Summary:

After the betrayal of Jet, a polished rogue in the King's Guard, Katara of the Watertribe refuses the affection and offer of any man. Due to rising rebellion in the Earth Kingdom's Island Colonies, and its capital of Ba Sing Se, Chief Hakoda strives to protect his daughter and his people's way of life. Firelord Iroh pushes his nephew to marry Katara, whilst they struggle to have nothing to do with the other. Meanwhile Jet comes to win Katara to find an angry Waterbending Master, that refuses his lies and casts his true self into the light in the high society of the Earth Kingdom. Humiliated he seeks his revenge on not only his parent's murderers, but the country of their origin, and a prize he failed to gain, a blue eyed waterbender called Katara.

A.N

Aren't you all spoiled? Another update! I really didn't get alot of reviews last chapter, but I figured the cliffhanger was too cruel to let you wallow in suspenese. Drama this chapter people, but I think you'll be pleased with the outcome. I really have mixed feelings about this chapter. I liked alot of parts in it, but overall I feel like I did your high expectations no justice. Please, if I ever needed feedback, it is now. Tell me what you think! I hope you enjoyed seeing your names last chapter! One more day till new episodes! Which sucks for me, as I don't have any way to watch it! I'll have to go to this website I know and hope they post it quickly. I really don't think this will be done by chapter 30, so let's say 35.

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Disclaimer: I do not own avatar, nor do I make any profit from this story

Arc III

Rating: T

Chapter 26: The relief that you bring

Katara and Zuko

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Women have been the vessel for new life as long as the sun has lit the morning sky.

It is a precious thing, one men are unable to imagine, or indeed, ever suffer through. It is said the spirits chose the fairer ones for a reason. They look beyond the pain and discomfort to the gift at the end, whilst men are blind until they see it bare before their eyes.

It is also know that women are adjusting in the early months. Chemicals race around their souls to welcome the child; they crave and reject nutrition at the child's fancy; they long for comfort and little stress.

Desperation is not a wise thing to put a mother-to-be through.

Katara froze.

It is quite ironic, that phrase. Many have said to have frozen, whether it be in fear, relief, or shock. It wasn't the mere halt of actions or movements.

She couldn't breathe.

Her heart refused to beat.

The only thing that leaked past her haze and to her senses was the look of disgust etched across the face she had cried for far too much to admit.

He doesn't want it.

It was fair to say it made things increasingly difficult. But Katara was a dreamer before anything else. In the deepest reach of her mind, past that even, she had felt the babe would bring joy, would bring them closer together.

He doesn't want me.

It was like a tide of burning pain, swiping at her with long tendrils of smoke and lightening.

Katara lived again.

And the pain met and released in a shuddering breath that quickly became a sob.

Zuko watched her, face still cold, still a far cry of how she wished it. She had clung to the foolish hope that he would forgive; that he might…love her.

As she did him.

There was no doubt to be had now. She had been raised on stories of romance, of heroes and heroines. Love was blind. Love was foolish. Love was painful.

Tears slid down her cheeks. For the first time in so long, she didn't bother to hide or pretend. He would see through it all.

She turned away from him in shame. In grief.

He let out a low breath behind her.

"So that's it then."

Katara didn't respond.

"You ran from me."

She shook her head mutely.

He snorted again.

"Then why, "he drawled as he drew nearer to her back, "Do I find my wife here and pregnant?"

Katara raised her hands to her face, wiping fruitlessly at her tears.

Then there were hands on her shoulders, warm and strong. Firm.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He whispered, hands tightening on her shoulders.

Katara's shoulders heaved before she turned to face the prince.

He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. The glare was gone, however accusatory his gaze was. He looked so much older than she knew him to be.

She tried to pull her face away, but one hand left her shoulder to grab her chin.

"Why?"

Katara blinked back another rush of tears. She'd hurt him. She was expecting his anger, not that it mad it any easier to bear, but she hadn't counted on him looking at her in such a way. Without trust or affection. Without comfort or relief.

"I-I am s-so sorry." She managed to gasp out.

He looked at her quietly for a moment before rearranging his arms to hold her to his chest. Katara welcomed the embrace, so relieved that he would listen.

He leaned his head away to speak into her ear.

"Do you know how I found out?"

She shook her head, mentally bracing herself.

"Mai was arguing with Jet. She mentioned that a child could not be hidden for long."

Katara shook against him.

Zuko continued.

"I knew. It only made sense. Why you wouldn't speak much, especially to me. Why you would leave." He took in a harsh breath. "They left after you did. Perhaps the bastard will have some scars."

Katara felt ten times worse. She should've told him. Now to learn he found out from the people who trapped them on all sides. A Fire Noble who was slighted by the marriage and an Earth Kingdom Rebel slighted by her.

"Why, " she began, cringing as he tensed against her, "Did they try to break the alliance? It had been done."

It was far easier to talk about the impending war over their problems and impending parenthood. The coward's way, no doubt, but she was so glad for the instant of relief that she clung to acting like nothing had ever come between them.

Zuko must have nodded, for she felt his chin move against her shoulder.

"The reason they gave spread rather thin, yes?"

She nodded back, relieved they were talking again, working like a team.

Zuko released a heavy breath, right into her ear. The warmth made her shiver and press closer against him.

He gripped her to him tighter.

"I believe there is a third party."

Katara didn't really register his words for a moment; her hormone induced state demanding comfort as she nuzzled the hollow of his throat.

"A third…?"

Zuko nodded again. His grip tightened again.

"Do you remember when we wrote?"

Katara was confused, but she didn't pull away to let him see her face. Her words were muffled as she answered.

"Before the wedding?"

"Yes."

She nodded.

"Do you remember asking about my sister?"

Katara frowned against his coat. It was a rather odd question, one she'd rather not contemplate at the moment. She just wanted to stay for a while, just like this, and be held.

She pulled away to look up into his face. She began to step back to face him, but she smiled when he wouldn't release her.

"You said I'd never see her."

Zuko nodded, his eyes boring into hers.

"And hence why I am so relieved to hold you now."

Katara's brow furrowed. He bent to kiss it.

"What?"

Zuko sighed his chin once more atop her head.

"My sister left with my father. She had vowed revenge on us all. It is just like her to stir this kind of unrest in the world, pitting two sides against one another to suit her means."

Katara frowned again.

"Isn't that rash, Zuko?"

He smiled grimly.

"Uncle said the same thing. But no, "he continued, "It's not. Not anymore."

"Anymore?"

He pulled her in much tighter.

"Mai is dying."

Katara gasped and looked up. It was true there was no lost affection between her and the pale girl, but she was of nobility and thus close to…

She shook.

He frowned. He hadn't expected her to react with fear. It made little sense.

"Why-?"

"You could've been killed."

Zuko looked down at her. He really hadn't even considered his own safety, much to worried for her and the babe.

But Katara was on a rant, so he decided to let her speak.

"I should've told you. I should have. But I was scared, Zuko. I didn't want to be the one to bring war back to this world." She clutched the front of his coat in her fingers.

"It's my fault. I didn't want you to have to deal with the outcome. I thought if I left, no one would know. But then Jet came and he asked me-"

His arms tightened again.

"Jet?" He growled.

Katara looked utterly miserable.

"What did he do?"

Katara was still and then very quiet when she spoke,

"He kissed me."

Zuko saw red. The bastard had kissed her. He had kissed his wife.

"And he told me to come back to him."

Zuko blanched. He really should've castrated the 'man' at first sight, as he had wished. Damn Katara's mercy.

"And then he told me he could fix it. Make the babe disappear. Like it never was." Her voice was hollow and shaking.

Zuko's hands were warming around her. She hugged him to her tightly in an effort to calm him down. He breathed out harshly.

"I could kill him."

She gave him a watery chuckle. It helped appease him slightly.

"So could Sokka."

Zuko nodded his agreement.

Katara however, continued to speak, she seemed to be avoiding talk of the child and leaving him as much as he was.

"But what does that have to do with your sister?"

Zuko sighed, idly tangling a thread of her hair around one finger. It was half pulled up into a bun and allowed his hands unlimited access to the soft, dark waves.

"Azula was Mai's friend in childhood. She uses her resources. Mai was a convenience and then a liability."

He could tell she didn't understand his thought process, but she was ignorant of Azula and the machinations of the court.

Her next words made him start.

"Then why are you here?"

Didn't she follow his reasonings? If his sister was indeed involved, she was in danger!

"I'd have thought you would've gone after her."

Iroh would have been proud of her.

Zuko nodded.

"That's why I didn't."

She pulled her head back to look at him.

And then she smiled.

"I'm proud of you."

He smiled back, glad to forget she left him. It was all overwhelmed because she was safe, and she was proud of him.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to her, drawing her arms around his neck before settling his around her waist.

Dear Agni, how he'd missed this.

She was soft to the touch, willing as he pressed forward. It was bliss to have her again, to be able to let lose his guard and just talk without reservation or lies.

Of course, this side of their relationship was very pleasurable indeed. His body was reacting to her nearness, to her scent and warmth.

Katara pulled away with flushing cheeks that Zuko found to be oddly attractive.

"I'm sorry."

He shook his head.

"I understand."

She looked up at him in obvious shock.

"However," he growled, "It was most unpleasant to not know if you were safe. And I really do not fancy sleeping alone."

She smiled up at him, radiant.

"Never again." He whispered, watching her.

She paled, but nodded.

Smiling tentatively, she reached for his hand. He allowed the movement, curious as to her motives.

She intertwined their fingers before pressing his hand to her stomach.

He stilled.

"I'm sorry I lied." She said.

He nodded, eyes transfixed upon their joint hands.

"I'm sorry I left."

He forgave her.

"And I'm sorry," she continued, "for hiding this from you."

She released his hand, leaving it alone atop her tum.

He figured it was easier this way, to let it all out now.

"I was angry."

She nodded, solemn.

"I thought you didn't trust me."

She shook her head, mouth open and about to protest but he shushed her.

"I was so terrified that I wouldn't be able to protect you." He whispered, stroking her stomach through the cloth that covered it.

It was not at all rounded, but he knew that would come with time. There was very little to tell she was with child. But he recognized a certain glow in her that was all the brighter when he forgave her.

It was beautiful, and this, this, was how it should've been.

He knew without a doubt he would give anything for this child.

It was a part of him.

It was a part of her.

And he loved her.

A.N: FLUFF! Hope you didn't totally hate! Please I need your thoughts on this one! Hope you enjoyed! REVIEW!!