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"Katara?"
Katara stirred awake on her cot and rubbed her eyes as she sat up. "Aang? What's wrong?"
"We need to talk," Aang said, "It's...important."
"Ok." With a quick stretch, Katara swung her legs over the cot and stood up. Aang saw her eyes dart over him and he felt as if she was trying to see if he had any wounds. "Is everything ok?"
"Just...come with me."
They began walking to the beach. Aang walked ahead of her and stopped to look at the moon. He took in a deep breath of the sea air. He hoped the Spirits of Wind could guide him in what he had to do.
"Aang, is everything ok? Are you hurt?" Katara asked, "Maybe we should---"
"Katara," Aang said, forcing himself to turn around. "What do you feel for me?"
"What? Aang, is this really the time to---"
"I want to hear it." Aang walked closer to Katara and took her hands. "Katara, I've liked you since you broke me out of the iceberg. I took people's advice to wait for you to come around and I thought kissing you would make you come around faster. But it didn't."
"Aang, this really isn't the time to do this," Katara said, taking her hands back.
"Katara, please. I just...want to hear how you feel about me."
Aang looked over Katara, who wrapped her arms around herself and avoided his gaze.
"Aang...I like you too but...not the same way you like me," Katara finally said. "You remind me of the children of the Southern Water tribe and you're our only hope for this war to end. I...I didn't want to hurt you but I don't feel the same way. I'm sorry."
Aang felt his heart break into piece as the words came out her mouth. It was something he hoped wasn't true but he knew the truth. He knew this was coming. He felt tears sting his eyes but he forced himself to smile.
"No, Katara. I'm sorry," Aang said. "You're the first girl I've seen and really liked. And I guess I thought we'd be together. You really only see me as a little brother?"
"Maybe not a little brother but I don't see you the way..." Katara stopped herself short.
"The way you saw Jet or Haru."
Aang took in a deep breath. "Thanks, Katara," he said, mustering all the strength he had to keep his voice from cracking. "Will you atleast stay my friend?"
"Of course, Aang! You'll always be my friend," Katara responded, smiling.
Aang smiled too. "I'm gonna stay here for a little bit! Maybe I'll find a cool rock or shell!" Aang said happily as he twirled himself up into the air and floated down several feet from where he and Katara stood.
He waited for Katara to leave before he allowed his legs to buckle under him. He pulled his knees close to his chest as he allowed a few tears to fall. He knew this was necessary but it didn't hurt any less.