Katara's Love Triangle

Prologue

It's been two years since Ozai's attack. The Gaang has traveled the world, helping as many people as possible. But during this time, Katara and Zuko have been drawing closer together, while Aang has been drifting away with his Avatar duties. Katara is caught in between a nasty love triangle with Zuko and Aang. She can truly love only one; she can't change this. She must break one heart in order to love another.

As they travel, relationships grow distant and nerves are frayed; tension rises and all hell breaks loose. What will become of the Gaang when romance suddenly gets in the way? Will they resolve their differences or go their separate ways?

Chapter 1: Distance

[Katara]

I wake up in the middle of the night again. I sit up and yawn. This is the third time this has happened. I sigh in frustration and quietly walk out. I head toward the woods to clear my head. The night is cool and clear, the breeze dances through my hair. I look up and see a half-moon. Yue…

"Out for a stroll?"

I quickly turn around to see Zuko leaning against a tree, his arms crossed. "Did you follow me?"

He looks me in the eye and walks toward me. "You didn't answer my question."

"I couldn't sleep." I turn, my back facing him.

He stands behind me and puts a hand on my shoulder. "Nightmares?"

I nod.

"About Aang?"

"Yeah…He's been gone for nearly a month now. Doesn't he realize that he needs to make time for us too?"

"I think he doesn't like this any more than you do. But it's his duty."

I groan in frustration and face Zuko. "But that's all he ever talks about! Duty this and duty that! What does he take me for anyways?!"

"Shsh. Keep quiet." He says then takes a step closer. "I don't know, ok? Maybe he wants to make up for the one hundred year gap." He shrugs as he talks.

I look into his sad eyes. Ever since Mai died, he's had this look. But who can blame him? I'd be the exact same way.

"If that means never seeing me, or anyone else, then what's the point of being together?" I ask, tears falling down my cheeks.

I cover my face with my hands and turn away from him. He can't see me like this! He can't…But he already has, hasn't he? So what's the point? Besides, he's a close friend who I trust and—

Suddenly his arms are around me. "I know you miss him. We all do. Just don't forget that we're still here for you."

I turn slightly and lean my head against him. I don't know what kind of pain he felt when she died, but it must have been ten times greater than what I'm feeling. I feel as if Aang is slowly slipping away from me. It's like someone pushed a button and now we're strangers; two separate people…But is it ok for me to be here with Zuko? It feels like I'm betraying Aang in a way…

I slowly slip out of his hug and wipe my face. I look at him. "I know…and thank you."

He nods. "Anytime."

I step forward so I'm only a few inches away from him. I'm terrified to do this, but I do it anyways. I lean forward and kiss his cheek. He steps back in surprise and I blush slightly.

"I won't forget." I tell him and then run back to the camp as if nothing happened.

When I get there, Sokka is standing there, waiting for me. I slow down to a walk and regulate my breathing. My face is still hot and my hands are a bit shaky. I stand in front of my brother. His arms are crossed and his hair's down.

"S-Sokka," I say, "you didn't have to wait up for me."

He frowns.

"I just…I couldn't sleep is all."

He speaks so softly it's almost a whisper. "You scared me to death."

I lower my head. "I'm sorry, Sokka…"

He steps forward and hugs me. "I'm just glad you're ok. Where'd you go?"

I hug him back. "Just for a walk in the woods."

"Don't ever do that again!"

I nod. "I won't, I promise."

He lets go then nods. "Get some sleep. We're flying to the Northern Air Temple tomorrow."

"What? Why?"

He holds up a hand then yawns. "I'll tell you in the morning. Now, go to bed."

With that, he goes back inside his tent. I hesitate then walk towards mine. When I get there, I see Zuko standing next to my tent. I stop and look at him, wondering what to do next. Should I talk to him or ignore him? Ah! I don't know what to do!

"When did you—?" I begin.

"Doesn't matter. I just came to say good night." He takes a step forward and kisses my forehead. "Good night, Katara."

"G-good night, Zuko." I say as he walks off.

I crawl back inside my tent and lay down. I'm asleep within minutes.

I wake up to the oh-so-lovely sound of Sokka dragging Toph out of bed. I sit up, stretch, and yawn. Last night seems like so long ago. Then it all comes back: the nightmare, the hug, my tears, his voice, the kiss…The kiss! I start panicking. Oh no, what if Aang finds out? I can't let that happen! I have to—

"Um, Katara?" It's Zuko.

"Y-yeah?"

"Are you packed yet? Sokka says we're gonna leave pretty soon."

"Uh no, not yet. Gimme a few minutes ok?"

"Ok." He walks away.

I take a deep breath and begin packing. Once I'm done, I take my bags out and start taking my tent down. Zuko walks over and says,

"Need any help?"

I turn and glance at him. "You could take my bags and put them on Appa."

I expect him to say something sarcastic but all he does is take my bags and walk off. I watch him go, and I find myself smiling a little. He's changed so much, despite the hardships that he's faced. I'm so proud of him.

"You seem to be getting along really well with Zuko lately, Sugar Queen." Toph says from behind me.

I finish packing and face her. "What makes you say that?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Katara. I know something's up." She crosses her arms.

I sigh in frustration. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I gather the rest of my stuff in my arms and walk toward Appa. Sokka's on his head, ready to take off. Suki and Zuko are already on the saddle. I throw my stuff up there and climb on. Zuko offers me a hand and I take it. He pulls me up. Just as I sit down, Toph is next to me and gives me a look.

Sokka flicks the reigns. "Yip yip!"

And we're off, towards the Northern Air Temple.