Another ficlit written for a friend, but for her graduation. Enjoy.

Fishing

By Kawaiilyn

The clear stream trickled by at its set pace. Not too slow. Not too fast. Just...a good speed, an average speed. His fishing line bobbed here and there with the current, inexpertly trying to seduce a white-speckled fish for its owner. Its owner's stomach growled more ferociously than the last thirteen times...he was about to give up, when a broken twig startled him, making the fishing line jump in shock as well.

Ducking as low as he could, he gazed about the river bank, hunting for the source of the sound. A flash of blue cloth, a peek of tanned skin. That's all he needed to leap for his mask, quickly placing it on and resuming his still stance as he continued his task of catching his dinner (for once). Through the eye-holes in the smiling mask, a pair of golden eyes followed the sound of some crushed leaves there, and a broken twig here, before a bit of splashing discovered the creator of the tell-tale sounds; just as he expected it to be, it was none other...than the peasant.

The Avatar must be near. But he couldn't lose this opportunity. He had to plan this out carefully...

--

Katara arrived at the stream's side, gazing down at the occasional white-speckled fish as it dashed its way down the river, swimming quite faster than the current. They were fast little things. She removed her shoes and rolled up her pants before wading into the stream's surprisingly deep center, skirts held up to her side with one hand while her eyes searchingly gazed into the swirling liquid. Holding her free hand above the water in preparation, she froze. She remained still for quite a long time.

--

What is that peasant doing? She's just standing there! She's scaring the fish away! Ugh, why can't she— his thoughts were interrupted by a loud splashing and jolting movement from the peasant. With the splashing quelled, he stared in awe as she waterbended a circular mass of water above the river, a whole school of white-speckled fish swimming confusedly inside it. Thankfully his mask covered his gaping mouth as he watched her wade out of the water, picked up her shoes, and walked ... away. His stomach growled again. He felt a slight tug at his fishing line, and eagerly pulling in his catch, was dismayed to see a tiny frog at the end...

A plan began to take form in his mind as he returned the useless frog to the water's depths.

--

This is more than enough for us all. She continued her leisurely pace back to camp, still bending the water-contained fish in front of her, until a flash of black...(no blue?) whizzed in front of her, slashing something white at her Waterbended fish, causing it to burst. Her fish were everywhere. The blood began to rise as she watched this stranger suddenly swipe a few of i her /i fish before running off into the forest. Ignoring the fish left flapping about to their own devices, she gathered up the spilled water and ran after the thief. No one stole from her without a fight.

--

He could hear her footsteps gaining behind him. Who knew she could run so fast. He increased his speed. I'll soon outrun her when...when I get to that one tree way out there. Yah, by then she'll be too far behind to pose any immediate danger and he can take to hiding. Almost there. Ah...right about--

"Ooof."

--

She smiled gleefully as she retrieved her Waterwhip that had wrapped itself around the thief's ankle, knocking him off-balance mid-run and causing him to fall ... oh she loved this ... flat on his face. Her fish escaped his startled grasp, but she paid no heed to them. To be honest, she had enough fish leftover before his thievery to bring back. But it wasn't about that. It was the principle of the ordeal. She wasn't going to sit idly and watch as this thief made off with her dinner. Cautiously approaching the floored form, she noted the blue mask.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly after he made no effort to get up. She stepped closer to him, preparing to inspect him for wounds...but was knocked off her feet by a quick foot-sweep of his legs. He had lured her closer to him.She watched from the ground as he pulled out his dual swords. So that he could engage in close-combat...not looking good.

--

Both breathed heavily. Her clothes were ragged and torn in spots. His were the same, but wet in scattered areas. Both wearily eyed the other, waiting for the other's attack.

Damn how he wished he could Firebend! If only they hadn't fought before with their opposing elements, then he would've. But, as any bender would do, she would recognize his stances, his form, his more favored moves...and easily recognize him as well. She was probably planning a finishing move now...he had to end this now. But how?

--

Who is this guy? He is certainly no ordinary man...not with moves like that. Perhaps he's a member of the Earth Kingdom army? She had to finish this now. Aang and Sokka were probably getting worried.

She leaped into action, shifting her weight through the stances of her final attack—

He stopped me. How did he get here so fast? He was just over there by the tree! Just wait till he let go of my hands...he couldn't keep me like this forever.

--

He tied her hands behind her, knotting it expertly in such a way that would take hours to untie. He placed a blindfold over her eyes; he didn't want her to know what direction he escaped to. He pulled her struggling form over to the nearest tree, preparing to tie her to it, (how familiar) but she was moving too much to allow him to do so. He needed both hands to tie her down, but he also needed both hands to hold her back. This peasant was getting on his nerves. What would Uncle do?

--

She froze. All coherent thought escaped her with the ease of a gusty wind. Warm, soft lips lingered on hers. He must've taken his mask off. I can feel his nose brush against mine just before he ended the kiss. She let out a shuddering breath. What the heck was that for?

--

He jumped at the opportunity to use both of his free hands to tie her to the tree. After a few loops, she realized his ploy, and began struggling once again. He smiled as he knotted her there, the familiarity of the situation more than ironic. He picked up his fish, his mask, and returned to the peasant. Disguising his voice in a soft whisper, he spoke into her ear.

"Thank you for the fish."

For reasons he could not explain, he kissed her again. A shorter one, a lighter one. But nonetheless, he enjoyed the lingering sweet taste of her lips on his as he walked away, mask on his face and fish in his hand. After I'm done eating, I can take care of my task...

I will capture the Avatar.

A/N: Stupid formatting deleting my underscore-line breaks and POV changes. Grawr.