Together

Chapter 5 (Landslide)

"I know it hurts sometimes but

You'll get over it

You'll find another life to live

I know you'll get over it…

I get that you're lonely

And I see that you feel alone

But I heard in a heartbeat

I'll be there here for you, you know.

And every time that you're lonely

Every time that you're feeling low, you should know

I'll be there for you, I'll be there for you

I'll be there for you, you know."

-Landslide/Oh Wonder

When Aang landed at the Southern Water Tribe in record time, he and Appa were greeted by everyone there. They all rushed to him, running out of their homes and igloos, pushing other's aside. They all wanted to see the Avatar and his bison. Before Aang could even get off Appa, though, there were people grabbing at him. The Avatar was famous. He was a myth, a legend, and everyone wanted to see him. Of course, everyone in the Southern Water Tribe felt special because he was dating someone who originated from their Tribe. Or, used to be. But Aang wasn't interested in meeting with the people. Because meeting with the people always came with requests, and Aang was terrible at not fulfilling them. This was why he spent so much time at everywhere he visited. Because he was an icon. And everyone wanted him do so something.

"Oh, Avatar Aang! Show us some fire bending!"

"Avatar Aang, could you teach my child how to waterbend?"

"Ohmigosh, it's Avatar Aang! Maybe he can fish for us! It's been a slow season."

Aang smiled, but ignored them. It wasn't like him, but he had other things on his mind. Even so, everywhere he walked a crowd of people followed him, asking and asking. People began grabbing at him. Finally, Aang couldn't take it anymore. He turned around, anger boiling.

"Listen, everyone. I know you all want me to do something, but I can't right now. I have family things that I need to tend to. If you could all leave me alone right now, maybe when I've finished I can demonstrate some airbending or something."

Everyone shrugged, pretty much satisfied. They all began to scatter off. Aang exhaled, relieved. Now, he needed to find Katara.

He walked up to her father's igloo, scared for what he was to see. When he walked in, Gran Gran, Suki, Toph and Sokka were all standing over Hakoda. But Katara wasn't there. Toph straightened. "Twinkletoes! That's gotta be you!" She ran at him, hugging him to the point where he couldn't breathe.

"How's he doing?" Aang asked, peeling himself off Toph and walking over to Hakoda. He gave Aang a strangled smile.

"Not well. He's…not going to make it." Gran Gran said. Aang looked at her, seeing a smile on her face but pain in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry." Aang whispered, hugging Gran Gran. He then went to Sokka, pulling him close. Aang could feel his shoulders shake, but he didn't give any noise. Toph and Suki stood by solemnly. Sokka pulled away.

"But...Aang...Why are you here?" His eyes were red, and Aang could tell he had been crying for awhile now.

"Katara told us what happened." Suki said quietly.

Aang's eyes lit up. "She's here?"

"Well, we don't know. She ran out a while ago…"

But Aang had already ran out the door. He had to see Katara. But where would she be? Aang opened his glider, threw it out in front of him, and jumped on. He pushed himself higher, so he could see the entire tribe. He scanned the tribe, eyeing every girl with fluffy brown hair. But even from so far up, he knew they weren't her. Throughout the years, he had memorized every inch of her. Every curve, every lock, every piece. He knew exactly what she looked like, and though she didn't have a peculiar look for a water tribe girl, she stood out to him like an Earthbender in an Air Temple. But she was no where to be found. He sighed, landing himself on the ground a little ways away from the tribe. Suddenly, there was a loud roar, and he turned his head to find Bao, a particularly chubby one of his Sky Bison.

"Bao!" Aang cried, running over to the bison. He hugged him tightly, knowing that if he was here, Katara would be nearby. "I'm so glad to see you, buddy!"

He roared again, purring at Aang's soft touch. Aang smiled and began walking on foot, searching for her.

It was only minutes before Aang discovered Katara, sitting by the water on the edge of her tribe. She was covered by ice-cliffs, being the reason why he couldn't find her from the air.

Her hair flowed down her back, curling and flailing in the chilly wind. She held her knees to her chest, facing away from Aang so she couldn't see him approaching her. Even so, Aang already pictured the pain throughout her eyes. It made him weak, yet he knew that he needed to be strong for her. She was weeping quietly, at a volume that said she had been crying for hours. Aang's chest constricted.

There's something about seeing the one you love in pain that makes your heart hurt more than their's does.

Aang couldn't stop himself. He walked over to Katara, kneeling down to place his arms around her, holding her in. Her breath stopped short and she turned her head to meet her eyes with his. Aang could feel her shaking. He looked at her and with every inch of his body, he transfered his warmth to her. He gave her a look that said 'Please don't cry. I know it hurts and I know you feel like you're alone but I'm here for you. You'll get through this. I'll help you. I'll be here. Whenever you need me, I'll be here. I'm so sorry.'

He didn't need to say it, and she knew. He smiled sadly, opening his arms more for her. She nodded, tears streaming from her eyes. She threw herself into his arms, feeling his warmth, curling up in his lap, clutching him like there was nothing else in the world except him. He held her close to his chest, letting her feel his steady heartbeat, knowing that it will always be beating for her.