Previously, on Avatar . . . lol

"Thanks, Zuko."

"For?" He raises an eyebrow, his face completely flabbergast.

I shrug and lean in for a hug. His arms stay limp at his side, confusion marking his body language as I pulled away with a squeeze of his shoulders. Even if it's not much, even if it's not heard by the person I want to listen, and even if it isn't quite a declaration; I tell him in a voice so quiet I'm shocked he hears it but I know he does because his eyes soften with deep sympathy, "For looking out for me and . . . For my love."

My cheeks burn and I'm mortified to see his do too. Awkwardly we watch the turtle-ducks.

"Dang Sugar Queen, isn't it a little too early for another life changing field trip."

I jump, "Spirits, Toph! A little warning."

Under her breath, she smirks, "Tell your dad that."

From the other side of the courtyard, my dad stands crossed armed. A pensive look covers his face and in my excitement I skim past it, "Dad! I'm so happy to see you!"

He grunts softly as I crash into him. I squeeze a little harder than strictly necessary. His hand rubs my back soothing. In the comfort of his arms, I fight the urge to release the moisture in my eyes.

Chapter 17: Lovingly, Katara

I listen half-heartedly as Dad and Sokka discuss the current state of Ba Sing Se. With three days until Zuko's coronation, Iroh has updated Zuko on the state of it and the current general sentiment towards the Fire Nation. At the moment both Iroh and Zuko are in a meeting with newly appointed royal advisors discussing the Fire Nation state of affairs. Initially, Zuko had wanted his uncle to take it easy; the man, I'm coming to find out, is far wiser than I would have given him credit for. In the past week since Iroh's arrival, Zuko looks like he's actually getting sleep.

Toph has gone off with Suki to meet the recently released Kyoshi Warriors. Something about needing to break some emotions. I don't know what that means, but if it makes her happy I won't argue. We could all use a break if I'm being honest. If I happened to have led us to the courtyard where Zuko had so graciously hinted Aang would be . . . Well then, I just happen to enjoy Appa's calming presence.

Aang for his part, has decided today is the perfect day to bathe Appa. It's warm. The breeze is gentle. And, Appa is filthy. As if reading the words from my mind, Appa grumbles loudly. Sorry, Appa, but it's true.

Since dad arrived in the Fire Nation, Sokka and I have spent our time mostly with him. In part, we talked about what happened to the rest of the gang after we parted ways at the Western Air Temple, and Sozin's comet. Sokka told us about the airships, how they all almost died. I told them how Zuko saved my life (careful to avoid mentioning that he had goaded Azula to produce lightening in the first place). They talked about going back to the Southern Water Tribe for a while when things settle down. Sokka seemed excited and while he didn't ask me, I think dad caught my hesitation.

The truth is that while going home sounds wonderful and I want to, I can't commit to it right this second. When we left the south, I had gone to Sokka to appeal to his judgement; a lost cause if he hadn't been inclined in my favor already, but probability has never discouraged me. I had gone to Sokka to leave our home to help Aang. I don't know when or how, but when I think of leaving now it's not Sokka that I think of first anymore.

In front of me, Aang takes a stance, spreads his arms, and his gaze becomes focused. Grey eyes resemble steel in their resolve and in a heartbeat, I'm suddenly surrounded by the breeze of fire nations waters. Aang's steely resolve is in front of me. Blinking, I see two rows of dark eyelashes. A pair of lips warm to my own. My heart pounding in my ears, I hold my breath.

Appa shakes as Aang guides the water over him. I shiver.

"Hey!" Sokka exclaims.

"Sorry!" Aang grins sheepishly. "Come on, Appa. Let's go a little further so we don't get everyone wet."

His robes cling to him not quite soaked, but not entirely dry either. With a flick of his wrist, a large brush zooms into his hand and waving his other hand leads a soapy solution in Appa's soaked fur. Up and down, Aang scrubs through dirt. Appa hums appreciatively when he scratches specific spots. My own mouth smiles when Aang's eyes brighten happily.

Since Aang killed Ozai, the childlike sparkle in his eyes has gone except for these rare moments in which the weight of the world seems to leave him for a short while. I suppose that killing a person will do that to you, even if it's someone that has caused so much pain.

It's strange to think about it, but Aang is not someone to be trifled with; not as the Avatar, but mostly as a person. I know I'm known for my temper, Sokka loves to remind me. Aang has always presented himself as someone sweet, gentle, and wise beyond his years . . . But I know him. Threaten his heart and it all goes left. Endangering him is one thing, endangering the people he loves sets him out of control.

Like my temper, my will may be strong, but Aang's always been able to match it. It comes as no surprise to me I've failed to get Aang alone. It might be for the best, I don't know what to say to him. Maybe I don't have to say anything. But, I miss him. At this point, I'm settling for distant observation. Watching him bathe Appa is not satisfying the inexplicable urge I have to drag him into the nearest closet and hide him there with me.

He has kept himself busy with a mounting pile of correspondence from foreign diplomats. A feat that he's been seeking counsel from Iroh and Zuko. An entirely logical and reasonable decision that I would a hundred percent respect were it not for the sneaking suspicion that he's using it to avoid my desperate attempts at (not conversation, I'm desperate enough to not even try it) company."

"Can't talk right now, they finally found the Earth King and they want to know when I can meet."

"Now is not a good time Katara, Chief Arnook wants to know if I'm open to mediate a talk with Zuko about the future relations with the Water Tribe."

"Unless you want to see me betrothed before I'm even fourteen, don't distract me right now, please!"

"Katara, I prefer to write on my own. Your breathing is distracting."

I practiced my breathing all day after that last comment. I try to block the third one from my mind. Needless to say, I am like an attention starved puppy. I guess my stubbornness wins out yet again because after actively ignoring the two men beside me for the last 45 minutes; I pounce at the opportunity presented to me. Aang is hands deep in fur on Appa's head when I approach.

"I'm going to help you."

I can see the refusal forming in his eyes and I refuse it. Like my life depends on it, I dig my hands into Appa's fur and rub back and forth. Appa completely flops at our combined touch. Aang sighs. My heart sings triumphantly as he keeps scrubbing. We work in silence. Sokka and dad are unusually silent for a while, but eventually their animated conversation continues.

"When you said you were going to bathe Appa thoroughly, I didn't think you meant this thorough."

I sneak a peek. He shrugs, "Appa likes it."

I rub Appa's head as he grumbles in agreement. We work in silence, scrubbing away until Appa closes his eyes into a nap. Gently, Aang and I work to rinse Appa's fur with warm water from large basins the royal servants left for us. In this courtyard, only a few short weeks ago, Zuko and I had fought off Azula. Today, peace is in the air as we clean our furry friend.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as Aang blows warm air into Appa's coat. Sneaking a glance at dad and Sokka, both are entirely entertained by their topic of conversation, I lock in my nerve.

"Aang."

It's a near imperceptible stiffness that comes over him, but I see it. Fighting off the hurt, I reach for him. With my hand on his shoulder and my heart in his hands, I ask him, "Let's go out somewhere."

His eyes widen. His mouth parts slightly in frozen shock. Blinking rapidly, he repeats back to me, "Go out . . . Somewhere?"

I nod.

"Why?"

I miss you.

"Do we need a reason?"

Slowly, he shakes his head left and right. The hesitancy in his gaze is clear when he responds, "I don't know if everyone will be able to-"

"I meant just us!" I blurt. I thank that we're far enough from Sokka and dad, they don't pay us mind. Blushing, l hurry to add, "Just the two of us. We don't have to go anywhere exactly, but I could pack us some food. We could take a look around. Have picnic at sunset. Just spend time together without war talk. Just you and me."

"Just you and me?" He repeats slowly as if testing the words. My face is warm and I'm sure it turns red as he says without thought, "A picnic at sunset? That's really romantic."

As if catching himself, he looks at me like he had offended me somehow. Somewhat panicked, he stumbles over his words, "I did- I just mean that- It just that- I'm not saying we are-"

Every failed attempt at explaining his thoughts blooms a rosier shade of pink over his cheeks. It's endearing and so like him that it gives me pause. My mind is incredibly blank for three excruciatingly long heartbeats. I like it, I realize. I like how flustered he gets. My heart is pounding heavily in my chest. It's a thought that makes me shy in a way Jet used to, but sets me alight in a way no one ever has. Focus, Katara.

"I guess it is a little romantic." I say. Carefully, I ask him, "Does it bother you? We could do something else. I just want to spend time with you."

"What? No." He responds immediately. Grey eyes are sincere, but he glances behind him to the two men blabbing away. Eyebrows furrowed, he says, "Don't you want to spend time with your family? I don't want to bother-"

"You are my family."

He blinks. Both my hands rest on his shoulders now, "I love Sokka and dad. A week of them is great but . . . I miss you, Aang."

"I—I miss you too, Katara." He says softly. My name is sweet in his voice and the smile that accompanies it is even sweeter.

"Then, meet me in the kitchens. I'm going to pack some picnic food and we'll spend the rest of the day together!"

Aang nods unsurely. Before he can change his mind, I'm waving my hands over my wet clothes, drawing the water out and pushing him in the direction of the palace, "Go wash up. I'll clean up here!"

Hesitantly, he walks away back into the palace. Like I've caught on fire, I make quick work of Appa's bath water into the drains. Once the courtyard is free of Appa fur, I raise my hands and carefully draw the remaining moisture from the bison. I stifle a laugh as his fur momentarily stands. Like an overgrown dandelion in its final life stages.

"Katara, where is Aang going?" Sokka asks as I pat Appa's nose affectionately.

"He's washing up." I start to walk away, my heart racing.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to wash up too." That sounds weird. I explain, "Aang and I are going . . ."

I narrow my eyes as my mind supplies the word date. That's not what this is though. I shake away the sudden disappointment I feel. Dad's blue eyes watch me thoughtfully. Clearing my throat, I finish, "Aang and I haven't spent much time together recently, so we're going out today."

Sokka's eyes narrow. His voice is carefully neutral as he asks, "You know it's not safe right now for Aang to be out in public. Or you for the matter."

There haven't been any close calls, but we've been told by Zuko to be on alert for any signs of unrest. There are likely to be people out there not too fond of the kid that killed their ruler.

"We're not going anywhere crazy, Sokka. We'll be careful. I just want to get him away from all these walls. Is that so bad?"

Sokka frowns. He clearly doesn't think it's a good idea, but looks away and says nothing else to disuade me. I'm thankful not to have to argue with him. I hadn't thought about it before I asked Aang, but something about the palace is entirely suffocating. With Aang by my side, I've endured it; however, I'm sure he'll appreciate it as much as I if we could get away from this just for a little.

"Fine." He relents. "Just be careful, Katara."

The analytical glint in his eye makes my stomach turn. Our conversation from what feels like long ago still remains present in my mind.

Aang

It doesn't take all that long to wash up in the palace. The palace's servants are always quick to assist and being able to bend water and fire helps for an even quicker process. For that reason, I do my best to drag out my steps as I make my way to the kitchens. Surely, Katara will take longer to wash up. Perhaps in that time, she'll forget about this picnic.

As I make my way into the kitchens, I find Katara in a new set of fire nation robes. The color is a deep burgundy with a brilliant gold embroidery. The sash around her waist shimmers prettily like the golden pins holding her hair loopies. In front of her there's a basket and she's carefully packing food into it. My mouth waters as I catch a glimpse of my favorite.

"That's why I keep asking for it." Katara smiles prettily, "It's his favorite."

I notice then she's surrounded by kitchen staff. The servants bow in unison when they notice my presence. Wan Lee materializes from amongst the group, "Avatar Aang. Master Katara has been guiding us in preparing some air nation desserts for the festivities following Prince Zuko's coronation."

Thoughts abandon me.

Katara's cheeks become rosy, her eyes are wide with surprise. She grips her basket nervously, "I had Teo send me some scrolls from the Eastern Air Temple. There are some ingredients that we can't find or require air bending techniques, but we've been playing around with the recipes. I wanted to run them by you first, but we haven't been spending much time together."

My heart pounds in broken beats.

She pats her basket, "Here are some samples for us to try. You can tell me what you think, if there is something we can fix . . ."

I stare at her in disbelief, "How long have you been working on this?"

Katara exchanges a glance with Wan Lee, "As soon as the scrolls arrived, so two weeks maybe."

Wan Lee nods. My eyes water as I approach them, with a large emotional knot caught in my throat, I gently place my hands over the basket and pull it toward me. On top is the egg custard. The servants have served it every Monday for weeks. Under it is a fruit pie made with fruits native to the fire nation but I know what each fruit is meant to substitute the fruits native to my nation. My hands almost shake as I reach a carefully sealed container of macaroons. Coconuts often came as a gift from friends in the fire nation. Kuzon used to bring me too many when he visited the air temple. I close my eyes as the scent of coconut fills the air. Macaroons were a delicacy.

As I reach the bottom, I pull another container. My mouth instantly waters in recognition. During long training lessons with Gyatso, we would snack on Tsampa. Acutely aware of the growing unease in the room, I grab a single ball of the treat. Upon the first bite, I see the monks roasting barley and I swear I smell its nutty scent enveloping the kitchens back home. And, that's what it tastes like, it tastes just like home. My cheeks have become wet from memories.

Savoring each bite, I let the emotion flow out of me in broken laughs, "It's perfect. Like the monks used to make."

Wan Lee bows, "Please let us know what we can do to improve after you try them."

Everyone leaves until it's just Katara and I. With care, I close the containers and place them gently back in the basket. Katara's hands swiftly add a few more items inside, "I packed some extra food in case we get hungry."

"Katara," I murmur hoarsely, "Thank you."

Katara walks around the counter and hugs me like I'm made of glass. In this moment, I feel like I might just shatter, so I hold her close to me like she's the glue to hold me together. My chin rests on her shoulder and her hand holds my head close to her, like I'm precious. We stay for longer than necessary and I feel no inclination to move until we hear a throat clear. In the door way, Zuko stands in the only way that can be expected of him, awkwardly.

Katara keeps her hands intertwined behind my neck and I'm too overstimulated to move further than raising my head. I look at her face to gauge her reaction. Even if Zuko doesn't seem to have interest, Katara's feelings could still belong to him. I'm familiar with unrequited love after all. Because of these thoughts, I'm not ready to see myself reflected in her irises. Letting me go, Katara folds her arms, "Did Sokka send you?"

"Your Dad, actually." Zuko responds flatly.

Katara raises a brow, "He didn't say anything earlier . . ."

Zuko glares at the ground for a moment and a weird look crosses his face, "Your dad is funny."

Katara blinks. I take a moment to let that process, "That's big praise from you."

"Heard you guys are going out." Zuko's eyes linger on our picnic basket, "There's this area up the mountain with a good view of the sunset. If you leave now, you can probably reach it."

Katara grins. With on hand around my shoulder, she leans against me and grabs the basket with the other hand, "Let's do it!"

Comfortable silence is far from an unfamiliar concept to Katara and I; although lately, it may not seem that way. As we make our ascend to Zuko's scenic spot, I expect silence. Would it be uncomfortable or not, was my question. Neither happens because Katara is determined to race an air bender up the mountain. I hold the basket with our food firmly in my hands as I attempt to keep pace with Katara without dropping it. Katara's hair sways behind her as she runs, "Come on, Aang! I know you're faster than that!"

"Katara," I moan with no real heart, "This basket is heavy."

Abruptly, she stops. I'm inches away from blue eyes. She quirks a brow, "You know, you're really slow for an air bender."

I blink.

"I don't meet a lot of air benders, but the ones I do meet are pretty fast."

I blush, instantly. Her eyes twinkle and she runs again while I'm rooted in my spot. I shake my head. Her mischievousness ignites something in me that overpowers even my embarrassment. I grin. I hold my hands protectively over our basket and shift the air around me to run. The air rushes harshly against my face and then Katara exclaims as I flick a gust of air in her face while completely passing her by.

I find our spot in good spirits and reach into our basket for the blanket Katara packed. Might as well, she may be a few minutes. I grin, serves her right. I blow out excess dust and set our blanket. The sun is still out shining brightly. I doubt Zuko thought we would be running up here. The trail is very pretty too. Taking out the food is quick and soon I'm sitting waiting.

It's a natural cliffside. I can hear the waves crash gently against rock below. The water goes on and mixes with the sky. It's peaceful as it is and when the sun sets where they blend, it'll make a beautiful sight. A wave of gratitude crashes over me for Zuko and Katara; who for all their bickering, take care of me in their own ways. I'll have to ask Zuko how he found this spot.

"That," Katara puffs breathlessly, "was not fair."

I grin, "You wanted to race an air bender, what did you expect."

She glares briefly, but her smile gets the best of her. I pat an empty spot on the blanket next to me, "Tea? Water? Juice?"

Katara plops down next to me, "I told them not to pack so much."

"No wonder it was so heavy." I grin.

Katara's eyes follow the watermelon juice. I hand her a cup of it and she drowns it. A satisfied smiles turns to awe as she takes her surroundings at last, "Woah, this really is beautiful."

I nod. Katara turns to look at me, "You traveled before too. Any more beautiful spots you wanna share?"

I grin. To me, beauty is synonymous with her, but I suppose I can't say that, "Do I?! There's this really nice spot in-"

Hakoda

When I arrived to the fire nation, I had envisioned a heartfelt reunion between my children and I. It had been. I saw tears stubbornly refusing to fall from Katara's eyes as she held me like her life depended on it. Sokka's face breaking smile is forever engraved in my memory, so similar to the one he constantly smiled as little boy. My own eyes watered with emotion at the time. Sokka and Katara are no longer my little 8 and 9 year olds. I knew when I saw them again; after the Avatar had been injured, that they had grown up.

Katara and Sokka have become brave, smart, and resourceful. I couldn't be more proud as a their father. As their father, I couldn't feel more pathetic either. My children . . . Kya . . . Our children became wonderful humans all on their own. I left to fight a war for them . . . But maybe . . . Maybe I was just running from my grief.

They won that war. They put themselves on the frontlines and at any point I could have lost them. I sacrificed my presence in their childhood and had they died it would have been for nothing . . . It haunts me, the thought of it is my very own personal vindictive spirit.

I thought perhaps, Sokka, Katara, and I could go back to the tribe now that the Avatar has killed the Fire Lord and thereby ended the war. We could make up for lost time finally. One meal is all it took for me to realize that is not the case. Despite having met the Avatar previously, we never truly had a chance to converse much. Even now, I have seen very little of him. However, it's clear to me that every person in this little makeshift family these kids have created for themselves, cares for him deeply and each other. Toph, despite her abrasiveness, seems to have toned down smart remarks around the Avatar since I last saw her.

When not with Katara and I, Sokka spends a lot of time with Suki. Even Toph, blind as she is, can see he's clearly smitten with Suki. Young as she is, her tongue is sharp and she unapologetically uses it to tease Sokka for his obvious affections. I shake my head. Suki doesn't mind and seems to find my son endearing. In some ways, she reminds me of Kya's endless patience for my foolishness as a young man. Sometimes, I wonder if Kya would forgive me for leaving our children behind. War or no war.

It has been several months, but Katara's words on the Fire Nation ship still ring in my ears. How could you leave us, dad? I mean, I know we had Gran Gran and she loved us, but . . . But we were just so lost without you. I've asked myself that question every single day since. It's not as if I had been idly lazing around on some deserted beach, but coming to the Fire Nation . . . To the Royal Palace of all places . . . As a personal guest because my children stopped a war I was so desperately trying to protect them from . . .

It hits me that I'm never getting that time back with my children. To me, it was just yesterday that Sokka was running around the village vowing never to touch a girl. Now, he couldn't be more in love with Suki if she were the moon spirit herself. And Katara . . . As a little girl, she claimed she would marry a very powerful man that would teach her to water bend.

I grin ruefully as I stare at red walls, red carpets, red everything . . .

Never, not even in my wildest fantasies, would I have imagined her here . . . Even less with the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. When I laid eyes on Katara again, hugging the prince, blushing . . . The gentle expression of his eyes . . . I felt a sense of loss. My precious Kya was forcefully taken from me too soon by a wicked man, a fire bender. Somehow, my little girl has now fallen for one. Life has a way of turning in odd and twisted ways.

It's not so bad. Prince Zuko is everything I would expect from the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, and yet nothing at all. Stoic, serious, and intimidating. Sitting with the young man during post war discussions surrounding the Fire Nation, he often kept an air of strength and decisiveness. His eyes often burned with inner fire when someone fell out of line with their commentary. A fire so familiar to the one I've spotted on Katara.

And yet, despite a powerful temper simmering within him, the prince keeps a rather close control on it. Often when commenting on the Avatar, Katara's kind nature unfolds and the to be Fire Lord's even temperament shines through. Katara's worry seems to deflate as the prince seems to guide her through her emotions. The Crown Prince understands the Avatar's sense of responsibility with intimate familiarity, it would seem. Much like all those months ago, Katara understands the sentiment, but understanding and not worrying about it are two different things.

With these things in mind, I suppose if the prince is someone that Katara can rely on and they understand each other . . . It's not so bad. He took a lightening strike for her. What more could I ask for my daughter? The Avatar? If he were a few years older or more present, or someone Katara could rely on . . .

"Are you blind? You can't honestly believe that?"

In the dining area, Prince Zuko is staring at Sokka flabbergast. Sokka is unusually serious, "I don't, but I needed to ask. Suki thinks that I'm not good at reading peoples emotions."

"Clearly." Zuko grumbles. "This shouldn't even be a question! Katara and I would kill each other."

"That's what I said, but then Toph-"

"Toph-"

"Well, Toph said you and Katara were hugging and sentimental and your heartbeats were-" Sokka cuts himself off looking nauseated.

Zuko is confused for a moment and then recognition lights his face. A faint blush dusts his cheeks. Sokka's mouth drops, horror twists his face, "Are you . . . Blushing!"

He points an accusing finger at Zuko. The prince rolls his eyes, "I don't know what you're thinking, but whatever it is, it's not. Katara was laying it on thick because I said something that wasn't for me to say and well, she got all sentimental and then . . ."

"And then . . ." Sokka leans forward. Zuko nervously scratches the back of his head in a way that lets his age show. They're so young.

"Surely, you know." Zuko awkwardly starts. "Katara more or less admitted her feelings to me."

Sokka goes pale. Abruptly, he stands and glares, "KATARA LIKES YOU!"

"NO! No!" Zuko leans over the corner of the table and pushes Sokka back down on his chair, "Of course not! She's in love-"

"IN LOVE!"

Zuko reaches up to rub the bridge of his nose, "Are you going to let me finish or not?"

Sokka waves his hand urging Zuko to finish.

"Well, she's in love with-" Zuko looks away from Sokka and makes eye contact with, "Hakoda . . . Welcome."

Sokka whips around, "Dad! How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough." I clear my throat. "Prince Zuko, we never got around to talking. I thought the two of you seemed to understand each other."

Zuko looks caught off guard, but his expression shift into understanding, "Is that what you . . . I suppose, I can . . . Uh, see . . . Why you may think that, but it's not . . . Katara and I understand each other because we're not all that different, but I've never looked at her like that and Katara only has eyes for one person."

I'm sure Sokka and I are looking at the prince with the same expression. Get on with it.

Awkwardly, Zuko says simply, "Avatar Aang, of course."

I'm getting the sinking suspicion that I don't know my kids at all. Next thing I'll find out, Suki is in fact the moon spirit.

Aang

Katara's hand has risen to cover her mouth as she fails to hold back giggles, her eyes reflect the fire I started after the sunset. I grin waving my hands animatedly, "It was a whole thing, the monks had us on oven cleaning duty for weeks! It was totally it worth it though, the sky bison loved the peach cakes . . . Almost as much as the monks hated cleaning the resulting waste for it."

"Did you ever take anything seriously?" Katara asks, eyes alight.

"No." I frown. Maybe things would be different if I had.

Katara bumps her shoulder into mine, "I'm glad."

I look at her. Her eyes are still happy, but there is a serious note in them lurking. Staring at the stars above us, she says softly, "I don't know what would be different or what would be the same, but I love my life with you in it. Maybe that makes me selfish, but that's all I care about now."

My breath catches. She smiles down at me and there's a tension I don't understand. My heart is beating, but it feels like it not. Clearing her throat, she says, "Dad and Sokka have been talking recently of going back to the tribe."

I don't know what will happen now that this war is over, but I know that I have enough regrets without adding another to the list. Truth is, I overheard Hakoda and Sokka excitedly talking about returning to the Southern Water Tribe. Unlike when I met Bato, I will not be the one to stop them from returning home. I know Katara misses Gran Gran, so I've done my best to give Sokka and Katara space.

I swallow down, unsure of what her words will be. Glancing at me with the corner of her eye, she says carefully, "I don't want to go without you."

"Katara I-"

"If Sokka decides to go . . . Would it be okay if I stuck around?"

My mouth struggles to form words, "You want to stay . . . With me."

Katara tilts her head, "You look surprised."

"You miss Gran Gran." I blurt.

Katara nods, "So much."

"Katara," I'm reminded of a year ago when she tried to leave with me the first time, "I don't wanna come between you and your family."

"Is that why you've been keeping your distance?"

I look away. She'll see right through me, I know it.

"Aang, look at me."

Her hand turns my cheek, "You're not coming in between my family. Like I said, you are my family. Right now, they will be okay without me. You need me."

"Katara-" I groan frustrated, my hand raises to grab her wrist.

"Aang." She takes a deep breath and her eyes are desperate and nervous as she whispers, "I need you too."

My hold on her wrist freezes. I don't know if I heard that right.

"Katara . . ."

"I need you," She whispers. "I need you too. Okay."

My heart is running so fast it may just pop. Her eyes are intense and I've lost all will to argue. "Okay."

Dear friends, it's been a long time. Thank you so much for all the lovely words! I hope that if you are still here, this chapter is worth the wait. If this is your first read, hopefully you stick around. Nonetheless, this story is at its four year mark. I've dragged my feet long enough, I think. If I can follow my outline (which I must admit I have deviated some), we'll be golden. With that said, see you next week!

Quote of the chapter:

I didn't know I loved. I wasn't sure I loved. Then, all I knew was loving you.

- Pyrenees