A/N: So, this chapter is going to be lighter and fluffier since the last one was kind of heavy. Warning for LEMON ahead.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender
The multicolored leaves finally began to fall from trees, exposing bare branches against the cold, winter air. The sun set earlier and the days became shorter. Aang became more and more proficient at entering the Avatar State, accessing it easily on demand. In the months following his reiki session with Guru Pathik, the heaviness in his heart had dissipated. While he still felt a loss for his parents whenever he thought about them, the feeling was brief and no longer all consuming. He was able to think about them and then return to his life. He made peace with the idea that his parents would always be with him in spirit. A few times a week, Aang lit a candle and mediated about his parents. He would pick a few memories or words he wished to say to them, and when he was done, he would blow out the candle. This ritual seemed to be needed less and less as the new year dawned. Early January saw him accepting his duty as the Avatar, and that he needed to be present fully in life.
Something also new was Aang finally felt comfortable displaying his pictures of his parents in his room. On his wooden dresser, he smiled at the picture in an oakwood frame. He was about 6, with short hair, sitting between his parents on a bench at the Temple. Until recently, Aang almost forgot what his parents looked like. The images were too much to bear before. He scooched to sit on the edge of his bed in his pajamas, grazing the picture lightly with his finger. "Hi, Mom and Dad," he chuckled, "It's my girlfriend's birthday in three weeks and I don't know what to get her. I wish you were here to give me some advice. I know you would've loved her. Katara, my waterbender. I know I'm in love with her but I don't know when or how to say it. What if she doesn't feel the same way? I don't know if my heart can take it. I want what you had. I think...I hope..we can love each other the way you both did." Aang's eyes started to water but he choked through to continue talking, "It's a lot harder than I thought, being vulnerable with her. You both made it look so easy. I still haven't told Katara about you. I guess I should start there before I tell her I love her, huh? Mom...Dad...I miss you," he paused to sniffle, "I think about you every day and I...feel a hole in my heart that I don't think will ever be filled. And I've accepted that, I'm trying to change. I hope I made you proud."
Aang blew out the candle on his dresser and took a deep breath. He imagined putting the conversation he just had in a lockbox, away from where he could reach. He picked up his phone and smiled at the background picture of Katara. He decided to focus on her and what he has right now in this moment. He vowed to no longer be hesitant to accept joy. A genuine smile and warmth radiated from the airbender as he began to get dressed for the day. He smiled also thinking about how after his fight with Zhao, Ozai was associated with Zhao and the emails about plotting to kill Aang and his parents were leaked. Ozai was either forced out or quit before he could be embarrassed, but Vice Principal Joo Dee became interim Principal for the rest of the school year. Ozai's whereabouts have been unknown for the past two months.
At school, Aang's high spirits were dampened a bit when he saw Katara and his friends attending the college fair during lunch. He forgot that not everyone had a vocation handed to them by birth like he had. They would graduate next year and then probably all go their separate ways. Aang shook these thoughts away as he focused on planning to make the next year and a half filled with fun memories. He secretly hoped that they, and especially Katara, decided to attend Republic University so he could still see them. The irony was not lost on him that after graduation, he would be expected to take on more Avatar duties so he might not see them as much either. His eyes lit up when Katara creeped up behind him and threw her arms around his neck, her soft hair tickling his skin.
"Hey, Katara, how did it go?" She nuzzled her face into his neck, kissing him softly, "It went surprisingly well," she smiled and sat down next to Aang, "I have a few schools that would be a good fit and might give me a scholarship for Holistic Medicine. But we can talk about that later, do you have any plans tonight?" Aang felt relieved at the switch in topics as he doesn't want to think about possibly being separated by Katara any more. With a smirk, he locked eyes with Katara, "Yeah, I'm planning on hanging out with the most beautiful girl in the world. Try not to get jealous, she has a mean water whip." Katara tried to hide her blush as she became flustered and sputtered for a few moments. Aang's smile widened at his effect on his girlfriend. He leaned in and met her lips with his, moving a strand of hair behind her ear.
The moment was ruined when a grumpy Sokka sat down across from the sickenly cute couple. "Ugh, some of us are trying to eat here. You know you're paying for my lunch if I can't keep it down." Aang ducked in anticipation of his girlfriend's ire, which was right on cue. "Sokka, you can sit at any other table you want! If you say some asshole stuff like that again I will throw your food in the trash." Sokka frowned and began to eat his food quickly. Suki and Toph sat at the table and were grinning at the sight of Sokka looking like a puppy with its tail between its legs. Suki smirked at getting to finally see the lunchroom shenanigans after being homeschool for the majority of her relationship with Sokka. Suki kissed her boyfriend on the cheek, "Aw, what did you say this time?" Sokka grumbled without meeting her eyes, "If I say it again, I won't have lunch anymore so can we just drop it?" The gang laughed together at this, much to Sokka's chagrin.
Later that evening, Aang was finishing up his research into what to get for Katara and Sokka's birthday. He found an authentic boomerang from a Water Tribe seller on ebay he thought Sokka would like since he has become more interested in battling. For Katara, he searched dozens of stores before finding a silver bracelet with sapphire and turquoise embedded on the band. He smiled to himself as he purchased the gifts, anticipating that he did a good job on their presents.
Aang closed his laptop just in time as Katara walked into his bedroom. He loved that she felt like his house was her house. She had told him a few weeks ago that Gyatso just happily waves her upstairs whenever she comes to the door. No matter how many times he saw her, she always took his breath away. They laid down on his bed, cuddling and sharing memes with each other they had seen throughout the day. This had become their usual hangout, laughing, cuddling with each other for hours, and making out or more. When a natural break in the laughter occured, Aang knew it was his time to lay it all out on the line.
Aang's arm was snaked under Katara's back with his hand firmly on her waist. She was turned onto her side with her head resting on his chest. He gulped and looked intensely into her eyes. "Katara, I have to tell you something." The nervousness in her eyes made him want to backout now, but he told himself to forge ahead. "Sure, Aang, what's up?" He swallowed hard, letting out a shaking breath. He began to tell Katara about his childhood. How his parents were some of the few Air Nomads that chose commitment and monogamy. He told her stories of his parents teaching at home, how they always made his birthday special, and how he missed them every day. Aang told Katara about what it felt like in the Avatar State and how he triggered it when he was at the Temple after finding out about his parent's death. He struggled to get the last part out, taking deep breaths as he spoke. "The reason I was so upset, why I felt so guilty, was that I was supposed to be with them in the car that day. My parents were going to finalize our new house but I thought it sounded boring so I decided to stay with Gyatso at the last minute. When I heard they died...I barely remember what happened next. I felt a surge of power and energy go through me, but I didn't feel like I was in control. After I had left the Avatar State, Gyatso told me I had sent waves of powerful air blasts to students and teachers at the Temple," he hung his head down, "A lot of people got hurt. Some didn't make it."
The silence from Katara made Aang anxious. He started to regret telling her this, thinking she was going to break up with him for being a murderer. He flinched at her soft hand on his cheek and her other hand interlaced with his. He dared not to meet her eyes, even as she spoke. "Aang..thank you for sharing that with me. I imagine it must have been difficult for you to relive that again. I want you to know that I don't care about what you did, but who you are. I know that wasn't you hurting those people, it was an accident. You're learning to control the Avatar State now so it won't happen again. I'm proud of you, and I bet your parents are too." Aang sniffled and looked up into her beautiful blue eyes. He relaxed seeing her smile at him. "You really think so? Everytime I think about it, I want to throw up." Katara sat up and inched closer to him so she was practically on his lap, "I really think so. I know you're a good person, otherwise, you wouldn't feel this bad. You're amazing, Aang."
Aang placed his hand behind Katara's head and pulled her into a passionate kiss. After a few moments, he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. At the sound of hearing his own heart beat inside his chest, he felt the words spilling out of him without much time to overthink. "Katara, I love you," he stated in a whisper. She gasped and kissed him deeply before straddling his lap and throwing her hands around his neck, "I love you, too, Aang." His heart skipped a beat at the sound of these simple five words. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her in close, whispering in her ear, "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me." Katara smiled as she rested her chin on his shoulder, allowing her eyes to fill with tears. They stilled in these quiet minutes together, breathing as one.
Two weeks had flown by, and Sokka was not the only one of Aang and Katara's friends that became sick of the constant kisses and "I Love You's". The sickenly cute couple decided to pull back on public displays of affection when Suki, the ever present romantic, became annoyed. The twins' birthday fell on a monday, which was perfect for Aang because he could join their family for dinner on their actual birthday, but do something very romantic on the weekend for Katara. Aang was wrapping their gifts and putting on nice clothes that would hide any sweat. Cotton, orange button down dress shirt and brown pants. His nerves had only been this bad on his first date with Katara, but they had returned for the bigger family dinner. He had only met Hakoda a handful of times, and even though her father seemed nice, he still wanted to make a good impression. Aang did worry about being accepted by her family. While Suki was not Water Tribe, her culture was more similar to Water Tribe than to Air Nomad. Aang was relieved that Pakku and Gran Gran would be there, as they had known Aang for over a year.
Entering the Nauyak home, Aang relaxed at the warm, vibrant energy in the air, despite it being the dead of winter. Pakku and Suki were playing Pai Sho in the living room while Katara was trying to help Gran Gran cook in the kitchen, but was being denied and pushed out to the living room. Aang found himself sitting on the couch talking with Katara and Sokka. Hakoda walked in from upstairs, smiling at the three of them on the couch. Gran Gran corralled everyone into the dining room, where the sounds of happy silence could be found as everyone ate hungrily. Aang snuck Katara his sea prunes, but happily ate seaweed salad and seasoned vegetables. The couple smiled at each other through bites of their food, making their blushes apparent to everyone at the table.
Hakoda brought everyone's attention to himself as he cleared his throat, "So, Aang, I understand that marriage and commitment aren't practiced amongst Air Nomads. Is that still the case?" Aang nearly choked on his food and Katara patted him on his back. After swallowing his food, his face reddened quickly. "Um, yes, Mr. Nauyak. But, it's not frowned upon, my parents were married and committed to each other." While Aang smiled weakly, Katara glared at her father at what he was doing to her boyfriend. "Dad, why don't you say what you're really wondering?" Aang gave a confused look at Katara and then to her dad. Sokka groaned, rolling his eyes, "Ughhh, really Aang. For being the most powerful person in the world, you can be dense sometimes." Hakoda chuckled, "I guess what I'm wondering is, what are your thoughts on it? Pakku tells me that you were planning to be a monk before finding out you were the Avatar. What changed?" Aang was glad he wore super absorbent clothes at this moment. "Uh, well, the Avatar can never reach enlightenment because of the whole attachment to the world thing, so I would never be a monk now. Also, I don't know if it would suit me, not anymore." Hakoda raised an eyebrow at this, "Go on." Aang focused on Hakoda and not the increasing wetness forming in his armpits, "Well, to be honest, I feel very attached to your daughter. I don't see how I could live without her." Hakoda smiled, "Glad to hear it, son." Suki sighed deeply, "Awwww, that's so cute!" Sokka shifted uncomfortably, looking between his best friend and his sister. Katara was left speechless as she pulled Aang in for a hug. "I love you so much, Aang," she whispered into his ear. The rest of the evening went by smoothly for Aang, even eliciting a hug from Sokka. Katara tried and failed to not cry at the bracelet he gave her. Everyone but Sokka fussed over the bracelet and how expensive it looked.
Over the next few days, Aang and Katara's bond to each other deepened. Toph remarked how much calmer they seemed around each other, telling them candidly, "Finally, those fast heart beats were annoying as shit!" While they felt more comfortable with each other, Sokka grew more and more uncomfortable with the couple. Aang noticed Sokka avoided him at lunch and during most of the school day. As soon as the final bell rang, Aang airbended himself from his classroom in a gust of wind to right outside of Sokka's final class. He jumped in front of his friend as he exited the classroom, "Hey, Sokka!"
Sokka jumped and flailed his arms indistinctly, "Aaaghhh! Don't do that airbender sneaking up thing anymore, gonna give me a heart attack!" Aang smiled, "Sorry, Sokka. I just wanted to catch you before you left. I feel like I haven't seen you in a couple of days. Everything alright?" Sokka's face remained flat as they walked down the hall, "Yup." Aang's brow furrowed, "Sokka, come on. Did you hate your present I got you? The guy said-" Sokka interrupted his rambling, "Okay, okay! Spirits, you can be annoying!" He stopped walking and looked at Aang intensely, "I've been feeling kind of weird since our birthday dinner. All that "I can't live without Katara" stuff, I don't know how to feel. She's never been interested in guys so I didn't have to worry about it. But now, it seems like you're getting pretty serious. You're the Avatar and you're gonna be in dangerous situations a lot, probably. I just don't want you to hurt her."
Aang's face fell because of what Sokka was saying to him. He never considered what life would look like with Katara after high school, let alone if she would be okay leading a life filled with duties and obligations. He pushed these thoughts away to be acknowledged another time. "Sokka, I don't know what my life as the Avatar will look like, and I don't know what Katara wants yet, but I do know that I love her. I would never let anything bad happen to her and I would never hurt her. You know that, right?" Sokka's face softened as he let out a sigh, "I know you wouldn't. I guess it just finally hit me that I might not always be there. It's scary that I have to trust someone else to help her if she needs it. But, I do trust you, Aang. Sorry for freaking out." Aang opened his arms for a hug and was surprised by Sokka playfully grinding his knuckles into Aang's head. "Remember, I'm too young to be an Uncle!" he laughed.
Saturday had arrived, and Katara was so excited for her surprise date with Aang. She remembered him telling her to dress casually for the outdoors so she wore black yoga pants and a flowy white top with an exposed back. She laughed at herself being all ready to go an hour before Aang said he would pick her up. Luckily Toph called her to pass the time.
"So, do you think Twinkle Toes is ready to pop your cherry?"
"Toph! You're so gross," Katara laughed, "But yes, I think so. We love each other and we've gotten so close so many times."
"Really? So what's the problem, does his soldier not stand at attention?"
Katara blushed, "You're so bad, Toph! No, everything works in that department. He's pretty confident with everything else we do, but he has never tried to make that happen. I never pushed it because I know he was going through stuff, but I hope it happens tonight. I think we're ready."
Toph's voice became stern, "Listen, Sweetness, even though he's the Avatar, he's still an airbender. Avoid and evade, remember? Also, he's almost as sweet as you. If you want it, you have to take it! Be direct."
Katara laughed, "Whoah, okay, I don't know about 'taking' anything but I like being direct," her phone beeped into her ear, "Listen, Toph, Aang just texted me that he's on his way. I'll let you know how it goes later!"
Toph cackled, "Tell him I said congrats on getting laid!"
Katara blushed and tried to remain calm as she said goodbye to Toph. She fanned her face with her hands to help get rid of the redness of her face. When she got in Aang's car, she thought she would start things off by passionately kissing him and slipping her tongue in his mouth. He returned her fervor equally and pulled away only when the need for air became too great. "Wow, um, I should take you on surprise dates more often," he grinned. Katara smirked at seeing Aang adjust his pants before he began to drive.
After 45 minutes, Aang drove up a long, narrow road wedged in between lush, green hills. When he finally parked, Katara's breath was nearly taken away. She felt her blood surge through her body at the sight and sound of the biggest waterfall she had ever seen. "Aang...this is...amazing!" Aang kissed her, "I'm glad you like it. I have to get something out of the trunk." She followed him to the back of the car where Aang pulled out a picnic basket and blankets. They walked until they reached a spot on the grass that was sunny to keep them somewhat warm in the winter air. Although this winter was nothing compared to the South Pole, Katara still noticed a chill during this season.
After Katara had her fill of her favorite foods, seal jerky, sea prunes, and moon peaches, they chose to go on a hike to get close to the waterfall. Katara felt invigorated and alive being near this wonder. The roaring splashes of the water soothed her like almost nothing else could. She knelt down at the bottom of the fall, glowing from the new energy she felt in her body. Aang made the mistake of turning his back to her when they were at the waterfall, as she sent a wave of water crashing onto him. She laughed and tried to run but was caught by his water whip. "Hey, nice job using my own moves against me!" Aang smiled and let go to bow, "You taught me well, Sifu Katara."
They used their waterbending to remove the water from their clothes and continued back along the trail. As the sun began to set, Aang pulled Katara's wrist to lay on their blanket and watch the skyline turn shades of red and orange. She kissed him softly on his lips, loving the way he tasted. Aang deepened the kiss as he ran his fingers through the back of her hair. Katara took a chance and began to rub Aang's member through his shorts. The moan at the back of his throat encouraged her to go faster. She was interrupted by him stopping her hand and breaking the kiss, "You know we're in public, right?" Katara rolled her eyes, "Duh, but there's no one here. If it makes you feel better, can't you just earthbend a tent?" She chuckled at the look on Aang's face which said "why didn't I think of that?"
Aang stomped the ground and a triangle tent sprung up from the earth. They moved their blankets inside the tent where they continued their passionate displays. Hot, breathy kisses on Katara's neck made her moan as she straddled his lap. They pulled apart only to strip down to their underwear. Aang unclipped Katara's bra and he laid her down on her back. He hovered on top of her and sucked her nipple while his fingers massaged the other nipple. Katara felt the burning in her stomach and she whimpered with pleasure. She wanted him now. Aang stopped and lifted his head up, causing Katara to whine. Aang smirked at first but became serious, "Katara, I want you to tell me what you want." Katara stammered for a moment and looked into Aang's piercing, grey eyes, "I want you." Aang remained serious, "I want to hear you say what you need." Katara bit her lip, mustering the courage to say it. Finally she exhaled and locked eyes with Aang, "I want you inside me."
That phrase unlocked something in Aang's brain like he was on autopilot. He grabbed her underwear and flew it across the tent in one fell swoop. Aang lifted her legs to bring her closer to him as he stuck his tongue into her hot, wet heat. He had done this a few times before, but never with such urgency. He flicked his tongue fast along the bundle of nerves near the top of her folds. The writhing and tensing of Katara's muscles propelled him to lick faster, as he knew she was close. He held her upper thighs as she raised her hips against his mouth and she became slick with wetness. She shuddered into his mouth as he licked her jewel up and down.
After Katara returned to calm, she was ready to make Aang feel good. She raised his shoulders up until he was standing on his knees. He pulled his underwear down over her erection and threw them on the ground. All he felt next was her warm mouth enveloping his member. He looked down but the sight of her bobbing up and down the length of him nearly ended it right there. He closed his eyes but her fast pace made him pull away, "Uhh, I almost…" Katara nodded in understanding and laid on her back as she opened her legs. "Wait, I don't have any condoms." Katara reached up to pull Aang on top of her, "I'm on birth control, we're good." Aang felt himself go on autopilot for the second time that day.
He lifted himself on his elbows as he began slowly entering her. He saw her face contort as she gasped. "Are you okay?" She nodded quickly, "Yeah, just go slow for a bit." Aang nodded and slowly thrusted in and out. His body was telling him to go faster but he needed to make sure Katara was okay. After several minutes, Katara started rocking with him at a faster pace. Aang picked up on the cue and began to move faster. She lifted her legs up, allowing him to go deeper. "Oh, Aang," she mewed. Aang thrusted deeper and faster, peppering hot kisses along Katara's neck. "Oh, Katara, you feel so good," he groaned. After a few minutes, Katara moaned loudly as she tightened around Aang's member. He tried to hold back but the sound of her plus the tightness became too great, and he spilled his seed inside of her. He panted as he fell on top of her, kissing her passionately. The next moment, he rolled over onto his back, continuing to loudly gasp for air. He turned his head to look at her. She looked happy and exhausted all at the same time. "Wow," Katara sighed. "Yeah, wow...who knew I was that good?", Aang smirked. Katara lightly slapped Aang on the shoulder, "Don't get cocky now! I want my simple monk." Aang leaned over and muttered in between kisses on her neck, "Oh, I think he's long gone."
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the fluff! Next chapter brings more action to the gang. Please lead a review with what you think!