I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

CHAPTER 6

Katara sat on the couch in her living room, fuming as Sokka stood in front of her with a smug smile on his face. How dare he just let himself into her house and drop this bombshell on her?

Aang stood silently against the wall, trying not to laugh at the sibling rivalry unfolding before him. He knew Katara was just being stubborn, and Sokka was too proud to admit he wanted to be close to his little sister.

"What do you mean you moved next door?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest. Damn, she's even more beautiful when she's mad Aang thought while leaning against the wall.

Sokka held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down, Katara. It's just because the house is closer to the university that I'll be attending soon," he explained.

Katara's anger flared at his nonchalant attitude. "You didn't even ask me if it was okay! You just barged in here an- "Wait what? You're going back to Uni?" Katara's anger subsided slightly.

"Yeah." Sokka leaned back in the chair. "I'm going to do my Masters. Dad's finally going to let me take the lead in the business.

Despite her annoyance, Katara couldn't help but feel happy for her brother. Even though he got on her nerves most of the time, she knew he had wanted this for a long time. With her own pursuit of music, she was glad to see Sokka following his passion for design.

"I am happy for you, Sokka. I know how much you've wanted this." She then hugged him. Aang smiled at their interaction.

As she drew back, the scowl reappeared on her face "I'm happy for you and all, but why in La name did you move next to my penthouse? You had the entire section that is also close to the University."

Sokka had been caught. Fuck

He couldn't let her know that he didn't trust her bodyguard and that he wanted to still be close by if she needed him. It's not that he didn't trust Aang to protect her. He knew now that Aang would fiercely protect her. evident from the bruises and pain he still felt around his throat.

No, it was Katara; she tended to fall in love easily and would get hurt in the process. He had to be there for her. He wouldn't tell her that though.

"Come on, I moved close so we can hang out and have sibling bonding time," Sokka said sheepishly. "Besides, this was the most affordable option I could find since dad insisted that we shouldn't waste our money just because we're rich." He made a gesture with his hands, causing Katara to roll her eyes. "He even cut down my allowance!"

"Well serves you right," Katara laughed.

Aang chuckled quietly from the corner, catching Sokka's attention. "Hey, Mr. Bodyguard, what's so funny?"

Katara swatted her brother on the shoulder. "Don't yell at him." She admonished.

Sokka looked at her curiously at the way she defended him and Katara blushed slightly.

Before Sokka could say anything, Katara was getting a call. She excused herself and left the room.

"You are kidding."

The black haired young woman took all the inner strength she had and tried to swallow her retort and just accept what her parents were requesting. Just accept it and stay in line. But the stubbornness and independence in her would not allow it.

This was the final nail in the coffin. All that built up fury she had accumulated over her time living with her parents came out faster than magma and just as destructive. To say she was boiling with rage would've been the understatement of the century.

"Toph, please," Poppy, Toph's mom looked defeated as she shifting uncomfortably on her leather chair as she looked between her daughter and husband, Lao Beifong, next to her "we are serious. We think it's high time you have someone who can take care of you," her mother replied, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Toph.

Within seconds, Toph was fully enraged.

Toph felt her blood boil. Settle down? Start a family? She was only in her early twenties, and the last thing on her mind was marriage.

Toph rose to her feet, her fists clenched in anger. "I can take care of myself, thank you very much. I don't need anyone's help, especially not some stranger you want to force upon me," she spat, her voice dripping with contempt.

Her parents tried to reason with her, telling her that the potential suitors they had in mind were from wealthy families, but Toph wasn't having any of it.

"If you go through with this, I swear I'll pack my bags and leave this house for good," she threatened, her eyes blazing with defiance.

Her parents looked taken aback by her outburst, but they stood their ground. Her father spoke up, "Toph, we're only thinking of your future. We want what's best for you, and we believe this young man is a good match."

Without another word, Toph stormed out of the living room. She needed to ease her mind before she did something really stupid. This is the damn 21st century! She thought angrily.

"Toph! Come back. We're not finished here." She heard her father's loud voice.

Outside, she made her way to the garden, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. As she pulled out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, she felt a pang of guilt. Her parents didn't know she smoked, and she had always made sure to keep it a secret from them. But today, she was too overwhelmed to give a damn.

As she lit up a cigarette, tears welled up in her milky green eyes. She felt suffocated by the expectations her parents had of her, trapped in a life where she was considered fragile. She felt lost and alone, with no one to turn to.

The only reason she stayed was because of her mom. She had cancer and she wanted to be there for her.

She was not going to deal with this right now.

No

Right now she wanted to get wasted and forget about her shitty life for once.

She dialed her bestie's number using her special phone.

When Katara left to answer her call, Sokka and Aang were left in the room in awkward silence.

Sokka cleared his throat loudly, deciding to break it. "Aang? A word please?"

Aang nodded and went over to where Sokka was. He sat on the couch opposite him. "What's on your mind?" Aang asked, turning to face him.

Sokka hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Has Katara received any more threatening letters since the last time?"

Aang shook his head. "No, the police are still investigating the shooting case, but so far there haven't been any further threats. I had my friend look for fingerprints in the letter."

Sokka visibly relaxed at Aang's words. "That's a relief. Katara has been through enough already. I have a feeling who might be behind all this though."

"And who would that be?" Aang asked getting heated.

"A dude named Jet. He's an obsessive maniac." But it's still not adding up, because he is supposed to still be in jail." Sokka pondered.

Aang's mind was reeling. He was getting angry at the thought of someone hurting Katara. He wanted to know who was this Jet guy and what he did to end up in jail, but he didn't want to push it.

Sokka seemed to read his mind. "Look, it's her story to tell, but as her bodyguard, just know that he is a cunning bastard. I'll get hold of his mugshot so you can be on the lookout."

Aang nodded solemnly.

Soon they heard a bit of shuffling indicating that Katara was probably coming back into the room.

Before she could enter, Sokka leaned in closer to Aang, his voice firm. "Another thing, no funny business with my sister. Are we clear?"

Aang looked straight at Sokka his face turning red. His lips curved up into a smile. Somehow he found Sokka's protectiveness both amusing and endearing. "Clear as cryst…."

But before he could respond, they both heard a loud squeal coming from the studio room Katara was in. Both Aang and Sokka scrambled up from the couch and sped down the hallway. Aang ran faster, his mind in overdrive. "Stay back Sokka, let me handle this."

"Not a chance," Sokka grunted.

Aang was hoping nothing was wrong. As he rushed up the stairs, his heart was pumping hard and fast. Please let her be safe. Spirits please let her be safe.

On the phone

Katara: Hey Keri, what's up?

Keri: Katara check celeb now!

Katara scrolls through her phone and squeals.

Katara: yes! I can't believe my song made No. 1! We did it, Keri. It's all thanks to you and the team.

Keri: It's always a pleasure working with you. I saw how you give the performance your all too

Katara: Thanks, our hard work paid off.

Even as she spoke those words, tears of happiness welled up in her eyes. Music was her passion, deeply ingrained in her being. She began her journey humbly, with the unwavering support of her mother and grandfather. If someone had told her a few years ago that her music would reach the top spot today, she would have dismissed it as sheer madness.

It wasn't just the success and recognition that moved her; it was the realization that her songs resonated with others. The heartfelt comments she received online served as proof that her music touched people's hearts.

Just then Aang ran into the room, his gun held firmly in one hand and a worried expression on his face. He saw her on the phone and mouthed "Are you ok?"

Katara was confused. "We'll talk later Keri," she said ending the call and lowering the phone.

Aang was pacing back and forth clearly distressed "Aang, what's wrong?"

"I heard you scream." He told her, pulling the curtains aside to check outside.

He then began searching the room.

Suddenly, Sokka burst into the room, out of breath. "Sis! Are…are you okay?"He was hunched over struggling to catch his breath.

It then dawned on her that they both must have heard her when she squealed through her excitement.

"Sokka you need to calm down, I was just on the phone. I had gotten some good news." Katara said calmly.

"Damn Kat, you scared me half to death. All this running is not for me. Sokka said still bent over huffing.

Katara looked at her brother and shake her head "aww Sokka it's sweet that you're so worried for me. But you're a lazy butt."

"I need water," Sokka said flicking his sister off and leaving the room.

Meanwhile, Aang let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding "I was worried, he said quietly looking at her."

Katara approached him across the room looking up at him with playful eyes "Were you scared someone took me?"

"Not funny Katara." Aang said firmly as he settled himself at the door. He placed the gun back into the holster.

She moved closer to him, her shiny blue eyes peering up at him.

She saw a serious look in his eyes. One she hadn't seen before "Aang I'm ok." She said taking one of his hands in hers.

A wave of emotions was going through Aang all at once, and in that moment, he realized that the urge to protect her went beyond mere duty. He leaned his head back against the door trying to keep his emotions in check.

He tightened his grip on her hands just trying to process that she was safe. He looked at her with a relieved expression "I know, I just heard you screaming I thought something bad happened to you." He replied, his voice quavering slightly.

Katara felt her heartbeat sped up at how genuinely concerned he was for her. There was something about it that made her head spin.

Aang kept his gaze on hers. His silvery grey eyes filled with affection and worry.

Katara suddenly felt something shifting within her.

She was falling for him.

The sudden revelation made her gasp softly. She wondered if he felt the same way she was feeling. The warm, electric heat in her stomach and the way her heart fluttered when she held his hand. Probably not, maybe he's just protective because of his job, she thought sadly to herself.

Before she could respond, they heard Sokka approaching down the hallway.

Katara quickly let go of his hands and stepped away. Her face beet red, while Aang moved from the door, one hand in his pocket, the other rubbing the back of his neck furiously. She realized he did that fidgeting gesture as a sign of his nervousness.

It was sweet to her. It showed his otherwise bashful shy self compared to the smooth side of him that she was mostly accustomed to.

he walked over to the window looking out at nothing in particular. Katara could make out the pink hue spreading across his cheeks.

perhaps he does feel something?

"So, what did I miss? Sokka announced loudly, a large piece of komodo chicken in his mouth.

Luckily Sokka was one to miss things. He didn't recognize the thick tension in the room.

"Sokka, I thought you wanted water." Katara declared loudly after composing herself.

"What can I say, all that running made me hungry." He shrugged clapping his mouth loudly.

Aang turned around chuckling at Sokka's antics.

Katara rolled her eyes, gagging at the sound he made. "Close your mouth Sokka. And try not to empty my kitchen."

Sokka then remembered Katara mentioned she received good news. "Hey, what was the good news?"

Katara's eyes suddenly brightened "My latest song reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts! It's an original."

"Sis! Come here," Sokka said giving Katara a hug, the meat still hanging from his mouth.

Aang looked at Katara, he was happy for her. "Congrats Ms Katara." He said, being mindful not to use her name informally in front of her brother.

Katara's blue gaze met his pointedly "Thanks a lot." She smiled.

When Sokka started looking at the two of them suspiciously, she quickly averted her eyes and changed the topic.

"Oh, I'll be celebrating tomorrow night. It was originally supposed to be a housewarming party Toph arranged, but I guess I have more to celebrate."

"Count me in sis."

"I didn't recall inviting you Sokka. And I definitely don't remember us being joined at the hip," Katara replied dryly.

Aang was trying his hardest not to laugh at the two siblings.

Sokka pouted, sticking his tongue out at her. He then gave her puppy dog eyes.

"Ugh! Fine. But I don't want you babysitting me. I swear you act like five."

"Great, I'll invite Suki," Sokka said ignoring his sister's insult.

A yawn then escaped Katara's lips. "Ok, Sokka it's been a long day. That's your cue to leave."

After hugging her and telling her to be careful, Sokka left late into the night.

Azula paced back and forth in her small, cramped studio, her hands trembling with anger as she stared at her phone screen. Her rival, Katara, had just reached number 1 on the Billboard charts with her latest single, and she couldn't believe it. How did this bitch manage to outshine me once again?

She let out a frustrated scream and picked up a vase, hurling it across the room with all her might. It shattered against the wall, sending shards of glass flying in all directions. Furniture flew around the room as she cursed and slammed things in her path.

Just then, the door to her studio swung open, and her father Ozai entered, his expression unreadable. Azula turned to him, her eyes blazing with fury.

"What are you doing here, Dad?" she spat, her voice laced with venom. "Can't you see I'm busy?"

Ozai raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her outburst. "I heard about Katara's success," he said calmly. "But you need to calm down, Azula. We can't let this setback get the best of us."

Azula scoffed and turned away, pacing once again. "I don't care about your reassurances, dad. I won't let that wench steal my spotlight. You need to do something about this."

Ozai sighed and took a step closer to his daughter. "I understand your frustration, Azula, but we need to be strategic about this. We can't simply lash out without a plan. Besides, she is well protected now. That mother of her keeps her in a cocoon."

Azula whirled around, her eyes flashing with rage. "I don't care about plans, father! I want Katara gone, now! She is the only one keeping me from dominating the music scene. "

Ozai's gaze hardened, and he placed a hand on Azula's shoulder. "I will take care of it, Azula. Trust me, I have everything under control."

Azula shook his hand off and glared at him. "I don't want your empty promises, I want action. I want Katara out of the picture for good."

Ozai took a deep breath before speaking. "Yea baby girl. I will handle it. But you need to be patient. The Hopkinsons have hurt our family in more ways than one and they will pay."

With a pat on her back, Ozai turned on his heel and left the studio, leaving Azula alone with her thoughts.

She paced back and forth, her mind racing with dark thoughts of revenge. She needed to strike back and reclaim her place at the top of the charts. Before the Hopkinsons moved to Republic City, she was on top- the Queen of RnB.

Now this slut was one of the big names; she performed on big stages, went on many music tours due to her family's influence. She was wealthy enough to afford music vocalists and even went to the damn University of Performing Arts.

Azula was jealous and fuming. She couldn't afford those luxuries. Her family was not as wealthy and she hated every bit of it.

The truth was, Azula's songs were mediocre and she didn't make much money for them. She thought making music would be an easy way to gain millions of fans feeding her ego. She cringed at the thought of spending endless hours writing her own songs. One time, she was asked to perform at a local concert and she lip-synced. She smiled at the memory. Poor souls didn't recognize a thing."

"Write my own songs. Pfft, not a chance." She rolled her eyes while buffing her nails.

She grabbed her phone and started typing furiously, her fingers flying across the screen as she messaged her assistant June to meet her urgently.

While Daddy makes strenuous plans for Katara's downfall, I'll have my own fun she thought wickedly. Besides, there are many ways to get my revenge in the world of music.

Azula vowed to do whatever it took to stay on top, no matter the cost. For in the cutthroat world of modern music, only the ruthless survived. And Azula was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that she reigned supreme.

Katara stood in front of her full-length mirror, admiring her reflection as she adjusted the sleeves of her blue tight-fitting off-the-shoulder dress. She couldn't help but feel quite sexy. She was ready to have a good time tonight.

She couldn't stop thinking about the news of her song reaching the top. She was ecstatic and very grateful to her fans. A part of the money she made doing music always went back to her hometown and various orphanages around the city. She loved helping people since it brought a sense of pride to her. She loved the way the small children would surround her and grateful tears would roll down their cheeks when she donated basic necessities to them.

Or the way their small hands would touch hers as she walked through the crowd while on her music tours and their faces would light up when she took a photo with them or autograph their belongings. To sum it up, it was fulfilling.

She carefully applied her makeup very lightly and styled her hair, humming along to one of her own songs that played softly in the background.

She pulled the top part of her hair into a tousled bun and the rest she curled and let it flow down her back.

Although she was afforded with stylists to help her, Katara preferred doing these small things by herself. Leaving them to help her get ready for her shows. She found it as a way to express herself.

The soft glow of her mirror illuminated her features as she expertly blended her nude eyeshadow and painted her lips in a soft pink color. She smiled at her reflection, pleased with the way her ensemble came together.

As she finished doing her hair and makeup, her phone buzzed indicating she had received a text.

"Damn Toph, a girl needs time to look good," Katara grumbled reaching for her phone.

She picked it up and saw that it was from an unknown number. Curious, she opened the message and an eerie chill ran up her spine as she read the words. Her phone slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.

"Is everything okay in there?" came Aang's muffled voice, probably hearing the sound of her phone hitting the floor.

He was standing guard outside her door as always while she prepared.

She was frozen, unable to formulate words.

"Katara? Is everything ok? I'm coming in." Aang said, after not hearing her respond. He was already pushing the door slightly to come in.

Katara was drawn out of her trance and she blinked furiously "No, everything is okay. Just my brush fell on the floor." She lied.

"I'll be out in a few." She replied, trying to keep the shakiness from her voice.

"Okay. Take your time," Aang replied while withdrawing the door.

Slowly, she retrieved her phone from the floor with trembling fingers and read the chilling message again.

Looking like a snack in dat blue dress, but imagine how much more enticing it will look on the floor

Katara felt her heart drop, her breathing quickened. What the hell? Her hands began to shake as she read the message over and over again, Who the hell is this? How do they know what I'm wearing?

Her eyes widened in sudden realization.

She scrambled up and ran to the window, opening it and scanning the compound and the streets for signs of anyone. Tears stung her eyes. She didn't see anything. She opened the window at the other side of the room, straining her eyes over the area.

Nothing.

Her heart was thumping against her chest. Just then she heard another buzz of her phone.

Don't bother looking. You won't find me. But I can see u, and it's quite entertaining to watch u squirm

Katara was shaking with anger but most of all fear. Disturbing fear. She felt like screaming but her throat felt tight. She could hardly breathe and she felt herself panicking.

She took her phone and started typing furiously.

Who the hell is this? How did you get my number?

She was biting her nails while awaiting a response. After a minute, another message appeared on her screen.

Your worst fucking nightmare. I got my ways

Katara was racking her brain to try to figure out who the person was. Was it an obsessive fan? But how did they get her number? She felt frustrated tears streamed down her face even as another message came through.

I bet it's killing u not knowing who I am. Don't worry, soon enough

Katara's hands shook as she typed out her response, her fear turning to anger.

Stop playing games and tell me who you are!

Not soon after the buzz of her phone was heard again.

Oh, but where's the fun in that? I enjoy watching u squirm, wondering who's watching u from the shadows. It's almost too easy.

She felt a lump form in her throat as she read the message, the words taunting her with their malicious intent. She remembered the threatening note she had received a few days ago, warning her to watch her back. Was this the same person?

"Katara? Are you ready?" Aang's soft voice sounded outside of the door and Katara quickly wiped her tears away.

"Yea Aang, give me one sec." Katara said, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

She didn't receive any more messages from the person and then it hit her like a ton of bricks- she had a stalker.

But why?

Sighing, she got up and took a final look at herself in the mirror. She was not going to let the lunatic get the best of her tonight. No. Not tonight.

Should I let Aang know? Katara decided that she would not tell him right now.

Tonight was her night to celebrate her success and she wouldn't let an obsessive freak mess with that. Even as she thought so, Katara couldn't deny the fear that was lingering at the back of her mind. The disturbing messages brought with it a string of unanswered questions. Who is it? What do they want? Money?

Katara let out a long breath and tried her best to keep her mood light. She walked to the door and turned the knob.

When she walked out, Aang's jaw dropped as he looked her over, furiously rubbing the back of his neck.

He didn't want to seem like a pervert, but she was looking good. He couldn't stop looking at her blue dress which hugged her curves. Her endless legs showed off her tanned flawless skin that glistened in the semi-dark hallway. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders and back in waves. And those cerulean eyes..

He resisted the urge to hold her soft hands again.

Katara placed her hand on her hips and looked at him with a smirk on her face. It was fascinating to see the effect her appearance was having on him. "Watch out, you might start a bug collection with your mouth wide open like that," Katara teased.

Aang let out a small laugh and swiftly composed himself, realizing that he had been caught staring.

"You look stunning." He said smiling that goofy smile that made her heart melt.

"Thank you, Aang." Katara blushed. "You don't look too bad yourself."

Katara couldn't help but admire how attractive he looked, a faint smile playing on her lips as she took him in.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his fit muscular frame, the color bringing out the warm tones of his skin. It was paired with a white shirt underneath, slightly unbuttoned to reveal a bit of his upper chest. Despite his formal attire, he had a youthful appearance. Something she admired about him. His grey eyes bore into hers and she lost herself in them for the hundredth time that day.

She caught sight of the gun tucked neatly in the side of his waist and her mind went back to the messages from earlier. She felt bad for keeping it from him since he was tasked with protecting her, but she didn't want to ruin the night.

"Katara, are you sure you're ok?" Aang asked, coming closer to her.

Katara hadn't realized she had been looking down and frowning. She quickly got herself together and flashed a fake smile. "Yeah, everything is great. Now let's head out before Toph slaughters me for keeping her waiting."

They both chuckled as they left the apartment.

A/N: I want to take the time to thank everyone that read, favorited, followed and reviewed my story. Your reviews really push me to write more. Please continue to review. The action will pick up. It will mostly be emotional and also physical. Also, something I kinda overlooked: Toph is blind, but her other senses are heightened because of that. So she can feel heartbeats and sense her surroundings. It's hard to write her but she's one of my favorite characters. Next chapter will be at the club and other shenanigans.

Review Responses:

The Talent: I am so honored that you are enjoying this story. Yea you know right, I just had to include Sokka so he can be a little 'cockblocker' haha. Soon you will see how Jet got out. Yeah Kataang is my heart. I love them too and I feel they will fall for each other easily. Oh thanks so much for the idea to have him help with her music. I'll definitely include it in future chapters.

Ashley Barbosa: I am so thankful for your kind reviews every time. Yes Sokka is so oblivious lol. Yes Kataang is so sweet, I want to ensure their love shine through in this fic.

Vapor23: I am really glad you love the story. Yea I was really nervous posting this story..still a bit. But it's growing on me now. Thank you once more for reviewing.