Water and Wind || Kataang

Chapter 20: Daydreams

The flight on Appa felt longer than anything else. I knew Aang had won. I always knew he would win. Zuko looked rough himself but my healing helped him feel a little better at least.

„Are you alright back there?" My disoriented gaze turned to Zuko.

„I'm fine. Just anxious." I replied taking in the view from Appas saddle. The world had erupted in fire.

„Try to think of something else." With that, he turned back. I tried to shift my attention on something else but my sole focus was on Aang and his well being. How was he feeling after defeating Ozai? What if he's hurt? These thoughts plagued my mind for the entire duration of our ride to the others. After some time, I noticed our drop in altitude. I got up and looked down. We had arrived.

I quickly jumped down and ran to hug Sokka. As he left my embrace, I noticed his mangled leg and crutches.

„Spirits Sokka, what happened?" He let out a laugh and patted my back.

„Just the wound of a warrior. Don't worry I'll be fine." I didn't inquire further. Relief washed over me as I saw Suki and Toph emerge from a tent located nearby. I ran over to them and gave Suki a hug too.

„I'm glad you're all okay." I said pulling apart. She smiled at me and looked over at Toph who was standing next to us with her arms crossed. I escaped Suki's arms and stepped closer to Toph.

„Don't even think about, Sweetness." I stopped in my tracks and chuckled alongside Suki.

„I know better." I laughed and just patted her shoulder. I really was glad that everyone was back together. Something-No Someone was missing. Suki must have noticed my creeping gaze and spoke up.

„Aangs in there." She pointed towards a bigger tent in the center of the camp. I breathed a sigh of relief before making my way towards it. I don't know why I was so anxious. Was it because the war was over and I didn't have to hide my feelings anymore? Or was I afraid of the responsibility that came with facing my feelings? I was leaning towards both.

Gently pulling back the curtains, I entered and seeing Aang sat a bed in the corner. He quickly shot up and got up upon seeing me.

„No sit, you must be exhausted." He chuckled and sat back down. I followed and sat next to him.

„I'm fine, really." He gave me a half smile and focused on the ground beneath us again. He was shirtless and hunched over clutching his hands. He looked really handsome. Shaking those thoughts of, I focused on the pending question in my mind.

„What happend out there? Did you.." There was silence. I remembered us at Ember Island, when I encouraged him to do it. Now I see how wrong that was of me. I really hoped he didn't do it. Doing that, it would destroy him.

„No." I breathed a sigh of relief. His head was still low, his breathing steady.

„I took away his bending." His eyes met mine. My mouth opened in shook at his response.

„You can do that?" Was the only thing I could get out. He looked down and bit his cheek. He did look troubled still.

„I know everyone said I should end his life but I couldn't, Katara. It just felt so wrong, even for him." He brushed his hand over his head while explaining. I put a hand on his shoulder, prompting him to lower his arms.

„I'm glad you didn't take his life. I'm glad you didn't listen to other people. And I'm so proud of you for what you've done for the world." He smiled. That crooked smile made me match his smile. He pulled me in for a hug which I didn't fight against. Feeling his warm embrace sent shivers down my spine. Some time passed before I felt his body tense up. My eyes opened, while he slowly pulled away. Heat rose from my skin as he looked into my eyes.