Before it’s too late



       That same night Sokka would prove Zuko right in an attempt to leave for the prison by using Appa, but unsuccessful on his attempt as the prince was already wating for him on top of the bison.
       —And what are you doing here exactly?
       —What does it look like? I’m going to rescue my father.
       —On a flying bison? Last I checked, fire nation prisons don’t have bison daycares.
       —Then what am I supposed to do? The invasion was my idea, the plan was mine, and the fact we failed is my fault as well. All I want is to recover my honour.
       Zuko couldn’t help himself to find irony in all of this as he had also been in a search for honour, first by hunting the avatar, now by helping him. So it was no brainer that Zuko felt the need to help him too.
       —Then I’ll go with you, on my war ballon. Tomorrow.
       —Tomorrow?
       —Trust me, just wait until tomorrow.
       Sokka wasn’t sure waiting was something he wanted to do anymore, but like clockwork; it clicked on him. If he was truly going to do it, he might as well wait. After all, just recently had Katara being opening up to him and so much progress had been done in terms of their bond. He could use this additional day to try and go all-in on his bet towards his relationship and leave to save his father without remorse or regrets afterwards.
       Sokka suddenly smiled and made a quick run back to his room. Zuko, more confused than anything simply passed the night on top of Appa’s carriage; gazing at the stars.
       
       ***
       
       The next day, first thing in the morning, Sokka began pampering Katara, if she was organizing the room; he would help, if she was cleaning, he would assist by carrying stuff around. Katara was more than surprised by this.
       —What got into you, Sokka?
       —Oh, you know, if I’m your boyfriend, boyfriends help their girlfriends.
       Katara blushed, feeling oddly warm by Sokka calling her his girlfriend instead of sister.
       —Well, yes. But you are also my brother, and brothers are annoying.
       —Then I’m a good brother!
       —Are you now, Sokka?
       Sokka and Katara would continue making jokes and giggle about them for a while until their own clumsiness proved stronger, having one falling on top of the other, both blushing at the closeness of their eyes and their lips that almost touched, only held back by a phantom force that could not be described.
       At this moment the words of Zuko echoed in his head. This was most likely the last day he would see Katara if something went wrong, he couldn’t place his bets on waiting after the fact; it was now or never for him –even if Katara didn’t realize it.
       So, with strong convictions and a firm grasp on his desires he plunged himself to her and finally their lips met. Sokka felt his heart race while Katara felt her mind go blank. Neither of them could tell how, but their hearts finally broke free on that moment and all barriers were gone.
       First it was Sokka who hugged Katara as they kept kissing, caressing her hair both gently but possessively, softly assisting her to the bed; laying Katara on her back as he climbed on top of her –not letting go of her lips through it all.
       Katara thought of breaking the kiss more than once, feeling the sudden change on Sokka’s demeanour to be too harsh, but her body didn’t listen as she returned each movement with care.
       Their lips wet with the saliva of the other, their tongues playing with each other inside their mouths, the taste of their breath quickly filling their lungs and spiking their taste buds with passion. The sensation was so familiar yet so foreign, especially when either of them had gone so far on a partner before.
       Gently, Katara’s hands hold onto the back of Sokka’s head as if telling him to not let go; but their bodies had no other option but to break up, leaving a trail of saliva as they gasped for air.
       Amidst the unfolding events, Sokka’s keen eyes discerned the gradual loosening of Katara’s alluring robes, a result of the enthralling struggle they both found themselves in. A sudden surge of desire coursed through his veins, an electric current that mirrored the building heat in the room. As their eyes met, a magnetic force drew them closer, and with an alluring grace, they began to delicately remove each other’s clothes, concealing nothing but their shared passion. In the blink of an eye, their bodies were borne, an undeniable testament to the fiery connection that had forged between them.
       The room, once filled with tension and anticipation, now buzzed with an overwhelming sense of intimacy and raw desire. Sokka’s hands traced the curves of Katara’s body with a gentle touch, igniting a fire within them both that threatened to consume them entirely. Their breath mingled in a hot, anticipatory dance as they moved closer, their skin tingling with every touch.
       In that moment, all pretences and inhibitions melted away, leaving only the raw, unbridled passion that had been simmering beneath the surface. Sokka felt a primal need to possess and explore every inch of Katara’s body, to lose himself in the overwhelming flood of sensations that engulfed them both.
       With a shared hunger that could not be denied, they crashed together in a fierce embrace, their bodies moving in a synchronized rhythm that seemed to transcend time and space. In that moment, they were not just two individuals caught in the throes of desire, but two souls bound together by a force that was as powerful as it was undeniable.
       As they tumbled deeper into the abyss of their shared passion, Sokka and Katara found themselves lost in each other, in a whirlwind of sensation and emotion that left them breathless and utterly spent. And in that fleeting moment of euphoria, they both knew that what they shared went far beyond a mere brother & sister relationship –it was a connection that transcended the boundaries of family and blood, a bond that would endure long after the flames of desire had flickered and faded into the night.
       Their bodies intertwined, their movements becoming more urgent and desperate, their hearts pounding in sync with the rhythm of their desire. Every touch, every whisper, every kiss was a revelation, a declaration of their love and longing for each other. Even as Katara’s mind still lingered on the taboo of incest, this too would fade as desire took its place.
       Time seemed to stand still as they explored the depths of their passion, their souls intertwining and merging into one. In that intimate space, there was no room for doubt or hesitation, only a deep understanding of each other’s needs and desires.
       Their bodies yearned for each other, their desires simmering just beneath the surface. Though they had not embarked on their carnal journey, the symphony of their pleasure echoed through the room, igniting a fire that burned with an insatiable passion. In the depths of their souls, they surrendered to the intoxicating allure of their bond, succumbing to the rapturous bliss they conjured as one.
       —Sokka, are you sure we should be doing this now?
       —Never been surer about something.
       —Famous last words. —Katara let go of a gentle giggle—.
       Sokka’s heart swelled with affection at the sound of Katara’s laughter. His gaze lingered on her, taking in every detail, etching them into his memory. From the captivating blue of her eyes to the delicate hue of her nipples. Despite the modest size of her breasts, they beckoned to be touched and caressed.
       —I guess can live with that. —Sokka’s hand reached for Katara’s breasts—.
       Katara quickly responded with a powerful moan, her sensible nipples burning with lust as Sokka pinched them –it was here when the fact that both of them where naked truly kicked in, prompting Sokka to spread Katara’s legs open with his own, settling himself in the way of her womanhood. Katara felt afraid of what would happen next, but the intensity of the scene was too much to handle and once again she simply submitted to it, welcoming Sokka inside with a warm smile. Now neither of them worried about implications or opinions anymore; not even their own, instead they now welcomed what seems to be making them the most joyful: Each other.
       Still, the fact remained neither of them had enough experience to know how to act on their impulses, making Sokka act reckless by penetrating his sister without hesitation. A moan of both pleasure and pain echoed in their chambers forcing him to take it out right away.
       —Maybe try slower? —Katara pleaded—.
       —Oh, sorry…
       A second try proved enough as Sokka now began with a slower penetration of Katara’s insides, now her moans were solely of pleasure as her grasp on her brother got tighter. And when he was finally inside, the rest came out naturally with him moving his hips in and out; slowly ramping up some speed.
       A nice balance of force was met when Katara’s body responded by locking Sokka in position with her legs, crossing behind him like a tight locking mechanism. Her hands danced around his back while Sokka could only lose himself in the hot interior of his sister’s pussy.
       He tried to thrust harder and harder as time went by, but instead of that, he would be met with an invisible force that could only be interpreted as Katara’s body’s way of telling him to stay inside.
       And as it grew harder and harder to fight back this force, he grabbed onto Katara’s thighs as a last-ditch effort to win that conflict, but the more he tried the worse it would get as Katara would keep holding him nearby.
        Eventually, Sokka would be the first to realize what these sensations meant, for he had felt them before, they reminded him of all those nights where he would masturbate in secrecy, thinking of Katara over and over while stroking himself to completion. But now it was different, he wasn’t holding his own dick; but his sister’s legs and the warmth he felt wasn’t from his palm, but the inside of Katara’s pussy.
       With little hesitation, he took the plunge. As he allowed his body to surrender, his essence poured into Katara, filling her completely. The heat of his release surged through her, igniting a rush of ecstasy she never knew she yearned for. Even after Sokka had emptied himself entirely, her hips continued to sway autonomously, desperately clinging to the fading sensations, longing for just a few more moments of blissful pleasure.
       Once they were both out of breath there was no other alternative but to drop themselves to rest side by side, carefully looking at each other’s eyes with blissful smiles, gently caressing their hair as they waited for their hearts to stop racing.
       —I just hope no one heard us. —Joked Katara—.
       —I doubt it, Aang is probably training his dance moves and the others are probably playing around the temple.
       —Zuko did hate it when you said that the other night.
       —Yhea…
       Sokka’s gaze fell upon Katara, and in that moment, a flood of memories washed over him. He couldn’t help but recall his late-night discussion with Zuko, where the weight of his impending mission hung heavy in the air. The thought of leaving Katara behind, uncertain of his own fate, gnawed at his consciousness. It was as if a tempest of emotions threatened to consume him whole.
       To keep these feelings at bay, Sokka spent the rest of the morning with his sister in romantical bliss. They still had to behave somewhat normal in front of the others, but once in a while; prying eyes would look the other way and they would find a chance to compel the other –their intimacy growing more and more with each gesture as the they progressed –walking closer to the sun than ever before.
       But the closer they got the more they would ponder on the secrecy of their love, wondering about its revelation to the others.
       
       ***
       
       That night, and after everyone had gone to bed, the overwhelming pressure of reality grew closer than ever to Sokka as he was approached by Zuko.
       —Are you still interested in going, Sokka?
       —Wouldn’t be awake if I wasn’t.
       —Believe me, sometimes uncertainty keeps you awake more than anticipation.
       And uncertainty did linger in Sokka’s mind as he looked at the temple doors, hoping to see his sister again as he left with Zuko, flying away in the war ballon deep into the night.
       
       ***
       
       The next morning everyone realized Sokka and Zuko were gone, Katara being the first to notice when she had woken up alone.
       They would soon find a note at the temple’s entrance, written by Zuko, explaining they had left the temple to hunt. Food was running low after all.
       Zuko also left some training instructions for Aang, who was anything but happy to hear them.
       On the meantime, and unsure of when would they return, Katara took this time to think of what had happened the day before.
       She sat at the fountain’s edge and looked into the clouds. Their fluffiness reminded her of the soft embrace of her brother while the blue called for his caring eyes –those who would watch over her at all times to keep her safe.
       Her memories then came afloat as her heart recalled the events of the previous morning. Once again, she would feel the hands of her brother around her, holding her tight as he fucked her.
       —Are you ok, Katara? —A familiar voice came in—.
       —Oh, Toph. —Katara snapped out of her wet dream—. Yes, I’m fine.
       —Are you sure? Your heart is racing and you’re sweating.
       —I’m sure, Toph. It’s nothing.
       —If you say so…
       The sudden presence of Toph had taken Katara by surprise, how long had she been wondering about Sokka? Was anyone onto them? Aang seemed to be entertained by Zuko’s training regime and the other kids were rarely present, but Toph felt like a liability. She might be blind but her perception was beyond anything anyone was capable of.
       To avoid further suspicions, Katara would walk away, but Toph would keep tabs on her until she could figure out what was going on.
       As the day went on, Katara kept up with her chores around the temple, keeping things neat and clean as well as preparing the meals for the evening and such.  Suddenly she would realize how much impact Sokka was having on her as she would begin to expect him to show up and start helping her or teasing her while she tried to work.
       As these thoughts progressed, little by little she found herself interested more and more in her brother in the same fashion he was interested in her. From one moment to the next she was gradually giving in to the excitement of her relationship and the forbidden nature of it.
       But, at the same time it would become harder and harder to keep herself discrete from Toph. Even if she wasn’t directly around, she could feel Katara’s changes based on her heartbeat or her body language and movements, she just needed to catch Katara with Sokka at the wrong time and the act would be up.
       Worse yet, with Aang now resentful of Sokka, he also would seize the opportunity to finally talk to Katara. On the second day after Sokka and Zuko left the temple, Aang approached her with unusual confidence, trying his best to act unaware, but heavily hinting on the truth he knew.
       That day, while Katara looked at the sky waiting for their return, Aang approached her with motivated eyes and a confident walk. 
       —Hey, Katara…
       —Yes, Aang? Is something wrong?
       —I’ve been thinking some things, and there is something I wanted to ask you.
       —Sure! What is it about?
       —This is weird. —He chuckled—. But, how do you know if you love someone?
       —Well, that’s a hard question to answer… I guess… it depends on the person, but usually you can tell you love someone when they don’t leave your mind… or when you feel a need to stay together… —Katara made a pause—. Why do you ask?
       —Well I think I love someone.
       —Well, if that is the case, I am sure Toph would love to know. —Katara replied—.
       She was beginning to worry about herself, as soon as Sokka left, she felt like a target had painted itself on her head. Toph asked questions relating to her feelings, Aang now apparently wanted to confess, she couldn’t take it anymore. As soon as Sokka returned she would talk to him about either braking up or coming out clean.
       —Toph?! —Aang felt insulted—. What made you think that?
       —Well, you two did get really close really fast, both of you are kids and she even has a cute nickname for you.
       —B-but we are all kids! Even you!
       —Yhea, but I’m still older than you. —Katara continued—. Trust me, I bet she’s also into you.
       Aang almost broke character at that moment, he wanted to push deeper into telling Katara he wanted her and not Toph, push her into mentioning Sokka, but the simple rejection of his feelings by deviating them to Toph was enough of an emotional turmoil to send him off his rails.
       Had Sokka gotten into her head that deeply? Was she into her brother from the start? Regardless of how he looked at it, he felt hurt and his emotions insulted, as if they had no worth for her at all and he was nothing but a mere child in her eyes.
       He found no outlet other than walking away, his heart broken even more than it was already, feeling he had for sure lost his chances with her to none other than Sokka. He began to cultivate an anger so deep within him he would begin to see it materialize on his fire bending the same way it once did for Zuko.
       Thankfully, that night, Sokka and Zuko would make their return, and great news would arrive as both made their way back with none other than Katara’s and Sokka’s dad. Rescued from prison and ready to fight back.
       
       ***
       
       —What are you doing in this thing?! —Katara was surprised by the military ship stolen from the fire nation—. What happened to the war ballon?!
       —It kind of got destroyed…
       —Sounds like a crazy hunting trip. —Aang continued, defensive as soon as he saw Sokka—.
       —Did you at least get some good meat? —Toph finished, interested on the food—.
       —I did… not. —Sokka replied—. But I got something better!
       As he spoke that’s when Hakoda stepped down of the ship.
       —Dad! —Katara’s smile was as wide as it could be—.
       —Hi, Katara… —Hakoda replied, walking towards her to meet in a hug of wholesome melancholy—.
       —How are you here? —Katara continued—. What is going on? Where did you go?
       —We… kind of went to a fire nation prison…
       Sokka felt proud, but a part of him worried that Katara would be angry at him for leaving to such a place. Instead the three of them took part of the continuation of that same hug, thankful that now they were all back together once again.
       —Seriously? No meat? —Toph concluded as she walked away—.
       Everyone laughed for a minute, and in good fatherly fashion; Hakoda offered himself to hunt for them the very next day. Until then everyone went to bed, eager to talk about everything that happened in-between events. Or so they hoped.
       Katara quickly made it clear to Sokka she wanted to talk with him. So by the time everyone went to bed, they stayed awake to figure things out.
       —They are onto us, Sokka. —Katara sounded worried—. Maybe it’s better if we don’t do this anymore…
       —C’mon. No one is even remotely close to finding out, they would probably be weirded out if anything.
       —But what if they are just pretending? Aang even questioned me about love.
       —He did? —Sokka seemed to be interested now, he knew Aang liked Katara after all—.
       Katara tried to explain to Sokka how everything went down between her and Toph and later between her and Aang. In both scenarios she brushed it off in a way to pretend she still wasn’t much into her relationship with Sokka; but the more she pondered on the events, the more she realized she actually acted that way because of Sokka. She had fallen for her brother, but that had sparked a new set of fears that all seemed to focus on the idea of losing him at the end of things. If anything, Katara was now more than ever into their relationship and this was instead a call for help to figure things out in a way that could help them keep their love going.
       —How about this? Tomorrow, before going to hunt with dad we explain it all. If they are aware of our love then there is nothing to hide and you’ll feel safer.
       —Really?
       —I promise you; this will work itself out.
       Feeling a little hesitant, Katara agreed at the end and Sokka figured a kiss good night would let her relax, but as this kiss went on; just like their first time, a little touching in between went down.
       Sokka felt more in power than ever before, even while he was gone; his connection to Katara had survived the challenge he feared the most, the Avatar.
       Katara had chosen him, her brother, over the Avatar of all people. As he caressed her body, he felt his control rise over his sister as she allowed him to go where he pleased.
       His hands playing with her nipples as his body oppressed hers. Katara would gently moan his name as he kissed her neck or bit her ears, her hands would run across his length as he peeked it between her legs from behind. It went from a worry of impending doom to the delight of romantic bliss as she was assured everything would be fine.
       That same night they would once again play with each other like two lovers in the heat of passion. The unwavering desire for each other’s soul and energy grew stronger with each movement of the hand, as their clothes became an obstacle to their love.
       Their breaths synchronized in the hushed intimacy of the night, echoing the unspoken language of their hearts. Each caress, every brush of skin against skin, served as a testament to their profound connection. 
       In this clandestine realm of shared vulnerability, their love bloomed unabashedly, unfurling like a delicate flower under the gentle caress of dawn. The night bore witness to their unbridled passion, drawing them closer together in a dance of intricately woven emotions and desires, where inhibitions dissolved, and their souls merged as one.
       Gently, Sokka once again made his way inside Katara, his length penetrating Katara’s intimacy with love and care. This time his intentions were into a more humbled realm of intentions, with no fear for his life or the future as the first night was. This time he could take the time he wanted and knew he was going to be able to do it for as many times as he pleased as well. He was in total control of his love now and there was nothing to stand in the way of it.
       He felt her insides as warm as the first time, he felt her grasp as tight too, but this time he was taking his time to take it all in and reach a new hight of pleasure.
       Sokka slowly began to thrust her. She moaned quietly in ecstasy as he reached inside of her, sending shivers down her spine. He continued to tease her insides while kissing her gently on the cheek. As he moved his cock deeper within her body she began to quiver involuntarily, almost too much because of how good it felt. Her eyes rolled back into her head as he started to go slower and softer, savouring each moment of this intimate moment between them. With each passing second their bond grew stronger and sweeter, like sweet tea brewing over hot coals. The secrecy of their act had its own taste, but thinking of the future where they could do this without a façade was even sweeter.
       Katara was in complete bliss as she laid sprawled out beneath him, unable to move even if she wanted to due to the sensation of pure euphoria coursing through her veins. Sokka was not far behind; his heart pounding rapidly from the intensity of the experience. Both siblings revelled in the other’s touch, lost in a world of pleasure beyond compare. They held onto each other tightly, their minds and bodies fully present in the moment, oblivious to anything else around them.
       Katara felt completely overwhelmed by this intense and newfound love. She had never experienced such a deep and profound connection before. Her mind clashed the past with the present. Before she feared being with Sokka in something so intimate, now, she feared losing Sokka forever if something were to happen to disrupt their relationship or cause a rift between them.
       
       ***
       
       A sense of deviancy stroke Katara after a while, finding herself in a position she never could have imagined possible just minutes ago –straddling over her brother, Sokka.
       Katara couldn't stop her thoughts from running wild, as she began to ride Sokka’s cock, her eyes widening at the sudden sensations that ran through her body. It felt like her entire being was engulfed by warmth, and her inner walls were throbbing for more. Her heartbeat quickened as her fingers intertwined into her hair, and her legs wrapped around him even tighter. As their bodies collided rhythmically, Katara allowed her senses to embrace pleasure, letting go of everything except for the feeling between them.
       Katara continued to grind against her brother, the sweat dripping down both their skin. They moved together, creating intense friction that seemed to electrify them both, as their bodies merged perfectly. She leaned back on her hands, gripped by desire and passion.
       Sokka could see his cock palpitate inside Katara’s pussy, the leak of vaginal fluids covering his shaft as she moved. He couldn’t help to wonder if she was just that wet or if this was her using water bending to improve the experience. If anything, this just made Sokka’s mind wonder about all the possible uses of her abilities during sex.
       Maybe making him cum more, or not at all. Or keeping his seed from reaching her womb. She had probably already done it the first time.
       Sensual waves continued to envelop both siblings as they found themselves indulging each other in intimacy. Katara’s moans echoed throughout the room, amplifying the lust in the air. Their movements grew faster, their tongues mingled until they reached their climaxes, their orgasms sweeping through their systems. Once done, sweat-laden, they lay still against each other in exhaustion yet blissfulness. Their only remaining worry being that of being heard by others.
       Except for Sokka, who wished for a certain someone to know he had lost his chance. Aang.
       As the morning sun rose and cast its rays upon the couple, they emerged from their romantic reverie still entwined in each other’s arms, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It had been another successful encounter that left both parties feeling fulfilled, nourished, and loved.
       As decided, they both were ready to let everyone know the truth of their affair.
       
       ***
       
       —Everyone, please gather. —Said Sokka, waving his hands around with a wide smile—.
       Aang, Toph, Zuko and the rest of the team gathered, everyone wondering what Sokka had to say, but as luck had it, one face was missing, Hakoda’s.
       —Wait… Where’s dad? —Sokka wondered—.
       —He left to hunt. —Aang replied—.
       —Yhea, remember how you guys brought nothing? —Toph complained—.
       —Should we wait for him? —Zuko asked—.
       —Maybe… maybe we can talk with him in private, Sokka. —Katara intervened—.
       Sokka felt like he agreed with Katara, the topic they were about to touch on would be something that would most likely drive their father insane, and unlike the rest, act against their wish of union.
       —What is it then? —Zuko returned the conversation to its place—.
       —Well… It’s about Katara and I. —Sokka looked confident—.
       And as he made his speech, Katara got closer and closer to him.
       —Katara and I have decided to begin a relationship together. —Sokka continued as he and Katara kissed—.
       —Wait. —Zuko seemed to be the most intrigued—. You mean…
       —Yes, we mean romantically. —Katara responded in a tone—.
       —Oh, I understand that. My sister was rather romantic too, sometimes. —Zuko continued—. I meant to ask how romantically we were talking about.
       —Very! —Sokka raised his head, proud of his achievement—.
       Then, after a second of silence realization kicked in on Sokka.
       —Wait now. You and Azula? Really?
       —She was rather… interested… in showing off her dominance over others since birth. —Zuko explained—. That, for some reason, included me.
       —Hey, she’s not that bad looking either.
       Katara looked at Sokka with anger.
       —What?! She’s not ugly. —Sokka continued—.
       —But she is crazy.
       —I think we are deranging the topic a little bit here. —Aang butted in with an angered tone—. You are brother and sister!
       —And we love each other, Aang. —Katara got defensive—. I thought you would respect that.
       —Seriously? Sokka and Katara? Zuko and Azula? —Toph sounded in shock—. Next Aang is going to have a long-lost sister or something?
       —Really, Aang? You are going to tell me the air nomads have rules for love too? —Sokka poked fun at Aang—.
       —… Not really… But still!
       —Still what? You sound more like you’re jealous than anything else. —Sokka continued teasing him—.
       —Of course not! —Aang blushed, and tried to lie about it—. I like Toph actually.
       —Toph?! —Everyone was in awe—.
       —Me?! —Toph was twice in awe—.
       —I… uh… Can we please stop changing topics?! —Aang tried again to keep his composure—. Katara, are you sure about this?
       —Look Aang, if you don’t want to support us you are free not to, but please keep it to yourself.
       —It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that-
       —Forget it Aang. —Sokka interrupted—. You are only making it worst for yourself.
       Aang remained silent, knowing there was nothing more he could say, while the gang went back to discussing their now public relationship, asking questions like when did it all started and how did it evolved; to which Sokka and Katara simply told the events from the invasion until the night before, omitting the intimacy of course, but hinted by Sokka’s lack of touch. It only made the scene more awkward for the rest as the story developed.
       And underneath all the talk, Toph, who felt a deep connection with Sokka, felt her heart crumble. She was able to tell once and for all what her feelings were now that they were shattered, she loved him, but couldn’t figure it out in time to talk to him about it and now she had to see her first love lay on the hands of someone else. Specially the hands of Katara, who she had struggled with getting along for a long time.
       She also felt hurt by Aang, who not only lied in being interested in her, but the lie was so obvious it fooled no one. Feeling heartbroken she felt like she could’ve given Aang a chance just to spite on Sokka, but now she felt like she was even lower than a spite girlfriend. True rejection.
       Both Aang and Toph left the reunion shortly after their silence was ignored, realizing the other’s spite at the relationship itself, even if for their own separate reasons and as to be expected, neither Sokka or Katara were bothered by it, specially Sokka, who now revelled in his victory over Aang, stroking his relationship with Katara on his face truly escalating his ego.
       After that awkward encounter, Toph decided to reflect deeply about her actions and feelings. She realized that she might have rushed into things too fast because of feeling neglected while trying to gain someone else’s attention. She started questioning herself whether she should look for a romantic relationship, even out of spite, or tried self-care instead. On the other hand, Aang began understanding why he was confused about what went wrong between him and Katara; perhaps they had grown apart from each other over time, and this reunion triggered his awareness of their distance. Maybe only he got close to her, but never the other way around.
       Sokka appreciated seeing how Aang felt and enjoyed his newfound status as Katara’s boyfriend.
       During the evening, Aang spent time introspectively thinking before contacting Toph once again, seeking companionship on their mutual distaste of the incestual relationship between Katara and Sokka, thinking this was some kind of setup against him from Sokka himself, manipulating Katara in the process. But Toph ignored him as she was still mad at him for including her in the discussion by feinting love for her just to avoid confrontation.
       —C’mon Toph, I know you don’t believe them either.
       —I believe them more than I believe you!
       —Really? You are going to take their side now just to spite me?
       —It’s better than helping you with a fake relationship just to get your girlfriend back.
       —And you are going to tell me you don’t feel the same for Sokka? I saw your face when they announced it.
       —My face was because of you butting me in like a coward!
       —Toph, look, I’m sorry, ok? But are you really going to do nothing while Katara takes Sokka from you?
       Toph’s heart was moved, she wanted Sokka just as much as Aang wanted Katara, and was just as hurt as he was that her love was taken by someone else, but could she go with Aang’s plan of a fake relationship to cause jealousy on the siblings? Would that even work? What if their love was sincere?
       Many questions arose from Toph to even begin asking herself how the plan would be taken into action or the implications of pretending to be intimate with Aang of all people, specially given her strong personality and Aang’s submissive approach to things. They were incompatible from every angle.
       Meanwhile, as the gang gathered together, Hakoda arrived with a bountiful catch of freshly hunted animals. The savoury aroma filled the air, but Hakoda couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. It seemed like he had missed something important while he was away. However, Sokka and Katara, still reeling from the events involving Toph and Aang, were reluctant to discuss it further, leaving Hakoda in the dark.
       As the days went by, Hakoda couldn’t help but notice a change in his children’s behaviour. Katara and Sokka, once reserved about their relationship, now seemed more open and affectionate with each other. It was as if a newfound intimacy had blossomed between them, and Hakoda couldn’t help but wonder what had transpired in his absence. Even questioning the intensity of this behaviour when comparing it to when they were kids. It felt like more than just brotherhood, but he was also afraid to ask.
       It worsen out whenever Aang was close too; Sokka would cling to Katara whenever he sensed Aang’s gaze upon them, and Katara, hurt by Aang’s rejection, found herself oddly comforted by Sokka’s protective gestures.
       Throughout the week, Aang found himself constantly witnessing the tender moments between Sokka and Katara. Their love seemed to radiate from every touch, every caress, and even more intimate gestures. It was as if they were in their own world, completely consumed by their affection for one another. Aang couldn’t help but feel envy for the love they shared and feel like it was all done in front of him with intent, as if forcing him to accept their love more than anything else. A push so deep that indirectly hurt Toph as well, and the more she pondered over Aang’s suggestion. Maybe not to ruin their relationship but to let them know that whatever they were trying to achieve with their actions, would not come to fruition.
       But as the days passed, the only thing growing stronger was Sokka’s and Katara’s love. Creating moments where they would kiss for long periods of time, or indulge in intimacy in their room regardless if they could be heard from outside. Truly liberating them from the fears they once had.
       Unfortunately, one morning everything had to go wrong, and actions had to be taken.
       
       ***
       As a new day raised in the temple, and due to the carelessness of the two siblings, Hakoda felt the need to finally intervene between the two, asking the questions that would prompt them to realize they had never explained things to him the way they wanted.
       —Well, dad you see…
       Sokka tried to find the right words to start with, but suddenly a surprise attack. The fire nation had found them, and with them Azula leaded the charge against the Avatar and his friends.
       Dozens of fire nation ships floating around the temple, firing cannons, mortars and anything else that caused damage, alerting everyone in the process.
       Aang did his best to hold the first barrage of attacks, with his air control he sent as many projectiles away as he could, and activated the temple’s defences by closing the front doors to create cover.
       But the damage was such that it did not take long for the place to begin to crumble. Sokka quickly pushing Katara away to keep her safe from falling debris.
       Thinking fast, Toph made a hole in the temple’s walls to create an escape route, without a second thought; The duke and the rest of earth benders pushed in, then Hakoda, Aang, Sokka and Katara, only leaving Zuko behind.
       —Zuko! What are you doing?! —Aang shouted—.
       —I’ll hold them off! Run! —Zuko replied—. I think this is a family visit…
       Hesitant to let him sacrifice himself, Aang tried to persuade him, but in the futility of it, it was Sokka who had to make him realize it was do or die, and they had to scape.
       The gang quickly ran as fast as they could, Aang holding Appa’s leash as they tried to cross the tunnel, a tunnel which the bison refused to go through. Because of this, they had to separate and create a second route in which the bison could fly through and make it out in time.
       —We need to split up! —Sokka suggested—. Everyone, take the tunnel and get to the stolen airship!
       —No! —Katara interrupted—. The fire nation won’t separate our family again!
       —It will be ok, Katara. —Hakoda tried to have Katara relax—. It’s not forever.
       Katara’s heart was heavy with reluctance, but she couldn’t deny the truth any longer. She pulled her father into a tight embrace, their shared acceptance of the daunting fate that awaited them. Determined and united, Katara joined with Sokka, Toph, and Aang. With unwavering courage, they leaped onto Appa’s back, ready to face the perilous challenge ahead. The airships loomed ominously, encircling the temple like vultures. Meanwhile, Zuko engaged in a fierce battle with Azula, his sister. In a daring move, they risked it all, soaring through the sky, narrowly dodging the enemy’s attacks and saving Zuko in the process of it when the battle went wrong and he was sent flying and falling into the abyss.
       Unfortunately, Azula survived, and all left to do by the gang was to find shelter and set camp.
       —Camping, uh? It really feels like old times… —Aang sounded defeated—.
       —If you want to feel like old times, I could uh… chase you around or something. —Zuko tried to cheer everyone up—.
       Thankfully, everyone did laugh, except for Katara, who after all that had happened, she had lost her father again. Not only that but she was far from forgiving Zuko as well, after all he and his people where the ones who killed her mother, and now her father was at risk yet again.
       —He’ll be fine. I promise. —Sokka tried to lift her spirit, hugging her and leaning for a kiss—.
       —This is the millionth time we get separated, and to the surprise of no one, mister fire here once again did nothing.
       —Did nothing? He fought Azula to give us time to escape! He saved us! —Aang complained—.
       —I’m touched… I don’t deserve this… —Zuko smiled—.
       —Yhea, no kidding… —Katara stood up and left—.
       —Katara, wait! —Sokka tried to stop her but was completely ignored—.
       But instead of wondering what ifs, Zuko took initiative and decided to follow her, talking to her once no one could hear them or see them.
       Zuko tried to explain himself and that he could be trusted, he was when she and Sokka revealed their relationship, so why not now?
       Katara made him remember the time when she did trust him, back in Ba Sing Se, and was betrayed by him shortly after.
       The prince asked then what he could do to regain her trust, but she was so deep in anger at the moment that all she did was bash him with the truth, that Ba Sing Se was taken because of what he did, that her mother was gone because of what his people did, and now that her father was at risk again thanks to him and his nation.
       These words resonated in Zuko because he knew she wasn’t lying, but pondered on the events that lead to her mother’s death more than anything, feeling that if he could help her overcome her loss, she would trust him again.
       That night he made the choice of talking to Sokka, obtain some information and maybe find a way to make amends. Unfortunately for him, he and Katara were already making out when he tried to reach him.