Enter: The World of Aang

Chapter 6: It's… IT'S ALIVE!

Katara came running from a wooded area just moments after my blackout. She stopped once she reached us, taking a minute to catch her breath. Once she had, she asked, "What happened here?"

"I'm not really sure," Aang sighed.

"It all happened really fast," Sokka said, resting my head gently in his lap. He was stroking my hair absent-mindedly while doing so.

"She's had a rough day," Katara pointed out. "Here, I'll take her and--"

"No," Sokka instantly objected. "Let me take care of her." He sounded determined. Neither Katara nor Aang said anything against it. And with that, Katara helped Aang to his feet and they went back to camp. After a few minutes has passed, he sighed lightly and looked down at my calm, sleeping face.

"I don't understand…" He said aloud, to no one in particular. "Why did you do that? You could have died…" He slowly moved his hand from my hair to my cheek, rubbing it gently with his palm. This brought my out of my unconscious state; I flinched and my eyes fluttered open to see Sokka staring down at me, a look of relief on his face.

"Oh… Sokka--" He put his finger to my lips to stop me.

"Shh… C'mon, we need to get back to camp. The others are waiting for us." He took hold of my arm and began to help me stand up, but I stopped him.

"No thanks," I said. "I think I can stand on my own."

"Suit yourself," he shrugged and let me go, standing himself up and waiting for me. Out of the blue, a wave of self-consciousness hit me and I got a little nervous, so I remained on the ground a few moments longer. Sokka grew a little impatient. "Well?" He asked. I glared.

"Don't rush me!" I called, taking another second before bringing myself to my feet. I stuck out my tongue at him. "Nyehh," I teased. "There. I did it." He applauded, which made me smile. Though the attention threw me off; I hobbled a few steps before falling back down on my face.

"I thought you said you could walk?" A small smirk crossed his face.

"Maybe I did that on purpose…" Once I realized what I had said, my blush deepened.

"Did you really?" He asked, half laughing, holding out his hand. I took it and he got me back up again. To help keep my balance, he kept a firm grip on my arm.

"Erm… half way down, I did," I admitted, looking away. "B-but anyway," I quickly changed the subject, "… what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know," Sokka said. "How about you?"

"I only asked you because I didn't know… I've never really small talked with a boy before." I realized how stupid that sounded and stopped myself, while Sokka tried to cover up his laughter. My blush returned. "Oh, be quiet. I know you're not an expert either."

"Oh, am I?" He countered. He arched a brow and slid his hand down to mine, taking it and giving it a light squeeze. I glanced down at our hands and my face turned an even deeper red. Out of embarrassment, I giggled. "What are you laughing at?" He sounded slightly offended.

"I was just thinking," I started, "about when I first started watching the show; I never really thought much of you. Only that you were sort of stupid… No offense, though." I tried to assure him. I continued, "I did think you were pretty hot, though... But now I know you a lot better. And, well… You're a lot more than that now."

"O-oh," Sokka stammered and blushed a little. "Well, if it makes any difference, I thought you were crazy when I first saw you." I smiled and nodded.

"I kind of was," I said softly. "I've always thought it would be cool to meet you ever since I first saw you." I looked at him: his face looked so gentle, like a cloud of forever softness. He looked so nice.

How did I ever end up becoming close to such a great guy? I asked myself. Sokka is so… cool. I think I…

I was suddenly pulled out of my train of thoughts when I ran smack-dab into a tree. I shut my eyes and rubbed my head. "Oww…"

Sokka immediately stopped and examined me. "Whoa! Are you okay, Jennifer?" He sounded so concerned… "Does it hurt?" He touched a spot on my head and it made me flinch.

"Ouch!" I yelped.

"You've got a pretty large bump on your head," he said. "Here, this may help with the swelling." Stuffing his hands into his pants pocket, he pulled out some bandages and began to wrap them around my head. I winced as he did so.

"Thanks," I sighed, looking up at him with an apologetic look. He returned the look with a smile and open arms. Not passing up the opportunity for a free hug, I wrapped my arms around him. He held me close and rested his head on my shoulder, then mumbled something inaudible. I tried to pick up, but I just couldn't.

"What did you say, Sokka?" I asked. He pulled away and pointed.

"I-I said we're here!" He exclaimed over-excitedly.