Hi Everybody!

Nasecoeur here, and I'm super excited to announce a new story! This one is a first for me, as it is a multi-chapter! I know it has been a long while since I wrote a fanfiction, and I actually wasn't planning on writing another one, but so many people favorited my old stories I just couldn't resist! I have the first 7 or so chapters written, and I will post one a week, or every 5 reviews, whichever comes first. And I promise each chapter will have at least 1,000 words of story and it will be worth the wait.

The title I have is a work in progress, it may change, and if it does, I'll give you fare-warning. Lemme know of any titles you think would work, because I've been having a really tough time thinking of one for this story.

This fanfiction is rated T. I'm not sure how strong of a T this will end up being, right now it is more as a safety feature, but if that changes, I will let you know as well.

So, without further ado, I present "Don't Tell Sokka"

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I, Nasecoeur am the sole owner of anything in this story that does not already have a copyright to it. This means I do not own Avatar: TLA. Sad day. :(

The night was perfect. Aang had everything planned out. Tonight was the five year anniversary of Fire Lord Ozia's defeat, and the New Fire Lord, Zuko, was throwing a ball in honor of the Avatar and his companions. Tonight was also the night Aang would ask Katara to marry him. Aang looked around the giant ball room where the celebration was being held. He, Katara, Toph, Haru, Sokka and Suki, Hakoda, Pakku, and Teo were all seated at the head table along with Zuko, his wife, Mai, and several other diplomats.

To Aang's left sat a girl with chocolate toned skin and cerulean colored eyes. She was wearing a form fitting cream colored gown with blue accents that was made out of silk. The gown reached just above her ankle, but the right leg had a slit that went to about two inches above her knee. Her brother threw a fit when he saw the dress on her the first time; Aang on the other hand had a problem keeping his eyes off her. Her hair was half up in some intricate bun, and the other half lay down across her back.

Aang grabbed her hand and she looked up from a conversation and smiled at him. Aang and Katara finally started dating soon after the fire lord had fallen, and they had been inseparable ever since. Aang leaned over Katara and put his mouth right next to her ear. She could feel his hot breath and it made her heart skip a beat.

He whispered, "You looked beautiful tonight, did you know?"

She smiled and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "Why thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

Aang smirked and was about to give his girlfriend another kiss when he felt a hand grab the back of his collar.

"Hey, no public displays of affection. Do I need to separate you to?" Sokka said with a grin.

Katara rolled her eyes, even though she was 19, he still acted like she was a little girl sometimes. "How about you go take care of your wife? She might get angry you aren't over there, and you know how those mood swings get…"

Sokka's eyes widen considerable, and he promptly let go of Aang's shirt and went to check of his wife, Suki.

Sokka and Suki finally got married about a year ago, and Suki was three months pregnant with their first child.

Katara turned her attention back to Aang, "Now, where were we?"

Aang put his finger up to her lips, "You know Sokka's right. We should try to set an example."

Katara gave a defeated sigh and nodded her head in agreement, "Fine, but later, you owe me."

Aang gave a smirk that wasn't much different than the one his 12-year-old–self would have gave, "It would be my pleasure." With that, they both sat back in their chairs and looked around to see who else was in the room.

Toph sat on Katara's left, with her fiancé Haru in tow. That was one couple that no one ever expected, but everyone was excited when they did get engage. Katara would, of course, be Toph's maid of honor, and Haru still hadn't told who he wanted as a best man, but most everyone suspected that it would be Teo, as the two became quick friends after the defeat on the day of the eclipse. Teo found his seat next to Haru and Hakoda, and Master Pakku sat next to him.

To Aang's right sat Firelord Zuko, at the center of the head table. He was actively involved in a conversation with his wife Mai, who was about 8 months pregnant with her and Zuko's second child. The Fire Lord and Lady got married about a year after the defeat of Ozai and have been happy ever since. Their first child, a son named Li, was two years old and was happily awaiting the arrival of his new sibling.

Aang looked around the room again. It seemed as if most people were settling down to hear the speech that Zuko would soon give. Aang's hands started to sweat. He had planned this out for months, but he was still nervous. He reached his hand into his right pocket and felt the cool stone from the betrothal necklace that lay there.

After getting Sokka and Hakoda's permission, Aang decided he was going to ask Katara to marry him. He spent many sleepless nights over trying to find the best time to tell her, and how to tell her in a way so he couldn't get nervous and back out. That was when the invitation for the ball arrived. Zuko had also sent a letter requesting that Aang make a speech at the ball. Though he wasn't a big public speaker, Aang agreed, on the condition that Zuko wouldn't mind if he proposed during his speech.

Zuko was thrilled and said it would be no problem. Aang then went to find Sokka to ask him if he thought Katara would mind. Sokka responded by giving Aang a whack on the side of the head saying, "Why would you even think such a thing? The only thing she could possibly wonder would be what took you so long?"

Aang smiled to himself at the memory, but was brought out of his musing by the sound of a knife on a glass.

Zuko stood up and began, "First off, I would like to thank everyone who was able to make it to this celebration tonight. We are here to celebrate the anniversary of the fall of Fire Lord Ozai, the end of the hundred years of war, and the start of a new era of peace among the four nations."

Cheers erupted through the room.

"We are also here to honor and congratulate four people who, by far, played the biggest part in ending the war. May I present the greatest earthbender alive, Toph Bei Fong,"

Cheers rang through again as she stood and waved.

"Brave Warrior of the Southern Water Tribe, Sokka,"

Cat calls were heard through the cheers, as Sokka stood and beamed.

"Waterbending Master of the Southern Water Tribe, Katara,"

If possible, more cheers and cat calls were heard. Aang could feel a pang of jealousy at this, but quickly brushed it away.

"And finally, the one who ended it all, The Avatar and the Last Airbender, Avatar Aang." It seemed as if the room had exploded with cheers and clapping as Aang shyly stood up and waved. He really didn't care for the hero worship, but it seemed to come with the title of Avatar.

Aang remained standing as Zuko finished his introductions, "Now, I have asked the avatar to say a few words in honor of this memorable day from history, so I turn the floor over to Avatar Aang." Applause was heard as Zuko sat down. Aang took a deep breath to try and settle his nerves. Speaking in front of all these people was bad enough, but by the end of the speech, his life was going to change, either of better or worse, he didn't know yet, that depended on Katara's answer.

"Thank you Fire Lord Zuko. As all of you recall, five years ago today, the world was changed. War was finally over and the generations of people that had only seen war, were now seeing peace. If it weren't for the brave men and women who stood up against Ozai and the Fire Nation in the years prior to that fateful summer day, I, we, wouldn't have even had the opportunity to end the war.

"On that note, I would also like to take this time to apologize. Though there are some that disagree with me on this," Aang gave a quick pointed look at Katara and Sokka, "I still feel that if I hadn't disappeared a hundred and five years ago, that this war could have been avoided. So I'm sorry that you and your families had to suffer through a century of pain and death.

"Now though, we have started a new chapter of life. A time of rebuilding, a time of peace. I'm very thankful that the road to peace has been as smooth as it has, and that the water tribes and the earth kingdom have been open and willing to discuss peace and trading with Fire Lord Zuko. Though war can be started by just a few, it takes everyone to make and keep peace.

"Also, though I tend to get most of the credit for ending this war, there are many people that did so much more than me. Every single one of them jumped at the opportunity to end the war, even though they knew it could have also ended their life. Though I know there isn't enough time to go through each and every person, There are a few people that should get recognized for their hard work and bravery.

"First off, Sokka, thank you for everything you have done. I know you weren't too fond of me when I first came out of that Iceberg, but we never could have done what we did without your leadership, confidence, fighting skills, knack for invention, and of course, humor.

"Suki, thank you for helping Sokka become a better person and learn that just because someone is different, doesn't mean that they are inferior.

"Master Pakhu, if it weren't for you, I never would have learned waterbending. I will always be grateful that you continued to agree to teach me even when I would disobey you and your customs. Chief Hakoda, thank you for your help with…everything. It is because of you and your men we were able to invade the fire nation.

"Teo, thank you for showing me that even though my people are gone, their spirit lives on, and though he couldn't be here today, I would also like to thank Teo's Father, the wonderful mechanist, for all of his magnificent inventions.

"Toph, thank you so very much for never giving up on teaching me earth bending. I'm not sure what I would have done if it weren't for you. You taught me a great deal, including how to take a punch.

"Retired General Iroh, thank you for the countless time that you gave me or one of my friends advice. Thank you also, for never giving up on Zuko and for helping him learn who he truly was.

"Fire lord Zuko, though we started out as enemies, I'm glad that we ended up as friends. Thank you for helping me escape when I was captured by Admiral Zhao, and even though we were rude and mean, thank you for continuing to try and join our group to teach me firebending. I learn a great deal about overcoming obstacles and making your own destiny from you.

"And finally, Thank you to my girlfriend Katara. Thank you for releasing me from that Iceberg almost 6 years ago. Thank you for sticking up for me when your brother thought I was a spy. Thank you for helping when I was in the Avatar State. Thank you for always being there, even when I would say or do something stupid. And thank you for showing me that just because I was the Avatar, didn't mean I couldn't be Aang also. And, I have something for you actually," Aang paused for a second to reach into his pocket, and a series of whispers echoed through the room. Aang glanced at Sokka, and he gave him a thumbs up. "Katara, you have always been there for me, and I want to always be there for you. I love you so very much, and have ever since I asked you to go penguin sledding. " He got down on one knee and showed her the necklace. "Katara, would you marry me?"

:) I couldn't resist a cliff-hanger! Lemme know what you think, and as always, constructive criticism is always appreciated, but flamers will be doused with water.

Till next time,

Nasecoeur