Skinny Love

Farewell

Katara POV

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The whole day was spent saying goodbyes, packing, and reminiscing about our experiences. For the day, I avoided Aang so the tangible tension could be avoided for the time being. Thankfully, there were no unexpected confrontations.

Returning to my Watertribe robes and hair loopies, I instantly felt more like myself despite how they seemed to transform me into a much younger version of myself.

But maybe it was time for a change.

I tugged the hair loopies and braid out, feeling so much more mature with my locks unrestrained. It had been so long since I've viewed myself in a mirror, looking like the proud, strong Waterbender I aspired to be. Looking like my mother.

Not wanting to relive those moments, I decided on fetching Toph and Suki.

Of course, Suki was all too reluctant to leave Sokka's sight. Toph obliged as long as what we did wouldn't involve girly things.

Nonetheless, the three of us made our ways through the hallway as we expressed our contentment that we were finally going home.

"It's been too long since I've trained with the girls. Finally, things can be normal. And I can be happy." Suki sighed, tossing her short, caramel hair over her shoulder.

Toph grunted in agreement, focus fixed on her feet as we padded through the dim halls of the imperial palace.

The rest of the day was spent roaming the roads of the Fire Nation where the citizens seemed to be rejoicing with lots of festivals celebrating their new Firelord.

The three of us danced, ate good foods, and watched the shows featuring Firebenders until the sun was setting into an array of oranges and reds.

The festive moods was still lingering by the time we returned back.

"I have say Katara, that was pretty fun." Toph nudged me in the side.

By now I knew she was just showing affection and was very pleased that she used my real name instead of one of her made up ones.

"Don't say I don't know how to have a good time." I shrugged, earning a laugh from Suki.

The three of us then stopped, bidding each other goodnight before parting ways.

As I entered my chamber for the last night in the Fire Nation, probably for a long time, my heart constricted in my chest.

"Zuko."

He quickly swiveled around from where he stood, talking to himself in the mirror.

"Uh Katara." His cheeks flushed as he stood in my chamber, clad in his heavy robes.

"Hey Zuko, I wasn't expecting you so late."

I would go to all measures to disguise the growing excitement in me, making my stomach do flips in apprehension. I swear, he could probably hear the pounding of my heart.

"Well you were out all day and I wanted the chance to say goodbye." He regained his composure, allowing the words to slide off his tongue effortlessly.

"I'll miss you." His voice softened immensely as he paced closer to me.

I used this moment to take in everything about his face because it may be the last time. I observed the angles of his strong jaw and the tenderness of his scarred flesh. For a few moments we remained like this, absorbing each other's presence as our eyes bore into the others. I don't think I could ever forget those eyes. Those kind eyes with so much power and ambition laden in the patterns.

"I'll-"

But before I could finish my sentence, he lunged towards me, locking our lips. As soon as I realized what was happening I didn't hesitate to kiss back.

But then he pulled away.

My pulse was racing and all of the sudden I felt too hot in these thin clothes.

"Katara." His eyes frantic, not daring to meet my gaze.

I touched my lip, in vain attempt to revive the feeling of him kissing me. Our bodies were so close, but not close enough. I wanted to feel that rush of adrenaline again.

"I'm sorry, I should have done that, and-"

Now it was my turn to cut him off.

I wouldn't let this chance slide through my grip again. The kiss was fast and steamy this time, my hands moving along his face and up to his hair just like I've always imagined.

He grabbed my waist, pulling me so close that I could smell his warm scent.

"Zuko." I moaned against his lips, causing him to pin me against the wall.

For a moment, contact was lost only to be restored at my neck. He roughly trailed kisses down my sensitive neck, a feeling that was completely new to me.

It was then that I knew what I wanted.

Taking control, I moved my arms to the hem of his upper garments, scrambling to lift them over his head. Zuko, who was still supporting my weight against the wall, shifted to remove his clothing. I took my time, staring at his muscle toned chest.

He smirked, taking my hands and placing them on his hard pecs. Taking this as my invitation to explore his body, I worked my hands along him, taking note of everything.

This was only brief due to the feeling of being unrobed, leaving me in my wrappings.

He then grabbed my arm, pulling me over to the bed where I had dreamt of this happening one million times before.