“Late last night.”
“How did it happen?”
“I… I don’t know what you mean.” I said, not wishing to reveal my healing ability.
“All the remedies I gave him did not heal his fever. I tried so many different remedies and therapies, and none of them worked.”
I held back a sigh. Not only was Kuzon given medication, he had been given various therapies – cool baths, warm baths, steam, brief walks, various foods, hot stones, massages, acupuncture, even the Fire Sages chanting over him with clouds of incense filling the room when Kuzon had been transported to the Temple, several days ago. Nothing had worked – until I used my own hands to heal him – literally.
“You must have done something. Either that or his defenses kicked in spectacularly.” Sylid stated, gazing at me with scrutiny.
“He’s a strong and healthy little boy.” I stated firmly. I had heard of people drawing out strength that they did not know they had. Certainly Sylid could believe that. He seemed about to press me further, but he bowed his head.
“You are right, my lady. And you did take good care of him. Now, I will be taking my leave, though I will check on him again.” he stated, before bowing his head. I spent much of the day near Kuzon, reading to him when he was awake and working on my books or talking with my servants when he slept. He continued to recover over the next few days, though Hinode – who I had left in charge when I was gone – and Kuzon’s nurse frequently butted heads. I had told Hinode to not reveal that she knew what the nurse had done, at least not yet. I was biding my time, and that time would come soon.
After several days, the Prince was antsy to be let out of bed. He was let out only to use the washroom or to do a few stretching exercises, otherwise he was kept in bed and tucked in securely. I had let him out of bed the day before to take a walk down the Palace halls, to work out his unused muscles. He was happy to do so, and I let him walk around as I followed him, until he tired out. It had put some color in his cheeks, so he didn’t look so pale. This morning, he looked much better, almost completely back to his old self. And I had an idea that would thrill him. Today was warm for this time of the year – Kuzon would still need to dress prudently, but he would not need a hooded robe or a scarf. There was a breeze outside, and the sun was shining in the cloudless sky.
After a light breakfast, I smiled at him warmly, having already chosen boots, pants, a shirt, and a cozy jacket for him.
“We’re going outside?” he asked hopefully. I nodded with a smile and helped him out of bed – he had a hard time getting in or out of it because it was so high. Once he was dressed, I rumpled his hair a little. It was so soft and thick, like Zuko’s, and he laughed at me. I quickly combed it and put it in a simple topknot as his nurse entered.
“He should not be going outside! It is far too cold!”
“It is not.” I replied calmly, “It’s a warm day for this time of the year, and my cousins and I played outside in this weather all the time without any ill effects. Kuzon has been in bed long enough, and he is not sick anymore. It has been several days since the fever broke, and he is coming along just fine.”
She glared at me, her lips twisted in that all-too-familiar frown.
“He will stay inside. You’ve done enough, moving him out of his room and pampering him!”
“Pamper?” I asked, raising my eyebrow, “I have simply cared for him when he was ill…”
“That is my job!”
“One that you do not even enjoy.” I retorted. She glared at me again, and Kuzon was silent for a moment before he spoke.
“I want to be with you.” he said, looking up at me. I nodded and stroked his cheek.
“You stay here.” I said, directing my words at the nurse. I had no desire for her to tag along.
“The Prince…”
“Is fine with me. I have guards coming with me. You heard Kuzon – he wants to be with me. Use your free time to do something useful, or take a walk of your own. I do not care.” I replied, setting my jaw. I wondered where she had come from – she was practical enough, but I hated her attitude. She opened her mouth, only I put my hand up for silence. That was not something she could disobey.
Hinode carried the kite that I had given Kuzon for his birthday. I kept him looking ahead, telling him to not look back as we climbed into my palanquin for the trip up the volcano wall.The Prince’s curiosity was piqued as he saw that we were taking a ride, since he knew I preferred walking. I smiled at him.
“Patience, my darling.” I let him cuddle with me as we made our way to the top of the wall.
“Why are we here, Mama?” he asked. I smiled.
“In a few moments, you will see.” I said.
One of the guards – a kind man who was part of my personal staff, laid out a blanket for us on the grass and stood near it. I enjoyed working with him, and felt safe when he was on duty.
“Turn around, Kuzon.” I said softly. He did just as I asked, seeing Hinode standing there, holding out the kite in front of her. I saw the Prince’s eyes gleam with delight, and she smiled down at him cheerily. He approached her, and she handed him the kite, which he held gingerly.
“I had a kite when I was a little girl, and I had so much fun with it.” I said with a smile, as I showed him the proper way to hold it, and how to wind and unwind the spool of silken thread, so it would not tangle. With a few other helping words, Kuzon had the kite aloft in the air on the breeze, with several meters of string aloft. The wall was the perfect place to catch a breeze.
I reclined against the blanket as Hinode sat next to me, and the Prince joyfully skipped along the ground, letting out more string. The kite had been painted so beautifully, that it truly was a sight to see it aloft. It had several red and gold silk streamers, to stimulate the phoenix’s tail, and Kuzon’s laughter of pleasure filled my heart with joy. Not a week before, he had been so pale and wan, struggling for life, and his cries of misery had been so heartbreaking to hear.
After a bit, I coaxed him to the blanket to rest, not wishing him to overdo it. A light lunch had been packed beforehand and it was so pleasant out here with the Prince and Hinoce, who were both such good companions. When the meal was finished, the Prince and I lay on the blanket, looking up at the sky and the few clouds that had managed to withstand the sun’s rays, and we picked out what shapes we could see. One cloud had a familiar shape to me, and I squinted my eyes at it.
That looks like a sky bison, I thought to myself, and was about to tell Kuzon that. But I stopped before I did. I had never seen a sky bison in my life, yet I had the eerie feeling that I had ridden one before.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I had no desire to deal with courtiers today, so I chose to attend to the paperwork by myself. Deciding to take a break, I went to the windows in my study, and was startled to see a phoenix in the air. It took me a moment to figure out that it was just a kite. I was unable to see the string from this distance, but I figured out where it was coming from, and used my handheld telescope to find my wife and son on the volcano wall. Kuzon looked ecstatic, and my wife sat there, smiling at him.
I remember the time my Uncle had given me a kite, and the pleasure it had given me. Lu Ten had a kite of his own, even though he was an adult, for he insisted that no one was too old to have fun, and the two of us flew kites as Uncle laughed and cheered us on.
I turned away from the window, catching sight of the toy on my desk. It had been another one of Uncle’s gifts to me when I was younger, about four or five years old. It was a stuffed dragon, made with red velvet and stitched with gold. I wanted my son to have it, otherwise it was wasted in storage. I had asked my wife to give it to him, but to my surprise, she refused. She calmly told me to give it to him myself. I was unsure of how to approach Kuzon. He probably did not even remember me holding him.
I pulled the toy into my lap, turning it around in my hands and admiring the work. I had cared for it well, and loved it. It showed a bit of wear, but it did not require stitches or any other repairs. I remember the glee I had felt when Uncle had given it to me. My fingers stroked the soft velvet as I thought about my family.
o0o0o0o
Katara
After his rest, the Prince flew the kite some more. When he was showing clear signs of being tired, I gently called for him to pull down his kite. He looked up at me pleadingly, and I could not help but relent and let him fly the kite a bit more.
After the outing, he was tired, but not to the point of exhaustion. I slipped off his jacket and boots, and lay him down on my sofa as I had some tea and treats brought up. Tomorrow, he was scheduled to start his lessons again, albeit in a shortened day to see how he was doing and to catch up. Kamas had come to see him the day before, to see how he was feeling. He had agreed that Kuzon should rest, but he did not believe that the Prince should just lounge around unnecessarily. I smiled down at Kuzon, who smiled up at me brilliantly.
“Tonight, you’re going back to your room.” I said as gently as I could. He looked crestfallen and started to shake his head pleadingly.
“I like it here, Mama.”
“I know, and you can always come and visit me.” I said softly, as I stroked his hair. I knew he also liked being around my staff, who was always present in the form of one person or another, rather than be alone with his nurse.
“I want to stay here.”
‘I didn’t want him moved here, and now see what has happened.” his nurse said dourly from behind me, and I managed to hold myself from startling. I did not want to give her that satisfaction. I rose from Kuzon’s side, and glared at her before motioning her to come to the other room with me. Enough was enough, and now was the time to pull the trump card out of my sleeve, though I would wait until the exact moment to pull it out.
“I have had enough with your attitude. I could have had you out by your ear a long time ago for your insolence. I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. You might be a competent nurse for Kuzon, but your attitude is more than unacceptable, as is your behavior.” I stated severely.
“The Fire Lord appointed me to Kuzon’s care.” the nurse replied haughtily. I had to keep myself from rolling my eyes.
“That he did, but he did not order you to be rude or insolent to me, did he? Why are you even here? It’s clear to me that this is nothing but a job to you, one that pays well. Well, forget it. You will not be paid anymore, and you will be thrown out of the Palace summarily. Kuzon will remain in my custody until I find a better nurse for him.”
“You cannot do this! I am going to the Fire Lord! He will not allow this to happen!” she whined, though she still sounded confident enough.
“Be silent.” I snapped. I still had my trump card at hand, and sensed that right now was not the best moment. Better to have it out in front of Zuko, with Hinode at hand to prove my words. My husband was most likely to take my word even without Hinode there, but I wanted to lay out the evidence. Kuzon clearly wasn’t poisoned by the attitude of this woman, but other servants could be.
The next day, I was taking a walk with the Prince, after he had completed his lessons and lunch. He was the way he had been before his sickness, full of energy, and rosy-cheeked from the slightly nippy weather that was nothing to the cold climes of the North Pole. He had slept in his room the night before while I slept with Zuko, and as expected, he was happy to see me when I came to get him.
I had Hinode check the few pieces of jewelry that I did not keep under lock and key, and there was another piece missing, not surprisingly. I had her check the nurse’s room, and the jewelry was hidden in the same spot. My companion ensured that she left the jewelry as it was, and made it so that the Mara would not suspect her room had been searched.
That afternoon, when the Fire Lord retired from Court, I found him before he could tackle his paperwork.
“I have something important to discuss with you, my lord.” I said, bowing my head. He looked up at me, raising his eyebrow, and he nodded. I spilled it out, telling him about the Mara's animosity towards me, her barely checked attitude, and the fact that she had stolen jewelry from me. His eyes widened slightly at this.
“Why didn’t you tell me when she was insolent to you before? I will not tolerate someone treating you as such!” he stated, immediately going on the defensive. Well, if anything, I knew my husband cared for me.
“I knew there would be people here suspicious of me because of my heritage. I was ready for that before I started living here.”
“Yes, but this…”
“Yes. I came here, because I had enough. I let it be known that her behavior was inappropriate several times, but she continues. And Kuzon needs a more competent nurse. It’s clear to me that she does not enjoy children.”
“I didn’t hire her to coddle Kuzon. She was nurse to a couple other noble households before this, and came highly recommended…”
“I know, and I agree with you that Kuzon should not be coddled. But if you were being taken care of by someone, would you want someone who did not like watching over you? Even Kuzon senses it.” I asked. He was silent for a moment.
“Then she shall be brought here.”
“Call for Hinode too.” I asked. He raised his eyebrow again, but he nodded.
Shortly, both women were before us. My handmaid was calm, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she held her head high, after bowing to us. The other woman bowed to the Fire Lord, and bowed to me stiffly. Zuko did not miss this.
“What causes you to act so ill-mannered towards your Lady?” Zuko asked coldly. She remained silent for a moment.
“What do you mean? I always bow to her and refer to her as I should, and I obey her commands.” she replied.
“You mean to tell me that you do not act insolent towards her, referring to her and her people as lowly behind her back?” he asked. I had learned of her doing this, from Hinode and Kuzon as well as a few other servants.
“Rumors and hearsay.” she replied humbly to the Fire Lord, “Far from it for me to insult my lord’s wife.”
“Is it also far from it for you to steal from the lady?” he asked. She looked up with surprise.
“Why would I do that?” she asked.
“Why indeed, when you are paid well and given comfortable quarters.” he said. She lived in a room off of Kuzon’s apartment, with her own washroom. That was more than what many servants in various households got, and she had the whole servant’s apartment to herself.
“If someone has accused me of stealing, let them come forward. I am innocent!” she said.
“I accuse you.” I stated simply, before looking over at Hinode. She nodded and with a guard, left.
“Why do you accuse me?” she asked wheedingly as she looked at me, bowing to me again.
“I keep most of my jewelry under lock and key, but I keep some pieces out for everyday wear and easier access. Several pieces are missing, and this has never happened before I moved Kuzon to my room.”
“Why not accuse your companion then? She doesn’t like me, and you know it. She did it to frame me!”
“Hinode is a better person than that. You aggravate her almost as much as you aggravate me. But she’s not so petty enough as to frame someone.”
Hinode rushed back in, the missing articles of jewelry in her hands. The older woman actually paled, and there was no mistaking her reaction.
“Do you deny taking these things?” my husband asked.
“Yes, I do!” she replied, but her voice was tight. Another offense – lying to the Fire Lord himself, something punishable by death should Zuko deem fit.
“Guards! Throw her in the dungeon!”
The woman’s wails accompanied her out the door.
I felt an immense sense of relief at knowing I would not be dealing with her anymore, and looked at my husband.
“If you like, Hinode could bring in a few women who could take care of Kuzon, for you to choose from. She knows the servants of the Palace.” I offered. He merely nodded, dismissing her before he turned back to me. He seemed to have something on his mind.
“I want to have dinner here tonight.” he stated. I smiled and bowed.
“What would you like me to order?” I asked.
“Anything you like.” he shrugged. I stared at him for several moments. He usually ordered for us.
“Is something wrong?” I asked gently.
“I want Kuzon to eat with us.”
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I was practicing my calligraphy when a guard came for me. I wondered if Mama was going to call for me again. Maybe we would have dinner again.
“The Fire Lord requests your presence, my Prince.” the guard said. I felt my heart pound. Was he going to punish me for what I did before I got sick? I wanted Mama. She always made me feel safe. I looked up as he waited. I knew I had no choice, so I quickly cleaned my brush and then covered my ink before I went with him.
Sometimes I felt so small because the Palace was so big. I wondered how people built a place like this. Did Earthbenders help? I heard that the Avatar was mighty in all of his incarnations. Did he help too?
I fell to my knees and bowed before Mama and the Fire Lord.
“Come and sit with us.” Mama said softly, and I looked up to see her smiling a little at me. My sire did not smile. I swallowed, and sat down on the cushion, seeing all the yummy food. I was hungry. But when I sat with the Fire Lord, everyone had to wait until he ate.
I was not hungry anymore. I felt nervous. My sire had not said a word to me and I felt funny. I was waiting for him to punish me. I knew Nurse thought I was a bad boy. I knew the Fire Lord thought I was a bad boy. I wanted a hug from Mama. She was the only one who wanted me. I poked my rice with my chopsticks.
“Kuzon.” I heard the Fire Lord say. I kept my eyes down at my plate.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Are you feeling well?” he asked. He had never asked me that before. Was that good or bad?
“Yes, my lord.” I said quietly. The food looked and smelled good. But I didn’t really want any. I just wanted to sit in Mama’s lap and have her hold me. I ate a few bites because I knew they were both watching me. I was very careful to not make any noise or mess. The Fire Lord didn’t like having me around so I was eager to leave him.
“Are you sure? You were very sick. And the doctor was worried about you.” he said.
And you were not, I thought to myself as I poked at my rice. I felt Mama’s hand on my shoulder, and I looked up at her.
“You’re not eating, and you seem sad. Is something wrong?” she asked. I wanted to crawl into her lap. But with the Fire Lord sitting there, I was afraid to.
“I’m fine… Lady Miumi.” I said quietly before I looked down again. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her look at the Fire Lord. He put down his chopsticks, and I felt even more nervous. What was he going to say to me now?
“Kuzon.” I heard him say.
“Yes, my lord.” I said, looking down at my plate.
“You have no reason to be frightened of me.” I heard him say. I said nothing. What was I supposed to say to that? I stayed quiet.
“Did you hear what I said, Kuzon?”
“Yes, my lord.” I said.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Had I been so afraid of my sire when I was young? At the same time, I knew that I was different from Ozai. All he wanted from my sister and myself was obedience. And I had tried so hard at that – and look at what happened. On the other hand, I would have never met the woman I loved, or become a stronger person.
It truly pained me to see how my son was acting towards me. Why had it taken me so long to see this?
“It’s okay.” my wife whispered, as she touched my son again. I observed this. She treated Kuzon as if he truly was her child, not some mere stepchild, and their bond was very apparent. I recalled the loving bond that Mother and I had shared.
I took a deep breath and tapped my chopsticks on the table to get his attention. He looked up at me warily, trepidation in his golden eyes.
“I am sorry.” I said. He looked up at me, almost seeming not to comprehend for a moment, before his gaze became guarded.
“I would like… for you and I to start over again.” I continued. He remained silent, but my wife looked at me encouragingly.
“Kuzon…”
“You hate me.” he replied, staring at me for a moment before quickly looking away.
“Why would I hate you?” I asked, feeling a sharp pang of heartache.
“Because you don’t want me. You don’t want anyone else to like me.” Kuzon replied, and my wife looked at him with surprise, reaching for him.
“That’s not true.” I argued.
“You took her from me!” he cried out, reaching for his stepmother. She stroked his hair and hugged him tightly as she looked up at me.
“You don’t like anyone!” Kuzon shot out before he tore away from my wife and ran to the heavy doors of my suite, trying to get them open. When that didn’t work, he banged on the doors, crying to be let out. My hands clenched into fists, but not from anger. I felt a hand reach out to touch one of mine, and I let out a low sigh.
She rose from her cushion, and went over to Kuzon, who was banging on the doors, and gently scooped him up in her arms. He calmed down a little, and clung to her fiercely.
“What’s wrong, Kuzon?” she whispered as he rested his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her neck tightly.
“I want to go to your room.” he whispered, and she stroked his hair again. The bond between them was clear, and I swallowed thickly.
I remembered visiting Kuri several days after the birth.
I had given her comfortable apartments, and the servants bowed as I moved past them, through the doors that led to her bedchamber. It was a lovely day, and though it was still winter, the window had been opened slightly to let in fresh air. The drapes were pulled away, so the room was bright and cheery. Kuri was rosy-cheeked, and looked as if she had never given birth. I had not seen her during labor, nor had I ever seen any other woman during that stage in their pregnancy. But I knew that it was an ordeal, and that they would look awful. My concubine had her hair braided back, and she was dressed in a comfortable red robe. She was sitting up in bed, a soft comforter up to her waist. My son was at her breast. As soon as she saw me come in, she started to pull Kuzon away.
“There is no need. If he is hungry, let him feed.” I stated calmly as I moved over to a chair. She nodded, and let the baby stay as she cradled him, stroking his black hair.
“How are you?” I asked, my hands folded in my lap. She looked up at me and smiled.
“I am well, thank you for asking, my lord. Agni blessed you with a wonderful and healthy son.”
“Agni blessed you as well. He gave you good health, and the strength for this.” I replied. She smiled a little more. I had always tried to be decent and kind to her, if not loving.
“Are you sure you do not want a wet nurse or someone to help you with the child?” I asked. We had discussed this before, when her pregnancy was almost to term. I was not sure if she would be feeling differently now. She shook her head.
“I appreciate the offer my lord, but I wouldn’t feel right just… handing him off.” she replied. I nodded again. Many noblewomen were unwilling to take care of their children on a daily basis – with running the household, giving such attention to a child would be a heavier responsibility on top of a heavy one, especially a baby. But Kuri did not run the household, and the only people she saw were Uncle, myself, the physician, and her servants. She did not meet nobles, and I wanted it that way – I wished for our arrangement to be low-key. She was merely a concubine, though she was not here simply for my amusement. She had ample time to care for Kuzon if she so desired, and she clearly did. That, and her studies, would keep her occupied. Her life was simple, and she seemed happy.
“You are pleased with Kuzon?” she asked tentatively. I nodded.
“More than pleased. You did a excellent job.” I stated. Kuri had been so careful about her pregnancy, being sure to eat healthful foods, take walks, say prayers, and rest as prescribed. The child fussed slightly, and she moved him to her other breast.
“Do you have everything you need?” I asked. She nodded.
“You have been more than generous, my lord.” she replied softly. I nodded slowly.
“Feel free to resume your studies when you feel up to it. Sylid says you are progressing well, and you will have completed your studies before the year is up.” I said. I saw no reason for Kuri to not pursue her studies. When I first found out about her desire, I had opened the library to her and told her that she could go in any time she pleased. Better that than her wasting her skills or not developing them merely because she was a woman, as some men would have preferred.
“I’m ready to start again.” Kuri replied with a soft laugh, “Kuzon sleeps most of the time, and only wakes up to be fed. I… really appreciate you doing that for me. I like working with Sylid.”
“Anyone with potential should not waste it.”
She was silent as she stared at me for a few moments, though her head was inclined respectfully, in deference to my position.
“My lord, if I might be frank with you.”
“Go ahead.” I said, wondering what she had to say.
“I know you don’t love me.”
“I thought that was clear to you. We have a arrangement...”
“Please, hear me out. I don’t expect you to love me. I have no illusions about this arrangement and I am grateful for everything you have done for me. But when… I am with you, I can feel your sadness.”
I was silent.
“I try to be a good companion when you come and visit me. I enjoy our time together. Yet, I know you see me as nothing more than a friend, despite the fact that you chose me to mother your child. You care about someone else.” she stated. She sounded almost envious.
“She must be very special.”
I rose from my seat, memories of Katara and myself racing through my mind. My Waterbender… why did I have to lose her? Why couldn’t she be the one laying in bed, cuddling and breastfeeding my son?
“My lord, I am sorry…” Kuri said quickly, closing her robe. I turned away from her. I heard her call out again, more frantically.
Kuzon started wailing. I slammed the doors to the bedchamber before me as I retreated, but my son’s shrieks penetrated the metal and wood.
I barely remembered Kuri’s face, even though I had known her longer than Katara. And my Waterbender’s face had never faded away in the recesses of my memory…
Katara cooed softly at Kuzon as she tried to soothe him. He truly was Katara’s child, whether he had been born from her or not. I met her gaze, and beckoned her to come back to me. She nodded, bringing the Prince along with her, and I saw him stiffen as he realized this.
“Kuzon, come and sit next to me.” I asked as I rose and sat on my sofa. He squirmed around a bit as my wife set him down near me. He was still guarded, and I longed for him to drop down that defensiveness. He stared down at his feet.
“Kuzon, look at me.” I asked. He continued to look down, and I decided to not force him to do so.
“I do not hate you. I never did.” I said quietly. Katara sat on Kuzon’s other side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. I was grateful for her presence. At first, I thought he would simply refuse to speak to me. But to my relief, he looked up slowly, his gaze meeting mine.
“You… mean that?” he asked cautiously. I nodded.
“I… am sorry for making you think that. I… truly want to be a good father.”
“Then why did you ignore me before? Why did you not want me? Why did your concubine leave? Did she not want me either?” he asked these questions in rapid succession. I sighed softly.
“I'm sorry if you felt I was ignoring you. I have paid attention, you just did not know it. You're my son and I care for you. Kuri… your mother… she did care for you. She nursed you herself, not wanting a wet nurse to do it. My uncle was happy to have you here too… you should have seen how his eyes lit up when he held you. I wish he was still here.”
“Why are they gone?”
“My uncle… he died. And Kuri… she knew she could not stay here forever, so she left.”
“Why?” he asked. How did I explain that to a child?
“I… wanted a child. So, I asked her to help me. She was a nice woman. But I did not want her like I want… Miumi.” I said, that name sounding foreign on my tongue as it always did when I looked at Katara.
“Why not ask Miumi to help you instead?’ he asked. I saw my wife blush a little.
“I didn’t know she was here, until I saw her in Omashu. I… was surprised to find her.” I replied, eager to change the subject.
“Where is she?” Kuzon asked, and I was glad he had changed the subject on his own, though it wasn’t a much better one.
“She… died two years ago. I’m sorry.” I said. When I had heard, I was saddened. She had been a good woman, who deserved happiness, which was why I let her go, to have a life of her own. Kuzon looked down quietly, and started to turn back to my wife, who had been his best source of attention and affection. She hugged him and nuzzled him, and I let this go on for a bit before calling his attention back to me. He seemed reluctant to do so.
“I truly would like us to have a relationship.” I said. He gazed up at me with uncertainty. He had never had one with me before. I held back a sigh, thinking about what my relationship with my father had been like.
“I’m sorry about before. I never… had anyone to really teach me how to be a father.” I stated simply.
“What about yours?”
I stared at him for several moments before pointing to my scar.
“He did this to me.” I stated bluntly. His eyes – so much like mine, and my ancestors, widened.
“But I would never do that to you.” I added quickly.
“Why did he?”
I looked down for several moments, trying to think of how to best explain it.
“A long time ago, the Great War still raged on. There were some Fire Nation generals who wanted to do bad things. I said that it was dishonorable to do so. My father supported these men, because he wanted to destroy the world. Because I spoke against these men, my father thought I went against him. I was merely trying to defend the honor of the Nation, but he did not care about honor. So he did this.” I stated, drawing my hand down and staring off at the wall, gathering my thoughts as I heard my wife and son’s quiet breathing.
“And then you defeated him and brought peace to the world.” he said simply. Well, it wasn’t quite as simple as he said, but he would learn the details when he got older.
“Yes.” I said simply. I slowly turned back to him.
“I don’t hate you, Kuzon. You… never did anything wrong. There’s no reason for me to not want you as my son.”
“There’s not?” he asked softly. I shook my head.
“You’re a good son. I’ve always cared about you. Your stepmother and I both care about you very much.”
“She’s not my stepmother.” Kuzon replied. I raised my eyebrow.
“Then what is she?”
“Mama.” was his reply. I was silent for a moment.
“Very well then, if you want to call her that and she does not object, then I will not.”
“I don’t object the least bit.” my wife said with a smile as she stroked Kuzon’s hair. He looked back at me.
“You won’t take her away from me?”
“Never again.” I replied simply. He snuggled closer to the woman he called ‘Mama’, and she smiled, hugging him more tightly. I felt a certain tightness in my chest, but it was of the right kind. He truly was Katara’s child.
“Do you… forgive me for the way I treated you? Will you let me try to be a father to you?” I asked simply. He looked up at me silently for several moments. I waited patiently.
He nodded.
I rose, leaving the room for a moment. I came back with the plush toy dragon behind my back. Katara looked up at me curiously.
“Kuzon, I have something for you. This was given to me by my uncle a long time ago. Now, I want you to have it.” I said. He glanced up at me curiously.
I procured the toy, and his eyes widened a little. Katara smiled at me, clearly proud of me. I sat on the sofa again, and placed the toy in my son’s lap. He picked it up and handled it carefully, turning it around in his hands and examining it. He rubbed his cheek against the soft velvet belly of the dragon. I remember doing the same when I was little, holding it in my bed and nuzzling it. It reminded me of Mother, and how soft and warm her chest would be when she held me. Katara now provided the same comfort.
“Thank you, my lord.” Kuzon said softly as he looked up at me. I pulled him into my lap and gave him a hug, and he snuggled against my chest. I held him tightly.
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Kiss of Fire