Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Duty Versus Love ❯ Meeting on the Spring Equinox ( Chapter 9 )

LES: If you happen to be wondering where Momo is… he found a hot lady lemur and settled down. See… Momo's kind of the useless animal mascot of the show, just there to be cute and fluffy for the children demographic. That equals useless for an adult like me. Appa's a much better mascot for the show since he actually does stuff. So, yeah, don't start looking for Momo. He's not here.

 

Chapter IX: Meeting on the Spring Equinox

 

The next day was the Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring and the first day of the yearly rise of the Earth Kingdom as the most powerful nation in the world, until the Summer Solstice when the Fire Nation became the most powerful.

So far, no one had questioned why Katara had slept in Aang's villa rather than her own. But they had left Iroh's Tea Shop late enough that no one saw them arrive. And none of the neighbors heard them as they made love again, which was a Blessing all on its own.

The second time was much quieter, but much more enthusiastic and contained more experimentation than the first time. Not to mention Aang managed to stay awake after his orgasm this time, holding her close and telling her how much he loved her.

The night before was deeply imprinted on her soul, since sex seemed to only get better.

Katara smiled softly at her husband's sleeping face as he slowly roused from sleep. “Hey.” He whispered. “When is the meeting?”

“This afternoon.” Katara answered. “We have the whole morning ahead of us.”

“Good. I crave the taste of your flesh.” He pressed a hot, open-mouthed kiss against her collarbone, drawing a soft moan from Katara's lips.

She rolled over so that she was on top of him, straddling his waist as she pulled him into a demanding kiss.

Aang automatically propped himself up on the headboard so he had better access to her lips. His hands found her hips as he ground her against himself, tearing a ragged moan from both their throats.

Katara got the message and began to grind against him, causing him to make more of those interesting and sexy noises.

Katara kissed his forehead. “I love you, Aang.”

“Love you too.” Aang panted. “More, Katara. I want you.”

Katara smiled at her husband and obliged, lowering herself onto his erect manhood.

Katara threw her head back with a soft moan, and she felt his arms tighten around her body. She rode him a little harshly, using Aang's shoulders for support, but the Airbender didn't mind at all. He loved every moment of their lovemaking. The third time felt just as amazing as their first and second time, and he doubted this act would ever lose its magic.

He loved how she moved desperately on top of him. He loved how her womanhood clung to him with every movement like an intoxicating embrace. He loved every drop of sweat that formed on her skin. And he loved the look of pleasure on her face as she reached climax.

Well… she may have reached her own peak, but Aang hadn't, and he meant to rectify that. While she was in the midst of her orgasm, he rolled them over so that he took the position on dominance and began to thrust into her body.

Katara was forced to bite his shoulder rather hard to keep from crying out at his continued assault upon her body despite its climax. Spirits, she loved it!

~~~~~~~~~~

“I don't see why we have to get up this early.” Sokka complained to his wife as they made their way down the spacious Upper Ring street.

“Well, you were too hung over to remember, but Katara said on the way here that she needed new clothes. And Ba Sing Se makes the best clothes in the Earth Kingdom.” Suki said.

“So why am I here?” Both Sokka and Toph complained.

“Because, Toph, you need some new clothes too.” Suki sighed. “And Sokka can hang out with Aang for some married male bonding.”

Sokka scoffed. “Having Aang as a brother-in-law is nothing new. He was practically my little brother before he married Katara. The only difference is now, every time I see him, I wanna kick him right in the…”

“Sokka!” Suki scolded. “They are married now, as you well know! They are at perfect liberty to… take advantage of that!”

“Again with the euphemisms.” Toph sighed.

“Well, excuse me if I don't wanna think about my little sister having sex with a guy who is like a brother to me, married or not!” Sokka retorted.

They approached the Avatar's villa, where Aang always stayed while in Ba Sing Se. The trio stepped over the mountains of gifts that had been left there for the Avatar. Sokka was about to open the door when Toph stopped him.

“On second thought, let's come back later.” Toph said hastily.

“What? Why?” Sokka asked.

“Well… they are newlyweds, and the vibrations I'm picking up from inside is like a huge `Do not disturb' sign.” Toph said.

It took Sokka a couple of seconds to make the connection, and then Suki and Toph barely managed to stop him from breaking down the door in a protective-big-brother fury.

“I'm gonna kill him! I'm gonna kill him!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Thankfully, Aang had no idea at that time how close he came to being violently murdered in his own bed by his over-protective brother-in-law.

After their passionate wake-up call, they had finally dressed and moved out to the large common room. And that is how Sokka, Suki, and Toph found them later. Or, rather, Katara was actually sitting on Aang's lap and they were locked at the lips. But at least they were clothed.

“Well, some people certainly had an interesting morning.” Toph said loudly, causing Aang and Katara to abort the kiss and looked around at their guests. “Keep it up, Twinkletoes, and you'll have Sugar Queen knocked up in no time flat!”

Aang and Katara shared a secret, knowing smile.

“Hey!” Sokka began. “I won't have any talk about my little sister being `knocked up'!”

“Oh, shut up, Sokka. It's gonna have to happen sooner or later since Aang has a whole culture to repopulate single-handedly.” Toph said.

“Still, we don't have to talk about it.” Sokka said loudly.

“Good. Then if Katara ever does get pregnant, they'll make sure you're the last to know.” Toph commented quietly.

But Sokka had fallen into a tangent and didn't hear Toph. “It's bad enough we all almost walked in on them this morning…”

“You almost did what?” Aang asked in amazement.

“Yeah, Twinkletoes, we stopped by earlier this morning. I barely managed to stop Sokka before he walked in on your little party.” Toph said and Aang groaned. “Get used to it, this is Ba Sing Se. There are locks everywhere except where they need to be.”

Aang grinned weakly. “I guess I should be used to it by now.”

“So, Katara, do you still want to go get some new clothes before the meeting this afternoon?” Suki asked.

“Oh, right. I forgot about that.” She said, sliding off Aang's lap. “Sorry, Aang, looks like our fun morning is going to be cut short.”

“It's all right.” Aang said, standing up. “It was fun while it lasted.” He gave her a quick kiss.

“I'll see you at the meeting, then.” Katara said, following Suki and Toph out the door.

Thus Aang was left with Sokka in a rather uncomfortable silence. Finally, Sokka spoke. “You know, if you weren't the Avatar and my sister's husband, I'd probably be strangling you right now.”

“Then it's a good thing I'm both.” Aang said in a weak attempt at humor. Sokka's frown didn't decrease in the slightest. Then Aang decided it would be in his best interest if he left, and he walked out the door with the intent of visiting Appa.

~~~~~~~~~~

“So, what do you think about this dress?” Katara asked Suki, trying on the latest fashion among the noblewomen of Ba Sing Se.

“I think it's gorgeous.” Suki said. “And I think your husband will like seeing you in it.”

Katara blushed slightly. “You think so?”

“Definitely. But probably not as much as he likes seeing what's underneath, apparently.” Suki smirked.

“Yeah, speaking of Twinkletoes… Suki and I have been dying to know… just how good is he?” Toph asked. “Is he the softy I imagined he'd be, or does having a thousand past lives help with his experience?”

Katara blushed more, mostly because they were in a rather public dress shop. At least she called him Twinkletoes. Not a lot of people know that's a nickname for Aang.

“He's… great.” Katara said. “I mean, it's not like I've been with anyone else, but he makes me feel really good. Yes, he was cautious and hesitant at first, but it was only because of my pain. Since then, he hasn't nearly been as hesitant.”

Katara stopped talking about her and Aang's sex life when a saleswoman walked up to them. “Hello, are you finding everything you need all right?”

“Yes.” Suki answered. “We'd like to buy these dresses.”

“Of course. It's a lovely choice.” The saleswoman said. “This way, please.”

Toph grinned as she whipped out the papers that showed she was a Bei Fong. As far as Toph was concerned, the more she put on her parent's bill, the better. They had too much money anyway. They followed the Saleswoman to the counter.

~~~~~~~~~~

That afternoon, Aang made his way to the Earth King's Palace. Just outside the gates, he met Zuko, who was also on his way to the meeting.

“Well, Aang, are you ready to descend into the pits of Hell once again?” Zuko asked. They were among the youngest delegates of high standing at the meeting since Zuko was the Firelord and Aang was the Avatar and the unofficial leader of the Air Nomads (a silly title at best). And since they were among the youngest, they had the hardest time paying attention and dealing with bureaucracy.

“Actually, coming to this meeting is a high point in my day.” Aang said. “I've been on the run from Sokka all morning.”

“Why?” Zuko asked, wondering why in the world the all-powerful Avatar would be afraid of a single Water Tribe man who couldn't even bend.

“This morning, he stopped by my villa and nearly walked in on Katara and me when we were, um… `engaged'.” Aang said. “Sokka's not a Water Tribe diplomat, so he can't come to the meeting and try to kill me for taking Katara's innocence despite the fact that I'm her husband.”

“Newsflash, he's never going to be happy about the full extent of your relationship with his sister. But he'll eventually get over himself. Especially if you make him an uncle.” Zuko said.

“I suppose. I guess he thought that, since I was raised by monks, I could love Katara without feeling a physical attraction to her.” Aang said. “But I am physically attracted to her.”

“As it should be.” Zuko said. “Next time he gives you or Katara a hard time, why don't you try reminding him that he's not the only one who is married around here, and that you have just as much right to be with your wife as he does with his.”

“Great idea, Zuko. Thanks!” Aang replied.

He felt someone tap on his shoulder, and he turned around, expecting to find a fan. But the sight that greeted him was far greater.

It was Katara dressed in a beautiful Earth Kingdom dress. In Aang's honest opinion, Katara looked great no matter what Nation's style she wore, but this dress really complimented her. It accentuated and complimented her perfect body beautifully, making his mouth go dry suddenly.

“Katara…” He whispered, barely audible.

“So, Aang, what do you think of my dress?” Katara asked, enjoying his reaction.

“I think… it's great. Wow, Katara, you look beautiful!” Aang said breathlessly.

“I'm glad you approve.” Katara gave him a quick kiss.

“Well, shall we?” Zuko asked, getting the newlywed's attention.

“Yes.” Aang replied, once again offering Katara his arm. She accepted it and they followed Zuko into the Earth King's Palace.

~~~~~~~~~~

The meeting took place in the Earth Council's chambers. Since today was the first day of the Season of Earth, the Earth Kingdom influenced the agenda of today's meeting the most. And since the plan to repopulate the Air Nomads was the Earth King's plan, it was sure to be on the agenda.

Aang took his seat, which was under the duel banners of the Air Nomads and the Avatar.

Katara rather reluctantly joined her fellow delegates from the Southern Water Tribe, well aware that this was probably the last year she would be able to represent the Water Tribe. She was the Avatar's wife, and was now an unofficial Air Nomad now.

Across from the Water Tribe, Firelord Zuko took his seat beneath the banner of his Nation.

Once everyone was seated, the Earth Kingdom's High Councilor stood. “I now call to order the sixth Spring Equinox meeting, between the Four Nations. On this day, the element of power shifts from Water to Earth. Let us begin.” He glanced at his notes, and wrinkled his nose, apparently at a distasteful topic. “Avatar Aang of the Air Nomads?”

Aang was expecting this, so he stood without hesitation.

First the High Councilor spoke about the Earth King's plan regarding the Air Nomad's future, which Aang expected was for the benefit of everyone else in the room.

“You have been made aware of these plans?”

“Yes, I have.” Aang answered.

“Do you have an answer for this Council now?”

“Yes, but I must speak of an important matter before I give my answer.”

“Very well, Avatar Aang.”

Aang sighed. “Whatever I decided, I simply asked that the Council respect a single decision I have made about my personal life: my decision to get married.” Aang heard several shocked gasps around the room. “Once week ago, I took Katara of the Southern Water Tribe as my wife. I ask only that the Council respect my marriage and never ask me to give the women involved anything more than the physical act required of me.”

The room began buzzing as the Earth Council and Water Tribes began talking among themselves in shock at the Avatar's announcement.

Zuko stood up. “I agree to Avatar Aang's conditions.” Aang smiled at Zuko ever though he knew Zuko had respected his feelings before this meeting. Zuko's vote of confidence would now serve to get the ball rolling until the other nations accepted his terms.

One of the Earth Councilmen sighed loudly. “It has been a long time since we've had direct dealings with the free-spirited Air Nomads. We have all forgotten that Air cannot be contained. The Earth King… he was foolish to believe that he would force an Air Nomad to give up the one they loved and be chained to a life of duty. The Earth Kingdom agrees to your conditions.”

“As does the Water Tribes.” The main delegate from the Northern Water Tribe said.

“Katara, of the Southern Water Tribe, your marriage to Avatar Aang has made you, by law, a member of the Air Nomad Nation. If you would take a place by your husband, we can proceed.”

A servant quickly brought in a new seat for Katara, placing it next to Aang, and she joined him. She was still Water Tribe by birth and Bending abilities, but she was officially an Air Nomad now.

Aang smiled at her briefly, and then turned his attention to the Council. “And now, your answer. With my wife's blessing, I will commit myself to this plan of rebuilding the Air Nomads.”

The reaction around the room was mixed, but overall, they knew it was as necessary as Aang did.

Zuko stood up. “If I may add one more thing… I have compiled a list of traits that the Avatar has found agreeable about the women involved with this plan. I can see everyone here a copy of the list, and we can discuss this plan further in the Fire Nation on the Summer Solstice.”

“Very well. We shall continue this discussion on the Summer Solstice.” The High Councilor agreed. He seemed relieved to lose the responsibility of this distasteful topic.

~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the meeting, they didn't speak about anything that was really interesting to Aang. He gave his opinion when it was required or asked for, but otherwise, he remained silent.

Having told the Four Nations that he would proceed with the plan suddenly made it much more real.

Even though he knew that he would never love anyone besides his wife, could he really be with someone else in a way that he's only been with her? Could he really do it without feeling the crushing weight of guilt?

While he was lost in thought, the meeting came to an end, and he only realized it when Katara gave him a nudge.

“Aang, it's time to go. The meeting's over.” Katara whispered to him.

Aang jumped slightly. “Oh, thank you, Katara.” He stood with her and were quickly swarmed by Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe delegates congratulating them on their marriage.

Katara welcomed their kind words, but she could tell that Aang wasn't really paying attention. He was wearing the same look he always wore when he was pretending to pay attention, but his mind was really else-where.

Katara took the initiative and answered all the questions directed at Aang before they could realize the Avatar wasn't paying attention to them. After all, he was famous for being considerate to everyone, so getting caught not listening would certainly damage his reputation.

Eventually, the small army of well-wishers dissipated, and Katara was able to lead a silent Aang out of the building.

Once they were close to their lodgings, and there were very few people on the street, Katara spoke to him.

“Aang, you've been really quiet. What's wrong?”

Aang sighed. “It didn't seem real until I told that Council that I would do it.”

He didn't need to say anything else. Katara realized exactly what was wrong. She pressed against his side, and he gazed down at her in surprise. “I can't imagine how hard this is for you. Just know that I am behind you one hundred percent. I'll never forget that I am your only wife and the mother of your first child.” She took his hand and pressed it to her stomach where they both knew their first child was growing.

 

LES: Good Lord. Let's end the chapter there, shall we?