Fire is world ending.
When a healer from his past comes to the Fire Nation at last, everything goes up in flames.
Will there be anything to save from the ashes?
...
Aang walked her up all the way up to her chamber. They stopped in front of her door. Katara's heart skipped a beat when Aang suddenly closed the distance between them.
Her back was now pressed to the wood as she peered up at the Avatar. ''What are you doing, Aang?''
''I had a lot of fun today, you know.''
''Me too.''
After they ate dumplings that Katara pretended to love, they stayed a bit longer for herbal tea. She told Aang all about the boring healing techniques she's mastered over the last six months and he actually listened to her. Even asked if she'll teach him some. She's decided she'd be content doing anything with him.
When the sun already set, they walked back to the Palace. Neither of them felt the need to rush though. The town was beautifully sparkling with all the lamps and fire benders using their powers to lit them up.
''We still didn't establish one thing, though,'' Aang looked down at her lips. Spirits, was he about to kiss her goodnight? ''I thought it to be obvious but apparently some people still have their doubts. I think that might include you.''
''What do you mean?'' she breathed out.
She could barely focus on anything but their bodies so close. Agni, she needed him closer. He was still not touching her. Just staring. Observing.
''I want us to be together. Officially,'' he said, leaning in gently. She felt his breath on her cheek now. Her pupils dilated. ''No more words left unsaid. No more uncertainty. Will you, Katara, be my girlfriend?''
She's noticed his cheeks also were stained by pink. He didn't move an inch. Katara smiled at him softly. ''Of course, Aang.''
Finally. A decision she's waited for so long. She imagined herself finally getting together with Aang a bit differently though.
She always thought she'd be a bit more... excited? Now there was just happiness that they got that straight at least. They were together now, which meant she knew where this could go. She would have something to look forward to.
''May I... may I kiss you?'' Aang whispered. There was no other sound in the distance than their fastened breaths.
Aang waited for her answer. Katara knew he would wait for as long as she needed. ''Yes.''
The Avatar's lips were silken and the kiss itself was innocent. It was like a breeze in the air, so soft. Almost as if he was scared she would break if he pushed further.
Spirits, it was nothing compared to the one she shared with Zuko.
Damn it! She lasted most of the day without thinking about it! She felt her chest tighten with guilt especially when Aang continued kissing her. Moving from her lips to place two pecks on both sides of her face.
Katara closed her eyes for a brief moment.
She should be enjoying this. She was ready to take things further. She has been for a long time. But how could she? After what she allowed Zuko to do?
Aang moved back an inch, staring intently at her. She couldn't tell him, she's decided. Katara would never tell him about this kiss of betrayal.
First, because she would never let it happen again and it meant absolutely nothing.
Second, because she refused to break Aang's heart. Or disappoint her friends.
Agni, she really needed to sort herself out. She was such a terrible friend!
''Are we still on tomorrow? The waterbending practice?'' Aang broke the silence between them. His voice was quiet though. As if he wanted this moment to last a little longer.
''Of course,'' Katara's face brightened. ''I wouldn't miss it for the world!''
''I'll come pick you up in the morning, okay?''
''Okay.''
''Well...,'' Aang grabbed the handle behind her back. He pressed on it, opening the door for her. ''Goodnight, then.''
Still in a daze, still full of all the emotions today brought her, she stepped into the darkness of her room. ''Goodnight, Aang.''
The Avatar closed the door.
Katara was all alone with her feelings now. But above all else, she grinned as she settled on her bed. She didn't bother to undress or wash her face yet. She needed to lay down.
She felt as though her whole world was about to change.
Zuko was dismissing yet another mistress from his room. Ever since Katara has left him feeling like he was burning alive, his sexual hunger was exceptionally hard to satisfy.
Especially when he kept thinking of who might be kissing her at this very moment.
He knew it was unreasonable to feel that way. It wasn't fair to want Katara. In any way, shape or form.
But he just couldn't stand the thought of Aang taking her out on a date. If someone's told him two days ago he would get so close to the waterbender after being in her presence for mere hours, he would laugh at them. Possibly also punish them for suggesting something outrageous.
It did happen, though. They did more than kiss. They set each other on fire, only to burn in separation later.
Of course, he absolutely blamed the Full Moon.
He wasn't himself. He never was during these events. He had a massive headache for a whole day and he felt overwhelmed without his firebending in full power.
Usually, he would stay in a room and have one of the harlots entertain him for the whole night.
It was very similar to what happens to him during the Sozin's comet. Except then, he feels very much out of control as if the fire is flowing through his veins and he is simply ecstatic.
During the Full Moons, he would very much be in charge of his actions but not quite...himself.
Zuko wondered if it was the same for Katara. If that blissful feeling of pure power and energy took control of her and she just had to obey it. If the Moon made her do all those things with him.
For some strange, stupid reason, he hoped that wasn't the case.
