Alright i'm not sure what ya'll are expecting Kataang-y wise but remember for the time being our sweet Katara is still pregnant so lemons will have to wait for another...1-2 chapters...so no hate on that part please :) i promise to deliver and i will deliver...in the mean time any requests...ill be taking them for the next few chapters as filler content. so send away!
Appa flew most of the night until they were a safe distance from the mountain range. Sokka led him to a small outcropping between two hills so they could sleep. Aang took Katara down from the saddle and bent a rock chair for her to sit on. She welcomed the hard familiar surface as she stretched. Malu helped Jojo down then bent off the saddle once Aang and Sokka unloaded the supplies. Haru started setting up tents while Toph built a small earthen wall so they were shielded from unfriendly eyes. Katara watched from her chair feeling bad that she couldn't help with the normal routine.
"You know Katara, we could get some sleep faster if you helped set up the camp," Toph joked walking up beside her.
She laughed, "I was just thinking the same thing." Toph lightly punched her arm.
Aang had lit a fire and Sokka put the pot on filling it with water and vegetables.
"I can't believe you forgot to get meat again," Sokka grumbled to Aang.
"I'm sorry Sokka, I'm not usually the one who makes sure we have all the food," Aang said smirking.
"You did this on purpose didn't you?" Sokka glared at him.
Aang tried to keep a straight face, "I can personally make you an Avatar promise…" he began.
"Forget it…" Sokka grumbled stirring the pot.
Aang turned and walked towards Katara who was laughing with Toph.
"It's nice to see you smiling again," he said kneeling in front of her.
"Toph and I were just remembering some fun times we had while camping," Katara said stroking his cheek.
"How are you feeling?" Aang asked kissing her hand.
Toph decided to join the rest of the group, "Better now that I'm with you," Katara answered.
Aang examined her face bringing her rock chair closer to the earth, her bruise was beginning to turn yellow, "I wish I knew how to heal this. Every time I see it, it makes me angry."
Katara bowed her head, "It doesn't hurt anymore…"
Aang felt her pain again, "Will you tell me?"
Her heart began to race…she wasn't ready to tell him yet, "Later…right now I just want to enjoy being with you and being happy."
Aang smiled and nodded then pushed her earth chair toward the fire. The soup was ready and Sokka was serving everyone.
"Well well, I never thought I'd see the day Sokka was making dinner," Katara joked.
He snorted, "And I actually did good!"
"Define good, this is as bland as 100 year old jerky," Toph complained.
He glared at her, "Well maybe next time you would like to do it!"
Jojo started laughing, "You two are hysterical!"
Katara looked in her direction noticing for the first time Jojo's scars and bruises. Malu stayed quietly by her, eating her soup, not making eye contact with anyone. Everyone was tired by the time dinner was finished and they settled down for bed. Katara was placed on Appa's middle leg when she motioned for Aang.
"What do you need?" he asked kissing her.
"I want to talk to Malu and Jojo," she told him. Aang nodded and walked away to get them. He returned with them a few seconds later.
"How are you feeling?" Jojo asked lying on Appa's other leg.
"I'm ok," Katara answered, "How are you?" she asked indicating to Jojo's cut and swollen lip.
Jojo's smile was off-centered due to her swollen lip, "I've had worse but I'll be ship shape in no time."
Katara smiled, "If I could heal you right now, I would."
Jojo waved off her comment, "I'm a quick healer and besides…it's just another scar to add to my collection."
Malu sighed, "Really, you're going to brag about that?"
"If it lightens the mood and reasoning behind it, then yes," Jojo answered her lightheartedly.
Katara turned to Malu, "Malu, I wanted to thank you."
"Why?" she asked surprised.
"You are here with us. I know that you being here must have been a really tough choice. I don't know if you regret it or not but I just wanted to tell you thank you for helping us."
Malu was silent, wide eyes staring at the ground, "Yeah, it's no big deal."
Jojo got up ringing an arm through Malu's, "You know it's ok to be thanked."
"I know that," Malu said taking her arm out and putting both of her hands on her hips.
"Go get some rest, you both must be tired since you did all the work," Katara said.
They left and Aang snuggled up beside her, "You better heed your own advice, it's late."
He kissed her cheek lightly then proceeded to stroke her hair causing a deep sleep to come over her tired body.
The next afternoon they reached Kyoshi Island. Sokka's own anxiety was in full form but it did make him feel better seeing that the town was not up in flames. Appa landed by Kyoshi's statue and they were all greeted by applause. Sokka dismounted from Appa's head and asked the Mayor where Suki was.
"She's up at the training hut overseeing their practice," he answered and Sokka took off running.
Aang bended Katara down per her request, "Aang, we're going to need food supplies for the Air Temple. Remember there wasn't much there last time we stayed."
"Will you be ok by yourself?" he asked anxiously.
Katara smiled at him, "Go buy some food, we can watch her," Toph answered.
Aang kissed Katara's hand, then walked with the Mayor to the market. Katara's energy was low and she only managed about ten minutes worth of walking before she needed to sit down.
"Go get some water for her," Toph told Haru and she bended an earth chair for Katara.
Once Katara was seated, Toph stood in front of her, "Why are you keeping it from him?" she asked arms folded.
Katara grimaced at her, "What do you mean?"
"I know that one day Aang got anxious and saw you weeping in your cell and then you don't let him feel your stomach…you obviously think something is wrong, and if he would be paying attention he would be able to confirm what you already know," she answered whispering.
Katara paled, "Then you know…please don't tell him."
"Someone needs to before you give birth," she retorted.
"No…not right now, it will be too much for him."
Toph sighed, "Katara, it can't get much worse than it already has. He went into the Avatar State when he found out you were gone!"
Katara sighed again, "I know…I felt it and I think I watched a little of it too. When I realized what had happened I begged him to stop…then I couldn't see him anymore."
Toph cocked her head to the side, "You could see him while he was in the Avatar State?"
"I think so, since we are connected I felt it," she answered rubbing her stomach, "Just please don't tell him."
"If he finds out that I knew about it and didn't tell him, he's going to be mad at me," Toph said.
"He's not going to find out unless he discovers it for himself. But in a way thank you for confirming my suspicion. That way I can start the healing process now instead of later…" Katara said, a small tear escaping her eye.
Toph placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry, I figured you already knew…like some sort of pregnant sense or something."
Haru walked back up with water just then, "Here, if you need more let me know."
Katara smiled at him, "Thank you."
"Katara!" she heard Suki yell as she watched her new sister walk as fast as she could, holding her stomach.
"Haru, can you help me up?" Katara asked and she stood waiting to embrace her.
"Oh Katara," Suki said giving her a side hug, "I was so scared for you! How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine right now Suki. How are you doing?"
"I'm good; I hear we're going to the Southern Air Temple. When do we leave?"
Katara smiled at her, "As soon as Aang buys enough food for our stay there."
"I better go pack, come on Sokka," Suki ordered pulling him with her.
Malu and Jojo received many curious glances and stares but they opted to stay in the saddle to avoid questions. Many of the people, they noticed, followed Aang around.
"Ugh, that would drive me crazy," Malu said furrowing her eyebrows.
Jojo giggled, "That's why you're not the Avatar. Aang's good at dealing with people in general where as you…"
"Are a sour old lady," Malu finished her sentence smirking at her.
Jojo laughed louder, "Exactly!"
The air temple was in sight just as the sky began to darken. Aang breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of his home. Katara felt a change in his spirit and smiled, feeling her own anxiety lessening. Malu and Jojo both had their mouths agape with wonder.
"That's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," Malu whispered to her.
"Yeah, it's definitely one of a kind," Jojo answered her.
The setting sun rays lit up the clouds around the temple as if it were alive with fire, giving it an ethereal appearance. The towers stood tall and true, topped with polish blue like the noon sky. As the clouds dissipated around them they were able to get a better look at the temple. Appa landed on the same round platform letting everyone dismount before making his way back to the stable. Toph and Haru were stuck bending a platform with all the supplies up to the temple since everyone else has their hands full; Sokka supported Suki while she walked, Aang carried Katara, and Malu supported most of Jojo's weight. Aang got Katara situated in bed before he told her,
"I need to go show Malu and Jojo where they can stay. I'll be right back," he promised her kissing her hand.
"I'll be right here," she answered, lying on the bed.
Aang walked back out of the room closing the door. Malu and Jojo were standing there waiting for him.
"So if you want to follow me this way," Aang said walking.
"Aang, we know how much you want to be with her," Jojo said, "We can find our own way."
Aang smiled at her bruised face, "It's ok, people can get lost here if they don't know where they are going."
Aang opened two of the previously cleaned rooms for them, "Make yourselves at home. I know these rooms are small, but as students we never spent lots of time in them."
"Just go back to her, we will be fine," Malu said, leading Jojo into her new room.
Aang walked back into the room to see that Katara's eyes were closed. He took off his boots and outer robe and then took off her shoes. She stirred at the contact.
"I'm sorry go back to sleep," Aang said.
Katara reached her hand out for him and he grasped it. She gently pulled him up until he was facing her. She smiled as he brought her hand up to his lips. Katara then traced his face with her lean fingers until she reached the back of his neck and then she brought his face forward to kiss her. Aang's hands started at her hip, then traced up her side, stopping at her shoulder. Katara whined a little when her belly didn't allow them to get any closer. Aang laughed at her sad face.
"It's ok Katara, besides we don't want to squish him anyway," he said playfully at her.
Katara smiled but Aang could sense something off about it. It was the same feeling he got when he touched her stomach on Appa and at the camp site, but he knew for now he shouldn't press the issue. He just wanted to enjoy being with her again.
"Can you...," Katara started, then motioned for him to switch sides.
Aang obliged, "But I won't get to see your beautiful face."
"I just want to feel you close to me please," she asked.
He couldn't refuse her, so he switched sides lying behind her. Katara inched a little bit so he wouldn't get nudged off the bed. Once he was lying down again, Katara reached for one of his hands and draped it over her body. Aang propped himself up on one shoulder and began kissing her cheek and neck. She sighed in contentment as he moved his legs so he could intertwine them with hers. She closed her eyes relaxing under his gentle caress and blindly traced his still hand. He kept his body close to hers, eager to give her whatever she wanted and to make her comfortable. Once he stopped his kissing, he nuzzled her neck breathing in deeply.
"I love you Katara," he whispered fervently.
"I love you too Aang," she replied smiling.
"You can tell me anything you know that right," he told her kissing her cheek.
She stiffened, "I know I just…can't talk about it yet."
"Please Katara, not knowing…if they hurt you in way…" he started.
"No," she said quickly, "It's not like that."
"Then tell me please…" he begged her.
Katara sighed, "Give me one more day and if you don't figure it, out I'll tell you."
Aang sighed, "Ok."
"Time to sleep now my love," Katara's voice got quieter with exhaustion.
Aang fell onto his side staying as close to her as possible.
The next morning, Aang woke up to see Katara still sound asleep. He gently took his arm away and slowly got out of bed. Walking out of the room he noticed that it was a few hours past sun rise. Leaving the door open, he took a few steps out into the bright hallways. Katara began stirring drawing Aang back to the bed.
"Where'd you go, it's cold," she turned looking for him.
He smiled and lay back down next to her, "Better?"
Katara snuggled against him, "Yep." She answered when she was suddenly hit with hunger.
"Let's go eat some breakfast, I'm hungry," she said kissing him.
Aang held her in place for a bit longer then answered, "Probably a good idea."
They both headed to the kitchen when they ran into Malu and Jojo.
"Look who's on her feet," Jojo said excitedly.
Katara smiled at her and Malu "Thanks, are you feeling any better?"
"Yup, I can already walk by myself, the next step is running," Jojo said.
Katara laughed at her comment causing her stomach to hurt her a bit. Aang wrapped his arm securely around her waist.
"Have you guys eaten already?" He asked the girls.
"No we were just trying to find the kitchen when we got lost…again…" Jojo answered a little shyly.
Katara laughed, "Follow us, we're going there too."
They walked in smelling oatmeal cooking. Katara was shocked to see Suki standing and stirring the pot.
"Suki, you should not be doing that," Katara complained at her.
"Who else is going to do it, definitely not you, and most definitely not Sokka," she answered stirring.
Katara sighed sitting down, "I guess you have a point, Sokka would probably burn it."
"Hey! I heard that!" Sokka called from the back room as he brought in honey and fruit, "And didn't I make good soup on our camping trips?"
"It was sufficient enough that we didn't starve," Katara answered. Sokka glared at her as he sliced the fruit.
Suki looked up, "Malu, Jojo, how did you guys sleep?"
"Very well thank you, it's been a while since I actually had a good night's sleep," Jojo said, propping her feet up on the table.
"So I got a messenger hawk this morning from dad," Sokka started, "They arrested everyone who surrendered...mostly women and children. Lots of the resistant fighters died but Dad's afraid that wasn't all of them. For one, they didn't find Ozai or Azula at the lair. That has Dad and everyone else thinking that they have another hideout. And secondly, the only really skilled warriors that were there were the six Dai Li agents. Well, them and a general named Torin."
"No," Katara said, "That was their main hideout. When I was kidnapped Azula would visit me at least once a day, sometimes twice. They were never friendly visits and she mostly just wanted to boast and such. But…" she paused thinking of the child that she had seen, "She stopped coming to see me. It had been 4 days since I had seen her and then you guys came. If they left people it was on purpose."
Aang watched her as she spoke. When she talked about Azula's visit her spirit had that same pained feel that he had been feeling when he touched her. So that's what she didn't want to talk about; her getting beaten by Azula…the bruises on her face. Aang's hands tensed on the table but Katara placed hers on top and with her other hand she lifted his face to meet hers. She could see the pain this subject caused him and felt the guilt that was emanating from him.
"Don't blame yourself…please," she asked him.
"It's hard not too…" he said quietly.
"I just don't want to think about it anymore. I'm here alive and with you. Right now nothing else matters," she paused looking down, "We will get our vengeance soon enough."
Aang took both of her hands in his and kissed them.
Malu yawned, "Is that ready yet?"
Jojo elbowed her, "Way to ruin the moment."
"I'm sorry that I don't deal well with these kinds of subjects, not to mention I happen to be hungry," Malu countered.
"Not to be rude but for once I agree with Malu," Toph said tapping her fingers on the table.
"Sokka, did the hawk say anything else?" Haru asked.
"Oh yeah, Dad will be here in a week and he wants me to send hawky to Pakku to see how Gran Gran is doing," he answered.
"Gran Gran?" Katara's ears perked up, "She's alive!"
Sokka looked at her questioningly, "Yeah barely…"
Fresh tears leaked out of Katara's eyes, "I thought she died…"
"Well, unless things have changed since we left a couple weeks ago then she's still alive. Someone found her in your house the night you were kidnapped. They said they heard screaming and a boom and when they came to check they found you gone and her on the ground. The healers were working round the clock to heal her," Sokka told his sister.
Katara wasn't sure why she couldn't stop crying. This is happy news not sad, but she kept laughing and crying which started making Aang laugh as he felt her confusion.
"Ok Katara seriously…" Toph said looking at her.
"Just leave her be, pregnancy does weird things to your emotions," Suki defended her while scooping out bowls of oatmeal to the group.
Sokka wrote the letter to Pakku during breakfast ignoring the small talk. Katara ate slowly, her stomach would sometimes clench if she ate too much too fast. Since Azula would sometimes not feed her and the fact that her body will soon be giving birth to a still born child, she found it hard in general to keep food down. After breakfast the group dispersed to do their various exploring. Toph and Haru wanted to spend some time alone since they hadn't really had the opportunity. Suki was tired so she and Sokka decided to go back to their room. Jojo grabbed Malu's arm claiming they were going to go get lost in the temple again. Aang sat at the table with Katara while she finished her breakfast.
"So what would you like to do?" Aang asked.
Katara swallowed her oatmeal before answering, "Just spend time with you. It's kinda nice knowing everyone has their own 'partner'. That way nobody is excluded."
Aang smiled, "Still thinking of others…"
"What?" she asked smiling at him.
"Nothing," he kissed her, "So you don't have any idea what you would like to do except spend time with me?"
Katara took her last bite of fruit before answering, "Actually an idea just popped into my head."
"And what is it?"
"I want you to show me your favorite spots in or on the air temple," Aang smiled at her comment, "Then I think we should go down to that field and build your shrine to the old benders."
Aang bowed his head, he had forgotten about that. Katara rubbed his shoulder then rested her head on him. Aang turned and picked her up carrying her like a groom carries his bride.
"I can walk you know," Katara commented.
"I know, but you said you wanted me to show you my favorite site of the air temple. I can't really do that when we're walking," he smiled kissing her forehead.
Katara sighed, "My bad…" she said hitting his chest.
Aang walked out onto a balcony adjacent to the kitchen, "This is where Monk Gyatso used to train me sometimes. See that oven over there?" he nodded his head, "Monk Gyatso used to make his fruit pies in there then he'd place them on this ledge and we would air bend them off so that they would land on the monks who were meditating below."
Aang set Katara down where she could see the small areas where a small group of people could easily sit…and meditate. Aang held his arms out to her and she walked into them before being lifted into the air to land on a walkway.
"This is where my friends and I would play most of the time. This is also where I was told the monks needed to talk to me. Then they took me to the council room and told me I was the Avatar. When I came back, the kids had learned the air scooter that I invented and even made a game out of it, but they wouldn't let me join them; I guess this is one of my favorite and least favorite places."
Katara glanced up at him before bringing his face back down to kiss him. She hated seeing him sad as he relived his childhood. Aang returned her kiss more fervently pushing his tongue in to taste her. Katara was shocked for a moment but that was quickly replaced by excitement. Aang smiled against her lips before pulling away and kissing her forehead.
"We're not done with the tour yet," he smiled at her.
Katara laughed as he pulled her up and into the air with him again. He bounced around the temple expertly before landing on the topmost tower. Katara's breath was taken away as she took in the surroundings. She was above the misty clouds gazing down on everything, she felt like she was on top of the world. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew but Aang's firm hold on her didn't have her nervous. What she didn't realize was that another air bender had caused it. Aang however picked up on it immediately and waved to Malu and Jojo who were behind them on the next highest tower.
"Was that Malu who did that?" Katara asked.
Aang laughed, "Yes it was."
A few seconds later Malu jumped up to join them with Jojo on her back. They landed easily next to them.
"Fancy seeing you up here," Jojo commented sliding off Malu's back.
"You as well," Katara answered.
"I've realized in my short time being here that you can't get around here much without being an air bender," Jojo smiled.
Aang laughed, "Let's just say these temples weren't designed to have non-air benders living in them."
Katara glanced at Malu who looked peaceful, "How do you like it here Malu?"
She turned her head still smiling, "I don't know what it is about this place, but it feels right."
Aang smiled at her, "It's because you belong here. This is your true home."
Malu's smile grew wider at his comment as she launched herself into the air. They all watched her as she bounced easily in between the clouds before landing back next to them.
"You know, had I still been in the swamp I would have disagreed with that comment," Malu said a little out of breath.
"You tired already," Jojo nudged her in the side.
"No! I'm just…happy," Malu turned and stood just like Jojo.
They both busted into laughter, while Katara and Aang giggled to each other.
"You know what Malu, I need to teach you how to play airball," Aang said.
"Airball?" she asked cocking an eyebrow.
"Oh you will love that game," Katara commented breathing deeply.
"Sounds like fun, when do we learn?" Jojo asked.
"Well it would be more fun with more people but one on one is always great for competition," Aang said smiling.
Malu smirked at him, "Hmmm, competition huh, I think I may have to learn." Jojo jumped in delight.
Just then Katara bent over grabbing her stomach, "Ahh!" she shrieked.
"Katara!" Aang yelled, gently helping her to the ground. Her face was clenched in pain and she was taking short shallow breaths. Jojo and Malu came up beside her. After a few seconds the pain passed and she could breathe easily again. She decided to just lay there for a while to make sure that the pain wouldn't come back. Aang sensed her intentions but held her firmly so she wouldn't fall.
"Take me back to the room, I need to lie down," she told him weakly.
Aang nodded scooping her up in his arms. He jumped from the tower and slowly bent his way down to courtyard by the rooms. He weaved his way to their bedroom and placed her gently on the bed. Jojo and Malu came walking in a few seconds later.
"Katara, what can I do for you?" Jojo asked.
Katara looked at her, "Just some water and fruit will be fine."
Jojo nodded as she and Malu left the room. Aang held her hand and Katara didn't need to look at his face to feel the worry inside of him.
"I'll be ok," she told him closing her eyes.
"That is not ok. This situation is not ok. Katara, I want to help you but I don't know how…what do I do in this situation!" Aang said laying his head on the bed. Katara coaxed him back up and wiped the tears from his eyes.
"I could have waited. I didn't have to put you through this. We still could have been together just traveling and restoring peace…but I couldn't wait…" Aang started rambling.
"That's enough Aang," she said in a stern voice, "You didn't do anything. I loved you and I still do. I don't regret anything for one second. Not kissing you all those years ago, not your marriage proposal, not a single thing. You were the best decision I have ever made. Don't think for one second that I would want this any other way."
Aang's tears began to dry up as she spoke to him. He had laid out his troubles and fears to her and just like that…they were gone. She knew exactly what to say to him, to make his guilt go away. She was his perfect half…without her he was incomplete.
"Katara…I love you, and those things have been troubling me since I found out you were gone," he said softly kissing her hands.
Katara instantly became compassionate, "I know things haven't worked out the best that they should. But I'm here for you Aang, never forget that. Through good times and bad, and through all of eternity you are mine and I am yours."
Aang kissed her, pouring out all of his love and adoration.
Reviews please! I need more reviews!