A/N: Hah, I didn't think I'd get this far.

Enjoy!!

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Separation

Chapter 9: Almost Alone

It had been at least seven hours since the Gaang had been reunited. They had landed in a small clearing far away from any fire nation fortresses or villages. Sokka was snoring loudly, Toph was in her rock tent and Katara was dozing in her sleeping bag. Aang was the only one awake. He stared into embers of the once burning camp fire. His hands and back ached.

Aang inhaled deeply. He was free. After eight long years. Free.

His gaze fell upon Katara, the small rise and fall of her sides. It was as though the last eight years had never happened. The only reminder on her was her hands.

Aang got up. He quietly walked into the woods. The free wind whipped over his head.

He came to a boulder and sat upon it and crossed his legs. He took deep breaths. A small crack behind him made his turn. Katara was approaching him. "Sorry, I just wanted to know where you were." She whispered. "It's fine." Aang scooted over to make room for her. She nodded in thanks and took her seat.

Katara looked up at him but he averted her gaze. "You ok?" She asked. "No." Aang placed his hand gently upon hers, careful not to hurt her wounds. "Remember, eight years ago, when I said we should wait a year or two before…" his voice faded. She leaned into him. "Yes. I haven't forgotten" "Well, I still don't want to lose you but I feel ready." He felt Katara wrap her arms around his side. But before she had a chance to reply, Sokka stepped out from behind a tree. "Am I interrupting something?" He smirked. "Sokka!" Katara jumped to her feet. "You're lucky my hands are useless!" This just made his smile more. "Sorry, just thought I'd warn you that it seems fire nation soldiers are approaching, we need to fly." He quickly turned around and headed towards Appa. Katara and Aang followed him.

Up on Appa

Aang leaned back on Appa, looking at the stars. He felt someone sit next to him. It was Katara (Whoa! There's a surprise for you! remarked the author) "Hey." She said. "Hey." He looked at her and saw her blushing. He placed his arm around her shoulders and she placed her head on his shoulder. "Aang," she stared but was cut off by Momo who quickly dived between the two and started chattering loudly. "Of course!" Aang muttered under his breath. Katara seemed to have heard him and laughed before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm gonna go to sleep."

"Night." Aang whispered.

"Night.

A/N: Sorry, this was very short. I was going to make this the big "Katara I love you" chapter but I'll hold that off -- NEXT 2 CHAPTERS UP TOMORROW