Chapter 2: Are We There Yet?

"Are we there yet?" Sokka was leaning over Appa's saddle staring at the endless horizon of earth. It has been two days and the crew was no where near Ba Sing Se. The sun was slowly starting to sink in the western sky.

"No Sokka. Not even close". Katara was starting to lose patients as well. Not that she disliked riding Appa mind you. However, traveling for almost two days straight was starting to take a toll on ever one's nerves. It is a well known fact that patients is a virtue but the crew had long since lost their will to be patient. Sensing restlessness within the group Aang decided that it was a good time to set up camp for the night.

Landing Appa in a clearing in the woods they began to set up camp. "I never thought I would miss the feeling of ground so much". Jumping off Appa, Sokka grabbed his sleeping bag and collapsed on it. With in minutes he was dosing off into a peaceful slumber. Shaking her head Katara set up her sleeping bag and head off into the woods to gather fire wood. Upon returning, she caught sight of Aang staring off into the stars. Dropping the wood on the ground she approached Aang.

"Aang is something wrong?" Glancing in her direction he motioned with his hands for her to sit next to him. Taking the nonverbal suggestion she placed herself next to him, her eyes locked on to Aang.

Sitting down on the ground Katara took Aang's lead and stared up at the stars. Several moments passed and silence between them became the norm until Aang decided to break it. "I never really noticed how beautiful the stars were until I actually took the time to stare at them." Staring at the stars herself Katara could not disagree. Never really taking the time to notice before, she had to admit that the stars left her speechless. Like tiny perfections of light, the stars gathered in a huge cluster in the sky. The way they were arranged in the sky, if one was not careful, they could have mistaken it for a map of the heavens.

"They are beautiful Aang. It's funny, I've always been so consumed with life in general that I've never taken the time to just sit and stare at them."

"Consumed? What do you mean Katara?" Aang glanced down at Katara, confusion filling his head.

"Well ever since Sokka and I lost our mother I had to take on her role. I was always busy with something. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the others in the village, there was always something to do. I always felt that a part of my childhood, among other things, was taking away when we lost our mother." A frown began to form on Katara's face. The painful memory of losing her mother started to cloud her mind. Holding back tears which wanted so badly to break free Katara got up and started to fiddle with the fire wood.

Finally getting the fire started Katara headed towards her sleeping bag. Feeling skin touch skin Katara turned her head to see Aang standing next to her, holding her hand in his. "Katara, are you ok?" Aang stared into Katara's eyes. Scanning the shadows on her face Aang could tell instantly that she was still consumed with the thoughts of her mother.

"I'm fine Aang. It's just hard to think about my mother sometimes, that's all." Katara stared into his slate gray eyes. Forcing a smile on her face she squeezed Aang's hand. Smiling himself Aang pulled Katara into his arms. "You know I'm always here if you need to talk, you know that right?"

"I do know that. Thank you." Letting go, but not really wanting to Aang turned around and started to walk towards Appa.

"Aang?" Aang turned around and glanced at Katara.

"Yea Katara?"

"Will you sleep next to me tonight?" Those words ricocheted in his ears. Not questioning and almost jumping for joy at the request Aang changed direction. Katara slipped off her shoes and slipped into her sleeping bag. Leaving the side of it open she gestured for Aang to slip in next to her. With out hesitation Aang took off his boots and lay next to her. Placing his arm around her waist Aang snuggled into her body. Feeling her warmth against his, Aang felt as if he was in heaven.

"Aang do you think we will always be friend?" The question had Aang puzzled. Friends, of course we'll always be friends…hopefully more than friends. "Of course Katara, I'll always be with you." With those comforting words Katara began to slip into a deep sleep. Aang lied awake for a few more minutes before nodding off himself. Oh Katara I wish I had enough courage to tell you how I feel. Some day soon, you will know exactly how much you mean to me…..I promise... With Katara as the last thing on his mind Aang drifted off into sleep.

Ok guys there's chapter two down. As always comments and suggestions are always welcome. Hopefully I'll have chapter three up soon.