October Catch-All

[oceanblue]

Characters: Katara, Open
Date: October
Location: Wood Sector mostly
Situation: Katara's Balancing Act
Warnings/Rating:Lots and lots of hurt feels

Katara, as of late, is stuck in a very tentative balance between her own healing and doing her best to be the strength of those around her. She's starting to wear thin and is far too close to breaking, but she's determined not to let it interfere with her aiding the others.

Stresses/Situations include:

-Physically, Katara has yet to heal completely from Zuko's fire.
-The entire poisoned Zuko situation. Her efforts to heal him have been completely ineffective, for which she feels personally guilty. She's having to watch him fall apart and can do nothing to stop him. There's no way to help him carry his burden except to let him hurt her, which, unfortunately for her friends and brother, she's willing to do. She is also battling romantic feelings toward him as well: this level of dedication to someone's wellbeing definitely has an effect on the heart, and she is no exception. The fact that they arrived together out of a particularly desperate moment back home also doesn't help. (Or does it)
-Though her own turtle was spared, Katara is devastated over the murder of the babies, particularly Korra's.
-She's well aware that her bloodbending capability is emotionally scarring, and now she's having to watch over a hurt and very hesitant avatar. She's healing him in silence (after the Kedan's fail assassination attempt) when he allows her near enough, but the tension is wearing her down to the point of actual frustration, both toward him and herself.


She will, however, attempt to hide as many of these as she can from everyone including Aang, her brother, and Akito, lest she be even more of a burden on an already dark situation.

(( Threads are open to any situation you like :) ))

Comments

[12goingon113]

Aang knows all too well what it's like to feel trapped by the healing process, and so when Katara mentioned wanting to get outside for a little while, he was more than happy to help make that happen.

In truth, there's precious little that Aang is capable of saying No to, when Katara is involved.

Just...feel free to ignore any and all subtle earthbending done in the effort of making the path they walk towards the river easier for her to manage.

[oceanblue]

Again reminded why she was so fond of the airbender, Katara reveled in the fresh air as they walked along the bank, at first embarrassed by the earthbending, but finally at the point where she had accepted it in silence.

Still wounded and healing, she didn't say much, but after a good walk, she would finally slow to a stop with a sigh and look to Aang.

"There's a good spot up there near those trees we could sit for a bit. If you wanted," she muses aloud, adding the last bit quickly. Though it's obvious she's not in tip-top shape, she's more than capable (she thinks) of getting around as she wants, and she's not about to show any weakness that she can avoid.

However, a small break would be nice...and it might give them a chance to talk.

[12goingon113]

It's a lovely day, all things considered, and Aang is thankful to be out in it. Even more so because of the company with him. Sure the walk is quiet, but it's a companionable silence.

When she stops, he stops. And when she sighs, Aang tilts his head to one side as if considering whether or not letting her leave for the walk was a good idea.

"Oh! I um...I'd like that a lot," he stammers out. "This is a pretty place. I've never been here before. It'd be nice to just sit for a little while."

That was convincing, right?

[oceanblue]

She's quick to raise a brow at him, but her expression clearly states that she knows he sees that she's tired and that she's amused--and so, so grateful-- that he's even attempting to appease her.

"I... had started practicing my bending around here before everything got so...well..."

She makes her way over to the tree and shakily lowers herself to the grass below it, watching the river flow not far from her feet as she stretches out her legs and lets the rest of her thought go. She hasn't so much as thought of using her bending since she bloodbent Zuko, and she's not sure she should admit it to anyone.

"Thanks for coming out here with me, Aang. I was going crazy in that room..."

[12goingon113]

"Complicated?" he offers when words seem to fail her.

Aang follows, airbending himself onto the ground next to her when she finally does settle.

"I understand. I felt the same way when I first got here and couldn't get out of bed. Then they wouldn't let me get out of bed." He pauses to grin at her. "So Toph bent the floor of my room through the roof of the building."

6th

[lordhotman]

Being separated from Wan with Aang watching him instead has been a bit stressful for Zuko. Even though Wan managed to live through the stabbing, he's still worried about him. Plus being in a house alone with Aang, with the things not resolved between them, has made him feel more on edge. There's a tension there and Zuko didn't like it. He didn't have Wan's reassuring presence there. Zuko had tried to sleep, but woke up screaming and in pain from the nightmares as usual. But this time he was alone.

Miserable and lonely, Zuko isolated himself in the vacant bedroom that he was inhabiting. He would just stay out of Aang's way. Out of everyone's way. Because he was dangerous, and he knew it.

Re: 6th

[oceanblue]

A lot had happened the previous night, and despite her previous hesitancies fighting her desire to see her friend, Katara could not have been kept away from visiting Zuko. After approaching Aang's home and finding her way to Zuko's room, she hovered at the door before opening it slowly, her head low but her eyes searching. Her voice, at first, was small.

"Zuko...?"

[lordhotman]

Wallowing in his own thoughts, Zuko almost didn't hear her come in. He had kept replying last night's events over and over in his mind. This time he had killed someone. Sure, it had been in self defense, but... that's just one more casualty of the poison he's had to endure. Not to mention the two Kedan that had to live with the burns given to them by both himself and Wan.

Hearing her voice though, Zuko looked up, a bit surprised to see her.

"Katara?"

[oceanblue]

"I...thought I would visit..."

His surprise made her blink, but while she hesitated to speak, she does not hesitate to step closer and perch at the edge of his bed, just as she had when he had been staying with her.

"I just want to make sure that you're okay after last night," she admits quietly, watching him with careful blue eyes and as much of an encouraging smile as she can muster.

[lordhotman]

"Oh."

Well, he's okay with that then. He definitely didn't mind the visit and honestly could use the company. Company that wasn't painfully awkward at least.

"I'm okay. How's Wan?"

After all, the Avatar was the one who had gotten severely injured, and Zuko can't hide the concern from his face and voice.

19th; courtyard of their tree home

[akito]

It's Sunday afternoon and Akito is, as usual, practicing his Waterbending. He's learned a lot since it was gifted to him, thanks to Asti agreeing to add in some basic knowledge with the ability, combined with scientific knowledge of how water works, and his martial arts skills. It's... alright, but he knows he can do better. While he may have figured out how to freeze water and melt frost effectively he has trouble managing to create steam. And his control fades the further away from him the water gets, if he tries to hold its form.

A big part of the issue could possibly be how fatigued he is in both body and mind, working hard every single day and night until he manages to sleep (fitful and filled with nightmares). He's made progress with Tony - and a new friend in the process - and the people he's been teaching self defense to are coming along well. So it's worth whatever discomfort it brings him, in his opinion.

Re: 19th; courtyard of their tree home

[oceanblue]

So, so much had happened in the last few weeks, and while she had, for the majority of it, been staying at her own home, Katara couldn't deny that her relationship with her roommate felt half hearted at best. She felt guilty that he had been dragged into everything because of her, and even more guilty that he had taken such good care of her during her beginning weeks of healing.

Thus, she absolutely refused, even with circumstances as they were, to deny him their waterbending practice.

As he practices his bending this Sunday, Katara finds him easily, and though she's tired, offers him the best smile she can. "Hey, Akito!"

[akito]

Akito doesn't respond right away, but it says a lot about how much he's improved that the water he's moving doesn't immediately drop when his attention is suddenly split. He Bends the water back into his canteen, pauses, then drinks it.

"You're by yourself?" It wasn't what he'd meant to say, but seeing her alone was surprising and it's the first thing that comes out of his mouth.

[oceanblue]

She blinked, but otherwise wasn't offended by his comment. She had, afterall, seemed to have had an entourage the entire time she had known Akito.

Though of course, part of that time she had been barely able to do anything at all without someone there.

Instead, she smiled bashfully and shrugged a little. "Maybe not if you're up for some company?"

[akito]

Again, Akito doesn't answer right away - first he looks her over, checking to see if she's actually alright enough to be unaccompanied, as he wouldn't want either of them to get someone angry with them. Seeing that she does seem in good enough condition, Akito relaxes fractionally and nods.

"Company would be nice."

[alphatar]

Having practically locked herself away in her empty suite complex when not at work, Korra had a reason to leave it in seeing Katara and Sokka. They had provided a sense of home in a city that never quite felt like one. Sokka said he'd be there for anything she needed and Korra didn't want to stay away from Katara too long. She had more of a presence in Korra's life than than she knew.

Which was why she was unloading a pack of freshly caught seafood, more scarce to buy now that Jack's fishing shop was closed, and another pack filled with winter clothes. Extras she had left over from when she and Jack donated clothes last winter. The season was coming and she wanted to make they had more than just what they showed up with.

Especially if Asti followed the path of the world she and Wan had seen.

One bag on her shoulder, the other tucked under her arm, Korra motioned Naga over to her. "Knock for me, girl." Korra said her request with a smirk knowing full well what the animal would do. A few loud barks and a large paw hitting the door. Thankfully, Korra taught her not to use her claws.

Sorry I'm late to the thread!

[theideaguy]

It's Sokka's third or so day over at Katara's since arriving in this weird place. He's been juggling more than his fair share of things given that Katara is still quite injured and in an emotional quagmire. Sokka feels like he's got his hands just a little full, especially as he's been trying to acclimate himself to this new world, meet new people, and keep up on news. Simply, he was swamped, and Sokka really hates swamps.

But nonetheless, Sokka is working downstairs when... the "knock" happens. It sounds more like a large bass drum pounding rather than the harsh staccato of a normal knock, which is... amazingly curious. The animal sounds could have been practically anything, but one way or the other, there are visitors afoot. He can... go ahead and open the door? He's practically been there long enough to count as a virtual resident in his book.

And so a few minutes later, he's greeted by the very pleasant sight of Korra and the rather terrifying image of a polar bear dog at the front door. "Korraaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" His first reaction is to cower in fear, arms covering his head as he hops a few paces away from the door.

"Wait... is that your pet?"

I'm sorrier! D:

[oceanblue]

Katara is further in the house and doesn't appear until her brother's scream pierces through the house, a wildly worried look on her face until she recognizes the pair at the door. "Korra!" Moving easily past Sokka, she steps right up to Naga and attempts to hug her nose. "Sorry about him. He's a little jumpy sometimes."

She's incredibly relieved to see the avatar, and it's written all over her face. Things haven't been going well lately, and she's growing even more weary, despite her increase in health.

[alphatar]

Korra stood, eyes wide as Sokka screamed at her face. It didn’t register at all that he had never seen a tame polar bear dog before. Not that she could blame him, Naga was the first and only one. She opened her mouth to speak, but got a good example of explanation by Katara hugging the terrifying tail wagging Naga.

Even though that probably answered Sokka’s question, Korra didn’t want there to be any doubt. "Sure is. This is Naga." As soon as Katara’s done getting a nuzzle from the polar bear dog, Korra motions her head to Sokka and the polar bear dog went to pin him down for a slobbery kiss. "Don’t worry, she’s harmless."

Korra’s smile faded only a little when she noticed how tired Katara looked. "How are you feeling?" She asked more quietly, tucking both bags under her arm so she could put her free hand on Katara’s shoulder.

[theideaguy]

"I am not jumpy!" he fires back at Katara, pointing idly to her. His voice isn't angry; more so it's humored and faux-resentful. Even so, his claim is totally not true, and Katara knows it, but he has to say it nonetheless; it's part of their unique sibling relationship. "I am perfectly calm right now," he adds, as if to prove the point.

He's not perfectly calm.

However, with the demonstration and the explanation, Sokka slowly ekes his over in Naga's direction and looks a little skeptical of the polar bear dog, slowly poking its nose before with his finger before risking any further direct contact. "Naga, huh? I guess you look harmless... despite being five times bigger than any of us."

10/10

[oceanblue]

Katara's head hurt. Her chest hurt. Her limbs felt like lead, and it was all she could do to hide it all from her brother.

She had visited Zuko. She had spent plenty of time alone to sort things out. But things continued just as they had been before, even if she was the slightest bit quieter now.

Carrying her newly laundered sheets, Katara passed by Wan's room, her eyes low, just like always. He still didn't trust her, and now, with all the added confusion, she hadn't dared to face him, nor had she dared to put any more stress on the man; he was scared of her, and now, she was fearful of him, too, and his he wasn't fit for that right now.

When she heard the groaning from behind his door, however, she paused, her shoulders sinking and her eyes closing. There was enough pain in the world right now... and she wouldn't turn her back on someone that needed her. Even if he insisted she stay away... her conscience wouldn't let her simply leave him without at least another offer. Thus, she knocked softly before cracking open his door and peering in, her head low but her expression concerned.

"Wan...?"

[raavashing]

Wan was curled up on his side - his good side - and clinging to Mula. He heard the door open and he heard Katara's voice and he tried curling up further, into a tiny ball that she'd leave alone. The movement only made the pain worse, sending a sharp spasm through him. It was through force of will alone that he managed to grunt loudly and not cry out.

But he couldn't stay curled up, he had to stretch and that meant rolling onto his back. His head rolled with him and his eyes found Katara. He stared at her, scared and hurting, and of course his own words to Zuko came back to haunt him. He said he'd try to let her help him. He'd promised even if he hadn't said it explicitly.

Wan squeezed his eyes shut and hissed as he started pulling his shirt open so she could see his side. Very weakly and with reluctance, and though he turned his head away from the door so he didn't have to see her walk in, he still silently invited her to help him as his pulled his shirt away from his skin and revealed the fresh bruise marks. He didn't know it but he'd done something in the last few hours that had caused some internal bleeding. Torn something. It needed to be seen to. He just knew it was more painful than it had been in days.

[oceanblue]

As she looked in on him as he was, her eyes widened, absolute concern and pity drawing her into the room--slowly-- and to shut the door. She stayed quiet, looking for anything to say, until he moved.

Her fears, for the moment, vanished the second he met her gaze. Her first instinct was to rush to his side to help him, to keep him from hurting and straining himself further, but she stayed back as she tentatively knelt a little ways from him, hoping he'd see the genuine desire to help him in her eyes.

When he turned away, she lowered her gaze, again, grasping for words, until the sound of rustling cloth caught her attention once more. His silent allowance drew her closer, but she hesitated still, despite the obvious need, her voice soothing and gentle, as if speaking to a small child. If he panicked now, it would only make things worse.

"Wan... are you sure? I won't hurt you...I promise I won't hurt you."

[raavashing]

He gulped heavily and his face contorted in pain immediately after. It wasn't breathing itself that hurt, but the action of expanding his lungs and muscles and that moving against whatever it was that had opened up inside him. His breath came in heavy snorts and he forced himself to nod and lift his arm over his head. That hurt. It hurt so much. But he needed to keep his side clear so she could get to it.

Mula purred loudly and settled her head on his chest, over his heart, trying to help in her own way.

[oceanblue]

"So where we're stopping... When we leave Asti, even if it's just for a little while-- that's notactual land?" she asked, confused from their prior talk. She then reached up to find the necessary cooking utensils from their stores, looking over her shoulder at Korra.