Always
On the Anniversary of her mother's death, Katara would sometimes hide in seclusion.
Well, actually, she would always go and hide to get away from everyone.
I noticed this after three years with her. The first time the anniversary came up on the calendar, she woke up even before I did, and walked a couple miles into the woods. Me, being the worried boyfriend I was, decided to look for.
I found her sitting against a large oak tree with her knees drawn to her chest. Instantly I flew down next to her and engulfed her tightly in an embrace.
"Katara?" I prodded when she didn't move.
She looked into my eyes and I could see the tear tracks running down her face. My breath caught in my throat. "You know," she began shakily, "it's been so many years, and still each time this day rolls around, I'm cut fresh again."
I knew right then what day it was.
The year after was similar – except that this time, I was ready. She walked down to the lake early that morning, and I followed her, leaving a good distance in between us so that she wouldn't notice.
When she finally sat down at the shore, I stood behind her.
"I know you're there," she said lightly, not turning around.
"I can leave if you want."
Katara was silent for a moment. "No, stay. Please."
I sat down beside her and she leant into my shoulder. Considering we were close to South Pole and it was almost winter, I wrapped an arm around her – not that I really needed a reason. I kissed the top of her head.
"I'm sorry."
"I know you are, Aang," her lips curved upwards ever so slightly. "You just being here… it helps."
I breathed into her hair. "She loves you."
She smiled but didn't say anything.
"I love you," I continued.
It was the first time I had said it, I realized seconds after, but she didn't seem surprised at all. "You already know I love you," she stated.
And it was true. I knew she loved me, and she already knew I loved her.
This past year, we were sleeping in the same room – or the same bed, rather – as a new sleeping arrangement. I stayed up all night and held her tight, so I would know if she tried to leave in the morning. But she didn't.
I knew she was awake by the way she breathed into my chest. I wondered if she knew that I was awake.
"You've been awake all night, haven't you?"
Apparently she did.
"Aang," she whispered, "you don't have to be worried about me."
I just closed my eyes and pulled her closer.
"It's okay. I'm okay. She's with me, you know. She's there. Always."
0.o
For those of you who haven't heard, Lyralocke recently passed away. This is in memorial of her and her beautiful writing. I know it's short, but I really needed to write something. You don't need to review, but please go to her livejournal page (the link is on her profile) and offer your condolences to her family. I'm sorry to break the news for those of you who didn't know (the details are on her livejournal). I, myself, can't quite come to terms with it… Forever in our memory, Cassie. Over and out.