a/n I'm not sure I thank you guys enough. You are the BEST! I would not be writing if it weren't for all of you awesome people. Every time you review, follow, or favorite I smile. So thank you!

I have never had so much trouble with a chapter before. Grrr. I kept writing, reviewing, and deleting in a vicious cycle; however, I eventually settled on something. The 'something' that I settled for does contain some mature scenes just so you know. ;)

Chapter 41 ~Doubts~

-Zuko-

"How?!" Aang asked alarmed.
"Oh, come on Twinkle Toes," Toph said rolling her eyes, "don't tell me the monks never told you about the sparrowkeets and the buzzard wasps?" Aang's ears turned bright red.
"I know that. I just can't believe Katara's…pregnant." He said the word slowly, testing the word out aloud. He turned to Katara. "Is it true?" he asked calmly. She nodded and a smile started stretching across Aang's face. "Well, I guess congratulations are in order."
"Thank you Aang," Katara smiled and pulled the Avatar into a short hug.
"Yeah," chimed in Toph, "Way to go Sparky and Sugar Queen, it's about time." Now Katara's cheeks turned bright pink.
"Toph!" Katara scolded, "We aren't even married yet." Toph just waved her hand.
"That's just paperwork. It's not like you guys aren't already committed to each other and now you'll have two extra reasons to stay together." Yeah, not just one… He sighed slightly. The thought of one baby scared him enough, but two? Agni. How were his nerves supposed to survive? He didn't notice Aang approach until he felt a hand at his shoulder.
"Congratulations Zuko," he said and then he leaned closer so only Zuko could hear him, "I wish you much happiness in your new life. You deserve it." Zuko could feel his face redden and knew it must be as red as Katara's.
"Thanks, Aang," he said slightly embarrassed. Aang nodded and went back to the others. He watched them with an odd fuzzy feeling. They had all become a part of his family. The fuzzy feeling faded as reality dawned on him. He didn't want anything bad to happen to any of them, but at the same time, he knew they were all capable of taking care of themselves. This resounded in an odd mixture of emotions; ones he hadn't felt so powerfully or broadly before. His family was no longer limited to Uncle. Besides the ones present there was Sokka and Suki and of course Ikem, Rina, and Ning… Ikem, Rina, and Ning were by far the most fragile in Zuko's family. I wonder if I can convince them to move into the palace…
"You know Lord Zuko," Guru Pathik said speaking for the first time. "If you spend your days and nights worrying about what might happen in your life, you can never truly live."
"I…" he started to say without really knowing what to say. Guru Pathik's words had puzzled Zuko.
"We cannot forget to live. I understand that you are now realizing how large your family is…and will become and it's natural you want to protect it, but life has a funny way of getting messy and unpredictable." Pathik smiled kindly, "But would we want it any other way?" Zuko finally smiled. In a strange way, the words comforted him. Mission complete, Guru Pathik turned to congratulate Katara and left Zuko standing off to the side a little. The fuzzy feeling returned. Maybe things would all be okay. Katara was young and healthy. There was no reason for him to be worried...Maybe I can convince her to get checked over by Yugoda later… Then he noticed Yugoda wasn't with the others. Where was she?

He turned around to see her kneeling over Azula.
"Is everything all right?" he asked her and started walking towards them. Yugoda leaned back on her heals and looked up at him.
"She's sick," Yugoda said glancing back to Azula.
"What's wrong?" he heard Katara ask as she came to stand beside him.
"She has a high fever and is in pain." Yugoda explained, "You didn't notice?"
"I…uh…I thought it was just the sedative."
"No, it's something altogether different. I'm not sure how to describe it. It's like her mind and body seem to be at war."
"I went through something similar…" he said thinking back, "It was in the Ba Sing Se. Uncle said I was going through a metamorphosis and would emerge the person I was meant to be." Could the same be true for Azula?
"I have never heard of anyone going through this…" said Yugoda deep in thought, "However, it seems to have worked for you. We can only hope that Azula's condition will improve soon."
"What do you mean?" he asked. Surely Yugoda, the best healer in the world, could relieve Azula's suffering.
"I've been trying to temper her situation, but I fear in time my actions won't be enough."
"'Won't be enough.'" He repeated, "Are you saying that she is going to… die?" The thought twisted in the pit of his stomach.
"Yes, in a few days if we don't do something," Yugoda answered seriously. Before he could respond to the shocking information she continued, "Don't give up yet, though. I heard that there is a spirit oasis in the Fire Nation. Perhaps if we could get her there the water might help."
"Yugoda, we could use m-" Katara started to say, but Yugoda interrupted.
"No, you save it. I doubt it'd be enough anyways." What were they talking about? He didn't have long to wonder because Yugoda quickly stood with a resolved look in her eye. "We need to get her to the Fire Nation."
"Appa can't carry all of us," Aang said, joining the conversation.
"I have my ship stationed in the bay." Yugoda replied and Katara made a confused expression. "Well, how else do you think I got here?"
"I'll go on the ship," volunteered Toph, "You guys can ride the flying fluff."
"Do you want me to go with you?" Aang asked. Hmm…according to Katara those two had a thing for each other…
"No," Toph replied quickly, "You've been separated from Appa for a while now. You should ride him."
"It's fine. I'll see him when we reach the palace."
"Okay. Whatever." She shrugged.
"Guru Pathik are you coming?" asked Katara ending the short and awkward silence.
"Oh no, you go. Save Azula. I belong up here with my onion-banana juice." The Guru smiled. "You know where to find me if you ever need me."
"Thank you," Zuko said bowing his head in respect, "for everything."
"It was an honor Lord Zuko. I hope we meet again under better circumstances."
"You could come to the wedding." Zuko invited and glanced at Katara who nodded in support.
"Hmm, maybe I will," the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled mischievously.
"Well," Yugoda said clapping her hands together, "now that everything is settled, I think we should have some food, call it a night, and leave tomorrow at first light."
"Will she be okay until then?" he asked. Yugoda's face softened.
"Yes, we all need a good rest before we head out." Everyone heartily agreed.

-Katara-

Much to Toph's surprise, Yugoda brought some previsions to the temple from her ship that weren't just medicine. Toph had managed to grumble at Yugoda for 'holding out on her' in between bites of blubbered seal jerky.
"Katara, I thought you might be missing this," Yugoda said as she took the lid off a pot, "sea prune stew!" Katara smiled, but then she caught a whiff of the stew and made a gagging sound.
"Thanks, Yugoda," she managed to say. Seeing Katara's reaction, Yugoda quickly put the lid back on.
"Are you okay?" Zuko asked as he looked at her worriedly. She took a deep breath, glad the smell was gone.
"Yeah, I think so," she replied, "I just don't remember sea prune stew smelling quite like that."
"It's exactly how I remember it," Aang said with an exaggerated groan.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Yugoda apologized, "You'll come to find Katara that as your pregnancy progresses your tastes will change."
"Have fun with that Sugar Queen!" Toph interjected before continuing to stuff her face.

Sunset acted as an early bedtime for everyone. It felt nice to walk hand in hand with Zuko to their sleeping room by the dying light. She was exhausted from traveling, but wouldn't dream of complaining. When they got to their room, her eyes couldn't help but linger on him as he pulled off his clothes.
"What?" he asked pulling on his sleep pants and suddenly aware of her staring.
"Nothing, I just enjoy looking at you sometimes," she answered honestly. A slow smile crept onto his lips.
"I enjoy looking at you sometimes too."
"Really?" she asked in false disbelief. "Clothes on or off?" she added as he started to stalk towards her bare-chested.
"Either. You're beautiful either way."
"Would you rather I remain clothed then?"
"Hmm…depends." She could feel the heat radiating from his chest he was standing so close now, "Maybe I could help you?"
"Remove my clothes?" she whispered. He bent his head as if to kiss her, but stopped just shy.
"If that's what you want." Why did those words sound so sexy?
"Yes," she breathed as she reached up to pull his lips to hers.

While they kissed, he slowly began untying the knots holding on her clothes. After he managed to toss off her red top and binding, she instantly she felt one of his hands on her breast.
"Ooh," she moaned. They were sore.
"Is this okay?" he whispered against her lips.
"Mhmm…yes." His lips left hers as his mouth traced along her jaw then neck then shoulder and at last to her breast. She ran her fingers through his hair, pulling on it with the sharp pleasure his mouth was creating. Then he quickly stood. Huh? Before she could voice her protest, he swept her into his arms and carried her to their furs. He carefully set her down and went about removing her bottoms. He kept eye contact with her the entire time he moved up and then down her body. She saw the smoldering desire in them.
"Watch," he whispered as his mouth traveled towards her center. She writhed in anticipation. "Shhh…" he soothed just before his mouth descended on her.
"Ah!" she cried out and her hips lifted off the bed of their own accord. His right hand snaked up to try and hold her hips still. His tongue caressed her folds and drove her wild. She called out his name and he groaned in appreciation sending shudders through her center. "I…oh…so good…I…need…aah…" Her voice was high pitch and breathy, but she didn't care. What she was feeling was too strong, too wonderful.
"That's it," he whispered, "Let go," and his tongue struck the right spot and she fell over the edge. He slowed his actions, letting her down gently. Her breathing was hard and there was a glisten of sweat across her body.
"Hmm," she hummed as she felt him move up so he could pull her into his arms. It felt so wonderful she closed her eyes and snuggled tighter against him. She felt him hot and hard through his thin sleep pants. "What about you?" she asked fighting back a yawn.
"I'm okay," he said and kissed the back of her head, "Sleep."
"I'll return the…the…" her eyelids felt so heavy. What was she trying to say? She couldn't think clearly, the fog of sleep overcoming her. "I…love you…" she managed to say before she fell into a restful sleep.

-Zuko-

One of his favorite parts about being with her was waking up to her in his arms. He sighed knowing it would soon have to end. It was still dark when his eyes opened, but sunrise was fast approaching and everyone would soon be up. Best enjoy it while he could. He shifted slightly so he could see her face. Her nose scrunched up adorably in protest and she murmured his name. Agni, he loved her. She was smart, compassionate, fierce, beautiful, sexy, the list was endless. Just then, her eyelids opened, exposing her amazingly blue eyes. She smiled and cuddled closer, but said nothing. They both quietly enjoyed the pre-dawn bliss.

Once more, they loaded their things and themselves on Appa with Azula and Yugoda. Toph and Aang would use their earthbending to get to the ship faster than walking and start out for the Fire Nation at once. Katara seemed sad about parting ways so soon and she gave Toph an extra-long hug. With last farewells, they set off.

As they flew, Yugoda reported that Azula's condition had worsened overnight. Apparently, her fever was still climbing and without the aid of Yugoda's glowing hands, her body writhed. He hated seeing her in such pain. For the most part, he could only hear her tortured cries from where he guided Appa. He wished Katara would sit up beside him, but he knew she wanted to help Yugoda in anyway, exemplifying another reason why he loved her. So he sat at front, enjoying the morning sky by himself.

-Katara-

The ride was long. Luckily, she wasn't nauseous. Hopefully that time had passed, but Yugoda said it would most likely return. Great. Yet, having another validation that she was pregnant was heartening. Every time she thought about holding her two babies, she smiled. Then the moment would pass as Azula cried and writhed. A wet cloth had been placed over her forehead to try to bring her fever down. Every now and then Katara had to apply new cool water since Yugoda was focused on relaxing Azula's muscles. Katara could tell from Yugoda's expression that it wasn't working as much as she hoped.

Despite getting excellent sleep, she felt tried. The warm midafternoon sun felt nice on her skin.
"Why don't you lie down?" Yugoda suggested. Katara's eyes sprung open; she hadn't realized they'd been closed.
"What about Azula?" she asked.
"I just administered some sedative. I know, I know," Yugoda said before Katara could interrupt, "Earlier I didn't think it was a good idea since she could slip away and not return, but the insides of her body were taring and being damaged from the ferocity of her convulsions." Katara looked sadly at Azula's form. She seemed at least a little more comfortable. "You should rest now. It's okay." Katara nodded. She crawled up to the front where Zuko stoically sat. He seemed surprised by her appearance, but quickly welcomed her into his arms.

Two strong arms reached under her then she felt herself being lifted and instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn't need to open her eyes to know who it was. Only one person smelled like him, held her close like him, or whispered her name like him. She was effortlessly carried up some wooden steps. Surely, we can't be there yet she thought. The trip would take them at least a day and a half. Her eyes fluttered open. She was looking up at his strong jaw. He glanced down and noticed she was awake.
"It's very late. We've stopped in Kyoshi." He told her and she could feel his words rumble through his chest.
"Mmhmm," she hoped it sounded like a happy acknowledgement. She was still so tired. Gently, he sat her down on a soft bed.
"Do you want to change into your sleep clothes?" he asked. She shook her head. Changing would involve moving and staying awake longer. Even with his assistance, she doubted she could manage. "Okay," he agreed and covered her up. The sheets felt delicious against her skin. She felt him climb in behind her. "Sweet dreams my love," she heard him say before she returned to the peaceful sleep.

-Zuko-

A warm hand softly played with his hair.
"Mmm," he groaned as he opened his eyes to find Katara looking at him. "What are you doing?" She smiled guiltily at him.
"Looking at you," she admitted.
"Looking or touching?" he countered.
"Bit of both," she replied, "Do you want me to stop?"
"Agni no," and he groaned again when her nails lightly scratched his scalp. She threw her leg over his and he moaned at the feeling of her against him.
"I want to really see you," she whispered.
"Yesssss," he hissed as her hands found their way inside his pants despite the sash. He was still fully dressed in yesterday's clothes, but she made short work of that. When he couldn't help but thrust farther into her hand, she gripped him tighter. "Ah!" he cried out, but she soon swallowed his cries with a kiss. He knew he was getting dangerously close and he didn't want it to end like that. "Katara, s-s-stop. Please." He panted. Thank Agni she released him. She pouted as if disappointed.
"I want you," she grumbled.
"I want you too, but I want to be inside you." She nodded enthusiastically and quickly went about removing her clothes. He crawled overtop of her, supporting himself on his forearms. "Shh…slow Katara. Let's go slow." She whined impatiently as he carefully peeled her clothes off. "Slow. Slow. Slow." He repeated between kisses. Finally, they were both bare.
"Please Zuko, now," she tilted her hips to tempt him.
"As you wish," he said, aligning himself with her entrance, "but slowly." They groaned in mutual pleasure as he leisurely slid in.

He couldn't help the curses that exited his mouth as he moved inside her. Their kisses grew sloppier as his thrusts increased. It felt so good. He wanted it to never end, but simultaneously he also longed for the glorious release.
"Zuko…" she moaned, "Oh Zuko…" He could feel her walls start to flutter. This was his cue.
"Gah!" he gasped as he rutted his hips and fell over the edge. His arms could no longer bear his weight and he collapsed on top of her. They were both trying to catch their breaths. Agni, he had never felt her release so intensely before. It must be because of the babies. The babies! He sprung off her as fast as possible. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she whined, "Come back, I miss you."
"I don't want to hurt the babies."
"We're fine for now. Look," she ran her hands across her stomach, "you can't even tell they're in there."
"Yet."
"I guess we'll just have to get creative." She grinned. Agni what she did to him.
"We should get up now, otherwise we'll never get Azula to the Fire Nation."

It had been a while since he visited Kyoshi. Although, the last time he visited he tried to destroy the town with the Rough Rhinos. This occasion was hardly for pleasure either, but at least they hadn't begrudged him for the desperate maniac he used to be. He sincerely hoped Azula would see the error in her ways. Of course, she still had to get to the Fire Nation's oasis and it might be enough to end her torment. What if it still didn't work? He thought. We'll just wait and see I guess. He tried to suppress the seed of doubt in his stomach.

a/n Bleeh. I'm still only marginally satisfied with this chapter. I hope the little M bits spiced it up, because otherwise (even to me) it seems borderline boring. Blah.
Had you forgotten about the Fire Nation Oasis? (I think it's first mentioned waaaaay back in ch. 21) Maybe we'll learn why the oasis is so wacky and maybe it can help Azula. I guess we'll see next Sunday(/very early Monday). As always, I'd love to know your thoughts and thanks for reading!