Alright, this is my first fic so please don't be too harsh. I tried to be as simple as possible when writing this.

I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of its characters.

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All Their Demons

It was ironic, messed up even, how they were hiding from the fire lord and his nation is his own beach house, and on the famous Ember Island itself, the most popular tourist spot in the nation. Then again, one said that the last time the fire lord visited was when his family was actually happy. That was a long time ago.

It might not have been the best choice of a hideout, but it was the most logical. No one would ever try to visit the place, not even the fire lord himself. People were too busy indulging themselves in the pleasures and festivities of Ember Island to explore the abandoned beach house. He wouldn't even care.

No matter how "safe" the place was, the former crown prince of the fire nation couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He still had all those memories. He couldn't believe how his family used to visit this place for leisure and enjoyment. The last time they were all together, he was still a kid. His sister was a supposedly innocent little girl. His father enjoyed himself and his mother was still there with them. He thought about his mother. She was banished. He had lost her. The beach house reminded him of her. It tortured him constantly. He loathed the fact that they had to stay here. It didn't help that the comet is still one month away.

He shifted uncomfortably on his bed and looked outside the window. He wondered why he couldn't sleep. All the work he did helping the waterbender look for her mother's killer took its toll in him. Yet, he was awake. She had already forgiven him for his past mistakes. He was supposed to be relieved. Finally being accepted should have comforted him. Maybe that field trip got him thinking about his mother. Maybe a walk would be good, he decided.

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The waterbender was awake. She was sitting on the courtyard, her back leaning on the courtyard fountain. The full moon's light shone brightly upon the courtyard. Like the former prince, she was wondering why she couldn't sleep.

It's not because of the full moon, she thought. He seemed a bit off after we came back from our trip. I've already forgiven him. Why was he so quiet at dinner?

A gust of cold wind blew on the area. It's so cold. She hugged her knees and looked up. Maybe it was my fault. I shouldn't have done that, remembering her cruelty back in their trip. He saw me do it. He saw what I did to that man. Bloodbending was a skill she swore she'd never use after her traumatic experience with Hama. Although she used it to save Sokka from stabbing Aang, it was on accident. She would've never used it on purpose. It was too dark of an art; too evil. With it, she could stop a person's heart and kill him right on the spot. The thought repulsed her. It haunted her. She used it right in front of the former prince. She used it on the man she thought killed her mother. She lost control.

She slowly became aware that she was shivering, but it's not from the cold. It was from guilt. She looked down and lowered her eyelids. I should sleep. I should try. She was about to stand up when a voice caused her to stop.

"Couldn't sleep?"

She whirled her head around and saw a sleepy eyed Zuko

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Zuko went out of his room and walked through the corridor. It's awfully cold tonight, he thought. He passed by everyone's rooms but stopped when he reached Katara's. He heard everyone's breaths and snores but not hers. She's not inside? He wondered and opened her door. He confirmed his thoughts when he saw her empty, messy bed. Where could she be? Should I look for her?

Zuko just kept thinking. He didn't really know what to do. He was walking with no direction. Maybe I should check the beach? The courtyard was ahead. When he got there, someone caught his attention. Katara was leaning on the fountain, lost in thought.

He looked at her. She looked tired. Her head was droopy. Her hair was a mess. He wondered why she was sitting alone on the courtyard. Zuko called out to her.

"Couldn't sleep?" he said tiredly.

She turned around and looked at him and nodded. Zuko gazed at her softly. Her eyes looked dazed, like she didn't know what she was looking at. He walked slowly towards her while her eyes followed where he went.

"Do you mind?" he asked politely, offering to sit beside her. She closed her eyes and shook her head softly. Zuko sat down on her left, leaned on the fountain and looked at her. She looks like she's about to fall asleep on the spot. He wanted to say something, but she looked like she needed the silence. He contemplated for a bit but before he opened his mouth, she was the one who spoke first.

"Monster" she suddenly whispered, not at Zuko, but more to herself. Zuko was perplexed. Why would she say that?

"No, you're not a monster, Katara. You spared the man's life" Zuko reasoned, thinking why she suddenly talked about it.

She knew he was going to think about that. He hadn't realized what I did. "It's not that, Zuko" her voice was starting to shake. "Do you remember…when we were on the ship?" Zuko could tell that she was really bothered, but, by what? He remembered.

They had just snuck onto the ship. Upon opening the bridge door, Zuko disarmed the guard and was about to attack the captain when something happened. He didn't know what it was, but it was eerie. The man's hand just started…twitching. Then, the man's arm twisted and the next thing he saw the man was on the floor in a macabre position. The man's neck and limbs were twisted. He was alive, but completely helpless. Someone or something was controlling him. But how was it possible? Zuko dared to look behind him. His eyes went wide as he saw Katara looking at the captain with brutal eyes. Her hands were outstretched towards the captain's direction. What did she do?

"Yes…I remember" he whispered to her. He looked away from her and looked down. Zuko could tell that she didn't want to continue so he spoke up. "But…you don't have to talk about it…if you don't want to" His voice was soft and consoling.

Even though she didn't need to, Katara wanted to tell him everything right there. She thought maybe he could understand. Losing control was something he was good at. She smiled mentally at the logic. Katara didn't really know why she was willing to tell him. Maybe it was because he had the darkest past or maybe it was because he was the closest to her age. Spilling a secret was supposed to do some good to her. She can't help wonder why she would say it to Zuko. She didn't really know him much, but he seemed like a person that would be there when she needed someone. It made her feel better, somewhat.

She felt her head tilt right as her sleepiness took over.

"But-…" her sentence was cut off as she fell asleep. Zuko was alarmed at first but was relieved when he realized she just fell asleep. Her head was already on his shoulder. He could feel her warm breath graze his arm. He held up his right hand and lifted her head. Then, he stood up and bent down to scoop her up. Carrying the sleeping girl, he slowly walked into the house.

Zuko gently put her on her bed and slid a blanket over her. He brushed her hair over her ear and couldn't help but notice how peaceful she looked.

"Goodnight, Katara" he whispered quietly to her ear.

He then turned around, went out of the room, and closed the door. He went back to his room and made his way towards his bed. To his surprise, he felt that he was going to be able to sleep that night. The meeting with Katara actually cleared his head a bit. He smiled thankfully.

Thank you, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.

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OOOOK what do you guys think? Any comment and criticisms are welcome. I know my writing style isn't that grand but hopefully it doesn't get too repetitive with all the hes and shes. I'm really sorry about that.

I'm hoping to write more. I don't feel like making this a one shot, but it could be if it isn't good enough.

Oh yeah, I changed the arrival of the comet a bit. So now it's a month instead of a few days. I think it would help with character development. I do not want Zutara or any shipping rushed for that matter. Plus, maybe I could make up some new adventures.

Also, I know Katara falling asleep before explaining was kinda cheap, but this is my first fic so I have to brainstorm more ideas. Hopefully you guys can enlighten me. Thanks!