I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

CHAPTER 5

Aang woke up as the early morning sunlight poured into his room. He stretched and yawned, then sat up to start his daily meditation routine. Gyatso had taught him the art of meditation to heal from his depression and drug addiction. He also utilized the gym a lot to cope, but this would have to do for now.

As he sat crossed-legged, attempting to slow his breathing, he found his mind wandering back to the night before with Katara.

He couldn't stop replaying the moment in his mind when they had leaned in, almost daring to kiss. He couldn't understand why he'd acted so impulsively. They were both lost in the moment and those azure eyes of hers had him in a trance.

He quickly shook his head of these thoughts. He was here to do one job only and he couldn't afford to be distracted.

Taking a deep breath, Aang closed his eyes and attempted to clear his mind again. Breathe in. Breathe out. Slowly, the racing thoughts began to fade away, replaced by a sense of calm.

Once he was finished, he got up from the floor and got dressed then went outside. He was immediately greeted by the delicious smell of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. There was a spread of various vegetarian meals. Aang shook his head in disbelief – he still wasn't used to the idea of someone cooking for him.

How am I supposed to finish all of this?

He supposed this came with the territory. However, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that came with it. He was just a regular person, and so didn't want to take advantage of others. He made a mental note to thank whoever prepared the meal for him later.

He sat down to eat and glanced out the window, noticing the sun was already high in the sky. He figured that Katara was probably still asleep. There were some things concerning his job that he had wanted to discuss with her about. For one, security would need to be beefed up around the apartment.

He had already made arrangements for the installment of additional cameras and other surveillance equipment, but he knew Katara wouldn't take the news well.

"Good morning."

Aang jumped slightly when he heard her voice and quickly turned to find Katara standing at the foot of the stairs, a mischievous smile on her face.

Her hair was down, and she was wearing a silky blue robe. Her cerulean eyes sparkled playfully at him. His breath caught in his throat.

"Morning, sneaking up on me now?" Aang asked, giving her a playful look.

"Maybe," she replied with a shrug, walking over to the table to prepare a bowl of mixed fruits.

"So, I'm guessing you had a good night's sleep," Aang commented.

Katara looked at him unamused, "I'm not really a morning person, you know? I don't understand the whole waking up early thing. You on the other hand seems like someone who enjoys that kind of thing," Katara remarked.

"Actually I do, I'm accustomed to waking early. First to meditate which helps to clear my head. Then hit the gym."

"Hold up, did you say meditate?" Katara was curious. She poured some orange juice and started slicing some bread.

"Yea, it's an ancient technique from my culture. My guardian taught me the basics of it. I can show you it sometime."

"I would like that; I think it would help me to relax. I'm normally tense especially before and after returning from a show."

"I suppose there's a lot I don't know about you," she said thoughtfully.

He grinned.

She took a moment to look over his features.

He was really tall she realized again. Even sitting, he was looking down at her. He was wearing a black polo t-shirt and grey sweatpants which emphasized his lean muscular form.

Katara couldn't help but think the man would look good in anything, even a potato sack.

Those shiny grey eyes held a glint in them. She felt she could peer into them all day. His pink lips were slightly parted into that goofy smile she found surprisingly attractive.

She felt her heartbeat speeding up and realized she had been staring. Luckily, he didn't notice.

"Anyway, we have to talk about strengthening security around the apartment." Aang started pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Wait, really?" She couldn't help but roll her eyes. Well, it seems like having you here isn't enough security," she replied sarcastically.

Aang burst into laughter. "You're quite something, Miss Hopkinson. I wonder how many before me that you ran off."

His laughter was infectious, and though she was getting annoyed, she couldn't help but chuckle. "Eh, I guess not enough. But I'm serious, there are enough cameras around, you have a freaking armory for crying out loud."

"I can assure you; I did a quick patrol of the area when I first arrived and there aren't enough. Especially facing that bushy area at the back." Aang asserted.

"Look, I know you don't like these sudden changes, but I'm doing it to protect you." He continued.

"I don't need protection." She shot back.

"Katara, please.. I know that you're strong willed, but there are a lot of psychos out there. I know fully well about the shooting incident." He looked at her and saw her deflating. He felt a bit bad for bringing it up, but he had to hit home at his point.

"And I'm sure you didn't expect it. I need you to cooperate with me to keep you safe and I promise to respect your privacy in return." He looked down at her while making his point. His eyes met hers with a pleading look.

She looked at him and softened. She realized he was just doing his job.

"Ok..I'm sorry, guess I'm just not used to all this at once. It's like I woke up and my life is flying past me and I'm trying to keep up."

"Feel free to install more cameras and plant more devices but not in the private areas." She said firmly.

"Deal." Aang visibly relaxed. He didn't expect her to comply so fast.

Aang proceeded to outline the security measures they both needed to follow to protect her. Answering the door before her, standing guard while they were out, Katara was surprised when he mentioned he would even have to taste her food before she ate.

She agreed with them on the condition that she still be allowed to have a social life.

Sokka paced back and forth in his room.

His mind drifted to his sister, who was currently living alone with her bodyguard, Aang.

Sokka couldn't bring himself to fully trust the man yet.

Even though he was originally ok with the idea of her having a bodyguard, he didn't expect his parents to allow the dude to live with her.

There was something about Aang. He was too young, too charming, too… well, too good looking for his liking. Sokka saw the way Katara and Aang interacted, how both of their eyes lingered on each other just a little too long.

He was fiercely protective of his sister, and the thought of this smooth-talking bodyguard coming on to her made him see red.

He became especially protective of her after her ex-boyfriend Jet tried to hurt her. He can vividly remember the night he beat Jet to a pulp after he slapped Katara.

Jet was in a coma for months and where was he? In jail. He would do it all over again if he had the chance.

And then there was the threatening note Katara had received. It had shaken Sokka to his core.

He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair.

Just then, his father walked into the room, "Sokka, what's on your mind, son?" he asked, taking a seat on the edge of his bed.

Sokka bit his lip, unsure of how to voice his fears. But finally, he blurted out, "Dad, I don't trust Aang. I think he might have ulterior motives when it comes to Katara. And she's all alone with him in that big house, with that threat still looming over her head."

Hakoda raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sokka, Aang is a trained professional. I trust him to keep your sister safe. And Katara is no pushover, you know. She can hold her own."

Sokka nodded, still not entirely convinced. "I just can't help but worry, Dad. I feel like I should be doing more to protect her."

Hakoda nodded thoughtfully, then placed a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "I know you're just looking out for your sister, Sokka. But sometimes, you must learn to let go a little.

Sokka nodded reluctantly, knowing that his father was right.

"Sokka, I also have something to tell you," Hakoda said placing his hand on his shoulder.

"I want you to take a more prominent role in the family business. To start designing models for our cars, to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table."

Sokka's eyes widened in surprise. He had always been passionate about engineering and design, but he never thought his father would consider him capable of such a responsibility. ""I... I don't know, Dad. I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of responsibility," Sokka stammered, his mind reeling with the possibilities.

Hakoda smiled warmly at his son. "Sokka, I have faith in you. I know you have what it takes to succeed in this role. I want you to pursue a master's in engineering at Republic University and start learning the ins and outs of the business. I believe in you, Sokka."

I'll do it, Dad," Sokka said, a grin spreading across his face.

Hakoda smiled, patting Sokka on the back. "I knew you would rise to the challenge.

"So where are you from Aang?"

After going over the safety plans, the two of them had started casual conversation.

"I'm from the Patola mountains down South, it's very peaceful there. I lived there with my mom. She would regale me with stories of the city. She grew up here." Aang said.

"It sounds like you were close to her," Katara remarked.

"Yeah, she played a huge role in shaping who I am today," Aang replied, his voice wavering slightly, though Katara didn't notice.

"That's sweet. And your dad?" Katara asked.

Aang demeanor shifted instantly, and he furrowed his brow "I don't know him." He replied stiffly.

Katara looked up at him and saw his jaw clenched a little. She wondered why he was so angry when she asked him about his dad, but she didn't push him further.

"I'm sorry for asking. Are you ok?"

Immediately his expression softened, and he looked at her. "Yea, I'm ok, sorry about that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Eh enough about me, what about you?"

"Well, I'm from the South as well, but more towards the pole. It's freezing out there, but we've gotten used to it. We had a normal life there until my grandfather passed away and everything changed. Suddenly, we had to move to this big city, leaving behind everyone I've known my whole life."

"I can relate to that. My life took a sudden drastic turn too, and I had to move as well," Aang sighed, lowering his head.

He was hesitant to share his past with her, feeling it might scare her away. He barely knew her.

Although he figured she was trying to get to know him better since they were practically living together now. He was afraid she would see him differently.

Katara seemed to sense his sadness and hesitation, and instinctively placed a comforting hand on his.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about this stuff right now. I understand if it's painful. Just know you can talk to me when you're ready, especially since you'll be here most of the time."

"Thanks, but I'm not ready to share that part of my life yet," Aang replied.

He looked at her hand on his and his heart swelled. Her small, brown hands contrasted well with his lighter skin tone. Damn, she's perfect.

"I understand," Katara said softly.

She gently withdrew her hand, and he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disappointment at the loss of her touch.

"So how old are you?" Katara asked trying to lighten the mood.

"How old do I look?"

She playfully rolled her eyes "Do you always do this?"

"Do what?" Aang asked innocently.

"You know exactly what I mean. Not answering straight."

Aang smiled his goofy smile "Sometimes, and you like it."

Katara blushed "Aang I'm serious."

"20"

Katara was a bit surprised he was younger than her. She flushed with embarrassment and Aang seemed to notice.

"Let me guess, you're older?"

She nodded.

"Don't worry I was taught that it's rude to ask a girl her age so you don't have to share if you don't want to." He smiled.

He's too sweet she thought.

"I'm 22 Aang."

"Oh, come on, that's not too far from me," Aang reassured her.

She smiled "I know. It's just hard to believe you're so young and my bodyguard."

"Trust me, I might be young, but I have a lot of experience."

"Hmmm, I bet." She smirked.

Aang laughed and looked away "Not what you're thinking Katara."

She liked the way her name rolled off his tongue. It did something carnal to her.

She quickly shook these thoughts away.

"So, since we're opening up more, can I admit something?" she asked shyly.

"Sure thing," Aang replied looking down at her.

"You have really nice eyes."

Katara didn't know where that came from. She wasn't usually so bold. She hoped she wasn't crossing any boundaries. She just felt like she could be open with him.

"She looked down and blushed "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

He felt the heat rushing to his face, taken aback by her words. He kept his gaze on hers and his lips curved up into a smile. He decided to tease her a little.

"So how long have you been a fan of them?"

Katara slapped him playfully on his arm. "Don't let it get to your head now."

Aang grinned.

He then got serious. "Uh thank you. I'm enamored with yours too. It goes well with your tanned skin."

It was Katara's turn to blush. Her entire face was heating up and she felt the heat traveling to her stomach.

She quickly averted her gaze, trying to hide the impact of his words.

Before she could respond, Aang's phone started ringing. She noticed he looked at the screen and ignored it.

"Aren't you going to get that?" She asked her face flushed from earlier.

"It's not important."

His phone continued ringing multiple times and Katara didn't want to intrude.

"You should get that." She said smiling and pushing up to leave. "I'll be in the studio."

Aang watched as she walked off, her long shiny brown hair bouncing as she sauntered up the stairs. He had to use all his willpower to peel his eyes away.

"I heard she has a show coming up. The biggest one yet. We'll make our move then."

"What intel have you gathered so far?"

"She has some weird bald guy following her around now. I'm guessing she got herself a bodyguard."

"Then we need to plan things out before acting. Keep up the Surveillance, we will strike when they least expect.

Messages

Aang: Onji, why do you keep calling my phone?

Onji: I missed you

Aang: oh really? Now you miss me? You played games with me after I gave you everything. I thought I made it clear we were done

Onji: I wasn't thinking back then, ok?

Onji: Am sorry

Onji: Can we meet?

Aang: I've moved on. Delete my number n I'll do the same

Onji: Baby plz hear me out

[read]

Onji: Aang please….

[read]

Onji: it's another woman, isn't it? Answer me!

[read]

Onji: Aang!

[delivered]

Aang tossed his phone across the table in frustration. Onji had been his first love. He loved her so much that he ignored all the signs. While he was studying, he would send gifts to her, always set aside time for her, and was essentially the best boyfriend. His friends kept telling him she was cheating, but he didn't want to believe it.

Many times, his friend Zuko and he would argue about her infidelity. One time Aang punched him in the face for insinuating that she was a 'slack girl'.

It wasn't until he received an anonymous sex tape of her that he realized the truth. Since then, he has struggled with trust issues and was afraid to let anyone else into his life.

After finishing his breakfast, he had freshened up and then made his way to the armory. The setup was added to the apartment to cater to his work since he had to be prepared for any situation that might arise.

He carefully checked each gun, each blade, and each piece of armor, ensuring that everything was in perfect working order. The walls of the armory were lined with futuristic weapons and gadgets, some of which Aang had never seen before. He had given Katara a device with a single button to alert him if she was ever in danger and he wasn't immediately around.

Katara.

He was dangerously falling for her, and he had to find a way to reign in his emotions, not only for the job but also for his own sanity. He didn't even know if she was taken. Certainly, a goddess like her would be off the market.

But he was drawn to her like a magnet, she was warm and caring and brought out his happy side. Not to mention how beautiful she was. He knew that trying to keep her at arm's length would be a waste of time. With a sigh, he left the room and got ready for the day.

Katara sat in her music studio, surrounded by instruments, and recording equipment. She was completely in her element. She had been working tirelessly all morning on new songs for her upcoming show.

"Ugh, I'm not getting this part." She fretted.

She had been working on the line for the last half an hour and the lyrics didn't work well with the instrumental.

Tired of her efforts, she tossed the book on her couch and went to grab coffee. Her manager will be coming over soon, and she needs to have at least a few stuff ready.

After making her coffee, she sat in her chair and looked out through the window taking in the early morning scenery. She found that it calmed and inspired her when composing her songs.

Ring.…

On the phone

Toph: sup Sugar Queen, u and lover boy settling in nice?

Katara: ha ha very funny

Toph: Itate. I'll take that as a hell yea (Toph burst out laughing)

Katara: you're delusional

Toph: You luv me

Katara: u know me too well. So, sup?

Toph: Housewarming party. Club xD. Tomorrow nite Whatcha say?

Katara: Hmm, sure. As long as you don't use the pole again

Toph: no promises

Katara: he he ok bye Toph

In the evening after dinner, Aang sat on a bar stool close to the front door while Katara watched her favorite TV show.

As he stood guard, he couldn't help but steal furtive glances at her. He loved the way she furrowed her brows slightly when concentrating on the show and when she burst out laughing. It made him happy that she was safe and could be herself for a while.

Lost in his thoughts, Aang suddenly heard a clicking sound at the door and his mind started racing a mile a minute.

His instincts kicked in immediately as he felt someone attempting to open the door. He peered through the peephole, but the walkway was too dark to see the person. He looked and saw that Katara hadn't noticed. Good, he thought.

Without hesitation, he held onto his gun at his waist and stood at the ready.

As the door slowly swung open, Aang sprang into action, tackling the intruder to the ground and pinning them in a headlock. He clamped his other hand over their mouth. The person was strong, but Aang was stronger.

The person had on a hoodie and was trying to kick him. Hands still clamped on the person's mouth Aang whispered "I'm going to release my hands and you're going to tell me who you are as quietly as possible! Am I understood?"

The person nodded rigorously.

Sokka thought for a moment that this was it. He would end up dead at his sister's house. He could almost visualize the headline on his obituary.

He cursed silently for underestimating the strength of the guy.

"Aang? What's going on?" Katara heard the commotion and ran to the door.

Shit

"Katara stay back," Aang said firmly.

Aang released his hands slowly but kept the person locked tightly around the neck.

Flailing his arms and gasping for air, Sokka started yelling, "Katara it's me. I can't breathe!"

Aang immediately pull down the hoodie revealing a scared and angry looking Sokka

Seeing her brother in Aang's grip, she let out a sigh of relief. "Aang, it's just Sokka. He has a spare key," she explained.

Aang instantly released his grip and helped Sokka to his feet.

"What the heck, man? I just wanted to surprise my sister," Sokka huffed, still trying to catch his breath.

Before Aang could apologize Katara got in front of him and glared at her brother "I know I gave you a spare key Sokka, but why didn't you call before coming over? My bodyguard could have seriously killed you."

"I know don't remind me." He shuddered slightly looking at Aang.

Aang looked at him apologetically. "Sorry man, but you tried to sneak in, and I had to protect Katara. Couldn't take any chances."

"It's all good, you were doing your job."

Although he didn't trust Aang fully, he had to admit she was in good hands."

"Ok, so now that everything is cleared, What's the surprise Sokka?" Katara cut in.

"I couldn't wait until tomorrow to surprise you sis. I'm your new neighbor!" Sokka exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Katara's jaw dropped. "You're my what!?"

A/N: haha cliffy. This chapter is my longest so far. Also, I know it's going a bit slow, but I'm trying to build up the characters. I don't enjoy writing action scenes, so those will come later down. In the meantime, I wanna build that chemistry between the main characters. This fic will mostly be about Kataang, just hints of the others in the story. Please review :)

Review responses:

Ashley Barbosa: Thank you so much for your review! It keeps me going when I want to give up the story. And yeah, your guess about Jet might just be right. We all know who comes to mind when stalker vibes come into play lol.