Freedom [ATLA Katara x Male Reader]

Chapter 40: [The Beach (Kind Of)]

Okay so I know it's been a long time since I last updated this book and I'm sorry for the wait, but this chapter gave me way too many problems. I'm still not happy with it tbh and I originally had different plans for this chapter, but I needed to write something so here here it is. Sorry if it sucks, I might come back and edit it later. 

Anyway, this is technically The Beach episode, except instead of focusing on the Fire Nation gang (because it won't change from the show), the Gaang has fun at the hot springs, and you and Katara finally have a long-awaited (and slightly awkward) conversation. Everything is great, until Sparky Sparky Boom man comes along and ruins everything. 

Also, I've changed my writing style from past tense to present tense just because I want to. Hope that doesn't confuse anybody. 

Now, onto the chapter... 

. . .

At a secluded hot spring, you sit with your friends as Aang happily swims and splashes about in the water. 

"Aang, I know swimming is fun and all, but do you really think you should be exposing yourself like that?" Toph asks. "Cover up."

"What? I'm wearing trunks," Aang replies both defensively and innocently. 

"I know," she says. "It's your tattoos I'm worried about. What if someone sees you?"

"There are walls all around us. It's completely safe," Katara reassures her. Then she smiles and grabs your arm, pulling you to your feet. "Come on, we should go swimming, too."

Katara turns away to strip down to her undergarments before wading into the water. She glances back at you to see that you've merely rolled up your pants to above your knees as you step into the ocean. 

"Uh, are you planning on swimming in your clothes?" she asks, raising an eyebrow at you. "There's no need to be embarrassed. Aang and Sokka wear their trunks when they go swimming."

"No, it's not─it's not that." You hesitate. "I just, um... I don't think you guys really want to see my, you know... my scars. They're kind of... disgusting."

Your face screws up into a pained expression as you turn your head away from her. Katara frowns and walks back over to you, cupping your face in her hand and making you look at her again. 

"Y/n, no one is disgusted by your scars. We're disgusted that anyone could ever do those things to you, yes, but you could never disgust us. Never." She lowers her hand back to her side, flashing you a smile. "I'm just glad you survived everything they put you through."

"Yeah," you breathe out, completely entranced by her and her smile. You clear your throat and straighten up. "Yeah. I'm... glad I didn't die before I met you." 

You immediately cringe at your words, and Katara laughs affectionately. "You're such a romantic." She turns away to walk back into the water, beckoning for you to follow her. "Come on, let's go. If you feel uncomfortable, keep your clothes on. I can always waterbend you dry later."

She dives into the water, and you hesitate before following. After a moment's consideration, you decide to just go for it. You peel off your shirt and pants, piling them up on the sand before jumping into the sea in just your trunks. 

You swim over to Katara, who smiles as you approach. Her gaze momentarily flickers down to your scarred torso, to the lightning scar on your stomach, the lashes on your back, the brand between your shoulder blades. Her heart aches at the pain permanently printed on your body. Her eyes return to yours, and you see a silent question in them.