Okay I'm starting a new story ;D which I'll have diffuclty updating because I didn't start it until the week before school starts but oh well.

Anyways this story takes place about a year after Sozin's Comet and the Gaang decides to take a vacation because Aang is stressed out about polititical problems. There's not exactly a plot it's mostly me exploring different bonds between the Gaang. It's actually onshotish but it is in chronological order-confused- that's okay just read it and you'll understand.

Ships are the canon ships (Kataang, Sukka, Maiko, and some onesided Tokka) and lots of friendships.

I own squat

Thanx once again to my beta Handriani

Anytime You Need a Friend

Aang, You Need a Vacation

(The Gaang)

Katara laid casually on Aang's bed as she stared up at the wall; it was red, not just red, a bright shocking-almost obnoxious- shade of red. It was amazing that anyone in the Fire Nation palace could actually sleep with such a bright and threatening color glaring down at them. Katara sighed, it was sad to think that this was what she had been reduced to doing while attempting to be patient while waiting for Aang to return from yet another long drawn out peace meeting. Katara sighed again as she sat up and slowly straightened out her dark blue kimono,

"He's late again…" she mumbled as she finished straightening out her kimono and moved to redoing her hair. Late was a slight understatement actually, the two had planned to go on a date that evening and had planned to meet in his room nearly three hours ago. "…and another date cancelled." She knew she couldn't blame Aang for his tardiness. She also knew that he would never stand her up on purpose, but sadly this seemed to be happening a lot lately. Once again annoying politicians who were too arrogant and stubborn to get anything done were keeping her and Aang from their date.

oOo

Later that night Katara was woken up by the sound of Aang's footsteps stumbling towards his door. She had given up on Aang returning in time for their date and simply went back to her room and went to bed. Katara smiled, it was only about midnight so Aang would at least get a few hours of sleep before his next meeting tomorrow morning. Katara attempted to go back to sleep, but she realized that she couldn't; a light was streaming through her door from across the hall--from Aang's room. Katara frowned, Aang wasn't done for the night; he just relocated himself to his room. Katara rolled out of her bed and straightened her night dress before making her way across the hall to Aang's room, determined to make him go to sleep. She gently tapped the door open as she peaked inside to see Aang slouching over and old wooden desk with a candle creating a light next to him so he could read whatever document the council had given him. He didn't notice Katara's entrance so she quietly walked towards him. Once she reached him Katara gently wrapped her arms around his shoulders, Aang slightly flinched but soon realized who it was. Katara smiled and placed her head on the crook of his neck and gently whispered into his ear,

"Why are you still up?"

"I have to finish reading this thing for tomorrow's meeting," he responded softly not looking at her while gesturing to a document placed on his desk.

"You should go to sleep," Katara responded calmly. Aang turned to face her,

"I can't. I'm sorry for waking you up Katara, I'm also sorry for missing our date, but I need to finish this," Aang snapped. The misery on his face was enough for Katara to feel her heart crumble. His eyes, which had only a year ago been filled with so much joy and life, had become dim and filled with tears of frustration and exhaustion, and beneath his blood shot eyes grey bags had formed. Katara gently pulled him up out of his chair,

"Aang whatever it is, you can finish it tomorrow," Katara said as she gently guided him to his bed, "right now you need sleep."

"But Katara," Aang mumbled in a feeble attempt at an argument, "they need my approval of these new trading agreements. If I don't do this now it'll be-," Aang was cut off by a soft kiss, a moment later Katara pulled away from him. Aang suddenly realized that Katara had somehow managed to get him tucked in his bed. He looked at her in confusion before letting out a yawn,

"I'll help you with the document tomorrow, but right now you need sleep," Katara responded as she placed a kiss on Aang's forehead before blowing out the candle on his desk. Deciding to take her own advice and began walking towards the door to her own room until Aang's voice called out to her,

"Katara,"

"Yes, Aang,"

"I'm really sorry I missed our date,"

"Don't worry about it, just get some sleep," Katara responded softly, before taking notice that Aang had already fallen asleep. Katara smiled at him sadly before returning to her own room.

oOo

"Hey, are you gonna finish that?" Sokka asked referring to Katara's scarcely touched breakfast. She wordlessly pushed it to Sokka who smiled greedily as he took a massive bite. Toph raised an eye brow,

"You're not gonna yell at him for being a pig or something," Toph stated. Katara wordlessly shook her head as she stared at the wall, deep in thought.

"Wow, are you okay," Suki asked, "Normally you and Sokka would have had your morning fight by now."

"I am worried about Aang," Katara said to the group in general, "He's so exhausted and miserable because of all this politics, but I don't know how I can help him." There was a moment of silence before Sokka yelled something –which no one understood because of his full mouth – in excitement before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a wrinkled letter. He finished chewing and yelled,

"What Aang needs is a vacation!! Katara rolled her eyes and took the letter from him,

Dear Avatar Aang,

The first anniversary of your defeat of former Firelord Ozai is upon us and it would be our great honor if you and your friends would accept our invitation to our humble resort for a free week long vacation. We are sure that even you could use a break and it would be an honor for us to host you and your friends.

Sincerely,

Management of the Sho min Beach Resort of the South Earth Kingdom Islands

Katara stared at her brother for a moment and then looked back at the letter,

"Come on," Sokka begged, "I know you and Aang think it's 'wrong' to accept gifts from people, but this could have an impact on his health if we don't do something fast."

"I don't know Sokka, this is a luxury resort, it just doesn't seem right to take all that money,"

"Come on Katara, we're all worried about Aang, and I really think that a nice vacation will do the kid some good." Sokka said as he placed a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"I think Sokka's right, this will be good for Aang," Suki agreed.

"Yeah, Twinkle Toe's has been really cranky lately, a vacation will do him some good," Toph added.

"I have to agree with Toph, he has been pretty crabby lately," Zuko muttered.

"Hey, you don't get to talk crabby pants," Toph smirked as Zuko glared at her.

"Come on Katara, for goodness' sake, Aang's walking around like a zombie," Sokka yelled. Katara managed to hold back her laughter; Aang did look a bit like a zombie. Almost on cue Aang walked into the breakfast hall, reading the document from last night as he walked. He took his seat next to Katara and placed a kiss on her cheek before grabbing a piece of fruit from a bowl from across the table never taking his eyes off the document in front of him. As much as Katara hated to admit it, Sokka was right.

"Aang,"

"Yeah," he responded still not taking his eyes off the paper.

"We think you need a vacation," Katara spat out quickly.

"I'm sorry, that completely out of the question," Aang said obviously irritated, "I have a lot to do, I can't afford to take a vacation."

"But Aang…"

"No Katara, I don't have time! I have to figure out where all the former Fire Nation colonials are going to live, how to get water to an Earth Kingdom in drought, I have to manage the Water Tribe unification project, and I have leaders of nations to deal with! The last thing the world needs right now is for me to take a vacation!" Aang all but screamed.

"Aang," Katara said as she placed her hands gently on the sides of his face, "Please, we're all worried about you."

"Come on Twinkle Toes, some fancy beach resort offered us a free week long trip. Imagine it, no annoying political crap to take care of; playing at the beach all day; being lazy; for goodness sake Katara will be in a bikini, HOW CAN YOU SAY NO!"Toph retorted as Aang and Katara blushed.

"I'm going to ignore that last part," Sokka said pointing at Toph. "But she is right a, vacation will be good for you Aang, because honestly you being this cranky isn't fun for anyone."

"I don't know guys…" Aang stated to say, it was obvious that the others were starting to ware him down.

"You know, the vote for vacation was unanimous. So you're coming even if we have to drag you there," Suki said. Aang gulped,

"Umm…"

"Aang, I'll dismiss the court if you want to do this, you're not the only one who could use a week off," Zuko said while rubbing his temples in frustration. "If I have to be in the same room with those old politicians for much longer I think I'm going to strangle somebody."

"Well I'm not…." Aang attempted to say before Katara slowly wrapped her arms around his neck as she rested her head in the crook of his neck so she could easily whisper in his ear,

"Oh please Aang, it will be so much fun and it will give us a great opportunity for some…" Katara said seductively as Aang blushed, "alone time. Besides our first anniversary is coming up, wouldn't it be nice to do something special."

"I suppose…" Aang murmured softly still aware that the rest of the group was present.

"Please," Katara asked softly as she nibbled at his ear.

"Um…I guess a week off couldn't hurt," Aang said in defeat. There was an excitement in the room at the success as Katara quickly kissed Aang; Sokka, Suki, Toph, and Zuko exchanged high fives. After Katara separated form Aang she turned to see Sokka standing next to her with a mischievous smile on his face,

"Oh, I see, so the way to convince Aang to do something is seduce him," Sokka said jokingly as he pushed Katara away from Aang and placed his own arms around Aang's shoulders. "Oh please Aangie, do this for me pretty please. If you go on vacation with me, we can make out the entire time and drive everyone else insane with our constant cuteness," Sokka said jokingly doing his best to imitate a girl's voice while Aang was desperately attempting to free himself from Sokka's grasp. Zuko, Suki and Toph howled in laughter. Katara shoved Sokka away from Aang and gave him an angry glare,

"Back off, Sokka," Katara said menacingly before changing to a slightly lighter tone, "he's mine." The entire group laughed hysterically for several minutes before returning to breakfast. As they were eating Katara stole a glance at Aang and smiled at what she saw.

"He looks so happy," she mused as he and Zuko got up and made their way to the meeting.

Thanks to all those who review, it makes me very happy ;D