A/N: Sorry this was posted a little later than I usually do but I'll be sure to have another up this week as well. Thankies for reading!

Chapter 29:

It was the day before the festival and the entire city was working endlessly for the morrow's celebration. Both the capital and palace would be packed with festivities that would put all previous Summer's End Festivals to shame. This year's would be the grandest of all time, primarily because the Fire Lord had opened the palace grand garden to the public and the Avatar would be attending for the first time since Avatar Roku.

Currently, the palace tenants were running around busily making sure everything was in place for tomorrow night's party. A couple of nobles even assisted in the preparations. Everything had to be perfect. Completely and utterly perfect. But even more so for the conspiring inner circle of the Fire Lord. The party could have no faults in it otherwise, they could all be facing some serious issues.

Plotting out the last few details of the party's little show, Zuko diligently ignored the sulking waterbender that had been in a bad funk since the week started. Katara had been brooding around not bothering to socialize with anyone but him. She was really starting to wear on his conscience. At least in the sense that he felt a tad guilty for what happened between her and Ozai afterwards. It really wasn't anyone's fault but maybe if he hadn't told Katara about his father's past with Ursa, their argument may have never happened.

~6 days ago, After Intervention.~

"He told you, did he?" Ozai looked at the girl sitting in front of him with her head down.

Katara nodded. "Is it pity?"

"Huh?" Her head jerked up.

Ozai stood up and a cold dark expression surfaced his features. "Is it pity that you are with me?"

"What? No! Ozai, how could you think that?!" Her face hardened with hurt by the sudden accusation. "Do you really think pity would drive a person to give themselves to you and basically be shunned by their family just to be with you? Is that really what you think? Everything I did was out of pity."

If he had to be completely honest, he really didn't know what to think now. The girl was always an impossible puzzle to him. She'd prove his beliefs to be false or for her to be the exception. Her energy was like no other. She was strong and yet fragile. Tough and yet gentle. Kind and yet brutal. Katara was unique in every way to him. However; her unpredictability and dynamic personality made it hard to pinpoint her motives or reasoning for things. Therefore, he could put nothing past her. It literally, in his opinion, could be any number of reasons other than the obvious for why she was wanted I be with him. Especially, after she not only knew him before as a monster but now knew him as the fool that's wife and brother betrayed him. Pity was just one of many things he was thinking were her reason for being with him.

"I can't say that I honestly know why you would want a man like me." He said plainly. "For you to choose me over your family and people, is by all means the most insane thing I have ever known."

The words had obviously not come out right or how they were intended but it didn't stop them from striking her to the core. Did he really not know or understand? Was he stupid or just teasing her? Like he could figure everything thing out, even things people didn't notice themselves, but this one thing...this one obvious thing, he was clueless. Staring at him, hurt vivid in her blue irises as tears fell from the beds like rain drops. As her mind thought over everything. Every moment she spent thinking about him. Worrying about him. Healing him. Putting up with his rude and hurtful comments in the beginning. Fighting him. Losing sleep because of him. Getting to know him. Developing feelings for him. Trying hard to convince everyone of him. Giving her virginity to him, ultimately seeing herself with him in the long run. Even having a feud with her family because of him. After all that, he still didn't get it! And then he thought she was crazy for it? Her brows furrowed and her anguish became indignation.

"You're such an idiot, you know that?" She stated grimly and averted her eyes.

Caught off guard by her crying and offended by her words, Ozai step towards her clenching his teeth. An idiot? Did she seriously call him that? No, he must have misheard. "Excuse me? I didn't quite catch that." Hoping he had heard wrong.

"You heard me, Ozai." Katara was now glaring at him. "I said 'you're an idiot'!"

"I'll give you another chance to rephrase that before you end up regretting it." Now tower over her to assert himself as the dominant one. But it would do very little to back her down. If there was one thing he learned about the waterbender, it was that she never backed down once she rose to the occasion. Besides, what the hell was wrong with her all of a sudden? Insulting him out of him blue. What had he done or said to upset her?

Katara stood on her toes till she was just an inch from his face and her lips formed into a snarl. "And if I don't regret them."

His eyes narrowed. "Katara, don't do this."

"Or what?" She hissed through her teeth. "You'll hit me? No wait, what was it you told Zuko all those years ago? Hmmmm...oh yeah, that's right. 'Teach him a lesson'. Are you going to do that, Ozai? Teach me a lesson?!"

The man fought the urge to grab her. What kind of nonsense was she spewing? Why was she even so upset to begin with?

"What's with this, Katara? Why are you suddenly saying all this?" Ozai really could not think why that girl was acting like this. Glaring at him, hissing and growling, insulting him. What was with her?

The waterbender backed off a little and hurt recaptured her eyes. "Pity and insanity, Ozai. Pity and insanity. That's why. Because I pity you and I'm insane!"

Now he knew she was just being sarcastic. "Waterbender, you'd better explain yourself."

"Idiot! You stupid freaking idiot!" She shouted madly and walked over to where the desk was. They were currently alone in Zuko's office since everyone left to go eat dinner but neither she nor Ozai were in the mood for eating. With her back turned to the man that had hurt her feelings with his cluelessness, Katara leaned forward onto the desk and gripped the edges. "You're such a fucking idiot, Ozai." She cried.

Ozai was losing his patience and reaching his limit. This was inexcusable. Talking to him in this way when he had done nothing wrong. "I'm an idiot? But you won't even make sense of what you're going on about!"

"I wouldn't need to if you weren't so dumb!" She hollered.

"I swear, you are pushing my nerves too far now, girl." He began to seethe.

Katara turned back to face him and her expression was even more pained than before. You really don't get it, do you? Her gaze fell and she shut her eyes, tightening her fists together. Of course you don't, you probably don't even feel the same.

"I need to go." She said. "I can't do this right now."

And without looking for his permission to leave, she left.

….

Zuko knew she was beating herself up about it. She expressed several times how she might have overreacted. No kidding. Just moments before that, she was fighting his mother in the hallway naked and after bloodbended five people at once without a full moon. If you asked him, Katara was probably going mad with all the stress and pressure she's been under recently.

Fortunately, her troubles would be over tomorrow night. There would be no more a need for her to worry as she has. She really needed a break. Maybe he could schedule a trip to Ember Island for her. Surely, everyone would want a vacation too. He could take off a few days after things settled after the festival. They could all go to the beach house and spend quality time getting thing back to the peaceful ways they once were. Sokka not being a jerk. His mother getting relive a little of her past. Katara being stress free. And for him, he'll just get to bask in quiet alone time without any meetings or formalities or fake smiles and controlled tempers. This would be good. For everyone.

"We're taking a trip to Ember Island once we settle things down with Ozai's case." Zuko said as he continued going through his paperwork.

Perking up only enough to seem slightly interested, "we are?"

"Yes." He replied. "All of us could use a break from this place."

That she could agree on. Seeing the same old walls were starting to drive her crazy. Not to mention the stares she's been getting lately. No doubt to do with her nude catfight with the mother of the Fire Lord.

"So I take it Ozai is coming too?" She hesitated to ask.

The young Lord chuckled, "That or we can leave him here and possibly let him reconsider taking the throne back."

Rolling her eyes. "Seriously."

"Look." Zuko said putting down his quill to look at the girl. "I know you're upset with him but do you really think you're being fair right now?"

Katara eyes him strangely. Being fair? What did this have to do with being fair? She was the one with hurt feelings. Ozai thought she pitied him from finding out his past and therefore was with him only because of. How could he possibly think that? What kind of girl did he take her for?

Sensing her stubbornness to see the truth, Zuko shook his head. "You're expecting him to read your mind."

"No I'm not!" The waterbender became defensive. "HE thinks he can read my mind!"

Shaking his head, "Tara, seriously, just tell him and spare us from more fighting."

"Fighting! What makes you think I'd fight him!" She jumped up from her seat.

"You've tried before." Zuko stated frankly. "Plus, do you really think he's going to get it on his own? I mean, my dad is smart and all but stuff like that was never his forte."

Katara just about burst into laughter. "So in other words, he's dense like you. How cute."

Offended by her comment Zuko growled and threw his quill at her head, smirking when she shouted an exaggerated 'ouch'. "Only as cute as it was when you were practically panicking after having your first real argument with him."

Ignoring him, "I'm just saying, he has to know I'm not with him out of pity."

Rolling his eyes,"Of course he has to know because he definitely didn't have any trouble the last time he was in love. Definitely. He totally understand. Yup. He's just being a jerk on purpose to making you angry and have you avoid him a whole week because he wants to have angry sex later."

Not sure whether to be angry at his sarcasm or be appalled by how he ended his sentence, Katara gaped at her friend. Seriously. What point was he trying to make?

"I'm just saying. You can't be mad at him because he doesn't get it. He NEVER got it. So how can you expect him to now?" Leaning into the back of his chair. "Just go run along and tell him, so you can let me get back to my work."

The waterbender stood up holding a glint of irritation in her eyes, always gotta be so right! She picked up the quill he had thrown at her and walked over to place it on the desk with a loud thump that brought Zuko's attention to her eyes that she narrowed.

"If you really wanted me I leave, you should have told me." She smirked. "I can't read minds."

Hakoda and Ursa sat at a low table writing letters that would be sent to the provinces declaring Summer's End. They were silent. After last week and everything that took place, an awkwardness wedged between them. It was complex. While Hakoda didn't know whether to be upset or concerned towards the woman for fighting his daughter, Ursa struggled with whether she should speak up and apologize or simply say nothing out of fear of what will be said. Neither were too sure on what to do other than carry on in silence as they wrote. But it went without saying, there was a heavy cloud hanging over their heads and it would stay there till one of them spoke up.

"About last week," Ursa surprisingly going first as she felt herself suffocating from the thick air. "I just want to say I'm so-"

Hakoda stopped her, "No need. You've expressed before that you grow jealous of the relationship between my daughter and your ex-husband. I fully understand."

The woman looked at the man, she could see he meant it but there was a bit of displeasure in his tone. A sense of regretful understanding. The kind one gets when despite not wanting to, they relate or comprehend the actions of others. His must derive from his own love of his previous wife, Ursa concluded. Kya, she thought the name. But why was this sadness and disappoint laced between the gaps of each word? Were they voiced yet unvoiced opinions? Emotions they surfaced accidentally as in regard to the meaning of the sentence as a whole? 'you grow jealous', so he knew? He knew there were feelings she had. 'I fully understand', so he could relate? He related to her feelings. The first person knew what she felt and could relate. How nice.

Ursa continued to look at the man as silence redeveloped between them. He knows, you know where my heart lies. He relates, you understand my pain. But what do those blues mean to show or those words mean to say? You know because you've seen and heard. You understand because you've experienced and felt. Do you know, Chieftain? Have you felt? Jealousy.

"I am sorry none the less." Her voice tightened. "You are a good man and do not deserve to have a woman who still mourns a lost marriage."

The Chieftain had a small smile tug at his lips, "I do not blame you for loving your husband still. I would be a terrible liar if I said I didn't not miss my wife, Kya. You do not need to apologize."

Returning his smile, Ursa laid down her quill and reached over the table to clasp his hand in hers. "You are a marvelous man, Hakoda. But you must know that I don't wish to withdraw my companionship with you." Of course not, I still need you and it would seem I have found the perfect uses of you.

"Neither do I." He replied as he leaned forward and captured her lips.

"No. No. No. Move the fire lilies to the middle." Sokka instructed a servant to rearrange the table decorations.

Iroh sat beside him, drinking tea of course, and musing over how caught up in decorating the boy had become. The last hour or two, he had several servants running rampant as he gave orders for design ideas he came up with. No doubt the servants hated him for constantly changing his mind and making them work at a unsteady pace. It was quite refreshing to see the young tribesman as his typical self. The angry and over the top him didn't not suit him.

"Perfect, now go fix that archway." He gave a final order before taking a seat back down. Sighing and kicking his feet up on the table, "Ugh! This was a long week. Can't wait for it to be over."

Setting his tea down, "Indeed. Hopefully everything turns out as planned."

Sokka looked at the old man. "I still don't see why you guys are doing all this for him. He's a monster."

"A monster I created." Iroh closed his eyes. "A monster I so blindly created."

The young tribesman rolled his eyes. Zuko had told him all about the past and who Iroh really was to him and so on. But still, that didn't excuse what Ozai did! His mother had to pay with her life because of that man. The world had to pay a heavy toll because of him! So after all the suffering they've all endured because of him, was it sane to forgive him so easily just because he had family issues? They all had family issues! But they didn't go around trying to destroy the world!

"That's no excuse, Zuko told me everything but I still don't see how that's a good enough reason to try and ruin the world." Sokka folded his arms.

Standing from his seat, Iroh breathed deeply. As much as he didn't ever for the rest of his life want to tell anyone this, he felt he had to. The only way to make the boy see and understand was by this confession. Hopefully, it will be the end of the boy's reluctance to accept what is. That alone would mean the end of most of the challenges they were faced with. Sokka's opposition was only second to Ursa's scheming. Once one of them was taken care of there would be less Iroh had to worry about when it came to his brother and the waterbender. The old man was the one that originally support them. Offering his aid to his brother to make up for the past. It was his responsibility that the relationship succeed despite the odds. Even if he had to reveal a truth that would forever mark him as monstrous to keep his word to Ozai, then that's just what it would have to take.

"Come, Sokka. We must speak in private." The old man held a serious look.

Not accustomed to see such an expression on Iroh's face, the tribesman questioned him. "What for?"

"Because there is more to the story than any of you know. Not even he knows." Without another word, he began walking, not waiting to see if the boy was following him. If he was curious, which he was, he'd come. Besides, this would finally free Iroh of being the sole bearer of this burdened knowledge and give Sokka an understanding of why people keep secrets, even from the ones they love.

….…..

Walking down the palace halls, the monk and disguised former Fire Lord made their way to the library. It was their task to find records that could legally back them up when it came time to usher Ozai back into society. Even with the current Fire Lord, allied foreign leader, and the Avatar throwing their support behind the cause, it would take more than that to have Ozai released. Not only that but they needed to reassure the people of the Fire Nation and the world that they had everything under control in case things were to backfire.

"Do you think there would be any such documents? I mean, you would know, wouldn't you?" Aang asked as they entered the library.

Ozai had been trying to ignore the boy as best he could. His mood was sour. Likely due to being Katara avoiding him and having to search for important records with the boy Avatar to accompany him.

Notice the man's opposition to talking, Aang figured he should probably redirect the conversation. "So... Katara and y-"

"If you want a repeat of four years ago, keep talking." Ozai bit out and walked passed the boy to a shelf filled with scrolls. "We have a task to complete. Stop wasting time on idle chatter."

The monk pouted and crossed his arms. "Well I was just trying to make conversation."

Opening a scroll and skimming through, Ozai went to the next one, looking for anything that was even slightly related to what they were looking for so he can leave. He was utterly frustrated and not in a physical sense, more like he was forced to recount his conversation with the waterbender over and over. Looking for what he could have possibly said that made her mad at him enough to not speak a word to him or anyone for that matter, except Zuko, for almost an entire week. What did he say? As he went for another scroll to look over, his mind began to wonder, from the corner of his eyes he caught the boy Avatar collecting a bunch of scrolls at once and taking them to a table. His waterbender and the boy had been romantically involved, though not so much since she had remained untouched, if there was anything about the girl that was strange, surely the boy would know. Her mood swings and odd behaviors, he'd have to know something. Ozai sighed and shook his head, have I fallen so far that I'm actually considering asking the boy for help? Ugh, he had to suck it up. Either this or wait till the girl came around and told him, which was unlikely. She was too stubborn and proud to give in to tell him. Especially with how far she's gone already. This was his only chance.

Inhaling deeply, he exhaled fumingly. He would be sure to make her pay for leading him to this point. This breaking point. "Boy, tell me something." He set down a scroll back onto its shelf.

Aang's head shot up. His face expressed too much delight for merely being called on but Ozai ignored it. "How close would you say you've gotten with the waterbender?"

Suddenly, red hue surfaced the monk's face. How close? With Katara? What kind of question was-

"Take your head out of such filth, I didn't mean like that." Ozai spat trying not to be enraged by the direction the Avatar's thoughts were headed. "I meant how familiar are you with her personality and moods."

The monk laughed nervously, yeah I knew that. Totally. "Uhhh… I guess I'm pretty familiar but… -"

"But what?" Ozai cut him off urgently.

Sensing eagerness in the man's tone, Aang rubbed the back of his neck. He really wasn't sure how to put it but taking from how impatient Ozai seemed, he guess he'd just have to answer as best he could.

"Well, Katara and I dated and all but...I mean, I'm not sure how to explain it but she never let me close enough to figure her out more than what she was willing to show." He struggled to find the right words. "Usually whenever she was upset or bothered by something, she'd hold it in."

There was a pause and Ozai thought for a minute. The boy had been with her for how many years? Five or six. Yet wasn't completely aware of all her. How could that be?

"Hmmm...but now that I think about it, once Zuko joined the group and Katara finally let him off the hook, they got pretty close." Aang scratched his chin.

They did?

"I think Zuko became the one person she told everything to. After the war, they just seemed to get closer and closer. Neither spent much time with the rest of us. I kinda saw it coming when Mai said Zuko had feelings for Katara. To be honest, I think she may have also."

What?!

"Even after we left here three years ago, Katara and Zuko kept writing each other. Nonstop. I can't say I wasn't jealous a bit or suspension. Don't tell her but I read a few of her letters to see what they were writing about."

He has to be kidding.

"Yup. When Katara ended up leaving, saying she'd go to the Fire Nation, I swore she was going back for him. So when we got here and we heard from a merchant that they were engaged, I was just like 'I knew it'."

Is this boy serious?

"But to find out it was fake and that it was really you she was seeing, I couldn't believe it. Zuko, I totally could see that. They had so much in common and knew almost everything about each other. Like there are literally no secrets between them. None."

Okay, stop talking.

"But you on the other hand. I did not see that coming. You both are so opposite and not just in elements but everything else. I mean you're both easy to anger, dangerous to be around when pissed and let me not get started on how moody the two of you are. But other than those, there's nothing similar about the two of you. Plus, you're like her dad's age and stuff. Kinda weird. "

I swear to Agni I'm going to finish what I started all those years ago and end this boy.

"But I wouldn't worry if I were you. Obviously, there has to be something about you if she's with you, right? Katara wouldn't if she didn't actually care about you or something. Unlike, my relationship with her, she's not pressured to be with you, it's the exact opposite. So, if she's putting up with the stress to stay with you, there's definitely some serious feelings she holds for you."

Ozai listened to this last part. Recognizing that the girl was undergoing constant opposition from her family and yet, her resolve remained the same. But why? That was crazy. He then remembered the argument they had about how he couldn't see why she wanted to be with him so bad that she'd risk being let go by her brother and people. She was giving all that up to be with him and even worse, he knew she didn't want to. But still, for him, she was letting it go. How was one person worth more than a multitude of others? Especially one like him.

"What is wrong with the girl?" Ozai said out loud without noticing and went back to searching through the records. He'd revisit the thoughts later, right now, he needed to finish this.

….

Katara couldn't do this. Maybe she should leave. Or leave a note. Something. But not this. How was she supposed to face him after all she said to him? He didn't deserve it. Zuko was right. She was expecting him to understand something like that that he wasn't familiar with in the first place. Ugh! But why not? Shouldn't he still be able to tell how she felt? That it could neither be pity or anything so trivial for why she was with him.

The girl sighed and plopped on his bed. It's been awhile since she's been in his room. She rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling. Her breathing slowed as she thought of what she might need to say. When he gets here, she needs to have her words in order. Being frank with him might be the best way to get it off her chest. But that was embarrassing. To just say it upon him walking in. Not to mention, she was still hurt by his cluelessness. How could he not see everything that she had done was out of one reason and one reason alone? What else could it POSSIBLY be that would drive her to do what she's done?! Like seriously! It didn't take a genius to figure it out. And wasn't he supposed to be intelligent anyway! Clever and altogether analytical! How couldn't he know this one thing?!

The door opened and Katara jumped up into a startled sitting position on the bed. A second later, gold eyes were on her and she froze. I'm not prepared.

"Uh...ah- ummm.." She searched her mind for the words but fell short. "Hmmm... I-I.. I-"

"So you've come out of hiding, waterbender." Ozai folded his arms and leaned against the doorway.

Trying to relax her bad nerves. Two months, several altercations, countless teasing, family drama, lots aggressive and passionate sex, and still her nerves messed up when being direct with him. Especially with what she had to say. There was no taking it back. Much like everything else. This was one more thing that once it was, it could never not be or never have been. She only hoped he'd understand and have something similar to say in return. These weren't simple words though merely words to utter. When they fall from her lips, they would form into the most complex structured phrase known to man but were no more than three words. But even though she felt this, could she say it? To him.

Ozai looked the girl over that was sitting in his bed, she looked conflicted but with what? What could possibly be going on in that mind of hers? He tried not to reveal he was annoyed. Not with her presence but her absence. How dare she avoid him without any justification. Not to mention, she insulted him. Without cause. Despite caring deeply for her and admitting to himself he had an unhealthy, but not too unhealthy, obsession with her, he wasn't going to be insulted so easily. At least not when he had done no wrong. That was only fair. He'd tolerate offense, from only her, if he warranted them. So in other words, Ozai was not happy with the girl. She needed to explain herself well if he was going to overlook her behavior.

Stepping away from the threshold, Ozai closed the door and pursued the foot of his bed. "I hope you're here to discuss our little fight because I'm not sure I'd be willing to discuss anything else until I understand your reasoning for behaving as you have."

What? Katara looked at him and tilted her head. Was he upset? Well duh! Of course he was. She ignored him for several days. Knowing him, how could he not be upset with her. But then again, wasn't she upset with him? He's the reason she had avoided him.

"Yes," her voice was now held a firm steadiness that wasn't there a moment ago.

He watched her closely and the nodded, "Good. Now explain yourself."

Katara slowly moved to the edge of the bed where he was standing and knelt in front of him, still on his bed.

"You hurt my feelings." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I realized you may not have been aware but it doesn't stop me from being deeply hurt by it."

"I see." Ozai looked away from her and rubbed his chin. "But how can I correct it if you avoid me and refuse to tell me anything? I cannot read minds, Katara. You have to verbally express yourself if you wish me to know."

Feeling ashamed, Katara gripped the hem of her dress and bowed her head. Zuko was right. He was right. She should have said upfront what bothered her. Not just evaded him. Much like Aang use to do during any conflicts she and him had. She knew first hand how frustrating and maddening that could be. Nothing could be fixed that way. Ugh! Not to mention, it was a very childish thing to do. Especially, since Ozai was so much older than her. He probably was even more aggravated than her.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly and bowed her head lower.

Ozai returned his attention to the girl and saw that her head was bowed. Sincerity heavy in her voice. He took his hand and placed it on top of her head, patting her hair. Sighing, regardless of her childlike behavior had been over the week, she did say that her feelings were hurt. He wondered why.

"Now tell me, waterbender. What have I done to hurt you?" Katara lifted her head slowly as she heard the calmness in his tone, the gentleness that it provided her when she was expecting something more harsh.

Head still bowed but high enough to see him through her thick lashes, "You said I had pitied you because I knew of your past and then afterwards you said I was insane to choose you over everyone else."

With a raised eyebrow, Ozai recalled saying those things but honestly didn't mean anything by them. Well, he did assume pity had something to do with why she was with him. Even if it was only slightly. Then there was the insanity part. Quite frankly, he actually meant what he said. She was insane. Incredibly insane. Choosing a man like him over people that had done better than he has and been there to support her. She was insane to neglect them for him. He would revoke his comment about pity if she proved him wrong but he would not take back how he felt she was insane.

"If not pity, then why else?" He asked bluntly.

It was almost too good to be true. Him refrain from igniting her short temper but the man found a way, though unintentionally. She tried to calm her nerves before she spoke but by her tone it was obvious her anger had surfaced.

"Is that all you think could drive someone to be with you?" She spat. "Can it not be for any genuine reason? Do I need to feel anything other than something pure to want you?"

Sensing her mood shift, "I don't see how it benefits you to be with me. It costs you more than you gain."

No kidding, Katara finally rose her head completely up and tried hard to not glare at him. "I knew what I was getting myself into. We both agreed this would not be easy. Besides, I don't have to gain benefits from someone to want to be with them."

"Then why?"

"Why?!"

"Yes why?"

"Be-because.."

"Because what? Tell me. Why would you be with me other than pity or something to that effect?"

Katara's fist tightened and she clenched her teeth, you still don't understand?! How?! What am I to you anyway?! If you can't tell how I feel than what is it that you feel for me?! Just as before tears whelped in her eyes and Ozai knew she was at the point where she was about to spew insults out of anger that he still didn't understand. However; insults didn't come. Instead he was bombarded with something that would have a stronger effect on him. One that made him understand why she was so incredibly upset with him. He now knew.

"Because I love you, you freaking jerk!" She raged out at him. "I'm with you because I love you! That's why I did everything! Because I'm in love with you! You undeserving bastard!"

Hopping off the bed, she poked her finger into the middle of his chest and glared heavily up at him. "I healed you, gave you back your bending, allowed myself to forgive you, foolishly entered a relationship with you, fought against my friends and family's better judgement, and even gave myself to you all because I love you! Pity can't do those things for anyone, Ozai! AND I'm so so so sorry you can't understand that! But I don't pity you! I love you! I loved you before I even knew about what Ursa and Iroh did to you! So don't dare say that's why. Don't ever say that's why I'm with you. Because pity isn't close or relevant to what I feel. You hurt me, Ozai. You've really hurt…"

Unable to continue and letting her words fall with her raging tears, Katara stared solidly at the man she had just proclaimed to love. She could see in his eyes that he was truly stunned. That he truly didn't guess for a single second that she would say what she had. That she could possibly feel that way. It was the most painful thing she could have witnessed. All this time and he didn't once see that her actions had been out of love. He didn't know. How could he not? How could he not have seen that she loved him? And maybe yeah, she was insane for it but she willing to sacrifice everyone and everything to be with him. Even if she was marked a traitor and hunt down her entire life, she was willing to go that far. For him. And it broke her heart to know and see that he never would have guessed she loved him.

"Don't look at me like that." She cried. "Don't look at me like you're shocked...it hurts."

The girl noticed arms were about to encase her and she jumped back a little, shaking her head. She didn't want to be embraced. No. Not by him. Not by his cluelessness. How could he not know?! Those arms continued to pursue her.

"No. No. NO! Don't touch me!" Katara shouted with fear and anger dwelling in her voice. She moved back further but his hand grabbed her forearm. No. She didn't what to be touched. Not by him. "Let go of me, Ozai." She tried to yank away from him but he ended up pulling her against him, until she was flat against his chest.

Weeping and struggling, "Don't touch me! Let me go! I can't! I can't do this! Let me go!" But he wouldn't. He just held her.

"Stop it!" She cried. Her fist then pounded into his chest, tries to make him let go. It failed and so she moved her hands to the bare skin of his arms and tried to claw him. Sinking her nails into his skin. The most he did was hiss but he didn't let go. He knew if he did, she disappear for another amount of time, avoiding him. He wasn't risking it. He wasn't letting her go.

"I-I'll still give you your freedom to-tomorrow night but I-I can't...I can't do this. Not if you think so little of me." Her hands fell from him and went limp at her sides. "Not when I'm so hurt."

"Katara, I-"

The waterbender was not about to hear another word from him nor was she about to stay here in the arms of a man that was breaking her heart. If he couldn't tell she loved him then he must not have felt the same. This was the conclusion she had drawn.

"Let go of me." Her voice was so hollow it nearly startled him before he felt it. Before he felt something more startling in itself. That devastatingly awful feeling he had gotten earlier this week. He had almost forgotten that the girl had another strange and rare ability. The ability to physically control others. It was an uncanny ability. One he was thankful to discover was known by very very few and even fewer could do. Unfortunately, one of those few was standing in front of him. Completely removed his arms from her person and stared at him with dangerous yet tearful eyes.

"Tomorrow night, I will free you but from then on, do not approach me." She bended him to kneel in front of her and bow his head. She didn't want to see his eyes. Not when they could break her resolve. "When I am ready... I'll come to you."

Katara did not let go of her pull on his body until she was safely out of his room and near the exit of the chambers. Her heart was pounding in her chest. This was it. It was over. At least until she could properly face him and not feel as heartbroken as she did. Hopefully, it would give them both more time to think. To see if they really wanted this to continue. But one thing would remain no matter what became of them, she would always love him. Even if they were never back together. She would love him till the day she died. Even if she could never love another. She would always love him.

….

Sokka was running down the hallways panting, he needed to find Katara. He needed to find her...and apologize. Where was she? He looked in her chambers, went to Zuko's, checked all the gardens, and asked around. But Katara was nowhere to be found. Where was she? Ugh! For the love of La what was he supposed to do? All he wanted was to find his sister and tell her how sorry he was for being a jerk and that he supported whatever decision she makes. Obviously, she had done no wrong or at least hadn't meant to. After Iroh just revealed to him details that he had sworn to never repeat, Sokka could no longer hold ill feelings for Ozai as much as he had before and he now understood the purpose of keeping secrets. Sometimes that were meant to protect. As she had protected not only herself and Ozai but the people who would be and were devastated by it. It was a profound burden. One that he now carried. He could never utter what he knew now. Not even her. His sister.

Still searching, Sokka decided to return to the direction her chambers were in but suddenly was caught off guard by the sound of crying. He stopped when he recognized who they belonged to. Katara. Immediately, the young water tribesman headed in the direction her crying was coming from. He wondered what was wrong with her. Soon he came upon the sight of her in Zuko's arms. What was going on?

"Katara." He called and ran up to them. "Zuko."

The young Lord saw him and his face went sour, placing a protective hand on the back of Katara's head as she buried her face into his chest. The last thing the girl needed was her stupid brother making things worse.

"No, Sokka. She doesn't need this. Not now." Zuko said defensively.

Understanding full well why the firebender was acting this way, "No, Zuko. I'm not here to start anything. Actually, I'm here to….. apologize."

Zuko's eyes widened slightly but returned to their normal state. "What's brought about the sudden change? Finally got sick of dogging her out every chance you get."

Offended but not wanting to start another fight, Sokka simply rolled his eyes. "Just let me talk to my sister, man."

Looking the tribesman over a little and confirming that he really meant what he said, Zuko lean down to whisper something in Katara's ear. She gave him a slow nod. Returning to look at Sokka, Zuko nodded. "We'll discuss things in my study. Come."

Sokka feeling revealed, nodded as well and followed the two. He noticed as they walked that, Zuko's arm was protectively around his sister's waist as her head leaned into his shoulder. It made him think. Could Zuko still have feelings for Katara? Even after everything, could he still hold feelings for her? He shook his head. It was enough already that he was just starting to accept her relationship with Ozai. He didn't need anymore on his plate. Nope. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not for the next decade. This crap was enough to take twenty years off your life from how stressful it was. Let's just get this over with, so he can go back to being stress free.

….

"So you've told him." Ursa sat gracefully beside her dear old friend. If he could really be called that anymore. They had way been passed that. Clearly, they stood on opposite grounds. So enemy was better suited. However; causal discussions here and there weren't ruled out. It could been seen as a small truce of sorts. They'd only be enemies while the game was going. At the moment, no one had made drastic moves or anything. So a friendly chat was fine.

Iroh closed his eyes and breathed. He really didn't like the air that came with Ursa's presence. "Of course I did. One less obstacle for my brother and Lady Katara."

Ursa rolled her eyes. "Only you, Iroh, are willing to go so far to simply get a single idiot boy to comply with this nonsense you've allowed."

"And you have not gone farther for something you deem important?" Iroh narrowed his eyes at her.

The woman laughed and flicked her wrist, a devious expression plastered her face. "Not yet, I'm afraid but it would seem I have much of my work already done for me." She laughed.

Not liking where this was going Iroh flickered her a deep scowl. What has happened now?

"I overheard a disheartening conversation between my son and tearful princess." Ursa got up from her seat. "It would seem my husband thought little of her after all and seemed to believe their relationship was only one of lust. Too bad she thought recklessly giving herself to him would somehow grow a stronger bond but little did she know all this time she was just meat to sate his hunger. How pitiful."

Iroh rose quickly. "What have you done?!" He was angry.

Laughter seemed to be his only response until she composed herself and told him everything she had overheard. The old man stood there with his mouth opened. Not wanting to believe a word out of her foul mouth. His brother was right to discard the woman so easily upon her reappearance, maybe he should have done the same when he came upon her in Bei Seng Sei. But anyway, the news of Katara calling things off with Ozai was surprising. Even more, that his brother would simply think that way of the girl. How was this? He was so sure things would have been fine were they given time to sort things out. It was no secret the girl had ignored his brother for the whole week but he hadn't thought it would come to this. To him, he believed it was a need of space to breathe while everyone prepared for the Festival tomorrow. However; it would seem things took a different course.

"I must say I was truly stunned that this occurred. I had begun to believe Ozai had really grown to love that barbaric child." Ursa said impishly.

Iroh shook his head. There had to be more to this. His brother had done foul things before but there were reasons for that. Now there were no reasons at all, not even a trace, and he had gone and broke the waterbender's heart. This couldn't be. There must be something else to this.

"I do not believe this is all. Clearly, my brother cares deeply for Lady Katara. Perhaps there is more." Iroh closed his eyes but reopened them to stare revoltingly at the woman. "In the time being, keep your poisonous tongue in your mouth, dear. I'd hate to find out what that child means to do with you were you to offend her again."

"Haha, dear old friend. We both know I've never been as poisonous as you. " She licked her tongue out at him and grinned sadistically as she saw him cringe.

Soaring the woman not another moment, Iroh took to his chambers. He needed to find out what has happened. He needed to know things weren't as he had heard them. There had to be more. This couldn't be it.

…..

A/N: Hello lovelies! I hoped you all enjoyed that Chapter! So recap, Festival is in the next chapter. Hakoda and Ursa are still a thing, for now. Ozai and Aang have a touching convo. Katara and Zuko are reclaiming their friendship. Vacation coming up. Ozai and Katara split, maybe temporarily or permanently. Sokka's learned a dangerous secret from Iroh, wonder what it is. Iroh and Ursa have a heart to heart. Clearly, the woman is not yet satisfied with the break up. She wants more. And Iroh is not willing to leave the split alone. He'll have to bridge them back together somehow. Thanks for reading! Please review!