Author Note: Hellloooo again everyone! I am kind of sad that I am almost done with this story.. I've truly enjoyed writing it! But not to worry – I will bring you many Kataang fics in the future!

Disclaimer: yup, don't own 'em.

The Southern Water Tribe

Hakoda and Aang stood outside the back door of Noquan and Tyla's home. After Aang got Hakoda's blessing, they excused themselves outside. They stood in silence for a moment, before Hakoda broke the silence.

"Aang, I know we haven't had much time to get to know each other," he said as he placed a hand on Aang's back, "but Katara doesn't stop talking about you. I haven't seen her love someone so deeply… since we lost Kya." Tears filed Hakoda's eyes as he spoke. "When she died, Katara became a different person. She has always been loving and caring, and she never lost that. But there was a shift. She became more closed off, and didn't allow herself to love people the way she loved her mother. When I had to leave to fight in the war, that was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Aang didn't feel a need to speak. He didn't want to interject, so he continued to listen, keeping his eyes fixed on his feet.

"When Katara and Sokka came to my boat after the fall of Ba Sing Se, Katara wouldn't leave your side. You were unconscious for weeks. And she barely saw daylight during that."

The mention of this made Aang look up to Hakoda. Katara never talked about the weeks when Aang was asleep. He never asked her, understanding that if she ever felt ready, she would talk to him about it.

Hakoda continued. "She never wanted to leave your side. We all spent most of the time worried you wouldn't pull through, but Katara was more than worried. Katara would spend hours trying to heal you. Sokka and I would have to remind her she had to eat and sleep."

Hakoda paused and looked over to Aang. Aang still stared at the ground, understanding that it was important for Hakoda to explain this. "The reason I bring this up is because it was then that I knew, Katara cared about you more than just 'saving the Avatar'. She showed such deep love for you during those weeks. I knew your relationship had to be much deeper than I originally thought. And I was right, because when you woke up, I saw the love I had for Kya in her eyes. It was like looking at a reflection." Hakoda nudged Aang in the ribs and smiled. "And, I thought you were already a couple."

A chuckle escaped from Aang at this mention, causing Hakoda to also laugh. "I keep hearing that," Aang replied. "Apparently we were so obvious, everyone thought we were a couple if they joined the team later on."

"Well, it doesn't surprise me! I know my daughter – and when she loves someone, it shows."

Aang could once again feel the heat rising in his cheeks. During the time before he defeated Ozai, he spent so much time in his head wondering if Katara would ever see him romantically. It caused him to lose sleep some nights. Hearing stories like this make him more thankful for her every day.

"So," Hakoda said to break the silence, "what do you have planned?"

"Well, I actually was hoping you could help me with that."

Hakoda raised an eyebrow as he looked at Aang. "You don't have any idea of what you're doing, do you?"

"Well, I, um, no. Katara means so much to me. And I'm nervous that since we are from different cultures I won't be able to make it special for her. I only know Air Nomad traditions."

"I see," Hakoda interjected.

"So, I was hoping you and Sokka might be able to help me," Aang replied.

Hakoda grinned widely. "Well, of course we could help you! I will go get Sokka. Then, we can plan this thing."

Two Hours Later

It was cold. Too cold, in Sokka's opinion. After spending a few years away from home, he had gotten used to the warmer weather of The Fire Nation or Ba Sing Se. Still, it was nice to be home, however short it may be. He thought back to the times before they found Aang. The village had grown at least 10 times over since they left to help him, and now that the war was over, all the families had been reunited. He was also a bit of a celebrity, known for taking out over ten Fire Nation war balloons while Aang fought Ozai. Sokka enjoyed being called a "hero" and "warrior". While he no longer cared about it as the years went on since they ended the war, he enjoyed the hero "worship".

He was walking around the market looking for food for the night. Hopefully, it would only be a few days before he and Katara sent Hawky to Aang so they could go back to The Fire Nation. He longed to see his girlfriend, Suki, who he hadn't seen in a few months. She was often in the Fire Nation as part of Zuko's security. Just the thought of seeing her brought a warmth to his body, even though it was well below freezing.

"Pssst, Sokka!"

Sokka paused. The whisper came from inside a closed vendor's tent. The vendor's small table was empty and located a little ways away from the open ones. Curious, Sokka walked towards where the whisper came from.

"Sokka!" The voice said, a little louder this time. "Sokka! Over here!"

The voice was familiar. Too familiar. Could it be –

"Aang?"

"Shhhh! Sokka, don't say that so loud!"

Aang was sticking his face out in a fold of the tent he was in. His eyes were darting around, as if trying to make sure no one could see him.

Sokka lowered his voice to a whisper, "Aang, what are you doing here? And why are you hiding?"

An arm reached out and grabbed Sokka's coat, pulling him into the tent. It wasn't Aang's arm that did it, however. "Dad? Why are you guys hiding? What is going on?"

"Sokka, keep your voice down," Aang reminded him, "I don't want anyone to know I'm here. News will get straight back to Katara."

Sokka raised an eyebrow, obviously confused. "I'm sorry, I'm missing something here. Why do you not want Katara to know you're here? I thought you two told each other everything. And I mean 'everything'." Sokka shuddered with the last sentence. "And dad, why are you acting so secretively? Everyone knows you're here!"

Hakoda smiled. "Sokka, calm down. We can explain everything. I'm just trying to help your future brother-in-law propose to your sister."

Aang smiled as he stared at Sokka, wondering how he would respond. Sokka's eyes grew wide, and it looked as if he was about to explode. "You're going to do WHAT?"

"Shhhhhh!" Aang and Hakoda shushed Sokka in unison. Sokka looked from Aang to Hakoda, and back again. "I'm sorry, I think I miss heard my dad here. Aang, you're going to do WHAT?" He made sure to say this in a quieter tone.

"I'm proposing to Katara. And I need your help doing it."

Sokka's mouth hung open, eyes still wide. He made sounds as if to attempt to speak, but he couldn't make anything out.

"Sokka, son, aren't you happy Aang is going to be your brother-in-law?"

"I just need a moment. Hang on." Sokka turned around, took a deep breath, and then turned back.

"I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting this. I still think of you like the twelve year old I found in the iceberg. Sometimes I forget you two are old enough to get married."

"So does that mean you're going to help me?"

Sokka jumped in for a hug with Aang, seemingly to get over the initial shock. "Of course, buddy! Welcome to the family!"

Author Note: Alright guys! One more chapter left! Can't wait for the big event!