The time has finally come. I apologize for the wait. College has been busy. I was working on my other stories, and most importantly, I was trying to get this chapter right. A lot of stuff happens this chapter, so I hope you enjoy it. I want to thank all of you for being such loyal readers.
We now have over 50 reviews on this story. I can't thank you guys enough. This is my first Fic, and it has been an amazing ride so for. And thank you for being there through it. This will not be the end; far from it, in fact. I will continue this story into Book 3 and maybe beyond, as I have said before.
Before you get to the story, I would like to let you know of my little sketch of the opening scene of this chapter. Check it out in my profile: ATLAGDL12 on DeviantArt. I am very proud of it. It is very much how I picture this scene when writing it.
Again, thank you so much, and please review.
Chapter 13: The Reunion
Previously,
Aang walked in silence, thinking about what to say. But, before he knew it, he was at the house in question. Aang pulled the note with the address out of his pocket and double checked. This was it. Aang walked up the steps and to the door.
He hesitated, and then knocked.
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It had been a long, boring day with nothing to do but wait. With Joo Dee constantly keeping the three of them in check, and the Dai Lee a new and intelligent enemy, they couldn't do anything until the vague possibility that Aang would get there. They needed to prove the Avatar was here, and he would help. But, no one completely believed Sokka's claim of being 'best buds' with the Avatar. So, here they were: Waiting.
Sokka was sitting on the couch, drawing out plans for the invasion. Toph was lying on her back, staring blankly at the ceiling while petting Momo, who was curled up on her stomach. Katara, meanwhile, was brewing tea in the kitchen. She was in a slightly solemn mood, but she was better than before. Being back with Sokka and Toph certainly helped. And she couldn't forget Appa and Momo.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Katara moved to answer, but Sokka stopped her with a dismissive shout. "Don't answer, Katara. It's probably Joo dee again." She silently complied and went back to brewing tea. The door was knocked again, but they all ignored it.
Katara place the tea kettle on a tray with smaller porcelain tea cups and began making her way towards the living room when the door was knocked again. She huffed in frustration at the persistence, so she decided to tell Joo dee to go away. She turned towards the door and began to pull it open, opening her mouth to say tell the person off. But when she looked up, all previous intentions disappeared. The tray she was holding went crashing to the floor, shattering the pot and cup. Tears welled in her eyes and began to stream down her cheeks.
Aang was back.
She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a fierce embrace, one he returned with equal ferocity. He was finally back. Her shoulders began to shake from sobs as he shed tears of his own. Katara couldn't believe it. He had found his way back to her...to them. So many things needed to be said, but only one thing came out.
"You're back!" Katara whispered through her choked tears, her voice shaking violently. Aang couldn't find the right words to respond with, so he held her tighter. Katara choked another sob. "I missed you so, so much." She whispered.
"I missed you too." Aang replied through his own tears, but Katara faintly noticed how much deeper his voice was. She also noticed his tunic style clothing that revealed his newly toned muscles. But, in ths=is moment none of that mattered.
Aang was back.
The two broke apart as the sound of Momo's chittering grew closer. Katara gave Aang a smile that contained more emotions than one could conceive as she wiped her tears away and allowed passage for Momo. The small, fury critter landed on Aang's shoulder and crawled around his master's head, neck and torso, licking and doing whatever else he needed. Katara let out a choked giggle while watching Momo see his master for the first time in months.
Aang chuckled. "I missed you too, Momo!" Aang said excitedly through bits of laughter. This time, Katara really noticed how much deeper his voice seemed. And, he was now the same height as her. She smiled fondly at the airbender in front of her as he played with Momo.
At this moment, after hearing all of the commotion, Sokka and Toph ran through the door. "Aang!" They both yelled in unison as Momo attempted to escape the coming impact. Both Sokka and Toph collided with Aang in a brief, but fierce bear hug. Sokka gave Aang a quick nuggy. "Missed you, Buddy!" Sokka said excitedly. Aang eventually fought his way out of Sokka's grip.
"Yeah, welcome back Twinkletoes!" Toph added in, punching his arm playfully. He noticed the smile on her face: not her typical smirk, but a genuine smile.
"After all this time, you're still calling me that?" Aang accused playfully.
"Well I could call you 'Big Fat Jerkface' for worrying Katara so much over here." Toph gestured towards Katara, who blushed slightly. Aang and Katara locked gazes briefly, both smiling, but Aang wore a more apologetic face, while hers was beyond euphoric and strangely embarrassed. But, each got the message.
"It's...it's so good to be back." Aang stuttered as tears began to form again. Katara pulled him into another hug. He melted into the embrace as Sokka and Toph joined in. After about a minute, they broke the hug.
"Sokka and I'll head inside and get your stuff set up in your room." Toph explained as she began to go inside. Sokka followed, leaving Aang and Katara by themselves. Each wanted to say so much right then and there, but neither felt the courage to do so. Both were unsure of the others' true feeling despite what they were told. Katara's hopes got up that Aang would say something about it when he spoke, but it wasn't at all like that.
"Where's Appa?" Aang asked, gazing at Katara.
Katara smiled. "I thought you'd never ask. He's out back." She led him around the side of the building to a large garden area where Appa immediately stopped what he was doing and charged Aang.
Aang braced himself, but no one could stop a ten ton flying bison from tackling them. Appa pinned Aang to the ground and gave him a big, wet, slobbery lick.
Aang hugged the giant bison's head. "Missed ya' buddy." Aang said softly as he nuzzled into Appa's neck.
Katara looked on at Aang and Appa. She couldn't believe what a miracle this was for him to be back. She was euphoric and nervous all at the same time. So many things she wanted to say, but no words to convey it. So, she sucked in all of her apprehensions and went for it.
"Hey...Aang?"
"Yeah, Katara." Aang replied as he jumped up and airbended the slobber off of himself. "What's up?"
"Well...I-I kinda wanted to talk." She began to flush red and rub her arms nervously. She began to have second thoughts about all of this. Is this the right time? He hasn't even adjusted yet. Thankfully, she was save.
"Aang, your room is ready!" Sokka yelled out the back door. Katara breathed a sigh of relief.
"Coming Sokka!" Aang yelled back as he gave Appa a pat on the head. "Later, we'll go flying buddy." Aang whispered to the bison, who grunted in approval. Aang began to walk towards the back door and gave Katara a brief, but knowing smile as he passed her. After a brief moment, she followed. But, as he went down the hallway to his new room, she went to the kitchen with a large smile plastered on her face, one that was real and trying to hide her flushing face. Toph was sitting at the table.
"Any luck?" Toph asked nonchalantly, smirking.
"With what?" Katara acted as though she had no idea what Toph was talking about.
"Don't even try and play that game with me, Sweetness." Toph paused. "So. did ya tell him?"
Katara sighed and let her head down. "No." Katara grunted. "I was going to. I started to talk, then I lost my head, then Sokka interrupted me."
"Leave it to Sokka." Toph sighed in disappointment.
"I think he actually saved me from embarrassing myself." Katara explained.
"I don't think that would really matter with Twinkletoes." Toph explained, matte-of-factly.
"Yes, really." Toph grunted. She was getting a bit frustrated. "Look. Just talk to him when you get the chance. Something might come out."
"Okay." Katara conceded.
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"Here we are, Aang." Sokka opened the door to a small room with two beds. "This room is for you and me. Toph and Katara's is right there." Sokka gestured to the door directly across from their room.
"Thanks, Sokka."
"Eh. It's just good to have you back." Sokka shrugged, but then looked down in thought.
Aang took notice. "Did Katara talk to you about...anything...when you were with Appa?"
Aang hesitated for a moment, but he decided not to bring up Katara wanting to talk. "No. Why?" Aang asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"She hasn't been herself since you disappeared. I was just wondering if she brought it up with you. That's all." Sokka explained. He was still worried about his sister. Her mood swings and personal adventure scared him.
Aang had no idea Katara had been that way, nor had it crossed his mind. After all, the last time he saw her, they had a bad argument. "What exactly happened when I was gone?"
"That's not for me to tell." Sokka said softly. "And don't worry about it. There's no way you could've known." Sokka reassured him, place a hand on his shoulder. "I wonder if Katara is getting dinner ready."
Aang interjected quickly, not wanting to worry Katara with dinner. Also, he had to do this eventually. "Actually...I know a place where we can go to dinner here in the Upper Ring."
"I'm sure Katara could just-" Sokka was cut-off."
"No." Aang stated plainly. "I want and need to do this." Aang hesitated. "It's a tea shop that the people I travelled with got set up in." Aang was trying his hardest to be vague. He didn't anyone to flip out at the fact that he had been travelling with former enemies. "I want you guys to meet them."
"Are you sure?" He asked. "Most places close in about an hour."
"They'll stay open for us." Aang reassured with a slight joking tone and a smile.
"Okay. Let's tell the others."
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Aang and Sokka entered the kitchen where Toph sat alone, resting her head on her hand. Aang was surprised to see that Katara was not there. "Where's Katara?" Aang asked.
Toph picked her head up and looked in his relative direction. "She went to get something for you out of Appa's saddle."
At that moment Katara stepped through the door. She had heard everyone talking, so she attempted to hide her 'welcome back gift' for Aang behind her back. For reasons she couldn't understand, Katara's heart started beating faster once she saw Aang again. She wished he didn't have that tunic style shirt on; she was getting distracted. "I-I have something for you." Katara stuttered as she gazed deeply into Aang's eyes.
He took a slow step forward, wondering what she meant by that. Her gaze was intoxicating. "What is it?"
Katara smiled and belled the object out from behind her back and held it out for him. She smiled warmly at him as he realized what it was. "I made sure to keep it safe for you." She said softly.
Aang reached out and grabbed it. "My staff! I thought it was gone forever!" Aang yelled excitedly. His amazement at its survival of his capture was consuming him.
Katara, on the other hand, was remembering what had happened that day. She looked down at the floor sadly. "I-It was on the ground where-where you were sleeping the night you-" She couldn't finish what she was saying; the memory was too painful. Tears began to sting her eyes, but she managed to hold them back and not make a scene. Katara decided to change the subject. "I'll start getting dinner ready."
"You don't have to." Sokka stopped her. "The people Aang travelled with have a tea shop here."
Katara was shocked at this. She thought that he would have travelled here on his own, especially since he was the Avatar after all. She felt kind of jealous, but excited to meet Aang's friends. "I can't wait to meet them. What are their names, and where are they from?"
That was the question Aang did not want to answer. "Well um...I'd rather not say." He muttered as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
Katara didn't like that answer. They had been separated for months. Why did he need to hide stuff from her. "What do you mean you would rather not say?" Katara replied with a mocking tone she didn't mean for. She immediately realized her mistake.
Aang glared at her briefly and noticed the sorrowful look in her eyes that was her apology for her outburst. "I guess...it's supposed to be a surprise."
"I like surprises!" Toph exclaimed.
Aang let out a nervous chuckle. "Uh...yeah. Let's get going." He muttered as he led everyone out of the door.
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Aang was leading the way to the Jasmine Dragon. Katara walked right beside him as Toph and Sokka followed. Katara was beside herself with joy as her and Aang walked side by side. They were deep in conversation about both of them seeing King Bumi again, though Katara wasn't talking in too much detail about her little time spent there. She did mention the Fire Nation's invasion.
"You were there when the Fire Nation attacked Omashu?!" Aang exclaimed.
Katara looked down. "Yeah, we thought that would be the place you'd go if you escaped-"
"Which I did." Aang spoke proudly, eliciting a giggle from Katara.
"That you did." Katara spoke proudly as well. Her and Aang shared a quick glance before looking straight ahead again. " Anyway we were going to wait for you, but then the Fire Nation showed up." Katara spoke as evenly as she could remembering her despair on that day. "Bumi promised that if you came, he would send you here."
"I guess he kept that promise." Aang responded.
They walked on in silence for a few moments. Sokka and Toph decided it best to let Aang and Katara catch up. But then a question formed in Sokka's mind. "How did you know where to go once you got here?"
"Oh um...I talked to Suki at the ferry docks." Aang muttered.
"Well I guess she's everywhere these days." Toph muttered.
Aang corked a brow and glanced back at her. "What do you mean?"
"Well...she came back with Katara and then she saw you." Toph stated matter-of-factly.
Aang thought for a moment. "Came back...where did you go?" Aang addressed Katara.
She glared back at Toph, despite the fact that she couldn't see. Then she looked back at Aang who was giving her a worried gaze. "I'll talk to you about it later." Aang nodded.
"Well...we're here." Aang announced nervously as they entered the courtyard in front of the shop. He had no idea how his friends would react, especially Katara. "Katara?" Aang asked when he stopped just before the steps.
"Yes, Aang?" Katara replied with a small hint of wonder.
"Promise me you try to be calm."Aang pleaded softly.
Katara was taken aback at this request. She began to think Aang thought something was somehow wrong with her. "Why would I need to stay calm?" She asked with a small hint of self-consciousness.
"Just promise me, please." Aang pleaded. Katara was shocked by the bitterness in his tone, but she figured he had his reasons.
"Okay." Aang smiled at her response.
He led them up the steps and through the door, and Aang soon realized that Katara's promise apparently didn't mean much when she saw Zuko and Iroh sitting at one of the small tables having a conversation. She and Sokka soon got into fighting stances. Katara pulled water out of her water skin and formed it around her arms. Sokka pulled out his club. Toph, on the other hand, was really confused for she had never met Zuko.
"What are you doing here?!" Katara yelled at Zuko and Iroh. Zuko went to stand up. "Don't move!" Katara commanded.
Aang saw the situation already getting out of hand. He stepped in front of her and grabbed her hands. He held them softly and gazed into her eyes, trying to send a message. She gazed back and the water suddenly dropped from her arms and splashed on the ground. Aang lowered her hands. "You promised me." Aang spoke softly, yet earnestly.
Katara gazed in wonder at him. She felt ashamed, but confused at the same time. "Wha-what do you mean?" Katara stuttered.
Aang let go of her hands and stood aside, gesturing towards Zuko and Iroh. "Zuko and Iroh are who I travelled with." He spoke as softly and calmly as he possibly could.
"You're kidding, right?" Sokka asked incredulously as he put his club away.
Katara began to shake. "How could you...he tried to kill you! He tried to kill us!" Katara yelled vehemently.
"Katara..." Aang spoke softly and she looked at him again. Her back was still slightly arched in anger. "People change." He placed his hand out in between the two of them and a small flame appeared. Katara was surprised at first, but was now in wonder. "They helped me in more ways than one."
At this point Katara just remained silent. She didn't know what to do. This was so much of a shock. Aang friends with Zuko. Their once mortal enemy. The man who chased them across the world. Meanwhile, Aang left her alone to go 'introduce' Sokka to Zuko. Toph had it easy. She never knew Iroh and Zuko, and was in a deep conversation with Iroh about earth and firebending.
Katara couldn't take it, so she left. She slipped outside and walked away. No one noticed.
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Ten minutes later, Aang, Sokka and Zuko were finishing up a conversation.
"Sokka, there's no such thing as sword-bending." Zuko exclaimed.
"Whatever, I just want you to teach me how to swing those things around." Sokka pointed at Zuko's double swords on the wall in the kitchen.
"It took me years of practice. And without a proper master, you'll never learn correctly." Zuko explained
"Then why don't you teach me." Sokka asked without a moment's hesitation.
"I'm not really the teaching type." Zuko shrugged. He hesitated for a moment. "Tell you what, when this war is over, I'll bring you to my old master."
"Piandao." Iroh jumped into the conversation. "He is the best swordsman in the world."
"Really!?" Aang cut in excitedly.
"Yes. He is also a member of the Order of the White Lotus, but he resides in the Fire Nation." Iroh explained as he set a fresh batch of tea on the table in front of the three boys.
"That's a bummer." Sokka muttered sadly.
"Uh...twinkletoes?" Toph interjected as she came back from the bathroom.
"What's up?" Aang turned around to regard the earthbender.
"Katara's gone." Aang and Sokka stood up at the news. Sokka did not want another 'personal discovery trip' thing with her. "I don't know where she went, and I don't know how I didn't feel her leave."
Aang sighed a bit sadly. "It's probably about Zuko and Iroh." Aang turned to Sokka. "Don't worry, I'll find her." He made his way outside as everyone else returned to conversation.
He walked down the through the streets of the Upper Ring without much methodology behind his search, but an idea struck him. Whenever she was upset, she would waterbend, so all Aang needed to do was find a place with water. And he knew just the place. There was a large garden on the way to the palace that was rarely used and had a large fountain in the middle of it. Just the place Katara loved.
Aang began walking in the direction of the garden. As he continued, however, he couldn't help but blame himself completely for Katara running off. Their reunion had been so rushed that they hardly even had time to talk like they used to. And then suddenly thrusting the news of Zuko and Iroh being friends in her face didn't help. She was probably just so overwhelmed with everything.
Eventually, Aang had found the garden, and sure enough, Katara was sitting on the edge of the water, peering into its depths. She didn't hear him approach. She watched her reflection in the water until, every few seconds, a ripple would distort it. A ripple from her tears.
"Katara..." Came a soft voice from behind here.
She trembled. She was sad, nervous, scared. Everything rolled up into one. All of them stemming from the return of the airbender behind her. "I-I'm fine, Aang." She muttered through her chocked sobs.
Aang shook his head. Same old, stubborn Katara, he thought. He waited a moment. "Katara..." He pressed softly as he sat down next to her on the edge of the fountain.
She refused to look up at him. "I told you I'm fine."
Aang looked down at her reflection briefly before looking at her again. She appeared to be crying harder now. He took his hand and placed it under her chin, tilting her head s she would look him in the eye. It was an intimate gesture that he hadn't initially meant, but neither minded. "Katara, you can tell me what's wrong." He spoke softly again, gazing into her tear-ridden, sapphire eyes.
"I-I can't." She stuttered as she pulled away from his hand. "Things...things are different."
"Katara, I haven't changed." Aang answered calmly, trying to get his point across.
"You haven't?" She asked sarcastically with a bit of bite behind it. She looked at him now. She had even more sadness burning in her eyes. "Back there you made it perfectly clear that people change. Maybe it's Zuko, maybe it's you." She ranted. "You have changed. You firebend now. You're taller..." She began to break down even more. "I-I-It's be-been three months. I-I-" She couldn't continue for she had completely broken down, tears streaming down her face and shaking violently.
Aang began to cry softly to and pulled her into a strong embrace. Her head resting on his left shoulder as she soaked it in tears. He rubbed her back softly as she continued. "It's all right."
"I-I missed so-so m-much." Her muffled words came.
Aang sobbed a little. "I-I missed you too." He rubbed her back more.
She pulled back from his embrace. "I-I'm sorry." She sniffled.
"It's okay. I think we both needed that." Aang smiled.
"It's not just about that." She sighed. "I'm sorry about getting a little snippy with you a minute ago."
"I understand, Katara. It's been a long time."
She chuckled the first smile she's had since he arrived at the fountain. "Too long." She paused for a moment.
"Listen I-" Both started at the same time which elicited some nervous laughter from the both of them.
"Ladies first." Aang chuckled.
"Okay." Katara started. "Listen, I-I need to tell you something." Katara shook. Aang was listening intently, waiting. "I really, really struggled while you were gone."
Aang nodded. "Sokka mentioned something." Aang stated.
Katara blushed, trying her best to hide it by looking at her own reflection. She began to fiddle with the water. "H-How much did he tell you?"
"Not much."
"Well, in short, I was a mess." Katara sniffled a little bit, but a small smile formed. "But, I think it may have been a good thing." She began to shake with anticipation. "Our being apart made me realize how much I needed you." Aang began to understand where she was going. "Aang, I-"
She was cut off. Not by words, but by the soft, sweet lips of the airbender that she had grown so close to despite their time spent so far apart. At first, she was beyond surprise and her eyes snapped open. But, she soon melted into the kiss, returning it with equal passion. She wrapped her arms around his neck. This was the best thing that had ever happened to both of them. Hot tears fell from Katara's eyes. Tears joy. They pulled away from each other as their hands fingers entwined.
"-love you." Katara finished what she began with a whisper. She slowly opened her eyes to see the amazing person in front of her. She blushed, realizing what they had just done.
Aang smiled warmly. "I love you too." He hugged her briefly then he pulled back. "So..."
"So..." Katara repeated. "I guess this means..."
"We're together." Aang finished. He stood up and brought her with him. "Should we let them know?"
Katara chuckled. "I'm sure Toph knows. You know, 'all seeing feet.'"
Aang let out a nervous chuckle. "Zuko and Iroh know, considering I talked to them about what to do when we got back together."
"So who told you to just kiss me?" Katara teased.
"Me." Aang said cheerfully. "What about Sokka?"
"I don't want to tell him." Katara muttered. "At least not yet anyway." She corrected.
"Let me guess, you think he won't approve."
"No, I think he'll understand. But, he's got this 'protective older brother' complex that will complicate things." Katara paused. "And teasing.
"We don't want that." Aang stated jokingly. "Maybe it'll be fun running around behind his back." He smirked.
Katara pressed up close to him. "Okay, Mister Fly Boy. That fast?"
Aang blushed a deep red. "No...uh...that's n-not what I meant." Aang backed away and stumbled into the fountain, causing a huge splash.
Katara lost it. She began to roll around on her back laughing the hardest she ever has. Aang stood up and sputtered as he got up. He was drenched, but he quickly airbended the water off of him.
"You think that was funny?" Aang asked sarcastically. "I'll show you funny." Katara's eyes went wide as he began to lift up his arms to waterbend a wave of water towards her.
Her eyes went at the realization. She quickly got up. "Now, Aang. I was only messing with you." But he continued to raise his hands, but his hands began to shake as the water dropped from his grip. He plumped down hard on the edge of the fountain. He hung his head in disappointment. Katara knew something was wrong. "Aang, it's okay." She assured. She didn't know what she was talking about; she just knew he needed something.
"No it's not!" He grunted. "I can't waterbend." He muttered sadly.
This shocked Katara. He had always been a natural at bending the other elements. "Why?" She asked simply.
"I haven't done it in months." He mumbled into his hands.
Katara came to sit next to him and wrapped her arm around her shoulder, pulling him close. "Tell you what. Tomorrow, first date, you and me, waterbending practice." Aang looked her in the eye. Happiness radiating from his own.
"That sounds great!" Aang exclaimed happily. There's a nice lake outside the main walls of the city where no one can see us, in the agrarian zone. We can go there."
Katara stood up and grabbed Aang's hand. "Sounds like a date." She pulled him up. "Let's start heading back." They began to walk.
"Katara?" Aang stopped walking, pulling her to a stop.
"Yes, Aang?" She turned to him so now they held both of each other's hand.
"I know this whole 'Zuko being my friend' thing is a bit of a shock, but can you please at least be friendly."
Katara sighed unhappily. "I'm sorry, Aang. He's done too much to hurt us...to hurt you in the past for me to accept him." She spoke sternly; her stubbornness rearing its head again.
"I'm not asking you to accept him. Just that you try to be friendly." He pressed.
"Okay, okay. I'll try." Katara conceded, trying to hide her smile. She was defeated by Aang's piercing gaze.
"What about Iroh?" Aang asked.
"I trust him. He helped us save the moon and ocean spirits at the North Pole." Katara explained.
"Okay. I think it's time to head back." Aang explained, looking up at the rising moon. Katara followed his gaze. When they looked back down from the their eyes locked and Katara couldn't resist the temptation. She pressed her lips to his and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in closer. He melted into the kiss and began to move synchronously until they ran out of breath.
Katara pulled back and took a deep breath before opening her eyes and smiled. Aang stood dazed in front of her. He quickly shook his head to get back to reality. Katara chuckled. "Thought I'd return the favor."
"Whoa. That was amazing!" Aang exclaimed.
Katara blushed and looked at her feet. "Thanks. That was only my second kiss." She stated softly.
"I-I-I was your first kiss?" Aang asked. He never new; he always thought Katara would have had some sort of experience. "What about Jet? I thought-"
"He never did such a thing!" Katara yelled, soon realizing that she had. "Sorry. I'm sad to say that he was almost my first kiss." Aang looked down. "But, I wouldn't have had it with anybody but you." Katara lifted his chin, capturing his lips in a brief but meaningful kiss.
"I'm glad to say that my first was with you." Aang smiled.
Katara smiled. "I guess we're both first-timers." She chuckled as they began to walk again. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You don't know how happy this makes me."
Aang wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "Me too." He hummed.
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Aang and Katara arrived back at the Jasmine Dragon in smiles, but no longer holding hands; their current plan was to still hide their new relationship from Sokka for the time being. Everyone noticed them walk in. Zuko and Iroh quickly turned their attention back to brewing tea. Toph was smirking broadly and Sokka was rushing over to Aang.
"Good. You two are back." Sokka regarded both of them. He turned to Aang. "I need to talk to you about our plan, but all my stuff is back at the house."
Aang looked at Katara briefly. She smiled and nodded, signaling that he should go. "Okay." Aang stated plainly and followed Sokka back out the door.
Katara walked over to the table where Toph was sitting and joined her. Zuko placed a cup of tea in front of each of the two girls and left, not before receiving a suspicious glare form Katara.
Toph took a sip of tea and placed it down on the table rather hard. "So..." Toph started.
Katara was struggling to hold in her smile and slow her heart rate. "Soooo what?" She offeredd in return.
"What happened?" Toph pressed, her own impatience getting the better of her.
Katara began to smile slightly, still struggeling." Nothing. Nothing happened." She said quickly.
"I know you're lying." Toph returned in a sing-song voice.
"Fine! You got me." Katara conceded. "We're together now."
Toph punched her arm. "Ha. I always knew you'd do it!" She exclaimed.
Katara rubbed her arm which would certainly have a bruise on it later. "Actually, he did it."
Toph spit out the tea in her mouth. "What?!" She yelled. "What'd he do?"
"He kissed me." Katara muttered with a blush.
"Wow. Twinkletoes grew bold when he was gone." Katara looked over at Zuko and Iroh her were looking on with smiles. When they saw her look, they immediately busied themselves with something else. "So..." Toph continued. "...how is he?"
"Huh?" Katara looked at her funny.
"How good of a kisser is he?" Toph asked simply.
Katara blushed deeply. "Why do you want to know?"
"Girl talk. Now spit it!" She yelled.
Katara turned her head. "No."
Toph slammed her palm on the table. "Why?"
"Because."
"Katara..." Toph pressed.
"Fine!" She yelled. "He's an amazing kisser! I don't understand it. I was his first kiss. Why is so good already?!" Katara exclaimed
Toph smirked. "Maybe he practiced with a tree."
"TOPH!" Katara chided loudly.
"Just kidding, Sugarqueen." Toph raised her hands in defense. "Might just be beginners luck."
"Or an Avatar thing." Katara stated meekly and looked down at her fiddling hands.
"Just don't embarrass yourself." Toph smiled. "Well, I know I don't normally say these things, but I'm happy for you two." Toph's grin grew broader.
"Thank you." Katara replied graciously. "Think we should head back?"
"Man, you've got it bad." Toph teased to a confused Katara. "Miss him already?"
"Of course I do. I've waited three months for him to come back. Now he's back and I want to catch up with him."
"And trade spit." Toph added nonchalantly.
"Toph!"
"Oh. Come. On!" Toph exclaimed. "Don't even try to deny it!"
"Okay. Maybe there'll be a few kisses." Katara blushed and looked down. "Don't tell Sokka, please."
"You have my word." Toph lifted her hand above her head.
"Your word isn't always solid though." Katara smirked and crossed her arms.
"Fine!" Toph stood up and placed a hand across her chest. " I swear on my skills as the greatest earthbender in the world that I will not tell Sokka." Toph finished loudly, attracting looks from both Zuko and Iroh.
"Us too." Zuko added in with a smile. Katara glared at him again, wiping the smile from his face.
Katara looked back to Toph. "Thanks. Think we should head back?"
"Sure. It's getting pretty late." Toph stood up and headed for the door and Katara followed.
Before Katara exited the Jasmine Dragon, Zuko caught up to her. "Katara..." She turned and looked at him with an unreadable, but non-to-pleased look on her face. "I know it doesn't mean much coming from me...but I want to say I'm happy for you. Aang loves you a lot, and he'll do anything or you." Zuko explained sincerely.
Katara had no choice but to accept that. "Thanks." And she left with Toph.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
When Katara and Toph arrived back at the house, Sokka had just finished explaining the invasion plan to Aang; he also explained the problem that was Joo Dee and how to talk to the earth king. Everyone was extremely tire, so when Aang decided to go into his and Sokka's room to get ready for bed, Katara followed suite and decided to get ready for bed.
Before Aang entered his room, Katara caught up to him. "Hey, Aang." Katara kissed him on the cheek. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Katara." Aang said softly before disappearing into his room. Katara went into her own.
Neither of them could fall asleep, for their minds were spinning. It was like a dream and although they were in separate rooms, it felt like they could still feel how each other was feeling and what they were thinking.
A bond that could never be broken.
A/N: A simple ending to what I hope was a good chapter. The moment finally came and I hope I delivered. I wanted to make this chapter right.
Again, thanks for all the support and please review.