Guest (SYTFAD): You think its stupid, others like the idea. Yes, I am a Kataanger, but I like a Zuko/Aang/Katara love triangle because the Angst can reach ungodly levels when done right. Just read Forgiveness by VerelLupin or Heart Broken by Bay45220 if you don't believe me. I'm assuming you're a Zutaraian so if you think its stupid, then don't read it. I literally made this story to troll Zutarians, and I am immensely pleased judging by how butthurt some of you sound in my PM's.

Rvoverkill: I want to see your hearts burn, the world comes after :) This story will not be as angsty as SYTFAD but it won't be all pleasant either. There'll be more humour but the Kataang in it will be... lets say, different. This story won't have a sad ending but it might not be all roses either.

anayeli12: I'm glad you're interested in the prospect, I'm having fun writing it, even though it hurts, and this story is basically Aang fcking and clowning around as he grows up. That's the best way I can put it without spoiling anything. And there won't be much Aangst after these chapters, I saw what you did there :)

Blue-Meets-Grey67: I'm glad you think my stories are masterpieces but their far from it, trust me. But, yeh, it hurt me to write the Zutara moment as well, same as the one here, but it'll all work out soon - well, for Aang at least.

nateC183: I'm glad you like it, I tried a different approach with the whole first person thing and i hope it works for everyone. The remainder of the story from here is gonna be mostly fluff, smut and some angst. A whole lotta Zutara regret though.

TheQuietReader23: Yeah, I wanted to change it up and i used the voice inside his head to do it, we all have one tbh. Yes, I don't like it either and I addressed it in this chapter, you'll see. The whole 'love' in friendship thing is sort of explained here. I won't understand Zutara either, I will admit that it is sezuallyy appealing and does have a kinky vibe to it, but that's all I see in it: sex appeal. I don't see the whole opposites, fire and water bullshit most people argue with, so Zutara is basically surface level romance to me, whereas Kataang is way deeper. Zuko questioning how he could do this to Mai and Aang is also mentioned here, you caught on there, great catch. Trust me, Katara is going to regret her decision, and from here on out, Aang is gonna have the time of his life. Aang x Mai will happen in the later chapters.

jonners2314: I know it hurts but you can power through it. After this chapter, it'll be mostly fluff and smut. I would like to write Zutara arguments, but I've already done that in SYTFAD - that was basically the whole point of Zutara; to show just how dysfunctional it could be. But, since this story is all from Aang's POV, it'll be difficult to write Zutara arguments without him being present, and that's kinda hard to write, plus it wouldn't really make sense since he's trying to distance himself from them. Well, I introduced one of the girls Aang will be with already, and there's another one in this chapter, so yeah, get ready for that.

Chapter 2: The Treatment Begins

'Could you at least 'try' to not look like a grumpy Season 1 and 2 Zuko, please?'

Season 1? 2? What are you on about?

'Never mind that, just stop looking like your entire nation was reborn and massacred all over again.'

Considering the love I have for Katara, it basically was.

'This is getting depressing.'

Well, get used to it.

'Why don't you get up and have fun? Dance with one of those girls staring at you? Go and have some banter with Toph? Do something, anything? Forget about her.'

I wanted to. Spirits know I wanted to. But, for some odd reason, my eyes were glued to the way the Zuko and Katara were slow dancing in the midst of a sea of red, green, and blue. I took notice of the way she swayed, the way she looked content, the small smile on her face conveying nothing but bliss and happiness – oddly matching his own. Zuko smiling… never thought I'd see that, but if Katara can make him smile like that… I won't interrupt. Even though the thought had crossed my mind, I was never really the type of person who'd break a couple up for his own selfish needs. So, I didn't even try.

'Steer your eyes away, I don't think you want to see what's about to happen next.'

Why? What's –

Just then, when I glanced back, I saw the image of Katara standing up on her tiptoes to kiss Zuko softly on the lips. The Fire Lord, at first, seemed hesitant and almost looked around in fear, but soon smiled and melted into the kiss.

Oh, fuck. There goes my heart again.

I guess this was Katara's way of showing every girl in the room that the Fire Lord was hers, and that she was also taken by him. In another universe, where I hadn't met Katara and fallen in love with her, I probably would've thought it was sweet, maybe even clapped and encouraged it – but this wasn't it. I wasn't fortunate enough to not have fallen in love with such a wonderful girl. I wasn't fortunate enough to not have fallen in love with such a wonderful girl who didn't love me back. I wasn't fortunate enough to not have fallen in love with such a wonderful girl who didn't love me back and wanted to announce it to the entire world. I wasn't –

'Okay, okay! We get it! Spirits, shut the fuck up. You're unfortunate, we get it.'

Hey! You're supposed to be on my side! You're a two-faced rat-viper!

'Relax, you're making it sound way worse than it actually is. You loved her, and she didn't love you back. It's as simple as that. Get the fuck over it. Besides, you're not the only one who seems confused.'

What do you mean, 'not the only one'?

'Don't turn around, but manipulate the air currents behind you and hear for yourself.'

As I closed my eyes and homed in on the air currents behind me, I picked up on soundwaves originating from Chief Hakoda and Sokka. Due to the music, chatter from partygoers, and the footsteps of everyone dancing, I had to cancel out all unwanted frequencies to really grasp exactly what the two were talking about, but when I did, I was certainly surprised.

"Sokka, what was that?"

"What? What was what?"

"Katara… why did she…"

"I'll tell you about it later, Dad."

"I thought she… I could swear I thought she and the Ava-"

Unable to listen on further, I abruptly stood up from my seat and trailed off outside, heading towards a balcony while attempting to numb the creeping pain and anger.

If Hakoda: Katara's father, also thought she felt something for me then… exactly what happened to change all that? Did I do something wrong? Did I deter her somehow? Was it because of that stupid play? Was it because I kissed her? Was she just being friendly or did she really have feelings for me at some point like Hakoda suggested? Or did everyone else and I just read the whole thing backwards?

I mean, I asked her yesterday but… she didn't really answer my question. She just said she 'loved me as a friend' – whatever the fuck that means. Like, how can you love someone as a friend? Is that even possible?

'She meant romantically, she cherishes you as a friend and as a person, just like you do all your friends.'

So, does that mean I 'love' my friends too? This is all so weird, the monks never taught me about love, or heartbreak or any of these foreign feelings. But I guess you're right; I genuinely love helping people and would do anything for my friends. So, again, does that mean I love them?

'To an extent, yes. You love them, but you're not in love with them. That's different. That's romantic love.'

You ever think someone could love me, like romantically?

'Sure, why not? You're smart, responsible – sometimes – goofy, but it suits you. You're selfless, thoughtful, easy-going, romantic and sweet. Wait like a year or two, once you start filling out your body, in your mid-teenage years, you'll be slaying chicks You'll be Unstoppable.'

Why would I want to slay girls, or anyone for that matter?

'Its figure of speech, just… don't worry about it.'

But, if I'm all that, then why did she –

'Okay, look. You need to stop. You're killing yourself by constantly asking these stupid questions that hold no meaning anymore. She chose someone else, that's all there is to it. You need to move on, its your responsibility to her and yourself to move on and forget about her.'

I've done so much for her…

'And I bet she's grateful, she said so herself yesterday. Didn't she.'

That's a great way to show your gratitude to someone who loves you: making out with the Fire Lord and rubbing it in their face later on…

'Stop. She didn't rub it in your face. She didn't even realise that you knew until you told her. You're being an asshole again.'

I can't help it. I've always been the one making sacrifices. I sacrificed my desire to be with her when we first met, when I left the South Pole. I sacrificed my Avatar State to keep her safe. I was even willing to sacrifice my love for her when I thought we wouldn't make it in the Catacombs. I sacrificed my –

'You don't think she's sacrificed anything? Dude, she gave up her home just to travel with you. She sacrificed her life with her family in the South so she could help you become the Avatar you are today. She's defended you against others on multiple occasions, verbally and physically. She kept you steady and even forgave you after you became an asshole when Appa was stolen. She sacrificed her reluctance to bloodbend to save your life. She's sacrificed her childhood and became a child of war to help you end it. Don't you dare say you're the only one making sacrifices.'

I thought… But…. Why are you defending her? You're me. You should be just as angry, just as in pain.

'Oh, I am. Trust me, I'm livid. But now's not the time to be angry nor is it right for you to project your anger and insecurities onto her. I'm not trying to make you feel or sound weak, in fact, I'm attempting to do the opposite. True strength is shown when one is able to contain their emotions and be happy for another despite their own pain. True love is when one is capable of allowing the one they love to be happy with someone else and support them, even if it kills them inside. True maturity, is the ability to accept, understand, and move on. To do anything but, would be immature and selfish. And you are not selfish.'

I guess… you're right. I know that I have no right to decide who she's happy with. She's smart, she can make her own choices. She chose him and she must've thought about it for a while. And Zuko, he –

"Katara, what was that?"

I heard a raspy whisper from beside me.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean why did you kiss me in front of everyone?"

It didn't take me long to recognise both Zuko and Katara, though I don't think they noticed my presence. I was standing on the side while they were hidden in the hallway, the balcony was in the shape of a semicircle and Zuko and Katara were standing by the doorway so they couldn't sense me – that's all I could decipher. I wanted to make my presence known and leave so they could talk in private, but I realised how awkward that could be – plus, Zuko's question caught me by surprise; if anything, I thought he'd be happy to get a kiss from Katara. I know I certainly wouldn't complain – so, naturally, my interest peaked.

"What… d-didn't you like it?" By the way she was whispering self-consciously, I could tell she was nervous and yet also on the edge of blowing up.

"No! It's not that!" I heard Zuko whisper shout, "I liked it. Its just that… right in front of everyone, your brother, your father…" Zuko stopped. I guess Katara stopped him with her lips as I heard sounds of smooching coming from their direction, but soon, Katara spoke up when they disengaged while I tried not to vomit.

"I don't think they cared all that much to be honest… even if they did, they wouldn't dare bring it up in front of me."

Judging by the way her voiced trailed off from sweet to completely sinister, and the way Zuko sounded like he had just gulped down a lump the size of a fully grown turtle-duck, I didn't doubt Katara for even a single second.

"And Aang?"

Okay, why's he bringing my name up? Did she tell him that I –

"What about Aang?"

Really, Katara?

"Really, Katara?" I heard Zuko sternly whisper back. Hmm, I guess Sifu Hotman and I were on the same page that night. "Do you really think kissing me right in front of him was a good idea?"

"I – I'm sorry, I – I didn't realise… I was just so lost in the moment and I didn't know…. What's wrong with that though? We like each other, I was just showing everyone that-"

"Its kinda insensitive towards him, Katara. I know we like each other and want to be together, but he adores you… and you kissed me in front of him. How do you think he'd feel?"

Wow, I didn't think he actually cared, but he does. Maybe, due to the whole Katara and I situation, I took his friendship for granted.

"Aang will get over it soon. I know he doesn't like it but… I can't help it. You're just so hot…" I heard Katara purr, and I basically smacked my hand against my mouth, attempting to stifle my gagging.

"How can I do this to him? He's done nothing but be kind, understanding and forgiving towards me and I –"

"Do you not want to be with me?" I heard Katara menacingly ask, sounding scared and fierce at the same time – somehow.

"Of course, I want to be with you. But Aang he…" Zuko trailed off, remaining silent for a while before I heard him sigh. He spoke sternly and softly, "I don't like hurting him, Katara."

"Neither do I," Katara answered. "But we're doing nothing wrong. We're happy together and he says he's happy for us." Judging by the silence and slight moans, I assume Katara kissed him again before she pulled away and spoke softly, "Let's not think about that right now, come on, I want to dance some more."

While she dragged him back into the ball room, I just stood there, waiting, contemplating, but mostly waiting; for the next crack in my heart to occur. It seems that's all I've been experiencing since the war, cracks upon cracks, tearing their wretched way through the walls of my heart. Does she know? I mean, does she really know how easily her words and actions play with my heart strings; plucking them rigorously as if it were a strained and worn-out instrument. Though, with the amount of shit I've gone through in the last couple of days, I'd say its a fair assessment. However, I don't know how much more I can take.

Without thinking, I airbended myself off the balcony, softly landed on the garden grounds beneath me and began walking. I didn't particularly have a destination in mind, I just… kept walking… somewhere and nowhere at the same time. Going through the motions, if you will.

'You are hopeless.'

Look, if I go back in there I'll most likely blow up or bring the mood down even more. So, I thought I'd save everyone the trouble of having to deal with me.

'Well, I guess I can't control you. Do whatever you want, just don't screw things up for others.'

Right, I'll make sure not to screw things up, but they can fuck with my life all they want?

'It's the curse of the Avatar; you gotta put everyone else above yourself.'

Yeah, I've accepted that part… but it still feels so unfair.

'It is, but that doesn't change anything. At the end of the day, you're still the Avatar. You may have saved the world but that doesn't dissolve your duty towards it, and no amount of heartbreak will ever change that.'

But is it too much to ask for a little more? Is it really so selfish of me to ask for even a small glimpse of happiness? I mean, do I have to spend the rest of my life faking a smile just to keep others satisfied? Don't I deserve at least the tiniest bit of compassion?

'You're searching for compassion from the wrong people. It would be immensely awkward for the same people who broke your heart to comfort you in that sense. Though, there is someone who can console and understand you. Look to your left.'

And there she was, sitting by the pond, feeding turtle-ducks while a few 'pink lady blossoms' gently tucked against her free-falling hair along with the breeze. I had never looked at her this way; I only ever noticed Katara, but Mai certainly was beautiful.

Not having anything better to do, I walked over to where she was and stood behind her, conflicted on whether she'd be annoyed by the interruption and extra company or not. Though, judging by how she was yesterday, I had a pretty good feeling that I wouldn't be fishing for daggers and whatnot stuck to my robes in a couple of minutes. Hesitantly, I sat beside her, rolled up and cuffed the ends of my robes and dipped my feet into the pond. Mai didn't seem to mind my company, in fact, if I hadn't seen the small smile tugging her lips, I would've thought she was completely ignoring me. A gentle smile fell upon me as well as I stared at the turtle ducks, watching as the mother gathered all her children together, most likely to turn in for the night.

I wonder what having a family would be like. For so long I thought the Air Nomads were my only family. Then I met Katara and Sokka, and soon Suki, Toph and Zuko – and Katara's words rang true: 'they were my family'. Though, our family at the moment seems kinda distant, or maybe I'm the one being distant. Sokka, Suki and Toph have tried to cheer me up; Sokka with his awful jokes, Suki with her sisterly compassion and Warrior Training – Toph just throws rocks at me, but I don't mind. I'd much rather spend an entire day distracting myself by dodging Toph's boulders than spend the entire day watching Zuko and Katara hug, and smile, and make-out and –

"Why are you out here?" I hear Mai softly whisper.

I glanced at her while her eyes remained glued to the turtle-ducks, "Same reason you are," I evaded.

"And what would that be?" She instantly asked, causing me to snicker and grimace at the same time; probably because the answer would be a painful truth and to cover it up, I had to act like it was a joke.

"To drown in my own sadness…"

There was a long silent pause, she was probably expecting me to dodge and evade like the Airbender I was, so when I answered directly, I may have caught her off guard. Though, to her credit, she probably felt the same and was simply trying to either deny or ignore it. So, when the truth finally struck her, she didn't know how to respond. Yet, when she did, I sensed a certain hurt behind that playful tone of hers, "That's pretty dark for the 'upbeat, easy-going, overjoyed Avatar' I've been chasing around the world."

"Maybe…" was all I said, not wanting to delve into my psyche to determine exactly why I was causing myself all this pain when clearly, I didn't want it. Though, maybe I did. Maybe I'm a sadist. Why else would I constantly wonder whether Katara will ever come back to me or not while she's busy sucking Zuko's face off somewhere in the distance? Am I just stupid? Is that it?

'Probably.'

Gee, thanks. I feel so much better.

'You're welcome.'

Fuck you, I was being sarcastic.

'I know…'

Deciding to ignore myself, I turned back to the girl beside me as a thought struck me. "But what about you? 'Sitting by a pond and feeding baby turtle-ducks all alone' is quite cute and adorable for the 'gloomy, emotionless assassin' I've come to know." I teased, hoping my comment wouldn't earn me a couple daggers being shot at me by a highly sensitive individual; she doesn't show it, but I can tell she's sensitive – especially when it comes to Zuko. I know because its exactly how I am with Katara; I try to hide it, but she gets to me, way too easily for my own good.

"Touché, Avatar," Mai smiled at me lightly before erasing it from her lips and turning back away.

I wanted to ask her if she would like to tag along tomorrow; we were all leaving for Ba Sing Se on Appa, and I didn't want to get stuck with Zuko and Katara. So, if I at least had Mai, I could have someone who not only understands exactly how I'm feeling, but I'd also have someone who…

'What?'

Never mind, that's the only reason; we're both suffering, and she can help ease the pain by just being around me. However, even though I was fond of the idea, I knew it would be selfish of me to ask her to do so. She would be better off in the Fire Nation; hanging out with Ty Lee and the other Kyoshi Warriors instead of running around with us, watching her ex-boyfriend make-out with another girl, thus prolonging and intensifying the pain further. If I had a choice in the matter, I myself would opt to stay behind, but I was the Avatar – I had to be present at the Earth King's celebration just as much as the Gaang. We were the heroes of this war after all.

The trip to Ba Sing Se wasn't a bad one, at least, not as bad as I thought. I basically spent the whole ride on Appa's head, talking to him and playing with Momo to entertain myself. Suki joined me a couple times to check up on me, I always told her the same lie everyone grows accustomed to hearing, 'I'm fine'.

We camped out three times, often stopping when the sun would set or when someone needed to take a leak or release a couple demons – if you catch my drift. There was nothing special about that night. We were about 9 hours away from Ba Sing Se and would arrive tomorrow. We had decided to settle down and set camp for the night on a distant, uninhabited Earth Kingdom Island. We sat by the campfire, sharing stories, telling jokes, finishing our meals. Suki and Sokka were the first ones to finish and settle down for the night – shocker, right? With Sokka's appetite, I thought he'd be up until the sun rose the next morning.

'That was pretty bad.'

Sorry, force of habit.

'Well, if it helps you deal with the pain, then I'm all for it. Just, be better at it.'

Everyone's a critic.

'No, but people are their own worst critics, and clearly, you need me… right now more than ever… more than you realise.'

I don't need him. What does he other than remind exactly how much of a screw up I am? What does he do other than constantly remind me that Katara rejected me? What does he do other than constantly critique me and tell me how horrible of a person I am for wanting to be the tiniest bit selfish? What does he –

"Aang, are you alright?" Katara asked from across the campfire.

I hadn't realised it but while I was dealing with the idiot and asshole I call my conscience, everyone had finished with their food and had decided to catch up on some much treasured sleep. Katara apparently told Zuko to go without her as she needed to talk to me about something. Clearly, she was just concerned about my wellbeing.

Normally, her concern would make me feel treasured and warm; to know that a girl as wonderful, smart, achieved, and beautiful as her actually cared for me – it would pull me out of whatever hole I had Earthbended myself into and light my world with nothing but relief and bliss. However, her concern now, it… it felt like a thorn; pricking me with its false sense of care, oblivious to the fact that its mere presence against my skin was marking me and making me bleed.

"I'm fine, Katara." I dryly replied.

"Since when did we start lying to each other, Aang?"

Since you broke my heart and haven't yet realised that your 'oh so precious and mothering' concern is only causing more misplaced cracks to pierce through.

'I told you, stop being an asshole. Do not say that.'

"I'm not lying." I lied.

"Yes, you are." She continued prodding.

She is literally the last person who should console me regarding heart break. This is the exact fucking reason I wanted Mai to come along; if she was here, Katara wouldn't being trying to 'comfort' me. I know she can't help it; its just fixated in her nature to help those who need it, but she needs to realise that she can't help ease the pain she caused, at least not with kind words – words that I take now joy or pride in hearing.

"I thought you said things wouldn't change between us, Aang?"

Well, I lied.

'No, you didn't. Just say it'll take time for things to go back to how they were before.'

That's a lie too; things will never be the same. She knows exactly how I feel about her and she doesn't return those feelings. How can I go from loving her to just being her friend and acting like I felt nothing for her when it's obviously a facade?

'You don't, you spend time away, regroup and grow, find someone else… and soon, those feelings will fade.'

I doubt it, but I'll give it a try. Still, I'm not gonna try dating anyone else anytime soon.

"I can't help you if you won't tell me what's wrong." Katara continued, and finally, I answered.

"You know what's wrong," I spoke sternly, staring into her blue depths as she gazed into my storm filled orbs.

"Aang, I thought you said you were – "

"I know what I said," I interjected, silencing the voice in my head while I powered through and said what I need to say, "I am happy for you, truly. But… that doesn't mean that…" I trailed off; I couldn't say it.

How could I do that to her? She's with someone that makes her happy and she doesn't deserve to be made feel guilty simply because a child fell in love with her. She deserves to be happy, and she deserves to be treasured. I can't say or do anything that makes her doubt herself or makes her feel any lesser, she's never done that to me – well, knowingly, at least.

"I'm happy for you and Zuko, you two deserve each other. I just… I need time, Katara. That's all it is. I need time to move on."

Katara simply nodded and walked over to me. I feared that she was going to give me another hug, but she did something way worse; she kissed me. On the cheek obviously. Normally her lips felt soft, and when she kissed me, it always felt like she was blessing me with a gift: her affection, basically. Yet, now, her lips felt like nothing but ragged edges, thorns marking me with the statement that said: 'Friend zoned for life'.

I didn't know how to react, so when she pulled back and stood tall while I remained seated on the log, I simply smiled at her. She smiled back and began walking back to the tent she shared with Zuko. Normally Sokka would stop her and force her to sleep in her own tent, but Katara had given him quite a mouthful last time and he was already asleep – judging by the loud snoring coming from his tent. Man, I really don't envy Suki at all.

I thought about what I said to Katara and what she just did, it was a sweet gesture.

'It was, and you did great.'

Yes, it was a sweet gesture, it probably seemed that way to any bystander watching – but it didn't feel like one. It felt like pity, and I didn't want it.

'Now hold on, we agreed we wouldn't say or do anything that –'

"Katara, before you go, I just want to say something."

She turned back around to face me, a look of concern washing over the sweet smile of hers, "Sure, what is it?"

"I cherish our friendship, and I don't want my feelings for you to get in the way… so I won't let them." I saw Katara's eyes water, and her smile widen as she listened intently, but something told me that what I was about to say next was going to wipe that smile clean off her face – and I didn't know how to feel about it. "I'll always care for you, that much is certain. But, in time, and I don't wish this upon you, but… for whatever reason, if you change your mind, just know… I probably won't let myself feel that way again." Just as I had hypothesised, that smile quickly transformed into a frown, and although I felt horrible for saying this to her, at the same time, I had to set her straight. "You made your choice, and no matter what happens, you'll have to live with it."

After a couple moments of studying my dead serious expression and contemplating what I really meant, Katara simply nodded and shuffled back to her tent after uttering, "I understand," quietly.

I really hope she does understand. However, even though I spoke the words, judging by the way I acted and my mentality later on, I don't think I believed them myself.

"Eyes up Twinkletoes, you're about to walk into a pole."

Surely enough, Toph's alert and my reflexes both were off and badly timed as I trailed face first into a metal pole. I grimaced and rubbed my forehead while Toph began laughing her ass off. I could tell she was merely trying to cheer me up – in her own Toph way at least, but I was still trying to get over the fact that I actually had to get over Katara in the first place. It was never even a possibility in my mind before, but just 72 hours after Ember Island, I had to accept the fact that Katara was with Zuko and wanted nothing to do with me – romantically at least. I know it's been a while since then, and I have come to accept it, sort of. But…

'But what?'

…

It still hurts.

Ever since my little 'conversation' with Katara, I had felt down, even more so than before and Katara had also kept her distance. And rightfully so, though, I think its mainly because she understood that I needed time and distance away from her in order to properly heal; witnessing her and Zuko sucking face all day long would only slip the knife in deeper and she didn't want that, so she avoided me and I her. At least, that's what I'd like to think.

"Okay, I was fine with letting you sulk around before, but I'm getting sick of it now. I don't want a second Grumpy in our group."

"Well, what do you suggest I do instead Toph?" I asked, continuing our walk through the streets of Ba Sing Se, shaking the hands of thanking and grateful civilians from time to time.

"Ugh, maybe try dating someone else?' Toph remarked, acting as if it was the most obvious suggestion in the world – and, it really was. "You can't get over Sugar Queen if you spend all day and night obsessing over the fact you got rejected. You have to put yourself out there, there's plenty of girls who would love to date the Avatar."

"That's just it," I came up with the same excuse, "They'd only want to be with me because I'm the Avatar, Katara was the only girl who saw and understood Aang."

Just then, Toph punched my shoulder and replied while turning a corner, we were nearing the restaurants now and I was beginning to wonder why Toph had dragged me all the way out here. "Then maybe find a sweet girl, spend some time with her, and in return, she also will come to know and like Aang."

'I hate to say it…'

No, you don't. Just say it.

'But I told you so.'

"I still think it's too early. I – "

"Too early for what?" Toph asked, interrupting mid-sentence – though I was used to it by now.

"For me to date others… I'm still not comfortable around girls and…"

'Why the fuck are you lying? You idiot, she can sense it!'

"I think I'm still hurting so if I go out with someone else I'll only end up hurting them too and –" Toph halted my pathetic stammering by slapping me across the face.

Normally I'd take offence, but I recognised how stupid and miserably unreasonable I was being and I… well, I couldn't really argue with her next statement. "Shut the fuck up. Firstly, you know I can tell when you're lying so why even try? Second, none of the 'reasons' you listed have even a gram of truth behind them. You don't want to start dating someone else because, in the off chance that Katara changes her mind and wants to be with you, she'll hesitate and be deterred because you're with someone else. Now, am I right?"

How the hell does she know that? I specifically told Katara I wouldn't take her back, and although I didn't believe it myself, I spoke so sternly that she had to believe it. Was Toph listening in on our conversation?

'Damn. She was on point. Can you hire her and fire me please?'

Nope, you're stuck with me till the day we die.

'Fuck.'

Hey! What happened to all that optimism you were spitting weeks ago?

'It malfunctioned, should be up and running by the time you find your balls.'

Touché.

When I didn't answer her and sighed – thus confirming her 'suspicion' – Toph smirked. "Of course, I'm right. Now, lets go in there, I've got someone who'd like to meet you." She stated, sticking her thumb out and pointing towards the river behind her, though I think she meant to point to the 'odd' looking restaurant in front of us, but I chose not to tease her about it.

Looping her arm around me, Toph kicked open the door, and dragged me inside while announcing her arrival, "Ladies and dogs, the greatest earthbender and the only metalbender in the world has arrived." Much to her dismay, Toph was met with nothing but silence, oddly.

'If this was a movie, then you'd hear distant crickets chirping while a gentle breeze blew by, thus conveying and filling the silence. '

I've noticed, you say a lot of things that make no sense; like, what's a movie?

'Don't worry, this is just the writers pathetic attempt at breaking the fourth wall, there'll probably more along the way.'

Again, what the fuck are you on about?

"I guess I'll have to beat it out of you all," I heard Toph mutter underneath her breath before she added – almost as an afterthought, "Oh, and the Avatar's here."

A roar of cheers, and 'congratulations' later, Toph was finally able to drag me to a table where a girl was seated. She wore traditional green Earth Kingdom robes, the kind that Katara and Toph wore a couple days ago in the Jasmine Dragon. Noticing that she wasn't alone, the girl turned around to meet our gaze – or mine, since Toph was staring at some stranger, thinking it was the Earth Kingdom girl.

'She's cute'.

She certainly was, but not as cute or beautiful as Katara.

'Dude, you're going to get no where with that mentality.'

I know, I know.

'Just take it one step at a time.'

I can do that.

She seemed nice, a little older – maybe two or three years older than me – but nice, nonetheless. As she met my eyes, the Earth Kingdom girl smiled at me sweetly, thus causing me to smile back in return without hesitation. I was getting positive vibes from her; like she wasn't just looking forward to meeting me simply for my status. I don't know how I got that from one smile, maybe it was the sincerity of it, either way, I was intrigued… and I could tell she was as well.

Killing the silence between us, Toph finally turned to the Earth Kingdom girl and punched her shoulder, greeting her in her own classic way while offering me her name unknowingly as she remarked.

"Been a while, Jin."