The One That Got Away | Kataang

Chapter 20- A Tempest of Emotions

Three days had passed since Tai and Katara's parting, and Tai had deliberately avoided her during that time. He needed space to process his emotions and thoughts, to make sense of the sudden shift in his life. His closest friend, Koya, a palace messenger, had been by his side throughout the ordeal. Koya, a quiet observer with a keen understanding of human nature, had watched Tai grapple with the tumultuous emotions that swirled within him. As the days turned into nights, Tai came to realize that the breakup might have been for the best. For a while now, he had sensed Katara's growing distance, a subtle shift in her affections that hinted at a lingering connection to Aang. He knew he deserved more than to be a placeholder, a temporary solace in her heart while she waited for her true love to be fulfilled.

Despite the growing acceptance, the pain of loss still lingered. Tai had loved Katara deeply, and the end of their relationship left a void that time had yet to fill. A knock on his door jolted him from his reverie, pulling him back to the present. "Yes?" he called out, granting permission to enter. The door creaked open, revealing Ty Lee, her bright smile a stark contrast to the turmoil within Tai's heart. "Hey" she greeted him warmly, her voice laced with genuine concern. Tai managed a return smile, his heart still heavy with the weight of his recent heartbreak. "Hey" he replied, his voice slightly subdued. "Ummm, there's an update meeting in the war room" Ty Lee explained, her eyes scanning his face for any signs of resistance. "Aang spoke with Kyoshi, and he wants everyone to be present" she continued. Tai nodded, his mind still wrestling with the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. "Sure" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Together, they left the room, their footsteps echoing in the silent palace corridors. As they approached the war room, Tai's heart pounded in his chest. He knew Katara would be there, most likely by Aang's side, and the sight of them together would be a painful reminder of what he had lost. It wasn't jealousy or anger that fueled his apprehension, but rather the raw ache of a love that had ended too soon.

"What's up, Clay Cuddle? Why's your heart racing like an ostrich horse?" Toph teased as she opened the war room door for him and Ty Lee, her seismic sense detecting the turmoil within Tai. Tai offered a weak smile, his eyes downcast. "You know why" he whispered, his voice barely audible. Toph's expression softened, her heart going out to her friend. The truth is, he was the one helping Katara, her best friend, in her most difficult time, and for that she appreciated him very much. Toph wanted nothing more than to see him find happiness. She knew he deserved someone who would love him unconditionally, someone who would see his strength and kindness.

As Tai stepped into the war room, his eyes immediately met Katara's. A flicker of emotion crossed his face, a mix of pain and longing, but he quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to reveal his inner turmoil to the group. He noticed Katara standing beside Aang, their presence radiating a sense of familiarity and comfort. Yet, there was an undercurrent of distance, a subtle detachment that piqued Tai's curiosity. Were they not together? Why were they maintaining this gap between them? He pushed the thought away, unable to bear the image of Katara with anyone else, even if it was Aang, the one he had always known she held a special place for in her heart.

Katara, sensing Tai's presence, turned her gaze towards him. Her eyes held a mixture of concern and guilt. She had always cherished her friendship with him, and the thought of causing him pain weighed heavily on her conscience. She knew she needed to talk to Tai, to check in on his well-being. After all, he was the one who had pulled her back from the depths of despair, the one who had shown her unwavering love and loyalty when she needed it most. She owed him at least that much.

Aang, too, noticed Katara's attention directed towards Tai. A pang of jealousy tightened his grip on his heart, but he quickly stifled the emotion. He understood Katara's compassionate nature, and her innate ability to care for those around her. He couldn't expect her to completely shut out Tai, someone who had held such a significant place in her life during his absence. Despite the lingering feelings of uncertainty, Aang recognized the importance of open communication. All three of them needed to address the situation, to air their thoughts and emotions, not only for the sake of their personal relationships but also for the sake of their mission. More importantly, Tai was an integral part of their team, a brother-in-arms who had fought alongside them for a while now. He deserved their honesty, their respect, and their unwavering support.