His eyes upon your face

His hand upon your hand

His lips caress your skin

Its more than I can stand

Why does my heart cry?

Feelings I can't fight …

Please believe me when I say

I love you

-Roxanne from the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack

I can hear them laughing from my window above the gardens. Her voice floats up to me, and I want to cross the room to see her. I don't, however, because of the man she's with. He's my best friend and I'm happy for him. Well, I would be if there wasn't this annoying little emotion snagging at my heart and mind.

I give in finally and get out of my seat. The floorboards creak beneath my feet, reminding me of the work I'm leaving for later. At my new position in front of the window, I can see them walking slowly underneath the trees, surrounded by flowers and birdsong. I watch him clasp her hand in his. My own hand is empty and I can feel the echoes of heartbreak in it.

Katara removes her hand from his in order to pluck a flower from among the vines that sprawl across the path. Something he says makes her frown slightly and pull her brow together. He says nothing but takes the flower from her and places it in her hair. He wraps his arm around her waist and kisses her tenderly.

I turn away, unable to watch anymore. I pull at my top knot, letting my hair fall in front of my eyes. I keep seeing him hold her or kiss her in my mind. Why does that bother me? What is this thing that keeps me up at night? Why can I only imagine her with one person? I know the answers to those questions, but I refuse to acknowledge them.

What does she see in him? I understand that because he's the Avatar, there's something alluring about him, but I know her better than that. She doesn't see power or popularity as perfection, no, what she wants is honesty, steadfast and surety. She can't stand it when things are uncertain or changed drastically. Sure, Aang is sure in his role as Avatar, but when it comes to relationships he is timid and nervous. She is beautiful, a force to be reckoned with, but also compassionate and caring.

I look back through the window it time to meet eyes with Katara. She doesn't break the glance but instead stares back boldly. Something in that look makes me think there's still hope for me. She smiles secretively and I raise my good eyebrow questioningly. As we exchange the look I realize what the annoying emotion is: Love