I'm Sorry

I know apologies won't make up for the long wait. So much happened since the last chapter that got in the way of me updating; college, technical difficulties, motivation, career…motivation, motivation, motivation. I know I posted back in January that an update would be coming soon. It took longer than anticipated due to me making a huge new step in my career. I have just now figured out a routine to give myself free time to write. I won't promise scheduled updates. But I want to try and continue/complete my stories. With all the possibilities that Avatar Studios has created and yes, even the Netflix Show, I am so excited for the Avatar fandom.

Be prepared for a…different writing style and format. I've re-read my stories and well…I'm not too pleased with my old way of writing; at least as far as detail is concerned. It will likely continue to evolve depending on my own observations and your own feedback/suggestions. I would also like to apologize for any continuity errors. It's been a long time but I have thought about it a lot and have had some ideas. So be prepared if there are some minor "retcons" for the lack of a better term. As this story goes on it will gradually get more mature. As time has passed, me getting older, and reading some wonderful stories in this community, I want to incorporate more mature themes into the narrative. I will change the rating when the time is right. Most likely by the end of Book 2 before I move on to Book 3.

Okay. RANT OVER! I hope you enjoy Chapter 16

The Dream

Aang woke up in a stir, shivering and somehow sweating bullets. It was yet another nightmare. It was fuzzy in his mind; darkness, cold…pain. Aang shook it off and walked to the window. It was still dark, but he needed to figure out what this all meant. He opened the window panels and climbed onto the roof. He chuckled lightly. He was now making Katara's lie a reality by getting on the roof to meditate. Regardless, Aang always enjoyed the cool, morning air, perfect for his meditations.

The Avatar found a spot at the peak of the stone roof and sat with his legs crossed. He pressed his fists together, returning to his nightmare.

Katara's face greeted him, but something was wrong. There were tears trickling down her cheeks. Aang looked around the darkness. There was fire, blue fire. Cackling, maniacal laughter filled the air…

Out of the darkness behind Katara stepped a silhouette; Amber eyes penetrating the surroundings. Blue flame emitted from her right hand as she moved closer to Katara. "You will both suffer…"

"Help me Aang." Whimpered Katara with a hoarseness in her voice the sent Aang into a panic.

He tried to run towards Katara, but he was locked in place. He couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't speak. He could only watch.

Azula slowly moved the flame closer and closer to Katara's face…

"Aang, please…" Katara begged, utter fear filling her eyes.

Aang forced his eyes open, panting heavily. He didn't want to see anymore. As he slowly moved his eyes up, he saw the slowly rising sun in its pink-amber glow. He took a deep breath as he sagged his shoulders and pulled his knees into his chest. He was distraught to say the least. Scared of what it could mean, if it held any truth of a possible future.

At that moment, Momo had decided to join him. Momo touched down right in front of Aang, just a few inches from his toes. "I don't suppose you have the answer do you buddy?" Momo chirped in response, but sensing Aang's emotions, laid down and snuggled up against his friends' feet.

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Katara awoke with the sun peeking into her room. She was still tired, but content. She couldn't keep last night out of her head. Despite the pain in her hand, making some people angry and picking a hell of a fight, she was overjoyed with her evening with Aang. She picked herself up out of bed and got herself ready. As she walked out of her room, she noticed Aang's door was still closed. He must be still asleep she thought. For a moment, her heart fluttered she contemplated waking him up and spending the morning alone with him, but ultimately, she decided to let him be. It was after all a long day yesterday.

Katara made her way to the kitchen. Toph, rather weirdly, was the only one awake. She was sprawled on the floor staring at the ceiling. Well…she would be staring if she could see. Her hair was a complete mess, as per usual for her mornings.

"Good morning, Toph." Katara greeted happily. Smiling at her as she walked to the kitchen.

"Hey, Katara." Toph absently greeted the waterbender. "About damn time you're in a good mood." She mocked. "I guess making out with the Avatar healed your hand quite quickly."

Katara's heart nearly leapt out of her chest as her cheeks turned bright red. She whipped around and glared at the earthbender, "Toph!" Why does she have to always do that? The waterbender wondered. As much as she loved the earthbender, why did she always have to tease? Why, for such sheltered girl, was she so…dirty; Probably being around Earth Rumble she thought

Toph sat up in place, "What? This whole house is made of rock." She gestured about wildly. "You don't think I can't sense you two?" Toph never understood why everyone always forgets that she sees EVERYTHING. "Maybe next time Sokka gets a fishhook stuck in his thumb you should send Aang in instead." A snide smile spread across her lips.

"TOPH!" Katara shouted, tensing her arms and clenching her fists along her sides. She is unrelenting

"Oh just relax." The earthbender waved her off. Miss Fussy Britches how I've missed you.

Katara leaned on the counter facing away from Toph, "I would appreciate it if you would keep it down." She whispered angrily. "Sokka's still weird about all of this." She chuckled nervously. "This is all new to me too."

Toph threw her hands into the air, "You're the one yelling at me!" She retorted. "And quit being so stiff, Katara. I say you just embrace it. It's been kinda depressing around you since…" She trailed off.

Katara dipped her head and stared at her feet, "I'm sorry about putting you and Sokka through all of that Toph." She spoke softly, twiddling her thumbs. "I just…I don't know. It was a hard time."

Toph frowned slightly as her own thoughts drifted back to her parents. "I understand." She sighed heavily. "I-Sometimes I think about my parents." Toph didn't really know where this was coming from, but she felt she owed it to Katara. "I have my moments." A tear ran down her cheek. Toph was confused at her own confession, but despite this she kept talking. "I don't know why, but I guess I just miss my parents."

"Toph." Katara walked towards her friend, leaning down and putting a hand on her shoulder. "I know they were hard on you." She smiled softly. "But despite all of that, they still love you."

Toph sniffled and decided to shut this depressing conversation down, "You know Katara." She began to speak in a fake, accusatory tone, "You're a real pain in the butt. But thanks."

"You were there for me, and I am here for you." Katara smiled at the young earthbender, but her thoughts soon returned to the airbender. He still wasn't awake yet. "I'm surprised Aang isn't up yet."

"He is." Toph simply stated matter-of-factly as she stood up.

Katara put her hands on her hips, "Then where is he?"

Toph pointed her index finger straight up. "On the roof." She stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I think he's meditating or something."

The waterbender was baffled, "Really? On the roof." She asked incredulously.

The earthbender scoffed. How dare her ability be questioned, "Yeah. What? You don't believe me."

Katara chuckled, "No. I just find it kinda funny." She couldn't believe that her took her innocent lie from yesterday and decided to run with it for real. What a goofball. My goofball.

Toph began walking towards her waterbending friend, "Well, you can find that funny, but I don't find being hungry very funny."

"Don't worry your majesty. I'll get breakfast going." Katara joked.

Toph punched her in the arm as she walked past the waterbender to go wash up and ACTUALLY get ready, "Good!" Her voice echoing as she entered the hallway.

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Aang decided to stand up and head back to his room. Momo could tell where Aang was going and quickly swooped through the window. Aang followed through as he swung his way through. The airbender made his way to his wash bowl and quickly rinsed his face and checked the mirror to see if he needed to shave his head. Thankfully he didn't have to this morning.

Aang opened the door into the hallway as a loud thud smashed into it.

"OW!" Cried Sokka from behind the door. He had already been walking down the narrow hallway and walked straight into the door. "WHY DO THESE DOORS SWING OUT!?"

His airbending friend spoke up softly, "Sorry Sokka." His dejected tone clear in his voice.

Sokka immediately recognized his tone and put aside the pain in his face for now, "Is everything okay, Aang?"

Aang danced around the question as per usual for his people, "I'm fine. Just…didn't sleep well."

Sokka didn't fully believe him but knew better to push the airbender further. "Whatever you say. Hopefully Katara's cooking will pick you up." A strong smell of pastries and fruit emanated throughout the house. Aang inhaled deeply. It did smell great.

The two young men made their way into the kitchen/living room. Sokka immediately tried to sneak a bite from Katara's unfinished cooking, prompting a slap from his sister. A fake pout spread across Sokka's face as a result; nothing out of the ordinary for the two siblings. It was through Katara ignoring her brother when she locked eyes with Aang. Her heart fluttered. Despite their earlier talk about moving fast, her feelings didn't really care. However, something was off with the young airbender. He stared back with a haunting expression, as if he was seeing a ghost.

"Aang, what's wrong?" the master waterbender asked.

The boy continued to stare back. All he could see was his nightmare, flames engulfed Katara as she stood in front of him. Screaming echoed through his mind. He shook it off before he lost it. "I'm fine. I'll talk about it later." He returned a half smile to try and reassure her. She wasn't entirely convinced, but now wasn't the time to push the matter. The other two didn't seem to notice the interaction thankfully.

Aang joined Sokka and Toph at the table, absorbed into his own thoughts. Toph and Sokka meanwhile were…well Toph and Sokka. They were arguing about something stupid. Aang didn't know what it was he just stared blankly at his placemat. Suddenly, a plate with a large peach and banana bread was placed in front of him by waterbenders hand. Another, reassuring hand was place on his shoulder for a moment to let him know everything would be fine. She always knew how to put him at ease.

As the team finished their breakfast, Sokka began to plan their day. He was overly excited about this, but now was the time to take his revenge on Joo Dee. It was his turn to annoy her, "We need to meet the earth king. I don't care how we do it, but Joo Dee is a real pain in the butt, and we need to work around her."

Aang spoke up, quietly. He didn't remove his eyes from his breakfast, however, "I think I heard something about a big birthday party for the Earth King while at Iroh's shop. Maybe we could ask him if he's heard anything."

Toph couldn't help but laugh, "Good luck with that twinkle toes. Uppity earth kingdom parties won't let any riffraff in…No offense."

Sokka shook his head, "Well, technically Katara and I are the princess and prince of the Southern Water Tribe, and Aang is the Avatar. How are we riffraff?" Katara rolled her eyes at her brother's statement. The last thing she wanted was to be called a princess.

The earthbender laughed again, "Have you looked in the mirror?" She asked as sarcastically as she possibly be.

Sokka was baffled by the blind girls' questions. "Huh? You're blind Toph. How would you know?"

"Exactly." She replied. "Anyway, regardless of your 'nobility' we must keep your identities a secret at that party. I might be able to teach Katara how to follow customs to pass by as one of them, but you two knuckleheads wouldn't stand a chance. Plus, we have Aang's bald head an arrows to worry about."

"Aang can wear a hat." The warrior stated nonchalantly. "When was this party supposed to be, Aang?"

Sokka's question shook him from his thoughts, "I'm not sure. Maybe I can ask Iroh and Zuko if they've heard anything specific."

Katara still didn't like trusting them. And really didn't want to interact with the prince after yesterday. She was still mortifyingly embarrassed by her lack of control. Especially, in front of Aang. "I'll come with you." She blurted out, sounding a bit too excited.

Aang looked at her abruptly. He knew how uncomfortable the waterbender was around his new friends. "You don't have to." He said softly.

Katara was almost hurt by those words. Her mind initially went down the path thinking Aang didn't want her company. However, the look in his eyes showed concern for her, not apprehension. He knew her. He knew her apprehension even if she concealed it. Damn he's good. "It's fine, Aang. Plus…it'll give us time to…" She trailed off. She wanted to ask about what was bothering him but didn't want the others to know. She soon realized, however, that she had stopped her thought at the exact wrong moment, and she knew it. Blood rushed to her face.

"Gross." Toph mocked.

There she goes again. Why Toph? Why? "TOPH!" The waterbender shouted. Aang and Katara both turned beat red. Crap Now she must explain what she meant.

"AAHHHHH!" Sokka cringed. "No-no-no-no. You two need a chaperone!" He pointed aggressively back and forth between the two of them.

"SOKKA! We don't need a babysitter. I was going to say it would give us time to talk. It's not like it's your business anyway." She huffed. Aang just sat in silence, rubbing the back of his neck

"Let's go Aang." Katara grabbed his hand and led him out the door quite quickly after that little episode.

As they began their journey to the Jasmine dragon, silence enveloped them. The two kept a little space between them. Aang was sucked into his own thoughts, continually recounting his nightmare while completely forgetting the earlier embarrassment at the hands of Toph. At the same time Katara was still trying to hide her blush. She would need to have a serious talk with the earthbender soon if she didn't relent.

The waterbender would occasionally peak at the airbender to see if he stopped staring either straight ahead or at his feet as they walked. When he began to brood it was difficult to read him. She had learned throughout their journey to the North Pole; she didn't want to pry but getting him to open up on his own had always been difficult. She had decided on some small talk: Yeah…that should work.

"So…tell me about meditating on the roof."

Aang briefly snapped out of it. He looked to his side, deep into her blue eyes. He noticed she stared back with that hopeful shimmer she had when Master Pakku had declared her a master…her eyes…in this moment could coax anything out of him, "How'd you know I was on the roof?" he asked.

"Toph told me?" She shrugged, smirking confidently as her amusement evident in said smirk.

Aang looked confused. Toph was blind, how could she see on the roof? "And how did she know I was there?" He spoke

The waterbender chuckled. "The whole house is made of earth, Aang."

The young man through his head back in realization. "Oh…right." He paused for a moment and began to rub the back of his neck as he always did while nervous or embarrassed. "I guess I took your little lie and kind of ran with it, huh?"

"A bit, yeah." Katara replied simply. She smiled at the airbender. I think I got through, good.

"Was it a peaceful meditation this morning?" "I know it was a beautiful sunrise…at least that's what I could tell out my window."

Aang broke his eye contact and looked at his feet as they continued to walk. "Not entirely peaceful." The statement came out as a weak whisper. His mood swinging back to where it was at breakfast.

Katara had her realization. So, he went to meditate on whatever is bothering him. However, she also observed that his previous dour mood had returned. She was debating on if she should continue to chip away at his walls or just ask directly now. "Are you ready to tell me what's been bothering you?" Her eyes went wide at her sudden directness. I guess I decided.

"I guess." Came the short reply.

Katara looked into his eyes and grabbed his hand and steered him off to a bench along the path where they both sat down. She didn't relinquish her grip but gave a soft and encouraging squeeze. "Go ahead."

He looked down at his feet again. He was so unsure of how to word this. He was scared, frightened. He wanted to protect himself from pain, but that would cause Katara pain. Dancing around the subject would be impossible with the waterbender; she always saw right through him. Honesty was the best option, "I guess I'm just scared."

"Scared of what?" She pivoted her legs towards the airbender, signaling her desire to be there for him. Not just with him, but for him.

He briefly looked into her eyes, "Scared of…I don't know." Now he averted his gaze, "I had a nightmare last night"

Katara new the young man would often have nightmares. She initially thought it was a side-effect of being the Avatar. But, over time she began to realize it was more than a 'perk' of the job. It was a burden that Aang the Last Airbender held. Not the Avatar. These nightmares were often his trauma of everything he's been through manifesting itself. She had to tread carefully, "What was it about?" Silence followed. Aang was deep in thought. She pressed again, "Aang, it's okay."

The response came, but it was simple and sounded…haunting, "You."

Katara was confused. She had always hoped that if they dreamed of each other, it would be a good dream, "What?"

He looked at her intently now, "It was about you…Azula had you." Tears began to form in his eyes. "She was holding a flame to your face. I…I couldn't save you." He looked away, hiding his shame…and his tears.

The waterbender hated when he would go through this. It was the same as what happened with her after her mom died. No! Don't think of that. Never think of that. She snapped back to reality and tried to be reassuring, knowing it probably wouldn't work, but what else could she do, "Aang, it was just a dream."

He scoffed, "That doesn't give me confidence. My dreams have a tendency to hold some truth."

"Aang don't talk like that, I'm sure-" Katara was abruptly cut off.

"I'm scared of losing you again alright!" The airbender threw his arms up as he stood up, "I don't know if I could go through that again." He was pacing now, look at his feet.

Katara stood as well, not sure of what to do besides just watching and listening, "What are you saying?"

"I don't know." He was flustered now. Scared. Confused. Panicked. His pacing quickened, "I guess what I'm trying…to think-say is if anything were to happen...this…" He gestured between the two of them "…I'm not sure how I could go on." He stopped pacing.

The waterbender moved towards him. This was not what she wanted to hear. Not after everything they've been through, "Aang…we're in this together. You and me." She pleaded. "I'm just as scared, but we can't let what might be get in the way of what can be."

He looked up at her finally, "Are you saying we just ignore it?"

What she saw in his eyes scared her. It wasn't his normal hopeful, loving or caring look. It wasn't even fear. This was desperation. He needed to know that this wouldn't becoming true. But, Katara couldn't exactly guarantee that, "Not exactly. I'm just saying don't let our fear get in the way of what we have." She answered vaguely.

He looked down again and spoke meekly, "I still think we should be careful."

Katara tried to lighten the mood a bit, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out." It didn't work. She could see he was now frustrated. You stupid, stupid woman, Katara. Why would you try to make a snide remark now?

"I mean it, Katara!" He cut her off, his fear clearly visible in his expression. His features strained. "This feels like a warning…I don't know why or what for."

She wasn't sure how to react now. She tried being gentle and guiding, but all that seemed to be happening was him convincing himself to push her away. Deep down she understood, but in this moment…this exact moment with everything rushing through her mind, part of her wanted to be selfish. She wanted to tell him to snap out of it and run away from his problems with her. They were kids, thrust into fighting a 100-year long war and it just wasn't fair. Aang never asked for this, she never asked for this. Sokka and Toph never asked for this. But here they were, with a duty to save the world. And now this nightmare was adding to his anxiety and causing him to do the one thing she didn't want…push her away. She sighed inwardly; she wanted to be there for him.

The silence was deafening to the airbender. It felt as though they were sitting there forever. He finally looked up and peered into her eyes. She was clearly uneasy about what he was saying…or confused. He spoke softly, "Katara…please try to understand. "

"I'm trying, Aang but I want you to understand me as well." She pleaded, her ocean blue eyes staring deep into his storm grey ones. "I was so lost without you…I haven't told you everything I went through or did." A tear began to trickle down her cheek. "And I promise you I will. But…j-just know that-I-I am afraid of what might happen to. But I don't want to live on, regretting the chances we didn't take." Her voice was shaky, but she wanted to keep composure so Aang wouldn't take that as a sign to continue his line of thought. She looked away and closed her eyes, "I hurt you Aang…and then I lost you." She placed a hand on her mother's necklace. Aang had begun to heal that empty void after her mother died, "We have each other again and…

"Katara…" Aang began to choke on his words. He gently grabbed her hands and held them. "This nightmare has me…it has me really freaked out." He was beginning to cry again, "It just felt so real…" he whispered.

"Aang…I know what your dreams can mean but…" She stared deep into his eyes and all she saw was pleading sadness. Pleading that they stop this conversation about his dreams as his fear began to take over. She could now see how deeply this was bothering him. She finally understood…it wasn't just fear, it was dread. "Okay…" She relented. "I think we should talk later…after we impersonate some stuck-up dignitaries." She smirked and Aang returned a soft chuckle. There's the airbender I know. She gave him a soft peck on his cheek. The waterbender felt relax his posture as he did so. "C'mon," She nodded in the direction towards of the tea shop, "Let's go get the information…and some tea of course."

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The older man was sweeping the floor of his fine establishment. It had been a rather slow day and the shop was currently empty. Oh well…that gave him time to tidy up. An idle mind has no challenges; no way to grow. He heard footsteps approach. As he looked up, he noticed a couple walk into the tea shop, "Aah! Avatar Aang…and Master Katara!" Iroh smiled sweetly. "What may I get you?"

Aang returned the smile. It was impossible not to the master firebender was around, "We need some information, but for now I'll take a cup of Jasmine."

"Ginseng for me please." Katara spoke up, waving her hand as if she would've been forgotten. This whole situation was still weird for her. Sudden insecurities cropped up when Aang was interacting with his new friends. As if she thought she suddenly didn't matter.

Iroh grew a cheesy smile, "Excellent choice my dear! It is my favorite." He turned towards the kitchen to make sure his nephew could hear, "Prince Zuko, would you be so kind as to grab some cups for me?"

"Of course, Uncle." Zuko shouted.

As the couple sat down at a table close to a wall, Iroh approached as well. He arrived just as the two were sitting down. Iroh noticed the waterbenders discomfort, "I do hope tea is the only thing brewing here, Master Katara? Come to finish off my nephew?" He teased.

Katara nearly jumped out of her seat. She began to sputter, "N-no…of…of course not." Aang began to chuckle beside her. He loved it when she was caught off guard, she was quite cute when she was awkward.

The old firebender chuckled as well. He placed a gentle hand on the waterbenders shoulder, "I am merely teasing, Katara. I know you did not mean it…it was a warrior's instinct."

"Oh...well I should probably apologise, huh?"

"That would be wise. But, it was a little fun messing with you my dear." He smiled as he walked away.

As Iroh walked to the back room, the young prince was arriving with a small silver tray. "Here's your tea." His raspy voice spoke as he placed the tea in front of the couple.

Katara's eyes continued to gaze at the table. She still had a hard time looking the prince in the eye. To her, he was still the man that attacked her village and physically harmed Gran Gran. The man who had chased them to the North Pole, captured her and used her as a bargaining chip. A gentle nudge from the airbender broke her from her trance. She frantically looked at Aang who nodded towards the scarred prince. She finally looked the man in the eyes. He looked…so unsure and nervous in his own right. "Zuko…I'm sorry for attacking you." She spoke almost too quickly, averting her eyes as soon as she was finished. She didn't want look at him too long as it may humanize him.

"Apology accepted…although I think the earthbender should be apologizing to you…"

"The earthbender's name is Toph." She snapped at him. She looked at Aang who appeared visibly upset by her outburst. Of course, they had all just met, so how could he know her name. She sighed and looked at the prince, "And why should she apologize?" She scoffed

"Well…she was the one that bent that rock in your way…and technically you didn't actually hit me."

"Yeah well…I'm apologizing for the intent I suppose." She crossed her arms and turned her gaze away. This is going to take some time. That apology would have to suffice, for her at least.

"Well... Thanks anyway…Katara." Zuko turned and walked away as Katara stewed, not wanting to acknowledge that he was using her name more comfortably now.

Iroh returned to their table with his all-knowing smile, "How is the tea?"

"Excellent!" Shouted the airbender.

He nodded, "Now what is this information you need?" His ember eyes danced between the two.

Aang took a sip of his tea, "I heard something about a birthday party at the palace. Any idea of who or what it's for?"

"Ah! I have heard of it as well. It is tonight actually! For the King's bear I believe." He pulled a flier from his apron. "A man came by asking to distribute these. I have yet to read it, but I imagine specific details will be there." He handed it to the airbender who began to read. Katara was looking over his shoulder at the flier.

Aang sat up quickly from his seat, "Thanks Iroh!" He looked down at Katara, who remained seated, "I think we should get going if we are to make this party."

Katara slowly stood and followed Aang out the door, not saying a word. She really didn't want to go to the party tonight, not with everything on her mind. That would be torture! Especially if she was alone with Toph at the party, who would undoubtedly tease, mock and joke about her and Aang without remorse. She sighed, deciding on enjoying the afternoon air and the scent of the flowers that lined the walkways. This is going to be a long night.

Thank you so much for reading. And those of you who returned after waiting for so long, you have a level of patience I could never possess…thank you. Next up: the party. A bit shorter of a chapter, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling again.

I want to update Be Strong next as I planned on having it explore some dark and mature themes. Hopefully I can get that update to you soon. I want to focus on this story and Be Strong for now; after that A Bandage for the Heart is on the docket but I'm not sure when that'll be. Thanks again. Let me know in the reviews if you liked what I hope is an improved writing style/format.

Thanks again. FLAMEO HOTMAN!