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Borealis: A Zutara Story	By : jaded_priceless Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > AU/AR - Alternate Universe/Alternate Reality Views: 33965 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, Avatar: The Legend of Korra, any historical figures or events, or easily recognizable persons, places or things. I make no profit from this work of fanfiction

Chapter List
- 158
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- 160
Chapter 156
Zuko ignored the call of his stomach to hold Katara as she slept. Yesterday morning the two of them had made up. She initiated sex in the shower even though she cried afterwards. Last night she had done something he hadn’t thought was possible before crying herself to sleep in his arms. This morning they talked before making love and she didn’t cry as much afterward. The small amount of understanding they’d established had been ruined by his father’s visit. Katara was angry and hostile again but after this morning he couldn’t blame her. Their separation over the past month, their reunion two days ago, their conversation this morning and the things she’d told his father had shown him something he never noticed before – brave, strong, fiery, Katara was just as fucked up as he was.
Only she was better, so much better at hiding it. At least she was while she was awake but in the moments like now when she’d burned herself out to the point where exhaustion claimed her, the cracks in her defenses were exposed. He’d spent days on the roof of the cottage listening to her wails wafting up through the chimney. They clung to him like smoke, seeping into his skin, burning his eyes and taking away his breathe until all that remained was the overwhelming need to be with her even though he knew she would choke the life out of him.
But like a month to an ember he was drawn to her, to the things she mumbled when she was sleeping, she yelled when she thought no one was hearing, she cursed when she knew he was listening because on that cold, damp roof in the Northern Earth Kingdom he finally heard what her heart had been saying. I’m here, I’m alone, I’m afraid, please help me.
His heart cried out the same things.
He wondered how much of it was because of the things he’d done to her, how much of it was because so much was expected of her growing up and how much of it was pressure that she’d placed on herself that she had never realized it? Or maybe she did but instead of admitting it she cried in her sleep and clung to anything nearby for safety.
Zuko was still pondering how he’d never realized how much he and Katara were truly alike when his father turned the ruined doorknob.
Ozai walked to the bed and leaned over Katara. Tears continued to slowly run down her eyes, “I saw Yuliang’s drawing and thought the Waterbender crying in her sleep was another piece of romantic whimsy.”
“You have done well with her my son,” Ozai complimented while gently lowering himself to the edge of the bed so he wouldn’t disturb her. He smiled softly and stroked Katara’s hair, “If she were Fire Nation the two of you would have my complete blessing and would be properly wed by now.”
“But she is not,” Ozai snarled while grabbing Zuko’s hand and attempting to crush it inside his own, “I go to bed each night and rise each morning missing the feeling of holding your mother in my arms. She is unsuitable but I remember what it was like to be your age and foolishly thinking that I knew was love was.”
Ozai smiled when the grip on his hand tightened and he began to feel his own knuckles being forced together. Thrice in a single day Zuko defied him. He patted his son’s hand and loosened his grip, “My son, the transcript of your message saved you.”
“I was still tempted to take her away until she told me she would have aborted your child, Zuko. The Waterbender amuses me and I do like her but she has more sense than you and possibly your sister. That makes her a dangerous prisoner. If I see you are unable to control her I will not hesitate to do what is necessary,” Ozai advised.
“I assure you Father, I have complete control of Katara. Each day her defenses lower. She was the one who told me that Uncle was traveling with the Earthbender. When I let her go it was only a matter of hours before she returned to me begging and screaming to be taken back. Yesterday she gave herself to me in the shower after I’d already taken her once that morning. She is my pet Father, why would you take her now that she is finally recognizing her master?” Zuko asked cruelly.
Fire Lord Ozai regarded his son, “Admiral Chu-hua and Azula are under the impression she was missing for a month.”
“That is because I wanted them to think that. The most worthy pets are the most difficult to train. Katara was drugged and hidden as part of a lesson on appreciating a good master. Everyone thought I’d gotten rid of Katara because I was spending more time with Mai. Mai is my fiancée. I do have a duty to honor so I killed time with her while I made Katara question what was to become of her. The stewards can attest there was no lull or decrease in the amount soiled bedding. Mai, Azula, Chu-hua all came into my room but they didn’t think to look in the nursemaid’s room on the other side of the closet. How else would she have reappeared day before yesterday when we are nowhere near a port,” Zuko explained.
“That recent?” Ozai asked, the rising pitch of his voice revealing his astonishment.
“Yes, that recent. You heard what Katara said to her. It was the truth. Mai was upset because she thought we had gotten back together and that I had gotten rid of Katara.” Zuko snorted derisively, “As if I would toss aside the Avatar’s Waterbender at some random port.”
The Fire Lord walked across the room to inspect the smaller attachment. The door was completely hidden by clothes and trunks. He too would have missed it had he not known it was there. Satisfied at Zuko’s progress he conceded, “Very well, Son. You may keep the Waterbender as long as she continues to entertain you.”
Ozai strode to the bed once more, “We are still searching for Iroh and the Earthbender. If you encounter them I expect you to report it. I admit I suspected you of assisting him. I came here prepared to take the girl away from you and throw you in the dungeons where you could watch the noblemen enjoy her. I am relieved to know my suspicions were unfounded and that my beautiful Ursa was right; I can place my faith in our firstborn.”
Ozai brushed Zuko’s bangs away from his forehead and kissed it, “Be well my son and look after your sister.”
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Borealis: A Zutara Story