Disc: I DO NOT own any of the characters from LOK. They belong to Brike. I do however own anyone you don't recognize, along with the idea for this story.

Enjoy!

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update this story. I hope this next installment makes up for it!

"Trust in Love"

Chapter 9

Korra whimpered and thrashed in her sleep. She cried out, convinced she was in danger.

"No! Please, I'm sorry!"

Senna fought back tears as she tried to calm her daughter. Listening to her cry out in fear broke her heart. Resting her hand on the pre-teen's shoulder, she started softly assuring her.

"Shh, Korra, it's okay. You're safe, little one. You're not alone. I'm right here. Shh…"

Korra relaxed a fraction, but Senna could still see tension in her face. She wished more than anything that she could take it away.

"How is she doing?"

Glancing up, Senna shook her head as her husband joined her. Reaching over to the nightstand, she picked up a cloth and dipped it in some water. Gently, she ran it across Korra's forehead, hoping the cold would bring her some relief.

"Senna, you're not alone in this," Tonraq gently informed her.

"I know," Senna whispered, tears in her eyes. She tried to fight them back, but it was no use. They streamed down her face like a smooth rainstorm.

"Sweetheart, why don't I watch her for a little bit? You need a break," Tonraq offered.

"I…I can't leave her now," Senna shakily declared.

"You need to take some time for yourself. You won't be able to take care of Korra if you don't take care of yourself, hmmm? She'll be safe with me. You know that."

"I do, but she doesn't," Senna pointed out.

"How will she if you don't give her a chance to trust me? She needs to learn we both love her. Honey, trust me."

"I do," Senna assured him. To prove her point, she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. Burying her face in his shoulder, she let the remaining tears fall.

Tonraq comforted her as best he could. He too was hurting to see their little girl like this. But he knew Korra would be okay in time. Planting a kiss on Senna's forehead, he assured her, "We'll be fine."

"I know," Senna gently pulled away from him. Turning back to Korra, she bent down and kissed her cheek. "I love you, little one. You're safe with Daddy. I'll be back. Take care of her," she said to Tonraq as she turned and left the room. Grabbing her parka, she left the house. Once she was outside, the waterbending master sighed. What was she supposed to do now? The answer came to her easily. Walking a little father, she turned left and headed up a familiar walkway. Knocking on the door, she waited for someone to answer. It didn't take long for the door to open.

"Senna, what a nice surprise. Come in," Katara stood back to allow her second daughter entry.

"I'm sorry I didn't call first," Senna said in way of a return greeting.

"Don't apologize. This is your home too."

Senna nodded. She followed her second mother into the kitchen. She sank down in a chair. Before she knew it, tears were falling anew.

"Senna, what's wrong?" Katara was in front of her in seconds. Reaching out, she pulled the young woman in for a hug. Running a hand through her hair just like she did when she was younger, Katara waited for her to answer.

"It's Korra. Sha-she's so afraid and broken. I don't know how to reach her. I don't want to hurt her."

"Senna, listen to me carefully. You can never hurt her. You know how to get through to her. If anyone can, it's you. You've always had a strong bond with her."

"But it's been so long and I…I don't know her anymore…"

"It's true you'll have to get to know her again, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The good news is, the important things like attachment and protection are already in place. You've always been Korra's emotional anker. That hasn't changed."

"You think so?" Senna sniffed back more tears.

"I know so," Katara assured her. "I know it's not easy. But nothing in life that's worth it is. You'll get there. You both will. When she was here yesterday and she told you she was hurting, that was trust. It was a small step, but Korra took it. And the more steps she takes towards reconnecting with you and Tonraq is what will bring you back together as a family. I'm here if you need me."

"I know," Senna wiped her eyes, "thanks. I Love you."

"I love you too," Katara gently kissed Senna's forehead. "Is Tonraq with her?"

"Yeah," Senna answered.

"That's good. Korra needs to learn she can trust him too."

Senna laughed softly, although it sounded more like a sob.

Katara raised her eyebrows at her youngest daughter's actions.

"You and Tonraq think alike. He said the same thing."

Katara chuckled.

"Would you like some tea?" She offered after her laughter subsided.

"Thank you. I'd love some," her daughter replied.

"Korra asked me why I didn't take her home the night she was discharged from the hospital two years ago," Senna informed her mother. Shaking her head, she blinked back more tears as the guilt squeezed her stomach into knots. "I should have. If I had then she wouldn't have gone through spirits knows what up until now. Why didn't I just take her?" she softly chided herself. She felt a warm mug being set down in front of her.

"Senna, you can't keep beating yourself up over that. You couldn't have taken her back at the time. It was too dangerous," Katara gently reminded her.

"I know," Senna sighed. She shakily lifted the mug to her lips. Taking a few sips, she set it down.

"I'm so proud of you."

Her mother's words made Senna glance up. Locking identical eyes with her, she raised her eyebrows.

"Why?"

"You're not giving up on Korra or yourself. You're doing your best and helping her to recover."

"I'd never give up on her," Senna asserted.

"I know you wouldn't," Katara agreed. "After Korra recovers from her tonsillectomy, she needs to have a physical done to make sure she's okay."

"I know," Senna closed her eyes. "She's not going to take that well. I think she has PTSD towards medical procedures. In fact I'm sure of it," with that, she explained to Katara what happened in pre-op.

"You can help her through that. You know what its like," her mother encouraged.

"My PTSD is different," Senna reminded her. "Sure, I'm not a fan of invasive procedures or check ups, but I'm not afraid of them."

"It doesn't matter. You know what it's like to be that afraid. You can help her overcome it. I know you can. For all you know, she could have gone through a traumatic experience at a hospital. It doesn't have to be surgery itself. If someone wasn't kind to her or too rough when they examined her, it's enough."

Senna nodded in agreement.

"You need to get her to tell you what happened."

"How?" Senna wondered.

"You can start by telling her about your own experiences. One that won't scare her," her mother amended. "Explain you have it too. Help her to not feel ashamed of it. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I know," her daughter assured her.

"Korra may not know that. She might have been yelled at for exhibiting symptoms or even hit for it."

Senna shivered at the prospect.

"I thank the spirits I had you to help me," Senna gratefully said.

"I was glad to do it," Katara rested a hand on her shoulder. "It was out of love for you."

Just then, the phone rang.

"I'll be right back," with that, Katara went to answer it. "Hello? Yes, she is as a matter of fact. Okay, I'll tell her. No problem." Returning to the kitchen, she wasted no time. "That was Tonraq. You need to get back home. Korra's fever rose. Tonraq can't get it down. She threw up the medicine he gave her."

Senna sighed.

"Okay. Thanks for everything," she hugged her mother before leaving. Keeping her mother's words in mind, Senna braced herself as she entered the house five minutes later. Closing the door behind her, she made a mental note to take Katara's advice. She had never led her wrong before. Senna had a feeling this time wouldn't be any different.

"Tonraq! I'm back!" she called out.

"We're in Korra's room!" he called back.

Senna entered to find Korra shaking, her back turned towards her father.

"What happened?" Senna demanded. She hadn't meant for the question to come out so abruptly.

"She woke up and she felt warmer, so I took her temperature again. It was 102.1, so I gave her fever reducer. She threw it back up and she just started shaking. She won't let me touch her," Tonraq looked helplessly at his wife.

"Okay, let me see what I can do. Could you get Korra a new pair of pj's and put them in the bathroom, please?"

Tonraq nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Senna approached their little girl.

"Korra?"

Korra didn't respond.

"Little one, you're safe. I'm here. I need to get you in a bath. I'm going to pick you up," Senna softly explained.

"Ma-Mom," Korra shakily said. She turned to face her.

"I'm here. I need to lift you."

"I don't feel good!" Korra cried.

"I know, sweet girl. I'm going to help you," with that, Senna lifted the pre-teen into her arms. She made a mental note to get Korra up to the normal weight for her age once she got over this bug. She gently hugged her close as she carried her to the bathroom. Setting her down on the polarbear dog rug, she started bending the water for the bath.

"I think Dad's mad at me," Korra revealed.

"Why?" her mother asked.

Korra was silent.

"Sweetie, I won't be mad at you," her mother assured her. Turning from her task, she gently lifted Korra's chin so they were locking identical eyes. "Korra, please, tell me what happened."

Korra took a deep breath.

"I'm scared," she admitted.

"I know. And that's okay. I used to be scared too."

This got Korra's attention.

"You were? Why?"

Senna chose her next words carefully.

"I was hurt by someone when I was younger than you. He hurt my Mom too."

Korra gasped.

"I was scared for a long time afterwards. Katara helped me when I moved in with her."

Korra nodded.

"I can help you, little one. But you need to trust me."

"It's hard," Korra whispered.

"I know, sweet girl, I know," Senna slowly reached out. When Korra didn't resist, she pulled her in for a hug. Ignoring the wetness on her shirt, she just held her for a few minutes.

"I feel safe here," Korra softly declared.

"I'm glad," her mother kissed the top of her head. "Okay, let's get you cleaned up and feeling better. I'm going to warn you, the water's going to be cold at first."

Korra nodded. She let her mother help her undress. As her skin made contact with the water, Korra fought the urge to warm it up with firebending.

"I'll add some warm water in a few minutes," her mother assured her.

Korra nodded as she shivered.

"I…I threw up on the floor," she revealed.

Senna was puzzled by her daughter's statement until it clicked in her brain.

"Earlier?" she asked.

Korra nodded. She frowned as her gaze traveled to the water surrounding her.

"I'm sorry."

"Little one, look at me," her mother gently, but firmly commanded.

Korra did so.

"You don't have to be sorry at all. You're sick. You can't help it. Your Dad and I aren't mad at you. We would NEVER get mad at you for something like that. I need you to try and believe that because it's true."

"Okay," Korra replied. She sighed with relief when her mother added hot water to the bath five minutes later. She let her wash her down. Once the bath was over, her mother helped her change into a new pair of pj's. She snuggled in as her mother carried her back to her room.

"There you go," Senna gently laid Korra down. "How's that feel?"

"Better," Korra replied.

"Let's see if the bath helped your fever," with that, Senna stuck the thermometer in Korra's mouth. Taking it out a few minutes later, she sighed with relief. "Well your fever's down a little. You need to rest a little bit more."

"Will you stay?" Korra asked.

"Of course," her mother reached out and ran a hand through her hair. "Sweet dreams, little one."

"Thanks," Korra closed her eyes. She hoped she would feel better soon. She felt better now that her mother was with her. She didn't know what it was, but she didn't feel as scared when she was there. Now all Korra had to do was learn how to trust her father. Something told the pre-teen that was going to take a little bit longer…