The Unexpected

Chapter Eighteen

Katara looked over the saddle in amazement, it was beautiful to see the view from up there. Sokka on the other hand, was clutching for his life with his eyes closed out of fear.

"Um Aang?" He asked in a shaky voice.

Aang turned around with smile "What's up Sokka?"

Sokka opened one eye "Are we almost there?"

Before he could answer Appa dipped down making the siblings scream. Both siblings had their eyes closed until they felt Appa land.

Aang shot them a large grin "We're here."

Sokka hopped off leading to his legs shaking and him falling. Katara on the other hand was trying figure out which way to get down. She was taken out of her thoughts by Aang's hand being given to her, she saw the warm smile and took it.

Finally on the floor Katara couldn't help but notice the intense beating of her heart. "Alright guys let's go." Aang said while leading them to shop.

Inside, Toph was at the counter talking with Zuko when she felt a familiar pair of feet "Well look like Twinkletoes is here."

Zuko looked outside but saw Toph eyes widen and grew worried "What's wrong?"

Toph felt a familiar pair of feet "Sokka's with him."

Zuko immediately understood when the bell rung indicating someone entered.

Toph tried to be natural and decided the best way was to tease someone "One of you need to tone your heart down or you might get a heart attack."

Katara blushed immediately knowing that the joke was directed towards her.

"So what's up Twinkletoes, you feeling better?"

Sokka chuckled "Twinkletoes?" That's not manly."

Aang ignored him and sighed "Well Toph I'm still pretty off."

"Well that's what happens when you see someone get murded in front of you."

Aang frowned and thought "Why is she so blunt."

"So who are these two?" She asked.

Sokka, confused spoke up "You know me Toph, it's Sokka."

Toph decided to play dumb "Nope your name doesn't ring a bell."

Aang decided to step in before the conversation got even more awkward "This is Sokka and his sister Katara."

Katara stuck her hand out "It's nice to meet you Toph."

Aang whispered "She's blind."

Katara in embarrassment apologized " Oh my spirits I'm so sorry, I didn't know-." She was cut off by Toph "Don't apologize, I hate when people do."

Katara stopped and spoke "Can we get somewhere to sit?"

Toph blew her bangs out her face "What do you think I work here or something."

Zuko saw this and walked out to seat them. Toph followed "Hey aren't you the girl who made a scene here?"

Katara looked shocked but Toph laughed wiping tears from her eyes "You should see your face, makes me wish I wasn't blind so I could see it."

Iroh came out which made Katara nervous because she didn't know if he was going to kick her out. "Hello Aang how are you feeling?"

Aang sighed "Not to well, I don't know if it's survivors guilt but I can't shake the thought that it was my fault."

Iroh sighed sadly "Aang it isn't your fault you did everything you could."

Aang jumped out his seat "YOU DONT KNOW THAT, IT SHOULDVE BEEN ME THERE BUT INSTEAD AN INNOCENT PERSON IS GONE. A MOTHER AND FATHER LOST THEIR DAUGHTER AND MAYBE IF I WAS FASTER SHE WOULD STILL BE HERE!."

The shop went silent, Aang let the tears fall from his eyes and sat back down. Everyone looked shocked but Iroh put his hand on his shoulder "Things happen for a reason and maybe it might not be clear now but in time you will see."

Without thinking Katara wrapped her hands around Aang. Aang was shocked which made his reaction delayed but eventually he eased into her arms.

Toph stood their frozen, she wasn't the most emotional but seeing him like this broke her heart.

Eventually Aang calmed down and Katara took her arms from around him and he gave her a small smile "Thanks Katara."

He turned to look at everyone "I'm sorry guys I didn't mean to burst out like that."

They all accepted his apology and Aang took a look at the time "Woah, I spent an hour crying." He gave a weak chuckle and looked to Iroh "It isn't to late to ask for tea, is it?"

Iroh smiled "It is never to late."

Him and Zuko went to the back to prepare some while the rest stayed at the table. "So Toph how have you been?"

Toph looked at Sokka and scoffed "Why do you care?"

Sokka cringed at her reaction "I wanted to see how's life been."

Toph shook her head and walked away leaving a confused Sokka "What did I do to her."

Katara and Aang looked at him with "seriously face".

Sokka stood up "I'm going to restroom."

Katara and Aang sat in silence until Aang broke it "Thank you for earlier, sometimes I need a hug you know."

Katara smiled "Of course whenever you need one I'll be here."

Aang blushed and smiled at her.

All of sudden the door at the entrance opened, and none other then Haru walked in with a dozen roses.

Aang was pissed but kept it in check, Haru made his way over "For you my lady."

Katara stared in shock before saying and turning around to continue talking to Aang.

Aang couldn't hold back a smile.