A little idea i had after watching The Winter Solstice part 1 (i can't remember the actual name of the episode...) Anyhoo, i hope you enjoy!

DISCLAIMER - Mike and Bryan own avatar.


Katara was sitting, curled up at the door in her nightgown, waiting.

Waiting, silently and patiently, as she did whenever a day like this came.

"Katara?" she turned and met her brother's gaze; he was leaning against the other side of the doorway, holding a bowl of soup which she was sure he hadn't made.

"Thank you, Sokka," she said, holding out her hands for the bowl. He gave it to her, and she set it on her lap, warming her frozen fingers.

"Katara, you've been out here for hours – you need to get some sleep. Aang will come back when he comes back."

"I'll sleep when Aang's back," she replied firmly, "Tell Iroh thanks for the soup." Sokka could tell from her tone this was the last she would say, and he nodded, knowing when his sister decided something, she wouldn't be swayed.

"Ok then. See you tomorrow, sis." He turned and wandered back inside, yawning, his thoughts already drifting to the certain Kyoshi warrior who was sleeping in the room beside his. Katara shook her head then went back to staring out at the darkening sky, waiting. She put the bowl on the step beside her and tugged the blanket tighter around her shoulders, shivering a little.

As the moon rose and the stars began to appear as pinpricks of light in the darkness, her eyelids began to droop. Slowly her head sunk, her eyes closed, and she fell asleep against the doorframe.

Aang appeared then, flickering into existence, "Katara?" He was used to the sight of his girlfriend when he returned, sitting on the step; usually she was awake. He shook his head fondly and hurried up to her, noting the stone cold bowl of soup beside her. Lifting her easily into his arms, the blanket falling to the ground, he carried her inside, cradling her sleeping form to his chest. She sighed in her sleep and Aang shushed her, "Shh, Katara, just sleep."

He shouldered open the door of her room and brought her inside, still murmuring quietly to her as he laid her on the bed. Slowly he let her go, pulling the blanket up over her.

"Night, Katara," he kissed her cheek, then turned to go.

"Aang! You're back!" she was suddenly sitting bolt upright in bed, and he turned back and smiled.

"Hey."

"Why didn't you wake me up?" she said, holding out her arms to him; Aang sat down on the bed next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"You were asleep, and I didn't want to wake you up."

"Oh," she yawned, resting her head on his shoulder, "Did you have a good trip?"

"I wish you wouldn't stay up for me," he said abruptly, fingering the shadows under her eyes, "look how tired you are."

She shook her head, catching his hand and holding it tightly, "I want to wait for you."

"Why?"

"Because I get worried otherwise."

Aang smiled, "You don't need to worry, Katara, I always come back."

"Only because I wait," she replied stubbornly, then she yawned again and Aang made to get up.

"I'll leave you to sleep."

"No! Stay here with me," she hadn't let go of his hand, "Please? I missed you."

"Sokka'll kill me..."

"Do you think I care?"

He chuckled, "No, I don't think you do." She nodded and shuffled over, making room for him, and he lay down beside her, putting his arms around her and pulling her to him again. She sighed happily, and he whispered in her ear, "I missed you too."

"Well, I'll always be waiting," she replied, half asleep already.

"That I'm counting on."


Did you likey? Review, please, eve one word would be great!

Was watching nightmares and daydreams yesterday, and found Katara's shoes kept disappearing then reappearing...weirdness. :D

Love, ATO xxx