Okay...um... this is my first story, and it's a one-shot. The beginning's a little jumbled... but it makes more sense at the end.

Excuses

"Aang," Katara asked, "What are you doing?"

"Learning waterbending by watching you." I replied. An excuse. I would get to watch her.

-----------

"Can I help, Katara?" Another excuse.

"Sure, Aang." I could get close to her.

-----------

I lent her a hand getting off of Appa. Another excuse. I would get to hold her hand.

"Thanks, Aang."

-----------

"Hey Katara, watch this!" Another excuse. Now she would watch me.

"That's great, Aang!"

------------

I cut myself and was bleeding. Another excuse. She'd pay special atention to me.

"Ouch, Aang. That must hurt. Here, let me heal it for you."

------------

I carried her bags down off Appa. Another excuse. She might smile at me.

"Thanks, Aang"

------------

"You want to practice waterbending, Katara?" Just another excuse. I could spend time with her.

"Sure!"

------------

I sighed and stared into the campfire. Excuses. I always needed an excuse. Any reason to watch her, or gain her attention. Or even just for a smile. It was almost funny, the lengths I would go to get Katara's attention. Anything from unnecessary chores, to riding the unagi at Kyoshi island. That had been crazy. Someone had definitely laughed over that one.

But why? Why did I go to such ridiculous lengths? I sighed again. I already knew the answer. Because I loved her. And she didn't love me back. At least, not the way I loved her. Because of this, I had to find other reasons to be close to her.

Something warm plopped down beside me. "What are you doing here, Katara?"

"Um…" she started, "Sitting?" she replied hopefully.

I just smiled. I wasn't going to make her move.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes.

"I'm cold," she said suddenly.

I didn't get this, since it was a very warm night. Before I could question her though, she scooted really close to me. Without thinking, I put an arm around her. She leaned gladly into the warmth. We sat there like that for a while. Suddenly, I understood.

I wasn't the only one looking for excuses.