Sorry for the wait guys. Life has been super busy, and it hasn't been a good year for my family. But, now this is a new year and I am going to try and get back on track with my stories. I also have plans for future stories that I want to start, one in which I already posted the first chapter. I also want to share that the rating of this story may change to a higher one at some point in the future. I want to thank all of you so much for your patience, so here we go...
We last left off with Aang coming into Katara's room through the window, so Sokka wouldn't get suspicious.
As always, your reviews are greatly appreciated and always give me motivation to keep writing.
Chapter 15: Not All Sunshine and Roses
Aang and Katara awoke to a loud banging noise. They both shot upright with a start. The two lovers looked at each other and instantly blushed, now fully realizing that they had just slept in the same bed together. The banging continued; this time it was louder and followed by a voice.
"Katara!" Sokka's voice rang from outside her door. Aang and Katara just now realized that the banging was Sokka knocking.
"Just a minute!" Katara yelled back.
Meanwhile, Aang as frantically trying to get out through the window. He was successful, but he forgot one small thing. As Katara turned around after shutting the shudders behind him, she noticed his shirt lying on her bed. She panicked, and realized that she had to hide it quickly so she hid it under her covers.
Sokka banged on the door again. Katara went to it and opened it frustratingly. "What?!"
"Have you seen Aang?" Sokka asked, suspicious of his sister.
Katara was confused and a bit shocked that he asked this. "Um...no. Why are you asking me? I just woke up. What time is it anyway?"
"I'm asking you because you're his girlfriend and he won't answer his door." Katara blushed at that statement. Her and Aang hadn't actually decided on labeling it. She also blushed at the hidden meaning behind what he said. "Also, it's almost noon. That isn't like you."
Katara looked down at her feet. "Uh Sorry I had trouble falling asleep last night." It was a partial truth. Falling asleep during mid day probably didn't help. " She pondered for a moment with a finger on her chin, trying to be convincing. "And as to where Aang is, he's probably meditating." She looked at her brother, who was counting through the list of places he's checked, slightly moving his mouth while doing so.
Finally givng up on counting, he spoke. "That's what I thought, but I couldn't find him anywhere." Sokka grunted in frustration.
"Have you tried the roof?" Katara asked. It was on a complete whim. She was just trying to delay her brother.
Sokka looked at her like she was stupid or something. "Why would he be on the roof?" He asked, extremely befuddled.
He had her there, so she made something up. "He told me he likes to meditate in high places, and-" She was interrupted by the gentleman in question.
"Morning, Sokka!" Aang said happily from behind the water tribe warrior. He was listening in on the conversation and decided to bail Katara out. "What's going on?" He acted confused.
The water tribe warrior looked back at the airbender. "Where have you been?!" He asked in frustration.
"Meditating on the roof." Aang stated plainly.
"Told you." Katara said in a sing-song voice, extremely grateful for Aang finally deciding to show up.
Sokka shot a glare at his sister then turned back to Aang. "We need to make plans on meeting the earth king. Now get your butt dressed and meet me at Iroh's. Toph is already there." The young man turned and walked down the hallway.
"Okay. See you in a bit." Aang bid farewell to Sokka. Aang waited until he was well out of earshot. "Good morning, Katara." He greeted her in a playful tone. "You're welcome."
"For what?!" Katara felt insulted.
"For saving you from Sokka." Aang stated plainly.
Katara crossed her arms. "Oh please. I had it completely under control." She said cockily.
"Really? Meditating on the roof?" Aang was now just teasing her, asking her in a very questionable tone.
"Well, what else am I gonna say?" Katara asked rhetorically. "Oh by the way Sokka, Aang and I slept in the same bed. He should be coming through his window any second now." She said this as if she was Aang, making funny little mannerisms and deepening her voice. Aang just chuckled. She turned around and grabbed something, then threw it to Aang. "Next time, don't forget your shirt."
Aang was a little shocked. "Next time?" He asked with a raised brow and a blush.
"Yes. I said next time." Katara smiled shyly before moving on. "I'll meet you in the living room before we head over to Iroh's."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." Aang agreed as he turned back into his room, shutting the door so he could wash up and get changed. He sat on the bed and smiled. Everything was perfect.
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Sokka arrived at Iroh's with Toph already there waiting at a table with a cup of tea sitting there. Iroh was busy in the back, despite his decision to stay closed today. Sokka popped a seat at the table with Toph, sitting across from her.
Zuko greeted him rather awkwardly. "Hi, Sokka."
Sokka looked at the banished prince as if he had just said the stupidest thing ever. "You know, it's gonna take me a while to get used to this. After the trying to kill us a few times thing."
"Yeah I know, but I we got to start somewhere." Zuko explained. "What kind of tea would you like?"
"You know, you're royalty so why are you waiting on me-oh wait you're bansihed so you're technically not-"
"Just answer the question!" Zuko stated rather angrily, just wanting Sokka to stop rambling. Toph laughed at this.
"Oh um...Jasmine tea I guess." Sokka mumbled.
"Great choice!" Iroh bellowed from behind the counter. Zuko proceeded to walk back to his uncle to gather the tea. In the meantime, Toph started a conversation.
"So, the two love birds out of bed yet?"
"Please don't call them that. I may have accepted that, but it doesn't mean I have to like hearing about it
"Just answer the stupid question."
"Yes they are." Sokka grunted. "Took me forever to find Aang though. Apparently he was meditating on the roof."
"Sure he was." Toph replied sarcastically.
"What did you say?!" He asked angrily.
Toph somewhat regretted saying that, but also now enjoyed the opportunity of teasing Sokka. "Oh, nothing." She smirked.
"No, Toph. What were you implying?" He pressed further.
"I wasn't implying anything." The earthbender stated flatly, as if nothing happened.
"Why I oughta-"
"Don't even go there Captain Boomerang." She made a serious face. "Do you really think you can beat me?"
Sokka huffed and crossed his arms. "At a reading contest." He mumbled. With that statement he got the mother of all kicks to the shin. He yelled in pain. "S-shouldn't have said that." He squeaked.
"No you shouldn't have.
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Aang waited patiently in the living room for Katara. He stood, fiddling with his fingers while looking at his shoes. He was trying to comprehend everything; everything was moving so fast that his mind couldn't keep up. We already slept in the same bed. He thought as he began to question what they were doing and if they were doing it too fast. He was suddenly yanked from his thought, however, as the girl in question called to him.
"Hey Aang." She greeted, noting how he was sporting a sleeveless vest-like shirt that revealed his growing arm muscles. She briefly admired him as he was admiring her. He just stood there looking at her. She was still wearing her normal water tribe getup, but her leggings were now cut at the knees since they were burned and she had her hair let down. They both just stood there, gawking at each other until Katara broke out of her trance first. "A-Aang?" She stuttered, just now realizing that they were staring at each other.
"Uh...yeah?" Aang broke from his trance, engaging his slate-gray eyes with her sapphire ones.
She smiled warmly at him. "You ready to go?"
"Uh huh." Aang answered with a mumble, still not fully concentrating. His mind was still on his earlier thoughts.
Katara noticed he that he looked troubled. "Is everything all right?"
"Oh, um...yeah. Just thinking." He answered, still unsure about everything.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" She asked.
Aang sighed. "Well...it pertains to us." He gave her a look signifying that he meant the two of them and not as Team Avatar as a whole.
"Oh...um. All the more reason to talk then." She answered, a little nervous about the subject. She sat down on the couch and patted a spot next to her as a signal for Aang to join her. He did, but eyes locked on his shoes for a few moments, making Katara even more uncomfortable.
"I-I...I don't know. I shouldn't have brought it up." Aang said quickly, wishing he never said anything. He began to stand, but was stopped by Katara gently, yet firmly grabbing his wrist. He turned to look at her, seeing worry in her eyes. She didn't even have to ask; he sat back down immediately. Aang sighed. "D-do you think we're moving too fast?" He asked softly, meeting her eyes with an intense look of wariness.
Katara was a little shocked to hear him asked this, but understood what he was getting at. "It's about last night isn't it?"
"I mean, we've only been together a day and we already slept in the same bed." Aang let go of his grip on Katara, standing up and beginning to pace. "We can't do that, Katara. It's not right!" He was getting frustrated.
"Aang, it's okay. I understand." She said calmly, trying to hold back her sadness that he was already beginning to second guess their relationship.
He noticed the look on her face. "I'm sorry." He plopped down on the couch again. "I guess all I'm saying is that we should wait a while before sharing a bed." He looked at her with anticipation.
She smiled warmly at him. "That's perfectly fine. As long as we're both comfortable."But Aang knew her too well.
"But it's not what you want, is it?"
Katara looked down in shame. "It's just that I've missed you so much. I want to be close to you. "
"I missed you to, Katara. So much. But I don't think we're readyfor that." Katara felt hurt by his words. Why is this upsetting me so much? She thought. No matter how hard she tried to hold it back, she was becoming irrational.
"So it's about you then is it?!" She spat angrily.
Aang was shocked and saddened by what he just heard. "What?" He huffed. "I never said that!"
Katara realized that she had overreacted. "Aang, I'm so-"
"No." He said sternly. "Don't apologize." Katara then hung her head in shame. "It was a misunderstanding, so I think we should put it behind us and head to Iroh's." He said softly, trying to calm the beautiful waterbender in front of him.
She sighed then locked eyes with him. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up." She said softly.
"Katara?" Aang was now scared.
"It's okay. I just want some time to think."
Aang was now extremely worried that he had already messed this all up. "O-okay." He stuttered. He slowly made his way to the front door. As he pushed it open, he dared a glance back at Katara. He saw her, still sitting on the couch looking at her hands in her lap. Aang sighed and shut the door softly behind him.
The wank to Iroh's was agonizing. All Aang though about was the different scenarios that could come out of this. And in the meantime, all Katara was doing was thinking over what she'd done.
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"Aang's here." Toph yelled, sensing the light footsteps of the airbender approaching. "But Sugarqueen's not with him."
Sokka turned his head to the door as Aang walked in, noticing the boy was downcast. "Hey, Aang. Where's Katara?"
"She said she'd be here in a bit." Aang replied quietly as he took a seat with Toph and Sokka.
Toph immediately knew something was wrong. "And why didn't you two come together?" She asked.
Aang sighed. "We had a bit of an argument." He said sadly, staring at the table.
Zuko was arriving at the table to give Aang his jinseng tea. "Don't worry. Those things happen in relationships." The firebender stated wisely.
"I know, but this is our second day together as a couple. I'm just worried."
"What was the argument about?" Sokka asked, genuinely concerned for his friend, and sisters, position.
"I'd rather not say." Aang noticed Sokka gave him a questioning look. "It's personal."
"Aang...!" Sokka began, implying something totally different. Aang caught on immediately.
Aang blushed profusely. "No no no. It was nothing like that." He explained quickly. "Can we just drop it please."
An awkward silence hung in the air. After a few minutes of small discussion about the plan for the group to gate crash a part, Katara walked in. She noticed the weird looks her way, telling her that the others knew about the argument. She didn't blame Aang for telling them. Sokka did have a tendency to over step his bounds and press people into telling.
She walked over and sat across from Aang, to the right of Sokka. She gave Aang a reassuring smile and a nod, signifying that everything was all right. However, Aang still wanted to talk, but didn't get the chance to pull her to the side before Sokka broke the awkward silence by continuing to talk about the plan.
"So...I guess I should give Toph the credit for this plan."
"Yeah you better." Toph cocked her head back in confidence.
"Yeah. Anyway, Katara..." He looked at her sister. "You and Toph are going to infiltrate the party."
"Why me and Toph."
"Because, unlike Twinkletoes and Meathead, you can act properly in a high class society."
"I can act properly." Aang interjected.
"Haha. No." Toph mocked. "Katara and I will get in. I will use my Beifong I.D." She explained. "Once inside, Katara and I will let you two in the back disguised as bus boys."
"Bus boys?" Aang felt slightly insulted.
"Yes. Bus boys." Toph confirmed.
"Don't worry Aang." Katara smiled at him, to which he smiled back, feeling more relieved about the earlier argument. "Okay. So when is this party?" She asked.
"Tomorrow night, which gives me plenty of time to make sure Katara is up to snuff on her etiquette."
"All right. Sounds like a plan." Aang added, finishing the discussion.
Sokka stood up to go talk to Iroh, while Toph stayed with Aang and Katara. Aang gave Katara a look and motioned his head towards the patio of the tea shop that looked over Ba Sing Se. Katara nodded and both of them stood up to make their way outside. Once there, they stood near the railing, Katara leaning over it and looking at the gorgeous view.
"I'm sorry about earlier." Katara said softly. "I was being selfish and I overreacted." She added frustratingly, pounding her fist slightly on the railing. Aang just watched her intently with a soft look in his eyes. Katara turned her gaze to his. "I'm sorry if I worried you. I just wanted time to think about my actions."
"It's okay, Katara. I completely understand. I probably shouldn't have brought it up in the first place." He consoled.
"No no." Katara chuckled slightly. "We were gonna have to talk about it eventually, so sooner was probably better than later."
"Yeah. I guess so." Aang finished, staring deep into her blue eyes. She stared back with a soft, loving glow.
Meanwhile,
"Sure looks like they're getting things sorted out." Sokka stated as he turned his attention to Zuko, who was now wiping the counter.
"I think they're sorting out more than just that..." Zuko said ominously, gesturing towards the couple outside with his head.
Sokka turned and wanted to run out there and stop what they were doing right then, but Zuko grabbed his arm, stopped him and shook his head.
Aang and Katara were in a passionate kiss; one more passionate then any to this point. They pressed their lips hard together. Then suddenly, Katara felt something she never thought Aang would do. He ran his toung across her lower lip, asking for entrance. Katara's eyes shot open in surprise, but soon relaxed as she accepted his request. Their tongues dance with each other for a few moments as Aang moved his hands from her mid-back to reasting on her hips. Katara squirmed a little under his soft touch. She pressed forward more, now making Aang's head tilt back. But they continued until the need for air took over. They separated slowly, not wanting the moment to stop. They stared lovingly into each other's eyes, blushing slightly at what they had just done. In front of everybody, no less.
Aang slowly removed his hands form her waist, as she removed hers from his shoulders. They smiled at each other before Aang offered his hand. Katara happily grasped it as they made their way back inside, slightly embarrassed by the whole thing. As they walked through the door, the couple noticed the steady glare from Sokka.
"Great job, you just scarred Sokka." Toph stated flatly. Aang and Katara blushed yet again.
"Don't ever do that again." Sokka said sternly.
"Oh don't worry. We will." Katara stated with annoyance in her voice. Aang struggled to hold in his laughter as he covered his mouth. He loved watching her take command of the situation over Sokka.
"What are you laughing at?!'
Aang dropped his hands to his sides, still struggling to contain his chuckles. "N-nothing."
"Oh, just stop with the bickering!" Toph yelled. "I'm sorry but Katara, I need to borrow your boyfriend for some earthbending training."
"That's okay. I would love to watch actually." Katara said proudly. "Sokka, you gonna join us?" She turned to her disgruntled brother.
"Sure." He grunted.
"Zuko, you want to come?" Aang asked without realizing that Katara absolutely resented the idea. He heard her huff to his left; he gave her a look saying that she should trust both himself and Zuko. She just crossed her arms, but he took it as a 'yes.'
Zuko watched all of this unfold, but once he saw a nod from Aang he agreed. "Sure." He turned to his uncle. "Will you be okay without me?"
"Of course I will. I'm not that old." He chuckled. "You kids go and have your fun."
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The group eventually found themselves in the very same place that Aang and Katara had come the day before. Momom was extremely pleased with the site as he was already enjoying skimming his feet through the water as everyone else disembarked. Sokka helped Toph off of Aappa, while Aang suddenly swooped Katara up bridal style and leaped off of the great beast. He set her down gently. She thanked him with a small kiss on the cheek.
"Are you going to do that all the time now?" She asked.
He smirked at her. "Maybe."
"You know my legs do work."Katara informed.
"I know." He smiled.
"So, Twinkeltoes, you ready to get your butt whooped!?" Toph pounded her fists together in excitement.
"Oh, I am so looking forward to this." Sokka exclaimed with glee, wanting nothing more but revenge on what he had witnessed earlier.
"I'll be sure to give you a good show." Aang replied, fully confident that he'll be able to knock the rust off quickly.
Zuko felt a little out of place with all of Aang's friends even though he got along fine with Zuko and Toph, so he decided to try and join in. "Trust me, Toph: He's been practicing."
"Oh really. So what you're saying is I shouldn't go easy on him?" Toph asked rhetorically.
"Thanks, Zuko." Responded an apprehensive Aang.
Zuko felt bad for putting all of that on Aang. "Sorry." He said mutely while rubbing the back of his neck.
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Toph's training was relentless. She was putting the young airbender through everything she had done in his initial training.
Sokka, Zuko and Katara all sat on a log that was near the water. Katara watched intently as Aang went through drill after drill, occasionally sparring with Toph in small exercises. Katara couldn't keep her eyes off of the young airbender. He had grown strong since they'd been separated. He was still thin, but had lean muscle that covered his entire body, particularly his torso. However, Katara noticed how Aang would sometimes look at her in the same way. She blushed at the thought.
"Are you just gonna go all oogley-eyed on Aang all day, or are you going to answer my question?" Asked an irritated Sokka, causing a small chuckle from Zuko.
Katara sputtered, looking around for the source of the noise. "Huh...what?"
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind telling me what you and Aang argued and/or talked about earlier?" Sokka asked.
"She's not going to tell you." Zuko stated plainly.
Sokka was flabbergasted. "What?! Why? I'm her brother." He guffawed.
Zuko shook his head and laughed. "How do you even have a girlfriend if you understand women this little?"
"And what, you do?" Sokka asked, annoyed.
"Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do." Zuko replied with a hint of bravado.
Katara was a little proud of what Zuko was doing. Maybe he isn't too bad after all. She thought. "Thanks, Zuko."
He was surprised by her gratitude. He gave her a nod and a smile in appreciation.
"Anyway, what are the three of us going to do?" Sokka asked.
"I don't know." Zuko voiced his thoughts nonchalantly.
"I've got an idea." Katara started, drawing the interest of the two boys next to her. "Zuko, would you mind sparring?" She was just bored, and made a suggestion that would be both fun for her and to show Zuko that she was also trying to become friends. Also to show what I can do. She thought semi-maniacally.
Suddenly, they heard a massive bang only to realize that Aang had literally dropped what he was doing and stomping his way over. "WHAT?!" He yelled.
Katara immediately knew why Aang was acting this way, and regretted the suggestion. But, she wanted to do it and if Aang trusted Zuko so much, it wouldn't be a problem. "Aang, it's..." Katara sighed and looked to everyone else. "Can you guys give us a minute?" Everyone else quickly left them to discuss this. Katara's gaze followed everyone, but when she turned to look back at Aang in front of her, he was on the verge of crying. "Aang?"
"I-I'm sorry I yelled." He sniffled. "I'm just concerned for your safety."
"It's okay Aang." She brought him into a hug and sat him down on the log next to her. "I thought you were over this?"
"I'm always worried about the ones I love when it comes to firebending. Even with how much I trust Zuko, you're not a firebender. You won't be able to deflect or absorb his bending like firebenders can.." He pulled away from her embrace and settled his elbows on his knees, holding his head in his head.
The love in Katara's heart swelled to a new level, seeing how concerned he was. "I understand." She stated lovingly, giving him a small peck on the cheek. He sat up and looked her in the eyes again, getting lost. "But I want to do this. And besides, I think Zuko needs his butt kicked." She smiled cockily.
Aang sighed in defeat. "Okay. I guess it will be a good show then."
"You bet it will." She pulled him in for a short but meaningful kiss. He beamed at her.
Aang proceeded to walk over to where Zuko and Sokka had joined Toph, all of them a bit worried about what Aang had to say. However, Sokka was deeply impressed and happy to see how protective Aang was of his sister. Aang stopped in front of them and looked to Zuko. "She really wants to duel you." He stated with a slight smile. "I'm okay with it, but I don't want anything to get out of hand." He continued, sounding stern.
Zuko understood, as Aang had recited the story of how he burned Katara a few times. Zuko also understood that Aang was hesitant because of his temperament and competitiveness. Katara slowly joined the group, walking up behind an oblivious Aang. "I'll be careful." Zuko directed his statement towards the waterbender behind Aang.
"Ha. You don't need to be careful." She replied with cockiness and a chuckle. Aang turned to look at her, a little worried now that she said that yet admiring her confidence. "I don't want you to hold back." She exclaimed with a certain amount of bravado in her tone.
"Katara?" Aang and Zuko questioned at the same time.
"I'll be fine. You'll step in if things start getting out of hand, so I have nothing to worry about."She stated proudly.
Aang and Sokka shared a questioning glance.
Zuko pondered for a moment. "Let's do it." Excited as he was for the opportunity, all he really wanted was to prove himself to her.
"All right, but one sign of either of you going too far or getting hurt, I'm stepping in." He looked at the two of them. "Got it?"
"Got it." Said the two warriors simultaneously.
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The stage was set. Fire versus water. Katara stood by the water's edge, despite her having the water skin. She kicked off her shoes so she could feel the water in the earth. Zuko assumed the standard pre-agni kai position, kneeling with his fist pressed firmly against the ground. He took deep breaths to calm himself and to feel the fire within himself. He stood and turned to his opponent and bowed. She returned it. Zuko assumed his fighting stance, right leg in front with his hands in ready position. Katara assumed her octopus form, keeping her hands moving as she did so.
The signal was heard. "Fight!" Yelled Toph.
Zuko led the duel, being the more offensive of the two. He started off slow, simply shooting fire blasts from his fists. However, he was surprised for after Katara blocked the first couple of blasts, she let down her defensive stance and pulled water beneath her feet. She froze it solid and began to surf across it to get around Zuko. As she circled him, she shot snowballs; she would've used ice spikes, but those could seriously hurt him. He easily absorbed the shots, holding his arms in close to protect against the firm impacts. Eventually, he dropped to ground level, doing spinning fire kicks. The flames shot out in a circle around him, hitting the wave of ice Katara was riding, breaking it up and launching her through the air. She quickly recovered with a roll and assumed yet another defensive stance, holding water over her arms and around her shoulders. She fired the spout of water and grabbed a hold of Zuko's arm, thrashing him to the side. He couldn't think of a way out of this, so out of instinct he shot a fireball at Katara, forcing her to take defensive action and releasing him from her grip.
Aang's heart stopped when Zuko did this, but smiled in admiration as Katara easily defended against this attack. She quickly recovered, but now Zuko had turned the tide and was now riding his own wave of fire around her. She again assumed the octopus form, swatting and absorbing fire blasts yet again. However, fatigue was now getting the better of the. Attacks became erratic and defensive moves became even less precise. Aang noticed this, but when he moved forward to stop the duel he was met by a pair of blue eyes that screamed at him 'No!' He backed up and looked on worriedly as the furious concoction of fire and water continued. As the two duelist realized that their bending was beginning to fail them, they began to close the gap in order to engage in hand to hand combat. Aang had seen something in Katara's eys: a fire and rage that he had never seen before. She was losing control of herself, and wanted payback on Zuko despite her recent tolerance of him. She wanted to hurt him.
"Toph, we need to stop this." Aang said urgantly, turning to her and grabbing her shoulder
"Why? This is good." Sokka stated.
"I saw something in Katara's eyes."
"In her eyes? What are you talking about." Sokka asked.
"She's starting to lose control." Exclaimed Aang in a hurry.
"What?!" Toph asked exasperatedly.
Aang was beginning to panic. "She wants to hurt Zuko, and I don't want to find out how he's going to retaliate." Toph hesitated. "Toph! Stop the fight!"
"Fine!." She scoffed, stomping on the ground and sending a rock wall up betweein the two duelist. Little did the three spectators know, Katara was mid-swing on a punch she was throwing at Zuko. Her fist hit the wall with a tremendous amount of force. She screamed in agony.
Aang looked on in horror as she gripped at her wrist. He ran over and knelt beside her. "Why'd you stop the fight?!" She asked, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She was panting heavily as well.
Aang sighed, but understood. "Is your hand okay?" He asked with sincerity.
The question shocked Katara at first, but was deeply grateful for his concern. She winced as she tried to bend her fingers. "It's-it's not broken." She panted. "Nothing some ice...won't fix." Katara took a few moments to catch her breath. By this time, Toph had receded the rock wall back into the earth. Zuko was also sitting on the ground attempting to catch his breath. Toph and Zuko also ran over. "You haven't answered my question."She stated flatly, not meeting her lovers eyes.
"If we wouldn't have stopped it, Zuko might have a broken jaw right now." He stated, trying to be calm yet stern.
Katara looked at Aang worryingly and then back to Zuko, who still wore a look of shock on his face for what had happened. Katara looked around her feet in a fit, trying to figure out what happened and what she was thinking. "Oh my." She gasped as realization struck her. Her body began to shake. Aang pulled her into a tight hug, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I-I'm so sorry." She choked in an attempt to hold back tears.
"It's okay. Nothing happened." Aang comforted. Zuko stood up, amazed by Katara's ferocity and then (he couldn't quite put the word on it) kindness he thought. Katara then pulled away, looked Aang deeply in the eye and nodded. Aang understood the sign and helped her off the ground.
Katara looked to Zuko. "I'm sorry, Zuko." She apologized, but to her surprise, Zuko responded with a bow.
He smiled. "You fought well."
"Aren't you mad that I tried to punch you?" She asked, shock clear in her voice.
He gave a light-hearted chuckle. "Kind of. But I figure that I probably would have deserved it though."
Everyone chuckled, savoring the new, light-hearted mood. "I must say..." Sokka started. "That was quite spectacular to watch."
"Agreed." Aang beamed as he grasped the hand of the waterbender beside him. "That was quite amazing, although, you two did create a lot of fog. I can't see Appa and Momo." Everyone followed his gaze, Appa and Momo were a fair distance from everyone doing their own thing. They now all noticed that it was hard to see twenty feet in front of them. "APPA!" Aang yelled. A large rumble replied along with the giant beasts silhouette coming through the steam, quickly surpassed by Momo. "There you two are."
Momo swiftly flew over to Aang's shoulder, licking his master. But the liittle creature saw that Katara was in some pain and decided to stick with her for the time being. Momo landed on her right shoulder. She reached up with her non-injured left hand and patted his head. "Hey Momo." She greeted.
"I don't know about you guys, but I think it's time we head back." Sokka suggested.
Aang nodded. "Probably not a bad idea, especially since Katara needs to give her hand some time to heal." He gestured to Katara who was now putting pressure onto her swelling hand.
"Seriously Aang, I'm fine." She protested.
Aang sighed. He knew she would never say otherwise. "In either case, it's getting late."
"Okay, let's pack up." Sokka commanded.
They packed up quickly. As everyone climbed aboard Appa, Aang wrapped his right arm around Katara's waist and swiftly jumped into the air, landing gently on Appa's head. "I love it when you do that." Katara beamed at the unbelievable gentleman beside her.
"I only do it because I love you." Aang replied and closed the gap with her in a quick, gentle kiss.
"UGGGHH!" Sokka moaned from behind them. "Can't you two-Ahh never mind." He grunted in frustration at the couple.
Aang and Katara simply smiled at each other, of course when the blush went away. "Appa, Yip Yip!"
Once in the air, everyone settled in for the hour or so ride back to Ba Sing Se. However, Aang and Katara were being, well, Aang and Katara. They talked quietly so no one else would hear
"Thanks for not being mad at me back there."
"Why would I be mad?" Asked Aang, confused.
"Because you warned us about going too far and...well...I went too far." She looked down in her lap.
"You didn't though. Toph stopped you, and you realized your mistake." He comforted, pulling her closer.
"I-I just feel bad about it all." She sighed. "And my hand hurts." She pouted with fake annoyance.
"Once we get back, I can heal the bruises and swelling and then you should ice it."
"Aang..." She chuckled, leaning into him. "I can heal the bruises myself."
"I know, but I want some practice at healing...and well..." He blushed slightly. All he wanted was some alone time with her, and that was his chance at getting it.
She blushed in response. "Well...okay then. I guess you should practice then."
He smiled shyly. Soon, though they arrived at Iroh's tea shop. Zuko hopped off and bid the others farewell. He smiled inwardly as they left. He couldn't believe how much fun he had today. He hadn't had fun in a long long time.
The others soon arrived at the house. The sun was setting and was casting a beautiful orange hue across the sky. Aang again grabbed hold of Katara and hopped off, while Sokka assisted Toph. They all walked in and went their own ways. Sokka went with Toph to find some food while Aang followed Katara into her room to help her with her now swollen hand.
"Hey!" Sokka yelled. "What do you think you're doing, lover boy?!"
Aang froze in the doorway. "Just going to help with Katara's hand. It shouldn't be too long."
Katara poked her head out, holding her swollen hand to try and ease the pain. "Sokka, can you please stop with this?"
Sokka grumbled. "Fine! But if you take too long, I'm coming."
"That sounds perfectly fair, Sokka." Aang replied. Katara was about to protest, but decided that Sokka was just looking out for her.
The couple walked in and Aang closed the door behind him. Katara had sat down on a small stool to tak her shoes off. Aang walked over to her, once she finished he spoke. "Let me see your hand." He commanded softly. He kneeled down as Katara presented her hand. He held it softly in his, brushing his thumb across the back of her hand. He squeezed slightly in order to get a reaction. She winced slightly. "Did that hurt?" He asked.
"A little." Replied Katara softly.
"Let me go get some water." Aang proceeded to walk out of her room, down the hall and into the kitchen. Sokka and Toph were eating. He received a questioning look from the water tribe warrior. "Her hand is fine. Just grabbing some water to heal it." He quickly explained as he filled a bowl with water with the water skin that was left on the counter. Once finished he returned to Katara, bringing some fruit with him for her to eat. He again shut the door behind him. She remained in the same spot.
He kneeled before her. "Thank you for doing this, Aang."
"Of course." He smiled. "Now hold out your hand." She did as requested. Aang surrounded hands with the water, calling the glow to him. Once this happened he held her hand in his, slowly massaging it. A sigh escaped Katara's mouth. "Does that feel better?"
"Much."
"Good." He smiled as he noticed the swelling start to go down. To his surprise, after a short while the swelling was completely gone. He pulled his hands away.
"Doesn't look like I need to ice it." She looked at her hand and then rubbed it softly.
"I guess not." He sighed.
She was looking at him. He noticed something in her eyes, but before he could properly think it through, she had grabbed hold of his tunic and yanked him forward. Their lips smashed together as the heat around them began to rise. Aang soon cradled her jaw softly, yearning for more. As she held her firm grip on his hirt, her other hand rested on his muscular chest. She began to somewhat explore his torso, relishing in the feel of the heat beneath his clothes. He squirmed slightly beneath her touch, but soon moved his hand to her toned stomach and gripped at her oblique's. Suddenly, he felt her tongue asking permission to enter, to which he granted. They began to move quickly, their tongues dancing as their hands did the same. But, the need for air again took over. They slowly pulled apart, relishing in the closeness of their faces. The kiss felt amazing, but they began to understand that it was more than just a kiss; it was an expression of their unrelenting passion and love for each other. They rested their foreheads together.
"I love you, Aang."
"I love you too, Katara." They sat there, staring into each other's eyes with foreheads pressed together. They could stay there all night, but Aang sighed. "I probably should get going before Sokka comes."
"Okay." She sounded disappointed as she looked down at her feet.
"Goodnight, Katara." He smiled back at her.
She smiled back. "Night, Aang. See you in the morning."
Aang walked through the door, hesitating for he didn't want to leave. He looked back at her and noticed she already stood up to organize and wash up. He shut the door slowly behind him, going to his room and crashing on to the bed as he kicked the door shut.. Just now he realized how much the earthbending actually took out of him. He fell asleep there, fully clothed and on top of his covers with his limbs bent in every direction. Despite the uncomfortable looking position, he wore a smile on his face.
Thank you so much for reading. I hoped you liked it. A lot of things happened this chapter with the make out scenes and the fight scenes. As well as the discussion between Aang and Katara.
Anywho. Please review and thanks for being patient with me.