These last two months had been rather hard on Katara.
Aang had been away for far too long, on his first long-distance business trip in the Fire Nation. Katara was worried for him, knowing how easily the young Avatar could be overwhelmed with all of the treaties and reconstruction…and paperwork. Because all that those world leaders saw him as was the almighty Avatar, not a thirteen-year-old kid.
At that thought, Katara narrowed her eyes.
Currently, she was sitting in the yard behind the Gaang's house, looking up into the sky as if she were expecting Aang to appear there. But all she could see were darkening storm clouds.
Hm, the city really could use some rain, she thought as a rumble of thunder was heard. She walked inside the house and closed the door slowly, almost hesitantly.
She sighed dejectedly and sat down on the sofa next to Suki, who was reading a scroll.
"You okay?" Suki asked, putting down the scroll and looking up at her friend.
Katara shrugged. "Eh, nothing. Just bored."
Suki smirked. "Missing Aang?"
"So much," Katara replied, sighing again. "I wish he were here. I've just felt so bored and…lost without him."
Suki nodded. "Yeah, I miss him, too. I feel so bad for the poor kid, him having to work so hard."
"I just hope he's okay," Katara remarked.
"Oh, I'm sure he's fine," Suki assured. "Hopefully he's on his way home."
"Maybe," Katara said, smiling optimistically.
Suki smiled back. "So…I'm curious," she said. "What's it like, you know, to be the Avatar's girlfriend?"
Katara thought for a moment. "Well, people recognize me a lot because of it…but as far as I'm concerned I'm just Aang's girlfriend. And…it's great. He's the most wonderful guy in the whole world."
Suki's smile grew. "What is it makes him so wonderful?"
Katara giggled. "Well…he's always been a really good friend. He's been there for me when I've needed him. And he's so sweet. He goes out of his way just to do something nice for me, he always wants to cuddle, and he tells me that he loves me at least ten times a day."
"Now I'm jealous. Sokka isn't that affectionate." Suki pretended to pout.
They both laughed.
"Aang's just…so amazing," Katara breathed. "I just want to hug him and never let go."
"Aww, you guys seem so happy together," Suki commented.
Katara nodded. "We are. I just wish he were here right now."
Of course it was raining.
Aang was flying over the city of Ba Sing Se, where it almost never rained. He sighed, reaching into his bag and pulling out his black cloak. He hated wearing the thing, but he didn't want to be sick. No, no, he knew he needed all his strength for what he knew would be a very excited greeting from his girlfriend.
Smiling at the thought, he also pulled from his bag the last letter she had sent him.
Dear Aang,
I've been feeling pretty lonely around here without you, now that Sokka has decided to go back into swordsman training. I know I have Suki and Toph, but Suki's been going with Sokka, and all Toph wants to do is spar. I really wish you were here. Even Momo misses you. Just yesterday, I saw him sleeping next to a picture of you.
I know you're probably busy, so I'll keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I miss you so much, Aang, and don't think I'm not worried sick about you. Don't work too hard; I know how overwhelmed you get sometimes. I love you!
Love, Katara
The raindrops dotted the letter with dark, damp spots, so Aang had to put it back before it got destroyed. Just as he was doing so, he gasped in excitement as his house came into view.
Of course Katara had been by the window for the last hour. There was nothing better to do since Toph and Suki went to Sokka's sword practice anyway. A hopeful smile was plastered on her face as she eagerly awaited Aang's return.
Finally, just as the rain began to come down in buckets, she saw a faint speck in the distant sky. She was overjoyed, knowing exactly what—or rather, whom—it was.
Sure enough, the door soon swung open, revealing the Avatar. He took off his cloak and smiled upon seeing his girlfriend sitting by the window.
Katara hugged him tightly. "Aang…I missed you…" her eyes drifted shut as she melted into the embrace.
"I know…" he breathed. "I missed you, too…"
Her eyes opened, and she pulled away from him. He gave her a puzzled look.
"Say something," she told him. Something seemed different about his voice.
"Something," he said, confused expression still on his face. His voice was still slightly high and childlike, but it had indeed gotten a bit lower.
Katara giggled. "Aang, your voice…it's changing."
"Oh…it-it is?" he stammered, blushing. "I-I haven't noticed."
She rubbed his shoulder affectionately. "I like it. It sounds nice…more grown up."
"Uh…thanks?" He wasn't exactly sure how to respond.
Her smile widened as she led him to the couch. "You've been away for so long," she said. "I've been kinda lonely lately."
"I'm sorry," he said earnestly. "I tried to tell them not to let me go, but they wouldn't listen to me."
"Who's they?" Katara asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Kuei, Zuko, Iroh, and Bumi," Aang replied. He shifted his weight.
"They always work you too hard," she told him. "I should speak with them."
"No, it's okay," he told her. "It wasn't that bad, I just…missed you. A lot."
She kissed his cheek. "Well, I'm glad you're finally home. Even if you do sound different."
"Me, too," he replied. He tightened his grip on her.
"I love you," she said, pressing her forehead to his and standing them up. Her breath tickled his lips.
His face reddened again at the sudden moment of intimacy. "I-I love you, too," he voice cracking on the word "too."
"I like how you still do that," she commented. "I think it's really cute."
Before he could reply, she closed the gap between his lips for their first kiss in two months.
Suddenly, the door burst open. And guess who happened to be standing in the doorway?
"Aw, guys, c'mon! Major oogies!"
The couple pulled apart. "Hello to you, too, Sokka," Aang muttered sarcastically.
Although he was a bit startled at Aang's apparent voice change, Sokka smirked. "Looks like someone's got his big boy voice. Don't think I can't still kick your butt, Airhead."
Yeah. Fat chance.
-Hey, everyone. This was a request from a long time ago. I apologize to the person who requested it for not putting it up sooner. My bad. Anyway, I don't own ATLA (almost forgot). Ciao!-
