This chapter was such fun to write. I loved it. 3 Sorry for the shortness, but if you're like me, you won't mind because what's up ahead is pretty nice, as I think... Enjoy! ;)

Chapter Ten

Earthquakes & Surprises

The ground shook violently, making the floor sway perilously. I clutched the ground, eyes wide as my breathing came out jagged. The earthquakes had been going on continuously all night, not sparing me one full hour of sleep. Dawn was on the horizon, and I had decided that I officially did not like Ba Sing Se. As the rumbles stopped, I rubbed my eyes, getting quietly to my feet. All my friends were sprawled out in various positions in the small room. Aang was curled in a chair with Momo on his stomach, while Katara laying on the bed, her brother as well, and Toph was on the ground a little away from me.

I grabbed my shawl, pulling it tightly around me as I snuck out of the room. It was a really nice place, it even had it's own courtyard. Fortunately, no one else was currently staying in the rather small inn, which only had two rooms. The owner let us rent the room as long as we needed.

Breathing in the cool morning air, I padded out into the courtyard, my bare feet soaking in the dew-filled grass. I closed my eyes, letting the faint warmth of the rising sun wash over me, pushing away any drowsiness. I stood there for a while, letting thoughts lazily flow through my mind.

"Hmm?" I heard someone behind me, and turned around, startled. I let out a quiet chuckle as I rested my eyes on the half-asleep Aang, who was standing by our door, shoulder's slumped, eyes semi-closed, rubbing them tiredly. "Vinca…?"He asked, his voice quiet and still waking up. He stumbled over, yawning.

I frowned, "Did I wake you?"

Aang yawned again, cracking his back. He seemed to be starting to wake up fully, now, "Yeah." He saw my frown and laughed, "But it's okay. I was already kind of awake." He glanced around, his familiar gray eyes that I came to yearn for taking in the courtyard. "So, what are you doing out here?" He smiled the same old smile I also came to love.

I hesitated, thinking over what I had just thought. You love his eyes? His smile? I countered, biting my lower lip, confusion hitting me like a slap. What did that mean? Slightly off, I replied, "Um…" I blinked, shaking myself from my thoughts, "Well…I was going to…practice airbending." I murmur, looking down at the dew covered grass sheepishly.

"I'll help you!" Aang exclaimed, and I looked back up. He was smiling wider and he poked me playfully on the stomach, "And one day, you'll become a master airbender! He encouraged, and I laughed, rolling my eyes.

"Okay. What first, Master Aang?" I asked, but then the promise that I made to Sokka came to mind. I pushed it away. Aang was just going to help me, not really going to be my master, I decided.

Aang narrowed his eyes, deep in thought for a few seconds. "I haven't taught anyone before!" He confessed, frowning. "But I suppose it won't be that difficult." His smile returned, making my heart flutter, "Try this-"

Suddenly, the ground began shaking, knocking me from my feet. Aang lunged forward, catching me with a swift arm, yet ended up falling atop of me as the ground began to shake even harder. The inn creaked and swayed violently, and a nearby tree fell, making a loud thud as it hit the ground.

Then, it stopped. Aang is on top of me, our breathing fast. Our eyes locked together and I felt myself melt, becoming totally helpless as I stared into his eyes. My heart catches in my throat making it impossible to breath. I couldn't look away. I wouldn't. But just as I feel his heart pounding against my own pounding heart, and see the seriousness in his eyes, I feel overwhelmed but I like it. His lips are coming down, fast, yet it seems so slow, I feel myself growing dizzy. His eyes, oh his eyes, make me feel totally out of this world as the gray depths grow closer. Thoughts rush through my mind, "He cares for you, a lot." "oh, I like someone else…" "I care for him, too." Things that I was supposed to hear and things that I wasn't.

As his lips brush against mine I let my eyes close, blackness engulfing me, but I'm not passed out and never will be like this. The ground rumbles threateningly underneath of us before going into full out earthquake mode again, breaking our kiss. I feel a gust of air around me, and open my eyes, my heart thudding hard against my chest, so hard it hurts, yet all I can think about is what just happened?

Aang is staring at me, his eyes wide and he seems just as confused as me. I'm numb with shock, and is faintly aware of how warm my cheeks are, how tingly my lips are feeling. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. I begin to rise to my feet, yet Aang sticks out his hand, just as he always has. I gingerly take it, feeling how warm and comfortable it feels.

He turns to me, about to say something. His cheeks are faintly red, and he appears flustered, and just as he begins to say something, the door to our room bursts open, revealing a tattered looking Sokka. I move my eyes back to Aang, but his head is lowered and he is biting gently on his lower lip.

"Did you guys feel that?" Sokka exclaims. His voice sounds far off, though. I keep my eyes on Aang for a few moments later before turning back to Sokka.

I nod, "Yeah." I say quietly, my lips tingling.

He tilts his head, shrugging, "Earthquakes. There as been a lot."

I nod again.

Sokka squints at us for a few moments before speaking, "Okay…well, we're going to go get breakfast. Wanna come?"

And I nod again, and so does Aang. I feel his eyes on me as I walk over to the room, and I feel the urge to turn around and hug him. Kiss him. Because I know what I'm feeling is overwhelming yet so precious at the same time, and I like it. And now as I face the truth, I realize that I like Aang. More than I thought.

Eee! I'm sorry, I know the kiss was too soon, but I couldn't resist. I just had to, and I hope it was alright. It was a thrill to write, and I loved that! So what do you guys think of the impending Vinca & Aang's relationship, if there'll be one? Review! And feel free to yell at me if you thought that the kiss was too soon! (: 3