Aang and Katara sat on the edge of the cave, quietly staring in the water. It had been four days since their flight from Ba-sing-se. Aang was just now able to sit up his own. Katara placed her hand on his as the two continued to stare in silence.

The cave they were hiding in was an old retirement place for the kings of the Earth nation. Kings would retire to the quiet cave with two of his most trusted servants when the time came for him to step off the throne. Only the kings knew of this cave, and so it became the hiding spot. The place to the Avatar to return to health and to decide what to do next.

Momo curled up lazily next to Aang. The noontime sun was not hot enough to keep Aang and Katara warm, so they sat closely together. Sokka, Toph, and the Earth King were with Appa, shopping for new garments since Aang's and Katara's were beyond repair. Aang, still too weak to travel, was watched over by Katara, who had volunteered to stay behind for the day.

"We should probably try to get you exercising soon," Katara said to break the long silence. "You know, get you standing up, maybe some swimming will help." She referred to the small lake at the mouth of the cave. Aang nodded bleakly. He closed his eyes. Katara sighed.

"You know. Ever since…that night…you have been really distant. And I know, I know, you don't want to talk about it, but Aang, you cant close yourself off forever," she said, trying to make him understand..

Aang opened his eyes. It was true. Ever since he gave up Katara to go into his avatar state, Aang had regretted it. He felt so distant from the Katara he once loved. He swallowed dryly, hating himself.

Katara noticed this and tried to make him feel better by holding him closer. Aang head fell lightly on her chest, where she held his head. Aang looked up at her and smiled. At least he still thought she was beautiful. "Aang. You know I'll never leave you. Please, don't be like this."

Aang closed his eyes, listening to Katara's heartbeat. He wanted to love her, but sometimes he had to do what was best for the world. If only there was a way to do both, be able to keep his Avatar state in control, and love Katara. He sighed softly, eyes still closed.

Something peculiar was happening to Katara in the meantime. As she looked down at his resting head, her heart skipped a beat. Ever slightly, but enough for her to notice. It was awful being so distant from Aang. She wanted him back. Anything to get him back. To have him be the strong avatar that she loved. Loved.

Aang felt like he was being watched. He didn't want Katara to worry. He opened his eyes, but was immediately shocked when he saw Katara's face inches from his. She looked at him and closed the gap between them.

They kissed.

(No worries to non-Kataang fans! There will be many shipping changes and flips before the Fic is over!! Hold on tight!)