A/N: I'm back early to make up for the longer wait last time XD You guys are honestly so awesome, I appreciate each and every one of you, so thank you a billion. This chapter is the second 'telling chapter' so to speak, less drama, but I'm leaving that for the next chapter hehe.
Responses to guest reviews:
A: Haha I didn't mean to make her suspicious, I promise! XD Oh gosh boy would that be a twist! Shame, I didn't think of it XD I don't blame you, I think I've been making everyone read into everything at this point with all the twists I've thrown at you guys XD That would've been some awesome drama if he didn't accept him…gah I wish I thought about that too! I'm afraid you're gonna have to wait a little longer for that one, but I promise it will be worth it XD Very true, it's the tie he needed to feel a little less alone. Gosh good point, now it feels like he has less than he had before. Well, I hope you enjoy this one XD
Haneypots: A massive contrast indeed, I loved that you chose to compare those two lines, really shows the progression of the story. That's true, that's why she's trying so hard to force him out, she doesn't want to re-live the hurt she's already faced, but Aang isn't great at getting the memo lol. Haha you know it! XD I'm gonna make them suffer a little more, sorry XD I like that, Yatsu was an accident, but that doesn't mean he was a mistake, although because how bad the timing of it was, it might subconsciously feel like it, esp with the surrounding circumstances of how he came to be – I'll touch on it later. Haha that's so cute, but very true, he is the glue that will hopefully stick them back together XD You're never a bother, quite the opposite actually – all of you are my joy XD haha I love having you guys join the journey with me, even if it's a painful one haha. Aww God bless you, hope you enjoy this early update XD
Notpainkill: I mean, it's still very early to say that. I disagree, I've painted it so it seems Aang has more pain, but that doesn't mean someone else's pain is to belittled, Katara is in pain in her own way and has to shoulder a lot. I do want to stress tho, angst is my fav genre, so I'm going to be leaning into that more while still being realistic – this is stuff that does happen irl. Haha you give a very good list of reasons, I do hope I'll be able to surprise you tho XD hehe that's my speciality tho, make things look hopeless and then pull off a convincing comeback…I hope…maybe…don't want to spoil anything. Haha fair enough, I know this isn't for everyone. I do hope you stick around, but I respect if you don't. I do plan to guve everyone a satisfying end tho.
Guest: Angry Aang is ALWAYS fun to write XD haha you're not the first one to say that, everyone thinks Jin is a bit off, although albeit that wasn't intentional haha. True! Oh don't worry, that's coming eventually XD Firstly, thank you so much for sharing your fav line, really appreciate it! Secondly, you picked one of my fav lines! XD I wanted to sum up all of Katara' frustrations with that line, her very clear I don't want anything to do with you more than I have to XD Thank you so much for leaving a review, means so much! I hope you're having a super awesome day! :)
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Katara's POV:
The car drive is a quiet and awkward affair. The air becomes so stifling that I find myself reeling down the windows just so that the fluttering air can act as a distraction. When I spot Yatsu's and Fuki's school appearing in the horizon, I release a quiet breath of relief. 'At least the kids will fill up the awkward air with their chatter.' I think to myself in consolation as I park the car and step out of the vehicle.
The Airbender is a beat slower, but I stubbornly refuse to pay him any mind as I move towards the school gates where the rest of the parents are waiting for their kids. Some of the parents give me a friendly nod in greeting while a couple of others cross the distance and pull me in a hug.
"Katara! So good to see you. When Yun kept picking up the kids, we were getting a bit worried for you." One mother voices with concern and I give her an easy smile in reassurance.
"Just a lot of shifts at the hospital for the time being." I explain as the other mum looks behind me curiously.
"Who's the guy behind you?" She whispers while leaning close to me. I release a sigh as my eyes dart briefly behind me to look at the Airbender who's standing looking very awkward and out of place. I almost chortle at the sight before turning back to the parent.
"He's just someone I know." I throw back vaguely, but if anything that causes raised eyebrows as the two parents exchange glances.
"Bored of Yun already?" One of them teases and I flush bright red at her implication.
"N-No! He's just...a bending teacher for Yatsu." I grumble, but the mums shoot me a knowing glance and I feel like sinking into the ground beneath me. Fortunately, I'm saved by the sudden of chorus of young chattering and I wilt in relief as I turn to survey the group of young children that the teacher brings out. I spot Yatsu's jet black hair a moment later.
"Mummy!" The boy yells as he waves goodbye to his teacher and races over towards me. I grin and move to meet him halfway, bringing him into a tight hug.
"How was your day at school?" I ask once we pull apart, but before he can reply his eyes light up.
"Mr Aang!" He hollers and moves to greet the Airbender. The parents I was talking to earlier are blinking as they glance between Yatsu and his father. I bite my lip, ready to turn away from them when a hand appears at my shoulder.
"They really look alike." One of the mums muses curiously and I give her an awkward laugh before moving away.
"I've got to go, but I'll see you around." I bid quickly and move towards the pair who are attracting an unreasonable amount of attention. I move to grasp both the Avatar's hand and my son's before dragging them away and into the car. "Stay here, while I get Fuki." I command firmly as I turn around, but the girl must've caught sight of us as we were leaving as she sprints towards us.
"Auntie Katara, were you about to leave me?" The girl accuses with a pout. I laugh and pull her in a hug.
"Definitely not, I was just coming to get you." I say as I pull away. Her eyes fall on the Air Nomad with a frown.
"Why are you here with..." She trails off.
"Mr Aang is going to take me to the science store today!" Yatsu chimes in with a grin, but the girl's frown deepens. The Avatar notices and side steps me to reach her.
"I hope that's ok? I just wanted to go through a couple of airbending techniques with him." The Airbender explains and after a moment, the suspicion on the girl's face drops.
"Well, if you say so." She mumbles unsurely as she moves to get into the back of the car. Yatsu follows suit. When I reach for the handle on the driver's side, I pause when I realise the man isn't moving. I furrow my eyebrows and tilt my head to the side.
"Are you getting in or not?" I call out, shaking the man out of his reverie.
"I can't believe I have a...a..." He trails off as if caught up in a daze as he continues to stare at the car where Yatsu is joking around with Fuki. I bite my lip. 'Oh right. Now that he knows Yatsu is his, he's likely to treat him differently from when he thought he was just my son.' I purse my lips as my fingers drum against the rooftop of the car for a moment.
"I'll take Fuki out for ice cream and you can talk to him?" I suggest softly, but he shakes his head.
"N-No. I think...I think it's best if you tell him. Maybe...maybe another time." The Air Nomad mumbles as he moves towards the passenger's side. I frown at hearing him back out, but he's already sliding into the passenger's side before I can protest. 'Typical airbending tactic. Avoid and evade. Seems that hasn't changed with his memory loss.' I think with a long sigh before moving into the driver's side.
The car journey to the science shop is filled with chatter between the two children and about 100 glances from the Air Nomad directed at Yatsu through the rearview mirror. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop me from saying anything with the kids listening in. 'Spirits. I didn't think he'd take it...like this. I can't tell if he's still in shock or what. Does he dislike the idea of having a child? I never thought to ask.' I chew my lip in thought as I glance at the man beside me who's tapping his thumb nervously against his hand. After the 20th tap, I sigh and reach over to still his hands which earns me a surprised intake of breath as the Airbender's eyes snap towards me. I pull back my hand and return it to the steering wheel while keeping my eyes directed ahead.
"Stop stressing. I'll find a moment for you to tell him." I say casually and when I flicker my gaze to the rearview mirror, I find Fuki's eyes on me with her frown returning in full force. I sigh inwardly, already having a good idea on what's going on in her mind.
"Auntie Katara, you never said how you met Mr Aang?" Fuki asks innocently, but her true intentions are clear and I can't blame her. 'She's only protecting her Dad.' I purse my lips, unsure what to tell her exactly when the Airbender suddenly speaks up.
"We went to the same uni, but lost contact sometime after." My ex-husband explains and I almost groan at his answer. 'If anything, that will make her more worried.' I think anxiously as I flicker my eyes back to hers, but she seems to accept the idea readily.
"Oh! So, you guys are just friends then?" Fuki queries, seeking reassurance. I bite my tongue.
"More like acquaintances." I correct as I refocus on the road. I notice the man stiffening beside me, but I can't for the life of me imagine why. "We bumped into each other recently which was handy because Yatsu needs some help controlling his airbending." I continue and finally the girl is satisfied as she nods in understanding.
"My airbending isn't that bad." Yatsu grumbles as he leans back and crosses his arms. I send him an apologetic smile.
"It just needs a little polishing honey." I say gently. The boy lets out an incoherent mumble and soon after the children are locked into deep conversation once more and I release a breath in relief.
"Doesn't it feel wrong to lie like that?" My ex-husband queries so quietly that only I can hear him. I freeze for a moment as my fingers curl around the wheel tightly.
"You prefer to tell her that her dad's fiancé is spending time with her ex?" I whisper in a hush which instantly steals the fight from the man's eyes as he slumps his shoulders.
"You could've just said we were friends. Surely, we were friends before we..." He trails off with a shrug, but he needn't complete his sentence. I eye him from the corner of my eyes before making a left turn.
"Friends is closer than I'm willing to allow us to be." I reply dryly as I turn the wheel to the side.
"But...why?" My ex-husband whispers and I resist the urge to grit my teeth in annoyance.
"That should be obvious." I retort as the science centre comes into view. The children's chatter comes to a halt and so does my conversation with the Air Nomad. I slide the car into the first available parking space and switch off the engine.
"Ok, off we go." I announce as I twist around to smile at the kids who excitedly remove their seatbelts and exit the car. I glance to my side when I realise the Air Nomad hasn't budged and sigh audibly. "What now?" I probe in exasperation as the Airbender runs a hand over his bare scalp.
"I...don't know how I'm meant to talk to him." The Airbender confesses and all my irritation melts away in an instant as I chew my lip for a moment.
"Just treat him how you did before. You don't have to behave differently. He already likes you, remember?" I point out as I open my car door and step out. After a few moments the man follows suit and we head into the store together. We're greeted by a sales woman who approaches us with a wide smile.
"Welcome! Is there anything you and your family are looking for today?" The woman queries which causes both I and the Air Nomad to splutter while Fuki lets out a snicker.
"We're not a..." I trail off when I eye my son and Fuki. I clear my throat. "We're just browsing for now. Thank you." I say instead. The woman looks confused for a moment before giving us a bashful smile.
"Sorry. The little boy looks so much like the man, I assumed..." She trails off when I start coughing and swiftly steps back. "Enjoy the store!" She utters tactfully, but both Fuki and Yatsu are staring at my ex-husband curiously and I feel like slapping my forehead. 'I was hoping Sokka was exaggerating how much the two looked alike, but it must be blindingly obvious if total strangers notice the resemblance.'
I bite my tongue when the two children continue staring at me, but fortunately the Avatar comes to my rescue as he rests a hand on either child's shoulder and steers them down one aisle.
"Anything you two fancy today? My treat for you both." The Airbender offers kindly and soon their suspicion is wiped away completely as Yatsu start tugging him down one particular section of the store. I sigh in relief before trudging some distance behind the trio.
Yatsu's eyes seem to sparkle as he unknowingly talks with his Dad and the man in question can't help but beam at the boy as he pulls him close into his side. My heart trips up at the sight. 'It's one I wished to see years ago and now it leaves me feeling uneasy. When you're pretty much the sole carer of your child for many years, it feels hard to suddenly share him.' I swallow and opt to glance at Fuki who seems to be watching the exchange closely with a thoughtful expression. I purse my lips and move to walk beside her.
"I'm sorry, I know science isn't really your thing." I apologise, but the young teen shakes her head.
"Not at all, the store still has some interesting things..." Fuki trails off to chew her lip. "Those two seem to get along really well." She murmurs as she nods her head to the airbending duo. I give her a half smile.
"Jealous?" I tease in an attempt to sway her attention elsewhere. It works as she splutters and shakes her head vigorously.
"No!" She yells and I grin.
"That was a pretty loud protest." I point out lightly as the father-son duo stop to pick up a large looking box. Our feet come to a gradual stop as well as the girl crosses her arms.
"I have a Dad, there's no need to be jealous." Fuki voices firmly, before glancing at the boy who's hopping up and down in excitement. I hear her release a quiet sigh. "Yatsu on the other hand seems absolutely taken by him. I know he likes my Dad, but he seems a lot more attached to Aang than he does him, despite knowing my Dad for longer." Fuki explains with pursed lips.
I bite my tongue. 'She's not wrong. Yatsu has always been polite to Yun, but he's never been attached to him.' I bite my lip and rest an arm around her shoulders.
"And that worries you?" I whisper softly. I feel the girl stiffening underneath my arm, before she slumps her shoulders forward.
"I know Yatsu is one of the reasons that will make you marry my Dad or not. I'm worried...I'm worried this guy will take you both away from us." She mumbles as she drops her gaze to the floor. My lips part in surprise. I chance a glance at the Air Nomad who's making a silly face which elicits a giggle from his son. I release a breath before looking back at the girl.
"I want to marry Yun, but Yatsu...I can't make any promises on how he feels." I admit and watch as the girl chews her lip before releasing a sigh.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Just as I want to choose my new mum, he should choose who he wants as a dad." She agrees begrudgingly. Her words make me freeze for a moment. 'Its fine, she probably just misworded it.' I try to convince myself as I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"Mama! Look at what Mr Aang is going to get me!" Yatsu gushes as he points at the large box in the trolley. I squint my eyes and part my lips in disbelief.
"A microscope set?!" I breathe out dubiously as I cast my eyes to the man who shrugs helplessly.
"He said he wanted it." The older Airbender voices sheepishly. I cross my arms and turn to Yatsu.
"Are you even going to use it?" I ask sceptically and the boy nods his head vigorously.
"Yes definitely!" He vows, but I'm still unsure.
"And I mean not just for a few days and then you get bored of it." I elaborate as I observe the child carefully who raises his hands together in a plea.
"I promise I won't get bored of it!" Yatsu urges earnestly. I sigh and unfold my arms.
"I hope not. These things are expensive." I mumble as I eye the price tag. Yatsu jumps in the air with a fist pump before running to hug the Air Nomad.
"Thank you, Mr Aang!" Yatsu gushes brightly. His father is stunned silent for several moments before he returns the embrace.
"Anytime buddy." My ex-husband murmurs as he lifts the boy in the air. "Fuki, have you picked out something?" The Airbender queries as he turns to gaze at the young teen who smiles politely.
"No, but it's fine. Science is more of Yatsu's thing." The girl waves off, but the Avatar isn't having it.
"Yatsu was saying you liked the foam experiments at school, you could grab one of the home sets to try out." The Air Nomad suggests helpfully and it appears to be a smart move as the girl's facade cracks.
"I mean, it is for school..." Fuki trails off, but I can see she's itching to grab the box off the shelf. I chuckle at the sight and everyone's eyes snap towards me in surprise. My laughter dies down as I anxiously glance between everyone.
"What is it?" I prob unsurely and for a moment it seems no one will reply until Yatsu eventually speaks up.
"You're always so serious when Mr Aang is around Mummy. I don't think I've heard you laugh around him yet." Yatsu explains honestly and I bite my lip when I realise he's right. I cough into my hand and move towards the trolley.
"I see. Well, let's get these to the checkout." I say, brushing off the comment, but my son frowns.
"Mummyyyy." He whines as he follows me and I go to brush some of his hair out of his face.
"No Mummy me, otherwise this goes back on the shelf." I chide lightly and the boy instantly stills his complaints. Both Fuki and my ex-husband lingers behind us until we reach the checkout desk. I pop Fuki's kit on the conveyor belt and then move to pick up the microscope box, only for the Air Nomad to beat me to it. I frown at him.
"I could've done it." I mutter, but he gives me a small smile.
"I know." He says simply as he rests the large box on the belt. I cluck my tongue before an idea hits me.
"Do you think you can grab me some of those carrier bags over there?" I request, surprising the Airbender who gazes at me suspiciously.
"Sure." The Avatar replies and as soon as his back is turned, I move to tap my card against the card reader and when the Air Nomad returns, he realises what I've done.
"Katara! I said I was going to pay!" My ex-husband protests in frustration.
"This is too much. I was happy for you to buy him something small, but you can't be forking out that amount of money." I argue, as his lips thins in displeasure.
"I can easily pay that amount. I own several jewellery shops if you aren't aware." The Air Nomad retorts as he digs into his pocket to pull out a wallet. I quirk an eyebrow which quickly drops when he pushes several notes into my unexpecting hand. My lip part as I stare at the notes.
"This is more than what they cost." I argue as I try to pass the money back, but he snaps his wallet closed and inserts it into his back pocket.
"Keep the change." The Air Nomad fires back as he starts pushing the trolley back towards the car. I'm just about to shoot out a retort when I catch the wide-eyed expression on both the children's faces. 'Shoot. I forgot they were still here.' I pinch the bridge of my nose to compose myself before ushering them out to the car park.
"That was kind of intense." Fuki whispers to the boy, assuming that I can't hear her, but hear her I do and it makes me grimace.
"Mummy really hates Mr Aang." Yatsu mumbles. My feet come to an abrupt halt at hearing the child's assessment. The duo don't seem to realise as they keep walking to the car.
"Yeah, I can see that. Guess I was worried over nothing." Fuki muses to herself and I find myself cringing just as Yatsu turns his confused eyes to the older girl.
"Worried about what?" He echoes, looking perplexed, but the teen just grins and links her arm into his.
"Nothing important! Come on, let's get in the car." Fuki dodges as she steers him towards the back seat.
I drop my head into my hand as shame washes over me. 'Its been years and I'm still arguing with the Airbender. I suppose old habits do die hard. I'm supposed to have matured past this. If we're really going to co-parent, then I need to learn to be more...cordial with him. But...aurgh why is that so hard?!' I groan loudly before finally pulling my hand away from my face and heading over to the car. When I arrive, I notice everyone's already inside and with a deep breath, I open the driver's side and sit down, closing the door behind me.
"I'm telling him now." The Air Nomad announces into the silence. I go still for a moment before turning my head towards my ex-husband.
"What? This isn't the most private of places. Besides Fuki's still here." I argue just as the two children inch closer to the front of the car in bewilderment. The Air Nomad narrows his eyes at me.
"I'm not sure I trust you enough to ever tell him." The Airbender's quip digs deeper than I would've liked as my stomach clenches. I shift to rest my forearms on top of the steering wheel as I stare at the man. His prior easy-going features have dissipated and right now his expression has hardened. I roll my bottom lip between my teeth before slumping against my chair.
"I told you that you can tell him. I don't break my promises." I reply tightly, but the Airbender folds his arms across his chest.
"It has to come from you for him to believe it. You're his Mum after all." The jab at the parentage doesn't go unnoticed by me and I'm slowly starting to realise that he's been hiding a lot of his anger over me hiding the truth from him. 'Maybe this isn't something he'll be able to forgive easily. If ever.' I think numbly. I drop my hands to hold onto the bottom of the steering wheel just as Fuki pokes her head through the gap between the front seats.
"What's going on? What do you need to tell Yatsu?" The girl demands as her eyes dart between me and the Air Nomad. I exhale heavily before twisting my head around to look at the back. Fuki withdraws her head to allow me have sight of them both.
"I've...got something to tell Yatsu. I'm sorry Fuki, but best if I let him decide if you hear it or not." I say apologetically, but the boy is already reaching towards the girl's sleeve and clasping it.
"Fuki is my best friend. I want her here." Yatsu insists before biting his lip. "But...why are you and Mr Aang so serious? Did I do something wrong?" The boy adds anxiously and I instantly stretch out my arm to cup his cheek.
"No, no baby boy. It's just..." I pause to sigh as I move my hand to rest it on his head. "You said you wanted to know more about your Daddy, right?" I prob cautiously. 'If he says no, I'll stop in a heartbeat.' I say to myself, but I know I'm only fooling myself. Yatsu's lips part at the conversation topic and his eyes go wide. His reaction is more than enough for me to know he's pieced it together himself. 'A genius like his Dad indeed.' I think ruefully as my hand drops from his head.
"You mean...Mr Aang is...my Daddy?" Yatsu breathes out in disbelief. His blue ocean eyes never waver from mine, as if waiting for my confirmation. I swallow and glance at my ex-husband beside me, but his face is so neutral that I can't read him. It sends a dull ache through me, knowing that I used to be able to read him like the back of my hand. 'But this new Avatar...he smiles more, takes less of my nonsense and holds grudges more. It's different. I can't read him. Not at all. Not anymore.'
I feel a lump at the back of my throat and I'm forced to tear my eyes away from him to look at my son, but his expression is no better. It's mixed between hope, shock and longing. I bite the inside of my cheek hard before finally jerking my head up in a nod.
"Yeah...he is." I confirm while faltering. Yatsu's jaw drops while Fuki inhales deeply.
"No. Way." She breathes out, but it's masked by Yatsu's words.
"Daddy?" The boy's utterance is quiet and profound. It jerks at a part of me I didn't realise existed. The Air Nomad turns and stretches an arm across to Yatsu who immediately uses his airbending to propel him forward into his father's tight embrace. "I can't believe all this time you were my Daddy." The boy whispers and my throat closes up with mixed emotions. Happy to see him happy. Anguish to see him so desperate for a father.
"And I couldn't believe I had a son." The Air Nomad murmurs as he rests his hand at the back of the boy's head to bring him closer to his chest. "I'm sorry I'm so late to introducing myself." My ex-husband adds quietly and his voice actually wavers from unrestrained emotion. And if I was doubting I was a horrible person before, then I'm definitely not doubting it now. My eyes drop to the car floor as my fingers dig into the car wheel.
"That wasn't your fault, Daddy." Yatsu mumbles as he encircles his father's neck with his small arms. That dagger hits right in the heart and I almost inhale sharply when I hear it, but I keep my lips tightly sealed, stifling the sound as the two enjoy their reunion. It's a full fifteen minutes later before they finally untangle, but the boy refuses to leave his father's lap.
"Yatsu, you need to return to your seat." I press, but the boy stubbornly shakes his head.
"No! I only just found my Daddy." He argues firmly, making me massage my forehead impatiently.
"He's not going anywhere, but I can't drive us while you're sitting like that. You could get hurt if I need to stop suddenly." I argue, but the boy refuses to budge.
"What about we switch seats? I can sit at the front with Auntie Katara and you both can sit in the back?" Fuki suggests helpfully which finally sways the boy.
I cast the girl a grateful glance who gives me a thumbs up in return. After a few minutes, once we're all in the new seating arrangement, I make the way back home. Yatsu and his Dad are locked into deep conversation almost immediately and I have to step down on the rise of irrational jealousy.
"Acquaintances, huh?" Fuki voices lightly and suddenly the colour drains from my face. "It looks like you were a lot more than that if Yatsu is any indication." She adds with a smirk. My breathing hitches and I narrowly avoid us hitting the pavement. I shoot her a glare.
"Fuki that's not appropriate." I chide stiffly, but the girl doesn't look the least bit bothered as she rests her elbow against the window sill.
"So, what happened between you two? You obviously can't seem to get along. I was worried for a moment when I realised you were ex-lovers, but looking back on all your interactions, I don't think I should be." Fuki muses with teasing eyes. I clench my jaws, reminding myself that she's still a child as I breathe out through my nostrils.
"We argued, we divorced. End of story." I list briefly between clenched teeth, but the teen seems to be enjoying this a little too much.
"And you had Yatsu along the way." She adds coyly, prompting me to grip the steering wheel more tightly as a point of focus for my raging emotions. When I don't reply, her smile drops slightly.
"Does my Dad know?" She asks quietly and my grip on the wheel loosens.
"He does. He's been very understanding about it all." I admit honestly and her face brightens again.
"I love how honest you are with him." Fuki confesses with a small smile. I flicker my eyes over to her briefly with a half-smile.
"Well, that's what you do in a relationship." I remind, but no sooner do I say it, a dark cloud of the past looms over me. Remembering all the times when the Airbender was anything but honest with me. A jolt to the arm, has me coming back to my senses and with wide eyes I slam on the brakes when I realise I'm coming up too close to the car in front.
"Spirits, I'm so sorry." I apologise profusely as I check over to Fuki who's giving me a reassuring thumbs up. I glance at the rearview mirror to find the Avatar's arms securely around Yatsu and I breathe a sigh in relief.
"Are you ok? You were really distracted there." The Air Nomad queries with a frown as he eases up on his hold around his son. I swallow and flicker my gaze away as I move my foot off the brake.
"Fine. Just lost in thought." I mutter as I push on the accelerator. I spot Fuki exchanging a cautious glance with the man behind her, but I say nothing.
"Sorry, that's my bad. I shouldn't have teased so much." The girl apologises after a few moments of silence. I sigh and shake my head.
"No, you're fine. I should've been paying more attention. It's ok. No harm done." I say as I give her shoulder a brief squeeze before returning my hand back to the wheel.
The silence in the car continues for a few moments longer and when I glance at the rearview mirror, I can see the Airbender watching me. His eyes are only pulled away when Yatsu tugs his arm and ropes him in another conversation. I glance back at the road. 'He must've been listening to our conversation while still engaging with Yatsu. Multitasking was one of the few things he was rusty on, but seems like he has perfected it now.' I think to myself as I indicate right.
"Daddy, are you going to visit everyday from now on?" Yatsu's question cuts like a knife and I have to grip the wheel tighter to make sure I don't swerve into the grass. I feel the Air Nomad's gaze on me before I even look. 'We never discussed how this would work.' I realise with a groan. "Or will I live with you?" Yatsu adds after a moment.
This time I do swerve slightly to the right, but I quickly right the car before anyone notices. 'Shoot! It never occurred to me that he might want to...live with him.' I think as my stomach twists. I can feel Fuki's eyes on me, but I'm too much of a coward to meet her gaze.
"I don't think we could arrange living together. My work has me moving around a lot. But I'll visit as often as I can." My ex-husband explains gently, but the disappointment is clear on the boy's face.
"You mean...I won't see you everyday?" Yatsu whispers with a croak. And somehow that tears up at me worse than him wanting to stay with his Dad. I bite the inside of my cheek, not sure how to contribute.
"I'm...really sorry Yatsu. I don't think I can for the time being, but I promise I'll see you whenever I can and...I'll always give your mum my address when I leave for somewhere different in case you need to reach me." The Airbender bargains, but the boy casts his eyes to the ground.
"Oh. Ok." He mumbles. My teeth sink into the flesh of my cheek until I taste metallic. 'I always imagined having kids with the Avatar, but I had presumed the kids would've grown up knowing who their father was so the absences wouldn't be weird. But now? Telling Yatsu would be impossible. Not only because it risks Yun and Fuki finding out, but also because we're not living together. We're an open target whenever he leaves. I've not dedicated much time to improving my fighting bending skills because I've been so busy juggling being a single working mum. I would never want my son to be put in that sort of danger or be used as leverage against the Avatar. And I think...I think we're on the same page about that.' I think as I lock eyes with the Air Nomad who gives me the barest of nods.
"I'm not leaving for at least a week, what about we plan a bunch of activities together?" The Airbender suggests as he elbows the boy lightly in an attempt to cheer him up. Yatsu glances up at him while chewing his lip before sighing and nodding his head.
"Ok, that sounds good. Thank you Daddy." The child murmurs as a small smile appears on his face. I breathe a sigh of relief, happy that he's at least perking up a bit.
"I'm confused, why does Aang have to move around so much? Doesn't he just own a bunch of businesses?" Fuki asks in confusion. I hear the man inhale deeply, but I already prepared this answer long ago.
"Exactly. He needs to constantly monitor those businesses. Jewellery shops aren't cheap, he needs to check up on them frequently. Not to mention he has several branches dotted over different cities. Plus attending meetings." I explain swiftly as the Avatar's jaws slacken. Fuki purses her lips in thought before nodding her head.
"That makes sense. Spirits, having a business sounds like hard work." The teen comments. I grimace. 'That's not even the half of it.' I think as I chew my lip. 'It was smart thinking of him to have a side-hustle. Helps deviates people's attention from his actual role. Though him being a well-known figure for that still leaves me uneasy. Any big shot businessman can face their own danger. I've seen it enough times with Zuko.'
My thoughts send a rush of worry through me as I glance at the man in the rearview mirror. My heart stops for a moment when I realise he's still watching me. I swallow and swiftly dart my eyes to the road again. 'Why does he keep watching me?' I wonder as my heart rate picks up from the attention. Fortunately, the house makes an appearance and my worries lessen with it. I pull the car into the driveway and Fuki bolts out of the car towards the house when she sees Yun opening the house door with a grin.
"Good day?" I hear him ask her from the car window. Yatsu however, is more reluctant to exit the car.
"Can you stay for dinner?" He asks with hopeful eyes and immediately a pair of grey orbs land on me. I sigh.
"You'll have to ask Yun, he's the one preparing dinner today." I voice and no sooner do I say that, the boy bolts out of the car and sprints towards the earthbender. I shake my head in amusement. 'Thay boy never ceases to make me laugh.' I think fondly as I pull open the car door.
"Are you sure that's ok?" My ex-husband asks suddenly and I still for a moment as I cast a brief glance at him.
"It's Yun's decision." I repeat with a shrug and step out of the car before he can interrogate me further. As soon as I reach my fiancé, I hear Yatsu release an excited yell as he goes running past me. I quirk an eyebrow at Yun who raises his hands out helplessly.
"You told him yes." I state dryly as the doctor gives me a sheepish smile.
"I told him yes." He confirms as he leans forward to wrap his arm around my shoulders. "How could I say no to a face like that?" Yun adds before glancing at the airbending duo. Yatsu has his hand clasped in his father's as they walk. "So, you told him?" Yun whispers after a beat. I sigh and nod my head.
"Didn't have much of a choice in the matter." I grumble, but my eyes never stray from the pair. 'It's as if they were never separated at all based on how close they appear to be.' I note with a sad smile. "Sorry, Fuki was roped into it all." I add after a moment's thought, but Yun laughs and shakes his head.
"Not at all, she's loving the drama. Said something about it being straight out of one of her favourite books." Yun voices with a grin. I snort and roll my eyes.
"Teens and their love of angst." I quip as I lean my head against his shoulder.
"Think we all enjoy a bit of angst now and again." Yun jokes and I roll my eyes again just as the pair reaches us. The Air Nomad glances between Yun and I with an unreadable expression before directing his eyes at his son.
"Thank you for having me." My ex-husband murmurs politely. I raise an eyebrow at his change in attitude, but Yun doesn't seem to notice.
"Happy to have you Aang. We could always do with more men in this household anyway." The consultant jokes prompting a small smile from the Airbender.
"I think you have a pretty perfect balance ratio as it is." The Avatar comments smoothly, which elicits a laugh from my fiancé, but something about the way he said it has me frowning.
"Alright, let's head in for dinner, I've laid everything out already, so wash up and take a seat." The earthbender directs as he ushers Yatsu and Aang inside. I watch them for a moment before heading in myself.
"Daddy, I want you to sit next to me!" Yatsu demands as we gather around the table. My right foot pauses mid-air, stopping its automatic direction to sit next to him. I bite my lip and backtrack.
"Who do you usually sit next to?" The older Airbender queries casually as Yun sets some drinks on the table. The boy purses his lips.
"Fuki and Mama. But I sit with Mama all the time, so she won't mind." Yatsu explains breezily. Both Yun and my ex-husband glimpse at me, so I force a smile to my face.
"Yeah, it's fine. Go sit next to Yatsu." I urge smoothly, but the feeling of being replaced so easily hurts. I take a seat beside Yun and my ex-husband, but it feels a little too awkward for me. I close my eyes briefly to compose my raging emotions and open them to find Yun setting me a plate of all my favourite things. I cast him a grateful smile. He returns it with a wink before moving on to serve everyone else.
"Daddy why aren't you taking any meat?" Yatsu's voice suddenly rings out and I glance over at my ex-husband's plate to find it filled with vegetables and bread. The spoon I had raised to my mouth, drops slightly.
"Spirits, that's my fault. Let me go fix you something vegetarian." I say as I half rise from my chair, only to be stopped by the Air Nomad's hand as he grasps my wrist.
"It's no worry at all, this is more than enough. Besides, Jin is cooking something at home." My ex-husband reassures as he withdraws his hand, but I frown.
"I still don't mind." I press, but he waves his hand.
"We should eat while everything is hot." The man insists and after a moment of hesitation, I drop back into my chair, but I can't help to glance guiltily at his unappetising plate.
"Daddy, you're a vegetarian? You don't like eating meat?" Our son queries as he blinks in surprise. Fuki tries to hide a snicker behind her hand, which earns an annoyed expression from the boy. "What's so funny?" He demands as the teen points at him with her fork.
"You're a genius and an airbender, but you don't know that Air Nomads are usually vegetarian? It's funny." The girl explains with a smug face, but Yatsu's face drops in self-disappointment.
"Now Fuki, people forget these things. I'll admit, I definitely forgot. Sorry about that Aang." My fiancé apologises as regret contorts his features.
"There aren't many Air Nomads, it's easy to overlook these details." I defend quickly.
"You didn't." My ex-husband points out and silence suddenly falls on the table. I shoot him a side eye in displeasure at his attention to detail.
"That's because I've known you for nearly two decades." I fire back between grit teeth. Fuki lets out a low whistle.
"Wow that's a long time. You guys must know everything about each other." The teen mentions offhandedly which causes both I and the Avatar to stiffen up. 'I might know quite a bit, but he? He remembers nothing.' I think as my chest tightens at the reminder.
"I don't think anyone can know everything about someone." Yun chimes in helpfully, but Fuki rolls her eyes.
"Maybe. How did you two meet at uni? It seems like you both did very different degrees. Are you even the same age?" Fuki fires questions, but I find myself too numb to answer them and the man beside me is at a loss because he can't answer them even if he wanted to. The Airbender releases a nervous laugh as he goes to rest a hand at the back of his head.
"Funny, I forget how old we are sometimes." My ex-husband jokes, but his eyes are trained on me and the question buried in his orbs is blindingly obvious. I bite my cheek.
"I'm a couple of years older than you." I mutter as I pick up my spoon again, but the Air Nomad's jaw drops.
"Wait...I'm younger than you?!" The Air Nomad exclaims, looking clearly baffled. My grip around the handle tightens until I feel the metal dig into my palm.
"Is that a problem?" I hiss back just as Yatsu laughs. I glance at the boy who's busy grinning at us and I quirk an eyebrow.
"Daddy, you shouldn't make Mummy feel like she's old." The child cheekily comments. The Air Nomad laughs awkwardly before sparing me a glimpse.
"Sorry about that." He apologises, but I can tell he's still surprised at the tidbit of information. I stare at my bowl and shrug.
"It's no big deal." I brush off as I continue eating.
"So, Aang likes older women. Interesting to know." Fuki notes casually and I spit out a piece of chicken from how unprepared I was to hear that.
"Fuki that's enough. Eat your food quietly." Yun rebukes with a stern stare and the teen mumbles something under her breath before digging into her food.
"Daddy, you still didn't tell us how you met Mummy!" Yatsu pipes up instead. My ex-husband's face contorts into unease as he struggles to say something. "Was it love at first sight?" The boy adds curiously when no words are forthcoming from either of us. Both men inhale sharply at the question while Fuki splutters into laughter. My grip on the spoon loosens until it falls and clutters loudly against my plate. All eyes land on me and on instinct I push my chair back.
"I think...I need some fresh air." I mumble as I drop my napkin on the table and disappear out into the balcony overlooking the garden.
A gentle breeze greets me and I find myself inhaling deeply while closing my eyes. 'Oh spirits. It's a classic question that children ask. How did your parents meet. It's a normal and reasonable question. Heck, I remember asking my Mum and Dad how they met. I've heard the story dozens and dozens of times. I just...our meeting was normal enough, but it was masked with so many secrets and mystery. And so much happened not long after, it's hard to look back on it...fondly.' I massage my forehead just as someone clears their throat. I open my eyes, expecting to see Yun, but it's not. I release a breath.
"Yun told me to check up on you." My ex-husband explains cautiously. I roll my eyes and lean my forearms against the railing.
"Of course he did." I mutter under my breath. "I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting the question." I say, but the man crosses the distance and stands beside me, mimicking my posture as he rests his own arms against the railing.
"You say I'm fine a lot." The Airbender notes mildly. I raise an eyebrow at him.
"So?" I throw back, but he shrugs.
"Well, it seems like you say it every time you don't look fine." The Air Nomad elaborates and I snort.
"So, you think you can read me now?" I retort acidly. The Avatar bites his lip as he exhales.
"I can see our history together hurt you. A lot. And I'm really sorry for that. I can't change what happened in the past, but please don't assume I'll make the same mistakes." My ex-husband urges seriously and I know he's trying. He really is, but I can't help the snort that escapes me.
"You can't say that when you don't even remember what those were." I point out as I rub my eye. The Airbender purses his lips and turns to me.
"Then can't you tell me what..." He starts.
"No." I cut him off instantly. The Air Nomad wilts.
"Then how am I supposed to help or change?" My ex-husband asks quietly. I eye him from my periphery and when I see the defeated look in his eyes, I sigh.
"You're fine as you are." I state simply, but this time the man snorts.
"If I were, you would at least say my name." The Airbender retorts. I flinch and stare at the balcony tiling.
"That's...something different." I mumble after an age. The man quirks an eyebrow as he shifts to rest his hip against the railing as he gazes at me.
"Different how?" He probes, but I don't answer. I hear him groan as he moves towards me. "You can't keep calling me, that man, all the time, especially in front of Yatsu." The Airbender reasons. I smirk and rest my chin against my palm.
"Don't have to. I can just call you his Dad now, can't I?" I point out smoothly, taking the man by surprise.
"That's not...why won't you just say my name?" The Air Nomad queries as his features contorts with hurt. I curse under my breath at the sight and turn my head away from him so that he can't see my face.
"It's the only way I can create some distance between us. I don't want us to become...familiar with each other." I mutter.
"Katara, we had a kid together. We're way past being familiar." My ex-husband utters firmly.
"You can't remember any of it. To you, I'm just a stranger." I argue stubbornly, but the man releases a bark of bitter laughter.
"Just because I can't remember anything, doesn't mean none of it happened. We were married, we were intimate and we do have a son. That hasn't changed." The Avatar retorts in frustration.
I bite the inside of my cheek at his wording. 'Were. We were. Spirits, you've got to hate the past tense sometimes. And why does he have to bring up how we had a child? He doesn't have to be so...explicit about it.' I groan into my hand before running my fingers through my hair.
"A..." I stop myself abruptly when I realise I was just about to say his name in my irritation. I inhale deeply before turning my head to look at him. "I need the distance. Listen..." I stop myself again as I drop my head until my hair covers my eyes. "We were arguing a lot, but the divorce wasn't my idea. It was yours." I remind quietly. The air is silent for several moments before the Airbender releases a shaky breath.
"Are you...implying what I think you're implying?" His voice is hoarse as he asks. I bite my lip hard and clench my left hand.
"I had a lot of feelings for you. That's why I need the distance. Because we aren't becoming a thing any time soon. And friends just wouldn't work. Not saying your name is the only way I can maintain that level of distance without it feeling like we're falling back into what we were before." I explain somehow without faltering and I unclench my hand. "I'm sorry. Refusing to say your name is horrible I know. And it's unfair on you, but I just can't...I c-can't say it." My voice breaks as I close my eyes.
"Katara..." My ex-husband whispers sadly and I feel a hand on my shoulder a moment later.
"It's not the same, but you don't have to say mine either if you prefer." I have to force those words out, because hearing him refer to me as anything else would cut a gash I'm not ready to handle. 'And I know that's hypocritical of me, but the way he has always said my name has a level of endearment to it. Even when he's mad. Even when he has lost his memories. Or maybe I just like hearing it on his lips.' I groan silently and almost bang my head against the balcony railing to rid the thought.
"No. I like saying your name." My ex-husband responds seriously and I jerk my head up in disbelief. My lips part as I stare at him. "Katara is a beautiful name. I've thought so ever since you told me and I'm not going to stop calling you by your name, even...even if you can't say mine." The Airbender's voice tails off towards the end as he becomes subdued, but the fight in his eyes is still there. I swallow as I become increasingly aware of how his hand still hasn't left my shoulder. I inhale a shaky breath and straighten up, forcing the man to drop his hand off the joint as he gazes at me wearily.
"You always could be a smooth talker when you wanted to." I say wryly, breaking the ice that settled between us as the man gives me a bashful grin.
"Glad I could entertain." He returns good-naturedly. I crack a small smile.
"Come on, we should head back inside." I decide as I push myself back off the railing.
"Katara?" The Airbender voices suddenly with an eerie tone. I frown and turn back to gaze at him.
"I do want to hear the story of how we met sometime." The Air Nomad murmurs. My body stiffens for a moment before it relaxes.
"Why so interested?" I ask dubiously. I observe the way he shrugs as he gazes out to the garden.
"Just curious. I want to know how I managed to dazzle an older woman while I was only a teen." My ex-husband jokes as he turns to direct his stormy orbs on me. I snort.
"I was not dazzled." I lie in semi-offense, but when he starts grinning, I realise I did a terrible job at masking my tone.
"Oh, I totally dazzled you. Spirits, I must've been pretty slick with the ladies back then too." The Air Nomad teases and whatever playful counter I had lined up dies when I hear the word 'too.'
My jaws snap shut as I avert my gaze. 'Spirits, I forget he's had several partners before Jin. Has he...how close did he get with them? Did he...love them? Does he love Jin? Will he marry her?' My heart plummets at the thought until I shake my head. 'Why am I even asking that?' I think in annoyance as I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"You tell yourself that." I finally muster after an age, but the playful banter is gone as the Airbender stares at me in worry.
"Was it something I said?" The Air Nomad asks obliviously. I release a quiet breath from my lips before shaking my head.
"It's fine. Come on, dinner is getting cold." I say, trying to excuse myself from the sudden tension in the air that I created.
"See? You say you're fine when you aren't." The Avatar points out with furrowed eyebrows. I bite my lip and give him a one shouldered shrug.
"Fine, I'll choose another word instead." I counter offhandedly, but if anything, his frowns deepens.
"Or you could talk to me about how you really feel." The Air Nomad suggests instead. I avert my eyes from him.
"We don't have that type of relationship. I'm not opening up any time soon. I'm sorry." I insist just as the man releases a defeated sigh.
"Fine, but I'm not giving up on you using my name." The father of my son voices. I open my mouth to protest, but he swiftly continues. "Yatsu wanted to go to the beach tomorrow." I blink at the U-turn in conversation and watch as he moves past me towards the door to head back inside.
"What time are you taking him?" I query. He pauses and looks at me over his shoulder.
"You're coming too. He insisted. I'll swing by at 10am." My ex-husband informs as he disappears inside. My lips part and I move to argue against it when I run into Yatsu.
"Mummy we're going to the beach tomorrow!" The boy squeals in excitement. I give him a strained smile.
"Did you ask if Fuki and Mr Yun wanted to join?" I probe and the boy nods his head.
"I did, but Fuki said she's going over to a friend's house and Mr Yun said he'll stay at home." Yatsu reports and I wilt even further. 'Great. Only the three of us. This...co-parenting thing needs to set out some rules.' I think with disdain, but when I feel a tug at my sleeve and see the boy looks up at me with anxious eyes, I realise I shouldn't let my feelings affect his happiness.
"Mama did you not want to go?" Yatsu asks quietly and that vanquishes the last of my reservations as I bend down to pick him up.
"I'm always happy to go wherever you want sweetheart." I murmur as I tap my forehead against his. "Have you finished dinner?" I ask and when he nods his head, I reach down to put him back on the ground. "Alright, I'll go and finish mine." I say with a smile.
"Daddy's gone now." Yatsu mumbles sadly and my foot halts in mid-air. 'Already?' I wonder in disbelief.
"You'll see him tomorrow honey." I reassure as I take his hand and give it a squeeze. He purses his lips before a smile finally enters his face.
"Yeah. I'm gonna pick out my swimming trunks!" Yatsu yells as he slips his hand out of mine and runs into the house. I stare after him with unease. 'Swimming...wear? Oh Spirits no.' I think as dread starts to swirl inside my gut.
A/N: And so Yatsu knows! XD A little less dramatic this chapter, but the next chapter will make up for it, honestly it's one of my favourite chapters I've written so far, so I think you guys will have fun with it XD Anyway, we're seeing Aang get a little bit closer to Katara who's stubbornly trying to keep up a defensive wall and honestly who can blame her, poor girl has gone through enough. Anyone seen people fight over paying for the bill? It always has me laughing when I see it, so I wanted to do a bit of an insert of that.
Also, I really enjoyed reading all the lines you guys picked as favourites, so I think I'm going to continue with that if you guys are up for it. Plus, it gives me a good idea what resonates with you all the most. You guys basically picked all the lines I had fun writing so that was reassuring XD There's fewer cool lines this chapter, but I think I'll pick this one:
"If I was doubting I was a horrible person before, then I'm definitely not doubting it now."
As I said, I can't wait for you guys to read the next chapter. Hopefully will be out next weekend! Until then, take care everyone XD
18/8/24