Author's Note: Nothing really to say except enjoy...
Chapter 4: Party Time
Outside the house, Sokka is sitting on the front porch with a million thoughts running through his head. He then hears the front door opening and turns to see Suki sitting next to him.
"Hey you. Why are you sitting out here all by yourself?" She asked.
"Eh…I just thought I'd come out here, wait for everyone else and think about some stuff." He replied.
"Sokka, why is Katara's secret so important for you?"
"What? I wasn't thinking that at all." He quickly replied.
"Oh really? Then what were you thinking about that you had to be out here by yourself for?" She sarcastically asked.
He pauses. "Uhhh…well, since we're coming up on our half year, I was thinking of taking you out to this nice restaurant I heard about in the city. It's really nice! You'll love it!" He replied with a big grin on his face.
"Uh huh. Look Sokka, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you and Katara aren't very good liars." She places her hand over his and places her other hand on his cheek. "I don't want you to be afraid to tell me things. I'm here for you whenever you need someone to talk to. You can trust me." She then kisses him. "Why are you letting this get to you?"
He lowers his and takes a deep breath. "It's just that…Katara and I have been through everything together. Since our dad left when we were kids, we've been inseparable. We've always been there for one another, helping each other out with anything. And now, we've been separate and less dependent on each other. I feel like I can't be there for her when she needs help."
She smiles and wraps his arm around her waist. "And that's what makes you a loyal brother. But you have to realize that Katara's growing up, living her own life. Being as happy as she can be, and from what I see, she couldn't be any happier."
"Thanks to Aang." Sokka replied smiling. "All he ever does and wants to do is make her happy."
"He truly loves her, Sokka."
"Yeah…he really does. I can't imagine those two being happy without each other. He'll always be there for her just as much as I want to always be there for you."
She smiles and gives him a passionate kiss. At that moment, the front door opens to reveal Toph.
"Great, more lovey doveyness. And I thought Aang and Katara were bad."
"Hey Toph." Suki replied. "Where are Aang and Katara?"
"Inside, still getting ready. But from what I can feel, they're just standing around talking, just wasting time, while we all sit out here waiting for them."
Sokka lets out a chuckle.
"What's funny?" Toph asked.
"Oh, nothing." Sokka replied. "Just wondering how long Katara's gonna keep us waiting this time around."
"Uhh…what?"
"It's a long story." Suki added. "I'll tell you about it later."
"Here they come now." Toph points at the door.
The door opens with Aang and Katara ready to go.
"Hey guys, ready to go?" Aang asked.
"We've been ready twinkle toes. Zuko and Mai already left to go see if Iroh needed any help."
"Well then, let's meet up with them." Katara added.
The gang then climbs aboard Appa. As Aang was about to jump on his bison's head, Sokka quickly places his hand on his shoulders. "Wait Aang, do you have a minute? I want to talk to you about something."
"Sure Sokka. Aang replied. The two walk a few steps away from the others. "Is everything ok?" He asked.
"Oh yeah, everything's fine." Sokka replied. "There's something I have to talk to you about."
"What is it?"
"When my dad left our tribe to fight in the war, I made a promise to him to keep an eye on Katara and protect her. Ever since then, I've done whatever I could to be there for her."
"And trust me Sokka, you're doing an awesome job." Aang added.
"Thanks. And it's because of that, Katara's secret is getting to me the way it is. I don't like being kept in the dark of what's going on with her life. But I realize, even though I'll always be there for her, we're both living our own lives. And we have someone there with us to be there when we need it. I have Suki, and Katara has you. And I know you're always gonna be there to protect her."
"Of course, Sokka. I'd do anything for her."
"What are you two doing?" Katara yelled.
"We don't wanna be late." Suki added.
Yeah, yeah, we're coming." Sokka replied. "The point I'm trying to get here is I want you to promise me that you'll always be there for Katara to take care of and protect her. Katara is strong, but she's just as vulnerable with her emotions. She'll need you."
Aang smiles. "Don't worry Sokka. I promise to always be there for her. She has me anytime, anywhere."
Sokka then threw his arm around Aang's shoulders as they walk back to Appa. Aang leaps himself on top of Appa's head as Sokka walks up his tail and sits in the saddle. "Yip! Yip!" Aang yelled and Appa took off.
"What were you two talking about, Sokka?" Katara asked.
"Oh, just a little assurance that's all." Sokka replied.
"So, tell me more about this restaurant you planning on taking me." Suki added leaving Sokka silent.
After a few minutes, Appa lands in front of the Jasmine Dragon. Outside, there are large groups of people standing around, drinking tea, and enjoying themselves. As the gang start to get off Appa, and round of applause and cheering begins to take form.
"Ah! That's a sound I can never get tired of hearing." Toph said. " There is no way I can ever get tired of the hero worship."
"Ain't it the truth?" Sokka added.
As they enter the tea shop, they observe the decorations of different curtains with each nation insignia hanging on the walls.
"Hello everyone!" Iroh yelled as he walked towards the gang. "I am glad you were able to come tonight."
"Of course, Iroh." Aang replied.
"We wouldn't have missed it for the world." Katara added.
"I'm glad. It really means a lot. Zuko and Mai are waiting for us at the table. Follow me."
Iroh then leads them to their table. Zuko and Mai are sitting down enjoying their cup of tea. They each take a seat.
"Now, who wants some tea?" Iroh asked. They all raise their hands. "Coming right up." He then heads towards the counter.
"I told him he shouldn't have to run all over the place playing host and enjoy himself, but he insisted of making sure everything was going smoothly." Zuko said.
"It's ok Zuko." Aang replied. "He'll sit and relax with us in a little bit."
"Yeah I know, but I still worry. I feel like he works himself too hard."
"Come on Zuko, he's doing what makes him happy." Mai added. "And I'm sure he doesn't want you to be worrying about him and enjoy yourself."
Zuko then turns towards the counter to see Iroh walking towards the table with a tray of tea and a big smile on his face. Zuko then smiles "He really does look happy doesn't he?"
"Here we are." Iroh then places the tray on the table and serves cups of tea to everyone.
"So Uncle, the party's been going on for a while. Where are your friends you mentioned?"
"They actually arrived just a short while ago, right before you did. They've been getting ready."
"So, who are they?" Suki asked.
A hand then lands on Iroh's shoulder. "General Iroh." Iroh turns around to reveal Colonel Mongke standing behind him. "We're almost set to go on."
"Zuko, you remember Colonel Mongke of the Rough Rhinos?" Iroh asked.
"Yes I do!" Zuko replied standing from his seat,
"He's the leader of that Fire Nation Squad that attacked the town ofChin." Katara added as she, Aang and Sokka stood from their seats as well.
"Yeah, and they stole Boomerang!" Sokka stated. Aang and Katara turn to Sokka with a confused and annoyed look on their faces. "And they DID attack us."
"Yes, they're the old friends of mine and are my guests for this evening." Iroh replied. "I asked them to perform for the party. When they didn't claim villages, they're a very capable singing group."
"And since the war is over, we decided to go back to what we love to do, express ourselves through song." Mongke explained. "Singing comes from the heart. It's one of the purest ways to express your true feelings."
"Well said my friend." Iroh replied. "Now you guys go and finish what you need to do so you can go on stage and have fun." Mongke left towards the stage.
The gang stood in silence and confusion.
"That was nice." Suki stated.
"That came from the guy who was attacking and destroying villages." Aang stated in complete disbelief.
"He reminds me of Chong." Sokka added.
Katara sat back in her seat thinking about what Mongke said about singing. Her attention turned to Aang sitting back in his seat. And as she stared at him, she smiles.
"Katara, wake up!" Sokka yelled.
"What?" Katara replied snapping back to reality. "What you say?"
"I asked if Mongke reminded you of Chong too."
"Oh yeah, I can see that. It's weird." She replied.
"Yeah…it is."
"So, are any of you kids going to sign up for the talent show?" Iroh asked taking a seat. "I put up a sign up parchment near the stage."
"Oh no." Sokka replied. "The last time I went on stage in front of large group of people, I was a nervous wreck…"
"And had a complete breakdown which led to him telling everyone the "beginning" of our adventures." Toph added with a big smile on her face.
"Thanks Toph." Sokka replied sarcastically.
"Anytime, Sokka." She answered back punching him in the shoulder.
"Ow."
Aang and Katara let out a light giggle.
"That's perfectly fine Sokka." Iroh smiled. "It is very wise to admit your limits, but you must remember, pushing yourself more can help you overcome and go beyond you limitations."
"I did lead that same group of people to invade the Fire Nation on the day of the eclipse." Sokka proudly announced.
"Well, there you go. If you keep going like that, there are no limits to what you are capable of."
"Isn't it funny?" Aang whispered to Katara.
"Isn't what funny, Aang?" She replied.
"That no matter what type of situation there is, Iroh always knows what to say to make someone feel good about themselves." He added as they see Iroh throwing his arm around a confident Sokka.
Katara smiles. "Yeah. It shows how big of a heart he has. Come with me." She then grabs his hand and stand from their seats." We'll be right back." They left the table and head towards the stage.
"What's up, Katara?" He asked.
"I want you to be here with me as I sign up for the talent show." She replied. "I thought about what Mongke said, "Singing comes from the heart." And I feel like you were meant to find out about my singing. You're the biggest thing that I have in my heart, and you give me the strength to…overcome my limits." They both laugh. "And I want you to be there with me every step of the way."
Aang smiles and holds her hand. "And you don't have to worry Katara. I promise you, I'll always be there with you every step of the way."
She smiles and leans in and kisses him. She then turns to the signup parchment and signs her name.
Author's Note: It's funny when I reread these chapters, I really enjoy them as a fan. It makes happy how these characters affect one another. Enjoy Chapter 5!