Sorry for taking a bit longer to update, Uni was really stressful this week but I am free for the next week and I want to post 3 or 4 chapters if I manage.
This chapter will be in both Aang and Katara POV and both are happening on the same days.
Time skip: 4 days later
Aang POV
It was the day before the game day and I was really nervous about it. I want to win so I can get a chance to see my friends again. We will spend two weeks in a resort outside the city where we will play the game. It is a 6-hour drive with traffic.
All I was thinking about was how I will react when I'll finally see Katara again. I miss her, of course, I do, but she was still with Jet and I didn't forget how she treated me that day. I've yet to talk with her.
At least Maya will come with us too. She is my pillar if I'm being honest. If it wasn't for her, I would probably be still sulking that Katara rejected me. I know I still love Katara and me and Maya are not there yet, but if any girl in the world may get me to fall in love with her, that girl is Maya.
I was at school, on my way to the third class of the day when I bumped into my girlfriend.
"Hey babe, couldn't wait to see me so you bumped into me intentionally?" She asked with a smirk.
"Excuse me for missing you" I replied with a 'matter of fact' tone.
"We saw each other yesterday" she replied kissing me. She tasted like strawberry.
"So what, I can't miss my girlfriend even for one day? " I asked with a pout.
She chuckled and kissed me again ''Of course you can. I missed you too"
I smiled and took her hand while walking towards her class.
"You know, we've been dating for almost 6 months and my parents have yet to meet you." She said giving me a side look.
It was true. We were close to six months and I don't even know what her parent's names are. She knows what happened to my parents and she met both Yangchen and Gyatso so we were good on my part.
"You're right. I didn't meet them yet. When do you think it's a good time? " I asked coming to a halt in front of her classroom.
" Tonight let's have dinner with my parents so we can get over this. I will text you the details later." She said giving me one more kiss.
I nodded and returned the kiss. After she enters the class quickly walked to my class to avoid getting in trouble for arriving late.
The classes went smoothly and in one of the breaks, Maya told me that we'll have dinner at her place at 8 pm so I and her parents can finally get acquainted with each other. She at least told me that her father's name is John and her mother is Carla. She also told her parents that I am a vegetarian and they were more than happy to prepare a dish for me. We also discussed what to tell them if asked about how we met. The agreement was that we met at a party and continued talking before started dating. I don't think her parents would be pleased to know that both of us got drunk and hooked up.
The rest of the day went without incidents and the time of dinner came. I got up in my car and drove towards Maya's home for dinner. I dressed formally in dark blue five-pocket chinos, a white shirt with buttons with a black blazer over it, and a pair of light brown dress shoes. I hoped her parents like me, even if we don't work out, Maya is still one of my best friends and I don't want her parents hating the sight of me.
I finally arrived at my destination and I texted Maya so she can come outside and introduce me.
She came outside and we briefly kissed before I knocked on the door.
Her parents opened the door and greeted me with a smile.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Conti, it's nice to meet you" I returned the smile and raise my hand forward to shake John's hand.
Her father shook my hand and gave me a nod.
"Welcome Aang, please come in," Carla said signaling me towards the living room.
I nodded and I stripped out of my blazer and my shoes and I took my place at the table, but not before I pulled out Maya's chair. Then, I took my place on Maya's right and opposite to her father.
"It's nice to finally meet you Aang, we heard Maya talk about you a lot but we never got her to introduce us," Her mother said.
''It's nice to meet you too. I'm sorry we didn't meet earlier but the subject never revealed himself until today.'' I said.
"Well it's better later than never'' her father said to which I nodded with a smile. (I don't know if this is a saying in other countries but in mine, it basically means that it is better to do something later than not doing it at all)
"What can I get you to drink darling? " Carla asked me while getting up from the table.
" Just water Mrs. Conti. I have to drive back home after all."
"Just call me Carla, Aang. Maya, can you please help me set the dinner please? "
Maya and her mother got up and went into the kitchen leaving me and her father alone at the table. Luckily, he didn't let the awkward silence last long.
" So Aang, how did you and my daughter met? " He asked with a raised eyebrow.
" We met at a party I held around 3 weeks after I changed schools. We talked a bit and we found out we have common friends. At first, I didn't want a relationship because my attempt to start one ended in disaster. But Maya helped me and she was the best friend I could have asked for and we decided to give each other a chance" I concluded avoiding the fact that we spent the night together.
" And what are your intentions with Maya''
" Well sir, me and her are a couple for close to six months, but we are not sure if we are in love yet. So we will keep spending time together and see if we fall in love with each other." I replied with confidence to which he smiled.
He didn't get to a chance to ask me more questions because the girls returned with the food and the drinks.
" I hope you enjoy it Aang, I never cooked vegetarian dishes before." Her mother said while setting a plate of what looked like pasta.
"I got the recipe from the internet. It's called Roasted Cauliflower Pasta."
" Thank you for doing this, I'm sorry if it was an inconvenience for you, but this is what I was raised like.''
"Don't worry, it was my pleasure. I hope you like it."
I took the fork and took some pasta with it. It was good. The lemon and garlic give it a nice zesty flavor, the parsley a delicious freshness, and the toasted walnuts, great texture, and earthiness.
" It's really good Carla, thank you again for cooking for me," I said smiling.
''And again, it was my pleasure. Now, dig in everybody"
The rest of the night was filled with laughs, jokes, and components on each side. I also find out that Maya's nickname is Cookie and I intend to tease her about that. I and John got friendly with each other after I told him I am a football player and I enjoy taking care of nature.
But everything comes to an end and I have to drive back home.
" It was a pleasure to have you Aang, and don't get shy, you are welcome here anytime," Her father said giving me a handshake.
" I will and thank you for having me. See you soon. Bye Cookie" I said smirking towards my girlfriend to which she rolled her eyes but couldn't keep the laugh off her face. We kissed one last time and I returned to my car.
I arrived back home and I just change into some shorts and a t-shirt before falling asleep. Tomorrow will be the last game before the final and we have to win. For Royal and for a chance to a proper reunion with my friend and, of course, a confrontation with Katara. I hope I will be ready to face her when the time comes.
The next day
Today was the game, one more step until the final and the regional championship. One more step until I see all of my friends and one more step until I have to see the girl I loved all my life with someone else, someone that doesn't deserve her and will hurt her.
I still taught about that. Sokka didn't tell me anything about her and Jet, but that is probably because I told them not to tell me anything. Still, I guess they are happy together if no one called me to tell me that something happened with Katara.
It wouldn't matter anyway because Katara doesn't feel the same way and I have to accept that. The sooner I do the sooner I can be truly happy and find love again.
I let those thoughts back in my head and focused on the task at the head. WIN THE GAME. This is our chance and both I and my teammates will give everything.
The day went normally. I went to my classes and met with my friends during the breaks. At PE we discussed the tactics and the opposition team.
They were called The Ocean Kings and they were really good, obviously since they reached the semi-finals. But I know we are better and we will win.
Finally, the hour of the game arrived and the team was in the locker room and be ready for my captain's speech.
When the coach gave me a nod I climbed on a table and whistled to get everyone's attention.
" Alright guys, these are it, one more step until the finals, one more obstacle in our way to the Regional Championship. I can see in your eyes that you want to win so let's go out there and show everybody else that this year is ours " the locker room roared with cheers before we made our way on the pitch and waited for the whistle signaling the game has begun.
When The Kings were on the attack but we stood strong and denied them any clear chances.
When our turn came we decided to try our faithful tactic and I bolted towards the right flank to receive the ball. When I did, I took a glance towards the box and saw Seb in position so I crossed the ball to him.
He jumped high but not one, but two opponents jumped with him and he couldn't hit the ball the right way. The ball went off the pitch.
We still tried this a few times but every time two players stopped Seb from scoring.
On their part, mostly, they tried dribbling past our defense but unsuccessfully.
The first half ended in a draw and we went back to the coach. We decide to try a new approach and play on the counter-attack. That meant letting them play their game until we intercepted the ball and use our speed players to overrun their defense.
And it worked. In the 60 minutes, our defense intercepted the ball and Kuzon took off running, he passed it to Matt who put it through for me.
I looked after Seb and when I saw him lose his marking man I low-crossed the ball in front of the goal.
He hit the ball with his left foot and scored the first goal of the game.
We celebrated and decided to defend and counter-attack for the rest of the game.
Royal did just that until the last minute when our defender interpreted the ball again and passed it to me.
I decided to take this chance on my own and sprinted in the middle. I dribbled past the first player and body-feinted the second and I found myself 1v1 with the goalkeeper who was rushing towards me. In quick thinking, I chipped the ball over him and scored for 2-0. It was done, they had no chance to come back. The final was just a few seconds away.
When the final whistle came, it came with roars of cheers and applause.
The celebration was short. We were suggested to go home and sleep because tomorrow we will take the bus to the resort where the game will be held.
I fell asleep that night with my mind at the final but my heart was focused on the promise I made to Sokka. I had no excuse, I have to talk with Katara face to face.
Katara POV
I woke up cheerful today. The semi-finals were today. One more game until the final and a chance to see Aang. I hoped his team would also win. Sokka told me about the promise Aang made about taking face to face, but I don't want him to feel forced to talk with me. I'll tell him when the time comes but I hope he will still want to talk with me.
We will talk only if he wants to talk with me. I wouldn't blame him if he won't, that's for sure.
I got up from the bed and went to the kitchen to eat my cereals. Sokka wasn't there yet so I finished in silence.
I made my way to the bathroom and washed my face and my teeth. I decided I don't want any makeup today, go with natural beauty.
I went back to my room when I heard Sokka telling me to be ready in 20 minutes.
I changed into a black shirt and white jeans, and a pair of black converse.
I took my bag and went downstairs to my waiting brother fiddling with his car keys.
We made our way to the school in silence. When we arrived we were greeted by our friends waiting for us in front of the school, in our usual spot.
" Hey, guys. Sokka, ready for the game today? " Zuko asked while leading towards the school doors.
" Sure am. I told Aang we will meet in the final and I intend to do so." Sokka replied.
" Then you better win. I miss Twinkeltoes and it's on you to make sure we see each other again. If you don't, I'll make sure you won't be using your left-hand again. Same to you Sparky." Toph said while cracking her knuckles in a fist to which Sokka and Zuko gulped.
" I'll communicate the message to the rest of the team," Zuko said shyly to which we all laughed.
The day went normally. I didn't have trouble in any of my classes thanks to days spent with Aang studying and organizing our time to do any school work and still have time for fun. I smiled fondling at the memory and hoped that one day we could do that again.
After school ended, we returned to our homes ready for the game. I begged my brother to do everything to win the game to which he replied with ' don't worry sis, you'll see Aang again soon '.
We arrived at the pitch and we parted ways, him going to the locker while I went to my friends.
The game began. The Golden Hawks were our opponents and they were a hard match for our team, but I was confident that we will win.
Unfortunately, The Hawks were first to score which made me worry a bit, but I still have hope, there is a long time remaining from the match.
My worries disappeared for a second when Zuko scored the equalizer. But they were back after just 4 minutes when the opponents scored again. Unfortunately, the first half ended like that and we were at disadvantage.
" It's not looking good for us. They are good and now they are leading at half time." Mai said with a sad look on her face.
" I still believe in our team. They will win" I said with determination.
"They promised us they will win and I'm not sure they would survive Toph's anger if they don't keep the promise," I said to which Toph just cracked her knuckles again.
The second half began and our team looked more determined. But I was surprised to see Zuko being the captain and Jet off to the bench with a new guy playing.
" I guess coach finally had enough of Jet," Suki said with a smirk.
They still hated Jet even after he apologized. I can't say I don't. Since his apology, I didn't talk with him and I don't plan on doing it for the foreseeable future.
" He still is one of our best players," Toph said with a shrug to which we all nodded.
The game went on but in the 70th minute, the new guy that came on finishes a pass from Haru and tired the game again.
I was hoping again but I was still shaking a bit from nervousness. If The Hawks score again I don't think our team can equalize again.
But that didn't happen. Instead, it was our team that scored again 10 minutes later, this time was Zuko.
I and the girls screamed our lungs out and clapped our hands until they hurt.
Kyoshi defense the lead and won the game. We sprinted towards the parking lot avoiding the people that popped in front of us.
When we saw the boys, without thinking I just jumped and hugged Zuko while thanking him.
I stopped when I heard Mai clear her throat.
"Sorry, I was just happy that he made sure I get to see Aang again" I looked at Zuko and he was blushing to which we all laughed.
" I promised you we would win. Suck it Toph, you don't get to punch me " Sokka said with a smug look on his face
"I can still do it for fun" Toph replied with a smirk in return to which Sokka's smug was replaced by fear.
"Let's ask the coach if Aang's team won. His game finished earlier" Zuko said while taking Mai's hand.
I was ready to follow them when I heard a voice calling from behind. I turned around to see Haru coming towards me with a smile.
"Hey Katara, did you see the game," He asked with a smile.
" Yes I did, congrats, you played really good" I hoped we would end the conversation soon so I can see if Aang won.
"Thank you. Anyway, I heard you and Jet broke up and I was... wondering...maybe...do you want to have dinner with me tomorrow?" he asked and my eyes widened a bit. I expected boys to try and date me after I and Jet broke up.
Haru was cute and he was a good player but a bit boring. I didn't have a problem with that, I wasn't funny according to my friends but still. And anyway, there is only one guy that I would date right now but as far as I know, his feelings for me are long gone. It would be a good idea to date someone else but for the time being, I enjoy being single.
" Haru you're sweet but I'm not interested, sorry. I enjoy being single for now." I said and his sad face made me flinch a bit. I didn't want to hurt him but what could I do other than telling him the truth.
" Oh, sorry. It's alright then. I'll just...leave then...See you Katara" He said in a low voice.
" See you Haru" I replied. I don't want to hurt anyone but I don't want a relationship with anyone right now, except one guy of course, but that is wishful thinking.
I turned around and sprinted towards my friends who looked happy.
"So," I asked with a hopeful voice.
" They won, we'll see Aang again, maybe even tomorrow if we're lucky. But where were you? I thought you would be the first person to ask about Aang's game."
"Haru stopped me to ask me on a date. I refused, I'm not looking for a relationship anytime soon." I said not giving them any chance to comment. But that wasn't important. Aang won. I beamed at this. Finally, after months of regret and wishes that he would call or text me, I can see him face to face.
"We should go home and rest. We're leaving early tomorrow and we have a 6-hour drive towards us " Suki said kissing Sokka.
We all nodded our heads and said goodbye to each other.
I and Sokka returned home, changed my clothes, and jumped into bed not even bothering to eat dinner.
Tomorrow, there is a chance we see each other tomorrow. With that in mind, I closed my eyes and fell asleep with a smile at the corner of my mouth.
The next day
Third-person POV
Aang and Katara woke up that day a few hours before departure time to pack their bags, after all, they will spend 2 weeks away.
They did the usual routine for the morning. They had breakfast, took a short shower, wash their teeth and change into traveling clothes.
Later, both of them with their respective group of friends got on ten busses that were supposed to drive them towards Grand Napoca Resort, one of the biggest in the world.
The place was huge. It was built to hold big sporting events. They were 4 different football fields, with several other sorting fields such as basketball, handball, or running tracks. They were 2 hotels separated in the east and west with several restaurants, shops, or activity centers.
Aang and Katara settled in their room along with their assigned roommates which were Seb and Hideo for Aang and Suki and Toph for Kat.
The day was uneventful, they were allowed to settle in and explore the resort.
It was the next day, later in the afternoon, when both decided to take a walk outside and explore the resort more.
Fate decided that after 6 months apart, this was the moment that they'll see each other again.
Close to the arcade, a tall, pale-skinned, black hair, and gray eyes boy, locked eyes with a tanned skin, with brown chocolate hair and cerulean blue eyes beauty.
The girl that broke his heart.