(A/N) My sister and I were making up random stories and plots from our Avatarded imagination one day and this sort of just came up. It's been eating me for the past few days and I was itching to start writing it as soon as I could. So here I am right now in this current situation with another AU story in my hands (I'm beginning to think that I'm writing too many modern day AU's already :v).
This one will be a little different since there will be a lot of drama and shippings to make things really interesting. The Cupid will just keep shooting arrows at one person to another (-insert evil laugh here-)! So expect a lot of ships (even cracked) throughout the continuation of the story. Some you might like; some you might not. But hopefully, you'll get to enjoy each and every one of them. (But, okay I should totally confess that this will be a Zutara, Kataang and possibly Taang fic)
What am I doing? Nobody really reads the A/N's so I'm just gonna stop there (I wrote it for the sake of those who choose to read it). But I'll need to explain a few really important things first:
This is during the modern times so Toph is not blind and I don't want Aangy to be bald and tattooed (no matter how badass he'd look).
*The cover photo is an original sketch (copyright). It's modern Katara. You can find the full body version of it in my profile.
And of course, the Disclaimer: I ONLY OWN AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN MY DREAMS. (Yeah, right. I could dream. But they're not coming true anyways)
PROLOGUE
Four days earlier...
Waking up even before dawn had always bothered him. In fact, he was never even used to the routine in the first place. But he couldn't help but think that the morning was quite fresh and today was undeniably a 'special case'.
And yes, nothing else could possibly describe how 'special' the case was that he had to wake up bright and early. But he knew all the while the reasons as to why. It's not every day that he will have to do something that required much sacrifice.
Before the sun was even peeping on the horizon, Aang was wide awake, sitting on the kitchen table drinking naturally brewed coffee. He may appear rather sluggish in appearance, but his anticipation was quite in contrary. He was so enthusiastic that words almost can't describe how excited he was. He knew his reasons, and he couldn't wait for the next few hours that were sure to come.
His adoptive father had entered the small kitchen casually, his luggage in tow. He was a bald middle-aged man with a goatee, and was old enough to be considered his grandfather. Despite the old age however, his cheerfulness was that of a child's. He set the bags down on the floor, and motioned for the boy to help him with the rest of their luggage. Aang gulped the rest of his coffee down and followed him to the end of the hall.
"Okay, Aang," he started to say. "We'll be leaving the house in an hour and a half. Your friends said that they'll be stopping by for a farewell so I guess we could allow them some time." He handed Aang the baggage. "After all, we wouldn't want to leave without saying good bye."
Aang nodded gratefully, but frowned when he felt the nagging feeling at the back of his head again that always bothered him for some unspecified reason.
"Thanks, Gyatso," smiling, he took the bags to the kitchen. "I'm glad that you let them come. They seriously won't let me leave without a proper good bye."
He smiled and patted the boy's back. "It's absolutely no trouble. Besides, the flight will still be in four hours, so we still got time."
Aang smiled at his old man once more before excusing himself to take a shower.
Not long after the boy left, a car full of teenagers suddenly pulled up on the driveway. Gyatso quirked an eye brow when he heard the roar of the engines of an old mustang. He didn't really expect the boy's friends to come earlier than he thought they would. The sun had just started to appear on the horizon, and the sunlight had yet to illuminate the town with its heavenly glow.
He walked over to the windows to peek on the blinds. He watched as a tall boy with mocha skin emerged from the car, followed by his sister on the passenger seat. Another girl with much paler skin came out from the backseat and almost slammed the car's door in frustration. She had a scowl on her childish face, and was unmistakably annoyed for some reason. The old man smiled when he saw them.
He called out over his shoulder. "Aang, your friends are here!"
But apparently the boy didn't seem to have heard him and he assumed that he was still locked away in the bathroom.
The trio sauntered towards the front door and Gyatso waited for them to knock. And when they did, he opened it a little too enthusiastically.
"Good morning, Gyatso," the ever polite Katara smiled and bowed to him. She was a charming and respectful young lady, and the old man couldn't help but feel proud of his son's choice of girlfriends.
"Whattup, Gramps?" the other girl greeted casually as if they've been the best of friends for such a long time (which is quite considerable since the two got along swimmingly).
"Hey, M.G.," Katara's brother grinned crookedly. "I hope we weren't too late." He glanced at the interior of the dimly lit room and turned his attention back to the weary looking old man. Sokka smiled sheepishly, "Or in this case, too early."
Gyatso chuckled lowly as he greeted them. "It's absolutely no problem, kids," he motioned for them to come inside. "We've been awake even before the sun was out. We didn't really expect you to come earlier than the time you told us you would. But since you are all here, well, after all the trouble you probably had to go through, we couldn't just let you leave now, can we?"
"That," Toph stated as-a-matter-of-factly. "Would just be a waste of gas. Twinkletoes doesn't know how lucky he is that I'm such an awesome friend. I have to be dragged here by these two for the pansy's sake." She blew her bangs from her face. "Talk about sacrifice."
Katara looked around the room eagerly. "Speaking of 'Twinkletoes', where's Aang, anyway?"
"Oh, he's upstairs taking a shower," the old man said. "He didn't expect you to be early. But don't worry; he'll be down in a minute."
Toph dumped herself unceremoniously on the dusty couch and groaned. "See? I told you guys that we're too early. But did Sugar queen listen to me? Nooo," she drawled and wrinkled her nose at them. "Can you believe these guys, Gramps? They climbed on my window at three A.M. and dragged me here."
"Toph, its fine," the older girl rolled her eyes and Toph childishly stuck her tongue out at her. "And for the record, we didn't really need to drag you out. You just came by."
"But you threatened me! It was by far one of the cruelest threats you could imply," she exclaimed. Sokka bit his lip and tried to hold his laughter (since he knows what's good for him) upon remembering his sister's threat. He couldn't help but wonder where in the world Katara could have possibly learned that. "It was a smart one too," Toph muttered and crossed her arms.
"Besides," Katara ignored her. "From what I know, you threatened us that if we let Aang leave without saying good-bye, you'd beat him up when he comes back. I don't want that to happen to him… at all." Then she smiled a little too sweetly at the younger girl and Toph scowled. "I want him to be in a good shape and free from any bruises or broken bones, thank you very much."
Apparently, they forgot that there was another presence in the room. Gyatso's eyes momentarily widened at what he just heard and he stiffened almost unnoticeably. But Toph felt it anyway. She had that sixth-sense she's proud to call that most people don't have, and she was fast to react. She shrugged one shoulder and folded her arms nonchalantly behind her head.
"And yet you believed me. I didn't even say that," she said and she heard Gyatso exhale softly in relief. "You people just assumed that I did."
"Well, knowing you, you could have said something like that."
"I'm not that cruel. You guys have no proof, anyway."
"Um, you sort of, kinda did, Toph," Sokka scratched his chin in thought. "You told me that – "
"You guys just really want me to beat him up, do you?"
"Uh," Gyatso cleared his throat awkwardly. "Do you kids want anything like coffee or tea? I could get you some if you'd like."
"Nah, we're good, Gramps," Toph waved him off dismissingly.
"Coffee would be nice, thank you," Katara said completely putting aside the topic beforehand. "But I'll save you all the trouble. We won't be here too long anyway."
"No, it's perfectly fine," Gyatso assured her kindly. "It's early and you kids need something to boost yourselves up. By the looks on your faces you're still probably drowned in your sleep last night and had just awoken," he chuckled softly. "I'll be back to fix up some coffee," He turned to excuse himself heading towards the west side of the house. "In the meantime, you should probably just stay here and wait for Aang. He'll be down soon." Then with that being said, he disappeared (a little hurriedly, Toph noted) to the kitchen.
Sokka dumped himself on a recliner after the old man left and he groaned in content. Katara sauntered over to where Toph was sitting and sat next to the younger girl. She was busy picking her nose a little too naturally. Katara nearly cringed at the sight.
"You guys should be careful of what comes out of your mouths," Katara shook her head. "I think we just scared Gyatso."
"No duh," Toph said, still digging in her nose. "You scared him, Katara."
"What? Me?!" she said in disbelief. "You're the one who threatened his son."
"Yeah, but you brought it up, sis," Sokka said smugly. "So apparently, it's both your faults."
Katara groaned and brought her face into her hands. "I didn't do that! I –," she started to say, but she paused, knowing that it won't get her anywhere. "You guys are so… ugh, never mind." She sighed. It was clear to everyone that Katara didn't want to initiate another pointless argument, so she withdrew from the topic. Toph felt smug at her self-proclaimed victory.
A moment of silence passed between them.
"Sooo…," Toph said randomly after a few seconds, pulling out an excretion from her nostril. "Where's the Airhead going again?"
"Asian tour," Sokka said casually. "I don't know where to be specific, but the kid's lucky. That's three weeks of just traveling and having a huge blast," he sat up from his position on the recliner. "I mean, where does that leave us?"
"Me? Somewhere far away from here, maybe. You two? I'm gonna take a good guess and say 'no where'," Toph smirked in a mocking way as she turned to Sokka. "That's what you normally do anyway, am I right?"
"Did you forget something, Sokka?" his sister said, sitting up. "Aang and Gyatso are having this trip for a reason; besides just having fun and thinking it's a vacation."
"Ah, true, true," he nodded in agreement and reclined back to the seat. "But it sure beats doing nothing on the first month, right?"
"You of all people should start doing something, I don't know… productive? So you'll finally feel satisfied once summer ends."
"Since when am I satisfied with just three months? It's even more aggravating! Can you imagine how much of a 'troll' society is? I mean, this is like my second to the last official summer vacation before I go to college."
"And yet," Toph said, still smirking. "You're wasting sweet precious time lazing around on your sorry little ass playing Minecraft 'til dawn."
Sokka glared at her dangerously.
Just when Sokka was about to start a violent argument with Toph, the trio heard footsteps coming down from the wooden staircase. Sokka paused midway. They turned to see Aang waving at them while trudging down the stairs, freshly showered and clothed for the occasion. He was grinning happily and they caught a glimpse of something big, white, fluffy and furry trailing behind him. It was Aang's English Sheepdog Appa. He landed on the ground before his master did and he wagged his tail happily while trotting towards them.
"Hey, guys! Glad to see that you could come," Aang said in that overly enthusiastic voice of his, and the rest of them couldn't help but smile at that. The violent attempt Sokka was about to enforce earlier slowly dissipated as he pushed it back in for Aang's sake.
Katara was suddenly up on her feet at the sound of his greeting and she quickly sprung towards him. "Aang!" She exclaimed happily. Aang was smiling from ear to ear and by the time he reached the foot of the stairs, his girlfriend had already reached out to embrace him.
Sokka and Toph followed closely behind.
"You wouldn't allow us to let you leave without saying good-bye now would you, Twinkletoes?" Toph grinned while crossing her arms.
"Yeah, Aang! Just when we were about to let you do whatever the hell you want," Sokka added with a crooked grin.
Katara pulled away just when he started to chuckle, and with the big smile still plastered on Aang's youthful face, he turned to the other two behind his girlfriend. "Thanks for coming, guys. You have no idea how happy I am to see you before we go."
"Hey, don't mention it," Toph said as she playfully punched his shoulder. "What are friends for? Besides, this is all Sugar Queen's doing. We would've been still asleep if it weren't for her climbing on windows."
Katara chuckled nervously when Aang turned to her, but he smiled otherwise.
Gyatso emerged from the kitchen a few moments later to call them in for a cup of coffee. He served them some buttered toast, and was kind enough to provide a real breakfast for them. Aang just sat there with his friends, keeping them company, without anything being served in front of him since he had already eaten his share before they arrived. He watched them in amusement as they ate, laughed and joked around until they were finally satisfied and filled with the rightful amount of energy. It beamed from their faces. Not once was it awkward for him nor did a single one of them feel left out in any of the topics and conversations they were having. Aang was happy to have such amazing people as his friends. They've known each other since he was in middle school and had been an inseparable foursome ever since.
Sokka was telling them the story and he couldn't believe that they had to go through all this trouble – waking up before the crack of dawn, climbing windows in order to drag the other out, and driving all the way here – just to wish him a happy trip and to bid him good-bye. He smiled at that and it's hard to avoid the feeling that was building up in his chest.
Gyatso had already told him beforehand about the trip's conditions, and Aang was a little disappointed. The main disadvantage of the trip (he knew this was coming) was that he'll have to lose contact with the rest of them. He'll be going out of the country and the ways of communication will be very complicated. From what he had heard (from a somewhat reliable source), his two main sources of reaching them through social media were banned in China (which is one of the places he and Gyatso will be going), and most of the other places they'll be staying in will either have no internet connection or will be completely isolated. He could send letters, yes. But how long do you think will the recipient be able to receive it? A week or two maybe; considering the fact that he'll be overseas. And by the time he gets a reply, he'll be either on the road to another destination or aboard the international airlines.
As selfish as it may sound, Aang wished that Gyatso could have picked better places for them to go on their so-called vacation, but who was he to say that? The old man didn't even consider this a vacation at all. It's a religious pilgrimage that he had to do every ten years and Aang had no other choice but to take part in it with him. The old man was a fairly religious individual since he was a missionary. He was no exception to the traditions.
It's sad to think that he'll be away from them. And even if it's not that long, Aang couldn't help but be bothered by something that he couldn't quite name. It's not like he'll be gone forever, right? It couldn't be that bad now, would it? But for some reason, he was being overly dramatic and he couldn't do anything but worry to some extent.
Maybe it was because of the fact that he has a girlfriend. He's never been away from Katara for more than a week ever since they started dating. And they've been dating for almost two years now.
Aang knew he could trust her, no doubt. And by all means, he could. He wasn't overly attached or overly-possessive like other people in a relationship. Besides, what could happen? All he knows was that when he comes home, she'll be there waiting for him wearing a beautiful smile on her face.
But even with that pleasant thought in mind, why was there still something bothering him?
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt someone flick his temple. "Ow!" he yelped and turned towards the culprit. Toph was sitting beside him with a placid expression on her face.
"Yo, Twinkletoes," she said. "You okay in there? What's going on in that head of yours? We've been trying to get to you but you've kind of spaced out." She shook her head when she stood up from her stool. "Seriously, pay attention to what's going on around you. It's important when you're on the road. You'll never know what'll hit you." She turned to follow Sokka and Gyatso out of the kitchen.
Aang watched them leave, confusion etched on his face. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see his girlfriend standing behind him. She looked really lovely, bathed in the faint glow of sunlight protruding from the windows.
"Aang? Is everything okay?" she asked in her ever caring nature.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he smiled at her. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Are you sure? It seemed as if something was bothering you for a moment there."
He forced a soft laugh. "No, really," he insisted. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me." He took the hand she placed on his shoulder and kissed it affectionately.
Katara sighed, but forced a smile anyway. "Okay. But if something's wrong, just tell us, alright?"
"Com'mon, Katara. You can trust me on this: there really isn't anything to worry about." Well, nothing that he knew of. He gave her hand a squeeze before he stood up to join the others.
When they made it to the front lawn, they found Gyatso, Toph and Sokka loading the baggage in the old car. Appa was sitting happily by the mailbox with Aang's cat Momo perched on top of it. There weren't many bags, just two luggages, maybe. But they were heavy. Gyatso didn't really have that strength to carry such heavy load like he used to, so he asked for Toph and Sokka's help. Aang walked over to them, smiling. Katara followed behind him.
"Okay, so we loaded the stuff in," Sokka said, brushing his hands. "What's left to do, M.G.?"
"I need to double check the house before we leave," Gyatso turned to Aang with a knowing smile. "While I'm at it, you should take this opportunity for your farewells and necessary favors." He then turned towards the house and disappeared in it once more.
Aang looked over at them, with a genuine smile on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but Sokka beat him to it.
"So, Aang," he said with a huge grin. "First off: favors." Katara rolled her eyes at him. "The good-byes and farewells could wait later," he cleared his throat dramatically. "Since you'll be going someplace 'exotic', how about bringing me home a little something-something."
"Sokka!"
"Umm…okay," Aang rubbed the back of his neck in slight confusion, but he was smiling anyway. "What do you want me to get you then?"
"Hmm…," Sokka tapped his chin in thought. Then suddenly, he exclaimed as he snapped his fingers, surprising them. "I got it! Bring us home the most gorgeous 'little souvenir' you will meet – uh…find!"
Katara and Toph rolled their eyes; the former in an incredulous way, the latter in aggravation.
Ugh… not again.
"Uh," Aang said hesitantly, oblivious to what Sokka truly meant. "I guess I could do that…"
"Great!" Sokka beamed. "When you come back, just drop her – it off on my doorstep, will ya? Thanks, buddy!"
Katara stepped in, sending a glare at her brother's direction. "Aang, don't to listen him. You don't know what he's referring to and trust me, you don't wanna know. You don't have to get him anything." She turned to Sokka. "What the heck, Sokka? You know he can't do that. That's illegal!"
Sokka just shrugged and smiled a really goofy grin.
"Erm…what's illegal?"
"You and your naïve little brain, Twinkletoes," Toph shook her head in disapproval.
"Hey! Don't discourage him. This is a one-time opportu – uh… favor!"
"Sokka, stop it. Aang and Gyatso will be very busy with their pilgrimage and you can't bother them with whatever you want them to bring home."
"But, Katara!"
She sent another glare his way and he recoiled.
"Wow," Toph drawled. "The kid hasn't left yet and you two are already putting him under pressure."
Aang chuckled awkwardly. "Guys, it's fine. I'll bring you home a few souvenirs if you'd like. I haven't really thought it through but it's not such a bad idea," he crossed the space between them to pet Momo by the mailbox. The cat purred in content. "Besides, it will be my first time abroad. I might as well bring something home for the memories. "
His girlfriend smiled sweetly at him. "Aang, that's really sweet of you. But really, it's not necessary. You should – "
"Katara, what are you doing? He already said yes," Sokka cut in and she glared at him menacingly.
"Katara, it's okay," Aang said again. "I want to bring you guys something home from the places we'll probably go to." Then suddenly, a really big smile crept to his face, the sun was nearly put to shame. "Spirits! I can't wait to finally get the show on the road."
Appa stood from his spot by the mailbox and barked at him, wagging his tail excitedly. Aang reached down to pet him too.
"Trust me on this, Aang," Sokka said, placing an arm on his shoulder. "You shouldn't get overly excited. It'll just wear you down."
"Sokka!"
"Oh come on, Katara," he groaned, removing his arm from Aang's shoulder and marched towards her. "Do you ever get tired of saying that? Seriously!"
Toph walked over to Aang, distancing herself from the two arguing siblings. "Sooo… any favors for us before you leave, Twinkletoes?" Toph asked, despite already knowing the answer. She didn't know why, but she felt obligated to remind him.
"Actually, yes. But you guys already know that," he picked up Momo and gave him to Toph. "You take care of him, okay?"
"Just as long as he stays out of my parents' room, my dad's office, the music room, and basically anywhere else in my house besides my room, then I can assure you that he'll be in good hands," Toph smiled innocently, but Aang didn't fail to catch the mischief behind it. The Siamese purred happily when Toph stroke his fur.
Katara stepped forward and kneeled in front of Appa. "And we'll be taking Appa. I'm sure he won't be too much trouble," She started to pet him. "Won't you, good boy?" She cooed and the dog's tail started to wag wildly.
"Great," Sokka drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Another animal in the house."
Aang raised an eyebrow in bemusement. "Another? You guys have another pet, Katara?"
"Nope. Just Sokka," Toph answered for her.
"We have no other –," He paused and whined. "Hey!"
"What? It's true," she shrugged. "Am I right, Katara?"
"You are so right there."
Aang laughed and the girls howled with laughter with him, leaving Sokka to glare murderously at them. Yep, he'll totally miss this.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
When Gyatso finally returned to the front lawn after securing everything in the house, Aang had already started with his goodbyes.
First, he had hugged Toph and he was surprised that she didn't really try to push him away like she normally would've. Instead, she clung to him a little, muttering something almost inaudible into his shoulder, but Aang heard her anyway.
"I'm gonna miss you, Twinkletoes," she had said. "God, I'm acting as if you're never coming back."
Aang just chuckled softly. Then she pushed him away and punched his shoulder painfully. "Now don't go all emotional while you're there or so help me I'll hurt you when I find out." He cringed. Then she turned to Gyatso when she saw him walking out the front door. "Gramps, let me know if he's getting really sappy during the trip. 'Cause I'm so totally gonna man him up when he comes back."
Gyatso just smiled and gave a curt nod. "Will do."
Next, Aang hugged Sokka the 'manly-way' as the older boy would call it. "Good luck, buddy," he said.
"Thanks, Sokka."
And just when we was about to pull away, Sokka pulled him back in and said something in a low voice. "Don't forget that little 'something-something' you promised to bring home, okay?"
"Erm… okay?"
Sokka smiled mischievously then released him.
Aang then turned to Katara who had been watching the exchange. She was smiling prettily at him. Aang felt his insides do a somersault and his heart flutter.
She walked over to him and embraced him. "Good luck, Aang." She said softly and Aang smiled into her hair. She smelled so pleasant like the ocean breeze. He didn't plan on letting her go one bit.
"You too, Katara."
Then he released her slightly but kept his hold on her. He leaned forward and brought their foreheads together, staring deeply into those beautiful blue orbs.
He smiled. She grinned.
Then he leaned his head forward slightly and gave her a soft and tender kiss, savoring the moment before they parted. It was short and sweet, just the way she liked it. Then he pulled away reluctantly, a blush creeping into his face.
He wished that he could kiss her more than just that, but with Sokka giving them a look, he wasn't sure if it was the best thing to do at the moment.
So Aang just kept his arms securely around Katara, enjoying her scent and ignoring whatever ranting Sokka was doing at the current moment. He kept her lock in a tight embrace and she didn't seem to want to let go just yet. She leaned her head on his shoulder and when he felt something wet soak his shirt, Aang tightened his hold around her.
"God, I'll miss you, Aang," she sniffed back the meek tears.
"Promise me that you'll be there waiting when I come back, okay?"
"… I promise," she whispered and gave him a light squeeze.
Behind them, Toph snorted. "You guys are acting as if he'll be gone till next year."
"Yeah, sis. Aang hasn't even left yet and you're being this melodramatic already?" He tried to separate them in between but failed miserably. "Distance, people. Distance."
Gyatso, who was watching the whole exchange in mild amusement, placed a hand on Sokka and Toph's shoulders. "I know you two may not have felt it yet but you'll soon discover what it feels like to leave someone you love behind."
Toph shrugged his hand off playfully and scoffed. "Believe me, Gramps. I don't want to know nor do I ever." The old man chuckled lowly.
Aang pecked Katara's lips once more before finally releasing her. He silently hoped that when he returns, he'll get to give her more than just that.
Smiling broadly at his friends, he said. "Well, guys, this is it." He kneeled down in front of Appa once more and petted him and Momo. "Take care, guys. I'll see you in three weeks." The dog barked and licked him across the cheek affectionately. Aang laughed as he wiped the nasty drool.
He walked over to the car and climbed on the front seat, but not before waving a final farewell to his friends. "See you later guys!"
"Later, Twinkletoes."
"So long, buddy. Hey! Don't forget that favor!"
Katara kicked her brother on the ankle and he yelped in pain. Toph snickered.
"Bye, Aang! Bye Gyatso!" she waved enthusiastically, ignoring the agonizing sound her brother was making. "See you soon!"
And with that said, the car took off, heading towards the international airport.
Aang watched his friends until their figures faded from view. He smiled to himself. They were probably the craziest, weirdest, and most amazing people he had ever met.
He remembered when he first told them about the trip, they were ecstatic to hear about the news. It was a first for Aang to actually go overseas and admittedly, he was excited too. And to make things even better, the trip was for free. Now, how many people are lucky to have that type of opportunity? Apparently, the abbey had to ensure that Gyatso will continue on with his duties so they offered to support the travels. Well, partially. But he was glad that the travelling fee was well taken care of. Aang couldn't wait to start his vacation.
But now, that little voice at the back of his head was starting to make him think otherwise.
*M.G. stands for Monk Gyatso. I couldn't really claim it as an original, but I couldn't help but use it.
Reviews are highly appreciated C:
