Judgement

Chapter Thirteen- Judgement Day

When you want to be honored by others, you learn to honor them first.
-Sathys Sai Baba

Katara woke up facing away from Zuko, his arms still around. She sighed deeply, keeping her eyes close, enjoying the moment.

She knew Zuko was awake, or at least half awake. His fingers were idly tracing invisible circles on her stomach. The heat radiating off his body warmed her and she felt as if she was on a heated bed at a spa. She giggled when his fingers traveled to her side.

"Ticklish?" He asked, a smile playing on his lips. His arms wrapped fully around her small stomach and pulled her closer to him. He sighed, half upset, half happy and peaceful.

Katara turned around in his arms and smiled at him. All of a sudden feeling brave, she placed her hand on his neck and pulled him down to her. He showed a little resistance but not much. She stopped pulling when he was inches away from her.

Zuko looked down, avoiding her gaze. This was not good. He closed his eyes before pulling away and removing her hand from his neck and his arms from her body.

"We're stopping for supplies today." He told her, hiding his disappointment and sorrow.

"Oh, okay. How long will you be gone?" She asked assuming she'd be locked in the room all day while he was out.

"You're coming with." His words seemed like they were made of stone, as did his eyes.

"Really?"

"Yes." He shut his eyes and stood up.

"Thanks." He ignored her as he walked to the door.

"Hurry up and get dressed. We've already docked and I want to get this over with." Irritation was clear in his voice now as well.

"Zuko," She called. "Are you okay?" He didn't answer but just looked back with hurt eyes as he shut the door.

Katara stepped out on deck and sighed when she saw land, trees, and shops. It had been a while since she saw something other than water and sky.

Zuko broke her peace when he came up behind her and took her arms in a somewhat rough grip. He wouldn't let go or look at her either. She knew something was going on.

"Let's go." He said taking her off the ship by her arm. She half expected him to let go when they got onto the land but he didn't.

"I'm not going to run away. You can trust me." Her voice was so soft it was almost like a whisper.

"Don't say that." His voice wasn't loud but it was firm and just as intimidating as a loud one. She looked away confused and a little frightened. She became very confused when he led her away from the shops and towards a thick forest.

"Where are we going?" She asked him. He was acting very unusual and she was getting very nervous that he had something planned.

"You won't be harmed while you're here."

"Do you promise?"

"Yeah, I promise."

He wouldn't hurt her. There was no way he would. She was sure she could trust him.

"Shut up and stay quiet." He told her almost dragging her deeper into the forest. Katara wasn't sure what to think at the moment. "The Avatar is here." Her feet cemented to the ground in shock.

No… She thought. He's still using me as bait. He's going to dangle me in front of him. How could I be so stupid! Her mind shouted.

"What do you think I'd do? I need you unharmed for this to work properly."

All those times I opened up or offered something and he backed away. Her mind raced. He was laughing the entire time!

"You bastard." She said harshly. "How could you do this?"

"Katara-" He tried to shut her up.

"No! Don't use my name. I'm just a peasant to you. You know, you're a good actor Zuko. I actually believed you. I thought I could care-" A hand swiftly covered her mouth, cutting her off.

"You don't care about me." It sounded like a demand or an order given to part of the crew. He paused for a moment looking into her eyes that were quickly filling with tears. "I'm letting you go."

Katara's eyes softened immediately and her mouth dropped open against Zuko's hand. She regretted what she said and wanted to take it back. She felt him remove his hand from her mouth, expecting her to say something. She couldn't speak though.

"You're friends are over there." He pointed to where a clearing was barely visible. "Now go before I change my mind." He let go of her arm and she took off running.

Zuko closed his eyes, trying to get rid of the pain that filled him. He opened them when he heard someone running towards him.

Don't even think it. He told himself when he saw her coming back. She's not staying.

"You're a good man." She told him before leaning up and placing a lingering kiss on his cheek. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear.

He wished he pulled her back and kissed her before she ran, but he didn't. He didn't even say anything else to her. He just let her go, let her do what she wanted, honored her wishes.

He turned back to his ship only to see his uncle a few yards away with a sad but proud look on his face. Zuko looked down again ignoring him.

"Prince Zuko," He tried to start.

"Don't!" Zuko yelled. "Don't Uncle. Not today." He said walking past him.

For once Iroh didn't push or pry. He just let him go, knowing the pain of heartache was too strong for him to deal with right now.

Zuko returned to his room and sat down on his empty bed. He felt empty himself, like there was nothing he could do now. He had done what he thought he should do, and it sucked.

He had done what his and Katara's judgement told him to do; to be the good guy. His uncle was proud of him and Katara was finally happy. He was the only loser in this game.

Zuko yelled as he fell back onto his bed.

"Screw judgements." He whispered.

Ok good news, this chapter (believe it or not) is longer than it originally was and I plan on making the next chptr long as well. Bad news... I don't even have the next chapter written yet so it may be a little longer for the next update. Monday night will the the earliest I think. But at least it's not like a really big cliffhanger or anything right?

In case you guys didn't pick up on it, the itialized words in quotations were conversations/quotes from previous chptrs. They will be in there a lot in the next chptr I think. The next chptr is all Katara so. I hope you guys'll like it. Thanks for all the reviews. Until next time!