A/N: (re-write: 6/30/07)

Book One – The Journey Begins

Chapter Four - What is This Feeling?

Sokka nervously gripped his stomach, hating the fact that he was getting airsick. Katara sat motionlessly staring out at the beautiful ocean. A teasing thought in the back of her mind gently grew, and in time, she became more and more worried about where Appa was. She remembered the last time they lost Appa; oh the pain and Aang went through…She didn't want to re-experience it.

Before she delved into her thoughts further, she slowly averted her gaze over to Aang, who was calmly standing next to her, staring at Sokka. Katara smiled and caught herself in some sort of trance, thinking about Aang; how wonderful he was…So carefree, brave, sweet and kind most of all. She liked him a lot, mostly because she had grown to know and love him. As a best friend…and possibly more.

Whoa wait a second… I don't love Aang, he's my best friend; it would be too weird. Oh… who am I kidding…? I'm only lying to myself when I say that… Katara thought.

In the past, she had grown quite a crush on Haru, and an even bigger one on Jet, until she learned he was a traitor. But, when it came to Aang, she knew he had always been there for her; he was there with her all the time, through thick and thin. He'd always been there for her, and she finally figured out that the 'perfect guy' she'd been secretly looking for, on this crazy journey of theirs, was right in front of her. Aang.

She smiled and caught herself leaning forward, closer to Aang. She then gently embraced him in a loving hug; Aang's eyes widened with somewhat surprise as he smiled returned the sweet gesture, somewhat curious as to what was going on; why she had all of the sudden decided to be in his oh so close presence.

"Thank you, Aang," Katara said softly, "-For saving me…"

"No problem," Aang said softly as he ever so gently, yet firmly, tightened his grip around the beautiful girl in his arms.

Mmm… I could just sit in his arms all day long…Wait…what? Why am I thinking these things? I must be sick or something-lovesick? Katara pondered as she gently nibbled her lip over Aang's shoulder. She then nervously pulled away from Aang, her heart rate accelerating. Though she regretted it; his hugs seemed so welcoming, so comforting, so full of love, it was hard for Katara to break loose.

What is this feeling? Katara thought as she could feel her face heat up. Her gentle gaze turned into a soft stare on the airbender before her.

Suddenly, Sokka moaned again as he stumbled towards the two. Katara quickly looked over to Sokka, somewhat glad that he broke the awkward silence between her and Aang. A gentle blush accented her cheeks as she thought a little further into the topic of her and Aang.

Katara was suddenly overjoyed to see Appa slowly walk up towards the three; he emerged from a few trees of the forest they were near. Katara beamed as her and Aang immediately ran over to him; as if on cue. The gently began to pat his large bison nose as they approached him; he groaned in recognition of his owners and familiar travelers.

"Hey buddy," Aang said ever so softly as he ran his gentle hand around Appa's nose. He suddenly, yet delicately ran his hand over something foreign of Appa's nose. He quickly looked over, only to see his hand ever so gently rested over Katara's hand. He could instantly feel his face get hot as both teens' eyes locked. Aang quickly pulled his hand away with a small, bashful chuckle. He then tugged on his collar somewhat.

"I-I'm sorry," Aang said with a small smile as his eyes quickly darted about.

"Oh…I-it's okay," Katara stuttered slightly with a small smile. She then quickly noticed Aang's cheeks turn a soft shade of pink. He then nibbled his lip and quickly vanished to Appa's saddle. Katara instantly smiled and looked down at her hand, now feeling sure of her feelings towards Aang. She quickly looked about, wondering when she should let him know that she loves him.

- - -

The three found a nearby cave a few yards away from the beach, which was nice; a clear view of the sunset could be seen when evening hit. A cave big enough for even Appa to fit into. After everyone was settled in, Aang and Sokka fell asleep on the cave floor; a warm fire was present to keep the three comfortable. Although, Katara couldn't sleep; her mind was too full of the scary incident that had occurred that day…as well as Aang. She, for some reason, couldn't stop thinking about him the most.

She sighed silently and stood up. She made sure Aang and Sokka were both sound asleep before leaving the cave. She then slowly strolled along the beach, letting the gentle waves caress her bare feet. She then softly began to hum a little tune to herself. She was so happy, her hums eventually turned into singing. She carelessly wandered around the beach happy and content with herself and her 'full of Aang' thoughts.

She smiled as she slowly finished the little song she was singing when suddenly, she heard footsteps coming from behind her. Katara's eyes widened and her heart froze. She nervously and slowly turned around only to be completely shocked to see… Aang's sweet face smiling at her. Katara giggled slightly but then sighed.

"Sheesh, you scared the living daylights out of me," Katara said softly as she placed her hand over her chest. She then smiled and let her hands fall by her sides, feeling a bit happy that the airbender decided to join her tonight.

Aang frowned. "Sorry, I-I just noticed you left the cave, so I followed you to ask you where you were going…but then I heard you singing and I couldn't possibly stop you… your voice is so pretty," Aang said sweetly with a charming smile.

Katara blushed a little; she was always shy when it came to people hearing her singing voice.

"Oh," Katara said as she nervously rubbed the back of her head, "Thank you," she finally managed with a gentle, bashful smile.

She tried her hardest to stay calm, yet she failed miserably. Aang sighed happily and crossed his arms; he then took one large, inhale of the gentle ocean breeze. He stared out to the waters with a big, relaxed smile.

"So, where were you going?" Aang asked calmly.

"Oh, nowhere, I guess... I-I just couldn't sleep," Katara said softly as she fiddled her fingers; the cause of her insomniac was right next to her.

"Yeah, me neither…That's why I decided to follow you," Aang smiled before he shook his head with a frown, "U-unless you wanted to be alone...?"

"Oh- oh no, it's perfectly fine," Katara said as she waved her hands about with a smile. Aang smiled in return.

"Well, if you're not tired, and I'm not tired… D-do you want to stay up with me and watch the sunrise?" Aang asked with the most genuine curiosity. He smiled a caring smile as he gently stood on his toes, hoping she'd say yes to his invitation.

Katara smiled into his brilliant eyes; her smile only grew as she managed to agree with him. Katara and Aang slowly sat down next to each other on the soft sand, patiently awaiting the sunrise. The two had a great time cracking jokes, telling stories, and just being in each other's presence. Nothing but the presence of the two benders.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it! Please R&R! No flames.

- Katara -

Mohalo ;)