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

Book One – The Journey Begins

Chapter Five - The Start of Something Good

Aang and Katara sat on the beach for hours, awaiting the sunrise. The sat in each others presence; just what they loved, and neither of them knew how much they loved each other but…it'd spill eventually. Aang was in the middle of telling a funny story when Katara interrupted him, accidentally.

"Oh look!" she said excitedly as she pointed, "The sunrise."

"Oh yeah," Aang smiled as he relaxed a little from the tension of his suspenseful story. The two stared at its beauty as the early morning sky turned from a purple-ish light blue to pretty oranges and gentle yellows. Katara sighed silently, taking in its beauty as it made pretty colors on the water before them. Aang smiled and slowly caught himself staring at Katara, instead of the sunrise.

"It's so pretty," Katara said softly, not knowing Aang was staring at her; she gazed at the sunrise. Aang nodded slowly with a bashful smile.

"Yeah," he said, barely above a whisper.

Katara slowly averted her gaze to Aang and the two were caught in a calm, comfortable stare, almost as if the two couldn't take their eyes away from each other. Aang quickly forced himself to look away as he searched for something to talk about, but Katara helped him out there.

"Sunrises are so much fun to watch, like it soaks all your cares away," Katara said soothingly. Aang smiled and let out a breath he subconsciously held in.

"Yeah, and who better to watch it with than an amazing friend?" Aang said happily. Katara couldn't help but smile. She, without thinking, gently slipped her gentle hand into Aang's hand.

"Thanks," Katara said softly. Aang smiled and nodded, happily returning the sweet gesture, yet he could feel his face get hot with her gentle touch.

"S-so," Aang stuttered nervously. "D-did you want me to continue my story I was telling?" Aang asked softly; he stared at the pretty girl he was locked hands with.

"Oh, of course!" Katara said excitedly as she quickly let go of Aang's hand and sat Indian style, facing him, waiting for him to continue. Aang smiled and faced her, sitting in the same way, as he prepared to continue one of his famous airbender stories from 100 years ago.

- - -

Sokka moaned slightly as sunlight peered into the cave. He opened his eyes and noticed two of his friends were missing although Appa and Momo were still sound asleep. Sokka clumsily stood as he took a deep breath.

"Katar-" he immediately stopped himself as he noticed Aang and Katara sitting next to each other on the beach, laughing the morning away. Sokka sighed and trudged back to his sleeping bag and instantly fell asleep.

- - -

"And there was this one other time when---" Aang lost his train of thoughts when he could have sworn he hears Sokka's voice. Aang turned around slowly.

"What is it, Aang?" Katara asked softly. Aang stood up quickly, in a worried manner.

"Oh no, I completely forgot about Sokka… Wh-what if he wakes up and sees we're not there?" Aang worried as Katara stood up next to him.

"Well then, we should head back," Katara said softly to ease the young airbender next to her. Aang instantly beamed with a small, quick nod.

"Race ya!" he called as he suddenly sped off, lightning speed.

" Aang!" Katara whined. "I can't run as fast as you…" she said to herself. "Oh well, I'll just-"

Suddenly, Aang came speeding back to her, slightly panting as he stopped a few inches from Katara. Sand gently fogged the area of their feet as Aang approached; a big grin on his face.

"Thought I'd leave you, didn't you?" Aang said cheerfully with a small chuckle.

"Well, for a second I-" Katara was interrupted by Aang, who suddenly, yet gently, picked her up in his gentle arms and sped off at a speed Katara thought she could never reach on land. Katara gasped and tightened her grip around Aang's neck and shoulders gently. He panted slightly as he ran back to the cave. Once they got there, Aang carefully set Katara down on her tow feet, careful she didn't stumble. He steadied her with much ease.

"Wow, that…that was-" Katara was interrupted by Sokka, who suddenly had a fit in his sleep.

"The cheese, the cheese is attacking, save yourselves! Oh geez, guys, it's not just any cheese… It's cheddar!" Sokka squealed as he flailed his arms around. Katara and Aang both looked at each other before falling over backwards with laughter.

"What?" Sokka mumbled softly as he woke from his disturbing slumber somewhat; he snapped out of his 'moment.'

Aang and Katara both couldn't breathe from laughter. Aang slowly plopped down to the ground and gasped for air, still laughing. Katara giggled and wiped a tear away from Aang's cheek, gently.

"Wow, that was odd," Katara giggled with a happy smile.

"Yeah, yeah, it was hilarious," Sokka muttered as he sleepily rubbed his eyes. "Oh, and by the way…" Sokka started, "Where were you two last night?"

Aang and Katara froze, knowing if they said 'we were watching the sunrise', Sokka would most likely tease the two; and never let them forget about it…

"Oh, nowhere," Katara fibbed plainly. She smiled a carefree smile.

Sokka raised one eyebrow and stared at Katara.

Don't think I don't have eyes, I saw you two, Sokka thought, but he decided just to brush it off and tease the two about it next time. Sokka slowly plopped back down on his sleeping bag and sighed.

"Whatever…" he mumbled. Aang smiled and looked at Katara with an eager smile. Katara rolled her eyes as the two stepped out of the cave and happily strolled along the beach. The early morning sun lit the sky beautifully and made the water look as if it was dancing. Sky birds of all sorts darted around in the early morning sunshine; playing and catching their breakfast.

Katara, after a few moments, glanced at Aang; still debating in her mind whether or not she truly loved him. Aang's sweet voice suddenly broke the silence.

"Something wrong?" Aang asked as the two stopped walking. Katara looked into Aang's eyes. She smiled and sighed, slightly shaking her head.

"It's nothing…I-well," Katara said nervously. She gently fiddled her fingers.

"You can tell me anything," Aang said, his voice coated with the most comfort.

Katara smiled. She loved that about Aang; in difficult times, he'd always be so calm and comforting about the situation.

I don't know how to put this, Katara thought as she stared into Aang's gentle, caring eyes. How do I really tell him that I care for him… a lot?

"Seriously," Aang said, concluding his last statement; e smiled a charming smile, only causing Katara's heart to swell with much affection for the boy before her.

I think I really do, Katara thought. I love him. Katara's heart fluttered madly at her new thoughts. Okay…now just tell him, Katara… it's not that hard. Right…Now Katara yelled in her mind.

"There's something I want to tell you," Katara said nervously as she gently stumbled on words; she couldn't help but look away from Aang. It added tension.

"Sure," Aang smiled softly.

Here it goes…Katara thought with a smile.

A/N: Ha! Cliffies are fun x) lol, Please R&R! No flames.

I'd like to thank my fabulous reviewers, you guys rock!

SpottedShadow2947: Thank you so much for reading (and reviewing) my story, you've reviewed the most on my list. Yay! Much love to you

Bn: I'm glad you're liking it, oh, and trust me, I will continue! ;)

Notloc: Ha, sorry I stopped writing for a while. I got busy, you know? X)

KatarasHomegirl Thank you, I'm glad you like my story! Much love to you :3

WaterNationFreak: Yay! Lol, it saddens me to see so many darn "Zutara" fakey stories but there, it drives me absolutely crazy… Aang is meant to be with Katara, end of story, haha. I also like your little quote ;)

evilfuzzy67: I will most definitely read your story, sorry I'm not so descriptive at which Earth Kingdom it is, sorry, haha. Much love to you!

'Till next time

- Katara -

Mohalo ;)