Heyy! YO!
Is it normal that teachers send homework on spring break? Ugh!
Anyways... Here's the next chappie and thanks for your reviews, they really help (:
Well, you know I'm not Bryke so no, I don't own ATLA.
Stairway to Heaven
Chapter 6
Aang's POV
"Aang..." She touches my shoulder and I turn around. "I have to tell you something." Layla mumbles.
"What's wrong?"
She always acts dramatic when something is wrong. The others fear me when I'm angry but surprisingly, Layla is not one of them... I just hope Toph isn't burning the theater down.
"We aren't complete."
"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.
She bites her lower lip and whispers. "Sokka and Suki aren't here."
"..." Oh shit.
"Aang!...Uh... Just don't freak out! We will fix this, alright?" I just stare at her, trying to not snap at her and she gazes back, nervously.
"How?" I say calmly, clenching my fists.
"Oh! Well... Do you remember when Jet and Sebastian didn't show up at the Prince's party last year?" I nod angrily. "You just fixed the some scores and everything was perfect! The performance was amazing and everybody was happy! Just... Don't worry! It's not the end of the world... Right?"
"Right."
She's always there to cheer me up, in her way and I'm glad for it, but I'm going to snap at those jerks when I see them. I give her an assuring smile and I compose myself, I shouldn't be mad for it, shit happens all the time.
She smiles a little. "So... What are we going to do?" She asks nervously.
"We play without them." I say simply.
"Just like that?"
"Yes. I mean, their parts aren't essential. It will sound a little shallow but we can fix it, right?"
I look at her hopefully and she nods quickly. "Of course, Aang. I'll tell the rest."
"Alright, I'll be there in a minute."
"Okay!... Aang?"
"Yes?"
"Don't tell anyone I told you but..." She gets closer and whispers. "Haru and Teo saw Suki and Sokka at Faleu's the other day."
"I know... They are quite close."
"... It wasn't like that before."
"What are you saying, Layla?"
"I'm saying that... Sokka and Suki are lovers."
Oh... That's why Suki has been very awkward, she doesn't talk to me anymore and Sokka doesn't even look at me when we rehearse. And I know just why. She fell in love with him and ... She told him.
Flashback (I told I would continue.)
Kotomato's Hotel
Tokyo, Japan - 1830
"Why did you become a geisha?" I ask carefully.
"It was my mother's dream and well... I wanted to make her proud." She looks down and I take her chin so she can look at me with those hazel eyes of hers.
"That's a beautiful thing to do but why didn't you stop if it was making you so unhappy?"
She stays in silent for a moment and I can see that behind all that makeup, her face is boiling, by rage. "Because she sent me away! She didn't want me! She was ashamed of me!" She shouts, with fire in her eyes. "The only thing I've ever wanted is to play the violin but... That's not enough for her! She wants me to be some sort of perfect prostitute! That's why I didn't quit!"
"I didn't know that you cared so much about what people say ..."
"What?" She snaps at me and I sigh.
"You shouldn't sacrifice your happiness for anyone. You deserve to make your dreams come true, if she doesn't accept you for who you are then she isn't worth it, I know that she is your mother and you want to make her proud but... If she can't understand that it's your life and not hers then... That should have been the reason why you left. You don't need anyone to approve your wishes, you just have to go for it and not care about what the hell she wants and I know it sounds selfish! And ambitious! But that's the whole thing! You want to do what you wish? Don't hold back for anyone."
She stares at me incredulously and mumbles. "I didn't think like that."
"You should start thinking like that because if you don't, your life will be miserable and... I don't want anyone to feel like that." I run my hand through my hair. I just don't want anyone to be that miserable.
"I just want to do the right thing... But I'm not sure if I'm bold enough to do what you say."
I take her face in my hands forcefully and she gasps, shocked. "I can help you what that."
"How?" She comes closer to me and I kiss her softly. She gasps but she gives in into the kiss.
I break the kiss and whisper in her ear. "You'll see." I kiss her neck softly and suddenly she pulls away and starts undressing like it's a job doing it. I stop her. "What?"
"I want to do that part." I demand and she gasps softly, surprised.
"But... Isn't that inappropriate? I mean... They have always told me that it's our job to do undress..." I put my index finger on her mouth and I smile.
"Suki, you aren't in a job right now. I want to do it for you because... That's how it should be. Always. I'm not here for a wild night stand, I... I want to make love to you like it should be." I take her soft hands and I kiss her palms. "Tenderly," I take her silk kimono off her beautiful milky body. "Softly," I free her silky and shiny red hair from that big and extravagant style. "And passionately." I kiss her with all my might and she reciprocates, without holding back.
For a month everything was perfect, friends in the morning and lovers at night, it worked but we all know that nothing lasts forever...
End flashback (And it will continue...)
"Really?" I mumble.
"That's what they said. I mean... Suki is very lonely and she never talks about what happened in her past with anyone... She deserves some happiness, don't you think?"
I nod. "Uh thank you for telling me, Layla."
She frowns worriedly. " Are you alright?" She puts a hand on my shoulder.
"I'll be alright. I... I just need to fix my part a little and please tell all of them that Suki and Sokka aren't performing." She nods softly, smiles sadly at me and turns around.
I sigh and sit on the floor. "Can I join you?" I look up and see my angel, staring at me with those beautiful blue eyes and a fancy blue dress.
I smile softly. She looks like a goddess. "No... You will ruin your dress." I murmur.
"I'll take my chances." She sits beside me and kisses my cheek. "Shouldn't you be with the orchestra? You have to perform in five minutes."
"This is my ritual you know... I always sit in a corner five minutes before the show."
She smirks. "Really?"
"No." I grin goofily at her and she giggles. "Are you nervous?"
"I'm afraid but I'm trying to not make it obvious... It's been a long while since I've performed on a big stage and I'm not sure if I'm good-."
"Angel, don't refrain about it. This is your dream, don't let it slip away anymore." She looks at me sadly. "Nothing bad it's going to happen, you are not alone."
"Thank you, Angel." She pecks my lips softly. "You always know what to say."
"Anything for you." I smile at her and she stands up.
"You should go now."
"Aang! One minute!" Teo shouts, excited.
"Are you a witch?" She laughs wickedly and I grin incredulously. "Where have you been all my life?"
"Oh! In my house. What about you?" She grins and I grin back.
"Come on loverboy! Take that violin and kill them!" Toph screams.
Katara laughs and pushes me playfully. "I'll see you there."
"Hello, ladies and gentleman. I'm honored to be playing here at the King's palace this evening." The whole theater claps loudly and I continue. "Tonight's show is dedicated just to Zuko and Mai. And now we'll play for you Piano Concerto No. 21 by Mozart, one of their favorites, I hope you enjoy." I wink at them and the crowd laughs softly and claps again.
All the strings start playing, the piano comes and then the flutes and I feel home again, It's like music can wash all my memories away, even if it's just for a little moment. It helps me to think. Suki and Sokka deserve happiness, they shouldn't be ashamed of it and I'll fix it. I won't ruin it.
In the middle of one of the most beautiful melodies, I can see how all the people is watching with wide eyes our hands, like trying to comprehend some science and also I can see how Zuko is shaking to death. I want to laugh but I understand his situation. His song is next.
Toph finishes the final part and the theater erupts with claps. We stand up, bow and the curtains close. We all smile at each other when two familiar voices call my name.
"Aang!"
"Aang..."
Everybody gasps and Toph snorts. "Ha! Very punctual, Snoozles!" I glare daggers at her and she rolls her eyes. "Alright! I'll shut up."
I can feel Suki and Sokka looking at me and I sigh. "You did a great job, guys! You are free to go now, I still have to stay to play the surprise."
"Oh I want to see you!" Toph grins.
"It's going to be so romantic!" Ty Lee exclaims.
"I'm not losing this."Azula smirks.
"Oh... Katara looks very good." Haru murmurs. I glare at him and he raises his hands in a placating gesture.
"That's my sister you are talking about!" Sokka says sharply.
"It's going to be epic!" Sebastian and Mario shout.
"We want to see you both." Jin smiles. "Me too!" Song nods excitedly.
"You are so cute! I won't lose this for anything!" Layla says, excited.
"I want to see you play with her." Suki whispers sadly.
"Alright. You can go to sit, the places are in the second row." I smile and they cheer.
Teo slaps my shoulder. "Good luck, man! We want to wish luck to Katara before we sit."
"She's coming." I point at the washroom's door and Teo smirks knowingly.
"Good luck, Sugarqueen!" Toph grins goofily. "And good luck with loverboy." Katara blushes and laughs softly.
"You look so pretty!" Ty Lee screams.
"I hope your voice doesn't break." Azula smirks.
"You will kill them with those pipes!" Haru says, smiling.
"GOOD LUCK, AANG'S GIRL!" Sebastian and Mario smile excitedly.
"Don't sweat it! Just think that everyone is just wearing their underwear!" Jin and Song wink at Katara.
"Aang will be there. Don't worry." Teo smiles at her.
"You will do wonderful! Remember that you're not alone." Layla glances at me and I scratch my neck nervously. "Aang will help you." She smiles at her and Katara reciprocates.
"AWW!" Everybody says sweetly.
"Thank you, guys. You are so kind! And I'll try to make my performance worthy of the oh-so great Aang White." They laugh loudly, some smile at her and they leave, still wishing her luck. There are just two people that haven't left.
"Katara." Sokka calls her and she turns around. "You'll do great. Just pour your soul out like you always do, remember that you're not alone." He opens his arms to a hug and she complies.
"Aang..." Suki says darkly.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry... I forgot, I just lost sense of the time." She refuses to look at me and bits her lower lip nervously.
"I completely understand." I say with a tint of sarcasm and she looks up instantly with a frown on her face. "You both were busy."
Suki sobs and sheds a tear. "You know?"
I shrug lightly. "It wasn't that difficult to find out." I look at her straight in the eyes and she gasps. "Why did you tell him?" I whisper sadly.
"..." She's crying softly and I sigh softly.
"I'm not dealing with this right now... I-I just thought that best friends don't hide secrets from each other."
"Aang... I'm so sorry. I didn't want to hurt you and-" She tries to take my hand but I push her away.
"You already did." I turn around and leave her. I just need to forget the past but it is not that easy.
Katara's POV
"Katara?" I look up to see Aang. Just who I needed. "What are you doing there?"
"This is a ritual, I always sit in a corner five minutes before the show." I smile goofily.
He chuckles and sit beside me just as I did before. "What's wrong?" He frowns softly.
I sigh. He always knows when I'm down. "What you mean?" I'll try to avoid it.
"Well, you are sitting calmly when you are supposed to be having a panic attack."
He got me. Damn it. "I had a fight with Sokka." I whisper sadly.
"Why?" He takes my hands and kiss them.
"Sokka didn't tell me that Suki was his lover."
Aang smiles lightly but I know it's his fake smile. "Oh they didn't tell you too?"
"Yeah... I thought you knew, I mean... Suki is your best friend 'ex-lover' right?"
He blushes and sighs. "I guess she didn't want me to know, and I understand... It must be awkward to work for your girlfriend's ex-lover." He lowers his head.
I raise my brow suspiciously. There must be something else but I shrug it off for now. "I guess you're right."
We stay in a shallow silence for a long while until he whispers. "Angel?"
I giggle softly. "Yes?" I whisper back.
"I love you so much."
"I love you too, angel."
"Hey! You are the angel."
"No. Not anymore."
He sighs sadly. "I'm everything but an angel, Katara." He looks down and I kiss his forehead.
"You know what an angel means?"
"Uh... They are perfect?"
I smile at him. "I mean... My concept is quite different, maybe I could be wrong but I like to believe that angels here on earth are perfect in appearance, they have a kind, brave and strong heart but... They also have a dark side, they have shadows that follow them everywhere but they are strong enough to avoid them, they don't let their soul get caught up in the darkness and if they were there before, they were strong enough to defeat them. Angels suffer and they make mistakes because no creature can be too perfect. No creature can be saved from sorrows or pain. They also can regret things but that doesn't make them any less perfect. Because just a beautiful heart can recognize that they have made a mistake, that they aren't perfect and that's the whole point, they are perfect because they have accepted that they aren't perfect."
He stares at me with wide eyes and a wide smile. "Thank you, angel." He kisses me lovingly and I reciprocate.
"Anything for you, angel."
Maybe I don't know everything about him but I know that he's trying to fix everything, I know that he can't do it alone. He's not alone. Not anymore.
"Katara! Aang! Your turn!" The director of the event shouts.
Aang takes his violin from the floor, sits on a chair and I take my place beside him in the center of the stage.
My hands start shaking and my heart is pounding so hard that it could come out. He notices my problem and shows me his hands, they are trembling too but not like mine.
"I'm nervous too but we can make it. Now sing your soul out!." He smiles goofily and I reciprocate.
"And you play like never before!" We laugh softly and the curtains open.
The whole theater gasps, they weren't expecting this... Aang touches my hand to remind me that I have to introduce us.
"Good evening, ladies and gentleman. I'm Katara Arkwood and you already know who he is." I look at Aang and he crowd laughs. "We are going to perform a very special song dedicated to Mai." I can see that she's blushing and she gives Zuko a kiss in the cheek. I nod towards them and they smile at me gratefully. "Hope you enjoy." The whole theater claps gently.
I glance at Aang and he's smiling charmingly at me and I sigh, relieved.
He positions himself and starts playing, he's showing his heart to everyone, the sweet and dark melody is so powerful that the King himself is trying to hold his tears. The prince is smiling tearfully and Mai is looking at him lovingly. All by Aang.
His hands move with softness and ease, like touching a little petal. His eyes are soft but if you look closely like I do, you can see a passion that's never going to die. He keeps looking at me with those eyes when he suddenly winks, and I know it's my time.
I take a deep breath, close my eyes and start singing.
Shallow words,
Don't have a meaning.
Let that be,
What keeps me breathing.
Gazeless eyes,
Mind in the clouds.
Look me now,
And let it out.
Love crawled too near my heart,
And I wonder,
will you feel,
These things too?
Empty soul,
Don't restrain.
Flawless touch,
Let me in.
On my starless sky,
Darkness falls.
With that brightest smile,
Light it all.
Love crawled too near my heart,
And I wonder,
will you feel,
These things too?
But I'll not give in,
I'm not letting go,
You've stolen the love,
I've never known.
I stop singing and Aang finishes playing. I open my eyes and every single person has tears in their eyes. Then Zuko comes up to the stage and gives Aang a hug and the crowd cheers loudly, even the King is whistling.
Aang breaks the hug and says. "This is all Katara's doing, she came up with the tempo and the tone." He smiles at me and I blush.
Zuko bows to me. "Thank you, Katara. I've never heard something so beautiful, so raw in emotion and passionate." He smiles at me and Aang. "You both made that song the greatest thing I've heard."
"Thank you." I bow back to him and then to the crowd, along with Aang. The curtains close and the cheering continues.
"What did Mai think?" I ask excitedly.
"She cried. She cried and she never cries! And she promised me something tonight." Zuko wiggles his brows and we laugh.
"Good luck with that, man!" Aang slaps his back and he grins softly.
"Take care of blue eyes, here! She sings like an angel." He smiles at me.
Aang blushes and winks at him. "I will. Now go with your lady! Pervert!" He chuckles.
"What! I'm a prince! I'm not a pervert!" Zuko snaps playfully.
Aang pushes him to the exit. "Goodbye, Hotman!"
"I hate you, Aang." Zuko smirks.
"I hate you too." They manly hug and Zuko leaves.
"Bye bye, lovebirds!" He screams and disappears from our view.
We stay in a comfortable silence and he whispers. "You broke my heart, angel."
"Why?" I get close to him.
He put his arms around my waist and sighs. "Your voice. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, heard and felt." He kisses my forehead.
I shrug softly and smirk. "I couldn't have done it without you. I wasn't alone."
"You'll never be alone." I kiss him passionately and he reciprocates.
Everything was alright and everything is great... But the thought that nothing good lasts forever keeps tormenting my happiness.
Just wait, it will get quite dramatic...
lonelybabyblue.-
