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hi >3 i'm ash | twenty-two | she/her
˚ʚ I like to jump on different trains come along for the ride! ɞ˚
๑ masterlist ๑ ☆ most recent ☆
ˋ°•*⁀➷ inbox status🍮୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ closed
Warnings: dad!Leon, dentist, blood, baby seats in the Porsche, tooth rotting fluff, the dilf at the dentist's office
Summary: Leon being a competent dad, that's it, that's the plot.
or: You're on vacation with your friends and Leon's home alone with the kids. Your son fell off a playhouse at school and needs to be taken to the dentist to get it fixed.
a/n: Can be read as a spin-off to my Cooperative Parenting series or on its own. Either version of Leon works for this, so do as your heart desires. Ollieeee <3 Alvaaaaa <3
Masterlist
Alva had a plethora of toys available to her: her own, the hand-me-downs from her older siblings, anything she wanted really—yet what she liked the most were the thin, sheer paper wrappers that came in delivery boxes.
Leon watched his youngest as she was sitting on the rug, a pacifier in her mouth. She picked the paper up, waved it around and slid it back down.
“How are you the same baby that fell asleep in her high chair ten minutes ago?” he murmured, propping his head up on one arm.
Alva chortled.
“That’s not funny, I was trying to feed you.”
She squealed and waved the paper around in bigger movements.
“Yes, I know mashed banana is your favourite. That’s why I didn’t get why you would fall asleep and miss half of it.”
“Ba-ba-ba,” Alva said, the pacifier falling out of her mouth. She paused and looked down to where it fell between her legs.
Leon reached for it. “Right, I didn’t think about it that way. Your argument is very convincing.”
Alva smiled and shook her head when Leon tried to hand her back the pacifier. The paper was more interesting.
The shrill blare of the wall phone sounded through the living room and Alva’s head whipped around, eyes wide.
“That’s the mashed banana police, Alva. I’m going to have to make a case for you,” Leon said, walking up to the phone. “But don’t worry, I’ll bail you out. Your mom would kill me if you got arrested on my watch.”
Alva giggled. The authorities were after her and she thought this was funny.
“Kennedy,” Leon said, picking up the phone.
“Mr. Kennedy, this is Penny Miller. Is your wife home?” the voice of his son’s pre-school teacher sounded on the other end.
No, you were probably tanning by the beach, iced coffee in hand, maybe a margarita—you were on holiday after all—as your friend Michelle and you caught up on all the gossip you so desperately needed.
“No,” he said. “What is it? Did Ollie do something?”
“He climbed onto the roof of the playhouse and walked right off it.”
Leon grimaced and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Did he land face-first?”
“Sort of. So I was hoping your wife could come pick him up and take him to the dentist?”
“Dentist?” His eyebrows shot up. “Also, you’re already talking to me, I’m the dad, what do you mean you wanted to ask if my wife can come pick him up? He’s my kid, I’ll come pick him up.”
Leon cleared his throat when he realised how worked up he sounded. He understood that you were listed as the emergency contact at all your kids’ schools and not him. For practical reasons, obviously. It wasn’t like he could take his son’s pre-school teacher’s call while he was on a mission at the other end of the world. It made sense. Nevertheless, he hated it. Because it made him feel like he was an uninvolved dad, while you did the heavy lifting on your own. Which you did. All the time. Until he got home and took over. Still, it was nowhere near enough.
“It looks like he knocked a couple of teeth loose,” Penny went on.
“I’ll be there in a couple minutes,” Leon said and ended the call. He walked over to his youngest in long strides and picked her up.
“Come on Alva, time to run from the mashed banana police. They’re coming after us.”
“Mam,” Alva babbled. “Ma-ma-mam.”
He pressed a kiss to her soft head. “Oh, she’ll definitely come see us in prison, don’t worry.”
After Alva was secured in the baby seat in the back of the Porsche, Leon drove straight to his son's pre-school. Ollie was waiting for him in the teacher’s room with slumped shoulders, tear streaked cheeks and held a paper towel to his face.
“Where’s mom?” he greeted and Leon ignored the little sting in his chest at that. Ollie was a real momma’s boy. Always had been. He must have been so disappointed to see his father come pick him up instead.
“She’s on holiday,” Leon said, crouching down in front of his son, gently grabbing his hands and peeling the paper towel off his lower face. He inhaled sharply at the amount of blood covering Ollie’s teeth, lips and chin.
Leon was great with blood. Never had a problem with it. It sort of came with the job. Unless it was his kids’ blood. Then it was an entirely different thing and he couldn’t stand it. It made his heart race and his hands become shaky.
“Oh dear,” he whispered. “That’s the entire front row.”
“I want mom,” Ollie sobbed, voice a little muffled, “Can’t she come home?”
Leon shook his head and replaced the paper towel with a fresh one. “Not right now, Ollie. But we’ll handle this. You’ll be okay.”
Ollie shook his head violently and started crying again, but closed his arms around his dad’s neck as he picked him up. Leon briefly nodded at the teacher, who handed him a single tooth neatly wrapped up in a bloody tissue.
“Thanks,” Leon murmured and put it in the pocket of his jeans.
Back at the car, he sat Ollie down in the booster seat next to his sister and fastened the seatbelt.
“Dad, my teeth hurt,” Ollie sobbed and tried to swallow, but gagged a little at the metallic taste in his mouth.
“I know, buddy,” Leon said, running a hand over his head. “We’ll go to the dentist and they’ll take care of it. I need you to be brave for a little while, okay?”
Ollie nodded weakly and sniffled.
Back in the driver’s seat, Leon reached into his glove compartment. Next to his backup handgun, heavy duty painkillers and a spare 9mm magazine, he fished out a worn-out notebook. Flicking through the pages that concerned his oldest daughter Lottie, he finally reached a section titled ‘Ollie’. He typed a number into his phone and pulled out of the parking lot, as he waited for someone to pick up on the other end.
“Darcy, hi, this is Leon Kennedy. We have a bit of an emergency here and I’m going to have to come in with Oliver. Can Dr. García see him short notice?”
He checked the rearview mirror for both Ollie and Alva. The little girl was calmly sucking on her pacifier and stared at her brother inquisitively.
“Yes, we’re on our way. Perfect, thank you.” Leon hung up and tossed both his phone and the notebook onto the passenger’s seat.
“When’s mom coming back?” Ollie whined from the backseat.
“Very soon,” Leon replied. In fact, your flight was tomorrow morning, but he feared if he told Ollie that now, he would refuse to go to the dentist unless you were there.
“It’s not fair that she’s going on holiday without me,” he grumbled, the words a little unclear due to his front teeth hanging by a thread.
“I know you miss her, but your mom deserves some alone time,” Leon said. Sometimes he worried that his son wouldn’t quite grow out of his clinginess.
Ollie wrinkled his forehead. “Yeah but why does she have to leave to get alone time? She can have alone time with us.”
Leon chuckled. “That’s not really alone time, is it?” He pulled into the parking space in front of the dentist office. Having the best health insurance available as a federal government agent and his family added to his plan had some perks. Being seen to immediately by the best doctors was one of them.
He secured Alva in a baby sling around his torso. As if on cue, she yawned and let her head sink against his chest immediately. Alva was an incredibly easy baby. Or maybe you and him just had so much practice by now that it seemed that way. Alva’s eyes fluttered shut and Leon pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Perfect timing.
Ollie was a different story, although he was exhausted from all the crying, he wasn’t calm. Not that Leon could blame him, the boy was just after face planting off a playhouse.
“Are you okay with that paper towel?”
Ollie nodded weakly. Leon lifted him out of the car seat.
“Dr. García will get your teeth fixed and it will stop hurting, okay?”
Ollie nodded again, clinging on to Leon’s hand as they walked up to the clinic.
“Oh dear,” Darcy, the doctor’s assistant said as she saw the three of them walk in. “Let me see.”
Ollie sheepishly removed the blood soaked paper towel from his mouth and Darcy drew in a sharp breath. “You’re lucky those are all milk teeth still, little man. The tooth fairy is going to leave you a fortune.”
Ollie giggled, then winced and squeezed his eyes shut.
“Come on.” Darcy placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll take you to the doctor while your dad gets all the boring stuff sorted.”
Leon thanked her, reached into his pocket to get his health insurance card out and filled out the form for emergency dental procedures.
“Are you a single dad?” The clerk watched him from behind the counter, popping her chewing gum.
“Uh, no,” Leon replied and signed the consent form for local anaesthesia.
“We don’t get a lot of dads who know their children’s information off by heart. Usually their wives have to tell them what’s what. That’s why I’m asking.”
“That’s shocking,” Leon said and handed back the form. “Because all you needed me to confirm were his date of birth and allergies.”
“You’d be surprised.” The clerk took the form and started typing on her computer. “Dr. García is in room three.”
Leon nodded, knowing this particular dentist office like the back of his hand. All his kids were with Dr. García. She was the best.
He checked on Alva who was now sound asleep against his chest. Leon gently laid a hand on her head to support her as he turned around—only to come face to face with three moms in the waiting room staring at him.
He wrinkled his forehead and one of them cleared her throat. All of a sudden, all three of them had something to rummage in their purses for or picture books to look at with their kids.
Another pop of gum behind him. “Told you we don’t get a lot of dads around here,” the clerk said.
Leon sighed. It really wasn’t that big of a deal to take his own kids to the dentist. You did that on the daily, but as soon as he did it, he was praised for it. You and him had spoken about it plenty of times: how everybody seemed to hate mothers when they took up space to take care of their children, but loved fathers when they did the exact same.
In room three, Ollie was already in the chair, reaching out his hands as soon as Leon walked in. “Dr. García said she’s going to give me amnesia.”
“Well, I hope I don’t,” Dr. García murmured, as she prepared a syringe. “Hi Leon.”
“Thank you for letting us come in this short notice,” he replied and pulled an extra chair up to his son’s side. Ollie immediately grabbed his hand.
“Daddy, I’m scared,” he whispered. “I’ve never had amnesia before.”
“You’re not even going to feel it. Trust me,” Leon reassured him and gently brushed Ollie’s hair out of his forehead.
“Now, this might sting a little, Oliver. But after that the worst is over,” Dr. García said, as her assistant shielded Ollie’s eyes from seeing the syringe.
Leon watched the needle go into his son’s gums and his palms became sweaty. Tearing into zombies, no problem. But someone hurting his kid, even a medical professional, was a completely different story.
Ollie winced, wailing softly, gripping his dad’s hand a little tighter.
“Nearly done, Ollie,” Leon reassured him and brushed his thumb over the back of his hand in little circles. “You’re doing really well.”
Dr. García leaned back. “And we’re all done.”
Ollie’s eyes flew open. “What? Already?” He leaned forward, ready to swing his feet out of the chair but Leon gently nudged him back down.
“No, Ollie, that was just the local anaesthetic. We’re still going to have to fix your teeth.”
“Oh,” he leaned back.
“You can take a sip of water though and spit out,” the doctor instructed and got her instruments ready.
Leon handed his son a plastic cup with filtered water. A little spilled out when he took a sip, but it landed on the paper napkin tied around his neck, so it wasn’t that bad. Ollie leaned over the basin attached to the chair and spat out bright red liquid.
“Dad, I can’t feel my mouth,” he slurred.
“That’s the anaesthetic. That means it’s working,” his dad replied.
Dr. García took a small pointy thing and poked Ollie’s gums. “Do you feel that?”
Ollie shook his head.
“Do you feel that?” she asked and he shook his head again.
“Okay, we’re good to go. If you feel anything at all, pain, a little sting, anything, lift your hand, okay? I’ll stop immediately.”
Ollie nodded, the pointy instrument still in his mouth.
Dr. García made quick work of the first tooth and Ollie took it like a champ, his eyes flicking to his dad for reassurance.
Leon smiled and gently squeezed his hand.
The second and third tooth were gone in no time too. Ollie spat out again, turned around to his dad and opened his mouth, four of his upper front teeth missing.
“Your mom’s going to freak,” Leon whispered. “I’m glad they’ll grow back this time.”
When Ollie was all done, Dr. García handed him another napkin to stop him from drooling all over himself while the anaesthetic wore off.
Because he had been such a brave boy, Darcy took him to the front desk so he could pick out a toy from the toy box—all tooth or dentist themed of course. While Ollie took his sweet time choosing, Leon loosened the sling to give Alva a bottle. She had finished her nap and was feeling like a little mid morning snack.
“You know, if you hadn’t fallen asleep in your mashed banana, you could have had a proper lunch. Now all I got is a breast milk snack.”
Alva gurgled happily, eagerly taking big sips.
Leon chuckled. “Pretty tasty, huh?”
He let his eyes wander and made eye contact with the one of the moms from earlier. She was watching him.
Leon smiled apologetically and held up his hand, his thumb brushing over his wedding band. She tore her gaze away from him, a rosy tint forming on her cheeks.
The girl at the reception desk who had seen the whole thing, turned around in her swivel chair to hide her grin.
Back at home Ollie and Alva both had more mashed banana. They also had about the same amount of teeth in their upper jaw at the moment.
Ollie rolled all four of his teeth out of the tissue and gingerly placed them on the coffee table. “So, does the tooth fairy grant every wish or only certain ones?”
Leon shrugged. “Depends, I guess.”
Ollie nodded, pensively pressing his lips together as he examined the teeth on the table.
“Why? Do you have something in mind?”
Ollie nodded. “I have four teeth, so I get four wishes, right?” He tapped the first one. “I want mom to come back from her holiday.”
Leon bit back a smile, knowing full well it was only a few hours until you were on a plane home anyway. “Okay, you got three more.”
Ollie tapped the next tooth. “I want you to go away less.”
Leon swallowed around the lump in his throat. Ollie was only five. The fact that he noticed and that it bothered him hit him out of nowhere. He kept forgetting how sensitive young kids were to that kind of stuff.
“And I want to go to the dentist more often, but without Alva.”
Leon’s brows shot up. “Why do you want to go to the dentist? Do you like Dr. García?”
Ollie shook his head. “I want to go with you.”
Leon blinked. “You know, we could also do something else. You don’t have to go to the dentist to spend time with me.”
Ollie nodded. “Okay.”
An overwhelming warmth spread through Leon’s chest. Ollie had only ever asked for his mom. Not once in five years had he asked to spend time with Leon one-on-one.
Ollie picked up the last tooth, undeterred. “I want a guinea pig.”
Leon braced his arms on the kitchen counter and sighed. “Not this again.”
may i req zuko who has a son (a baby, really) who never wants to part with him so zuko brings him to council meetings where the baby also gives his smart inputs (just babbles) ?
a/n: this request was so sweet anon! i hope you enjoy the blurb i whipped up
summary: left alone with your baby, Zuko takes his son to his first council meeting
“Is my handsome prince ready for his first council meeting?” Zuko coos fondly as he lifts the child from his crib and into his arms.
“His robes are too big,” you note with a frown. The red and gold silk swallows his little body whole, but the child doesn’t seem to mind as he flashes a gummy smile when your lips meet his cheek for a kiss.
“He’ll grow into them,” your husband assures you with a careful smile. “Just as I did.”
“Are you sure you don’t need me to stay?” You fret, beginning to fuss over the robes once more in an attempt to free your baby’s limbs from the heavy fabric. “I can watch Ezi so your council meeting remains undisturbed.”
“You deserve to have a day off, too. Ezi and I will be fine while you’re in the village. Besides, who would object to having the Prince at a council meeting? It’s his duty. Isn’t that right, my little dragon?”
Ezi laughs as Zuko playfully pokes his stomach, and the sight is enough to ease your worries for you to leave the palace guilt free as you bid goodbye to your husband and son. The Fire Lord holds the child in one arm while the other grabs hold of the baby’s favorite turtle duck toy, and with everything in order the two are off to the meeting.
The councilmen are surprised to see the Fire Lord take his seat with the infant on his lap, but none dare try to argue against his decision. Zuko has created a reputation for himself as a doting father unwilling to part from Ezi unless absolutely necessary, and the last advisor to suggest otherwise had quickly been relieved of his duties. The baby happily babbles away as he’s given his turtle duck, and Zuko takes the distraction as his opportunity to begin the meeting.
“What is on the agenda today, chamberlain?”
“My Lord, there’s been an influx of new soldiers that our staff is inadequately prepared for. There’s more soldiers than there are commanders, and it will be impossible to train them all properly!”
Zuko offers a thoughtful nod, opening his mouth to respond only to falter at the feeling of Ezi’s fingers pulling at his hair. He looks upon his child with a smile and gently removes his hands as he asks, “Do you have an idea, son?”
The baby can only babble in response as he continues his attempts to grasp at Zuko’s hair. The Fire Lord chuckles before looking back to his dismayed chamberlain. “Ezi and I believe it would be in our best interest to train the soldiers in cohorts rather than all at once. Stagger the admission rates and allow no new applicants until everything is in order.”
“Then it shall be done,” his chamberlain relents. “However, if I may Fire Lord Zuko, perhaps it would be in your best interest to leave the duty of childcare to Fire Lady y/n. She is the Prince’s mother, after all.”
“And I am his father,” Zuko reiterates firmly, his eyes sharpening with his protective wrath. “Ezi will not be let out of my sight while my wife is away, and I will hear no more of this. Is that understood?”
“Yes, my Lord,” he quickly relents with a repentant bow of his head.
“Good,” he reaffirms with a single nod. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to end our meeting early today. It’s time for Ezi’s nap.”
Zuko doesn’t bother to stay despite his chamberlain’s protests, instead choosing to exit the throne room and make his way back to your bedroom. He enjoys the quiet moments when it’s just the two of them together roaming the palace halls, Ezi happily cooing as he holds him securely against his chest. He adores his father, and Zuko’s chest swells with pride every time he makes his child smile; his son will never look upon him with fear or shame, and he’ll never know what it feels like to be unloved.
You return from your venture just as Ezi finally falls asleep, and you join your husband beside the crib as you admire your sleeping child together.
“Did he have a good day?” Your hushed voice asks as Zuko pulls you into his side.
“He made excellent suggestions at today’s council meeting,” he replies with a faint chuckle. “Our son is going to be a fine leader one day.
“With you as his father? He’ll be more than perfect,” you sigh sweetly.
Ezi loves his father, and Zuko will do everything in his power to ensure his son is happy and content for the rest of his days.
previous chapter - series masterlist - next chapter
𓂃 ོ☼𓂃THE FIJI HUMIDITY hits you all at once and your skin is already slightly sticky from the hot air. You had entered the villa a few days ago during a challenge, and since then you have been getting to know the islanders.
That was the name of the game, isn't it?
To form connections, and choose the strongest one.
Over the course of your time in the villa, you and Katsuki has been practically eyeing each other since the moment you entered. He was so eye-drawing, how could you not?
You pulled him for chats here and there, he made you feel good, feel seen. He made you laugh, he made you smile. The tension between you two was so thick in the air that anyone and everyone could see it. Everyone but either of you.
Now, you were in the makeup room with all the other girls doing your makeup for the day.
"Sooo y/n, who do you wanna pull first?" Uraraka had turned to you, a playful smile growing on her face. Your face slightly flushed, there wasn't really a set plan in your head, you really were just kind of going with the flow.
"Uh, I'm actually not sure yet," you laughed, glancing at your reflection in the mirror, "I think I'll just pull random people throughout the day, see how it goes." you puffed your bottom lip slightly, your fingers rubbing the primer into your skin.
"Honestly, that sounds like the best way to start," she shrugged while she continued on with her own makeup routine, "never know what connections might form, y'know?"
You hummed in agreement, the corners of your lips curling into a small smile. Your hands fumbled in your makeup bag, pulling out a tube of foundation and concealer.
"Wait, so like who do you think is the most attractive?" Mina chirped in, a big smile growing on her face, her eyes glinting up as she chuckled to herself.
Your face flushed briefly, "Most attractive? I mean they're all attractive in their own ways." you replied as you blended in your concealer, "but like I mean maybe Katsuki? He kinda fits my type a bit more."
A wave of ooh's and hums echoed throughout the makeup room, you shook your hands as they shrieked and giggled. "I can totally see him being your type!" Momo pressed her hands together.
"Really? I didn't think it was that obvious." you laughed.
"Girl, is the sky blue? It's sooo obvious." Mina replied sarcastically.
You could admit, maybe your eyes lingered on him for a bit longer. But you didn't think it was that obvious. To be fair, he was one of the two you guys you consistently pulled for chats.
The makeup room was now filled with chatter about plans for the day, but shortly died down as the guys came in with breakfast in their hands and placing them in front of their corresponding couple.
Your head perked up as a particular ash blonde walked into the room looking directly at you. A small smile on his lips as he carried the plate to your area, placing it in front of you.
"Wanted to be the first one to give you breakfast," he spoke lowly as you smiled, opting to hug him instead of a kiss despite how badly you wanted to.
"You're so sweet, Katsuki. Thank you." you thanked him, pulling away from the hug. His cheeks were slightly tinted with a rosy pink.
"You're welcome," he hummed, trying not to let the color rise in his face. "keep doin' yer makeup, wanna see that pretty face soon." he murmured low enough in your ear to where only you could hear him.
You hummed in response, watching as he left the makeup room. Your smile growing rapidly as the girls gawked and giggled. You grabbed your setting spray, lifting the cap and misting it all over your face.
You hopped out of the barstool, walking over to your suitcase and grabbing a yellow gingham bikini top with matching shorts, and chunky sandals Once dressed, you grabbed your brush and ran it through your hair before placing it up in a claw clip.
"So dolled up for just a few chats huh?" Mina teased, adjusting the top to her own swimwear.
"Gotta make a good first impression." you smiled as you grabbed your water bottle and breakfast, walking downstairs to the villa. You walked over to the kitchen island where everyone was congregating.
"First morning in the villa, whaddya think?" Kirishima turned to you as you took a bite of your breakfast. Quickly swallowing, you smile.
"It's nice here, look forward to getting to know everyone." you replied, adjusting the strap to your bathing suit. You glanced over to Katsuki, who is already staring in your direction but turns away the moment you look at him.
"Yeah? Well I'm sure anyone here would be excited to get to know you more." Denki butted in, receiving a big glare from Katsuki from across the kitchen and immediately turning back to whatever he was doing before.
The dynamic of the villa was very welcoming, everyone seemed genuinely interested in getting to know more about you. You'd think that everyone would be hesitant considering the circumstances, but it was quite the opposite. The girls were so sweet and the guys knew how to make you laugh.
You finished up your breakfast, placing your plate into the sink. Cracking your knuckles and mentally hyping yourself up, you finally walk up to Katsuki, a warm smile on your face.
"Hey, can I pull you for a chat?" you asked, he immediately perked up in his seat.
"Me? Yeah. Yeah, let's go." he practically jumped at the opportunity, taking your hand in his and walking over to the daybed. He settled on the opposite side of you, a pillow in his lap where his hands rested. You tucked your hair behind your ear, turning your head towards him.
"So, I'm the first one you pull today? Lucky me." he chuckled while propping his head up on his right hand, his crimson eyes boring into yours.
"Had to start the day off with a bang." you laughed, trying to retain the smile growing on your face by biting your lip but ultimately failing.
"Yeah? Wanna get to know you better too." he leaned back, his eyes softening with each second he looked at you. He just knew how to flatter you without even trying.
“What do you wanna know?” you leaned in, your eyes meeting up with his own.
“Anythin’, just wanna hear you talk a bit more.” He smiled lazily, running his fingers through his hair briefly.
“Well, I mean I like painting and baking.” you responded sweetly, his smile just making you slightly giddy.
“Painting? You any good at it?”
“I dabble in it, not sure I’m the best at it though.” you snorted as you looked out towards the villa, the slight breeze wafting on your face; Your hair moving along with the wind.
“I bet you’re great at it, you gonna paint me anything anytime soon?”
“Hmm, I dunno. Maybe.” you let out a laugh before taking a sip from your water bottle. “What about you?
“Ehh, I’m boring. Just be workin’ and shit.” he shrugged, his free hand reaching to the back of his neck. His eyes were focused on the villa in front of you two. His body slowly relaxing into the daybed.
"That's not boring, love a man who works." you tilted your head to get a better look at his already gorgeous face. It was genuinely so disgusting to have a man so beautiful in your presence. "Where are you from?"
"Japan, but I've been livin' here for a couple years." he sighed,
God damn it, and he's foreign? You just can't stop winning!
You might of well had just gotten married right then and there, can this man genuinely be anymore attractive?
"You're from Japan?" you raised your eyebrows, trying to play off the fact you could literally jump this man's bones. "I've always wanted to go there, it seems nice."
"Yeah, born and raised." he turned his gaze back to you, "you'd probably like it."
You smiled, subconsciously scooting closer to him. "Can you teach me something in Japanese?"
"Like what?" he tsked, sprawling further out onto the cushion.
"I dunno, something cute." you shrugged,
He pondered for a minute, his lips pursing for a moment before he parted them again. "とてもおきれいですね。" his lips curled into a toothy smile, his hand now resting on your leg and rubbing small shapes onto your skin.
"What does that mean?"
"You are very pretty." his eyes glistened as he looked up at you. A rosy tint grew on your face as you threw a pillow at him.
"You're too good at this," you rolled your eyes playfully, "Gotta give the other boys a fair chance."
He leaned back, a childish pout that quickly turned into a small grin. "S'not my fault i'm so charming." he pulled himself up, his height practically looming over you now. "Can I at least get a hug before you ditch me?"
"Pfft, I'm not ditching you, I still have to give the other guys a fair chance." you snorted before you pulled him in for a quick hug.
"Feels like it." he sighed into your shoulder before pulling away, you leaned up and booped him on the nose jokingly before walking away.
You smiled to yourself as you walked away, adjusting the microphone hanging on your collarbone. Struggling to compose yourself as you're practically bubbling with energy as you walk over to main lounge where most of the girls were seated.
The conversations were so easy, they just flowed so naturally. He always knew what to say, he knew when to listen. Very few guys made you feel this way.
"So? How'd your chat go? Spill!" Mina jumped up once she saw you approaching, her eyes beaming with excitement.
You plopped onto the couch besides her and Ochako. "It went good, like the conversation just was really easy," you paused, adjusting your hair slightly. "He's really sweet."
"Sweet and Bakugo in the same sentence? Pfft, what'd you do to him?" she snorted, pulling her sunglasses over her eyes.
"That's kinda hard to believe." Jirou she raised an eyebrow, leaning over in the slightest to where the boys were working out.
'"Guys, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he's genuinely sweet." Uraraka chirped in with a compassionate tone. You wished people got the same side of him that you just saw. Despite all his rough edges, he still had a softness buried beneath.
You just smiled sweetly, confused from all the thoughts running wild in your head.
You're in your confessional with your head in your hands. "I don't know what to do.. I really like him but like It's so early and he was legit my first chat." you groaned, throwing your head back. "This shit is so fucking confusing."
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
The rest of the afternoon went well, your chats with the other islanders went well and you felt like you were in a more comfortable position in the villa. Though during every chat you had, Katsuki kept lingering in the back of your mind regardless on how hard you tried to fight it.
Now, you were sat in the makeup room, getting ready for the evening events. You changed into a brown polkadot dress and kitten heels, adjusting the fabric so it would fit in all the right places.
It was like subconsciously you wanted to look good for him.
All your actions were for him, it was getting ridiculous.
The girls finished getting ready and were now walking downstairs, the guys showering compliments as each girl stepped down the staircase.
Waiting by the end of the stairs stood Katsuki, watching patiently as you walked down with an open hand. "You look great." he complimented, his eyes lingered over your dress with his hand in yours.
"Thank you, you look handsome yourself." you smiled, walking towards the center of the villa where everyone was gathered around the table. He watched carefully as you spoke with the other islanders, a drink in your hand.
He leaned down next to your ear, "Wanna go to the dock?" he whispered quietly in your ear which was low enough for only you to hear.
"Dock? Yeah, we can go." you nodded as you stood up, walking with him over to the dock. He sat down next to you, his back facing the moon and the dark water.
“How were your other chats today?” he asked, his eyes glinting up to yours a few times.
"They went good, how were yours?" you leaned into him slightly, your body relaxing onto his. This felt comforting, safe, reassuring. He didn't push, he just listened.
"Ehh, just kept finding reasons why I wanted to talk to you more." he chuckled, his hand now resting on your hip, his thumb caressing small shapes onto the fabric of your dress.
You stood up, straightening your back as you pushed a few strands of his crazy hair out of his face. "I really like you, Katsuki."
"What?" he raised an eyebrow, shaking his head as if he was trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He sure as hell felt like was.
"I really like you." you repeated, his eyes widening once the words finally hit him. "I like this. I like what we have." your fingers caressed over his callused palm, rubbing shapes onto his scarred, rough, skin.
He stayed quiet, just listening carefully. His gaze switching from your eyes to your plump lips. He just admired you quietly and the silence alone was eating you alive.
He inhaled before pursing his lips, leaning his head back as his arm rested on the dock behind you. He finally locked eyes with you once more, "Can I kiss you?"
And before the words can even finish leaving his mouth, you're pulling his mouth onto yours, your lips crashing onto each others. It was slow, and less rushed. Unlike the few other kisses you have shared during challenges.
No, this one was different. It was like all the tension between you two had snapped, and this was the aftermath.
His mouth burned into yours, his hand now loosely resting on your waist. You hummed contently, knowing you could savor this moment till forever.
Your lips moved passionately against each other. Your hand sliding up his neck and entangling your fingers into his hair. His hand rested on the small of your back, softly caressing your hips.
You both slowly pulled away from each other, a toothy grin growing on his flushed face. "I could do that a hundred times and never get sick of it." he grinned.
You smiled before pressing one more small peck to his lips, wrapping your arms around his neck and brushing the hair out of his face. The two of you converse for a little longer before you finally get up.
You two are now walking back from the dock, his arm wrapped loosely around your waist, pulling you closer to him. The other islanders being too engrossed in their own conversations to notice the glow on both of your faces.
You both part ways, fixing the bottom of your dress as you walk to the kitchen where most islanders were gathered. "You look happy." Mina clocked the faint smile on your face.
"Do I actually?" your grin expands slightly as you start leaning against the countertop.
"You're practically glowing." Uraraka chirped in, taking a bite of her apple that was in her hand.
"Oh my god, you are!" Mina shrieked, grabbing both yours and Uraraka's hands to a more secluded part of the villa. "Wait, cause I need to hear all about this."
You three sat down on the cushion with you in the middle as they looked at you contently. "So? What's got you smiling so hard? Mina leaned in.
"We kissed." you blurted out, covering your face with the closest pillow in your reach.
"You did not!"
"With who?! Wait when?!" Uraraka looked at you stunned.
"Katsuki, on the dock." you peeked from the pillow as they both shrieked in excitement. Mina practically jumping out of her seat.
"Stopp, was it good at least?" her hand clamped onto her mouth.
"It was amazing, like the chemistry was there." you pressed your hands to your forehead, the corners of your lips curling upwards. "It's so weird cause I really like him but it's like I just got here." you groaned.
"No like I get it, you just got here so obviously you wanna explore." Uraraka shook her head in agreement with Mina.
"Yeah, it's still early on so I don't blame you." Uraraka chimed in.
"The spark is there, I'm just so bad at these things and I don't wanna mess it up.." you sighed, groaning into the pillow in your hands.
'I'm sure you'll be fine, he clearly likes you for you." Their reassurance definitely comforted you, but you still felt like you were in over your head.
It was so refreshing to have someone so genuine like him. He made you feel good, he listened to every little word you said, he was perfect.
And that's what scared you.
He was too perfect for you.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
The high from your moment at the dock has now faded. And your mind is just exhausted from all the traffic that is happening in your head.
You sit upstairs in the makeup room, wiping off your makeup and getting ready for bed. You rubbed your eyelids tiredly, ready to just decompress from today's events.
You changed out of your evening clothes and into your pajamas. You stand up to go to the bathroom and wash your face as if that would cleanse you of all the doubts that are practically eating you from the inside out.
You stare at yourself in the mirror with your toothbrush in hand, mindlessly brushing your teeth, it was embarrassing how just the smallest things were getting to you. Yet just thinking about him could get you so giddy.
Eventually you just brush it off in hopes tomorrow you’d feel better. You ran your fingers through your hair as you walked to the communal bedroom, noticing that Katsuki was already in his bed alone. And he instantly noticed you too and patted the empty spot beside him.
You smiled and crawled next to him, your head resting on his chest as his arm slid to your back. “You’re always s’warm. I’m jealous.” you murmured into his chest, his heartbeat now beating faster as you spoke.
“Yeah? S’fine, i’ll just keep you warm.” he replied as he pressed a small peck to the top of your head.
Clearly you were being greedy cause that wasn’t enough for you. You picked your head up and placed several gentle kisses. Giggling to yourself as you got up from his bed and walking to your own across the room.
This was going to be a good summer.
— 𝒥uno’s note : gaah it's here!! this legit took me SO LONG for NO REASON? lowkey just because im a major procrastinator lmaoo. I genuinely had to go back and rewatch parts of s6 to get inspiration on how the villa life is, and simultaneously catching up with s8 lolll. Reblogs and likes are appreciated!!
content: art teacher aang! x teacher reader! abbott elementary AU! mutual pinning, fluff and reader has braids
word count: 10.1k
synopsis: Aang and reader have been crushing on each other for a while know until Aang finally get the courage to ask you out but it doesn’t go the way he plans
A/N: Hi <3 I'm back with another Aang fic oh how I love him it’s gotten to the point where I’ve run out of edits and have been contemplating watching the movie a third time. this is lossly inspired by abbott specifically janine and gregory.
proofread by me! - sorry for any errors
꒰ please read the author note at the end! ꒱
The bell had rung signaling the end of the school day. Your first graders had departed for the day leaving the classroom to simmer in endless silence a sigh released from your lips the last bit of your energy depleting as you sank completely into your soft desk chair.
You loved your students dearly and would do anything to make sure each and every one of them excelled whether that was small groups or coming up with a memorable and catchy song to aid them in their learning. Sometimes they could drive you a bit crazy on Fridays with the excitement for the weekend slowly bubbling to the surface like a shaken soda can.
But you wouldn’t have it any other way.
Unfortunately you couldn’t relax for long with the task of tidying your room looming overhead. It wasn't much but enough to keep you from taking in the quiet moment fully. You reach down to open a drawer pulling out a headband, slapping it around your head to keep your braids out of your face while you work.
You lift your body up, you lazily grab the pile of papers strolling across the classroom laying out the kids worksheets for Monday’s new unit while occasionally bending down to put away misplaced crayons, markers and pencils back into their respective color coded caddies.
Everything went faster than you expected. Swapping the line leader cards, changing the month and days on the calendar, even sorting the pile of finished work in the “ turn in “ folder alphabetically was a breeze leaving you nothing but to renew the board.
Gliding the eraser across the whiteboard you watched as all the old information disappeared after each pass leaving the painted steel bare, soon replacing it with Monday's date, the new weekly agenda and a T- chart representing whether the kids will be having hot lunch or one from home.
As you finished three knocks came from behind the wall a code signal for “ want to talk” from the other classroom a smile stretched across your face looking at the clock it’s arrows telling you that it was three forty-five around the time you and normally got together to talk about your day before officially leaving.
You Scrabble to put everything away into its rightful place before stopping in front of the small mirror behind your desk trying your best to smooth the frizz of your edges before surrendering and tugging the headband forwards more and walking out of the room straight to the one beside yours.
The door lay wide open making your way through the threshold you spot. Aang his back was turned to you as he put away freshly cleaned paint brushes, tubes of paint and paint pallets back in their labeled baskets from the create a monster project he told you about last week.
Thankfully he didn’t notice you right away as your eyes shamelessly stared at his moving form. Today he wore a camel turtle neck with the sleeves rolled, cream slacks and a thin brown belt, his hands were slightly covered in the remnants of leftover paint. You had always wondered how many sessions his tattoos took to do, hearing from Toph that they were all over his body.
You and Aang had been “classroom wall buddies” as per Sokka’s term, for about two years now around the time you first started teaching here and when you found out he was subbing for Mrs.Duncan class before she retired, Aang had decided a month later to put in an application in after bonding so much with the kids claiming that “ their attached to me know it would be too cruel to leave now”.
Oh how your first meeting felt like it was just yesterday your mind started to drift away from you and Aang’s figure blurred away only to be replaced by the beginning of a past memory.
It was a sunny Tuesday morning in March. You had been rushing to school forty five minutes late due to the detours that the construction caused in your neighborhood boxes of donuts in hand for the kids they had accomplished their reading goal for the month. And in return for their hard work you had promised them donuts and you refused to disappoint them because of some mildly inconvenient roads.
Sadly as you walked down the sidewalk towards the school entrance you couldn’t really see where you were going, the boxes obstructing your vision and resulting in you bumping into someone, the boxes wobbled tipping more and more as you tried to study them but were unsuccessful the person hand reached out studding them before they could have a chance to meet their doom.
“ I’m sorry I should really watch where I’m going “ he said, his eyebrows pulled together, apologizing in ernest.
“ No! I’m sorry I should’ve been paying more attention and not rushing down the sidewalk “ you apologize looking up at him, his eyes gray meeting you as you took him in fully soft friendly features and an arrow tattoo in the middle of his forehead.
“ It's ok, do you need any help with those?"
“ No it’s okay I’m close to the door now anyway so I think I’ll manage” you say shuffling the boxes in your hand to get a better grip on them.
While the conversation didn’t move any farther than apologies and kindness between two passing strangers he waved to you saying a friendly “ goodbye” as he walked past you waved back the best you could with multiple boxes of donuts in your hands and continued on your way to the building assuming you would never see each other again.
Oh how wrong you were…
While making your way back from passing out some leftover donuts to some of your colleagues in the teacher lounge you walked down the now vacant first grade hallway. As you approached your classroom you noticed Mrs. Duncan's classroom lights were still on and the door wide open. The substitute should’ve already left all they had to do was follow the folder full of lesson plans so why were the lights still on?
Curious, you popped your head in unprompted surveying the large room before landing on a bald man with a tattoo going down the middle of his forehead just like the one you pumped into on the street?! You looked a little harder before realizing he was the man you had run into on the street.
“ It's you! “ words bellowing out your lips moving before you could fully think anything through
He turned around to face your direction, his soft grey eyes locking with yours, his features as kind and soft as they were this morning when you bumped into him
“ Oh! Hey It’s you again I supposed it was fated we met again huh?” A smile crossed his lips. He spoke to you as if you were well known acquaintances and not two strangers who collided outside the building this morning.
“Yeah I guess so!” letting out a small laugh
“ I hope the donuts got to their destination safely after our run in ”
“ They sure did right into the mouths of my grubby little first graders.” a smile forming on your full lips re-encountering the kids excitement when they came back after lunch to donuts at their desks.
“ Why are you still here? You should’ve gone home at three with all the kids.”
“ I wanted to hang up the kids' drawings that they completed today. One of the kids told me that Mrs. Duncan always hung up their pieces and I lost track organizing them all .” He explained while walking towards you, his hand rising in the air in greeting
“ I’m Aang.”
Fully walking into the room you clasped your hand with his introducing yourself as well.
“ Do you want any help?” you asked looking over at the overflowing piles of children drawing across the room from you
“ Yeah sure as long as your not too busy” his hand rising up to rub the back of his head a
“ No I have some free time”
The rest of the day was spent doing just that, putting up art work on the corkboard one by one until the sun started to set outside the window painting the skies in a mix of oranges, yellows and pinks.
And the rest was history well not really you still couldn’t get yourself to confess your feeling to him afraid to mess up the friendship you had worked so hard to cultivate just in case he l didn’t feel the same so you had to remain nonchalant or as toph like to simply say you were obvious “your feeling for Aang sticking out like a sore thumb” but if that were true he would have said something to you by now especially if he felt the same… right?
Your daydream was washed away by the echoing of a distant voice blinking your eyes rapidly. The once blurry room came back into clear view. Aang stood closer now waving his hand in your face, his eyebrows furrowed together in concern, repeating your name over and over .
“ Sorry What?” you questioned.
“ Are you ok? You were spacing out.”
“ Yeah sorry long day is all what were you saying” your voice chirped, masking you in a lie not wanting to embarrass yourself in admitting what you were daydreaming about.
“ Oh good “ he sighed in relief, his hand touching his chest and his features relieving themselves of concern.”
“As I was saying, the gaang are all going out after school to the new vegetarian restaurant that opened up and I was wondering if you want to tag along with us?”
Aang had been talking about this restaurant for months trying to convince everyone to attend the grand opening. In his defense there weren’t that many vegetarian options on other restaurant menus when you guys all went out so of course he would be following this one's development closely. He had even sent you a video of the cooks showing off some of the dishes borderline salivating in the messages he sent. They always made you giggle and you truly wanted to go but you unfortunately had to decline.
“ I’m sorry Aang! I wish I could but I promised my sister I would babysit for her today so maybe next time.”
If Aang was disappointed he didn’t let it show his features were as calm as a sea cucumber. As much as it pained you to reject his offer you couldn’t just abandon your obligation to your sister.
“ that’s ok no worries“
Aang spoke quickly after, changing the subject .
“Did you hear about the school facility meeting on Monday after school ?" he asked, picking up the last of the stray paints on the tables beside you before walking back to the shelves stuffed with supplies.
“ Yes I swear it feels like we're having a meeting every other week. What's it about? I never got a chance to read the email” walking and plopping down on top one of the many empty tables next to him.
“ Funding and budget cuts to specific clubs again”
“ I will never understand why they have us attend just to tell us news like their cutting funding to the dance club and giving it to the mathematics club so they can afford their trip to the semi finals even though they agreed that the dance club would get new equipment the month prior” you sigh
“ Yeah Katara told me some kids in her class were very upset when she had to break the news. Some of them even cried but she ended up letting them have a free day to make up for it.”
“ The district can be so cruel sometimes” shaking your head in disbelief
Time passed generously. Aang had finished up his tasks and sat next to you both eagerly swapping stories about your students and their cute and funny attics with one another. like how one of his students tried to squeeze the paint out of its tube just for it to explode in his face Luckily none got in his eyes or mouth and they were able to have a laugh about it afterwards so you didn’t feel bad when you let out a hearty laugh.
His phone rang interrupting him mid story he apologized before picking up from the way Aang replied and talked on the phone you knew it had to have been Sokka regardless you knew your time was about to come to an end.
“ Yeah I’m on my way” he says before hanging up the device leaving his ear soon after his kind grey eyes meeting yours again you had from your stop next to him on the table standing at your full height next to him.
“ Sorry to cut our time short but according to Sokka if I don’t get there soon he’ll die from starvation” stepping down from the table, his long legs aiding him in his descent.
“ That’s Sokka for you always trying to be the first person near the food even though he complained about it being vegetarian in the first place” you laugh thinking about Sokka’s exaggerated presentation on “ Why Meat is the Best.”
“ But hey if he’s eager to go now something had to have caught his interest “ lifting your shoulders up in a shrug.
I’ll see you on Monday. I'll lock up for you. I have a couple things to get out of my room before leaving anyway”
Aang approached his desk opening up the bottom drawer grabbing his satchel and school keys before tossing them to you, almost missing but luckily you caught them before they could hit the ground before passing you and making his way to the open doorway his body turned back towards you.
“Thanks I’ll see you later.”
“ send me pictures of the food I want to live vicariously through you guys”
“ I will “
The sound Aang’s footsteps echoed through the empty hallway before they completely dissipated making the hallways quiet once again. You and Aang had locked up for each other dozens of times, always leaving each other's keys in your school mail boxes down in the office.
Sometimes he would forget coming straight to you in the mornings and ask for his keys. unbeknownst to you Aang only did that so could have a reason to say “Hi” to you.
Not needing to stand in the room any longer, you turned off the lights and closed the door, locking it behind you jiggling the nob to make sure it was locked properly, stepping back into your classroom to gather your things for your departure home.
The restaurant was bustling with patrons all having their own conversations, servers walking back and forth to drop off drinks, whole meals and appetizers while others cleaned tables placing down menus as they finished.
Aang didn’t expect this place to be so packed not because it was opening night but rather he underestimated how many people would come out willingly to eat vegetarian food.The bell on the door chimed as he walked through the threshold, the door shutting behind him.
Making it to the registration desk a small line greeted him. It wasn't very long so Aang patiently waited for his turn, slowly moving forward after every person departed the line . After a while he was greeted by a young lady with blonde hair who couldn’t be older than eighteen years old.
“ Hi! welcome to The Garden do you have a reservation or will you be a walk -in” her smile bright and welcoming
“ Reservation it should be under “Aang “
“ Oh! your party told me you would be arriving soon their at the table on the left behind me ” she replied quickly pointing to the table were his friends occupied
“ Thanks“
“ You’re welcome “
It wasn’t a long walk from the front to the other side weaving through servers and diners who had finished their meals. The Gaang sat at a table on the left side of the wall Katara, Toph and Sokka on one side while Zuko sat alone at the other side Sokka telling some dramatic story with the way his face and hands were so animated.
“ Hey guys! “
Sokka stopped mid sentence, the story stopping in its entirety, everyone erupted, his name being said in unison Sokka rising to his feet embracing Aang into a huge. Aang made his way towards the empty seat next to Zuko fist pumping him before sitting down a glass of banana juice stationed in front of him.
“ How did we all get here before you're the one who recommended this place? “ Toph asked her arms folded.
“ Sorry I lost track of time.” Aang replied rubbing his neck with his hand
“ Yeah, talking to your wall buddy. ” Sokka interjected, making kissing noises with his mouth before being hit by Katara with a stern look on her face.
“ Thanks Katara but yes I was expecting her to be able to come here with us so I didn’t say anything.”
“ What came up?” Zuko questioned taking a sip of his oolong tea.
“ She promised her sister she would babysit tonight so she couldn’t come” Aang sighed softly,hand holding up his head , the with held disappointment now all over his face.
“ Dude you need to tell her how you feel already “ Sokka pipes in
“ I’ve attempted multiple times but I end up chickening out at the last minute.”
“ That’s the problem “ Toph cut in. “ You've been skating around this for way too long just rip the bandaid off. ”
“ What if she doesn’t feel the same? and then she never talks to me again.”
“ She would never do that she values your friendship Aang ” Katara chirped putting her hand on his to comfort him
“ While everyone has fair points, if she does have feelings for you then you should take this chance to make them known. If not, who says she’ll wait forever peoples feelings can depreciate overtime.” Zuko says nonchalantly
“ Zuko!” Katara scolded.
“ Sorry I was only speaking the truth, Aang can’t bank on her feelings to last forever if they're there” holding his hands up in surrender.
“ When would I even tell her? No time ever feels right”
“ Well you could’ve told her while you guys were chatting it up earlier ALONE but I guess you didn’t think about that now did you twinkle toes” Toph said flatly
Aang groaned loudly, folding his arms and letting his head lay inside, hiding his face, overwhelmed with everyone's advice and opinions. “ You guys aren’t helping” his voice muffled as he spoke through folded arms.
“ Ok ok guys that’s enough what I think everyone is trying to say is maybe you should tell her before you lose your chance and sooner is better than later.” Katara says emphatically, putting her hand atop his.
“ Are you guys ready to order!” A server appears in front of them putting their conversation to a stop, making all of them rush to look at the menus, spending the time they should’ve been looking at them giving Aang “relationship advice.”
Eyeing the menu everyone ordered their respective dishes, the server diligently writing them down in her note pad asking follow up questions as she went from person to person. A Veggie Burger with everything on it for Sokka, Vegetarian Pho at a level five spice for Zuko ,Potato Gnocchi with red sauce for Katara, Peanut Noodles with extra nuts for Toph and Cauliflower fried rice for Aang.
“ Ok I’ll have that right out once it’s done.” the server says grabbing the menus before leaving, making her way to another table to take their orders.
Minutes pass before anyone says anything else, the congregation noise of the other patrons taking over the table like white noise until Aang speaks up his voice adding itself to the sea of voices among them.
“ You guys are right, I should tell her how I feel”.
“ That’s the spirit Aang the worst she could say is no” Sokka exclaims before getting a look from Katara that screamed “ Now why would you say that”
“ Anyways Aang I’ve been meaning to ask how's Momo?” Katara asks slowly, looking away from her brother and changing the subject.
“ He’s doing really well he's gotten accustomed to my apartment.”
“ Who’s Momo?” Zuko questions curiosity lacing his features.
“ My new cat I adopted three weeks ago.”
“ With the amount of time I spend at work I thought that Appa could benefit from having a friend. I think they're getting along well. If you don’t count the mini fights they have before bed every night.” Aang laughed remembering the fight they had last night only for them to be cuddled up next to each other at the end of the night.
The food arrived soon after everyone's piping hot dishes were sitting in front of them begging to be demolished, “ Hold on, don't touch your food yet!” he demanded stopping everyone from picking up their utensils or in Sokka’s case his whole burger.
Rising from his chair, taking his phone out, turning it horizontally quickly, snapping a couple wide shots of everyone's food. Before sitting back down making good on his promise to you.
“ What's that for?” Katara questioned.
“ I promised I would take pictures and send them to her.”
“ Well in that case we should send a group photo too.”
“ I don’t see why not.”
Aang turned around retrieving his phone one again, extending his arm into the air to get the best shot possible as everyone else squeezed their way together to make sure they all fit into the camera’s frame, striking poses and smiles as he snapped the picture.
It had been an hour since your sister picked up your niece from your house, music playing softly out of your laptops speakers as the time turned to ten-thirty at the bottom of your screen. As you sat in bed freshly showered pajamas on, face washed, skin lotioned and bonnet secured tightly your braids safe from your evil pillow cases. The lamps cast a cozy amber light through the room as you typed away finishing up the last of the lesson plans.
Your phone pinged the screen coming to life in your peripheral showcasing a message notification. Grabbing the device you open it, seeing that the message was from your group chat specifically sent from Aang. A photo of a table filled with food and drinks pop up on your screen with a message underneath “ Your feast as promised”.
Before your fingers could type a reply another photo came through accompanied by another message “ Everyone says Hello” The Gaang was huddled together in the frame smiling as they looked into the camera's lens. A smile crossed your lips as you looked at everyone's happy faces as your fingers danced over the smooth surface typing out a quick response.
“ Hiii guys, Uuugh I’m so jealous everything looks so good! ”
" I hope everyone had a good time!"
The group chat exploded with messages from everyone, Sokka sending a picture of his empty plate with a text telling you how flabbergasted he was that it tasted so close to the real thing. With a response from Toph stating that he inhaled it immediately after receiving it wondering how he knew what it tasted like. With him jokingly replying with “ instinct”. While Katara and Zuko were telling you about the different teas they saw on the menu that they thought you would like.
The chat quieted down minutes later, with everyone saying their “goodnights” and “see you on laters”. Your phone pinged again with a private message from Aang this time.
“ Can we talk Monday Morning ”
“ What about? Is everything ok?”
“ Yeah, Just Something I’ve been needing to get off my chest”
“ Ok how was the restaurant, was it everything you dreamed it would be!”
Aang didn’t respond after that the three dots disappeared with only the “ read” icon left in its wake, a small sign released from your lips as you tossed the rectangle on the bed, focusing back on your lesson plans trying your best to not let what Aang said consume you.
But even by the time you turned off the lights and were comfortable underneath the covers for the night thoughts and questions swirled around creating scenario after scenario until slumber pulled you in, lulling your brain to sleep for the night.
Monday had arrived in a blink of an eye. They usually went by as fast as waiting your turn at the DMV but this morning had surprisingly passed into noon quicker than expected . Your brain had been on overdrive all weekend and today was no expedition overwhelming you with worst-case scenarios refusing to let you fully focus. A groan leaves your lips as you lean back in your desk chair, your brain replaying this morning's events back like a cruel reminder.
Dropping the pointer during the kids weekly sight words, calling the wrong students names during class helper assignment even messing up the lyrics to the money matters song during math. It's good to say that the kids could tell you were having an off day no matter how hard you tried to hide it from them, giving you hugs and words of encouragement. It sends a warm feeling into your chest just thinking about it.
It was now lunchtime your leftover Pot Roast sat untouched atop your desk beside your pack of Babybels as you moved to lay your head on the cold surface hiding your face within your folded arms, your braids cascading over them like vines on a tree. You always had lunch together on mondays, it being the only day where you're not having to stop kids Batman and Robin style from trading their cartons of milk like small countries participating in international trade and Aang was nowhere to be found. You even somehow missed him when he dropped your students off at the lunchroom earlier. His students assigned a table vacant when you and your kids arrived.
Before you could continue to theorise about Aang's whereabouts any further a knock came from across the room a smile formed across your face in a mix of relief and excitement Aang was here and your brain could finally give up on its four day long charade. Lifting your head from the safety of your arm pillows your eyes slowly adjusting to the rapid change in lighting. Expecting to see Aang silhouette finally standing tall across the room, words leaving before you can see.
“ Aang! Your la —
You halted your eyes fully adjusting to the light revealing Katara standing in between the doors frame instead the smile on your face falling before you could catch it.
“ Expecting someone else”
“ Oh sorry Katara it’s really nice to see you come in ”
It was rare that you got to see Katara during your lunch period with her room being on the second floor. She walked through the door making her way across the room to you with a soft smile on her face.
“ Are you ok? You’ve barely touched your Babybels and if I learned anything from last year's school trip to the art museum is that you love babybels” she joked, leaning her weight on the desk.
You let out a weak laugh with a thin smile at her joke remembering the time you single handedly devoured a twenty six pack of Babybels in one sitting.
“ Yes but…. not really Friday night Aang texted me saying he wanted to talk today in the morning saying he just needed to get something off his chest and he didn’t show up. Leading me to think about every single bad case scenario all day and I’m starting to feel like everything isn’t as ok as he’s saying it is.” your words spilling out of your mouth with a single breath.
Before you knew it a soft laugh released itself from Katara's body. It shocked you how someone as resilient and observant as Katara couldn’t see the disaster looming over you in this current moment. for all you knew your friendship with Aang could be on the borderline of combusting into smithereens and she thought it was funny!?!
“ I can’t believe you're laughing at this Katara this is serious” you boast crossing your arms under your chest full lips pouting.
“ Sorry” she says while clear her throat “ This is very serious but as your friend who loves you dearly I have to tell you that this one hundred percent is all in your head you know Aang as well as I do and he would never mislead you intentionally ”
“ I know but what if something really is wrong”
“If that were the case don’t you think you should go try and find him?
Katara was right, if something was really wrong nothing was stopping you from going to try and find Aang yourself and getting to the bottom of whatever was going on with him and his odd behavior. Your body lifted up before you could think, the wheels of your desk chair rolling back as you stood to your full height. grabbing your phone and made your way towards the door your feet stooping before fully getting there turning back to face Katara.
“ Do you by any chance know where Aang is right now?”
“ Unfortunately I don’t. “ Katara apologized making her way towards the door as well
“ Well that means I have twenty minutes left of lunch to find him, talk things out and get my students from the lunchroom but I can’t let that stop me."
Whoever invented Mondays Aang hoped that they stubbed their toe so hard that it shattered into a million tiny pieces. While he wasn’t really one for unnecessary violence but the statement felt necessary right now as he sat in a sixth grade classroom watching said sixth graders silently read to themselves.
This morning had been so unlucky that he was starting to believe Sokka’s Conspiracy that hexes were real and that someone had decided that Friday night was the best time to foreshadow its existence.
If only he could see into the past and warn himself about this very day and its successful efforts to keep him from confessing his feelings. hiding his head into his arms Aang sighed deeply into the silence room not caring if the kids stared at him his potential love left was in crisis as memories came flooding back like a movie rewinding back to the very beginning.
It all started Friday after Dinner.
Aang Unlocked the door to his apartment it was quiet as he walked through its threshold flicking on the light a golden glow illuminated the living room as he strolled through his furry companions were nowhere to be seen, not even a distant meow coming from the bedroom down the hall leading Aang to Assume they had turned in for the night.
Setting his keys in the bowl at top the side table, littered with pictures of him and his family and friends, Aang slipped off his shoes, tossing them onto the first shelf of his shoe rack overflowing with shoes.
By the looks of them he really would have to organize his shoes soon before it got to the point of no return he already accidentally tripped over Appa and Momo almost everyday he didn’t need to trip over his own shoes too.
He placed his satchel on the tall hat rack before walking down the short hallway into the bedroom turning the lamp on his nightstand. Its warm light brightened up the room gathering his dirty laundry, not seeing Momo or Appa on the bed snugged up like usual. They must’ve decided to sleep in one of their hiding spots again tonight.
Making it out of the room he opened up the storage closet revealing the wash and dryer in all their glory dropping in the load of clothes into the washing machine pouring in some detergent and fabric softener before setting the machine to heavy duty mode and let it work his magic.
Lifting up his wrist ten- twenty stared back at him regardless of the day of the week Aang was an early riser. If it wasn’t for tonight’s outing he would have been asleep by now he could feel the tiredness settling in his body. He had to get a bath before he passed out here and now shaking his arms like limp noodles the tiredness inside him disappeared for the time being. Hopefully it was enough so he wouldn’t fall asleep in the bath.
The bathroom presents itself to him as he flicks on the lights and pats his way through the door Aang lifts his arm to pull back the curtain leaning forward turning the knob all the way to the left releasing the hot water into the fiberglass reinforced tub. Taking his leave to gather his under garments and pajamas consisting of a pair of pants with sleeping cats and nothing else as he flopped on the bed and scrolled through some news articles waiting for the tub to fill.
When he arrived back fifteen minutes later the water had made it to the halfway mark sitting his small pile of clothes down Aang turned the knob the opposite direction making the water come to a stop, excess water droplets dripping into the crystalline surface making it ripple. Sitting his phone on the counter of the tub he checked his slacks for any other miscellaneous items undoing his belt, quickly stripped himself off his clothes and fell to the floor with a quiet “thud” revealing the full extent of his body into the mirror in front of him.
Stepping forward towards the tub, Aang lifted his feet into the hot water one after the other, kneeling his body down to fully submerge himself, closing his eyes and breathing out deeply as the water slowly drifted over his chest and unknowingly aching limbs.
Before drifting away into the full relaxation of the water Aang grabbed his phone, the rectangle fading to life. The wallpaper of him and The Gaang squished together in a photo booth making funny faces on display. Swiping up he made his way to the group chat sending the photos of the food as promised and then the group photo katara requested they take.
You responded fairly quickly with a message saying “hi” to everyone and how good the food looked and how jealous you were. The chat soon erupted with messages of a conversation going back and forth between you and everyone else. A hearty laugh escapes from his lips as he observes the chat catching the photo of Sokka’s empty plate watching as bubble after bubble pops up on screen.
Before long the bubbles settle the conversations ending everyone typing their goodnights and goodbyes before settling in for the night. lifting his thumb to the top of the screen Aang tabs the arrow exiting the chat before tapping on your picture entering your private thread.
“ You can do this, this is the easy part. If you can do this you can finally tell her how you feel” His thumbs tapped over the keyboard rapidly pressing send before he could second guess himself.
“ Can we talk Monday morning”
he waited patiently as your dots faded in and out for second a bubble popping up soon after
“ What about? Is everything ok?”
“ Yeah, Just Something I’ve been needing to get off my chest”
“ Ok how was the restaurant, was it everything you dreamed it would be!”
Aang's thumbs hovered the screen typing another message to continue the conversation but before he could press the blue arrow Momo burst out from the cabinet under the sink the abrupt loud sound scared him causing a yell to escape his body along with his phone splashing into the water and slowly sinking to the bottom.
“ Oh you have to be kidding me Momo we talked about this you can’t sleep in there ” scolding Momo as if he could really understand him Momo stared at him unfazed before he sauntered away out the door as if he didn’t do anything of note.
Aang let out a groan slightly annoyed as he picked his phone up out of the water. The screen was black no sign of life even when he pressed the power button. It wasn't like he was super attached to it or anything; he viewed it as an extension of modern life and used it for its original purpose. to communicate with his loved ones, take pictures if he chose and read news articles in the morning. He didn't have social media like his friends so he could well enough live without it but it didn’t hurt any less to see the device void of life.
Setting the phone aside, his relaxing moment ruined he stretched his arm out grabbing the fluffy puff from above him along with the body wash the strong scent of vanilla and shea butter stuck to his nose as he lathered up soap gently moving the puff across his body.
Freshly cleaned and dried Aang quickly slipped his pants over his waist, let out the water and picked up the clothes scattering the floor before flicking the light off and leaving the room dead phone in hand. Discarding his dirty clothes into the laundry basket he left outside the closet to make his way down the hallway into the kitchen.
Grabbing a plastic bag and an unopened bag of rice from the pantry, he poured some rice in, careful not to spill it all over the counter, placing his phone inside and pouring in some more rice on top for good measure. Unfortunately all he could do now was hope that the cellar device was brought back to life by a plastic bag full of white rice if not it was straight to the electronic store.
Frustrated and tired, Aang made sure to hide the bag so Momo wouldn’t inflict any more damage. He knew that Momo didn’t mean it, he was just being himself exploring his surroundings like any new cat would. Turning off the lights he walked down the hall once more, opening the closet again, changing his clothes around, throwing in a few dryer balls before starting the machine leaving the door slightly open so the heat had somewhere to escape and leaving the laundry basket for his future self to deal with.
Opening the bedroom door Aang flopped on the bed without hesitation leaving the door kept open just in case his furry companions wanted to come in. Slipping under the blankets the soft fiber eloped his body as he got comfortable. Turning off the lamp beside him the amber light dissipated leaving the room in total darkness moments after his head hit the pillow Aang was fast asleep.
꒰ Monday Morning꒱
Aang stirred, opening his eyes to the pitch black room the fan creaking softly above as it spun on the highest setting. Lazily lifting up Aang laid his back against the headboard using the back of his hands to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Before stretching over to turn the lamp on, basking the room in its warm light. Looking at the left corner of the bed he spotted Appa and Momo sleeping cuddled up like they were the best of friends.
A few minutes passed as he sat in bed slowly but surely waking up. Tossing the covers off his body swinging his legs over the side of the bed, feet touching the cold wood floors as they touched the ground. Glancing over to the night stand, the clock that he purchased yesterday flashed five-thirty. His phone still hadn’t awakened after sitting in the bag of rice all weekend long so he thought it best to get a manual clock while he waited.
Rising to his feet and lifting his arms, stretching thoroughly before patting over to his desk underneath the one of his bedroom windows. Where the pile of clothes he prepared the night before sat: a gray sweater with horizontal stripes of different unique patterns of red,mustard yellow and white with a pair of light brown pants. Heading to the bathroom, brushing his teeth, washing his face and putting on a bit of moisturizer he refused to be as dry on a day such as today.
Everything had to be perfect.
In the kitchen the light over the stove omitted white light guiding him through the otherwise dark room halfway. Don't get him wrong, he loves the sun and chooses to spend most of his days outside letting the sunshine ray upon his skin but when it’s five - thirty five in the morning any big light was his mortal enemy.
Everything seemed normal as usual. He had eaten breakfast, prepared his lunch, laid out food and water bowls and opened the living room curtains so Appa could sunbathe during his many naps.
Checking his watch he was making good time. You normally got to work before everyone else so if he wanted to make it to the school to confess without an audience of first graders like he planned he’d have to leave now. Slipping into his shoes, grabbing his satchel and keys, Aang made out the door, locking it behind himself before walking down the long flights of stairs to the parking lot.
Opening the car door he plopped into the driver seat tossing all his belongings into the passenger. Everything was turning in his favor. He woke up on time at breakfast and put on a nice outfit and he even rehearsed what he wanted to say. What could possibly go wrong?
Aang slid the key into the turning it only for the engine to make a clicking sound before beeping the cars engine confused he tried it again only for to do the same thing Aang groaned a long frown formed on his face as his head flopped over on the steering wheel the plush cover meeting his forehead
“ You have got to be kidding me first my phone and now this!“
His car's battery was dead, how? He sure didn’t know it had been working just fine and it wasn't like his battery was old or anything so why today of all days did it decide to magically die. Aang tired one more time desperately believing it had to be some fluke. His car had to be playing some funny trick on him.
Nope.
Definitely dead.
He had to think of something quickly. It was already five- fifty five. The window to get to work early was dwindling fast.as the second passed and it wasn’t like he could call an Uber or his friends for help. The same with Uber His phone was trapped in a bag of rice fighting for its life
At this point he was doomed to sit here, his car battery dead and his day ruined before it even got started.
A knock on the window startled him, making Aang hit his head on the back of his seat, turning to look through the window. Standing on the other side was his neighbor Kevin, a smile brimming on his face. Oh, was he happy to see Kevin. Him and Kevin have been friends for a few years now, while their jobs kept them pretty separated, Kevin working at night and him during the day they tried their best to see each other regularly even if it’s at the local gym down the street.
Opening the door Kevin backed up some so he could slip out of the car now being able to see Kevin in his entirety. He was wearing his pajamas still and his golden retriever Topaz sat beside him patiently wagging her tail at the sight of a familiar face.
“ Hey! Dude are you okay? you’re normally gone when I come out to give Topaz out for her morning walk.”
“ To be honest before you got here I left like I was doomed with no way out in sight but now that you're here I’m doing much better. I need your help!” Aang burst out putting his hands on his shoulders, almost falling dramatically to his knees. “ My Car’s battery died out nowhere and I need a jump.”
“ Sure! I‘ll just need to grab my jump cables out the house really quick” Kevin responded giving Aang topaz’s lead before jogging towards and back up the flight of stairs.
Topaz barked to get Aang’s attention leaning forward silently demanding head pats. Lowering down to topaz level he stretched out his arm moving his hand back and forth ruffling her light yellow fur fulfilling her request. Kevin arrived back a few moments later, jumping cables in hand, handing them over.
“ Here attach the red one to the positive side of your battery and the other to the bare metal” he shouted, running all the way down the sidewalk to his car.
quickly following his instructions Aang popped open the hood of his car and attached the red capable and black capable as instructed. Kevin pulled into the empty parking spot on his left Turning off the engine, getting out and popping his hood clasping both red and black cables to his battery.
“ Alright, we're all set! Just wait for my signal before starting your car”
Kevin stepped in his car leaving the car open and he followed suit even though he’d never had to help jump someone else’s car before he remembered when Sokka had to go help his dad stranded on the side of the highway in his old truck. Now he might not have paid much attention, tired from rounds of intense pickle ball at the park an hour prior but he remembered the sequences. Sokka turned his key, his dad following soon after. That exact moment played out minutes later as Aang slipped into the driver seat in the same position, Topaz sitting patently in the car's open doorway. Kevin’s car roared to life two to three minutes pass before Aang hears “ Go for it! ” Being shouted out he immediately twisted his wrist turning the key in the ignition.
The car’s engine revved up the dashboard display activating the number on the speedometer lighting up even the radio was softly playing music. A breath of relief passed his lips as he got out the vehicle guiding Topaz out the way before closing the door making the short way up back to the sidewalk, Kevin joined his a few minutes later after unplugging the cables in backwards order starting from his car first to and throwing them in his back seat.
“ Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver.” stretching his fist out to Kevin.
“ No problem man, I'll see you later.” completing the fist pump.
Passing Topaz's leash back to Kevin making sure to give her some head pat goodbye. She barked as if trying to tell him “ see you later”. Closing himself in the car Aang’s gaze glanced over to the clock above the radio, the time displaying six-o'clock. While he didn't live that far from the school with morning traffic he definitely wouldn’t make it in time before class started.
Swiftly putting on his seat belt and pulling the gear shift down backing out of the spot before putting it in drive. Looking out of the rearview, Kevin and Topaz had started their way down the sidewalk finally starting their walk, Kevin on the phone as Topaz trailed ahead, tail wagging, their forms getting smaller and smaller as he drove out the parking lot towards the gates.
Aang had successfully gotten through the morning despite him arriving horrendously late. Lunch was finally here and he would finally have the time to talk to you. a whole thirty minutes to be exact without any interruptions. Thankfully for him his students were too excited about today’s lunch to try and keep him in the lunchroom longer than he needed to be.
He could barely keep his composure; he had just missed you, your kids sitting at their table when his kids walked in. Strolling away from the room full of chatting first graders, their voices muffled by the closed doors.
Turning into the first grade hallway he spotted Andrew, a sixth grade teacher who was normally on the second floor at this hour. They didn’t get to talk often but they were friendly, sprinting down the long corridor from the stairwell at the end of the hallway. As he rapidly got closer he saw his face turn from overwhelming concern to solace at his presence.
“ Aang oh my god! I am so glad to see you. I'm so sorry to ask but are you busy right now” he asks frantically, holding onto his knees trying to catch his breath.
He could’ve been selfish said no, apologized and went on his merry way down the hall to your classroom never to know what came of Andrew’s time of need but with Andrew’s obvious distress Aang couldn’t bring himself to do it Andrew needed his help and who was he if not a helper to the people around him.
“ No, I’m free right now. What do you need? ”
Andrew’s head shot up his body straightening at his reply, his features softening more even at at his answer.
“ My daughter collapsed outside during recess at school today and is at the hospital. My wife says she’s ok but I would feel better if I was there too. Could you watch my class until a sub can arrive? You won’t have to do much of anything as silent reading right now.” He explained.
While he didn’t have children himself he understood the feeling nonetheless the voice in your head that creeped in despite being told that everything was fine and that everything would be ok.
“ I’ll watch them no problem! You go one ahead.”
“Thank you so much!”
Andrew took his leave shoes patting rapidly on the tile, their sound getting quieter and quieter as he got further away and he continued down the hallway and up the stairwell to the classroom of sixth graders.
That's how he got here with only twenty minutes left of his lunch break still waiting for the substitute to show as the time slowly ticked away twenty minutes ticking to nineteen minutes his time to talk to you slowly disappearing before his eyes.
Aang didn’t regret helping his colleague, however that didn’t quell the frustration he had been continually feeling. Everything was going wrong; it was like the day was trying to personally get in between you silently trying to get in the way of your meeting and objecting to the potential transition of your relationship like a bitter ex partner that somehow got an invitation to the wedding.
A knock came from the other side of the door standing; he made his way towards it with a bit of pep in his step but quickly masking it before twisting the knob. He couldn't let the substitute know he was eager to leave; he had to play it cool. a short woman with bleach blonde hair and a gentle smile was revealed on the other side of the door.
“ Hi, I’m there to fill in for Mr.Miller.” she said walking into the room Aang moving out of the way to make room for her.
“ Hi, that's great they’re doing silent reading right now until lunchtime and then whatever lesson plans for after lunch will be in the binder on the desk. If you need anything Mr. Smith across the hallway will be able to help you or you can call the office.” he explained moving backwards stopping in the doorway.
“ Ok, Thank you! ”
Leaving the door open he quickly turned and headed down the hall towards the stairwell looking down at his watch. He still had time to try and get to your room before lunch was officially ended and he would have to pick up his students from lunch. His feet started to move faster with every step forward transitioning into a full on sprint as his desperation began to push him with each step he took. He wouldn’t miss this opportunity, not this time.
Leaving your classroom you wave back to Katara going the other direction, the distance between you getting farther and farther until you could no longer see her figure disappearing around the corner down another hallway.
You turn and make your way down the long corridor, your body brimming with resolve. Even if you didn’t know where Aang was at this very moment , it couldn’t be that hard to find a six foot seven twenty four year old man with blue arrow tattoos. It's not like you could mistake him for anyone else among the school staff.
Your phone pinged a message notification. You tapped it silently hoping that it was Aang but unfortunately you it was from Zuko deciding not to ignore it and open it anyway he had sent you a video specifically one of someone’s adorable Cat doing some kind of activity.
This was something that you guys sent each other often videos of cats doing cute things to be frank it was what your messages were full off half the time aside from the small straightforward conversation about other stuff. You play the video with your eyes now focused on an orange cat being swapped into different sweaters kitted by their owner, filling your body with aggression you could melt.
Before you could register what was happening your body collided with someone’s solid chest causing you to almost lose your balance, your phone almost falling out of your hand. “ I am so sorry I should have been looking — you apologized. Immediately lifting your head up the person's eyes caught yours warm, cloudy and unmistakable.
“ Oh my God Aang! it’s you we really need to talk about.”
Aang didn’t speak he looked behind you then behind himself before grabbing your wrist pulling you back the way you came.
“ Hey! Wait.”
If you were wearing heels right now you would have definitely tripped over your own feet trying to keep up with him, his long strides quickening as you got closer and closer to his classroom door.
“ Aang can you slow down please! ”
Your request fell on deaf ears as you walked through the open art room door. The warmth of his hand disappeared as he let go, closing the door behind him, his body leaning against the door's surface accompanied with a sigh.
“ What is going on? I haven't seen you all day, haven't heard from you all weekend. When I finally do, the first thing you do is drag me into your classroom without a single greeting . What's next locking me in the janitor’s closet ” hands folded over your chest.
“ I know and I'm sorry but I had to make sure that no one could interrupt us. I promise I’ll explain everything ” he says apologetically walking towards you closing the distance between you.
“ I’m listening ”
“ Ok here it goes…. I want to start by saying I haven’t been ignoring your messages Momo scared me Friday night and my phone fell into the bathtub so it’s been in a bag of rice since and I have no idea if it’s even alive or dead at this point and I did plan to be here early this morning to talk like we planned y but my car battery decided that it wanted to give up on me despite it working perfectly fine before.”
Aang says rambling only to start pacing in front of you, his hands waving around and his face animated
“ Fast forward to now I ran into Andrew and he needed someone to watch his class until a substitute came because a family emergency came up and I couldn’t just sit there and let him freak out especially since I was right there and everything has turned into this big mess on today of all days when I finally got the courage to risk everything and potentially ruin our friendship and tell you that I’ve had a crush on you for the past two years in all honestly it was like love at first sight and I want to be more than just friend possibly get to know you better and ——
He stops abruptly covering his mouth realizing what he’d accidentally said, his eyes lifting to meet your gaze, fear tangled inside of them. Your mind froze, flooding everything into silence around you all your mind could only focus on was the echo of his confession repeated over and over again.
Never did you imagine Aang reciprocating the very feelings you held so close to your heart out of protection but right here and how he was willing to risk it all, take that chance so if he was so would you . Before you knew it the ticking of the clock came flooding back into your ears and the very words that you were keeping locked away broke free.
“ I… I like you too Aang ” you spoke shyly the words foreign on your tongue.
“ Wait hold on say that again” blinking multiple times
A laugh escaped your lips at his bewildered state It was adorable to be honest.
“ I like you Aang! ” you say more confidently walking towards him closing the remaining distance between you
“ Oh thank the spirits that’s what I thought you said” he laughed, his shoulders slumped with a sigh of relief, his body leaning forward his forehead laying on your shoulder.
“ I’m sorry”
“ Why are you apologizing all of a sudden?"
“ Because I rehearsed a whole speech for this. It was perfect, and had everything that I wanted to say. I even wore a nice outfit but when it came down to it I just blurted it out and you deserve better than that " he says standing up straight with his eyes looking away from you.
Without pause you put your right hand on his face caressing his cheek forcing him to look you in the eye catching the small bits of shame swirling in them.
“ You say I deserve better because your confession wasn’t “perfect” but I think you're being too hard on yourself. It wouldn't have mattered to me if I got a perfect crisp speech full of romance that you've been practicing or one that was blurted out in the moment and clumsy. I would have said yes because it would have been from here regardless.” you say sincerely placing your hand to his chest.
Aang placed his hands on top of yours and looked as if he was soaked in every word, the shame slowly disappearing from his eyes being replaced by ones you never really noticed before… love maybe.
“ But I do expect a nice date and flowers that’s my only request “ you slide in trying to lighten the mood.
“ I think I can make that happen.” he laughed
Before you could bask in any of the comfortable silence the bell rings over the intercom slicing through it completely.
“ I guess It's finally time to go get our kids before they start a riot in the lunchroom.”
“ You mean before your kids start a riot in the lunchroom again because my students are angels ” he says smugly laughing his body moving to learn against the table behind him.
“ Oh come on that was one time” you retorted back “ And my kids are your students too! so you’re just as responsible as I am.” You say looking back towards him as you make your way across the room towards the door.
“ You got me there” he replied, holding his hand up in mock defense following close behind you, holding it open for you to walk through. The halls were still empty, not a single other teacher in sight as you walked through.
Aang placed his hand in yours, locking his figure tight, a smile spread across your lips as you walked hand in hand. While it was definitely against school rules to be doing this right now , who could say you were breaking any rules if no one was here to witness.
Hours later you’re classroom was empty chairs pushed in floors , worksheets laid on all the desk the date on the board was changed as you sat in at your desk braids in a ponytail looking over today’s finish work filled with lopsided circles labeled penny,nickel quarter and dimes with their value scribbled on the side adding gold stars to each.
As you placed the last paper in the pile three soft knocks came through the wall as you looked up at the round ticking clock overhead three forty-five one the dot. You quickly tapped the papers on the table before clipping them together, shoving them into one of your top drawers quietly hoping that you remembered they were in there tomorrow morning before leaving your room for the one Next Door.
“So what do you think about dinner Friday night.?”
“ I think I can squeeze you in.”
A/N : I’m sorry if the ending was buns. I wanted to say thank you! for all the support on my recent works. it means a lot to me that you guys enjoy my writing. I plan to take a small break so I don’t risk burning myself out and actually work on some smaller works as these last two were pretty long so there won’t be a post towards the end of July.
I love you I’ll see you in august!
♡ Sharing my work is the best you can do. consider liking, rebloging and leaving a comment or two I would really appreciated! <3 it helps keep me motivated! ୨୧
when FIRELORD ZUKO takes a liking to AVATAR AANG'S mysterious new BRIDE.
TORN BETWEEN TWO ROADS ! — aang x reader x zuko
PLOT. republic city is finally at peace, and katara allows herself to hope that maybe now, after everything, she and aang can finally become something real. but when aang returns after eight months, he isn’t alone. he comes back with you at his side, introducing you as his wife. suspicious yet helpless, his friends do their best to welcome you, even as nothing about this sudden marriage makes sense. but while everyone else keeps their distance, one person doesn’t. and perhaps Zuko gets a little too comfortable with the avatar’s new wife.
CHARACTERS. AANG and ZUKO.
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, smut, angst, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps. reader is 21, dark themes, sexual assault, mentions of rape (not aang or zuko dw), established relationship, yearner aang, infidelity, depression, mentions of suicide, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not canon compliant to legend of korra, wip.
masterlist
art creds :: chamiii07, ilameys on x
CHAPTER ONE
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps. reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang but follows the characters, not canon compliant to legend of korra, not proofread.
CHAPTER TWO
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps. reader is 21, established relationship, mean sokka (no hate for him please, i am just a bitch hahah), little arguing (lowkey fight), fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER THREE
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, some 'arguing' with zuko, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER FOUR
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, smut, angst, hurt with comfort, small argument (i don't think it even counts), penetration sex, no protection (do they even have protection?), my own version of plan b used, pregnancy talks, slightly insecure reader (regarding katara), takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, kinda proofread.
CHAPTER FIVE
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, implied sexual assault, fight with zuko, zuko is kind of a prick ngl, protective aang, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER SIX
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, blood, stab wound, cauterization, lots of fire, a little tension, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER SEVEN
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, slight panic attack, a very bad injury (not detailed), takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER EIGHT
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, alcohol consumption, underage drinking (?) [idk their legal age for drinking, but in this fic it's 21], takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER NINE
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, kidnapping, restraints, sexual assault, character death mentioned, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER TEN
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, bad father, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
CHAPTER TWELVE
WARNINGS. 18+, mdni, angst, zuko spirals a little, multiple minor character deaths, ozai appearence, takes place 10 years after atla, age gaps, reader is 21, established relationship, fem reader, atla spoilers, no spoilers for legend of aang, not proofread.
cw: talk of losing weight, struggles with self-esteem and body image
"I think I need to lose some weight," you say to yourself, frowning as you stare at your naked form in the mirror. Your hands squeeze at the soft plush of your stomach and fondle the rolls at your sides, each touch a firing shot to your self-esteem. "Maybe I should join that exercise group that run sessions every—"
A sudden crash makes you jump, eyes widening in shock at the sound of rapid footsteps racing towards the bedroom. You're about to reach for your robe when Aang bursts into the room, the look in his eyes wild as he stares at you. Out of habit, you draw the robe to your chest to hide some of your nakedness.
"A–ang?" You stutter, puzzled as you observe your husband. "Are you okay? Did something—?"
"Don't you dare lose weight!" He interrupts loudly, having you squealing when he reaches out to grab hold on you. "Please don't or else I'll actually die. I'll wither away into nothing and is that what you want? To kill your husband?"
"Aang!" You exclaim, flustered at the feel of his large hands roaming your body and shamelessly fondling. "What are you—? How did you even hear me!?"
"I'm the Avatar," he replies solemnly, groping the plush swell of your ass. "I can hear anything and everything."
"Pretty sure that's false!" You try to push away his hands but deem it an impossible venture because Aang's ridiculously strong and ridiculously stubborn. "Besides, it won't cause any harm for me to drop a few pounds, right? Maybe lose a few rolls and make my thighs less thick?"
Aang stares at you, deadpan. "So you want to kill me?"
You can't help but snort. "No, I'm not trying to—"
"My extremely beautiful, hot, incredible, sexy, and gorgeous spouse wants to make their thighs less thick and they're saying they aren't trying to kill me. That's so crazy, I never knew you hated me."
You're laughing before you can help it. "Spirits, you're dramatic." You're smiling, your heart warm. "No, I just...I sometimes think I'd look better if I were smaller and...less...y'know." You gesture a wide width with your hands, your smile waning. "I see all these pretty people on the street with their bulging muscles and flat stomachs and lack of a double chin and I'm just...like...would it be better if I were like that?"
"No." Aang's answer is immediate. "No, it wouldn't be better because you're perfect as you are right now." He settles his hands on your hips, a comforting touch. "It may not matter but I love the way you look and how your body is. I love how it molds perfectly into mine and how it remembers my touch so well. I love how it keeps you alive and strong and healthy. I love how it allows you to exist right here with me." He leans in to rest his forehead against yours. "Also you wouldn't believe the amount of appreciating looks you receive whenever you walk by."
"Shut up." You roll your eyes but they're already misty with tears and there's a lump in your throat. "You're just saying that."
"I have eyes," Aang replies simply, nuzzling his nose against yours. "And I'm the Avatar so I'm correct about these things."
"Being the Avatar doesn't make all of your answers correct," you say softly, laughing when Aang nips at your nose.
"It does, don't argue with me," he says, smiling. "And hey, if you want to change, that's absolutely fine becauae it's something you want. But don't change because society is weird and awful with its standards."
It's getting harder and harder not to burst into tears because you can't believe you're married to the sweetest man to ever exist. Insecurities are a nuisance to tackle and you're in a battle with them most days as small things knock you off your balance.
The way your stomach looks in a shirt.
The reflection of yourself in a too narrow mirror.
Your cheeks looking far too big when you smile or your thighs chaffing on the day you're brave enough to wear a skirt.
It's tiring to live this way and that's when society gets to you. When it reminds you that being chubby is the wrong move and that if you're thinner, you'll have a far easier time living in a world that will start treating you like you're a part of it.
And not just some ailen.
And today, it nearly claimed you if it wasn't for Aang with his earnest eyes and even more earnest words. Words that you can trust and do trust more than anything because Aang...well, Aang loves you exactly as you are.
You smile as he gently wipes away your tears.
"Yeah, society's awful, isn't?"
Aang beams and drops a kiss upon your lips.
"Just awful."
The insecurities don't come back for a long, long time.
content: aang! x black!reader, suggestive sexual intimacy,
pre-established relationship, newlyweds, fluff, reader has coily hair and is accomplished painter and water-bender
word count: 10.5k
synopsis: Aang and reader travel to a sky archipelago for their honeymoon enjoying the journey along the way
A/N: I love Aang so much the way he shows love really resonates with me! I would do anything to be katara right now! I really enjoyed writing this I think it's my most creative and longest fic so far! I didn't expect it to be this long when I started but I wanted to give things enough time to breathe hopefully that translates.
big thanks to @duffymaycry for proofreading!
The saddle cushions were as soft as pure cotton under your fingers as you awoke from your slumber. The soreness in between your thighs comes back reminding you of the intimate night that you and Aang shared last night.
Memories flashed back at a rabid pace; the slow kisses that ended up roaring into a heated make out, the sound Aang’s moans in your ear as you pulled him in by his lower back with your feet as if he wasn’t close enough, his hands squeezing your thick thighs in response, the glow of his tattoos in the dark, your hands laying purchase around his shoulders guiding down his back as he thrusted into you resulting in your nails to leave angry marks, the night sky moving above as you made love to each other.
When your mind fully came back you realized the weight that normally plagued your mid section was gone. Rising slowly holding the sheets close to your chest. Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes the clear blue sky moved overhead, no cloud in sight.
Moving sluggishly, you search for your clothes finding a new set neatly folded alongside your shared bags. A small smile pulled at the ends of your mouth, Aang always did little acts of service like this since the beginning of your relationship. He claimed it was because he was an early riser and totally not because you stayed up most nights hyper-fixated on a painting.
It was hard to accept at first. Struggling with deciphering if he was doing it because it was ingrained in him so deeply to help as the avatar, or if it was something that made him happy but, as time went on you realized it was the latter.
You were lucky to have someone that supported you so loudly even if he thought he was subtle or as Sokka puts it “ being nonchalant “. Unfortunately for him, Aang was very chalant and you are very happy to call that person your husband.
After slipping into your clothes, you went to search for your husband. In all honesty he couldn’t have gotten far suspended sixty thousand feet in the air on a sky bison.
You approach Appa’s head to find Aang standing shirtless. His back on full display, your gaze scanned his back following his tattoos until they passed his scar, to the top of his shoulders where the almost faded red marks resided. Heat rose up your body as they stared back at you, Aang was none the wiser looking out into the ever ending sky occasionally looking at the map Katara lent him every so often.
sauntering over your arms wrap around his waist. Head leaning into his back stealing his warmth from him, your long coils blow softly as the wind passes through. His hand holding on to yours silently acknowledging your presence.
“ How far are we?” you whispered peaking to the side to look at the yellowed parchment
Aang breaks your hands from around his body, descending; moving to a sitting position. His legs bent leaving space for you to sit between them, back to his chest, leaning your head on his shoulder as you got comfortable. You both hold one side of the map stretching the map taut so you could view it better.
“ We're little ways away from half way! However, with the route we’re taking we'll be lucky to make it to the resort in two days. And that’s if the storm dissipates, although I’m very doubtful the wind has been getting stronger the closer we get. It may not be bad now, but if we stay on course past the half way point we’ll hit the eye of the storm. Fortunately, if we stop at this nearby village this evening let the storm pass and take this detour in the morning and make it there by nightfall.” He replies his finger maneuvering above the map
Moonshadow was a sky island water retreat known for its cave pool waterfalls. According to Katara the moon water there was once an oceanid who ran away from home and fell in love with a moon goddess. Their eternal devotion is what gives the water its many enchanting properties. For that same reason only so many people are let in per year making it exclusive and highly sought after. It just so happens that the Gaang were able to snag tickets declaring that you deserved to vacation somewhere just as whimsical as your willow tree wedding.
“ I will never understand how you’re able to get all that from the wind alone. Meteorologists need more than just wind to predict the weather, but you're an omnipotent anemometer if you keep this up meteologists will be out of a job.” you joke a laugh withdrawing from your lips
“ What can I say the wind favors me” He states matter of factly as if being a master at bending wasn’t a big deal in the slightest
“ You're never going to stop giving up on that answer will you?”
“ Nope” He says rolling up the map and putting it in his satchel
“ Sooner or later you’re going to run out of elements for that answer first it’s air, then water,fire and earth I’m sorry to break it to you but you can’t be favored by all of them you have to leave some luck for the rest of us ” You said raising your head up to look at him while counting out on your fingers.
“ Oh do I now”
“ Yes!! If you take all the good fortune I won’t have any making me the unluckiest water-bender in republic city” You whine crossing your arms over your chest, pouting your full lips for good measure.
“ Come on sweetheart, my luck is yours as much as it is mine” He whispered into your ear trying to get your attention back on him.
“ Yeah, says the guy hogging it all to himself, oh almighty avatar.” turning your face before your smile could reveal itself to him trying your best not to break character. Aang didn’t respond. Instead he turned your head fully with his fingers forcing you to look into his gray eyes. They mesmerized you like they always did, like the full moon when it finally broke through the clouds after a storm, gentle but eye-catching. Aang moves his hand to hold your cheek, his lips brush softly over yours teasingly “And I'll always choose to share it with you" He declared before he connected, his lips colliding with yours briskly closing the gap not giving you a chance to pull away.
You shifted your body entirely, melting into him completely, your act shattering to smithereens and blowing away in the breeze. Your arms traveled around his neck deepening the kiss. Aang reciprocated placing his hand on the back of your neck, keeping you in place intensify the kiss even more when you finally came up for air, you spoke laying your hands on his chest.
“ One day I'll get you so good you won’t even know what to do with yourself. How'd you know I wasn’t serious? My face was perfect. I didn't even laugh this time.” Air filling your cheeks like a balloon.
“ To be honest you almost did, You're getting better! But your eyes are what gave you away. They sparkled when you looked up at me before long you’ll be an emotion counseling master” He said grabbing onto Appa’s lead.
This was something you and Aang did everyday; expressive suppression training. You were a person whose emotions were effortlessly visible whether it was your expression, tone or body language. They showed loud and proud making you vulnerable to enemies and others who wanted to exploit you.
A blessing and a curse some would say. Nevertheless, you loved it. It was something that made your relationship with Aang stronger even when you were kids, being able to tell him how you felt in more ways than one was special. Some people could hide their emotions from the ones they loved for life if they wanted never breathing a single grievance but not you. Aang always knew. It’s like he was in balance with your emotions more than you were. Not saying that makes the relationship void of effort, but it made it more straightforward when your face showed your cards.
“ Alright, let's make some progress. We have to get to that village by noon, “ Aang bellowed, snapping Appa’s rope with a “ Yip yip” . The sky bison responded in kind with a roar and flew faster than before.
The sun had finally passed its highest point. The village you walked through was so lively, bustling with people and vendors. There was even a man who seemed to be successful in selling his chart of Cambridges. You and Aang walked together, hands clasped tightly Appa strolling behind.
He would squeeze periodically to get your attention. other times to make sure you didn't magically let go wandering off somewhere. As you came up to another booth a set of small watercolors attracted your attention. You couldn’t bring any of your quality supplies with you out of fear of losing something, but a compact set would be perfect for travel. Before you could get a word out, your body moved into action letting go of Aang’s hand and sprinting to the booth.
A faint “ Hey! Wait, slow down! ” passed your ear but it wasn’t enough to stop you. You needed those paints. It had been days since you touched a brush, and your body was itching to touch one so much that you started to miss the smell of paint itself. Making it to the stall you have a brief conversion with the nice lady before purchasing the set along with some brushes; and a small pad of paper. By the time you finished Aang had caught up to you.
“ You have to stop doing that!” Aang huffs hands on his knees desperately trying to catch his breath, gulping deeply between each take. “ With how fast you move. I think you should be appointed to be the next avatar ” He jested, finally straightening his stance.
“ Sorry” Your lips pull up in an apologetic smile
“ What did you buy anyway?” He slightly leaned over to tower you.
Making a trumpet sound with your lips ending in a “ Tada! ” You show him your precious cargo, your enthusiasm thundering off in droves. “ I thought it would be fun to paint small pieces of things I see from Moonshadow, and as honeymoon keepsakes plus! I have to brush up on my skills if I don’t want to plateau when we get back home!” Your smile reaches every part of you.
“ Of course” he laughs, Aang's lips form into a huge smile
He loved seeing you this elated. It was something he loved about you. And he wouldn’t expect anything less. Art was something you treasured deeply to such a degree that you only sold three pieces per year; hosted free art classes in Republic City for the community; or pure self expression determined not to lose your spark.
He takes your supplies, placing them in his bag for now, clasping your hands back together as you begin walking down the market’s path again. Thunder rumbled raucously overhead, startling you. Lifting your head, the clear blue sky was gone, swallowed by towering dark clouds in an instant.
“ That was fast. If we plan to stay dry from the rain tonight we better find the inn” You say continuing to walk as if the clouds hear you mention staying dry, rain erupted from them in sheets. Vendors scrambled trying to pack up their goods before the rain got to them while others ran to find shelter from the downpour. Appa roared as if telling you to get a move on, Aang climbed on pulling you up in the process before a command could be given, Appa took to the thunderous sky.
By the time you found the inn. The sun had completely vanished behind the horizon line sloshing into the foyer; the inn was bathed in an amber glow, a much more calming atmosphere than the raging storm. “ Sheesh, your detection instincts weren’t kidding about the storm.” You grimace, swaying your hands in a delicate motion. Relieving you both of your drenched clothes and bags depositing the rain water into a couple plants nearby.
“ Yeah, but it arrived a lot sooner than I predicted it would. That's why I shot for noon based on the wind's current. It was supposed to arrive at the village by nightfall now.” He sighed, shrugging his slouching sleeve up his shoulder blade.
“ That’s weather for you. Forever changing, making it wildly unpredictable even for the highly acclaimed avatar.” You teased trying to lighten the mood.
“ I guess you're right. The meteorologists can have their weather jobs back. I think I'll stick to balance and world peace from now on.” He quipped, reciprocating in kind. Grabbing all your belongings, Aang proceeded towards the check-in desk. A woman stood behind it with her head down, organizing what seemed to be room keys looking when she heard the titles echo.
“ Hi! Welcome to the Gilded Hollow.” She chimed her eyes sparking like water when it meets the sun
“ Hello! We’d like a room for the night please” Your smile mirrored hers, maybe even brighter.
“ Sure, that’ll be ten copper coins”
Aang places ten coins in the ladies' outstretched hand; she re-counts them carefully before they disappear below the counter, handing him an oak key with the number two engraved on it in return.
“ You guys must also be here for moon fest tomorrow huh?”
“ No, What's the Moon festival?” You both question in unison, looking at each other before letting out soft giggles.
“The moon festival is an annual celebration that the town hosts to celebrate the first full moon of the summer solstice! It’s to give thanks to the moon deity for the abundant harvest season the year prior and ask her to bless another” She explains wholeheartedly.
“ That sounds like fun but, unfortunately we're just passing through “
“ Where are you headed if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Moonshadow for our honeymoon” You replied a smile reaching to the apple of your cheeks
“ Wait really!? Congratulations! I've heard that place is the hardest to get into! “
“ Thanks! Us too, well at least that what our friend told us anyway ”
The conversation was cut short by a ringing bell “ Well that marks the end of my shift. I really hope you guys have a wonderful honeymoon and have a good night!” she says, grabbing her bag and umbrella from under the desk and walking to a door by the back wall.
“ Oh wait, is there any place where I can shelter my sky bison?” Aang quickly interjects before she fully makes it into the door “ Yeah! If you walk down to the back of the building. There’s an empty barn that should be big enough for the big guy!” Using her hands to give visual directions before completely disappearing behind the door.
“ I’ll go take Appa to the barn and you can get settled in the room ” He spoke gently, handing you the room key and your belongings before leaving out into the raging rain once more.
A golden two stares back at you as you unlock the door. The candles shining warm light into the room, a warmer contrast to the dark and raging grey coming from outside. Walking further into the room. You gently placed your belongings on top of the neatly made bed. Unzipping one of the compartments of your bag, you pulled out a flowy silk night gown. You hurriedly undressed yourself of your clothes letting them hit the floor with a soft ‘ Thud! ‘ before stepping out of your garments next.
slipping on the gown quickly pulling out a silk scarf wrapping it around your head to protect what little definition your coils had left. You definitely should’ve listened to toph when she advised you to get braids for the trip, but hey who knew it would rain cats and dogs probably her your conscience replies.
At this rate Toph’s suggestions are starting to feel like some divine look into the future and not just some friendly advice. This wouldn’t be the first time she said something just for it to come true in one form or another .
You didn't want to believe Sokka and his wide land of conspiracies especially when they have to do with silly stuff like birds being descended from robots but maybe he was right about toph having a secret sixth sense or as he calls it “ team avatar’s guiding light.”
The door opens and closes softly revealing a once again drenched Aang before moving a step his left hand lights up embers burning bright in the small shadows of the doorway while his right makes a large ball of compressed air combining them to dry his clothes in an instant.
Being a bender had its perks, drying clothes, making fires and even constructing shelters. Honestly you didn’t know what you’d do if you weren’t a water-bender or if Aang wasn’t the avatar blessed with all four elements. Such divine power felt critical during times like these.
“ Appa was out cold before I even left the barn” he says with a small laugh escaping his lips making his way fully into the room in the process.
“ That's our appa I think if he were human he’d be a person who could sleep anywhere” you joke back picking up your clothes and placing them in a pouch full of dirty clothes as you do so Aang starts to discard his robes replacing them with a long pair of pajama pants with horizontal pattern of blue and white stripes leaving his upper body on full display.
As he starts to fold up his garments you slide your way into the soft cotton bed sheets Aang slides in. Soon after both of you lay face to face Aang wrapped his arm around your waist pulling you in your bodies colliding with one another Aang’s chin on the top of your head as you burrowed into his chest.
The silence settled as you cuddled together the rain now quiet with only drops periodically hitting the windows and the moon shown brightly through the rooms thin curtains. You loved moments like this being able to just exist with your husband without having to utter a single word just pure blissful silence. Your mind drifts, bringing you back to what the receptionist said about the village's festival. It had to be something really special if a lot of people were willing to come from far and wide just to take part.. Right?
you moved slightly lifting your head, your eyes locking with aang’s before he could ask you if anything was wrong you spoke “ I think we should stay for the festival” you knew it would elongate your trip but it seems worth it for the experience of something new because what’s a journey without the experiences in between. Aang’s eyes creased at the edges softening his features as a smile creeped onto his lips
“ I think we should too, who knows when we’ll get another chance to experience something like this again. We don't come by many festivals when we travel, especially ones that are as big as this one's going to be” he replies, leaning in to kiss your forehead.
“ plus a wise person once said it’s about the journey not the destination “ you say stifling a laugh your figure pointed up as if you were giving someone some words of wisdom.
“ and we’ll have more to tell everyone when we get back” he says knowing the gang they’d want to know everything you did from the food you ate,the people you meet later putting every anecdote in the keepsake album it was already full of entry dating back to when katara and sokka found aang frozen in ice through when you finally defeated ozai making zuko the next firelord.
“ lets get some sleep ” you snuggle back into him with the festival being tomorrow night you’d need all the sleep you could get.
Aang moved his hand as if swatting something away putting out all the candles. Your bodies relaxed into each other finally giving way after the long travel it felt good to finally lay in a bed. Appa made for a good alternative with fur as soft as the clouds above but sadly tonight he was outranked easily by the soft memory foam mattress. Before the sandman could fully whisk you away to the land of dreams you lazily kissed aang cheek followed by soft “ goodnight ”
“ goodnight ” you he whispered back kiss the top of your head before long the silence consumed you pulling you into a soft gentle slumber
The moon shone brightly on your brown skin as you walked through the crowd mixed with men,women and children, your hands clasped tightly so as not to get lost in the overwhelming sea of people. The golden glow of the lanterns lit up each booth glittered in moon decor as you walked by them, some filled with games ranging from scooping fish with a paper thin paddle to a simple ring toss game while others were filled with combusting aroma’s of savory and sweet foods .
It was such a beautiful site to witness republic city has its own festival, the harmony festival celebrating the union between all four elements and their people living in one nation filled with games, food and dancing but this felt different at least to you anyway. The people here were doing all of this to celebrate and share their thanks for last summer's harvest something that varies season to season you had a feeling even if the community experienced a drought that washed out ninety percent of their crops they would still be here celebrating happy locked in arms with one another as if they were blessed with a bountiful harvest.
A tug on your sleeve caught your attention. You looked down and a little girl no older than five stood to your right wearing a flowy white dress with “white hair” resembling tui the moon spirit or as you knew her as princess Yue with a basket full of different varieties of flower crowns. Letting go of Aang's hand you stoop down to her level to greet her.
“ Hi, are you lost?” you ask your voice as smooth and gentle as honey
She looked away from you momentarily fiddling with her figures as she rapidly shook her head back and forth, signaling to you that she was indeed not lost but maybe nervous and a bit shy. You let her have a moment before long her eyes sparkled with determination and courage reaching into a basket she pulled out a crown weaved of tiny white flowers that looked like jasmine.
“ I thought you looked really pretty so I- I wanted to give this to you please accept this” she murmured loud enough so you could hear her hand stretched out to present the crown to you. Your heart felt like it was about to burst from your chest and your inner voice screamed she was so adorable you had to resist putting your hands out and squeezing her cheeks
“ Aww thank you, I would love to accept your flower crown!” your hands folded over your chest, a gentle smile forming across your full lips. Bowing your head a little you let her place the crown on your head carefully enough not to tangle it in your fluffy lushes coils. As you lifted your head you saw a big smile bloomed on to her face like a well watered flower who finally got the right amount of sun.
Before you could say a single word her body embraced yours her hands linking around your shoulders you didn’t hug her back right away stunned from the abruptness of the but as soon as you came to your arms wrapped around her in an instant giving her a firm but light squeeze. Moments like this are what keeps you going during hard times, the love and joy that strangers give to one another and the way they come together like this to spread that love and joy through their community it always warms your heart.
She soon released her grip on you letting you go her smile she shin bright with no sign of disappearing you lifted yourself up back to a straight stance the little girl soon runs off in front of you towards a tall man who was waiting for her before she fully got to him she turned back to you lifting her hand up high waving it back and forth before yelling “ bye bye” tears start to well up in your eyes blurring the scene in front of you but you blinked them away quickly clearing your vision before wave back at her.
Before completely walking out of your site the girl jumped up and down while holding hands with her father exclaiming “ did you see me dad! Did you see me? I did it! ” You didn’t get to hear what he was going to say by that time they were out of ear shot but you did see him turn to her with a big smile patting her head guesting to you that he saw and he was proud of her. Aang’s hand clasps into yours again as you let the moment simmer and take up space as you continue walking Aang’s hand moves to wrap around your waist closing the small gap between as you lay your head on his shoulder.
“ No way! “ aang yells abruptly coming to a stop startling you in the process lifting your head to follow his field of vision you noticed a stall a few paces away with a big sign in the shape of a a dragon breathing an ombre of orange and yellow flames firecracker buns was spelled big letters across its body you turn your head looking over at aang’s side profile to his cloudy eyes glittered in the amber light as if he had finally found the one treasure he’d been looking for.
Before you could fully comprehend Aang's sentence of “ let’s go” he was grabbing your hand and pulling you along towards the stall and waiting in the queue. Thankfully, it wasn’t that busy, just a handful of people in line. But, you knew even if it was packed with people it wouldn’t stop your husband from standing and waiting to get his hands on some sweet and spicy firecracker buns.
In your husband's defence he didn’t get to have them very often the last time he did was three months ago when Zuko came to visit for a diplomacy meeting. That moment lived rent free in your mind Aang consuming his weight in firecracker buns as you and the gaang disgusted trading laws it was mildly terrifying if you had to be honest. It's like he became a whole different person or as Sokka liked to put it
“ he was like a little ancient firecracker bun monster claiming to simply love firecracker buns like any normal sain monster just to caught devour them whole behind the scenes on the verge of a firecracker bun addiction.”
Whether that made sense to you or anyone but Sokka was a mystery but regardless you had to put a rule in place for his own good. Zuko would only bring the buns on special occasions or you would make them yourself when he needed a little pick me up after a hard day.
It was finally your turn as you moved up to the opening of the booth. The aroma of sweet red bean and the roaring sting of spice hit your nose simultaneously. The stand was manned by two older women, one of them was filling the buns while the other packaged them up in cute little wrappers with mini dragons on them. “ two firecracker buns please!” The exchange was quick Aang handing over the appropriate amount of coins and retrieving the buns thanking the women before the two ladies bowed as thanks before saying goodbye.
You and Aang find a place to sit a little ways away on a nearby bench under an oak tree , digging in before you could fully sit down moaning in pure delight at the combined swicy taste profile. A smile pulled across your lips as you took a bite of your bun and watched aang eat. Despite his overwhelming love for the desert it filled your body with so much affection to see him shine as bright as the sun on its hottest day over something so mundane as his favorite desert between being the avatar and being a diplomat for republic city doing everything for everyone in the name of keeping the balance it was nice to see him animated.
“ I guess people's love for fire cracker buns can transcends cultures.” he says rolling up his wrapper into a ball.
“ To be honest I didn’t expect to see them here, maybe flaming fire flakes considering how popular they are around the world but not firecracker buns. It was a nice surprise. ” you say trying to stifle your giggle before aang could notice but failing miserably.
“ What?!”
“ Nothing, it was just nice to see you be truly yourself with everything you always have going on I don’t get to see that part of you very often carefree,pulled an elated by things in everyday life it felt like a small jump back in time to when we were kids traveling semi- careless to the worlds many complexities ” you say as memories flash in and out
The breezes pick up, blowing your coils gently as you stare out into the distance of people walking by with candy floss and prizes from the games they played. Your vision was soon cut off by Aang's body blocking your vision leading you to only focus on him.
“ Then let’s go make more of those memories together” he says with a tender smile on his lips hand held out to you waiting for you to take it. You took without a second though he pulled you from the bench running full speed into the crowd almost losing your balance and dropping your firecracker bun in the process a laugh escapes your body as you trail behind one so loud and joyous and full of life that if portmented it could birth its own newborn star.
As you try and line up your last hoop and the glass bottle far in the distance in best out of three competition of ring toss it was your last game and Aang stood off to the side arms crossed with a smug expression ready to claim his full swipe victory. But you were determined to win
Finding the perfect bottle for your win you flick your wrist firmly releasing it before you know it. It's like time starts going in slow motion and everything goes silent as the hoop clinks back and forth on the bottles leaving your heart pounding in anticipation. Then finally stops missing your intended bottle but landing one behind it.
Time goes back to normal and the noise of your surroundings comes back as if someone had pressed play after leaving a movie on pause. “ YES!” you bellowed out a big grin forming on the apples of your cheeks making your skin sparkled with glee spinning around doing your victory dance. “ And that’s how it's done” pointing your finger at Aang playfully relishing in your win. It wasn't everyday you beat Aang at something so you had to soak in this victory.
“ I guess I underestimated your skills ” he says lowering his head and raising his hands trying to simulate defeat but you could see right through him
“ Yeah right! I saw you over there looking all smug like you had this whole thing in the bag” your hands making their way to your hips
“ No,it’s just by the way you were miss a good amount of your throws and it was seeming very likely that I win”
Your frivolous lightheart squabble was interrupted by overwhelming music in the distance . Looking around you noticed that the once big bustling crowd of people was smaller. Some making their way down a path lit up by lanterns as if people had disappeared like a ghost in the night . Stalls that were once busy are now vacant.“ Where is everyone going? Is the festival over?” you ask out loud swirling your head back and forth confused by everyone sudden disappearance
“ Oh no! It’s just time for the lantern release “ the bubbly booth attendant chimes behind you
“ Lantern release?” you say facing towards her
“ Yeah! It’s where everyone releases a lantern at the same time silently filling the flame inside with their hopes and dreams. The locals mostly fill with their wishes for another good harvest next season while others fill theirs with other wishes” she explains while putting a sign on the booth say “ we'll be back soon!” just in case anyone came by when she was gone.
“ You should go! It would complete your day in the village”
“ How did you know we weren’t local?”
“ Just a hunch” she jokes
As you and Aang made your way down the path the lanterns above you twinkle and the music thundered even louder revealing a crowd full of people holding lanterns the full moon shining bright above them. You approached a group women at the end of the path holding some papers lantern with varied patterns some with moons,stars and even jasmines
“ please take a lantern” they say in unison hands out stretched presenting them to you
All the lanterns were so beautiful it was hard to choose just one “ we should get one with the jasmines on it they kind of match your flower crown Aang said picking up the lantern and he was right it did match a one to one replica at that. “ Ok! Let’s go try and find a good spot “ pulling him through the big crowd.
While you settled into your spot the music started to die down slowly before going completely silent “ ladies and gentleman the moon has reached its peak in the horizon which means it’s now time to send our hopes and dreams to our moon deity Tui so please get into position “ a voice man's voice bellowed out of a microphone in the middle of the clearing
You looked around to see everyone start moving into place, one person on each side of the lantern as it was held in the middle. In between them you move to Aang on the left and you on the right.
“ Some of you may have noticed by now that your lanterns are void of flame don’t worry in order to get your lantern to light you must focus and fill it will your ambitions and aspirations making the flame grow and burst to life”
Lanterns in the distance started to glow the flames growing little by little until it engulfed the inside. Turning your head back towards Aang, your eyes locked into unspoken words drifting between you as your hands moved closer together. Shutting your eyes at the same time a dark endless void surrounding you.
You did your best to concentrate thinking about deepest desires as you focused the dark void slowly started to dissipate being replaced by the flickering glow of the growing blaze and the sweet smell of beeswax entering your nose fully consuming you.
“ now that everyone lanterns have been lit open your eyes and stand together so you may release your lanterns”
You and Aang moved side by side, one of each of your hands holding the lantern, his other hand slipping its way around your waist, your bodies colliding together. As everyone moved closer together the man spoke again.
“ and now on the count down from three please release your precise lanterns “
3..
2..
1..
The lanterns ascended high into the starry night sky. You lay your head on Aang's shoulder as you watched it was a magical site to behold watching everyone's wishes scatter up littering the atmosphere in an amber glow like the sun rising up on a new day. The comfortable silence simmered as you observed this breath taking moment.
“ you have the moon deity’s blessing” you hear him says breaking the moment his head turing to look at you in the eyes
“ what?!”
“ The flower crown the girl gave you the flowers are jasmine cestrum nocturnum they use it as a symbol for the moon deity’s blessing during the festival”
“ And just how do you know this? ” you laugh
“ I overheard a lady earlier say that they grow them just for the festival and if given to you on the night of a full moon that it equates to the moon deity tui’s blessing wishing you years of romance and eternal beauty ” he says hands coursing up your cheeks
“ Well, as long as I have princess yue’s blessing I'm happy that I get to share it with you in this very moment.” wrapping your arms laying purchase around his neck pull him close enough that your lips grazing his your breath fanning his face teasing him.
His lips crashed into yours feverishly like a wandering traveler finally coming across an oasis in the never ending desert his hands slid from your cheeks to your lower back deepening the kiss tenfold heat rising in your body overwhelming all of your senses. As you stew in the passion of your love the lanterns glittered out of existence one by one being received the moon deity in spirit
all except one it ascended high making it to the middle of the moon before being halted by a pair of glowing hands Yue watched as you and aang’s foreheads touched after your kiss, relishing in each other's closeness. She held your lantern, embracing it as the flame flicked about even though all she could do was follow you guys all night through the festival watching you guys eat, laugh and joke with each other.
It was enough for her. Being able to see you when the moon's power was at its strongest was the greatest gift she could have asked it was like her very own blessing was being answered although she was the deity to give out divine favor she clinged to your wishes making sure hers weren’t the only ones getting granted on this starry night.
Ultimately grateful that she went through with her plan for a heavy rain storm after all the oceans tides aren’t the only thing she could control.
The great islands of Moonshadow silhouette emerged as Appa broke through the last of what felt like a never ending veil of fog. All six of his paws drift through the open ocean spreading the water's pungent aroma through the wind's currents, its saltiness engulfing your nostrils. You shut your eyes outstretching your arms letting yourself take it all in, brown skin glistening in the sun rise while your plush coils flow with the breeze.
It was stunning the lavish foliage of the mountains and trees, the chirping of the muti-colored birds flying overhead, even the constant roaring of the water coming from various waterfalls. Katara's description in all honesty didn’t hold a candle to the beauty of the real thing. Even if you sat for hours with paints, a canvas and the oceans water as your reset button you don’t think you would be able to do this island justice it was something that simply couldn’t be captured.
As you approached closer to the floating archipelago Aang stirred Appa towards the huge suspended docks full of specialized airships with the island's crest releasing a small group of people. It was always a recurring thought how an island floating this high in the sky would transport not only people but its commodities too. Apparently something as simply specialized airships was the answer and not magical alternatives like your brain first imagined.
Appa lands softly, the oak wood creaking under his weight sliding off his back without a moment's delay, Aang coming down soon after bags in toe." Thanks big guy, we'll take it from here.” You say smashing yourself into his massive fluffy body rubbing your arms through his fur as thanks for his hard work. Sky Bison had long life expectancies but that didn’t stop you from thinking about how much older he was getting to you. Appa would always be that cute adorable six year old bison you met twelve years ago no matter how old he got.
After releasing him Aang tossed him an assortment of fruits from his separate travel bag then extended his arm out to give him head pats “ Thanks bubby, have fun exploring the mountains don’t get into too much trouble and remember to come back for dinner when the sun goes down.” Appa roared softly in response as if saying “ I understand “ before ascending into the sky drifting towards the lush mountains where he would be unbothered and have his own mini vacation afterall he deserved it without him you wouldn’t be able to travel the world as freely.
While walking down the dock the main island's architecture caught your attention. The base level buildings were pretty ordinary with allies of two story shops and homes but the higher you looked, many of the buildings were clustered far enough to enable privacy but still close. The people here utilized every part of the island's terrain to build homes. There were some atop the trees connected by rope bridges. They remind you of the hideout that Jet and his crew had so long ago there were even some inside a small mountain on the right side of the main island, steam bellowing out of the top like a sleeping volcano waiting for the perfect time to erupt .
You understood why the natives wanted to keep this place sacred. It felt new and cavitating for sure any location would to who wasn’t its soul witness but there was just something about being able to learn a place and its culture so authentically without the echo of an outside source spending your time at the locals spots knowing everything you contributed on your vacation was going back to the very people who made up its population.
“ So how do we get to where we’ll be staying? “ you asked Aang as you watched a baker flip what seemed to be a sign for closed to open from a distance
“ According to the card that Katara pinned to the map, her friend Seko will be here soon to take us to their water bungalow on the second island.”
“ That’s nice of them! we should get them a gift to show them our gratitude” you chirp “ there’s a bakery over there maybe we can find something there” pulling Aang along
Making your way over to the bakery, passing the outside seating you sliding through the front door a bell dings indicating your arrival at the shop the aroma of baked goods hitting your nose instantly.
The decorations were minimal but contributed so well to the bakeries overall cozy atmosphere like the tulip shaped overhead lamps that omitted a gentle amber light , the army of various sizes of plants that looked like they should be planning a takeover on a patch of land or even the hand carved wooden signs added a touch of homeyness to the place ultimately calming all senses before you even walked in .
“ Hi welcome to ( insert name here ) by I’ll be right with you consider taking a look at this week's specials, browse the display case of bread and desserts a or take a look at our mini drink menu a voice called from the very back of the store
After the invitation Aang took it as his cue to have a staring contest with almost every single item in the case taking the act of choosing a thank you gift very seriously
“ What kind of goods do you think would be neutral enough to give to someone we’ve never met.” he asked, turning his head to look up at you, giving the round loaf of sourdough a break from his prying eyes.
“ mmm” tapping your finger on your chin “ maybe the shortbread has a basic vanilla flavor that’s not too sweet “ leaning forwards pointing to the unassuming cookies at the top right of the case.
“ I have a chocolate version too! if the shortbread is your leading choice." Your eyes move towards the voice a woman with deep brown skin comes through the door behind the counter,her loose curls being held back by a white cloth headband. Tray in hand full of what looked like croissants you weren’t really sure, setting them down on the island closest to her before doing away with her mittens and leaning her arms on top of the display case.
“ Oh! Sorry bad habit let me introduce myself I’m Mia “ a tender smile coming across her full lips
Aang stands back to his full height stretching his hand out to introduce himself along with you. It was a sweet but speedy back and forth. Mia even introduced you to her husband who not only runs the bakery with her but also was a Master Woodcarver creating the signs in the shop as a surprise for her when she first opened it made your body overflow with happiness.
“ Enough about me what brings you guys here today!” she asks while putting the fresh croissants in a woven wood basket.
“ We're looking for a gift to give our host as thanks for letting us stay in their guest house while on vacation” you explain.
“ That’s thoughtful. I do think your idea of shortbread was good. I also have some tea cakes that just came out so if you’d like we can do an assortment.”
“ We’ll go with that then ”
Mia starts putting the shortbreads in a white box before disappearing into the back room to retrieve the warm tea cakes. Your mind started to wonder while you waited.
What would it be like to run a bakery? Your mind pondered
you weren’t a master at backing or anything. It was merely just a great pass time and one of your main “do tos" for gift giving, nothing special at least that’s what you thought Aang would kindly say otherwise . In some philosophical way you knew Mia's bakery had to be what it was like. You could see it in the way her eyes sparkled and felt it in every move she made, even the mundane ones like putting the goods in the display case and greeting the people that walked through the door.
Like this was what her soul was called to do, it gave her life meaning in the exact same way painting and art did for you and that’s what made Mia and this place special not just the baked goods she was able to to sell it was a part of it but, the joy in every part of the process is what lasted the journey would all feel worth it if she’s able to herself at the end of the day “i’m happy” just like you could.
Mia came back with the box moments later, the box now donning a baby pink ribbon she rings everything exchanging the goodies for exactly twenty gold coins and some samples of sourdough. You waved goodbye while simultaneously stepping through the door, the bell chiming once again announcing your departure but deep down you knew this wasn’t going to be the last time you visited this bakery during your stay here.
In the little time you spent in the bakery the weather had completely changed. The clouds had fully dispersed leaving nothing but a clear blue sky; the sun was now beating down its unforgiving rise killing the cool breeze that was present only moments prior you really hoped you could get to the bungalow in time to lather your skin in sunscreen you refused for you or Aang to be the victims of a vacation sunburn.
As you walked back towards the almost empty docks, a woman with olive skin stood next to a boat with a sign with your names scribbled across in big font. She looked the same age as Katara .
She had to be the friend Aang had mentioned who else would know your name and that you would be specifically traveling with a handsome six foot three bald guy with an arrow tattoo going down the middle of his forehead thousands of miles away on a floating island. She spotted you placing the sign inside the boat before jogging her way over to you, her short hair flowing behind her.
“ Hiiii I’m Seko. It's so nice to meet you. Katara has been telling me a lot about through her letters I'll be your guide so feel free to ask me anything.” with enthusiasm so thick that it radiated off her in droves Even though she already knew your names you introduced yourself anyway not wanting to leave her hanging.
“ These are for you and your family.” presenting her with the box of baked goods” Thank you so much! for agreeing to host us”
“ It's no problem really, my family and I love hosting people. It gives us a chance to meet all kinds of new faces and share cultures too.” taking the box off your hands
Seko rose her hand over her eyes acting as a makeshift pair of shades gazing up into the sky overhead “ if we want to make it to the island before it hits its peak we should definitely get a move on you don’t want to become a meat skewer on your first day here she joked turning around on her heels back in the boats direction.
Seko helped lower your bags into the boat tying a cable around them so they wouldn't move around followed by helping you and Aang down into the boat making sure you were all settled in before turning the key making the vessel roar to life and stirring her way through the wide open waters.
The community of bungalows sat wide spread across the shore of the beach in one big row as you traversed the paths connecting them Seko walked in front of you giving a small tour but you couldn’t help but notice that it was quiet.
The only thing you could hear were the waves crashing into the platforms below, the birds calling to each other and the wood underneath your feet. To be frank you expected it to be overflowing with people and members of seko’s family when you arrived but it was like a ghost town, silent and vacant.
“ Where is everyone?” Aang questioned also noticing the vacantness
Seko turned her body completely to face you and Aang simultaneously walking backwards “they didn’t want to overcrowd you on your first day so they went out to get some more things for dinner but they should be back soon.”
“ You must have a big family with all the bungalows around here “ you chime looking at every hut you pass. They looked ancient as if they had been standing for over a thousand years but were well maintained like a history frozen in time old in wanting to keep the conversation going..
“ No not really, it's just me,my mom,dad and older brother who stay here with the long history that surrounds these very islands. Us natives do our best to preserve what our ancestors left behind. My family has been taking care of this place for generations.”
“ Did Katara ever tell you the story about Nanna and Amphiro the moon goddess and water nymph that fell in love.”
“ Yes she never told us their names but it was the first thing she told us about” you laugh to yourself remembering Katara’s very animated version with only the water nymph and moon goddess to describe the two lovers.
“ Ok so it’s stated in our great scrolls that decades after that story they were reincarnated and lived here crafting these very bungalows you see be for you wanting to keep an eye on the very waters that once held their souls."
Our people believe that they reincarnate in every generational lifetime if not here somewhere in the world. My ancestors were the first to come across these bungalows after their time here documenting everything and becoming the care takers not wanting their story to drift away with the flow of time.”
History was always so bittersweet on one hand there were stories within its clutches, stories like Nanna and Amphrio’s always made your heart swell so big that it warmed your body from the inside showing two peoples love and compassion for each other, sincere and gentle. Then there were stories like Aang ,Katara and Zuko’s ’that made your chest tighten with overwhelming sorrow and boil with a fiery rage.
The generational brutality continued by one man's cold-blooded mercilessness and willingness to destroy everyone in his way just to obtain the title of “ King” even if those very people were children accompanied by his own son he would get what he wanted or so he thought.
Suffering and joy coexist much like yin and yang, one couldn’t exist without the other and without the very essence of hardship. There would be no team avatar, no peace and no you and Aang but because of these hardships your joy was able to bloom like a flower in spring full of jubilation, affinity and love.
As you reached the end of the long path Seko came to a full stop as if she knew exactly where the path ended without taking a single look. She did grow up here after all but you were still impressed, you on the other hand somehow still bumped into furniture in your home despite it being in the same place for the past three years.
Walking up the small set of stairs Seko unlocks the door making her way inside gesturing for you to follow. The inside was breathtaking, the exposed roof combined with natural wood interior and the oak wood furniture despite the older exterior the interior reminded you of republic cities' take on modern architecture.
“ This will be where you're staying.” Seko says standing in the middle of the room, her arms stretched at full length. “ This very bungalow belonged to Nanna and Amphiro we left their physical possession here when we renovated it a few years ago.”
“ Where are they? ” Aang ask curiosity engulfing every word
“ We hid them around the house kind of like a scavenger hut for the people that stay here so you’ll have to find them yourself “ she says, making a zip and lock motion with her hand to keep her lips sealed.
“ The Waterwave council suggested we put them in a museum on the mainland but we refused not wanting to remove them from their home just to be viewed in some building when their home acts as just that a museum .“ walking back toward the open front door.
You saw Aang’s features softened turning from curious to understanding, taking in Seko’s words even though they didn’t possess a single ounce of sadness he understood.
Everything he knew had been robbed from him by Sozin in his attempt to rid the world of its next avatar. Leaving him nothing but abandoned temples to sift through for possessions once held dear by his people all to be preserved in Republic cities air temple so people could know about the air nomads long after his lifetime.
“ I’ll let you guys get settled in if you need anything. My house is two bungalows on the left “ pointing her figure to her left and turning around to leave but stopping before completely making it out.
“ By the way when you guys finish and are ready to relax the cave pools are open if you go down the path in the middle of the forest there will be a big sign you can’t miss it” before disappearing soon after.
“ Thank you again “ you yell after her hoping she heard you before she fully walked out of ear shot.
Grabbing some of your bags from Aang you both started to unpack, putting your clothes in one side of the drawer while placing his on the other. You tried your best to not overpack. You brought the things you absolutely needed according to your list or as Aang likes to call it “ a list longer than the instructions on the back of a shampoo bottle”
Everything on the list was only absolutely essential even the things you might need and never end up touching but what if you did and you didn't have them having it could save Aang’s life he just didn’t see it .
After finally getting everything put away you slathered yourselves in sunscreen and donned your swimwear, a pastel yellow bikini for you that contrasted well with your brown skin along with a white cover up your coils tied up in a high puff and a power blue pair of swim trunks for Aang he was a simple guy when it came to vacation.
Headed down to the cave pool. The forest was beautiful as you walked down the straight path. The tall trees having mercy on you as they shield you from the sun's oppressive rise finally reaching the horizon line ,bushes filled with berries and seasonal flora and wildlife scouring above you, Aang was even able to point at a koala sleeping in one of the trees, it was calming in a way.
Living in such a bustling developing place like Republic city was nice. It had its perks and the city always sat close to your heart resembling the culmination of everyone's hard work but there was just something about being completely surrounded by nature and its constantly changing beauty that made the artist in you scream there maybe way more paintings in your future then you thought.
As you came to the paths end the mouth of the cave came into view accompanied by the sign Seko mentioned to your surprise the passageway lit up amber light casting away the shadows as you stepped the flames appearing as if they magically knew you were there. The sound of rushing water started to echo like white noise off the walls progressively getting louder as you made your way in farther.
You lift your hand to cover your eyes so as not to be blinded by the light as you walk into the curvaceous at the end of the tunnel. It was a magnificent site to behold foliage and vines covering almost part of the inside the waterfall's crystal clear water rippling out to the huge body below.
The sun beaming through the gaping hole in top making the surface twinkle. You carefully slide your feet out of your sandals, approaching the pool like a wild animal you didn’t want to scare off, hesitating to dip your toes in not wanting to ruin the scenic masterpiece in front of you.
Taking a deep breath you walk down the stairs, the water sloshing around you as your body crosses through eventually making it to the pool's middle. Not being able to contain the emotions filling your chest, a hearty laugh erupting out of your lungs as you spin around in the water taking in the almost angelic moment.
Unbeknownst to you Aang’s eyes bored into you as you walked captivated by your beauty, the way your laugh bounced off into wide open space, your skin sparkling in the overhead lighting casting a golden glow onto you as if the sun favored you and you only.
In all honesty he didn’t care about whatever magical properties the cave's water had. He was fully enraptured by you. He didn't know what life had in store. It was full of all kinds of uncertainties but Aang knew deep down that he could do it if you were there by his side.
Pulling himself out of his self-inflicted trance Aang pulled his shirt over his head quickly kicking off his sandals making his way through the water towards you, his heart calling to yours like they were connected by a red string. Finally making into your orbit he wraps his arms around your waist, your back bumping into his chest, your body melting into his embrace.
“I love you “ you whispered, laying your head back on his shoulder
“ I love you too” he replied, snuggling his head between your shoulder and neck planting a kiss there.
Aang might not have known what had gotten into him just now but something in him told him to embrace you and close the distance. He might not know what that something was but it didn't feel hostile, it felt familiar, serene almost like he had seen you here before despite this being your first time here.
It could very well be the heat playing tricks on him. Zuko did tell him that long exposure to high temperatures could give you hallucinations. But the feeling dissipated as soon as his hands took purchase on your body not want want to focus on it much longer storing it in the back of his mind for later choosing to cherish this moment with you silently soaking up each others tender love.
Nanna and Amphiro’s transparent ghostly figures stood behind you, hands clasped tightly watching as you simmered in each other's quiet affection. It was surreal to finally the bodies that would soon continue their lives right in front of them.
While it was true that their souls were supposed to metaphorize every generational cycle Amphrio knew something must’ve gone wrong when they landed in the spirit world a hundred years ago. Only now being able to appear a hundred and twenty four years later in front of the very place they spent their last moments. It was their time.
His beloved Nanna tugged him along eager to finally spend another lifetime with together a gentle smile coming across his lips as they stood in front of the steps, your laugh echoed out again as her eyes locked with his.
Amphrio raised their intertwined hands, planting a gentle kiss on her palm silently saying “ see you in the next life” before dipping their bodies into the pool's crystalline waters. The water began to glow as their forms traveled through the water, their ghostly bodies embracing each other through yours binding themselves into your hearts.
It’s safe to say maybe the water had magical properties after all.
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aang is very much the type to save any and all creatures that wander into your home. no matter how small or big, he’ll either cup it in his hands, trap it in a jar or straight up airbend it out of the door or window without ever so much as harming a single cell on its tiny body. you should have known he wouldn’t have killed the insect, the man is a vegetarian and pacifist. spirits, he didn’t even kill the firelord (the crazy man deserving that fate more than anyone in the history of the world) so why did you think he’d go crazy, avatar state over a little grass spider.
“sweetheart, it’s just a tiny bug.” he coos as you stand frozen in place, finger pointing at the massive spider on your ceiling.
“that is not tiny!” you screech as he reaches for one if the chairs surrounding your dining table. “in what world is THAT tiny!?” your voice pitches up an octave as the insect begins to move.
ohh you hate bugs! especially the ones with too many legs and eyes. yuck. if it had been any smaller you would have taken care of it yours, smacked it with a book or something but when it borders on the size of a coin, well it’s just too big.
“it’s more scared of you, than you’re scared of it- can you pass me that bowl.” aang is already on the chair, his hand outstretched in waiting.
you quickly hand off the plate, taking an immediate step back as if to not be in the way incase the intruder decides to make a quick getaway.
“why are you running away like it’s going to shoot you?” he can’t help the laughter that lilts his tone.
“because i don’t like them.” your skin begins to crawl. “kill it, move it, i don’t care. just please get rid of it.”
you look away as aang raises the bowl, unable to watch if it scurries away. there is the sound of wood on wood, then aang’s soft sigh.
“i’m not gonna kill it when it’s only crime is that it’s small.”
you frown, hating that he could make something so gross seem so…innocent. “that’s not it’s crime.”
“then what is?” his voice comes from the window, as he empties the bowl onto the balcony.
“breaking and entering.” you peek your eyes open and watch as aang walks towards you, bowl (now empty) in his hand. you can never use that bowl again.
“and robbery.” you add on to the insects crimes.
“robbery?” the avatar raises a brow.
“i’m never going to use that bowl again so yes, i was robbed of a bowl.”
crossing your arms over your chest you come face to face (well face to chest ) with aang. your lips pout and you put on your best show of disappointment. he knows it’s fake, can see right through you, but he plays along.
“ohh, should i chase him down and have him arrested for his crimes?”
the bowl is placed on the table next to you, aang’s hands coming up to rest on your hips as he pulls you into his embrace.
“yes. noble and brave avatar, find the spider who dared do me wrong.”
he chuckles, the sound warm and low. “anything for you, my lady.”
summary: you get aang to try a tik tok trend. it fails (?).
"Okay," you say seriously, hands on your hips. Aang's stood before you, listening attentively as always. "Here's the scenario: you've gone to the supermarket without me—"
Aang frowns. "We always go to the supermarket together."
"I know, baby." You have to suppress a smile; he's so damn cute. "But we're just acting something out I saw on Tik Tok. I need to see how you'd react if someone tries to flirt with you when I'm not there."
"Ooooh," Aang replies before he's grinning. "That's so easy."
You raise a playful brow. "Really?" You tease. "Because one woman tried to get your phone number last week and it took me telling you what her true intentions were."
"I thought she was being friendly!" Aang exclaims, chuckling at your laughter. "She saw I was getting pottery supplies and started me asking me questions. I assumed she was interested in the craft."
"You're a handsome 6'4" broad-shouldered man with adorable doe eyes and a very cute smile. Never assume you're being approached for friendly conversation."
Aang grins, all goofy. "Aw, you think I'm handsome."
You grin back. "And annoying," you say, patting away Aang's greedy hands crawling around your waist. "Focus up! We need to do this! Mainly because I'm bored and you indulge my whimsy."
"I love your whimsy," Aang declares fondly, making your heart swell against your ribcage. "You should be whimsical more often."
"For you, I'll be anything," you say, just as fond before patting away Aang's wandering hands again. "Focus!"
"Stop being so cute and maybe I will!"
You stick your tongue out at him, joyful as he laughs. "Okay, we're starting." You clear your throat, put on a flirtatious smile as you sidle up to his side. Your chest presses into his arm, cushioning it with the plush of your bosom and Aang falters, his eyes going wide and a little glassy.
"Hey, I just—oh!" You're immediately interrupted by Aang's lips on yours, coaxing you into a kiss that leaves you breathless. You melt into at first, your initial reaction to anything involving Aang. But then you remember the task at hand and have to, reluctantly, push him away. "A–Aang!"
Aang, still dazed from the kiss, goes, "Hmm?" before trying to come in for another kiss. You make a valiant attempt to evade it, even if you don't stop the kisses he rains on your cheeks and jaw. His arms are locked around your waist, his hands dropping to the small of your back.
"You were supposed to—" He cuts you off with a well-timed kiss, rendering you weak-kneed when his tongue licks into your mouth. "Hah, you were supposed to say—"
"As if I'd look at anyone else when I have you," he murmurs, pulling you closer until you're molded into him. "If that ever happened, that isn't me. I have been abducted."
You manage a laugh, biting your lip when his mouth makes its way to your neck and brings to a life an old bruise from two nights ago. His words hit you like a drum, setting your soul ablaze while softening your already too softened heart.
You love this man so much.
"You still failed," you say, just because you can and your breath hitches when he bites down on a sensitive patch of skin as his hands glide down to lovingly cup your ass.
"No, I didn't." He's grinning widely and you have to agree.
Anon saysss... Aang with a baker!reader ദ്ദി(｡•̀ ,<)
WC: 957
First of all, your relationship would be very homey. Aang loooves your creations and admires the meticulous artistry you shape for each pastry.
Before all of that though, Aang met you through your beloved bakery shop. It catches his attention because it's one of the few places in Republic City where all nations sit with each other naturally.
No tension. No politics. Just a bunch of people enjoying the cultural sweets of other nations.
Surprisingly, your regulars are doing all the marketing for you, encouraging others to drop by as they believe you effortlessly create an atmosphere that feels much like their home.
The first time he enters, you're arguing against a customer whether sea prune filling should be saltier or sweeter. He notices you then — bright-eyed, hair a little messy, and very passionate about pastries.
Then after your mini debate, you notice him looking at a display case for too long.
“Uh, do you love it or hate it?”
“Oh, sorry, what?”
“You're giving a very… Well, that look.”
“What look? I don't have a look.”
You cross your arms playfully. “Yes, you do. The ones I see from people, probably debating if they should buy it because they don't want to regret anything. Trust me, it's yummy. My customers’ words, not mine, by the way.”
He stifles a laugh before the realization hits you. He's an Air Nomad! You sheepishly admit you've been practicing inspired attempts of sweet rolls of his nation, but seeing him gracing your shop, you might as well grab the opportunity to make authentic.
And poor Aang gets dragged into the kitchen, asking him questions like: “I heard Air Nomads liked baking. What kind of fruits grew near the temples? Which would you prefer? Honey or fruit paste? Oh, oh, were festival foods sweeter??? Oh, man, I’ve been trying to create one of their sweets, but I don't wanna mess it up!”
Since you're asking with genuine care instead of exotic fascination, he finds himself softening.
That's how it began. Curiosity. Comfort.
Sooner or later, he questions himself why he keeps coming back.
And then the rest is history.
It gets to a point where he finally and emotionally starts tracing home in your bakery.
You've come a lot together. And now you're making him taste the sweet lotus pies he helped you bake. He sighs at the heavenly taste of freshness and simplicity.
I think he'll fall in love even more when you create a safe space for him to yap away about his heritage. You're always actively listening and showing a sincere desire to learn.
There are times he finds himself thinking deeply about how thankful he is that now he's seeing parts of his culture recreated in ordinary, happy moments.
Actually, the first time you shoved a successfully recreated homemade Air Nomad fruit pie, he practically went still. After a beat of chewing, he went dead quiet. You were a bit worried because he might cry then and there.
It was a small treat yes, but it was genuinely everything to him.
And as soon as several freshly made pastries of his home hit the display case, you proudly start calling out to people more than before.
“Hey, everyone! We have something new on the menu! These are Air Nomad red bean buns!”
“Yeeessss! My boyfriend taught me this one. It's made with strawberries. If you're planning to make one, be sure it's ultra super duper fresh though.”
“These mooncakes are amazing! Aang introduced me to this, so no worries about authenticity!”
Over time, your regulars stop doing a double-take. It just becomes another part of their morning to see the legendary Avatar, sleeves rolled up, kneading dough behind the counter. It actually helps him get closer to people because he gets to see and talk to them not because they need his aid, but simply because they enjoy his company as well.
This soft familiarity is always present in your relationship with him. He can't even imagine his life without baking anymore. He's already too far gone — the early mornings, warm kitchens and taste testings with Appa.
He's become the proudest boyfriend in the world and is incredibly excited to take a step further into the blooming relationship. He feels so lucky to share your lives and deeply cherishes blending your two cultures into your daily routine.
Bonus:
Sokka arrives not knowing what to expect, especially since he walked in on his best friend bickering with the baker. But the second he took a bite of that fruit pie Aang had been raving about? Pure heaven.
Meanwhile:
“Aang, why are you eyeballing the measurements?!”
“Because it works.”
“Are you sure that's not gambling?”
“No????”
“Why does that sound like a question? Also, the custard last time ended up looking crustier! Shame, shame!”
“You don't trust me anymore?” Aang looks at you with hopeful eyes.
“Uh, no, ‘cause I know you'll just feed it to Appa.” You just raise your eyebrow at him.
“He deserves a treat.”
“Aang, he's getting fatter. No offense, he's a lovely guy.” You freeze when you hear an excited growl from the bison outside. “And you taught him that phrase!”
“But he's perfect. He's… Fluffy.” He defends weakly.
“I agree, but everyone can see the difference… And I think he's spherical.”
Sokka almost chokes.
“You're gonna hurt his feelings. He flies everyday, right, Appa? He'll be okay. Also, Sokka, I can hear you over there!”
“Yeah? Well, he almost ate ten pies last week!”
“It was sixteen, actually.” One of the customers mutters. Aang looks scandalized.
summary: After weeks away carrying the weight of the world as the Avatar, Aang finally returns home emotionally exhausted and quietly falls apart the moment you start taking care of him again.
Being the Avatar meant people constantly needed Aang.
Villages.
Leaders.
Spiritual problems.
Conflicts.
Meetings.
It never really stopped. Usually, he handled it well.
But this time?
This time he’d been gone for weeks. And you could tell it was wearing on him. Even through the letters he sent. They started warm and excited at first, little stories about places he visited, people he helped, Appa stealing food from markets.
But the longer he was gone, the shorter they got.
More tired and desperate.
More “I miss you.”
More “I can’t wait to come home.”
And by the last one?
You could practically feel how drained he was through the paper.
So when Appa finally landed back at the temple. You were already running before he fully touched the ground.
“Aang!”
His head snapped up immediately. And the second he saw you, something in him completely softened. Not a little. Completely.
He practically jumped off Appa.
You barely had time to steady yourself before his arms wrapped around you tightly, pulling you fully against him like he needed to physically reassure himself you were real.
“Oh,” he breathed.
The sound alone made your chest ache. You wrapped your arms around him immediately, holding him just as close. And Aang melted.
Actually melted.
His entire body relaxed against yours so fast it almost startled you. His face buried against your neck, his grip tightening slightly as he exhaled shakily. “I missed you,” he mumbled quietly.
“I missed you too,” you whispered.
He didn’t let go. Not even a little. You smiled softly, rubbing your hand up and down his back gently. And somehow
That almost seemed to affect him more.
His breath caught slightly. His arms tightened again. “You okay?” you asked softly.
He nodded immediately.
Then after a second
“…No.”
Your heart squeezed.
You pulled back just enough to look at him properly. He looked exhausted. Not physically, necessarily. Emotionally. Like he’d been carrying everyone else’s problems for too long without anyone taking care of him.
The second your hand touched his cheek, his eyes closed instinctively. Like he’d been craving softness. Craving you.
“You’ve been overworking yourself,” you murmured.
Aang gave a weak little laugh. “That obvious?”
“Very.”
You brushed your thumb gently under his eye before leaning up and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. And Aang nearly sagged into you. Like even that tiny affection was enough to undo him. “You’re really touch-starved right now, huh?” you whispered softly.
His ears turned pink instantly.
“…Maybe.”
You smiled.
“C’mere.”
You guided him inside carefully, your hand never leaving his.
And Aang followed immediately. Close enough that your shoulders kept brushing the whole walk there.
---
Once you got him settled in your room, you finally noticed the scrapes properly. His arms. His shoulders. And worst of all-
Part of his arrow tattoo near his shoulder had been scraped up badly.
Your brows pulled together immediately. “Aang.”
“What?”
“You’re hurt.”
“It’s not bad.”
You gave him a look.
“It’s bleeding.”
“…Okay, maybe a little bad.”
You sighed softly before motioning toward the bed.
“Sit.”
He obeyed instantly. Mostly because he looked too tired to argue. You grabbed the small healing supplies from nearby before sitting beside him. The second you moved close again, Aang’s shoulders visibly relaxed. Like your presence alone settled him.
“Lift your arm,” you said gently.
He did.
And you carefully started cleaning one of the scrapes near his tattoo. Aang hissed softly. “Sorry,” you murmured immediately.
“It’s okay.”
Your touch gentled even more after that, careful fingers brushing against his skin as you cleaned the injury. And after a moment
You noticed him staring.
“What?” you asked softly.
“…Nothing.”
“Aang.”
His expression softened a little.
“I just missed this.”
Your chest tightened.
“Being patched up?”
“No,” he murmured quietly.
His eyes stayed on you.
“Being taken care of.”
That hit you right in the heart.
You slowed your movements slightly, your fingers brushing carefully along the edge of his tattoo. “You take care of everyone else all the time,” you said softly.
“Someone has to.”
“And someone has to take care of you too.”
Aang looked down for a second at that.
Quiet.
Emotional.
You could practically see how tired he was now that he’d finally stopped moving. Finally stopped forcing himself to keep going. Your fingers moved carefully along another scrape, smoothing healing ointment gently over the irritated skin. Aang’s breath caught softly.
Your eyes flicked up immediately.
“Did that hurt?”
“No,” he said quickly.
Then quieter-
“It felt nice.”
The honesty in his voice made your expression soften immediately. You brushed your thumb gently along the blue lines of his tattoo.
“You’re so touch-starved,” you murmured.
He laughed weakly, embarrassed.
“Probably.”
You leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss near the uninjured part of his shoulder. Aang visibly melted again. Actually melted. His eyes closed immediately, his head tipping slightly toward you instinctively.
And suddenly you realized-
He’d spent weeks without this.
Without soft touches.
Without comfort. Without someone loving him gently instead of needing things from him.
Your chest ached.
“You should’ve come home sooner,” you whispered.
“I couldn’t.”
“I know.”
That was the hard part. You finished wrapping the scrape carefully before setting everything aside. The second your hands were free again, Aang moved.
Fast.
His arms wrapped around your waist immediately as he pulled you into his lap like he physically couldn’t help himself anymore.
“Aang- ” you laughed softly. He buried his face against your stomach first, arms locked around you tightly. Then after a second, he looked up at you. And the look in his eyes nearly ruined you.
Soft.
Exhausted.
Needy in the most emotional way possible. “Can you just stay like this for a while?” he asked quietly.
Your heart completely melted.
“Of course.”
You climbed fully into his lap then, wrapping your arms around his shoulders as he held you close instantly. And Aang relaxed harder than you’d ever felt before. Like every piece of tension he’d been carrying finally started slipping away.
His face tucked against your neck, breathing slow and warm now.
Safe.
Home. You ran your fingers gently through the short hair near his scalp, scratching lightly.
A tiny sound left him before he could stop it.
You smiled softly.
“That good?”
“…Don’t tease me,” he muttered weakly.
You laughed quietly.
But your hands never stopped touching him.
And honestly?
Aang probably would’ve stayed there holding you forever if you let him.
Apple saysss.... Aang realizes you have memory loss, umable to recall everyone... Except him (っ º - º ς)
TWs: Angst, Memory Loss / Amnesia, Loss of Identity, Psychological Distress, Emotional Dependency, Hurt/Comfort
WC: 873
It was safe.
It was supposed to be safe.
He's the Avatar. Keeping everyone out of harm’s way should be their primary duty, including you.
Especially you.
“Aang…? Why are you looking at me like that? And, and I—”
He almost lost his composure. You're safe now. You're propped up in bed, focusing on him with those earnest eyes.
You're fine. You're safe. You're okay. He keeps chanting to himself, his hands tremble though.
“I— I'm…?” You pause. You slowly look at the sheets of the silk bed as your breath hitches. “What just happened?”
“Huh?” Aang immediately snapped out of his agitation.
What do you mean what happened?
Oh, your head must be leading a burnout from the impact before you ended up bedridden. This is probably a normal reaction.
Before he can even have the opportunity to explain the situation clearly, you wince, clutching your stomach. He shot an immediate look of caution.
He has his hand around your back gently. “Hey, hey, careful… You just got out of a fight.”
“I, I see… But what fight?”
The door creaks open, both alerting the two of you to look at it synchronized and questionable. The familiar waterbender approaches the two of you.
Familiar? You squint your eyes at the idea.
Katara smiles. It's small, though. She doesn't really feel any sort of victory after what happened to you despite winning the battle.
“Hey, you're awake! I'm glad, the others will be relieved, too. Do you feel any pain?”
“Um, a little bit. My tummy must be acting up.”
Katara furrows her brows. She reaches for your hand and is about to bridge the gaps, but your immediate flinch causes her to retreat.
Something must be wrong.
“Hey.”
“Yes…?”
“Do you know who she is?” He asks, referring to Katara.
You bite your lip as you rummage throughout your brain. “I don't know. I— I feel like I should know… Should I? My mind must be messing with me.”
“Do you know who you are?” Katara asks gently.
You pause for too long.
Katara and Aang look at each other in unison. Something is wrong.
⋮
Memory loss is the price you had to pay.
You're frightened at the gaps in your own mind, breathing unevenly because you're aware you should be holding memories more than what you have right now.
However, your supposed friends sailed you into reality. They asked questions. Slowly. Never prying. Your comfort was still their priority.
To sum it up, you can't recall anyone or anything. You don't remember yourself. You can't remember your family. You can't remember your friends.
But you remember Aang.
All the time spent with him, the laughter, the journeys, the fights. Everything. However, no matter how much you dug, the missing memories are still unreachable. It's frustrating, it's like you're reaching for the stars, but you don't know if that's what you're truly after, so you just long from afar.
You're terrified, Aang thinks. His stomach is still on the floor. To have your entire world begone so suddenly had him on edge.
Memories of him are the sole remaining reflection of who you are; this thought alone unables him to sleep peacefully.
He values personhood and emotional freedom a lot. When you ask clearly what colors you used to like or what you used to hate, his protectiveness will intensify hard.
Because of the memory loss, you find yourself clinging to him more than before, like he's your only guiding light in the gloomy tunnel.
Because he is in tune with your feelings, his main priority will be your emotional safety.
Even if you try to not panic — he'll still catch your hesitance to speak, your eyes darting around, and the silent fear tearing through your face when someone mentions a past you can't access.
Never does he think of even pulling away. He's the only one real to you. If anything, he becomes impossibly gentle.
When you linger closely, sitting by his side at meals, and constantly seeking his presence, especially after waking from nightmares — he doesn't make you feel guilty. Not ever.
Aang knows very well the fear of loss tied to identity. The last thing he desires is to equate you to a burden — that is because you're not.
Your clinginess will be reciprocated, perhaps even more so. Deep sleep no longer comes easy for him, already replaced by his worry for you if you ever wake up panicking. He'll always have a hand on you, unwavering and close, ready to reassure you regardless of your surroundings.
Still, despite his reassurance, you don't always feel easy.
When you offer an apology with the promise to change, he shuts it down immediately.
“Don't apologize please.”
“Sorry, I just realized I've been with you since morning.”
“And I let you, that's because I want you to stay. If it makes you feel safe, I'd want to have you near me. There's nothing to be concerned about, you'll never tire me out.”
“Even if I'm restless?”
“Especially when you're restless.” He caresses your hand.
i will find you in the next life, too ༘⋆ aang x reader
༘⋆ synopsis: you think the world has already claimed aang as theirs, but he makes it clear his heart only belongs to you.
༘⋆ content warningsﾉtags: soft!aang, jealousy, crying, heavy angst w/ a happy ending, established relationship, panic attacks, reassurance, soulmate fluff, kissing
༘⋆ author's note: i have aang brainworms. i need more fluff fics of him. god i yearn for this man. also, i just came back from a short break, so my writing may be lackluster :,)
Republic City is alive tonight, a sprawling tapestry of lanterns and noise, all gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Avatars. You can feel the vibration of thousands of footsteps through the soles of your shoes, a pulse that matches the thumping in your chest as you weave through the dense, joyous crowd.
Beside you, Aang is a blur of kinetic energy and pure excitement. He holds your hand with a grip that is firm yet gentle, his skin warm against yours, a constant reminder of his presence amidst the constant noise. In his other hand, he clutches a greasy paper sleeve of unfried dough, a specialty of this particular festival that he’s been eyeing since you stepped off the boat. He takes a large, enthusiastic bite, his cheeks puffing out like a messenger-hawk's, and begins to talk before he’s even finished swallowing.
"You have no idea how great this is," he says, his voice muffled by the dough but bright with wonder. He points a half-eaten stick of pastry toward a row of intricately carved wooden arches decorated with swirling blue and white silks.
"They actually got the cloud patterns right on the Air Nomad tribute! Look at the way the silk hangs—it’s supposed to mimic the high-altitude winds of the Southern Temple. I didn't think anyone remembered those specific nuances after everything, but the organizers here... they really did their homework."
He stops to slurp up a loose bit of dough, his grey eyes wide and glowing under the light of a thousand orange lanterns. Around you, the world is populated by ghosts and legends. Everywhere you look, there is an Avatar. A tall woman with painted white makeup and heavy brass fans strides past, her green Kyoshi warrior robes rustling against the pavement. A group of teenagers in crimson Fire Nation tunics, sporting faux-beards and tall headpieces, laugh as they pretend to firebend like Roku.
Most prominent, however, are the children. Little boys and girls with painted blue arrows on their foreheads dash between the legs of adults, clutching miniature wooden gliders and shrieking with glee. You see a toddler sitting on a bench, his ginger cat patiently enduring a coat of white and brown washable paint, complete with a makeshift arrow on its head to resemble a tiny Appa.
Aang doesn't even realize he's looking at a sea of himself; to him, it’s just a beautiful tribute to a world he worked so hard to save. Because he isn't wearing his formal robes, just a simple traveling cloak and a scarf tucked high to hide his tattoos, he’s just another face in the crowd—a boy enjoying the night with his partner.
Watching him, a lump forms in your throat that has nothing to do with the smoky air. You think about the weight he carries, the sheer, impossible burden placed on shoulders that were only twelve years old when they had to hold up the entire world. While other children were learning to play games or master their first basic bending forms, Aang was facing down a warlord, deciding the fate of nations. He ended a century of darkness not with hatred, but with a kindness so authentic it redefined what it meant to be a hero. He is the most genuinely good person you have ever known, someone who chooses peace even when the world demands violence, and seeing him finally standing in a place where his culture is celebrated instead of mourned makes your heart ache with pride.
But as the night wears on and the crowd grows thicker, that pride begins to curd into a jagged edge of possessiveness that you can’t seem to dull.
The more you see people cheering for the "Avatar," the more you feel a hollow, cold ache spreading through your stomach. It’s a selfish, terrifying realization that you have to share him. Every person here feels like they own a piece of him; they see the icon, the savior, the legend who belongs to the history books and the public squares. They don't know the way his nose crinkles when he’s trying not to sneeze, or the specific, hushed tone he uses when he tells you he had a dream about the monks again.
You look at his profile, illuminated by the flickering glow of a nearby dragon-fire display, and you feel a desperate need to pull him away, to hide him in a place where no one else can look at him. It feels wrong to feel this way, especially when you know what he sacrificed for you. He chose you over the cosmic energy of the universe; he turned his back on the path to total enlightenment because his love for you was a tether he refused to cut. The world needs the Avatar to keep the balance, to be the bridge between spirits and men, but your need for him feels just as vital, just as cosmic. You need Aang, the boy who forgets to tie his shoes, not the master of all four elements who belongs to the masses.
The noise of the festival starts to feel like it’s underwater, a dull roar that presses against your ears. You see a young girl run up to a man dressed as Aang, hugging his knees and calling him a hero, and the sight feels like a physical blow to your ribs. You want to scream that the real hero is right here, but you also want to wrap your arms around him and never let go, terrified that the world will eventually ask for more of him than he has left to give. You are in love with a man who is a public utility, a living monument, and the jealousy of that shared existence feels like it’s suffocating you.
"And the firecrackers!" Aang exclaims, oblivious to the internal storm brewing beside him. He’s looking up at a nearby stall where a merchant is demonstrating 'spirit-flashes' that burst into the shapes of soaring cranes. "They said they’re using a new mixture from the Fire Nation colonies that doesn't produce as much smoke. It’s so much cleaner! Don't you think that—"
He stops mid-sentence, the momentum of his walk carrying him a step further before he feels the resistance in your hand. He tugs slightly, his fingers tightening around yours as he realizes you’ve come to a complete halt in the middle of the thoroughfare. Aang turns back, his expression shifting from exuberant joy to a sudden, flickering confusion. He swallows the last bite of his dough, wiping a smudge of sugar from his lip with the back of his hand.
"Hey, what's the hold up?" he asks, trying to maintain the lighthearted energy of the moment. He offers a goofy, lopsided grin, his head tilting to the side. "If you're waiting for the fire-flakes, I promise they’re in the next square. Or are you just stunned by my incredible disguise? I know, the scarf is very dashing, Sokka said so himself!"
He chuckles, a soft sound, but his eyes are scanning your face with growing intensity. He hasn't realized the depth of your shift yet; he thinks you’re just tired or perhaps overwhelmed by the noise. He takes a step toward you, his free hand reaching out to brush a stray hair from your forehead, his touch as light as a summer breeze.
A weak, wet sniffle escapes you before you can choke it back. The sound is small, but in the micro-climate of your shared space, it hits like a thunderclap. Aang’s smile vanishes instantly, replaced by a look of panic that drains the color from his face. He drops the empty paper sleeve, letting it flutter to the grime-streaked pavement as he moves into your personal space, his arms coming up to rest heavily yet comfortingly over your shoulders.
"Whoa, hey, no, no," he murmurs, his voice dropping an octave into a serious, frantic register. "What happened? Did someone bump into you? Are you hurt?"
He doesn't wait for an answer, his instincts taking over as he gently guides you toward the shadow of a closed tea shop, away from the main flow of the avatar-clad revelers. He creates a small pocket of privacy with his body, shielding you from the prying eyes of the children and the tourists. His thumbs rub small, nervous circles into the fabric of your shirt, his breath warm against your temple. You can't bring yourself to look up, feeling a crushing sense of guilt for ruining his night with a sadness you can barely explain.
"Talk to me, please," he whispers, his forehead leaning against your temple, the distant sound of celebratory drums continues to beat a rhythm that feels worlds away from the two of you.
The moonlight catches the dampness on your cheeks, and Aang’s expression softens. his eyes searching yours for a map through the silence. He pulls you closer, tucking your head under his chin, his heartbeat steady and strong against your ear.
For a few minutes, the only sound is the distant, muffled cheer of the festival and the rustle of the wind through the nearby willow trees. He lets you cry for a long while, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles across the back of your jacket, his breath hitching only when you let out a particularly rough sob.
Eventually, the weight of the silence becomes a question he can no longer ignore. He shifts slightly, prying you gently from his chest so he can see your face.
"Hey," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the low hum of the evening insects. "You wanna tell me what’s knocking around in there? You’re acting like you just saw a Hei Bai spirit in a bad mood."
You look away, watching a discarded firecracker wrapper tumble across the grass. Your throat feels like it’s been lined with sandpaper. How do you tell the savior of the world that you’re struggling with his divinity? You shake your head, a small, jerky movement. "It's nothing, Aang. Just... the noise. The crowds. I think I just got a bit overwhelmed."
Aang doesn't buy it for a second. He gently cups your face, his palms warm and callous-roughened from years of staff-work and travel, forcing you to meet his gaze. His brow is furrowed, a deep V of concern etched between his arrows. It’s an expression so heavy and somber that it looks foreign on his usually bright features.
"You’re not being honest with me," he says, his tone firm but devoid of malice.
A startled, watery laugh bubbles up in your chest. "I think you’ve spent way too much time around Toph. You’ve definitely picked up her lie-detection tricks. It's not fair."
Aang rolls his eyes, a flicker of his usual playfulness returning, though it doesn't reach the worry in his eyes. "I don't need a seismic sense to know when my favorite person is hiding something from me. You can tell me anything. You know that, right? No matter how small or how... dark you think it is."
He reaches down, lacing his pinky finger with yours. It’s a childish gesture, one born of the early days when everything was simpler, before the city and the politics. Together, your voices rise in a shaky, hushed unison, reciting the old chant from the Southern Water Tribe you learned from Katara and Sokka lifetimes ago: "The stars see the path, the ice holds the past, the heart finds the home where the spirit will last."
The familiar rhythm of the words settles some of the tremors in your hands. Aang is smiling now, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that always makes your chest ache. You swallow hard, the lump in your throat finally breaking.
"It’s just... look at them out there, Aang," you start, your voice trembling as you gesture vaguely back toward the lights of the festival. "They love you. They worship you. And they should! You’re the most kindhearted, authentic person I’ve ever known. You stopped a hundred years of war when you were a child. You carry the weight of entire nations on your back without letting it turn you bitter. You deserve every statue, every parade, every kid painting a blue arrow on their forehead."
Aang starts to shake his head, his face reddening with a modest "Aw, shucks" expression, but you press your palm against his chest to keep him quiet
"No, let me finish. I love that about you. I love that you’re the Avatar. But… I’m so selfish. I’m selfish! I’m so incredibly selfish!" The words spill out now, a torrent of suppressed anxiety. "I look at them and I feel this... this horrible, gnawing jealousy. I hate that I have to share you. I hate that the world thinks they own a piece of you because you’re the Avatar. Every time someone stops you for a blessing or a photo or a story, I feel like a little more of you is being chipped away and given to people who don't know the boy who forgets where he put his glider or the man who hums in his sleep."
You start to cry in earnest now, the ugly kind of sobbing that makes your chest heave and your breath hitch in painful, ragged gasps. Your vision blurs into a kaleidoscope of moonlight and tears.
"I don't want the world to take you from me," you sob, the sound echoing off the brick walls of the tea shop. "I’m terrified that one day, you’ll give so much of yourself to maintain the 'balance' that there won't be anything left for me. Not even a crumb. And it’s not just now—it’s the legacy. You’re the Avatar. You belong to the cycle. In another life, you’ll be someone else, and you’ll find someone else, and I’ll just be a footnote in a past life’s memory. It’s so unfair that I have to share you across lifetimes! You belong to the whole world, and you belong to the past and the future, and I just want you to belong to me! Right here! Right now "
You’re bordering on a panic attack, your lungs feeling constricted, your heart racing like a trapped bird. You’re certain he’ll think you’re small, or petty, or unworthy of the man who chose the world over himself so many times.
"I don't want to lose you to the cycle, Aang! I don't want to be one of a thousand partners you've had over ten thousand years!”
"Hey! Listen to me. Stop." Aang’s voice is suddenly loud, commanding but infused with a staggering amount of tenderness. He grabs both of your hands, squeezing them tight to anchor you. He waits until your eyes lock onto his, until you’re breathing with him—long, slow draws of air.
"You think I belong to them?" he asks, his voice low and vibrating with an intensity that makes your skin prickle. "You think the 'Avatar' is what matters most? I am the bridge between worlds, yes. I have duties that span centuries. But those duties are just... work. They are the things I do. You? You are the reason I want to do them. You are the reason I want the world to stay in balance—so there’s a world where we can sit in a park and eat dough together."
He leans in closer, his nose almost touching yours. "You aren't sharing me, because the parts of me that belong to you... they don't even exist for the rest of the world. They don't get my vulnerability. They don't get my fears. They don't get the version of Aang that is just a man. I love you with a soul that has lived a thousand years, and in every single one of those years, I would have spent every second looking for you if I knew you were there."
He squeezes your hands, his thumbs rubbing over your knuckles. "And don't you ever think you're just a footnote. You think because I’ve lived before that this is less special? It’s the opposite! My spirit has been looking for yours since the sun first rose, I’m sure of it. And as for the next life... well, I’m the Avatar. I’m pretty good at finding things. I’ll find you. I don’t care if I’m born in the Earth Kingdom or the Fire Nation or back in the temples. I will find you, and I will love you, and we’ll do this all over again. I’ll find you in the next life, and the next, and every single life I ever have. That’s a promise, and I don't break those.
You’re stunned into silence, the weight of his devotion pressing against you like a physical force. He doesn't wait for a response. He leans in, his hands sliding from your shoulders to cup your cheeks, his palms damp with your own tears.
He kisses you then, and it’s not the light, playful peck he usually gives you. It’s a long, deep kiss that tastes of the salty remnants of your tears and the sweetness of the dough he was eating earlier. You can feel the vibration of a low, contented moan in the back of his throat as he pulls you flush against him. His thumbs sweep across your cheekbones, marking you as his, while your fingers tangle into the fabric of his cloak, holding on as if he might float away if you let go. The world around you—the chatter, the lanterns, the legacy—simply ceases to exist. His body is a warm pillar of strength, his thighs pressing against yours as he holds you like you’re the only thing keeping him grounded to the world.
When he finally breaks the kiss, he doesn't pull away far. He rests his nose against yours, and you realize with a start that his own eyes are swimming with tears. He lets out a shaky, half-breath of a laugh, wiping his eyes with his sleeve and composing himself with a sudden, bright grin that illuminates the dark alleyway.
"Man," he says, his voice returning to its usual bouncy cadence as he grabs your hand and begins to lead you back toward the lights. "It’s pretty cruel to make the Avatar cry on Avatar Day, don't you think? That’s gotta be some kind of spiritual bad luck. I think the only way to balance the scales is if you buy me an extra large serving of fire flakes. With the extra spicy seasoning."
He swings your hand between you, his steps light, almost skipping. You look at him—really look at him—and the jealousy doesn't vanish, but it settles into a small shaped, manageable hum. You realize then that he’s right. The world has the legend, but you have the heart.
And as you follow him back into the fray of orange lanterns and painted arrows, you know with a crystalline certainty that you’d choose him over cosmic energy, too.
Your husband, Zuko is sick from a fever, but your toddler wants him anyway
Sorry for any grammatical errors!!
WC: 818
----------------------------
The royal healers were late. That was the first problem
The second problem? Your toddler Izumi pressed against your leg, her face buried in your robes as she sobbed
“Papa”
“I know baby…” You sighed running your hand over her coil gently “I know”
But here’s the thing, Izumi was Zuko’s daughter,which meant she didn’t want the gentle hair run, she wanted her father right here and right now
Third problem? Zuko was currently in the bedchamber running a high fever, so high that the healer’s messenger looked alarmed when he delivered the news that the royal healers won’t make it that day
So here you were, three hours had passed with Zuko burning up in the next room and Izumi sulking in your robes
“Yuki” You looked up at the head maid who had been standing near the doorway with a bowl of cool water and a cloth folded on her hand
“Lady”
“Can you please stay with Izu for a moment?” You asked
“Of course my lady…little lady” Yuki says carrying Izumi who began to wail louder when she left your side.
You couldn’t stay any longer, Izumi’s cries were heartbreaking, and you needed to see your very sick husband.
You walked into the room, nodding to the guard who was standing by the door and looked at the bed. Zuko was buried under blankets, despite the warmth of the room, which you had figured by then how bad his fever was.
But this was Zuko, he hated being cold and hated admitting when he was weak more, so seeing him under those many blankets meant he was losing the battle
“Zuko” You whispered sitting by him placing the back your hand on his forehead, wincing it due to the heat before moving his bangs away from his face
Zuko wakes up, his voice was hoarse, he was barely there but he still had the strength to deny his weakness
“M’fine…”
“You’re not fine”
“Firebenders run hot”
“Zuko you’re currently under how many blankets and you still have the strength to lie to me?...You say that every time” you said before rubbing his cheek, Zuko resting in your hand groaning “The healers are going to be late…Yuki is going to help you…don’t be difficult please?”
“M’not difficult”
You looked at him
“I think…” he said weakly before sighing closing his eyes
“Send Yuki in please…also tell her to bring Izu in” You said to the guard who nodded. Minutes later Yuki came in quietly, Izumi balanced on her hips as the other maid drop the bowl and towel beside you
You thanked her and turned your attention to Izumi who had stoped crying, staring at him with her eyes “Papa…swick?”
Zuko turned his head towards her, his face softening “Yeah baby…papa’s sick”
Izumi squirmed in Yuki’s arms, reaching toward him with both hands “Dwon”
“Baby you can’t go…papa is sick…remember what mama said…papa needs to rest-”
“Dwon!” She yelled squirming more much, signaling a tantrum
You nodded to Yuki who dropped Izumi beside Zuko who rested on his shoulder to look at her
“Hi” Zuko said softly
Izumi sniffled, examined his face and patted his cheek, the scarred one “Papa owie?”
“No baby…just tired” Zuko replies showing a complicated expression
And for the next few minutes you and Yuki watched Izumi babble to Zuko who was trying his best to pay attention to her. 20 minutes had passed and you carried Izumi from the bed
“Papa! I wanwt papa!!” Izumi wiggles in your arms with anger “I wanwt papa!”
“Baby, let Yuki do her job…you’ll be with papa soon baby…I promise” You said, pecking Izumi’s forehead as you watched Yuki fold the wringed out towel and looked at Zuko for permission
“Yes please” Zuko whispers
“Okay lord” Yuki said pressing the cool towel to his forehead, and Zuko made a sound, something between a sigh and a relief, his eyes slowly closing
“Better?” You sked
“Don’t gloat…”
“I’m asking”
“You’re doing the gloating thing…your voice”
“Zuko”
He sighed and looked at you “A bit better”
“The healers will be here soon…just manage for a few hours..” You said as Izumi, much calmer, murmured lines from her picture books doing a slight dance with tears still in her eye.
--------------------
Izumi and Zuko were asleep within the half hour. You had placed her on the bed when she started dozing off, and Zuko had slept off watching Izumi sleep on the bed.
You placed a cool towel on his forehead as Yuki gathered the bowl, quietly moving toward the door but before she slipped out you whispered a thank you, and she bowed her head with a smile.
You placed the back of your hand on his forehead, just to check. He was still hot but he was breathing much easier.
You watched the sun starting its long slide toward the evening, painting the chambers gold
——————————————
If you want more atla content, please read my newest Aang fic, thank you!!
pairing: ঔঌ firelord! zuko x fem! fiancé! reader
જ⁀➴ sypnosis: You forgot that you didn’t just say yes to Zuko—you said yes to the Firelord.
Now you’re stuck in wedding planning chaos, palace politics, and expectations you never asked for, all while trying to hold onto the pieces of your old life before they slip away completely.
mentions: established relationship, engagement, soft angst but pure fluff at the end
part 2 –> here
He says it so simply you almost miss it.
For a second, all you can do is stare at him.
Zuko doesn’t look away. He never does when it matters. There’s something steady in his expression—uncertain, maybe, but certain about this.
Your brain doesn’t catch up.
Your body does.
You step forward and throw your arms around him before you can even form a proper answer, gripping him tight like if you let go too soon the moment might disappear.
For half a second, he goes still in surprise.
Then his arms come up around you, slower, careful but firm.
“Was that—” he starts, slightly muffled against your shoulder, “—a yes?”
You let out something between a laugh and a breath.
“Yes!"
If you had known what it really meant to marry the Firelord, you might have taken a second longer before saying it.
“—the ceremonial procession must follow Fire Nation tradition precisely—”
“—and the guest list will require approval from multiple councils—”
“—you will, of course, need to be briefed on appropriate conduct as Fire Lady—”
You blink.
Once.
Twice.
There are too many voices.
Too many people telling you so many things at the same time.
Scrolls are spread across the table in front of you—thick, official, important. Every single one seems to carry expectations you didn’t realize you had agreed to.
You nod at something someone says.
You’re not sure what.
“—the symbolism of the ceremony is deeply tied to Fire Nation history—”
“Right,” you say automatically.
“—and your role will be observed not only domestically but internationally—”
“Of course,” you hear yourself respond.
“—as Firelady, you will represent—”
You stop listening. Not because you want to. Because suddenly, you can’t.
Firelady.
The words don’t sound like you.
They something distant. Fixed. Something people look at.
Judge.
Expect things from.
“—and we will begin etiquette training immediately—”
You stare down at the scroll in front of you.
At the neat, precise ink. At the life that’s already being written out for you in careful, deliberate strokes. Just a few months ago, it had been simple. Just him and you.
Now—
“—there are also expectations regarding public appearances—”
“—and your presence during council gatherings—”
“—and diplomatic responsibilities—”
You swallow. Smile. Somewhere in the back of your mind, a quiet thought slips in— soft, but impossible to ignore.
You’re not just getting married.
You’re becoming something else.
You keep nodding all along with what the advisors are telling you because what else are you supposed to do? Somewhere between saying yes and sitting in this room, the responsibility had… shifted. Not officially. No one had said it outright. But it was there.
Zuko was Firelord.
That meant council meetings, political disputes, rebuilding a nation that had spent a century at war. It meant decisions that couldn’t wait, problems that didn’t pause for something as small as a wedding.
So the wedding—
fell to you.
Not entirely. Not technically.
There were advisors. Planners. Servants. Entire groups of people whose job was to assist.
But every decision still circled back.
Every question still landed in front of you.
Every expectation quietly settled on your shoulders like it had always been meant to.
“—the final approval will, of course, be yours.”
Of course it will. You force a small smile. “Right.”
Because Zuko trusts you. And that should feel reassuring. It does feel reassuring.
…doesn’t it?
“—additionally, there are several traditions you will need to familiarize yourself with as Firelady—”
Firelady.
Again.
You inhale slowly.
Before you can respond, the doors to the chamber swing open with enough force to make half the room flinch.
“GOOD NEWS—!”
You don’t even have to turn around.
Relief hits before you can stop it. “Sokka,” you say.
“—we got your letter!” he continues, striding in like he owns the place, waving a slightly crumpled scroll in the air. “Well—his letter, technically, but I’m counting it as yours because this is clearly a joint life decision—”
Katara is right behind him. “We came as soon as we could,” she says, breath a little rushed but smiling.
Toph walks in last, hands in her pockets. “Took you long enough,” she says.
The tension doesn’t disappear, but it shifts, like someone opened a window and let actual air in.
The advisors look… concerned.
Confused.
One of them clears their throat. “This is a restricted—”
“They’re with me,” you cut in immediately.
And for the first time since this meeting started, that feels like something solid. Something yours.
Sokka makes it two steps into the room before stopping short, staring at the table. “…Why are there so many scrolls?”
You look at him. Then at the table. Then back at him. “Wedding planning,” you say flatly.
He narrows his eyes. Then, slowly, like he’s recognizing a battlefield layout: “…Oh no.”
Toph snorts.
Aang tilts his head. “It looks… organized?”
“It’s not,” you and Sokka say at the same time.
Katara steps closer, scanning the papers, her expression shifting as she takes in the details. “Oh,” she says quietly.
Not overwhelmed. Not confused. Understanding. And somehow that’s worse. Because now it’s real.
All of it.
You glance down at the scroll in front of you again. Then at your friends. And for a brief second, something tight in your chest loosens.
Just a little.
“…So,” Sokka says, rolling up his sleeves with way too much confidence, “where do we start?”
You let out a breath that’s almost a laugh. “Honestly?” You gesture vaguely at everything.
“I have no idea.”
“Alright,” Sokka says, clapping his hands together like he’s about to lead a war council. “New plan. We divide and conquer.”
“No,” you say immediately.
“No?” he repeats.
“No.”
“Well, that’s unfortunate because I already divided things,” he says, gesturing to the table. “Seating arrangements, ceremonial flow, decorative symbolism—”
You blink. “Why would there be emergency backup scenarios for a wedding?”
Sokka gives you a look. “Have you met people?”
“…Fair.”
Katara steps in before he can escalate further. “Maybe we should start with something simple,” she suggests gently, picking up one of the scrolls. “Like the ceremony layout.”
“Great,” you say. “Simple. I like simple.”
One of the advisors immediately leans forward. “The layout must follow traditional Fire Nation alignment, of course—”
“Of course,” you echo weakly.
“—with the Fire Lord positioned at the eastern axis to symbolize renewal and—”
“Or,” Sokka cuts in, grabbing a brush, “we make a better system.”
He starts sketching something aggressively onto a blank sheet.
Toph tilts her head. “That looks stupid.”
“You can’t even see it!”
“Exactly,” she shoots back. “And I still know it’s stupid.”
Sokka gasps. “This is tactical brilliance!”
“Pretty sure you just invented a traffic problem,” Toph says.
Aang leans over the table, trying to follow along. “Maybe we can combine both ideas? Keep the tradition, but also make it… flow better?”
“That’s what I’m doing!” Sokka insists.
“That’s not what you’re doing,” Katara says, not even looking up.
Meanwhile, you’re staring at two different scrolls that both say completely different things about where you’re supposed to stand during the ceremony.
“Why are there three versions of this,” you ask no one in particular.
“Because the Fire Sage council hasn’t finalized their recommendation yet,” one advisor replies.
“Of course they haven’t,” you mumble.
Sokka suddenly grabs two fabric samples from the side of the table and holds them up.
“Okay, important question. Red or darker red?”
You stare at him. “Those are the same color.”
“They are not the same color,” he says, offended.
He turns to Toph. “Which one looks better?”
Toph doesn’t even hesitate. “I don’t know, Sokka. I’m blind.”
A beat.
Then—
“…Right,” Sokka says.
Toph smirks. “Glad we cleared that up.”
Aang lets out a small laugh before catching himself. “Okay—okay, let’s stay focused. This is supposed to be a happy thing.”
“IT IS A HAPPY THING,” Sokka says, still holding the fabrics. “It’s just also a complicated thing.”
Katara finally sets down the scroll she’s been reading and looks at you.
“Hey,” she says softly. “We’ll figure it out. One step at a time, okay?”
You nod.
Because that’s the right response.
Because she means it.
Because you want to believe it.
Across the table, two advisors start quietly arguing about ceremonial timing.
Sokka is now somehow negotiating with them like this is a war council.
Toph has abandoned her spot and is leaning back in her chair, clearly entertained.
Aang is trying—really trying—to keep everyone calm.
Katara is reorganizing the scrolls into something that almost resembles order.
And you—
you’re still standing in the middle of it all.
Watching. Listening. Trying to keep up as the voices start overlapping again.
“—the Fire Lord’s entrance must precede—”
“—no, the sequence requires—”
“—if we adjust the timing here—”
“—that disrupts the symbolism—”
“—what if we just move the chairs—”
“THE CHAIRS ARE SYMBOLIC—”
Something tight pulls in your chest.
You inhale. Then exhale.
Slowly.
It’s fine. It’s just planning. It’s just one day.
Just a wedding.
…right?
Your gaze drifts down to the scroll in front of you again.
Firelady.
The words sit there, unmoving. Heavy. Permanent. And for the first time since everyone burst into the room, the noise doesn’t feel funny anymore.
You find Zuko in a corridor that definitely wasn’t meant for stopping and talking.
He’s mid-step when you call his name.
He turns immediately anyway.
That alone does something to your chest that you don’t have time to examine.
“You’re busy,” you say, already knowing.
“I can be unbusy,” he replies, like it’s the simplest thing in the world.
It makes you smile before you can stop it.
You fall into step beside him. “No, you can’t.”
He glances at you. “I can.”
“You literally have three council meetings and whatever that thing is with the northern delegates.”
He pauses. “It’s not a thing.”
“It’s a thing,” you say.
“…It’s a thing,” he admits.
You both walk for a few seconds in comfortable silence. Then you clear your throat.
“So,” you begin carefully, “about the ceremony—”
Zuko slows slightly. “What about it?”
You hesitate. Suddenly it feels stupid. Small. Like you’re interrupting something important—which, technically, you are.
But he’s looking at you like you’re the only thing in the hallway that matters, so you continue anyway.
“I was thinking… do you care about the seating order? Because Sokka is trying to redesign it like it’s a battle strategy and I don’t think the Fire Nation is ready for whatever he’s doing.”
A faint flicker of something like amusement crosses his face. “I trust you,” Zuko says simply. “Do what you think is best.”
That should feel like pressure. Instead, it feels like warmth. You exhale a little laugh. “That’s not helpful.”
“It’s honest.”
“I know,” you say softer.
He slows to a stop, just briefly, and looks at you more directly now. “If it’s too much,” he adds, voice quieter, “you don’t have to handle everything alone.”
For a second, the noise of the palace fades.
Just him. Just that steady tone like he’s trying to hold the world still for you, even for a moment.
“I know,” you repeat, but it comes out softer this time. And you almost lean into him properly.
Then—
“Your Majesty!”
Of course. A messenger appears at the end of the corridor like a curse given form.
Zuko straightens immediately. “Yes?”
“Council emergency meeting has been moved forward. They require your presence immediately.”
Zuko closes his eyes for half a second.
Then he looks back at you. Something apologetic flickers there, but it doesn’t change the fact that he has to go. “I’ll come back,” he says.
“You always say that,” you mutter, but there’s no real bite in it.
“I always do,” he replies.
That earns you a small, helpless smile.
He reaches out briefly taking your hand just long enough to squeeze it once.
Then he lets go. And is gone. Just like that.
You stand there for a moment, staring at the empty space he left behind.
Somewhere far down the hallway, you hear another door open, another problem being born.
You inhale slowly.
“…I am going to hit someone,” you say quietly to no one.
Behind you, a voice calls out.
“Who are we hitting?” Sokka asks eagerly.
You turn your head slightly.
“…Everyone,” you answer.
Toph snorts somewhere off to the side.
Katara sighs. “Don’t encourage her.”
Aang, gently: “Maybe we should take a break?”
You close your eyes. Yeah.
A break sounds nice. Unfortunately, a royal wedding planning does not believe in breaks.
The room is quieter than it was earlier.
That’s the problem.
The chaos didn’t end—it just split into smaller conversations, softer voices, scribbling pens instead of shouting arguments.
And somehow that makes it worse.
Because now there’s space to think.
You sit at the edge of the table, staring at a stack of scrolls you didn’t ask to exist in your life.
Fire Nation etiquette. Royal protocols. Ceremony sequences. Diplomatic expectations.
You try to focus on Katara’s voice as she gently organizes something beside you.
“Okay,” she says carefully, “this part isn’t mandatory. It’s more traditional than required.”
“More traditional than required,” you repeat faintly.
“Yeah,” she nods. “So if it feels like too much, we can—”
“It’s all too much,” you say before you can stop yourself.
The room pauses. Not dramatically.
Just… subtly. Like everyone heard you, even if they’re pretending they didn’t fully register it.
You force a breath in. Then out.
“It’s fine,” you add quickly. “I just—yeah. It’s fine.”
Katara watches you for a second longer than necessary, but she doesn’t push. That’s the thing about her. She understands without making it louder.
Sokka is arguing with an advisor about banner placement again. Toph has moved chairs around “for fun” and refuses to elaborate. Aang is trying to mediate a disagreement about ceremonial timing like it’s a philosophical debate about peace.
And you—
you’re suddenly not really there.
Because your eyes land on one of the scrolls again.
Firelady.
Not your name. Not really you. Just a role. A position.
Something you step into and never really step out of. You swallow. Hard. It hits you slowly at first, like a thought you almost don’t let finish forming.
This isn’t just a wedding. This is the point where everything changes and doesn’t go back.
No more just being part of Team Avatar.
No more disappearing into the world without consequence. No more being just… you. You stand up so abruptly your chair scrapes back.
“Hey—” Katara starts.
But you’re already shaking your head.
“I need—” Your voice catches. You clear your throat. “I need air.”
No one stops you. You don’t think they even realize how serious it is until you’re already halfway out the door.
You don’t go far.
Just far enough that the noise disappears.
A balcony. Stone cold under your hands as you grip the railing, staring out at the palace gardens like they belong to someone else.
Because soon, they kind of will.
Your reflection in the glass panel is faint, warped by lantern light. You look… the same. And not at all. “I’m not…” you start quietly. Then stop. Try again.
“I’m not ready for this.” The words feel ridiculous the moment they leave your mouth. Like you’re admitting something you’re supposed to have already accepted.
You don’t hear the door at first.
Or maybe you do—you just don’t react.
Because your hands are still on the railing, and your thoughts are still somewhere far too loud to compete with anything else.
Footsteps follow after a moment. Not rushed. Not loud. Careful in a way that already tells you who it is. Zuko doesn’t speak immediately.
He just stops a few steps behind you, like he’s trying to understand the shape of the silence before interrupting it.
Then, quietly: “They told me you came out here.”
Of course they did. Katara. Or Aang. Or both. You let out a breath that almost turns into a laugh but doesn’t quite make it. “Of course they did,” you repeat flatly.
A pause.
Then Zuko steps closer, just enough that you can feel him there without needing to look.
“You don’t have to talk about it,” he says.
It’s not avoidance. That somehow makes your chest tighten more. You shake your head once. “I just… I thought I could do this.”
“You can,” he says immediately.
So simple. So certain. It almost hurts.
You finally turn your head slightly, just enough to glance at him over your shoulder. “That’s not what I meant.”
Zuko’s expression shifts—not confusion, exactly. Recognition. He understands more than he’s saying. He always does.
You swallow. “I’m becoming something else,” you say, quieter now. “And I don’t know how to do that without… losing everything I was before.”
That lands between you both. Still.
Zuko doesn’t rush to fill it. When he finally speaks, his voice is lower.
“You’re not losing it.”
You let out a small, humorless breath. “It feels like it.”
He steps closer again, slowly, like he’s giving you space even while moving in.
“I felt that too,” he says.
That makes you look at him properly now.He meets your gaze without hesitation.
“When I became Fire Lord,” he continues, “I thought I had to become someone completely different. Someone perfect. Someone who made up for everything that came before.” His jaw tightens slightly. “But that doesn’t work.”
You should respond. You should say something. Anything. “I don’t know if I can do this,” you say. Your voice is thinner than you meant it to be.
Zuko doesn’t interrupt.
That alone almost undoes you more.
You let out a shaky breath, staring out at the gardens because looking at him feels too hard right now. “It’s not just a wedding,” you continue, words starting to spill now that they’ve finally found a way out. “It’s not just…just us. It’s everything. It’s being watched, and expected, and judged, and—”
Your throat tightens. You swallow hard, trying to push through it anyway. “I keep hearing it,” you say, quieter now. “Firelady. Firelady. Like it’s… like it’s already decided what I’m supposed to be.” Your fingers tighten on the railing.
“And I keep thinking…what if I’m not good enough for that?” You laugh once, but it breaks halfway.
“What if I’m just… wrong for it?”
That’s when your voice finally wavers for real.
Not planned. Just… gone.
“I’m trying,” you whisper, frustration creeping in now, sharp and exhausted all at once. “I’m really trying, but there’s so much and everyone just keeps talking like I already am this person and I’m not…I’m not there yet and I don’t know if I ever will be—”
Your breath stutters. You don’t even notice the tears until your vision blurs slightly. You blink. Hard. “…I can’t mess this up,” you say, quieter now, almost like you’re confessing it to yourself more than him. “I can’t. Not for a whole nation. Not for you. Not for—”
Your voice breaks. And you stop.
Because suddenly it’s too much to keep talking.
Too much to hold together. Your shoulders shake once, small and involuntary, like your body is reacting before your mind can catch up.
You don’t even fully realize you’re crying.
Not at first. It just feels like pressure finally finding a way out.
Zuko doesn’t say anything immediately.
Your fingers tighten against the railing like you’re trying to hold yourself together by force.
“I just need a second—” you start, but your voice betrays you again, cracking right in the middle.
You don’t get to finish.
Zuko moves. No pause. No hesitation.
One second there’s space between you—
the next, his arms are around you.
Firm and certain. He pulls you in close, one hand coming up to the back of your head, pressing you gently against his shoulder before you can turn away, before you can hide, before you can pretend you’re fine.
“I’m fine,” you mumble into his shoulder, voice muffled, unconvincing even to yourself.
“Sure you are,” Zuko says. Flat. Dry. Blatantly sarcastic.
You let out a weak, offended sound against him. “I am—” Your voice wobbles again halfway through the sentence.
Zuko doesn’t even let you finish.
“Mm,” he hums softly, like he’s acknowledging something that is absolutely not true, his tone gentler now despite the sarcasm. “Completely fine.”
You huff, trying to pull back just enough to argue with him, but his hand at the back of your head keeps you right where you are. Not forceful.
“Zuko—”
“Stay,” he murmurs quietly. And something in the way he says it, soft, but certain, makes you stop resisting.
His other hand shifts slightly, coming up to your face. Careful. Slow.
Like he’s giving you time to react.
His thumb brushes along your temple, just lightly at first, tracing small, absentminded circles against your skin. The motion is so gentle it almost distracts you from everything else.
Almost.
“You’re shaking,” he says under his breath.
You didn’t even notice that either.
“I’m not,” you try again, weaker this time.
“Right,” he replies, that same faint, dry edge still there—but softened now, wrapped in something warmer. “That must be my imagination.”
You let out a quiet, frustrated sound, pressing your face further into his shoulder like that might hide the fact that he’s completely right.
Zuko’s thumb keeps moving, slow and steady against your temple. Grounding.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” he adds, voice lower now. No sarcasm this time. Just honest.
You swallow, your grip on him tightening again despite yourself. “I’m not pretending,” you mutter.
Another pause.
Then, gently: “You are.” Not accusing though.
Your breath catches again. Because yeah.
You are.
Zuko shifts slightly, just enough to tilt his head so his forehead rests lightly against yours when you finally look up, his hand still cupping the side of your face. His thumb brushes just beneath your eye now, catching the dampness there.
“…You’re crying again,” he says quietly.
You blink, like that’s news to you.
“Oh,” you manage, a little dazed. “I—”
You don’t even finish.
Zuko’s expression softens further—if that’s even possible at this point. “There it is,” he murmurs, almost like he’s talking you through it. “You don’t have to hold it back.”
“I’m not trying to—” you start, but your voice breaks again immediately, ruining the attempt.
His thumb traces another slow line along your temple, then back again, unhurried, patient.
“I know,” he says softly. And he does.
That’s the worst part. Or maybe the best.
You let out a shaky breath, your forehead dropping forward until it rests against his again.
“I hate this,” you whisper.
“I know.”
“I feel like I’m failing at something I haven’t even started yet.”
Zuko’s hand stills for a second. Then resumes, just as gentle as before. “You’re not failing,” he says quietly.
“It feels like it.”
“Yeah,” he admits. “It does.”
You glance at him, a little surprised by that.
He doesn’t look away. “But that doesn’t make it true,” he adds.
Your lip trembles again, and you look away this time.
Zuko doesn’t push. He just leans in slightly, pressing a soft, brief kiss to your temple—right where his thumb had been tracing circles moments before.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs against your skin.
Your eyes close without you meaning them to. Your shoulders finally drop, just a little.
“…You’re annoyingly calm,” you mumble weakly.
Zuko huffs the faintest breath of a laugh.
“I’m trying very hard,” he admits.
That pulls the smallest, broken smile out of you. And without thinking, you lean back into him again.
His arms settle around you like they were meant to be there, steady and warm, one hand still resting at your temple, thumb brushing slow, absentminded circles like he’s memorized the motion already.
Then, softer now: “It’s going to be okay,” he murmurs.
You don’t respond right away.
“I mean it,” he continues, a little more certain this time. “We’ll figure it out. I’ll… try to be there more. For the planning. Not just the important parts—the annoying parts too.”
A faint pause.
“I don’t want you doing all of this alone.”
That makes something in your chest shift again, less heavy this time.
“And…” he hesitates slightly, like he’s choosing his words more carefully now, “it’s not all bad.”
You huff quietly against him. “That’s a bold claim.”
Zuko’s thumb pauses for half a second, then resumes its slow tracing. “You’re not just gaining responsibilities,” he says. “You’re gaining… influence. A voice people will actually listen to. You can change things. Help people. Make things better.”
You go quiet, because that part, you hadn’t really let yourself think about.
Zuko shifts slightly, just enough to look at you properly again. “And you won’t lose everything you were before,” he adds. “You’re still you. Just… with more reach.”
There’s a small pause. "…At least I get to wear three outfits.”
Zuko blinks. Once. "What?”
You pull back just enough to look at him, still sniffling a little, but there’s something lighter in your expression now. “The ceremony. There are, like, three outfit changes. That’s something.
Zuko stares at you. “Ah,” he says slowly. “Yes. Of course.”
You nod, very serious now. “It’s important.”
“Clearly,” he replies. Then, suspiciously calm: “You’ll look gorgeous in—” He stops mid-sentence. His eyes narrow just slightly. “…Wait.”
You blink at him.
Zuko tilts his head a fraction, studying you like he’s trying to solve a very confusing problem.
“How is that your number one priority,” he asks slowly, “when I thought the best thing about this was that we’re getting married?”
You stare at him. Deadpan. “Nevermind—"
Zuko doesn’t even let you finish.
“Of course,” he says immediately, completely serious.
You blink.
He keeps holding you, thumb still tracing slow circles at your temple like nothing in the world is more normal than this conversation.
“The outfits are way more important.”
You squint at him. “Excuse me?”
Zuko nods once, very firm. “Yes.”
“…You’re joking.”
His expression doesn’t change. “…I am,” he says.
But the corner of his mouth twitches.
And that’s how you know. You let out a weak, disbelieving laugh that still has a little leftover shakiness in it, and Zuko finally relaxes a fraction more, like hearing that sound did something for him too.
“There it is,” he murmurs quietly.
You lean your forehead against his chest again, this time not collapsing, just… resting.
“Idiot,” you mumble.
“Mm,” he agrees softly. “But I’m your idiot.”
That earns him a small, real smile from you this time. His arm tightens slightly around you, just enough to pull you closer without forcing anything.
The palace, the scrolls, the expectations—everything still exists.
But for a moment, it’s all just… far away noise.
And Zuko’s voice, quieter now, settles above you like something steady. “I’ll make sure it’s not too much,” he says. “The planning. The advisors. All of it.”
A pause.
“And if it is,” he adds, “you tell me. Immediately.”
You hum faintly. “Immediately?”
“Yes.”
You tilt your head slightly to look up at him. “Even if you‘re having a Council meeting?”
Zuko pauses. “…Especially then.”
That makes you laugh properly this time.
And Zuko, still holding you, looks like he’s decided that whatever the world throws at you two next, he’s already where he needs to be.
You’re still tucked against Zuko, the world finally quiet for once. Your breathing has evened out just a little, and for the first time in what feels like hours, your chest doesn’t feel like it’s actively collapsing.
Then—
“AH THERE YOU ARE!!” Sokka’s voice slices through the balcony like a thrown spear.
You freeze.
Zuko… does not. He just closes his eyes for a second. Like a man accepting his fate.
Sokka appears in the doorway with the energy of someone who has been personally wronged by inefficiency.
“Hello!” he continues, marching in like he owns the palace now. “We still have a whole royal wedding to plan?? No time for being lovebirds—”
He stops mid-step.
Finally noticing the situation properly.
You, still in Zuko’s arms.
Sokka squints.
Behind him, the rest of the Gaang is visible in the doorway: Katara immediately putting a hand over her face. Aang looking politely fascinated.
Toph already smirking like she knew this was going to happen.
“Sokka,” Katara says flatly.
Just his name. Nothing else. Pure warning energy.
Sokka ignores it completely. “Right,” he says, pointing between you two like this is a tactical briefing. “Romantic emotional support moment? Very nice. Very important. BUT—we have seating charts, ceremonial banners, three competing traditions, and I have NOT finalized the emergency contingency plan—”
“Sokka,” Katara repeats. Same tone. Now sharper.
You slowly lift your head slightly from Zuko’s shoulder.
Still a little puffy-eyed. Still very done with everything. “…Really?” you say.
Sokka nods vigorously. “Yes! Really! This is a national-level event!”
Zuko finally opens his eyes. Looks at Sokka.
“…It’s our wedding,” he says flatly.
Sokka points at him like that proves his point. “EXACTLY!”
Silence.
Toph snorts. Aang tries very hard not to laugh.
Katara just sighs, long-suffering. “Sokka.”
He turns. “What?”
“You’re taking this more seriously than the two people getting married.”
Sokka pauses. Considers this. Then: “That’s because someone has to.”
You stare at him. Zuko stares at him.
Even the wind feels like it pauses for judgment.
“…I hate that he might be right,” you mumble into Zuko’s shoulder.
Zuko exhales slowly, still holding you.
“I also hate that he might be right,” he agrees.
Sokka points at her. “You can’t even see the situation!”
“I don’t need to see it,” she says. “It’s loud and stupid.”
Aang finally laughs.
Katara pinches the bridge of her nose.
Zuko just tightens his hold on you slightly, like he’s silently choosing peace over violence.
And you bury your face back into his shoulder again. “…I’m never getting married,” you mutter.
Zuko, without missing a beat: “You are.”
Sokka: “YOU ARE AND WE ARE GOING TO PLAN IT PROPERLY—”
“Sokka.” Katara says again in that familiar annoyed tone in her voice with her brother.
Toph: “Sokka is the worst part of this wedding.”
Aang who tries to be peaceful: “I think it’s kind of beautiful how passionate he is?”
Everyone: “No.”
Sokka is still talking when Zuko finally moves.
He adjusts his grip around you slightly, like making sure you’re steady, then gently guides you out of the balcony with him.
“Alright,” Katara says immediately, already stepping in like she’s reclaiming control of reality. “We’re going back to the planning room.”
Aang floats along beside them like he’s just happy everyone is still breathing.
You let out a tired breath against Zuko’s shoulder as you walk. “I hate all of them,” you mumble.
Zuko doesn’t even hesitate. “No, you don’t.”
“…Okay, I hate one of them.”
“No, you don‘t” Zuko says immediately.
“Alright.”
Then, quieter, almost like it slips out before either of you can overthink it—
“…I do feel a bit better,” you admit.
Zuko glances down at you briefly. “I know,” he says simply. And that should’ve been it.
But then his hand finds yours with no hesitation.
Just fingers slipping into yours like it’s the most natural thing in the world. You look down for a second, then back up at him. He doesn’t look back immediately, just keeps walking like it’s normal, like it’s always been like this.
So you squeeze his hand once. Testing it.
He squeezes back immediately.
That does something to your chest.
Something soft. Something annoyingly warm.
As you reach the corridor, Sokka is already mid-sentence again about “optimal ceremonial efficiency.”
Katara is actively ignoring him.
Toph is walking backwards just to make fun of him. Aang is trying to keep peace like it’s his spiritual duty.
And you and Zuko?
You just keep walking.
Hands linked.
Swinging slightly between you as your steps sync without either of you trying.
Forward.
Back.
Forward.
You lean slightly into Zuko’s side as you walk.
Still overwhelmed. Still nervous.
Still absolutely not ready for whatever “Firelady” is supposed to mean.
But his hand is warm around yours.
And for now that is enough.
I hope y‘all liked it. I can write a part 2 of their wedding if anyone‘s down for that. Don‘t forget to support the leaked movie when it actually gets released (for Avatar Studios—the animators, and writers obv)💗
content: firelord!zuko x black!reader, yearning, arranged marriage, miscommunication, married!couple reader has locs
word count: 4.1k
synopsis: ever since you and zuko married things haven't been like you imagined they be. And you yearn to truly connect with him again.
A/N: this came into my head the morning after I watched the movie! please for give me if it's a little ooc I tried to do as much research as possible before hand. I'm currently watching the show to get a better grasp on everyone's backstories and personalities.
I'm currently on S2! It's so good! I can't believe it came out when I was one.
big thanks to @duffymaycry for proofreading!
The sun’s rays marked another day, waking up alone in bed once again in chambers that you now must call home.It had been sixty- one days of the same song and dance :the same amount of time since your wedding.You and Zuko had been married off quite quickly, a political endeavor that would save your people from total annihilation, it seemed like a great idea at first to salvage your tiny kingdom from the blockade that had plagued your people endlessly for centuries.
All you had to do was marry the prince of the strongest empire in the world but to be frank if you knew your days would be filled with constant seclusion from your betrothed, you selfishly would have rejected the offer: if your kingdom wasn’t at the forefront that is.
The people were nothing but delightful to you. They always tried their best to make you feel welcome, asking about your food, clothing and activity preferences, anything to keep you interested day after day they even threw a banquet in your honor but to no avail you still felt the same: hollow. What was the point when the person that you were supposed to share it with wasn’t even there? Wasn't that the point of marriage to spend your days with the person you loved growing your everlasting connection?
Your mind was constantly bursting with these same meddlesome questions even now they tormented you as you lay awake in a bed that felt like it could devour you with its size alone.
Why would you want to spend the rest of their life in a foreign land with people they didn’t recognize?
Why don’t you break it off?
There had to be other ways to save your realm from total damnation without this sinking ship disguised as a marriage of convenience… right?
Was everything he said to your parents a lie just to obtain your hand and along with his title as lord?
Did he even love you?
The last two were the ones that overwhelmed your thoughts the most even if this marriage was solely political. Your parents weren’t going to just hall you off to just anyone they wanted nothing but the best for you.
In the three long months that Zuko was in your family and kingdom's presence he was nothing but what some would consider a gentleman.
Doting on you every chance he got,showering you in gifts,helping the town’s people in the central village, he even took initiative to draw up the details of the alliance himself which benefited your land the most allowing it to prosper in six months time but that wasn’t what primarily drew you to him.
It was the way his eyes sparkled when you talked like he was hanging on to every word you said no matter the topic, giving meaning insight while you talked back and forth. The glances during family dinners made you feel like you were the only two people in the entire world even if your giggles would get the whole table's attention giving away to your antics.
He even agreed to sneak off with you to your place of solitude at night,a gorgeous meadow filled with beautiful flowers by day and a sky full of stars and constellations by night all hidden behind the castle’s trees.
Your heart swelled bigger everyday.
He seemed so carefree, so alive in contrast to now you barely were able to speak a word to each other. Now Zuko was constantly gone, meetings in the morning til dinner but when dinner came around you’d arrive and his plate would already empty Zuko nowhere to be seen forcing you to eat in silence.
And when night felt you were always hopeful that maybe he would be awake so you guys could confide in each other about your days but that hope was slowly shattered by the time your ladies in waiting finished preparing you for bed he would already be asleep.
Every. Single. Time.
You yearned for that version of him: that blissful connection. Would you ever see that Zuko again? or would you be stuck in this unending cycle forever? Your rumination was abruptly silenced by a soft knock echoing through the room,you slowly rising at the sound. The mountain of illustrious pillows sinking in at the sign of your weight comforting you like a cocoon,your locs slowly cascading down your back.
“ My Lady, are you awake? It's time to get ready for the day! Flora your head lady in waiting chimes the door opening a sliver.
“Yes”
The door opens fully revealing Flora,Annette and Hyacinth in their entirety.“Good morning my lady!” they say in unison their smiles meeting the sparkles in their eyes. Your shoulders slump as you sigh “Calling me by my name is fine”
“ Unfortunately we can’t my lady” Flora says swiftly making her way inside over to you
“Why?”
You stand up from the bed, tiredness releasing its claim to your body. Without delay Flora leads you down the hall to your dressing chambers Hyacinth and Annette quickly shadowing behind. Oil lamps illuminate the large room full of jewelry,informal robes,pulling out the stool and sitting you down in front of your vanity as she did
every day. The mirror reflects your appearances back at you: resetting the time loop once again.
“Because we just got word from the council that you and prince Zuko’s coronation will be taking place in four mouths time so we must not only prepare you but ourselves for this monumental transition” her lips curving into a big smile showing her dimples
Removing the silk cloth from your head Flora focuses on gathering your locs letting the room simmer in silence as she twisted them into a neat french twist securing it with a couple discrete pins adding some flair with a golden hair cuff adorned in rubies one of many abundant gifts from Zuko. Your chest tightens to the unspoken and verbal mention of your husband's name.
Straightening up again you make your way to a pedestal with mirrors placed in all directions the Flora steps away leaving the other two ladies to make quick work:Annette replacing your nightgown with a formal crimson robe while Hyacinth applied a berry stain to full lips. It was breathtaking on your brown skin, the robe signaling to you that you’d be meeting with someone important.They leave shortly after leaving you alone.
Flora makes her presents known again with a pair of gold earrings slipping them in your ears “Which means starting today you will meet with the seamstress and designer to discuss your ceremonial robes! Your lips stretch upwards at her words as you bend over to put on your flats a warm feeling starts to fill your chest.This could finally be the moment Zuko needed them too so he had to be there.
“ That sounds great! Will Zuko be meeting with the seamstress and designer alongside us?”
Flora’s eyes soften shaking her head “ No My Lady lord zuko will have his meeting scheduled at another time” Even though You and Flora relationship wasn’t as tight-kit was it could’ve of been she was always there for you when you needed someone,able to see first hand how your current situation was affecting you the tears you shed in private she even saw the mask you put on at the banquet. She even tried contacting Zuko’s advisor but ultimately turned up empty.
“Well we don’t want to keep the seamstress waiting do we? You mutter your expression blank
You surveyed the room as you walked, it was jam-packed with so much equipment, fabric jewelry samples on the round table,racks full of white robes, prototypes maybe? And a big display case of elaborate headdresses. You hadn't seen such beautiful craftsmanship since your wedding day. The one you wore then was vast and hefty; these looked not only smaller but weightless.
Two identical women stood on both sides of the room, backs turned to you,soft blue robes, hair as dark as a crow’s feathers and skin tan as if the sun had kissed them revealing its quiet devotion. They immediately turned to meet you in the middle, bowing in the process.
“ Good day My Lady, it’s an honor to officially meet you!” they say almost simultaneously
“ My name is Miyu” she said timidly
“And I am Misaki”
It was impossible to tell the two women apart visually. They were identical down to the clothes but as you looked closer you promptly found the tell Miyu had a beauty mark under her left eye while Misaki didn’t. “ It’s nice to meet you as well” you bowed as your lips slowly revealed a smile you loved meeting new people it was something you always did back home.
“ Alright let's get started shall we! Flora proposes you could feel her excitement billowing off her in waves
“Yes! Lets” Miyu replied
The white robes are where you started first even though they were made with one shade of fabric you could still see all the illustrious details the lace,beading and the hand sown embroidered patterns each one felt a silent story being told. As you walked down the racks one caught your eye ,chrysanthemums cascading down both sleeves with lace at the bottom,the v-shaped neckline showcased the most delicate bead work you had ever seen. It felt like it was calling to you whispering “I am the one”.
“ what’s the story behind this one?’’As you raised your hand mesmerised by its likeness
“ this design is a lot older than the others our mother made it when she opened her first boutique with her best friend when we were five years marking the occasion the chrysanthemums were her idea symbolizing their long joyous friendship and loyalty to one another” Misaki stated her eyes glossy at the distant memory.
“ that’s a wonderful i’ll do this one “ your lips so tight they start hurting your cheeks
As Miyu takes the robe, setting it on an empty rack close by you all make it towards the fabric sample and jewelry. Jewelry wasn’t your strong suit before marrying Zuko. You never wore such high-quality pieces so frequently, daily even. Back home jewelry like these were saved for milestones like eighteen birthdays,coronations and weddings. You still held on to the earrings your parents gifted you on your birthday and the bangle they gifted you at your wedding. Fire nation nobility seem to wear them to “silently” indicate class and project power. It was the only thing you had to go off of. Your body goes idle as you start to think. Which did you choose?
“The one with the biggest jewels?”
“The biggest one?”
So many questions swam through your mind but were interrupted by Flora's soft voice accompanied by a comforting hand “Choose the ones that speak to you Madam as Fire Lady there will be no need to prove yourself to anyone” her words seeped into you quitting the leftover over baring thoughts.
Shaking your head, you focus back on the jewelry in front of you, picking up a necklace with garnet’s embedded, some hanging from the chain detailing and a big one dangling from the middle.the polished garnet doubling your eyes back to you.handing it to Miyu moving on to the fabrics. “ It’s tradition for the robes to be red and heavy but fortunately with the changing times more materials have become available so if My Lady wishes the robes texture and weight can be modified” Mikyu says
With your eyes closed Your hand slowly passes over the samples using one out of five senses so as to not overwhelm yourself again your hand touches a wax texture it was soft to the touch and felt lightweight.Opening them back your vision unblurs and unveils the silk fabric. “ this one” you say voice confident and unyielding
The sun had taken refuge by the time you finished revealing the moon's bright light. Your stomach grumbled as you and flora made it across the courtyard’s bridge to dinner, hands held tightly in front of as if it would conceal sound.
“ You did well today Madam” Flora says softly as not disturb the warm ambiance
“ I think so too”
Coming up on the dining room doors Flora pulled them open, stepping through the threshold turning your head behind you to speak to her once more but the doors were closed with no Flora in sight. “FLORA” but no answer, your voice traveled back to you in the empty room. That weird flora usually stays in the room to keep me company. Maybe she has other things to attend to?
Walking towards the table you pull out the tall chair and sit down. The chair across the long table was empty as you expected. What you didn’t expect was a vacant spot where your plate should be when you looked down. The utensils lay there strategy placed You could almost visualize the missing plate your mind trying to complete what was now left unfinished.. Are the cooks running off schedule?
the door on the other side opens snapping you out of your staring contest with the table looking up to see Zuko walk through despite his face being blank of emotions, you could tell his jaw was clenched his golden eyes sharp as if he was waiting for a battle to start contrasting the softness he had when calmly sleeping next to you. His long hair swayed as he sat down; he didn’t acknowledge you not a single word; it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
At that moment the servants scurry in with food and wine, placing it in front of you both leaning down until their bodies rested briefly at a 90 degree angle before lifting themselves up and turning to leave the room, not giving you enough time to thank them. It was always this way they leave, never giving you a chance to show them any form of gratitude.
After a while the only sound to break the silence was the clatter of cutlery but your gaze remained on zuko. Is this real!? Was he actually sitting across from you!? You move your left hand over top of your left and squeeze a slight pain bloomed proving that this was indeed not a dream. Your chance was finally here right in front of you. You could finally connect and break the spell of distance between you before you could think your lips opened.
“ How was your meeting” coming out louder than you meant it to
Hearing the flames in the lamps crackle as time passed you reached for your wine glass, swishing the liquid contained inside back and forth before taking a sip letting the berry flavors marinate as you waited for an answer. He glanced up briefly at you, his utensils stopping mid motion “Fine” his voice clipped looking back down to his plate.
He’d never been this curt before. Maybe he just didn’t want to talk about it? Setting down the glass moving on to a lighter topic. “ I met with Mikyu and Misaki today. The robes and jewelry are breathtaking. I can't -“ the creaking of the chair sliding back interrupts you. Zuko stands up straight “ Where are you going?” you swiftly interjecting
“ I have some scrolls to sign off on, I must leave” his voice was just as monotone as before, like he could care less about what you had to say. “Maybe you could stay a while longer” you lightly suggested, a shimmer of disappointment glimmered in your eyes. You had finally gotten a moment together to talk as husband and wife after so long and he wanted to cut it short for diplomacy.
“ I don’t have the time “
“ Maybe that's the problem, Zuko! “ You yell hands slamming on the table knocking over your glass of wine“ You don’t make time for us anymore! Has it even occurred to you it’s been two months we haven’t spoken let alone spent any time together since our wedding not a single word do you even care! Because it’s starting to feel like you don’t “ warmth in your body erupted anger seething out like the brightness flames, staring daggers into him.
But as hot as the flames they were soon snuffed out by the a stinging sensation rapid followed a waterfall tears
“ You have no idea how hard it is to wake up everyday in a bed alone surrounded by walls and people alien to you having to learn a new way of life just so your people can have a chance for a better one! For the carefree, awkward and charming person you fell in love with to vanish only to be replaced with someone you don’t recognize hoping and pleading to the gods that things would change! That the Husband that looked you in the eyes so lovingly and vowed to love and protect you would be there for you! talk to you.
“ But I guess that’s too foolish to wish for..” Your voice disappearing
Quickly whipping your eyes you stalked off not wanting to hear what he had to say, leaving nothing but the echo of your shoes behind.
The water in the bath chamber sloshes as your body moves further down, relaxing your muscles. After your outburst Flora led you here she must have heard everything standing outside waiting for you.the heat in your body rose just thinking about it. Groaning weakly, you place your hands going over your face in embarrassment. According to Flora she had overheard some ladies in waiting talking to the cooks about dinner and hearing Zuko’s name mentioned. She had wanted it to be a surprise hoping that you two could finally reconnect but after how things went down she profusely apologized. Not wanting her to blame herself you dismissed the apology after all she did have your best interest at heart.
Dipping your hands in the water watching as it streamed out of your cupped hands and back into the endless pool of itself. Water was something that had always calmed you but it was doing very little to compose you right now. Sorrow still plagued your mind the longer you thought about it. You had finally got to tell Zuko how you felt but where did you go from here? Do you give him even more space? Resolve it right away? In all honesty you felt lost “ Maybe getting a goodnights rest will help” you say to yourself stepping out of the bath letting your lady in waiting wrap you in the silk robes that seemed to weigh more on your shoulders.
Flora and the others readied you for bed. Locs safely secure under one of your main satin scarves.You walk down the hall to your shared room. Flora had suggested the idea of sleeping in a separate room for the night but you kindly declined wanting to avoid pushing the conflict further. Deciding to face this head on approaching the door you slowly opened it quietly closing it on your way in. The candles in the room silently flicker in a quiet dance with one another reminding you of a slow sway in a dance that reminded you of your coronation day.
Zuko’s laid on his back in bed still his long hair sprawled out some strands obstructing his eyes. His forearm resting over his eyes made him look asleep, but unknownst to you he was spiraling. Walking over to the bed you sit letting it dip ever so slightly under your weight. Looking over you take in his form wanting to say something, but alas you held your tongue. You reveled in the room's silence and waited for sleep to take you but before it could a low voice interrupted.
“ I’m sorry”
Your breath hitched, fingers curling into the silks of the blanket beneath your hands. Opening your eyes, you turned ever so slightly. Zuko was awake, golden eyes locking with yours. Even though you didn’t respond, he continued to speak, something heavy laced within his voice. “ I've been thinking about everything you said and you were right, I've been so caught up in my duties that I've been totally neglecting you and our marriage.” he says as he rises up. You rise alongside him hands now resting elegantly atop of the silks.
“ I've gotten so obsessed with the preparation of changing everything my father built. I started to lose sight of myself and the person who I'm supposed to love and care for. I should've been more attentive toward you.” He clenched his fists tightly against his lap before continuing.
“ I may not know how it feels to leave my home so my people can have a better way of life. I was banished at a young age. I should’ve known the feeling of not being home, having someone to turn to in need of comfort. Instead I put myself deep into diplomatic duties to fix everything my father destroyed. Not knowing how that would have affected you, my wife. For that I truly and deeply apologize for my digressions ” Zuko gently takes your hands in his, bringing them up to rest against his forehead in deep apology.
“ I declare to you, the Zuko you know, love, and chose to stand beside is still here. No, I give you my word that I’m still here. “ Zuko states, placing your hand to rest against his beating heart. It felt warm….sincere. It felt…good. “ From this night forward I promise to be the husband that I vowed to be.” Tears prickle from the sides of your eyes.
“ We may all get lost in our pursuit of work balance Zuko, and we may have not known each other for long, but I’m here for you always. I know I’m the one who normally talks and you listen, but as your wife, and as future Fire Lady. Please come to me, rely on me whatever you need. I'll be here. You don’t have to rule all by yourself.” You say, the hand he had placed upon his chest curling tightly into his robe.
Zuko puts his forehead on yours. Inhaling deeply “ Will you forgive me”
“ Yes I’ll forgive you…under one condition “ a small smile comes across your face.
“ And that is?” His breath tickles your face, eyes serious.
“We must come together three times a week, whether it’s through tea, frolicking through the garden, walking through the village, or even resting here in our chambers. I want us to spend more time together, not as Fire Lord and Fire Lady, but as husband and wife. ”
“ I can do that. I will do that for you, my wife. I’ll even have it put in writing by tomorrow “
A giggle escapes your lips. The thought of Zuko sitting in the council room writing such a request on a divine scroll with such seriousness and dedication plagued your mind. It was a cute thought indeed.
Zuko leans forward ready to push his lips against yours before stopping halfway. “ May I? “ His eyes flicked to yours, his hands now holding yours. “ Yes, my husband. You may “ He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, eagerly pushing his lips against yours in a passionate kiss. Your response being just as passionate as your lips move against his. Heat rose in the apples of your face. It’s truly been a while since you’ve both kissed like this.
Pulling back for some much needed air. Foreheads resting against each others, His calloused hands resting upon your cheeks, as yours rested upon the back of his head, “ Even if you get lost again. I’ll always guide you back to me like the moon does the tide. ” You spoke softly.
“ And I’ll be waiting for the moons ever so bright and effortless light to guide and bring me back to you”
“ I Love You” he declared, pressing a kiss on top of your head before pulling back. His eyes so full of fondness as if he had never left in the first place.
“ And I love you, Zuko ”
“ It’s getting late, You need your rest to put my conditions into writing ” You whisper teasingly.
Sliding under the sheets, you and Zuko move as close as possible to each other. Hands clasping together as you lay your head on top of his chest. You squeeze his hand tightly once more as if afraid he would disappear on you if you didn't. The silence in the room felt warm and comforting as if everything was back how it should be. The loop had shattered. No longer were you stuck in endless distance and loneliness, everything had finally fallen into place upon you.
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