This is the long overdue sequel to "Undecided" If you haven't read that story yet, this one won't be as good. This picks up almost immediately after the ending of the first story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar

The frigid ocean spanned on further than the eye could see in all directions, and it had been that way since they had set out. The cold morning wind glided along the deck, carrying the welcoming scent of breakfast to everyone's noses. While others gathered down in the kitchen, a lone figure stood on a corner of the deck, staring into the horizon, trying to see the shore that wasn't yet there.

They had hardly spent a week out on the sea, and Zuko was already going mad. The only thing he could relish in was the constant soothing presence of Katara, and Watertribe stories that were wholeheartedly told with pride, and sometimes the occasional sighting of some monolithic sea creature, which Zuko had found extremely fascinating. There was also a small comfort of being aboard a Firenation ship. Chief Hakoda and the band of ragtag forces that had survived Shinku had managed to liberate a handful of Firenation patrol ships. They boasted warm rooms, a stocked kitchen, and other luxuries many of the warriors hadn't known in months.

As Zuko leaned on a rail, contemplating recent events, Katara had sneaked up behind him.

"You're not thinking about anything sad, are you?" Her spunky girlish tone was edged by a withering weakness that ate at her.

He chuckled very softly, and offered her no answer.

She stood beside him, and mimicked his lean. She was noticeably weaker, and her face was drawn and tired. She wore thicker robes than anyone else aboard the ships. Somehow, she had trouble keeping herself warm.

"What are you thinking about?"

Zuko covered her hand with his own, "You're not healing..." He locked her into his intense, topaz gaze. "...and there's something you're not telling me."

Katara looked away, knowing better than to get lost in his eyes. Her voice cracked under the weight of her words, "And I might not ever get better. My last escape from death came with a heavy cost."

"I don't want to hear anymore."

"...I miss sleeping with you."

"Can't keep yourself warm at night?" Zuko smirked handsomely.

They had chosen to keep separate bedrooms aboard the ship. Although the idea of sharing the nights together was enticing, they had chosen customs. It was also a decision out of respect for Hakoda.

"My room has a furnace actually." Her voice dropped down into a sultry whisper. "Staying warm isn't my concern."

Zuko squeezed her hand a little tighter, and his breath hitched in an obvious way. It was a painful game she played, they both knew. Anything more than small gestures was out of the question as long as they were aboard Hakoda's ship. Not to mention, they were heavily involved in a war.

They took great joy in the smallest physical interactions. A brush of a hand, leaning on each other, even hidden kisses when no one was looking. It was a sheer thrill for them both as they explored these new found pleasures, experiencing them in the smallest of ways. Zuko's mind always jumped to the most intimate acts, but he always managed to banish it to the back of his mind.

Zuko closed his eyes, caught his breath, and cleared his throat. "Katara, you should be resting. You haven't looked any better since Shinku."

"I keep telling you! Why do make me keep saying it?" That signature snap was back in her voice, and she retracted her hand from Zuko's. "I'm not going to get better. This is how I am now."

When he turned to look upon her, his usually burning yellow eyes had a sad twinkle about them. "You say that, but you don't explain." He reached for her hand again, from which Katara took a step away. "I don't understand what you mean."

"It means I'll never be myself again. I'm always going to be feeble and weak, and I'll never get to fight again." Katara wanted to scream the words into Zuko's face, but her chest ached at the mere idea of the pain he was feeling for her. All she could muster was a low, broken whisper.

She continued, "The last time I was brought to life," She had to pause to chuckle at the absurdity of being brought back to life multiple times, "I wasn't given... a full life back. It was only partial."

She stepped forward and put a hand on Zuko's chest. She tried to go on, but she couldn't.

Zuko took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, and then he brought it up to envelope the scarred half of his face.

It was something Katara often forgot about. What was once a perfectly handsome face was now marred by a fierce red scar. While others would shy away from such a hideous mar, Katara looked past it without any effort.

This was still Zuko, and the scar did nothing but prove just how much reason Katara had to love him.

He sighed and dropped her hand, resuming his locked gaze upon the horizon. "I have nothing good to think about."

"Of course you do. We're alive." Katara sounded incredulous, "Think of all the people that didn't make it out alive. Or the people who lost someone important to them. Who have you lost, Zuko? Why do you have a right to be so sad?" For the first time since their departure to sea, Katara's voice was completely strong, a true echo of the fierce warrior Zuko knew. She even stood straighter, and her deep blue eyes flared with that familiar, defiant shine.

Zuko squared up against her, but when he tried to argue his point, everything that came to mind sounded shallow and self absorbed.

"Um, yes, excuse me." Someone's meek voice was able to grab their attention.

Katara turned away from Zuko, making it obvious she didn't want to speak with him anymore.

"Yes?"

"Chief Hakoda requests your presence at his breakfast table, Lady Katara."

"Great, tell him I'll be right down."

"And, many apologies, but Hakoda has requested that only Lady Katara is to come."

Before disappearing below deck, Katara offered Zuko a shrug.

After she was gone, Zuko slumped over the rail once again, his mind burdened with even more thoughts. His bad feelings were being realized. He always had a tugging feeling that a lot of the men, possibly even Hakoda himself, didn't trust him, and didn't agree bringing him along like a comrade. As alienating as it felt, it was right of them, and Zuko couldn't blame them.

Zuko had been a killer a few short months ago. There was much blood on his hands, and the chances of some of these men knowing him personally weren't slim.

Before his thoughts consumed him, Zuko made his way back to his bedroom. He had taken a room below deck, as opposed to the few above. It not only served for needed privacy purposes, but he was also close to the engine room. There weren't many rebel Firebenders to operate these ships, so Zuko's help was appreciated by all.

When he entered the small room, the smells of fresh bread and various fruits met him. Someone had already lavished his table with food, but who it could have been Zuko had no idea. His uncle was aboard another ship, and Katara was with her father, and those were the only two people who would show him such a kindness. A closer inspection revealed a torn piece of paper with a quickly scrawled out note.

"Courtesy of Chief Hakoda."

While this didn't do a whole lot to reassure him, it did quiet some of his fears. As he sat down and picked up one of the perfectly ripened fruits, someone knocked on his door.

"Come in."

A rebel Firebender poked his head in, "The South Pole just came into sight, we'll arrive in about an hour, so prepare to unload." And he was off with a dash, knocking on all the doors down the hallway.

He set upon his breakfast in a quick manner, packed a small rucksack with his travel necessities, and made his way back to the deck. There was an enthusiastic hop in his step now. Not only was he excited to get off the seemingly shrinking ship, he was eager to see Katara's homeland that she spoke so fondly of.

In no time at all, he was once again at Katara's side at the railing, watching the stark white banks draw closer and closer. A couple pf ships had already landed, and the tiny dots of people were already making their way inland. Katara and Zuko exchanged a happy glace, their worries and troubles behind them for the time being.

I'll try to update within a week or two. Diablo 3 will be out in that time, so an update will probably come late. I also want to spend a lot of time on it, as it's been a while since I've written a story. Hopefully you'll see an update soon!