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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
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Slow Heat
Alternate Ending – I will Fear No Evil, Part 3
I am so happy that you all are enjoying this ending, it was a LOT of fun for me to write! If you enjoyed this, please don't forget to leave a review, they are what keeps me going!

o0o0o0o
~5 Months ASC
(Late Winter, February 1102)
Katara
The village had never looked so great. By the time I was born, our tribe had already been reduced several times by the numerous raids that came to our shores, pursuing us wherever we moved. I had been so impressed by the Northern Water Tribe, but now our village was slowly regaining its numbers and potential. With nearly every man home now and quite a few Northerners moving here permanently, our village was well on its way to becoming what it had once been. The boatload of supplies that the Fire Lord had bequeathed upon my father had its uses. The ship now belonged to the tribe, to be used however they pleased – for fishing, defense, and the like. Several Fire Nation men had come with us, to teach the Tribe how to use and maintain the ship and to help us establish trade routes.
Dad started courting a widow his age, Sena. She had been a friend of Mom's, and she lost her husband in the War. At first, it felt a little weird for Sokka and myself, but it would be wrong to expect Dad to be lonely his entire life. He loved Mom, and Sena loved her husband, but loneliness was hard to live with, as I knew all too well. Every night I missed Zuko. So I would not begrudge either of them because I knew they deserved happiness and companionship, and they did genuinely like one another. Sena was always nice to me and Sokka, and doted on us because she had lost her son – only a few years older than Sokka – in the war as well. Pakku was also happy with Gran-Gran, and she was also happy with him because now he knew to respect women.
There was always plenty to keep me distracted during the days. Slowly, our village was becoming more like a town, and one day, it might even become just like the North City. Several Water Tribe people decided to cross the sea to the Great Continent to stake out the lands Zuko had granted us. Seeing the growth of my tribe truly was an exciting experience.
Being here with my tribe felt great. There was no doubt that I missed Zuko and that I wanted to be with him dearly. Sometimes I wished he would live here with me, though it was hard to imagine him living in cold weather all year round. I did like imagining him in a soft parka, though. Or sharing the warmth of my igloo with him. But I have to admit, I did miss the warm weather of Fire Nation.
Snow was lovely, but when I was in the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdoms, it was nice to be able to go outside without bundling up. Ember Island and the Palace had been glorious. Wearing light, comfortable outfits and feeling the sun on my skin... Mmm. I knew that come spring, I would leave the village. I couldn't stay here forever. The spring solstice was but a few weeks away, and it was almost hard to imagine that nearly half a year had passed since the War had ended.
The Avatar had chosen to settle into the village and help its reconstruction, he had gone abroad a few times with Appa, though he always returned. He had experienced a growth spurt, and now stood a couple of inches taller than me. Our village maidens flirted with him, hoping to catch his attention. I was happy to let them chase after Aang and give him a distraction. The Avatar was hardly a poor match, and to be married to one was a great honor. After all, look at what had happened with Avatars Roku and Kuruk.
“Katara!” I heard Aang call out, and I looked down the wall at him, seeing him clamber up the steps, white fur framing his neck and further emphasizing his bald head.
“Hey.” I smiled at him as he came to my side. I had been sitting on top of the wall, staring out at the ocean, something I liked to do once in a while when I just wanted to be alone. Our walls were not as large as the ones that held in the city of the North, but they were still an impressive sight, built with the help of Aang, the other Waterbenders, and myself. Near the shore, Appa floated lazily, his body insulated by a thick layer of fat and fur that let him be comfortable in the frigid waters. Momo had no such defense and usually sought refuge under Aang's parka or within one of the houses, though sometimes she would curl up within the hood of someone's parka – often mine or Sokka when she wasn't with Aang – riding in a 'nest' lined with fur, sometimes without the knowledge of the owner of the garment. However, I could see her peeking out of Aang's hood, and smiled to myself. Just as he was about to say something, he frowned slightly and squinted, staring at the ocean as he shielded his eyes from the sun. I looked in his direction, and saw a plume of smoke peeking just over the horizon, barely visible even when I shielded my own eyes from the glare of the sun and sky.
I quickly turned around, running along the wall to alert the watchman.
Among the supplies that the Fire Lord had given us were several telescopes and other nifty instruments. We kept one of the telescopes on the wall in the guard tower, for easy access by our watchmen. The current guard was already peering through the spying glass as I approached him.
“I can see the smokestack of a Fire Nation ship, but I can't tell what kind it is until it comes a bit closer.” he said before I could ask.
“Let me see.”
“Sure.” He moved over so I could look through the telescope. I was able to make out a smokestack and not much else, since the ship was still a long way off.
“Go get Jee.” I said. He quickly nodded and dashed off as I moved aside for Aang. He confirmed for himself that there was smoke, and glanced at me with concern. Seeing this was actually unexpected, and I hoped it wasn't a rogue faction of the Fire Nation intent on taking power for itself. There were people who still supported the War – it was naive to think that everyone would lay down their arms just because Zuko signed the decree for peace.
Within several minutes, Jee was bounding up the steps, wearing a Water Tribe parka atop his red and gray clothing and pointed boots, the watchman following closely behind. Jee peered through the spyglass and nodded before he exited the tower, standing on the wall and raising his fist into the air. He fired off a short series of fireballs into the air and waited.
I peered at the horizon curiously, and saw several fireballs being shot up amidst the smoke. Jee fired off a couple more shots, and the ship responded similarly. He looked at us and nodded.
“It is the Fire Lord's ship. No cause for alarm.”
“Thank you, Jee.” I bowed slightly.
“No need to thank me.” He smiled and bowed his head.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
I inhaled the brisk, clear air before watching it turn into mist as I exhaled. Despite the fact that I was clad in comfortable and warm clothing, I was still cold, and tried to not shiver as I pulled the hood of my black fur-lined red parka over my head. Winter in Sozun was nothing but cool, mild climate, with a heavier rainfall than the rest of the year, but never any snow, and the temperature did not drop below freezing, even at night when we'd need to wear jackets or padded robes to keep warm. But the thought of seeing Katara again warmed me. I couldn't wait to see her again.
I approached the front of the boat as I saw the village amidst the darkening sky. When I has first seen it, it was tiny, barely a village if that. Now I saw smooth, solid walls, similar to those of the Northern Water Tribe albeit on a smaller scale. There were several buildings in front of it, but I knew there would be many more behind the walls. I was eager to see how this village had developed. During our journey, we had stopped at Kyoshi, and then to the Water Tribe Colonies on the southern fringes of the Great Continent. The South Pole was the last stop on our voyage.
Uncle was in Sozun, running things during my absence and acting as de facto Fire Lord, a position I trusted him in. It was nice to get away from the monotony of Court proceedings and see the world, this time from the privileged position of Fire Lord rather than an exiled Prince. Next year, I would be doing a circuit of the Northern regions, though right now I had sent one of my trusted courtiers on a voyage of his own to the North, so he could report back to me when I returned to Sozun. I was determined to keep track of everything and ensure that things were running smoothly in other parts of the world, and the Order of the White Lotus was assisting me in this endeavor.
As the ship approached the shore, Water Tribe members started milling around, gathering to see us. To my delight, I could see Katara on the wall, gazing out. I couldn't wait to take her into my arms and gaze into her eyes. I had missed those beautiful azure eyes gazing at me with love and affection.
Hakoda, Sokka, and Aang all stood to the front of the group, waiting for me as I walked down the ramp. Katara stood at her brother's side, her eyes fixed upon me as we all exchanged greetings and formalities. I offered some gifts such as spices, metal, and silks that I had ordered to be dyed in various Water Tribe colors, and other exotic things. While it wasn't all practical, I knew that such things would be enjoyable and pleasant, and these hardy people deserved some of the comforts we took for granted. I smiled faintly as I saw one of the Water Tribe women take a deep breath as she caught the scent as she peeked in one of the packs of spice she was carrying before a pleased expression appeared on her face. I had never met anyone who didn't enjoy the scent of at least one kind of spice, and I always enjoyed the smell of the Palace kitchens.
“To honor your arrival, why don't we have a bonfire? We'll bring the meat, you bring the wine.” Sokka said.
“I'm looking forward to it.” I smiled back.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Several large slabs of meat roasted over specially-constructed firepits, and the thick, heady smell of stew wafted through the village as we added some of the spices we had just received to the food. Casks of wine and ale sat in the snow, and a bag of rice sat near them, to be prepared and cooked in short time. The Fire Nation men also brought instruments, including a Tsungi horn, which I knew that people were eager and curious to try out. The feasting would go on very late, but none of us would complain. We welcomed any occasion to celebrate. No longer did the arrival of a Fire Nation ship mean we would be raided.
I looked around with a smile, seeing several Fire Nation men milling around, conversing casually with this Tribesman or woman while one soldier had the Tsungi horn wrapped around his middle, instructing a few curious children on how the instrument was played while adults stood nearby to watch. There was another soldier hovering near one of the stew-pots, teasing the women attending to it as he tried to steal a bite only to be laughingly shooed away.
“Lady Katara?” I heard Jee say. I turned around and nodded.
“The Fire Lord wishes to see you.”
I felt my heart skip a beat. Zuko had looked so cute in his winter gear, and I wanted to hug him. But formality had required that I stay with my family and parrot their greetings, though I could feel his eyes on me. Jee led me to the Fire Lord, who had been conversing with one of his men. He dismissed the man and Jee, and turned to look at me, smiling faintly. We were still in view of others, so our behavior could not be considered inappropriate, and we were out of their earshot, so we could have some privacy..
“Hello, Zu.” I said softly.
“Tara.”
“You look cute in winter gear, all bundled up.”
He laughed softly.
“It is cozy. How have you been?”
“Good. Though I miss you.”
“Not any more than I have missed you.” He stared at me, his gaze soft and affectionate.
“The nights here are especially cold without your warmth.”
“I can imagine.” He glanced around pointedly, indicating all the snow and ice. “Sozun's warm, but without you...” He shook his head. Having him here but being unable to be as affectionate with him as I had been would be especially hard. There were no secret passageways for him to sneak over to me, or long, warm days on Ember Island to spend together. Absence really did make the heart grow fonder, though with Zuko in front of me and being unable to hug him, it was hard to appreciate that proverb.
“How have things been in Sozun?” I asked, changing the subject as we started walking side by side, casually strolling through the village. We talked about our respective trials and tribulations in the recovery of our lands as I pointed out different things in the village, much like when he had taken me on a tour of the Palace City.
“Don't look, but Aang's following us.” Zuko whispered. I had been so happy to be with Zuko that I had forgotten about my best friend! He must be feeling very left out, and I actually felt a little bad. I hesitated, wondering if I should invite him to walk with us.
“Maybe we should ask him to walk with us?” I whispered back.
“That might encourage him.” Zuko frowned. “It's almost time to eat anyway, right?”
“Yeah.” We continued walking for a little more, making our way back to the village center, where the bonfire was being started. People were starting to settle down as others started distributing bowls and plates. The cooking fires were located near the bonfire, so people could relax and move from one spot to another and enjoy themselves. The scent of various cooked items hung in the air. Zuko's cook had even become part of the activities, helping several Water Tribe women create dishes with Fire Nation ingredients. It was getting late, but the children were allowed to stay up, playing games and running around laughing.
Sokka walked past us with a large chunk of spiced meat on his plate, and I grinned at him. He winked and grinned back before taking a seat near the bonfire. Others were already helping themselves to the food and finding places near the fires, and while I saw that the soldiers and Water Tribe people tended to flock with their own, there was no strict separation, with some soldiers chatting amicably with Tribesmen.
“I'm going to sit with Hakoda and Sokka. Will you sit with me?” he asked as we wandered over to one of the smaller fires to help ourselves to the food.
“Of course.”
We made our way to my father and brother with food, and I smiled as I watched several men roast smaller pieces of meat over the bonfire and eat them right off the sticks. I savored the warm, spicy food, but what I liked more was sitting next to Zuko. There were not enough words to describe how happy and comfortable I felt with him so near. It'd been a long five months, and I sat there quietly, listening to Zuko talk to Dad while I ate. Aang sat next to me, and I did not comment. It didn't surprise me that he would hover nearby now that Zuko was here, though I had been hoping that the girls in my village would have been able to provide a distraction, much like Coco and the girls of Kyoshi had done before. Oh well. We'd manage. Not surprisingly, Aang avoided the meat, filling his plate with rice and vegetables. I took a swig of wine, feeling it warm my belly. Mmm. I didn't care much for the ale, but when I had been in Fire Nation, it was hard to not appreciate the offerings of fine wine they had.
“Have some wine.” I said, offering him the flask I was nursing.
“No thanks, I don't want to get drunk.”
“Relax. I don't plan on getting drunk, either. But it warms the belly.” I was hoping the wine would help him relax. Around us, people were laughing and enjoying themselves. “Have a sip. This night is for all of us to enjoy. This is the first time anyone here can remember that a Fire Nation boat full of soldiers didn't mean a raid.”
Reluctantly, he took a sip before handing it to me. I shrugged. I couldn't force him to have fun, could I?
After the food had been eaten, several soldiers brought out the instruments, and the Water Tribesmen had a few of their own. People started dancing, even the children, while others laughed and clapped. The moon was high, and even when it started to go down, we continued. There was singing, storytelling, dancing, and jokes. People went to bed when they needed to. Children were taken away, and soon enough there was a considerably smaller group, lounging around the dying bonfire. Zuko remained, and so did I. Dad went to bed, but Sokka stayed behind, and not surprisingly, so did Aang.
“Me and several other warriors are going on a hunt tomorrow. Want to come?” Sokka asked.
“Certainly. I'm sure a few of my men would like to come too.”
“Absolutely. You got to show me some of your culture, let me return the favor.”
I absolutely loved how easily Zuko and Sokka got along. I hope that Dad would feel the same way, so far he had been polite and friendly, but what would he say if he knew that Zuko and I had a relationship?
Zuko let out a mighty yawn.
“It's getting late. I'll see you in the morning, okay? Let me make breakfast for you.” I said to Zuko.
“No breakfast for me?” Sokka teased.
“I'll make breakfast for all of you.” I replied, looking from Zuko to Sokka to Aang. As much as I wanted privacy, at this time it was simply not feasible.
“We'll be looking forward to it.” Zuko replied with a soft smile, nodding faintly. He understood the situation just as I did.
“Good night.” As I rose from my seat, I rumpled Sokka's hair before squeezing Zuko's shoulder. Before I could let go, he quickly reached up to squeeze my hand. His touch sent a delicious tingle through my hand, and I smiled. His hand lingered for a moment before letting go.
“Good night. Sleep well, Katara.”
“Good night, sis.” Sokka piped in.
“Night.” Aang sounded a bit dejected, but trying to hide it.
o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko
I was safely bundled under several comforters in my cabin, wishing that my Waterbender was here to share this warmth with me. It had been hard to simply let her walk off, and I cursed the rules of propriety. We were lovers, for Agni's sake! We bore the mark of the other, as a symbol of our everlasting commitment and undying love. It was tempting to kidnap her and bring her back to the Fire Nation with me. Mmm. I imagined her as my lovely 'captive', bound and helpless to what I had to offer her. Of course, I certainly didn't want Hakoda and Aang to come after me. I laughed softly in the darkness.
I wondered how best to approach Hakoda about the matter. He could refuse, but I dearly hoped he wouldn't. I wanted to go about this in the most peaceful way I could, and thought about the necklace that I had for her. Could I give it to her now, or should I wait a while longer? I thought about how she might react when she saw the simple but elegant silver necklace, with the sunstone pendant that I had picked out myself for her. Sunstone usually flashed with warm colors – hence the name – but as I was looking at gemstone samples, the flashes of red and blue caught my eye. I knew that it was the perfect stone for the necklace. I envisioned how it would look around her neck, shining from her collarbone. Sometimes, during my lonely nights at the Palace, I would take the necklace out of its box and look at it or hold it.
It was nice to be away from the courtiers demanding attention, especially the ones throwing their daughters, granddaughters, or sisters at me. I was tired of people thinking that I needed a concubine or consort to warm my bed, as if that was all I thought about, and it was irksome to see some men use their female relatives to try to gain my favor. And it wasn't just the men. Some of the girls actively flirted with me, trying to catch my attention in Court or when I went on an outing. Other men might have enjoyed such attention, but Katara was the only one I needed or wanted.
o0o0o0o
Katara

Red and black was too visible against the snow, so Zuko and the men who went with him on the hunting trip wore parkas borrowed from the Tribe. It had been one of my wishes to see him in one, and my goodness, he looked adorable! It was a memory I would cherish for years to come, seeing him trundling off in the snow with my brother and the rest of the men. I went up to the top of the wall so I could watch them head off into the snowfields. Blue and white looked good on Zuko.
I sighed softly as I leaned against the barrier that ran along the edge of the top of the wall, resting my bare palms against the tightly-packed snow. Suddenly, I was aware of someone standing behind me, and looked over my shoulder to see Aang. He looked sad.
“What's wrong, Aang?” I asked softly.
“I've been here for the majority of five months with you and we've spent a lot of time together, but when Zuko comes, you just...”
I looked away before I spoke. “Our feelings for one another have not changed.” I responded after several moments of silence.
“Hasn't our time together changed your feelings for me?” I heard him say.
“Aang, you'll always be my best friend. I'll always care about you.”
“But not in the way I care for you.” he replied flatly.
“I'm sorry. I wish things were different, but I can't change my feelings.” If I went with Aang, I would be hurting the man I loved, the man who loved me back just as fiercely. I wished there was some way I could keep both of them happy, but my decision was made.
“Would you be happy being Fire Lady?”
I glanced at him curiously. He stared back at me evenly. “You and I both spent nearly a month in the Palace. You've seen how things are run, what Palace life is like. I had fun there as a guest, but I certainly wouldn't want to live there.”
“That's your life. I will live mine.” I replied calmly.
“You can't possibly want to live there for the rest of your life.” He sounded aghast.
I remembered the comforts of the Palace, and the many happy moments that I shared with Zuko. While I certainly would miss my village, I didn't want to live the rest of my life without Zuko.
“It's very different from the village, doubtless. But I was happy there.”
“I can make you happy.” Aang whispered. I sighed softly.
“I know you would take wonderful care of me.”
“I would!” he replied emphatically.
“My choice isn't based on who I think would take better care of me. Both of you would be wonderful husbands, but I can't change who I love.”
“You and Zuko started out as bitter enemies. We started out as friends. If you can love a man like that, then surely you could love me.”
“It's not that simple. Don't get me wrong, I'm honored that you feel that way for me. I wish I could make you happy, I really do. You deserve to be happy, but I can't be with both of you. There's only one of me.”
“So what then, you're going to ship out with him when he leaves?”
“No.” I shook my head slowly. “We decided to wait.” We weren't even officially engaged, though that did not change our commitment to one another. I was not yet sixteen, and though I missed Zuko, I appreciated the wait. There was still so much to see and do before I settled down into married life.
“Perhaps you will change your mind in another year.” Aang replied. I shrugged, not wishing to talk about the reality of the situation. Aang was the last Airbender, and it was entirely up to him to ensure that the Airbenders did not die out. It was impossible to expect just one woman to help him fulfill this duty.
“How about we go penguin-sledding?” I asked, throwing a distraction at him. He glanced at me for a moment before smiling and nodding.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

The hunting expedition had been successful, and we were bringing home a tiger-seal. It was an experience like none another, and had been exhilarating. It felt.... more real to me, even. There was no fancy weapons or traps. We – or more accurately, the Water Tribe men – looked for signs of wildlife, and followed the trail. The seal was large and fat, and it took all of us to drag him back home on the ropes and makeshift sled we had brought with us. The creature did not go down without a fight despite our attempts to kill it as quickly and humanely as possible, and its roars – much like a tiger's own – had filled the air. Tiger-seals were a lot faster than they looked, and one of my men had nearly gotten injured when it charged at him. Sokka had admitted glibly that tiger-seals could hurt or even kill a man, by charging into them and rolling over onto them and crushing them. He also said that on a rare occasion, especially during the mating season, one could be lucky enough to glimpse a fight between two bull seals, which according to him, was as entertaining and thrilling to watch as any fighting match between two men.
By the time we got back to the village, all of us were sweating from the exertion despite the biting cold.
“Oh, look at all of you! We're lucky to have such brave men take care of us!” I heard Katara's cheerful voice call out. I smiled as I saw her and several other women standing in a loose cluster, glancing at us. From the way the women regarded the Water Tribe men in our group, I assumed they were the wives or betrothed of these men. The same men directed the rest of us to an area where we deposited the seal, where it would be cut up and prepared later. The cold would preserve it, and Katara came forward, Bending snow tightly around the carcass.
We were served wine, and I was content to just plop down in the snow and drink the cold liquid, feeling the alcohol burn down my throat.
“In that parka, you look just adorable.” Katara whispered as she sat facing me. I smiled at her.
“I'm hot.” I set down the flask and pulled the parka off over my head.
“Be sure to keep it close by. You'll be wanting it as soon as you cool off.”
“I never thought hunting would be such hard work. But I guess one of these seals feeds a lot of people, right?”
“Oh yeah. And its skin makes plenty of clothing. We're careful to not hunt too many, we only take what we need and leave the rest be.”
“Some of the nobles of Fire Nation wouldn't agree.” I murmured. She sighed softly and nodded.
“I've learned a lot from Aang. Including respect for animals. When I was little, my father and grandfather went on hunting trips, and took me with them. I haven't hunted since I got home. And I've tried to set that as an example.” I murmured before I took another swig of my wine.
“I'm glad.” She smiled faintly. “Did you have fun with my brother?”
“I did. And the whole experience was very educational.”
“I'm so glad to hear that.”
“Tonight, I would like you and Sokka to come aboard my ship.” I replied. I wanted to invite Katara alone, but that would seem improper. If the two of them came on my ship together, nobody would think anything of it. When I was in Kyoshi, Suki had given me a letter to give Sokka. I would give it to him, and I was certain that he wouldn't mind looking the other way while I spent some time with Katara. There were plenty of things on the ship to keep him amused.
“Looking forward to it.” Her eyes twinkled happily, and I smiled back.

o0o0o0o
Katara

The ship was quiet as Sokka and I went up the ramp. The few guards on the deck bowed to us, and one escorted us within the ship. We were led to a comfortable-looking sitting room with a wide window that looked out at the village. Zuko was seated at the low table, and in front of him was tea for the three of us.
“Please, sit. Make yourselves comfortable.” he said, waving his arms. We seated ourselves, and I glanced at the sealed scroll that sat near the edge of the table. He reached for it and handed it to Sokka.
“Suki asked me to give this to you.” Zuko commented. I smiled faintly.
“How is she?” my brother asked.
“She's fine. When she gave me this and talked about you, it was clear that she missed you.”
Sokka let out a quiet, wistful sigh as he stared down at the scroll, fingering the seal.
“You can read that here in private, if you like. The cook will make you whatever you want to eat.”
“You want to be alone with my sister, don't you?” my brother retorted glibly. I stared at him, silently hoping that he would agree.
“I have missed Katara.” Zuko answered quietly.
“And I'm guessing you don't want me to tell Dad or anybody else?”
“Sokka, Zuko and I are committed to one another. I would just like some time with him without others watching us.”
“I get that.” He nodded slowly before glancing at Zuko. “You haven't changed your minds about one another?”
“Not one bit. We are as committed as ever. Your sister will be my wife when the time comes.” Zuko replied firmly.
“Hmm.” Sokka nodded, apparently satisfied. “Very well.”
“Thank you.” I whispered. He glanced at me fondly.
“Through that door, you will find the ship's library.” Zuko stated, gesturing toward a closed door. “You can borrow books for the duration of my visit, if you like.”
I could see the gleam in Sokka's eyes, and smiled at both of them. Thank the spirits that they got along well.
“You young'uns behave yourselves.” Sokka said. I giggled softly before wrapping my arms around his neck, hugging him.
“Thank you so much, Sokka. You're the best big brother ever!”
I felt his arms wrap around me, and we hugged tightly, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see a wistful expression on Zuko's face. Doubtless he wished he had had a better relationship with his own sister.
The Fire Lord took my hand, and we left the room, leaving Sokka to enjoy his letter from Suki and explore the library. He took me up one more set of stairs, taking me to a comfortable and cozy cabin. Though it was nowhere near as splendid as the royal apartments at the Palace, there was a certain homey quality that came with the comfortable furnishings and smaller space. On the table, I saw a plate of sliced fruit along with candy, and smiled to myself as I thought about the night on Ember Island where he had done a similar thing.
“I thought you might like a treat.” he murmured, leading me over to the table. A flask of warmed sake sat next to the platter, and he poured some for us both in beautiful little red and gold cups. We simply sat there comfortably, drinking and nibbling on the treats, enjoying the silence and one another's company. But I could only be patient for so long, and I rose from my seat, slinking around the table before sliding into his lap. I heard his pleased growl as he wrapped his arms around me, peppering kisses along my face.
“I've missed you so much, Zu.” I hissed softly, cupping his face in my hands. “I've pined and ached for you. I've cried myself to sleep at times. Being apart from you, it hurts...”
“Not any more than it hurts for me.” he retorted gently before sealing his lips over mine in a searing kiss. When he broke the kiss, I could see the fire in his eyes. “Let me soothe away that hurt...” he murmured, his voice thick with need.

o0o0o0o
Zuko

I inhaled her scent as she nestled her head against my shoulder, her hair now loose and spread across the pillow in thick, rumpled waves.
“I should kidnap you right now and take you home with me.” I murmured. She chuckled softly and wiggled against me.
“I wouldn't complain.”
“Mmm, you wouldn't? Not one bit?”
“Being your prisoner, being ravished by you every night...” She lifted her head, batting her eyes at me.
“Mmm. An attractive prospect, indeed.” I ran my fingers along her face. Two hours was too short, and I did not relish handing her back to her brother. As if she had read my thoughts, she climbed out of bed, starting to get dressed. I lay there for several more moments, eying her naked flesh as she covered it up bit by bit.
“There's a comb and brush in the washroom.” I commented, though I immensely liked the look of her loose waves.
“Your hair could use a good combing, too.” she shot back gently. I grinned at her as I sat up, running my hand through my hair. It had grown just past my shoulders now, and Katara had cooed in admiration over it after she had worked it free from its topknot, running her fingers through my hair. I climbed off the mat, pulling on my pants and shirt as Katara started to comb her hair. I watched as she braided it, and sat happily as she combed my hair. I would miss this loving attention, and did not relish the prospect of waiting to be married. I was tempted to simply approach her father right now and tell him that I would take her back to Sozun with me.
Agni knew that patience was never one of my strongest suits. It took all of my willpower to not simply keep her here, even though it was within my power to do so.

o0o0o0o
Katara

Sokka and I left together, and I looked over my shoulder at Zuko one last time before we went down the ramp. My time with him had passed by too quickly, but I would never forget our impassioned moments. Missing one another did make our reunion sweet, I had to admit. I would never get tired of the way he looked or smiled at me. Already my hands were itching to hold his own so I could feel his warmth.
“When are you going to tell Dad?” Sokka whispered. I sighed softly and shrugged. It seemed that Dad considered Aang to be a good match for me, but then, Aang didn't exactly hide the fact that he liked me, and being married to the Avatar was supposed to be a great honor.
“I don't know. Should I tell him now, or wait until summer? How would he feel about having Zuko as a son-in-law?”
“He seems to get along well with Zuko.”
“Yeah, but that's different. It's one thing to have him as an ally, another to have him as family.”
“True.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “Whatever he says, you have my support.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” Sokka could be obnoxious at times, and we hadn't always gotten along when we were younger, but he was a good brother. He smiled down at me before draping his arm across my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze.

o0o0o0o
Aang

I stared silently as the Fire Lord and his men stood near the ramp of the ship, saying good-bye. I was relieved he was leaving, because he wouldn't be around Katara anymore. I didn't hate Zuko, but it was just hard to see her eyes light up in his presence. I wanted to hate Zuko, but I simply couldn't. It'd be easy if he was a jerk and bad guy, but he honestly wasn't. He was a good man, as much as I hated to admit it.
“Avatar Aang.” I heard him say, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced up at him.
“It was good to see you again.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. When he offered his hand, I took it, feeling him grasp it firmly. Before he let go of my hand, he bowed slightly as a sign of respect. I bowed back.
“Until then.” he said as he let go. I nodded slowly. This late spring, we were planning to have a summit in Omashu, with Bumi as our host. We would all be there – Zuko, myself, Katara, and others. It was a way to touch base, and check on the progress of the various cities and nations. It would be nice to see my old friend again, but it also meant that Katara and Zuko would see one another again. I knew it was petty, but I was glad that Zuko lived so far away so that Katara would have to be separated from him again. It had been hard to see them strolling through the village, chatting and enjoying one another's company, and there were times where I couldn't find her, and I knew she was with Zuko.
The sadness was clear in Katara's eyes as she stood there on the wall, watching the Fire Lord's ship disappear across the horizon. I reached out to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. She did not look up at me, and I held back a soft sigh as I gave her a gentle squeeze. I might be the Avatar, but I did not have the constraints that the Fire Lord had, and could always be there for her. Hopefully, I could show her that.
“I know you're sad, but I hope you're not going to shut me out. I'm always here for you.” I whispered. She let out a soft sob, and I wrapped my arms around her, feeling her cry softly against my chest.
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