Chapter 22: It's going to be me

I find peace in the air that Katara and I share when our eyes flutter close. For the longest moment, in the dim light of the moon, happiness consumes me in a way I hadn't dared to dream for a long time. And, it doesnt end with that night. The days that follow are—better than any daydream—spent together. It's strange: it's new and somehow not, and yet all the same so unfamiliar, but entirely like home.

Our days consist of breakfast with our friends and family, like always. Toph and Sokka haven't come home yet. Suki comes around as often as she can, but I mostly see her among the reconstruction efforts and infirmaries in the city. Katara and I go on long walks together, sometimes early with the sunrise and sometimes late at sunset. If anyone thinks we're spending too much time together, they keep quiet. Katara thinks it's because we already spend so much time together as is. I think that we might really end up having a secret thing if we dont find a way to break the news soon. Still, if no one else senses a difference in our relationship, we do in those moments of privacy when our hands intertwine with each other. I feel it in the new things Katara lets me see.

I learn that just as she can make my face flush at the mere sight of her, things that feel natural to say have the same effect on her; like when I tell her I think her never ending desire to help people is amazing and how watching her water bending skills blows my mind still. I learn that she turns her face away from me when her cheeks color because it makes her shy. I learn that her smiles reach her eyes the most when we forget that we're waterbending masters and just play with water. With no more letters from Bumi or imminent danger, Katara reminds me how good being alive is.

This undisturbed bliss lasts four days.

My fists curl. Katara is not the only person I learn more about. Zuko, Katara, and I meet with the Earth King four days after we arrive in Ba Sing Se. It goes unexpectedly well considering all my anxiety surrounding Bumi's letters. The Earth King congratulates Zuko on his coronation and makes small pleasant conversation. He doesnt mention peace treaties, colonies, or Iroh. Not in front of Katara or Zuko. When Zuko does bring up the topic of Iroh, King Kuei listens intently, but remains close lipped. 'I don't decide who is put on trial.'

When Zuko attempts to bring up the colonies, the King insists on saving that conversation for the upcoming meetings. It's when he requests a private audience with me that he speaks openly. I come to regret my decision to do the same. I don't share with Zuko or Katara anything they don't already assume: the Earth King wants the colonies back and Iroh must go on trial.

Since then, I meet with the Earth King every other day and I hold back sharp remarks hoping that he comes to his senses. I learn that mastering the Avatar State means nothing if I can't control my temper. I clench my eyes and suck in deep breaths through my nostrils. Killing is bad and I won't do it again . . . But as I point my glare on the Earth King, I feel my resolve waver just the tinest bit. The Earth King watches me impassively which only serves to spike my anger. Beside him, General Yiwen looks down at me. The tacturn officer grates on my nerves too. As a part of the Council of Five, he has become the new Grand Secretariat: the position previously occupied by Long Feng. Katara doesnt have much to say when I ask her about Yiwen, but that may well be because he doesn't seem to talk much. Unless it concerns me that is. I thought about asking her if he had any opinions on the Avatar, but I figure that might peak her curiosity. I'm really not ready for that conversation, no matter how much almost every nerve in my body wants to confide in her. I know the moment I tell her the Earth King's wishes, our peace will be ripped away. And maybe, there's apart of me that fears her reaction. Deep resentment boils in my chest, this shouldn't even be a subject of discussion for spirits' sake!

Teeth grinding, I say, "I don't agree, your Majesty."

The Earth King straightens his back. Plainly, he responds, "Then I see no other solution. I need a garauntee of your loyalty to the Earth Kingdom and you refuse to give me it."

For such a calm man, he has a way of getting under my skin. After two weeks, it's apparent the Earth King will never listen to me first. It doesnt stop me from trying.

"I'm the Avatar. My duty is to the world. That includes the Earth Kingdom AND the Fire Nation."

"Well then, we have reached an impass, Avatar Aang. My duty is to the Earth Kingdom and the Earth Kingdom alone."

"But-"

"General Iroh will agree to stay in Ba Sing Se, the Fire Nation will relinquish control of Earth Kingdom territory they inhabit and their citizens will be asked to leave, by force if necessary." The Earth King says with finality. He adjusts his glasses and adds softly, "If you won't marry into the royal line, I can't help you."

I dont know why my love life matters to these people and I dont want to know. He has to know how ridiculous it is considering how descrete he's being about it. Not to mention, why should my choice on this matter influence the fates of nations? Honestly, Im too nervous to bring this up to anyone and I get a feeling General Yiwen sees right through me. I see through them too . . . Well, maybe not, but King Kuei is not much of a negotiator.

"You won't even if I do! Where's my garauntee? You'll consider letting Iroh leave eventually? You'll consider open discussion on the colonies? You'll consider an agression free approach to these peace meetings?" I snap, "General Iroh fought against his own nation for the freedom of the Earth Kingdom. He was imprisoned here by Long Feng and Azula. Iroh served time in the Fire Nation before escaping to reclaim Ba Sing Se for you! Zuko has no intention of keeping those colonies, but people have built lives and families there. You would be so cruel as to just uproot them without so much as listening to what they have to say, without at least talking about it!"

"Am I being cruel? The Fire Nation didnt care about cruelty when they took Ba Sing Se or those colonies or burned our land. They cared not for cruelty when they uprooted the people of the Earth Kingdom from land that is ours!" Kuei narrows his eyes, "You better than anyone should understand, Avatar Aang. The Fire Nation did not hold back their cruelty when they burned your people to the ground.

My mouth tastes bitter, "That was not on Zuko."

"Perhaps not. However, it was he who aided the fall of Ba Sing Se and consquently the fall of the Earth Kingdom. You know what followed after."

Words dont come to me. There is nothing I can say. I have no foot to stand on. My throat aches as I envision the hopelessness that followed that defeat. The ache hardens into a painful knot as the feel of soft fabric tingles my hands and the exact shade of pink haunts my memory. Baby Jing and her mother Song suffered the consequences of my failure. No one can possibly have confidence in me when they've already suffered by my mistakes. Furthermore, how do I promote non-agressive solutions when the last hundred years have been full of violence, when I myself have contributed to that legacy with Ozai?

"If I may intervene, your Majesty." General Yiwen says calmly, "Avatar Aang. General Iroh is the Fire Lord's esteemed uncle and an astute war general. Whether the new Fire Lord is sincere or not in his intentions to rectify the mistakes of his nation, it would be unwise for the safety of continued peace to underscore the threat they pose together. The Fire Nation has a long history of aggression; you are well aware. We must prevent a future tragedy. If the Avatar would commit to form ties with the Earth Kingdom . . . It would be a protection for us. We could be assured that your close friendship to the Fire Lord will not cloud your judgement in the future."

"I killed his father, General Yiwen." I tell him off darkly. "Our friendship is not the issue here. If you two would listen to me, you would see Fire Lord Zuko is merely looking out for his people and-"

"And, we must look after ours." The general responds. I can feel my body shaking. I look to the Earth King and he stares back unyielding.

I fight the urge to blast Kuei's fancy doors down on my way out.

Sokka

My mouth salivates at all the delectable sweets the maids lay before me. Stretched out on a plush sofa, I reach lazily for whatever is closest. I've gotten too used to all this luxury and I'm afraid I'll be terribly sad when I have to leave it. Munching of the bread, I look down at my stomach. It's probably for the best. This much laziness can't be good and I am getting bored . . . No, not bored. Lonely. I thought having the house and servants to ourselves, Toph and I would have a blast. I was wrong in the strangest of ways.

We talk and mess with the maids and bicker . . . But she's gone back to wearing her fancy robes and her table manners are stiff. It's like she's stuck. She'll start laying a napkin over her lap and change her mind. Othertimes, she'll slurp on her soup and stop herself. I shake my head. Her hair stays up and out of her face. Unlike her sharp tongue, she's soft looking, like a baby. I wince. She'll kill me if I ever tell her.

All of this to say, I often forget Toph is a girl. So often, she feels like another one of the guys. I've never seen her put much effort into her appearance or have a crush or shy away from what Katara calls 'gross'. I cross my arms. We have been in the Bei Fong vacation home waiting for Toph's parents' arrival for too long and I don't recognize my partner in crime. Toph has spent nearly every day grooming herself. If she cleans herself anymore, I'm going to need gloves around her.

"Ugh! Work with me hair!"

I sigh. A maid starts running off in Toph's direction. I shake my head at the woman and stand to check in on Toph myself. On a chair in front of a vanity, Toph has a brush stuck in her hair. Her face is flushed bright red as she pulls.

"Why do you have a mirror if you can't see yourself?"

"Why do you have a mouth if you don't know how to use it."

I wince.

After some silence, her shoulders sag, "My mother liked to watch the maids brush my hair from the doorway. I guess she could see my face through it? I'm not sure."

Standing there myself, I can see her face and expression clearly through the reflection of the mirror. Her eyes are sad and mouth is set downward. I walk to her and pry her fingers from the brush.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm brushing your nest."

Toph scowls.

Gently, I brush the knots. Her hair is thick, yet surprising slick. Unlike Katara's, Toph's hair is straight as can be. With her bangs out of her face, I can see her facial expressions clearly. I clear my throat awkwardly, "Are you nervous?"

She snorts and turns her face away from the mirror, "Why would I be?"

"You haven't seen your parents in a long time." I shrug. They sure are taking their sweet time.

"So?"

I don't say anything. I wish Katara was here. Why did I think I could be supportive? I can't even help Aang and Katara, what possessed me to think I could help Toph. She's possibly as emotionally dense as I am. I snicker softly. No, she's not. Maybe just a little closed off.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, just thinking I'm pretty bad at this."

Toph runs a hand through her hair a few times. She blinks. "You're actually pretty good. Even when the maids do it, it usually hurts me."

I don't bother correcting her. Instead, I say, "Katara has pretty difficult hair. I used to help her when we were little."

My own hair can be difficult too.

Silence falls over us. I brush for much longer than necessary, long after all the knots are out. After a while, her eyes start closing as if she were falling asleep. I notice then the dark circles shadowing her lashes. I frown. What could be possibly taking them so long? Her head is almost hanging, neck wobbling like a palm leaf.

"All done." I tell her. Forcing a yawn, I mumble, "I'm gonna take a nap. It's so nice not having Katara nagging me to get up . . . I'm surprised Aang and Katara haven't come looking for us."

She smirks, "Not even a letter."

I pout, "At least, Suki loves me."

Her expression becomes serious. For having no practical use, her eyes hold a lot of emotion. Maybe that's why she keeps her face covered? Her voice sounds wistful, but the smile on her face radiates warmth, "Despite all your craziness. And despite you being . . . you. She loves you and you love her too."

A sappy grin curls my lips, "I do, so much."

Thoughts of Suki fill me. Longing bubbles in my stomach. I wonder what she's up to? We've gone apart longer, but it doesn't make the distance any easier. My brows furrow. Wait a minute . . .

"Hang on, what's that supposed to mean?" I use my fingers for air quotes around her words, "'Despite me being me?' I'm a catch, I'll have you know! Of course she loves me!"

"Mhm, okay." She stands and takes the brush from my hands. Stretching out languidly, she walks toward her bed, "I'm feeling in a napping mood too. Anyway, you can go now."

I gape. She waves her hand in a shooing motion. I shake my arm in a boomerang throwing motion and a sword slice as I tell her, "I saved your life remember? With my trusty boomerang and space sword, which by the way I lost! I'm practically a hero!"

Toph nods pensively, "If you say so."

". . ."

". . ."

I pout and turn to leave, muttering snappishly.

"Thank you, Sokka."

I almost don't catch her softly spoken words. I grin. Clearing my throat, I exclaim, "Don't let me sleep too late! The maids promised roast duck for dinner!"

You're welcome, Toph.

Aang

Whether it be the Fire Nation or the Earth Kingdom, there is something entirely suffocating about palaces. Stomping down the halls drains me of anger and when the breeze of autumn air greets me outside, Im left with frustrated embarrassment. My head hangs as I ask the air, "What am I going to do?"

"About what?"

I jump. Leaning on a pillar, Suki watches me in full uniform. I smile weakly, "Hey Suki."

Her eyes soften. Wordlessly, she walks toward a statue beside the stairs leading out of the palace. At the base, there's space to sit and she pats the spot next to her. Reluctantly, I sit. Together, we stare into the palace gardens where some people are pruning bushes.

"You've been coming around a lot lately."

I look away from her. There's a lot hanging on the Earth King. I flick a tiny pebble.

"His majesty has a lot of opinions."

Suki hums, "Im guessing not very good ones. You never look happy after."

Happiness is a fleeting friend. She comes and goes as she pleases. I cross my arms. I cant blame her when all I seem to encounter is problems. I flick another pebble. I need to talk with Zuko. Official meetings begin next week. My tongue feels dry.

"I just dont get it Suki!" I exclaim. Suki's eyes widen for a moment before relaxing. Her tranquil gaze follows me as I pace in front of her. "The right thing to do is to return the colonies to the Earth Kingdom. I know that. Zuko knows that. Everyone knows that! The thing is . . . Zuko is not saying he won't, but I know he's wavering."

I'm wavering. Its not like we've talked about it much, but in the weeks we've been here, he's recieved some correspondence from concerned citizens. The younger colonies havent been there long. The tension can probably be helped. But what of places like Yu Dao? It's not the same, but the Eastern Air Temple comes to mind. Teo's father made a home there. If my people were still alive, could we kick out all those people? Could we force them out from all they've ever known? And what if there had been intermixed families? What happens to them? Do we separate them? What makes someone Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation or Water Tribe? Bending? Only the Air Nation could have claimed to consist of only benders.

"His people will suffer." Suki nods. "Regardless of the atrocities the Fire Nation is responsible for, not everyone is a soldier. Some people are just living day by day."

Her words circle my brain and my mouth moves on its own, "The Earth King doesn't care. I keep telling him to let Zuko speak to him, to come to Yu Dao . . . To speak with the people . . . He wants to wait for official peace meetings, but I–"

Suki waits patiently. It's like Im a balloon ready to pop. I almost bring up his proposal, but I bite my lip.

"He's cornering me—us." Our eyes lock, "Is it wrong of me . . . Is it wrong to think that just forcing people out is a bad thing?"

Her answer comes after a pause, "That's what the Fire Nation did. It wasn't right of them to do that."

Because the Earth Kingdom is merely reclaiming what was stolen from them, doing the same would be deserved. An eye for an eye. I shake my head.

"Im sick of it, Suki." My eyes are beyond tears. I am a ball of anger, "We just ended a war! We should be celebrating. What was all the bloodshed for? What did I kill Ozai for? Just to get into another conflict over land?"

"It won't come to that." Suki reassures me.

Shoulders saging and hands dangling at my sides, Im sure I make a pathetic sight. "I dont know. The Earth King seems ready to start another war and I dont know what Zuko's thinking."

Suki gives my hand a short squeeze as she pulls me back beside her, "Ask him."

I dont think I want to do that. Call it survival instinct. Suki smiles like she heard my thoughts. "If anyone can stop a war, its you."

Her words are meant to be comforting. Instead, a pit of hopelessness threatens to swallow me whole. So far, I havent very much liked the sacrifices that come with ending war. Now, Im dreading the thought of what I may have to sacrifice to prevent one. Looking out, the sun is setting. The soft orange glow of the sun cascades over the intricate garden below us. There's a tranquil atmosphere surrounding us as the awe of the view settles. Im starting to think I dont like sunsets very much.

"Too much?" Suki says sheepishly.

I feel like Sokka stuck in the ground.

She adds, "You look like I told you to go wrestle the Unagi."

Despite myself, the subtle mischievousness in her eyes draws a laugh out of me, "I would rather do that."

"Easier than talking sometimes."

"But I have to, don't I?"

"You don't have to do anything. It's your choice, even if it doesn't feel like it. You should, though. I think its better to be anxious about what you know than what you dont."

In this moment, I suppose she's right. Later, I come to have a hard time weighing which anxiety is worse.

Katara

Zuko is reading some correspondence on the floor. Mai rests her head on his lap with a fruit bowl on her stomach. Occasionally, Zuko pinches his nose. His eyes narrow with irritation. Mai feeds him a fruit and his expression relaxes. She pops a fruit into her own mouth and the cycle repeats. Feeling painfully jealous, I look out the window with Aang's goofy smile and vibrant eyes clear in my head. It's dark now. My dad and Iroh went out for groceries, so they should be back soon.

I cup my cheek while leaning on the kitchen counter. I spent the day in one of the infimiries the Earth King built for returning troops and injured citizens of the city. During our travels, I hadn't realized how blessed we have been to avoid facing death. In the infimary, we get soldiers arriving on the brink of death that even my healing abilities cannot save. Men and woman alike with severe burns and injured limbs walk in from infections gone wrong. A young woman brings her baby often for observation and treatment. They weren't able to evacuate fast enough and while the mother managed to survive the fire, she has heavy scarring on the left side of her body, a result of shielding her baby. Unfortunately, the smoke inhalation seemed to have caused problems with the baby's lungs. Times like this, I wish I had learned a little more about healing, but even my current skills are a blessing. At least that's what the healers say.

Aang, where are you? I miss you.

I sigh. He's keeping things from me. On occasion, when I spot Suki at the infimary, she mentions spotting Aang at the palace. He's been off to see the Earth King. He says it's about the colonies and Iroh when I bring it up, but I feel it's not the whole truth. I don't have the heart to push him on it. Not after what happened with Ozai. Maybe it's a mistake and maybe it's not what the world needs, but I want to trust his judgement. Like when Zuko joined the group, I'm going to trust he knows what he's doing. For now anyway.

Since he's not ready to talk, I try to turn his attention to small everyday things. We go on walks. Ive caught my dad watching Aang and I come home from our daily walk with our arms linked. He doesnt ask and Im not sure why, but I feel oddly shy to say anything myself. Aang thinks the longer we wait to tell everyone the harder it will be. He's right, of course, but I want to keep him to myself a little longer. Sokka is bound to be unbearable. Which reminds me that he and Toph have been long for longer than I expected. If Aang and I werent keeping busy, Id have gone looking for them. Maybe I should send them a letter or something.

We eat good food. I learn Aang doesnt very much like dragon apples. Ember crisp apples are his favorite kind. I dont see the difference, but he's always been a picky eater. Kind of crazy for a vegetarian. Aang had the audacity to look offended when I shared that thought. I stiffle a giggle. Clearly, I cant trust his taste in food. What person with good taste doesn't like stewed sea prunes? He made a face when I told him so, but didnt argue. Surely, he knows Im right.

Aang offers to take me gliding. Against my better judgment, I say yes. I dont know what I was expecting. The first time was terrifying, but also exciting (except the bug eating part). Going alone with Aang, I dont know. I thought he had spare glider lying around or something. We fly to the wall of the city on Appa. When the bison disappears into the sky, Aang wraps an arm around me and in one swift motion throws his glider and us off the edge of the wall. The sound of guards yelling in the background is drowned out by my own horror and Aang's laughter. Eventually, when my terror subsides and we adjust our positions, Im able to enjoy it. We loop the sky, play with clouds, and just glide. I learn that I really like kissing Aang, but maybe not in a 500ft fall to death impact scenario. My grin hurts my cheeks. I slap my cheeks lightly and my lips bend into a softer smile. When Aang's focus shifts off whatever is stressing him onto me, his eyes are light, happy, and carefree. My body tingles thinking I can do that for him, just as he does for me.

Still, I can't help but wish he would tell me what plagues him. What is stressing him so? He used to talk to me about anything and everything before. What changed? I clench my eyes shut. In Ember Island, did one night, one choice, change his faith in me? If I had followed him and held him and softened my tone . . . Could he feel confident to talk to me about his problems?

"Katara."

I look up and there he is. His eyes are sad. I don't think about it. In quick steps, I wrap my arms around him and he holds me tightly. He's shaking. I pull away to look at his face but he pulls me back, "A little longer, please."

"Aang, what's wrong?"

He pulls away and looks me in the eyes. His irises tremble. Leaning his forehead with mine, one hand cups my cheek and very tenderly, he presses our mouths together. He kisses me sweetly. Zuko and Mai are quiet, but for that moment I forget their presence despite knowing they're watching. Aang looks at me with much love and then his expression shifts into acceptance, "We need to talk."

My heart jumps. Aang takes my hand and leads me to a sofa by Zuko and Mai. The couple watch us wide eyed. Mai recovers first and with one hand closes Zuko's gaping mouth.

"Zuko, this is our cue to leave."

Mai is helping Zuko up when Aang says solemnly, "I need to talk to you too, Zuko."

Zuko nods slowly. He looks between the two of us and our intertwined hands. His shoulders sag and brows furrow.

"It involves the three of us."

Mai raises a brow. Zuko freezes. Shaking his head briefly at the knife expert, he whips around to face Aang, "How many times do I have to say this? Katara and I were never a thing! I told you this! Hakoda and Sokka too! I honestly dont under-"

"WHAT?"

"THATS NOT-"

Aang and I face each other. He clears his throat, "That's not what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh." Zuko blushes. He falls back on a sofa adjecent to us, his body leaning toward Mai. Aang motions her to sit too. I look back and forth between Aang and Zuko.

"Why do you look so offended?" Mai drawls.

"I look offended?"

Zuko snorts, but a knowing smirk curls his lips. Aang's eyes glitter mischievous for the briefest second.

I scoot closer to Aang. The Ember Island Players made reference to a romance between Zuko and I, but aside from feeling mildly disturbed—I didnt give it much thought. Even when Aang brought it up back then and after we got together. I scowl. How could anyone not see my love for Aang? After the speech dad gave me? And Sokka? How can the people closest to me not see who has my heart? Ill show them a thing or two, just wait.

I frown. Focus Katara. I squeeze Aang's hand, "Nonsense can wait for later. What do you need to talk about?"

His expression changes to something that resembles bitter amusement.

"If you were given two choices, which one would you take? Marry or risk another war?"

The question sucks the air out of me. Zuko looks like an ostrich horse at the edge of a cliff. His eyes stare into Aang's intensely. Mai rests a hand on Zuko's thigh as if she were afraid he might disappear. Am I the only one not understanding?

"Aang, what's this about?"

"Answer me, Zuko."

Mai's fist becomes pale and it shakes. Then suddenly, her face clears into indifference and she lets go. Zuko grasps her wrist. Mai rest her free hand over his and rubs her thumb over it soothingly before prying his fingers from her wrist. Zuko watches her with awe and horror in his gaze. His eyes are misty as she answers for him, "He would marry if that was the only way."

Aang gulps. His hold on me tightens. He looks like his world is ending. Zuko straightens like he's bracing himself for bad news. I pale. Surely, it cant be what Im thinking? I look at Zuko and Mai as realization breaks my heart.

"How could marriage prevent a war?" I ask.

Zuko replies numbly, "Marriages are considered alliances amongst the noble class. A safety net of sorts. Most people wouldnt kill their spouses' family. Now apply that to nations in conflict."

Its a flimsy net when people like Azula exist in my opinion.

"See that would make sense." Aang mutters. "So then why am I the one being married off?"

Zuko snaps his head in Aang's direction. Mai's eyes widen. Am I having some sort of wild dream? My voice comes out pathetically small, "What?"

The front door opens at that moment. My dad is holding several bags and Iroh has a grin plastered on his face as he hold a bag of plums.

"Hakoda is a phenomenal shopping companion: excellent eye, charasmatic personality, and a most proficient haggler!"

My ears are buzzing with Aang's words. I feel my breathing accelerate. Im going to lose him. I—no, thats not the problem here. His face is wrinkled with repressed emotion. This is what he's been hiding from me. Anger bubbles I struggle to sort my emotions. Trust him? How could I . . .

I bite my tongue, what am I thinking?

I haven't once let him go. I can't. I dont want to. It takes every ounce of willpower I have to drop his hand. I stand while rolling up my sleeves, I ask him, "Are you? Being married off?"

"The Earth King—"

"I DONT CARE!" I shock myself. Aang's lips part in disbelief. My dad says something, but I dont care about that either. "I dont care who's involved! I just want to know if you'll go along with it."

Aang looks at the floor, "I dont want to."

I scoff. He doesn't want to? I nod, "So thats it then? You're going to go matyr yourself. 'Oh poor me, I have to marry some rich girl.' What a horror!"

Aang shakes in his spot as he says softly, "Its not like that. I dont want this!"

Zuko and Mai start rising, to leave I presume. Without tearing my eyes from Aang, I snap, "Sit. Down."

They listen.

"How long have you been hiding this from me?"

His head hangs. I press my lips tightly and wait. The silence is torturously long. Aang sounds younger than he has in a while, "Bumi sent me letters in the Fire Nation. I thought he was messing around. Then we met the Earth King again. . ."

I was right. Pain stabs to the chest like a knife. My eyes water. I might shatter but I force myself to say it, "Thats how little I mean to you? Fine then. Go be married off. See if I care."

"You don't." Aang says softly, "That's the problem."

I turn my back to him, to all of them. A whine is at my throat, but I press my trembling lips together to hold it in. He has more to say and so I give him time. When he finds his voice, or maybe the courage, his words are spoken with an air of acceptance. I'm struck by the depth of his tone.

"I know you love me, Katara." There is not an ounce of resentment, but the words that follow hurt, "But sometimes, I feel like I'm in love alone."

I whirl around to face him, "How could you possibly think that? After everything we've been through together? The good, the bad, and everything in between we've faced it together. I've cried for you, because of you, with you. I've been the happiest for you, because of you, with you. And you think I'm not in love with you? You're the person I care about the most! The one that keeps my thoughts company all day!"

"THEN FIGHT FOR ME, KATARA." He snaps. One hand grips his chest, "Why are you telling me to go? I should have told you even if I thought it was some sick joke, I know! But I waited too long and then I was afraid . . ."

Afraid we would fall apart. I know.

Tears drip from his eyes, "I know you're not in love with Zuko. But I've always liked you more Katara. That much is true. Ive always made it clear to you. You can't say the same."

"I thought it was obvious." I whisper tenderly, "That you're my love."

Aang's eyes crinkle as he chokes on a sob or maybe a laugh. He shakes his head, "Where's Sokka when you need him?"

"It's not obvious." Mai deadpans suddenly.

I glare. Her elbow rests on Zuko's shoulder as she meets my gaze unphased.

"Toph thought you had a secret thing with Haru. Sokka thought you and Zuko-"

"Well, actually, Toph started that after. . ." Zuko trails off.

"You two were hugging." My dad coughs. It takes me a minute. The turtle ducks. I blush. Toph has too much time on her hands. My dad watches a pink Zuko carefully. Aang is equally pink and adamantly stares at the floor. I can almost hear his thoughts.

"Why are you blushing?" I hiss at Zuko.

Mai rolls her eyes. He sputters, "Ive never heard a love confession before."

I could strangle him. Aang's face goes white like he'd been suckerpunched in the throat. My cheeks on fire, I grab Aang by the front of his robes. Eye to eye, I tell him, "I confessed my love for you to Zuko first. Okay. Im sorry."

"Uhhh, my bad Aang." Zuko says quietly.

Aang blinks, "That's okay."

My eyebrow twitches.

"Listen here, Avatar." I narrow my eyes. "You and I have a lot to talk about, later. For now, understand you are it for me. Is that clear enough for you?"

"Crystal."

I almost laugh despite the seriousness. I let his shirt go, press a short kiss to his lips, and sit back down. He looks dazed and I have a good feeling things will be weird for a while, but there's one thing certain in my mind.

If Aang's marrying anyone, it's going to be me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I've sat on this chapter for too long and that's on me. I feel like I wanna work on it more because it's been such a fun chapter to write but alas I feel like I'm just gonna forget about. Hope you enjoyed it all the same. We are at the last stretch of this story and I couldn't be more excited. I believe it's going to be 30 chapters even including the epilogue, but don't quote me on that. As we get to the finish line I'm going to be "cleaning up" old chapters which don't expect much, probs quick typo checks and condensing author notes kinda thing. Don't wanna change much. As always THE BIGEST THANK YOUS! I love getting reviews and if you've been with a me a while, you know I've long given up on responding to them (except to one very very special person, you know who you are:), but know that I do read them and I do love them so very much and very much appreciate them! Anyway, wonderful readers, you shall hear from me in two weeks time. Crossing my fingers for sooner, but I procrastinate too much. Hehe.

Quote of the chapter:

I didn't realize how little room for thought I had been given, until I was allowed to think.

Pyrenees