Aang x Reader - The Cracks in the Foundation
This is for those who need some triple aangst espresso for that nice comfort to hit good so I hope this delivers. It's actually legitimately so hard to write Aang pissed tf off without making him entirely out of character.
Contains: some movie spoilers (not much though), no use of reader, or y/n, mentions of genocide, Aangst lot of aangst, grief, established relationship, some fluff, comfort at the end. After Aangst there's some good aangst here.
"At least I don't go galavanting with someone I just met-a man who can't be trusted!" Akari hissed, her amber eyes flashing.
“Galavanting!” Aang’s voice rose indignantly, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. “He’s teaching me things I couldn’t have ever hoped to learn-!”
“Oh so that makes him the gold standard for trust does it?” Akari snapped back. “Aang, I saw him nearly CRUSH an entire airship with his bending! Last I checked you always preached about how the Air Nomads were a nonviolent sort. Seemed pretty violent to me!”
Katara who had been watching the shouting match between the Firebender and Airbender uncomfortably, couldn’t help but add, “I saw it too Aang-Tagah wasn’t fighting defensively. He-”
Aang rounded on her, his normally gentle moonstone gray eyes flashing to flint. “Stay out of it, Katara.”
Sokka, who had been lounging near Toph, was on his feet in an instant. “Don’t. Talk. To my sister. That way Aang.” the normally jovial Water Tribe warrior hissed through gritted teeth, his hand resting warningly on his boomerang. Aang snorted, shaking his head as if getting rid of water. The Water Tribe warrior took a step towards the Airbender. “Give me a reason, Aang.” he gripped his boomerang so hard his knuckles were pulled flat and sharp.
“You see?” Akari reached up, gripping Aang’s shoulder to turn him back towards her, getting him to look at her directly. “This isn’t like you. You’ve been acting off kilter ever since you found out about this stupid staff-” Aang’s nostrils flared.
“Stupid?! That staff is the answer to bringing back my people!” he yelled, taking a pace towards the young woman in front of him, throwing his hands to his chest as he did.
Akari let out a dry incredulous laugh.
“Your people?” she sneered, putting a hand on her hip. “Your people are fucking DEAD!” The words echoed off the walls of the chamber.
Zuko and Sokka looked at each other, grimacing. Toph had stopped playing with her meteorite armband, going entirely too still. Katara had her hands over her mouth, glancing between Aang and Akari, wanting to say something to heal the wounds that had been ripped open between the two young adults, but wisely staying quiet.
Aang took a step back, his eyes glistening, and he whispered, “You don’t need to remind me of that.” and Akari wished she could take the words back, go back in time before Aang had ever learned of the lost Air Nomad relic. When things were simpler. When they just looked up at the expanse of stars after pouring over leads of Air Nomad relics.
She sighed, looking away from Aang, unable to bear seeing those pretty moonstones glisten like they were underwater, studying the walls of the airship.
“I think I do.” Akari murmured looking back at the angry Avatar in front of her. “I think you think this relic will restore the dead to you. It won’t. Your people are gone, Aang.” the Firebender stared the Avatar in the eyes as she added, “And that’s awful. It sucks. But this staff won’t change the past. I don’t buy what Tagah is selling. And I don’t want you to get your hopes up for nothing, because you decided to trust HIM over US.”
Aang shook his head exasperatedly, turning away from the Firebender and leaning on the railing. Almost too quietly for anyone to hear, he muttered mutinously, “You’re starting to sound like Gyatso.”
Akari huffed, “Good. At least one of us does.”
Aang’s eyes widened and he spun around snarling, “What did you just say?!”
“You heard me.” Akari said, her arms folded across her chest.
Aang walked towards her until there was barely a hair’s length distance between them. He stared down at her breathing hard, and she glared right back up at him. Amber clashed with moonstone, neither giving way. Any other time, he’d have teased her about how much shorter she was than him, taller than her by a head or two. But now, all he could do was hiss out through gritted teeth, “You don’t get to-”
“I don’t get to WHAT? Hmm?” Akari interrupted. Aang scowled, turning away sharply, before turning back on his heels to face the Firebender, eyes blazing.
"Would you distrust EVERY new Airbender we might meet?" Aang asked, throwing his hands up, causing Akari to blink in surprise.
"If they give me a reason to, yes.” the Firebender nodded and Aang wanted to launch an air slice at something in frustration in the face of her unwavering stubbornness. What’s her problem?! Can’t she see what this means to me?! He thought angrily as she continued, “Just as YOU distrusted Zuko when he first became your Firebender teacher. Just as Katara didn’t trust me when we first met. I had to earn her respect. And Tagah has to earn mine.” she shook her head, amber eyes clouded with an emotion Aang couldn’t quite place. “I never thought you'd be the type to put one group of people above others, Aang. I believed better of you."
Aang dragged a hand down his face, groaning in exasperation. "That's not what I'm doing, it's just a question."
“Pretty defensive there if it’s just a question.” Sokka muttered to Toph who nodded. Aang shot them a look before turning back to Akari.
"You know what? Fine. Believe what you like. But this is the one chance I have to bring back my people. Are you telling me to waste it? What if he’s right and I decide to turn back?! Then what huh?" His normally bright gray eyes were like river stones, cold and hard.
Akari sighed almost in defeat and said, "Alright, fine." To Aang’s surprise, her once glimmering amber eyes were dull, and sad as she said, "It's not going to work is it? You and me?"
“We’re not about to witness what I think we’re witnessing are we?” Sokka whispered, eyes wide. Katara elbowed him hard in the ribs. “Oof.”
Aang shook his head, as if in denial at what he’d just heard. "W-what do you mean? Why wouldn’t we work? I thought…I mean. I-"
"I do love you, Aang.” Akari nodded, her gem-like eyes glistening. “But I can see exactly where I stand in your life. I was happy to work with you with restoring the Temples, it was good work. And when we get back, I’ll still be your partner in that sense. Because it meant something. But if you just want to,” she scratched the shell of her ear, before looking back at Aang, “I dunno, force Airbending to come back? I won’t get behind that. And I don’t want to get in the way of your progress. If this is so important to you Aang, I won't stop you. I just hope you don't come to regret it."
With that, the young ambassador turned on her heel, and stalked away, head high. Aang blinked, trying to process what had just happened. He and Akari never fought. Not like this. He took a step forward, calling out "Wait! Akari WAIT! I’m sorry, let me-!"
But she was already gone.
He wanted to go after her, make her understand, but shock kept him rooted to the spot. What just happened? Why would she suddenly act like she doesn’t have a place by my side? Whatever she thinks, there’s no one more important than her! I love her! he thought as he gripped the railing so tight his knuckles hurt. He had to try and explain-a hand on his bicep halted his train of thought. He turned and saw Zuko shake his head gravely.
“Give her time. In fact,” the Fire Lord’s eyes narrowed and his voice rose to address the entire group. “I think we all need some space. We’ll regroup in a little while. Everyone go and get some fresh air.” The Fire Lord looked at the Avatar. “That’s an order.”
Sokka immediately got up and stretched. “Oof.” he groaned as his shoulders popped. “I’m just gonna…Yeah.” He slipped away below deck.
Katara glanced at Aang as she walked past, her blue eyes sympathetic. “Things will work out.” the master Waterbender murmured, always full of hope and optimism. “You know her, nothing keeps her away for long.” The Waterbender gently placed a hand on Zuko’s shoulder, the two sharing a look before Katara walked away.
Toph shook her head, rolling her milky green eyes. “I’m surrounded by a bunch of Spirit’s forsaken chuckleheads.” she bumped Aang’s shoulder as she headed up to the upper deck. “C’mon Sparky.” she tugged Zuko along, “Let’s get some fresh air.”
Zuko glanced at Aang, giving his shoulder a gentle but firm squeeze. “Katara’s right. Things’ll work out. Just give her space.” The Fire Lord gave the Avatar one more firm pat on the shoulder before walking after Toph and Katara.
Once Aang was alone, he crouched on the balls of his feet, his head in his hands. His people, Katara, Akari… Am I just destined to lose everyone I care about? A horrid thought suddenly came to him, unbidden. Is it worth bringing the Airbenders back if I lose the one person I can’t live without? He groaned, digging his fingers in his skin. “How do I fix this?” he whispered hoarsely.
The rest of the day the airship was thick with tension. Aang had spent most of it with Tagah, learning of ancient Airbending techniques, but the ancient Air Nomad could see Aang’s heart wasn’t as in the training as it had been just earlier that day, when the younger Air Nomad had rode the wind without a glider thanks to Tagah’s assistance.
“This…Firebender of yours,” the older man murmured as the two looked up at the expanse of stars. “She’s special to you is she?”
Aang grinned though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah,” he sighed. “We met a few years ago, when she first moved to Republic City.” he chuckled at the memory. “She actually shoved me out of the way as she chased her family’s harpy tiger through the streets-her little brother had followed her to the city. Oh she was livid.”
“She seems,” the ancient Airbender paused as if trying to find the right words to describe the ambassador from what little he had seen of her. “Spirited.”
Aang laughed. “That’s one way to describe her.” A mournful look crossed his face. “I never thought I’d see her so upset. And I don’t know what to do to make it right. Everything I say seems to be wrong.”
Tagah chuckled softly. “It’s times like this where I’m glad the monks preached detachment and a solitary life.”
Aang glanced at him from where he lay on his back with his hands behind his head, “You’ve never…?”
Tagah shook his head. “Not once. Doesn’t seem like I’m missing much if I’m honest. In my era, the Four Nations were separate. Perhaps that’s how it should be.”
Aang pushed himself up, resting his forearm on his knee. “No. I don’t believe that. Just look at my friends-Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, and Akari? They’re all from different nations. And they’re all my family. I used to think the nations should be separate, in order to heal from the war but…I realized that I want a world where we can all share it together.”
Tagah blinked. “Even with one who is part of the nation who burned our people to ash?” he asked. He sounded more curious than accusing, but Aang couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.
“I forgave the Fire Nation a long time ago,” he bit out. “Zuko is doing a ton of good reform work. And the people are not to be blamed for what one person did a hundred years ago. And Akari-”
Tagah held up his hand. “Forgive me if I overstepped. It just surprised me is all.”
Aang sighed, running a hand over his smooth head, letting it settle at the back of his neck. “No, it’s okay. You’re not the first to be surprised. I just…wish people would understand. It shouldn’t matter that Akari is a Firebender and I’m an Airbender. She makes me laugh, she’s so strong and fierce, and…” he huffed with a smile, “spirits her eyes…” his ears went red.
Tagah’s eyes glinted. “If she means so much to you as you say, you should probably go to her.”
Aang fidgeted before replying, “What if she doesn’t listen?”
Tagah stood, stretching. “Then find another way to make her understand. You might be the Avatar, but you’re an Airbender, first and foremost, Aang. Think like one.” he nodded before leaving the deck.
“So…” a familiar voice drawled as Akari stared at the flicker of flame in her hand. “That was intense, huh?”
She rolled her eyes. “Very astute observation Sokka.”
“Why thank you,” Sokka sniggered, though the laughter died when Akari didn’t join in. He sat down next to her on the catwalk, their legs dangling between the poles of the railing. “How are you?”
She glared at him, though it held no real malice. She just didn’t have the energy anymore to be angry. It was so draining. The warrior and inventor rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Right. Stupid question. It’s just…That was a lot.”
Akari groaned, letting her forehead rest against the rail. “I know, I know. I don’t know what came over me there. It’s just…” she shrugged, flicking her hand to get rid of the fire in her palm. “Aang is acting so differently now. I’m…scared.”
Sokka blinked, blue eyes wide. “Of Aang? Please. He wouldn’t hurt a fly let alone you, he worships you.”
Akari shook her head. “No, no of course not. I’m. I’m afraid for him. Sokka, what if we do go through all this and it’s for nothing?” she looked at the de facto leader of their group, a desperate look on her face. “You know as well as I do that that would crush Aang.”
Sokka sighed, “I know. But you know Aang. Once he gets an idea in his head…”
Akari scoffed. “So what? I’m just supposed to accept madness and stupidity then?”
Sokka laughed, throwing his head back. “The day you do that is the day we’re all screwed. You keep his head on his shoulders in ways even Katara couldn’t when they were together. Honestly it’s kind of refreshing. You can actually see in real time when his mind short circuits.”
Akari smiled at the compliment. “Why did they break up? I keep asking Aang but he always changes the subject when I do. I think he worries I’m jealous, but I don’t know why. I dated people before meeting him. Makes sense he would too.”
Sokka hummed. “Not much to tell really. From what I understood they just kind of started to drift apart as things got more and more settled with Republic City. I think Katara seeing Republic City get officiated made her want to focus on rebuilding the Southern Water Tribe. She wanted to settle, he wanted to travel.”
Akari nodded, understanding. “I get that. I remember him worrying about whether we could even be together.”
Sokka laughed again. “Oh, Spirits don’t remind me. He was all "Ohhh, I don't want Kari to think she's some rebound," and I was all "dude, you're my best friend, but I can't believe you're being so thick headed over this. Just ask her out!" I love the guy but seeing you two dance around each other was painful.”
Akari rolled her eyes. “We weren’t that bad. At least I knew what I wanted, I just...didn't want him to feel awkward with work.” she muttered.
Sokka let out an incredulous sound, shaking his head. “You two really are perfect for each other.” he said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?!” she nudged him playfully.
“Nothing, nothing!” Sokka nudged her back. “So. Back to the subject at hand.”
Akari groaned, gripping the poles and leaning back before straightening again. “I know I should apologize. What I said about his people I…that was fucked up. But I just…” she shook her head as if trying to clear her vision. “He’s so different now, Sokka.” she couldn’t help the whine that left her mouth as she said the words.
Sokka nodded, looking grave. The expression seemed wrong on the inventor’s face. “I get what you mean. That whole chase through freakin’ tornadoes thing? We didn’t really have much choice there, and Aang isn’t one to act like he just gets to decide what we’re doing.” he sighed. “Those non-benders are dangerous. Speaking from experience, we can be dangerous. And if they get that staff before we do and if it can do what Tagah says…” he shook his head, unable to finish.
“What should I do?” Akari whispered, igniting another tiny flame in the palm of her hand and staring at it without really looking at it. “I just want him to understand that it’s about trust. He’s trusting Tagah way too easily and he isn’t taking anything I say into account.” she sighed.
Sokka sighed. “Are you sure it’s really about trust between you two?”
Akari blinked, looking stunned. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice quiet.
“I mean,” Sokka stated slowly drawing the word out, looking at her intently. “If this all does work out, and we do bring the Airbenders back, and Aang wants to go off and do whatever it is Airbenders do, would you be okay with that?”
“Of course I would!” Akari gasped, her eyes wide. “This isn’t about his people, Sokka! It would be amazing if he could bring them back. I said before it’s about trust. How can we be together if he trusts this stranger more than he does me?!”
“I think that’s something you’re gonna have to ask Aang. He’s a big boy now, he can make his own decisions.” Sokka replied. “I’ve known him a long time-no one can make Aang do something he won’t want to do. The only one who can make up his mind about this whole mess is himself. So, the best I got is just, lay it all out there.” He paused, pretending to think. “After you apologize cause what you said was pretty messed up.” Akari lightly shoved his shoulder with the palm of her hand.
“Oh gee thanks for the support,” she groused playfully.
“I call it as I see it.” the Water Tribe warrior retorted, wrapping Akari around her shoulders, bringing her close in a tight hug, and ruffling her hair, despite her protests. He let her go, smiling as she fixed her thick brown tresses. “But seriously? So you guys had one big fight that isn’t the end of the world. If you really do care about each other, you’ll work things out.” He got up and stretched until his back popped.
“Last I saw he was on the upper deck.” he added, with a wink as he trotted up the stairs. “Starry skies, cool evening breeze…”
“Yes, I get it Sokka, thank you.” Akari called back flatly as the warrior’s laugh echoed through the lower parts of the ship.
As Akari made her way to the upper topmost deck of the airship, she had to adjust her footing to avoid running into the one man she wanted to avoid above all others.
“Tagah.” she growled, folding her arms across her chest.
The Ancient Air Nomad nodded cordially at her. “Akari. Aang is still there, if you’re wondering.”
“I know,” the Firebender said shortly. “I was just coming up to talk to him.”
Tagah hummed. “The Avatar needs proper guidance now more than ever in a world recovering from war. War caused by the Fire Nation.”
Akari stiffened. “Aang’s more than capable of handling his responsibility. He doesn’t need to be babysat like a child.”
Tagah grinned, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “On that much, we agree.” He nodded in farewell before walking downstairs.
Akari shook her head with a scoff. “Ugh pompous...” she muttered as she headed the rest of the way up to the deck.
She stopped when she saw Aang. The young Air Nomad was leaning against the railing, facing away from her. His forearms resting lightly on the rail, one foot crossed behind the other. His long cloak billowed softly in the wind.
She suddenly wished she had thought about what to say before coming up here. Sokka liked to joke about how Aang’s mind short circuited but seeing the Airbender’s normally lax posture look like the weight of the world was on his shoulders had her mind stall. Suddenly “I’m sorry” felt like it wouldn’t be enough for what she had said.
Ohhh I fucked up, she thought miserably. Kari, why do you always have to just keep poking the tigerdillo?
She turned around, ready to head back down, wanting to give herself more time to think. But stopped dead in her tracks when a quiet “I know you’re there.” reached her ears. Would it be cruel of her to just keep walking? Surely Aang would also need more space to think. Her hopes were dashed when the Avatar added, “Can we talk?” His voice was so gentle that it made her heart ache.
Akari sighed, then nodded to herself. She turned around, and made her way to the railing where Aang was resting. She kept her eyes trained on the stars, not daring to look the Air Nomad in the eyes, even as she crossed the space and stood next to him. She braced herself on the same railing he did, but with her palms rather than her forearms as he did.
Despite being at high altitude, the air felt as though the Firebender were in a boiler room. Every breath she took felt heavy. Like she couldn’t get enough in her lungs. She tried to disguise her heavy breathing as deep breaths. Hoping that the master Airbender next to her wouldn’t comment on it.
“Hey.” The Spirits really liked to pull the rug from under her tonight it seemed. Aang’s voice was quiet, but it got her attention, her head turning almost of its own accord to him. His eyes, which before were hard as river stones, were soft as storm clouds. Her breath caught in her throat. “Hey, you okay? You look pale.”
The Firebender nodded. “I’m fine,” she breathed, her voice tight. Akari swallowed the lump in her throat as she added, “I just. I wanted to see if you were okay.”
Aang huffed softly, reaching a hand up as if to brush a stray strand of hair out of her face, before dropping his hand to rest on the railing. “I’ve….” he paused, looking towards the sea of stars. “Been better.” he finished.
Akari hummed, following his gaze to look at the sky. The silence between them seemed to stretch for eons before Aang asked, “Did…Did you really mean-”
“I’m sorry.” Akari interrupted, turning to look at the forlorn Airbender next to her. “I know it isn’t really enough for what I said, and it was wrong, and cruel, and.” she took in a gulp of air before plowing onward, the words pouring out of her like a waterfall into a pool below, “I know what this means to you, really I do, I would love it if the Airbenders came back, even if it meant having to give you up, but I just don’t want you to lose yourself in this way, because I love you, and I’m scared I won’t recognize you by the time we get to the end of this quest, and I’m hurt that you seem to trust Tagah over me and-”
A pair of soft lips on hers stopped her words. She sighed softly as Aang kissed her, soft and gentle. She realized then that his hand was over hers on the railing, another cupped her face, and his chest pressed against hers. She always felt safe when he nearly enveloped her like this. Just as she started to tentatively return it, he pulled away, pressing his forehead against hers, eyes half lidded.
“What do you mean, ‘give me up’?” he whispered. “And trust? You know I trust you with my life. With my culture.” he traced her cheekbone with his thumb. “There’s no one else I’d rather spend time with. Why the sudden doubt?”
Akari brought her hand up to lightly grasp Aang’s wrist. “Because…you keep brushing off my concerns.” She hated how childish she sounded but now that the words were out she couldn’t take them back. “I’m sorry if I ever made it seem like you had to choose between me and your culture, but I just can’t. Trust Tagah.”
“And because I spent so much time with him since finding him you thought I trusted him, chose him, my people, over you?” Aang guessed, brushing his nose against hers. “Ohhh, Kari.” Aang sighed, closing his eyes. “What would be the point of bringing my people back if my family weren’t there beside me?”
Akari laughed wetly. “I thought I was supposed to be comforting you.” she said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you were still angry.”
Aang sighed, stepping away just enough to look down at her. “What you said hurt.” he confirmed, and Akari winced. “But I think I know why you said it. You’re right. I can’t change the past.” he sighed again. “But I can still change the future. If there’s even the slightest chance, I have to take it.”
Akari nodded, resigned. No one can make Aang do something he won’t want to do, Sokka’s words rang in her ears. She had said her piece. And Aang was still determined to take this path. Even if it might amount to nothing. The best she could do now, was stand beside him. Offer him her fire because that’s what she had promised to do back when he had so very nervously asked if they could be something more than friends.
“Okay. Like I said, I won’t stop you. But I won’t try anymore to convince you to change your mind.” Akari took a small breath. “But promise me one thing, Aang.”
Aang nodded, looking unusually serious. “Name it.”
“Don’t shut me out. I’m not just here because you asked me to be here. I’m here because you’re my boyfriend, and I love you.” She couldn’t help but smile when Aang beamed at the last part.
“I love you too.” he interrupted, tracing his thumb along the back of her hand that rested on the railing.
“I know. But it doesn’t feel like it when you ignore what I have to say. And I’m not the only one who’s been feeling put off by…this.” Akari poked his chest with her free hand. Aang let out a soft huff of laughter, and Akari couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her as he did.
“I’m sorry I made you feel that way,” Aang said as the soft laughter died down. “I never meant-”
“I know.” Now it was Akari who interrupted him, placing the palm of her hand on his chest. “And I really am sorry about what I said, about your people-”
Aang enveloped her hand with his own, holding it gently but firmly to his chest. “I know.” he repeated her words back. “And…I promise I won’t let my hope make me deaf to you. If this works, I can’t imagine anyone better to stand beside as we navigate that new future.” he gave her hand at his chest a squeeze.
“And…if it doesn’t?” Akari asked quietly, looking up at Aang steadily.
“If it doesn’t, then I still have you. And the others. But I can’t kiss the others so,” Aang shrugged, and Akari rested her forehead on his shoulder with a short laugh. “Together. No matter what. Right?” He asked, kissing her knuckles gently.
Akari wrapped her arms around him then, burying her face in his chest. She sighed as he brought his arms around her, one hand resting at the small of her back, the other at the back of her head. “No matter what.” she agreed. “Promise.”
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