A/N: This is more of a playful chapter. It's still important for the plot line to continue but the heaviness is considerably less. Hope you enjoy it anyway.

2 Days Later...

Aang's POV:

"Spirits Katara I've been stuck in this bed for 2 days, can't I please just go out and stretch my legs?" I plead earnestly to the Master Healer who's at one corner of the room by the bookshelf as she scans through some ancient Fire Nation texts.

"You should've thought about that before you conveniently decided to not mention those blood clots." My sifu retorts with a half serious, half smug face.

"Oh come on, that's not fair. I haven't had any blood clots forming for about 6 months, can you really blame me that I forgot?" I groan out, but it seems Katara isn't having any of it.

"You don't mention a lot of things, can you blame me for being so sceptical?" At Katara's witty response I decide to resort to incoherent mutterings, complaining about the unfairness of it all. "Besides, your attacks don't seem to be settling down quite yet. Just be patient." I roll my eyes at the last comment.

"I've heard that before." I utter under my breath at which the Master Waterbender looks up from her book sharply.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing!" I reply hastily, but my answer doesn't seem to satiate her as she opens her mouth. However I'm saved when the door bursts open with Toph emerging from behind it.

"Toph, what are you doing?" I question quickly, hoping that's enough to drop the conversation with Katara.

"Thought I'd come and warn you to be prepared." The blind Earthbender states vaguely.

"Warn me? Be prepared for what?" I question again but in confusion. Just then Zuko appears at the door's entrance with Sokka in tow. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"What's everyone doing here?" Katara echoes out my silent thoughts.

"We've received some letters, so I thought it would be best if we go through them together to save any repetition." Zuko replies as he steps further into the room with Sokka by his side.

"Alright." I find myself saying and nod to the Firelord to continue.

"The first letter is from the Head councilman. He has rescheduled the date for the rest of the meetings we were meant to have before those rebels interfered. It's in 2 weeks and will be held at Ba Sing Se this time. They don't trust the security at the Fire Nation at the moment." The Firelord states miffed at the decision, but it passes over me as a cold shiver runs down my spine, 'great, why not decide the future of the Air Nation in the place that they nearly became extinct, real sensitive King Kuei.' I think sarcastically. 'Probably shouldn't have avoided going back there for so long though.' I think as I subconsciously let out a deep breath.

"You ok Aang? I know how much you hate these meetings." Zuko questions knowingly and his expression pinches with understanding.

"Yeah. But I guess it's best to get it out of the way." I say with a shrug and Zuko nods as he moves onto the next letter in his hands.

"This letter is just the usual invitation to the annual celebration for the end of the Hundred Year War." This time we all groan out loud, save for Katara who looks at us with a raised eyebrow.

"You guys don't like the celebration?"

"No! It's so formal and we have to wear stuffy fancy clothes and make small awkward talk with random strangers while they gush all over you, which at first was pretty awesome, but when it turned to obsessive levels it became just plain creepy." I nod my head in agreement.

"And I have to do a speech every year. I hate speeches." I mutter.

"Pfft you barely stay for more than 10 minutes. After the speech you usually high tail it out of there." I shrug and hold up my hands guiltily.

"Yeah, but for those 10 minutes I am there for, it's a nightmare. I can't believe you all stick to the end."

"We have to, otherwise Mr Firelord over here will have a fit, especially since you leave so early. We have to entertain the guests. It's bad enough that Katara never shows either." Sokka responds in a grumble. I blink my eyes in surprise at this realisation and turn to face her.

"Wait, you've never been?!" I echo out my surprise.

"Other than the first one, no I haven't. I've been so busy at the South Pole. But it sounds like I haven't missed much." Katara says with a shrug as if she's not too bothered for missing one of the biggest celebrations in the year.

"Well, why don't you come along this year since you're already here? It will be in Republic City, next week I think?" Sokka asks his sister whilst sparing a glance to the letter in Zuko's hands.

"I don't know...celebrations aren't really my thing and my presence isn't really needed." The Master Waterbender answers unsurely as she crosses her arms after she sets her book down.

"You should tag along Sugarqueen. It will be like old times, right Twinkletoes?" Toph states with a pointed emphasis on my nickname. I raise an eyebrow at this.

"You're going to make me stay till the end aren't you?" I say mournfully at which Sokka lets out a chuckle.

"Yep. I think I've had enough of you skiving off for a life time. So?" I roll my eyes at Toph's dramatics.

"Fine." I agree and turn my head to Katara. "If I have to stay till the end then you should definitely come to keep me sane." Katara flickers her eyes to everyone in the room before returning back to mine.

"Alright. I guess it could be fun. It's been so long since I flew on Appa." The Master Waterbender agrees reluctantly.

"Yay!" The four of us shout and throw up our hands in unison, but I regret the action when pain flares up in my abdomen and with a wince I slowly return my arms to encircle my waist.

"For goodness sake, you guys are like children sometimes." Katara mutters with a hand to her head.

"Hey!" Sokka and Zuko rebuts in refusal whilst Toph and I share a grin.

"Technically Toph and I are under 18 years old, so we are still children." I say with a smirk and the two of us share a fist pump.

"Oh no no, you don't get to play that card!" Sokka argues as he crosses his arms in childish defiance.

"Snoozles it's not our fault that you and Sparky are old." Toph says casually as she waves her hand.

"What?! I'm only 3 years older than you! How is that old?!" I bite back a laugh at seeing how riled up Sokka is getting. Zuko finally seems to get over the insults as he puts a hand on Sokka's shoulder.

"Let it go, that will show them how much more mature you are."

"Aurgh, you all just proved my point!" Katara's voice suddenly pierces through our squabble and we have the decency to look embarrassed. I clear my throat.

"So, what are the other letters you have?" I ask, in an attempt to change the subject. Fortunately, Zuko picks up on my not so subtle hint and leafs through the papers in his hands.

"This one is mainly for you Toph. The Republic City Police Force needs you back to process all the rebels that are a citizen of the United Nations and there's surprisingly a lot of them. They're finding it difficult to do that plus keep on top of the day to day criminal activities in the city." The Firelord states as he reads through the letter. The blind Earthbender releases a large groan and puts a hand to her temple.

"Can't they do anything themselves?! It's not like I'll be the Chief of Police forever. Fine, I'm assuming they need me back as soon as possible?" With a succinct nod from Zuko she lets out another sigh. "So much for wanting a little relaxation. Saving the world is exhausting work." I can't help but murmur my agreement to Toph's statement.

"The last letter is specifically addressed to you Aang and it didn't have any of the official seals so I haven't opened it." I raise an eyebrow at this and take the offered letter from Zuko's hand. I open the envelope and unfold the paper within:

Dear Aang,

Have I ever told you that you're a jerk? Because you are. A really big jerk.

I've been hearing a ton of rumours and no one's sure what's real and what's not. Starting from you getting hurt, disappearing and rebels attacking at the meetings to the Fire Nation being overrun and future attacks being imminent. Currently, I'm hearing that things are pretty much sorted. Mostly, I just want to know that you're ok, so are you? Have you been hurt? And don't tell me that you're fine because if anything that will make me worry more. I need to see you to be sure that you are. The Annual Celebration is soon, so make sure you come and see me before you attend. You owe me that much after all the heart attacks you've put me through for the last couple of years.

Yours Sincerely,

Kyla

P.S: I heard you met up with your old friends, is that true? How has it been? I hope it's going as alright as I hoped it would.

As I read the last word I find myself with a grin that stretches from one side of my face to the other. I skim read it over again before Sokka coughs loudly and walks up to my bed.

"So who is it? Because by the look on your face it seems like it's from a secret admirer." I roll my eyes at Sokka's teasing.

"It's Kyla. She wants to meet up before the annual celebration."

"Meet up?" Katara echoes out to as I nod in response.

"Hey Sugarqueen, when do you give permission for Twinkletoes to be able to move?" The blind Earthbender asks suddenly and a small frown graces the Waterbender's face.

"Another 3 days to be on the safe side." Katara states neutrally to which Toph claps her hands together.

"Then it's settled, in 3 days we make our way to Republic City, go meet your secret friend, stick around till the celebration and then make the journey to Ba Sing Se." Toph lists with a tone of finality as I give her dubious look.

"Sounds good, we get everything done in good time and it means I won't have to be away from the Fire Nation for long." Zuko agrees with a nod and a moment later as does Sokka. "I'll go and make the arrangements with my councillors and make sure that they keep a tight lock and key on the prisoners." And with that Zuko quickly departs from the room with Toph trailing behind him. Though I barely notice as I read through the letter one more time, just as I reach the last sentence it gets plucked out of my hands by Sokka.

"Sokka!" I whine in sudden discomfort at him reading my personal note.

"Wow, she's really chummy with you. I can't wait to meet her."

"Aurgh, Sokka please don't try to embarrass her or me for that matter." I groan out.

"Pfft you worry too much. Besides if anything it's Toph who you should be worried about regarding embarrassment." At this a louder groan works its way out of my mouth.

"I think I'll go and see what Zuko and Toph are up to." Katara suddenly interjects as she gets up and walks out of the door without a second glance. I raise an eyebrow at her uncharacteristic behaviour but drop it when I find Sokka looking at me with a serious expression.

"What?" I ask as my discomfort starts creeping in at his stare. This seems to break the warrior out if his trance as he blinks rapidly and with a shake of his head he perches on my bed's edge.

"It's nothing...I'm just worried about Katara. I hate it when she gets hurt." At his words, understanding dawns on me as I shoot him a reassuring smile.

"I know. But you must know I would never intentionally try to hurt her...at least not anything that I can help." I say with a frown as our previous conversation on the topic of my scars flashes in my mind's eye. I bite my cheek when I recall her disappointed expression. A hand on my leg makes me refocus my attention back on Sokka.

"Aang...I don't blame you. I know you don't mean to. It's just that this whole situation is so messed up. I know it will get better, but it will take time. I...I actually want to apologise." I blink twice at those words and tilt my head to one side in confusion.

"You, apologise? What for?" I question after a moment's pause. Sokka's eyes stay glued to the floor before he takes in a deep breath and turn to face me completely with one leg tucked underneath him as the other one dangles off the bed's edge.

"I was such a jerk to you for all this time. But the worst part was that I had given up on you so quickly, so easily. It didn't take me long to believe that you really wanted nothing to do with us and that's what I hate about myself the most. I know you. I know you wouldn't do such a thing without a good reason. But I fell into that trap of hatred and believing what was being told to me without checking it out for myself. I gave up on you and that's the most terrible thing that a friend could ever do. I'm so sorry." The Watertribe man utters and brings a hand to cover his eyes, though not before a teardrop emerges out from the corner of his eye. I open my mouth but no words come out and I snap it shut one more. 'What do I say to that?!' I've never blamed him. In fact he did what anyone would do in his position.'

"Sokka I forgive you, even though there's nothing to forgive. I should've told you, all of you, but I ran away like I always do. It's my bad habit." I shake my head at myself.

"I think we're both to blame. I just needed to get that off my chest. Ever since Zuko came to my office before those meetings started and accused me of not trying harder, I realised how right he was and how much guilt I felt for letting you down, especially when I found out the truth."

"This wouldn't happen to be the time that you guys plotted to jump me, would it?" I teasingly ask in an attempt to dissipate the depressing atmosphere that has settled. It seems to work as Sokka cracks a grin at the question.

"You would be correct. Ha, I almost forgot about that with all this craziness that's been going on. Now that you mention it, we did kind of jump you, didn't we?" The warrior chuckles as he scratches his chin.

"Kind of? More like you captured me, I mean you shackled me to the wall and interrogated me!" I exclaim with raised eyebrows and at this Sokka bursts out laughing.

"I suppose, but is it really capture when you could've busted yourself out at any time?" The Watertribe-man says with amusement.

I fold my arms at this. "Well I for one didn't want to damage the room." My statement results in us sharing a grin with each other.

"I missed this; you and me just being silly with each other." I sigh in response to Sokka's wistful comment.

"Same here." I whisper softly and a pleasant silence falls between us. My eyes rest on my hands as I turn them over. I look up to Sokka to find his eyes on me. I bite my lip and take in a deep breath in a manner similar to what Sokka did minutes ago.

"Sokka...how do you think my scars will define me?" The Watertribe man must have not expected my question as he reels back in shock.

"Your scars?" He chokes out. "So Katara's assumption was correct? This is the thing that's been bothering you and keeping from us?" I gulp in weariness at the wording of Sokka's question and all I could do is nod in response. "Are they...really that bad?" The warrior asks hesitantly as his eyes scan me up and down, as if looking for any hint of them.

"They are." I sigh. "Katara wants me to stop hiding them but I can't and I know that my answer had hurt her." I mumble out as my eyes don't quite meet my friend's.

"Why? I'm sure you told Katara but maybe I could understand."

"Because they're hideous!" I shout whilst throwing up my hands in anger before regretting the action as pain flares up again. "I'm deformed. This isn't like the scar Azula gave me, which was bad enough, this is worse and so many more of them. Each time I look at them I remember how I got them and it hurts to remember. For you guys to see them it will be like showing you physical evidence of how bad it all was. I just don't know how everyone would react." I explain carefully and turn my head towards the window at my right.

"You've never cared about what you looked like before...though I can imagine that perhaps this is quite a different situation. Perhaps I understand it better than the others...I've been through something similar just a lot less extreme."

Sokka's POV:

As soon as I utter those words Aang whips his head back towards me, his eyes wide with confusion and concern.

"What do you mean you've been through something similar?" The young Avatar questions instantly as his eyes scrutinise me. I sigh inwardly, not really wanting to bring it up, 'but if I want Aang to open up to me then maybe I should start to open up myself.'

"After I left the South Pole I headed to the Fire Nation to meet Zuko. I went to the market centre just before I departed and got jumped on by a group of 4 people, half earthbenders and half Firebenders. I was in an alleyway and out of view for anyone to help. They tied me down and the firebender did this to me when I kicked him." I raise up my leg and after a moment of hesitation I pull down my sock to reveal a deep ugly imprint around my ankle.

I hear a gasp from Aang and when I raise my eyes back to his I find moisture gathering in them. I watch as he lifts a hand as if to go and touch it but he withdraws it back. I think for a moment about this and instead I take his hand and let him touch it lightly. "It doesn't hurt so much as it used to. But it took a while before I was able to walk without a limp, I had to work so hard to hide it. Toph noticed my weird gait but I managed to sway her off with a half truth." Aang remains silent for a few moments as he takes in the rugged sensation of my scar before his expression turns pained and finally has to let go.

"Why didn't you tell anyone? I thought we were meant to have caught up on Kyoshi Island. And how did you manage to get away?" I take a deep breath at Aang's onslaught of remarks, having expected them, I run through what I'm going to say carefully in my mind.

"I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want them to worry. Katara was miserable enough as it was, I didn't want to add to her worries. And...I guess I was ashamed that I couldn't fend them off myself. It was a wakeup call that I had slacked off in my training and I haven't let up on it since. And I was fortunate that a young chap and his friend managed to interfere before it got any more serious." I say with a shrug, not so bothered about it as I was when it first happened, 'guess training and beating those benders at that arena helped put my insecurities at ease.'

"Sokka..." Aang trails off and I choose to continue talking when I see the look of remorse on his face.

"Hey it's nothing to worry about. It's just like the scar you got from Azula." I reason in an attempt to soothe his concern.

"Yeah but that scar didn't hinder me physically. I should've been there!" The young Airbender points out in a self-blaming tone.

"I can protect myself Aang. I don't need to be babysat by anyone. I just slipped up. That's my fault, so stop thinking otherwise." I release with a tight expression, not liking Aang's implications. But when I see his wide eyes, a wave of guilt hits me at my harsh wording.

"I didn't mean it like that at all! I just..." Again Aang trails off and this time his eyes become unfocused as he bites on his lip, deep in thought.

"No, you're right I know you didn't mean that. I'm sorry for snapping at you." But my words seem to fall on deaf ears. "Aang?" At my prod the young Avatar finally looks back up.

"Huh? Oh right, no worries." I narrow my eyes at him, knowing immediately that he's hiding something.

"Ok out with it! What are you thinking about?" I demand.

"I just...I don't think it was an accident that you ran into those guys." I blink upon hearing this.

"What?" I echo out.

"They may have been rebels. I remember one time, a rebel had uttered something so quietly under his breath about having paid someone a visit, someone I knew. But I wasn't sure if I imagined it. I went to check on you all and everyone seemed to be alright. Granted you were sitting down, so I never expected...they lied. They must have been trying to target people that were easy to get to. Aurgh, this is all my fault, I should've been around so I could protect you, all of you! I left you guys vulnerable! I didn't even think that..." I watch as Aang face-palms his forehead and rubs his eyes in frustration.

Meanwhile, I can't help but stare as Aang's conclusion sinks in, 'it makes so much sense! I always assumed it was just bad luck, but I never considered the possibility that it was planned. If I didn't just wave the matter away, this could've ended sooner. It would've given me a clue on what Aang was dealing with.' I spare a glance at the airbender, 'I can't believe these two things were connected.'

"Aang it's not your fault. Could you please stop pinning all the blame on yourself! I can't believe I faced the very people that have been pestering you all this time. Spirits those guys were scary." My final statement must have got through to him as he moves his hands from his face.

"They were. I'm glad that was your only run-in...that was your only run-in with them, right?"

"Yeah it was, thank the spirits. But Aang what I was trying to say is, I know what it's like to feel ashamed and want to hide. But...those scars don't mean you're weak. If anything they show how strong you've been to get through it and it means that you've won. They've lost the war. But Aang, don't let them win this battle." I finish off and when I see Aang's shining smile, a sense of joy leaps up within me at seeing my best friend grin so brightly even after everything.

"Thanks Sokka, I think I really needed to hear that. And...maybe you should take your own advice." The young Avatar teases cheekily and I can't help but realise that I fell right into that one and a laugh makes its way up my throat.

"I suppose I should, otherwise I'd be a hypocrite."

"You think the others are hiding things too?" Aang asks in a moment of seriousness. I scratch my chin.

"I suppose that's possible. Listen Aang, we all hide things. We have our secrets that we don't want to share and there's nothing wrong with that. It only becomes a problem when you find yourself hiding everything from those who care about you. You can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We want to help you. But don't feel obliged to tell us everything, just the things that matter and when you feel the time is right." I watch as Aang drops his jaws slightly.

"Since when did you get so mature?!" I raise an eyebrow at Aang's exclamation.

"And what do you mean by that?!" I huff as I cross my arms.

"Oh come on Sokka, you're the guy who wanted to dress Momo as a ghost."

"I for one, still think it was a good idea." I retort in defence.

"Ah, there's the Sokka I know." The bald monk teases and rolls his eyes when I retaliate by sticking my tongue out. Aang sighs as his face dons another serious expression.

"Can...can I show you?" The timid question hits me hard. 'That was the last thing I expected him to say.'

"Do you really want to? I'm not pushing you." I somehow utter out over my shock.

"I think if I can show someone, it might be easier to let my guard down with Katara. And you know what's it like to hide a scar...I think it would be easier."

"Alright." I coincide softly, but inside my gut twist up in dreaded anticipation. Just as Aang fiddles with the hem of his shirt, the sound of nearby footsteps pierces the tense silence. We both whip our heads to the entrance of the door to find Katara standing at the door way, a frown on her face emerges as she takes in our solemn expressions.

"Are you guys alright? I didn't interrupt anything important did I?" My sister questions in confusion. I share a glance with Aang and we both shake our heads vigorously from side to side. I throw an arm around the young Airbender's shoulders and bellow out an exaggerated laugh.

"Who us? Nah, you know me, I like teasing the bald monk. I'm the comic relief guy remember? Nothing serious going on whatsoever!" But my over the top response must have been painfully obvious as Katara narrows her eyes suspiciously.

"Aang?" My little sister asks as she directs her eyes to the Airbender.

"What Sokka said!" The words quickly shoot out from the Avatar. Katara throws us another dubious look and finally decides to let it go as she shrugs.

"If you say so. Anyway, Zuko needs you Sokka to sort out some documents for the council." The Master Waterbender states and I nod in understanding.

"Alright. I'll go." I throw a glance over my shoulder to Aang as I pass Katara and convey my silent apologies as much as I can. Aang seems to get the message as he sends an encouraging smile in return. As I walk out of the room, I can't help but release the breath that I've been subconsciously holding in.

'A terrible part of me is actually relieved for Katara's interruption. I don't know what I was expecting to see, but I know whatever it is I wouldn't have taken it well especially if it's as bad as Aang says it is.' I grit my teeth and tighten my hands into fists. 'No! I shouldn't think like that. It really seems that if Aang can get through this hurdle, he'll finally be able to be at peace. I'll need to find another chance when it's just the two of us, preferably before we head off. Spirits I hope there is another opportunity, because I just want Aang to finally let go of his fears.'

A/N: Well ok maybe a bit heavy, I can't seem to have a chapter without some added in – it's my favourite part! Hmm that sounds bad ha. Hope it was alright, not really my best chapters but as I said I needed it to keep the story moving. Also, the reviews…I can't thank you all enough. I don't deserve all this praise. Thank you all for reading and your kind words.

14/9/19