Forward In Time

Chapter One

"Toph, do you want to share a room with Sokka?" She asked. She knew how close they were and Toph was more comfortable around him.

Toph shrugged, "Sure." She said nonchalantly but gave a small smile. She appreciated Katara caring for her, though she only ever admitted it to Sokka.

"Um... two rooms with a single bed and one room with two beds." Katara said to the lady.

"Okay, here are the room keys." The lady said as she marked in a book and slid over three keys. Katara handed Toph a key as she picked up the other two.

"We also have an air bison with us, is there a place he can stay?"

"I'm sure the stables will take him."

"Okay, thanks ma'am."

Katara and Toph exited the building. They began walking towards the stables when Toph spoke up, "She was lying. Someone's been through here. They might still be here."

"If she was lying, maybe people in the tavern will lie." Katara replied, "Why don't you go help the boys, I'll take care of Appa."

Toph nodded. The two girls walked up to the tavern. Toph let go of Katara as she stepped up onto the wood. She would be able to find her way easily now.

Katara went over to the stables and got everything with Appa settled. Once she got Appa into the stables, along with Momo who continued to lay on his head, she began walking towards the tavern to meet up with her group. Unfortunately, she was stopped by a man.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing in a village like this?" He asked. He looked older than her, way older. Maybe about her dad's age. Creep.

"Just visiting." Katara replied and began to walk away. The man grabbed her wrist and she turned and glared at him. Sometimes she wished she could wear a sign that said 'Avatar's Girlfriend' just so guys wouldn't look at her in a perveted way.

Aang heard the door open and turned around to see Toph, "Toph? What are you doing here?" He asked.

Toph heard his voice and followed the sound, "The Inn lady lied to us when we asked her questions, so Katara figured I could help you out." She replied with a smirk.

"Just stay close to one of us. There's a lot of creeps here." Aang said, "Where's Katara?"

"She went ahead and got us rooms for the night, so she's heading to the stables to get Appa settled."

Aang nodded. The four friends began going around the tavern asking people questions. Each person they asked had lied to them. Something was going on here.

Though, Aang and Zuko were a little amused at each guy they asked. Cause he would look at Toph in a not so friendly way which would result in a deathly glare from Sokka that made him not look at her at all.

After their tenth person, Aang stood up and stretched, "I'm going to go check on Katara."

"Which means we'll probably find them making out in a dark corner." Toph said with a smirk earning a laugh from Zuko. Sokka even laughed a little. Though he still gets 'oogies' from their affection, he had grown to tease his best friend too.

Aang's face went red, "N-no... what would give you that idea?"

"Do I need to remind you of our trip back to Ember Island when we stayed at my family's beach house?" Zuko asked teasingly, "I was afraid you two would loose oxygen, though I guess it's the perks of being an Airbender."

Toph and Sokka snorted as Aang's face went redder, "I... we... we weren't... I mean..." His three friends bursted out laughing at his stumbling. Aang glared at them and walked out of the tavern. He was mumbling under his breath when he saw a man grabbing a hold of his girlfriend's wrist.

His current annoyance and embarrassment was replaced with anger. He quickly stormed over to the man and pushed him back, "Stay away from my girlfriend." He said, putting emphasise on the my.

The man looked him up and down, "The Avatar huh? She didn't mention anything about a boyfriend, let alone the Avatar."

"She shouldn't have to. If a lady isn't interested then you should leave her alone."

The man glanced at Katara. She glared at him from behind Aang, who had stepped in front of her protectively. He scoffed and walked off.

Aang turned to Katara as his expression softened, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. But I had it handled."

"Sorry." Aang replied. He knew she could take care of herself, but he just didn't want anything bad happening to her.

Katara shrugged, "It's okay. I do like to see your protective side. It's kinda hot."

Aang blushed. Even after being together for three years, he still got flustered when she complemented him in some way, especially when she called him hot.

Katara giggled and pecked his lips, "Let's go meet the others." She said grabbing his hand.