A/N: Hi guys! Forgive me for being a little late, graduation was a lot busier than I anticipated, so many congratulation messages to send and to respond to lol, got to the point I couldn't bare to look at a screen anymore haha. You guys are gonna enjoy this chapter, its quite an Aang-Katara centric one. Biggest thank yous to all your sweet words, I'm always so eager to read them haha, I treasure you all so much. I think I responded to everyone previously, but forgive me if I haven't, my head has several things running through it hehe. Have to do e-learning before starting work, so trying to trudge through that unfortunately.
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Haneypots: Haha indeed! She's begrudgingly forced to interact with him. Dude a total spot on feeling, I won't spoil just yet, but this chapter depicts that perfectly. Honestly your predictions are insanely on point! Well, not the last one haha…or maybe? XD No no I love it XD Hope the wait wasn't toooo painful hehe. Haha no more short chapters, promise! Well, not for the time being anyway XD This chapter is for you! XD
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Next day:
Katara's POV:
I'm so busy preparing lunch that I don't even notice my son waddling into the kitchen.
"Mummy, can we go outside please?" I look up from my vegetable cutting to find the boy looking bored out of his mind. I bite my lip as I set down the knife on the counter. 'He's managed to blow a chair over, breaking it and also had one more sneezing flying episode. Fortunately, I was around for the second one and caught him before he hurt himself. Honestly, I don't recall my ex-husband's airbending being so strong unless he was in the... avatar state. So, letting Yatsu go outside has me antsy.' I purse my lips.
"I'm a little busy Yatsu, do you think you could play with your toys instead?" I dodge, but the boy's lips start trembling.
"But Mama, I've been at home all day. I want some fresh air." The boy insists with pleading eyes. Seeing that expression has me caving. 'I wonder if desiring to be outside is an airbender thing. I used to notice the same pattern in...' My thoughts tumble to a halt when Yatsu tugs the edge of my dress again. I sigh.
"Only if you promise to hold my hand the entire time." I compromise and the boy nods his head vigorously.
"Yes Mummy!" He promises with a grin and dashes to the living room to put on his shoes and coat. I roll my eyes at his eagerness and wash up. As I leave the kitchen, I pack a few sandwiches and some drinks before getting ready myself. By the time I'm ready, my son is already waiting at the door, looking bored. I can't help but laugh at his expression and go to ruffle his hair with one hand as I unlock the door with my other.
"Come on Yatsu, I didn't take that long." I joke as we step outside. He grumbles something incoherent. As soon as we step outside, a light breath ruffles our clothing, I spot the child taking in a deep breath. My eyes widen and I'm just able to grab his hand as he exhales. My bag goes flying and I just about manage to grab it before it disappears out of sight. I throw the boy a serious stare who drops his head in shame.
"Sorry Mama." He mumbles as he kicks at the ground. I bite my lip and retract my hand to lock the house door.
"No, don't apologise. This...we're going to have to get used to this." I voice reluctantly. The boy looks up at me.
"So, I really am an airbender?" Yatsu asks quietly with watchful eyes. I cringe and drop my keys into my bag.
"It looks like it." My words are brief and I'm thankful he doesn't choose to ask any more questions, but the way his face lights up says plenty. An irrational part of me can't help but feel jealous that he inherited his father's bending trait instead of my own, but I stamp down on the feeling almost immediately as I take his hand.
"I think we'll walk it to the store to grab a few things for the house and then go to the park for a quick picnic. How does that sound?" I suggest as we start walking down the pavement. Yatsu smiles and nods his head agreement.
"I like that." He utters with a beam and I sigh in relief when he doesn't ask why I didn't take the car. 'The fact he could airbend uncontrollably has me worried we could run into an accident on the road.' I think to myself with a grimace.
We arrive and finish from the store within 30 minutes and just as I step out of the supermarket, I sense someone coming up behind me, but I'm so distracted with Yatsu's animated talking, that I pay the person no mind. It isn't until we've been walking for 5 minutes, that I start to get antsy, but when I finally turn to look behind me, I find no one. I frown and continue walking, but the feeling of being watched doesn't go away.
"Mama, someone's following us." My son whispers as he leans into me. My lips part as I stare at him.
"You noticed it too?" I whisper back as I glance around us again. At his subtle nod, I find myself bending some water onto my free hand.
"I think we should move a little faster, you up for a run?" I suggest as I keep sharp eyes around me.
At the boy's determined expression, we start moving faster. The sound of sprinting behind us echoes clearly and when I twist my head to look briefly, I spot someone in a hood chasing after us. I bend an icicle behind us, but he evades it with ease. I grit my teeth.
"Yatsu, we're going to have to run faster, ok?" I instruct tightly. Fortunately, his little legs seem to be able to keep up with me for now, but I know it won't be long until he gets tired. 'Shoot, I don't want to fight someone in front of him.' I curse silently as we continue sprinting, I'm so focussed on looking behind me that I don't notice the person in front of me until we collide loudly. Yatsu almost goes flying to the ground until the man we bumped into catches his arm. My eyes flash.
"Let go of him right this inst-" I cut myself off when I realise who the man in front of me is.
"Katara? Are you ok? You look like you've been scared witless." My ex-husband asks in concern as he releases his hold on my son. Yatsu runs back to my side as he gazes between the two of us. I hate to admit it to myself, but seeing the Air Nomad sends a wave of relief through me. I turn to glance behind me, but the hooded person who was following us seems to have disappeared.
"I'm fine, just some hoodlum." I wave off as I rest an anxious hand on Yatsu's shoulder. 'This is the first time the father and son have ever met and they don't even know. The irony is even painful to me.' I bite my lip at the thought as my ex-husband's gaze flickers around us with a frown.
"Hoodlum? Who? I'll go after him." The man voices tightly as he moves past me. I snap my arm out to grab his sleeve.
"Don't worry about it. It seems they're long gone now anyway." I reassure and from this close up, I can spot the obvious tension around his jaw as his eyes blaze with anger. I swallow in surprise, not expecting him to feel this protective over someone he has no memories about, but...'He always did have a strong moral compass with the urge to help even strangers.' My lips twitch in a half smile. 'At least that hasn't changed.' I think subconsciously. The Airbender flickers his gaze down to my hand and I automatically jerk my hand back in mortification.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want it to be unsafe for you here." My ex-husband voices in obvious concern, but I wave my hand to one side in insistence.
"I'm sure." I press and the tension around his face finally eases.
"Ok, if you insist." He utters, looking so obviously unsure.
"Mummy, who's this?" Yatsu interrupts as he pokes his head from behind me. I freeze at hearing him say 'mummy' and immediately my eyes snap towards the Avatar who gazes at the child with slack jaws. It's an age before he finally drags his eyes to me.
"You have a kid? I didn't realise." My ex-husband utters in surprise. I cringe and force myself to swallow down the sudden lead feeling in my mouth.
"What, I don't strike you as a Mum?" I fire back and the man seems to realise his wording as he immediately raises his hands up and shakes them frantically.
"No, it's not that!" He protests while I give him a stink eye. The Airbender winces and scratches the back of his head.
"It's just..." He pauses to flicker his eyes to Yatsu as he seemingly changes what he was going to say. "...never mind." He mumbles as he bends down to gaze at Yatsu. It takes every fibre of my body to not hide the boy behind me. "Hi there! I'm Aang! An acquittance of your Mum." Yatsu's father greets as he sticks out his hand. The boy flickers his gaze up at me and while I want to just grab him and run away, I force myself to give him a tight nod. Yatsu raises his small hand and unknowingly shakes his father's hand for the first time ever.
"Hi Mr Aang. Nice to meet you. Thank you for chasing the bad guy away." Yatsu voices sweetly with a smile and his father immediately beams back at him.
"My pleasure...what's your name kid?" At the Airbender's question, my eyes widen in panic. 'If he hears it, that might be an issue.' I worry as I throw my son an anxious gaze.
"Yatsu." At his reply, my ex-husband's eyebrows furrow ever so slightly.
"Yatsu?" He echoes back as if lost in thought. "That's...a nice name. Almost sounds familiar somehow. Funny." The Avatar jokes with a shrug of his shoulder. And I know it shouldn't, but my heart drops at his relaxed expression. 'That was your father's name.' I think with a pained pang in my chest. My ex-husband catches the look on my face and straightens up with an uneasy look on his face.
"Oh, did I say something wrong?" The Air Nomad asks, sounding unsure. I force a smile to my face.
"Not at all. Anyway, we need to be going." I excuse as I grab hold of my son's hand.
"Mama, can we bring Mr Aang to our picnic?" Yatsu asks innocently and I almost start cursing right then and there. I'm just about to open my mouth to refuse the request when he speaks up again. "You know, as a way to say thank you for keeping the scary person away." Yatsu adds with a wise glint in his blue orbs. I bite the inside of my cheek. 'Sometimes I feel like I raised him a little too well.' I think sourly as I raise my eyes to the man.
"I suppose Yatsu has a point, you don't have to, of course. I'm sure you're very busy with your wo-" I say, trying to make up an excuse for him not to join, only for him to cut me off with a mischievous grin.
"I'd love to. My schedule is open for the rest of the day." The Airbender interrupts with a smirk, knowing that I very much didn't want him to agree. I grit my teeth.
"How lovely." I mutter tightly back. The walk to the park is slow and awkward, but my son seems determined to get to know the man. 'Ironic really, since it is his Dad.' I think in disdain.
"Mr Aang, do you know that we get all our energy from the mitochondria?" My son babbles. 'It's one of the first things he does when talking to an adult he hasn't met before. Wow them with his knowledge. I'm usually so uncomfortable about it because of the experiences I've had with so-called geniuses and while I'm still on edge because if either of them finds out...it would be bad; but at least I don't have to worry about my ex-husband exploiting the boy.' I think ruefully as I watch the two interact playfully. 'It's almost...nice.' My chest tightens at the thought.
"Mama, I think I'm going to snee-" Yatsu alerts and with wide eyes I try to grab him, realising at some point I must've let go of his hand while I was deep in thought.
However, I'm too late. Yatsu flies several feet in the air and my heart plummets. My ex-husband stares up in shock for a moment before jumping to action. He catches his son mid-air in both his arms before fluttering to the ground softly with his airbending. The duo can't stop staring at each other however and I can't help but cringe as I take the boy from his arms.
"Thank you for that." I mumble as I check Yatsu for any injuries.
"You're an airbender!" They both blurt out at the same time, making me wince harder.
My ex-husband's eyes flicker to me as an unreadable expression crosses his face, before he focusses on the little boy. He scrutinises the child so intently that even he becomes uncomfortable as he huddles closer into me subconsciously. His biological father realises and smiles apologetically.
"Sorry, I haven't seen another airbender in a while, especially one so young. Did you just start bending?" The Air Nomad asks curiously as the boy loosens up once more and nods his head frantically.
"Yes! Yesterday I sneezed and got stuck on top of the cupboard. Mummy didn't know what to do, but she got me down with her waterbending." Yatsu regales animatedly and I feel like sinking into the ground beneath us when the man glances at me in amusement.
"I see. You know, usually young airbenders need to be taught by a master because it can be hard to control when you first start. Dangerous too." The Avatar explains as he gives a nod to the air above us where Yatsu shot up. The child stares at his fellow airbender in awe.
"Mr Aang, could you teach me?!" He blurts out and I resist the urge to slap my forehead and instead clench my hands tightly. My ex-husband notices as he straightens up from his crouched position by his son.
"Ah, I don't think I'd be very good. I've never taught anyone airbending before." The Avatar admits sheepishly.
"But you're an airbender! The only one I've ever met! It's better than Mama trying to catch me all the time." Yatsu rushes to present his case and I find myself torn between telling him off or agreeing. The Air Nomad glimpses at me, as if waiting for me to give him permission. I bite the inside of my cheek before turning to my son.
"I'm sure..." I pause, 'what do I refer him as? I've stubbornly been refusing to call him by his name, even in my thoughts. To say it aloud would feel so wrong.' I overthink. "He's a busy man. I don't think he has time to teach you, but I promise we'll find someone else." I dissuade, but Yatsu darts out from behind me and goes straight to his father.
"I want Mr Aang! He's nice." Yatsu insists stubbornly. I pinch the bridge of my nose at his behaviour.
"Yatsu, I said no." I say firmly as I go to pull him away from my ex-husband, but he evades my hand and clutches onto the Avatar's robe.
"No!" He yells as the older airbender glances between the two of us in discomfort.
"Yatsu, if your mother says something, you should listen." His father interrupts sternly, but the boy doesn't want to listen which is quite out of character for him.
"NO!" My son shouts as he pushes my hand away once more, but this time I feel a notable gust of air collecting around his hands.
"Oh shoot." I curse as I find myself being flung backwards.
"Katara!"
"Mama!" The shouts are simultaneous as I find myself being thrown into a nearby tree. I gasp at the impact and have to close my eyes as pain throbs from my back.
"Katara?" I hear my ex-husband's voice as he rests a hand on my shoulder, giving me a light shake. I re-open my eyes to find the man crouched in front of me with Yatsu staring at me in fear and worry.
"Mummy?" He whispers with wide watery eyes. I try to smile to reassure him, but it comes out as more of a grimace.
"I'm fine, just...a little surprised is all." I croak back. I raise a hand to feel around my neck, but stop when I hear audible gasps.
"Mummy your arm!" Yatsu cries out as the tears finally fall. I glance at the back of my forearm to find a long vertical gash that's oozes out blood.
"Hey hey, it doesn't hurt." I say gently as I tug him into my lap where he starts bawling his eyes out.
"I'm...sorry Mama...super...s-super sorry." Yatsu apologies in between hiccups. I give him a light hug, trying not to wince with the movement so as to not worry him further.
"I'll call an ambulance." My ex-husband mentions quietly, but I snap out my hand to grab his wrist, gritting my teeth at the pain.
"No need. I can heal myself at home." I downplay, but the man gives me a dubious look as he leans forward. The proximity is unnerving as he whispers in my ear.
"You look like you can barely move without being in pain." He argues.
"I just need to pop myself into the bath and I'll be fine." I stress firmly. I see hesitation flickering through his eyes before he finally releases a resigned sigh.
"Then, let me escort you both home." He offers instead. I start shaking my head when a sharp electric-like pain flashes up my spine. I clench my jaws.
"Just...help me up and I'll be fine." I say instead, going against the logical side of my brain.
"Either I take you home or I'm calling the ambulance." My ex-husband leaves no room for argument as he glares at me fiercely. My shoulders slump as I rest my head against the tree trunk, but even that simple action elicits a dull pain throughout my head.
"Fine." I say with a frustrated sigh, which the man purposely ignores as he turns to Yatsu.
"Yatsu, do you think you can help me get your Mummy to her feet?" The Airbender requests as he offers his hand to the little boy, who's still sniffing loudly. When he glances at me, I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile.
"Listen to...the nice man." I encourage, still stumbling over what to call the Air Nomad. My ex-husband notices, but other than the slightest twitch of his eyebrows, he says nothing about it. Yatsu shifts off my lap and stands up with his hand holding mine.
"Mummy you can hold my hand to get up." The boy offers sweetly and my heart flutters with warmth for the boy.
"Thanks honey." I voice gratefully.
I rest my free hand in the ground, ready to get up, but as soon as I use my foot to push off the ground, a stabbing pain flares up my back. 'Shoot, I think I've definitely done something to it. I don't know what's normal for a young airbender, but I get the feeling Yatsu's airbending might be a bit too strong for his age.' I think as a stab of concern for the boy runs through me. When my ex-husband spots my slow movements, he dips down to wrap an arm around my waist. My eyes widen and I bat him away.
"You don't need to do that." I mutter stiffly, but he ignores my protest and pulls me to my feet with such ease as if I weighed nothing. I inhale sharply as my back screams at me. The Airbender notices and wraps his other arm under my shoulders.
"Are you ok?" He asks as worry enters his eyes.
I bite my tongue for a moment as I nod my head, but the action causes black dots to appear across my vision. 'Shoot.' I curse as I feel my knees are ready to give out.
"Yatsu, could you hold the end of my tunic please?" I hear the man ask and moments later I feel his small hand slipping out of mine. I feel my ex-husband's arms adjust around me so that he takes more of my weight and I unwillingly find myself leaning heavily against the man. "How far away do you live?" The Air Nomad asks quietly.
"15 minutes away, up the hill." My son chips in for me.
"Alright." He breathes out. After a moment, I realise my feet are no longer standing on anything and with bleary eyes I glance down to spot a pillow of air beneath my feet. 'Huh, haven't seen that in a while.' I think ruefully.
"Mummy I'm floating!" Yatsu screams joyfully and a small chuckle escapes me. 'At least one of us is having fun.' I think in amusement as I watch the boy jumping up and down on the cloud of air.
"Yatsu, try to stay still. You don't want to fall off and hurt yourself." I warn and the boy immediately stills his jumping as he casts a guilty look towards me.
"Yes Mama." The child mumbles and I immediately feel bad. 'No one said disciplining your child would be one of the worst parts of parenting.' I think with closed eyes as we start moving.
Instead of it taking 15 minutes, we're back at the house in 6 minutes. Thankfully too, because my back keeps on screaming at me. My son grabs the house key from my back pocket and attempts to open the door, but he's too short to reach the lock. I watch as the Avatar gently plucks the key from him to unlock the door and the air pillow beneath my feet disappears.
"Is he able to fill the tub?" The Air Nomad queries. I quirk an eyebrow at him.
"Of course." At my reply he instructs the boy to do so and he dashes up the stairs in a flash. My ex-husband guides me to the nearest chair and eases me into it.
"Hold on." I hear him utter as he moves away from me and into the kitchen. I'm just about to tell him he can leave when he reappears with a wet towel and moves to stand behind me.
"You can go now; you've done more than enough." I urge, but he pays me no mind as I feel him lean forward to wipe at the back of my head. I hiss at the sudden sting.
"You've got a nasty cut at the back here. Honestly, I really think you should go to the emergency department." My ex-husband suggests as he continues to wipe at the area.
"My fiancé is on the long shift there, there's no need to worry him." I utter firmly, placing particular emphasis on the word 'fiancé'. I feel the Airbender's hand pause for a moment before he continues his gentle dabbing.
"Ah." Is all he says and we fall into an awkward silence until he finishes.
He drops the towel on the table and I catch sight of the patches of blood stains on it. I wince at the sight. 'If I was a normal bystander who wasn't used to seeing airbending, there could've been some serious damage.' I think to myself as my stomach twists at the thought. 'As much as I hate to admit it, Yatsu needs someone to teach him and to teach him quickly. I certainly don't know any other airbenders and it's unlikely I'll bump into one any time soon.' I chew my lip, hating that I've been put into an impossible situation.
"I..." I start, just as the Avatar speaks.
"Would..." The Airbender stops. "Sorry, you go ahead." He offers, but I shake my head the barest amount.
"No, you go first." I urge and after an age he re-opens his mouth.
"Would...would it be ok if I hang around until I'm sure you can move around alright on your own?" The Air Nomad asks quietly. I stare at him.
"That...that won't be necessary." I utter tightly, but he kneels down in front of me.
"You said you can heal yourself, right? I'll leave as soon as I can confirm that." The Avatar returns resolutely. I scrunch my nose up.
"Why are you being so stubborn?" I throw back in exasperation. The man eyes me for several moments.
"You said your fiancé is working till late today. Your son is young and you're hurt. It doesn't sit right with me to leave when a child is left unattended to with his Mum who may or may not require medical treatment." My ex-husband explains with a chilling seriousness. I swallow and before I can open my mouth, Yatsu comes running down the stairs.
"Mummy the bath is ready!" He hollers as he comes to join me at my side. I release a quiet breath.
"Thank you dear. Go and take out one of the sandwiches that we were going to have earlier. Fuki is staying at a friend's house today and Yun will be at work for a while, so you're free to watch TV or do puzzles while I'm in the bath." I explain and the boy nods his head as he goes to the kitchen, but not before giving me a lingering look. I give him a warm smile and he finally disappears through the door. I exhale and push my hand against the table, mentally preparing myself to face the stairs.
"I'll take you up." The Air Nomad states as he wraps an arm under my armpits and pulls me to my feet. I widen my eyes and stumble back, barely able to catch the side of the wall to steady myself.
"That's not necessary!" I snap, but promptly lower my voice when I notice the sounds from the kitchen pause. I watch as the Airbender chews his lip.
"Katara..." My ex-husband trails off as he half stretches out his arm, before dropping it to his side. "... why...why are you so against me? I just want to help." The Avatar pleads with deeply furrowed eyebrows. I clench my jaws.
"I don't want your help. You shouldn't even be here!" I retort as my voice becomes laced with buried resentment. I instantly notice the small tremble in his lower lip as he raises a hand to hold his head. 'The way he looks so much like Yatsu when he's upset is uncanny and it isn't helping my feelings in the slightest. In fact, it's making them worse.' I curse silently.
"I know I lost my memories, but whatever I did to you, I'm sorry. I'm very, very sorry. I don't know what I did, but I must've been a jerk to hurt you. I'm so sorry." The Airbender apologises profusely as moisture collects in his eyes before he starts bowing his head. The sight jerks at my heart as guilt overwhelms me. 'I accepted that he lost his memories because it meant I wouldn't have to see him cry anymore and here I am making him do exactly that.' I realise as deep remorse bites into me. I swallow thickly as my fingers curl into a fist against the wall.
"Please...don't." I croak. He doesn't move for a full minute before finally lifting his head.
"Don't what?" The Airbender asks in confusion. I take in a deep breath.
"Don't...cry." I whisper. The Air Nomad appears taken aback as his lips part in surprise. I sigh as I glance up at the staircase. "If you insist on helping, then...then I guess I could use a hand going up the stairs." I mutter begrudgingly.
The Avatar appears conflicted as he flickers his gaze between me and the stairs before he finally comes to stand beside me. His arms wrap around me again, but I immediately note the tension in them, as if ready to snap back at any given moment. I bite the inside of my cheek, but choose to say nothing. 'I'm the reason he's on edge to start with.' I think ruefully as he guides me up the stairs.
I squeeze my eyes shut as the pain from earlier resurfaces. By the time we reach the landing, I'm doing everything not to pant aloud as the man keeps his side pressed into mine while gazing at me with a troubled expression on his face. I take a step back, creating some much-needed distance, but my head pounds and I find myself sinking slowly to the ground.
"Katara!" My ex-husband calls out as he catches me by the arms and lowers me slowly the rest of the way to the floor. "Shoot, I knew I should've taken you to the hospital." The Airbender rambles in a panic. I dig my fingers into his forearms, stopping his tirade.
"Trust me, I'm fine. I just need to step into the water and I'll be good as new." I say, unsure of why I'm bothering to reassure him, but seeing the worry on his usually happy face feels so wrong. 'Even if that happy face is only what I've seen from TV.' I observe the way he bites his lip as he nods his head.
"Ok, I'm just... going to help you up." The Air Nomad answers with uncertainty and soon he settles me on the closed lid of the toilet seat. "Are you..." The Avatar trails off with a flush. I frown at his behaviour.
"I'm fine from here." I say when he makes no move to leave.
"Right." My ex-husband laughs awkwardly as he rubs the back of his neck and takes a step away from me, but he still hasn't exited the bathroom. I roll my eyes impatiently.
"I can undress myself if that's what you're so worried about." I snap, making the man jump as the rest of his face goes bright red.
"R-Right of course." The Air Nomad stutters as he moves out of the bathroom and closes the door quickly after him. I exhale heavily and slump backwards. 'Sheesh what did he expect me to say? Help me undress because I'm in too much pain to move? Spirits, I have more decorum than that!' I fume silently as I reach up to unbutton my blouse.
My back starts screaming at me again and I let out a loud breath. 'Even if I am in too much pain to move.' I think sullenly. Once my blouse is off, I'm suddenly all too aware of how difficult it would be to reach up behind me to undo my bra. I groan and proceed to slip off my trousers instead.
"Ah!" I gasp sharply when I bend down. 'Shoot, I hope I didn't slip a disc.' I think with gritted teeth. I suddenly become all too aware of shifting movement on the other side of the door. "Are you still there?!" I scream and the movement stills.
"S-Sorry! It sounded like you were in pain..." The Airbender babbles and I'm quick to cut him off.
"For the love of spirits, go away!" I interrupt with a shout and I watch as the shadow from the crack at the bottom of the door disappears entirely.
I breathe heavily through my nostrils in irritation. 'The nerve of that guy, standing outside the door while I change.' I think, feeling both vexed and embarrassed. I flicker my eyes to the water of the bath tub. 'If I could move my arms properly, I could just bend myself into the tub, but...' I sigh and push myself to shaky feet. 'Going into the bath with my underwear it is.'
After an age and a lot of pained grunting, I'm finally in the water. I bend the water gently over my body and watch as the bath tub glows brightly. After a minute, the light fades away and the pain has become non-existent. I sink deeper into the water with a sigh.
"That's better." I breathe out as I rest my head against the ledge of the tub, only to wince. 'Oh yeah, I hit the back of my head too.' I recall as I sit up and bend some water to where it's tender and heal that too. "Much better." I say to myself as I remove the rest of my underclothes and wash up quickly.
When I get out of the tub, I slip on a bath robe and unplug the bath to drain the water. Healing is a brilliant fix, but if the damage is a bit more extensive, then there's only so much healing can do. So, when I straighten up from my bending position, I'm not surprised when I feel a slight twinge at the base of my back.
I exhale lightly. 'Guess the rest will need healing the natural way.' I think in disappointment as I tie the knot of my robe and open the bathroom door. My feet only take two steps before I notice the Airbender perched on the stairs, appearing lost in thought. I stare at him. He notices my presence almost immediately and rises to his feet as his eyes scan me from head to toe before releasing a relieved sigh.
"Oh, thank the spirits. I wasn't sure if healing would be enough." He breathes out, sounding reassured. My hand tightens around the fabric of the robe at my neckline as memories from the past hit me like a wildfire.
"You could've waited for me downstairs to give me some privacy if you were that worried." I fire back irritably. The Air Nomad swallows and immediately his gaze drops to the floor.
"I-I didn't mean anything by it!" He protests weakly, but it doesn't matter if he did or didn't. 'It's the fact that he's reminding me of the last time I was just in a bath robe with only him around. Yatsu was conceived and I had to raise him single handedly.' I think sourly.
"I thought Air Nomads were meant to be monks. You should know what's proper and what isn't." I retort acidly as I edge towards my bedroom.
"But that isn't what...!" My ex-husband starts, but I interrupt him.
"Go downstairs!" I order loudly, making the man flinch.
"Maybe I was wrong. If you really knew me from before I lost my memories, you'd know I would never disrespect anyone like that." The Avatar mutters with clenched jaws. "For your information, I was just worried you'd slip and hurt yourself more. That's why I stayed nearby." He adds with a touch of venom before disappearing down the stairs.
My lips part as my knees weaken at his words. 'Shoot. I'm taking out all my anger and my feelings of injustice on him when he doesn't even remember what happened. It's like kicking someone that has no idea why he's being kicked.' I realise with a wave of shame. I clutch the banister tightly and I drop my face into my free hand as guilt gnaws at my insides. I inhale deeply before finally moving to my room.
I get changed as quickly as I can and almost bolt down the stairs. My feet come to an abrupt halt at the sight in front of me. Yatsu is sprawled on the floor in front of a near complete complex space aircraft, that he's been struggling to finish for the last week, with his father sitting cross-legged in front of him as he passes him a Lego piece and points at possible places they could be slotted into. The sight has me torn between irrational anxiety of them finding out the truth, but also a sense of longing. When Yatsu looks up, he beams at me with a wide smile.
"Mummy, look! Mr Aang managed to help me complete the Lego set you got me!" My son calls out with pride.
I go to stand behind him to peer over his shoulder at the Lego set and can't help but release a whistle. 'The set was aimed at 16-year-olds, because Yatsu was always able to complete the 12-year-old sets with ease, but even I struggled to help him put it together.' I think impressively.
"That's amazing." I concur with a nod as my eyes flicker to the man, but his eyes are fixed on the floor and I'm immediately reminded of the way I've been treating him. 'Shoot, I should apologise.' I think guiltily. "I appreciate you spending time with him. We all tried to put that Lego set together, but none of us could." I praise, but it earns me a half-hearted shrug.
"No worries, Yatsu already had most of it figured out already, just needed a little guidance is all." The Airbender mumbles with averted eyes. 'Oh gosh, he's really upset.' I think as my stomach twists in on itself.
"Not true! You helped lots! Mr Yun and his daughter couldn't figure it out, not even Mummy knew how to do it!" Yatsu corrects stubbornly. A frown makes its way on the man's features as he glances up at me briefly before focussing back on the boy.
"Well, I'm glad I could help. It's been a lot of fun, but I'm afraid I should get going." The Avatar excuses with an apologetic smile as he pushes himself to his feet, but Yatsu quickly attaches himself to the man, making my heart tug uncomfortably.
"Do you have to go now?" The child pleads with wide blue eyes. The Air Nomad glances down at the boy and ruffles his hair.
"I do unfortunately." His father voices regretfully. My son casts his eyes to me with a silent plea. I sigh and cross my arms over my chest.
"Yatsu, he's a very busy man. We need to let him go." I chide lightly as I step forward, ready to pry him off if needs be. The boy's lips trembles again, but he doesn't make a sound. Perhaps all too aware of what happened the last time he got too upset.
"Mummy, are you still hurt?" Yatsu asks quietly, I blink at the surprise change in conversation before shaking my head in response.
"Nope, all healed up now." I reply with a smile which even prompts the man's grey orbs to rest on me.
"I'm sorry Mama, about earlier." Yatsu apologises with downcast eyes. My eyes widen and I'm quick to reassure him.
"Don't worry about it. I know airbending is new to you..." I trail off when I realise we still haven't sorted the bending issue out.
"Mama, can I...can I see Mr Aang again?" His request is soft and delicate. I bite the inside of my cheek as my eyes accidentally drift to my ex-husband who's gazing down, unknowingly, at his son.
"I think your Mummy is pretty tired from such a long day, why don't you ask her when she's had some rest?" The Avatar suggests as he rests a light hand on the boy's shoulder. Yatsu pouts before nodding reluctantly.
"Ok." He mumbles as he goes to kneel on the ground by his Lego piece. I bite my lip and start bending towards him, but stop at the dull ache in my back. With a sigh I straighten up and turn to the older Airbender who's watching me carefully.
"I'll...show you out." I mumble as I exit the living room. I sense him following close behind and it isn't until I've opened the house door do I turn to face him. "I'm sorry." I blurt out, surprising the man as he stops in front of me.
"Oh...it's ok." He mumbles, but I'm shaking my head.
"No, it isn't. I shouldn't have accused you of something so unsavoury like that. I know you would never do anything like that, I just...my emotions got the best of me." I admit as I clutch my elbow self-consciously while casting my gaze to the side.
"So...we did know each other then." The Airbender states matter-of-factly. I wince before releasing a sigh. 'I suppose dodging the question wouldn't help things. I pretty much all but confirmed it during our last exchange anyway.'
"Yes, we knew each other before you lost your memories." I confirm as we lock eyes. He blinks, not expecting me to actually give him a straightforward reply this time.
"I get the feeling if I asked you what we were to each other and how we met, you wouldn't answer me." The Air Nomad concludes logically. My lips twitch into a half smile at his accurate assessment.
"Your feeling would be correct." I agree with an apologetic smile. He hums back in response as he rests his back against the wall.
"I see. It seems whatever relationship we had, it wasn't a...simple one. You don't like me or...I did something that you can't forgive." The Avatar utters, as if working through the puzzle himself.
I chew my lip at his deduction skills. 'I've spent so many years with the man and every time I tell myself that his genius can no longer surprise me, he goes and does so anyway. I assumed maybe it would've dulled down since he only has 6 years of recallable memory, but it's likely more innate than I realised.'
"You're as sharp as you've always been." The words drop from my mouth before I can censor them. The man's lips part as he stares at me in disbelief. I watch as he pushes himself off the wall, but his gaze never leaves my face.
"Spirits you really did know me back then. Is there anything I can do to make you talk to me?" The Airbender begs, almost as if it's only now hitting him that I hold the key to a lot of his past, but I'm quick to shut him down.
"We've had this conversation before and my answer is still no." I utter firmly as resolution burns in my eyes. The Airbender notices and sags back against the wall.
"You won't even tell me why you refuse to say my name?" The Air Nomad whispers. My breathing catches.
"I don't know what you mean." I mutter as I look away from him.
"You referred to me as a 'man' in front of your son. It's obvious you can't bring yourself to say my name, which is odd because I certainly remember you calling me by my name when we first met after my memories disappeared." My ex-husband points out as a pained expression takes hold of his face. I swallow when a lump starts bobbing up and down my throat, but the lump doesn't go away no matter how many times I try to push it back.
"Again, it's something I can't say." I voice, forcing the words out. The Airbender bites his lip so hard that I'm worried it's going to split and I subconsciously move forward to stop him, but he stops before he draws any blood and I find myself leaning back.
"I...understand. Well, I'll be out of your hair now. I'll try not to cross paths with you. No need to bring you more pain than I already have." The Air Nomad mumbles as he passes by me. My chest tightens and against my better judgement my hand snaps out to grip the crook of his elbow.
"That's...not necessary. Don't make special adjustments for me." I request softly. A small whine escapes past the Airbender's lips as he gazes at me. I retract my hand away with a sigh. "I actually wanted to ask a favour." I add as I hold the back of my elbow unsurely.
"A favour?" My ex-husband echoes back, appearing dazed.
"Yes. You know my son is an airbender and it only started yesterday. We don't know many airbenders, so if you had some spare time and if it isn't too much trouble, could you give him a few pointers on how to control his bending better? Just to tide him over until he's old enough for a master to teach him properly." I ask reluctantly. His lips part in shock.
"I thought you didn't like me though? Teaching him would mean you'd have to see me on a regular basis." The Air Nomad points out with confusion. I exhale through my nostrils at the reminder.
"I never said I don't like you. We just have a complicated history. Besides, I'm only doing this for my son. I don't want to see him get hurt just because I couldn't set my feelings to one side." I explain neutrally. The Airbender studies me for several long moments before pursing his lips.
"Alright. I'm happy to help. I already told him what to do if he sneezes, so hopefully that's one less thing to worry about. My schedule is kind of inflexible because of...work. But sometime tomorrow should be alright." The Air Nomad offers and I give him a small smile.
"Thank you, I appreciate that." I thank gratefully as I move towards the house door to unlock it.
"Yun is an Earth Kingdom citizen name, isn't it?" I freeze at the casual question and make no move to turn.
"What of it?" I retort stiffly with my hand gripping the door handle tightly.
"Just observing is all. It's safe to assume Yatsu isn't Yun's son since he can airbend." My ex-husband notes smoothly as he slips on his shoes.
"If this is your indirect way of asking where Yatsu's father is, then you're going to be disappointed with my answer." I retort rigidly which elicits a light laugh from the man.
"Well, I was being pretty obvious." The Air Nomad counters and I find myself clenching my teeth.
"Well, that's none of your business." I shoot back as the Airbender appears by my side.
"You know there aren't that many airbenders in the area. It wouldn't be that hard for me to find out who it is." The Avatar murmurs. My hand acts before my brain does as I grab the edge of his collar and roughly tug him down to meet my eyes.
"Don't you dare stick your nose in places where it doesn't belong." I order harshly as my eyes narrow dangerously at the man. His grey orbs are wide with shock and I can feel him swallow from where my knuckle rests against the apex of his neck.
"Spirits Katara, you can be scary when you want to be." The Airbender tries to joke, but his voice is shaky and from this close to the man, I can feel his heart beat racing with my subconscious blood bending. I release my hold on the man instantly. An apology is on the tip of my tongue, but it never surfaces as I watch in horror as the Avatar rubs at his neck.
"I..." The words die in my throat with a weak croak. The Airbender gives me a feeble smile.
"It's fine, I know I was crossing a line when I asked. It's funny...I've met countless women and have had a few partners over the years, but there's just something about you that I can't quite put my finger on." My ex-husband comments as he hops off the door step. I gawk at him as a foreign feeling envelops me.
"You've had...partners?" I croak back. He turns to quirk an offended eyebrow at me.
"You think I didn't? I know being bald isn't the most attractive thing, but I still find ladies who like me." The Airbender retorts, sounding miffed, but if anything his words just make me dizzy when I recall a time he had said something exactly like that, about baldness being unattractive.
"I...didn't mean it like that." I protest weakly. My ex-husband shoots me a dubious look.
"Well, for your information I do have a partner and we get along great. We just don't see each other too much because of my work." The Air Nomad reveals with a shrug, as if it wasn't a big deal.
Forget dizzy, my head is pounding with this revelation and I have to lean against the door frame to stop myself from collapsing. 'It's ridiculous. Of course, he'll move on with his life like I have, but...I just never gave it much thought. He always struck me as being with one person and one person only. For him to have been with multiple partners over the span of just six years has me feeling sick.' My thoughts are in turmoil as I stare at the man so hard until my vision blurs.
"Are you alright? You've gone pale." The Air Nomad notes in concern as he steps forward, but I wave a hand in front of my face, urging him away.
"Fine, just a little tired. I should start making dinner. I'll...see you tomorrow." I mutter thickly. The Avatar scrutinizes me for a full minute before nodding his head unsurely.
"Ok, I guess...I'll leave you alone. If you need me, I don't actually live that far from here. A 10-minute walk in the opposite direction from the supermarket at 12 Avenue Street. I noticed you're still a little stiff so don't work too hard." My ex-husband rattles off breezily.
I'm too stunned to respond to his ability of noticing the change in my movements and instead nod my head numbly and watch him wave before leaving. I don't move from my position for the longest time and it's only when I feel a cold breeze do I finally close and lock the house door. 'Partners? He's had multiple partners. And he currently has one right now. I...I didn't realise that knowledge would make me feel so ill.' I think as nausea washes over me.
"Mummy! Do you think we can solve the next Lego set together?" Yatsu hollers from the living room. I force myself to move my jelly-like legs forward.
"Yes of course, I'm coming." I call back, but it takes me a long time before the pins and needles in my feet disappear and even then, a weird stabbing feeling remains in my chest.
A/N: Aang is backkkkk again, I think from this chapter onwards he'll always make an appearance in each chapter…I think, don't quote on me on that lol. We got a pinch of fluff, a dash of angst and a small sprinkling of jealousy, so hope you guys had fun ;) Gonna continue cranking up the angst! Hopefully see you next week! I start working the week after next, so I'm not sure how much that will affect my updating schedule, but I'm hoping I maintain a weekly/fortnightly updating schedule.
18/7/24