A/N: Hope you guys are enjoying this fic as much as I am. A lot of you have speculations but trust me when I say this fic has a plot and is fluff heavy. I can do both. Just wait and see. Here is the next chapter, please as always review. It's literally the only thing keeping this thing going. I am addicted to your reviews and kind words. 3 This is for you.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Katara actually got to wake up to the soft chiming of her clock and not knocking the next morning. To say she was not a morning person was an understatement. She listened to it go off for four whole minutes before she got herself out of bed and crossed the room to turn it off. With a stretch and a yawn she cracked her back, padding out of her room and into the bathroom to get ready. She looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. It was gonna be one of those days. A day where she spent an hour trying to get ready and in her eyes still ended up looking awful. Truth was, she was the kind of person who rolled out of bead beautiful, but she didn't think so.

And so she began her seemingly impossible task. She brushed out her wild hair, washed her face, put on just a dash of simple make-up, and fiddled with her hair, putting half of it up into a bun and letting the rest flow down her back. She went back to her bedroom and looked through her clothes. She wanted to look especially beautiful today to win over the council on her proposal; for there to be a public ferry between the city and the island where Aang lived now. The men on the council were old and some of them lonely. They would do anything to make a pretty girl happy. She felt bad for trying to seduce them into getting her way, but she didn't want to disappoint Aang. She pulled out a sky blue short sleeved dress robe with a white pattern on the bottom that looked like waves. It was one of her favorites. She changed from her night gown to her clothes for the day, tying around her middle a thick sapphire blue sash. She went to the bathroom and gave herself one last look in the mirror, satisfied, and headed toward the door, slipping on her black flat shoes as her boots didn't really go with this outfit.

Locking her door she made her way to city hall, looking over at the island before it was out of sight. She wasn't sure at first what it was, but when she looked over to the island, she could see a light colored structure in the water, along with a pathway down the side of the rocky cliffs leading up to the temple. She smiled. He had kept his promise. Now it was her turn. She held herself a little higher and made her way to city hall. For the better part of an hour she walked silently through the city, making eye contact with those who were already staring at her, making her wonder if she had dressed a little inappropriately. As she had more and more little stare downs through the city, she started to feel anxiety set in, her heart racing. Then she could hear whispers. They started discretely but the closer to city hall she got the more noticeable they became. Paranoia started to run rampant in her mind. Something was wrong. Half way there and the whispers grew louder and some words were audible. Words like "Avatar", "Watertribe", "Acolyte". It was hard to hold her head high now, feeling like she wanted to crawl away into a cave and hide. Some women had the nerve to step out in her path and make Councilwoman Katara walk around them as they whispered amongst themselves. She looked behind her and it seemed as if the entire street was staring at her. Something was very wrong indeed.

When she finally made it to her destination, other council members had arrived and were in a seemingly deep conversation. That is, until they saw her walk through the doors and up to her seat. Suddenly the conversation between them dropped and she became aware of how many eyes were on her. She scanned the civilian seats and met eyes with her brother, who gave her a small wave. She smiled and nodded to him, happy he was here, knowing he might be the only person in the room not talking about her behind her back. She also saw Zuko who gave her a knowing and gentle smile. One that said everything would be okay. She looked down at her folded hands and sat perfectly straight, waiting for the meeting to begin. There were a few key talks today; curfews, legal drinking ages, and street maintenance. When Councilman Xin Li opened the floor, Katara took her cue and stood from her seat. She gave the men her most dazzling smile and they she had their full attention, her beauty absolutely undeniable.

"I believe I have something of a proposal."

"You have our attention, Princess Katara." He said respectively.

She took a moment to collect her thoughts and let out a breath she felt she had been holding in throughout the meeting.

"As you all know, Avatar Aang is working on a very important construction project for not only himself, but for the Air Nomad Nation to be rebuilt in this new, peaceful nation. We have many people in this city called Air Acolytes who have a deep respect for the Air Nomad culture and want to learn, preserve, and pass on its tradition and cultural heritage. To live as his people once did over a century ago."

"This talk seems very familiar." Councilman Tao interrupted. Katara paused to gave him a look and Xin Li broke the tension.

"Please, continue." Xin Li asked of her, ignoring Tao's rudeness. She took another breath and stood a little taller.

"Currently the only way to get to the island where the Acolytes are to live and learn from Avatar Aang is either by a private boat or by his sky bison. The first is impossible, as acolytes have tried to detach themselves from material things, and the latter is rather inconvenient. I am proposing that a public ferry be made from the edge of Yue Bay to the Air Temple Island, just as there is one for Avatar Aang Memorial Island as this would be beneficial to the people of this new growing part of our United Republic." She finished and stood in silence, the council members taking a moment to soak it in. Tao, of course, was not moved by her words.

"Well, of course he would send you to ask this of us." Tao said, venom clear in his words.

"I'm sorry, what is that supposed to mean?" She asked, trying to be calm.

"Just that you would do anything he asks of you, or so I've heard." Tao spat back at her. Whispers from the civilians began and she felt uneasy, hearing the room murmur about her. She held her head high and defended herself.

"I am requesting this on behalf of a nation that, may I remind you, has been lost due to a terrible war that lasted one hundred years. Clearly you are under the impression that I am a messenger, but let me assure you, I have this nation's best interests at heart."

"Enough of this. Tao, refrain from repeating such slander. It has nothing to do with this meeting." Xin Li reproved, making the room go quiet. The council members looked to each other and Xin Li spoke once more.

"All in favor of this new public ferry?" He asked. Everyone but Tao raised their hand. Xin Li hammered his gavel and smiled to Katara.

"Request approved. Thank you, Princess." He said, about to adjourn the meeting.

"There is one more thing I would like to announce."

"Yes?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.

"As you surely know by now, my brother Sokka is finished with the rebuilding of the southern tribe and will take his place on the council tomorrow. I regret to inform you that I am resigning my post effective tomorrow so that he may take my place."

There was a murmuring amongst the crowd and the council once more. An older man representing the northern tribe spoke up.

"I don't understand, why are you leaving?" Qilak asked.

"Several reasons. Firstly, there is no need for two representatives of the southern tribe on the council. I am sure you and Sokka will represent our nation brilliantly, Qilak. Second, if I were to stay, that would make our council eight, an even number. Not ideal when voting is involved. I have my own personal reasons as well."

"Oh, I'm sure you do." Tao muttered but Katara heard him clear as day. She shot him a glance but Xin Li spoke before she could retort.

"We are sorry to see you go. Thank you for your service to this new nation. You will be missed, Princess."

She bowed softly, Xin Li waiting for a moment before sounding his gavel.

"I call this meeting to be adjourned." He said and got up, many people standing as the sound of scratching chairs against the floor filled the hall. She stood slowly and made her way to her brother, who welcomed her with a hug. She smiled and enjoyed his embrace, breaking their contact as Zuko came up to them.

"What an interesting meeting." Zuko commented quietly, smirking at Katara.

"Yeah, I wish you would have told me. Or at least talked about it with me. I was really looking forward to us being on this council together, all three of us. Now it's just me." Sokka said and looked from his sister to Zuko.

"My nation needs me. I was only here temporarily. Everyone knew that. I'm looking forward to going home." Zuko said.

"When do you leave?" She asked, looking around at the people still in the hall, all talking but seeming to be glancing her way still. Zuko looked around and noticed the attention she was gaining.

"Tomorrow." He said without looking at her, having stare downs with people whispering and leering her way.

"I'll miss you." She said and came forward, embracing him tighter than she had her brother. He held her for a few moments before letting go, holding her shoulders gently.

"And I you. But now that you are a woman free of responsibilities, you can come visit anytime you want. You are always welcome in my home." He said with a smile, meeting her eyes. She returned his smile and he dropped his arms, glancing around the room.

"This has been happening to me all day…" She said softly.

"What, the staring and whispering thing?" Sokka asked.

"Yes and it's driving me crazy. Do you know what's going on?" She asked anxiously, happy that people were starting to finally filter out of the hall.

The two men exchanged a look, Zuko giving a grimace and Sokka shrugging uncomfortably. After a few more looks between them and her, Zuko sighed and looked her in the eyes.

"You don't want to know…" He said to her, looking away from her.

"Yes I do." She said firmly.

"Katara, it's really for the best that you don't know." Sokka said and looked down.

She stared at the both of them and folded her arms.

"I literally can't walk through town without people staring at me. Is it my clothes? Does my hair look that bad?" She said, prying. Trying to figure this whole thing out.

"No, it's nothing like that." Zuko said.

"Then what is it?"

Sokka sighed and tried to put things as delicately as Sokka could.

"It's about you… and the Avatar … and the Acolytes…" He said, not really wanting to have this conversation.

"I don't understand. What do the Acolytes have to do with Aang and I?"

"Some, not all… mostly just a few women Acolytes, feel that…" Zuko started and she just looked at him. He gulped, knowing she would not be happy, but continued. "…They feel that he, being the last Air Nomad should be picking his… companion... from the people choosing to live their lives like him and not someone of watertribe decent." He said very slowly, carefully.

She was offended, enraged, and embarrassed all at the same time. She looked around and hardly anyone was left. They were lucky. She would have given them a look to make them feel ashamed for days. But she was embarrassed too. Was she Aang's counterpart, girlfriend, lover, future wife, etcetera? She hadn't given thought to labels. She had such strong feelings for him, but she questioned whether she needed more time to come to terms with the nature of her relationship with him. They had known each other for less than two weeks. Her heart had already decided she was in love with him, but her head was trying to hold her back. To give her time to think this through. She sighed, trying to figure things out. The guys were waiting for her to say something in anger.

"But don't worry. I think you just won major points with the Acolytes with your proposal today. " Sokka said, trying to ease her discomfort.

She was silent and hugged herself, rubbing her arms as a nervous habit, trying to feel… unconfused. Zuko put a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Katara. I feel that this mess is all my fault. I never intended for this to happen."

"Yes, it is your fault. I told you to stop setting her up with people and now look at where she is!" Sokka said, pointing a finger accusingly. "You threw her right into the arms of the Avatar, of course she was going to fall for him. Most of the women in the world want to be with him." He ranted angrily.

"Excuse you. That's not why I lo-like him. It's nice to know you think I am that shallow Sokka." She said, a little hurt and not ready to say the L word about Aang out loud yet. Both of them her caught her hesitation on a certain word and Sokka crossed his arms, Zuko putting his hands back at his sides.

"That's not what I meant." Sokka tried to say convincingly.

"How am I supposed to take that then? That's I'm not shallow and being tricked into this relationship somehow?"

"No. Stop. I just meant that he's got a lot of appeal and you're not exactly immune to that. I've seen guys like him before. Charming, nice, always saying the right thing… but they always turn out to be slimeballs in the end." He said and shrugged. Before Katara could defend Aang, she was cut off.

"Do you honestly think I would introduce her to someone like that? I thought we were better friends than that Sokka." Zuko interjected, now taking this personally, his judgment being called into question.

"Stop this. Right now! I don't have to stand here and listen to this. You!" She pointed to Zuko, furious.

"You are NOT in control of my life. You are my friend but I will make my own choices in my own life. You don't have to feel like it's your responsibility to take care of me. And YOU!" She yelled pointing at Sokka.

"You have absolutely no idea what kind of person he is. You've met him for a total of five minutes and have judged him. And let me tell you; you are wrong. You can't see the person he is. He's genuine and real. His kindness comes from pain that I can't even imagine going through. His generosity from the fact that he is responsible for this whole world. So until you literally have the whole world on your shoulders, you are not allowed to call anyone names!" She finished and stormed off, down the center of city hall and out the large doors, leaving them in silence.

She marched halfway home in a furious typhoon before slowing down finally, calming herself with breathing she learned in her waterbending training, eventually stopping in front of a quaint shop. She closed her eyes and felt a deep sorrow grip her from the inside and she hung her head, feeling so conflicted and ashamed and confused. When she was with Aang everything felt right and perfect. When she was away from him, she was torn between feeling hollow without him and terrified that he made her feel this way so soon. She shouldn't have yelled at them, she knew that they loved her and just wanted what was best for her. But she was a grown woman and needed to find her own path. But where did that path go and why was this so confusing? She leaned against the wall of the shop, hugging herself again and rubbing her arms. She wondered, was it okay to love him? Why did it have to be hard? When he was around everything was so easy. She could stare into his eyes and see forever. His hands were gentle and caring. When he held her close to him, she wanted to melt into his body. And his kiss was intoxicating. So why fright it, she wondered. Just let it happen. She sighed and hunched down lower, feeling like she was being pulled in every direction.

"Come inside dear, it's going to rain soon." A voice said behind her. She turned and looked and the old lady that ran the shop was holding the door open for her. She put herself together quickly and gave her a soft smile.

"I'm a waterbender, rain isn't exactly an issue for me." She said flatly, aware that she was being baited into the old woman's shop.

"Then take a look around before you go home. I haven't had a customer all day. Looking won't hurt…" She said and left the doorway. Katara shook her head and appeased the old woman, walking inside. She was instantly blushing. There was a lot, like half a store full of frilly, lacey things. Something told her this was not the shop for her, but continued to walked through, looking in curiosity at some of the merchandise. She didn't even know how to wear half of this stuff. Some things didn't seem to cover much at all. She made her way to the front of the store and was relieved to find just books and some candies, of which she now knew the brown ones were chocolate, along with a selection of rare, exotic flowers. She looked at the flowers and gasped. there, in the corner, was an entire bouquet of panda lilies.

"Ah, I see you favor the rare panda lily. I get very few buyers. not many people know what they mean." The old woman said to her, smiling. Katara's interest was piqued.

"What do they mean?"

"When someone gives a panda lily, they are declaring their love for that person. And not just any love, this is only for true love. Love that lasts forever."

Katara blushed and her heart was beating so fast she thought she might die right there in the shop.

"I'm sorry, I must go. thank you!" She said with a quick bow and ran out of the shop, running the rest of the way home in a panic.

When she got home she locked the door and tried to catch her breath but couldn't settle down. She threw her keys on the little table and went to the bookshelf, snatching up the book with blank pages and opened up to the flower. The panda lily. It was right there. The same flower. He had told her that he had loved her and she hadn't even known it. All this time she was fighting an uphill battle when clearly she was the only one trying to resist. As the book lay open on the floor before her she started to laugh and cry at the same time. Her hands resting on the wooden floor, she came to her knees and just let it out. All her turmoil. All her frustrations. Everything in her that told her she and Aang were not allowed to love each other. Hot tears streamed down her face and onto the floor, staining the pages with the little color of make-up she had on. she let out soft sobs as she tried to calm herself, wiping her face with the inside of her sleeve.

She heard the rain start to pour outside and heard what she thought was thunder rolling. She sighed softly and calmed down, picking up the book and putting it back on the shelf as a soft knock came to the door. She sniffed and unlocked the door, expecting Sokka and Zuko to be at her door. But it wasn't. She opened the door and there he was. The only person she actually wanted to see.

"Katara, what's wrong?" Aang asked, bending the sheets of rain above himself to keep himself dry while Appa flew away into the distance. She grabbed him by the arms and pulled him inside, closing the door behind them, pushing him against the door and burying her face into his chest.

"Aang… you are exactly what I need right now…" She said and he instantly held her close, his lips giving her hair a soft kiss.

"Shhh, it'll all be okay." He said softly, unsure of what was wrong, but he didn't care. He knew something was wrong and that's why he came over. He could feel it. And he needed to be there for her. He would always be there for her.

A/N: Hope you like this chapter. it's kind of a cliffhanger so I am so sorry about that. Hope you love it, I'll get CH 6 / pt 2 up soon. Please remember to review!