A/N:(edit: 7/1/07) Hey all! I'm back, sorry it took me so long to update...school.. It's literally taking over the world, I swear to you...anywhoodles, READ! I adore this chapter :)
Book Two – Water and Air
Chapter Seven - Midnight RushPart Two
The large boat creaked and moaned its way through the murky ocean water below, Katara, after a good couple minutes, caught herself aimlessly gazing into her element below, the bright moonlight playing off of the midnight water, making it dance and play in the cool evening air. Katara heaved a small sigh and slowly averted her gaze from the water to something that caught her eye to the right of herself.
There, sitting on a small bench on deck, was a young couple, the two were most likely around Katara's age. They sat, talking, occasionally touching and giggling; they were enjoying each others company on one of the most romantic nights of the year. What Katara wanted most.
Katara frowned and stole a few glances at the cute couple every now and then, that is until they slowly strolled away, hand in hand, to another part of the boat. Katara sighed, yet again, and focused her attention on the horizon, hoping to get 'him' off of her mind. Nothing seemed to work though, he was all she could think and worry about at this time. Why was he so ignorant enough to suddenly turn around and take off in a different direction than the ship? Katara thought for the hundredth time, that is until some other words the young airbender had said came flooding into her thoughts, He did mention he had forgotten something...but what? Katara perked up slightly and gazed at the stars in the sky in a hopeful manner before her mind continued to reel, Maybe he went to go get a-
"I've checked this ship high and low and there are absolutely no bathrooms!" Jahdi suddenly said after her small venture in search for restrooms, Katara attempted not to roll her eyes; she wasn't in the mood to talk at this point in time, although she tried not to be rude. Jahdi noticed Katara's sudden act of trying to ignore her, with this, Jahdi gently rested one hand on Katara's shoulder.
"It'll be okay, Katara, maybe Aang'll make it to the festival next year," Jahdi said calmly, Katara nodded slowly as she continued to stare down her element.
She's right, there's always another time for Aang to give me a flower...if that's what was even on his mind in the first place, Katara thought, doubting this night would turn out well, she continued to thinkI'm with Aang all the time, there's always tomorrow night, right? Katara frowned before she heaved a long sigh; I wonder what he's doing anyways,
- - -
"Gotta think, gotta think...Think Aang!" Aang yelled to no one as he palmed himself on the forehead, he suddenly stopped his punishments towards himself, a large smile suddenly spreading across his face, he suddenly began to look around in a frantic manner, holding his head in his hands, his foggy breath before him falling slack.
"Appa!" He suddenly hollered as he, all at once, took off in the direction of the flying bison he knew so well, Appa was one to give immediate transportation in the middle of the night, right?
"It's no use Aang! I just fed Appa! You know how he gets after he's just eaten something!" Sokka hollered at the young monk who was desperately tugging on the reins that were tied to Appa's horns. After a couple more minutes of loud groans and struggling coming from both Aang and Appa, Aang plopped to the ground on his behind in defeat. He stared at the ground, a big frown plastered on his face, Appa moaned softly and relaxed a bit, picking up Aang's sad vibes.
"Come on Appa," Aang rasped softly as he let go of the thick, now sweaty reins, Sokka sighed loudly and took a seat next to Aang on the cold dirt.
"What's this all about Aang? Where's Katara?" Sokka asked calmly, Aang stared at the ground; the two were in a soothing silence until Aang spoke up.
"At the lover's festival," Aang mumbled softly, his gaze still fixed on the dirt below him.
"Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be there too?" Sokka asked, causing Aang to look up at him, his eyes full of question and sadness. Sokka quickly smiled at the young monk sympathetically.
"How did you know I was going to the L-" Aang was cut off.
"Hey, don't think I haven't seen you giving Appa weird looks all today, talking to yourself, getting all flustered for no apparent reasons when I mention Katara's name, there's no doubt you're going to the festival tonight," Sokka said with a small laugh, causing a bashful smile to come across Aang's face as he peered down at the ground.
"Was it that obvious?" Aang asked softly with a sudden frown, Sokka chuckled whole heartedly.
"Yep," Sokka laughed, Aang rolled his eyes before Sokka continued, "but why are you here and not there with everyone? What happened?"
"I missed the stupid ship," Aang said softly, returning his hateful gaze on the dirt, "All for the sake of a panda lily-great… I don't even know where I left it," Aang said angrily as he threw his arms up in the air after glancing about.
"Calm down, I'm sure you could get there by the help of some airbending or something, seeing as Appa's too full to even move," Sokka chuckled as he pat Appa's nose, he groaned in the process.
"My glider!" Aang said excitedly as he quickly stood, he immediately airbended himself onto Appa's saddle before Sokka's voice broke Aang's sudden rush of joy.
"Uh...yeah about that..." Sokka said warily, causing Aang to stop dead in his tracks, he ever so slowly turned around to face Sokka.
"Where's my glider," Aang said deeply as he stared Sokka down, Sokka rubbed the back of his head, he then chuckled nervously.
"I-I kinda got carried away and let one of those older boys take it to the festival for an antique display," Sokka said nervously as Aang jumped down and stood straight in front of Sokka, an angry look on his face.
"Good going!" Aang hollered, Sokka threw his hands up in the air quickly.
"Hey! I didn't know you would need your glider to get to the festival! There was a ship that was supposed to take you, it's not my fault!" Sokka screeched, Aang sighed loudly and looked away, knowing for a fact that he would never make it to the festival now, Sokka continued, "He promised me he'd bring it right back after the festival though, if that helps,"
"Gee Sokka, that helps a lot! I'll just take my glider then and make a fool of myself! Showing up at the festival with no one there! How fun," Aang snapped as he quickly began to storm away.
"Oh come on Aang, you'll find a way!" Sokka called after the young monk, "Where are you going?!"
"Not to the festival if that's what you're wondering!" Aang hollered angrily as he began to stroll into the deserted town with low hopes.
- - -
Katara and Jahdi slowly strolled around the large festival, seeing all sorts of entertainment, lights, music, the fresh scents of food cooking and what not, it was everything Katara had imagined and more, she loved the whole atmosphere of everything. She and Jahdi continued to stroll about until Jahdi suddenly gasped and gripped Katara's arm.
"Look! There's Aang!" Jahdi hollered as she pointed through a thick mob of people. Katara quickly held her breath as a large smile of happiness came over her, she peered through the crowd only to find the person Jahdi was talking about was an older looking man who looked around his early twenties who just so happened to have a bald head. Katara instantly frowned and stared at Jahdi.
"What? Isn't that him?" Jahdi questioned with a small shrug.
"No, Aang has an arrow on his head and he doesn't look like he's twenty," Katara said as she raised one eye brow, "Way to get my hopes up," Katara said softly as she began to walk away, Jahdi quickly followed Katara.
"I'm sorry Katara," Jahdi said sympathetically before she grabbed her arm in order to stop her from walking away, the two girls faced each other in silence for a few moments, Jahdi heaved a soft sigh before she continued, "I'm sorry, I know how much Aang means to you and I'm sorry for getting your hopes-"
"You do?" Katara interrupted, slightly in shock, Jahdi giggled.
"Well yeah, he's all you've been worrying about all night, it seems to me that you really had your heart set on spending this night with him," Jahdi smiled, "I understand, and I'm sorry he left you like that, I wonder what his reason was anyways, who would do such a thing?"
"Yeah," Katara frowned as she looked down, "I don't know," Katara suddenly felt this feeling come over her, one of angriness towards Aang, I shouldn't be mad at him, I don't know his reason for leaving the ship like that, Katara thought before she looked around, Although he didn't give me that reason as to why he was leaving, what if he chickened out or something? Katara suddenly frowned and rolled her eyes, that's so typical, why doesn't he like to show me his true feelings? It's not like I'll kill him, is he scared of me or something? Katara suddenly grew flustered, Great, I come to know and love someone only to find out he's scared to show feelings, what else could go wrong,
"Come on, let's not worry about it too much," Jahdi suddenly said as she grabbed Katara's arm, she began to pull Katara in another direction, Katara nodded quickly as she followed Jahdi's line of direction.
"Yeah, you're right," Katara said with a smile, feeling her night slowly turn itself from bad to okay. I guess I better just...forget about it, I'll see Aang later on tonight, Katara thought as the two girls continued to walk around.
- - -
"I can't believe this is happening," Aang said ever so softly to himself as he came to the docks, he suddenly noticed the panda lily he had left on the cold, damp wood, he slowly strolled over to it and picked it up, "She would've loved this flower," Aang said as he began to lightly fluff the petals in a tender manner so that the flower looked presentable. Aang then sighed softly, letting his warm breath fog before him and whirl about into nothingness.
"I wish there were a way to get there," Aang said softly as he fingered the small green leaf hanging off of the stem of the panda lily, "I can't use Appa, my glider is already at the festival... it's not like I can swim over there,...I wish I knew how," Aang said to no one as he peered out to the vast ocean before him.
He could see the distant island he was supposed to be on, it was lit with beautiful displays of lights that seemed to make the whole island glow and boast its natural beauty. Aang stared at it for minutes on end, swearing that he could hear the music, smell the smells, see the faces of all the people, how he wanted to be there, but instead, he was stuck, drowning in the 'what ifs'.
"If only," Aang sighed softly.
"If only what?" said a loud, somewhat raspy voice, Aang whirled around to see an elderly man, standing a few yards away. He seemed pretty fit for his age; he was holding a large clump of rope as he stared at Aang through foggy gray eyes.
"Oh...nothing, I'm just...talking to myself," Aang said softly as he stared down at the flower he held, the old man eyed him.
"You seem like a smart young lad, why aren't you at the lovers festival?" the man asked as he slowly began to stroll away, his large fishing boots making loud clunking noises on the dank wooden docks, he motioned for Aang to follow him.
"I missed the ship," Aang frowned as he slowly kept a steady pace next to the elderly man, he stopped walking and set the rope he was holding down, he then quickly began to make it into one neat pile.
"Bummer," he said softly before, after a few minutes, he stood up and heaved a long, raspy sigh. He crossed his arms and suddenly noticed the flower Aang was holding.
"Who's that there flower for?" the man questioned, Aang quickly glanced at the flower with a frown.
"Oh...it was for this girl..." Aang said softly as he glanced about, suddenly and suspiciously feeling hot tears sting his eyes, "She probably hates me now...I hope she doesn't think I ditched her or something," Aang said softly as he stared down at the wood below him.
"Now don't say that, it was an accident right?" the man said as he softly pat Aang's upper arm, Aang nodded and attempted to hold back tears of frustration, it didn't help though, after moments of trying, a lone tear slipped down Aang's cheek.
"Now, now, don't go getting yourself into a rut," the man said calmly as he gently pat Aang's back, he then sighed loudly and looked about, he seemed as if he was contemplating on something, "I'll tell you what," the man started, Aang quickly looked up with a small sniffle, "I don't normally do this at night but...How's about I give you a ride over to the festival," Aang's face lit up.
"Really? You'd do that?" Aang questioned, feeling his hopes rise.
"'course I would," the man smiled as he began to walk somewhere, Aang followed close behind, "It's not everyday I get to help someone out, now is it,"
"But...the ship left, how are we going to get there?" Aang asked warily, the man smiled and gestured his arms towards something, Aang turned to see a smaller boat gently floating near the docks, at this, Aang smiled.
"It's not like there's only one ship on this here island," the old man chuckled as the two headed towards the old ship.
After a few minutes of untying the boat from the docks, the old, rusted craft was in deep water, headed towards the festival. Aang peered off the front of the boat with much delight, a big smile on his face as the gentle ocean breeze wisped past. Aang could feel his heart race at the thought of now being able to see Katara, he felt as if it were too good to be true.
- - -
"Jahdi, I don't want to!" Katara screeched as Jahdi quickly tugged her towards a waterbending duel a large mob of people were crowded around.
"Come on! You just now decide to tell me you're a waterbender?! I have to see it in action, come on! What's a simple duel going to hurt?" Jahdi questioned as the two came up to the large stage where two waterbenders were already dueling, going through difficult waterbending forms.
"Jahdi, I-I'm not good in front of crowds, I just told you this!" Katara whispered loudly to Jahdi, but she ignored Katara's every whim. Suddenly, the duel on stage was over, one person walked off the stage as the other, who was evidently the winner, stayed up, looking ever so proud of himself.
"Who's next!" the man hollered as he raised his arms in the air, Katara bit her bottom lip and glanced about before, out of nowhere, Jahdi quickly grabbed Katara's arm and flung it in the air, Katara squealed.
"She's next! She'll beat every single last one of you guys!" Jahdi hollered, Katara gaped.
"Jahdi no!" Katara whispered loudly as she attempted to get her arm out of Jahdi's grasp.
"Alright! Come on up little lady, let's see what you can do!" The man shouted as the crowd began to go wild, Jahdi quickly shoved Katara onto the stage. Katara stumbled slightly before she regained footing and turned around; she gave Jahdi a death glare before she ever so slowly made her way over to her opponent. Katara came up to the person she would be dueling, he had a smug look on his face as the two slowly bowed to each other.
"Try not to cry when I win," He said with a smirk as the two got in fighting stances, Katara rolled her eyes. Before long, the loud whistle blew and the two began to duel, fighting it out until in time, their water supply was running out. A good ten minutes went by until Katara made one last harsh move, knocking her opponent to the ground, the crowd continued to go wild as the man Katara knocked down cockily strolled off of the stage, hating his defeat.
A good hour had now gone by, Katara was drowning in glory from winning for so long, she felt as if she was undefeated, and she now had all the confidence in the world to beat whoever was next in line. It was, yet another large man, Katara quickly rolled her eyes with a small laugh at how every single person she had beat in this session were men. Katara smiled at how sorry he'd be in a few moments.
- - -
"Thank you so much, I don't how I am ever going to repay you," Aang said to the elderly man on his ship, overjoyed that his feet where actually touching the island he thought he'd never even get near in this night.
"It's no problem!" the man said as he waved, his ship slowly slunk away into the night, "Good luck!"
"Thank you!" Aang hollered before he, ever so quickly, began to run to the festival, a burlap bag and a panda lily in hand.
In time, he noticed how thick the crowds were with people, he knew he'd never find Katara if he looked too hard, he figured he'd bump into her sooner or later, so he decided to stroll about, enjoy the sights, the smells of the foods and whatever else there was to see.
All was calm in Aang's mind until he saw Jahdi, at this, he could feel his pulse rise higher and higher at the well known fact that Katara was with her. All was going well until he came to find that Jahdi was hanging around with Seta, Katara was nowhere to be found. Aang quickly ran up to Jahdi, panting slightly.
"Jahdi," Aang breathed, Jahdi seemed surprised as she turned around.
"Aang! Where have you been?" Jahdi questioned with a smile, "Katara was so disappointed!"
"I know," Aang said sadly, in slight guilt, as he glanced about, "Where is she? I thought she was with you,"
"She was...until she got caught up in waterbending duels, I'm pretty positive she's still over there, she's been undefeated for about an hour now! You should go cheer her on!" Jahdi smiled as she quickly began to shove Aang towards the area where the waterbending duels where held.
"Good idea," Aang smiled as he quickly headed in that direction, in high hopes of finding Katara. He could feel his heart race with excitement at the fact that his night was quickly turning around, he couldn't wait to see the look on Katara's face once she see that he had arrived at the festival, but even more importantly, he couldn't wait to see how Katara reacted to the beautiful panda lily he had for her.
Aang quickly came to a large mob of people, all of which were crowded around the waterbending duel, Aang prayed that he'd see Katara, up on those stands, beating whoever it was she was dueling against. Aang pushed and shoved his way through people until he came to an open spot directly near the platform, and sure enough, there was Katara.
Aang instantly smiled as he watched the duel, people around him everywhere went crazy, evidently this show was now more interesting to watch because Katara was undefeated for awhile now. Aang was surprised at how smoothly and gracefully she went about her forms, what shocked Aang the most was that she did it all so quickly without one mess up. He was instantly impressed, which he felt made his night even better, he knew she'd be overjoyed to see him, although he figured he'd better let her go about winning before her streak is ruined.
Within a matter of minutes, Katara had ever so quickly water whipped her opponent in the head, sending him crashing to the ground with a loud thud. The crowd went crazy as Katara crossed her arms with much pride, Aang noticed her glancing about the audience, evidently she was searching for whoever she'd battle next, Aang attempted to get her attention but it didn't work, the crowd was just too big, although there were times when he could've sworn her eyes were laid directly onto him.
"Who's next?! This young lady has been undefeated for over 46 duels now! Who is brave enough to beat her?" One man shouted, Aang smiled and shook his head, knowing no one could beat her, Katara, in his eyes, was the best waterbender out there.
Aang continued to stare ahead until he noticed the man in front of him turn around and gape, Aang frowned, swearing this man's eyes were focused on him, sure enough, they were. The man instantly pointed at Aang and looked about.
"It's the Avatar! I'm pretty positive HE could beat her!" He hollered as he quickly picked Aang's arm up and flung it up in the air, Aang could feel his heart stop as did his mouth, he attempted to protest but nothing happened. Everyone around the two quickly began to cheer and agree with the man who was now shoving Aang onto the platform.
"N-no! You don't understand, I-" Aang stopped his ramblings and quickly glanced about the large crowd, who's eyes were all laid on him. Everything was now dead silent in the area, Aang could've sworn he could hear his own heart beat thump like crazy, he stared at all the people below, their faces written with excitement to see how this duel would turn out, all was silent until he heard that one familiar voice he had been longing to hear for quite some time now.
"Well well well, if it isn't the all mighty Avatar," Katara snapped, Aang whirled around and stared at her, a baffled look on his face; he quickly set his bag down and put his hands up.
"Katara, I-I-"
"What's the matter," Katara said loudly as she slowly lifted water up beside her, she gently began to move it around herself, "Too chicken to fight?" Katara snapped, Aang frowned and stared at her in shock, thinking that without a doubt in his mind, he could've sworn Katara would be overjoyed to see
him, but she looked outraged, to the point where Aang was ready to take off running, Katara continued, "Or too chicken to do anything for that matter?"
"I won't fight you," Aang said calmly, his hands steadily in the air before him. What is she talking about? Aang questioned to himself in a baffled manner.
"What's wrong," Katara teased rudely before she, lightning speed, water whipped the air right next to Aang, missing his cheek by literally centimeters. Aang jumped in shock, he stood motionless for a second, his ears ringing by the sudden cracking noise the water made, and he gaped slightly as Katara continued, "Afraid of a little challenge, Aang?"
Aang shook his head quickly and glanced about the crowd, they were all dead silent, looks of shock quickly continued to multiply as Aang remained stock still, Katara continued to tease him with the water she ever so delicately waterbended around herself. Aang could feel something tease him in the pit of his stomach, it kept telling him to get out of there, but he figured he better try to work things out, seeing as everything could get ugly if he didn't settle this now.
"Seems as if everything has been a challenge for you, tonight, Aang," Katara taunted, her delicate bendings next to her became more and more vicious in time, as did her temper. Aang at this point was utterly confused.
"Katara, look, I'm really-"
"Foolish? Cowardly? Forgetful of other people's feelings? I fully agree Aang, that stunt you pulled on the ship, I say it's the farthest thing from Avatar material," Katara said deeply, Aang shook his head, eyes wide with confusion; he could feel his heart shatter at her words.
"You misunderstood, Katara, I left because-" Aang was interrupted by a large stream of water sent hurtling towards him, Aang quickly moved out of the way, not willing nor wanting to fight Katara, he had a feeling he'd be beaten anyways. He quickly looked up, noticing Katara's hateful look towards him, he felt as if he were the enemy in this whole mess when really, the two had misunderstood the whole situation, Aang felt as if there was no other way out of this other than to fight.
"Fine, if that's how you want to end this," Aang said loudly as he quickly ripped the water straight from Katara's control, she gasped and attempted to get it back, but Aang's force was too strong. The crowd suddenly went wild as the battle started. The two teens went at it for quite some time; it seemed as if the crowd had multiplied for this one event, seeing as no waterbending duel had lasted for as long as this one was going for.
Katara was starting to feel like her strength was diminishing, she knew that if she stayed on her feet, she'd be okay, seeing as if you fall, you're out. Although that was the rule, Katara was having a hard time following it, she felt as if Aang had improved on his waterbending skills, which made her even more furious towards him, jealousy sky rocketed in her heart, Aang had always been a better waterbender than she and she hated admitting that simple fact. After all, he was the Avatar, but she felt it gave him no right to come in and defeat her winning streak, break her heart earlier with the whole ship incident, she felt as if she couldn't bear how angry she was with Aang.
Aang, for his part, felt as if this battle was coming close to and end, or at least he hoped it would, he hated seeing Katara like this, struggling to keep her balance, her waterbending moves became weaker by the second and after awhile, he beautiful hair had fallen out of the tight braid it usually was in. He felt as if there was only one way to actually get her to calm down, and that was by defeating her. He felt as if he had the power to do so. She had taught him well.
Aang quickly began to whip the water all about Katara, causing her to stumble about and loose balance slightly, and just as she had her back slightly turned, he quickly sent water flying towards her, lightning speed, he prayed within the split seconds that she'd dodge the water, although she wasn't very fortunate or on her feet at the time.
Katara let a soft yelp escape her lips, she quickly moved to the side in attempt to avoid the water sent at her but she was too late. The water clipped her side, sending her crashing to the ground, Katara landed on her hands and knees, that is until she quickly curled up into a little ball on stage. Her whole body shaking from the sudden rush of everything.
Everyone fell silent, no one moved, the only thing visible was Katara's shaking body, Aang felt so horrible, so full of guilt but at the same time, it made him feel good that he had stopped her from possibly killing someone with all the anger she was giving off.
All at once, the crowd went crazy, cheering and what not, Aang frowned and looked around, he wasn't hoping for applause, he didn't like to have people cheering for him when he has hurt someone in a waterbending match. Aang quickly shook his head in attempt to calm the crowd down but in no time, someone ran up onto the stage, grabbed Aang's arm and threw it high up in the air for everyone to see.
"The Avatar has won! Who would like to challenge him?" He hollered, many people raised their hands and jumped up and down, Aang could've sworn he's never seen a crowd go this crazy for waterbending matches, Aang shook his head again and quickly peered across the stage to see Katara clumsily standing on her feet, Aang frowned and attempted to shove past the few people that were on the stage with him, hoping he could get to Katara so he could apologize but literally, within a blink of an eye, she was gone, she had run through the crowd to who knows where. Aang's eyes widened as he quickly darted around people until he was out of the fighting arena.
"Katara!" Aang hollered as he made his way around people, only catching little glimpses of Katara's long brown hair and blue kimono, "Katara wait!" It was no use; she was running too fast, refusing to look back.
Katara felt as if she could just break down right in the middle of everything, she felt so destroyed, she felt as if Aang had done everything wrong tonight, in her eyes, Aang was her enemy at the moment. She didn't want to look at him, talk to him, be in his presence, he had left her on the ship and then humiliated her in front of a crowd of people, she felt so awful, although she had no idea that she was in the wrong.
She could hear his voice, calling out her name, but she didn't turn back, she ran as fast as her legs could take her to who knows where. She had no idea where she was going, although at this point, she could care less.
She ran for a little while longer until she could've sworn Aang wasn't following her, she came to a small forest, outside of everything, it was a bit away from the festival. Katara didn't mind, anywhere but back there,she thought as she ran deeper into the thin shrubbery. She ran until she felt as if her legs were about to give out, she slowed to a stop as she gently leaned up against a tree. She suddenly realized that she had been crying without knowing it, her cheeks were wet with tears, old and new, she figured her mind was all one big whirl to notice anything at this time. She took a deep, shaky breath and glanced upwards only to see a large, full moon shining down at her; she frowned and forced herself to look away from the pretty sight.
She looked around for a little bit, panting away, attempting to catch her breath along with her jumbled up thoughts, all until she couldn't stand thinking of Aang anymore, she quickly buried her face into her hands and sobbed, hating the fact that this night couldn't get worse.
Katara continued to cry until she felt something lightly touch her arm, she ignored it until that something, or someone for that matter, ever so gently pulled her into a warm hug. Katara instantly buried her face into whoever it was, taking a deep breath of its scent in between sobs and crying, she after a few minutes came to find that the familiar, sweet smell was that of Aang's, and with that, Katara began to feel comforted.
Aang continued to hold Katara close, she cried into his chest gently, hoping not to cause an even bigger scene than what she has already caused moments before. He gently began to rub Katara's back, ever so confused as to why she was crying in the first place. If being beaten was the problem, he felt as if he'd be even more confused, he knew Katara was kind in defeat, she wasn't one to cry all over place because of it. He figured something else went wrong.
"Katara," he started softly, hoping not to startle her, "What's the matter?" he questioned, knowing for a fact he'd get an answer, Katara ever so slowly shifted out of Aang's arms, sniffling and wiping tears away from her pretty face.
"I was so disappointed Aang," Katara said after a few minutes of calm silence between the two, Aang cocked his head slightly and stared at the beautiful girl before him.
"Why what's wrong? I mean...other than the duel, which, by the way, I'm really sorry about," Aang said softly, Katara shook her head and looked down at the ground. The two were silent, yet again, Katara continued to sniffle and wipe away tears that fell from her eyes, Aang patiently waited for Katara to gather up her thoughts.
"Why did you leave the ship, Aang?" Katara questioned softly as she looked at him through glassy eyes, Aang grew confused before he thought back to earlier in the night, he didn't realize how hurt Katara was when he left her and Jahdi on the ship in the first place, if only she knew the reason as to why he left, she'd be more understanding. Aang sighed and fiddled his fingers, Katara continued, "Did...did you not want to come to the festival?"
"No, that's not it at all, I really wanted to go with you, and I just have heard everyone talking about a rare flower that you give to someone you lo-" Aang was cut off.
"You looked pretty set on going, why did you have to take off like that?" Katara questioned, raising her voice a little.
"Katara, I-"
"I mean, I thought you heard that it was called the lovers festival...I just...kinda figured we could go together," Katara said softly as she looked down, feeling her face heat up.
"I know, that's why I left to get th-"
"Where you scared or something?" Katara asked suddenly as she looked up, Aang quickly shook his head.
"N-no I wasn't sc-"
"Or nervous?" Katara asked, Aang let out a quick sigh.
"No, I wasn't nervous or anything, I forgot to go back and get the-"
"I mean, I understand, I was kinda nervous too but..." Katara looked about with a frown as Aang grew flustered.
"I left you to go get the fl-"
"It made me sad Aang, I mean, no girl wants to be alone for the lover's festival," Katara said sadly, "I just thought that we'd go together but then you left so... I figured you didn't want to come with me... or something,"
"That's not it at all, Katara, if you'd let me finish, I-I-"
" I bet Jahdi and Seta got together," Katara pondered with a frown as she stared down at the dirt, Aang sighed softly with a smile as he stared at Katara, he felt as if him trying to talk to get his feelings out wasn't working, "I-I guess we'd better go home or something... I mean, I understand Aang, and I…" Katara stopped her nervous ramblings and quickly stole a glance at the young airbender before her, her sudden act of attempting to get out of an awkward situation was put to a stop as Aang ever so slowly slipped his hands into hers, his now closer presence calming her down a little.
Katara stared at Aang for a silent moment, his caring eyes locked onto hers. She felt her whole body un-tense from all the chaos that had happened in this one night. She continued to gaze at the young airbender before her, her hands ever so gently held in his. Katara, at this point, felt so awful, and with that, a strange feeling of guilt suddenly swept through her, she could tell by the calm, gentle look in Aang's eyes that she had done something wrong also.
"Sorry..." Katara said in a soft whisper, she hung her head slightly as she stared at the cold dirt below the two, she could feel Aang's grip on her hands tighten a little.
"It's not your fault...I think you just...misunderstood something," Aang said softly, he nervously looked about as he could feel his face heat up.
"What?" Katara questioned as she cocked her head slightly, although she had a feeling this would happen.
"I didn't leave the ship because I was scared o-or I didn't want to go to the festival with you," Aang started calmly, surprisingly, Katara didn't interrupt, "I-I left to get the..." Aang stopped his train of thoughts before he noticed the anticipated look on Katara's face.
"What did you get?" Katara questioned, oblivious to the thought of it being a romantic gift.
"Well, I kinda wanted it to be a surprise for later but..." Aang gently let go of Katara's hands and reached down into his bag which was gently rested by his side. Katara's eyes followed his hands which were now gently pulling the little something from his brown burlap bag and within a small glimpse of it; Katara instantly knew what it was. With this, a small gasp escaped her lips as she quickly placed both hands over her mouth in slight shock.
"A-a panda lily," Katara said in a soft whisper of surprise, she could feel her heart flutter madly at the beautiful sight before her, the pretty black and white flower Aang gently held out for her to have. Katara slowly took the delicate plant from Aang's grip, she felt as if her smile couldn't get any bigger. She held the flower close to her before she gently buried her nose into the soft flower, smelling the delicate fragrance of her gift. She then slowly looked up at Aang, feeling more guilty than ever, she had jumped to conclusions, ones of which she knew Aang would never be responsible for.
"Oh Aang," Katara said softly as she, yet again, hung her head in utter guilt, Aang patiently listened, "I-I'm so sorry...I never meant to hurt you or-or think that poorly of you,"
"It's alright, I understand...I-I just didn't want to tell you why I was leaving the ship, that'd ruin the surprise," Aang said with a small laugh, Katara looked up with a smile, although the feeling of guilt still lingered around her.
"Thank you so much, Aang...I don't deserve this," Katara said softly as she stared at the young monk before her, Aang shook his head with a smile.
"No, its okay, I-I probably would've thought the same thing if you left me on a ship without a reason," Aang said soothingly, "I-I should be sorry,"
"Why?" Katara questioned, swearing that she was fully in the wrong.
"Well, I kinda made you look bad at that waterbending duel," Aang said softly, "I'm sorry,"
"Nah, it's fine, I can always beat you another time," Katara teased with a smile, Aang chuckled and shook his head before Katara quickly, yet gently pulled Aang into a loving hug. Aang could instantly feel his face heat up at her delicate touch and with that, he instantly returned the sweet gesture, his arms gently rested around her waist.
Katara felt as if her whole night was all one big blur up until now, feeling overwhelmed by all her emotions, she fell completely silent in Aang's arms. Her heart fluttered, the sight of the beautiful flower in her hand was all she wanted to see for this night, and the fact that Aang had presented her with the flower made the situation a whole lot better.
Katara continued to stare at the rare flower in her hand with a smile before she could feel Aang ever so gently bury his soft nose and face into the side of her neck. She instantly smiled as she could feel a deep blush come across her face. Katara closed her eyes and let everything sink in, the whole atmosphere of the cool night; the only sound present was that of Aang's ever so light breathing in her ear.
All was calm in Katara's mind until she could feel Aang's warm lips place a soft, innocent kiss just under her jaw line. She could instantly feel chills shoot up and down her spine, loving the feeling, as she ever so slightly pulled away from him until eyes met. Aang blushed with a bashful smile; he stared into Katara's eyes for a moment before he took a calm, deep breath.
"I love you," Aang said softly, faces literally inches apart. Katara slowly bit her bottom lip, absolutely loving those three words, and with that, her heart jumped with joy. She opened her mouth to reply, say the same things back, but she felt as if she lost all ability to move let alone speak, the sight of Aang gradually leaning closer to her made her feel as if every single word she knew was stripped from her very essence, that is until Aang was in kissing distance.
"I love you too," Katara said in a soft whisper, she could feel her face heat up even further as her lips brushed against his. With a small smile and a slow glance into her parted eyes, Aang ever so gently gave her a tender kiss on the lips. Within that one moment, Katara felt as if she had forgotten everything that had happened earlier that day, where she was, what would happen seconds later, the only thing on her mind was him. She absolutely loved the flower he gave her but she felt as if the only thing she wanted was him. And only him.
A/N: Splee :3 I live for fluff, and if you guys haven't noticed that until now...well, where have you been…x) I hope you all loved this chapter! I'll update as soon as I can... it seems as if it's getting harder and harder...it will be a lot easier during and after winter break…as well as during the summer; so do not fear!
-Katara-
"When two hearts race, both win."
Mohalo ;)