Never Give Up Without a Fight

He just wouldn't stop staring.

The ball was in full swing with many governors and nobles dancing across the floor. She was sitting at the table, nursing a bit of cider hoping to not catch his gaze once again. The gold liquid swirled as she moved her glass in her hand, mesmerizing her. The liquid was about a shade darker than his bright eyes.

Slowly, she looked out of the corner of her eye to find that he was talking with the new king of the Earth Kingdom. Without knowing it, she let out the breath she was holding.

"Would you like to dance, Katara?"

The waterbender looked up to find a man in green smiling down at her. She gave a relieved grin. "Hello, Haru! I'd love to dance." She rose from her seat (but not before putting her shoes back on) and set the glass down, smoothing out the skirts of her tight-fitting aqua dress. Taking the earthbender's arm, the two walked toward the dance floor as the music changed to a slow beat.

Her neck prickled as she felt his eyes on her back.

Haru stopped and bowed to Katara and she answered with a curtsy. Smiling, she took hold of his left hand with her right and put her other on his shoulder.  She felt his palm rest on her waist.

She could feel his disapproval from where he sat at the table.

"I see you've gotten rid of the mustache," Katara commented.

Haru chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Yeah. It was starting to get annoying. Besides, the ladies seem to like the clean look. So, how are things?"

They danced for two whole songs while she felt his glare. She caught his eye many times, seeing the over protective nature his face set into.

Soon enough, she was escorted back to her seat, laughing as Haru told a particular joke. They said their goodbyes as Toph came to snag a dance with the earthbender. Katara took one last sip of her cider and gathered her shawl around her shoulders of her strapless dress.

"Are you leaving?"

Aang came in front of her, smiling his authentic grin. She nodded, giving a small smile of her own. "I'm really tired. I think it's time to call it a night for me."

"Do you want me to walk you to your rooms?" he asked.

"No, I'm fine. You go have fun! I can tell you'll be out for a couple more hours," she said. Katara hugged the airbender, kissing him on the cheek. "Goodnight, Aang."

"Have a good night, Katara."

The waterbender finally made it to the exit, avoiding more people wishing to speak to her about this and that. She waved to the guards stationed in the hallway and walked toward the guest quarters.

Lost in thought the whole way, she was surprised that she had come to her rooms so quickly. There weren't any guards stationed in front of her door but for that she didn't pay any mind to. She couldn't wait to shed off her garments and slip into the silk sheets of her large bed.

Until someone grabbed her from behind, putting their hands on her mouth and waist and dragging her behind a pillar. Then she just wanted to kick someone's ass.

Katara was shoved into the marble pillar, her cheek pressing into the hard surface. Her attacker kept their hand on her mouth and suddenly, she felt them pressing themselves into her body, their breath at her ear.

"You know what I don't like, Ambassador?"

Her blue eyes snapped open at hearing his husky voice. She saw his scar from the corner of her eye, his elegant red robes. He nipped at her neck then raised his head to nibble at her ear.

"I don't like how those men were casually touching you. I'm the only one who is allowed to touch you," he growled. He let go of her, causing her to let out a deep labored breath. His hand slid down her shoulder, turning her toward him and he moved to her breast, caressing it lightly as he snaked his warm hand to stop at her waist. She swallowed.

"Zuko, I told you. We can't be doing this anym-"

She broke off with a moan as through her dress, he cupped her in between her legs. "I like this dress. There are too many layers in your other ones," he said casually. The firebender smirked as he rubbed her and her hips jerked in response.

"It's too hot to wear all those undergarments," she whined.  

La, why did he have such good hands?

She shook her head as he chuckled. The Fire Lord leaned in to capture her lips but Katara pushed him back, scowling into his gold eyes.

"I told you we couldn't do this."

"Why not? You're clearly enjoying it."

"Shut up," Katara snapped. "You have to look for a wife, okay? We can't be sneaking around anymore and just thinking we're teenagers. You're a ruler who needs a Lady. You can't be seen with me like this." She was struck with sadness at having to state their situation. Nothing would go her way, would it?

Crouching, she grabbed her shawl that had fallen during their scuffle and wrapped it around her shoulders. She felt his piercing gold eyes on her body but she refused to be trapped by his gaze.

"What makes you think I want to be with anyone but you?"

She winced at his harsh voice. "I know you don't but, your council said no. Remember? I'm Water Tribe. It would upset the ancestors and tradition would be broken. The country would be outraged blah blah blah, blah blah," Katara sighed, fixing her hair. "So, I suggest that we hold on to the memories we have made and then go on with our lives."

"You, of all people, are giving up? You're giving up on us?" he demanded angrily. Zuko reached out and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Do you love me?"

Her lip trembled as he scowled at her. "Of course I do. But, you have country to run. And I don't want you worried and dealing with your people disapproving of your wife or of the assassins—because you know there will be assassins—or your child looking Water Tribe and people looking down on them because of it and—"

The firebender gathered her into his arms, kissing her with burning lips. After a moment, they broke apart. "None of those things matter. We would get through those things together. I'm the Fire Lord. I might have to go to the council for insight but I make the decisions. I don't care what they say. And the assassins, I would kill any who threatened to take you from me. My children wouldn't be looked down upon because of their Water Tribe decent. They'd kick whoever's ass who would dare to make fun of you or them because they would have us as parents because we are two crazy people who have our tempers and strength.  All I want is you. Forever. So, just please. Trust me and don't ever give up on us. I never will. We'll fight like we've always done."

Her head was tucked under his chin as her eyes watered. Katara smiled and squeezed his bicep. "You're always so stubborn," she said softly.

Zuko let go of her body, grabbing her hands. "And so are you."

He walked backward, guiding them to her quarters. He opened the door and dragged her inside. As the lock clicked and her dress fell in a heap at her feet, Katara realized she couldn't let go of him. He was her light as she was to him. They couldn't be separated. If anyone tried to, they would fight.

And bring plenty down with them, just like the old days.