Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

Author's Note: Chapter 12 review responses are at the end.

Moments, Awkward and Beautiful

Aang had anxiously watched as Katara healed her shoulder as the first order of business, although he knew she was perfectly capable of doing it. He couldn't help feeling that it was somehow his fault she'd been hurt. If the lightning had gone into her heart, as no doubt intended…he tried not to think about that.

He and Katara cleaned up the camp and loaded their things onto Appa's saddle. Sokka and Suki had disappeared into the tent Sokka and Katara normally shared, so they left that alone.

Aang turned to watch as Katara bended water to make sure the fire pit was out, then filled it in. She was so beautiful. His mind conjured up memories of Katara in her underclothing. Then, he imagined her in considerably less. He closed his eyes against the images, hoping to force them out. Unfortunately, since they were in his head, this only made the pictures more vivid, so he quickly opened his eyes again.

Stop that! he chastised himself. I shouldn't think about Katara that way.

Bison dung.

Excuse me?

You heard me. True love has physical dimensions. It's perfectly normal to have sexual thoughts.

Then why does it feel so…wrong?

Social conditioning. With a little work, you'll get over it. Aang wasn't sure that was such a good idea, but he decided to let it go for the moment.

"What are they doing in there?" Aang wondered aloud when everything else was done. Not seeming to hear him, Katara stared at the tent almost accusingly. Eventually, she sank to the ground and put her head in her hands.

"My sleeping bag is still in there!" she fretted. "I'll never be able to use it again!"

"What? Why?" Aang asked innocently. Katara raised her face to him, surprised. Seeing that he was honestly confused, she blushed and looked uncomfortable.

"Um, Aang, you know where babies come from, right?" she said instead of answering directly. Aang felt a flush creeping up his own neck, remembering when he had asked that very question and received a rather more detailed answer than he really wanted, but he didn't see where she was going with that question.

"Yeah, but what's that go to do with--" he cut himself off and his eyes widened in realization. He was sure his blush had taken over his entire head. "Wait. You mean…y-you think they're…now?"

Before Katara had a chance to answer, a shirtless Sokka came bolting out of the tent and plunged into the river until he was in up to his waist. His hair was loose, and he dipped a hand into the water and ran it through his tousled locks before throwing his head back and looking to the sky. Katara looked for a moment like she was going to laugh, but she quickly sobered and turned back to Aang.

"I might be going out on a limb here," she said. "But I'm going to take that as a 'no.'" Aang merely gaped until he found his voice.

"Sokka! That water's freezing cold!" he exclaimed. He knew because he and Katara had practiced waterbending there the previous evening. They'd gone to a slower-moving area a little downstream where the sun had more time to warm it during the day, but they'd still barely been able to get ankle-deep without going numb.

"It's not enough," Sokka replied, breathing heavily.

"You know that cold water thing doesn't really work, don't you?" Katara informed her brother.

"No, it doesn't," he agreed. Then he paused and looked at her narrowly. "How did you know that?" Katara merely blushed and looked at the ground, so Sokka turned his suspicious gaze on Aang. His genuine perplexity must have been evident because Sokka returned his attention to Katara.

"Really?" drawled Sokka, wading back out of the water. "Well, thanks, Katara. The thought of my sister all hot and bothered was exactly what I needed. You know, this water is cold!" He sat down beside Katara and took a few deep breaths. Aang looked between the siblings in confusion.

Did I miss something?

Well, let's think. Is there a time recently when you noticed Katara plunging into the water for no apparent reason? Aang tried not to show any expression on his face when the answer hit him.

Kyoshi Island?

Exactly.

So…is it possible…she felt something, too? Aang didn't have time to pursue this any further because Katara was clearing her throat and attempting to redirect the conversation slightly.

"So she shut you down, eh?" she asked. She quickly clapped a hand to her mouth, mortified. "I'm sorry; it's none of my business."

"No, it isn't," Sokka agreed sternly. He relaxed quickly, though, and managed a twisted half-grin. "Actually, she was perfectly willing. I think."

"So, you didn't want to?" Aang asked, his curiosity overwhelming his sense of propriety. Sokka just looked at him in utter disbelief.

"Are you crazy? Of course I wanted to. It's just…" he trailed off. "She's a warrior, and we're in the middle of a war."

"And?" Katara prompted when it didn't look like he was going to say any more.

"Well, I couldn't help thinking, if I – I mean we – if we…you know. Well, what if…she got…"

"Pregnant?" Katara supplied helpfully.

"Exactly. What kind of a fighter would she be then? And I'd go off with you guys and might not even know? It's just not right." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Looking at the ground, he added, "I don't think Dad would approve."

Not minding the water, Katara threw herself at her brother, nearly knocking him over sideways as she gave him an enthusiastic hug.

"I do love you, you know," she said happily.

"Yeah, well, I have my moments," Sokka answered, looking embarrassed. However, some of his bravado seemed to be returning. "Besides, someone's got to set a good example for you two."

Us two? Aang echoed internally as his guilt from his earlier imaginings returned and his throat tightened in panic. Sokka can't possibly know what I've been thinking…

"What do you mean by that?" Katara's voice was rising dangerously as she pulled away again. Sokka looked at her in surprise, and observing that she was staring daggers at him, seemed to realize he'd spoken out of turn.

"Nothing," he muttered quickly. "Not enough blood getting to the brain yet, I guess." He stood up. "I suppose it's time I go explain all this to Suki."

The ride back to the Kyoshi warriors' camp was a quiet one. Sokka and Suki appeared to have reached an understanding, but there was still a lot of evident embarrassment going around. Katara was slightly envious of Aang because he was steering Appa, having both something to occupy him and a little space between him and the new couple. Katara considered going up to join him, but considering her recently discovered feelings towards him and her brother's half-accusation, she didn't think it would be a good idea.

It was with some relief, therefore, that they landed. There wasn't any evidence of fighting having broken out in their absence, so either Toph had done her job well, or there had been no need.

As soon as she dismounted, Katara took a double-take at Zuko. His left eye, where Suki had hit him, was swelling up, and some purple bruising was beginning to show through the angry, red scar.

"Would you like me to take care of that for you?" she asked, pointing to it. He seemed confused. Katara frowned; had she forgotten to mention this aspect of her ability? "I can heal with waterbending." She raised her sleeve to show her healed shoulder.

"Oh," Zuko reached up gingerly to touch the affected area. "Well, if you don't think it will only encourage her to hit me again…"

Katara blinked. Had the persistently grumpy prince just made a joke? It was difficult to say, but in studying his expression, she decided he had to be serious.

"I think Sokka will help prevent that," she assured him and went to draw fresh water into a basin. Secretly, Katara realized that this might also give her a chance to find out whether her ability would work on his old scar as well. She came back to him, bent some of the water into her two hands, and infused it with the healing glow. "Okay, now close your eyes and try to hold still."

He could have been a statue, he remained so still. She tried to think of Sokka or Aang ever sitting so motionless when they were conscious and could hardly keep from laughing. Even when Aang was meditating, there were always slight movements and twitches.

I have been watching him way too much, she realized.

So what's wrong with that?

You again? What will it take to get rid of you?

It's painfully simple, actually.

Really? How?

Just tell Aang you love him.

Oh, is THAT all? she thought back sarcastically.

Yep, that's it.

Katara returned to the task at hand. She gently pressed the water against his eye, concentrated on what she wanted it to do, then let it fall away. Zuko gasped as the swelling and pain disappeared.

I can't, she resumed her inner dialogue. What if I don't make it through this war? Wouldn't it be easier for him not to know?

That's just an excuse. He'll find someone to love; it's his nature. Like anything, love is a game. The only way to win is to play. The surest way to lose is not to play.

"That's amazing," Zuko complimented, dragging Katara's attention back. She studied the burned area the water had also touched. It was slightly faded, but the scar tissue remained. She licked her lips as she gathered her courage to take the next step.

"Would you like me to keep going?" she asked. His gold eyes fixed sharply on her, and she gestured toward the left side of his face again. "Your scar. I don't think I can completely get rid of it, but I might be able to make it a little less noticeable." A mixture of emotions played through his eyes, though the rest of his features remained fixed in neutrality. Even so, Katara thought this was the most vulnerable she'd ever seen him. At last, he tightened his jaw.

"Do what you can," he allowed her, closing his eyes. "It would serve everyone if I were…less recognizable." Katara went to work. It didn't take long, and she was happy with the result. The outer ring, always lighter, was now almost invisible. It was a faint pink, only a shade or so darker than Zuko's natural skin tone. The inner part of the scar was also lightened, giving him the appearance of having a permanently healing black eye, but it could also be mistaken for a birthmark. When she was done, Katara held up the basin so he could see his reflection. Leaving the mask completely behind, Zuko stared open-mouthed at his image, using his left hand to probe the healed area as if he couldn't quite believe it.

"Thank you," he whispered hoarsely. "I never thought…thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, tilting her head thoughtfully as she surveyed her work. "Your eyebrow might even grow back now." The golden eyes flicked to her, and he raised his good eyebrow at her.

"An eyebrow is the least of my problems," he remarked. She smiled and led him over to the others.

Sokka saw them first as they came back to the group, and he whistled softly in appreciation.

"Nice work, sis! He looks almost human now," Sokka grinned to soften his words. He'd made a kind of sport out of getting under the prince's skin.

"Too bad she can't help you as easily," Zuko shot back, leaving Katara and Sokka gaping at each other. Had lightening the prince's scar somehow uncovered a sense of humor? Aang laughed before covering his mouth with his hand and met Katara's gaze. She could tell he was remembering their talk from a few weeks earlier. He gave her a broad smile and a nod of approval, making her heart feel ready to burst out of her chest as she smiled happily back.

Katara caught a buzz among the girls of Suki's squad at Zuko's changed appearance and couldn't help rolling her eyes. Amazing how some girls could forget anything else when confronted with a handsome face. Personally, she preferred a light build and a nice pair of eyes over large muscles and a chiseled jaw any day. Not to mention the matter of personality.

Later that evening, Iroh pulled her aside.

"Thank you for what you did for my nephew," he said quietly, tears in his eyes. "I'm not sure if you realize…"

"I think I'm beginning to," she answered honestly. Despite what Aang had told her earlier, she hadn't really understood how much of Zuko was wrapped up in that burn. Lessening its visible impact on him seemed to relieve him of a burden he'd carried so long that he'd almost forgotten it was there. He stood straighter, took part more readily in conversation. It was as though a transformation that had begun the night they'd spent with Song and her mother had just taken another large step.

Author's Note: If you wonder what Suki was doing in the tent that whole time, I assumed she was also busy collecting herself. The next chapter is underway, and I think I will have enough material for one more, making a total of 15. I will give you guys about two days to read and review this before posting the next one.

Review responses:

Azada: Well, thank you, and I'm glad you've joined us. I heard about the Toph thing, too, but I don't think I'm going to deal with it. What is up with Sokka being a chick-magnet all of a sudden?

fallenfox: Here's your update!

Denisen: I'm kind of surprised you're reading this, since I read your profile and we only seem to agree on one ship. Well, I hoped you enjoyed the Sukka.

Gir the Insane…: Yes, you helped me, and it led nicely into the scar-healing scene. As far as the rest, we're getting there. Is this soon enough for you?

xenus: Aang got Katara's mother's necklace back to Katara in Bato of the Water Tribe and it played a significant role in The Waterbending Master. I was talking about the replacement necklace Aang made for her in The Fortune Teller out of Sokka's fishing line, which mysteriously disappears shortly after she puts it on.

SnakeEyes16: Well, here's your fix. Bet you're glad I didn't make you wait too long. The next one should be up in a few days.

frozenheat: I think I'm improving on the action. I did rewrite it a few times, so I'm glad it turned out. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint.

denythefreshmaker: Yeah, I liked the idea of Katara acting a little possessive. Um, hope you made it to the bathroom. (My husband is dying to know.)

MyrmidonGuy: Thanks, but all good things must come to an end. This one's almost done.

Kairuthefrog: Yeah, I knew I was kind of pushing the T rating. A lot of what I included was for the comedy value. Oh, and you forgot Toph wasn't there, didn't you? It was weird how the necklace magically disappeared like that. The animators don't usually make those mistakes, so I wonder if it means something.

Imagination Queen: I'm kind of wondering how you found this story if you're not a fan of the show. Glad to have you with us for the journey, though. I'm usually putting my kids to bed when the new episodes air, so I've gotten in the habit of taping them this season.

SilvrImage: Thanks! Glad it made you laugh.