Lost Along The Way
Zuko's POV
After I had helped Sokka with finding Suki and Hakoda, and after helping Katara avenge her mother, I really began to feel like part of the gaang. Sokka didn't doubt my trust anymore and even Katara had softened up towards me. Aang had always been easy to get along with…that's just the kind of person he was: a laid back, world loving Airbender. Toph…was well Toph. With or without me being in the group, her attitude didn't change much. I liked to believe she wasn't against my joining though. She had even come up with a nickname, 'Sparky' (which I hated). I let her use the stupid nickname though; I think it's just her twisted way of showing affection. After thinking about it, I realized it was no different than 'Twinkle-toes' or 'Sugar Queen'; which were Toph's nicknames for Katara and Aang. I smiled at this. Everything seemed to be falling into place. I had a family, a home, my honor, and we had even found Uncle (along with several other elders who had apparently been a part of this 'White Lotus' group). Aside from the fact that the war was weeks away, I felt content for once. Then I felt a small pang in my chest…and I thought of her. There was still one thing missing from my life. I rolled over in my bed and looked up at the ceiling. 'I miss you Mae…'
Katara's POV
I couldn't sleep tonight. My thoughts were clouded with visions of the war and how it would possibly turn out. I was worried for my brother, my father, Toph, Zuko (yes even him), and Aang… 'Aang' I couldn't forget yesterday…it was like the memory was embedded into my brain or something…
*Flashback*
Normal POV
"Katara, can I talk to you?"
She was standing over a pot of boiling water, slowing adding grains of rice and herbs into it.
Not looking away from the pot, "Sure, Aang. What's up?"
"Well…" Aang didn't want to tell her like this. He at least wanted to have her full attention.
Katara turned around. "Is something wrong?" She looked concerned at the sight of Aang's face. He looked distressed and confused. It was a rare thing to see him like this.
"No…nothing's really wrong, I just…" He couldn't get the rest of the words out of his mouth. It felt like every time he tried to say them out loud his throat closed up.
Katara walked over and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You know you can tell me anything Aang. Just tell me what's on your mind."
'Here goes nothing' he thought. "Katara, the war is only weeks away. It's really given me a chance to think about things…and-"
Katara interrupted him, "Wait, you're still worried about the war? Are you having more bad dreams or sleeping problems? Because I can-"
"No, Katara please just listen!" he didn't like shouting, but this was really hard for him. He felt like if he didn't tell her soon, he wouldn't ever be able to.
He looked up at Katara. She had a somewhat stunned look upon her face. He had never really raised his voice to her before. He felt a pang of guilt in his chest.
"I'm sorry I…I just really need to tell you this."
Katara remained silent and nodded her head.
"Ever since the day I met you, I felt like there was something special about you…At first I couldn't figure it out. I thought that maybe it was just because you were the first face I saw in 100 years…"
Katara blushed slightly…still confused as to where this could possibly be going.
"But as more time passed by, that feeling only grew stronger. I first noticed it when we met Jet. Every time I saw you with him, I felt jealous…which was wrong because of what the monks had taught me…but that's beside the point. And now…well…I."
Again Aang was at a loss for words. He knew what he wanted to say, he just couldn't get the darn words out. He sighed in frustration, still determined to tell Katara.
"Aang, look…I think I know what you're trying to say and I- mmphhh!"
Before she had the chance to finish, Aang rushed up and kissed her on the lips. He didn't know how to say how he felt to her, so he showed her instead.
Eventually Aang broke away. Katara stood there, watery-eyed and in complete shock."
Aang ran out of the room…
*End Flashback*
Katara's POV
I haven't seen Aang since then…I wished more than anything that he would have let me finish what I was trying to tell him. I wasn't angry at him for kissing me or anything…I just…I just didn't feel the same way. How could I? I mean for one thing he's twelve and I'm fourteen. I've always thought of him as my cute little brother…not my sexy boyfriend. 'Ewww' I shuddered at the thought. Aang was nice and all…he just wasn't the guy for me. However, he is my friend and he needs me. He needs the entire gaang there by his side if he is going to have any chance in the war against Fire Lord Ozai. I know I will have to talk to him eventually… I just don't know how to tell him without hurting him. I could lie and say I feel the same way, but that would just hurt us both in the end. Katara put her pillow to her face and screamed into it. "UGH! Why couldn't I just like Aang?" 'Because you already love somebody else' I mentally said to myself. I didn't want to deal with all these problems anymore; I tightly shut my eyes and tried with all my might to fall asleep.