Marked - Taang, some Zutara (later)

by reetywrites

After a person's 16th birthday, their soulmark can appear and with it the knowledge that somewhere, someone completes them. Or not. I mean, I did say 'can' appear. Love isn't black and white and some people just wanna chill in the grey zone, ya know? Set six years after the defeat of Ozai. Team Avatar are currently: AANG: 18 TOPH: 18 ZUKO: 22 KATARA: 20

1. Prologue

Prologue

Katara fingered her mother's necklace before tying it around her neck. She took care to cover most of it with her hair before pulling on her coat with the fur trim hood. Outside, Aang waited with a dutiful smile and when she drew near, held his arm out for her to hold.

But her mind was busy and it wasn't long before she let go, pointing out the other penguins to avoid questions. Aang laughed and chatted away about the last time they were in the South Pole.

They walked through her village, Katara didn't notice she had pulled ahead until a hand slipped into hers pulling her from the war in her head. She sighed, decision made.

"Katara, what's wrong?" Aang asked.

"Aang, I think we should break up." She said at the same time.

Aang's brows popped up in shock but before he could reply she continued.

"It's not you, it's-" she tried to explain but broke off at his crossed arms and creased forehead.

She turned away, unable to look at him.

"Look, Aang, people change, they get…" she trailed off, staring down at her hands clutching her coat.

Aang was quiet.

Then orange filled her vision, large hands cupped her face and lips met hers. She melted into him. Her first love. Her other half.

"No!" She yelled, ripping herself away, more for herself than him.

"What is wrong with you?!" Aang burst.

Katara was silent as she stared at him, his immediate regret evident on his face. But his words filtered through her distraught brain and proceeded to light her fuse.

"I am trying to do THE RIGHT THING!"

"By breaking up with me? How is that the right thing?" he asked in hurt and confusion.

She deflated. Finally understanding that there was no way around it. She smoothed her hands down her sides.

"I got my soulmark," Katara said, "and it isn't air nomad."

She hung her head and waited.

Nothing.

Katara felt the ghost of a hand brush the tears from her cheek before leaving on a light breeze.

"Yip-yip." She heard in the distance.

She looked up in time to see Aang seated on Appa, flying away from the Southern Water Tribe, taking her heart with him.