Crossroads

AN: I know that it's a short chapter, but I needed it to add it as a filler. I promise to explain more in the next few chapters.

Katara and Haru

The day culminated with the same monotony as the previous ones. It had been drizzling most of the day and the gang was tired of walking. Aang and Katara had teamed up to bend the water away from their friends, but the task had been arduous and tiring. They were exhausted. Thankfully, Haru spotted an empty house and they voted on spending the night there.

"This will do for the night," Zuko said, as he opened the front door with a loud creak.

"I'm tired," Sokka yawned. "I don't care where I sleep as long as I'm dry,"

Suki nodded. "So true."

They threw their bags on the floor and spread around, inspecting the abandoned abode. Katara smiled to herself when she spotted the kitchen. Whoever lived there left pots and pans that she could use to make dinner. She rummaged through the cabinets and spotted candles, plates and towels that they could use too.

"I wonder who lived here?" she asked herself, as she got on the tips of her toes to reach for a pot that was high on the shelves.

"I don't know," Haru replied when he entered the kitchen and stood behind her, and easily reached for the pot and handed it to her. Their hands touched, causing Katara to gasp when she felt the electrical impulses that his touch left on her.

"Thank you," she said, a hint of blush covered her cheeks.

"You are welcome," he smiled wearily.

He observed as she placed the large pot on the counter and walked around the kitchen searching for something.

"I don't think that bending the air for moisture will be enough to cook for seven people," she said exhausted.

Haru walked over to her and stood facing her. She held her breath. He was tall, as he loomed over her. Those bright greenish eyes observed her movements. The corner of his lips curved upward as he gently caressed her chin with the back of hand.

"There's a well in the backyard." He said in a low, husky voice as he gingerly tucked stray hairs behind her ear. "Will that be enough, Katara?"

Katara couldn't move. She opened her mouth to articulate words, but wasn't able to reply. His proximity was too overpowering for her. She tried to look away, but he tilted her chin so that her eyes focus only on him. He moved closer, the smile on his lips spreading, becoming wider, until he was mere inches from her face.

"Haru," she finally said, "I don't think we should. It's not right. Someone can interrupt us,"

"Katara," he whispered, as he leaned in, "why isn't this right? You like me. I find you utterly irresistible. Tell me, why isn't this right?"

He was a breath's space from her. She didn't response to his question, but just let herself feel the warmth that came from his body. He slid his hand to her waist, surprising her. They stare in to each other's eyes. Inadvertently, she licked her plump lips, stirring raw emotions within Haru, causing him to dip his head, until his lips were pressed on hers.

Her skin prickled with the immense heat of his body, surging down her spine like shockwaves of electricity. Her body was reacting to his overwhelming power; priming itself to his demands. His other large hand rested on the small of her back, as he gently; very carefully brought her to him. The sensation of his kiss was like a powerful wave. She'd never felt such intensity when kissing Aang. Guilt began to eat at her soul. She felt responsible for causing Aang so much pain.

"I can't do this," she mumbled against his lips, as she fought to pull away from his embrace.

Haru secured her in his arms. She wasn't getting away. He wasn't thinking clearly. He knew that this wasn't right. Well, it was right – just not the right time or place. Someone could easily walk in on them. He didn't want to make Katara uncomfortable or ruin her reputation, but the need for her was stronger than his will.

"Katara," he said breathlessly, pulling away from her. He cupped her small, heart-shaped face in his large palms and kissed her softly on the nose. She inhaled, breathing in his scent. It was masculine, earthy, and so Haru. "Meet me tonight after everyone's gone to sleep."

"Where?"

"Outside the house," he said quickly. "We can find a spot together where we can talk. I want to spend time with you." He smiled.

She blushed and nodded. "Okay. I'll meet you after everyone's gone to bed." She said boldly. Her heart was beating so fast, that she was afraid that it might jump out of her chest.

He leaned in, kissing her once more, only this time, the kiss was gentler, more magical, and sweet. Her eyes were closed when he finished their kiss. He smiled down at her. Katara looked beautiful with her red-kissed lips and the blush that decorated her gorgeous face. His hands fell to his sides and he spun around, urging himself to walk away from her. He didn't want to stop kissing her. She was like ambrosia from the gods. He didn't look back; afraid that he wouldn't be able to leave her if he tried. He finally mustered the strength to leave.

She watched as he marched out of the kitchen. Her heart plummeted in her chest. She wanted to taste his lips once more. Katara was still in a kiss-induced fantasy. Her heart was still beating hectically. She wasn't aware that someone entered the kitchen. Her hands flew to her lips and she sighed. She twirled around, biting her lips as the anticipation to be alone with Haru grew.

"Haru! Haru! Haru!" she said contently, as she spun merrily, but bumped onto someone or something.

"Aang!" she hissed startled.

Aang, the Avatar, was leaning against the old yellow painted wall, his arms crossed over his chest. A scowl graced his forehead. "Are you all right?" he asked dryly.

"Oh, yeah. You just startled me," she said placing her hands on her chest and drew a deep breath. "Aang, I wasn't aware that you were there." She said, forcing a smile.

"I've been here," he shrugged. "You were too busy to notice my presence."

"H-how l-long?" Katara stuttered nervously.

"Long enough to see your... to see your face," his voice trailed off, and ran a hand over his face. "You know, Katara,"

"What Aang?" she gulped uncomfortably.

"You never looked at me like that."

"Excuse me?"

He rolled his eyes. "You never blushed that way," he said, pointing at her face. "You never showed such emotions after I kissed you. Why is that? Tell me!" he said raising his voice. "Was I not good enough for you?" Aang said sadly.

"Aang," she said dejectedly. "Our love... our time together... it was different," she said, trying to explain. "We were young. We-"

He raised his hand and interrupted her. "Save it!" he said curtly.

And with that, Aang left the kitchen. His head hung low, like a child that had been punished or reprimanded. Katara's chest ached. She wanted to explain, but she didn't even understand why she felt such passion for Haru.

She stared down the hallway, her moistened eyes held back the tears that threatened to fall. She was about to go after Aang, to explain to him what she couldn't even understand herself. But thankful, Suki entered the kitchen and offered to help her with dinner. She accepted her friend's help and quickly jumped to the task. An hour later, they were sitting in a make-shift table; eating the succulent food Suki and Katara had cooked for them.

The awkward silence that loomed over the table was exasperating. Zuko didn't know what to talk about, so he was grateful when Toph finally spoke up.

"I'm tired of walking so much," she said bluntly. "If we are going to catch up with those that took my son... We need something faster."

"Good idea. I'm also tired of walking," Sokka chimed in, as he put a forkful in his mouth and spoke with his mouth full of food, "We should buy ostrich-horses. They are cheap,"

"That's a brilliant idea, Sokka," Haru smiled, winking at Katara. She blushed, but continued eating her food.

"I have enough money to buy five ostrich-horses. They are great to travel on. They barely get fatigued easily..." Zuko went on; making suggestions and planning the rest of their journey.

They all contributed in their plan-making as they finished their food. When they were done, everyone helped out to clear the table and clean the kitchen. Katara was exhausted, but thankful that they were safe from the rain. There were a few leaks around the house, but not enough to cause any major problem for them.

She took a quick bath in the bathroom, changed clothes, and prepared her cot to go to bed. She couldn't sleep. The kiss still burned in her memories. Absentmindedly, Katara touched her lips, as she recalled the fire that burned within her as Haru kissed her. She felt ashamed for feeling this way, but she couldn't help it. Somehow, Haru had gotten underneath her skin and stolen her heart. He made her feel emotions that Aang never ignited. Guilt slowly sunk in. Katara sat on her cot, looking around. Her friends' cots were spread throughout the house. Haru's was a few feet away from hers. Aang's was also next to her. He was already sleeping, or pretending to be asleep.

Katara forced herself to stop feeling pity towards the Avatar. She would deal with him later. She looked around; her curious eyes fell on Zuko and Toph. They talked in low voices, as the Fire Lord gently caressed Toph's forearm and she listened attentively. Suddenly, she remembered why they were there. This wasn't the moment for her to lose sight of what was important. Rae had been kidnapped and they needed to find him.

"Hey," Haru said interrupting her thoughts, as he dragged his folding bed closer to hers.

"What are you doing?" she whispered, shaking her head. "It's inappropriate,"

"What do you think I'm doing? There's nothing inappropriate to want to sleep next to you..." he smiled mischievously. "You don't want me to be next to you?"

"It's not that," she said, pointing at Zuko and Katara with her finger.

"What about them?"

"I was thinking about how happy I am with you and then, I remembered that they're suffering. We need to find their son."

"You are happy?" he asked.

"Yes," she said in a low voice. "I'm happy."

"I hope that I have something to do with your happiness,"

"Perhaps," she said, smiling playfully.

"I see," he said, moving from his cot and flopped on hers.

"Haru!" she said surprised. "People can see us!"

"I know and so what?" he shrugged. "We aren't doing anything wrong. We are talking."

"I know, but," she said, her eyes falling on Aang's sleeping form. "I don't want to be blunt about-"

"I understand," he said, as he gently played with her dark hair. "I'll move back to my bed."

Haru stood up and marched back to his folding bed. He sat down and pulled the covers and laid back. His arms were under his head as he stared at the ceiling. Katara watched him carefully as she lay on her cot, but turned to face him.

"Haru?"

"Hmm?"

"Before," she paused and licked her lips. Haru turned his head to her and watched carefully. "Before you and I met, did you-"

"Did I like you?"

"Yes," He raised his hand and reached for her.

"I liked you very much, but I knew that you were interested in Aang." he said softly. "Then after we met again, you were with him. There was never anytime to tell you how I felt. That's why... Azula and I,"

"Yeah, I know," she said gloomily. "Do you miss her?"

"Azula? No, why do you ask?" he arched an eyebrow. "Are you jealous, Katara?"

"No," Katara sighed, as she glanced at him. "Haru, don't you miss your son?"

"All the time, Katara," he said dejectedly. "I miss him every day."

"It must be sad to be so far away from him, right?"

"It hurts a lot," he said, as he traced lazy circles on the back of her hand with his thumb. "But you learn to live with it. That's why I stayed at the Fire Nation. I wanted to be closer to him. Zuko and I became better acquainted after Kion was born. He offered me a job as his assistant. It was perfect. I got to see my son everyday, but then..."

"I know what happens after... It must be hard for Zuko and Toph,"

"What is?"

"To lose their son..."

Haru nodded. "I don't want to imagine how I would feel if my son was kidnapped." He confessed. "Zuko - he must be growing mad. I know he blames himself for the Rae's kidnapping."

"Zuko blames himself for everything," Katara said tenderly. "First, his loses his mother,"

"Then, he loses Mai and their-"

"Hush," Katara said, snatching her hand away and sat up. Suddenly, she is hovering over him, covering his mouth. She glared in to his eyes and shook her head. "She doesn't know. Toph doesn't know, Haru."

"Know what?" he asked, after she removed her hand from his mouth.

"She doesn't know about... Mai and..." she trailed off. "You must not say anything about it... She doesn't know a-about what happened two years ago. Zuko hasn't told her."

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said, aware that Toph was facing their direction. "Do you think she heard us?"

"I don't know. I pray that she didn't..." Katara shrugged, hoping with all her might that the earthbender didn't hear their conversation.