The One That Got Away | Kataang

Chapter 10- Hidden Truths

Sunlight streamed through the palace windows, painting the hallway in a warm orange glow as Tai headed toward his room. He paused by a window, drawn by the beauty of the setting sun, a sight he never tired of. But a movement near the fountain caught his attention. There, stood Katara embraced by another. It was Aang, the Avatar, the one who had once held her heart so completely that her world had shattered in his absence. A memory flickered in Tai's mind – Katara and Aang looking at each other on their balconies just a few days ago. He hadn't thought much of it then, but now, a feeling of doubt filled him. What if he was wrong? What if she's still in love with him? Tai asked himself. After all, he is the all-mighty avatar, the savior of the world, the most selfless being to exist, and he's just Tai, a simple man, nothing special about him. Of course, she would choose Aang!

A dull ache settled in his chest. Was this the same pain Aang had endured since discovering his relationship with Katara? The thought brought a wave of sympathy, acknowledging the depth of Aang's unspoken suffering. Yet, Aang had promised to respect their relationship. A hug, after all, was just a gesture between friends, wasn't it? Tai forced himself to believe it, clinging to the hope that Katara's love for him remained strong despite the shadows of the past. Tai stood there deep in his thoughts, he couldn't bear this awful feeling. The sight of Katara in Aang's arms had inflicted a blow he hadn't anticipated, an ache in his heart. He understood now, with painful clarity, the depth of Aang's unspoken suffering. Witnessing the one you love the most being with someone else, without you knowing that what you once had was over. So, he turned around and entered his room. He loved her with all his heart, she was his everything.

A knock on the door startled him from his thoughts. "I thought I heard someone crying" Toph's voice echoed through the room, a rare concern lacing her usually gruff tone. "What happened, Clay Cuddle?" It was weird, Tai never heard Toph's worrying tone, but he appreciated her caring.

Tai fought back a fresh wave of tears, taking a shaky breath to compose himself. "I just found out... Katara doesn't love me anymore" he choked out. Toph raised an eyebrow, her usual gruffness replaced by a rare concern. "Did she tell you that herself? Because I've been sensing her outside for the past hour, and you weren't exactly there with her" Asked the blind earthbender. She knew where she was going with it, it was clear that he assumed this whole thing, and spirits knew why.

"No" Tai admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "But I saw her... with him. With Aang" Tears welled up in his eyes once more. "And what exactly did you see?" Toph pressed. "They hugged" he mumbled, the pain still raw. Toph's raised her brow. "So, let me get this straight, you saw Katara HUGGING Aang, and you immediately jumped to the conclusion that she wants to be with him and not you? Wow, Cuddle, you're dumber than I thought". Frustration bubbled within Tai, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "Don't you get it? It's Aang and Katara! They were practically obsessed with each other! Is it really that crazy to think they might get back together?" Toph raised an eyebrow again, her usual gruffness laced with a hint of amusement. "Trust me, I remember how inseparable they were. But you gotta take a step back here. I could practically feel Aang's heartbeat thundering during the meeting, something was clearly bothering him. Katara probably picked up on it and went to check on him. And knowing Twinkle Toes, he probably needed a few kind words and a hug to calm down – the guy's a softie, just like you".

Tai blinked, processing her words. Maybe she was right. Maybe he'd overreacted, letting his insecurities cloud his judgment. "Thank you, Toph" he admitted, his voice softer. "I needed that" He surprised himself by pulling her into a hug, a gesture of gratitude for her blunt, yet oddly comforting words. "Wait, I'm a softie?" he asked, a chuckle escaping his lips as he realized the implications of her nickname. Toph smirked "Yep, that's why you're Clay Cuddle. And besides, those nice words and a hug stopped your waterworks, didn't they?" she said, offering a rare, genuine smile before heading out of the room. Beneath her tough exterior, Tai realized, Toph possessed a wellspring of compassion. And in that moment, her gruffness felt less like an annoyance and more like a shield, protecting a heart far softer than she ever let on.