Charred //ZUTARA

Chapter 37 - ''I want you wherever I am.''

Stomping her foot on the ground, Katara waited impatiently for Aang to finally show up. After Zuko adjourned the meeting, wishing the Earth King farewell on his travel back home, the Avatar personally offered to get Sokka to fly him back to Ba Sing Sa on Appa. 

Of course, being the animal lover that he was, King Kuei was more than happy to take him up on it. So, the Avatar went to the stables to prepare his flying bison for the journey, along with Sokka who would lead him. 

She did not bother waiting for Zuko. There was no more she could say to him now as both were clueless as to what to do next. He was swarmed by the cloud of his advisors anyway. 

So, there she was, standing in Aang's chamber, expecting him to show up at any moment. She really needed an update on what was going on considering her friends, once again, did not fill her in on their plans. Which she assumed were now supposed to include her. 

''I know, Toph!'' she's heard from behind the door. Frowning, she walked up to the wooden platform, barely breathing to listen to Aang's voice. ''Don't you think all I want is to find them? That's all I can think about these days!''

Find who? Katara had no idea who the Master of Four Elements wanted to find but it sounded like he was angry. 

''Then why are we going to the Earth Kingdom so early? We need more time, we haven't found anything yet!'' the earthbender yelled back. 

''Lower your voice,'' the Avatar snarled quietly, even Katara struggled to hear it while she pressed her ear into the cold door. ''We shouldn't talk about this here. Once Sokka gets back from Ba Sing Sa in the evening, we will discuss the details. I've got a plan.''

There was a moment of silence. The waterbender thought they might've went away but then Toph replied: ''I truly hope you know what you're doing.''

''I'm not a child,'' Aang warned her. Katara could almost imagine his face now; the way his nostrils would flare up and that dangerous glow would appear in his eyes. ''Not anymore.''

''I know,'' the earthbender sighed heavily. Even though she was the youngest one in the group, Katara has not underestimated her in years. She often thought she was strongest women she met. ''I'll see you later.''

She heard the footsteps in the distance. The curiosity rose within her but it was not the time to ponder on it. She would have to think about it later, perhaps share it with Zuko. It surely seemed like the Team Avatar had some sort of secret. 

There was no reply so the waterbender gently backed away from the door. It proved to be a smart decision as it opened abruptly. 

Aang stood in an entrance, his brows still drawn but as soon as his sight set on Katara, his features softened. She smiled delicately. ''Hi, Aang.''

''I did not expect to see you here,'' he approached her. Resting his hands on her hips, he gathered her closer. His nose was nudging her neck now as he sniffed her scent. ''It's a pleasant surprise. I've had a very eventful day.''

''I know. I was there,'' she chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck. Spirits, what a sixteen year old Katara would give up to have moments like this with him. 

Everything, she thought to herself. Her younger self would sell every piece of her soul once upon a time to be with the Avatar. 

''I just need to rest for a while,'' he confided. It did seem like the meeting or whatever happened after has drained him as his shoulders sank. He pointed to the bed behind them. ''Would you care to join me?''

She felt bad for him. By the guidance of the Spirits or some other preposterous fate, Katara nodded her head. Grinning, Aang guided them towards all the soft pillows and blankets.