Charred //ZUTARA

Chapter 21 - ''You distracted me.''

''King Kuei will be here in two days,'' Aang told her while they finally started learning the new waterbending techniques from the scroll he brought with him.

''Will he be staying here?'' she asked, following what the Avatar was doing. Sharp movement of the arm back and forth then pushing the water into the opponent. They used wooden dummies.

Aang's movements were faster resulting in more frequent attacks. But to everyone looking, it would be clear Katara's were more powerful. She already knocked down the training mannequin few times. Whereas Aang struggled with it. After few of his annoyed huffs, she slowed her movements and reduced the force.

She did not want anyone to see the Avatar as the weaker one.

''I suppose,'' he shrugged, willing the water back into the pouch around Katara's hip. She did the same with her portion. Apparently, the training was over. Even if Katara buzzed with the energy. Spirits, she'd love to let it all out. ''I hope so anyways. I really feel like he's gonna be generous in sharing a bit of his territory.''

''I don't think that'd be a problem,'' Katara agreed. She grabbed the towel laying on the floor, passing it to Aang.

The airbender smiled. He wiped the sweat off his face, throwing it behind him. Katara fought the urge to pick it up. Last time she did that, one of the maids bringing the drinks scolded her. Told her it's their responsibility to take care of the Avatar.

With a corner of her eye, Katara already noticed one of them approaching with two glasses of water.

''Should I take you shopping tomorrow? I thought we could find you a nice dress to greet the Earth King,'' Aang offered.

He grabbed both glasses after thanking the maid.

Katara balanced on her leg, crossing her arms. ''That's okay, Aang. I think I'll find something appropriate in my room.''

Aang's eyes glimmered dangerously. ''I insist.''

''I've got so much stuff already, it'd be a shame to waste all those pretty dresses.''

''Fine,'' Aang sneered.

Katara knew he scanned her clothes every time she met him. The expensive tunics, custom made shoes and jewelry she sometimes put on were a punch to him. He should be the one buying her all that stuff.

Also, the fact that some of the materials were so revealing, did not help her case.

Aang being an Air Nomad had a different opinion on such clothing. How could his girlfriend be showing off that much skin? Ever since he's told her about it, she's tried choosing less exposing attire.

She approached him slowly. He was now downing his water. She grabbed the empty glass from him, putting it next to her full one on the floor. She stood on her toes to reach his ear. ''Don't be angry with me.''

Aang was still. His hands did not travel to rest on her waist, his lips did not lower to her own, his body had no reaction to being so close to her. ''I'm not.''

''You are,'' she chirped. She could feel the corner of his mouth rising next to her cheek. ''I didn't mean to offend you.''

Finally, his cold hands touched her. Even if it was just to hold her shoulders and lean her back so he could look at her. She'd take any physical contact these days.

Agni, was she desperate.

''You didn't, okay?'' Aang sighed. ''I would just love to spoil you from time to time, you know? Take you out, buy you nice things. Normal boyfriend-girlfriend stuff.''