The One That Got Away | Kataang

Chapter 30- Unresolved Tension

As Aang and Katara entered his room, the weight of the day settled heavily upon him. The decision of Tai to accept the crown, the responsibility of leading Omashu, the uncertainty of the future – all these thoughts swirled in his mind, creating a storm of emotions. He turned to Katara, a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. "I'm going to take a shower" he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. Katara's gaze met his, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Alright" she replied softly with empathy. "Do you want me to join you?" she asked while rubbing his chest lightly. Aang hesitated for a moment and then shook his head, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Nah" he said, "I'll be quick".

Katara's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face. She had hoped for a moment of intimacy, a way to connect with Aang, and more so, she wanted to make love to him, she needed him. "Alright" she said, her voice masking her disappointment "I'll be here when you're done". She watched as Aang retreated into the bathroom, the door closing behind him with a soft click. A sigh escaped her lips as she turned away, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She felt a pang of loneliness, a yearning for the intimacy they shared just a week ago.

As Katara sat on the plush armchair in Aang's room, her mind replayed Aang's words and his hasty retreat into the bathroom. A wave of hurt washed over her. She had hoped for a moment of connection, a shared shower that could wash away the stress and uncertainty of the day. His dismissive response, felt like a rejection, a sign that he was shutting her out again. She couldn't help but wonder if he was really okay with her. She tried to rationalize his behavior, reminding herself that Aang was under immense pressure and that he needed time to process everything that was happening. But the hurt lingered, a nagging ache in her heart.

When Aang emerged from the bathroom, Katara's heart skipped a beat. She had hoped for a moment of tenderness, an apology, or an explanation, but instead, he simply nodded and climbed into bed. As she followed him, slipping under the covers, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Aang pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively, but she couldn't ignore the rigidity in his body, the sense of distance. Despite his embrace, Katara felt alone. She closed her eyes, trying to find comfort in Aang's presence, but the nagging doubts refused to subside.

As the clock on the nightstand ticked relentlessly towards midnight, Katara lay awake in Aang's bed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Sleep eluded her, her heart heavy with a mixture of hurt, confusion, and a lingering sense of longing.

Aang lay beside her, his breathing deep and even, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil. She watched him for a moment, his peaceful face etched in the moonlight, and a pang of envy pierced her heart. How could he sleep so soundly, so untroubled, when she felt like her world was crumbling around her?

Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She wanted to reach out to him, to shake him awake and demand an explanation, but she held herself back, afraid of disrupting his peaceful slumber. Instead, she quietly slipped out of bed, her movements careful not to disturb him.

She made her way to the bathroom, the cool tiles providing a welcome relief against her flushed skin. As she splashed water on her face, trying to wash away the tears and the lingering hurt, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face pale and drawn. She looked like a ghost of her former self, haunted by the doubts and insecurities that had crept into her relationship with Aang.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a warm embrace. She gasped, startled, and turned to see Aang standing behind her, his eyes filled with concern and affection. "Katara" he whispered, his voice laced with worry. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Katara turned in his arms, her tears flowing freely now. "Aang" she sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. He didn't say a thing, he just kissed her. As she tried to take off her robe he backed away. she felt rejected once again. with every bit of energy she had, she ran towards the room's door, wanting to get out of there, but before she could she felt Aang holding her palm. "Please wait" Aang said. he hated seeing her like that, especially when he was the reason for her tears. Katara didn't answer, she just sat on the bed waiting for his explanation.

Aang kneeled before her, and his heart ached at the sight of her distress. He gently wiped away her tears with his thumbs, his touch soft and reassuring. "Katara" he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "I love you more than anything in the world" he said with a small smile, looking in her beautiful blue eyes. "So why are you shutting me down again?" she asked and bowed her head, tears still falling from her eyes. "I'm not shutting you down my love" he began his explanation and stopped to take a deep breath. She looked at him, waiting for the explanation. "I know what you want, and believe me, I want it too" he whispered and caressed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. "You do?" she asked, hope laced in her voice. "Of course I do! It's just that... I want to be the only one in your heart when I make love to you, and for now, I'm not" he said with a low voice, not daring to look into her eyes.

"But waiting feels..." she started to say. "I know" Aang interrupted, the pain in his voice mirroring hers. "It feels incomplete. But trust me, Katara, what we have will be all the more special when it's just us". He reached out, taking a strand of her hair and twirling it between his fingers. His touch, though hesitant, sent a familiar warmth through her. "How about this" he suggested, his voice hopeful, "Move back into this room, a promise of us being together no matter what. A promise to come back to each other's arms at the end of every single day. And when you're truly ready, when there's no one else but me, then..." The unspoken promise hung in the air, heavy with unspoken desire.

A blush crept up Katara's neck. The idea of sharing a room again, a constant reminder of their growing closeness, was both thrilling and a little terrifying. It felt like a significant step forward, a tangible symbol of their deepening bond.

"Moving back in?" she echoed her voice barely a whisper. The vulnerability in Aang's eyes tugged at her heartstrings. "Only if you want to" he clarified quickly, a hint of fear lacing his tone. "I wouldn't want to pressure you" he added. The sincerity in his voice eased her apprehension. Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze. "Sweetie" she began, her voice firm yet filled with affection, "the thought of being closer to you... it comforts me" she said holding his hand. A relieved smile spread across Aang's face as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"But" she continued, a playful glint returning to her eyes, "don't think this means you get a free pass on cuddle duty Mr. Avatar" she said. Aang's grin widened. "Never" he vowed, pulling her into a tight embrace. The hug held a deeper meaning now, a promise of shared nights, whispered secrets, and a love that was steadily blossoming. As they pulled apart, Aang leaned down, his lips hovering just above hers. "So" he murmured, his voice husky with unspoken desire, "about moving back in...is that a yes?" Katara couldn't help but laugh, the sound light and carefree "Yes Sweetie" she giggled and put her arms on his shoulder and connected their lips in a passionate kiss.

The kiss was a dam breaking, a release of pent-up emotions and unspoken desires. It was filled with a yearning for connection, a desperate need to feel closer. Aang deepened the kiss, his touch exploring, seeking reassurance. Katara met his ardor with equal intensity, her anxieties melting away in the heat of his embrace. When they finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, a newfound understanding hung in the air. The lingering doubts and insecurities hadn't vanished entirely, but they had been pushed aside, replaced by a shared commitment to work through them together.

"I'll start moving my stuff back tomorrow" Katara announced, a hint of excitement in her voice. The prospect of sharing a room again, of waking up to Aang by her side, filled her with a sense of anticipation. Aang's eyes lit up with joy. "Really?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. He reached out and cupped her face in his hands. "Katara, thank you" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Katara leaned into his touch, a warm smile gracing her lips.

"We'll be okay," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet conviction. As the moonlight streamed through the window, casting soft shadows on the room, they lay down together, their bodies intertwined. Aang gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Katara's ear, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. They drifted to sleep, not in a restless sleep of doubt, but in a peaceful slumber of shared dreams and unwavering love. With each gentle rise and fall of their chests, a silent promise echoed through the room: a promise to face the future together, hand in hand, heart to heart.