The final chapter! I do not own Avatar the Last Air Bender! Enjoy

Chapter 16: Desires After the War – Fire Nation Capitol

Zuko's head was throbbing. He had been working none stop for months. He had been pulling the fire nation armies from every part of the world, finding jobs for most of them since the military was being decreased, guaranteeing his people that the Fire Nation would not crumble from the after war effects an lastly fighting to bring honor back to his people and balance back to the world. Up until that week, everything had been going well with negotiations. Then the Earth King had paid him a visit.

Kuei, the once clueless king, was out for blood. He had agreed to the terms of Azula's removal but that had only been the top item on his list of demands. More money, more punishments, more land and mostly more suffering for the Fire Nation had been the rest. They had been in talks for weeks, both over letters and now in person.

Their meeting had started in the morning, moved past the afternoon, and now it was approaching later evening.

"Kuei!" He finally snapped, "I understand that the earth kingdom was deeply scarred by the war. Many nations were. But to move forward we need to start thinking of how to work in peace and harmony. The Avatar is in the colonies now working with your people and mine to solve the issue of what nation that land belongs to. They have been a part of the Fire Nation for 100 years. I cannot change the fact that many are happy still being a part of the Fire Nation while others want to become the Earth Kingdom again.

The best I can do is wait for the Avatar to come back with his findings. The people are going to decide what they…"

"The people cannot choose what nation they want to be a part of! It is Earth Kingdom territory! They will become a part of the Earth Kingdom and all the people of the fire nation will be removed immediately! I will not send my armies into a rebel filled area any longer!" the king shouted back.

Zuko took a deep breath, calming the rage building inside him.

"Until the Avatar," Zuko stressed, "Returns with his findings, we will not be discussing the territories. The colonies are still flourishing with the end of the war. However, the rest of your Kingdom is struggling and I have two other nations the Fire Nation needs to help rebuild. You have been given plenty of gold, industrial equipment and even prisoners to help build your Kingdom. I suggest you take that and help rebuild the areas in need before discussing the colonies. The colonies will be decided by the Avatar. That is the end of the discussion."

"But they…"

"I think my nephew has spoken with great respect towards you and your kingdom King Kuei," Iroh, sitting to the right of Zuko spoke up. "The colonies have not felt much of change from the end of the war. There are many areas in your Kingdom that need your help and the help the Fire Nation has given you. Perhaps you should focus your energy there, and we'll let the Avatar decide the fate of the colonies."

Zuko wasn't sure if he wanted to grin or frown as Kuei accepted Iroh's words. He was the fire lord damn it. All Iroh did was repeat his words, yet the King folded at them.

Unbelievable.

"You're right great General. We will focus on the other areas of the Kingdom and discuss the colonies at a later date. You are a young Fire Lord, though you speak some truth."

Zuko frown deepened at that statement, "I may be young King Kuei, but I have seen the suffering of your country more than you ever have. I do not give the gold and the industrial equipment to you. I give it to your people. They have been hit the hardest, and they need to be helped the most."

Pleased when the king flinched he softened his tone," I want peace between the nations. But I will not sacrifice the honor and wellbeing of my people to do so. Harming my people and my nation will not help build the peace and harmony between us."

Zuko held his breath, waiting for the Earth King to explode once more.

"You are right. I shall return to my kingdom with what you have given us and start to rebuild other areas. What the Avatar decides will be the best for the world whether we like it or not."

Zuko nodded, "In that we are in agreement. The Avatar will be returning next month, we will schedule a get together then. I shall fly out with him to Ba Sing Se. Agreed?"

"Agreed. Now, General Iroh you must tell me the secret to this tea. It is exquisite."

Zuko mentally rolled his eyes as his Uncle quickly picked up the conversation and started talking tea. Zuko was just preparing to leave the table when there was the saving grace of a knock at the door.

"Enter," Zuko commanded, normally he'd be furious at the interruption. Right now he worshiped it. "Ming what is it?"

Hearing of the kindness the former guardswoman had given his Uncle, Zuko had presented Ming a pay raise and a higher position in the palace guard. Something she had proven herself worthy off since her acceptance.

"Sorry to interrupt the meeting your highness, but Lady Katara wanted me to inform you about the meeting with the Recovery General. It starts in an hour."

Zuko's excitement grew hearing Ming's statement. The Recovery General was a very special person.

Expressionless, Zuko nodded, "Thank you Ming. I would not want to keep the General waiting. King Kuei would you care for a room tonight?"

"While that is tempting at this hour, I would prefer to start my journey home. I miss my bed and my Bosco," Kuei stated standing from the table.

Zuko had forbidden the bear from coming into the palace after it pooped all over the halls and destroyed several ancient tapestries.

"Very well, Ming please see to the air ships for King Kuei," Zuko commanded.

"They are ready and waiting of King Kuei. Lady Katara asked to have it ready just in case he did wish to head out," Ming replied.

Zuko did smile at that. It didn't surprise him that Katara planned ahead for the kings departure. She had been his nightly recipient of Zuko's frustration with the King. Not that she minded it most nights, but when he'd return to their room with a giant headache versus a need to screw his frustration away, he had to do everything in his power to keep her from beating sense into the king, as she called it.

"Excellent," the King cheered, "I shall head out now."

Together they all walked out to the air ships. Zuko's blood spiked when he saw Katara, dressed in a beautiful gold and red Fire Nation dress, standing by the ships. It took everything not to run over and pull her in his arms. He hadn't seen her all day after all.

"What a beautiful site," King Kuei praised, taking Katara's hands in his own. "You look gorgeous in the Fire Nation colors my Lady. And it is a pleasure seeing you once more."

"King Kuei, it is great seeing you as well. I do hope you and Zuko were able to come to terms," Katara spoke quietly. Zuko rolled his eyes behind Kuei's back.

"Oh yes yes we were. But alas, it is time for me to go home. I miss Bosco you see, and he pines if I'm gone too long."

"I know the feeling. When I'm parted from Zuko too long he sulks," Katara commented.

Zuko frowned. The last thing he wanted to be compared to was the untrained pet bear. Especially in the situation of their marriage versus…whatever the relationship the King had with his pet.

Eww.

"Yes indeed indeed. Thank you for your generous hospitality my lady. And to you Fire Lord Zuko," Kuei turned towards Zuko with a bow. "I'm glad we were able to come to terms. I look forward to our next meeting."

Zuko bowed back, "Have a safe trip King Kuei."

Once the ships were out of site, Zuko turned towards Katara pulling her close.

"You compared me to that pet bear of his. How could you?!" His growl didn't last long when Katara laughed in response.

"The truth is the truth you know. Admit it; you sulk when I'm gone."

Zuko frowned and stepped closer, leaning close and speaking softly so only Katara could hear him, "I sulk because when you're gone I miss you moaning my name. I miss your core clenching my hardness when you come. I miss going down on you and…."

A cough stopped Zuko's comment. Cursing softly, he had forgotten they weren't alone, Zuko turned towards his Uncle.

"Yes Uncle?" Zuko all but spat.

"Perhaps I shall speak with the General myself Fire Lord Zuko?"

There was a twinkle in Iroh's eyes that had Zuko frowning.

Shit did he figure out the code?

Katara fidgeted next to Zuko, drawing his attention. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with a hungry desire Zuko craved to sate.

Clearing his throat, he stood straighter and made sure his voice carried to everyone standing around, "No no need Uncle. I shall attend the meeting right away. Thank you for the reminder. Katara, I look forward to seeing you at dinner." Knowing his own eyes were burning with desire, Zuko brought Katara's hand up to his lips for a kiss.

"I look forward to it," her sweet reply had Zuko swallowing hard. Agni he wanted her.

With another light bow he walked towards the palace, his Uncle next to him.

"You need to watch yourself Zuko. If those words were to be overheard your people would be shocked," Iroh commented. Zuko rolled his eyes walking towards the meeting room for his visit with the 'general'.

"The people of the fire nation are passionate people Uncle. Added, Katara and I have been married for only a few months. And in those few months we've barely had any alone time. Anyone who finds my actions shocking can go jump in a volcano."

"Truer words have never been spoken. But still, you need to keep up the image of the Fire Lord. At least until we have gained the trust of the people once more. Now enjoy your 'meeting' with the Recovery General," Iroh added with a wink.

Yep he knows.

Zuko cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. Quietly he told his uncle, "It's the only way we can see each other for more than 2 minutes in the day. We just…just need some alone time…"

"Zuko," Iroh's calm voice had Zuko turning towards his uncle, "I do not judge young lovers finding time together. You're working hard and doing a great job. In a short amount of time you have brought a lot of honor back to our nation. The road to recovery is long, but you have started us on the right path. Now go enjoy your meeting. I'll make sure to spread the word that you are not to be disturbed."

"Thank you Uncle." Zuko replied. He was truly grateful for his uncle's forgiveness, understanding and prideful words. It meant more to Zuko than Iroh could possibly know.

Lightening the mood he smirked, "I'll work on finding more time for me. By the way this is going to be the best meeting I've had all week." While his uncle laughed, Zuko entered the meeting room he was in moments ago with King Kuei. Walking towards the back of the room, he moved the painting revealing the hidden stair case.

"Thank Agni for paranoid royalty," Zuko whispered. After their marriage, Zuko talked with Katara about how the Fire Nation culture did not believe in public displays of affection. And the idea of the Fire Lord leaving his duties to spend time with his wife for sex or any intimate action was frowned upon. Thus the Recovery General was created and the secret tunnels discovered.

So far it had been working out perfectly. No one bothered him when he spoke with 'the general' and no one questioned him about what was discussed with the general.

In fact, the secrecy was so well done that rumors had spread about the Recovery General. Most recently Zuko overheard the soldiers saying the General was a secret spy agent for the Fire Nation who couldn't reveal their true identity for fear of being killed. Once he saw a soldier getting smacked by a superior for even discussing the Recovery General. It was a blessing in disguise.

"About time you showed up. Your Recovery General needs you," she smirked.

Without a hesitation, Zuko walked across the room and kneeled before her. Taking her hands in his, he cupped his face with them, kissing each palm.

"You are the only General I will always answer the call for. My sweet loving Katara," Zuko leaned up, kissing his wife gently.

"I'm just sorry we have to use code names and secret rooms to get time together," Zuko confessed, closing his eyes and resting his head against Katara. He sighed as Katara's hand gently pushed his head away.

"Zuko, look at me," he couldn't resist her command, "it won't be forever. You have a prominent nation to run. I have a role I need to get used to. We're war heroes who are under constant watch. I wouldn't trade these moments for the world."

Zuko kissed her softly, "I know but we shouldn't have to hide in our own home."

"I like the hiding. The code name, the sneaking around, it's exciting. So what if Iroh and Ming have discovered it," Zuko's head shot up at Ming's name, he didn't know she had figured it out, "Zuko she's a top guard in the house, of course she found out."

"So much for being secretive," Zuko muttered, nuzzling his head against Katara's chest while she ran her fingers through his hair, removing his top not and crown in the process.

"Oh don't sulk. In all reality part of it was her idea. She's been spreading the rumor around about the Recovery General being a top asset to the Fire Nation and how their identity must be kept as secret as possible."

Zuko smiled at that, "Well the Recovery General is very very important to the Fire Nation, especially to the Fire Lord." Rising his head he looked Katara in the eyes. "One of the greatest ass..ets he could ever hope to have."

Laughing wickedly at Katara's eye rolling reaction, Zuko moved in for a kiss. What started as innocent little peck quickly became hotter and more intense as the kiss continued. Tongues clashed, teeth nipped and their breath quicken.

Pulling away Zuko stood up, pulling Katara with him. Gently he turned her around and started to untie the laces holding her dress together, kissing each area of skin revealed. After loosening the last lace, he turned her back to face him and pulled the dress from her body, ignoring it as it pooled at her feet.

Katara stood in front of him, wearing only a smirk on her face and passion in her eyes.

"Dear Agni, you are perfect," Zuko gasped. She was beautiful. From her high mounded breasts to her slim waist and full hips. Toss in her passion for doing the right thing, her never give up attitude and her love, she was everything Zuko could have ever hoped to have.

Zuko groaned as Katara started untying his formal robes, her hands like magic as they caressed up his abs to his shoulders, pushing his robes off. He stood, frozen, as she ran her hands back down his chest to the tie on his pants. His eyes, full of passion, followed her as she knelt down, taking his pants with her.

"Step out," she commanded quietly, Zuko obeyed instantly. Naked and aching, Zuko waited for Katara to make the next move.

"Now this is perfection," Katara's whisper stoked Zuko's desire. Here was the woman he loved, naked on her knees telling him he was perfect. Damn did his destiny turning out great.

Zuko gasped as Katara ran her fingers up his erection and back down. Teasing him, destroying him.

"Katara, please," he moaned, not caring what he sounded like. He needed contact, any contact, her hand her mouth, her beautiful core.

"Since you said please," was her reply as she moved forward, taking him into her mouth and sucking gently. Zuko groaned. It was heaven, her sucks and licks pulled at him, heating his blood, driving him crazy. Before he knew it he was already on the verge of coming.

Without a word, he reached down and pulled Katara up, mashing his lips against hers. His hands roamed her back side, stopping on her ass to pull her closer. Her stomach rubbed against his erection, making him moan at the contact. Backing her towards the bed, Zuko pushed her down, moving on top of her as he did so.

"My turn," he said excitedly. Kissing his way down her chest, he took a moment to knead her breasts. Pinching her nipples, earning him a gasp and then a moan as he began suckling on one. Rotating from one to the other while his other hand pinched and tormented the opposite.

"Zuko." Katara's moaning of his name had his head rising to meet hers.

"Yes my love," he replied, his hand trailing towards the center of her. What he found was heat and wetness. She was soaked. When he touched her clit she arched up, crying out in her need.

"You've been thinking of this haven't you love? Of us, making love for hours," Zuko taunted, running his fingers up and down her slit. Avoiding her core and just barely brushing her clit.

"Yes…Zuko…please Zuko." Her whimper of need broke him. He plunged his fingers into thrusting, making sure she was stretched and ready for him.

"I'm going to love you Katara, from now until forever. You're mine. No one will please you like I can, no one will touch you the way that I do. Only me," Zuko commanded, watching Katara's pleasure grow from his hand.

When she moaned his name, he removed his hand. Aligning his erection up to her core, "Mine." Surging into her Zuko found salvation.

Katara cried out, Zuko growled. He pulled out only to thrust back in gaining momentum with each movement.

Looking up he met Katara's eyes, saw the passion, the desire and most importantly the love.

"I love you Zuko. I'm yours and you're mine. And that is never going to change," Katara's words ripped a groan out of Zuko.

His thrust increased as he bent down to kiss her. Her legs tangled around his waist. When she gasped he hit that spot again and again until she was arching in to him. Moaning his name over and over again.

When her climax hit, Zuko pounded into her harder and faster than before. Until, finally, he found that blessed amazing release.

He fell to the side, pulling Katara close to him. Breathing hard.

Minutes passed by until Katara spoke, "I think that was our best meeting yet Fire Lord Zuko."

Zuko grinned, kissing her shoulder," Yes I do believe it was General."

"Do we have to go to dinner?"

Zuko chuckled, "We could just have the servants bring dinner to us. They're wise enough not to say anything about our current state. And I won't have to figure out how the hell to put you back in that dress."

His smile grew as she laughed, more than pleased that his attempt at a joke was successful.

"I'm honestly glad to be out of it. It's beautiful, but so confining," Katara replied, "I think dinner in bed sounds amazing."

"Are you hungry now?" Zuko asked. He was content to lie in the bed for hours just holding Katara. But he wasn't going to have her hungry.

"No. I'm happy right here, in your arms and in this bed. Kind of wishing the comet was still around. Your recovery was faster back then."

Zuko growled at that and shifted above her, sure he didn't recover as fast as he had with the comet but that didn't mean he couldn't continue giving her pleasure.

"Oh I think I can do well enough without the comet," Zuko growled moving down her body until his face was right at her core.

"Yeah yeah so you saa…" her cry was like music to his ears. Licking her slit, nibbling at her neither lips and sucking at her core Zuko brought Katara to climax again and again. Not stopping until he was hard once more and plunging into her.

"How's that for recovery?" He smirked, watching as Katara writhed on the bed in pleasure.

"Zuko oh Agni oh…."

Grinning Zuko brought his wife to climax, shortly following with his own.

"Now who needs to recover?" he quipped pulling a panting Katara close once more.

"Oh shush."

Zuko chuckled and pulled a blanket over both of them. Katara's breathing leveled out into sleep. He had everything he could have wanted and was the happiest he had ever been in his life. His destiny was fulfilled, his honor restored, and his heart filled with love. With a kiss on her head, Zuko closed his eyes and fell asleep.

I hope you enjoyed the story For something that I originally thought was just going to be 3 to 4 chapters, turned into a 16 chapter extravaganza Again I apologize for any grammatical errors or weird wording. It's getting late into the night and I wanted to get this posted.