Day One: Serendipity
By Chance
Xxxxxxoxxxxxx
She sat by the water's edge, the waves lapping at her legs and feet. She looked out over the ocean, watching the moon. She was troubled.
What if they didn't win? What would become of them? What if Aang didn't make it? That made her tighten her eyes pain. What if any of them didn't survive? She re-considered their goal. What if they really were just a rag-tag team of kids? Would they make any difference in the war? What if the Fire Nation did manage to burn the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes to a crisp? What if Aang couldn't defeat the Fire Lord?
She sighed and put her head in her hands.
She was frightened. Katara wouldn't be able to bear the pain if any of them died. What if they weren't strong enough? What if Aang wasn't ready? Had they taught him enough? Was he comfortable with the elements?
She stood, hands balled into fists. She knew she had to calm down. She needed to talk to Aang. The boy would do anything for her. And he knew just how to comfort. His words were peaceful and nice, just like the Air Nomad he was. He genuinely cared for her, but she didn't know what to do. She was sure that she would grow to care for him in a way more than just a brother.
She turned, intent on going to find him-
-and ran smack into Zuko.
She pulled back quickly, nearly falling backwards, but he steadied her by grasping her shoulders. He released her once she found her balance. She let out a shaky breath, chin quivering.
"Hey, Katara, are you alright?" he asked, gold eyes glowing.
It was suddenly all too much. Her doubts and worries, her confusion, her feelings and his caring gaze. Katara launched herself at Zuko, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in the space between his neck and his shoulder. His arms reflexively wrapped around her waist.
Tears leaked down her face and she let out a tiny sob. He shushed her softly, hesitantly rubbing her back.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
She pulled her face from his shoulder for a second and took a deep breath. "It's just-I-I don't know how to-how to deal with everything-and- and sometimes I think that were all too naïve- and that were not getting anything done-and-"
He cut her off and lowered them to the ground. "I've thought that through, Katara. We're doing everything we can and we need to persevere. I think we're as ready as we'll ever be and Aang has learned most of what we can teach him. It'll be very difficult, but I think we can make it. And if things don't go as planned, I'm prepared to save as many as possible and flee. I'll take us and hide. I'll protect you…and everyone else."
"Do you think we have an unrealistic goal? Like we're overestimating our skills?"
"No. We're all strong enough to fight and win. I think we'll win."
She sighed and laid her head in the crook of his neck. She'd never felt safer. "Thank you," she whispered.
He laid a hand on her hair. "Don't worry."
"It's what I do best."
"Shh. It's ok."
She moved away from him slightly and looked up into his face. He was devastatingly handsome, and his features were set in a caring gesture-his eyebrows pulled up, mouth in a slight worried frown, eyes tightened.
She put a hand on his good cheek and pulled herself up so that she was eye-level with him.
"I'm so glad you came down for me."
She kissed him, tugging at his hair.
He froze for a moment, and then responded with enthusiasm. His hands tightened on her waist.
It was a simple, chaste kiss, but more than a peck. It was a 'I'm here for you' kiss, a 'I really like you' kiss. After a moment, they pulled away but stayed in their embrace. They stared out at the water, at the starry sky, at the moon. They stayed there for the rest of the night, content.
Xxxxxxoxxxxxx
That was great fun! Please review.
P.S. I own nothing.
~Sam.