Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been posting in a LONG time, a lot happened since I went to state. I ended up having surgery on my appendix right when we got back and it was terrible, but I'm fine now. The last chapter was rushed pretty bad and I wanted to explore Katara and Aang's relationship more, and I hope I can in this chapter. By the way, we won state. Anyways, it's great to be back and I'm looking forward to writing again. I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
All Aang knew about his life was that he was the Avatar, the chosen one, the guy who is supposed to bring about peace and freedom to all of the four nations. But he never wanted the life, or the burden, of being the Avatar. He thought he didn't have a purpose in life, and he would travel this journey alone, but now he has her.
As he was walking home after dropping off Appa at the stables, he couldn't get the grin off his face. I think I'm in love with her... who am I kidding I know I am... Baby steps, Aang.. Baby Steps...
As Aang approached the door to Iroh's house, he noticed that the lights were still on in the living room, and Iroh was usually asleep by now. Aang walked up the porch and opened the door to see Iroh and Zuko sitting down with a sad look on their face.
Something must have happened. I hope everyone is okay, Aang thought as he slowly made his way to Iroh.
"Aang, I know you had a big night, but sit down, we have to talk to you about something," Iroh began as Zuko nodded slowly. Aang just nodded and understanding as Iroh continued.
"I know you just got back from the date, and I'm sure it was lovely, but the order of the white lotus and the other kingdoms around the globe are doing a burial ceremony for... for the elder monks and others who lost their lives during the attack. They wish for you to attend, since you are the Avatar and are the only remaining, well, Airbender. However, I told them that you were still mourning, so if you feel like you aren't ready, you don't have to go. Just sleep on it and let me know what you want to do in the morning. They are having the ceremony at the Southern Air Temple, and it will be 4 days from now around 5:00 p.m." Iroh finished as Aang remained quiet for what seemed like eternity.
Finally, Aang broke the silence,"I-I want to go, I-Iroh. I'm just afraid of h-how I will re-react to seeing the air temples."
Iroh nodded in understanding, and got up and said, "You shouldn't have to do this, and it's not fair, but it's your decision. You can take Appa if you decide to go, just let me know what you decide."
Iroh left as Zuko sat there with Aang. Aang never noticed him at all while Iroh and him were talking. "Aang, I know we aren't like best friends or anything, and I'm the last person that should give you advice, but I think you should go. You'll find closure and maybe you'll be able to move on. And if it helps, I'll go with you," Zuko finished and gave Aang a small smirk. Aang gave him a teary smile and nodded, and mouthed thankyou because he was getting choked up. Aang said his goodnights and went to Iroh's room, where he was at his desk working.
"Iroh, I-I'm going tomorrow. I-Is it okay if Zu-Zuko goes," Aang asked getting more nervous by the second. Iroh just smiled softly and said," Of course he can Aang. Maybe you should ask your friends too." Before Aang could respond, Zuko popped up behind him with his phone out and said," Already on it, Uncle."
Aang just smiled and went to his room and tried to get some sleep. He had a big day tomorrow, and he needed all of the strength he has to get through it, but he knows he will be able to, because he will have his friends to help him through it.
Aang woke up dreading the day ahead. He was aware that he may have to give a speech for the ceremony, but he had time to prepare. He was more or less nervous of how he will react during the ceremony, and he was afraid that he will react the same way he did in the street with Katara and Sokka. He sat there in his bedroom packing, getting ready for the trip with all of his emotions on his shoulder when he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in," Aang said as he put clothes in his backpack. He kept his focus on packing while the door opened, and Katara entered.
As soon as Aang saw Katara, he immediately jumped and hit his head on the the ceiling, much to his and Katara's surprise. Katara wanted to laugh because of the affect she seems to have on her soon to be boyfriend, but she didn't due to the fact she was way more worried over him being hurt. She rushed to his side and started to attend to him, but Aang waved her off and gave her a goofy smile and said, "I'm okay K-Katara, I'm an airbender, it happens."
Katara giggled and said, "Alright goofball, lets get you up and out. We got a long trip to make."
Aang sent her a confused look and it finally clicked with him after a few moments, "You-You're comin-coming? I-I would-wouldn't think that your father or even S-Sokka would let yo-you." Katara rolled her eyes and responded sweetly, "Trust me Aang, it wasn't easy. Sokka is coming though because he wants to be there for you too, just like me. My dad does feel more comfortable since he's coming, but I wouldn't expect any privacy for us since he's coming."
Aang just blushed and smiled, glad he had her to come, since she seemed like she would be the only one to calm him down. "So, who all is com-coming?" Aang asked as Katara thought for a second.
"Well, everyone really. Suki is almost here, Sokka is coming obviously, Toph is already her with Zuko, and then there's me. And don't worry about camping gear or anything, we've done packed everything we need. All we are waiting on is Suki and you, and it seems like you're done in here so," Katara finished as she helped him up. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "I'll be in the living room with the other's. I'm gonna be by your side every step away. You're not alone anymore Aang, you have a family. We are your family now, and we love you Aang."
As she left, she wondered if she meant that she loved him. You know what, maybe I do, and honestly I hope he does too, Katara thought to herself as she left the room.
Aang, however, only had one thing on his mind, and it was the four letter word Katara just said. Love, and I know I love her, and I love my new family too, and I won't let anything happen to her or my new family. I couldn't protect my last one, I damn sure I won't let anything happen to my new one, Aang vowed to himself as he made his way to the living room.
As he entered the living room, he saw that all of his friends were there. Suki had just arrived, talking to Sokka in the corner while Toph and Zuko argued on the couch, and he saw his beauty talking to Iroh at the kitchen island.
Everyone turned to Aang as he walked in, all with mixed emotions. Yes, some of them want to be their for them, but they also don't want Aang to be forced to go somewhere he isn't ready yet.
Sokka was the first person to speak, finally asking Aang, "Well, buddy, you ready? It may be a long trip, but don't worry I brought enough seal jerky for everyone."
Everyone just rolled their eyes as Sokka just shrugged his shoulders and laughed it off. Aang was just glad no one was making this any harder than it has to be.
"I-I think I'm ready guys. Let-Let's get on Appa, we-we got a long trip," Aang finished as he hung his head down heading out the door. Katara frowned and understood that he needed some time to think. He was still mourning the death of his people. That isn't something you can fix overnight.
Everyone waved off Iroh as their trip began. In the back of the settled, Sokka sat on the left corner with Suki to his right, and on the right corner Zuko was there, with Toph to his left. Katara opted to stay towards the front of the saddle, to stay close to Aang. They spent most of the day getting to know each other better, and Zuko and Sokka ended up forming this weird dynamic. I never really thought my brother and Zuko would get alone so well, Katara thought as she glanced at the time at her phone. It has already been at least 7 and half hours since they left.
As soon as she was about to say that they should stop for the day, Aang began to lower the reigns and lead Appa down towards a little beach with a cliff hanging over the top of the beach, where there was grass and trees that led to a forest.
Sokka began noticing their descent, too, and started to grab his camping gear. As soon as they made landfall, Sokka began shouting instructions at everyone, some were focus on building the fire, others were making the tents, but Aang did nothing. As soon as they landed he stayed with Appa most of the time, no one even daring to say a word to him.
Sokka walked up to Katara and whispered, "Kat, you think you could go and talk to him? This isn't healthy, and I know you're probably the only one that can get through to him right now."
Katara just sighed and looked over at Aang, seeing the lonely eye's of her crush make their way from the ocean to Appa, like he was contemplating everything he was doing. She finally nodded and said, "I'll talk to him, just give us some privacy." Sokka nodded and got everyone to head to the forest to grab some firewood.
As she made her way over to him, she noticed his fist being clenched, as if he was angry at the world, but as soon as he saw her, he released it, almost as if all of his burdens were just lifted off of him just by her presence.
Katara just looked him in the eyes and saw the tears forming, and she pulled him into a fierce hug. As hard as he tried, he couldn't stoop the tears from flowing, and they were like a dam just busted. They stayed there like that until Sokka came back, and they returned to the camp, getting ready for dinner.
After dinner, everyone retreated to their tents. Zuko, Toph, Katara, and Aang had their own tents, but Katara had her's right beside Aang's. Sokka bunked with Suki, and everyone said their goodnights.
Everyone was sound asleep except for Katara, she had taken a long nap from the ride on Appa here. But as she was just finding the comfort warmth of sleep eventually consuming her, she heard someone crying and moaning right beside her. She knew right away who it was. Aang...
As she got up she ran over to his tent and swiftly opened it and went inside. It was dark in there, but she could see the pain on Aang's face. His arrows kept flickering blue, as if he was in and out of the avatar state in sleep. He kept moaning and Katara sat down beside him and touched his arm. Aang shot up with a scream," GYATSO!"
As soon as Aang saw her, he felt at ease in his mind. Katara just frowned seeing him like this, but also couldn't help but notice him being shirtless. He had a chiseled chestline with abs, and he had a lean, strong back. He wasn't exactly skinny, but he wasn't bulky either. He was handsome, and she would have pounced on him if it wasn't for the absolute terrified look on his face.
After a few moments, she regained her focus and began to worry. "Aang, are you okay? What's wrong?"
Aang debated on if he could tell her or not, but ended up forgetting everything as soon as Katara placed her hand right on his shoulder and pulled him in for a fierce hug. Aang felt instant comfort, and ended up crying softly on her shoulder, as Katara's heart just broke for him. Nightmares, Katara thought to herself as she continued to hold him as he cried softly.
After what seemed like an eternity, Aang finally spoke, "I-I haven't ha-had a n-nightmare this b-bad since the first night I left th-the te-temple. I-I'm sorry y-you have to se-see me like this K-K-Katara."
Katara smiled softly and kissed his cheek, making him blush. "Aang, you have nothing to be sorry about, and I know how you're feeling. I still have nightmares about my mother.. I miss her a lot, but I know that there's nothing you can change, and there was nothing you could have done. If you would have been at that temple, you would have died, Aang. We would have never met, and I'm not saying that I'm greatful for them sending you away, but I'm glad that you got out of that situation. You are not alone, Aang. I'll always be here, and so will everyone else. We love you and you're our family now."
Aang's eyes began to water as he held onto her as if she was a stuffed bear. Katara giggled seeing a 6'4 teenage boy holding onto her for dear life. As she began to get up, she felt Aang grab her hand. She looked down and blushed as she quickly remembered what she was wearing. She was in her sports bra with just a tank top on and some shorts. Nothing too revealing, but it showed off her body good.
Aang blushed realizing it's too late to back out of it now, he began to ask, "C-Can you st-stay with m-me? I-If you fe-feel uncomfortable th-then you-".
Katara cut Aang off with a kiss, and she pulled back with fire on her cheeks, as well as a blushing Aang. "Yes, Aang, I can stay with you. Scoot over and make room, goof," Katara finished as she snuggled up next to Aang. Aang blushed as she held onto him, and soon sleep overcame him after a long first day.