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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75278 -:- 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
- 48
- 49
- 50
Kiss of Fire
Chapter 49 – Long Goodbye
I would like to take a moment and thank my beta Inkheart17 for the fantastic job she has been doing with working with me on proofreading this story. I can't believe this story is nearly done... just one more chapter and the epilogue!
o0o0o0o
Zuko
As I stirred awake, I felt an arm across my chest, and I opened my eyes to see Katara snuggled up to me under the thick comforter. Wonderful. I drew her closer, resting my chin on the top of her head as I gently rubbed her hip and back with my palm.
Carefully, I wiggled and rolled over so that I was facing her, feeling her soft chest pressed against mine. She murmured softly, but did not wake up as I placed light kisses along her face. After worrying and missing her so much, I was almost overwhelmed by her very presence. The pale fabric of her nightgown further emphasized the darkness of her skin, and I explored this lovely feature of her body, kissing along her cheek and the side of her throat. I was tempted to tug the collar of her gown open as I felt the stirring of my desire.
Damn. It was all too easy to get aroused by Katara, even after all these years. It was a chilly morning, and all I wanted to do was enjoy the heat of her body. Regretfully, I drew back, remembering Sylid's words of caution about giving my wife time after what had happened to the baby.
The arm that had been draped across my middle formed a grip on me when I started to wiggle away. I smiled faintly before placing a kiss on her forehead, reaching down to grasp her wrist. As I lifted her hand, she gave out a quiet whimper and wiggled against me. Oh, hell. Katara didn't know how much power she had over me, even in something as innocent as seeking a few more minutes of snuggling. Of course, I was only too happy to oblige, and scooped her into my arms, hugging and rocking her for a bit.
“I'm going to exercise and meditate, okay? Just stay right here.” I murmured as I set her on the soft mattress, pulling the blankets up and tucking her in. She nodded and curled up.
I pulled the curtains open, lifting my face to feel the morning light on my face and seeing it through my closed eyelids. Ahh. I raised my hands above my head, taking a deep breath.
As I wound down from my stretching and brief exercise, I realized that Katara was watching me, obviously appreciative of the fact that my robe was open. I raised my hands again, biting back a smirk as I puffed out my chest, seeing her gaze move along my chest and stomach.
She pouted a bit when I tied my robe closed, and I laughed softly before climbing into bed.
“I remember, when we were traveling with Aang, you would wake up in the morning and do the same thing. I always loved it when you wore no shirt. Even though I started out hating you, you were still... attractive.”
“Good to know.” I replied dryly before shooting her a grin. “Of course, you're not the only one who enjoyed the sight of bare flesh...” I smirked at her wickedly. She blushed faintly.
“Aha, so that was you watching me doing my Waterbending. I thought it might be Aang.”
I had caught Aang staring at her a couple of times, but decided to not bring it up. “You were irresistible.” I replied softly. “I wanted to reach out and touch you... but you were still angry at me back then, so...” I shrugged.
“You know what I miss? That cute mophead you had back then.”
“Really?”
She smiled at me. “There was just something adorable about you having that after you lost your queue. Remember how you would enjoy me rumpling your hair and running my fingers through it?”
I let out a soft sigh of contentment, remembering placing my head on her lap or against her chest as she played with my hair.
“I do remember... fondly.” I reached up, finding my ponytail. Usually I slept with my hair tied back in a bun or tail so it was easier to groom in the morning. I kept it trimmed halfway down my back – not too long or short. Even now, she enjoyed playing with my hair. There was something sweet and intimate about feeling her fingers brush through my locks and massage my scalp.
“Good memories, hmm?” she asked as she reached up to stroke my jaw. I nuzzled her hand.
“The good memories haven't ended.” I smiled down at her.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
“Mmm.” I woke up with the sun in my face, and opened my eyes I looked at the metal walls around me, rolling over onto my back and trying to remember where I was as I rubbed my eyes.
Oh, yeah. Mama had disappeared, and Father went to find her and he let me come with him. But yesterday, he had found her and she was with us again. She read me the story of the Prince and the Phoenix before I went to sleep. I had been so worried that I would never see her again. Father had been so worried and mad.
It was fun playing with Sokka's children and I even got to meet Avatar Aang. I hoped we could stay here for a while. It was interesting and different, like Ember Island.
I stayed in bed for a bit, holding my dragon in one arm, rubbing my cheek against the velvet. Father said that Uncle Iroh gave it to him when he was little, and I wished I got to know him because Father always spoke so highly of him. He told me that Uncle Iroh liked holding me or bouncing me on his knee and even singing to me. I wish I could remember him.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I looked up at Katara as she stroked my hair, having taken it out of its bindings. She regarded me with a soft, gentle smile, her gaze filled with love and admiration.
“Just like the good old days, hmm?” I asked.
“Sometimes it feels a little weird remembering all that. Like it was yesterday. And then I look at you now and realize how much time has really passed.”
“I certainly hope that after all these years, you still find me attractive.” I replied dryly. She laughed quietly.
“Well, you were pretty sexy back then. But some things just get better with age.” She stroked my face. “Of course, some things never change. Like how loving you can be towards me.”
I smiled back at her. “You know I never stopped loving you.” I squeezed her hand. “I should have been honest with you in the beginning. I'm really glad that we can... talk about this.”
“Like the time we worked together as the Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady?”
“Good times...” I nodded.
“I'm hoping you still have the Blue Spirit mask.”
“Back home, I do.” I kept the mask amongst my most cherished treasures in my private vault.
“Hmm.” Katara stroked her chin, and I raised my eyebrow.
“And what is my Waterbender thinking about?” I inquired.
“That's for me to know, and for you to find out.” She smirked at me faintly before rolling away and climbing off the bed to go to the washroom. But I could guess by that sly little smile that it would be fun for both of us. A soft laugh escaped my throat before I slid off the bed.
o0o0o0o
Katara
After doing my usual morning business, I sat down in front of the mirror and started unbraiding my hair so I could comb and style it. As I glanced at the window, I could see frost along the edges. That's something I never would see in Sozun! A gentle knocking caused me to turn my head in the opposite direction.
“May I come in?” I heard Zuko ask.
“Yes, you may.”
As he entered the room, he stared at me, his expression glowing with fondness before he reached out to stroke my hair. It was especially wavy because I had braided it after my shower last night. He took the comb from my hand and ran it through my hair gently, arranging the waves with his other hand.
“One of my favorite things is seeing you with your hair down.” Zuko whispered, kissing the top of my scalp.
“Funny, I could say the same about you.” I shot back. We both laughed.
“I'm in the mood to see you keep your hair down today. Will you oblige me?” he asked softly. I nodded. I would need to at least pin my hair back from my face, but his request was easily granted.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
We both got dressed, and I felt my heart skip a beat as she turned towards me after completing her outfit. She was dressed in red silk and black velvet, her hair pinned back but still loose, giving her a beautiful natural look.
Kuzon joined us for breakfast, and Katara and I discussed what we would do today. It was clear that she wanted to spend time with her family and the Avatar, and I certainly wasn't going to begrudge her this. But I still felt apprehensive about the Avatar even though he hadn't threatened me or tried to take Katara away. I suppose it was the memory of our fight on Ember Island that caused me to feel that way.
“I want to play with Hakoda and Yoshi and Kaya.” Kuzon piped up.
“Of course you can!” Katara smiled at him before she quickly looked at me. I smiled and nodded. From what I had seen yesterday, Sokka and Suki's children were happy and well-behaved. I remember the delight on Kuzon's face as he ran around in the yard, playing tag with them.
“Later, I'm going to see Sokka. We'll all go and you can play as long as you want.” I thought about the Avatar's own children. It would be a good experience for Kuzon to meet them.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I sat with Suki, warming my fingers around my cup of tea as we watched the children play kick-ball. After what Fire Lord Sozin had done to the Airbenders, many people thought that the Air Nomads were gone forever. Yet here Kuzon was, playing with them, running and laughing and shouting. Other village children had joined in, so you could actually see all four elements represented, and all of them were just laughing and playing. No competition, no 'my element is superior to yours' or any of the garbage that had been spewed out by the Fire Nation war propaganda or the militant factions of the Earth Kingdoms.
The morning had started off especially cold, something that I had to get used to all over again due to my time in Omashu and Sozun. But the sky was clear, and the warmth of the sun took off the edge of the late-winter weather even as I breathed out a fine mist. Off to one side, we could see the ocean and hear its dull roar.
I was just happy to be here. Everyone now knew I was Fire Lady, so I got treated differently than before, given more distance, but I was still enjoying myself. I didn't have to worry about the schedule of the Palace or the constant activity of the courtiers. Here, I was just like the other mothers watching their children play.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Kuzon certainly looked like he was having fun. I remember playing with the servant's children when I was little, or with the children of visiting nobles or dignitaries. Except that it hadn't been as open like this. Servants and parents observed, so there was a lot of pressure on the children to perform well. Here, nobody cared about rank or status. People just wanted to have fun. The adults that were here chatted with one another while the children played, drinking tea or cheering for the children.
I reclined in the folding sling chair that my servants had set up for me. It was a specialty in Fire Nation, made of lightweight but tough bamboo poles and canvas, popular in the army for its ease of use and transportation. The village elder was especially solicitous, asking me if there was anything I needed despite the fact that I had a small staff of servants around me. It was times like this that I actually missed my time being part of Avatar Aang's team. People left me alone and that was just what I wanted. But it certainly was better than the minimal politeness that Enki had shown me back when he was still King of Omashu.
The Avatar bowed to me before he smiled at me.
“Might we have a talk, Lord Zuko?” he asked. I nodded and waved for a servant to set up an extra chair.
“What is it?” I asked quietly as the Avatar sat down.
“Well, I had this idea that I thought would be fun for all of us. Remember back when we were at that island where I had to pretend to be a student, and later we had that party?”
I stared off for a moment, remembering the envy I had felt – but had not wanted to admit – seeing Katara in the Avatar's arms, dancing with him and having fun with him. “Yes.” My voice was barely above a murmur.
“I was thinking perhaps we could have a party tonight. Or tomorrow night. The merchants would volunteer some food if I asked. It would also be fun for the children.”
“... Party?” I had never liked parties. “What for?”
“Uh.” Aang shrugged, smiling faintly. “Does anyone need a real reason? It's been a long winter here in Kyoshi. The town hall and courtyard would be a good place. Perhaps... and this is just a suggestion, you could donate some food too. I think your men would enjoy themselves, too.”
I let out a low sigh. I have enough of multitudes of people at Court already, thank you.
“That sounds like a great idea! Why don't we plan a bit and have it tomorrow night?” Katara said from my other side. I glanced at her with surprise. She placed her hand on my sleeve, gazing up at me, entreating me with those gorgeous azure eyes of hers. When she looked at me like that, she could entrance me like a Siren.
“Very well.”
“Oh, thank you!” She squeezed my arm, giving me a brilliant smile.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I smiled down at Kuzon fondly as I stroked his hair, brushing a loose strand from his face.
“See, you're the most handsome little Prince I have ever seen!” I said as I glanced at our reflections in the mirror.
“I'm not little!” Kuzon argued, his eyes twinkling as he stared at us. I remember my first meeting with Kuzon, he was so cute, with little round cheeks. But now he was seven, a bit taller and leaner than he had been, a bit more of his father visible in his features with each passing year.
“I stand corrected.” I replied with a slight bow of my head. He grinned up at me.
Zuko didn't look as enthused despite his regal appearance, wearing a quilted knee-length jacket of thick black silk with golden threading. I nudged Kuzon towards Neomi, who would be enjoying the party as a guest, though she would be keeping an eye on him. I wrapped my arms around Zuko's middle, looking up at him.
“Come on, it'll be fun. After a while, we'll find a place to be alone.” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively at him. He let out a quiet chuckle.
“Sassy little minx-snake.” His whisper was heated, his voice bordering on a purr before he quickly looked away.
“Oh, Zu.” I giggled softly before taking his hand. “Come on, the night is still young.”
The party started before twilight, with games going on outside, mostly played by children but teenagers and a few adults joining in as well. The mixed kitchens of Fire Nation and Kyoshian chefs made for a richly varied smorgasbord of culinary triumphs. Sokka saw Zuko and made a beeline for him while Suki appeared at my side. At first, it was just games and people going inside when they wanted to eat. Musical instruments started playing and before I knew it, children and adults alike were dancing.
I had gotten to know many of the people here over brief periods of time. I now knew the names of Aang's children from the oldest – Tenzin – to the youngest, Yangchen. Many men would envy Aang's position, able to bed nearly any woman he wanted and being able to Bend all four elements, yet it didn't make him happy.
Kuzon tugged on my hand, and together we danced. He put his feet on top of mine and wrapped his arms around my waist, causing both of us to laugh as I spun around with him. After a couple of songs, Zuko, who had been watching us with a smile on his face, cut in. His grip on my hands were strong, and despite his dislike for dancing, he moved with ease from his years of martial arts training.
I hadn't danced with Zuko at Aang's secret party, but better later than never. I smiled at him faintly, enjoying this rare pleasure before the song ended, and my brother took his turn with me. He wasn't quite as good, but he managed to not step on my toes. Zuko stood by patiently before I noticed Suki grab him for a dance. I had to bite back a smile as Zuko recovered himself from his surprise before he gingerly placed his hands on her, letting her guide him..
“May I have this dance?” I heard Aang ask as Sokka slid away from me in the short lull between songs. I blinked and nodded, reaching for the pale hands that were offered to me.
Suddenly, I was immersed in the memory of my first dance with Aang. He had looked so cute with his short, spiky black hair, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. Even now, his eyes sparkled with that same fun-loving spirit as he danced with me. There was the barest hint of a smile on his face, and his hands were warm.
It had been such a sweet memory, a reminder of the romance that had the potential to blossom between us. I thought it had been so sweet that he liked me so much. Then of course, I fell in love with Zuko.
I was happy that Aang now respected my decision to be with Zuko. I had been so afraid of his reaction, and I fully accepted his right to be upset, but I was so grateful when he accepted the situation without pleading or an argument.
I smiled at him, feeling him squeeze my hands in acknowledgment.
o0o0o0o
Aang
It was disconcerting to see her dressed up in the clothing of Fire Nation nobility. I missed the blue clothing she had been wearing before Zuko's arrival, but she was beautiful nonetheless. I had to resist the urge to touch her loose, wavy hair.
When the song ended, Katara squeezed my hands, giving me a faint smile. I grinned back and nodded, leading her into the next dance. It was more fast-paced, so we spun around a bit. Her cheeks were flush, her eyes sparkling as she moved nimbly on her feet.
Suddenly, the song ended and I slowed down, coming off the euphoria I had been riding on. Katara slid away, leaving my hands empty as I glanced at Zuko. He kissed her hand and whispered something into her ear before they left the dance floor. I barely had time to register it before Suki came up to me, squeezing my arm.
It seemed cruel to allow me to create new memories with Katara only to lose her again. It wouldn't be fair to her if she were to marry me because she would have to share me with other women. But I still could not help but wish that she would stay with me, be the one to be my companion, to wake up with in the morning. All I could have were these fleeting moments with her and the longing that would last a lifetime. I suppose this is why people don't remember their past lives – they might forget their previous joys, but they also forget their angers and sorrows.
o0o0o0o
Katara
My throat felt tight as I considered the fact that we would be leaving Kyoshi in a few hours. Ember Island and Kyoshi had been so much fun that I was loath to go back to Courtly routine. Fortunately, I had secured a promise from Zuko that we would have at least one vacation every year, and that we would be going to Ember Island in a few months as the summer heat became oppressive.
And I had so much fun with Sokka and Suki and Aang! I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. The only person missing was Toph, but I would tease her the next time I saw her. Perhaps we would even wrestle in the mud again. I set down the chopsticks, sitting quietly as everyone else continued to enjoy their breakfast. Zuko had invited my family to join us for breakfast on the ship, and Aang was invited as well. Kuzon was outside with Sokka's and the older half of Aang's children, playing a game on the deck as the guards watched.
Zuko and Sokka were debating about some obscure matter that men get themselves worked up about, so I excused myself from the table and strolled outside, leaning against the wall as I watched the children kick a ball around.
After a few minutes, I was aware of Aang's presence. He stood close, but at a respectful distance.
“Hey.” I whispered. I was going to miss him, he could make me smile or laugh. I recalled more of the life I had lived with Aang as my wife. The sex and element were completely different, but Aang had the same light-hearted personality, no matter what incarnation he was in. He had been a completely wonderful wife, always there to make me smile if I was having a hard day or had just come home from a wearying trip. I was still getting used to remembering these past lives, but it could be enjoyable when I was in the right state of mind. My new journal helped me to keep track of them, and spent a bit of time every day writing in it.
“Is something the matter?” he asked as he glanced down at me with curiosity. I blinked and chuckled nervously, quickly covering up the fact that I was reminiscing over one of the past lives I now remembered.
o0o0o0o
I enjoyed taking long walks, but because of her bound feet, Suyuan was unable to do so with me. Her feet would pain her after a certain distance, and it was easier for her to sit while doing her tasks. She had given birth to a son that we named Welcome Rain. Our daughter, Lustrous Jade, was nearly seven when I went on a business trip to Ba Sing Se. It had gone more quickly than I thought, so I was to come home early. It would be a pleasant surprise for my wife, and I looked forward to being with my children. I had gifts for all of them.
It was late when I arrived, so I had the servants unload the cart and its wares into the house while I gathered several presents under my arm. I expected Suyuan to mince towards me with her arms open. But the house was quiet, alerting me to the fact that something was wrong.
My heart felt tight. Surely one of them had not died? But I heard quiet sobbing as I approached the wing where the family's private rooms were. Out of my daughter's room came my mother-in-law. Hsung Tai-tai and I had never gotten along, and to have her be here in my house during my absence was an especially repellent thought.
I stared down at her. “What are you doing here?” I didn't bother with the proper courtesies, because every time this woman was here, we always ended up in some sort of argument. I was not of noble blood and had worked my way into a comfortable lifestyle, so I had never been good enough as a son-in-law for her. She would bemoan about how Suyuan had suitors banging on her door, even the brother of the King of Omashu himself! Yet Suyuan chose me, even though I was not rich or handsome. I worked hard to ensure that she did not regret her choice.
“You're so focused on matters of business that you ignore what your family needs!”
What my family needs? I was insulted. Lustrous Jade had a private tutor so she could read and write and do math, and when Welcome Rain became old enough, he would join his sister in her lessons. Their stomachs were always full, their beds warm, and they received nothing but love from my wife or me. Even my servants didn't have to worry about going hungry or keeping a roof over their heads. Suyuan had her own personal handmaid who would do everything that her mistress'' bound feet did not allow her to.
Suddenly, I heard a pained sob. I rushed into Jade's room to see my sister-in-law hold her head in her lap, patting her. Why was Jade crying? The reason became immediately apparent to me as soon as I saw her bandaged feet. Last time Tai-tai paid a visit, she had hinted at it being the time to bind Jade's feet. Suyuan had brought it up only a couple of times, and I had dismissed it, telling her to let Jade have more time. Truth be told, I didn't want to see her feet bound at all.
An enraged roar burst forth from my chest and I rushed to the bed, clawing at the bandages and trying to remove them from her feet. Finally, I reached for the dagger I kept in my boot, cutting the silk from her left foot. I could see the tenderness and bruising. Imagine if my trip had been as long as planned!
“Stop that! You endanger my granddaughter's future!” Tai-tai was slapping at my chest, arms, and back, but I shoved her away. Nothing was worth the pain that was to be endured by footbinding. I wanted Suyuan as my wife because of her personality, not the fact that her feet were bound to the perfect size by the rules that governed that practice.
“I will not have her be judged on the size of her feet!” As soon as I cut the bindings from her other foot, I spun on Tai-tai and chased her out of the room. Of course, since her own feet were bound, she could only move in rapid, mincing footsteps. Some women were actually proud of the size of their feet, and Tai-tai and my sister-in-law were two of these. Was she feeling proud now as she realized she couldn't run?
“Never set foot in this house again!” I roared as I kept my pace slow enough to give her the illusion of escaping. It was the kindest thing I could do for her, because if I got my hands on her, then not even the spirits could prevent me from what I wanted to do.
“You shame your house!”
“In my house, my daughters and granddaughters will have normal, beautiful feet that they can run around and play with!”
“See if anyone will marry your daughter, then! You named her Lustrous Jade but you are turning her into a worthless pebble!” She hobbled out into the courtyard when I roared at her again, and Suyuan's sister Meng-mei went after her, a bit faster on her own bound feet. Tai-tai’s servants were quick to join their mistress.
“I swear by Oma and Shu, if you trespass on my land again, the spirits themselves will not be able to hold back my fury!” The ground trembled slightly as my anger manifested in my Earthbending. Jade and Rain had gained my abilities, but with bound feet, Jade would have never become adept at Earthbending.
Tai-tai had locked Suyuan up in her son's room after my wife tried to stop her mother from binding Jade's feet. My daughter was unable to walk normally for a few days, but she had refused to walk with the bandages despite Tai-tai dragging her out of her bed or chair..Any time Tai-tai tried to prop Jade up on her bound feet, Jade refused to even stand and would simply allow herself to collapse on the floor to take the weight off her feet. She had tried spanking and even whipping Jade, and to my delight when my daughter told me later, she would just scream and curse at Tai-tai and tell her how much she hated her. When her grandmother placed Jade's favorite treats and food on the other side of the room, the girl simply waited until she was gone before crawling or wiggling on the floor to get what she wanted, and so hadn't yet broken any of her toes. Thank the spirits for that!
It was quite a few years before I saw my mother-in-law again. Jade was blossoming into womanhood, and her feet were large, but I would not have it any other way, especially with how displeased Tai-tai looked when Jade greeted her sweetly. It made me proud to have Jade standing next to me in the yard as we practiced our Earthbending. I encouraged Suyuan to loosen her bindings. She had been hesitant at first due to her rigid upbringing, but eventually relented. Her feet would be forever damaged, but they did become about an inch longer, and she was actually able to take steps that were a bit longer and steadier. We could even take walks together, and I was happy to carry her in my back or my arms when she needed a rest. I made it a condition before my children got married that they wouldn't do any footbinding, either.
In our golden years, Suyuan and I would sit outside on the veranda, watching our grandchildren play, girls laughing and skipping around with their brothers and cousins. Their happiness was the result of the loving home that we had made for ourselves and our family. I honestly couldn't have chosen a better wife.
Oh, Aang. I wish he could remember his past happiness.
o0o0o0o
Come to think of it, Aang and I had enjoyed our walks together back then, and even now in Kyoshi. Were we compelled to by deeply-buried memories? And had my defiance of the old customs of footbinding contributed to the end of the practice?
“No, Aang. I'm fine.” I smiled up at him warmly. “I will miss you, though. I've had so much fun in Kyoshi.” Aang had taken Kuzon and me for a ride on Appa, and it had been an utter delight for my son.
“You could always decide to stay.” he replied lightly. I took his hand and squeezed it.
“I know this life hasn't always been the way you wanted. But this isn't your first life, nor will it be the last.” I had considered telling him about his life as Suyuan, but decided against it. But I knew what I could say. “I know I have met you in another life, and I am certain this won't be the last time we meet.”
He smiled faintly. “You sound like an Avatar.”
We both laughed softly. “We'll always be best friends, won't we?” he asked. I nodded firmly.
o0o0o0o
Kuzon
I stood between Mama and Father as we said goodbye. Father and I bowed to everyone while Mama hugged some of them, like Sokka or Suki. I had never seen Airbenders before, but the children were like me! We all liked to play and have fun, and I even got to watch them do Airbending. There was a fun party and watching the Kyoshian Warriors spar with one another and watching the men fish and all the other neat stuff in Kyoshi. I even sparred with Sokka and watched him and Father fight one another with swords! I hoped I could travel again soon. Going to Ember Island was my first time off Sozun. I was sad to be leaving but it would also be nice to go home because I didn't like the cold. Same for Father, though Mama actually seemed to enjoy it!
Sokka and Suki left so it was just the Avatar that was standing with us. Mama just stared at the Avatar for a moment, and he stared right back. Then they hugged. I looked at Father to see what he would say, I knew he didn't like other men to touch Mama because he was very protective of her.
They hugged tightly and Father still didn't say anything. The Avatar whispered something into Mama's ear before they pulled apart. Mama had told me she was friends with him a long time ago, but I didn't quite understand what she meant by that. Father said the same, and he wouldn't say anything else.
The Avatar bowed to Mama before he did the same for Father. Father bowed back, slowly and respectfully. I knew that they were the two most powerful men in the world, so I would never forget this sight.
As the ship pulled from the shore, we stood at the bow, waving to everyone on shore. I waved to all the children I had played with. We pulled further and further away until the ship turned around. When I looked up, Mama was crying. I tugged at her hand and offered my arms. She sniffled softly before wrapping me in a tight hug. In a moment, I felt Father put his arms around both of us.
o0o0o0o
Aang
I stood with Sokka, waving at the royal family as their ship left. A sudden surge of loneliness washed over me, and I let out a quiet sigh.
“Yeah, I know. I'll miss her too.” Sokka muttered. “But at least she's happy and safe.” He glanced at me briefly. I nodded slowly. At least I didn't have to mourn the death of my best friend anymore. I could see her again in the future, but in the meantime, I had women here who were all too happy to keep my company. It'd been nearly a year since my last child was born, and I did have a duty. At least it came with its small pleasures.
And there was also the added distraction of raising my children and teaching them Airbending. After I had learned about Sozin's genocide and what had happened to my people, I had become terrified of the fact that I was the last Airbender and that there would be nobody to teach, to share my Airbending with. But now, as I taught my children, I also felt pleasure, the same pleasure that the monks and nuns doubtless felt as they mentored the young Airbenders under their care.
o0o0o0o
Sokka
I sat down on my side of the bed, meditating for a few minutes as I stared off. It'd been a long day, but I didn't regret seeing my sister again. It was good knowing that she was happy. I could see it in her eyes, and the way Zuko looked at her. And there was no mistaking the bond between her and the Prince. I smiled faintly, thinking that Zuko and Katara had finally gotten what they wanted.
The swish of cloth met my ears and I turned around to see Suki enter the room, closing the door quietly.
“Hey.” She slid onto the mat, wiggling over to sit behind me.
“Mmm.” I gave out a content sigh as she rested her head on my shoulder.
“How are you feeling? After everything that's happened?”
“I'm good.” I replied stoically. I could feel her smile.
“No, really. I mean, at first, it was kind of hard to process, but everything's good. Katara's happy, I'm happy, you're happy. Everybody's happy. Our kids had a blast. Let's go to Sozun next winter. The kids have never been to Fire Nation before.”
“That actually sounds like a good idea.” She wrapped her arms around me, wiggling against me. I had been married to her long enough to figure what she wanted – at least, some of the time.
“Someone's frisky tonight.”
“Says who?”
“Who do you want? Should I put on the makeup and Kyoshi robes or do you want to get it on with Wang Fire?”
“Mmm.” She placed kisses along my earlobe – oh, she knew that was one of my weak spots! – as she pressed her chest against my back. “I want just you, Sokka of the Water Tribe.”
I pulled her into my arms, tugging her robe down her shoulder and pressing my lips against her pale skin. “No more than I want you.” I growled back, my hands sliding along her legs, feeling the scars but still enjoying the texture of her warm flesh, showing her how much I loved her and found her beautiful and sexy despite what Azula had done to her.
“It is only fitting that a warrior of my stature have as his wife a lovely warrior like you.” I purred into her ear, causing her to chuckle softly and wiggle against me.
o0o0o0o
Katara
Out on the ship, I felt relaxed as I felt the ocean around me. There was only a slight breeze despite the ship's speed, and my jacket hung open, revealing my throat to the cold air. I was rather comfortable as I stood there while the guards on the deck shivered, having just started their turns on duty. Most of the men liked to stay inside and play games, because they were native to Sozun and unused to the chilly weather that existed outside of the Fire Islands. I stood near the bow, simply enjoying the sight of the seemingly infinite waves.
Coming back to Sozun would be a new start in a way. My memories fully restored, I felt truly equal to my husband. The world knew me as Fire Lady Miumi, but inside, I would always be Katara. Growing up, I had felt a part of me was missing. Now I was whole. Of course, there were still a couple of things I had to do. I actually looked forward to the next time I would see Toph. There were a few things I wanted to look up in the library regarding certain events that had happened in my past lives and see what the history books had to say about them. And knowing that the previous Fire Lord really was alive... well, I had to admit, my curiosity was piqued. How had such a wonderful person like my husband come from such a man like Ozai, or Sozin?
I did not flinch when I felt Zuko's hand on my shoulder since I had sensed his approach. It was dark but the moon nearly full, and I gazed upward as I gently leaned back into him. We simply stood there for a while, listening to the waves lap against the hull.
“I'm glad you had such a good time in Kyoshi.” Zuko whispered. I nodded.
“It was what I needed, and it was great seeing everybody. But I'm also happy to be going home with you.” I looked up to see him gaze down at me, nodding slowly. He wrapped me in his arms, his warmth radiating into me.
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Kiss of Fire