A/N: Thanks for all the support so far – I will definitely be trying my hand at more lemons in various other chapters throughout this fic, though I'm not quite sure how yet. Anyway, thanks to everyone that's stayed with this so far even as the time between updates have increased; I'm really enjoying writing this and plan on finishing it but am pretty caught up with class and finals atm so updates may take a little longer until my term finishes. This one's super long so hopefully it'll get you through until then.
Also I hope any Zutara fans appreciate the teensy tiny reference I put in (that's the closest I could ever get bc I'm a diehard Kataang fan).

As always, please review to let me know what you think – thank you to everyone that's reviewed so far (especially those of you who've been so consistent in your reviewing!). My readers' input is incredibly important to me and I always go back and edit details based on your feedback!

CHAPTER 10: WHEN YOU'RE FEELING JEALOUS

It was another balmy day in the Fire Nation and Aang happily went about his business, combing down Appa's fur to help him shed his heavy summer coat. Ever since Aang had received Katara's letter, he'd been on cloud nine. Literally. He could barely keep his feet on the ground as he went about his daily duties and every night he dreamed of his girlfriend.

He'd been in such a chipper mood that Zuko had taken to retreating to his room on many a night in order to avoid getting into another conversation about Katara with Aang. It was way too awkward for Zuko, knowing exactly why Aang was so bubbly, to get into a conversation about Katara. So, he did what he could to stay out of Aang's way until Aang calmed down a little.

Aang was oblivious to Zuko's obvious discomfort and went about his business as usual. Today was an especially good day because any extra time he got to spend with Appa, he was reminded of his travels with the Gaang and that, in turn, reminded him of Katara.

"RRRRR." Appa groaned as Aang combed out a fur ball, and Aang smiled at him.

"Feels good, right buddy? Makes me miss the good old days with everybody…especially with Katara."

"RRRRRRRRRR."

"I know buddy, I miss her too."

Aang smiled as he happily continued to work on Appa's fur. Before he knew it, it was already noon.

"Sorry buddy, I gotta go. You know, official business and all that." So saying, Aang quickly brushed Appa's hair off of his tunic and headed to his room, hoping to get some paperwork done before he had lunch.

A servant met Aang when he walked through the doors. Keeping his eyes respectfully lowered, the servant bowed and produced some letters.

"Avatar Aang, if it pleases you, some letters arrived while you were out this morning.'

Aang thanked the servant and then frowned. Letters almost always meant pleas for the Avatar's help abroad which meant even more negotiations and even more formal paperwork for Aang to trudge through.

Aang quickly began flipping through the letters, skimming the return addresses to see which ones were the most important. His stomach did a backflip when he recognized Katara's perfect cursive. It was the first 'real-time' letter he'd received in a while and Aang couldn't resist ripping it open, his paperwork forgotten.

Dear Aang,

How's it going? I just got your letter about the question and answer sessions and I'm glad they've been working out for you! I hope the circumstances that made you open that letter in the first place weren't too awful…

Life in Ba Sing Se has continued as usual. It's a little lonely without you here but I've been visiting Iroh a lot (he's such a sweetheart) and he's been teaching me how to brew the best possible tea! Apparently it's all about timing and ratios and love. We'll see – when you get back you'll have to tell me whether you can taste the difference from when I've made you tea before.

The negotiations have been going pretty well. Other than the Earth Kingdom being a little stingy with their help, everyone's been mostly on board with our requests and our decisions. (As much as I'd love you to visit, I don't think we'll need you but I appreciate the thought! You're always welcome to come by if you have a break in your schedule of course).

I was actually pretty lonely for a while since Toph is always busy with her metalbending academy, my dad's still at the Southern Water Tribe, and Sokka is always off with Suki when he's not helping me with the negotiations. It was really hard not to have someone my age to talk to, you know? And it's not like I could easily talk to the other girls my age since most of them are still annoyed at me for dating you. (Don't worry; it's not your fault, it's just a little sad sometimes).

But what I'm getting to is this…guess who I met while I was walking around! Haru! I'm sure you remember him from when we saved the world and all? Anyway, I don't think any of us had seen him in almost two years and then all of a sudden I bumped into him while I was hunting down some tea for Iroh in this little market! You wouldn't believe how different he looks! I almost didn't recognize him! He's all filled out and his moustache looks really good and he has stubble and all that and he's officially become an earthbending master!

Aang paused, a knot forming in his stomach. He remembered Haru very well. At the time they'd needed each other's help and he'd seemed like a good guy but still… There's no need for you to be so surprised…it's not like it's such a big deal to be able to grow a moustache… Aang mused, running his hand up his own smooth cheek. Aang wasn't sure what was bothering him so much… but whatever it was, he knew he didn't like it. He kept reading.

It turns out that Haru was just passing through Ba Sing Se when I ran into him but when he heard that I was living here with Sokka and Suki and Toph, he decided to stay and hang out with all of us! I ended up being able to convince our landlord to rent him the apartment next to Sokka (you know the one with the balcony a few doors down from mine?) so now we've all been hanging out! It's nice to have someone around when Toph's been busy and Sokka's out with Suki.

Aang clenched his fist. He did not like the fact that Haru was living pretty much next door to Katara when he himself was a world away. Even worse, who knew what kind of compromising situations Haru might accidentally walk in on when going to visit Katara? Aang really did not like this.

Oh! I almost forgot! Just the other day I was telling Haru about how when I'm not doing negotiations, I'm on the search for waterbending scrolls to help with my healing techniques (and obviously anything else related to waterbending that I can get my hands on). He was actually super interested and offered to help me search! Isn't that so nice?! He also wanted to look for more background info on earthbending for himself so we've been spending hours together at the library, pouring over scrolls to see if there's anything that can help us.

Aang's eyes flared. Katara loves the library... that asshole is being so sneaky and worming his way into her good graces... Aang could barely bring himself to finish the letter but he kept reading, hands clenched around the letter.

So far we've managed to find a few scrolls on healing for me as well as some random fighting techniques that Haru thought were really cool. We've been training together (wouldn't want to go soft in this time of peace, you know?) and have been working on perfecting the moves – I can't wait to show you when you're back!

So anyway, I guess you could say I've been pretty productive with my time and am feeling a good deal happier now that I have a friend my age to hang out with all the time while you're gone.

I hope the tour is going well and that Zuko's keeping you well fed. I'll see you soon Aang!

Love from,

Katara

Aang put down the letter, crumpling it up and clenching his fist. "Productive is right," he growled.

While I've been working my butt off here, you've been prancing around Ba Sing Se with another guy… "Another older guy," his subconscious added. Aang shook his head trying to rid himself of the thought.

So what if I'm not super built like Haru is? I still have muscles! I even have a six-pack now! And besides I'm 6'1 already and I haven't stopped growing yet – that's got to count for something, right?

Aang ground his teeth. What was worse, Katara always practiced bending in her bindings - the thought of her looking like that around Haru made his blood boil. He'd been in such a good mood after Katara's last letter but it'd already been almost two months since Aang had seen her. What if Katara's feelings had changed since she'd written that? If she'd been thinking those things when he left her, did that mean that she was ready to do them with anyone – even if it wasn't Aang? Haru is pretty attractive…and he's older than Katara…and he's there in person…

"UGH!" Aang let out a yell of frustration and punched a hole through the paper of the door. He paced around his room, trying to calm himself down, but it didn't work. Finally Aang stalked out of the room to find somewhere to meditate. If that couldn't help him, he didn't know what would. I'll worry about the door later, he thought as he kept walking.

Zuko blew out his breath in a huff. They'd been riding around town, greeting local citizens, and Aang was far from his usual lively self. In fact, he quite reminded Zuko of Mai; although Zuko loved his girlfriend, an attitude like hers coming from Aang was not what he needed when trying to convince the weary citizens of their good intentions.

The previous night, when Aang had showed up late to dinner without apology, Zuko had just attributed it to the heat and to the exhaustions of the day. Now though, several hours into the next day, Aang hadn't dropped his attitude and Zuko was annoyed.

Looking around to make sure no one was within earshot, Zuko heatedly addressed Aang.

"Dude. Who stuck a pole up your ass?"

Aang merely glared.

"Aang, don't give me that look. You know I'm right. We're supposed to be convincing these people to like us! The fact that you've barely said a word between conversations isn't exactly helping our cause."

Aang merely scuffled his feet and avoided Zuko's prying look.

"C'mon man, tell me what's wrong so I can do something about it. You know you can tell me anything."

Sighing, Aang finally met Zuko's eyes ashamedly. "I'm sorry Zuko, you're right. It's just- I don't know… here," he finally said, pulling the crumpled letter out of his pocket and shoving it at Zuko.

Zuko raised his eyebrows confusedly but didn't push Aang and merely began to read. Aang sat there, moping, until Zuko finished scanning the letter.

Zuko read Katara's letter through, glanced at Aang's dejected form, and exhaled. This is gonna be a fun one to deal with, he thought sarcastically.

"Aang… is there any chance you're jealous?"

Aang held up his hands in protest. "What? No! Why would I be jealous? I'm the Avatar…and Katara's dating me…and, and, I'm the Avatar!"

"You've said that already," pointed out Zuko. Aang didn't say anything but sat down next to Zuko with a sigh.

"Zuko…do you…do you think she likes him?"

Inwardly, Zuko sighed. Poor Aang…but seriously why do I always get stuck having the mushy conversations. It's not like I mind but…it's like I'm Aang's go-to girl. Seriously who am I and what have I done to my masculinity?

"Zuko?" Aang's pleading voice shook Zuko from his train of thought.

"Sorry Aang I got distracted. Do I think Katara likes Haru? Aang, think about it. I highly doubt Katara would write all those letters to you, or take care of you the way she does, if she had any questions about her feelings for you. But also, you don't want Katara to be lonely, do you? It's good that she has a friend now!"

Aang pondered before saying "but Zuko, Haru is older than me and he's really buff and he can grow a moustache…"

"Wait Haru has a moustache? Damn…"

Aang glared at him. "This isn't helping… anyway, why does she have to choose someone attractive to be her friend? Why does Katara always manage to pull in the sexy guys that make me nervous?"

Zuko rolled his eyes. "Listen Aang, first of all you and I know exactly why she pulls in the 'sexy guys.' It's the same reason why you're into her – she's amazing! But also I don't think you have anything to worry about. I know most girls wouldn't go for bald, skinny and awkward…especially when they could have had tall, dark and handsome with awesome hair and a mysterious past like me-"

Aang rolled his eyes at the teasing as Zuko continued "-but I'm pretty sure that anyone that's seen you two together can see that you're in love. She looks at you the same way that you look at her. Trust me, I can tell."

Aang slumped down and let out a deep breath. "I suppose you're right. Thanks Zuko, I guess I just get nervous. Actually, now that I think about it, there was something I wanted to ask you…"

Zuko smiled as Aang awkwardly rubbed his neck. "What is it Aang?"

"Um, the thing is… well, have you told Mai you love her? Like literally tell her 'I love you' or 'I'm in love with you?"

Zuko was nonplussed. Wow, I did not expect that. Blinking a few times, he regained his composure and cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah I have."

"Did she say it back?"

Zuko scowled a little. "Obviously."

Aang sighed, leaning back into his seat. "Katara and I haven't yet," he mumbled.

Zuko's eyes widened. "Really? Even though you guys have been dating since the end of the war?"

"Well, it's not like that exactly. I know I love her, and we always are saying things like 'I love how you do that,' or 'I love this about you,' but we've never …said it."

For once, Zuko didn't know what to say. It was obvious that his two friends loved each other. It just boggled him that they hadn't admitted it to each other yet. He wondered what to say to Aang, eventually deciding that he needed to give him a little kick in the balls.

"Aang, I hate to say this, but I think you might have to take the plunge and say it first. I know it's scary – heck, saying it to Mai was the scariest thing I've ever done (including facing my father) but girls are always so worried about getting hurt. Knowing that Katara's already a worrier, can you imagine how scared she must be? I think you need to initiate it because it's obvious you guys are in love and you need to be able to acknowledge it at this point in your relationship."

"I was afraid you might say that, and I know you're right…it's just a little part of me still doesn't really believe it's real. I know it's been two years but I just really don't want to come on too strong, or lose her."

"I get that Aang, I really do, but I really don't think you have a reason to worry. Speaking of which," Zuko added, "Shouldn't we deal with the short-term problem? If you're still jealous of Haru – which honestly you have no need to be – you should just take some time and go over all the letters you've had from Katara so far. Re-reading them will show you how much she does love you. "

Aang smiled for the first time in a few days. "You know what, I might do just that." He turned to Zuko and grinned. "What do you say Sifu Hotman, can I have the rest of the day off?"

Zuko grinned back at him. "Get your butt outta here, Avatar." As Aang ran off, Zuko thought to himself. Damn I'm good.

A few minutes later, Aang was lying on his bed, Katara's letters spread out around him. Katara's words washed over him again, reassuring him and making him feel surer of himself. Spirits I love that girl…I don't know what I'd do without her…

Aang smiled at the thought of Katara, and began sifting through the unopened letters from her, wanting more of her spirit with him. He came across the perfect one and had to shake his head in appreciation – she always seemed to get it right. The envelope read Open: When You're Feeling Jealous.

Dear Aang,

How are you? I already miss you so much. I can't help being nervous at the fact that you'll be gone for six months and probably have beautiful girls throwing themselves at you and asking you to make babies with them.

But that's another story (I just have to get used to the fact that now people notice how sexy you are) – actually all this nervousness on my side was making me think that maybe there'd be a time on your tour where you would get jealous. So I decided to write a letter for that situation just in case.

First of all, can I say how sexy it is when you get jealous?

Aang frowned. How on earth was being jealous sexy to Katara? He kept reading.

I know we haven't had any real issues with that since we've started dating but I definitely notice the way you put your arm around me if there's some guys trying to talk to me when we're out in the market together, or the way you glare at other guys when you don't think I'm looking. Remember when you used to be jealous of me and Jet? At the time I just thought you were being an obnoxious kid, but now… I don't know. I love the way you're possessive over me…I don't know, it's just so…masculine. Mmm... I'm thinking about it now and it's definitely making my heart beat a little faster.

But anyway, obviously I don't want you to be too possessive, or controlling, or any of that, but I'm saying it is pretty attractive when you get a little jealous, especially because it can be a nice reminder of how you feel about me whenever I'm unsure. In fact, considering how it makes you come on to me when you're jealous of someone, I might try and encourage it a little just for that.

Aang groaned in frustration. That sneaky minx. She knows exactly how to wrap me around her little finger…

But anyway, I just wanted to write this letter to make sure you know that even though you might feel a little jealous at times, you don't ever have to worry about me having anything with anyone else. Honestly Aang, you're in my head too much for me to even think about anyone else.

Somehow you've got a hold on me that I don't think I could shake, even if I wanted to. It's almost bad how much I think about you… whenever I see other guys I automatically size them up to you and they never seem to compare. Even if sometimes I notice how a guy's really hot, that's all it is, you know? It's like since I realized my feelings for you there's so much there that there's no room for anything but you. I'm consumed by you, Aang.

You're the only one I could possibly see myself with, and I want a future with you - and you only.

So please, don't ever worry about me with any other man. I'm a people person so chances are I'll probably end up hanging out with a few people you might get jealous of while you're away. But trust me, it's only ever gonna be about you.

I miss you so much Aang, come back to me soon. I hope you're feeling a little better after reading this letter.

Love from,
Katara

Aang sat back against his bed, his heart overwhelmed with happiness. What Katara had written in the letter, her feelings, expressed his own so perfectly that he couldn't believe it. He'd always worried a little bit that one day Katara would find someone better than him – it'd be so easy for her attract anyone. But knowing that she was so committed, and was only interested in him, silenced that voice, and gave him a burst of conference. His girlfriend was really incredible.

What a woman. Man am I lucky…

XXX

A/N: Are you surprised? I feel like it's actually pretty reasonable that Aang and Katara have never said 'I love you' because Katara is practical and always worries about getting hurt if she commits too much, and Aang doesn't want to push his luck or pressure her. Fun fact: this is the reason why Katara always signs her letters with 'Love from, Katara' and never writes 'I love you.' Don't worry though, when the moment happens for them, I'll be there to write about it ;)

S/O to my fans from other parts of the world – it's always so cool to see the reach of this site, and more specifically my stories. (Thanks to my anon French Fan – you've been with me from the start and I appreciate your reviews!)

A reader asked me to clarify how old Aang and Katara are – I've taken reader Ashley Barbosa's advice and revised this fic: it is now set 3 years after the war making Aang 16 (or 116) and Katara almost 18 (her birthday is coming up yay!). When I initially looked it up, people couldn't seem to decide between Aang being 13 and 14 at the end of the war; reviewers pointed out that 13 is probably more likely so I adjusted the story accordingly as I'd rather Aang and Katara both be older for the mature stuff. That was probably a very long-winded answer compared to your question but I hope it helped!

Please, please review with what you think (as well as with any chapter suggestions) – your reviews inspire me and also I'm running out of topic ideas (which means less chapters/slower update until I can come up with more).

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW: I'm loving Zuko's character so much that we're gonna digress a teensy bit from Aang and Katara to include a chapter about Zuko's struggles. Because Zuko is always struggling.