I have attempted this chapter a thousand times in a thousand lifetimes and would do so once again. Good thing I didn't have too! No really, this took almost 6 months to get done! I am so glad I was able to finish it. Now some of you have been wondering if I was going to continue and I want to say that I do have the intention to finish this story. As for those who've been wondering about what took me so long to finish this chapter... well... tbh, this was the most difficult chapter I've written thus far. However, I find that dumb, considering the contents of said chapter. Seriously, previous entries should have been harder than this! So, I began writing this chapter right after the previous one, than I got stuck writing a specific scene, in which I have asked some friends on discord for help. Though the scene still took a great deal of time. The longer I took writing, the more my interest shifted and the less I focused on the chapter. But at last I was able to finish it, I hope this will be worth the wait, but I seriously doubt it. So with that, Benders and Non-Benders I present to you Chapter 9 of Love by Blood: Discoveries!
P.S If anyone wants to have a conversation about the story, whether it be updates or questions or to just hang out with other shippers. Simply go on the Kataang Discord, link I believe is on the Kataang Sub Reddit. If you want to talk to me just look for AustinBL.
The night was calm as the wind blew through the streets of Omashu Village. The town was dark, with the moon acting as the only source of light. The castle was strikingly haunting, looking over the town as the moon shined behind it over the lake. After three hundred years, no one would think the castle would be occupied. However, on the other side of the castle, there was a dim light coming from a single room with a balcony overlooking the lake. The light came from a candle that sat on a small dresser by a bed, with one person asleep on the soft mattress, while another laid beside him, wide awake.
She laid on her right side, watching him as he slept on his left, facing her. Her hand caressing his cheek, while his arm was wrapped around her waist. She continued to watch him, seeing his peaceful expression. This told her that he was no longer having nightmare's and that fact alone brought a gentle smile to her lips. She breathed a small sigh of relief, glad that he was safe. Though as she laid there with him, her thoughts turned to their previous conversation.
Katara thought about his words, how there are good humans in this world. Aang was a prime example of that, he was kind, polite and accepting of her. Yes, his words did indeed speak true, but she couldn't help but to think otherwise. After seeing Aang in danger when they first met, humans attacking him in an alley and also what humans had done to her long ago. She closed her eyes as the memories of her past flashed through her mind.
She could hear them, humans approaching the castle. Armed with torches, pitch forks and wooden stakes. She turned towards a man standing next to her. His hair was a dark brown like Katara's, almost shoulder length with a sharp beard and had blue eyes.
"Father" Katara called to him. However, he raised his hand, silently telling her not to speak.
Facing the entrance of the castle, where the humans lie just beyond it's doors, he spoke. "Katara, you and your brother head to the lower chambers. Do not come out until I say so."
She objected, not willing to part from him. "We will not leave you! Humans can't separate us like they did with-"
However Katara was interrupted by another man. He seemed to be a younger version of her father. He had short hair, tied at the back of his head. Standing at about 5'9". It was her brother, having grabbed her arm and running, leaving their father.
She could hear him fending off the humans as the two ran down the halls of the castle. Reaching a room with multiple benches and an alter, behind it showed two fish circling each other. Heading past the alter, Katara's brother pushed on a brick, just to the right of the symbol. This caused an opening to appear in the floor, revealing a set of stairs. Without a moment to waste, the two headed down the steps, with Katara looking back worried, watching as the opening closed behind them. That would be the last time she saw her father, as the siblings made it to where she would rest for the next 300 years.
-Groan- She heard, opening her eyes to see she was clutching the side of Aang's neck, causing him to stir. However, before he could wake, Katara moved closer to him. Her hand on the back of his head, bringing him just above her breast, her lips reached his ear.
"Shh" She whispered, brushing his hair gently. "It's alright, you're safe." She continued, lulling him back to sleep.
She held him in her arms, while his arms wrapped tighter around her waist. She continued to brush his hair, enjoying the closeness. She could stay like this for the rest of time. Her heart beating soundly, breathing in his scent, his warm body against hers. She sighed happily, even though he was asleep, he was comforting her. She missed her family, but nothing could be done. Now all she had was Aang and she would protect him from anything that would dare to harm him.
As these thoughts passed through her mind, Katara felt Aang move his head down… into her cleavage… Which made said vampire flush, having him use her chest as pillows. This turned into an interesting situation, as his hot breath graced her bare skin, causing a tingling sensation. Katara held his head as she wrapped her other arm around his neck, keeping him in place. She smiled and placed a soft kiss atop his head. With Aang holding her so tightly, she unconsciously brought her leg over his waist.
Her heart began to beat quickly as she thought about the young man. Who was actually not wearing a shirt, while she was only in a loose robe. Her breathing became shallow as she moved down, under the covers, bringing her lips to his neck, lightly grazing it with her fangs and proceeding to lay a gentle kiss. This caused Aang to stir and moan slightly, as his grip tightened. She continued to give his neck affection, without allowing him to wake.
Breathing in his scent, she found it difficult to not bite. Not only because of his natural scent, but also due to the blood that crosses through his veins. The neck is a very delicate part of the body, allowing easy access to the red substance. Remembering the taste of it, when she first took his blood, she wanted to taste it again. Once was just not enough, in truth, she believed to never get enough. Her lips still connected to his skin, opening them to reveal her fangs. Just a small amount of pressure would be enough to pierce. Though as much as she would have liked to, there was no way it could happen. He had already lost too much blood, she didn't want him to suffer because of her actions. Instead, she lightly kissed his neck and turned her gaze towards his chest.
Her hands outlined his body, from his shoulders to his abs. Despite his slim figure, Aang seemed to have some muscle. You could slightly see he had a six pack and his arms were toned nicely. After her exploration, her left arm wrapped around his shoulders, while her other hand caressed his neck. Holding him close, she placed a light kiss on his forehead and moved down to kiss his cheek. She would not go any further, as her finger graced his lips. She didn't want to go too far with her 'advances,' not yet. For now, she was content with this.
Inspecting his facial features, she saw a small smile form. This caused her own to widen, as she caressed his cheek once again. However, with the young man sleeping soundly and the cool air in the room, Katara began to tire herself. Deciding to get some rest, Katara blew out the candle and laid her head on his heart, listening to its beat. Allowing sleep to finally claim her, her smile still intact as she dreamed of the young man in her arms.
The sun had risen, as the couple still laid in bed. Katara was the first to wake, opening her eyes to see Aang's face. His arms were still wrapped around her waist and their legs were tangled together. She smiled gently, watching him sleep, but soon frowned as she noticed Aang was a bit pale. Her suspicions proven correct when she thought he had lost too much blood. They had met only two nights ago when she first tasted it. The amount she took placed him in a weakened state, not to mention the event from last night. Which in turn, caused Aang to lose more blood, before he could fully recover. She believed he needed rest, which was true, but he also needed to eat something to help him recover. This is where she faced a problem; for the castle did not have any storage of food. So she would need to buy some in the village. Again there was a problem: As there were no longer any farms, based on what she saw of the village yesterday.
Deciding to get out of bed, she carefully got out of his arms and untangled their legs, without causing Aang to wake. Now sitting up, Katara stretched out her arms and moved out of the comforter's, now standing on the floor. She turned to see Aang curled into himself, due to the loss of warmth. This caused Katara to smile, as she bent down to kiss his cheek, before heading to the bathroom.
After shutting the door, Katara gathered her thoughts. Aang needed food, but he also needed to rest. She didn't know where to get food or what Aang even liked to eat. On top of which, Aang was already in a weakened state and may struggle to even walk around the castle, let alone the village. Katara knew she was responsible for this, due to her being the one to drain Aang of his blood in the first place. He was going to be under her care for the day and she will see to it that he is well taken care of while he recovers.
With that in mind, Katara decided to get ready. Taking off the silk robe in exchange for a cerulean dress. She went to the mirror above the counter, opening a drawer and grabbed a brush. She spent a fair bit of time getting ready in the bathroom. Though, just as she was finishing up, Katara heard a groan from her bedroom. Knowing what, or rather 'who' it was, she finished up and headed out to see Aang awake in bed. He was on his back looking at the ceiling with an unpleasant expression on his face.
With a gentle smile, Katara walked over to the bed. Upon hearing her foot steps, Aang turned to see her and sported a smile himself, though it was clear that he was forcing it.
Reaching the side of the bed, Katara crouched down to be eye level with him. "Good morning." She greeted in a gentle tone, brushing his hair back with her fingers.
"G-Good morning." He replied, stuttering a little.
Resting her chin on her other hand, she asked. "How are you feeling?"
Aang's smile faltered for a second, before forcing it back up. "I'll be alright." He stated, facing the ceiling. Truth be told, Aang felt heavy, his legs were like jelly and his arms were no different.
Katara saw through Aang's words. She thought to let him rest longer and than get him some food. However before she could say anything, Aang sat up, groaning.
"Aang, don't strain yourself." She said, now sitting on the bed. With one hand on his back, while the other was on his arm.
However, Aang shook his head, turning to look at her with his smile intact. "D-Don't worry, I'm just a little tired." He stated, now moving to place his feet on the floor, getting off the bed. Once he stood up, he stumbled, nearly falling to the floor. However, Katara quickly moved to catch him.
"Aang, you need to be careful, you shouldn't be moving around." She stated, though he simply shook his head again.
Katara's hands were now on his bare chest, causing Aang to realize his shirtless state, blushing slightly. He looked away from Katara and scanned the room looking for his shirt. Finding it folded on the dresser across the room by his bag.
Katara saw that he was looking across the room, where she had placed his things. This made her upset, due to thinking Aang was going out to the village, despite his condition.
"Aang." She called, her tone more serious. Which startled him, since he was used to her gentle voice. His eyes returned to her own, waiting for her to speak.
"Please rest, you lost a great deal of blood in a short amount of time and you're body needs to recuperate." She told him, hoping he will do as she asked.
Aang shook his head, with that forced smile intact. "I've rested enough, now let's get ready." He said, moving past her to retrieve his shirt, putting it on.
Katara watched him with furrowed brows. Why is he trying to act like nothing happened? Why was he taking the events of last night so lightly?
"Aang, get in the bed." She demanded, her tone serious.
Taken aback by her words, he turned to face her. "Katar-"
"Aang. Get. In. The. Bed." She repeated sternly, pointing at the mattress behind her.
"Katara, I took the day off so I could show you around the town. I'll rest when we get back." He stated, trying to reason with her.
"I'm not interested in going through the village, I'd rather you stay in the castle and recover." She said, becoming agitated while trying to explain that his health was more important than a tour.
"It's fine, I can handle walking around for awhile. Besides, I'd be getting a bit of exercise which is also good for the body. It'd be better to spend our time getting you accustomed to modern age." He explained, trying to keep composed. He doesn't want her to worry about him when she has so much to learn about his era.
Katara was getting more upset as the argument continued. Which surprised her, Aang didn't seem like a stubborn person. She thought he was more peaceful, less prideful and more humble. She didn't understand why Aang was treating his condition as a minor thing.
"It's not fine, you nearly fell on the floor just a few moments ago. Why are you pushing yourself?" She asked, wondering why he was so insistent on going out to the village.
"I told you before; I took the day off to show you around the town. If I'm not going to do that, than I might as well go to school." He explained, getting agitated himself, though he didn't let it show.
With that comes the final straw for Katara. "You would truly head out and continue your life as though nothing happened!? Why are you ignoring this? Why are you treating this as though it were a daily occurrence!?" She questioned, but in that moment her eyes widened in shock at the realization of what she had said.
The room was filled with silence, Katara's gaze turned to the floor. Questions flooded her mind, like a wave washing ashore. Was this his life? Being attacked and nearly killed each day? He was attacked the night they met and the man would have killed Aang if she didn't interfere. Last night was no different, Aang would have surely died. How many times has Aang gone through these ordeals? How long has he suffered to the point where it was treated as a normal occurrence?
She was lost in her thoughts, unable to hear his approach. "Katara" She heard him call, his voice gentle. She raised her head, seeing he was at arms length. Her eyes met his own, it was like looking at a storm, yet she could see the silver linings within, trying to answer her questions. For the second time, she was left speechless. There was so much behind them, so many answers for her questions. She stood silent, waiting for him to speak.
"It's not that I'm ignoring these events, this is how my life is." He said, hoping that she will understand.
Her eyes widened, having found her answer. Even so, more questions continued to enter her mind. "What is your life? What have you gone through?" She asked, wanting to know. She needed to know, his past, what drives him, what makes Aang who he is. There was so much, so so much to know.
Aang was unsure of how much he should tell. Should he explain his whole story to someone he hadn't known for more than two days? Someone he doesn't know much about? He felt that he could, that Katara was someone he could lay his life down for. That someone who was of the supernatural, could care so much for him.
However, despite how he feels, the fact that they had just met lingered. Not only that, but she had too much on her plate already. Bearing the weight of his story on her shoulders wouldn't be right. He didn't want her to worry for him any longer.
Coming to his answer for her questions, he replied. "My life is built on pain. The pain of loss for my parents, who have taken care of me when I was a child. The pain of having to endure those who've hurt, beaten and scorn me. The pain of being alone, with no one to make me feel wanted."
At hearing his words, Katara was silent, unable to respond at the emotion she could see in his eyes, his pain filled eyes. Being hurt not only physically, but emotionally. She could understand these feelings, as she remembered losing everything. Her brother, her father, even her mother, than her own life. The pain she felt and the fear of being alone. The same pain Aang has felt for so long. How is he able to continue on? That's when her eyes widened, seeing a smile on Aang's face.
'He's smiling? Why would he smile about living a life of suffering?' She thought, confused, wondering about what he's thinking.
That's when he spoke. "But the pain of losing my parents is over shadowed by the memories I have, smiling, laughing with them. They remind me of how much they mean to me and how much I meant to them." He continued, causing Katara's eyes to water. As she remembered her father and brother, not to mention her mother. Who she has had many moments of happiness with.
"The pain of being hurt by others, I can't let them bring me down and prevent me from enjoying life to the fullest." He stated, his voice gentle yet filled with determination. The determination that Katara saw when they first met.
"And I'm no longer alone, I finally have someone to call a friend. Katara, you're the first friend I've had in a long time." He finished, smiling a true smile as they both looked into each other's eyes.
For the third time, she was left speechless. Despite everything in his life, he has the strength to move on with only the memories of his family, the determination of achieving his goals and having a friend. To have such strength with so few to cherish, it is like nothing Katara has seen. Whenever humans are faced with harsh circumstances, they tend to give up easily. Though Aang is so unlike other humans, despite his suffering, he is able to smile, able to move forward, able to stay true to himself.
With all that she's learned of him in so little time, she could cry. However, it would not be of sorrow, but of joy. As Aang smiled, she couldn't help but to smile herself, nor could she stop herself from embracing him.
This caught Aang by surprise, as he was not yet used to being in a girls arms. Despite having laid in bed with her before, his face still lit up a crimson color. Though he quickly relaxed and not wanting to ruin this peaceful moment, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist, completing the embrace.
However, the moment was ruined anyway, on account to a grumbling sound coming from Aang's stomach. With Katara looking down in realization, while Aang's face returned to a crimson color.
"Ehh, sorry." Aang apologized, slightly embarrassed.
Shaking her head, Katara smiled and looked up to him. "Don't be, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday." She responded, however her smile turned sad. "I should be the one apologizing." She stated, her hands now holding his own.
"W-Why would you need to apologize? You didn't do anything wrong." Aang said, confused about her statement.
Shaking her head again, Katara explained. "There is no food within the castle for you and I still do not wish for you to go out and strain yourself."
Aang internally sighed, he knew Katara was in the right. That he needed to take it easy for the day at least. After being alone and dependent for so long. Getting into fights and having to cover his injuries, he was so used to this way of life, if you could call it that.
Wanting to show Katara at least a little of the town, but also needing to eat and rest himself. Aang thought of a way for them to both get what they want.
"How about we go to my apartment? That way you'll know where I live and see a part of the town, I have food there and I can get some rest." Aang suggested, hoping Katara will agree.
Katara's eyes widened, she was going to see where Aang lived!? The thought alone made her heart flip and eyes sparkle. Her smile returned and she nodded in agreement, which caused Aang to smile as well.
Walking passed Aang, Katara grabbed his bag and handed it to him. With a 'thank you' from the young man, the two headed out of the bedroom to the entrance of the castle.
Once there, Aang had grabbed the handle to open the door. However he wasn't the only person grabbing something. Feeling slender arms wrap around his arm, he looked to see Katara standing side by side, slightly leaning on him. Of course, this caused his heartbeat to pick up once again.
Before he could say anything, she beat him to it. "Ready to go?" She asked, with that mischievous smile.
Swallowing a lump in his throat, Aang simply nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Opening the door, they made it out of the castle and into town, heading for Aang's apartment.
The two walked in silence, though it was not an awkward silence, rather a comfortable silence. Both were in deep thought. Aang was thinking about the events of last night and the recent morning. He thought about how much Katara cared for him. Based on what he knows of Katara so far, it'd make sense if she hated him like she does other people. However, she doesn't and he knew that. He was so comfortable around her and she him. Why was that? Why is it that they both became so close in so short a time? Is it because she likes him? But, what made her like him? Aang tried coming up with an answer, but couldn't.
As for Katara, she was also thinking of recent events. She thought of how close Aang was to dying last night. If she hadn't decided to search for him, well we all know the result. Katara wanted to make sure he was safe from any dangers. In order to do that, she wanted to be close to him as often as possible. Though how would that work? Aang had work throughout the day, from school to his job. He'd be away from her for most of the day, not to mention he has his own home to live. At that, Katara thought of a solution.
Turning her head towards the young man, she got his attention. "Aang?" She called, getting his attention before speaking again.
"D-Do you enjoy living at this apartment?" She asked hesitantly, believing this may be a touchy subject. After all, he's lived there for some time and most likely has some attachments.
Aang was silent for a moment, forming a small smile. "It's nice, I mean it isn't like your castle, or my old home. But at least I have a roof over my head." He responded, though he was smiling, his eyes seemed sad.
"Your old home?" Katara questioned.
Aang nodded, now looking to the ground. "Yes, before I got the apartment, I lived in a small house on the edge of town with my dad. But, after he…" Aang trailed off, his smile disappeared as he remembered his late father.
Katara was unsure of what to say, she remembered Aang telling her that his parents were no longer with him. Seeing the sad look on his face, she wanted to do something. So with that in mind, she unwrapped one of her arms from his and held his hand.
Aang looked down to see her hand wrapped around his, squeezing it lightly. Looking up to see her gentle smile, he started to form a smile himself as he returned the gesture.
"Anyway, it's not much, but it's a place I can stay at. Why do you ask?" Aang questioned, curious as to what made Katara bring it up.
Katara took a breath, before answering. "Well, if you'd like, I wanted to ask if you would consider staying at the castle, with me." She finished, taking her free hand to brush a strand of hair behind her ear.
To say Aang was surprised would be an understatement. She was willing to let him live in the castle? Even though they've just met? Why would she invite someone she barely knows, to live in a castle with her?
Katara could just imagine what Aang must be thinking. She knew she was being bold, but she couldn't help it. Aang was so unlike other humans. He was smart, determined, polite and kind. The taste of his blood was in a league of its own. Not to mention his handsome features. And of course, the fact of what Aang was to her.
Even so, this was still a risk to make such a suggestion. For Katara, she wanted Aang with her as soon as possible. But for Aang, he most likely felt uncomfortable due to how quickly his life was changing. Needless to say, it would be overwhelming for him.
With this in mind, Katara quickly added. "You don't have to decide right away, we have not known each other for long."
Aang wasn't sure of how to respond, even though he felt a bit more at ease. It seemed like there was still a bit of pressure on him to make a choice.
"W-Why would you invite someone you just met, to come live with you?" He asked, wanting to know. He tried to think of reasons for her suggestion. Was it because she liked him, well obviously since they are friends, but maybe she liked him more than that? Or was it because he was a food supply for her? That thought didn't make him feel very good of himself. To have the only thing he has that she would want is his blood. Was he only an easy meal to her?
With a jerk, Aang seemed to have stopped walking. Feeling his arm was now behind him. Turning his head to look over his shoulder, he sees that Katara had stopped them. Her eyes starring straight into his own, with a small smile on her face. As though she were trying to reassure him.
Without wasting another moment, Katara answered his question. "Aang, you brought me back to this world, gave me a second chance at life. That's what I want to do for you, give you a second chance. You've lost so much, you struggle to live on your own. I want to help you, I want to repay you for what you've done for me. By living at the castle, you won't have to live alone." She confessed, now holding his hand in both of hers.
A second chance, this caused Aang to remember his life before Katara, he had thought about it a number of times. Losing his mother, father, the house and staying in an apartment, getting picked on and hurt. His life had continuously down graded over time. Each time it did, he thought… dreamed of having a second chance, though now he was unsure.
He was happy that Katara was there for him, being supportive and caring. However, Katara is a vampire, this simple fact has many risks that could lead to her identity being revealed.
In order to keep this a secret, Katara would have to lay low. Meaning she shouldn't wonder around, especially when she doesn't know how much things have changed. With Aang being the only person she knows, he thought it would be best if they stuck together as often as possible. However, it wouldn't be wise to just make a choice right than and there.
Putting their hands down, Aang replied. "Let me think it over. For now, let's get to the apartment and have some breakfast."
Her smile widened slightly as she nodded. "Of course, take all the time you need." She assured, as the two made their way to Aang's apartment. Though not before Katara wrapped her arms around his once more.