A/N: Guysssss! Thank you so much for being patient with me with the elongated wait to get this chapter out. I hope you all have been having a great week. This chapter takes a step back slightly with the angst, but I'm making sure it goes back up again for the next one! Apologies for another short chapter, but it will return back to its usual length in a chapter or two I think.
Guest review replies:
Haneypots: Trust me I wish I could see all your reactions XD wrinkles have their own beauty! XD Ah man I can't tell you that, but I thought there was enough implication that it happened. Communication is something they've been terrible at for yearsss XD Haha that line with a sucker punch to poor Katara. That's very mature of you and it's true none of them are really in the wrong, it's just a messy situation. I'm glad you didn't find it short! I guess so much was going on that you didn't realise it was 1000k less words than usual XD Sorry I failed at an earlier update, the call of sleep was too strong XD
Guest: Agreed, Katara is a star and a boss mum!
A: I don't, but now I'm gonna go look it up XD You're only one week away from it! Well, I'm sure I'll have you changing your mind about Yun at some point before the story ends ;) I mean, she's not the type of person who wants to be a control-freak or be the one not to trust her partner, the best thing she could do was step away and trust Aang that he could handle Katara and his feelings. Haha that brashness happens when you feel like you've compromised your beliefs and when you try to fool yourself into not having any feelings. Yep I totally agree! But that knowledge comes with its own can of worms. Haha you've still got a little wait till that, but I promise it will be good! Nearly! I'm writing chapter 31 at the moment, I'm unsure if we'll end on chapter 33 or whether I'll need an extra one or two to wrap up things, but I'll have a better idea in a few weeks probably. Hmmmm not too long, but not too soon either, hehe XD Ooof I love your takeaway from that line, it sums up the thought process that Aang has going in his mind without actually seeing his pov. Haha well, here's chapter 16 and not too long till chapter 17 XD
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Katara's POV:
Over the next several days, I avoid the Air Nomad like the plague. He visits regularly to pick up Yatsu who at first was a little hesitant to spend time with the man, but he warmed back up to him after the first couple of days. Now the Airbender's visits have become almost too regular, but Yun is thankfully around to deal with him and dissuade him from trying to see me. That is, until today when Yun had to work a night shift.
When I hear the bell ring at 9pm, I frown, wondering if Yun forgot something at home and misplaced his key. I open the door without a second thought and instantly regret it at the sight of the person before me. I scowl and start pulling the door back to a close, but a tattooed hand snaps forward to push the door back, stopping me from closing it. And even if I mustered all the strength in the world, I know I'm nowhere near as strong as the Air Nomad.
"Yatsu is asleep. Come back tomorrow." I hiss as I block the doorway with my body. The Air Nomad eyes me cautiously before slumping his shoulders.
"I'm here to see you." My ex-husband whispers quietly, but I scrunch up my nose in disdain.
"Well, I don't want to see you." I fire back as I try to close the door again but the man stubbornly keeps his palm pressed against the door's surface.
"I'm sorry I made you cry." The Airbender blurts out and my grip on the door lessens ever so slightly.
"It wouldn't be the first time." I mutter under my breath which prompts a flinch from the Air Nomad. I exhale heavily and finally drop my hand from the door. "What do you want?" I mumble as I take hold of each elbow as a flash of insecurity runs through me.
"To apologise." My ex-husband utters earnestly. So earnestly that I feel like vomiting.
"You've done that, so why are you still here?" I throw back rigidly and he winces again. I bite my lip and avert my eyes from his hurt ones.
"Katara, please." Aang whispers as his eyes shine with a plea. I roll my lower lip between my teeth before sighing and dropping my hands to my sides.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have snapped. I've not been having enough sleep." I admit as I rest my hip against the doorway. The man's eyebrows furrow in concern as he mimics my movements to lean his shoulder against the other side of the doorway edge.
"You should be taking care of yourself more." The Airbender urges and I almost snort at that since he's been the primary cause for my loss of sleep.
"Hard to do when there's a five-year-old, a teen, fiancé and a full-on job." I counter sarcastically in an attempt to get rid of my thoughts. When the man flinches again, I feel like kicking myself for being so harsh. I run a hand down my face before side stepping out of the doorway.
"It's cold, let me shut the door." I say as my way of offering him to come inside as a silent apology.
"I...probably shouldn't. I've got an event to attend tomorrow and I've already intruded as it is." The Airbender declines and I quirk an eyebrow, unsure on what part of his statement I should focus more on.
"If you're sure." I voice with a shrug of my shoulders. The man appears hesitant before he finally opens his mouth again.
"Are we...are we ok?" Aang asks with a small voice as he anxiously plays with his sleeve's edge. My lips part in surprise at his question before my lip tugs up slightly in a half smile.
"Yeah we're fine. Just don't disappear on Yatsu again." I say and the man instantly wilts in relief as he nods his head vigorously.
"Never again, I promise." The Air Nomad vows, but I can't help but still have a slight niggling feeling at the back of my mind.
"I do wish you'd tell me why you disappeared in the first place though." I throw out casually and when I see him stiffen up, I decide not to pursue my line of questioning. "But I can tell you're not keen to share which is fine." I add hastily in the fear that he would clam up and withdraw again, more for Yatsu's sake rather than anything else. My ex-husband appears surprised at my soft approach as he stares at me for several moments before speaking.
"It's unlike you to suddenly drop something." Aang points out and I roll my eyes at his comment.
"You've known me for a total of a few months." I point out mildly which prompts a serious expression from the Airbender.
"It feels like I've known you for a lot longer which is technically true." The Air Nomad counters and my breathing catches at his words. I give him a feeble smile and move off the doorway.
"Well, I should get going. I have a busy day tomorrow too." I excuse as I rest a hand on the edge of the door. The man gets the message as he moves off the doorstep.
"Of course. I'll swing by to see Yatsu after tomorrow. Have a restful night." The Airbender bids with an overly enthusiastic wave and I have to bite my lip to stop the smile that threatens to split my face at his easy-going excitement. 'Spirits I missed seeing this side of him.' I think subconsciously before widening my eyes and shaking my head hard as I close and lock the door. 'Aurgh Katara the lack of sleep is making you think things you usually wouldn't.' I rebuke as I make my way to my room and throw myself onto my mattress.
I stare at the ceiling for several moments as I run over his words in my mind. 'Funny he has an event to attend tomorrow too. How ironic would it be if it were the same event?' I think wryly as I roll over to my side and dig my hand underneath my pillow. My eyes flutter to a close and I allow sleep to take me.
Next Day - Evening:
"Come on Katara, you don't have to look so bored." Sokka whines as he stands in front of my seated position at a table. I try to stifle the yawn behind my hand, but it doesn't go unseen by the man. "Katara!" He snaps and I jump before throwing him a sheepish gaze.
"Sorry Sokka, but these events have never been much of my thing." I apologise with a dry laugh. I hear my brother mutter a list of incoherent grumblings before piercing his gaze on me.
"You're meant to be my plus one because Suki was feeling under the weather." My brother complains while I rest my cheek against the palm of my hand.
"I know, I know, but council social gatherings are so dull though." I grumble as I give a quick survey of the hall that's filled with all sorts of important people who are dressed in fancy and expensive clothing.
"I mean, at least there's music and food." Sokka provided unhelpfully and I throw him a stink eye.
"There could be dancing for all I care, I'd still rather be at home." I mumble as my brother rests his hand against the back of an empty chair.
"I've not been a fan of becoming a council member either, but they needed someone who already knew about the whole...Avatar thing instead of bringing someone completely new." Sokka utters in a hushed whisper. I furrow my eyebrows as I gaze up at him.
"The less that knows the better, I know. It just feels like they needed someone to replace Dad's old job and you just happened to fit the bill, but don't you miss your old engineering job?" I query sceptically which elicits a heavy sigh from the man as he looks to the side.
"Of course I do, I lived for creating schematics for new devices, but I guess this job has it's perks too. I get to rub elbows with important people and I get to see friends more often that I otherwise wouldn't like Toph and Zuko." My brother explains and I suddenly perk up at hearing their names.
"Wait, will they be coming to this? I haven't seen Zuko in a while and my last meet up with Toph had to be cut short." I voice as some excitement starts to leak into my tone. Sokka grins and moves to give my shoulder a pat.
"That's the spirit. Told you these things can be good. They should be arriving soon or are already here. We just have to find them." Sokka reveals as he moves to scan the hallway, only to be met with a certain man standing a half metre away from him.
"Katara?!" A voice gasps out. I frown and crane my neck past my brother to spot a certain Airbender standing clad in an orange suit. My lips part in shock as I stare at him, even Sokka seems dumbfounded at seeing the Air Nomad.
"What are you doing here?" I ask outright with disbelief still painted across my features. Likely a reflection of the man's expression himself.
"Me? What are you doing here?!" He throws back as he closes the distance between my table and himself. His stormy orbs eye me up and down as his lips further part in surprise. "And wow I've never seen you in a dress before." My ex-husband breathes out as he continues to observe me a little too intently for comfort. I fidget and choose to ignore his wandering eyes.
"My brother works at the council and I was his plus one. I guess even you have to be dragged to these types of events? Although I had presumed you'd be keeping more of a low profile." I utter and instantly the man's eyes snap towards Sokka who's been watching the entire exchange with a contemplative expression.
"Brother?" Aang echoes as he scrutinises the ponytailed man. His eyes widen in recognition a moment later. "I recognise you. We've talked a few times after council meetings." The Airbender realises before he tilts his head to the right in confusion. "Why didn't you tell me that I knew you?" He adds after a beat. Sokka gives him a shrug.
"Well, technically you don't remember me from before so I didn't see any reason to." My brother explains simply, but the Air Nomad doesn't seem satisfied with that answer.
"So, you pretended that you didn't know me outside of work?" The Avatar utters in disapproval which elicits an awkward laugh from the older man.
"Well, yes? Sorry." Sokka utters sheepishly as he rubs the back of his neck while Aang frowns.
"Wait, this...this means you were my brother-in-law at one point." The Air Nomad voices in realisation, but Sokka moves forward to clap the younger man's back with a laugh.
"I knew you way before then. We were at the same uni on the same course." My brother reveals with a grin and I immediately shoot him down with a fierce glare. Sokka cringes before dropping his hand from his former brother-in-law's back. "Anyway, I need to talk to a few council members, so I'll be off." Sokka excuses quickly and soon merges with the crowd. Aang turns to face me in confusion.
"Why did you glare at him?" The Airbender asks suspiciously and I wince, not realising I made it that obvious.
"He has a habit of saying too much sometimes." I reply, more honestly than I anticipated. 'My primary fear is triggering his memories back, especially when anything related to uni could be a potential trigger considering how much emotion they hold.' The Air Nomad's lips thins in displeasure.
"Hiding things isn't an admirable trait. I know I've accepted not to pry, but sometimes I wonder if I'm making a mistake." The Airbender confesses uneasily and I kick myself for being so transparent.
"Can we drop the subject?" I ask as I avert my eyes from the man and after a heavy sigh he relents with a nod of his head.
"Fine." He mutters as he places his glass of orange juice on the table beside me. "You...look nice in a dress." Aang mumbles randomly. My eyes snap up to his face, but his gaze is darting around and purposely avoiding my eye. I bite my lip and fold my hands over each other on my lap.
"Thanks." I mutter back politely and I only return my gaze onto the man when I feel his eyes on me.
"That's a beautiful locket too." The Air Nomad notes as he reaches a hand towards it. My eyes widen and I immediately grab his wrist before his fingers can make contact with the jewellery. The man appears taken aback at my sudden behaviour and furrows his eyebrows.
"Sorry, I prefer you didn't touch it." I utter resolutely and when I feel the muscles in his arm loosening underneath my hand, I let go of him. I watch as his arm drops to his side in thought.
"Why? Did Yun give it to you?" Aang croaks and I cringe at the irony of his question, especially considering he was the one to give it to me.
"No. The reason why isn't important." I counter firmly as the man purses his lips in obvious curiosity.
"Do you have pictures inside it?" The Airbender asks casually, but my hand instantly snaps up to clutch the locket, almost as if protecting it from prying eyes.
"That's none of your concern." I mutter stiffly, but if anything, his curiosity heightens as he eyes me carefully.
"I just realised that we probably have a ton of photos together. It would be nice to see them sometime." Aang throws out offhandedly and my grip around the locket tightens.
"I don't have any." The lie spills out of my mouth before I can stop them and I internally wince at the dishonesty. My ex-husband quirks a sceptical eyebrow at me.
"I doubt that's true. You must have a few at least. Unless you hated me that much that you got rid of them all." Aang muses as a sad glint enters his eyes. My throat goes dry and I force myself to look away.
"N-No." I mutter, but the man tilts his head in confusion.
"No that you hate me?" He queries as his voice wobbles ever so slightly. I flinch and keep my gaze fixed to the ground.
"No, I didn't get rid of them." I confess, brushing off his other statement and the Airbender immediately perks up upon hearing that.
"Really?! Can I see them?" He asks as excitement enters his stormy orbs.
"No." I shoot the suggestion down firmly and he deflates almost instantly.
"But why?" Aang pleads as I feel his gaze piercing through me.
"Because they're in the past." I mumble as I feel an uncomfortable heat rising to my cheeks. The Airbender puffs out his cheeks in frustration.
"Now, you're just making excuses." He mutters as he picks up his glass of juice. "I think I'm going to talk with some of the council members." The Air Nomad adds after a beat and I watch his retreating back with regret filled eyes. 'Aurgh Katara, you never seem to get anything right.' I curse myself as I find myself sitting alone at the table.
After another 20 minutes, I decide to get some fresh air from outside on the balcony. As I pass through the crowds, my eyes accidentally fall on the Airbender as he laughs and jokes with a group of people. I instantly spot Jin amongst them and the way his eyes shine around her, has me feeling queasy. I slip out from between the groups of people and push through the glass door that leads to the balcony. I shiver at the cool night air and rub my arms before moving to rest my forearms against the railing.
"Why am I here?" I mumble as I stare at the gardens beneath me.
"That sounds very sombre for someone who's meant to be at a party." A familiar masculine voice rings out. I blink and turn my head to spot Zuko standing with a hand on his hip and a smirk on his face. My eyes light up and I run to give him a hug.
"Zuko! When did you get here?" I query as I feel the man's arms move to rest against my back briefly.
"An hour ago, but I was kept busy by some of the big shots. Building up a company from scratch was no easy feat." The firebender explains ruefully as I step away from him to get a better look at his face.
"I'm sure, I've barely seen you over the years." I voice offhandedly and the man gives me a half smile.
"That's my fault, sorry. With the company going under and Mai being pregnant, it seems like I didn't have much of a chance to catch my breath. It's good to see you though. It has been a long time." Zuko replies warmly as we both walk to the edge of the balcony. I rest a hand on the railing and smile.
"Likewise. How is Mai and your daughter doing?" I query gently and his smile broadens.
"They're good. Honestly the lights of my life. Even Azula gets along with her niece." Zuko jokes as he rests an elbow on the balcony ledge. I laugh as I elbow him lightly.
"I didn't expect that. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I even saw your sister." I muse aloud which prompts a snort from the firebender.
"No surprise there, she's taken to travelling quite a bit. Calls them business trips. I honestly don't know what she's doing half the time, but as long as she's happy then guess I can't complain. How's Yatsu doing? And your fiancé? Sokka told me you're engaged, congratulations by the way." Zuko praises with a beam. I try to meet his enthusiasm, but it feels like it falls flat as I turn to gaze at the night sky that's dotted with stars.
"Yatsu is good, he's growing all the time. And...yeah, Yun is good to me. Kind and patient." I murmur back just as the firebender releases a low hum.
"Sounds to me that there's more going on." Zuko utters softly as he turns to gaze at me properly. I give him a half smile.
"Well...Yatsu's father has entered the picture so it makes things feel a little more difficult and awkward at times." I explain which causes the man to widen his eyes.
"You finally told Aang? He must've been shocked." The firebender comments curiously. I release a sour laugh as I hang my hands over the edge of the railing.
"That's an understatement. He was livid at me. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't forgive me for it. We get along better now, but...I'm trying so hard not to trigger any of his old memories. Sometimes it feels like I'm walking on eggshells around him." I confess as I grasp my bicep in discomfort. I watch as the firebender taps his fingers against the ledge in thought.
"That must be hard. Especially since we know how well those memories haunted him." Zuko murmurs before releasing a sigh. "I take it he has probably tried asking you about the past?" He queries and I give him a jerky nod.
"He has. Just now, he was asking to see some photos. I...it feels awful that I'm trying to stop him from regaining his memories, if that's even possible at this point. But...I didn't give him up, for him to be unhappy again." I whisper as I move to rest my chin against my hand. I can feel Zuko eyeing me silently for the longest moment. I sigh and glance up at him. "Say what's on your mind." I prompt, taking the man by surprise as he gives me a half smile.
"It just kind of feels to me like you still love him." The firebender admits and I dig my fingernails into my skin at his observation.
"That's ancient history now. I don't love him like that anymore. Honestly if it wasn't for Yatsu, I probably wouldn't even be talking with him." I say, but no sooner do I voice those words something like the sound of glass shattering echoes behind us.
Zuko and I both spin around to find the Airbender staring at us with a crestfallen expression. My eyes widen as I curse under my breath. While Zuko becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
"Ah, hey Aang." Zuko starts, but the Air Nomad's eyes are pinned on me.
"I see, so that's how it is. I'm just a nuisance to you, is that it?" The Airbender croaks out and I flinch at his words. I take a step towards him with an outstretched arm, but he instantly takes a step back away from me. I swallow as I curl my fingers into my palm.
"No, that...that isn't what I..." I struggle to say the right words and it evidently shows when the Air Nomad's hands bunch up into tights fists.
"And you're purposely trying to stop me from getting my memories back." He adds between clenched jaws and I instantly suck in my teeth in shock. 'Shoot, how much did he hear?!' I wonder in a panic.
"Hold on, how much did you hear?" Zuko interrupts and my ex-husband finally snaps his eyes to the firebender.
"Who even are you? You two seem awfully close." Aang utters bitterly and I wince before opening my mouth.
"He's an old friend from uni." I explain as the Airbender scrutinises Zuko critically who gives him an awkward smile.
"Er hey? We used to be close before you..." Zuko tries to introduce himself, but stops when the Air Nomad narrows his eyes.
"We couldn't be that close if you're also hiding things from me." Aang throws out harshly which elicits a violent flinch from the firebender. I clench my hands and move to stand in front of Zuko like a barrier.
"You can be mad at me, but leave Zuko out of it." I utter tightly, but if anything that makes the Airbender more mad.
"So, you're defending him. Honestly it feels like you're happy to get along with every other guy except me." My jaw drops at my ex-husband's brutal retort.
"That isn't fair." I hiss.
"It's the truth, isn't it? You can barely hold a civil conversation with me, but it's easy with everyone else. I'm starting to think you're the reason why we argued all the time!" Aang's sour quip has me boiling with rage and I'm standing in front of him in under a heartbeat with my hand raised.
A glint to my right stops me from delivering the blow and instead I stretch out my hand to grab whatever is flying through the sky towards us. I hiss as something sharp bites into my palm. The anger on the Airbender's face instantly dissipates as his eyes widen to the size of saucers. I look down at the sharp object that I caught and freeze up when I realise it's an arrow. My eyes snap around me, wondering where it came from, but it's too dark to make anything out.
"Is that...an arrow?" Zuko echoes numbly as he stares at the object in my hand. I scrunch up my nose.
"Looks like it. I can't see who shot it though." I mutter as I do another quick survey of our surroundings.
"That...would've hit me if you hadn't..." My ex-husband trails off, but I shrug and drop the arrow onto a nearby table.
"You would've caught it. You're good at picking up broken air currents. I just saw it before you sensed it is all." I wave off, but a part of me has started to become anxious. 'That was clearly aimed at Aang. Who would...shoot. I forgot how dangerous being the Avatar can be. He probably has tons of enemies that he's made over the years. Ones he remembers and others that he doesn't.' I start chewing my lip in worry as my thoughts immediately flash to Yatsu.
"You seem completely unfazed." Aang breathes out in shock with boggled eyes. My lips part, caught out by his words. 'Jeez there's no way I can tell him that this isn't the craziest thing I've experienced.' I realise.
"Being the Avatar does have its downsides." I utter ruefully and the man inhales sharply as his eyes slide over to Zuko. I furrow my eyebrows at his reaction before it dawns on me what he must've been thinking.
"Oh don't worry, Zuko knows. As I said, we were all friends back at uni." I explain briefly.
"Spirits, I hate being out of the loop." The Airbender complains as he starts massaging his forehead.
"I think we have bigger things to worry about like who on earth was trying to shoot at you." Zuko steps in as his eyes keeps darting around. "I'm going to report it to Sokka. You two best go back inside." The firebender suggests seriously as he leaves the balcony to enter the hall. I stare after him for a moment before squinting around us one last time.
"Erm, Katara?" The Airbender probes quietly and once I'm sure I can't see anything, I return my eyes to the Air Nomad.
"Hmm?" I hum back in distraction.
"Why did you do that?" His voice is quiet as he gazes at me steadily. I part my lips before closing them a moment later.
"You think I'd let you get hit by an arrow?" I retort wryly, but the man doesn't appear amused.
"You were about to hit me with your hand." Aang points out mildly and I cringe at the reminder.
"Well, you said something inappropriate." I mumble as I avert my eyes. I freeze when I feel his hand resting on my shoulder.
"I...I'm sorry. What I said was totally uncalled for." He apologises as his face contorts with sorrow. I eye him silently before releasing a sigh and move to pat his hand.
"You weren't the only one in the wrong. I'm sorry too. I guess...I wasn't being entirely truthful to myself when I was talking to Zuko. I don't just talk to you because your Yatsu's father." I murmur as I give his hand a brief squeeze before retracting my appendage. His features shift into an expression that I haven't seen in years and my heart almost stops at the sight of it.
"You always seem to make me feel things." Aang breathes out as he seems to get lost in my eyes. I swallow and purposely take a step away from him, allowing his hand to drop from my shoulder.
"I think we should head back inside. We don't know if someone will pull a repeat stunt." I mutter as I walk past him to pick up the arrow that I dropped. "Best we take this for evidence too." I mumble to myself.
"Wait." I still at the Airbender's command and turn my head to see him reaching for my hand.
"What are you..." I start, but stop when he lifts up my hand to the moonlight.
"You're hurt." Aang breathes out as he stares at the gash that I received from catching the arrow. I give him a half smile.
"It's just a small cut, nothing a little bending can't heal." I brush off, but to my surprise, he bends a ball of water from the air and moves to press his hand against mine. I blink as I watch his hand glow over mine. The dull throb ebbs away when the glowing disappears and I watch as the water drops to the ground, but the man's hand remains clasped against mine.
"Ok that's enou-" I begin, but my words die in my throat when he turns my hand over to inspect them.
"You know, I've noticed you have a bunch of tiny white scars along your fingers and on your palm." My ex-husband murmurs quietly.
My breathing catches and I'm shocked that he was able to notice them. They were scars that I received after banging my hands against broken glass when I found out I was pregnant. I never bothered to use my bending on them so naturally they healed with scars, but they were so small that I barely took any notice of them. Yet here he is, mentioning them and gazing at my hands with a certain level of melancholy that has my heart twisting.
"Just an incident with broken glass." I try to laugh it off, but his hands squeeze against mine.
"I wish you wouldn't keep lying to me over everything." The Airbender whispers in a pained tone. Those words sting, not because they're true, but because they were what I so often accused my ex-husband for. 'In fact, lying was the reason why I got so fed up with him and yet here I am doing exactly the same thing. I'm the biggest hypocrite.' I think guiltily as a lump lodges in my throat.
"It was an incident with broken glass...just I broke the glass after I found out I was pregnant." I admit quietly, unsure why I'm even telling him this all of a sudden. 'It doesn't matter and it certainly doesn't change anything. There's no point telling him.' At least that's what I try to tell myself, but when his eyes crinkle ever so slightly, I can tell he appreciates the gesture.
"You must've been so distraught and scared." The Airbender echoes back with sad eyes as he finally flickers his stormy orbs to me. I'm at a loss on what to say from the way my tongue twists up in my mouth.
"It's in the past now." I finally say after an age, but his gaze never leaves my face and I suddenly become all too aware of how close we are. It almost feels like he's purposely getting closer or is it me that's moving?
"Katara, I..." Aang begins until my brother slams open the balcony door.
"Katara, where are you! Zuko just told me what...oh. Did I walk in on something?" Sokka's loud voice tails off into a meek whisper. I push the Air Nomad back and shake my head hard as my face turns red.
"No! I was just...picking up the arrow that dropped is all." I throw back, sounding just as befuddled as I feel. 'What on earth was he about to say? It almost sounded like he was going to...' I shake my head again to rid the thought. Sokka shoots me a sceptical expression, but thankfully he doesn't pry any further.
"Okayyyy. Anyway, I think it's best you both head back inside where it's safer." My brother suggests and I'm the first one to rush back inside, but not before I sneak a glance at the Air Nomad who appears dazed as a light dusting of pink on his cheeks emerges. The sight has me flushing more and I make a direct beeline to the toilets. 'Snap out of it Katara.' I rebuke myself.
A/N: A healthy mixture of angst and fluff. See, I'm not that cruel, I gave you all a break from the constant barrage, but I'll go back to upping it again from next chapter. Can't wait for you all to see chapter 20, it's gonna be a fun one hehe.
The line for this chapter is ofc going to be an angsty one:
"I'm sorry I made you cry."
Next chapter will be either Sat or Sun next week, depending on how tired I am lol. Hope you all have a super awesome weekend!
27/9/24