now or never || an atla fanfic

𝔞𝔫 𝔬𝔭𝔭𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔲𝔫𝔦𝔱𝔶

here's a lil chapter for y'all before school 🥱

- ♚ -

She slapped him.

Aang slowly turned back to her, gingerly raising a hand to his stinging cheek.

"Do you even know how many people out there die every day?" Katara spoke in a deadly calm voice. "This war has been on for nearly a century, and you're off mysteriously sipping wine in the back of ballrooms?"

"Sparkling wine, actually," Aang corrected. "You should try it sometimes. Known to alleviate the effects of frenzied princesses."

Katara fake smiled. "Hmm. And you know what you should do?"

"You?"

Katara opened her mouth, before catching onto what he said. "Excuse me?"

He gave her a coy smile. "You know damn well what I said."

"Very funny. Now tell me the real reason why you're here. Other than for someone to warm your bed for the night."

"Just one night?"

"This whole filibustering isn't really getting anywhere."

"Think about it for a second," he said, paced around the room slowly. "I'm in your room. In the middle of night."

She folded her arms. "I'm engaged, you know that? And I could also have the guards here in an instant if I wished."

He stopped his pacing, slowly turning to her. "Then why haven't you called for them yet?"

She took two long strides toward him, "Because, I believe there is a reason why you've kept your identity a secret this whole time, Mr. Avatar."

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Well, of course-"

"Then let's go."

"Just how damned stupid do you think I am?"

"I suppose you'll have to make a few risky decisions," he said, slipping on his gloves. Aang looked up, meeting her quizzical eyes.

Katara pursed her lips, anxiously glancing around her dimly lit room. She began assessing her options. Stay in her the castle and not receive any answers--or leave with someone she's just met. 

Aang waited in anticipation for her answer. He seemed amused, almost bored, if anything.

"Fine. I'll go with you," the princess agreed, grabbing her coat. Aang nodded and walked to the balcony door.

She walked behind him, and leaned over his shoulder. "But if you dare try anything on me, my father will have your head."

Aang shuddered slightly as she pulled away and followed him out onto the balcony. It was now pitch-black dark outside, save for the torches lit against the lower castle walls.

"Where are we going?" she asked in a hushed voice.

He grinned, "You'll see."

Aang pulled out a small stick from the inside of his coat. He slowly unfolded it into a tall staff. (foldable glider inspo from spies in disguise 😌)

"What...is that?" she asked in a hushed voice.

He gave Katara a crooked grin. "You'll see. Just...hold on."

Katara hesitantly wrapped an arm around Aang. He gripped the top handlebar and wrapped an arm around Katara, pulling her closer to him.

"Ready?" he asked.