A/N: Hi guys! I've finished my exams and so after much delays I've finally managed to get this chapter edited. It's quite a long chapter, probably the longest in the whole story, but I couldn't find the right place to cut it and move it to the next chapter, so I hope you enjoy it and I apologise for any grammatical or spelling errors in advance.

Aang's POV:

Jumping up out of my nightmare I shake my head and wipe my sweat covered forehead. I try to hold myself up on the bed using my elbows, but the pain stops me and I collapse back onto the bed. I scrunch my eyes tightly, but the images are firmly pressed into my mind. 'I shouldn't be able to know what happened in the Air Nation genocide, I wasn't even there, so why do I always get these nightmares? I never used to get such nightmares before until I left the gang.' I breathe in and out in an effort to calm down my rapid heartbeat. I glance out at the window, but unfortunately see that it's still pitch back outside. 'I can't have slept for very long; as usual.' I think glumly.

Again I try to push myself up, having a sudden urge to leave the bed, the covers feeling so restrictive. I pull back the covers and with great exertion I manage to get my feet dangling from the bed, but as soon as my feet touch the ground I'm hit with an intense shooting pain, gasping I pull back and settle my back against the wall with my feet out in front of me. And this is the way I remain for the rest of the night, although sleep threatens to consume me I force my eyes open, not wanting to be dragged back into the realm of unconscious horror.

I distract myself by thinking about everything, some thoughts are dark but a lot rest on my old friends. Hours tick by before my room is bathed in sunlight signalling the arrival of a new day. 'I wish I didn't constantly find myself waking up in pain. It's become some sick ritual. I just wish Kyla was here? She's an excellent healer and has seen me at my worst. She's been my only confidant in all this mess. I hope she isn't worried...' a knock on the door startles me from my thoughts.

"Come in." I yell. Looking up I find Zuko opening the door with Sokka close behind him. They seem startled to find me awake and sitting on the bed. I curse myself for not lying back down as they are sure to ask more questions.

"I was about to say rise and shine, but you're already awake! I forgot what an early riser you are." I chuckle lightly, relieved that he hasn't picked up on anything else. They walk right into the room and stop next to the bed. Zuko seems to look me up and down and I fight the urge to gulp in worry.

"How was your sleep? You look more exhausted than yesterday, if that's even possible." I squirm at Zuko's question and Sokka seems to peer more closely taking in the black circles that are probably around my eyes.

"It was fine." I say offhandedly, hoping they won't ask further. But Sokka sits on the edge of the bed, looking deeply into my eyes.

"Aang you don't have to lie to us." I widen my eyes slightly but then look away ashamed.

"Sorry. I just had a nightmare; you don't need to worry about it." I feel the bed shift and looking back I find Sokka sitting beside me with his knees raised and his arms resting on them.

"I remember you used to have nightmares, but hardly ever twice in a row." I wait for Sokka to continue, but he leaves it at that, just a statement, no probing questions, and no demand for an answer; just nothing. I cast a grateful smile at him, though he continues staring straight ahead. I look down for a moment, 'it's not fair on him or anyone if I keep blocking them out. I've got to say something just to show them I want them back.'

"Yeah... I get them every day now. I don't know why. I just wish they would stop." Sokka frowns and then turns to face me, his expression is unreadable.

"Maybe it will help to talk about it? You used to do that with Katara all the time." The Watertribe warrior suggests but I shake my head.

"I tried talking about it once, but it didn't make a difference. Besides I don't want to talk to Katara, out of everyone I feel she hates me the most." Sokka widens his eyes in surprise.

"Buddy you got that wrong, Katara is hurt in more ways than one...we'll tell you about it today, if everyone is up to it. She doesn't show it but she missed you a lot. You know if you want you could tell me..." The raw emotion of Sokka's request causes my heart to ache, 'I can't deny him this, can I?' I look to see Zuko's reaction but I'm surprised to find him gone. I look questioningly at Sokka who shrugs. "I think he thinks you'll be more comfortable talking to just one person, preferably someone who's been friends with you longer." I stare at him in shock.

"What?! That's crazy! Zuko is as much as a friend as you are." Again he shrugs, seemingly unsure on what to say.

"He said he's tried talking to you before but no luck."

"That's because I didn't want him to find out about the assassins!" Sokka puts his hands up in defence.

"Better ask him then." I sigh and lean my head against the wall.

"Promise you won't tell the others? I don't want them to know."

"Why?" I anticipated the tone of puzzlement in Sokka's voice.

"Because it's pathetic. I should be over it. And I don't want them to look at me in pity."

"And you think I won't?" The warrior asks confused.

"I know you won't and I know you know what it feels like to lose someone and at the same time you think logically, maybe you can give me some advice."

Sokka's POV:

I nod solemnly; my mind flashes to a vague image of my mother and with Aang's words I have a pretty good idea of what nightmares he's having.

"I promise I won't tell the others unless you want me to." I observe the young Airbender's shoulders sag slightly in relief.

"Thank you." He whispers and I smile at him despite the depressing talk we're having. "My nightmares are really of two natures, but one more than the other... I keep dreaming of the genocide of my people. I see the temples consumed in flames, the acidic smell the smoke burning and hear their high pitched screams. The images are so clear even now as if I was there." I watch as his eyes water and his throat closes up, obviously finding it difficult to speak.

Seeing him in this state makes my heart clench in pain, 'I keep forgetting that he's still a kid. He's experiencing and seeing things that no person his age should.' A sharp intake of breath brings me out of my thoughts as Aang continues, "The worst part is when I see Monk Gyatso, he...he fights so hard. I've never seen him fight like that and I don't even know some of those moves...I watch as he kills. The first person he kills he stops and breaks down! Monk Gyatso never cries. He broke one of the most sacred rules that he made me vow to never break. If I was there he wouldn't have had to do that. What makes everything even worse is that everything is so clear that I know it's true, it's like a memory. I know every single detail had happened, it's like an induced Avatar power, being able to have visions of the past." Tremors begin overtaking the Avatar's body and I feel helpless watching him. 'I know what it feels like to lose someone close to you. My world fell apart and it took so long till I made peace with it. And I had Katara, Dad and...Gran Gran with me. I wasn't all alone, like Aang is.'

"Aang you know that if you stayed they would've killed you and we would still be at war." He looks at me with tear stained cheeks and I feel my heart break more for him.

"I know...but I still miss them so much. Why couldn't some of them be saved? Why did they all have to go?!" I can't stand seeing him like this anymore so I pull him in for a hug, at first he stiffens but eventually he leans into me. I make sure to keep my hold gentle, not wanting to aggravate any of his injuries. We stay like that for a while until he pulls away. "I still don't understand why I have nightmares about it." I nod my head, already having an assumption in my head but I want to make sure.

"What were you doing when you weren't at meetings?" The young Airbender looks up at me in confusion, not seeing the link between the two topics. Fortunately he doesn't ask and answers me.

"Just traveling on Appa from nation to nation or staying at the Southern Air Temple."

"By yourself?" I probe and Aang nods, still confusion etched along his features. "How long have you been having nightmares every day?"

"Three years." I nod.

"I think I know why you've been having these nightmares."

"You do?" The disbelief in his voice makes me wonder why he hasn't figured it out yet. I scratch my head, unsure how to say this without sounding so blunt.

"Well, I think you've been lonely." The young Avatar raises an eyebrow and I quickly explain what I mean. "Of course you weren't lonely before the war. And when you woke up you had Katara and I to keep you company as you learnt the elements. But when you left more than three years ago you were on your own and you started thinking about the Air Nomads so your subconscious brought up these nightmares to express that emotion." The sceptical look on Aang's face suggests he's not convinced.

"If you say so." I shrug in response.

"It's just a theory." The Avatar hums in response but we otherwise fall into a calm silence. In the silence I decide to observe Aang from the corner of my eyes, his exhaustion apparent and his stature is frail. I'm so tempted to ask him why he jumped in front of that arrow instead of simply deflecting it, but I hesitate worried that he'll clam up just after he started opening up to me. As the silence continues I decide to break it.

"How are you feeling today?" Aang's eyes snap towards mine as if he forgot that I'm still present.

"Fine." The young Airbender mumbles and I raise an eyebrow, knowing he's lying.

"Are you really?" I challenge, getting frustrated at his constant dishonesty. He blushes slightly and his eyes drop down.

"Sorry...it's going to take me a while till I get back to how I was...I'm sore but I'll manage. It's not like I haven't had worse." His last statement drops to a hushed whisper and I frown, something tells me that he's not talking about the time he was struck down by Azula, but I choose to let it slide for now.

"So when's breakfast?" The sudden chipper tone in the Avatar's voice makes me blink in surprise before shaking my head I grin.

"Well it's ready! We came in here to tell you, but we got a bit side tracked..." Aang nods and pushes himself off the wall.

"Well what are we waiting for then?" I chuckle at his enthusiasm, 'it has been so long since I heard it.' I think fondly. "You guys did remember I'm a vegetarian right?" I put a finger to my chin in a teasing manner, before slapping my forehead.

"Oh! Looks like you'll be eating sea prunes and meat with the rest of us." The young Avatar makes a face, an aghast expression written all over his features. I can't help but laugh out loud at his reaction.

"You're joking right?" I laugh for a little while more, before wiping a tear from an eye.

"Yeah I'm joking." The young Airbender crosses his arms over his chest and pouts.

"That wasn't funny." He states seriously.

"It was if you saw your face." The young Airbender just rolls his eyes and attempts to move off the bed. I widen my eyes slightly and place a hand on his forearm, stopping his movements as he looks at me questioningly.

"We can have breakfast here. You're still weak." I reply to Aang's silent question, but he shakes his head vehemently.

"I have to be fit enough if you guys are going to let me fight with you and I can't do that lying in bed all day."

"But you shouldn't be walking about." I argue.

"If I can run and climb up several stairs after being hit by lightning and being in a coma for a few weeks, I think I can manage a few steps across the hall after being out for a few hours." I snort at his assumption.

"You weren't out for a few hours, try a few days." I respond bitterly as I watch a flash of discomfort crossing his face before he just shrugs.

"I've had a lot worse." At the repetition of these words I'm almost sure that he isn't talking about the time when Azula hit him, but I hold myself again to probe and I open my mouth for a rebuttal but the young Avatar beats me before I have the chance to voice my thoughts.

"Sokka let it go." At the tightness of Aang's face I drop it, shocked at his uncharacteristic attitude. I sigh and nod in defeat. I watch as he struggles to move to the edge of the bed, sweat already pooling across his forehead from the exertion as his feet dangles from the bed's edge. I reach out a hand for the young Airbender to take who just looks at it conflicted.

"If you won't accept having breakfast here, then at least accept my help." I say stubbornly. Aang spends a further few seconds staring at my hand before signing and taking hold of it. I nearly gasp in shock when I help him up to his feet. 'Has he stopped eating?! He's lighter than he was when he was 12!' As much as I want to question him, I decide its best to leave it until he feels more ready to talk, not wanting to push him away. As we make our way to the dining room we end up taking several breaks for Aang to catch his breath, but the more times we stop the more withdrawn I find the young Avatar being. When we finally reach the dining room, I steer Aang to the nearest chair, ignoring the stares that everyone is giving us. Soon everyone gets back to what they were doing and joins us at the table.

"Aang you really shouldn't be up." I mime a hand cutting across my throat to dissuade Zuko from talking, but he just ignores me. A second later a loud bang to the table makes us all jump and I turn to look at the young Airbender in shock at his behaviour.

Aang's POV:

"Would you all stop babying me?! I've had a lot worse than this and I've managed just fine on my own without any of your help!" I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth and the guilt just worsens as I watch the hurt that crosses all their faces. I slump and put my head on the table, not wanting to see their expressions anymore. "I'm sorry...I just...sorry." I say quietly. 'I'm being such a jerk, I…I don't even know how to be a friend anymore!' I think glumly as I feel a hand being placed on my forearm, but I choose not to acknowledge it.

"Aang." I raise my head up at the soft tone that doesn't belong to that voice to see Toph's unreadable expression.

"Just forget about it ok?" I blink but nod in agreement. The table goes silent as we all tuck into our plates. I take a few spoons of my vegetable mix, before pushing the plate away, feeling full. 'I used to have an appetite like Sokka's, now look at me, I can't even finish half of my food.' I glance up to find Katara looking at me, when I catch her eye she quickly diverts them, but not before sharing a worried look with Sokka.

"So what's the plan today?" I ask in an attempt to divert their attention from me. Zuko wipes his mouth with a napkin before answering.

"I've already sent messages to the Fire Nation to find out if Azula has escaped or not. I've also sent messages to the other nations requesting the formation of a united army to put an end to the rebels. So I guess for the moment we could talk and fill in each other about what's been going on in each other's lives." I nod slightly worried about the prospect of Azula being free. But then my mind refocuses on the last part of Zuko's words and I frown as the feeling of dread appears.

"Surely you guys have been meeting up and it's just me that needs to be filled in, right?" However, my question is meant with silence as everyone looks at each other uneasily. The seconds ticks by as Sokka taps his fingers rhythmically on the table.

"Aang we didn't have time to just 'meet up'. Zuko was busy running a nation, he couldn't just leave, Toph had to protect the city by keeping crimes to a minimum, Katara didn't want to leave the Tribe and I had to travel to several places to fill out my duties. We couldn't just take a break from our jobs." The Watertribe warrior says a matter-of-factly. At this revelation my frown deepens as thoughts run through my head.

"So this is what would've happened if I hadn't left? We would separate and go our own way?!" I raise my voice, appalled at the thought. A loud thud suddenly reverberates through the room as the back of Toph's chair hits the ground.

"But you weren't here, so don't act like you have the right to judge us! If anything it's your fault that we all split up, so blame yourself!" The blind Earthbender shouts in anger. I close my eyes, really wanting in that moment to disappear as the guilt becomes suffocating. I decide to finally try out this Airbending move I saw in a scroll from the 36th Tier that I never had the chance to master. The aim is to create a conveyor belt from air that's able to move you without having to walk. I successfully carry out the manoeuvre and despite the painful tremors in my muscles I manage to make it to my bed away from everyone's accusatory and awkward faces. I allow my eyes to drift to a close and I'm finally able to fall into a dreamless sleep for the first time in ages.

3 hours later...

My eyes fling open at the sound of footsteps and I instinctively try to get into a defensive position, but I wince at the slightest movement, so I opt to snapping my head to the side to find Katara at the far side of the room. Her eyes flicker to me before focussing back to the basket in her hands.

"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you. I thought it would be a good idea to start the physiotherapy, but I can come back later." I prop myself up on an elbow at the Waterbender's neutral tone.

"No it's fine. We can do the physio now if you don't mind?" I question, readying myself for the rejection at the sound of Katara's sigh. She glances behind her at the closed door and nods. She's soon by my bed side with a chair and takes a seat.

"I need to ask you a couple of questions about your pain level so I can give you the right medicine." I nod in response, trying to ignore my disappointment at her detached behaviour towards me. "What was your pain level this morning?"

"Fine." I reply vaguely but upon Katara's glare I amend my answer. "A five out of ten."

"And after you bent? They say that bending delays the initial recovery." I grimace as I take notice of the painful twitches all over my body.

"Worse." I say softly as I look into Katara's eyes hoping to convey the level of my pain without having to say it. I watch as Katara looks at me for a moment longer before nodding her head and taking out a bottle of pills she passes it to me with a bottle of water. I take one and she puts the rest on the bedside table.

"Ok, we're going to run through a few exercises, do you need help sitting up?" I shake my head at my Sifu's question and begin the slow agonising process of getting to a sitting position. Once I rest my back against the wall I close my eyes to get the pain under control. A few moments later I feel the bed sinking down and a gentle hand on my shoulder. When I open my eyes I find myself looking at Katara's concerned ocean blue ones.

"I wish you weren't so stubborn." At her quip I find the corners of my mouth twitching up into a smile.

"I can't help it." I reply good-naturedly. She rolls her eyes at me but returns my smile.

"What about after the exercises we talk things out?" At Katara's suggestion I allow my smile to broaden.

"I'd like that." I say meekly and with a light squeeze on my shoulder Katara let's go.

"Firstly I'd like you to raise your arm and keep it straight for as long as you can." I nearly scoff at the Waterbender's simple request, but once I start I find myself relieved that I didn't, as my arm soon spams to uncomfortable amounts. I watch as Katara's eyebrows furrow in concern before quickly being replaced with a neutral expression. And so goes the next couple of hours; Katara tells me to do things and I copy as best as I can, trying hard to keep the pain from showing on my face, so as to not worry Katara further. At the end of the session I see the obvious disappointment on my Sifu's face and I start cursing myself for not being able to do the simplest exercises.

"What were you thinking?" The Master Waterbender probes. 'I was thinking how pathetic you must think I am for not being able to raise my dumb arm.' I think bitterly.

"Why would you think that?" I blink in confusion at Katara's question who raises an eyebrow. "You do realise you said your thoughts out loud." My jaw drops in surprise and I shake my head.

"You weren't meant to hear that." I mutter, letting my eyes stray away from her.

"I realised that. But what makes you think that?" I return my gaze back to the Waterbender.

"I'm not blind, I can see your disappointment and I can't blame you, it is pathetic that I can't do the most basic exercises." I say sourly in which Katara widens her eyes.

"How can you think that? You've been poisoned! Of course I don't expect you to be able to do all those exercises with ease." I ignore her hurt tone and look at her in slight defiance.

"Then what's with the disappointed look?" I challenge her, but her eyes shine with the same level of defiance as mine.

"I'm disappointed that you can't show me that you're in pain and that you can't be open with me like you used to be!"

"Oh." I voice softly, too shocked to come up with a better response.

"I thought you knew me, but then I guess a year isn't long enough to know someone..." My Sifu trails off sadly and turns away from me as I look at her feeling ashamed. 'She's right, what was I thinking? Of course Katara wouldn't think that! She's always been by my side and now I've just doubted her. I need to explain.'

"Katara..." I trail off not sure what to say and the fact that my old Sifu doesn't seem to acknowledge me, makes it harder to say anything. "You're wrong." I finally settle on. At this Katara snaps her attention back at me twisting to face me with a fleeting look of confusion and annoyance at my unexpected words, 'at least I know she's listening now.'

"What did you say?" I hear the slight threat in her words and flinch not wanting her to blow up at me.

"You're wrong; a year is more than enough time to know someone. I just...haven't been around positive people in a while and I guess I just...forgot what it's like to be positive, all I know is negativity." I admit quietly, 'not something I ever thought I'd reveal to anyone, even Kyla. Since Kyla met me when I was already in a negative state, she assumed I was always like that and I choose not to correct her.'

"If you knew me you wouldn't have thought like that." I hang my head in shame.

"I know." I mutter softly. I find my hands enveloped with Katara's soft and warm ones causing me to abruptly look up.

"For so long I didn't understand why you left us all like that. You were the most forgiving person I knew. I had thought that what I did may hurt you, but I never...well I didn't thought it would lead to you running away from us for years. That is until I found out the real reason why you left. Tell me if...if you didn't hear what happened with Zuko and I would you have still run off sometime?" I gulp at Katara's question as I view the vulnerability in her posture. I think hard on my answer, not wanting for her to blame herself and not wanting to be shouted at either. In the end I decide to be partially truthful.

"I honestly can't say. I've...I've been having these attempts for 6 months without saying..." I trail off at the hardened expression on the master Waterbender's face.

"Which brings me to another question. Were you ever going to tell us about these assassination attempts?" I wince at those words, as if they could still hurt me. I bite my cheek so hard that I draw blood. 'If I were to tell her that I was going to tell them that day, she'll hate herself but if I tell her otherwise then she'll hate me.'

"I can't say." I say quietly, hoping she won't push.

"You can't or you won't?!" Katara challenges, her eyes staring me down, 'who was I kidding? Katara always pushes.'

"I don't know!" I yell in exasperation.

"Stop lying to me! If we were really friends you wouldn't lie to me all the time, hide things and pretend things are alright or what about running off and never coming back for something so dumb or were you looking for an excuse to disappear. You never did like to trust us with anything!" I grind my teeth together, appalled and angered at her unfair accusations.

"If we were really friends? Are you calling in to question our friendship?!" I force out, trying to mask the hurt coursing through me.

"Maybe I am! Maybe I was just a means to an end." I reel back in shock and shake my head silently as I'm left speechless.

"How could you say that?" I whisper.

"Do I need to remind you of your own words? Well then and I quote 'Those people, they were just there to help me learn the elements, no strings attached. We go our separate ways, there isn't any friendship.' Remember that?" She stops and looks at me in rage and hurt.

"I...you know now that isn't true!"

"How can I? You keep lying to us. How can I know what you're saying is the truth or a lie? I'm not Toph, and she wasn't near you when you made that worldwide announcement." Tears start pricking my eyes but I blink them away. Before I can think to even respond a sharp pain hits me in the chest, the suddenness and the sharpness of it makes me gasp aloud. My vision becomes unfocused and I close them as I try to manage the severity of the pain. As it finally lessens I feel two hands on my shoulders helping me stay up right. I open them to find Katara's worried and guilty expression.

"Aang?"

"I'm ok now.' She releases her hold on me and moves back slightly. "What was that?" I question, hoping she knows the reason for this absurd attack. She sighs and looks at me guiltily.

"People who have had this poison running in their veins for too long have weaker hearts, so essentially it can't deal with stress and...upsetting situations..." I nod in realisation and notice she purposely refuses to look at me.

"It's ok Katara." I say gently, hoping to convey my forgiveness.

"No its not. I knew this but I still pushed you." I can't help but laugh at her words in which she shoots me an annoyed look.

"It's in your nature to push, I can hardly be upset with you about that." She shakes her head.

"But I was going on about you not being a real friend when I'm the hypocrite. What kind of person knowingly puts their friend in pain?" At her hung head I slowly reach over and briefly squeeze her hand.

"Really, it's ok Katara. I know I've got a lot of faults and I will admit I'm not telling you guys everything. I'll try to be better, but there are some things I just don't want to say, maybe in the future, but not now. I know I've hurt you all, and I'll try to make it up to you." Just as I finish speaking I find myself engulfed into a warm embrace, I stiffen at first not used to the contact but as I feel Katara withdrawing I bring my hands to wrap around her back and force myself to relax. "Sorry, it's been a while since physical contact has been...friendly." Katara doesn't respond but instead she tightens her hold on me, I force myself to not wince as she pushes on some recent wounds and soon she pulls away but keeps a gentle hold of my biceps.

"I appreciate what you said, but don't think this means I've forgiven you." She states in a teasing manner.

"I seem to recall you have difficulty in forgiving, but it won't stop me from holding my breath." She mock slaps me on my forearm before withdrawing completely from me.

"You do that. Now, are you up for dinner and exchanging life stories?"

"Sure. I bet you guys have had an interesting three years." I say casually.

"If you can say that." I narrow my eyes at Katara's response and watch a forlorn expression take hold as she gets up from the bed. I grab her arm before she turns away.

"Why, what happened?" She shakes my hand off and turns to face me once more.

"You'll find out later."

"Oh" I say in disappointment, feeling as though any repair to our bond has just vanished.

"Come on." I nod and move forward till my legs dangle from the bed, as I put my feet on the floor. Katara crouches in front of me and puts a hand on my arm. I look at her questioningly. "Aang, I noticed you didn't eat much this morning." My heart drops at her observation, 'I was hoping she wouldn't say anything.' I shrug.

"I wasn't hungry." I reply, which is true to an extent.

"Sokka also mentioned you are lighter than you were when you were 12. Not to mention I could feel your bones when I hugged you. Be honest with me...have you been neglecting your health?" I cast my eyes downwards, 'I don't want her or them to know anything about this. I don't want to say the real reason, just thinking about it causes my heart to race and a sense of nausea threatens to overcome me.' Shaking my head I decide the best lie is the one closest to the truth.

"Initially I did, I forgot about the most basic things, I was pretty miserable. I bumped into someone and we became good fri...acquaintances. She reminded me of those basic things..."

"But..." Katara prompts, obviously picking up that there's more to the story.

"But something happened and things aren't the same as they were." I say quickly.

"You're being too vague. But I assume it's one of the things you don't want to tell us." I cringe at the slight hurt in her voice but nod slowly.

"Ok I guess I'll leave it at that." She reluctantly pulls back and gets up.

"Thank you Katara, it means a lot to me." She nods but a thoughtful expression is present on her face.

"So you made a new friend?" She questions offhandedly, I gulp and laugh nervously while rubbing my neck.

"Yeah er kinda." Katara bends down, wrapping an arm around my waist and an arm around my shoulder as she helps me to get up.

"What's their name?" I glance at Katara, worried about the thoughts swirling around her head, but I find her face surprisingly blank.

"Kyla. She's from the Northern Water Tribe." I respond quietly still focusing my attention on my old Sifu, who other than tightening her hold on me as we walk remains neutral.

"Oh." Her soft disheartened whisper makes me frown as I find it hard to read her thoughts.

"What were you just thinking?" I question the Waterbender as I see a flash of anger pass through her face.

"It's nothing." At her rushed response, I force us to stop walking in which Katara turns to look at me questioningly.

"It's obviously not nothing. We're trying to steer away from lying remember?" At my response Katara bites her lip before sighing.

"Are you two close?" I blink in surprise at her sudden question and then find myself scratching my head.

"Erm I guess you could say that..." I trail off, not liking the hurt face on my Sifu's face. "Katara what's wrong? I didn't mean to go off make a new friend...it just happened. She's not going to replace you so no need to be jealous." I try to joke but she shoots me an angry glare.

"I'm not jealous!" She argues and I snort at the blatant lie.

"Sure you're not." I tease, ignoring the pulsing pain running up my legs.

"I'm not! It's just...how long have you known her?" I pause to think about Katara's question before replying nonchalantly.

"Close to two and a half years."

"And she knew right?" I don't need to ask what the she meant, because I know.

"Yeah she did." I say softly and I watch as Katara closes her eyes and breathes deeply. The longer we stand the more I feel my leg muscles begin to spasm, 'it won't be long till my legs give out beneath me, but I have to get Katara to admit what's bothering her, not that I don't already know.' So I plead to her for a response. "Please say something." She opens her eyes and I see pain swarming within the depths of them.

"It's just...how could you tell a stranger about this but you couldn't tell us? We were your friends first." I gulp at the raw emotion of her question and quivering tone. 'I don't know what to say to that without revealing anything!'

"I...erm I didn't really have a choice in the matter." I look away from the Master Waterbender knowing that she's sending me a burning stare. "It was after one of those...attempts. I was pretty badly injured and I foolishly didn't ask you to teach me healing. I didn't want to go to the hospital because that would've brought attention to me, so I was just walking in town and bumped into her, literally. She patched me up when I blacked out. When I awoke she forced me to spill and I did. We made a deal, as long as I went to her to be healed for any serious injuries she promised she wouldn't tell anyone. And I guess over time we got closer. I honestly didn't mean for it to happen. I wasn't looking to replace you if that's what you're thinking." As I say the last word my legs give out, but as if Katara knew they would she grasps onto me hard, stopping me from hitting the floor and brings me in closer to her as I find myself leaning heavily on her. "Sorry." I say panting. I sense as she shakes her head.

"No need to be. If she is the one who took care of you over the years then I'd like to thank her for doing what I couldn't, which is being there for you. Since I can't seem to put your needs before my curiosity." Katara's self-loathing tone makes me straighten up and face her.

"No don't say that about yourself. You are one of the kindest person I know, if not the kindest. And because of your caring nature you want to see what I was up to in all of this time." I say honestly and in response Katara pulls me back towards her side and we continue walking.

"I guess I was jealous. I mean it seemed too much of a coincidence that you became friends with a Waterbender that can heal..."

"And fight." I interrupt.

"And fight so..."

"And bloodbend." I interrupt again smirking at her glare.

"How does she know that?!"

"She's travelled round the world like us and bumped into Hama along the way." I say carefully, mindful of Katara's hatred towards the inventor of this sub-art. I observe her eyebrows furrowing before shooting me another look.

"Are you sure you weren't replacing me?" She asks in mock seriousness. I laugh and shake my head.

"Nope, just a crazy coincidence." And we laugh together for the first time in more than three years, and I can't tell you how good it feels, as I feel some of my self-hatred fading away.

A/N: Yes I know it was long and probably a bit too overbearing, but my next chapter is definitely shorter. I hope you enjoyed it regardless and please review! You know how much I love your reviews. Thanks so much for reading and next update should hopefully be soon.

26/6/18