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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Kiss of Fire
Chapter Six – Reminiscence
Well, off Katara goes to be with Zuko... whoo. If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to leave a review, it is my lifeblood!
o0o0o0o
Katara

The trip was uneventful and most of it was spent in silence, at least within my own space. I was thankful that it was an overcast day, for the sedan could have become very hot and stuffy. Occasionally I peeked out the window and saw quite a few men. There were other vehicles, to carry the belongings of the Fire Lord and his men, but I saw no sign of my groom. I heard the chatter of the men, and shut it out as I pulled the drape closed.
We plied on for a couple of hours without a break, and I tried to remember just how far Omashu was from the coast. Suddenly, there was a soft knock near the window and I opened the drape, looking out to see Kamas.
“Yes?” I asked softly, thinking that he was going to declare that we were taking a break. It would be nice to get out of the sedan and stretch my legs.
“We will be at the shore in a few minutes, my lady. Would you like to take a walk on the ship once we are aboard?” Kamas asked in a kind manner. I blinked when I realized I could smell the ocean breeze wafting in through the open window. I also saw that Kamas was riding a large lizard-like creature, and the animal moved with more grace than the Komodo that was pulling my sedan. I had never seen such a creature before though I had heard of them, and I peered through the window at it curiously.
I was unsure of how to respond to his offer, and he seemed to sense that, because he smiled at me.
“There is nothing to be concerned about, my lady. I merely thought you would like something to do. Have you ever been on a Fire Navy ship?” he asked. I replied in the negative. I had been on Water Tribe vessels and I knew the Fire ships were larger and far more powerful than any ship that the Earth or Water people had ever designed.
“Then someone as curious and intelligent like you can appreciate the things to be seen on the ship.” Kamas replied kindly. I could not help but smile a little.
As he promised, in a short time we were at the docks. The men immediately bustled about around the sedan in a flurry of activity. Kamas opened the door and helped me down and I gasped when I saw the ship.
I had distant memories of my childhood in the Northlands. There was but one time that a Fire ship had come, and I remember that it had caused concern and distress among my people. But the ship proved to be no threat at all.
The children would come out and peer at the ship from a distance. We had still been in the early stages of our alliance with the Fire Nation so the ship had not been there long, so our parents had warned us away from it But it remained firmly embedded in my memory, a monument of the Fire Nation’s strength. To the eyes of a child, the vessel had been a huge, bulking monster made of metal, seemingly capable of cutting through anything with its sharp prow.
Even now, as a woman, the vision before me towered over my head. Kamas let me stand there for several moments to take it all in. How was such a…monstrosity built? And why didn’t it sink?

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

Enki was conspicuously absent during the closing of the summit. None of the other guests knew why, but I wrapped up my business nicely, satisfied with the agreements and treaties drafted between myself and the various delegates to the summit. After leaving the Palace I did not bother going back to the inn since it was already cleared out, and left Omashu in high spirits.

o0o0o0o
Katara

Kamas’ steady hand on my shoulder was the only thing keeping me from bolting down the ramp as we climbed aboard the vessel. Around me, men carried boxes and other items and the sounds of bustling about filled my ears.
“Would you feel better being alone until the loading is over?” Kamas asked and I nodded. Many of the men around me shot me polite but curious glances, bowing their heads.
I was led into the stack of the ship, taking in the ornate decorations on the walls as we entered what looked to be a gallery. A couple of men passed us, their arms laden with items.
“The main level is used as a gathering place for the men during inclement weather and is also used for meetings. Below us are the kitchen, mess hall, and most of the quarters along with the storage. Above us lays the Fire Lord’s chambers, as well as the bridge and a training room among other things.” Kamas said as he led me along.
A couple of flights up led me to a level that looked no different than the others, but I sensed we had come to my final destination. The door he led me to was nondescript and I assumed that I was being placed in a guestroom. He opened the door for me and beckoned me inside.
This was more than I had expected for a guestroom. Kamas stood there silently as I moved through the chamber. What I had stepped into seemed to be a parlor, with a soft red couch near one wall along with a low table and cushions. Red hangings decorated the walls, emblazoned boldly with the Fire Nation insignia in black. A window provided enough light for me to see everything.
The bedroom contained a large and comfortable-looking bed, with a cozy-looking red comforter atop it. The red of the fabric on the bed and walls stood out in sharp contrast to the metal that provided the ship with its body.
“And the washroom is through this door.” Kamas said as he pointed to a door that was slightly ajar, and I nodded.
“Are you hungry?” he asked. I shook my head silently.
“Very well then. If you would like to take a nap or wash up, feel free to do so. The Fire Lord will be arriving shortly and we will be leaving. Your things should be up very soon. Is there anything else you need?” he asked. I silently responded in the negative again. Honestly, I was still overwhelmed by it all and didn't feel like talking.
Kamas looked as if he was about to say something else but he decided better and bowed his head before taking leave. The door closed quietly and I sunk to the sofa.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

When I arrived, the loading was on the verge of completion, and the men were prepared for my final inspection. Kamas waited for me, standing at the base of the ramp as the remainder of my men and I dismounted our animals. The caretakers took the animals and led them away as Kamas spoke to me.
“And how did the final meetings go?” he asked.
“Very well.” I replied stiffly.
“Was King Enki there at all?” he asked. I glanced at him, knowing he would not have asked this out of mere curiosity.
“What happened?” I replied. Kamas seemed as if he was trying to hold back a laugh and I glared at him. He quickly cleared his throat and told me about the incident at Amigaitut’s estate this morning, leaving out no detail.
“You will be rewarded for your handling of the situation.” I said with a nod. He shook his head slightly before bowing.
“I was simply doing my job and carrying out your order, my lord. The lady awaits you on the ship.”
‘How was the trip?” I asked.
“Very good. It went off without a hitch and the loading is just about done. The lady was kept comfortable and did not… “ here Kamas paused, clearly thinking of the most polite word to say.
“She did not attempt to escape.” I finished for him bluntly. He bowed his head.
“Good. Let us commence with the inspection.” I said.
I had taken it upon myself as Fire Lord to be thorough about what went on around me. I did use servants and advisers and relegated tasks, but I liked to make sure that the tasks were completed. Therefore, I often inspected the work, sometimes without the knowledge of the person performing said task. It helped me to keep on top of things and make sure jobs were done correctly. I walked along the ship with Kamas at my side, checking that the supplies were stocked to my satisfaction. I always liked to make sure that we had more than we needed, just in case the ship veered off course or something happened to us. Any time we had leftovers after a voyage, I saw that it was distributed to the poor.
I was satisfied, and announced that the ship was ready to depart. The ramp pulled up as I headed into the ship. I looked forward to living in familiar surroundings again, and this time I would have someone to share it with me. The engines rumbled to life as the furnaces were stoked and I was comforted to feel its steady hum under my feet.
After going to the bridge, I went to my suite and opened the door. She sat there on the sofa, gazing out the window at the docks. I said nothing, standing there for several moments and taking in the sight. There was sadness in her eyes and I was unsure of what to say to make her feel better. Aang could chatter on and on but I preferred silence. The woman I loved and I only spoke when we needed to, not because we wanted to.
I slowly moved closer and sat next to her. She took notice of me before I seated myself but said nothing.
“How are you?” I asked simply.
“I am well, my lord. And you?” she asked politely.
“I could say the same. Were you comfortable during the trip?” I asked. She replied with a brief nod. My hand slid up her arm to her shoulder and I let it rest there for a moment as I looked down at her. I chose to say nothing as my hand traveled to her neck, feeling soft flesh under my fingertips. She was calm, but her pulse was racing. I held back a smirk.
My hand moved downward, my fingers trailing along her hand and I felt a slight shiver pass through it.
“Are…you cold?” I asked in a soft whisper, knowing very well that she was getting heated. She quickly shook her head. I nodded and gave the back of her hand a languorous stroke before I went to the door and ordered a servant to bring up supper.
“Come and eat.” I said when the servant had set the table and left. On the table were several dishes that she had particularly liked from the dinner we had shared previously. She remained on the sofa and did not seem to notice the care with what I had decided on the menu with.
“I am not hungry.” she said softly. I stood there patiently.
“Not even a little?” I asked. She looked down and shook her head, her hands folded in her lap.
“I cannot finish all of this myself. Come and eat with me, my lady.” I said. She looked back up at me.
“Please, my lord. Do not make me eat.”
“Come sit down and have dinner with me.” I replied, hardening my voice into a clear order. I had no desire to see her starve herself. She was silent for a moment and seemed as if she would refuse. But she rose from the soft seat gracefully and I beckoned her close with a hand, motioning to one of the cushions. She seated herself, and I sat across from her at the small table. When she showed no sign of making her own plate, I did it for her, placing a bit of everything on it. The amount of food that had been brought up was just enough for two people. I had asked for the portions to be light.
We ate in silence. She cleaned her plate and chased it down with some water before she dabbed her lips with her napkin.
I rose from my cushion and offered her my hand. Our eyes met for a moment as she took it and I helped her up and led her over to the window. The sky was fast fading into twilight and the ship had turned around so now all we saw was the vast expanse of ocean. A cloudless sunset welcomed us and I stood behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders. She let out a quiet sigh but said nothing and my hands slid down her shoulders so that my arms could wrap around her middle.
After a few minutes, I carefully turned her around and looked down at her, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. I broke the kiss but kept my face close to hers, our noses almost touching as I stroked her cheek. Looking into her eyes gave me a warm sensation that I had never felt with anyone else besides Katara and a small smile tugged at my lips.
“Mine, always mine and forever.” I whispered before my lips met hers again. This time my kiss was more passionate and demanding, and I longed for her to open herself up. My fingers slid to the back of her head, weaving through her hair as I formed a gentle grip.
To my satisfaction she responded positively, her lips parting just slightly as she lifted her face. I placed several lingering kisses, sucking on her lips as I did and a faint blush crept across her cheeks. My other hand slid along her body, finding the curve of her hip and sliding up it. Her scent was intoxicating and I tasted of her face with my lips, nuzzling her fiercely.
My free hand slid along her stomach and up to her chest when she reacted in a way that I did not expect. When my fingers touched her breast, she jerked away as if I had hit her and I was so startled that she managed to break free of me completely.
“Did I hurt you?” I asked. She paused and quickly looked away.
“Come here.” I commanded, and she only backed away several steps. I reached out and yanked her back, causing a soft cry to issue from her lips. With my other hand, I reached for her chest. Did she have a bruise or some other injury I had inadvertently jarred with my touch?
“I’m not going to hurt you.” I whispered as my fingertips made contact with the material that covered her breasts. Even then, she was tense and seemed…afraid?
“What is it?” I asked, “Did someone hurt you?”
“Stop touching me!” she suddenly flared defensively. I ignored her and caressed her chest gently, noting that she grew more and more tense. Carefully I probed along her breast, feeling the tight fabric of the binding beneath her robe.
“I am not going to hurt you. There is nothing wrong with my touching you. You are my wife, and your body is mine to explore.” I stated calmly when she tried to tug away again. My hand tugged at the collar of her robe to loosen it and I reached inside. My fingers slid along the division between fabric and skin and I paused when I felt something. Her slight trembling told me that I found whatever it was she was afraid of.
“What is this?” I asked, caressing the area that I had discovered.
“A birthmark.” she whispered, looking down at the rug we stood on. I nodded and started to tug at her breast bindings as she tried to pull away.
“I want to see it.”
“Stop it.” she pleaded softly. I shook my head, determined to see it for myself.
“You belong to me, Waterbender. Your body is mine to do with as you please and if I want to see it, I shall. I am your lord and master and you will obey me.” I stated imperiously. I knew it wasn't the best thing to say, but two decades as Fire Lord and building a wall around my innermost emotions was hard to overcome, even in front of Katara.
“I hate you!” she replied in a firm voice. My temper snapped. I had been patient so far, trying to reassure her and promising her that she had nothing to be afraid of! Fire sparked from my hand, landing on her robe and she cried out in alarm. I blinked and let go, seeing her robe on fire. I reacted quickly, yanking it off before it could hurt her and tossed it onto the floor. I quickly stomped on it and put it out before I turned my attention back to her.
She retreated to a corner, wrapping her arms around her chest. My relief upon seeing that I had not actually burned her was quickly washed by the wrath that her last statement had sparked inside of me.
“You…will never say that again! Do you understand me!” I said with a low snarl as I advanced towards her. She looked up at me with wide eyes, terror clear in her features. I did not relent and drew in even closer.
“Is that clear?” I roared, reaching out to grab her shoulders.
“You will never say it again! Ever! Do you understand?” I practically roared in her face as I jerked her towards myself by her shoulders. A choked sob escaped her throat before tears broke free. My fingers dug deeper into her shoulders.
“Well?” I demanded, too angry and hurt by her words to see her tears and obvious fright. I could not countenance Katara telling me that she hated me. It reminded me of old days, where she had been right to be angry with me. I could feel her shaking, and she whimpered as she nodded.
“Good.” I replied as my hands slid off her shoulders. She stood there silently, her hands folded against her chest.
“Now, remove your wrapping and let me see.” I commanded. Her hands shook as she followed my order and the linen bodice fell to the floor. If there was any lingering doubt in my head that this woman was not Katara, they were destroyed at that moment.
Shortly before she died, we had made a vow, and to seal that promise we had marked the other. She had placed her mark on my hip, and my mark went on her breast. This birthmark of hers looked exactly like the mark I had left on her, faintly resembling the shape of a flame after it had healed over. I stared at it for several moments before I reached out to caress it. She flinched, closing her eyes. My finger traced along the edges of it and I could see that she was trying to hold back her tears. I lowered my head to place a gentle kiss on the mark before I backed away a step.
I went over to my armoire and pulled out one of my robes. My bride was now clad in just a pair of loose pants and shoes.
“Take off your pants and shoes.” I stated calmly, having now reined in my anger. Her hands still shook a little as she did what I asked of her. I felt a familiar stirring inside of me as I gazed at her long and dusky legs but I reined it in. She wore underwear, but I did not ask her to remove it. The temptation was strong, however.
She remained silent but tense as I approached her, draping my robe on her shoulders. It was too big for her but it would be comfortable for her, and the dark red looked beautiful against her skin. I wrapped it around her gently and she looked up at me quietly.
“…Thank you, my lord.” she said softly. I gave her a brief nod, already regretting my harsh words and actions. She looked back down, her cheeks still wet with tears.
I stared down at her, unsure of what to say. I'd been alone for so long, without any real companion, that I had nearly forgotten how to comfort a woman. It'd been years without Katara. I needed her, truly needed her. I cherished her and loved her. I wanted her to love me. I was so out of practice that it was not funny.
“Are you tired?” I asked simply. She nodded and I gestured through the doorway to the other room.
“Go to bed.” I said and she nodded again before heading to the bed, keeping the robe wrapped around herself tightly. I watched silently as she snuggled up under the covers, drawing them to her chin.
I kicked aside her discarded clothing and used the washroom before I entered the bedchamber to get ready for bed. Her eyes were closed as I gazed at her, noting how right she looked in my robe amidst the comfortable bedding. As I removed my robe, she stirred and opened her eyes, staring at me curiously.

o0o0o0o
Katara

I swallowed back a surge of panic as I saw him stand near the bed, now shirtless. He had said nothing about wanting to take me tonight. Why was he in my room?
“What are you doing here?” I murmured softly, “Are you going to…” I found myself unable to finish the question and he smirked at me. It seemed almost ghostly in the muted light.
“This is my suite.” the Fire Lord replied casually and I stiffened. His suite? What about mine?
“Your suite? I…did not know. Kamas…he brought me here…I thought this was my room?” I ventured cautiously. The bed I was snuggled up in had linen sheets, cool and comfortable. I had expected that the Fire Lord would sleep on silk or satin, as befitting his position. I know that Enki would have wanted more as he was a man who enjoyed luxury and did not hesitate to use his position for comfort. Hence, I was surprised at the Fire Lord’s words.
“I told Kamas to bring you to my suite.” he replied. I held back a sigh.
“So you intend to take me.” I said, panic settling inside of me again. He did not comment on this and stepped closer to me, letting me see his well-toned chest and arms. A shiver of desire passed through me and I held my tongue. He was nothing short of stunning, but I refused to admit that.
He reached down to unclasp his boots and my heart pounded more quickly. He stepped out of them and removed his stockings. I waited silently for him to remove his pants. I was unable to look away. My eyes had adjusted to the semidarkness and I eyed his muscles. Enki was more built than him yet…I found Zuko more attractive. He had the right amount of muscle and he moved with a sinuous grace.
What the hell was I thinking? I was not supposed to desire this man! I tried to think of him in an impersonal way, a man who simply wanted to use me to sate his need. I brought up the fresh memory of him setting my robe on fire and yelling at me. But as I did I also recalled the look of deep hurt in his eyes. He had been angry and he frightened me, yet I remembered the pain that shot through his eyes when I told him that I hated him. Did his desire for me truly go beyond the surface?
He climbed into the bed wearing his pants and slid under the covers next to me without answering my question. When his hand slid under the covers and I felt it bump against my hip I jerked a little.
“You have no reason to be afraid of my touch.” he said, his voice aloof and almost cold. I quickly looked away. Yes, I knew he would take me sooner or later. But that was of little comfort to me. I felt him move closer, the space between our bodies now having almost closed completely. I lay there stiffly, holding my breath.
“Our union will be glorious and you will enjoy it.” he whispered into my ear, his voice now heated. It was amazing how he could shift from cold to warm and back so quickly. His hand slid up my hip and across my stomach so that his arm draped around my middle. But he did nothing else, and I felt confused.
Was I supposed to do something? I lay there for several moments, feeling my nerves tighten more and more as he lay there. Was he doing this to torture me? I remembered his light kisses, his gentle caresses. I remembered dryly that he had concubines before, there was no doubt he knew the right things to do. This man was old enough to be my sire and this was probably a game to him. How many women had he bedded?
“Relax.” the Fire Lord said, his voice quiet but commanding, “I simply want to sleep with you.”
“I…don’t get my own bed?” I whispered, keeping my voice as demure and respectful as I could. He shook his head.
“Your place is with me.” was the Fire Lord’s short reply. I looked at him and he stared back at me silently. His face was unreadable as it usually was. After a few moments, I managed to relax, letting my muscles go slack. As they did, it also felt as if my mind was doing the same.
“Good night, my lord.” I murmured and he snuggled closer in reply, his head against my shoulder. I was surprised at this sweet and simple gesture, but I was not about to object. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his body under the thick and soft comforter. Truth be told, sleeping like this would actually be nice on the cool nights…
I saw Zuko's pale and naked body, a scar on his hip that had the sinuous curve of water. My hand caressed that mark, and he looked up at me with love. After several moments, he sat up, looking at me.
“Your turn. Are you ready?” he asked. His hand approached my breast, and then I felt a flash of pain...
I jerked awake with a strangled cry. The Fire Lord had apparently been awake, for he startled, and I noticed that his hand was on my chest. There was an odd expression on his face, one of deep thought and something else that I was unable to identify at the moment.
I quickly pulled away from him and started to climb off the bed, still unsure of where I was and how I had come to be here in these unfamiliar surroundings. A strong arm wrapped around my middle, quickly yanking me back onto the bed and I heard him whisper into my ear to calm down. The events of the last day rushed back to me and I immediately ceased my struggles.
What had just happened? I was unable to remember. I had nightmares when I was younger and I never remembered them upon waking, but I remember being scared. When I tried to pull this one up, I simply drew a blank, as always. Dreams never stayed with me.
“What happened?” Zuko whispered and I slowly turned my head to look at him. At that moment, laying with him like this, being held by him and bundled up with him in such a warm and cozy fashion… it was so familiar that I was unsure of what to say. A lingering part of my mind told me that I had done this before. With this very same man, no less.
How was this even possible? Yet there was no mistaking the lingering feeling in my mind.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

It was bliss having her in my bed. And also so very tempting to take her as mine. I longed to remove her…actually it was mine, robe and spread her open and savor her flower. I fully intended to show her that there was much more than just kisses and caresses.
But I also knew that the time was not right. She was still nervous around me, and I knew she was resentful about her situation. I had been satisfied for now with curling up to her.
I kept a firm grip on her, waiting for her to answer my question as she blinked and stared at me for a few moments. I could feel her trembling slightly and I wondered what kind of nightmare she had. I could see that she was trying to collect herself so I nuzzled her in an attempt to soothe her.
“What is the matter?”
“N…nothing.” she managed to choke out. She seemed afraid to tell me.
“Tell me now.” I ordered and she looked away before trying to move away. I tightened my grip.
“I do not know what I dreamed of, my lord. It left me before I could remember it… I never remember my dreams anyway.” she murmured. I narrowed my eyes, sensing there was more.
“Tell me. I am your husband. I will not judge you.” I repeated and she looked down at her hands.
“Sometimes...sometimes I feel...” she whispered before she suddenly cut herself off. I knew she had been about to say something important. My heart skipped a beat. I swallowed before speaking.
“Please…tell me.” I whispered, taking a gentler approach. She shook her head silently.
“Did I hurt you?” I asked. She shook her head.
‘It’s hard to explain.” she whispered. She seemed afraid that I would be angered by what she would say or that I would mock her. I shook my head and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
“I…I feel as…if I have known you forever, my lord. Your presence and embrace is…so familiar to me.” she said softly. I felt a jolt of excitement and relief pass through me. But I remained calm, nuzzling her gently.
“What is so wrong with that?” I asked softly. She looked up at me.
“I… aren’t you going to laugh at me or dismiss my words? I was afraid you were going to be angry with me for my birthmark. You never had me examined, and I...” she stated hesitantly. Indeed, prospective concubines or even wives could be dismissed on the basis of birthmarks, depending on the color, shape, or location. Of course, I would not reject her for such a thing. I reached up to gently caress her cheek, shaking my head.
“I have no reason to.” I replied. She stared at me with a hint of surprise. I said nothing, staring back at her for a few moments before placing a light kiss on her lips.
I gently pushed her back so she was lying down again before I rolled her over so she faced me. I wrapped my arm around her middle, pulling her close so that her head lay against my chest. She stiffened in surprise but for a moment before I felt her relax.
“Why am I feeling this way?” she whispered as I rubbed her back. I was almost tempted to tell her but I remained silent as I continued my administrations. As I did, I remembered the harshness between us from earlier, and I sighed softly.
“I'm sorry.” I whispered.
“Pardon?”
“About earlier... yelling at you...” I responded. She let out her breath slowly before she replied.
“I should have been obedient.” she finally said in a neutral tone. I wondered whether I should argue with that. But I made a decision right there, to make up for my earlier harshness with her.
“It was not my intent to make you uncomfortable. But now, I hope you know that you have no reason to hide yourself from me. If you have any other birthmarks or anything else, tell me now.”
“Nothing at all, my lord.” I noticed that she had relaxed a bit.
“Again, I am sorry.” I whispered. “Besides, I can hardly judge someone for a birthmark when I have this.” I gestured to my scar, and I saw a glimmer of a smile on her face.
“I'm sorry too.” she replied. I smiled reassuringly.
“Then why don't we put it behind us, and simply enjoy this night?” I prompted. She turned her head to look up at me before she nodded.
My hand then slid along her jaw and neck and she made no attempt to pull away or fight me off. I wanted her to trust me, and open up to me. My hand slid down into the robe to touch her birthmark and she let out a soft whimper. I hushed her gently and traced my finger along the edges of the mark as I placed gentle kisses along her face. She relaxed and her breathing slowed, and before I knew it she was asleep again. I lay there and watched her as I waited for my turn to fall asleep.
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Kiss of Fire