Chapter 24: An Interesting Morning

Katara's POV

Despite the accident, the gang and I strived to maintain a daily routine. It was difficult, especially on the first day. It was heartbreaking to see Aang ask Toph who everyone was. Part of me wished so hard that everything was just a bad dream, a bad dream that I would wake up from any minute.

During the first weekend after Aang was released, everyone came over to help Aang recover his memory. Even Uncle Iroh and Gran-Gran stayed. Alas, Aang's face was blank the whole night. Nothing snapped. Nothing came back. He was still Aang...but he wasn't Aang. It was already early morning when we gave up. Gran-Gran put out some blankets and pillows and let everyone sleep in the living room.

I couldn't sleep that night. It was all too much. I went up to my room to get some time to think. When I heard the door creak behind me, I was startled.

"Wh-Who's there?" I said, with a quick gasp

A pair of golden eyes stared back at me. A few seconds later, a pair of fair-skinned muscular arms were wrapped around me and my back was pressed against a strong firm chest.

"Hey..." a deep voice whispered, "You okay?"

"Yeah...I just needed some time to think..." I sighed, leaning back and inhaling his scent

"You know, this is all going to be over soon. It'll be okay, okay? Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but soon."

"I know...It just breaks my heart to see him like that. And to think he was like our baby in the gang. It was like he didn't even know us..."

"Umm...technically, he doesn't."

"Not helping, Zuko."

"Sorry. I just don't want you to be so sad."

"I can't help it. I mean, what if he...never recovers?"

"I don't think that'll ever happen. Come on, this is Aang we're talking about. He can do it. I know he can."

He squeezed my hand reassuringly and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"He'll get well, hon." he said. "And we'll be right there to help him."

I smiled and kissed him back.

"So..." he said softly, "it's a nice night..."

"Yeah..."

"We should both be in bed you know..."

"Are you implying something?"

He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously.

"Maybe... I mean...I'm already half-naked."

I turned to face him. He was indeed shirtless. His abs looked even sexier in the moonlight.

"So...you want me to undress now or will you do it for me?" I whispered, running my finger down his torso

I was confused at his startled look.

"You were serious?" he asked. "I was kidding."

"You mean you don't find me sexy?"

I was joking, of course, but it was fun to see him all nervous and panicked.

"I-I didn't mean it that way! Of course I find you sexy! B-But don't take that the wrong way! I mean, I love you but I find you hot. No, wait! I don't love you because of that! I mean... uhh... umm... I'm sorry?"

Damn, he was cute. I put my finger to his lips and smiled.

"Did you just tell me you love me?" I said, smirking as he blushed

"Umm...yeah...is that bad?" he said, boyishly scratching the back of his head.

I put my arms around his neck and gave him a long kiss on his lips. He smiled in relief when we broke the kiss.

"No...it's very very good." I said. "Come on. It's about time we got some sleep."

I led him to the bed and pulled back the covers. I climbed him and waited for him to do the same. Instead, he just stood there staring at me.

"What? Aren't you going to get some sleep?" I said

"Umm...Are you sure it's okay for me to sleep beside you?"

"Of course."

"Your brother would kill me if he saw us."

"Oh please..." I rolled my eyes. "I bet him and Suki are getting it on right now."

"Eww..." He made a face and lay down beside me. "What an image."

"Riiight. As if you've never lusted for Suki, the head cheerleader."

"Of course I haven't. Why would I when I have you here...wearing nothing but a very revealing blue cotton nightie?"

I blushed and pulled the blanket over both of us.

"Correction. It's periwinkle and it's satin."

He chuckled, put his arm around me and smiled.

"What's with girls and colors?"

"What's with guys and being shirtless?"

"...Touche."

"Good night, Zuko."

"Good night, Katara. Sweet dreams..."

"You too..."

At that moment, as I drifted off to sleep, everything seemed perfect.

Sokka's POV

Ahh...nothing like a nice hot cup of coffee to start the day...

I woke up surprisingly early. Everyone was still snoozing when I climbed up the stairs to stay in my room. I noticed Katara's bedroom door was open. Wait...Wait a minute. I didn't see her downstairs.

Wait.

I didn't see Zuko either. Shit.

I rushed into her room and looked inside. There I saw the both of them, snuggling under the pillows. I felt all the blood rush to my head and I dropped the mug on the floor.

"ZUKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Iroh's POV

I was woken up by a young man's screaming voice and the sound of breaking ceramics. It was Sokka's, I think. I yawned and started to make some tea. Chamomile, of course. I presumed that the young man discovered his sister and my nephew in bed and assumed the worst.

"Good morning, everyone." I said cheerfully as I walked into the living room.

Apparently, everyone woke up because of the sound. They were all cranky and tired. It'd be best if I stayed out of their way.

I sat on the stool in the kitchen and heard thumping sounds from upstairs. From what it sounds like, Sokka's probably chasing my nephew round and round. I could already hear them coming down the stairs.

"Sokka! Stop! I didn't sleep with him!" Katara called behind them.

"It's true!" Zuko repeated, running into the kitchen and panting. "We didn't do anything!"

"I don't believe you!" Sokka said, chasing after my nephew

I have to say, this is quite entertaining.

"Uncle! Do something!" Zuko said. "He's gonna kill me!"

I just chuckled.

"I assure you, nephew, he will not. The worst he can do is probably cut off your reproductive organs."

"UNCLE!"

"ZUKO, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Sokka screamed

They chased each other in circles around the island. They both paused and tried to stare each other down.

"I cannot believe you slept with my sister!"

"How many times do I have to tell you? I did not have sex with her!"

"Then why were you shirtless and why was she wearing only a nightie?"

"Because that's what we wear when we sleep!"

"Wrong answer!"

They chased each other round and round again. By then, everyone had gathered to see the commotion. The boys paused again. Zuko grabbed a wooden spoon from the counter.

"Stay back! I've got this spoon! I can easily whack you on the head with it."

"Oh yeah?"

Sokka looked around frantically, looking for a "weapon."

"Well...I have a...a...AHA!" he grabbed a bottle of dishwashing liquid. "I have this! I got you now, Agni!"

Zuko scoffed.

"Oh my god!" he said, feigning fear. "I'm so scared. What are you gonna do? Disinfect me to death?"

Then, Sokka's grandmother came in.

"Enough!" she said, grabbing the dishwashing liquid and the wooden spoon. "No one slept with anyone!"

"How can you be so sure, Gran-Gran?" Sokka asked

"I would have known if there was any funny business going on. I have ears like a jaguar-cat. Now go clean up the living room."

The boys shook hands and left the kitchen. On the way out, Katara gave her brother a smack on the head.

Their grandmother started preparing breakfast. I stood up and started to make more tea.

"Gran-Gran, chamomile or jasmine?"

No response.

"Umm...Gran-Gran?"

"Wha-Oh!" She said, turning around from her cooking. "Did you ask me something?"

"Yes. I asked if you wanted chamomile or jasmine tea."

"Oh. Jasmine, please, and thank you. Pardon me, I didn't hear you."

I chuckled and continued making the tea. I heard the youngster's voices. Seems like they're all fully woken up now.

I sighed and smiled. I wish I still had that much energy, especially in the morning...

Toph's POV

After an interesting morning, Aang and I went back to the house. As soon as we entered, he put his arms around me.

"Hey..." he said

"Hey..."

"So...you want to just stay in and cuddle today?"

"Umm...sure."

I turned on the tv in the living room while he prepared snacks in the kitchen.

"Want some popcorn, sweetheart?" he called from the kitchen

"Uhh...sure...umm...honey..." I said

Damn...this was more difficult than I thought it would be.

He entered the living room, sat down and stretched his arm across my shoulders.

"I'm so glad you're my girlfriend..." he whispered

"Y-Yeah...I'm glad you're my boyfriend too." I said nervously.

Well, technically, I was his girlfriend.

Or so he thought...

Author's Note: Yey! I finally updated! Aren't you proud? :D Well, I'm gonna start on the next chapter right away so I don't procrastinate :) Wish me luck!

Again, thank you to the people who have supported me until now, even if they were deprived of updates for so long! I am still begging for forgiveness, guys :(

Disclaimer: i dont own avatar or any of the characters in it

Anyway, I hope you like this chaper! R&R please! :D