A/N: Alright, here goes Chapter Three. It'll be taking place at the near end of the episode "The Southern Raiders" and continue past the ending. It'll be, again, mostly from Katara's POV but I'll probably throw in some of Aang's as well; and who knows, maybe a surprise POV.
I will try to not throw in a random twist near the end like I did with the first two, but who knows *evil laugh.* I love the reviews I am getting and am trying to incorporate some of the feedback into the chapters.
Also, as this is being put up on Valentine's Day, there will be a mushy romance scene (No Rated M). So happy Valentine's Day, and also, Happy Single's Awareness Day to all my Single brothers and sisters :]
Whispered Confessions
Katara's POV
Thinking back, I know I made the right decision, but it doesn't make me feel any better about it. As soon as we landed I left Zuko and walked the beach on my own. It was sunset, and the sun was shining a beautiful yellow-orange hue across the horizon; though despite its beauty, it still bothered me. Knowing that men like him were alive and active in the world gave me a pain and sadness; even if they were 'necessary evil.'
I groan and lose myself in a trance as I slowly walk the beach; the shouts of Zuko calling me have long since been ignored. Maybe he had changed, maybe he was being honest; but I still don't fully trust him. I feel myself stop walking and I gather in my surroundings.
I was on a small wooden deck, a small ways off the shore; I sigh and sit down, twirling my feet in the water and basking in the sunlight; I almost fail to recognize Aang had walked up behind me; how do I face him?
"Katara, Are you okay?" I hear his voice question as his footsteps thud on the deck. He stopped a few feet behind me, I assume to give me space.
"I'm doing fine" I lie, not turning to face him, nor bothering to hide my feelings
There was a pause before he spoke again; his voice sounded sad, yet happy at the same time. "Zuko told me what you did… or rather what you didn't do. I'm proud of you" he finishes and my heart drops. Proud of me…
"I wanted to do it… I wanted to take out all my anger on him… but I couldn't" I close my eyes and continue "I don't know if it's because I'm too weak to do it… or that I'm strong enough not too" I mutter
"You did the right thing" Aang states "Forgiveness is the first step you have to take to begin healing" I can't help by smile on the inside at his 'profound wisdom' but my thoughts falter when I think on the man again
I quickly get up, not bothering to hide my anger. I place my eyes on Aang's "I didn't forgive him. I'll never forgive him" I admit, closing my eyes for a second before turning my gaze to Zuko "But I am ready to forgive you" I give a weak smile and hug him; But my promise is still in effect I think to myself before releasing him and walking towards Appa. I hear Zuko and Aang mutter to each other but I ignore it.
As I approach Appa, even Sokka is there, but he saves his remarks, understanding my demeanor. I climb onto Appa and sit in the corner closest to the head and sigh as everyone else boards.
"Where too? The Western Air Temple isn't safe thanks to Azula, and I'd like to not camp out until we fight the Firelord" Sokka complains
"Ember Island. I know of a safe house there we could use… For the time being anyways" Zuko states
"Alright, Ember Island it is! Appa, Yip Yip!" Aang says in his usual cheery nature as Appa takes to the skies; his composure helps to lighten my mood, but I'm still so conflicted. I yawn and notice that sleep has already overcome most of the group, and with Aang flying, I'd rather not distract him. I slowly allow sleep to overtake me.
Aang's POV
At least she didn't resort to killing when she didn't need too; though I can see her distress and I want nothing more than to help her, though right now may not be the best time. Night has fallen and Appa and I are the only ones awake as we make our way to Ember Island.
I peek my head over the saddle and almost fall back in shock; Katara had fallen asleep less than a foot away from me, her face was right on the edge. I recovered and smiled, I let Appa lead for a moment and softly climbed into the Saddle and reached for a blanket to cover Katara with; as I pull the blanket over her, I swear I can see a small smile escape her lips.
I smile and take a look around at the others. Toph and Zuko were sleeping by themselves; though, to my surprise, Suki was snuggled up with Sokka underneath a blanket. I let a small laugh out at the two before returning to my spot on Appa's head, careful not to disturb Momo who had taken up post next to me, curled up in a ball.
I scratch the back of his neck and he chirps "Sorry, little buddy" I whisper as he closes his eyes again.
The long flight was painfully lonely and it was well into dawn before Ember Island appeared on the Horizon. I just let out a small sigh and leaned down towards Appa's ear.
"Almost there buddy, then you'll have a long rest" I whisper and he just groans in acknowledgement and picks up his pace slightly. I can hear the others begin to stir and groan as they wake up, groggily trying to get up. Soon after I start hearing hushed murmuring and try to make out what is being said.
"What are you two doing?!" I here Katara sneer, I assume to her brother.
"Nothing! Sleeping!" Sokka pleads "We were cold"
I hear silence for a moment, then the shuffling of feet moving closer. I turn my head back to see all five of them looking at me.
"Uh… Good morning guys?" I smile awkwardly
"Aang, how long have we been flying?" Katara asks, eyeing me.
I look down to Appa then to the image of Ember Island on the Horizon "Probably Nine or ten hours" I assume, almost instantly regretting it
"And you stayed awake through the whole thing!?" Katara snaps and I smile inwardly at how worried she can get sometimes
"Uh, yeah. Appa had to stay awake" I shrug
"Could've asked one of us buddy" Sokka chimes in
I just sigh and turn back facing the Island "No matter, we are nearly there, though, I will want a nap when we get there" I smile sheepishly and hear a few chuckles as the feet slowly shuffle away. Without looking back I look down to Momo, who had been awakened by the ruckus.
"Though, it was pretty lonely, even you fell asleep on me, little buddy" I smile and yawn, scratching his neck.
"You know… you could've woken me up" A hushed voice startles me as I look back to see Katara looking genuinely sad "I would've stayed up with you"
I smile and shake my head "Nah, I thought about it, but you looked so peaceful while you slept, I couldn't ruin that."
I see her smile weakly from her spot in the saddle as a silence flows over us. Even with the talking from the others, the wind racing by as the Island gets closer, Katara and I are silent; just looking at each other. I see a blush take hold on her face, and feel one on mine as I decide to break the silence.
"If you want, you could sit up here with me until we get there?" I offer, looking down at the racing waters below.
"Happily" She smiles and jumps down onto Appa's head, next to me. "It was getting hard to listen to them anyways" she teases and we both laugh
The rest of the trip passes in a comfortable silence between us, even with all the chatter about the Island as Sokka prods Zuko for information. The Island is very close and we can begin to make out houses on the shore; I lead Appa higher into the sky and, without moving from next to Katara, I twist my hands and shape a cloud around Appa as we go in for a landing on a less populated side.
We land with a soft thump onto the sand and begin to get off Appa; I look to Katara "Want some help down?" I whisper, she smiles and nods and I wrap my arm around her waist and air bend us down softly, her laughing most of the way.
"Thanks" she beams as we wait for the rest of the gang to disembark. I rub my neck and smile as Zuko takes the lead to his "hideout" which is just up the beach. He goes on to explain that not too long ago, he had been staying there with Azula, Ty Lee and Mai before he left to join us, though I was hardly paying attention. My mind drifting to Katara who was walking just a little bit in front of me next to Suki.
"We need to talk when we get there" I hear Suki whisper and Katara just smiles and nods. When we finally reach the house, I couldn't help but yawn as Zuko was showing us to our rooms; everyone else was wide awake but I had been up all night.
"Alright guys" I start, getting the group's attention "I'm going to catch a few hours of sleep" I try to say through a yawn "Have fun." I smile to everyone and turn around waving them off as they continue their day. When I close the door to my room I let out a heavy sigh and close my eyes, half tempted to collapse on the floor, but I manage to make it to my bed, without even stripping my robes sleep quickly overtakes me.
Katara's POV
"Good, he's gone. Come to my room now" Suki says in a hushed voice, and I look around before nodding and silently following. Zuko, Sokka and Toph seemed to have vanished shortly after Aang went to his room, so we were in the clear. As we entered her room, she shut her door and quickly sat down on a bed. "So" she questioned, leaving me slightly confused
"So?" I ask
She rolls her eyes and smiles "Did you take my advice about Aang?"
My heart flutters and I sigh "I tried… we didn't really say anything but.."
"But?"
"Well, we almost kissed, we were so close my heart was beating faster than ever." I paused, closing my eyes and smiling slightly, remembering the moment "I could feel his breathe on my lips"
"Why didn't you kiss then?!" Suki asked, almost in an annoyed, but happy voice
"Well… Sokka and his Cactus Juice" I sigh and plop down on the bed
Suki rolls her eyes again and groans "That guy; well don't worry, I have a plan" she chirps and my eyes widen
"What plan?"
"Nope, it is a surprise, but I'll say this, you will love it" she grins
"Suki" I glare at her, but her smile doesn't feign
"Nope!"
I groan and mutter under my breathe before looking back to her "Don't let Sokka know about any of this… you know the whole over-protective big brother complex…"
"Oh don't worry, my plan has him covered too"
I roll my eyes and sigh, unsure as to what Suki is planning, nor if it will be good, as she claims, or bad.
"Katara" She whispers, and I look towards her and her face has dropped
"What? What's wrong?" I ask, concerned. Just a minute ago she was giddy about her 'plan,' now she looks like someone killed her pet, I was getting even more worried at her lack of response to my question. I put a hand on her shoulder and waited, until she finally spoke.
"Did.." Suki begins before pausing and sighing "Did Sokka love Princess Yue?" she asks, her voice heavy
I pause and think for a moment before answering "Love is a strong word… we were only there for a few weeks before she…" I pause a moment "Yeah, anyway, I know they liked each other a lot, but I don't know about love"
"Do you think, he is trying to replace her with me, or does he actually-" Suki begins before I cut her off
"No. He went to a prison in a volcano and rescued you. You are not a replacement. I know he cares a lot for you; but Yue will always be in his heart." I say, looking at her, her face lightened a little
"Good enough for me" she smiles "Enough of that, I'm here to get you with Aang." She says boldly and I blush, looking away "Though, for my plan to work, I need you to leave for a bit, preoccupy yourself in town" she states, and I roll my eyes
"Suki" I glare again and she just grins
"No butts, go grab Sokka and go into town for a while" she orders. I groan but get up and comply.
I leave her room with her just muttering something as I set off to find Sokka. To my delight, I find him, Toph and Zuko in the main room, relaxing infront of a fireplace
"Hey sis, you seen Suki?" Sokka says, not looking at me, just gazing in the fire
"She's in her room, Let's go to town" I say, looking towards Sokka but opening the invite to the other two, I hear Sokka groan
"We just got here!"
"Come on Mr Science and Reason guy, let's go scout the area!" I tease and I see his face fluster
"Science and Reason guy?" Toph questions, turning towards Zuko and they both start laughing; I let out a chuckle as well as he groans "Where'd that one come from meathead?"
"Hey hey, it isn't my best nickname, and it's one I want to forget okay? Sure, let's go to the stinking town" He mutters
"Sure thing, Science and reason guy" Toph giggles as Zuko is still snickering. I can already see what I've started by mentioning that nickname, and I am enjoying every second of it.
They get up and we make our way down to the town; I can only imagine what Suki has planned for me and Aang…
Aang's POV
I open my eyes to see sunlight pouring in my room; it must be close to midday by now. I slowly get up and notice I am still dressed and sigh before yawning and stretching my arms. I get up and walk to my door, intent on finding Katara and just as I reach for the handle, a soft knock thumps on my door, startling me from the dead silence of my room.
I slowly open the door and see Suki standing there, grinning like mad.
"Did I wake you?" She asks and I shake my head as she continues "I need to talk to you privately, can I come in?"
I look around and shrug "Sure" I step out of the way and hold the door open for her as she walks in and pulls one of the chairs up. I shut the door and move to the other chair; as I am sitting down she asks a question that almost makes me tip.
"Do you love Katara?" Suki asks
My chair almost tips in my surprise as she laughs quietly as I regain my composure and finish sitting down. I look to her and slightly cock my head to the left in confusing at her sudden question
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said; do you, love, Katara" she asks again
I sigh and look down, my heart fluttered when she asks the first time and I could feel blood rushing to my cheeks. I am quite sure I didn't need to answer but I did anyways
"Yes… well I think so" I sigh "I hope so" I mutter
"Huh?" She now looks confused and I close my eyes "What do you mean, you hope so?"
"I just… I can't see myself living without her. I've come to depend on her; but not in the bad way, I mean I love it."
"Have you talked to her?"
I was about to speak when a question popped in my head "Why are you so curious Suki?"
"Cause, I happen to know she loves you too." She pauses "I just had to be sure that you did before I finished my plan"
"Plan?"
"Don't worry, and Katara is out around town but I am going to go find her. You stay here and let my plan fall into place"
"Huh? What are you talking about!?" I ask, slightly irritated at her evasiveness
"Perfect, just be clueless!" She gets up and smiles "Just hang out around the house" she quickly leaves me alone in my room, even more confused than before. I groan and move back to my head and beat my head with my pillow
"Girls are so weird!" I mumble into the pillow before getting up and moving to the main room, may as well grab food while I wait for Suki's master plan to come into play.
Katara's POV
We've been wandering the town for what felt like hours. Zuko and Sokka were looking at weapons as Toph and I were wandering slowly through the crowds. It was really busy for a midday market but we didn't mind. It helped us blend in. My mind kept wandering back to Aang and whatever plan Suki was trying to hatch; and, almost if on que, I heard Suki calling my name.
"Katara!" She ran up to me and pulled to a corner, out of earshot of Toph and the others; Toph had just kept walking, to my relief
"What is it" I whisper
"Quick! Get back to the house, Aang needs you right now"
My eyes widen, all thoughts of her plan had shot out the window as my mind began to worry "Is he alright?" I demand
"He just told me to grab you, he said it was urgent" she said frantically.
Without a second's hesitation, I jumped into a run as I swerved through the crowd of people and down the beach. I passed many fire nation boys and girls on the beach as I ran towards the hideout; and shockingly, I wasn't out of breathe when I arrive; too worried to care perhaps.
I quickly open the door and rush into the house, almost completely passing Aang who was sitting on the Sofa watching the fire; he looked at me quizzically and got up as I ran up to him.
"Are you okay?" I ask, the worry in my voice apparent as I grabbed him and hugged him tightly; and he didn't miss a beat in returning the embrace.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just woke up about half an hour ago" he mentioned and I pulled away, slightly shocked
"Suki told me you needed to talk to me urgently"
I could see a blush form at his face as he looked down "No… she mentioned something about a plan and told me to act clueless before running out"
I stare into his grey eyes and can see he is being honest, I just laugh "She told me of a plan too, what did she mean?" I ask, still holding onto him "All I know is it had to do with me and you…" I gasp and my face reddens as I realize what I said. I look to Aang's face and to my relief, it was beat red as well
"You and I? What does that mean…" He whispers
"I dunno" I admit, smiling and looking away from him and whisper "but…"
"But?" he asks
"But I like the sound of it…"
"The sound of what?"
I can feel my face getting redder as I turn to look him in the eyes "You and me…"
His lips curve into the goofiest smile I've seen on him as he pulls me back in closer; our hug tightening. I felt like I could've melted in his arms, feeling his warm embrace was enough to make me faint.
"Katara" I hear him whisper next to my ear; his breathe tickling my neck
"Yes, Aang?" I say quietly, not wanting to break the embrace
"Can I be honest right you… right here and now, without you getting mad?" he asks, his voice sounded sad and scared.
"Of course, Aang" I smile and pull away so I could look him in the eyes "I don't think I could ever really be mad with you."
He sighs and closes his eyes, collecting his thoughts before he continues
"I… I've wanted to tell you this for a long time" he whispers and I nod for him to continue "I love you"
I heart skips a beat as my eyes widen; trying to comprehend what he just told me
"Is… is this a dream" I whisper, looking into his eyes as I see a spark in them. He shakes his head and smiles. "Spirits I hope this isn't a dream like before…" I whisper before returning his smile "I love you too Aang"
Using all the boldness I could, I leaned in closer, intent on meeting his lips with mine. I could see in his eyes he knew what I was doing as he met me halfway. Our lips met; I didn't wake up, and wasn't interrupted; just the pure silence of the room, the sound of our breathing and the crackling of the fire. Our lips were moving together, softly caressing each other in what felt like the most romantic kiss left for fairytales.
I could feel him smiling into our kiss and I couldn't help but smile as well; and once again gathering all my boldness, I parted my lips and ran my tongue against his. I could tell he was confused at first, but he recovered quickly as his lips parted, allowing me access. My arms pulled us in closer as our tongues danced and explored, I felt his arms around my waist tighten, bringing us deeper into it. Spirits I never wanted it to end.
I felt his fingers trace up and down my back as our lips and tongues were intertwined. The feeling made me feel faint. We were both out of breathe and reluctantly broke the kiss, both of us redder than a beat and breathing heavily.
"I really really hope this isn't a dream" I whisper out of happiness, a single tear sliding down my cheek
"Well if it is" Aang smiles, resting his forehead against mine "It is the most amazing one ever" I whispers, pulling one of his hands up and wiping the tear off my cheek as I lean in, smiling, I brush our lips together again and feel him smile against my lips.
"What if the others come back and find us like this in the main room" I hear Aang whisper against my lips, I shake my head and smile
"I don't care right now; I just want… this" I pause, feeling my heart beat faster as I shiver "I don't want this to end" I finish, my forehead against his, our lips only mere hair apart
I see him smile, as he looks into my eyes with his beautiful grey eyes "Then let's make the most of it" He whispers, his breath tickling me as he moves in closer, closing the gap between us again.
We are soon lost in the embrace of our tongues and lips again, our arms snaked around each other and our eyes closed in a blissful happiness; with only each other and the crackling fire to keep us company. This has been the best afternoon of my life.
Happy Valentine's Day Fanfiction Readers!
