Hey everyone. Before you start reading I just wanted to let you know that the rest of the story will be in third person pov (unless I say specifically). I realized that it's easier for me to write this way instead of first. I hope this doesn't confuse anyone.
Anyway here's the next chapter. Enjoy! :)
~
Aang woke up to the sun shinning on his face and a sleeping Katara in his arms. He knew that Katara was still asleep because he's normally the first one up out of the group. Not wanting to disturb her, he slowly pulled himself out of her grip and walked out of the tent.
As he exited the tent Momo flew over to him and landed on his shoulder. "Good morning buddy" he said while walking over to Appa to also greet him. After he fed Appa and Momo he walked over to a secluded area overlooking the mountains. Here he sat down and began his morning meditation.
After thirty minutes of meditating he was surprisingly welcomed by Sokka. This shocked Aang because Sokka is normally the last one up, not one of the first. He must've had a confused look on his face because Sokka said "we have no meat for breakfast so I'm heading down to the river to see if I can catch a fish. Wanna join?" Aang was happy to be able to spend some time with his best friend so he nodded in response and they began the ten minute walk.
After five minutes of walking in silence due to them still trying to wake up, Sokka spoke out. "So you and Katara are like official now right?" Aang was caught off guard by his random question.
"Yeah I guess so. It's crazy right?" Aang said with a smile on his face. He thought back to all the times were he tried to tell Katara how he truly felt but just didn't have the guts to do it. He never would've thought that she would've liked him the same way, let alone date him.
"It's a little strange seeing my best friend with my little sister but I couldn't have picked a better guy for her. I'm sorry if I came across a little disproving last night." Sokka sighed while looking down at the ground avoiding eye contact. Aang sensed that this is going to be a serious conversation and stops walking.
"I know you won't hurt Katara but as her brother I feel as if I always have to protect her. I just got a little carried away and didn't think about how my attitude may have been affecting Katara. I would never want to upset her because of something stupid I said." Aang has very rarely seen this side of Sokka, the compassionate and forgivable side, so he knew that this was really important to Sokka.
Aang lays a hand on Sokka's shoulder and says "I don't think that Katara was that upset by your behavior. She knows that you're just looking out for her and she is really grateful for that." What Aang said was true. Katara wasn't mad at Sokka in the slightest, but she wished that he would lighten up a bit and allow her to grow up on her own.
Sokka felt a lot better after talking to Aang and even gave him some advice on asking Katara out on a date. The two best friends continued their little trip down to the river and were back at the camp in no time. At this point everyone was up and ready to start the day.
"There you guys are. We were wondering what trouble you two were getting into" Katara said with a small laugh to the two boys.
The gaang ate breakfast together and were all packed up to continue the flight to the fire nation capital. Appa groaned as they took off into the sky. Katara was up front with Aang as he steered Appa while everyone else was sitting in the saddle talking amongst themselves.
Remembering the advice he got from Sokka earlier that morning, Aang turned towards Katara. Noticing this, Katara turned towards him and smiled wondering what was on his mind.
Even though they were already dating Aang still was very nervous to ask Katara out on their first date. He didn't know if she wanted to go out so soon and he surely didn't want to mess it up.
Taking a deep breath, Aang finally asked "would you like to go on a date tomorrow before we leave for the South Pole?" Aang nervously waited for Katara's answer and fumbled with fingers.
Happy to have finally been asked Katara grabbed his hand to stop him from twiddling his thumbs and gladly said "I would love to Aang. Thank you for asking." She then leaned over and pecked his cheek quickly which caused Aang to blush a little.
Noticing how close they were being Suki quietly said "aw they're so adorable together. I'm glad they finally figured out their feelings toward one another" to the group hoping Aang and Katara didn't hear.
"Yeah yeah I just don't want them giving me the oggies all the time" Sokka said but quickly added "but I really am happy for them" after Suki's subtle glare.
~ later that evening ~
The gaang arrived in the First Nation capital a few hours ago and were now all enjoying dinner at the palace. Zuko and Mai were enjoying their last moments together with the gaang before they left for the South Pole for a few weeks. Mai hasn't had as much time to get to know them as Zuko, but still loved finally having a group of friends that actually supported and cared for her.
Zuko on the other hand has been with the gaang for a while and forgot what life was like before without them. Of course he remembered the events leading up to him joining the gaang, but he has gotten so use to their constant companionship that it would be weird living without them for the next few weeks.
After three hours of just talking, the gaang finally decided to head in for the night. They needed to get a good nights rest for the long travel they would start in a few days. Everyone said their good nights and headed to their rooms. Each couple shared a room while Toph had one all to herself, which she certainly did not mind.
"Tonight was fun. You know getting to just talk with everyone and not worry about a war" Katara said while brushing her hair. Aang was already laying in bed but was sitting up admiring Katara in all her beauty. Everything she did, even just simply brushing her hair amazed Aang.
"I'm gonna miss Zuko. I've gotten so use to him living with us" Aang confesses while reminiscing on all the good times the gaang has had together. "Who's gonna yell at us every time we do something stupid now?" He jokingly adds.
Katara giggles as she joins Aang in the bed. They both fall silent as they realize how things are changing now that the war is over. Zuko has a whole nation to run so he won't have much time for silly adventures anymore and Aang is the avatar so he is always on call for any major issue that happens in the world.
Wanting to lighten the mood, Katara says "at least you'll get to see everyone at the South Pole again. I'm sure the little kids miss you and I know my dad will want to get to know you better know that we're dating." She reaches out and grabs his hand, holding it tightly in hers. Aang smiles at this and is glad that Hakoda would probably be accepting of their relationship. He didn't like to pull this card but he is the avatar so he knew that Hakoda would trust him to protect her (even though she is definitely capable for protecting herself).
"We should probably go to sleep. It's been a long day" Aang says after a while of them talking. He then smirks and adds "besides we have a very important date tomorrow and we don't want to be tired."
"No we don't want that now do we" Katara plays along while slowly leaning in, hoping that Aang will get the message to kiss her. He does and they share a sweet, loving kiss before laying down to go to sleep.
Aang puts his arm around Katara and she snuggles closer to him in order to be closer together. They both softly fall asleep safely in each other's arm.
That night they both dreamed about their date the next day.
