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Awake

Avatar Katara is exhausted and is need of a good pick-me-up.

Warm afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds lulled her into a dreamy state. While resting her head tucked in her arms wasn't the most comfortable, the silent room was very much appreciated. She barely had time to herself anymore-the world always needed protecting.

"You look exhausted, Avatar," a voice chuckled.

Surrounded by stacks of paperwork, Avatar Katara jolted from the smooth top of her desk where she was resting her wearing eyes, scanning the room on high alert. Putting a hand to her chest, as if to clutch her heart, she let out of a sigh of relief at the sight of her Airbending Master. Why did he always have to tread so lightly? He was carrying a tray with steaming mugs engulfing the room in aroma that wasn't like tea.

Her lips pursed in annoyance, "Aang, you know I hate it when you sneak up on me." When he cracked an apologetic smile in her direction she wanted to be upset with him, but a returning smile found its way to her lips.

Setting the the tray down, concern crossed his features and he said softly, "Here, try this." He handed her a mug, slightly brushing his fingertips with hers.

Feeling the warmth of his touch kiss her hands, Katara glanced quickly down at the milky tan...tea alternative? (Words were too difficult at the moment). The smell was rich, powerful, and earthy, but also a little sweet, "What's this?"

"Zuko calls it coffee," he explained. After taking a quick sip, he added, "It's supposed to re-energize you like tea, but its more robust."

"It smells strong," she commented. Katara didn't know if she really was in the mood to try something new that would give her energy. Being the Avatar was hard work and it was sapping her soul of it's strength. She wanted nothing more than just to rest somewhere far away.

"I sweeten it for you so it shouldn't be too bitter," he grinned. "I know how much you like sweet things."

Touched at his thoughtfulness, she felt her cheeks redden. "Thanks," she mumbled as she took a sip.

At the first taste, Katara really knew that coffee and tea couldn't be anymore different. Sure, both tea and coffee were bitter, but tea was also very floral, sometimes citrusy and light on the tongue. Coffee didn't have the same notes whatsoever. Coffee was heavy, anchoring her to the world. And it was bitter, but the milk and the sugar made it pleasurable. There was a slightly nutty taste, like hazelnuts commonly found in the Earth Kingdom.

"Do you like it?"

Katara nodded her head with excitement, "Yeah! This is really, really good!" She set her cup down and leaned back into her chair to stretch. She looked up at Aang and couldn't help but smile, "Thank you for thinking about me. This has really been the best part of my day thus far."

He blushed a bit at her confession, "Of course, anything for you." Looking away, he asked, "Why has this been the best part of your day though? It's just coffee."

Feeling embarrassed, she revealed, "Well, you always think about me-for well, me." Feeling that this conversation was going to finally hit a topic that two of them had been avoiding for a while now, she braved on, "Like when we first met, you didn't even want to start teaching me airbending, but instead to have fun! I mean, I was all prepared to learn Airbending and you whisk me away to the South Pole."

He laughed, "Well, yeah. You really needed to have some fun, Avatar or not. And besides, it fulfilled my life-long dream of penguin sledding."

Katara giggled, "Remember the look on my dad's face when we showed up? He had just said goodbye to me a few weeks before so I could go learn airbending...and here I was apparently to have fun."

He nodded in agreement, "Yeah, that was great! That was my first time in South Pole." He took a deep breath, he blurted out, "I think the South Pole is my second favorite place in the world."

That surprised her and her heart sped up. Curiously, she wondered, "What's the first?"

Avoiding her gaze and blushing madly, he said, "Wherever you are."

While being the Avatar wasn't always easy, Katara was glad that it made her path cross with Aang's. With happiness flooding her chest, she whispered, "Mine too."