A/N: Surpriseeeee update! XD I'm bored at home so thought might as well edit and post this chapter early for you guys. Ok so, there's more Yun (sorry guys!) but I promise there's a reason, it's all part of the set-up. I think this is the last heavy Yun chapter, but don't worry there's still some Aang here to balance things up. And Yatsu takes the spotlight here too. Can't wait for you to reach the end of the chapter XD
Replies to guest reviews:
Haneypots: Haha my friend you're gonna enjoy this chapter then, plenty of Yatsu…in different contexts haha. You'll know what I mean when you read it hehe. Kudos for guessing it man, but I'm glad I succeeded in providing the kick of emotions. Dude some of your predictions are insanely good, I'm gonna have to up my game to keep you guessing some more. Haha hadn't thought about using the other characters as much as I prob should've, but that's a really cool idea. Awww that's so sweet of you, thank you so much! Honestly, I love talking to everyone, always brings me so much joy. Well, I'm beyond happy that you're reading and enjoying this story of mine. Haha love that, thank you so much, really appreciate it XD Oh my gosh in that case I better deliver, huh? XD Tell your niece she has nothing to fear…well, for now anyway…
A: Yayyyyy! Proud of ya man XD I'm sorry, there's quite a bit of Yun in this one…but I promise it will be worth it! Just hang in there for a little longer and things will get really juicy in…oooh very very soon ;) Haha we've still got quite the ride, but I'm definitely gonna aim to tackle those aspects of her. He certainly needs a nudge, but what nudge is the key question ;)
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Next Morning - Saturday:
Katara's POV:
"Wait, he came here?!" Yun voices loudly and I wince in shame.
"Yes, I'm sorry. I should've asked if it would be ok with you, but..." I apologise, but the man shakes his head.
"No, no. You were hurt and needed help, don't ever apologise for that, but..." He rolls his bottom lip between his teeth as he drops to a chair opposite me. "...I wish you told me when it happened. I could've left work sooner to come and help and you wouldn't have to be in such an awkward position." Yun mumbles as he massages his forehead. I shoot him a guilty look.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't want to worry you." I insist as I get up from my seat to crouch in front of him and rest a hand on top of his. My fiancé looks up at me before sighing.
"I know you didn't. Just, if you get hurt or need help, call me please. I'll always make myself available for you." Yun answers earnestly and I find myself squeezing his hand in gratitude.
"Ok I promise." I vow and finally the tension from the man eases, but there's still some notably present as he chews his lip.
"So, he's going to teach Yatsu how to airbend?" Yun asks as obvious unease lines his face. I bite my lip guiltily.
"No, just show him some pointers so he doesn't lose control like he has been for the last couple of days. That's it." I voice in an attempt to reassure him, but my fiancé still appears unsure.
"I don't know. You're having both the son and father together and neither of them knows anything? It just... doesn't sit right with me." Yun confesses as his hand moves from his forehead to the back of his neck. I cast my gaze down.
"This...this makes me a terrible person, doesn't it?" I whisper as tears prick the backs of my eyes, but the earthbender clutches my hands tightly.
"No, don't say that. It's just...I know why you're doing it, but it's hard to see them both be so oblivious to the fact that they're closer than they think they are. Plus..." Yun stops as an embarrassed expression fleets across his face. I furrow my eyebrows.
"Plus, what?" I prompt when he shows no signs of continuing. The man bites his lip as his gaze flickers away from mine.
"I'm worried having him around will invoke...feelings." Yun utters, stressing the word 'feelings' in particular. My lips part as I shake my head wordlessly.
"Yun, I'm engaged to you. I like you. My ex-husband isn't going to change that." I voice firmly, but my fiancé still appears uneasy. "Besides, he already has a partner. He doesn't need to go looking for another." I add half-heartedly, ignoring the stabbing sensation at the reminder. Yun blinks twice in surprise.
"Aang has a partner?! That...I wasn't expecting." The doctor admits sheepishly and I shoot him a glare.
"And why's that?" I ask defensively, although I'm unsure why. Yun raises his hands apologetically.
"I didn't mean anything by it. He just gave me the vibe that he wouldn't be interested in anyone based on all his television appearances." Yun explains, feeling embarrassed. I eye him critically before biting my lip.
"Well, he does. So please don't worry." I urge and finally the last of his unease dissipates as he gives me a warm smile.
"I won't. I know you'd be honest with me if your feelings change." My fiancé murmurs softly and I can't help but feel a rush of shame when he says that. 'Am I being honest with myself? I don't feel anything for my ex-husband, but knowing he has someone else doesn't fill me with joy either.' I think with disdain.
"Yun..." I start, but the shrill of the doorbell cuts me off.
"Is that him?" Yun asks as he rises from his chair. I follow suit with a shrug of my shoulders.
"He said he had a tight schedule, so I assumed he'd be coming in the evening." I answer, sounding unsure as the earthbender hops down the stairs to reach the house door with me trailing behind him. When he opens the door, I spot the Air Nomad on the doorstep who blinks in surprise at my fiancé.
"You must be Yun. Nice to meet you." The Airbender greets cheerily as he sticks out his hand. The doctor grins and claps his hand with the man, shaking it warmly.
"Nice to see you again Aang." My fiancé returns in kind. My stomach drops at his wording and the airbender is quick to notice as his eyebrows twitch ever so slightly, but to my surprise he makes no comment on it.
"I hope I'm not intruding, I was going to give Yatsu a few quick tips." The Air Nomad voices politely, a stark contrast from his behaviour with me.
"Well, Katara's fine with it, so go right ahead. Yatsu is in the conservatory, just straight ahead." Yun directs. I watch as the Avatar disappears down the corridor. "He's a lot more striking in person than the photos." My fiancé whispers as he comes to stand beside me. I shoot him a stink eye.
"You need to be careful of your wording. Saying 'again' implies you've met him before." I point out impatiently which elicits a smirk from the man.
"I wanted to see his reaction, but he played it off very well." The consultant reveals. I frown at him.
"What were you hoping for him to say?" I question in disbelief.
"Nothing in particular." He says with a shrug, but I purse my lips at him.
"Yun, be careful. I don't want him finding out anything about his past please. Even one-off situations. The less he knows the better." I stress firmly which prompts a sigh from the doctor.
"I'm still of the mind that there are certain things he should know." Yun voices, but when he catches my expression, he simply sighs. "Fine, fine. I'll keep my lips sealed." My fiancé promises as he leans forward to peck me on the cheek. I smile before darting my eyes to the corridor. "You can go and watch them if you want." Yun suggests, but I bite my lip.
"Are you sure?" I ask as an odd sense of unease creeps into me, but my question is met with a laugh.
"Of course! He's your son, I'm sure you want to see him bend properly for the first time." Yun insists as he gives me a light nudge forward. I cast him a grateful smile and walk towards the conservatory, but my mind is caught up again by his wording, 'your son...if we do get married, then Yatsu will become his son, just like Fuki will become my daughter.' I wonder, but stop when I don't find Yatsu or his father. I frown and go over to the conservatory door that leads to the garden which has been left ajar. When I peak through, I find the two of them in the garden.
"Alright kiddo, first step is to make sure you feel the air around you. The more aware of it you are, the more you'll be able to control any random bending outbursts." The Air Nomad explains. The boy cocks his head to the side.
"How do I do that? I always feel the air around me." Yatsu points out with a frown. His father's lips part in surprise.
"Oh really? That's quite advanced for your age. Hmm, ok then. Close your eyes. Tell me each time you feel a breeze." The airbender instructs and I find myself resting my hip against the door as I watch the two.
"I feel it!" The boy giggles when the Avatar bends a small breeze towards him.
"Ok great, I'm going to make it more and more subtle each time." The man says with a laugh. I continue to observe the back and forth and I'm impressed with Yatsu, he's managed to get it right each time, even when I couldn't see the air change. I hear a low long whistle as the man reaches forward to ruffle Yatsu's black hair.
"You're a natural Yatsu!" His father praises with a wide grin which earns him a wide beam from the child.
"Really?" The boy asks while bouncing up and down on his feet.
"Really." The Air Nomad confirms as he instinctively picks him up and twirls him around in his arms, eliciting loud giggles from the boy. My heart jerks at the scene and I can't help but swallow thickly as a rise of emotion envelopes me. I accidentally move the door when I shift which draws the attention of two pairs of eyes.
"Mummy!" Yatsu calls out loudly and I give him a wave as I step into the balcony while trying to ignore the man's gaze. "Did you see me?" My son asks as his father sets him back down on the ground so that he can run towards me.
"I did, you're much better at bending than I was at your age." I commend proudly and the boy's face splits into a wide grin.
"Really?" He asks excitedly and I give him a nod in confirmation. Yatsu turns to the older airbender and runs back to him.
"Mr Aang, what's next!" Yatsu questions excitedly, but I can sense the sudden discomfort emanating from the Avatar. I swallow.
"I can leave if you prefer?" I offer, breaking the man out of his thoughts as he flickers his grey orbs to me.
"No, that's fine." He mumbles before turning to look at the boy again. "Ok, one more trick before I have to go, ok?" The Air Nomad voices, but Yatsu's face drops at the thought of the man leaving.
"Ok." Yatsu replies quietly.
"What makes you really mad?" The Avatar asks suddenly, shocking both Yatsu and I. The child blinks at him with confusion.
"I don't get angry." He replies seriously and I can't help but hide my smile behind my hand. My ex-husband catches the movement and his lips twitch slightly in turn.
"Ok then, what about what makes you upset?" The Air Nomad tries a different tactic. Yatsu purses his lips in thought.
"I'm upset when Mama gets hurt or tells me off." The boy answers truthfully. I flinch at his words and find myself caught between going over to give him a hug or hanging back in shame. The Avatar's eyes dart to me and lingers for a brief moment before he kneels on the ground in front of the boy.
"It sounds like you love your Mama very much." The Air Nomad voices softly which prompts a vigorous nod from the child.
"I love my Mummy! She's the best. She's...the only one that's always been around." Yatsu voices in adoration, but his voice wobbles towards the end. A choking sound escapes from the back of my throat which earns the attention of the two. The Avatar bites his lip before speaking.
"Well, there's no one better than Mummy." My ex-husband jokes, trying to lighten the mood, but the boy completely misses the cue.
"What's it like to have a Daddy?" Yatsu asks quietly causing both mine and the man's breathing to catch.
"Wh...why don't you ask your Mummy that?" The Air Nomad asks, his voice notably strained and I don't blame him, since he can't remember his Dad, but I feel doubly worse knowing that his Dad was killed when he was so young.
"Mummy doesn't get along with her Daddy. My friends seem to like their Daddy though. Fuki likes hers. So, I just wondered." Yatsu explains wisely and I choke at hearing him speak so candidly about my relationship with my Dad. My ex-husband's gaze darts to mine in confusion and probing curiosity. The attention makes me feel like I'm submerged under water, close to drowning as I gasp for air.
"I...see. I'll be honest Yatsu, I don't really remember my Dad, so I couldn't tell you, but Dads are like Mamas, they love you and cherish you. Protect you. They're usually funnier than Mamas though and maybe a bit less strict too." The Air Nomad rattles off jokingly and Yatsu's eyes visibly widens.
"Wow a Daddy sounds awesome." The boy whispers and I can hear the longing in his voice even from here. My chest squeezes so tightly that I have to take a deep breath of air to dilute the burning in my lungs. The Avatar shifts in discomfort.
"Well, going back to the reason why I asked you about the things that make you upset, I wanted to..." The Air Nomad attempts to change the subject, but Yatsu interrupts him.
"I'm sad when you leave too." He adds simply, stunning the man into silence. If I thought my emotions were haywire, they're certainly out of control now, esp as guilt keeps battering at me like a ram. I feel my throat close up and it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe. 'I did this to him. He could've grown up with a father if I had just told his Dad. Nearly 6 years with no Daddy. How many times did he feel different from his friends at school? How many times did he wish for his father? How many times did he wonder what happened to his Dad? And I never picked up on that. I thought I was enough. I thought...he didn't need anyone else. I thought...he wouldn't care.' Shame overwhelms me and I can feel my vision blurring with unshed tears.
"That's sweet Yatsu. What about Mr Yun and Fuki?" The Air Nomad prompts.
"I'd be sad if something happened to them too. They're really nice." Yatsu replies earnestly.
"Well, Mr Yun will become your Daddy when he marries your Mummy." The Avatar points out and I appreciate his attempt at helping me, but Yatsu is quick to curl his lips in disappointment.
"But, Mr Yun is Fuki's Daddy. I want to find my own Daddy." Yatsu insists. My knees weaken at his proclamation. 'I had thought all the weeks we spent living here would be enough to sway Yatsu's mind on giving up on his search for his biological Dad. I thought Yun would be enough since they seem to get along well, but... apparently, it's not enough.' I realise with a swirling feeling in my gut. My ex-husband shoots me an apologetic glance and I find myself forcing my feet forward to meet them.
"Yatsu, the nice man is here just to give you some bending tips. We don't want to waste his time talking about anything else, ok?" I chide lightly, but my son frowns at me.
"Why do you keep calling Mr Aang as a man, Mummy? You always call people by their name." Yatsu points out in obvious confusion. I inhale sharply at his perception and bite my lip. 'What do I say to that?' I panic silently.
"I don't mind! Your Mummy can call me what she likes." The Air Nomad cuts in with a reassuring smile, but the boy pouts.
"Mummy told me it's rude not to call people by their name!" Yatsu insists stubbornly and I flinch at the reminder. I glimpse at the Airbender who looks like he's been caught between two warring sides.
"Sometimes... sometimes there are things you won't understand until you're a bit older. Your Mummy is right that you should call everyone by their name and you should always stick to that. Sometimes there are...exceptions which you'll learn about as you get older." My ex-husband explains gently, but each time he stumbles, I catch the wounded expression on his face. I bite my tongue. 'This...this really isn't how I wanted things to go.' I think with a groan.
"I don't..." Yatsu starts, but I rest a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Enough Yatsu." I rebuke with a hard tone and the boy wilts.
"Ok Mama." He whispers softly with a sigh. The Air Nomad has clear indecision playing on his face before he exhales heavily; it's strong enough that it makes Yatsu's collar to flutter. He looks down in interest before snapping his head back up.
"See that? That's how you deal with heavy emotions. Any time when you're upset or angry and the bending wants to let loose, just breathe out. It will come out as a gentle breeze." His father explains with a half-smile while Yatsu's eyes gleam with excitement.
"That's so cool!" He yells, but I frown in disbelief.
"Are you sure that's all it is?" I ask dubiously.
"You don't believe a Master Airbender?" My ex-husband retorts in amusement and I flush in embarrassment.
"Forget I said anything." I mutter. Yatsu's eyes flicker between his father and I several times before a cheeky grin works its way onto his face.
"Mummy is embarrassed by what Mr Aang said!" Yatsu notes cheekily and I can feel my blush spreading as I try to catch his hand, but he dodges out of my grasp.
"Yatsu, be quiet." I order, but if anything, he skips towards his father.
"Mummy you get along better with Mr Aang than Mr Yun." My son comments bluntly and I find my jaws dropping while the Avatar releases a weird choking sound.
"YATSU!" I shout angrily, making the boy flinch. Instead of crying like I expected however, he exhales deeply. I watch as a nearby leaf flutters away, but otherwise there's no other indication that his bending went out of control. My eyes widen a fraction in realisation. "You cheeky little monkey, you said those things on purpose." I say in realisation as I dart forward to tickle his tummy as punishment.
"Mummyyyy stopppp!" Yatsu squeals as he tries to evade my hands, but I'm relentless.
"No mister, you need to learn there are some things that should not be said, even if you're experimenting." I voice firmly as the boy continues to squeal.
"Ok Mummy I give up, I give up! I'm sorry!" He concedes me, sounding breathless and with a grin I pull back my hands as he pouts. "No fair Mummy." Yatsu mumbles and with a laugh I reach down to kiss his cheek.
"Serves you right mister." I say with a chuckle and soon the boy is joining in as he hugs me tight.
"Love you Mummy." He whispers and with closed eyes I return the embrace.
"Love you too honey." I murmur back. When I hear slight movement behind me, I glance to the side to find my ex-husband gazing at us with both a fond, but sad smile. I bite my lip, cursing myself for forgetting he was still here. I cough into my hand and straighten up.
"Sorry for taking up so much of your time. I really appreciate you teaching Yatsu." I thank with a small smile, but he simply waves his hand to the side.
"It was a lot of fun, thank you for having me. I should be heading out though. Work needs me." The Airbender excuses just as Yatsu hugs the man's legs.
"Thank you, Mr Aang." He whispers as he buries his face into his trousers. The Air Nomad's face softens as he bends down to return the hug.
"Any time, sport. Be good for your Mummy." The Avatar murmurs.
"When will you be coming back?" Yatsu asks as he lifts his head with hopeful eyes, but his father winces.
"I'm sorry, but I'm travelling for a few days for work, so it might be a little while." The Airbender reveals regretfully. Seeing Yatsu's crestfallen face is enough to stab me in the heart.
"Well, when you're back let me know. Yatsu has...grown quite attached to you." I voice softly, eliciting a surprised expression from the man.
"Oh of course." My ex-husband agrees as he watches me carefully.
"Mummy does Mr Aang have your number?" Yatsu cuts in, making the pair of us freeze. I bite my tongue, 'I could just lie and say yes, but...I wouldn't feel good about it.' I admit begrudgingly.
"I don't, but he can..." I start, only to be interrupted by my son.
"Mummy, he needs your number! He can't just come all this way and then find out we're out or something." Yatsu presses. I chew my lip.
"I don't think that's appro-" I start again, but a voice from behind us cuts through the conversation.
"That's a good idea Yatsu. Texting makes communication much easier." Yun calls out and I spin on my heels to stare at him.
"But...!" I protest until he gives me an encouraging nod of his head. I sigh heavily and turn to the Air Nomad.
"Alright, here's my number." I mumble reluctantly as I fish my phone out of my pocket, scrolling to my number and passing it to the man. The Air Nomad is stunned but after I cough lightly, he immediately takes out his phone and inputs my number into his. His fingers fly across the screen and a second later I hear my phone beep with a text.
"That's mine. Ok, I really need to head off." My ex-husband voices casually as he hands over my phone and pockets his own. I watch as he hops up to the balcony and gives Yun another handshake. "Thank you for your kindness. I'll see you around." The Air Nomad murmurs and I watch until he disappears out of my line of sight.
I hear Yatsu exhale heavily behind me and when I spot the way that his eyes keep gazing at the door that his father disappeared through, I realise the breath out is his way of saying that he's upset. I chew my lip for a moment before taking his hand.
"Come on, let me get you some ice cream." I announce which causes the boy's eyes to brighten slightly.
"Ice cream!" He yells triumphantly and he lets go of my hand as he runs back into the house. I wait a few moments until I'm sure he's out of earshot before drawing my eyes to Yun's.
"You know from where I'm standing, it almost seems like you're pushing me and him back together." I say off-handedly. A weird expression flashes across his face as he walks down the steps into the garden.
"Then maybe I should stand where you're standing." Yun jokes as he comes to stand in front of me. My lips curve downwards, showing him that I'm not amused.
"Yun. What's going through your head?" I query sharply, but he shrugs.
"I want to make sure that you really want to marry me." The earthbender answers simply. My lips press tightly together in displeasure.
"I don't appreciate you trying to test me." I retort with hardened eyes, but the man meets my gaze in kind.
"I'm sorry, but we both need to be sure. If you're able to resist falling back in love with him then I'll owe you all the apologies in the world and do everything I can to make up for it, but if...if you do feel like we're making a mistake by being together then I'd rather know now when I can handle it, rather than later when it will hurt too much." Yun explains patiently with serious eyes. I gulp at the intensity of his words.
"It kind of feels like you don't trust me." I mutter back as my eyes dart away from him. I feel him taking my hands in mine as he shakes his head.
"I trust you with my life, but I know how love works and that's what I don't trust. I want you to get as close to him as you can, become friends again if you have to. If it means you can be one hundred percent on how you feel then I'll accept it." My fiancé tries to reason with me, but I push him back.
"Do you even hear yourself? What you're asking me to do is ridiculous. Did you forget he already has someone?" I utter tightly. Yun purses his lips before sighing.
"Think about it. I just want you to know that I won't be mad with whatever happens." Yun stresses genuinely, but his open honesty is grating on my nerves.
"You're saying you're ok if I cheat on you?" I retort bluntly. Finally, this elicits a reaction from the man as he flinches. His lips twitch downwards as he gazes at me.
"That wasn't what I was saying. If you catch feelings for him again, let me know and we'll break this whole thing off. I'd hate to hear if...anything else happened while we're still technically engaged." Yun explains patiently, but the discomfort on his face is blindingly obvious. I sigh and give his hands a gentle squeeze.
"Sorry, that was a bit much. I just wanted you to see how hurtful what you were saying was." I apologise as I observe his face for his reaction. He exhales loudly.
"I understand, I'm sorry too. Just..." Yun stops himself with a shake of his head and I frown.
"Just what?" I prompt, but he shakes his head again.
"Well, I've said all that I needed to. We want to make sure our feelings will hold up in marriage." Yun voices quietly. He's so despondent that I end up tugging him forward until our faces are inches apart.
"Our feelings are real and genuine; you don't have to worry about that." I murmur as I plant a kiss on his lips. I hear his breathing catch when I pull away and soon he's tugging me back.
"Dad!"
"Mummy!"
The twin-like voices has us pulling apart rapidly and when our eyes dart to the balcony, both Fuki and Yatsu are watching us with wide eyes. I curse under my breath, 'I was hoping they wouldn't know about this side of our relationship.' I think anxiously, but Yun's expression eases up and he looks so obviously relaxed. I suppose he's used to this with Fuki. I watch as the girl elbows Yatsu.
"Told you they'll get married soon." Fuki comments rather loudly to the boy beside her. Her face is pinched with excitement, but Yatsu frowns at the display, seemingly uncomfortable by what he just saw and I don't blame him. 'He's never seen me be in a relationship with anyone else, whereas Fuki certainly has. He's probably feeling confused.' I realise with a pang and I step away from Yun towards my son.
"Yatsu..." I start, but he refuses to meet my eyes.
"I'm...going to work on my next Lego set." I hear him mumble before he dashes back inside.
"Shoot." I mutter. I sense Yun coming to stand beside me with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry. We should've been more careful." My fiancé mumbles as he hangs his head. Fuki glances between the two of us before resting her arms on the railing of the balcony.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. I remember the first time I saw my Dad locking lips with someone. Felt the same way. Give Yatsu some time and he'll get used to it." Yun's daughter tries to reassure me, but if anything I just feel worse. "Didn't realise how quickly you two move along though, it's only been a few weeks." She adds cheekily and I flush in embarrassment.
"Fuki." Her father warns, but she grins up at him.
"I approve." She voices with a wink before disappearing back into the house and I almost feel like dying on the spot.
"I'm sorry about her. She gets a bit too invested in my love life sometimes." Yun mutters with a sigh, but I shake my head.
"Well, at least she's invested." I mumble, but the man laughs.
"Oh trust me, she wasn't at first. Kept insisting I was betraying her Mum." Yun voices with a half-smile. "Felt ridiculously guilty, but we managed to work through it together. Give him some space and then broach the subject." Yun suggests, but a part of me is itching to see him now.
"I think I might just check in on him. He's only just getting a hang of his bending, wouldn't want him to hurt himself." I say, giving a half-baked excuse that even he can see through easily. My fiancé smiles knowingly.
"Of course, just remember his feelings are more confusion rather than anger at you." He advises as he gives my shoulder a brief squeeze. I cast him a grateful smile before disappearing back into the house.
I see no sign of Yatsu in the living room or conservatory. I ascend up the stairs and knock on his door, but he doesn't respond. With a sigh, I push open the door to find the boy sulking in a corner as he half-heartedly stacks a couple of Lego pieces together. He barely raises his eyes to look at me. I groan silently. 'It's like he's already a teenager.' I think humourlessly.
"Yatsu." I call out and finally he looks up with an incoherent mumble. I resist sighing aloud as I close the door carefully behind me before crossing the door and kneeling in front of him. "Are you going to tell me why you're upset?" I ask softly. The boy continues to stare at the ground in silence. This time, a small sigh does escape past my lips. "Yatsu, I can't help if you don't talk to me." I probe in exasperation and finally he moves, lifting his head to gaze at me with tear-filled eyes.
"Are you really going to marry Mr Yun, Mama?" Yatsu queries quietly. I frown, surprised at how resistant he is at the idea.
"Do you not like him?" I answer his question with one of my own, but when he shakes his head, I find myself stumped. "If you like him then why are you upset if I marry him?" I prompt.
"Because if you marry him then you'll forget about my Daddy." Yatsu whispers with a wobbly lip. I inhale sharply as I stare at the boy. I swallow thickly as I lean back onto my heels in contemplation.
"Yatsu...that's...that's not true." I protest weakly, but the boy seems adamant I will as he shakes his head vigorously. I bite my lip. "Where did this come from? You never used to ask about your Daddy before." I comment and it's a long while before he replies.
"Because you never mentioned him. I thought maybe I didn't have a Daddy, but...I can't help but wonder, maybe I do. Everyone has a Daddy after all." Yatsu explains wisely and I find myself holding back a choke at his words.
"Yes... everyone has a Daddy." I say hesitantly, scared on where this conversation will lead us.
"Then where's my Daddy?" Yatsu asks as he gazes up at me with those serious eyes, so similar to his father's in all but colour. I bite the inside of my cheek hard.
"Is it...really that important?" I ask with a strained voice. My son notices as he chews his lip.
"I never asked before because I knew it made you sad, but...if you're marrying Mr Yun, I want to know about my Daddy first." Yatsu presses and I can't deny that he has a valid point there. 'This was not a conversation I imagined having with my 5-year-old.' I think in disdain as I shift my legs to the side.
"What...what do you want to know?" I force the words out with utmost difficulty, but seeing his eyes brighten up is almost worth it. Almost. The dread just feels too overpowering however.
"Is he dead?" His first question is fired without hesitation and I almost gag at the thought.
"No, he's alive." I reply firmly and the boy visibly wilts in relief.
"That's good, I was worried he was." Yatsu admits with scared eyes and I realise I've been putting my son through a lot more anguish than I realised.
"Why aren't you two married?" Yatsu asks anxiously. This question hits closer to home as I find myself staring at the ground. 'We were. Once. We certainly were when you were conceived.' I think sourly to myself, but shake my head when I realise I definitely can't tell him that. I release a low exhale.
"We were once, but circumstances happened and then we weren't." I mumble vaguely, but the boy has always been one for detail as he shifts closer to me.
"What circumstances?" He demands and I find myself massaging my temples as I feel a headache coming on.
"Lots of circumstances. But one of which is we couldn't seem to get along. We were always arguing over something, we just...couldn't make it work." I explain, hoping that would be enough information, but my son gazes up at me sadly.
"Then why didn't he come to visit me? Some of my friends' parents aren't together, but they still see both their parents. Is...does Daddy not love me?" Yatsu asks quietly as his lip trembles again. His question hits me hard in the chest and I start pulling him towards me until he's settled on my lap.
"No, no. It's not that at all." I deny vehemently, but the child isn't convinced.
"Why else would he never come to see me?" My son asks as his tone shakes and tears line his eyelids. 'Shoot, shoot, shoot.' I curse myself as I wrap my arm around him and rock him back and forth.
"That's...my fault." I admit before I can stop myself. Yatsu blinks as he stares up at me in disbelief.
"What do you mean?" The boy asks with wide eyes. I bite the inside of my cheek hard, feeling at a loss on what to tell him, so I just keep silent. "Mama, what do you mean!" He demands as he pushes my arms away from him. I gulp. 'If I tell him, he'll hate me.' I think in a panic.
"I think that's enough talking for today." I decide as I push myself up from my knees and onto my feet.
"NO!" Yatsu screams and I become increasingly aware of the sudden swirling of air in the small room. My eyes frantically dart to the child.
"Yatsu, stop it!" I yell as I feel the air picking up in speed.
"Mama TELL ME!" Yatsu shouts in a tantrum as the chair and every other movable object starts elevating off the floor.
I gawk at the sight. 'There is absolutely no way a normal 5-year-old can bend like that. Airbending or not.' I think in fear as I try to move towards the child, but the wind is so powerful that I find myself stumbling backwards. It's so frighteningly familiar to when my ex-husband used to lose control in the Avatar State that I find myself going numb which is always a bad idea when someone's out of control because I find myself losing my footing and flying straight into the door. I gasp at the sudden impact, but Yatsu is so caught up in his tantrum that he doesn't notice.
"I NEVER TOLD HIM I WAS PREGNANT!" I holler over the rushing air. Suddenly the winds still and everything drops to the floor with a loud bang while Yatsu stares at me in disbelief.
"So...Daddy doesn't know I exist?" My son asks with a pained voice. I still my trembling lips by pressing them tightly together as I give him a small nod.
"Yatsu, I'm sorr-" I start as I stiffly get to my feet to reach him but he sidesteps my hands as his small hands bundle into fists.
"Mama that's horrible! I hate you!" He screams as he runs for the exit just as Yun opens the door.
"What's all the ruckus?" My fiancé asks in confusion as Yatsu races past him.
"Mama is the worst!" The boy screams as he dashes downstairs.
My knees give out from beneath me as I crush to the ground. 'I didn't know words could hurt so much.' I think with a pained inhale as my throat closes up, making it difficult to breathe. I clutch my chest as I feel it tightening painfully. 'I promised myself when Yatsu was born I'd never cry anywhere near him if I could help it, but...' My thoughts trail off as tears burn the back of my eyes and I'm breaking down into sobs as I heave each breath. Yun's eyes widen in alarm as he skids over to me on his knees and takes me into his arms.
"Hey shh shh, it will be ok." The man comforts soothingly as he rubs my back gently, but the tears won't stop as loathing overwhelms me. Loathing that I had hurt my precious boy, loathing that I lied to him and kept this secret from him for so long. Loathing that he missed out on a father due to circumstances that I couldn't control.
"He hates me." My voice shakes with pain.
"He's a child, children say things when they're upset. Wait a day and he'll be back to his bubbly self." Yun reassures and I swallow back my tears, praying that he's right.
A/N: Yayyyy to angst XD This is for everyone who's been saying how cute and adorable Yatsu is XD I mean, he still is, but kids are always having tantrums and I haven't depicted that yet and thought it was about time to. Hope you liked that dose of drama. I get the feeling you guys prob might not like Yun, but I promise he's only trying to make decisions that will make everyone happy! XD
Next chapter will be either end of this week if I'm bored or again or Monday next week hopefully. I start work on Tues next week, but it's more like an intro to the job and lectures, so full on work doesn't start till the following week, but just giving you all a heads up in case I disappear which hopefully wont happen, but yeah. See you all soon!
22/7/24