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Slow Heat	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 77367 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 29
- 30
- 31
Slow Heat
Chapter 30 – Fanning the Flames
o0o0o0o
One Week, Two Days BSC
(Mid-September 1101)
Aang
I managed to get more time with Katara here and there. I'd Waterbend with her or meditate, and even managed another walk down the beach, a nice, long one that gave us plenty of time together. Once in a while I'd play a fun little game with her like fire-water-earth. I played it cool. When she was with me, I knew she was having fun because I could see her relax, and even smile at me.
But still, Zuko came after Katara. It was kind of like a tug-of-war, or a race, with Katara as a prize. I didn't understand why he paid so much attention to her, he didn't treat Toph the same way even though they were good friends.
And all too often, I'd see them exchange glances or even smiles. I spied on them training a couple times and they were fierce against one another, but Katara actually seemed to enjoy Zuko's fierceness.
I let out an angry sigh, running my fingers through my hair as I watched them as they ate. I sat at her side, but Zuko was with her at her other side, and she was paying more attention to him than to me! I wondered if I should stop trying to be so cool and be more aggressive. If Katara enjoyed Zuko being aggressive, then maybe I should try that. Not that I'd try to kiss her again if she didn't want it. Hmm. Maybe a hug. Yes. Hugs were nice. I had managed to get Katara to agree to a Waterbending session tonight, so I'd make my move.
The night was balmy but a bit cool, and I thought of all the things I'd say as I walked down to the beach. I thought of Zuko and how quiet he usually was. Hm. I had already told Katara about my feelings, so if I repeated that it'd just be annoying.
Katara stood there in her red wraparound top and a pair of shorts, waiting for me. I missed the times she would wear her white underwear, the red just reminded me of Zuko.
“Hey, Katara.” I said as I gave her a wave. She smiled and waved back.
“I thought that since we have both already reached the master level of Waterbending and today's been such a long day, we might meditate and do some gentle Bending exercises.”
“Sounds great.”
I had to admit, this was pretty nice. Relaxing, meditating, doing a few Waterbending moves together. Katara looked so beautiful standing there with the waves crashing around her ankles, her hair pinned up so I could see her graceful neck. I blushed a bit.
“All right. How was that?” Katara asked as we wound down to a halt. All of us had been working on strategy today, even attacking the 'Melon Lord', as Sokka and Toph liked to call the dummy that we had been practicing on, eating his 'head' for lunch. I nodded slowly. It helped me to deal with the stress. Sometimes I honestly wish I wasn't the Avatar. How was I supposed to take down the Fire Lord if the teachings I had been raised with forbade me to take a life?
“It was just what I needed.” I whispered. I felt her hand on my shoulder.
“I know you're under a lot of stress, but we're all here to help you. We're a team, remember.” She smiled at me. I quickly turned around and pulled her into my arms, hugging her as I rested my chin on her shoulder, closing my eyes.
“Thank you.” I felt her jump a bit in surprise, but she didn't push me away. I felt her hand pat my back gently. I was careful to not hug her too tightly, but it was nice feeling her body against mine.
“I really am grateful that you've been here for me since the beginning. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for.” She smelled nice and warm, but I had to resist the temptation to press my face to the side of her neck. But I did squeeze just a bit harder. I remembered being with her on the Fire Nation ship, alone in that room with her as she worked on my scar, the water sliding along it and my body soothingly. I let out a soft sigh of contentment.
“I wouldn't be a very good friend if I wasn't there for you.” she shot back quietly before she pulled away. As soon as I felt her start to move back, I immediately loosened my grip, knowing that it'd be a mistake to do otherwise.
“I'm really glad you're feeling better. I needed that meditation too. But it's getting late. So why don't we turn in?”
I was too happy with tonight's result to argue, and we walked back to the house in comfortable silence. I just had to figure out what I'd do next. Maybe some flowers, or a little gift. Hmm.
“Good night, Aang.” Katara glanced at me over her shoulder before she opened the door to her room. I smiled back at her, feeling that funny, warm feeling in my stomach again.
“Good night. Sweet dreams.” I replied waving back at her. She closed the door behind her, and I stood there in the hallway for a few moments, thinking about now nice tonight had been. Great! I grinned to myself as I went into my own room, ignoring Sokka sprawled out on his mat in his shorts as I plopped down on mine, replaying the memories of the hug in my mind. And when I fell asleep, I dreamed of Katara and myself, us alone in the Air Temple, peace surrounding us. She was dressed in a pretty soft blue and white robe, but it was simple, like the ones that Air Nuns wore.
It was so perfect, this dream. There was nobody else. I was flying – actually flying, without the help of a glider or anything like that – and Katara climbed onto my back so I could take her through the air. It felt so nice having her on my back, her arms wrapped around my neck, her breath warm against my ear. Her body was soft and firm when I held her, and this was heaven – literally and figuratively as we soared through the skies.
“I love you, Katara.” I whispered, nuzzling her face when she was pressed against my front, our arms wrapped around one another. She gave me a sweet smile, her long, loose hair rumpled gently by the breeze.
But then out of the clouds in the distance, a dragon emerged. I wasn't concerned at all – my experience with Zuko had taught me a lot about dragons and Firebending – so I ignored it. But it approached us fast, and it was bright red with gold and silver-edged scales, and large wings and a thick black mane. It soared through the air, circling around us. To my relief, it didn't attack. But it had a fierce gaze, its eyes the color of amber or molten gold, only a bit brighter and fiercer. I held Katara as the dragon approached us.
It didn't growl or claw at me or anything like that, so I wasn't afraid when it slowly reached out with one hand, its claws glistening in the sun. Instead of touching me, it touched Katara, its claws digging into her robes before pulling her out of my arms. I couldn't move. I tried to, but it was as if an invisible force was holding me down. And Katara didn't cry out for help or struggle. He gathered her in the crook of her arm and turned around.
“Hey! You can't do that!” At least I was able to speak. “You can't take her away! Katara!”
Katara looked at me for a second before looking down, and I noticed that her robes were no longer blue, but deep red. The dragon flew away, leaving me alone in the sky, struggling against my invisible bonds.
“Katara!” I screamed. I gasped and sat up, seeing the room at the Summer Palace. Momo was surprised by my sudden movements, and jumped along the mat several times, chattering softly before he settled down and looked up at me. I was panting, and a bit of sweat was beaded on my brow. My heart was pounding. Jeez! What kind of dream had that been! Sokka was still snoring softly, so I must have yelled her name in the dream. My hands were trembling.
Okay, Aang. Calm down. It was just a dream. Remember last night? Oh, yeah. Last night had been wonderful. I groaned softly and climbed off the mat. I needed to go to the bathroom, and to visit Appa.
Quietly, I opened the door a bit and was about to open it further when I saw the bedroom to the master suite open. I quickly closed my door but for a centimeter, and peered through it. My eyes widened when I saw Katara, and I bit my lip to keep from making any sound when I saw Zuko from behind her. She had a smile on her face, and turned around to give him a kiss. A long, hard one. I almost screamed as he cupped her face, nuzzling her fiercely.
“Let me get changed, and then you can help me make breakfast.”
“Nah, more like you helping me.” he shot back in a teasing voice.
“I don't mind, cooking's a skill you shouldn't waste.” They both chuckled softly before she slid over to her room, opening and closing the door quietly. I stood there, my heart pounding. Zuko and Katara... together? His kiss had looked as if he was trying to eat her face. I had given her a light kiss and she hadn't liked that.
No. I slowly slid along the wall to a seated position, feeling dizzy. I felt hurt and sad and angry. Why did Zuko have to do that? He was going to become the Fire Lord and then he could marry whoever he wanted. All I wanted was Katara. I blinked when I felt tears burning behind my eyes. How the heck was I supposed to deal with this? No wonder Katara didn't want me kissing her. Zuko was giving her kisses. What else was he giving her? Hugs? Definitely! What else? I wasn't exactly sure. Whatever else boyfriends and girlfriends did together.
What did Zuko have that I didn't? He had a scar on his face, and I was the Avatar! There was no way Katara could be happy with him in the Fire Nation. I would take care of her and make her happy.
Okay, okay. You're the Avatar. You can figure something out. It's not as if Katara doesn't like you. She does. She just likes Zuko more. I just had to figure out a way to make her like me more than him. My hands were shaking and my mind was racing. I actually felt sick to my stomach as the image of Zuko kissing Katara replayed itself over and over in my head.
o0o0o0o
Katara
At breakfast, Aang seemed listless. He wasn't looking at anybody, and picked at his food after I set it down in front of him. I sat next to him and placed my hand on his shoulder.
“Aang, are you feeling well?” I asked softly. He nodded, but obviously didn't mean it. I pressed my hand to his forehead. No temperature.
“I know something's wrong. Is it your head or stomach?”
“I'm just tired.” he muttered before taking a spoonful of the thick stew Zuko had made with vegetables and spices. I decided to wait till after breakfast.
“Okay. Just let me know if I can help.” I offered him a smile. When he looked up, I saw a flicker of something I could not read in these big eyes of his. I patted his back to reassure him, wondering what could possibly be bothering him so much. It had to be that we had little time left and the end of summer was approaching more quickly than I would have liked.
o0o0o0o
Aang
I wasn't even hungry and could only take a few mouthfuls of food. I didn't even want the tea Zuko had made. When Katara was fussing over me it only made me feel worse. She was only paying attention to me because she thought I was sick! I rose from the table, leaving my food on the table for the others and went outside to clear my mind. Grooming Appa would give me a distraction, it was hot here and Appa had been shedding to stay cool. So for a couple of hours, I just concentrated on combing out his fur coat with a branch and moving all the thick clumps of white fur to one corner. Appa loved it, and growled happily when I scratched his stomach with the branch.
“At least you don't like Zuko more than me, right?” I muttered. Appa gave out a quizzical growl in response. I sighed in frustration, feeling even more stressed than before. I thought of Sokka. Would he be angry if I told him that Zuko was his sister's boyfriend? Would Katara be mad if I told Sokka? Yeah. That would be mean, and I didn't want her angry with me! And besides, it'd be un-Avatar-like of me to do something like that. I thought about my dream.
o0o0o0o
Katara
All day, Aang had been quiet and moody. He didn't seek out any time with me, which was a change from the way he had been acting all week. After seeing him mope all day, I had enough, and right before supper, I went to look for him. He was sitting on the rocks overlooking the beach, and when I called his name, he didn't respond. I shook my head and made my way up to him, carefully climbing the rocks to the semi-smooth outcropping where he sat.
“Aang.” I would have turned back if he had been in the lotus position, but he was simply slumped over, head in his hands. When he did not respond, I came closer, placing my hand on his shoulder.
“Aang, please talk to me. Is something wrong? Do you need a water-massage?” I asked. As the last day of summer approached, we were all feeling stressed, and no doubt that Aang was under just as much – and more – stress than everybody else. He was the Avatar, after all.
“No.” he replied simply. I sat down next to him, sensing he needed to talk.
“Is there anything I can do to help you feel better? I know you're stressed and I'm here to help with that.” I offered, placing my arm around his shoulders. I felt him tremble a bit before he let out an outburst that stunned me.
“What is it that Zuko has that I don't have?”
I was silent for several long moments, staring at him. He glared at me accusingly, and I blushed.
“I saw him kissing you! You won't even let me give you one little kiss and there he was, looking like he was eating your face!” he blurted out. I blinked, opening mu mouth to say something, but no words came out. I should have been more careful when I stepped out of Zuko's room. I sighed softly before I withdrew my arm and looked down at the beach.
“How could you?” His fists were clenched in tight balls atop his knees. “I... I told you how I feel. And you let him be your boyfriend!”
“Aang, I'm sorry... I didn't know how to tell you...”
“It's not that! It's the fact that you let him in the first place! So that's why I catch you sneaking these glances at each other! And going off alone! Why is Zuko good enough to be your boyfriend but not me?”
“I... Aang, look. It's not about having something or not having it, or who's better. This isn't some competition. Zuko and I just... like one another. That's all.”
“But I like you. I've always liked you, from the moment you woke me up.” he replied heatedly. I looked away. I had seen the signs before, but I couldn't force myself to like him as more than a best friend, and I wasn't going to lead him on by encouraging these feelings.
“You're sweet and I'm glad to have you as a best friend. But I just don't feel the same way you do. I'm sorry, Aang. But that's how it is.”
“Give me a chance. I'm not as old as him, it's not my fault he knows how to woo a girl.” he said in vehement defense of himself. I had to hold back a laugh at that comment. How awkward Zuko's first attempts at wooing me was. Our fights, our sniping, the way we constantly butted heads as we tried to figure out just what the hell it was we were feeling. I shook my head.
“Like I said, it's not something he has that you don't. He was no better than you at catching my attention. It just happened. There was... are sparks between us.”
“Why can't there be sparks between us?” he pleaded.
“There... just isn't.” I started to get up, wanting to end this discussion and leave him alone so he could come to terms with it.
“Says who? How do you know unless you actually give me a chance?”
“Aang... you had lots of chances in the past. And your gestures were sweet. It's not anything you did wrong. It's me.” I pleaded softly, pulling away. He grabbed my wrist.
“Give it time. Give me a chance. Please. I've loved you ever since I woke up. I didn't understand my feelings, but I knew I cared about you. You've always been here for me. How... could I not care for you? You're the one I want to be with.” The pain in his voice was apparent, and I wished I could soothe it, but I shook my head.
“Aang, stop it.” I stated firmly. “Stop it, right now. I care for you, but not like that. I'm with Zuko. Accept that.” I pulled my arm away and turned away, clambering down the slope as quickly as I could, but not before I heard a sharp sob.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
The tension was thick in the air at supper. If I thought Aang had seemed downcast before, now he looked downright depressed now. And now Katara had become infected with the same gloominess. Both of them were silent, and when I nudged Katara's foot playfully under the table, she pulled them away, looking down at her food.
Only when Katara slid into my room for the night did she speak or look at me. She sat down at the side of the futon and I scooted over, rubbing her back.
“Aang knows. He saw you kissing me this morning.” she explained. I stilled for a moment but continued my massage. He was bound to find out sooner or later, anyway.
“We know we would have to tell him later.”
“I was hoping to not have to do this before summer's end. He's already stressed out enough as is.” she replied. I nodded. It was for that reason we had been discreet. Apparently we had slipped up a bit.
“So you talked to him.” I asked. More of a statement than a question, really. She nodded.
“I tried to explain it to him. That it wasn't about you versus him or what you had that he didn't. He thought it was both, and then he begged me to give him a chance. I said no. He begged again. He said he loved me ever since he first saw me.” Her voice was tight, choking back a sob.
“I loved you too. From the beginning. You standing there in the snow and staring at me fiercely as I came down from my ship.” I said gently. I heard her sob softly, so I gathered her into my arms. “We'll figure something out. If I have to, I'll talk to him myself.” I ran my fingers through her hair, rocking her gently. “I love you. I'll love you forever.”
o0o0o0o
One Week, One Day BSC
Aang
That night, when I had another dream about Katara and myself, I was prepared to fight the dragon. I was the valiant Avatar, going off on Appa to rescue Katara from the dragon. I approached the Fire Palace and entered it, seeing two thrones in the throne room, Katara sitting in the one to the right. The left one was empty and Zuko was nowhere to be seen. Katara sat there, her hands folded in her lap, dressed in flowing red and black silk robes.
“Katara! I've come to rescue you! Come with me!” I held out my hand to her, giving her a confident smile. She shook her head, her hands remaining in her lap before I heard a fierce roar. All of a sudden, the walls of the throne room faded away into nothingness and the dragon surrounded Katara and myself. But I was ready to fight!
“I will not let you take Katara away from me. I am the Avatar!” I raised my fists. The dragon merely laughed at me.
“You cannot fight destiny.” was his cryptic response. I moved forward and wrapped my arm around Katara's middle, getting ready to hoist her over my shoulder.
“Look. The Waterbender has made her choice.” Katara was unresponsive to me when I embraced her, and when I tried to pick her up, she pushed me away. She placed her hand to her breast, where I saw something glow under the silk of her robes, like a flame.
“You and I have different paths in life.” she stated as she stared at me. The glow on her breast spread, engulfing her in flame and light.
“Katara!” I cried out, reaching for her. The dragon spun around me, and I fell away into nothingness. I gasped when I opened my eyes, seeing the quiet room around myself. I sat up. I couldn't take it anymore. I had been boiling all evening until I had managed to fall asleep, thinking about what Katara had said to me. I wasn't going to sit back and take this! I would show Katara that I could be just as strong and manly as Zuko.
I quickly changed out of the baggy silk pajamas I was wearing, filled with fire and determination. I was the Avatar, and I was going to stand up for myself. I should have known that these glances shared between Zuko and Katara meant something deeper, but now I would do something about it before it went any further. I closed my eyes and meditated, clearing my mind. I had to be prepared for this.
There was a gentle knocking on the door, and I opened my eyes. Sokka was gone, and from the soft knock, I guessed who it was.
“Aang, breakfast's ready. Come on down when you're ready.” Katara said through the door.
“Be right there.” My stomach was churning, so I took a deep, cleansing breath. I ate breakfast sparingly, and caught Katara looking at me.
“Are you feeling okay? You're barely eating anything.” she said. I stared at her for a couple of seconds before nodding.
“Yeah. I'm just not feeling too hungry this morning.” And besides, it would be no good to fight on a full stomach. I took just one cup of tea and a dumpling. Quietly, I excused myself from the table and wandered outside through the front, knowing that Zuko would come through in a while.
Katara and Zuko would see how strong I was. When I saw Zuko and Katara step through the door, her arm hooked through his, I gritted my teeth. I waited until they came closer before I launched myself at Zuko, shooting a fireball that landed at his feet. I didn't want to maim or kill him, after all.
“What the hell!” Zuko exclaimed. I quickly shot another fireball at the ground in front of him.
“Aang, this isn't funny!” Katara scolded, stepping forward.
“I'm not playing around! I'm tired of being pushed around and ignored!”
“Aang, this isn't the time...” Zuko growled.
“I'm going to settle this now!” I sent out a controlled arc of fire, making sure that Katara couldn't be harmed by it.
“You want to do this? Fine!” Zuko roared at me, doing a spinning kick as a blast of heat knocked me backwards.
“Aang! Stop it! Now!” I heard Katara cry, but I was too angry with Zuko. I dodged blasts of fire as I issued my own, the two of us moving along the steps fiercely. I had dueled with Zuko before for practice, but this was different. Behind me, I heard Katara make another demand for us to stop fighting. We ended up on the roof, and Zuko growled as he tried to knock me down.
“Katara wants us to stop fighting! End this! Put down your arms!” he snarled as he came at me.
“No way! I'm not gonna lose to you!” If I could just defeat Zuko...
“This is ridiculous!” he answered.
“What's ridiculous is that you get to be with her and I don't!”
“She made her decision! Respect that!”
“You're not the right person for her!” I shot back, flipping over his head and trying to hit him in the back, but he spun around quickly.
“That's not for you to decide!” he charged at me, and we chased one another over the rooftops before landing on the walkway.
“Aang! Stop it, please!” I quickly looked over my shoulder, seeing Katara looking up at me pleadingly. I turned away just in time to dodge an attempt to pin me down, and did a spinning kick that nearly caught him. We went on a wild chase through the house, fire shooting through the hallways. I hit him with an air blast, and thought I had knocked him out of the side of the house. When I went to the window, I was attacked from behind.
I leaped through the window, keeping myself up with an air-ball, and Zuko jumped up at me, knocking me down before I could make another gust of air. Before I could get up, Zuko tackled me to the sand, knocking the air out of my lungs and pinning my hands behind my back.
“I will not tolerate this foolishness, Avatar.” Zuko growled. I looked up to see Sokka and Toph along with Katara staring down at us.
“Katara, what the hell is going on?” Sokka asked. I stared up at him for a moment before looking up at Katara.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
“We decided to have a training session.” I said firmly, glaring down at the Avatar. “I was purposely hard on him since the Fire Lord would not be merciful.” I gave his wrists a firm squeeze, my warning clear.
“You win.”
“You will have to be fiercer than that when you are facing down my sire. Save your strength for him.” I replied, climbing off him. My heart was pounding from the intensity of the fight, and I leaned back against the trunk of a palm tree, catching my breath.
“Both of you stay right there and rest. I will be back.” She spun around on her heel, going into the house. I was happy to oblige and leaned my head back, taking long gulps of air. Hopefully that would be the end of the Avatar's foolishness, though I did feel a bit bad for him. What if the roles had been reversed, and Katara had accepted Aang's affections while I was the one pining for her? How would I be feeling, then? It was simply that understanding which kept me from attacking him as he lay there on the sand.
“I'm sorry you're feeling hurt. But this is about me and Katara. It was never my intent to spite you or make you feel as if I had taken something from you.” I said after I had recovered sufficiently.
“You're soon to become Fire Lord. You could have anybody you wanted. All I want is Katara.” he muttered.
“Katara is the only one I need or want.” I replied evenly. A soft sigh was his answer.
“... What?” I heard Sokka's disbelieving snort. I looked up to see him standing near the top of the steps.
“We'll talk later.” I replied as I saw Katara come down the steps with two melon halves in her hands.
“Since you two have been working out so hard, I figured that you would appreciate something cool to drink.” She offered one to Aang first before approaching me, holding out the melon. I smiled faintly as I saw the bamboo straw and gratefully took a long sip of the juice which Katara had cooled, a thin layer of ice on top. I took several mouthfuls of the juice before I set my melon down, staring up at her before I shot the Avatar a glance. He was now sitting up, looking winded as he sipped his drink. Our eyes met, and he looked down. She turned towards him.
“I hope that will be the end of it. We have more important things to be concerned about right now.” she said to him in a gentle tone. Morosely, he nodded. She dropped to her knees before him.
“Aang... please let it go.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. With his free arm, he loosely wrapped it around her, burying his face against her shoulder. I started to get up, but Katara didn't move. She patted his back a few times before pulling away, and he did not go after her.
“Right now, let's just concentrate on what's the most important thing now. I'll still be here for you if you need someone to talk to or someone to help you relax or meditate, all right?” she said. He nodded again.
“I'm sorry.”. I wasn't sure if that was for me or her.
“Apology accepted. Now, just enjoy the juice I made for you.” She turned away, leaving the two of us alone to sip at our drinks in silence. When he was done, he rose to his feet and walked away, saying nothing.
o0o0o0o
Katara
“Katara. I need to talk to you.” Sokka sounded stern as I walked out of the kitchen with drinks for myself and Sokka and Toph. He glanced at my load and took two of them out of my arms.
“It's about what you heard, isn't it?” I asked.
“Is it true? You and Zuko?” he asked, point-blank as we walked along. I nodded.
“How long?”
“A couple of months now.”
“Hmm.”
“Look, Sokka, please don't be angry. It just... happened. We care for each other.”
“I'm still trying to process this. I'm more surprised than anything else.”
“Is Zuko such an undesirable match for me?”
“... A long time ago, I would have said yes.” Sokka said as we approached the open front doors. “But Zuko and I... we're friends. I never thought such a thing could ever happen, just months ago. But here we are. I'm buddies with Zuko.” His last sentence made me giggle.
“Buddies with Zuko.” I laughed. He chuckled softly.
“Yeah. Sounds weird. But... I mean... does he respect you? Treat you right? He has been... honorable?”
I knew what he was implying.
“Yes, Sokka. Zuko has been a gentleman. I like spending time with him, talking to him and practicing with him. He has always treated me properly and with respect.” There. It was the truth, after all. Just because I wasn't a virgin didn't mean that Zuko was a dishonorable person. Sokka nodded slowly.
“Like you said before, there's more important things to be worried about. And as long as I know that Zuko is decent to you, then I won't complain. But after the War, we'll need to talk. Dad...”
I shook my head and sighed softly. How would Dad react to my being with Zuko?
“Sokka, look. I know you and Dad love me, but I am my own person. Zuko has a lot to offer. I love you both, but I am also happy with Zuko. We're just enjoying our time together.” I stared at him. He swallowed and gave me a brief nod.
“I'll just give this to Toph.” he said, lifting one of the melons.
“Do that. She'll appreciate it.”
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Before dinner, Sokka and I had a session with our swords, dueling one another fiercely before we wound down to a stop. Katara had some ice-water for us, and left it out for us before retreating. I took a cup and sipped it gratefully. Thank the spirits for Waterbenders. How could my own great-grandfather have thought that it was a good idea to try to exterminate or subjugate the other elements?
“I need to talk with you.” Sokka stated after we both had sat down for a while, sipping our water. Oh great, here comes the big-brother talk. I knew this was coming, anyway...
“Sokka...” I said.
“Wait. I'm not here to yell at you or tell you to stay away from my sister. Well, that was my first thought, but I think that's normal in all big brothers.”
“Well, I wouldn't care who my sister was with. But then you know how she is.” I replied, trying to lighten up the situation a bit, and he did chuckle a bit. “But I do understand where you're coming from. I respect that. I just want you to understand -”
“I do. I talked to Katara about it. Mind you, I'm still a bit weirded out by it. But I'm not going to freak out. I've seen you two sparring. You make good partners. I'm not going to stand between the two of you, though after the War...”
“Sokka.” I stared at him, deciding I might as well be honest. “I asked your sister to stay with me. At my side.”
“Stay with you? You mean...” His eyes widened. I nodded firmly.
“Then you're completely serious...”
“I wouldn't have asked her if I wasn't. I wouldn't be telling you if I wasn't.” I took a long gulp of my water as I idly traced patterns in the sand with my big toe, enjoying the feel of sand under my feet.
“Wow.” he said thoughtfully, staring off. “Wow.” he repeated, nodding slowly. “You as my brother-in-law.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Honestly? No. You've proved yourself to me.”
“Thanks.”
“Of course, official betrothal age isn't until sixteen.” he commented. I nodded, remembering the time I had asked Katara about Water Tribe customs. In Fire Nation, the law was that a woman could not be officially married until seventeen – a law in place to protect women and ensure that they were old enough physically and mentally for the duties of being a wife and eventually, mother – though men could take concubines younger than that.
“That's okay. I'm willing to wait until next summer to ask for her hand in marriage.” I replied. Katara had celebrated her fifteenth birthday shortly after the summer solstice, and I had privately celebrated with her by buying her a few sweets at the nearby town. Sokka nodded again, sitting back and wiping his brow.
“What if she changes her mind?” he asked. “She might not like it in Fire Nation. I mean, no offense, but it's very different from Water Tribe, and I can guess that life in the Palace would be very different.”
“I would hope that she would not change her mind. I want nothing more than for her to be happy. But if she does, I will respect her decision.” Of course, Katara wouldn't change her mind. We had promised ourselves to one another, bonded forever.
“All right then. Let's not talk about it anymore right now. We're cool. Better to wait till after the war to hammer out the details.” he replied. I had to hold back a snort. I respected Hakoda and Sokka, and would be honored to have them as in-laws. But ultimately, Katara was mine.
When I saw the Avatar at supper, I nodded to him respectfully, saying nothing about his defeat and acting as if we had never fought. Aang didn't seem as morose as he had before, but he was still downcast. Not surprising, really. To divert his attention, I brought up our strategy, and what had to be done within the next few days. I considered pulling him aside after the meal and apologizing to him. But what did I have to apologize for? Katara and me were meant for one another. Neither of us had done anything to try to hurt him. An apology might make me seem guilty of something. I'd just leave him alone and let him mull it over. Perhaps I would talk to him – just talk, no apology – and clear things up. The last thing Aang needed at this time was to dwell on something else when he should be concentrating on honing his abilities and defeating the Fire Lord.
o0o0o0o
Aang
Everyone now knew. I think Toph had known all along. I frowned to myself as I remembered how she would drag me away for some Earthbending practice a few times when I had tried to separate Zuko and Katara. I sat there at the edge of the fountain in the yard, idly scratching Momo behind his ears. It was getting dark when I heard quiet footsteps along the veranda. I turned to see Zuko and Katara, him with his arm around her shoulders, and her holding that hand lightly. She glanced at me and I held out my hand, pleading silently. She looked down at the walkway, and Zuko scowled at me as the two of them continued walking, disappearing into the house.
I tried to meditate but I kept thinking of everything. Bringing down the Fire Lord, keeping balance in the world, trying to win the heart of the girl I wanted. It wasn't fair. Guru Pathik said I had to let go of earthly attachments, but previous Avatars had been married, so clearly, Avatars could have earthly attachments. I wondered about the Air Monks. Did any of them ever become attached to a nun? Did any of the Air Nomads want to break the rules of monastic life and simply marry whoever they loved? Had anyone actually done so? There was nobody around to make me live the life of a monk. Everyone else was dead. Was I destined to be the last Airbender, forever?
Was I strong enough to defeat the Fire Lord? Did I have the strength to hold and maintain balance in the world? Was I a good enough Avatar? Had I worked hard enough, trained long enough?
“Ugh!” I sat up quickly, tired of all these thoughts that buzzed around inside of my head, stealing my peace and quiet. The entire house was quiet, and I wondered how long I had been lost in my thoughts. There was a weird prickling at the back of my neck, and I could almost swear I heard chanting, but it wasn't as if I was actually hearing it with my ears. It was like it was in my head, and I let out a quiet sigh. Was I now hearing voices?
I shook my head, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply. Instead of clearing my mind, the chanting became stronger. As if on their own, my legs pushed up, my arm reaching out until it touched wood, my hand grasping the railing as I stood up. Someone... something was calling out to me, and I had to answer it. My body had a mind of its own, and I couldn't fight as I made my way down the beach and into the water, everything else swept out of my mind as my body swam through the ocean, answering the mysterious summons, leaving everything else behind.
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