Disclaimer: I don't own ATLA... yada... yada...yada...

Chapter 9

Aang arrived in Ba Sing Se just after sunrise, and landed Appa in back of his house. Having gone without out sleep for most of the night, he immediately retreated to his bedroom. Leaving the servants to tend to Appa.

He woke up later that afternoon, feeling refreshed. Realizing that he didn't even bother undressing before he passed out. Climbing out of bed, he went to the bathroom to wash up and change in to a fresh set of clothes. When he was finished, he heard his stomach growl loudly. Reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the day before. So he headed to the kitchen to find something to eat. Quite pleased when he found a plateful of fresh fruit waiting for him on the table. When he finished his meal, he went to the living room and sat down on the floor. Then assumed the lotus position to meditate.

The next morning after breakfast, Sokka decided it was a good time to find out if Aang was still in Ba Sing Se. They had all agreed that he should talk to Aang first, to make sure everything went smoothly. And Suki would cover for him while he was gone, if Katara started to ask too many questions. Kissing his wife and daughter goodbye, he headed out to find Aang.

He was fairly familiar with the upper ring of Ba Sing Se, having spent a lot of time there during the war. But, he wasn't exactly sure where Aang's house was. He navigated his way through the different sections of the upper ring, occasionally stopping to ask one of the residents if they could direct him to the Avatar's house. Unfortunately, they wouldn't tell him anything, thinking he was an obsessed fan trying to stalk the Avatar. 'There has to be an easier way to do this.' he thought. Finally, he came across one kind soul that recognized him as one of the Avatar's friends from the war, and was able to get directions to Aang's house. He arrived at Aang's house by mid afternoon, and knocked on the elaborately decorated door. Aang's house was one of the finest in the upper ring, and could easily be mistaken for a palace. Finally, one of the servants answered the door.

"May I help you?" The man asked.

"Hello. My name is Sokka. I'm an old friend of Aang's from the war." Sokka replied. "Is Aang home?" He asked.

"Is Master Avatar expecting you?" The man asked, rather snobbishly.

"Um... No. I just thought I'd drop by and say 'hi'. If you would tell him I'm here, I'd appreciate it." Sokka replied. Just then, Sokka heard a voice from behind the man at the door.

"Sokka?" Aang queried.

"Aang, is that you?" Sokka asked.

"Yeah." Aang replied from behind the man blocking the doorway. "It's okay Chuanli, he's a friend of mine." He said to his servant, then stepped in front of him. "Sokka, it's so good to see you!" He said to his old friend, with a warm smile on his face.

In a flash, Sokka sucker punched Aang square in the nose. Knocking him to the floor. "That's for my sister!" He said angrily.

Suddenly, servants appeared out of nowhere, having heard the altercation. A couple of them went to assist Aang, and two very large men restrained Sokka.

"It's okay, I'm alright. Let him go." Aang said to the men holding Sokka. Then wiped the blood from his nose on his tunic. "I guess I deserved that." He said, as he got to his feet.

"Yes, you did." Sokka replied, as he straightened his tunic.

"Please, come in." Aang said to his old friend, watching him cautiously. Fearing Sokka might not be done seeking his retribution.

"Thanks." Sokka said with a smile, as he entered the residence. "Nice place you've got here." He said, as he looked around. Obviously impressed with the extravagant decor.

"Thanks. So... is this a social call, or did you just come here to punch me in the face?" Aang asked, grinning.

"A social call." Sokka said casually.

"I really am glad to see you Sokka. As a matter of fact, I just got back from Kyoshi this morning. I went there to find you guys. I was hoping I could talk to Katara." Aang said, sincerely.

"That's kind of why I'm here." Sokka told him.

"What do you mean?" Aang asked.

"Well, I thought it was about time you two talked. But I wanted to talk to you first. Sorry about that whole punch in the face thing, by the way." Sokka said.

"Like I said, I deserved it." Aang replied, smiling.

"Yeah, but I shouldn't have done that. It took several years to get over wanting to kill you, you know." Sokka told him.

"I'm sure." Aang answered as he sat down, gesturing for Sokka to do the same.

"Aang, I guess why I'm really here, is to find out why you left. What happened?" Sokka asked as he sat down.

"I wish I hadn't left, Sokka. I'm such an idiot." Aang said remorsefully, hanging his head low.

"Then why did you?" Sokka asked.

"I was insecure... and jealous. When I found out Katara went with Zuko to fight Azula, I was hurt. I guess I just expected her to be there with me." Aang explained. "Then, when we got to the Fire Nation, I saw Katara and Zuko embracing and jumped to conclusions." He continued. "I thought they were... um... romantically involved." He finished, averting his eyes. Feeling slightly embarrassed.

"You mean you left because you thought Katara and Zuko were lovers?" Sokka asked, slightly irritated.

"Yeah... I was jealous." Aang said, ashamed. "But now I know I was wrong." He added.

"Your damn right you were wrong." Sokka said sternly. "Wait a minute... did that make any sense?" He added, slightly confused.

"Yeah, it did." Aang said, laughing at his friend.

"Good." Sokka replied.

"I talked to Zuko after the council meeting, and he told me he was getting married." Aang said. "At first, I thought he was marrying Katara... but he set me straight. I can't believe what an idiot I've been." He added, disgusted with himself.

"So you stayed away all this time because of your wounded pride?" Sokka asked.

"Yeah... I guess so. Can you forgive me?" Aang asked.

"Yeah... I forgive you. But I'm not sure Katara will be so forgiving. You really hurt her, Aang. She loved you, you know." Sokka replied.

"I know... I know. And I loved her. I still love her. How can I ever make it up to her? I don't know what to do, Sokka." Aang said woefully.

"Well, for starters, you need to talk to her. Tell her what you told me. But, don't get your hopes up, Aang. A lot has changed. You'll have to give her some time." Sokka told him.

"I understand that. I can't expect her to still care about me after what I did to her." Aang replied, dejected.

"Don't give up, Aang. She still cares about you, trust me." Sokka said, trying to console his friend.

"Do you think she'll talk to me?" Aang asked.

"Yeah, once she gets over the initial shock of seeing you." Sokka said, laughing. "Come by the house tonight. I'll get everyone else out of the house so you guys can talk."
He added.

"Tonight? So soon? What am I gonna say to her?" Aang asked, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes, tonight. Don't be such a wuss. You defeated the Fire Lord for crying out loud!" Sokka exclaimed.

"I know, but... this is Katara." Aang said nervously.

"Yeah... I guess she can be pretty scary sometimes." Sokka replied. "Just come by. You're gonna have to face her some time." He added.

"I know. Okay... I'll be there." Aang replied.

"Good. Now I'd better get going so I can figure out how to clear everybody out of the house tonight, without her." Sokka said, then got up to leave.

"Okay." Aang replied. "Sokka?" He added.

"Yeah?" Sokka replied.

"Thanks." Aang said, smiling at his old friend.

"You're welcome." Sokka answered with a smile. "Just don't mess it up." He added, then turned to leave.