3: Better Tomorrow
The house was a light blue. It showed wear from storms but stood strong. Aang's house was a bit older, most of the yellow paint had chipped off leaving the bear gray wood underneath, but it almost looked better that way. The trio headed for the blue house until they heard a voice.
"Aang."
the three turned to see Aang's uncle standing in the doorway of the second house and a fruity aroma was eminating form inside.
"Hey Gyatso," Aang said as they walked over.
"I see you've made some new friends," Gyatso said.
"Yeah, this is Katara and Sokka, our neighbors."
"Hey" said Sokka.
"It's nice to meet you," Katar said.
"It's very nice to meet you too," Gyatso said giving Aang a quick glance, " Why don't you come inside for some dinner."
"That's ok, we can eat at home," Katara said.
"I insist." he said.
"Thanks' exclaimed Katara giving in.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. We're vegetarian," Aang infromed them as they walked inside.
"What? No meat?" Sokka yelled petrified.
"Sokka, you don't need meat for every meal." Katara stated.
"How are we even related?" Sokka retorted.
"Ugh, If you have to have meat just bring your own...if that's ok." she added turning to Aang and his uncle.
"That's fine. Now please come in. I think you will enjoy the fruit pie." Gyatso said.
"Nobody makes fruit pies like Uncle Gyatso." Aang said.
"Well, it does sound tasty. I'd love some."
After Sokka returned with a platter of meat ad they had all eaten the main course, they dug into the fruit pie.
"Here, let me give you a slice," Aang offered it to Katara.
"Thanks," she said taking the plate from him.
"Mm. This is really good." she said after taking a bite.
"Thank you, miss Katara."
"Can I have some more?" came Sokka's muffled request face still stuffed after gobbling up his first slice.
Gyatso happily gave him another.
"Wow Sokka. You actually like something that doesn't have meat in it," his sister teased.
Sokka went rigid.
"That does not leave this house." He said seriously and they all laughed.
"So where are your parents?" Gyatso asked.
The siblings' faces turned serious.
"Our dad's in he Navy and we lost our mom ten years ago." Sokka answered.
They were all silent for a moment.
"Aang lost his parents too." Gyatso said quietly.
"Really?" Katar asked turning to him.
"Yeah, but I was 3 so I don't really remember them."
"I'm so sorry." she said trying to comfort him.
"Well, you have it worse you actually knew your mom, I didn't. Gyatso is the only family I have left."
Katara reached over and gently gave his hand a squeeze.
"Not true," she said, "Now you have us."
Aang's face lit up slightly and they exchanged smiles.
"So are you entering the skate competition?" Katara asked lightening the mood and changing the subject.
"Skate competition?" Aang asked suddenly intrigued.
"Dude, every skater in Hawaii strives to someday win the Avatar Trophy... and a thousand bucks," Sokka said.
"Well, I guess I could enter, if I'm good enough," Aang said.
"Of course you're good enough," Katar said with a smile, "You're amazing."
He grinned.
"I've never seen anyone get air like you, Air Man," Sokka chimed in, "Well, except for Toph Beifong."
Aang was stunned. "THE Toph Beifong. The-"
"Greatest Female Skater in the US." he and Katar said in unison.
"Yeah," she added.
"Is she entering the competition?" Aang asked nervously.
"No. She's actually the judge." Katara said.
"Great, that makes me feel better." Aang said sarcasticly.
"How do you guys know her?" he asked.
"She just so happens to be my girlfriend." Sokka bragged.
"Wait. YOU are dating Toph Beifong?" Aang questioned.
"Why did you say that like she's out of my league?" Sokka asked offended.
"Well-"
"Hey!"
"Kidding. That's really cool. Not afraid to admit that your girlfriend is a better skater than you?"
"Actually, I'd be more afraid to not."
They all laughed. Toph was great but she had a short temper and was very competitive which is why she wasn't allowed to enter the competition, but they appeased her by letting her judge.
"Maybe you can meet her tomorrow." Sokka said.
"That'd be great," Aang said turning to Katara with a smile, "As long as it doesn't interfere with our surfing plans."
She blushed but stated confidently, "Absolutely not."
"Sweet."
He was totally looking forward to it. Gyatso smiled knowingly.
Katara looked out the window and saw how late it was.
"Well, we better go." She stated slightly saddened.
"See you tomorrow?" Aang asked rather that stated just checking.
"Definitely." she said then she added teasingly, "Later, skater boy."
Aang grinned, "See ya, surfer girl. Bye Sokka." he added almost emotionless.
"Yeah, thanks." Sokka said sarcasticly.
Aang watched them as they left and didn't go back inside the house until thye had disappeared inside theirs.
"So, you two have a date tomorrow?" Gyatso asked so innocently as Aang walked back in.
Aang turned red. "We just met, we're just friends, and we're just surfing."
"Well, if it's JUST the two of you then it sounds like a date to me," Gyatso said.
Before Aang had time to respond Gyatso had turned out the light and headed upstairs for be, leaving his nephew in the dark.
Aang let out a mock annoyed sigh and ascended the staircase himself. As he got ready for bed he couldn't help but smile at how great the day had been. Shredding in a new skate park, getting two new friends, and meeting the girl of his dreams. yep, today was awesome but with meeting Toph Deifong and going surfing with Katara, tomorrow will be even better.