Chapter Six

All of their friends entered the house and the music was blaring loud and exciting.

Kids were everywhere having a good time, playing video games, listening to music, and chatting with friends, girlfriends, and boyfriends. Some were making out in some hidden dark corner. Some were even playing spin the bottle, a game Sokka was currently playing with some of his buddies and their girlfriends.

Katara shook her head, exasperated. She didn't expect him to involve his friends with the party; but then again, he always took advantage of something when it came to fun. Suki was sitting by him, holding his hand. She didn't really want to be part of the game, but she wouldn't leave Sokka's side for anything.

But when the bottle landed on her, and realizing it wasn't Sokka's turn, she hastily stood up and mumbled something about getting a drink. When she left, Sokka glared at the dude who spun, like it was his fault, and stood up to find his girlfriend.

Haru was talking to some of his friends from soccer practice, laughing and drinking punch. They were telling jokes and stories; some of these guys has known Haru since he was a child, dreaming of becoming part of some major soccer team.

Mai and Zuko were standing as far away from the part guests as they could get. They weren't interested in being social. They preferred to play by their own rules, not caring what anyone else thought of them. But occasionally, they would turn to each other, smile slightly but lovingly, and grab hands. They were definitely meant for each other.

Mat and Lexi were one of the couples making out. They were in a shadowy corner, far from prying eyes, enjoying each other's presence and locked lips. It was obvious that they loved each other with all their hearts; they were hardly ever separated from one another except for their practices: Cheerleading and Football. It was like a special type of glue had connected them together, making separation impossible. Toph was talking to Teo, saying that this was kind of boring. Teo agreed wholeheartedly, though Katara suspects he's mostly agreeing to her because he likes her.

Katara was currently sitting on the couch next to Aang, whom hadn't left her side since the party started. She could that he was being on alert, eyes constantly scanning the crowd of friends to find a foe or two; but so far nothing. He had his arm wrapped her shoulders protectively, like he could keep her from harm with his body. Katara nuzzled into him, feeling his warmth spread throughout her body. She sighed, content. She felt Aang's arm tighten around her.

Aang was starting to relax; when he did, a slow song started playing on the stereo, and looked down at the love of his life. Her eyes were closed, but she wasn't asleep; she was content.

He smiled. She looked like an angel, a beautiful, no gorgeous, angel that had come straight down from Heaven.

Aang had to keep reminding himself that this was no dream, that Katara really was his. And no one could ever replace her in his heart, because without her, his heart would stop beating. Slowly, and gently, he shook her, watching as her blue orbs open to stare at his silver gaze.

Then he asked, "Would you like to dance with me?" She blinked at him; but then smiled and nodded. Aang stood up, taking Katara with him and walked over to the dance floor, where a few other couples were slow dancing.

Facing each other, Katara put her hand that wasn't holding Aang's onto his shoulder. Aang was blushing, but he put his free hand on her hip, and they stared swaying gently to the music, both blushing but never breaking eye contact. It was magical; the world fell away and it was just them and music swirling around them like a breeze.

Katara lays her head on Aang's chest, listening to how his heart beat along with the music. She'll never get tired of listening to its steady rhythm; it had its own music. She felt him lean his head on hers, placing a soft kiss there before relaxing completely. It was very blissful. A little before the song ended, Katara raised her head and looked at him. His silver orbs shined like diamonds had taken place in their depths. She found herself sinking into them.

She also noticed that he was leaning towards her, and her body automatically leaned in, until his lips touched her ever so gently, like her lips were a treasure that could break easily if one wasn't careful. Katara wrapped her hands around his neck, feeling his arms encircle her waist.

They could have stayed in that position forever, but the song ended and by that time they needed air, so they pulled their lips apart, but stayed in their position.

Aang whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," Katara whispered back, and they walked back to the couch together.

It was almost midnight and the party was still in full swing. Every person in this room never wanted it to end…until the front door opened. The music still played, but the sound of the door opening was enough to get everyone's attention. Who would come at this late hour? No one knew, except for Aang and Katara. Aang tensed, holding Katara closer to him. Katara was tense as well, waiting for the encounter she knew would happen. And sure enough, the door stood all the way open.

There, standing at the threshold, was Jet himself. His gang stood right behind. Jet's dark eyes scanned the crowd of people, all of them staring at the dark teen. No one dared move, not even the football team. Jet was considered a bully, and people just don't mess with them if they appreciate having their limbs intact and the faces in one piece.

Katara, who was standing by the stairs with Aang, hid behind him, Aang blocking her from sight, a scowl on his face. He wouldn't let any harm come to her, ever. He swore that the day he found Katara in the hall, crying with cuts on her hands. His fists clenched; if Jet knew who he was and what he had done, that might scare him enough to leave her, and himself, alone.

Almost as if his thoughts had entered Jet's head, the one in question turned his dark eyes to the younger boy's. A smirk crossed his face as he turned his whole in Aang's direction before speaking.

"Hey, Aang." His greeting was friendly enough, but Aang could detect malice in his tone. His gray eyes narrowed, making them colder than ever before. They resembled steel; hard, cold, but the only difference is the anger the steel orbs held. He didn't respond.

Jet was enjoying watching the young man's anger; it just amuses him. So he continued in the "friendly" voice. "You wouldn't happen to know where Katara was, would you?" He was toying with Aang. Jet knew exactly where the girl was. It was way too obvious.

When Aang said nothing, Jet said, "I know you're back there, Katara. Come out; I won't hurt you. You're supposed to be a host. Come and greet us."

Katara flinched, feeling her heart race in her chest. This was bad, really bad. She didn't want Jet here or his gang. It made her beyond uncomfortable. Especially with the way he looked at her. Katara could swear there was lust in his dark gaze. It made her shiver, revolted and frightened. Sokka and Suki were both scowling at the over confident teen as well.

They moved over to Aang, Katara still hiding behind him, and stood guard around the young blue-eyed beauty. Mai and Zuko were close by as well, so they moved to Aang's left, opposite Sokka and Suki, to make it look like they were part of the Honor Guard. Toph moved next to Suki. Haru stood next to Mai.

Everyone's eyes were cold and furious, save for Mai and Zuko's eyes. Theirs were like an inferno was residing in them, anger ablaze. Even Jet was starting to feel uncomfortable from their stares. But he hid his uneasiness by smirking like this was a joke.

He said, "Aww, how cute. She has her own guarding team." He chuckled. "Come on, Kat. Nothing's going to happen. I promise." He held his hand to his heart as a sign of promise. But the gang didn't relax from their position around the girl. No one spoke for a few moments. The tension was so thick someone could have cut it with a knife.

Finally, Aang stepped forward and said in a low and dangerous voice, "Leave now." He was looking into Jet's eyes as he said this, and again Jet felt his uneasiness.

But he laughed it off like it was no big deal and took a step forward. "I don't think so, Aang." He took another step in their direction, thinking he was intimidating. "Not until I talk to her and have her resume this party, which she so kindly invited me to."

Aang felt his temper rise within him, but he tried to keep cool. "She did no such thing. She would have told us. Last time I checked, you invited yourself." His voice was emotionless, but inside he was about ready to explode. Who did this guy think he was? He was nothing but a bully that treats females wrong. Heck, he treats everyone wrong.

Jet took another step, and that was when Aang lost it. He pushed Jet back. The older teen stumbled backwards, not expecting the push. Once he regained his footing, Jet glared at Aang. The kid was a lot stronger than he thought.

He growled, "You're gonna regret doing that." He reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a wooden handle. Then he flicked it, and a shiny blade popped out. Everyone, minus the gangs, screamed when they saw it and scrambled to get out of the way.

Jet looked at his gang and motioned behind Aang, telling him what he wanted. They complied, albeit a bit reluctantly. They knew he was dangerous, but this is a new danger zone. There were only five of them: The Duke, Smellerbee, Longshot, Pipsqueak and Sneers. They went around the two teens staring each other down, trying to get to Katara. But they obviously weren't prepared.

The nice gang backed up a bit more, encircling Katara tighter, and got in their fight stances. As they fought, Aang and Jet watched each other, daring the other one to make a move. The dark teen made the first move. He charged at Aang and slashed his knife in a diagonal line.

Aang ducked and spun out of the way, keeping his stance. One thing he learned from classes was to never let someone with a short weapon get within striking distance. Jet came at him again; again Aang dodged, but this time coming up to grab Jet's knife arm and punch him in the stomach with the other. He knew he had stitches in his arm, but as long as he didn't overdo it, he should be fine. The older teen stumbled back, holding his stomach as Aang released his arm. That made him madder than ever.

They fought like that for a while. Aang was worried about Katara and his friends, but he didn't dare look for fear that Jet could strike him quickly and accurately and deadly, like a snake. Sweat poured down their faces from the fight, but neither of them showed weakness. At the moment they were circling each other, and Aang had a very unpleasant flash back.

Flashback

Aang was walking home from school when a dark figure suddenly lunged at him from the alley The guy wore a mask and dark clothes, which was nuts considering how hot it was. He tried to strike Aang where he stood but instinct took over and the young boy dodged. Who was this man? He didn't have time to think about it. The man lunged at him again, this time grazing Aang's shoulder. He cried out in pain as the man went behind him and tried to slit Aang's throat. Aang held the knife at bay long enough for him to slip out of the man's grip. After Aang was out, they started circling each other…

End of flashback

This almost felt like that time he was almost killed. Only this time, he was more prepared. Jet lunged at him again, Aang using evasiveness to dodge the knife strike. As they fought, Sokka, Suki, Mai and Zuko were protecting Katara as best they could. It was like fighting the masked men at the mall. Instead of protecting Aang though, they were protecting Katara.

The good gang was near the stairs, and Katara was on the landing, watching with wide fearful eyes. She did not like this, not at all. She wished there was something she could do to help, but if she went down there and got hurt or taken, she knew her friends would be fighting for nothing. So Katara sat and waited it out, wanting the fight to end right now.

It was almost over. Smellerbee, Longshot, The Duke, Pipsqueak and Sneers were getting more tired by the minute, but the Aang gang seemed to have plenty of energy left in them.

Before they could attack again, the bad gang ran back to the front door and waited for the leader to finish. Although they stopped, Mai, Zuko, Suki and Sokka did not relax from their stances, thinking this might be a trick.

Jet looked back and yelled, "You guys are cowards! What, you can't take these guys?!" That was a big mistake. While his back was turned, Aang took this advantage and kicked him in the small of his back a soon as he was finished speaking Jet sprawled on the ground with a heavy grunt.

When he turned around, Jet saw the whole gang watching him, still in their stances. For a second fear showed in his eyes before hatred deeper than Tartarus showed itself. Aang was in the center, making him look like the leader.

Everyone was silent. The crowd of onlookers could not believe what had happened here. As the silence stretched on, Katara thought it was safe enough to walk down the stairs. At the foot of them, she stopped and observed.

Then Aang said, "Get out now and never come back." Those words were threatening enough to have Jet scramble to his feet and run to the door.

Before he exited though, he glared at the gang, then Katara, and snarled, "This isn't the end. You haven't heard the last of me." Then he and his gang bolted, the shadows covering them completely. No one moved for a few seconds; then Aang and his friends relaxed the postures.

The crowd was quiet for moment before exploding into cheers. The friends jumped, having completely forgotten that there was a crowd here to begin with. After everyone quieted some, Katara took this as an opportunity to run to her boyfriend.

Aang turned just in time to catch her in his arms and hug her tightly to his chest. They both breathed in deeply, taking in each other's scents, feeling each other's warmth. Katara leaned back a bit and examined his face.

Besides a little sweat, he looked perfectly fine. She breathed a sigh of relief before kissing him deeply. Aang kissed her back with as much passion as he could muster. After a few moments, they pulled apart and went back to hugging.

"I thought I was going to lose you," Katara whispered, tears in her eyes.

Aang combed his fingers in her hair while answering. "I was more worried about you than anything else. I'm glad you're okay."

Katara held him more tightly before releasing him from the hug. She wiped her eyes and turned to the others, embracing every single one of them for protecting her. She was seriously worried they would get hurt or worse. But they made it; they were alive like they should be.

Sokka yelled, "Group hug!" His friends looked at like he was nuts, which he was.

But then Toph said, "Eh, what the heck?" And she hugged Katara, followed by Sokka, Suki, Haru, Zuko, and then Mai. Aang stayed out and watched them, a smile on his face.

Katara looked over at him and said, "Come here, Aang. You're our family too." She opened her arm and Aang went to her eagerly.

They hugged like that for at least a minute before Mai said, "Okay, enough of this."

The hug broke and Sokka, looking at the other kids, said, "Okay guys. Party's over. You can go home now." They were some disappointed noises from the crowd, but they complied under the glare Mai gave them. Once they were gone, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Suki, Toph, Mai and Zuko sat down on the floor, utterly exhausted. No one spoke for a while.

Katara was the one who broke the silence. "I don't know about you guys, but I've had enough excitement for one night. I'm going to bed." There were some "Nights" from everyone before Katara went upstairs to her room.

Once she was out of sight, Sokka said, "Okay, I don't trust her alone, despite the fact that I'm here. That Jet guy might still be out there, waiting for you guys to leave. I want someone to look after Katara. So, will you guys stay the night?"

Silence swept into the group as they thought about his words. What if he was right? Jet and his gang could still be out there, waiting to ambush them. And what if Jet comes into the house while Sokka is asleep and takes Katara? They couldn't risk that.

So Zuko said, "I'm staying; Katara's been my friend for a long time, and I think of her a sister. What about the rest of you?" Everyone looked at one another before nodding.

Sokka released a sigh of relief. "Great. Thanks guys," he said. "I want Zuko, Mai and Toph to stay down here, especially since Toph can see the through the earth. She'll be our best alarm. Mai and Zuko, you two are the quickest to act if Toph gives the word. Me and Suki will stay in my room, since it has the best view of the woods and Suki's eyes are trained for the dark." He paused.

"What about me?" Aang asked.

Sokka took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Aang, I want you to…be in…Katara's room." He could not believe he uttered those words. His brother instincts go against it, but at the same, he couldn't think of anyone else that would be perfect protection for Katara. He knew Aang would give his life to protect her.

Aang tried not to let his smile show on his face, without much success.

Sokka narrowed his eyes before saying, "Don't get happy about it. I only want you there to protect her. Because, if you don't and do something stupid, I swear to the Spirits I would…" He let the threat hang in the air.

Aang's eyes were as big as dinner plates. He gulped. "Don't worry, Sokka. I promise to protect her. I won't do anything stupid I swear." He said this very seriously, hoping to console Sokka that he won't do anything dumb.

Sokka looked at him a second before shrugging. "Okay."

Everyone released their breaths they'd been holding and took their positions. Zuko and Mai took the couch while Toph took the love seat. Sokka and Suki went into Sokka's room. Aang went to Katara's door and opened it slightly.

He poked his head inside and saw she was lying on her bed in the far corner from the door. He couldn't tell if she was sleeping or not. Looking at the window next to the bed, Aang wondered if Katara had locked it. He walked over to it and saw that she did.

He breathed a sigh of relief that was apparently too loud for Katara gasped and sat bolt upright, in the bed, her wide eyes going to the window.

She stared at Aang for a few seconds before calming down enough to say, "Aang, you scared me. What are you doing here? I thought everyone would've gone home."

Aang said as he sat at the foot of her bed, "We're staying the night; probably the whole weekend. Sokka thought it would be better if we stayed, just to make sure Jet doesn't come back." He looked tenderly at her. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I just wanted to make sure you were safe." Grabbing her hand, Aang finished with, "Because I don't want anything to happen to you."

Katara stared at him for moment before going into his arms. She snuggled into the crook of his neck, breathing deeply. Aang had a light blush on his cheeks, but he pulled her closer, shielding her from the outside world.

He heard her mumble into his neck, "Thank you, Aang."

He tightened his grip on her a little and whispered, "You're welcome, Katara."

They stayed like that for a while before Aang said, "It's late. You should get some sleep." He felt Katara tense. He looked at her and saw she had her eyes wide with fear.

He cupped her cheek. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Katara whispered, "Will you stay with me?" She sounded like a lost little girl, and it tore out Aang's heart to hear that.

A tear traced her cheek and he wiped it away before saying, "Of course I will." Katara visibly relaxed and she settled into the pillows.

Aang took of his shoes and shirt, causing Katara to blush. Whoa, he looked hot. Aang saw her looking at him and blushed, smiling sheepishly. Katara smiled back and motion for him to lie down. He complied with her silent request and got behind her.

After pulling the sheet and blanket up to their waists, Aang wrapped his arm around her abdomen, bringing her closer. Katara turned her head and looked at him.

Aang knew what she wanted and kissed her gently on the lips before going back to his position. Katara sighed blissfully, snuggling close and closing her eyes. Aang stayed up, watching as his angel fell asleep. When her breathing evened out, he sighed, looking out the window. The moon was shining like a beacon in the dark sky.

It was a beautiful sight, enough to make anyone sleep blissfully; but his mind wouldn't shut off. He kept thinking the flashback and what it might mean. It's been a long time since he had flashbacks. But how could Jet trigger it? It didn't make any sense.

Looking lower on the window, Aang tensed. The blinds were up a little, enough to see the trees, and he thought he saw a shadow pass the glass. Aang's arms tightened instinctively, causing Katara to stir a little.

"Aang?" she asked sleepily. "What's wrong?"

Aang relaxed his grip a little and shook his head. "Nothing. Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep." He starts smoothing his hand that wasn't holding her on her hair, coaxing her back to sleep. Her breathing evened out again and Aang continued his treatment.

After a while, Aang decided to get some sleep as well. He closed his eyes and before he knew it, he went into a peaceful slumber, holding the closest one to his heart.