A/N:

jonners2314: Yeah, I didn't want Aang and Mai's relationship to be just about sex appeal like Zutara and the other ships here so I decided to make it a slow burn. Little shows of romance here and there before they eventually get together. I was hoping Aang's voice could do that, I tried to make it more comedic than my stories usually are, I don't know if the humour is working but I'll try either way. Read your story and I loved it so far, I'm glad I was able to inspire you, especially since you can write better than me lol. Either way, I'm looking forward to your story and thanks for reviewing.

Ashley Barbosa: I didn't want to go back into Angst but then Zutara month started, I unfortunately logged onto IG and saw a bunch of Zutara bullcrap and it fed my anger... and now here we are lol. This isn't going to be as painful as SYTFAD, there will be angst here and there but not as much as you mai think (haha). I love Mai and Aang friendship, their pairing can work but only under special circumstances, Zutara is one of them. This fic is gonna be the same as SYTFAD, so around 12-13 chapters. Glad you're enjoying it so far.

TheQuietReader23: Yeah, I choose my titles carefully and I try to integrate them into my stories. Using other story titles in different ones just brings it all together, sorta like an easter egg and I'm glad to see you like it too. I was hoping people would like Aang's inner voice, their conversations are my main go to for humour so I'm glad its working for most people so far. Yeah, Katara basically in her right mind. Her judgment is clouded and she can't think straight, especially when it comes to Aang. We'll delve more into her in the later chapters tho. MaiAang is weird but it is a great friendship and under these circumstance it could work. With the character arcs I've gone fore, MaixAang will definitely happen later on, but it'll be more meaningful than just a fling. You're on the right track, but more about that later tho. Again, yeah, Katara is just too scared to love Aang and isn't thinking straight. Great review though.

WT Aids: I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far, nice commentary lol

SovietWomble: I'm glad you like the inner monologue. Its something I've wanted to try for a while and first person wiritng just makes it way easier and more exciting. Yeah, Forgiveness was amazing. I also agree, though I didn't mind the Kataang ending, I thought that the talk they had before resolving their quarrel wasn't good enough. I felt like they left much unsaid and didn't talk about how they felt as much as they should have. I did like the alternate ending as well, Mai and Aang go well together in that story. Though, I am a Kataanger at heart so I'd prefer the Kataang ending either way. Maybe a few more tweeks to the last few chapters and it would be a perfect ending.

natec862: I'm glad you like the style, I enjoy writing it and many people like it as well. Either way, thanks for checking it out. More updates will be live soon :)

Leave a review if you liked it or if you have any complaints or suggestions, I'll respond either way. Anyways, enjoy.

Chapter 3: A Girl From Ba Sing Se

"L-Lee?" Jin suddenly asked, eyeing Zuko suspiciously while he awkwardly cuddled with Katara on the couch. "Lee? Is that you?"

"Lee?" I asked her, confused as to why she was calling Zuko by another name. "Jin, this is Zuko… you know, the Fire Lord."

As the realisation sank in, Jin's eyes grew to the size of flying saucers as she took a few steps back, a small look of betrayal evident on her face. I was mildly confused as to why she was acting like this, Katara was also at a loss of words, Zuko just seemed like he was told Sokka was in love with him – whatever expression you just pictured, that's the one he donned.

'Ha! That was a decent one, using fanfiction within fanfiction to get a laugh out of them.'

What's fanfiction? Whose them? I swear you say the weirdest things sometimes. Are you sure you're not on Cactus Juice or something?

'I'd try to get a handle on the situation at hand if I were you.'

What situation? There's nothing wrong here…

'Trust me, you have no idea the kind of fiasco you have brought upon yourself by inviting Jin here.'

'Okay, you're all probably wondering how this all started…'

Who the fuck are you talking to?

'Ignore him. Anyways, we'll start from the beginning.'

It had been a couple hours since I met Jin. At first, when Toph left us, it was somewhat awkward – quite natural amongst mere strangers. However, as we got to talking, I recognised that she was quite likeable; Jin was sweet and kind, well mannered with a bit of bad-girl vibe to her. We didn't talk about much if I was honest; half the time I was just telling jokes and retelling stories regarding my adventures leading up to Sozin's Comet. We briefly spoke of her life in Ba Sing Se, though she didn't have much to say regarding herself, her lack of adventure was what I initially thought caught her eye when she began conversing with me. Jin seemed like she was enjoying herself, from what I could tell at least; she would laugh and tease me all while keeping the conversation going. Surprisingly, for the first time since Sozin's Comet, I completely forgot about Katara and Zuko; not in like a bad way, just in the sense that I didn't worry about them or allow my sadness to linger. With Jin, it felt like all the unrequited longing I had been carrying around was slowly fading – not completely, never completely… but, just enough to allow to me live in the moment and enjoy myself.

We even flirted…

'Really?! No way?!'

If you don't believe me I can show you.

'I was being sarcastic; I was there you doofus – wait. Oh shit, there he goes.'

"Man, I should visit these suburbs more often," I remarked, leaning back as Jin smirked at me teasingly.

"What? Too high and mighty for the upper class now?"

I chuckled, placing my hands behind my head as I smiled at her. "Nope, if anything they're too smug and uptight for me. You guys here are much more chill, you're more my type."

"I'm your type now, am I?" Jin smirked again, leaning back and folding her arms as she raised her eyebrow playfully.

I blushed at the indication I unknowingly made, but soon found my bearings and replied confidently. "Is that a problem?"

"It can be?"

"For whom? You? Or your admirers?" I smiled, knowing full-well how she was going to reply and how I was going to counteract it.

Jin blushed somewhat but still fired back, exactly as I had predicted. "What makes you think I have admirers?"

I grinned, and her eyes widened somewhat, fearing that she may have just lost our little teasing game. "I can tell you have at least one siting across from you on this table."

She blushed heavily, adverting her eyes to hide her flustered state even though I had already witnessed it in all its glory. This was fun. Not the kind of 'fun' like riding down Omashu's mail system, but its own different kind of fun. I could do this all day, if I wanted to.

"I never would've thought the Avatar would be such a flirt," Jin commented, gazing back at me when she finally regained her bearings.

"This isn't a regular thing," I waved it off nonchalantly – I have no fucking idea where all this confidence was coming from, maybe this was just a prolonged high from my victory against the ex-Fire Lord, either way, I wasn't going to let anything stop me now. It felt so good. "Though, I'm more than willing to make an exception for a pretty girl such as yourself."

She blushed again, I grinned. She playfully slapped my shoulder and we laughed it off.

I was having such a great time that I even invited her to join me back at the Jasmine Dragon, proposing that we could watch the fireworks King Keui had set up with a nice view from the balcony. She willingly accepted with enthusiasm and she even asked if we could fly there. Can you believe that? She actually asked me to fly her there!

'I know, it's quite surprising. Almost anyone you come across fears flying, except those at the Northern Air Temple. Yet, this random sweet and pretty girl in the Earth Kingdom was so marvelled by your culture and abilities that she wanted to experience it first-hand.'

She really was interested in Air Nomad culture though, a lot like Katara…

'There you go comparing her to Katara again. You have got to stop.'

I know…. I know.

'Dude, you may still be hung over Katara and may think its too early, but I'd say go for it. This Jin chick's a keeper.'

I don't know, I do think its still too early. She's a good friend and for now I want to keep it that way, we'll see if this goes any further. For now, I'll let things run their natural course.

With that said, we flew back to the Jasmine Dragon, landing on the balcony smoothly while she clung onto me, laughing in joy even after we landed. I noticed that she wasn't letting go anytime soon, so I wrapped my arms around her, hesitantly; we were friends, but we hadn't yet set any boundaries, so I was unsure if hugging would be okay with her. Yet, judging by the way her arms tightened around my back when I did embrace her, I'd say she was more than comfortable.

"Thank you, Aang. That was the most fun I've had in years." She sighed, digging her face into the nape of neck while I rested mine against her shoulder.

Jin was about Katara's height, so she was still taller than me by a few inches, though she didn't seem to mind at all.

"No problem. I was actually surprised by how much you enjoyed that; normally benders are scared shitless when I give them flying lessons, so to see a non-bender as yourself enjoy it as much as you did…" I trailed off, not knowing where else to go. She must've recognised my nervousness and hesitance as she thankfully leaned back slightly and smiled at me sweetly, silently reassuring me; telling me it was okay and that she understood. "I'm just t-trying to s-say that I appreciate you and t-that…"

"It's okay," she placed her finger against my lips, drawing closer to them, her breath becoming warmer and warmer as she spoke, "I get it…"

As she drew nearer, I felt myself leaning in as well. I know I just said that I wanted us to stay friends for a while and keep things simple, but I couldn't help myself. Maybe… maybe this was exactly what I needed; someone to help me forget about my unrequited love so I can mend together the pieces of my broken heart. Someone who could help me bleed her out.

We drew closer, and closer, the Fireworks the Earth King had prepared for the celebration made an entrance as they echoed in the background – we weren't startled, surprisingly. Using the nebula sky as their canvas, they painted a few shades of orange, blue, red and green, signifying the unification of the Four Nations and the end of an Era of War. Jin smiled sweetly as her lips were barely a millimetre away from mine. Her eyes closed, mine half lidded and closing while the scene played out. Her arms were still wrapped around my torso, while mine were holding her by her hips, tugging her closer. I felt nothing but her, her scent, her smile, her breath – it was perfect.

'Well, it would've been perfect, but you just have the worst luck in the world mate.'

Seriously though, was it too much to ask the Spirits for just one memorable moment after all the bullshit I went through in the last couple weeks.

'You're all probably confused… again, so, we'll explain.'

I don't know who he's talking to but…. Oh fuck! Vaatu kill me now!

Katara just had to pull a Sokka, and open the door rather loudly, and gasp at the same time, thus pulling us apart and ruining the moment. We both met her gaze and turned back to look each other in the eye, noticeably blushing while our arms retreated back to our sides.

"I'm – I'm sorry, I didn't know…"

Thanks, Katara. You just ruined what could've been a perfect moment.

'Be nice.'

Why? I'm sick of being nice! You can't expect me to bottle up all this negative energy and expect me to just hold it in all my life! I need to let it out sooner or later, and with how she's been acting lately, Katara will probably be the victim anyways.

'Do you really want to be an asshole to the one person who has been nothing but kind and understanding towards you?'

I sighed, visibly trying to control my irritation and anger while still somewhat flustered. "Its okay, Katara."

She gave both Jin and I an apologetic smile before perking up and offering Jin her hand, "I don't think I've met you before. I'm Katara."

She sounded cheery, cheerier than usual. It almost seemed fake. I don't know. Usually, I can read her like a book, like she can me, but I've never witnessed her don this expression before. Was it jealousy? Envy? Could Katara really be jealous of Jin?

'Why would she? She's got Zuko, plus, she rejected you.'

Gee, thanks. I just love being reminded of that.

'I'm just saying she's not exactly in a position to be jealous – that is, if she was.'

I know that, but…. Just… hold on. Let's let this play out.

"Jin, its nice to meet you. I've heard a great deal about you." Jin shook Katara's hand firmly before she turned back and nudged my shoulder. "Mr. Airbender here speaks quite highly of you."

Oh, fuck.

I hadn't told Jin about the situation regarding Katara and I yet, so, I can't really blame her for commenting on our closeness – or to be more specific, my fondness of Katara. We both blushed in embarrassment while Katara chuckled nervously, trying to dissolve the sudden haze of tension and awkwardness as we avoided each other's eyes.

"Umm yeah," Katara nervously offered, thus causing Jin to questioningly raise her eyebrow towards me.

Just stay quiet Katara, let me handle this please.

"I'm gonna go back inside, I'll let you to do what you… I – I mean finish w-what you –"

"Great, thanks!" I cheerily yet sharply cut her off, my gaze commanding her to leave immediately before she made things more awkward.

"Sorry!" Katara whisper yelled as she closed the door hastily and possibly ran back inside. I inwardly face palmed while Jin turned around to face me, clearly confused and looking somewhat guilty.

"Did I – did I say something, or…"

I sighed, not wanting to expand on the awkward and unresolved territory Katara and I stood on due to our problems. Well, they were my problems more or less; I met her, I fell in love, I couldn't let her go, I got my heart broken, I…. I sighed again. I couldn't think about this now, things were just starting to get better and now this….

"I'll –" I hesitated, "I don't really want to get into it right now. Can we just –"

"Its fine," Jin placed her hand on my shoulder, "You don't owe me anything. You can tell me when you're ready, if you want."

I smiled – if she kept this up, I don't think it would be difficult for me to fall in love with her. It would be amazing if I would; I'd be happy, she'd be happy, and Katara could freely love Zuko without a pang of guilt or remorse, because I had bled her out and didn't love her anymore. I truly believed that; if I just concentrated hard enough, took my time reconfiguring myself and evaluating, falling in love with someone else, then surely, I could move on and forget about Katara. I mean, why couldn't I do that? Was Katara so integrated into my very being that I simply wouldn't be able to function properly without her? Is that the case? If it is, then is it the same for her? Or am I alone in this?

'Stop. Fucking stop this 'feeling sorry for yourself bull crap'. You're the fucking Avatar, you lost your entire nation and you powered through it. You mastered the elements within a year and defeated the most dangerous Firebender while his strength was at its peak. You were able to stay true to yourself and stick to your beliefs even when your closest friends told you to abandon them. You climbed out of the pit and you brought the world hope for a brighter future. You became the unyielding light, and the darkness bowed to you. You have its respect, you have their respect, you have our respect – anyone who ridicules you or tells you different simply doesn't understand just how lucky they are to have such an understanding, self-sacrificing and thoughtful Avatar looking out for them. They can make fun of you and portray you as the toddler throwing a tantrum all they want, but we know the truth; you are the kind, gentle soul – not Zuko. You are the confident and charming leader – not Zuko. You are the goofy and romantic teenager – not Zuko. You are the one everyone loves and admires, not because you have cool scars, or have a troubled past, or have nice hair, or seem moody and feisty – but because you are Aang. You are Aang, the Last Airbender, the Avatar – and we admire and love you for it. Don't you ever forget that. You can get through this, we're all here for you, and right now, so is Jin.'

I – I'm speechless. I've never thought so highly of myself, but I really needed that. Thanks.

'Don't mention it, now thank her too.'

With pleasure.

"Thanks, Jin. I promise I'll tell you later – "

"You don't have to if you don't want to," she tried to suggest, being as thoughtful and understanding as one could be.

I smiled at her and took her hand, bringing it to my lips as I stared into her eyes, grinning like an idiot while she blushed a new shade of red, "I want to, I'll tell you later tonight. Avatar promise."

Soon, we both feel into a comfortable silence as we stood side by side, she rested her head on my shoulder and I on hers as we watched the fireworks work their magic from a distance, our hands still interlocked. When the spectacle died down, she said she wanted to sit down and talk for a while longer before eventually taking her leave. I happily accepted her suggestion and led her inside, unaware that both Zuko and Katara were lounging on the couch.

'And that's how this whole thing began…'

"L-Lee?" Jin suddenly asked, eyeing Zuko suspiciously while he awkwardly cuddled with Katara on the couch. "Lee? Is that you?"

"Lee?" I asked her, confused as to why she was calling Zuko by another name. "Jin, this is Zuko… you know, the Fire Lord."

"Fire Lord? Zuko?!" As the realisation sank in Jin took a couple steps back, clinging onto my arm while her eyes grew to the size Sokka's do when he notices a rare, spicy meat in the distance.

"Do you know each other?" I ask, somewhat hesitantly.

"No!" Zuko immediately yelled.

"Yes…"

'Fuck, here we go…'

"What do you mean 'no'?!" Jin exclaimed, sounding somewhat offended Zuko denied knowing her – though, if he did know her, I'd understand why he wouldn't want to admit it in front of Katara. That is, if she was an ex-girlfriend of sorts… and from the way Zuko seemed like he wanted me to freeze him into an iceberg for a hundred years, I recognised something certainly wasn't right here – and so did Katara.

'Oh, Zuko's in for a rough night now. Why the fuck did that idiot lie?'

Beats me.

"I – I uh…" Zuko trailed off, nervously glancing at Katara who seemed a tad more ticked off than Jin – just a tad.

"Zuko, do you know her?" She demanded, in the sort of voice that said, 'if you lie to me, I'll chop your dick off'.

With a bead of sweat dripping down his face, Zuko sighed deeply as he answered his girlfriend, a sheepish, apologetic smile tugging his lips while he spoke, "Y-yes…"

"Then why did you say no? Was she your girlfriend or something?"

Oh, this is getting good.

'I never thought you'd be the type to enjoy drama, this seems like something you'd see on those dramatic, corny CW shows.'

I don't enjoy it, but tonight I'm making an exception.

…

Wait, What's CW?

'Shut up and mediate.'

"N-no she wasn't my girlfriend, we only met up l-like once – "

"Really? Just once Fire Lord?" Jin asked sharply, crossing her arms as both her and Katara glared at the Firebender in the hot seat.

"What is she saying, Zuko?" Katara prodded, leaning in with a dangerous look in her eye, one that even I wouldn't try to combat, Avatar State or not.

"Katara, we met up a couple months back in Ba Sing Se. We were just friends –"

"Friends normally don't do the kinda things we did, Lee," Jin interjected harshly.

"Why is she calling you Lee?" Katara remained glaring at Zuko until Jin answered for him.

"It's the name he went by while he was a fugitive, I presume. I met him at a tea shop he and his uncle were working at and we went on a date."

Katara turned back to Zuko, her eyes set with the intent to kill as I saw jealousy spike through her again... and yet. Even though it was a similar look to the one I saw outside a few moments ago, this one seemed more akin to anger than pure envy. Somehow, Katara seemed more nervous and jealous when catching Jin and I than she was with Zuko and Jin's little fiasco. If anything, she just seemed furious and confused as to why Zuko was lying to her.

"So, you guys dated. Big deal. Though, why did you lie Zuko?"

"We never dated," Zuko added instantly, though when he caught the look of doubt in the Waterbender's eye, he sighed and slumped forward, his hands ruffling though his hair as he elaborated. "We went on a date, one date, nothing more – "

"Really? Why are you so reluctant to be honest? We did more than just go on a date." Jin commented, growing frustrated for a reason I could not understand.

"Zuko, what is she saying?" Katara prodded dangerously.

"She kissed me –"

"You kissed back –"

"You kissed me first –"

"You came back for more!"

Zuko was about to retaliate, but probably understood that he had no way to defend himself, so he just slumped back and began sinking in his seat, doing anything and everything he could to avoid Jin and Katara's glares.

I was basically sitting back and watching the whole thing unfold, though I knew I could probably dissolve the tension and pull hem apart, I also recognised that this would one day bite them all in the ass. So, unless if this got physical, I was not going to intervene.

'What if things get out of hand?'

Then I'll separate them. However, these guys are mature and responsible, I trust them to keep their hands to themselves.

'Really? You've got a short-tempered and irate Master Waterbender, a hot-headed and annoyed Master Firebender, and a person whose been nothing but calm yet is suddenly appearing to be capable of ripping someone's head off – and they're all at each other's necks.'

Well, the girls are having a go at Zuko, actually.

'And you seem to be enjoying every second of it.'

No, I am not.

'You're practically sitting there with a massive grin on your face, munching on popcorn and clapping loudly when someone delivers a heavy blow.'

I have no idea what you're talking about.

"What does she mean 'you came back for more'?" Katara questioned, her voice quivering somewhat as she leaned forward to try to meet Zuko's eyes.

Zuko however, didn't respond, so Jin sighed and told Katara herself, "He came back later that night. He wanted to continue where we left off, I didn't mind because I thought he was sweet, a bit awkward but sweet, nonetheless."

When Katara, seemed somewhat hurt, Jin frowned and tried to settle down, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to start a fight but… and its not like I'm still hung over you or something, it was a while ago and I got over it. But, seeing you now, I guess…." She hesitated, both visibly and audibly nervous and hurt. Since her hands were now by her side, I held onto one of them and squeezed, hoping to convey to her that it was okay and that I was here for her. She turned to me and offered me a small smile which I reciprocated before she sighed and turned back to Katara and Zuko who both remained seated on the couch, "I was just hurt… I thought you were genuine back then, and I understand why you kept your identity a secret, but it hurt when you just denied it now. Acting as if nothing had happened between us – when I actually u-used to like you…"

When a single tear escaped Jin's eye, I instantly swung into Avatar mode and dissolved the situation. "Okay, that's enough… this is between Katara and Zuko. Jin," I turned to her as she glanced at me, "do you want me to take you home?" She nodded, smiling when I reached forward and wiped the tear off her cheek.

There it was again, that same frown, that same look of envy… or jealousy… or whatever, I don't know for sure. But that same frown tugged at Katara's lips when I wiped that tear away from Jin's eyes and locked our hands together. I didn't know what it meant at the time, so I just let it go.

'You know, all this could've been avoided…"

Yes, yes. Okay. I may have let that go on a little longer than I should have… I just – I don't know what happened to me. I got carried away.

"Let's go." I spoke sternly, leading her downstairs and outside, our fingers still interlocked as we walked towards the steps. Just before we stepped downstairs however, I glanced back towards the 'perfect opposites attract couple' who were still sinking in the couch as I chuckled, "Well, tonight's gonna be some real awkward pillow talk."

I could Zuko whisper, sounding as shocked as Katara probably was, "Did he – d-did he just say what I t-think he said?"

I smirked and continued walking down the stairs and out the door with Jin.

'Dude… why did you – that was savage as fuck but… what the fuck? Where is all this bitterness coming from? I thought we talked about this, why are you taunting them?'

First of all, you know where the bitterness is coming from, second of all, I don't know what came over me okay. I just… I couldn't keep it in. I'm trying to be nice, I really am, but Zuko… he just… he just had to…

'What? What about Zuko?'

Nothing, forget I said anything.

'No, you're gonna admit it to yourself.'

Fuck off.

'Fine, I'll do it for you; you're upset that Zuko has already been with another girl whom you genuinely like, isn't it?'

That's not it. Its –

'First Katara, and now Jin. Every girl you like chooses Zuko before they even sneak a glance at you, and that bugs you, doesn't it?'

What happened to the 'reassuring, we love and appreciate you, optimistic' guy I spoke to a couple minutes ago? I like him better. You're an asshole.

'If I'm an asshole, then so are you. I am you, remember.'

Whatever.

The walk back was somewhat awkward at first. Neither of us wanted to talk about what happened back there but we knew we'd have to at some point. Even though my natural Airbender instincts prodded me to avoid and evade, I chose to stand my ground and decided to start the conversation by getting something off my chest – something quite heavy.

"I wrote a poem, you know."

Jin seemed confused and surprised by my sudden mentioning of something that seemed completely unrelated to everything that just occurred, but I gave her a smile that told her it would explain everything. She understood immediately and smiled, squeezing my hand, and gesturing me to continue.

"It may be confusing at the start, but it'll explain… well, basically everything." When she nodded and gestured for me to keep going, my last spike of hesitance made an appearance as I tried to back track, "I haven't told anyone about it, nor has anyone heard it –"

"You don't have to if you're uncomfortable."

I smiled at her and kissed her hand again, she blushed again. I don't know why but I like doing that. Normally girls – or Katara to be exact – were the ones to make me blush. But knowing that I could do the same to them made me feel somewhat more confident around them.

I took a deep breath and controlled my breathing as I reminded myself of the words that I wrote the night my heart bled – in the Fire Nation, that night, I used my tears as the ink for the brush strokes on that scroll. Taking another deep breath, I began, my voice low and somewhat raspy:

"I asked you a question on a warm fleeting night,

Even the sunset could see my desperation for your love seeking life,

I needed you to understand, you wouldn't hear me out,

Now I'll cut you outta' my mind, until I bleed you out…"

I noticed Jin donned an expression akin to shock and worry as she stared at me, wide eyed, worrying if I was okay. I simply sadly smiled at her as we continued walking, and I continued singing the tunes of my heart.

"I worried if you were okay, the moon as my witness,

You were getting busy with someone else, while I drowned in my sickness,

Your love was a poison, I hadn't figured it out,

But now I'll cut you outta' my veins, until I bleed you out. "

Not wanting to interrupt, Jin silently let me know we had arrived at her residence as she stopped walking. I turned back around and faced her but didn't meet her eyes, if I was going to go through with this then I needed to allow myself to feel every last drop of blood – looking into her eyes would bring me hope again, and that would only make me want to stop.

"I said I was happy for you, Spirits know I meant it,

Didn't tell you that I loved you, didn't know if you would resent it,

My acceptance made you happy, for that I was proud,

I'll just cut you outta' my heart, until I bleed you out."

I hesitated for a moment when I noticed a soft, warm hand cupping my cheek, and soon a thumb stroking a tear away. I smiled at her sadly, she returned it. With her eyes beginning to water as well, I hastily continued, not wanting to prolong my suffering and her sadness any longer.

"Your small velvet smile, your curly chocolate strands,

Your chiming little giggles, and your cute, warm hands,

They haunt me in my sleep, and taunt me when you're around,

Now, I'll have to cut them outta' my dreams, until I bleed you out.

Your persistent, comforting nature, your radiating, honest spirit,

Your childlike mischief, your outspoken, angered lyrics,

You're insecure about your flaws, I'd rather you wear em' like a crown,

You don't need to bleed for me, but I'll have to bleed you out."

All that was heard was sniffing, and other than the blood in my heart, all that dropped were a few tears. The sniffing was hers, but the tears were mine. I had unknowingly saved them for another day, but I had already wailed so much that I barely noticed any had even dropped in that moment. I say 'dropped' vaguely, Jin didn't let them fall. She wiped them away before they could scar my cheeks.

"That was beautiful…" Jin sniffed, allowing a few tears of her own to drop. I smiled and wiped them away for her as her hand was still cupping my cheek. "Depressing, sad… but beautiful."

"Its not much…" I shrugged, "I usually don't write things like this down on paper, normally I'd talk to someone but… the one person whom I would talk to was the reason behind it. The others just wouldn't understand and the one person who would… didn't want to hear it."

"The poem, was it about your friend… Katara."

I nodded – not at all surprised she had figured it out. I wasn't really subtle about it either to be fair.

"It sounds unfinished," she guessed.

'And she was right. Wow, how'd she figure that out?'

"It is," I conceded – dipping my head, unsure as to why I was being so vulnerable around her. "I've only known you for a couple hours, and I like you b-but… why am I telling you all this?"

Jin simply chuckled sadly and shrugged, though, she did cup my face with her other hand and shifted closer as she spoke. "I don't know," her face was now immensely close to mine – which I found both exciting and terrifying. "But I'd like to find out…" she trailed off, leaning in closer, trying to recreate and finish what she had set out to do before we were interrupted on the balcony.

Although I recognised that she was kind, sweet, pretty, compassionate, and understanding, and even though I knew that sooner or later I'd probably want to be in a relationship – at least until the pit of loneliness became too depressing – I still couldn't help but be an idiot and doubt myself as I stammered and questioned everything.

"I l-like you, a-and not to say I d-don't like w-where this is g-going, b-but – "

My stammering, thank the spirits, was halted by a pair of lips. Jin's soft lips. I was shocked at first, eyes wide and lips remaining stationary, but when I felt her tongue slide in, I instantly melted and halted all the questions. My first kiss was with Katara and it would be kind to call it a peck; it was merely a simple and soft brushing of the lips. The one on the submarine was passionate but I couldn't revel in it much, the Ember Island one – I just want to forget about that.

This one however, it was both thrilling and subduing at the same time; I felt like I was riding a tornado while at the same time melting into a goo like state. It didn't take long for my tongue to begin battling hers, and soon my hands trailed their way around her waist, tugging her closer while she wrapped her arms around my neck, locking me in place.

We pulled away shortly after, both panting, eyes heavy and half-lidded as we blushed and stared into each other's depths. I was more flushed than her, so she just decided to tease before leaning in again.

"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?"

I didn't get a chance to answer as she leaned back in and I found myself in a haze once again. A detail came to my attention; my hazes these days usually consisted of nothing but confusion, anger, sadness, or disappointment – this one however, was nothing of the sort, and I didn't mind it at all. Emboldened, this time I prodded my tongue into her mouth, and she lout out a low moan when our tongues collided, both relishing in each other's sweet and tangy taste as we drew even closer. I pressed forward and ended up pinning her against the door to her house. We remained lip-locked for a while, neither of us entirely wanting to leave the other as we became somewhat more intimate and daring.

And again, for the second or third time tonight, I had completely forgotten about Katara, for all I could feel, touch, sense, see, and taste… was this sweet, kind, compassionate, thoughtful, understanding and pretty girl from Ba Sing Se.

So, the poem I obviously wrote myself, I write songs as a hobby so it wasn't so difficult. The poem, as stated in the story, is uncomplete. I've got the full version with me, the story one's only missing a few lines, but I obviously can't release it because it'll ruin the story. It'll all come full circle in the next two chapters tho. Tell me what you thought of the poem, was it cringey? Was it good? Bad? I don't usually write poems, I write rap songs so they come close but its not the same. Either way, I'd love to hear your thoughts.