Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Author's Note: If any of you happen to be easy listening fans, you might recognize the title of this story from an old song: "Kiss me once, kiss me twice, kiss me once again..." Loupami mentioned that it would be great if I would write about the kiss in the NYCC trailer, and a plot bunny was born.

Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice

So. Here they were again. Aang was just about to go off to find the Firelord, while Katara was readying herself to sneak into the city along with the others who had Fire Nation clothing. They'd clear a path for the rest of their force, such as it was, and catch up with Aang as soon as they could. This felt awfully familiar.

If anything, Aang seemed to have aged even more in the weeks since the failed invasion. And if Katara had thought she couldn't possibly love him any more than she had that day, well, she'd have been wrong. She just still hadn't been able to say it, and she wouldn't allow herself to believe that this would be her last chance. Aang seemed to feel much the same way.

"Well, I'll see you on the other side," he told her with forced joviality.

"Yes. I…Aang," she began, but couldn't find any way to continue. Well, if she couldn't tell him how she felt, maybe she could show him. Before she could allow herself second thoughts, she leaned forward and planted her mouth on his. As wonderful as it was, she couldn't quite give in to it and began second-guessing herself. She opened her eyes abruptly and pulled back, drawing a hand up toward her face. "I – I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I shouldn't have – this is a bad time. You need to go." What was she thinking? The weight of the world was on his shoulders, and the last thing he needed right now was to be distracted or burdened further.

"Katara." Aang's soft voice interrupted her racing thoughts, and she felt him grip her shoulders, his touch incredibly warm on her bare skin. Were his hands trembling, or was that her? "Don't ever apologize for kissing me." Katara forced herself to look up at him. He had a sad, half-smile on his face for a moment before it faded.

"Katara, I love you," he continued. "I should have told you every day from the day we met. I'm sorry."

"I love you, too," she finally spilled out what she'd been holding back. With that, he kissed her again, and she felt like she was being cleaned out. Aang was emptying her of all her worry and filling her with hope.

Suddenly, he was gone. By the time Katara realized his absence and opened her eyes again, he was already sailing away on his glider. She took a deep breath, readying herself for her part of the upcoming showdown.

So. Here they were again.

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Member of the Boomeraang Squad: charleegirl, Jesus.Lives, Liselle129, Strix Moonwing, Avatarwolf, MormonMaiden, libowiekitty, Snows of Yester-Year, La Vixen de Amor, chocolatecoveredbananacheese, Aangy, and honorary member SnakeEyes16

Author's Note: I know; I just couldn't resist using the "Pirates of the Caribbean" line in there. It seemed to fit. I'm sure this isn't exactly how it happens, but this was sort of the impression I got of the situation while watching it. Short, but I hope you enjoyed it.