I Need To Find Myself
Song Inspired: Toto-Georgy Porgy (I highly recommend watching the live version of this song via youtube from Paris; year 1990 [Toto's bass and guitar players are seriously underrated.])
It's been a couple of days since Katara and Lee began dating, and Katara couldn't be happier. At first, she mentally clashed with her feelings for Lee and her feelings for Aang, but realized that it was just best to completely let Aang go, and that's exactly what she did. It was a difficult feat for her, but she pulled through and she couldn't be in more peace as she was in now. Spending the past couple of days with Lee was as heavenly as she anticipated it would be; he's kind, caring, loving, and always attentive to her needs. Lee on the other hand has been traveling to and fro to attend to her, fully smitten by her alluring presence. He adored her, even if he only knew her for a couple of weeks, and would do anything to make Katara happy. He's the guy of Katara's dreams, and just the day before even thanked Aang (subconsciously of course) for breaking up with her, because if he didn't she would've never had the opportunity to run into Lee and give him a chance.
Katara sighed, "This is the life" said Katara peacefully as she wiped the tea tables in front of her clean.
Iroh was working in the back of the counter setting everything up for the day ahead, "Katara, I must say it's been truly a pleasure to have you helping me around the tea shop. I have to admit, we've been getting a lot more customers than usual." implied Iroh.
Katara smiled as she blushed, "Yeah, I know. They're all nice, but I have my eye on just one person; you know that." finished Katara happily.
Iroh chuckled, "I know dear, I'm just pointing out a fact is all." finished Iroh as he continued getting the counter ready for the day.
Katara complacently continued finishing up sweeping the floors and polishing some silverware as she merrily hummed a tune. She couldn't help but feel happy, especially now that Lee's in her life. The first couple of days of their relationship have been crucial as the thought of Aang was one that crept up constantly, but she pulled through just fine and eventually Aang completely disappeared from her thoughts completely. "Aang was right; we needed to end us. It was truly for the better and now things couldn't be better for me." thought Katara as she placed dishes onto every table. She brushed herself off and went upstairs to brush her hair; ready to take on another day of satisfied customers. She was brushing her hair when she received an unexpected knock on her door.
"Yes?" asked Katara as she finished tying her hair.
"Guess who?" said Lee seductively.
Katara giggled; she knew that is was Lee, after all he's the only one that knocks on her room door in the morning. She ran her fingers through her hair and brushed any flyaways from the crown of her head as she went to open the door; and there was Lee, with a bouquet of lilies and daisies.
Katara gasped, "Lee, they're beautiful." said Katara as she reached for the arrangement of flowers.
Lee let out a small chuckle, "What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart." said Lee as he gave Katara a seductive smile. Katara returned the gesture and leaned in to lock lips with him. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to get a better taste of her lips; Katara groaned in agreement as she let her tongue slip into his mouth. Lee complied and their tongues danced in unison as they embraced each other.
Lee and Katara soon pulled away from each other; both breathing heavily from their intense kiss, "Katara...you make me so happy." said Lee dreamily.
Katara felt goosebumps when Lee said this, "You make me feel the same way..." said Katara as she stared at Lee's amber colored eyes romantically. She soon sighed, "Well, I gotta go to work." said Katara as she let go of his embrace.
"Yeah, I know; I'll see you later?" asked Lee.
"Of course" said Katara as she winked at her new lover; Lee smiled back at Katara as he waved goodbye and made his way out of the tea shop. Katara went downstairs to place the flowers in one of the vacant vases Iroh had on the back of the counter; she took a deep whiff of the heavenly smell that came with the flowers and couldn't help but think of Lee and his dreamy smile, his cologne, and his captivating dark hair, "Heh, at least I now have the privilege of running my fingers through hair." thought Katara as she giggled.
"Katara, will you open the doors for me please?" asked Iroh
Katara snapped out of her romantic daze, "Oh! Of course." said Katara gleefully.
Aang and Appa were still several hours away from Ba Sing Se, but for Aang, it felt like an eternity. He couldn't help but feel anxious at seeing Katara again. They've been together for three years, and just ended their relationship a couple of weeks ago.
"sigh, I really hope she doesn't hate me." said Aang as he placed his hands on the back of his head and comfortingly rested on the back of Appa; resting and preparing himself for an encounter he dreads, but knows that he has to do now or later. "Might as well do it now, and with good timing too." thought Aang. He had a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach as Appa reached closer to Ba Sing Se, "Just jitters" he thought. He quickly discarded his thoughts and jumped on Appa's head as he grabbed hold of the reigns.
Aang soon noticed of the impenetrable city's great wall on the horizon, "I know you're tired buddy, but we're almost there; just a little while longer." said Aang as he patted his Sky Bison tenderly.
Appa groaned as he descended from the clouds with a quick swift.
Katara continued to wash dishes as Iroh observed her cleaning with much work ethic. She used her water bending skills to clean and dry every tea pot, tea cup, and plate as she left every dish spic and span. Iroh admired her work ethic and wished he had been young enough to have the same energy as she does, but thankfully with her presence, the tea shop has been working like clockwork. She proceeded to stack every dish as she abandoned her post to close the doors for the evening; as she closed the doors to the shop, Iroh stopped her from her obligations.
"Katara, you have done enough for today; why don't you take the time to rest a bit before Lee gets here?" asked Iroh generously.
Katara locked the doors, "Nah, I love this; besides, getting to tea bend is a blast, really helps me practice control and precision." said a content Katara as she continued onto her duties and began to prepare the next day's tea batch with her water bending skills.
Iroh couldn't help but smile at the young woman before him. She's changed so much in such a short amount of time, and has become incredibly humble since her arrival. He now knows for sure that she's heading down her path, and is pleased that she is as happy as she is. He suddenly remembered his nephew as he looked at the young Water Tribe girl, how lost he was and how difficult it was for him to find his path, the right path, and how after trials and tribulations, he ended in a better place, and in his rightful place as Fire Lord. Iroh sighed content as he continued to clean up the back of the counter. As he continued to clean, he picked up a pot of Ginseng tea, only to loose his balance and spill it all over himself.
He observed the split tea all over himself, "Oh my" said Iroh as he tried to clean himself off.
Katara took quick notice of the accident, "Don't worry I got it!" said Katara as she water bended all of the liquid away from the former General and placed the liquid in a waste bucket. "Are you alright?" asked Katara, worried that the tea may have burned him.
Iroh chuckled, "Ah, don't you worry young Katara, the tea was pretty cold when it spilled on me." said Iroh.
Katara chuckled consensually as they were suddenly startled by a knock coming from the tea shop doors.
Katara walked to the doors, "Yes? Can I help you?" asked Katara.
"You can help me by gracing me with your beautiful presence." said the voice coming from behind the door.
Katara giggled and opened the door to reveal Lee on the other side.
Katara's face brightened, "Lee!" squealed Lee as she jumped on him.
Lee chuckled, "Katara, I've only been gone since this morning." said Lee as he smiled at Katara, "May I come in?" asked Lee.
"Yes you may." said Katara compliantly as she grabbed Lee's arm and walked him into the vacant tea shop.
Lee observed the tea shop, "Wow, this place looks so huge when there's no one around, with the exception of Iroh in the back there." pointed out Lee as he greeted Iroh from the back of the room. Iroh returned the greeting with a nod and smile as he continued to sweep the back counter.
"Please sit." said Katara as she gestured Lee to sit in the chair behind him." said Katara.
"Oh, thank you." said Lee with appreciation as he sat on the chair; Katara followed suit and sat next to him, "So Katara, I've been meaning to ask you something." said Lee.
"What is it Lee?" asked Katara.
"Well, there's a dance; Fire Lord Zuko's hosting it, and I was wondering..." said Lee incompletely as he grabbed his own arm.
Katara's eyes dimmed as she got closer to Lee, "I'd love to go with you." said Katara as she grabbed Lee's hand; Lee blushed at the gesture.
Lee was surprised, "Wow, I was kind of worried about asking you." said Lee in relief.
Katara gave a questionable look, "Why's that?" asked Katara curiously.
Lee was trying to find the right words, "Well, I didn't know if dancing was your thing or not; so I didn't know what your reaction would be." said Lee.
Katara nodded, "Lee, dancing's universal, it's a form of self expression that no one can ever take away from you, so why conceal it? " said Katara.
"Wow, that's pretty insightful." said an impressed Lee.
Katara blushed at Lee's compliment, "Well, you could say an old friend inspired me with a similar saying." said Katara.
"Well, that's a pretty intelligent friend you have there Katara." said Lee encouragingly, placing his hand on hers.
Iroh took notice that something intimate was going to happen between the two lovers and turned to face his body to the door, away from the lovers. Katara and Lee's sights locked on as Lee leaned over to to kiss Katara, soon after their lips united in a tender kiss.
Appa groaned at Aang as if in disagreement with his master and friend, "I know I know, I'm sorry Appa but you can't come with me to see Katara." said Aang, disappointing the bison. Aang leaned over the bison's ear as he whispered on, "Between you and me, I'm not planning on staying long, you know, just in case it's too painful for her to see me." Finished Aang. Appa groaned in dissatisfaction as Aang waved goodbye and took off to find Katara.
Aang walked through the streets of Ba Sing Se; admiring the beautiful sunset emanating from the horizon. The colors reminded him very much of the colors he and Zuko saw when the dragon's Ran and Shao deemed them 'worthy'; the deep hues of blue and red, the shades of orange and purple consumed the sky as if some supernatural force were painting the sky itself. Aang continued to admire the view when he suddenly reached his journey's end; He finally made it to the tea shop, but couldn't help but notice that the doors were still open.
"Huh? That's weird; Iroh usually closes around early sunset, it's almost dusk." said Aang, worrying that something might have happened to the former General.
Aang discretely walked into the tea shop and began to visually scour for any sign of struggle, but there was none. He saw Iroh sweeping the back of the shop and sighed in relief; but when he slightly turned his head to take in a better look of the shop, he immediately caught sight of the person he's been tracking down to speak to; Katara, lips locked in the arms of a stranger.
Aang's relief at seeing Iroh safe quickly took a turn for the worst, the impact of what he was witnessing was almost more than he could bear, "Katara? Already moved on?" he thought to himself. He observed as Katara's tongue slipped into this other guy's mouth, strangely provoking him. "Wait a minute, what am I starting to feel upset for? She has every right to move on, who am I to object to what she wants?" thought Aang to himself.
Iroh turned to sweep the other side of the floor when he saw Aang, standing at the entrance, staring at Katara with a look of disbelief and confusion. Iroh gasped as he let out a loud enough cough to capture Aang's attention.
Aang quickly turned his head towards the cough, "Iroh?" said Aang as if snapped out of a trance.
Katara immediately recognized the voice behind her; her gut wrenched as she unlocked from Lee's lips and turned to see exactly who she didn't want to see,"Aang?" said Katara in a confused voice.
Aang turned his head to face the woman who he didn't want to see, for fear that she didn't find closure to their former relationship; but to his relief, and dismay, he couldn't be anymore wrong.
"Katara." said Aang as he gave her a false smile, "How's everything?" asked Aang awkwardly.
"Fine...everything's fine" said Katara as she raised her eyebrow suspiciously, "How long have you been standing there?" asked Katara anxiously.
Aang began to feel nervous, "I-I just got here..." said a tense Aang as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Katara quickly let go of Lee, "What are you doing here?" asked Katara, feeling slightly anxious at the thought that Aang had just seen her kissing Lee.
Aang was about to answer Katara's question when he was suddenly interrupted by the man he just finished watching Katara kiss.
"The Avatar?" questioned Lee, "Wow! I can't believe I'm the presence of the Avatar." said an excited Lee, Katara put her hand in her face.
Lee ran up to Aang, "And you never told me you knew him Katara?" said Lee enthusiastically as he ran up to him like a fanatic. Aang began to feel really awkward about the way Lee approached him and partially backed away from the overenthusiastic Fire Nation native as he gave a confused look to Katara. "She didn't tell him about me." thought Aang to himself.
"Avatar Aang, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Lee; It truly is an honor to stand here before you." said Lee as he bowed before the young Avatar.
Aang chuckled nervously, "Heh, it's not a big deal, really." finished Aang as he placed a hand to the back of his head.
Lee walked back to Katara and reached for her hand; Aang feeling somewhat angry by this gesture, though he couldn't understand why. Iroh took quick notice of Aang's uncomfortable state and interceded, "Who wants some tea? I can brew it as fast as lightning." suggested Iroh as he gave a cheesy smile to the three young people.
All three teenagers just stared at the former General, but it was Aang that was the first one to speak, "Uh...sure..." said Aang.
Iroh quickly began to work on a fresh batch of tea as Aang sat on an empty chair by the new couple, placing his elbows on his knees and his hands in a ball.
"Sigh, The night sure looks beautiful." said Sokka. He placed his mitten coated hands inside his pocket as he pondered his thoughts, "Well, tonight's the night." He said to himself determinedly. He marched straight to the Igloo that he calls home and stepped inside.
The igloo was warm and dimly lit; everything was clean, neat and in it's place as he stared at the woman in front of him. "She's so amazing." He thought to himself as he quietly watched her. He began to take off his mittens and coat, tossing them to the side as he approached the woman that's been on his mind all day.
Suki had begun to prepare a very special fish stew for her lover and his family, a delicacy from her people. "I hope they like this, it's very popular back in Kioshi island, but then again these are Water Tribe natives. Will they like my cooking?" she thought.
Sokka slowly approached the beauty before him, " Ugh I need to stop being so paranoid; I mean, they live on fish." thought Suki, suddenly she was tenderly surprised by the man that's been swimming through her thoughts as of late.
"I've been thinking about you all day." whispered Sokka lovingly into Suki's ear. Sokka gently embraced his girlfriend from behind; Suki's hand still holding the soup ladle still stirring the fish soup in the cauldron.
Sokka took a big whiff of the food his girlfriend was cooking, "Mmmmm that smells good, what are you making?" asked Sokka.
Suki smiled in relief, "It's fish soup, Kioshi island style. I thought maybe you and your family might like it." said Suki.
Sokka's eyes dimmed, "I know I'll like it, and maybe something else." said Sokka seductively as he pulled Suki closer in his embrace.
Suki giggled, "Sokka, what do you want?" asked Suki slyly.
Sokka softly squeezed her waist, "I just want to show you how much I love you." said Sokka, sexually asserting himself.
Suki blushed, "Sokka not right now, I'm trying to finish dinner; Heaven forbid your father and grandmother come in on us like Aang did." said an embarrassed Suki.
Sokka chuckled, "Yeah that was pretty funny." said Sokka as he romantically ran his fingers through Suki's shoulder length hair.
Suki shivered in response, "Sokka, you know you're hard to resist when you do that." said a seductive Suki.
Sokka ran his hands down Suki's arms, "Are you sure you don't want to face me?" asked a desirable Sokka.
Suki didn't respond; she really wanted to surprise his family with her cooking skills, of course Sokka wouldn't understand. Sokka back away from Suki, sensing that she's distraught. As Suki felt Sokka's hold come loose, she began to have second thoughts about denying his request. She didn't want him to assume that she didn't want to be with him, so she turned around to chase after him.
But to Suki's surprise, Sokka didn't go anywhere. There he was, standing in the middle of the igloo; knee bent down, holding something she wasn't familiar with. Suki gazed at her beau, perplexed by his actions.
"Sokka, what are you doing?" asked a nervous Suki.
Sokka gazed lovingly at the woman before him, "Suki, you have been with me through thick and thin, you saved my skin a couple of years ago when those Fire Nation warriors were ready to take me and Toph out." said Sokka.
Suki chuckled, but was still a bit confused as to what was happening.
Sokka walked over to Suki as he continued on, "Suki, you're my woman, my partner." He finally reached her and showed her what he had been holding the whole time, "And I want you to be just that, for the rest of my life, our lives." finished Sokka.
Suki's confusion soon turned to surprise. She immediately dropped the ladle she was holding to the ground as her hands began to tremble. Her eyes widened and her eyes began to tear, for she came to the realization as to what Sokka was implying.
Sokka held the betrothal necklace and presented it to the woman he's loved for so many years. Suki looked at the necklace and observed it's elegant carving, fusing the Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom symbols, both formed into one.
Sokka's own eyes began to water at the sight of Suki's radiance, "Suki, will you be my wife?"
Aang looked down and fidgeted with his fingers, feeling gawky and upset for having the timing that he did, "This is just perfect, I come here to talk to Katara, fearing that she's still not over the breakup, only to find that not only has she move on, but has a new boyfriend..." thought an uncomfortable Aang to himself. Katara, on the other hand, looked down to her lap, her hand connected to Lee's. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed by the whole situation, "I can't believe that of all times, Aang just decides to drop in right in the middle of Lee and I's make out session," thought Katara to herself.
Lee, on the other hand, didn't notice anything strange between them at all. Nope, he was completely distracted by the fact that the great Avatar was there, in the tea shop of all places. Iroh soon finished brewing and served the three young people fresh Jasmine tea with a comforting smile; He was the first one to break the silence between the three of them.
"Well, I hope you all enjoy my tea; it really is the best tea you will find for miles."
"Thank you Iroh, and yes, you make the best tea all around." said Aang.
Iroh gave a pleasing look to the young Avatar and left the group to continue sweeping the back of the counter. Soon after, Lee spoke.
"So...how do you guys know each other?" asked Lee.
Aang gave a piercing look to Katara as he heard Lee's question, but couldn't bring himself to answer.
Katara put her chin down and rubbed her arm as she blushed, "Well, it's kind of a long story Lee." said Katara bashfully.
Lee smiled and squeezed Katara's hand lovingly, "Come on Katara", Aang took quick notice of Lee's squeeze and glared at their hands as he sipped his tea, feeling somewhat agitated by the gesture, "You can tell me anything, you know that." finished Lee.
Katara sighed, "Well, we-"
"We traveled around the world together, when the world was still at war with the Fire Nation" interceded Aang, "She's my water bending master" finished Aang, glaring deep into Katara's eyes as he took another sip of tea; Katara shivered at the visual gesture. "Isn't that right, Katara?" asked Aang.
"Well I'll be, I knew you were a water bending master Katara but I had no idea you taught THE Avatar. That's not something you just fail to mention" finished Lee as he chuckled; Katara, on the other hand, paid no notice to Lee's words, still feeling partially threatened by Aang's piercing gaze.
"Katara?" asked Lee.
Katara soon snapped out of it, "What? oh, oh yeah, right; We traveled all over the world together, and helped him in the war, but it was ultimately Aang who defeated the former Fire Lord and restored peace and balance to the world." recovered Katara.
"Heh, yeah, who doesn't know that." said Lee as he leaned towards Katara to kiss her in the cheek.
Aang couldn't help but feel disgusted by the sight of Katara being kissed by someone else romantically; he discreetly squeezed his fist as Lee finished his kiss.
Katara giggled as Lee pecked her cheek, "So, Avatar Aang, what brings you here?" asked Lee.
Aang's anger bubbled inside of him, "Who'se this guy think he is? Asking me what I'm doing here..." he quickly put on a fake smile, "Well, I'm here to invite Katara to a Fire Nation event, on behalf of the Fire Lord himself." said Aang.
Lee chuckled, "Well I'm sorry to say Aang, but I beat you to it." said Lee innocently, "I already invited Katara to be my date; besides, isn't Fire Lord Zuko with Fire Lady Mai?" asked Lee.
Aang became annoyed, "Well, it's more of a friendly invitation really, but since you two are going together, then I'm sure you both will discuss the details when I leave." said an irked Aang.
Lee quickly noticed the young Avatar's irritation, "Ok..." said Lee.
Aang got up from his seat and stood before the couple, "Well, it was nice seeing you Katara, and nice to meet you Lee." said Aang as he reached for Lee's hand.
Lee was pleased with his gesture, "No, the pleasure's all mine." said Lee as he reached for Aang's hand and shook it.
Aang couldn't help but smile; after all, Lee seemed to be a nice guy and seemed to make Katara very happy. This is exactly what Aang wanted for Katara, and he was happy that she found someone to do just that, make her happy. But he couldn't avoid the knot that formed in the pit of his stomach at the sight of seeing Katara with another man. Aang let go of Lee's hand and said, "Well, I better go."
Iroh took quick notice of what Aang just said, "You can't just leave Aang, it's the middle of the night; you should rest here." suggested Iroh.
Aang hesitated, "No, no I couldn't; I don't want to be intrusive." said Aang.
"Well how long have you been traveling around sending personal invitations for?" asked Katara.
Aang stopped to think, "A...week and a half ? Maybe two weeks?" said Aang.
Iroh and Katara gasped, "A week and a half? Nonstop?" asked Katara worryingly.
Aang recovered himself "Not really, I took some sleeping breaks with Appa; it's not a big deal." said Aang arrogantly.
"Not a big deal? You look pretty tired to me." said Iroh, concerned for the young Avatar.
"What's the big deal? He's the Avatar, he can handle not sleeping." said Lee slyly; Aang then gave a cranky look to Lee.
Iroh humphed, "Avatar or no Avatar; he needs a comfortable bed to sleep in, at least for the night." said Iroh, "Please Aang, accept my invitation of hospitality, it will be my honor." said Iroh.
Aang still hesitated, "I don't know; Appa and I are doing fine, really." said Aang, still trying to convince Iroh and Katara that he should leave.
"Please Aang, you need to rest. They're just invitations; your sanity's important. Need I remind you the last time you went without sleep for days?" asked Katara as she lightly laughed at the recollection.
Aang looked at Katara and recollected the days before the day of Black Sun, and how he temporarily lost his mind due to lack of sleep. He gave in outnumbered, "Okay" said Aang as he smiled back at his ex lover.
Iroh smiled in relief, "Alright then, it's settled; you'll stay in the other guestroom upstairs next to Katara's room, then you can leave in the morning." said Iroh, "Make yourself at home." finished Iroh.
Aang was thankful for the invitation, but quickly backed away when he thought of his old friend waiting for him outside, "Wait, what about Appa?" asked a concerned Aang for his animal friend, "I have to tend to him if I'm going to be here the night." said a stern Aang.
Katara interceded, "I'll help you care for him before you stay here." said Katara.
Aang let out a compliant smile and nodded in agreement. Katara walked to the back of the counter and opened a giant drawer. Inside, she pulled out several bags of fruits and berries to feed the giant sky bison; She walked towards Aang, bags in hand and said, "Alright, let's go." They soon took off to take care of Appa.
Lee looked baffled as he watched his girlfriend run out with the Avatar, "What...was that all about?" asked Lee; Iroh gave him a baffled gesture in return.
Katara and Aang ran to Appa's location; the whole short journey uncomfortably silent between one another. They soon reached the giant bison who was resting comfortably under the shade of a tree on that cool night. "Appa" whispered Katara, and as if she cast a magic spell on the animal, Appa's eyes flung wide open. He groaned in great contentment as Katara rubbed his nose, Appa showed his gratitude by licking her. Katara giggled at the kind gesture and opened the bags she placed on the ground; Appa whiffed the sweet delights that Katara was holding and opened his mouth wide as Katara placed blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, and raspberries on his tongue. Aang gratefully watched as Katara fed his bison, and soon broke the silence between them.
"Are you sure that Iroh doesn't mind you taking those from his tea shop?" asked Aang.
Katara gave Aang a look, "No, not at all. I mean, he didn't say anything when I left bags in hand." chuckled Katara.
Aang chuckled back at her, "Yeah, I guess you're right." said Aang as he gave Katara a smile.
Katara smiled in return, "Aang...thank you." said Katara.
Aang looked at her baffled, "For what?" asked Aang.
Katara continued to feed the bison, "For not saying anything about...you know...to Lee." said Katara thankfully.
Aang smiled in reassurance, "Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" said Aang, the sound of those very words sitting pungently in his mouth.
Katara smiled, "Heh, yeah, I guess so." said Katara compliantly.
Aang continued to watch Katara feed his bison, and soon after, Aang's curiosity soon got the best of him, "But I have to ask, why didn't you want him to know?" asked Aang.
Katara didn't know what to say, should she be honest with him? She wasn't so sure, but she knew it was the right thing to do, "I did want to tell him at first, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it." said Katara somberly.
Aang stared at her, "Why not?" asked a concerned Aang.
Katara took a deep breath and released, "Aang, we had a past relationship; after we broke up, I realized that there WERE a lot of mistakes that I've made that fueled the end of us. I didn't want to end up bitter, and he pay for my bitterness." said Katara as she continued to feed Appa.
Aang looked on as he listened to Katara's explanation, "I don't understand." said a confused Aang.
Katara soon finished feeding Appa and got up to look Aang straight in the eye, " What I'm trying to say is that I didn't want to take my anger over the demise of our relationship on him. He's a great guy Aang, and I don't want to jeopardize what we have." said Katara sweetly.
Aang finally understood what she was trying to say, "So...you really like him don't you?" asked a comforting Aang.
Katara gave Aang the sweetest smile he's ever seen her make and nodded in agreement.
Aang felt relieved and gave Katara a sweet smile in return, "I'm truly happy for you Katara" said Aang, "I was actually kind of worried about coming here to see you myself; I was afraid that you were still mad at me over, you know." chuckled Aang.
Katara gave Aang a stern look, "I was..." said Katara; Aang gulped nervously, "But I'm alright now; I'm happy where I am and things are looking good between me and Lee." finished a happy Katara.
Aang gave Katara a smile and rested his hand on her shoulder, "I'm so happy for you Katara, really I am." said Aang, partially meaning every word he said.
Katara smiled and without warning, dove into Aang's arms to give him a comforting hug; Aang complied, but couldn't help but notice the fragrant aroma that emanated from her long locks, forgetting how intoxicating that scent could be. He closed his eyes and held her tight, breathing in her scent, almost wishing their embrace would never end. And that's when Aang's thoughts immediately shifted to Onji, and how upset she would be in knowing that he hugged Katara in such a way. He abruptly backed away from Katara; Katara gave Aang a questonable look in return.
"We better get back inside." suggested Aang.
Katara nodded and rubbed Appa on his belly as he laid himself to rest for the night. The two friends then made their way back to Iroh's teashop, feeling not so uncomfortable around eachother anymore. As they entered the shop, Lee was still in his seat waiting for Katara and Aang to return; Iroh however, was nowhere to be found. Katara hastily noticed.
"Where did Iroh go?" asked Katara.
"He cashed in for the night; maybe it's time you do the same?" asked Lee sweetly.
Katara blushed, "Well, I am pretty tired" said Katara as she stretched, "Guess I should go to bed too." finished Katara as she let out a deep sigh
"See you next week?" asked Lee as he got up from his seat and walked towards the chocolate beauty that was Katara, "You bet." said Katara as he grabbed her by the waist, placing his face dangerously close to Katara's. Katara lovingly looked into Lee's eyes and lunged to kiss him.
Unbeknownst to her, the sight of her and Lee's embrace sent uncomfortable pulsations over Aang. He immediately looked away when he recognized that she was about to kiss Lee, just wanting to run away from this awkward moment, but he knew that doing just that was disrespectful and waited patiently until they finished their moment.
The lovers soon let go of their embrace, and Lee soon exited the tea shop, leaving Aang and Katara, alone. Katara closed the doors behind her and placed the locks as she turned around to face the young Avatar. There was silence between them for a moment as Aang ran his hand over his other arm.
"Soooo, how did you meet him?" asked Aang curiously.
Katara blushed, "Well, it was more of an accident really. I had just gotten back and I accidently bumped into him on my way here, and, well, everything else's history from there..." said Katara as she smiled.
Aang was accepting of the situation, and couldn't be happier for his former girlfriend, but he couldn't avoid the sick feeling emitting deep in the pit of his stomach as she smittenly talked about Lee.
Katara on the other hand continued on dreamily, oblivious to Aang sticking his tongue out as he rolled his eyes, "...And he's so sweet and charming, he buys me presents and we talk about our feelings sigh, everything's just so...perfect." finished Katara.
As soon as Aang heard Katara refer her relationship with Lee as perfect, he felt a surge of jealousy rise up from inside him. He knows that their relationship wasn't anywhere near perfect, he didn't doubt that fact, but, "She's making me sound so...second place." thought an aggravated Aang to himself.
"Well anyway, let me not go on or else we'll be here all night long." chuckled a naive Katara, unknowingly having given Aang a sexual innuendo.
Aang blushed at Katara's false insinuation, watching her, knowing she didn't mean the way those words came out. Katara made no mention of what she said as she remained clueless as to what came out of her own mouth. Katara then pointed up the stairs by the back end of the tea shop.
"I'll show you to your room." said Katara as she led the way upstairs.
Aang soon followed suit and followed her up the stairs, a little nervous about sleeping in the same vicinity as Katara, but discarded his worries and proceeded to meet her on the second floor. Katara led him down the hall and to the left was a wooden door with a brass handle; she jiggled it a bit and managed to open it. They both entered the room; it was a bit cold, and too dark to really see what was there.
Aang realized that he wouldn't be able to tell where anything was in the darkness, so he used his seismic sensing (courtesy of Toph) by closing his eyes; Katara gave Aang a baffled look as he proceeded to move his foot to see what exactly was in the room. Aang's eyes shot open as he emanated fire from his hand towards the direction in front of him; suddenly, a small fireplace was lit and the room was luminous, revealing a guestbed on the far corner and restroom to the right.
It then hit Aang and Katara that not only were they alone, but they were in a bedroom; alone in a bedroom. Aang swallowed as Katara looked bashfully towards the door.
"Uh...I uh..." babbled a confused Aang as he gently passed his hand on the back of his neck.
Katara noticed Aang's uncomfortable state; her feelings mutual, "Wellhere'syourroomsogottagogoodnight" said Katara as she just as hastily made her way towards the door and closed it behind her.
Aang turned around, but before he could say anything she was gone, "Good night." said Aang to himself, wondering how he got himself into this; "Oh yeah that's right, I agreed to stay the night at Iroh's place, which also happens to be the same place Katara's staying; that's not weird." thought Aang to himself sarcastically. He then proceeded to undress himself, wearing nothing but his underpants on as he revealed his toned figure. He folded his robes and placed them on the small dresser next to his bed as he laid himself comfortably and covered himself with the available bedsheets, "Well, I'll just leave tomorrow morning before everyone else wakes up, no awkward goodbyes, no big deal." said Aang to himself as he gazed at the ceiling with his hands behind his back.
Katara went into her room as soon as she departed from Aang's. She couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed at having Aang stay the night two doors away from her; after all, he's still her ex. She quickly undressed herself, exposing her figure completely as she slipped her thin sleeping gown over her head and gently placed herself to bed. She thought to herself as she placed the bedsheets over her body, "Oh man, the circumstances over what happened today is just-just strange. I mean, I just finished getting over him and somehow the universe just throws him back at my face" she thought to herself as she continued to fall asleep, "Well, he'll be leaving tomorrow, no biggie." finished Katara to herself as she yawned; she soon fell asleep.
Once again, another long chapter that had to be cut; it had to be done, this chapter's over 7000 words long, but I was sure to leave juicy stuff. I haven't had much time to write this one which is why I didn't post it as quickly as I did the others, so enjoy and please review; It gives me the motivation to continue the story. Well, gotta go, going to watch the new Harry Potter movie.
DEATHLY HALLOWS PT.1 FTW! lol j/k
Stay Tuned...