Chapter 3: Your Love's Got Me Looking So Crazy Right Now

Aang woke up early that morning, happy to see Katara wasn't clutching onto his shirt anymore so he could move easily.

Aang got close to Katara's ear and whispered, "Happy Birthday." Katara moaned and smiled in her sleep. Aang smiled and kissed her cheek before slowly and quietly getting up. He grabbed his bag and walked into the bathroom. He closed and locked the door before he started the water in the tub. He pulled out the necklace from his pocket and set it on the edge of the tub, taking the carving tools out of his bag and putting them next to the necklace. Aang quickly undressed and got into the tub when it was full. Aang picked up the necklace and stared at it, wondering what the heck he was going to do. He only had about thirteen hours until it was time to give Katara the necklace. He picked up the carving tool and drew things in the air, trying to get an idea. The drawing he came up with didn't feel right, they were good ideas, but they weren't…right.

Aang sighed and leaned his head back, "I'm never going to figure this out." He waterbended some water out of the tub and twirled it in between his fingers. He looked at the water as he bent it and got a crazy idea.

"That…might actually look good," Aang quickly started to carve the necklace.

Aang got out of the tub and got dressed, shoving the now carved necklace into his pocket. He put the tools back in his back and unlocked the door. He peaked his head out to make sure Katara was still asleep, thankfully she was, and put his bag on the chair and quickly but quietly walking out of the room.

Aang ran to the dinning call, jumping over some servants he almost bumped into. Aang stopped a few feet away from the dining hall, and calmly walked in.

"Flameo Hotman!" Aang cheerfully said.

Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Ursa, Ikem, Iroh, Suki, and Toph sat around the large table, chatting before Aang walked in.

"Aang, it's nice to see you again," Ursa said, getting up.

Aang walked over to her and hugged her, "It's nice to see you too, Ursa."

Ikem and Aang shared hellos and shook hands.

"Avatar Aang, I heard you were going to ask Katara to marry you. Is that correct?" Iroh asked, smiling as he sipped his tea.

Aang blushed a little as he sat in between Suki and Toph, "Yes. I am. I finally thought of something to carve into it too."

"You did? Ooh! Can I see?" Ty Lee asked, kneeling onto the table.

"Everyone can see," Aang said, taking the necklace out. He handed it to Ty Lee who stared at it.

"I…I don't get it. Why are their Koi Fish on here?" Ty Lee asked.

Mai snatched the necklace from her and looked at it, "It's the spiritual Koi Fish that are in the Northern Water Tribe. Tui and La. I read about them before…but what is the significance of it?"

Zuko took the necklace and looked at it, "Katara healed Aang from the spirit water in the oasis, and where Tui and La are kept…there is a big blotch in the middle of it…"

Iroh took a look at it in Zuko hands, "Avatar Aang, isn't that the scar on your back? I can see the arrow you put at the top connected to the line going through the scar."

Aang nodded, "Yeah…it is."

"Aang, this is…amazing," Suki said as she took the necklace from Zuko and looked at it, "Katara is going to love it."

Aang smiled at Suki, "Thank you. I hope she does."

"She will," Suki said, handing the necklace back to him and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Aang stood outside, staring at the sky. He was worried about Sokka, he should have been back by now. Katara ran up to him and tackled him onto the ground, "Gotcha!"

Aang caught himself in a small whirl of air before both of them fell to the ground. Aang slowly dropped them to the ground.

"You're no fun!" Katara laughed, poking Aang's chest.

Aang flicked her nose, "I'm tons of fun!"

"Nu-uh!" Katara pouted.

"Ya-huh!" Aang laughed and kissed her pouting lips. Katara giggled and got back up, helping Aang up afterwards.

"So, have anything special planned for today?" Aang asked, looking back up at the sky.

Katara thought, "Not…really. I was hoping to spend some time with you alone today."

Aang looked at her and smiled, "Tonight, it's just going to be me and you."

Katara looked at him, "Promise?"

Aang looked up in the sky and saw a small speck start to become larger, "I promise, but for now, you're going to have to deal with some family."

Katara looked at him than up at the sky, "Is that…Appa?"

Aang smiled, "Yup and he brought some guests for you."

Appa landed in the clearing, Sokka on his head and the rest of the family on his saddle.

"G-GranGran? Grandfather Pakku? Father?" Katara looked at everyone.

"Oh yeah, don't mention my name. The brother that just brought everyone here from the South Pole." Sokka rolled his eyes and walked up to the saddle. Hakoda and Pakku helped GranGran get off of Appa.

"Oh my god! What are you guys doing here?" Katara said running over to them.

"Aang invited us," GranGran said, hugging Katara. Katara felt tears prick her eyes as she looked at her Grandmother.

"GranGran…you look sick," Katara said almost in a whisper.

GranGran smiled, "Don't worry about me, Dearie. How are you doing?"

Katara smiled, "I-I'm fine." Katara looked at everyone, "Please, come inside."

Katara, Sokka, GranGran, Pakku, Hakoda and Aang sat in a room around a table. Iroh had just brought them some tea and told them that their rooms would be ready soon.

"I can't believe you did this, Aang…for my birthday, right?" Katara smiled at him.

Aang smiled his boyish grin and nodded, "Katara, this is your family. You should be together on every birthday and holiday."

Katara smiled and turned to her family, "How is the Southern Water Tribe doing?"

Hakoda laughed, "You were just there a few months ago, Katara. Nothing had really changed. A few more Northerners came down to help, more houses are put up, more life is coming back."

Pakku smiled, "Our youngest waterbender is doing well in his training too. Turning out to be a prodigy just like you, Katara. But a lazy ass like Aang."

Aang smiled and rubbed the back of his head, "I…may or may not have told him that relaxing during a practice is okay."

Pakku chuckled, crossed his arms and shook his head, "Katara, next time you guys practice, kick his ass."

Katara giggled, "I will happily do that."

Aang face palmed himself, "Crap."

"So, Sokka, how is Suki doing?" Hakoda asked.

"She is doing well. She was originally going to Omashu but she decided to come with us to…uhh...have some fun?" Sokka questioned himself.

Katara looked at him funny, but ignored it, "How long are you guys staying?"

"Two days. GranGran should get back quickly." Hakoda said looking at GranGran.

"Do we know what's wrong yet?" Katara asked.

GranGran smiled sadly, "It's just old age, Katara."

Katara looked down and nodded, "I…I understand." Aang took Katara's hand into his and kissed it. Katara smiled at Aang and mouthed a 'Thank you'.

Everyone besides the elders and Katara were setting up the ball room in the Palace for Katara's birthday. Aang made sure to invite everyone that helped them in their travels, besides King Bumi and Earth King Kuei. But Aang send invitations to some of the Freedom Fighters that helped them with the invasion. Bato and other Water tribe friends, they were already on their way on a steam boat Zuko sent for them. Aang even sent Toph's parents and invite (Unknown to her). He sent invitations to the Northern Air Temple where Teo and The Mechanist are currently living, but will be moving soon.

Aang airbended himself around the room, throwing streamers over the lanterns that lit the room. Sokka and Suki were bringing out the food and drinks. Toph was sitting in a chair, unable to really do anything. Ty Lee and Zuko were setting up chairs and tables while Mai stood next to Toph, unable to do manual labor during her pregnancy.

"This sucks," Mai commented, pushing her bangs out of her hair.

"That I can agree on, Gloom Queen." Toph nodded.

Katara sat with GranGran in her and Pakku's room. Pakku was with Hakoda getting there things from Appa.

"GranGran, are you sure it's just old age and not something a healer can fix?" Katara asked, holding GranGran's hand.

GranGran patted Katara's hand, "Yes, Dearie. I'm sure. I lived a long and wonderful life." GranGran placed a hand on Katara's cheek, "I am so proud of you, my dear. You've made my life worth living the last twenty four years…well, twenty six including the two years before you were born."

Katara laughed a little and held her grandmothers hand, "I love you, GranGran."

GranGran smiled and kissed Katara's forehead, "You have wonderful friends. Cherish them. And the Avatar, Aang. He really loves you."

Katara blushed a little, "I love him too."

GranGran smiled, "Has he propose yet?"

Katara laughed, "GranGran! It doesn't matter to me whether Aang proposes or not. I will love him no matter how we live."

GranGran smiled and took off the betrothal necklace that Katara had worn for years, "That's what I love about you, Katara."

Katara looked at the necklace and smiled, "Though, I wouldn't mind him proposing either." They both laughed.

Katara stared at herself in the full body mirror. She wore brown pants with brownish orange shoes, an orange and red silk robe that was a V-neck and slits on the side of the legs, a belt with the air nomad symbol on it and a yellow undershirt. Katara had her hair combed out with no hair loopies or braids. Katara continued to stare at herself until a knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts.

"Katara? Are you ready?" It was Aang.

Katara smiled to herself, "Give me one more second!" Katara looked back at herself, then at her bare neck. It felt weird without her mother's necklace on. Katara put on a brave face and put her hands on both sides of the body mirror and told herself, "You are going to have fun tonight. No being sad or angry tonight. Tonight is about me and Aang. We are going to have fun. If I even start to think about GranGran, I tackle Aang. Get it? Got it? Good!"

Katara pulled away from the mirror and smiled before walking to the bathroom door and opening it, "I'm ready."

Aang looked over at her, "Wow. Katara you look…"

Katara blushed and pushed some hair out of her face, "I hope the speechlessness it a good sign."

Aang composed himself and nodded quickly, "It is! It is!"

Katara giggled and walked over to Aang, "So, what are we doing?"

Aang guided her to the door and walked out after her, "We are going to a party."

Katara was truly surprised when she saw everyone in the ballroom. Katara didn't expect this at all.

"Aang, I can't believe you did this for me!" Katara jumped into Aang's arms.

Aang twirled her around before setting her back down, "Only the best for my Forever Girl."

Katara looked back at everyone who was already starting to mingle and get food, "I still can't believe you did this, Aang. Turning twenty four isn't that big a deal."

Aang kissed Katara and took her hands in his, "Every day is a big deal for me. I love you, Katara." Katara only smiled more and hugged Aang again.

"Now, go talk to everyone. They all miss you." Aang looked at everyone. Katara nodded and started to walk away but stopped.

"Aang," She turned to him, "Thank you...again."

Aang smiled at her as she ran to go see everyone.

Zuko walked up behind Aang, "Everything is ready."

Aang looked at him, "Thank you, Zuko…for everything."

Zuko smiled and put a hand on Aang's shoulder, "No problem, Avatar." Zuko walked away to get some food. Aang put his hand in his pocket, but didn't feel the betrothal necklace in there. Aang froze and felt in his other pockets.

"Crap," Aang hissed, "Where is it?" Aang quickly snuck out of the party to go back to their room. Aang looked through everything but couldn't find it anywhere.

"I'm going to have a heart attack if I don't find the necklace within the next two hours," Aang mumbled to himself as he looked through everything again.

"So, how is the Freedom Fighting going?" Katara asked The Duke.

"Same old, same old. We're helping some Earth Kingdom cities with some rebels. Other than that, nothing has really been going on." The Duke answered.

"I still can't believe there are so many rebels after all these years," Katara shook her head, taking a sip of her juice.

"Yeah, tell me about it," The Duke laughed.

Someone touched Katara's shoulder, "Katara?"

Katara turned around and smiled, "Haru!" Haru and Katara hugged each other as The Duke left to go talk to Toph.

Katara smiled, "Aw, you got rid of the beard and mustache."

Haru touched his cleanly shaved face and laughed, "Yeah, it got itchy."

"How's Tyro?" Katara asked, "Is he here?"

"No, he is traveling with my mother for the rest of the year. My mother is finally over the shock of being able to do whatever she wants now," Haru scratched the back of his head.

Katara nodded, "Yeah, no offense, but your mom was extremely paranoid last time I saw her. I get why she was paranoid though. How the Fire Nation burnt you for stealing or not paying taxes. I hate thinking about it."

Haru nodded, "Yeah. The Order of the White Lotus visited our village at the beginning of the year and helped my mother with her anxiety. I heard they have been going around the world helping people."

Katara raised an eyebrow, "Really?" She looked over at Pakku and Iroh who were chatting with GranGran, Hakoda, Bato and some other Water Tribe Warriors.

"Well, I should say hi to everyone else. Happy birthday, by the way." Haru waved bye and walked across the room to someone else. Katara watched him and noticed when Ty Lee walked by him he make a nice turn and said hello. Katara hid her smile with her hand and walked around until someone else talked to her.

"Hello, Katara," Mrs. Bei-Fong walked over to Katara when she noticed her.

"Mrs. Bei-Fong? What…uhh…Hi! It's nice to see you again!" Katara quickly recovered from her shock and shook her hand.

Mrs. Bei-Fong nodded, "Yes, the Avatar invited us. Though, we still do not approve of you kids kidnapping our only daughter…It's nice to see you guys again."

"Have you spoken to Toph yet?" Katara asked, looking around for Toph.

"Uh, no. I think she is avoiding us. After all, she can tell where we are from a mile away," Mrs. Bei-Fong sarcastically laughed.

Katara awkwardly laughed and looked around.

"I heard her Metal Bending Academy is going good," Mrs. Bei-Fong nodded, a serious look on her face.

"Ah! Yes! She meet with someone yesterday about adding more talented earth benders," Katara said, taking another sip of her juice. Please let this awkwardness end!

The room was a mess. Everything was turned upside down, clothes were scattered everywhere, and Aang was sitting in the middle of it. He stared blankly at the door as he tried to think of a way to fix this. He still had one hour. Hopefully Katara wasn't looking for him right now. He groaned and fell back and stared at the ceiling.

"What am I going to do?"

Aang turned his head to the side and saw the necklace under the bed. Aang's faced turned into one of annoyance, "It would be under the only thing I didn't turn over."

Aang crawled over to the bed and pulled out the necklace, "You know, you've caused me a lot of trouble."

He looked down at the necklace and sighed, "Now I'm nervous."

Katara walked over to the food table that was five tables long.

"So much to choose from," Katara's mouth watered. Katara choose a few Chicken Pig's in a Blanket and some Seal Jerky. Katara sat at a vacant table and began to eat. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she took her first bite of Chicken Pig's in a Blanket.

Toph came up behind her and sat next to her, "I never realized avoided my parents would be such hard work."

Katara looked at her, "Why don't you just try and talk to them?"

Toph sighed, "I have tried. For years I've tried. They still think I'm the fragile girl that ran away ten years ago. When I choose to stay there for a weekend they try and lock me in my room. They even put bars on my window, very easy to bend, but still. I have my own Metal Bending Academy, I have trained over two hundred and fifty students who learned a new type of bending from me. I taught the Avatar earthbending. I have won every Earth Rumble since I became the Blind Bandit. They need to realize I've created my own life. I'm living on my own. I'm paying for stuff on my own since they cut me off.

"I've had to fight for everything I believed in since I realized I could see. I use to act like the blind, fragile girl for my parents sake, but I'm out there by myself now. I've gotten threats of my Metal Bending Academy being shut down, but I still fight for what I believe in."

Katara looked at Toph, "They can't let go of the last image they saw you as."

"The last image they saw me as was a fake. I showed them the real me when I fought, when I helped win The 100 Year War, when I saved them from their estate burning down. They should be the one begging for my forgiveness, not the other way around." Toph sighed, chugging down the rest of the Wine that was left her in glass.

Katara saw that Toph's Parents were sitting at the other table, listening in.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Katara asked, a small smirk on her face.

Toph smirked and shrugged, "If they don't like what they hear, then they can kiss my ass as I walk out of their lives for good."

Katara smiled and poured Toph more Wine, "God, I love you, Toph."

Aang stood in front of the ballroom. He could see everyone was having fun, talking, some dancing, and a little drunken fun. Aang walked through the party and looked around for Katara.

XXX

"I wonder where Aang is," Katara thought out loud, looking around the party.

"Twinkle Toes is walking towards you now," Toph said, getting up from her chair, "Have fun."

Next chapter coming within the next few days. Thank you all for the awesome reviews!