Review responses:

Guest: You raise a fair and important question, so thank you. Firstly, if you support Zutara, there is no disrespect coming from me. We are all part of the fandom for this great show, and you chose who you want to ship. It's just that for me, I've found the Zutara community to be rather demeaning; they usually put down other characters (mainly Aang) to elevate their own ship. In terms of this story, Zutara offers a unique dynamic for Aang and allows me to write about why I think that relationship wouldn't work. Canonically, of course, it doesn't happen (thank the lord), but if adding angst to this story means having Zutara, so be it. There are not many other characters that can work like that (what do we know about Haru? Jet? Not a whole lot). It would be strange if I just had Katara be with some other small character, and I could write an OC, but no one really wants to see that. So yes, I am one hundred percent Kataang, and yes, I put Zutara in this story, but only because it enriches the story and is a dynamic that readers are clearly intrigued by.

Bay45220: Glad you enjoyed it! It felt quite good to write Aang getting angry for once.

TheQuietReader23: I completely get what you mean about the Avatar state. We see it as only a defence mechanism used during battle, but it's nice to write the Avatar spirits in a way where it can help Aang differently. I'm not sure if I will have Aang and Toph together, it's a possibility as is On Ji, but I won't be doing Azula in this fic. I enjoy fics where Aang and Azula get together, but that normally requires a lot more effort and will pull away from the main story line. It seems everyone like's Aangs reaction, which is great. I was pretty worried about writing it!

TheLastSoulBender: Thanks! And I had this chapter already half done, so I banged it out today. Another person who likes Aangs reaction, great! Also, yeah, Aang x Ty Lee x Mai was super cool to write, wait until you see what happens later… Glad you like the third person, and your stories were great because you did them in first person, really interesting take on the idea. There is a hundred percent going to be a Zuko and Katara break up, and it's going to be big. I said above that I'm considering Toph and maybe On Ji, but not Azula, that can wait for another story. As for Jin, check this chapter…

Sebitodea122: Glad you enjoyed it! I feel justified writing Aang's reaction and his antics thereafter, it just feels right, instead of depression and sadness. As for Kataang, we shall wait and see…

Hey guys! I had this chapter nearly done and so I finished it and had it up today. Next chapters will take a bit longer, but this story is fun and pretty easy to write, so the waits shouldn't be as long as RCHS. Enjoy!

So, I'm going to be using the party in the first chapter as a marker (just so you guys don't get confused).

This could be fun

(2 years ago)

Aang had not been to see Katara in the year since she had left Ba Sing Se with Zuko. They had often missed each other by mere hours.

He had of course seen Zuko, that was unavoidable. As the Avatar, he was required to remain close to world leaders, especially the Fire Lord. It wasn't all that bad, he and Zuko were genuinely good friends, but there was always a small tension in the air between them, one that Aang couldn't dispel, no matter how hard he tried. He wasn't angry at Zuko, and he wasn't sour of his relationship with Katara, that wouldn't be fair of him; so, he figured it must be something on Zuko's end. It wasn't like he could find out either way, they rarely had the time to do anything more than attend meetings and private discussions were their friends and love lives were at the back of their minds.

He had come close to seeing the Waterbender on a few occasions during their year apart. The time that they had come closest was during the conflict at Yu Dao. Aang was an optimist, but even he had to admit that the Harmony Restoration Movement was nothing short of a disaster. He had spotted Katara from a distance at some time during the fray, but by the time the dust had settled, and he had found Sokka, the Waterbender had seemingly disappeared. They had found Zuko that day and after a run-down of what was happening next, the conversation had inevitably moved to Katara.

Zuko seemed anxious when Aang had brought it up, something that had not gone unnoticed by Sokka, who proceeded to question the Fire Lord on the whereabouts of his sister. When the conversation came close to boiling over into a brawl between Sokka and Zuko, Aang broke them apart. He, however, was also suspicious of Zuko's guarded nature and asked him:

"Zuko, where is Katara and why aren't you telling us?" he asked firmly. The Fire Lord looked troubled for a moment before he steeled himself.

"I had her sent to one of the field hospitals outside of the city, her skills are better suited there". Okay, that made sense to Aang. Katara was a fantastic healer and she would no doubt be of much help to the wounded soldiers, but Katara had made it clear in her infrequent letters to Sokka, Suki, Toph and himself that she had taken a keen interest in politics and often had to be the one to calm Zuko down and show him the best option. So why wasn't she there? It was a sentiment shared by Sokka, and he decided to voice his concerns.

"She told us that she wanted to be present for these kind of things in her letters" he started, and Zuko raised his head up quickly at the mention of letters, "There's something you're not telling us, Zuko" Sokka growled. The Fire Lord dismissed the latter part of his statement and focused on the first part that seemed to interest him so much.

"Katara's been sending you letters?" Zuko asked, shocked.

"Yeah, she has!" Sokka exclaimed, "you got a problem with that?" he questioned angrily and before Aang knew it, the two were hurling abuse at each other again, loaded questions and dangerous accusations hidden somewhere between their constant cursing. Aang, however, didn't pay much attention. Why was that Zuko's reaction to the idea of Katara sending letters? It made no sense to Aang and unnerved him slightly. He didn't have long to ponder on the question because Sokka's shrill voice burst his bubble of thought.

"Once untrustworthy, always untrustworthy!" Sokka spat, his finger piercing the Fire Lord's personal space, "You can't control her like that! I knew I shouldn't have let her go with you. She'd be much better off with Aang!" he shouted. Whilst the last part of his comment froze Aang, it made Zuko burn, and the first punch was thrown. Sokka had clearly hit a nerve with his comment, but, yet again, Aang didn't have much time to think about it.

He snapped out of his stupor and raced to get in between the two who were throwing wild punches. Aang pushed Sokka away first, who stumbled backwards for several metres before finally falling on his back. Zuko tried to get around Aang to resume his brawl, but the Airbender was having none of it. Sick of fighting after a day of near-war and unsettled at the thought of Zuko controlling Katara's life to such an extent that she wasn't even allowed to send letters to her own brother, he summoned a sizeable ball of wind and threw it into the Fire Lord's core, sending him flying backwards where he was eventually stopped by a deserted food cart.

Zuko got up quickly, ready to fight more, but Aang looked at him with the power of a thousand spirits simmering behind his eyes and the Fire Lord quickly ceded. Once Zuko's fighting spirit had been quelled, Aang went over to Sokka who was just getting off the dusty road. He grabbed the warrior and dragged him around a corner into some forgotten alley.

"What was that!" Aang questioned angrily. Sokka knew he should have kept a hold of himself, but he loved and cared for his sister dearly, and he wasn't about to let Zuko get in the way.

"I know I should have kept my emotions in check," he said dejectedly before feeling his protective instincts swell in his guts once more, "but you heard him! Katara can't even send a letter without him knowing about it first!"

"I know," Aang agreed, "and I agree; its worrying. But you were trying to anger him, and you knew it would work, Sokka. You can't say those things if you want to be a part of peace making". Aang finished.

"I knew it would piss him off," Sokka admitted, "but that doesn't mean that what I said isn't true; Katara would be a lot better off with you." Aang froze at Sokka's words once more. It was one thing to believe it himself – which he admittedly did sometimes – but it was another thing entirely if her brother agreed. When Sokka noticed his friends silence, he prodded.

"I mean, don't you think so too?" he asked.

"You know what I think" Aang muttered darkly, "It isn't up to me though, it's up to her." Sokka nodded silently. Katara wasn't a tough subject per se, but Sokka had learnt during the year that Aang's romantic feelings for Katara was a place best left unventured. The older boy placed a supportive hand on Aang's shoulder.

"I'm sorry I brought it up" Sokka said solemnly.

"It's fine, let's go" Aang smiled weakly, happy to get away from that conversation. He led Sokka back into the plaza where Zuko awaited. He beckoned the Fire Lord over to him with a stern finger. Once the scarred teenager had reached him, he yanked both his and Sokka's arms forward in an unbreakable grip. The two older boys did not dare break away though, despite their pain. Aang was as solid as a block of pure metal when he wanted to be. The Avatar scowled at the two of them.

"Sokka. You know better than to taunt someone" he said keeping his admonishment brief. He turned to the Fire Lord then, a look of complete seriousness and warning on his face, "and Zuko. You think that getting in a fist fight with the advisor of the opposite sides ruler is wise?" Zuko bowed his head slightly. Aang shook his. "Zuko, you are the leader of a nation, get a grip of yourself and Sokka, you have multiple cities trying to get you to join them in extremely influential positions. I may be the Avatar, but I'm fourteen and I'm carrying myself with more grace then two eighteen-year-olds combined. You can discuss this politely or you won't discuss it at all. Am I understood?" Sokka nodded his agreement but Zuko was more reluctant.

"Am I understood, Zuko?" Aang hissed. His patience was growing thin with the Fire Lord. Zuko looked away for a few moments before sighing.

"Fine" he relented quietly.

Aang didn't see Zuko after that, he left Sokka to talk to him. When the Warrior came back, he shared the small bits of information he had been given. It was clear that Zuko was withholding some information, and the notion left a sour taste in the Avatar's mouth.

It was for that reason that Aang had turned down a trip to go to the Fire Nation a few months later. Toph and Suki tried their best to convince him to join them, whilst Sokka said nothing after his initial offer, silently empathising with Aang. The Airbender said that he had work to do, which he did, and once the girls realised that Aang was insistent that they go without him, they gave up.

He leant them Appa and saw them off the next day.

It wasn't like Aang didn't want to go to the Fire Nation; he desperately wanted to see Katara. But going to the Fire Nation meant seeing the Fire Lord, an idea he was currently uncomfortable with. Aang wasn't scared of Zuko, quite the opposite, but he was scared of what his presence would do the impulsive Firebender. Aang had seen the violent reaction that Sokka's comment had coaxed out in Yu Dao, and he had no desire to see it again. He worried for Katara but figured that she was more than capable of leaving if she wanted to.

His thoughts only served to trouble him, so Aang threw himself into his work. However, he didn't have a lot to do, and after a month, he was done with his tasks, allowing his thoughts to flood back in. Sokka had been maintaining a steady line of dialogue through his personal hawk, and his messages often seemed a bit bleak. He always spoke about how Katara seemed to be putting on a façade. The anxiety became too much for Aang one day, so he left his house in the Upper Ring and headed straight for its counterpart.

Aang always felt calmer in the slums, where he could tell people were more akin to his ideologies for life. Many of the people in the slums were grateful for anything they could get and rarely complained when they had to go on for a day without an empty stomach. It didn't hurt that he was revered by the residents either.

He strolled calmly down one of the smaller roads, past a fountain that acted as a roundabout. The dust kicked up at his heels at every step. Merchants and children would wave to him and ask to shake his hand; Aang was happy to oblige. After he had spent twenty minutes talking to the small crowd, Aang ducked into a small teashop.

He sat quietly at one of the tables, his head down, Momo sitting atop him. He was lost in reflection, still trying to figure out what was happening with Zuko, despite the original intention of this small trip. He was pulled away from his thoughts when a waiter approached his table.

"Excuse me? Would you like to order anything?" The girl asked. Aang finally raised his head, smiling when he saw the waiter. She was pretty, probably two years older than Aang. Her messy, dark hair was held up in a ponytail, with many strands of her thick locks splayed across her forehead. Aang was surprised to feel his mouth lose a bit of its moisture and was even more surprised when he noticed all thoughts of Zuko and Katara had disappeared from the front of his mind. It was a bit of a shock to his system that he was checking this girl out. Sure, he had seen many pretty girls, many of whom threw themselves at him, but he had never felt attracted to them. There was something about her, a kind demeanour, her messy outward appearance and the undeniable beauty that hid behind it. She reciprocated her smile for a moment before her eyes widened in realisation.

"Oh! Avatar Aang, it is a pleasure to host you at our humble establishment" she said curtly, bowing her head all the while. Aang only chuckled.

"Please, just Aang is fine. And it is my pleasure to be here in this establishment. Are all the waiters as pretty as you?" he asked. The waiter blushed heavily, turning her head in a futile attempt to hide it. Aang had no idea where that came from, but judging by her reaction, he was doing it right.

"Who knew the Avatar was a flirt?" The waiter asked with a sultry smile. Aang blushed slightly but laughed loudly, nonetheless.

"So, Aang, can I get you anything?" she asked. Aang nodded.

"Three things, please" he answered. The waiter looked slightly perplexed by his cryptic order and motioned for him to elaborate. Aang smiled, this wasn't too bad. In fact, he was having quite a lot of fun.

"First thing" Aang said, holding his index finger up, "can I have your name?" he asked, extending his hand forward in greeting. She met his hand with her own and Aang revelled in the feeling of her smooth palm on his own.

"Jin," she answered with another smile as their hands broke apart, leaving them both wanting more, "that's the first thing, what's next?"

"A cup of green tea for me, and… what's your favourite tea?" he inquired.

She tapped her bottom lip in thought for a moment before perking up, "Ginseng! I didn't know that lemurs could drink tea" she joked. Aang laughed joyfully at her quip, before settling down and looking her in the eyes.

"It's not for Momo," he said, gesturing towards his pet, "I was hoping you would sit with me" he admitted. Jin flushed again, before accepting his invitation. She disappeared to retrieve their tea before returning to sit with him. Throughout their conversation, Aang found himself liking Jin more and more. It was strange for him to see any girl apart from Katara in a romantic light, because he knew for a fact, he was still in love with Katara; he always would be. But that didn't mean he couldn't have fun with other girls, and maybe come to love them as well. They had been talking for a while when another customer entered the store and a call from the back informed Jin that she had to stop sitting around. Aang rose with her and as they were saying their goodbyes, he took the leap.

"So, I know we've only just met each other," he began, pulling Jin's attention back to him once more, "but I was wondering if I could take you out on a date?" he asked confidently. Jin stared at him with a neutral face, and Aang feared he had greatly misread her actions.

"O-Of course, only i-if you want to, I didn't mean to-" he tried to apologise, but was silenced. More specifically he was silenced by Jin's lips softly pushing up against his. Aang was shocked a bit at first, but then he melted into the serene feeling. Jin pulled her lips away shortly after but kept her hands firmly against his toned chest. Aang was incredibly muscular for someone who wasn't even fifteen yet, and Jin enjoyed the feeling of his firm muscles beneath her hands.

"It's a date. Come pick me up tomorrow night?" she asked with a sweet smile. Aang, who's hands were on the girl's hips, smiled in return.

"Sure" he said. Jin kissed Aang quickly once more before pushing him playfully out of the store.

XOXOXOXOXOX

Katara couldn't wait to get off of Appa. She never thought she would miss Ba Sing Se so much, you know, with all the Aang being killed business.

The journey was no easy experience. Despite being overjoyed at the news that she would be joining him for a bit in Ba Sing Se, Sokka had spearheaded an interrogation campaign to find out why she had suddenly wanted to leave with them so much.

She knew why of course. It was a mixture of things. Katara lived comfortably in the Fire Nation Royal Palace, but it could be suffocating. She was constantly ridiculed for her heritage by Zuko's council, she was practically banned from leaving the palace, Zuko could be quite controlling and she missed her friends; especially Aang.

The Waterbender had been so excited to see him when he heard that they were coming to the Fire Nation, and she was obviously upset when her brother explained that he had 'heaps' of work to do. She had been angry at him for a while. Why couldn't he make time for her? He always did before. Katara ridiculed herself for her thoughts, he had said it himself on that day: they didn't owe each other anything.

She had enjoyed the company of her friends and brother greatly, they were a welcome distraction from her ever increasing amount of arguments with Zuko.

She had become so accustomed to their company in their three months stay, that she had nearly forgotten about Aang's absence. Nearly. When they were leaving, Katara rushed out from the palace and boarded Appa with them. Her brother was shocked at her, but she had apparently stood up for herself against Zuko and was going with them.

All of those thoughts left her as they landed in the stables near her friend's shared accommodation in the Upper Ring. She practically dragged Sokka down the street in her excitement. It had been nearly two years since she had seen her best friend, and she couldn't wait to reconnect with him after such a long time.

When they entered the house, Katara didn't notice the grin on Toph's face.

"Where is Aang's room? I want to surprise him" she explained.

"I'm not sure if he's even in right now, he's normally at the palace until late" Sokka responded. Katara was crestfallen for a moment, not wanting to wait a second longer to see her best friend, but Toph spoke up.

"Actually, he's here right now. His room is at the end of the corridor" she explained, her grin ever present. Katara was slightly disconcerted by her toothy grin, not really wanting to be pranked, but she continued, nonetheless.

She neared the door and opened it slowly, hoping to add dramatic effect to her entrance. However, their reunion was hardly the one she had been expecting.

Aang was completely naked, leaning over a girl whose hands raked over his defined back muscles. Their legs were intertwined, her toes curling at the end of the bed. The girl rested her head on Aang's shoulder, her eyes closed in a look of pure bliss, small murmurs ringing out every few seconds. Katara's head took a moment to compute what was happening before what she was seeing registered and she released a loud gasp.

The girl coiled around Aang opened her eyes at the sound and screamed at the intruder, pushing Aang off of her and on to the floor, all the while covering herself in Aang's bed sheets. The Airbender looked up at the girl before following her wide-eyed gaze to the doorway were Katara stood frozen, her face completely red. Toph cackled in the background.

"KATARA!" Aang yelped in embarrassment as he flung himself under the covers with the still shocked girl.

Katara slapped her hands up to her eyes, blindly reaching for the door to pull it closed. "Sorry!" she squealed as she finally found the door and slammed it shut. Katara retreated back to the living room where Toph and Sokka laughed breathlessly and Suki offered her a look of sympathy.

She was about to give the meddling Earthbender an almighty scalding when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Katara turned around to see Aang towering over her. She was wrapped in a hug before she could get a good look at him, but she returned it fiercely, despite the awkward scene she had walked in on just moments before.

"Hi Katara" he said softly, rocking their bodies slowly. In the two months he had been seeing Jin, he had managed to move past his fears for Katara. Now, he was just relieved to be able to see her.

"I didn't know you would be here" he said to her as they broke apart. Katara smiled sheepishly as she saw the girl round the corner into the living room, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Sorry. I wanted to surprise you, but then I…" she trailed off, gesturing to Aang and the girl she didn't recognise. Aang had seemingly gotten over the embarrassment and walked over to the girl, wrapping his arm around her waist and giving her a searing kiss. A pang shot up Katara's centre, though she didn't know why. Something about seeing Aang so casually kiss some random girl didn't feel right.

Aang snapped out of the kiss and looked at his friends who were all staring at him in shock.

"Sorry, where are my manners? Everyone, meet Jin, my girlfriend" he said.

The afternoon progressed after that, till the point Jin had to leave and Katara could finally breathe. She had no idea why, but when Aang called her his girlfriend, something in Katara snapped, and she immediately soured to the girl. It sucked as well, because Jin was super nice and Aang was clearly happy in her presence while she was being… well she was being a bitch.

After Aang had seen Jin out with a kiss, he turned to Katara with an inquisitive look.

"Everything alright Katara?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine" she answered nonchalantly.

"Really? Because you weren't being very nice to Jin, and you're one of the nicest people I know, so something must be wrong" Aang said matter-of-factly. Katara brought her eyes up. They were alone, Sokka and Suki had gone on a date and Toph had gone to see some of her friends in the middle ring. Katara wanted to talk.

"I-I…" she choked, like her chest was constricting. Aang noticed and became concerned. She was usually so succinct with her words and feelings.

"I know what you need. Follow me" he said, waving his hand for her whilst he stepped into the back yard of the house. It was quaint, with a single arching tree casting a large shadow in the orange hue of the late afternoon sun. Aside from the beautiful array of exotic flowers that lined the walls of the garden, Katara was most drawn to the large fountain in the middle of the yard. Aang had already stripped down and stepped in, gesturing for Katara to do the same.

They did the figure of eight movement for a while, not speaking. It felt good to Waterbend, something Katara had done very little of in the past two years. Their silence prevailed as they broke the figure of eight and Aang started to do some very subtle movements. He moved the water carefully, letting slide over his limbs and then back off. He treated the fountain like a canvas, it was an artform. Katara just stood and watched, and the most profound feeling of longing came over her. It was far more than the body of the fifteen-year-old before her, though that certainly helped. It was more the way he moved, the way he acted, his aura, his essence. Aang carried himself proudly, adhering to all that was expected of him as the Avatar and yet he was so free in doing so. Katara had been doing all that was expected of her in the Fire Nation and yet she had never felt so trapped in her life. She felt like she was watching Aang from behind bars in a prison she had unknowingly built herself.

"Feel any better?" Aang asked, turning his attention back to Katara. She snapped out of her thoughts fast enough and nodded.

"It feels good to be Waterbending properly again" she admitted. Aang nodded in agreement.

"I love Appa, but I can imagine it's pretty annoying when you can't bend Air whilst flying on him" he added. Katara looked at him perplexed until it finally dawned on her. He didn't know. Guess that's what happens when you don't see someone for two years.

"No, Appa's fine, I haven't been bending for a while now", Aang looked at her, confused, "nearly a year and a half actually" she added in an afterthought. Aang paled slightly.

"What do you mean? You haven't been Waterbending for a year and a half?!" he asked, shocked at her casual manner. Katara nodded.

"Zuko's generals don't really like me doing it. It doesn't rub off well on the public apparently" Katara explained whilst Aang grew paler, all of his worries flooding back in. He took in a calming breath.

"Katara, is Zuko being too controlling?" he asked softly. Katara's eyes widened in surprise at his question. She could have spilled it all, she could have accepted his empathy and warm embrace, but she didn't. She found herself feeling defensive. A day like the one she had just had would do that. It didn't help that it was Aang asking her.

"That's a very private question!" Katara barked, only making Aang chuckle slightly and throw his arms up in defence.

"You walked in on me having sex a few hours ago, Katara, I would say we're past privacy" he laughed, sitting down at the edge of the fountain, dangling his legs in the water. He patted the space next to him and Katara hesitantly sat down. It felt strange sitting down to him, his glistening muscles so close.

"What made you ask that anyway?" Katara muttered reluctantly. Aang nudged her arms with his, spreading some of his calmness over to her.

"When we were in Yu Dao a few months back, we couldn't find you after the fight and when we asked Zuko, he got all defensive. When he was surprised that you had sent us letters, Sokka got angry and they fought after he said something" he explained.

"What did Sokka say?" Katara enquired. Aang shifted uncomfortably and blushed, rubbing the back of his neck all the while. Katara was confused, she knew he only did that when he was uncomfortable or embarrassed, and by the looks of it, he was both.

"It's not for me to say" he evaded.

"Aang, you can tell me" Katara said softly, unconsciously putting her hand on his arm. Aang blushed even further and inched away from her.

"I really can't Katara" he laughed awkwardly, "ask Sokka, maybe he'll tell you" he relaxed when Katara nodded and stepped out of the fountain, Katara in tow. Once they were dry, Aang embraced her.

"Just let us know if you don't like it there, we've got your back" he comforted.

XOXOXOXOX

(back at the party)

Katara thought back on her time in Ba Sing Se. Nearly a year had passed, and as she watched Aang talk animatedly to the people at their table, she couldn't help but realise that it was in that pond she decided she no longer enjoyed her life in the Fire Nation, or her relationship with Zuko all that much.

She had returned, nonetheless. Returned to the arguments, to the discrimination, to the many lonely nights when no one would be there to hold her, but she was comforted by Aang's words.

As she noticed that the first few guests were already leaving, she couldn't help but think if her window of opportunity was closing.

She couldn't bare to stay much longer in the palace, and she couldn't stand to be away from Aang much longer either.

Woah! What do you guys think? I have a pretty big review response up top about my feelings on Zutara, and I suggest you check it out. Let me know what your opinion on the ship is.

Please Review!