Twisted Fate | Kataang

Chapter 9: Confessions

If Katara had only known where Aang was, she would have gone to him days ago. It had been a week since Haru left, and she was tired of the puffy eyed depressed creature that became her reflection.

But finally, there was a knock on her door.

Dragging her feet over to open it, she felt relief wash over her when she saw who stood in front of her.

"Aang," she motioned for him to come inside. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

She expected some sarcastic remark to dance off his tongue, so was caught off-guard when he pulled her into a tight hug, "I'm sorry."

When they finally pulled away, he asked, "How bad is it?"

"Haru left. He said he would always be there for Tyro, but as far as our marriage goes," She motioned to her neck, where only her mother's betrothal necklace lay, not her usual earth-and-water style one from Haru.

She could tell Aang had to take a moment to gather his thoughts.

"So..." Aang chose his next words carefully, "He's mine."

Katara nodded slowly. "Unless you can think of another Airbender that I let take my dress off."

This prompted a weak smile from Aang. "A father... wow," He dropped himself onto the sofa. "And he's an Airbender?"

Katara took the seat next to him. "Yeah..."

Hands covering his face, Aang shook his head in disbelief, but Katara could see the smile on his lips, so she knew he was at least partially happy.

There was a quick pause in conversation.

Aang looked up suddenly, his face serious. "Don't you ever wish we did things differently?"

His tone let Katara know exactly what he meant, but she had to ask anyway. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, don't you wish we had gotten married?"

"Ugh!" Katara huffed, her sad tone washed over by annoyance. "You were the one who never asked!"

"I didn't think you'd say yes!"

"What? Why?"

"You were so strong and free, and I was the Avatar! I didn't want to have you chained to a life where I would always be somewhere else. I couldn't have you sit around and wait for me, or even worse, have to follow me around everywhere I went and never have a normal life. I loved you too much for that. I couldn't ask."

Katara was stunned into silence. She slowly crept closer to him on the sofa, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I had no idea." She paused, then added, "But I would have said yes."

"Really?"

"Of course! I thought you never asked because you were never serious about me. Out of all of the pretty fangirls you had, I didn't think I stood any real chance. That's why I ended us."

"Wow. I feel like an idiot."

"Ha. Not gonna argue that."

Aang turned his head so that he was facing her, so he could see the clear blue of her eyes. "Would you say yes now?"

"What?"

"I know this situation is out of control. But don't you find it odd that, despite the fact that you were with Haru way more than you were with me, that the child ended up being mine anyways? It's like fate had it this way all along..." he put his hands on hers, "That somehow, we were meant to end up together. Even if it was a rough ride."

As swift as that, Aang was on one knee in front of her. "Katara, please. Let's do what we should have done a long time ago. Will you marry me?" From his pocket he pulled a necklace, the colors blue and orange blended together in a harmony of silk.

Katara felt her cheeks get hot. This was the moment she had dreamed of many years ago as a girl. But right now? "Aang, this is crazy..."

"You don't have to answer right away, but please, will you at least think about it?"

"I don't have to think about it."

"Wha-" His words were cut off by her lips pressing against his. She could tell he was caught off guard, but after a moment his lips softened against hers.

When they pulled away, his eyes were wide. "Wow, I uh, didn't expect that. Is that a 'yes'?"

She chuckled, "Oh Aang, is it wrong that I feel so guilty right now?"

"Is it wrong that I don't?"

"It's just that I've always known it was you. I mean, I love Haru, really, but... look at me! I cheated on him with you and now, just after we divorce, I'm making out with you again! What does that say about me?"

"That you have good taste."

"Aang! She pushed his shoulder lightly.

"I know. It's screwed up. But what can we do now? We have a child together. We have to make the most of it. For Bumi."

"What?!" Katara laughed, "His name is Tyro!"

"Eh. I think I like Bumi better." He grinned.

She smiled. "I hate myself for saying it, but I'm glad the baby is yours." She brushed her lips against his, and he deepened the kiss. She felt the gentle pressure of his hands sliding down her waist, and her hands drifted up his chest. Soon enough, she felt his hands move towards her back, gently undoing what held her clothes together.

She pulled away just enough to say, "What are you doing?"

"What do you think?" He smirked.

"Oh, you are dirty. I thought you were a monk." She smiled against his lips. "But don't you think we should wait? Until after the wedding?"

"Do you?"

"Meh. Not really," She laughed.

A telling grin spread over his face, "Well then, what are we waiting for?"

THE END