A/N: Chapter 5 ... This is NOT rated M! It's just sexy. ;)

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of the characters within it.

--

Torture

I was completely out of chores to do much too soon. I found myself just laying on the ground in the clothes I wear when I bathe or swim, basking in the sun. It was warm, and luckily helped clear my mind of thoughts. Every once in awhile my brain produced a random conversation with myself, usually not making much sense, but amusing nonetheless.

I listened to birds and animals that were scurrying around the forest, the subtle, calming sounds of being alone. I flickered in and out of consciousness, not quite asleep, but not quite awake all the while.

"Katara?"

I jumped hearing the familiar voice, and after thrusting my elbow onto the thick, dirt-caked ground, I winced and grasped at it.

"Oh, are you okay?" Aang said, falling to his knees and putting his hands out as if to help in a way unknown to even him. "I-I'm sorry!"

"I'm fine... Where have you been?!" I threw my arms around his neck, even though my elbow throbbed because of it, but I paid it no mind. Aang lost his balance and fell forward, almost falling on top of me, but used airbending to push himself back into a standing position.

Damn him. Can't just let accidents happen, can he?

"Sorry," he said after dusting his tunic off.

I leaned back again, laying down, and put my hands behind my head.

"For what?"

"Almost crushing you."

I laughed sarcastically, and he chimed in; a different laugh... an awkward one.

"So. Where have you been?" I pressed.

"Oh, uh... out."

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Doing...?"

He laughed again, this time in a desperate manner.

"The usual... stuff..."

Okay. He was keeping stuff from me. Just like everyone else! Was this 'Torture Katara' day, or something?

"Aang..." My voice was pleading, and I gave him my best melancholy eyes.

"Katara..." he mumbled in return; an alluring voice I found quite... sexy.

I sighed at myself.

For one reason or another I had allowed my brain free reign again. Everytime I thought, said or did something, my common sense was always fifty paces behind. There it would be, my common sense, scolding me, but much, much too late.

It must run in the family.

"Aang, will you please just tell me?"

"Katara..." he repeated; my name from his lips being music to my ears. "It's already really hard not to tell you. You don't need to beg me... I can't take it!"

Ahh... so begging him was the way to get what I wanted? I could do that... but what about... something more? Let's just test the waters here...

"Aang," I said, sitting up again, "Can I have a hug?"

"Um.. Sh-sure?..." he said nervously.

Oh, this could be fun.

He pulled at my arms and brought me to be standing next to him. Then, he put his arms out and hesitantly pulled me into a hug. I gracefully returned it and rested my head on his shoulder.

He tried to pull away again, but I tugged him back, telling him I didn't want to let go.

When he was caught off guard, I turned my lips to his ear and tried again.

"Aang, will you please tell me what's going on?" I whispered in a voice I hoped was seductive.

I could practically feel the chill go up his spine and I smirked knowing I could do this to him.

I moved one of my hands to the back of his neck and began to walk across it lightly with my fingers. This caused him to inhale sharply.

"N-no," he said, stuttering, but sternly.

"Please?" I taunted, my lips delicately skimming the soft skin of his earlobe.

He exhaled in a deep, pleading breath.

"Katara, please let go. I promised myself I wouldn't tell you yet."

He pulled away from me, and since he didn't give in, I suppose I don't get a point. Then again... I was completely in control, so I guess that counts for something. I'll give it to me anyway.

Even though I didn't get the information I wanted, I did learn something. And that something, my new secret weapon of torture, will surely come in handy.