Two days later, she watched as Zuko was crowned as the new Fire Lord and could see the pain behind his eyes. He really shouldn't be up and about yet. But he had insisted on going forward with the ceremony. She knew how stubborn he was. He was concerned about the future of his nation and the world now that the war had ended.
Over the past couple of days, the Gaang had talked much about everything that had happened with everyone gathered around Zuko's bed. The discussion had turned towards the future a time or two during the discussions as well. Sokka and Suki were talking about heading home to Kyoshi Island. Toph was going to stick around to help Zuko make sure everyone was loyal to him and not to Ozai. Aang had mentioned traveling the world to see what he could do to help. Katara had noticed how his gaze would travel to her when he talked about that tour. Katara always looked away from Aang's loving eyes, but not before seeing the hurt and anger in his eyes when she didn't return the smiles.
Katara looked up at Aang standing beside Zuko as the new Fire Lord greeted his subjects for the first time. She knew she was going to have to have a difficult conversation with him soon. She couldn't be with him. She had figured that out in the three days she had sat by Zuko's bedside too.
"So, Sugar Queen, when are you going to tell Sparky?" Toph suddenly questioned Katara as they walked back to the palace after the ceremony. Katara looked around to make sure no one had overheard the girl. "And Twinkle Toes?"
"Tell them what?" Katara tried to act innocent.
"Katara, I can feel it." Toph answered vaguely, but Katara knew exactly what she meant. "You are going have to tell Sparky what happened and that you carry his heir." Katara finally pulled Toph into a private corner.
"How do you know its Zuko's?" She didn't bother to ask how Toph knew she was pregnant. The girl could hear and sense things normal people couldn't.
"I have heard your moans in your sleep. My guess is, you ran into Zuko as the Blue Spirit in Ba Sing Se." Katara opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out. "By the sound of your heartbeat, I hit the nail on the head." Toph chuckled.
"Toph, no one knows I am pregnant, not even Suki. You have to let me handle this on my own." Katara finally to croak out. "I have to have some very difficult conversations with both Aang and Zuko."
"Better do it soon. Aang isn't going to hold his tongue much longer. As for Zuko, it may not be as difficult as you think. Good luck, Sweetness." Toph left Katara then.
Katara frowned when she turned to see Aang heading straight towards her. Apparently, Toph had been right and he wasn't going to stay silent any longer.
"Katara, can I talk to you?"
"Can this wait, Aang? I need to check on Zuko. Make sure he didn't do any further damage by being out of bed." Katara said, hoping to buy herself some time. But Aang surprised her when he shook his head.
"No, it can't. We need to talk about our future plans." Aang said solemnly. Katara took a step back. He couldn't seriously be acting like nothing had changed between them. She scowled at him.
"My only future plan at the moment is to see to Zuko's recovery." Katara snapped back.
"Oh, Zuko will be fine. Now, as the Avatar's girlfriend, you will have certain obligations and duties as we travel the world." Aang went on almost as if she hadn't spoken at all. He took her hands as he began to describe all the places he wanted to go. Katara let him go on for a minute as she recovered from the shock of his actions.
She didn't know if it was the lack of sleep, or the stress of the past couple of weeks, or both. Cutting Aang off mid-sentence, she yanked her hands free of his grip and stepped back from him.
"I am not your girlfriend!" She snapped at Aang. Her voice began to rise as she continued. "I will never be anything more than your friend. I know you are young, Aang, but you have a lot to learn when it comes to women! You have not listened to a word I have said! You have kissed me without my permission and talked of a future that I don't want! Stop telling me what you want and listen for a change! I don't want to be your adoring girlfriend that follows you around like a puppy. I want my own life, where I make the choices. Now that the war is over, I can do that!" Katara turned on her heel and stormed away from the avatar. Aang hurried after her.
"Wait! Katara! Does this mean you don't love me like I do you?" Katara stopped and turned back to face him. She hated to hurt him further, but he deserved the truth. She took a deep breath to calm her anger and to answer him as gently as she possibly could.
"I love you as a friend, Aang. Nothing more, nothing less. I am sorry. I know it's not what you want to hear, but its the truth." Katara answered quietly.
"But I don't understand. You were supposed to be my forever girl. I love you, Katara."
"Aang, here is where listening comes in. I don't feel that way about you. You are going to need to come to terms with that. I hope eventually we can still be friends; but I can't offer you anymore than my friendship." Katara saw tears gather in Aang's eyes, but she stood her ground. "I am sorry, Aang." He didn't respond, he just walked away. Katara sighed and felt a headache brewing as she watched him walk away. Deciding to let Zuko rest, she went to her own room for a nap.