A/N: I'VE RETURNED! Exhausted, bleary eyed with a serious lack of days off and super relieved it's the weekends lol. I've been dutifully writing chapters on my bus rides to and from work to ensure there's a backlog of chapters for you guys. So far I'm writing chapter 30, it's starting to reach the end point, so the story will prob have 33 chapters or so if I had to guess, but still a little early to be sure.
Anyway, I need to apologise in advance because in addition to making you guys wait, this chapter isn't particularly exciting or long. So I'm sorry about that. I promise, you guys will enjoy the next chapter more, but I hope this chapter doesn't fall too flat lol. It's one of those what I like to call 'connecter chapters' that helps ties future plot lines together, so you have to bear with, but I PROMISE the next chapter makes up for it. Thank you for being patient in advance haha. My friends who I haven't replied to yet, forgive me I'll get round to it soon!
Responses to guest reviews:
A: I loved how I managed to basically shock everyone with my next day update haha, an infinitely better end of the spectrum than being late like this chapter is lol. Also man, you must be going on the refresh page regularly, bless you. I was thinking how did my beloved guest readers know when the next chapter is up if they don't get notifications, but I guess it's a persistent searching on the main page lol, I praise that level of dedication XD Haha I was thinking how long you'd last before reading, not very long it turns out luckily for me haha XD You're more than welcome! Sorry I took my sweet time for this one, but I hope it brightens your day as much as your words brightens mine! Oh my gosh now that would be heartbreaking :'( That's a good point, she's mistaking kindness for love or maybe she knows that deep down but desperation gives way to delusion. Haha yeah I don't think anyone was happy with Aang for that haha. Lol yeah what is this communication you speak of XD Well, maybe this chapter might heal something then. Ah no, Aang has been with Jin for 2 yrs, so definitely not a Hans situation XD What can I say, our boy has weak-knees XD I think so too, and I'm beyond grateful for it! I can never get enough of hearing your thoughts :) haha yeah wouldn't want a repeat of the last story after all XD Lol I got some rest after the night shift but then having to work weekends and then run through the week has made me tired lol. Hope you enjoy this one.
Haneypots: Haha an angel with a horn, I like that XD I hope more love than hate! XD I'm glad, stay strong, tough times are ahead haha. I'm touched, makes me beyond happy to hear that, I hope you've managed to survive the prolonged break. Oh wow that's so cool! I might see about updating on Saturdays then instead of Sundays so it will be still classed as weekends for you XD Yun sympathy wasn't what I was expecting but I'm here for it! XD honestly I equate the word strength to Katara these days XD I mean poor clueless guy thought she was over him so didn't think it would affect her…clueless clearly lol. I love how everyone has just dubbed Aang as a player or smooth talker haha. Not sure if this glimpse of him is satisfying, but hope you enjoy nonetheless! Haha cliffhangers always seem like the best place to end a chapter tho! XD Well you had 2 weeks of digestion, time for some new food XD
/
2 days later - At the Museum:
Aang's POV:
I watch as the waterbender points out something to Yatsu from the Water Tribe exhibit and his eyes widen in excitement.
"Mummy will I ever be able to waterbend like you too?" The boy asks hopefully which elicits a musical sound from the woman as she laughs.
"I'm afraid not Yatsu. People can only bend one element and you've picked up Airbending from your Dad." Katara explains to the boy who starts pouting.
"That's crazy, I should be able to bend both because you each bend different things." Yatsu points out logically and I find my lips quirking upwards in amusement.
"Airbending is cool though." I argue playfully as Yatsu taps his fingers against his chin in thought.
"It is cool, but Mummy can heal with her bending!" My son points out and I can't lie he has me stumped there.
"Good point." I concede as a smug expression takes hold of the woman's features.
"Nice to know me healing all your scrapes and bruises is appreciated." Katara teases as she plays with the boy's hair who looks up at her with adoration.
"Of course, Mummy! No one heals better than you." Yatsu utters seriously as the waterbender lets out another laugh.
"Thanks honey." His mother murmurs gratefully and I become acutely aware of how close their relationship is. It makes sense of course, they only had each other, but times like this I feel a bit like an outsider. I bite my lip as I continue to watch the exchange for a little longer. Katara must've noticed my unusual silence as she flickers her ocean blue eyes to me, quirking an eyebrow as she questions me silently. I send her a grin.
"You know a lot about your Water Tribe heritage, not sure I know half the things you do about the Air Nomads." I joke, but it falls flat. "Sorry bad joke." I mumble when I see her lips curl downwards.
"No, no. It was funny." She reassures with a half-smile. "Come on, why don't we look at the other exhibits?" She suggests and Yatsu jumps.
"I want to see the Earth Kingdom one!" He calls out. I chuckle and follow the duo.
"Your fascination for the Air Nomads isn't lost in me." I joke and the boy grins at me.
"Don't worry Daddy, we're leaving the best for last." Yatsu voices cheekily, earning him a displeased expression from his mother and I laugh.
"Excuse me what was that mister? Water Tribe history is very interesting." Katara protests as she crosses her arms over her chest. The action elicits flashbacks from a couple of days ago when I had to change her into a different set of clothing. I swallow and glance away when unexpected feelings arise within me. 'Aurgh the old me is probably still inside me somewhere.' I reason with myself just as Katara turns to me. "Tell your son that the Water Tribe is exciting." The woman demands and I find myself laughing again.
"Oh, so he's my son, now?" I tease, prompting an eye roll from the doctor.
"He is when he says something I don't like." She mumbles. Yatsu and I exchange a glance before we both burst out into laughter.
"Don't worry Mummy, I think the Water Tribe is cool. Just not as cool as the Earth Kingdom, I mean they have a big wall in Ba Sing Se!" Yatsu points out. Katara grumbles under her breath before holding out her hand to the boy.
"Alright then, let's go see the Earth Kingdom exhibit." The waterbender voices with a smile as Yatsu takes her hand. I trail behind them and watch as he swings their joined hands back and forth. The sight warms my heart, seeing them so comfortable with each other.
"Daddy, can you hold my hand too?" Yatsu calls back and I blink in surprise before going over to take the boy's other hand with a grin.
"My hand not enough for you anymore?" Katara voices with a pout which makes the child laugh.
"Nope." Yatsu utters cheekily and I laugh at his reply.
"You're in a very cheeky mood today." Katara notes as she pokes the boy's cheek, making him giggle.
"I'm just happy to be with my Mummy and Daddy." Yatsu replies honestly and I almost choke at hearing that. My hand automatically gives his small one a gentle squeeze.
"Happy to be with you too Yatsu." I murmur as Katara brushes the boy's hair with her fingers. I glance up at the waterbender. "You did a good job raising him." I whisper quietly enough for only the doctor to hear. Embarrassment contorts her features as she gives me a one shouldered shrug.
"Glad to hear that." Katara voices with a half-smile.
"Look! There's a hologram of the wall of Ba Sing Se!" Yatsu yells as he lets go of both our hands and dashes towards the exhibit. I chuckle.
"Well, almost a good job. He seems to be a bit too much of a fan of the Earth Kingdom." I joke and Katara elbows me in the arm.
"Now, that wasn't me. The school seems to enjoy going over the Earth Kingdom history a lot for some reason." The woman grumbles as she watches Yatsu reading the text under the exhibit. I find my eyes straying towards the waterbender, relieved at how much she's let's down her guard around me.
"Thanks for coming with us." I say before I can stop myself and the waterbender's eyes dart towards me in surprise.
"Don't mention it. Anyway, It's good for Yatsu to have us both around for outings like these." Katara voices as her gaze returns back to our son, but for some reason I find that I can't tear my eyes away from her. She notices after several moments, but doesn't turn her head back. "Anything else?" She queries with a quirked eyebrow. I flush and snap my eyes away.
"N-No! It's just...nice that we can talk like this." I admit. Katara blinks as she glimpses at me briefly.
"Yeah...I suppose it is." The waterbender agrees as she smiles and my heart flutters at seeing that easy-going expression on her face. 'She's been so uptight around me that I wasn't sure if she was able to relax. Honestly, I was starting to believe it was just part of her personality. The only thing that made me doubt it was when I see her interact with our son.' I swallow and finally shift my attention to Yatsu who's bouncing between the exhibits in the hall.
"Can we go to the Fire Nation one now!" Yatsu calls out after several minutes.
"Yeah of course." I call back and start to move towards the boy and I only pause when I catch a flash of something on the waterbender's face. I frown.
"Hey, are you ok?" I ask and the harsh glaze in her orbs vanish.
"Of course, let's go." Katara answers, sounding distracted as she takes Yatsu's hand again. I take Yatsu's other hand, but my eyes are on the waterbender's as I try to gauge her earlier expression, but I can't seem to put my finger on it.
When we enter the Fire Nation section, it immediately becomes apparent that it's very different from the first two exhibits. There's a lot more war and fighting that stains their history. I glance around me while Yatsu moves between the artefacts dotted around the room. I start following him around, but stop when I realise Katara hasn't budged an inch. My eyes flicker around the room before landing back on her.
"Not a fan of the Fire Nation?" I ask lightly which shakes the woman out of her thoughts. The waterbender gives me a wry smile.
"Nah, I have a close friend from there." Katara replies dryly, but something about the way her eyes turn inwards has me doubting her words, but I promised myself I'd avoid prying if it wasn't necessary.
"Yatsu, let's heard to the Air Nomad one, I want to show you something." I call out and the child runs back towards me and takes my hand.
"Ok!" He voices in excitement as I lead him out of the Fire Nation section. I can feel Katara's gaze on me for the whole way, even after we've stopped in the Air Nomad room. I quirk an amused eyebrow. She flushes and averts her eyes.
"Thanks." She mumbles, but doesn't expand on it further than that and I accept it with a warm smile.
"Daddy what did you want to show me?" Yatsu asks as he turns his head towards me. I grin and lead him to the exhibit that focuses on flying.
"Look how cool Airbending can be." I point out as I point at the picture of an Air Nomad flying. Yatsu's eyes fly open as he gawks at the picture.
"I can fly with airbending?!" He shouts in excitement. I laugh and motion for him to lower his voice slightly.
"Well, it takes a lot of training and only if you let go of all your earthly attachments." I explain and immediately the boy's excitement drops.
"Earthly attachments?" Yatsu echoes back as his eyes flicker between me and his mum. "I think...I prefer my attachments." The boy mumbles with a nod of his head and my heart swells with pride. 'Well, pride as a father. An Air Nomad might've been disappointed, but being the Avatar, I've had to let go of some of those teachings.' I think wistfully.
"Daddy, why is Air Nomad history so sad?" I blink at Yatsu's quiet question and go to stand beside him where a block of text regales how Air Nomads were once hunted to near extinction because of how powerful they could become. I wrap an arm around the boy's shoulders as I stare at the pictures of Air Nomads being slaughtered. For some reason it fills me with dread and sadness. I sigh and look down at my son.
"The world can be a cruel place, especially when it fears others. But it's ok, this was many years ago." I try to reassure the boy, but his eyebrows furrow as he points to a fairly recent looking article.
"This one was only 18 years ago though." Yatsu states and suddenly I become keenly aware of Katara standing a bit too close to us.
"Why don't we move to the gift shop?" The waterbender suggests randomly. I quirk an eyebrow at her as I skim read over the article. It's titled:
The worst Air Nomad tragedy in recent history. A burnt down orphanage, killing over 100 people.
A frown makes its way to my face, but whatever thought that was about to be formed is crudely shattered when Katara hooks an arm with mine and starts dragging me beside her.
"K-Katara!" I protest, but the waterbender stubbornly keeps her eyes ahead of her.
"We'll end up losing sight of Yatsu." She points out tightly and I realise the boy has dashed well ahead of us towards the gift shop. I sigh and nod my head, expecting her to let go of me, but her arm remains hooked around mine. I raise an eyebrow at her.
"You know I can walk on my own." I voice mildly and the woman flushes as she slides her arm out from mine.
"Yeah I know, sorry." She mumbles as she scoots away from me. I blink twice and grin.
"It's quite fun seeing you get flustered like this." I tease as I elbow her slightly.
"I'm not flustered." She huffs and I can't help but laugh at her expression, she almost looks like an angry hamster.
"Oh, I don't know, your face is pretty red." I note as I brush the back of my hand against her cheek. I smirk when her face takes on a deeper shade of red as she pushes my hand away.
"I'm feeling hot." Katara lies while I just look at her smugly. When she takes one glance at me, I hear her groan. Then I find myself being pulled along once again, but this time by the hand.
"Come on, Yatsu keeps bouncing around the place." The waterbender mutters as we move along and I find my grip loosening in the warmth of her palm. 'I didn't realise her hand was so soft like this.' I think in surprise, but as soon as the thought enters my mind, I shake my head hard. 'Get a grip Aang.' I rebuke, but my head shaking attracts the doctor's attention.
"Hey what's wrong?" Katara queries as her feet come to a stop. I quirk my lips up.
"You're holding my hand." The words tumble out of my mouth before I can take them back and immediately, she snatches her hand back as if it had been bitten.
"S-Sorry! You were just lagging behind." Katara mutters as her eyes dart away from me. I laugh and shake my head.
"I'm only teasing. Now, let me grab Yatsu." I say and when the woman frowns in confusion, I give her a wink and airbend a current of air around the shop before tugging the boy back to us with one stream of air.
"Wow that was...handy." She breathes out as she rests a hand on Yatsu's shoulder.
"Told you Airbending is cool." I grin just as Yatsu pouts.
"Feel like Airbending works better to your advantage than mine." My son mumbles, making me chuckle and I reach down to ruffle his hair.
"You just need to learn the tricks of the trade." I boast, eliciting an eye roll from the waterbender.
"Please don't teach him anything that will get him in trouble." Katara groans and when she's not looking I give Yatsu a thumbs up who releases a quiet giggle as he raises his hand to return the thumbs up.
4 Hours later:
"I'm home!" I holler as I rest the shopping bags on the table. Jin pokes her head from the kitchen and grins when she sees me.
"Hey sweetie, good day?" My partner asks as she wipes her hands on a towel and moves to peck me on the lips. My smile broadens and I wrap her in a tight hug.
"Awesome, but I missed you." I murmur as I nuzzle her neck. I hear her chuckle as she tightens the embrace.
"I missed you too darling." Jin coos as she angles her head up to gaze at me warmly. I move down to give her a kiss.
"How was your day?" I ask once I've pulled away.
"Boring office work as usual, but I've got a couple days off next week thankfully." Jin voices and I grin as I go to the fridge and grab a bottle of water.
"That is good! You don't get enough days off. Planning to do anything in them?" I ask as I unscrew the bottle cap. The woman gives me a sly grin as she rests her back against the kitchen counter.
"Oh nothing particular in mind, but maybe you'll finally introduce me to your son." Jin throws out airily just as I take a swing of water. I widen my eyes and lower the bottle.
"That's a great idea! Yatsu will love you, I'm sure." I voice enthusiastically, but Jin looks less convinced.
"I'm not so sure. He might think I'm in the way of you and Katara getting back together." The woman points out anxiously, but I wave my hand to the side, brushing off her concern.
"Katara is with Yun. They're already engaged and Yatsu seems accepting of it, so nothing to worry about." I reassure and the worry on her face ebbs away.
"That's a relief, I've been so excited to meet him ever since you told me you have a son. I wonder if he takes after you or Katara more." Jin muses as she taps her chin. I laugh and rest my hip against the kitchen counter.
"Definitely Katara. They're like twins sometimes and they get along so well." I regale and Jin eyes me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"How is Katara? Loosening up I hope?" Jin queries with curiosity.
"Today feels like she's definitely loosened up. I think we're finally finding some middle ground. Maybe she'll eventually think of me as her friend." I say with a smile, but when I spot Jin's smirk I just know she's going to say something embarrassing.
"Huh, so all it took was for you to change her clothes and she loosened up. Maybe you should've done that sooner honey." The woman teases and I feel myself blushing bright red.
"Jin!" I yell as I hide my face behind my hands.
"I told you I was only doing it because her fever spiked." I grumble as images of Katara's state of undress makes an unbidden appearance in my mind.
I screw my eyes shut, willing the images away. 'I promised her I'd forget it.' I scowl myself, but the more I try to force them out of my brain, the more they're shoved right back in. The scars. So many scars. They almost look like burn scars, made from searing the flesh and long in length, almost as if they were purposely pressed into place against her smooth chocolate skin. Even her breasts were marred by the brutality of them and some twisted all the way down her thighs, ending just above her knees.
The sight had left me speechless and shocked. I saw a flash of them in the changing room, but as I removed the blouse she was wearing, I was able to see the full extent of them without her trying to hide them with a top or her hands.
Against my better judgement I stared for the longest time, almost committing each one to memory. 'Honestly, she was right to be mad. What I did was so wrong even though my intentions were pure. But if they were really pure, surely I wouldn't have looked at all? I'd have kept my eyes closed or changed her as quickly as possible, but the scars they drew me in. As if telling me an old story that I couldn't recall. Somehow, I felt that my old self knew the story behind these scars. And worse yet, I still thought she was completely and utterly beautiful. And that's what scared me the most.' I pull my hands away from my face, but I can feel the heat in my ears and I know that I'm still blushing.
"Say what you like mister, but that face of yours doesn't lie. I hope you didn't eyeball her more than you do me." Jin teased as she elbows me jokingly. I glare at her as my face becomes redder in colour.
"I don't eyeball anyone!" I croak back loudly, but the woman gazes at me smugly.
"Trust me oh wise Avatar, I've seen you look at me multiple times with those predatory eyes of yours." Jin utters with a laugh. "I already told you that I'm happy to be intimate with you, but you keep turning me down." She adds and I feel like sinking into the ground beneath me.
"And I told you, I prefer for us to be married first before we do any of that." I remind as my voice becomes strained.
"Well, I'm still waiting for my proposal." Jin jokes as she crosses her arms over her chest. I roll my eyes as the embarrassment starts to ebb away.
"I promise I will, things are a little bit busy with the councils, but they should ease off in a couple of months and I'll give you the best proposal ever." I vow with a warm smile and I watch as Jin returns the smile as she bumps her hip against mine.
"Looking forward to it honey. Anyway, why don't we meet with Katara and her fiancé for dinner and then go round theirs to meet Yatsu." Jin suggests and I blink at the sudden change in conversation.
"Why with Yun?" I question in confused.
"Well, I feel she'll feel more comfortable if she has her other half with her. I think she felt a little bit like the third wheel last time." My partner explains and I nod my head in agreement, but something about the way she said other half has me frowning.
"That's a good idea. I'll text her and see if she's free." I say.
Dinner is a quiet and enjoyable affair as we talk late into the evening. It's 1am when I finally head to bed.
"Are you sure you're going to stay up?" I query as I gaze at Jin from the staircase.
"Yeah yeah, go on without me. I need to submit these papers on time or my boss will be annoyed." Jin reassures and with a wave goodbye, I head to our shared bedroom and pull out my phone. My fingers hover Katara's phone number before I finally press her name and send her a text.
A: Jin wants the four of us (Yun included) to have dinner next week and then meet Yatsu after, would that be ok?
I read it over and press send. I put my phone on the bedstand and pull the duvet over me, not expecting a reply this late, but my phone flashes blue with a notification. I furrow my eyebrows. 'No way she's still up.' I think to myself in disbelief as I click open my phone and I'm surprised to find it is indeed Katara that has texted me back.
K: Sure, that's sweet of her. What day next week? I'll let Yun know.
I smile and type out a quick response, ready to put the phone away, but her reply comes quickly.
A: Tuesday or Wednesday.
K: Wednesday is great. I'll let Yatsu know.
I stare at the text while tapping my finger against my phone in thought. After some hesitation, I type out a reply.
A: Brilliant, thank you! Side note, why are you up so late?
Her next reply is not immediate like the others have been. I chew my lip as I sit up a bit in bed and anxiously stare at the device. 'Spirits maybe I shouldn't have asked. She could be at work or...spending time with Yun...' That final thought sends a shiver down my spine as the phone slides from my hands to land on the duvet with a soft thump. 'I...hadn't thought about that before. If...if they're engaged, they've probably been intimate before.' My stomach churns at the thought for some weird reason.
I stare at my annoyingly silent phone and run a hand over my bald scalp. 'I've had multiple partners since I lost my memories, some I've got really attached to, but I've never been intimate with any of them. I felt it was something reserved for marriage. Sure, I might've crossed some lines with a couple of them, like with Jin, but never that line.'
I rest the back of my head against the wall behind me. 'By the sounds of it, the last person I was intimate with was...Katara.' At that thought, I become keenly aware of the way my heart thumps hard against my ribcage. I draw my knees into my chest as I stare hard at my duvet. 'If I've known Katara for 17 years...that means I've known her since I was 16. She could well have been my very first partner and if that's the case she's the only person I've ever been intimate with.' I realise and it sends a weird feeling through me because anyone you've shared your firsts with becomes even more treasured regardless of what happens after.
I continue to chew my lip, 'somehow, without me realising it, I've stayed loyal to her after all these years.' But as soon as I think that, I shake my head hard, annoyed at having these thoughts and weird tingly feelings. 'Spirits what's wrong with me? Why does it even matter? If she's intimate with Yun, that's none of my business.' I tell myself firmly, but my hand clenches subconsciously. 'She's engaged, it's almost expected.' I add silently, but if anything, my chest squeezes in discomfort.
I start to feel so uneasy that I have to kick back the duvet and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. 'These thoughts are ridiculous. Maybe I'm being naive about waiting till marriage.' I wonder as I stare at my half open door. I shake my head and turn my head to the side, just as I catch a blue flash from my phone. Without meaning to, I dive for the device and open it.
K: Work! I'm on the night shift for the next few days. Could you do me a favour and let Yatsu stay with you for the next few days? Yun's away on a work trip. Fuki can stay at her grandparents, but I'm not used to Yatsu being with anyone else that's not my brother or Dad. Gives Jin an opportunity to see him sooner too.
I stare at the text in disbelief. 'She wants Yatsu to stay with me?! I mean, I love the idea, but I'm not sure if I know how to take care of a child by myself. I've always relied on Katara calming him down or remembering the essentials when we go on trips.' I chew my lip as I glance around the room. 'Is our house even child friendly?' I start panicking anxiously. I must've taken longer to reply than I realised because my text pings with another message. I look down and read it.
K: No worries if not, I know how busy you are. I can drop him around my Dad's.
I bite my lip before making a decision and type back a response. She replies back almost immediately.
A: No, no that's a great idea. Gives us some bonding time. But I might need some tips on how to look after him.
K: Great, thanks! I'll send you a list of things he needs, likes/dislikes etc. You can pick him up sometime tomorrow before I have to go to work, if it's ok?
A: Great, thank you!
I scrutinise my latest text, before adding an additional line. The time it takes her longer to reply and start to wonder if she takes longer to reply every time I ask her something she isn't comfortable with. Fortunately, it doesn't take her as long to reply as the other time.
A: Great, thank you!
Totally random question, but were you my first partner?
K: Very random, but yeah. I've gotta go now. Goodnight.
I text her a quick goodnight back before dropping my phone on the nightstand and flopping back onto the mattress. 'So, she was my first.' I concede numbly as I stare at the ceiling. I shift to pull the duvet over me, but sleep doesn't come. It's a couple of hours later when Jin slips into the room. I close my eyes when I hear her changing and after a few minutes she slips under the duvet beside me.
"Can't sleep?" She murmurs as she rests her head against my shoulder. I re-open my eyes and glance at her.
"Was it that obvious that I was still awake?" I echo back sheepishly as Jin rests her hand across my chest.
"You always snore when you're asleep." The woman teases as she looks up at me. I chuckle and wrap an arm around her.
"You got me there." I say with a smile. "Katara said yes to dinner with the four of us." I add offhandedly and the woman grins in response.
"That's great! Is that what's keeping you up?" Jin queries softly, but I shake my head.
"No. She asked me to look after Yatsu for a few days because she's working a string of nights and Yun is away until next week." I explain as Jin's eyes widen.
"You're going to bring him here? Lucky me, I get to see him even sooner." The woman voices excitedly, but she picks up on my hesitation. "Are you worried?" My partner asks as she reaches up to tilt my chin towards her. I give her a half smile.
"Just a little. I've never been responsible for a child before, especially since he's my own. Katara usually looks after all the details, I just take him out now and again." I admit as I shift towards her. Jin eyes me before reaching up to peck my cheek.
"I think you'll be great and I can help too. I've got some experience with kids on my sister's side." The woman voices as she pulls away. I hold her by the shoulders and pull her in once more.
"Thank you." I murmur gratefully as I rest my chin on the crown of her head.
Jin falls asleep not long after, but my mind keeps swirling back to the waterbender. 'I told her I wouldn't press her for details about our past together, but...the more time I spend with her, the more I want to know everything. Why does she have scars? Why do I? She said we were arguing and I was the one to get the divorce, but why did our relationship fall apart the way it did? Why didn't she want to tell me about Yatsu? Why...why does my chest tighten whenever I think about her?'
I groan silently at the last question. 'I wish...I wish she didn't tell me we were married before.' I confess to myself. 'It has stirred up feelings in me that I don't want to feel.' Jin shifts subconsciously in her sleep and her hand moves to rest by my side. I gently clasp her hand and focus on trying to get to sleep.
Next day - Morning:
I rub my eyes when I hear something akin to ringing.
"Aang, can you get the door please?" Jin mumbles as she digs her head further into the pillow. I blink twice and pull myself up from the mattress.
"Sure, I wonder who's ringing this early." I mutter as I push myself to my feet and hop down the stairs. After fumbling for the key and unlocking the door, the last person I expected waiting at the doorstep was my son and ex-wife. I blink again and glance for the time. 8am.
"Hey, sorry. I know it's early. Someone called in sick so I have to cover their shift. It's a weekend so I couldn't leave Yatsu at home. I hope it's ok if I drop him off a little earlier than we agreed to." Katara requests awkwardly with apologetic eyes.
I glance down at Yatsu who's carrying a small backpack and looking up at me in excitement. I bend down and give him a hug before answering the waterbender. My tongue is still tied over the thoughts I had about her last night.
"Of course, don't worry about it. Has he eaten?" I ask as I finally raise my eyes to meet hers.
"He has and he's got a few of his things to keep him busy. I'm really sorry again, it looks like I woke you up." The doctor apologises as she clutches her elbow guiltily. I quirk an eyebrow at her.
"How did you know I was sleeping?" I ask in surprise and she reaches over to brush her thumb against my chin.
"You're drooling." Katara replies with amusement. I widen my eyes and go to swipe at my mouth to find I must've indeed been drooling. I cringe.
"Don't you find that gross?" The words leave my mouth before I can stop them and Katara gazes at me with a raised eyebrow.
"A bit of saliva is a lot less gross than other things I do." The waterbender answers with a shrug of her shoulders before she crouches down to pull Yatsu into her arms. "Be good for your Dad. I'll see if I can come visit tomorrow, but if not, I'll see you in two days. I'll call and check in, let me know if you need me or anything." The woman murmurs as the boy holds her tightly.
"Don't work too hard Mummy." Yatsu whispers and I suddenly realise that the waterbender was meant to work the night shift today. I furrow my eyebrows when Yatsu moves towards me and Katara rises to her feet.
"Wait, are you still working the night later too?" I ask suddenly. Katara's gaze shifts to me and she watches me a moment before nodding her head.
"Yeah, they're a little short on staff." The woman voices which makes my frown deepen.
"Surely that's too many hours." I argue, taking the waterbender by surprise as her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline.
"It's fine, don't worry. I'll get some time off after this string of nights." Katara explains as she starts to move off the doorstep. I reach forward to grab her by the wrist.
"You're going to make yourself ill." I hiss and I watch as the woman's face becomes stoic.
"Just because I told you about...my situation, doesn't mean you can force your decisions on me." Her words cut me and I immediately retract my hand, as if burnt. I hear her sigh before she massages her forehead. "Sorry, I'm just a little tired. I'll be alright really." Katara insists with a reassuring smile. I eye her critically before exhaling heavily.
"Fine, fine, if you're sure. Try to look after yourself." I mumble. I watch her lips twitch upwards into a half smile.
"Don't worry." She murmurs as she waves at Yatsu before moving to disappear into her car. I wait and watch until she vanishes out of my line of sight completely before turning to the boy.
"You can go back to sleep Daddy, I promise I'll be quiet." Yatsu quickly says, making me chuckle as I move to take his hand and lead him inside of the house before closing the door behind us.
"Don't worry about it buddy. I know your Mummy said you had breakfast, but would you like some pancakes?" I ask and immediately the boy hops on his feet in joy.
"Yes please, Daddy!" The boy squeals. I laugh just as I hear another voice coo behind me.
"Awww he just called you Daddy, that's so cute." Jin's voice floats from the lounge and I smile as I guide the boy forward who looks unsure as he grasps my hand tightly. I find my partner standing casually, leaning against a wall with her arms lazily crossed over her body as she gazes at Yatsu. Her face brightens. "He looks exactly like you! Minus the blue eyes." Jin rambles as she moves to approach the boy who's grip on my hand tightens.
I glance down to find the child gazing wearily at Jin who stops a few paces away from us.
"Yatsu, this is Jin. She's my partner." I explain softly as I crouch down beside him. The boy cocks his head to the side.
"So, she's like Yun?" He whispers back softly. I blink at that comparison and he must've noticed the confusion on my face as he drops his head. "Both you and Mummy have someone else." Yatsu clarifies. I furrow my eyebrows and nod slowly.
"Yes?" I confirm hesitantly as the boy raises his head.
"Are you and Jin going to get married too?" Yatsu asks and I find myself spluttering in surprise while the woman starts laughing.
"I like this kid." Jin voices with a chuckle as she moves to ruffle his head, but the boy's eyes doesn't stray from my face.
"We're thinking about it, yes." I say after scrutinising him for a while. Yatsu bites his lip and nods his head.
"I see." He murmurs as he reaches for his backpack, but I take a hold of his arm.
"Is something wrong?" I query gently, but the boy shakes his head.
"No. Can I play with my puzzles?" Yatsu asks suddenly. I frown and nod my head slowly.
"Yeah of course. We'll go to the park later." I suggest and at the boy's small smile, he moves out of the front entrance and towards the lounge in the next room. I rise to my feet while staring at the place where the boy once stood in confusion.
"He wants you and Katara to get back together." Jin announces as she comes to stand beside me. My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline as I turn my head to stare at her.
"What? No, I'm sure that isn't what it is." I wave off, but Jin shakes her head.
"Sometimes you're so clueless honey. It's a fair point, he wants his Mum and Dad together, makes me feel a little guilty for being in the way." Jin murmurs as she rests her cheek against her hand. I furrow my eyebrows and take her hands in mine.
"You're not in the way. Besides, he's accepting of Katara being with Yun, so he'll adjust in no time." I reassure as I give her hands a squeeze, but she gazes at me dubiously.
"If he asked for you to get back together with Katara, would you?" Jin queries softly. My eyes widen and I shake my head instantly.
"That wouldn't happen. We're both with a partner." I point out, but Jin moves her hands to envelop mine.
"Aang, would you go back to her if your son asked for it?" The woman repeats quietly. I stare at her, feeling at a loss for words. 'If Yatsu asked for it? I love him, but I don't think I would just because he asked for it. But...I'm more worried about the answer if it were my heart that was doing the asking.' I close my eyes briefly before pinning my grey orbs on her.
"If Yatsu asked, I'd have to tell him no. I'm with you and that won't change even if he begged for it." I utter firmly, but there's a hesitation in her eyes that I don't know how to make go away.
"I think you underestimate how much you love him." She whispers and her words makes my heart stop for a minute before it resumes it's usually lub-dub rhythm.
"I wouldn't jeopardize what we have just because my son asked for it." I protest as the woman gazes to the side.
"Alright, if you insist." Jin replies reluctantly as she gives my hands a squeeze. "Come on, I want to get to know Yatsu." Jin voices as she pulls me along with her towards the lounge.
A/N: And there we have it, Aang's falling…HARD. I mean, how can he not? XD A lot of you guys have been saying that Jin being as chill as she is, is suspicious so here we have her finally showing a touch of insecurity like normal people do haha. Sorry it's a bit of a lackluster chapter, esp after a prolonged break, but next chapter is a fun one that I enjoyed writing. Still in Aang's Pov so we get more of an insight into his thinking. As you can see here, happy Aang is pretty different from traumatised Aang hehe.
Hmm, there's not really any good one liners in this chapter, so I wouldn't be surprised if you guys struggle finding one haha. I'll pick this I guess:
"Daddy, can you hold my hand too?"
See you all next weekend! Take care till then.
7/9/24