(This is a third work set in the universe in which Bolin has Leukemia. Bolin has been diagnosed as terminal and moved to the North Pole in order to have therapy sessions with Katara.)

"Try to relax," Katara said gently. Bolin sank against the side of the tub and the waterbender lifted her hands, making the liquid glow a soft white inside the darkened hut.

Bolin sighed and leaned his head back. Katara bent the healing water up to his chin, enveloping him in a painless cocoon of warmth.

It felt wonderful. Everything these days was so exhausting—moving, eating, even interacting with others. Such seemingly simple tasks were not only draining, but also painful; Bolin ached all over and rarely felt relief. The exception was in Katara's therapy sessions.

"That's better," she said, the water beneath her hands gently brushing against the young earthbender's torso in warm waves.

"Mmmm." Bolin murmured breathily. "That feels nice."

Katara smiled, lines deepening across her ancient face. "Good; I'm glad." She said, pushing her hands flat against the water's surface. The liquid responded in kind, and seemed to almost melt into Bolin's chest and arms.

The waterbender continued her healing ministrations and the two sat together in silence for a few more minutes.

Bolin broke the quiet with a rare admission. "I'm scared." He whispered, turning his head and averting his gaze from the nearly translucent paleness of the elderly healer's eyes.

Katara pursed her lips and moved her hands in a circular motion. The water grew brighter, seeming to cause the healing effects to deepen, and Bolin sank even lower into the tub. Finally she spoke: "That's natural. Your fear will lessen in time."

Bolin opened his eyes and turned to her. "Was Avatar Aang afraid? Before he died?" A look of pain crossed over Katara's otherwise serene expression.

"I'm sorry." Bolin said quickly. "I didn't mean to…"

"No, it's alright." Katara responded. "I…he…it was very peaceful. I think he had come to terms with it; we both knew it was going to happen. It is comforting to know that your spirit will continue on. Death is, after all, only a temporary separation."

Bolin thought about this. "I hadn't really considered it like that," he said softly. "It would be nice to see my parents again." His lips twisted into a small curve and he looked up at Katara.

She smiled back.

The two benders settled into an amiable silence as the waves shone and lapped at Bolin's emaciated frame. For most of his life Bolin had felt uncomfortable with silence; he preferred to engage others in conversation, filling awkward pauses before they had even fully formed. But this quiet was relaxing, comfortable, homey. He had felt similarly with only one other person—Mako.

Thinking about his brother caused a tight pain to form in his chest and stomach. Bolin inhaled sharply and tensed, causing the liquid to swiftly ripple away from him.

Katara bent the water so that it stilled. "Relax," she ordered. "Empty your mind. Stay in the present."

Bolin turned to look at her. "Sorry. I was just thinking about my family…my brother. I didn't leave Republic City on the best of terms with him."

Katara nodded, her face shinning in the gleam of the waves. "You will return to see him again." She said, half a statement and half a question. Bolin inclined his head, confirming this.

She spoke quietly. "Time will heal this rift. He will understand why you had to go, and will welcome you back. You will make amends and forgive one another."

The earthbender sighed, his chest rising and falling in the dim light. "I hope so. I really made a mess of things, though. Mako kept telling me I could talk to him, share my feelings and all that. I dunno why but…I just didn't know what to say. I wanted to be alone, and part of me still does."

Katara nodded again, her eyes glistening reflectively. "In many ways it is easier to isolate oneself in times of discouragement. Easier, perhaps, but not always preferable. You should consider talking to your brother and your friends. They will want to be there for you when you return."

Silence descended once more in the shadowy hut. "Maybe you're right." Bolin admitted quietly after a while.

A shadow of a smile ghosted over Katara's face as she bent the water higher and caused it to pulsate gently. Bolin's eyelids fluttered shut and his lips parted slightly at the sensation.

After a few more minutes Katara released the water. It returned to its translucent hue and settled in the pool with a dull splash. The waterbender helped Bolin stand, gently pulling him up from beneath his underarms. She handed him a soft white towel and he dried himself before she led him to a nearby cot filled with fluffy blankets.

Bolin lay in the bed and Katara pulled the covers up around him. The room was pleasantly warm and the blankets were cushiony and comfortable. He rested his eyes, preparing to doze and Katara turned away to exit the hut.

"Thank you, Katara. For everything." Bolim murmured. Katara stilled and her mouth quirked up on one side.

She inclined her head as she withdrew.