*Almost forgot the important disclaimer! I don't own any of the characters mentioned. Whether their from the show, or the real world. I did this for fun. It's actually the first story I've had the nerve to post. Characters a mostly OC, a bit of my alter ego's might slip in here and there. I ask that any reviews be clean. I hate it when people just send stuff on how stupid it is or was. I often ask "How is that helpful?" Also flames on the pairings or how Emotional Aang might be will be totally ignored. This is a Zutara story, I never cared for KatAang even when the show was going on. Aang will grow up I promise so please bare with me. Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. All haters and flamers please take your mean reviews and use them to thaw your cold hearts.*
Suki had amazed everyone by volunteering to cook. Katara sat on a stool at the island bar as Suki worked her magic. She was marinading a whole chicken with veggies in the strainer in the sink waiting to be chopped. "Wait so Aang isn't just an Air-bender?" Suki asked as she pulled the raw chicken out of the bowl and into a baking pan. "Yeah, he was born with Avatarism. It's really rare, like once every fifty years at least one person is born with it. We actually met in water-bending classes." Suki nodded as she placed the bird into the oven and asked where the spices were. Katara replied they were in the top cupboard by the range. Suki pulled out ginger and a few other spices as she turned to the sink. She place the veggies on a cutting board with a knife in hand.
"So what is up with your brother. He walks by the door like every ten minutes." Suki asked as she chopped. Katara stood and walked over to the fridge, "I'm not sure, he isn't usually like this. But thank goodness he is keeping Aang busy with guitar hero..." She pulled out a bottle of water and closed the door. Suki looked sympathetically at her friend. Her boyfriends issues seemed to be getting to her. She smiled and looked back down. "So you know your still wearing Zuko's coat right?" Katara blinked and looked at her arm at the garment. Sokka had asked, and it would be a matter of time before Aang asked. And that was not something she was ready to deal with. "It's warm OK." Katara snipped as she took a sip of her bottled water. Suki chuckled, "I bet. Big muscly fire-bender. Must have infused his chi into his jacket." Katara stuck her tongue out at her friend and smiled. Katara's father didn't arrive home until after diner.
He walked in as the group sat in the living room talking. Aang kept putting his arm around Katara and leaning in close. If they were alone she wouldn't have minded but she had company and had to entertain her guest. Hakoda came in after dumping his coat and boots at the entryway. He smiled at his daughter and held out his arms. Katara jumped away from Aang and into her fathers arms. "I missed you so much little one." He whispered to his beloved daughter. Katara smiled and squeezed him tighter, "I missed you too Pa Pa." She pulled away and turned slightly. "This is my friend Suki." Suki stood up from the opposite coach between Gran Gran and Sokka. She smiled and shook his hand. Hakoda smiled back, "Welcome my dear. We are pleased to have you." "I'm pleased to be here Mr. Keanu." He chuckled, "please it's Hakoda to all my little Katara's friends." Katara blushed at the nickname. Aang stood and smiled, "Hey Kat why don't we show Suki The Oasis." Suki glanced at Katara in wonder. Sokka spoke, "It's this little half restaurant half night club we have here." Katara turned to them, "I'm sure Suki is as tired as I am. We can go another night. We have three weeks vacation." Suki sensed her friends unease and agreed. Afterwords Hakoda escorted Aang to the door with a promise Katara would call once she was rested. 'Good old dad, I just hope Aang doesn't try to sneak through my window. I really am too tired for anything.' Suki's room was right across from Katara's. The girls bid each other good night and entered their rooms.
Katara closed her door and leaned against it. When Suki had brought up Zuko's coat Katara felt herself panic. She'd admit only to herself that she had growing affections for the golden eyed boy. Slowly Katara brought the garment closer to her body and inhaled. 'It really does smell like him.' A tap at her window startled her. Katara crossed the room and opened it knowing who it was. A small gust brought Aang in. "Hey baby I missed you!" Aang exclaimed in a whisper as his lips smashed into hers. She allowed the kiss for a moment, till his hands started to move down her back. She pulled away quickly but placed her hand on his cheek, "Aang I am really tired from my flight. We'll have time alone later." She could see Aang's mood deflate. "Oh OK Kat, I just thought you missed me too..." He was trying to guilt her. 'He's always like this! When he doesn't get his way he guilt's.' "Well I'm sorry Aang I really am tired..." she began to explain when loud ping interrupted them.
Katara glanced at her laptop. It read Zuko. Katara smiled and turned to Aang only to see jealousy steaming behind his eyes. "Aang...?" Katara began slowly. She wanted to know what had come over him. He moved his face away from her hand and placed his hands on the sill. He seemed to be shaking. 'Is he having an attack?' Katara wondered. Having Avatarism not only meant that Aang could bend all the elements but at times he would get a massive rush of chi from the spirit realm. At times his body would glow from the amount of chi rushing through him. Katara touched his shoulder, "Aang look at me. Aang look at me right now." He turned his head slightly so she could see him. His arrow was a faint blue in the darkness of her room. Katara sighed and removed her hand, "Aang you should go home and meditate. Your having an attack again. It'll only get worse if you stay." "You'd like that wouldn't you?" Aang hissed. His voice echoed on its own. "So you can be alone with him right!"
Katara firmed her voice, "Aang leave or I will call your Uncle." He tsked but with a large gust of wind that moved her desk slightly and sent a few things against the wall. Katara let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. 'He needs to get control of that. He could really hurt someone.' A knock at the door pulled Katara from her musings. When she opened it Suki stood in the hall wearing a red nightie and black robe with Sokka right behind her in navy blue pajama pants. "We heard a couple crashes, everything alright?" Suki asked. Katara stammered at first, "j-just Aang. Um. He-he lost his temper." Sokka moved past Suki and hugged his sister. "Did he hurt you?" Katara shook her head. Sokka nodded and he pulled away. Suki asked, "Do you need someone to stay with you tonight?" Again she shook her head no. "Alright but call us if you need us," Suki replied and she went back to her room. Sokka nodded and returned to his room.
Katara grabbed her laptop after she shut the door. She sat on her bed and IM'd Zuko back.
Daphne's_rain: Hey I'm sorry it took so long.
Pyrechampion01: No problem. Everything alright on your end? How's Suk doing?
Katara smiled sadly as she replied.
Daphne's_rain: OK I guess. Suki made the most amazing diner. We all chatted till my dad came home. Aang... had a bit of a tantrum but other than that alright.
Zuko was in mid swig of his beer that he pilfered from his father's stash. It had only been a six hour drive to his fathers winter house from school.
Pyrechampion01: Why did he do that?
Daphne's_rain: sigh long story. But I think the distance finally got to him.
Zuko had to restrain a growl that threatened to erupt from him. He adored Katara. A lot, but every time they would be out whether studying or with friends Aang had to call and Katara had to comfort him. He was a grown man! It's alright to miss your girlfriend but for the love of the spirits grow a pair.
Pyrechampion01:Tara your too nice. One of these days you gotta lay down the law. People grow up they change, they kinda have too. Just because one wants things to stay the same doesn't mean the others happy...
Katara read the IM at least twenty times before she answered.
Daphne's_rain:What do you mean by that Zuko? Aang and I are happy.'For the most part' she added to herself. Zuko shook his head.
Daphne's_rain:Zuko?
Pyrechampion01: I learned a lot from my life Tara. And I just don't want you to feel obligated to be in a relationship. I'm not saying do anything rash but there will come a time where you'll have to make a decision on what you want. Not what others want for you.
Katara read the message over and over. She knew his words were true. Katara typed her reply with a sad smile.
Daphne's_rain: thank you Zuko. I will talk to you tomorrow. I am dead tired. Good night.
Pyrechampion01: no problem Tara. Sleep well. Dream of me huh lol
Daphne's_rain: lol DIRTY!