#arixella

The temple was finally quiet.

For once.

No missions.

No meetings.

No training.

Just you and Aang alone in your room late at night while the rest of the Gaang settled down for sleep somewhere else in the temple. The windows were cracked slightly open, cool mountain air drifting through the room while candlelight flickered softly against the walls.

You were curled against Aang’s side underneath the blankets, practically melted into him at this point. Not that he minded.

Aang loved being close to you.

Actually, loved was probably an understatement.

At the moment, he was laying back against the pillows shirtless, one arm around your waist while the other lazily traced shapes against your skin absentmindedly.

You were half laying on top of him, wearing one of his loose wraps that kept slipping off your shoulder every few minutes and nothing else underneath-

Aang was definitely struggling to focus because of it. You noticed every single time his eyes drifted.

“You’re staring again,” you teased softly.

His ears turned pink immediately.

“I can’t help it.”

You laughed quietly before leaning up and kissing him again. That ended any chance of coherent thought immediately.

Aang kissed you back fast, one hand sliding up your back as he pulled you closer against him instinctively.

Warm.

Soft.

Comfortable.

The kind of kissing that had no real goal other than enjoying each other. At least at first. Because after a while, it deepened naturally.

Aang’s kisses got slower, heavier, his hand tightening slightly at your hips every time you shifted against him.

And honestly?

You weren’t helping.

Especially not when your fingers slid over his body gently. A quiet sound escaped him immediately. You smiled against his lips. “That got your attention.”

“You always have my attention,” he murmured.

You kissed him again before he could keep talking because comments like that made your heart melt every single time. Aang responded instantly. He slowly moved his hand to the hem of the wrap. Slowly removing it. One hand moving up your ass, carefully while he kissed you deeper now, completely relaxed beneath you.

The blanket that was around you both had slipped lower somewhere along the way, exposing more of your naked body, but neither of you cared.

At least-

Until the door suddenly swung open.

“Aang, I need to ask you someth- ”

Silence.

Horrible.

Awful silence.

You froze instantly.

Aang’s eyes widened in absolute horror. Sokka stood in the doorway staring directly at the two of you.

At Aang shirtless.

At you half laying on top of him.

At the very obvious makeout session he had just interrupted.

“…OH COME ON!” Sokka yelled immediately.

Aang reacted on pure instinct. He grabbed the blanket so fast it was honestly impressive, yanking it up around you protectively until you were completely covered.

“SO KNOCK!” Aang shouted back immediately.

“I DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE DOING THIS!”

“Well maybe you should’ve!”

You buried your burning face into Aang’s shoulder instantly while Sokka pointed accusingly.

“WHY ARE YOU BOTH ALWAYS LIKE THIS WHEN I WALK IN?!”

“GET OUT!”

“I LIVE HERE TOO!”

“NOT IN THIS ROOM YOU DON’T!”

You could physically feel Aang’s embarrassment radiating off him.

His face was bright red.

Ears glowing. One arm wrapped tightly around you while he kept the blanket firmly pulled up around your body protectively.

Which honestly made your heart flutter a little despite the embarrassment. Sokka looked personally victimized.

“I can never unsee this.”

“THEN LEAVE!” Aang snapped.

“You guys are unbelievable!”

“You opened the door without knocking!”

“Because I didn’t think I was interrupting this!”

Aang groaned loudly, dropping his forehead dramatically onto your shoulder for a second. “You’re the worst.”

“You’re making out in the middle of the night!”

“It’s OUR room!”

Sokka pointed dramatically.

“I have trauma now.”

“You’ll survive!”

At this point you were laughing too hard into Aang’s shoulder to even help.

Which made Aang look at you in betrayal. “This isn’t funny.”

“It kind of is,” you admitted through laughter.

Aang groaned again while Sokka kept rambling dramatically.

“I’m serious, from now on there should be a warning sign on this door.”

“GET OUT!”

Finally, mercifully, Katara appeared behind Sokka.

“What are you yelling abou- ”

She stopped instantly after seeing the scene. Aang looked ready to evaporate on the spot. Katara sighed immediately. “Sokka, seriously?”

“I’M the problem?!” he cried.

“Yes! Knock before entering people’s rooms!”

“I DIDN’T THINK THEY’D BE HALF NAKED!”

Aang immediately pulled the blanket higher around you protectively again.

“Stop looking at her!”

“I’m trying NOT to!”

Katara physically grabbed Sokka by the arm. “Okay. We’re leaving now.”

“I can still see him shirtless!”

“Sokka.”

“I’m traumatized!”

The door finally shut behind them.

Silence.

Then

Aang dropped his face into his hands.

“Oh my god.”

You immediately started laughing again. Aang looked at you, still completely red. “This is your fault too.”

“How?”

“You distract me!”

“That is not a real excuse.”

“It is to me.”

You smiled softly despite yourself. Even flustered out of his mind, he still had one arm securely around you underneath the blankets. Still holding you close. Still protecting you first before even processing his own embarrassment.

Your expression softened immediately. “You covered me up,” you murmured quietly.

Aang blinked.

Then his face softened too.

“Of course I did.”

The sincerity in his voice made your chest warm. Even during absolute chaos

He thought about you first.

You leaned up, kissing his cheek softly this time. Aang immediately melted again despite everything.

“You’re cute,” you whispered.

“I’m humiliated.”

“You’re still cute.”

He huffed softly, trying not to smile.

Then after a second

“…Do you think Sokka’s gone?”

You listened for a moment.

“…Probably.”

Aang narrowed his eyes suspiciously toward the door.

“I don’t trust him.”

That only made you laugh harder while he pulled you closer again, still stubbornly keeping the blanket wrapped around you both.

♡♡♡

The first time you told Aang you were pregnant, he didn’t speak. He just stared at you.

Eyes wide. Breath caught somewhere between disbelief and something so overwhelming it almost looked like fear until it melted into something softer. Brighter.

Hope.

“Really?” he had asked, voice barely above a whisper. You nodded, smiling, your hands already trembling a little. “Really.”

And then he laughed, this breathless, disbelieving sound and in the next second, he had you in his arms, lifting you off the ground and spinning you like nothing else in the world mattered.

“We’re having a baby,” he kept saying, over and over, like if he stopped, it might not be real.

You had never seen him that happy.

And that was what made it so much harder.

From the beginning, Aang had been… perfect. Careful. Gentle. Always checking on you. He made sure you rested, made sure you ate, made sure you never lifted anything heavier than he thought you should—which led to plenty of playful arguments when you insisted you were still capable.

“I’m pregnant, not fragile,” you had said once, arms crossed.

“You’re both,” he shot back immediately, smiling, but his hands were already at your waist, guiding you to sit anyway. “And I’m allowed to worry.”

“You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough.”

If only he knew.

Because you did worry.

Just… quietly.

At night, mostly. When he was asleep beside you, one arm always draped protectively over you even in his dreams. You’d lie awake sometimes, your hand resting over your growing stomach, your thoughts spinning.

You knew what this meant to him. Not just a child.

A future.

A chance.

The Air Nomads… his people… his family.

Gone.

Except for him. And now…

Now there was a possibility. You told yourself it didn’t matter.

You told yourself what Aang had told you over and over again. “I don’t care if they’re an airbender or not,” he had said one evening, his hand resting gently over yours on your stomach. “I’ll love them no matter what. I’ll love you no matter what.”

“I know,” you whispered.

And you did.

You really did. But still…

Sometimes, when he thought you weren’t looking, you caught it. That flicker in his eyes. That quiet, hopeful thought he never said out loud. And it made your chest tighten.

Because you wanted to give him that.

So badly.

---

Your pregnancy went smoothly.

Better than you expected, honestly. There were moments, aches, exhaustion, the occasional overwhelming wave of emotion but Aang was always there. Always steady.

Always yours.

He talked to the baby constantly, kneeling beside you with that soft smile, his hand warm against your stomach. “Hey, little one,” he’d murmur. “I’m your dad.”

You’d laugh every time. “I think they know that by now.”

“I just want to make sure.”

Sometimes he’d rest his head there too, closing his eyes, like he was trying to feel something deeper than just movement. Like he was already connecting. And every time… your heart would ache with love for him.

And with fear you kept tucked away.

The day came faster than you expected.

One moment you were walking, talking, laughing. The next, everything changed. Pain. Sharp. Sudden. Real.

Aang panicked.

Just a little.

Okay, more than a little.

“It’s happening?” he asked, already pacing, already halfway to grabbing everything in sight.

“Yes, Aang,” you breathed, trying to stay calm despite the intensity building. “It’s happening.”

“Okay. Okay. I’m calm.”

He was not calm. Thankfully, Katara was there.

She stepped in immediately, grounding both of you with a firm but gentle presence. “Aang, breathe. I’ve got this. You, stay with her.”

“I’m staying,” he said quickly, moving back to your side, taking your hand in both of his like he was afraid to let go.

And he didn’t.

Not once.

It was long. Exhausting. Painful in a way you couldn’t have fully prepared for. But through all of it, Aang was there. Holding your hand. Brushing your hair back.

Whispering soft encouragements, his voice steady even when his eyes betrayed how emotional he was.

“You’re doing amazing,” he murmured. “I’ve got you… I’m right here.”

And when it finally happened

When the baby’s cry filled the room

Everything else faded. Your breath hitched, tears already spilling over as the weight of it all crashed into you at once. Aang froze. Completely.

His grip on your hand tightened, his other hand coming up to cover his mouth as his eyes filled instantly. Katara moved quickly, gently cleaning the baby, wrapping him carefully.

And then. She placed him in your arms. You gasped softly, looking down.

He was so small. So warm. So perfect.

A tiny hand curled instinctively, his cries softening as he settled.

Aang leaned in close beside you, his forehead pressing gently against yours as he looked down at your son.

“Our baby…” he whispered.

Your chest felt like it might burst. “You’re a dad,” you murmured.

His breath shook slightly. “You made me one.”

For a while, that was all that mattered. Just the three of you. But then…

Katara gently spoke.

“I should check…”

Your heart stilled. You hadn’t realized how much you’d been holding your breath until that moment. Aang glanced up, then back at you, his expression still soft. “It’s okay,” he said quietly.

You nodded.

But your hands tightened just slightly around the baby. Katara stepped away briefly. The seconds stretched.

Too long.

Too loud. And then she came back. Her expression was gentle.

Understanding.

And your heart dropped before she even said it.

“He’s… not a bender.”

The words felt heavier than they should have. You nodded slowly, but your vision blurred instantly. “Oh…”

You looked down at your baby, your beautiful, perfect boy and you loved him. Gosh, you loved him so much it hurt. But fear crept in anyway.

You couldn’t stop it.

Katara knelt beside you, her voice soft. “He’s healthy. He’s strong. That’s what matters.”

You swallowed hard, your voice shaking. “Aang…”

“He’ll love him,” she said firmly. “You know that.”

You did.

But still…

You nodded again, trying to steady yourself.

When you told him. You couldn’t even get the words out properly.

“Aang, he’s… he’s not- ” your voice broke, tears spilling over. “He’s not an airbender, I’m so sorry- ”

You didn’t even finish. Because Aang immediately moved closer, his hands gently framing your face. “Hey. Hey- no,” he said softly, wiping your tears with his thumbs. “Why are you apologizing?”

“I know how much this meant to you,” you whispered. “I know you wanted- ”

“I wanted this,” he interrupted gently. You stilled. His hand moved, brushing over the baby’s tiny head, his expression filled with nothing but warmth.

“Our son,” he said softly.

You blinked at him, tears still falling. “But the Air Nomads, your people- ”

“They’re a part of me,” he said. “And now they’ll be a part of him too, in whatever way they can be.” His eyes met yours again.

“And I meant what I said,” he added quietly. “I don’t care what kind of bender he is… or isn’t. I love him.”

His thumb brushed your cheek again, softer this time. “And I love you.”

Your breath hitched. “I was scared,” you admitted quietly.

“I know.”

“I just wanted to give you everything.”

“You already have.”

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, then another to your lips. Then he rested his forehead against yours again, just like before. “We made him together,” he murmured. “That’s everything to me.”

You let out a shaky breath, your grip on the baby relaxing as warmth replaced the fear. Aang shifted closer, wrapping an arm around both of you, pulling you into him.

And when you looked down again. At your son, peaceful in your arms. You realized something.

Nothing was missing.

Nothing at all.

Because he was already loved.

♡♡♡

By now, spending time in Sokka’s workshop had become routine. Comfortable. The kind of routine neither of you really talked about, but both secretly loved.

You’d show up sometime in the afternoon, usually carrying food or tea because Sokka got so focused he forgot basic human needs, and he’d immediately make room for you beside whatever disaster-project he was currently obsessed with.

Today was no different.

“Well,” you said carefully, staring at the strange collection of gears and wires spread across the table, “that certainly looks… complicated.”

Sokka grinned without looking up. “That’s because it is.”

“Good explanation.”

“I know.”

You rolled your eyes fondly, settling onto the stool beside him while he continued adjusting something impossibly tiny with intense concentration.

The workshop was warm today.

Sunlight filtered through the windows, catching dust in the air while tools and scraps cluttered nearly every surface. Somewhere in the corner, one of Sokka’s older failed inventions made an occasional concerning clicking sound.

You pointed toward it. “That thing’s still alive?”

“It’s not alive.”

“It sounds alive.”

“It’s thinking.”

“That is significantly worse.”

Sokka laughed quietly under his breath. Gosh, you loved that sound.

“You know,” he said after a moment, “most people don’t willingly spend hours sitting in a workshop watching someone work.”

“Most people don’t have you in the workshop.”

That got his attention immediately.

His hands paused over the device as he looked over at you, smiling in that soft, helpless way he always did whenever you said something affectionate unexpectedly.

“…You do that on purpose,” he murmured.

“Do what?”

“Make me completely forget what I’m doing.”

You smiled innocently. “Seems like a you problem.”

“Definitely a you problem.”

Still smiling, he reached over blindly until his hand found your knee, squeezing lightly before returning to work.

Casual touch.

Constant touch.

Sokka had gotten clingy over time, though he’d deny the word dramatically if anyone else used it.

But with you?

His hands were always finding you somehow.

Your wrist.

Your waist.

Your knee.

Like reassurance. You didn’t mind. Not even a little.

A while later, you ended up helping him organize metal pieces while he explained another one of his ideas with growing excitement.

“And then,” he said, gesturing animatedly with a screwdriver in hand, “if I angle the release mechanism correctly, it should create enough pressure to- ”

A sharp snap interrupted him.

You both froze.

“…Was that supposed to happen?” you asked slowly.

Sokka stared at the invention.

“…No.”

And then everything happened at once.

A loud crack echoed through the workshop as part of the machine sparked violently, metal jerking sideways with an awful screech.

“Sokka- ”

“Move!”

You barely had time to react before he grabbed you. Hard. One arm wrapped around your waist while the other came up protectively around your shoulders, yanking you straight against his chest as he twisted sharply, turning his body between you and the exploding machine.

Something shattered.

Metal clanged violently against the wall.

You heard another sharp pop-

Then Sokka shoved you both downward behind the workbench just as sparks burst across the room.

For a second, all you could hear was ringing. Your heart slammed against your ribs.

Sokka’s arms were locked around you tightly, his body curved protectively over yours while debris clattered nearby.

Then silence.

Heavy breathing.

The faint hiss of smoke. You blinked slowly.

“…Sokka?”

“I’m okay,” he answered immediately. You realized then that he was still shielding you completely, one hand cradling the back of your head tightly against his chest.

Like his first instinct hadn’t even been to protect himself.

Only you.

“Sokka,” you said again, softer this time. He pulled back just enough to look at you quickly, eyes scanning your face, your arms, your shoulders.

“You hurt?” he asked instantly.

“No,” you breathed. “I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

His shoulders sagged in visible relief. Only then did he finally glance toward the disaster across the room.

The invention was destroyed.

Completely.

Half melted, smoking slightly, pieces scattered everywhere.

“…Huh,” Sokka said faintly.

You stared at him. “Huh?”

“I may have miscalculated.”

You let out a disbelieving laugh, adrenaline still making your hands shaky. “You think?”

That finally seemed to snap him fully out of it. His attention whipped back to you again immediately, hands moving over your arms carefully like he was double-checking for injuries he might’ve missed.

“You’re really okay?” he asked again, quieter now. The concern in his voice made your chest ache a little. “I’m okay,” you repeated gently.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“You could’ve gotten hurt.”

“But I didn’t.”

“Because I moved you.”

The words came out sharper than he meant them to. Not angry at you. Angry at himself. You noticed instantly. “Sokka,” you said softly, reaching up to touch his face. “Hey.”

His eyes flicked back to yours.

“You protected me,” you murmured.

His expression shifted slightly at that. Like he still wasn’t satisfied.

“I should’ve checked the pressure twice,” he muttered. “I knew something felt off and I still- ”

“You didn’t know it would explode.”

“I should’ve.”

You smiled faintly despite everything. “You sound like Zuko right now.”

That earned the tiniest huff of laughter from him. Barely.

But enough.

Your hand slid from his cheek to the back of his neck gently. “I’m okay.”

Sokka looked at you for a long moment.

Then suddenly he pulled you against him again. Your breath caught softly as his face buried briefly against your shoulder. “You scared me,” he admitted quietly.

The vulnerability in his voice hit harder than the explosion had.

Your arms wrapped around him immediately. “I’m sorry.”

“No,” he said quickly, pulling back enough to look at you again. “No, not your fault.”

His hands stayed firm at your waist, almost like he needed to physically reassure himself you were still there. “You always do that,” you murmured softly.

“What?”

“Protect me first.” Your fingers brushed lightly through his hair. “You don’t even think about yourself.”

Sokka shrugged slightly, like it was obvious. “Of course I don’t.”

Your chest tightened painfully at how sincere he sounded.

“Sokka…”

“If something happened to you because of me- ” he stopped, jaw clenching briefly. “I couldn’t handle that.”

You looked at him quietly for a second. Then leaned forward and kissed him.

Slow.

Gentle.

The kind of kiss meant to calm more than anything else. Sokka melted into it immediately, one hand sliding up your back while the other stayed securely at your waist like he still wasn’t ready to let go.

When you pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against yours.

“…I really liked that invention too,” he mumbled suddenly.

You laughed softly in surprise.

“There’s the Sokka I know.”

“I contain multitudes.”

You smiled warmly, brushing your nose lightly against his. “Well,” you murmured, glancing toward the smoking remains of the machine, “on the bright side…”

“What bright side?”

“You saved me very heroically.”

That finally made him smile properly.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm.”

Sokka’s arms tightened around you again, softer this time.

“…Worth ruining the invention then,” he said quietly.

And somehow-

You knew he meant it completely.

♡♡♡

-Smile fades. Eyes go so serious. Way more serious than you’re used to.

-“...Who hurt you?”

-His voice isn’t loud , not Luffy loud. It’s quiet. Too quiet.

-He grabs your hand so gently it’s almost not Luffy at all. “You’re safe with me, okay?”

-That’s all he says in the moment. But later?

-He brings it up again. “I don’t like that you’re scared. I’m your captain. I’m supposed to protect you.”

-The next time someone so much as raises their voice at you?

-“Don’t talk to them like that. Or I’ll punch you into the ocean.”

-If he ever finds the person who hurt you, they’re gonna learn what Gear Fifth looks like up close.

-Clings to you more after that, lots of cuddles, hand-holding, head-in-your-lap moments.

-Says things like, “I love you. You’re mine. I got you,” with total, unshakable certainty.

Roronoa Zoro

-You flinch. Barely. He was just reaching to tuck your hair behind your ear, but your body moved like it was muscle memory.

-He stops instantly, hand suspended in mid-air, eye narrowing with sharp precision.

-“...Who hurt you?”

-Voice like a blade being unsheathed. Low, deadly calm. Not a demand. A promise.

-Zoro doesn’t do softness well, but the second he sees that flicker of fear, he switches.

-He steps back just enough to give you space but never takes his eyes off you.

-“You know I’d never lay a hand on you like that... right?”

-Later, when you talk, he listens. Every word. Every silence. And then he gets quiet. Still. Dangerous.

-The kind of quiet that means someone’s going to regret ever putting hands on you.

-He doesn’t say it, but you know he’s going to make sure it never happens again.

-Afterward, he’s more mindful, not coddling, but protective in small ways. Walking between you and others. Always watching.

Sanji Vinsmoke

-It happens so fast, he’s reaching to grab a jar from behind you, and you flinch.

-His hand drops like it burned him. Golden eyes wide, flickering with panic.

-“Mon chéri… who hurt you?”

-Not accusatory,  heartbroken. Like the very idea cracks something inside him.

-He’s immediately checking you over gently, carefully, like you’re made of glass.

-“I would never… I mean- ! I’d never lay a finger on you, you know that, don’t you?”

-You nod, and he gives you a shaky smile, but he’s not really smiling.

-If he finds out who it was? They’ll be lucky if he doesn’t go full Germa.

-Sanji may be a gentleman, but when it comes to someone hurting the person he loves?

-"I’ll make sure they never see the light of day again.”

-Afterwards, he’s extra attentive, constant soft touches, verbal affirmations, cooking your favorites every day.

-You can feel how much it’s eating at him, but he just keeps loving you louder.

Trafalgar Law

-You flinch when he brushes past you to grab something, the reaction so quick, so ingrained, it makes his heart stop.

-He freezes. Doesn’t even breathe for a second.

-Then, in that dead calm voice:

-“Who hurt you?”

It’s not emotionless. It’s too focused. Too sharp. You know that tone that’s the voice of a man already making plans.

-“I need to know. So I can deal with it.”

-He’s not trying to scare you, but Law is all razor edges when it comes to people he loves.

-“You don’t have to tell me now. Or ever. But I’ll wait. As long as it takes.”

-He gives you space, but watches you like a hawk for days. Weeks.

-Anytime someone gets too close, his hand is already on sword.

-If he ever finds out who it was? Oh, they’re not just going to suffer, they’ll vanish. Quietly. Permanently.

-Around you, though? He softens. Always announces his presence. Doesn’t touch without asking.

-He becomes incredibly intentional the small touches, the eye contact, the way he always checks in with,

-“You okay?” even when you’re just standing beside him.

-You never flinch again not around him. Not around his crew. Not with your captain.

♡♡♡

The party was loud.

Way too loud.

Music echoed through the massive palace halls while nobles and diplomats filled every corner laughing and talking over one another.

Servants carried trays through the crowd.

People danced.

Others drank and shouted over the music.

It was chaotic.

Honestly?

Most of the Gaang loved it. Sokka was already stealing expensive food. Toph was threatening rich people for fun. Katara was enjoying finally getting dressed up. Even Zuko seemed less miserable than usual.

But Aang-

Aang looked overwhelmed the second you walked in.

You noticed immediately. Of course you did. His shoulders were tense and his eyes kept darting around the room.

Too much noise.

Too many strangers brushing past him every few seconds.

You moved closer to him instinctively. “You okay?”

Aang gave you a quick smile. “Yeah.”

You gave him a look. “Aang.”

He sighed softly. “I’ve just never really been to… this.”

You smiled gently. “A fancy party?”

“Yeah.”

He leaned slightly closer to you. “There’s so many people.”

You rubbed his arm softly. “We can leave whenever you want.”

Immediately he shook his head.

“No.”

You blinked.

“Aang-”

“You were excited for this.”

His voice softened. “I want you to have fun.”

Your chest warmed instantly. Even overwhelmed, he was still more worried about you enjoying yourself. You smiled softly.

“I can stay with you.”

But Aang shook his head again. “No, go have fun.”

You hesitated.

“You sure?”

He smiled. “I’ll be okay.”

You leaned up, brushing a quick kiss against his cheek before pulling away. “Come find me if you need me.”

Aang’s face immediately pinked a little. Even after being together for a while, tiny affection like that still got to him.

“I will.”

For a while, things were okay. You stayed mostly with Katara.

Talking.

Laughing.

Dancing a little.

Checking on Aang whenever you spotted him through the crowd. At first he seemed alright. Then the party kept getting louder.

More crowded.

More chaotic.

People constantly brushing against him. Trying to talk to him because he was the Avatar.

Aang tried.

But slowly he could feel himself getting more overwhelmed. His breathing got tighter. His patience thinner. All he really wanted now was you. So eventually he started looking through the crowd for you.

That’s when he saw it.

Some guy standing way too close to you and Katara. Leaning into your space. You and Katara both clearly uncomfortable.

Trying to politely move away.

But the guy kept following. Still talking. Still trying to flirt.

Then-

Aang saw the guy reach for your waist. Something inside him snapped instantly. One second he was across the room. The next-

He was shoving through the crowd so fast people stumbled out of his way. You barely had time to register him approaching before...

Aang punched the guy square in the face.

Hard.

The entire room seemed to freeze. The guy staggered backward in shock.

“Aang?!”

You stared at him. Aang was breathing hard.

Eyes sharp.

Furious.

More furious than you had ever seen him.

“Don’t touch my fucking girlfriend.”

The words came out instantly.

Cold.

Protective.

Possessive.

The guy recovered quickly and swung back. Then suddenly they were fighting. Actually fighting. People screaming and backing away. Tables knocked over.

Aang dodging punches with terrifying speed before throwing another hit straight into the guy’s jaw.

“Aang stop-!”

But he wasn’t listening.

Not really.

The fear when he saw someone grabbing at you, it all exploded out of him at once. The guy lunged again. Aang shoved him back hard enough to send him crashing into a table.

Then suddenly-

Sokka and Zuko were there.

“WOAH- HEY!”

Sokka grabbed Aang around the shoulders. Zuko pulled the other guy back before this turned into an actual disaster.

“Aang!”

Aang was still tense.

Still breathing hard.

His fists clenched. Eyes locked on the guy like he wanted to hit him again. Eventually Zuko got everyone outside to avoid causing a bigger scene. The cold night air helped immediately.

At least a little.

The noise from the party became distant now. You stood with Katara nearby while Sokka and Zuko talked quietly with Aang.

You’d never seen him like that before.

Not even in battles.

Because this hadn’t felt like combat. It felt emotional. Almost out of control.

And honestly?

It scared you a little. Not because you thought he’d hurt you.

Never that.

But because Aang was usually so calm. So controlled. And tonight he’d completely lost it.

After a few minutes, Sokka and Zuko finally backed away. Aang stood there quietly now.

The anger gone.

Only guilt left behind.

You slowly walked over to him. “Aang?”

His eyes immediately lifted to yours. The second he looked at you, his expression cracked.

“I’m sorry.”

The apology came out immediately. “I don’t know what happened.”

You stayed quiet.

Aang rubbed a shaky hand over his face. “I was already overwhelmed and then I saw him touching you and- ”

He stopped himself.

Frustrated.

Ashamed.

“I just snapped.”

Your chest softened immediately. Because suddenly you could see it clearly now. He hadn’t just been angry. He’d been drowning all night trying to handle everything around him. And then someone touched you when you were uncomfortable. That was simply the thing that pushed him over the edge.

Aang looked down. “I shouldn’t have reacted like that.”

You stepped closer carefully.

“Aang…”

“I scared you.”

His voice got quieter. The guilt in it hurt to hear. “I never wanted to do that.”

You looked at him for a long moment.

Then gently-

“You didn’t scare me.”

His eyes flicked back up.

“You worried me.”

Aang swallowed hard. “I just…”

His jaw tightened. “I hated the way he was touching you.”

Your heart skipped slightly. Because even now guilty and overwhelmed. There was still protectiveness in his voice. You reached for his hand carefully. Immediately his fingers wrapped tightly around yours. Like grounding himself.

“You should’ve come to get me sooner,” you said softly.

Aang blinked. “What?”

“You were overwhelmed.”

His face fell slightly.“You were having fun.”

“I would’ve left with you.”

Aang stared at you silently. Like that possibility genuinely hadn’t occurred to him. Your thumb brushed lightly over his knuckles. “You don’t have to force yourself through things alone just because you think it’ll make me happy.”

Something emotional flickered across his face at that.

“I didn’t wanna ruin your night.”

“You’re more important than a party.”

The words hit him hard. You could see it instantly. His shoulders finally loosened slightly. Some of the tension leaving him. Then softer-

“I’m sorry I lost control.”

You stepped closer until your arms wrapped gently around him. Aang immediately melted into it. Like the second you touched him, his body finally realized it was safe to relax. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist.

Face burying slightly into your shoulder.

“I’ve got you,” you whispered softly.

Aang let out a shaky breath. And standing there outside the noisy palace, holding onto you tightly under the night sky

Aang realized maybe what overwhelmed him most tonight wasn’t the crowd.

It was the fear of losing you in it.

♡♡♡

The room was quiet when you found him.

Not empty, just… still.

Aang sat near the window, the soft glow of the moon spilling across his shoulders, outlining the stronger shape he’d grown into over the years. His back was slightly hunched, forearms resting on his knees, head lowered like the weight of the world hadn’t quite left him yet.

You didn’t say anything at first.

You just stepped inside and closed the door gently behind you.

He noticed anyway.

He always did.

His head lifted, eyes finding you instantly and something in them softened in a way that made your chest ache.

“Hey,” you said quietly.

“Hey…” His voice was lower than usual, tired, but warm in that familiar way that always pulled you in.

You crossed the room without thinking. “You’re back late.”

“Yeah. Took longer than expected.”

There was more to it. You could hear it in the pause, see it in the tension still sitting in his shoulders.

You stopped in front of him, studying his face. There were faint marks nothing serious, but enough to tell you it hadn’t been easy.

“You okay?”

He gave a small smile and nod, but it wasn’t convincing.

Before you could say anything else, he reached for you.

Not urgently. Not desperately.

Just… quietly.

His hand wrapped around your wrist, guiding you closer until you stood between his knees. Then his arms came around you, pulling you into him, his face pressing lightly against your stomach as he exhaled.

And that was when you understood.

He didn’t need questions.

He just needed you.

“Rough mission?”

A faint huff of breath. “Something like that.”

You felt his grip tighten slightly around your waist.

For a while, neither of you spoke.

The silence wasn’t awkward, it was soft, grounding. The kind that let everything settle.

Eventually, he shifted, leaning back just enough to look up at you. His hands stayed on you, thumbs absentmindedly brushing against your sides.

“Can you stay?” he asked.

It was simple.

But there was something vulnerable underneath it.

Your expression softened immediately. “Of course.”

You didn’t hesitate.

You never did with him.

Later, the room felt different.

Warmer.

You sat together on his bed, shoulders brushing, your head resting lightly against him as he leaned back against the wall. One of his arms was around you, fingers tracing slow, absent patterns along your arm.

“You don’t have to carry everything alone, you know,” you murmured.

“I know.” A pause. “It’s just… sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.”

You tilted your head slightly to look at him. “Then let me help.”

His gaze shifted down to you, something soft and grateful flickering there.

“You already do.”

Your fingers found his hand, intertwining gently.

For a while, you just talked.

About small things. About nothing. About everything.

The kind of quiet conversation that wasn’t really about the words, it was about being close, about reminding each other that you were here.

That you made it back.

At some point, the talking faded.

Not abruptly.

Just… naturally.

Your head ended up resting against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His hand moved slowly along your back, up and down, grounding, soothing.

You could feel the tension leaving him piece by piece.

“Aang?” you whispered.

“Mm?”

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

His arm tightened around you slightly, pulling you closer.

“Me too,” he murmured.

There was a pause.

Then his hand lifted, gently brushing your chin, guiding your face up toward his.

His eyes searched yours for a moment like he was asking something without words.

You didn’t pull away.

So he leaned in.

The kiss was soft.

Slow.

Not rushed, not urgent, just full of quiet feeling. His lips lingered against yours, like he was taking his time, like he didn’t want to miss a second of it.

Your hand curled lightly against his chest, feeling the steady warmth beneath your palm.

When he pulled back, it wasn’t far.

His forehead rested against yours, his breath warm against your lips.

“Stay,” he murmured again, softer this time.

“I am,” you whispered.

His fingers brushed along your cheek, then down your neck, hesitant but not unsure.

“Can I…?” he started, voice quieter now, more careful.

You understood what he meant.

And you answered the same way you always did with trust.

A small nod.

A soft “yes.”

The way his expression shifted was subtle, but it was there, something deeper, something more vulnerable than anything he’d shown all night.

His hands held you a little more carefully after that.

Every touch slower.

Intentional.

Like he was making sure you were comfortable, like he was grounding himself in you just as much as you were in him.

The kisses deepened not in urgency, but in emotion. Gentle, lingering, filled with everything he hadn’t said earlier.

And when you both finally lay back, wrapped up in each other, it wasn’t about anything rushed or overwhelming.

It was quiet.

Close.

Soft in a way that made the world outside disappear completely.

Later, much later, you were curled against him, your head tucked beneath his chin, his arms wrapped securely around you.

His fingers traced lazy patterns along your back again, slower now.

Calmer.

You could feel the difference in him.

The tension was gone.

Replaced with something steady.

Peaceful.

“Thank you,” he murmured softly.

You shifted slightly, looking up at him. “For what?”

“For staying.”

You smiled faintly, brushing your fingers along his jaw. “Always.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, holding you a little tighter.

And this time, when sleep finally came, it came easily.

Because neither of you were alone.

♡♡♡

The first thing you noticed about the Southern Water Tribe wasn’t the snow. It was the silence.

Not the peaceful kind you got in the Fire Nation gardens but something deeper, older. The kind that settled into your bones the second you stepped off Appa and into the endless white.

Your breath fogged instantly.

“Oh,” you murmured, staring out at the frozen landscape. “That’s… a lot of cold.” Beside you, Sokka lit up, actually lit up, like this place breathed life back into him. “Isn’t it amazing?” he said, already walking ahead a few steps before turning back to you. “This is it. My home.”

You smiled at him, soft despite the chill biting at your cheeks. “It’s beautiful.” Behind you, Zuko folded his arms, eyeing you carefully. “You can still change your mind.”

You shot him a look. “I’m not turning around.”

“You’ve never been anywhere like this,” he pressed. “The Fire Nation is warm. Even the Earth Kingdom, this is different.” Sokka’s expression shifted slightly. “She’ll be fine.” Zuko didn’t look convinced.

“I will,” you said, more firmly this time. Then, quieter, with a small smile, “I want to be here.”

Sokka glanced at you, something soft flickering in his eyes, and that was enough. Zuko exhaled sharply through his nose. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

---

At first, it wasn’t so bad.

Cold, yes but manageable.

Sokka barely left your side, constantly adjusting your furs, tugging you closer, pressing warm drinks into your hands like it was his personal mission to keep you from freezing solid. “You okay?” he asked for what had to be the tenth time that day.

“I’m fine,” you laughed, your nose pink from the cold. “You’ve asked me that already.”

“And I’ll ask again,” he said, unapologetic. “You’re not used to this.”

You nudged him lightly. “I said I’m fine, Sokka.” He squinted at you. “Your hands are freezing.”

“Everything is freezing.”

“…Fair point.”

Still, he pulled your hands into his, rubbing warmth back into them without even thinking.

And you let him.

---

It hit you on the third day.

Subtle at first.

You woke up feeling… off.

Your head was heavier than usual, your body slower, like your fire just wasn’t sitting right under your skin. You tried to brush it off, sat up, stretched, told yourself you just needed to warm up. But your breath came out uneven. Your chest felt tight. And no matter how much you focused, your fire wouldn’t come as easily.

“…That’s weird,” you muttered under your breath.

You didn’t tell anyone.

Not yet.

By midday, you couldn’t ignore it.

Your steps lagged behind the group, your usual warmth completely gone. Even wrapped in layers, you felt cold in a way that didn’t make sense deep, bone-deep cold that your bending should’ve been able to fight off. Sokka noticed first. Of course he did. He slowed, falling into step beside you, eyes narrowing slightly. “Hey.”

You glanced at him. “Hey.”

“…You’re quiet.”

“I’m always quiet.”

“Not like this.”

You forced a small smile. “I’m just tired.”

He didn’t buy it.

His gaze dropped to your hands again, and this time his expression changed completely. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m not-”

You were.

Before you could protest again, he grabbed your wrist gently, pulling you to a stop. His other hand came up to your forehead. And his face went pale. “You’re burning up.”

That got everyone’s attention. Zuko turned immediately. “What?”

“She has a fever,” Sokka said, voice tight now, all teasing gone. “A bad one.”

Zuko was at your side in seconds, his hand replacing Sokka’s, his expression hardening the second he felt the heat. “I told you,” he muttered under his breath but there was no anger in it. Just worry.

“I’m fine,” you tried again, weaker this time.

“You’re not fine,” both of them said at the same time.

You winced slightly. “Okay… maybe a little not fine.”

Sokka was already shrugging off part of his outer layers, wrapping them around you without hesitation. “We’re going back.”

“I don’t want to ruin the trip-”

“You’re not ruining anything,” he snapped, softer immediately after. “You’re sick.”

Zuko nodded once. “He’s right.” You didn’t have the energy to argue anymore.

The walk back felt twice as long. Sokka stayed glued to your side the entire time, one arm firmly around you to keep you upright, the other constantly adjusting your furs like he could fight the fever by sheer stubbornness. “Stay with me,” he kept saying quietly. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”

You leaned into him more than you meant to.

Your fire felt… dim.

That scared you more than the cold.

By the time you got inside, you were barely steady on your feet.

Sokka didn’t even hesitate, he guided you straight to his bed, helping you sit, then immediately piling blankets over you like that alone would fix it. “Katara!” he called. She was already moving.

Within minutes, she was at your side, hands glowing with water as she carefully assessed you. Her expression grew more serious by the second. “It’s the cold,” she said quietly. “Her body’s not used to it. And her firebending… it’s being suppressed.”

Zuko’s jaw tightened. “Can you help her?”

“I can try,” Katara said. “But she needs rest. And warmth.”

“I’ll stay,” Sokka said instantly.

No one argued.

After that you drifted in and out for a while. The fever made everything blur together, voices, warmth, the soft glow of healing water. But one thing stayed constant.

Sokka.

Every time you stirred, he was there. Sitting at your side, leaning forward, his hand wrapped around yours like letting go wasn’t an option. At some point, you blinked your eyes open properly, your vision clearing just enough to focus on him.

“…Sokka?”

His head snapped up instantly. “Hey. Hey, you’re awake.”

You gave a weak smile. “You look awful.”

“I’ve been told I’m ruggedly handsome, actually.”

You huffed a quiet laugh, which turned into a small cough. He immediately leaned closer. “Easy. Don’t push it.”

“…I’m sorry,” you murmured.

His expression softened, confusion flickering. “For what?”

“For getting sick. For ruining your trip. For-”

“Stop,” he said gently, but firmly. “You didn’t ruin anything.”

“I wanted to see your home,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t want this to happen.”

Sokka’s grip on your hand tightened slightly. “Hey. Look at me.”

You did. “You being here is what matters,” he said quietly. “Not what we do. Not where we go. Just… you.”

Your chest tightened, emotion mixing with the lingering fever. “…Zuko was right,” you admitted softly. “I wasn’t ready for this.”

“Maybe not,” Sokka said. “But you still came. For me.”

You swallowed. “Of course I did.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then he leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently against yours, careful, like you might break. “You don’t have to prove anything,” he murmured. “You’re already enough.”

Your eyes fluttered shut.

“…You’re staying, right?”

“Yeah,” he said immediately. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And he didn’t. Not when you fell asleep again. Not when the fever spiked. Not when Katara came and went, or when Zuko hovered silently in the doorway, worry written all over his face.

Sokka stayed. Holding your hand. Keeping you warm.

Waiting for you to get better.

♡♡♡

The morning had started completely normal.

Well-

Normal for the Gaang.

Which meant Sokka was loudly raiding the kitchen for food while Toph complained about him chewing too loud, Katara was trying to organize everyone, and Appa was snoring somewhere outside loud enough to shake the windows.

You were barely awake yourself.

Still tired.

Still sore.

And completely unaware of the bruises visible along your hips where your shirt had ridden up slightly. Honestly, you hadn’t even thought about them.

Not after last night.

Not after Aang had practically refused to stop making love to you for hours, kissing all over your skin while holding you tightly against him like he could never get enough. A blush threatened your face just thinking about it.

You walked into the kitchen quietly, rubbing sleep from your eyes. “Morning,” you mumbled.

Katara smiled softly.

“Morning.”

Sokka looked up from his food immediately.

Then paused. His expression changed instantly. “…Uh.”

You blinked sleepily. “What?”

The kitchen suddenly went weirdly quiet. Even Toph tilted her head slightly. Katara’s eyes widened subtly. Sokka slowly pointed toward your waist. “…Should we be concerned?”

Your stomach dropped immediately.

“What?”

You looked down. And immediately saw them. Dark bruises wrapped around your hips. Finger-shaped. Very obvious finger-shaped.

Oh no.

Your face went hot instantly. “Oh my gosh.”

Katara stood immediately. “Did someone hurt you?”

“No!”

Too fast. Which somehow made it worse. Sokka looked horrified now. “Wait seriously, are those handprints?!”

You immediately tugged your shirt downward in embarrassment. “It’s not what it looks like!”

Toph snorted loudly from the table. “Oh, I can sense exactly what it looks like.”

“TOPH.”

“What? I’m blind, not stupid.”

Katara still looked worried though.

Genuinely worried. And honestly? You understood why. The bruises looked bad. Especially because Aang was incredibly strong now, even outside bending.

Years of training and fighting had changed him physically.

He was taller.

Broad-shouldered.

Muscular in ways he definitely hadn’t been as a teenager.

And sometimes-

Especially when emotional or passionate, he genuinely didn’t realize his own strength. Still, before you could explain properly The kitchen door slid open.

And Aang walked in. Immediately smiling the second he saw you. “There you are.”

His voice was still soft and sleepy. His head tattoos slightly glowing from just finishing morning meditation. He looked comfortable and relaxed. Completely unaware he’d just walked into a disaster. Then he noticed the silence.

And everyone staring at him.

His smile slowly faded.

“…Why is everyone looking at me like that?”

Nobody answered immediately. Sokka looked between you and Aang awkwardly. Katara looked deeply conflicted. Toph looked entertained. And you wanted to disappear into the floor.

Aang frowned slightly. “What happened?”

Then Katara spoke carefully.

“Aang…”

The second he heard her tone, concern crossed his face instantly.

“What? What’s wrong?”

Katara glanced at you briefly before looking back at him. “She has bruises.”

Aang blinked.

“…Okay?”

Sokka nearly choked.

“OKAY?!”

Aang looked even more confused now but then looked at your face. Then your waist where you were still unsuccessfully trying to cover the marks.

And suddenly-

Realization hit him like a truck.

“Oh.”

Silence. Aang’s ears immediately turned bright red. “Oh no.”

Toph burst out laughing instantly. “I KNEW IT.”

“ WHAT?!” Sokka yelled.

“SOKKA,” Katara hissed.

“What?! They look terrible!”

Aang looked mortified now. “Wait wait wait- ”

He immediately walked toward you, panic and embarrassment all over his face. “Baby, I didn’t hurt you, right?”

The fact he asked so genuinely somehow made your face even hotter.

“No!”

“You’d tell me if I did?”

“Yes, Aang.”

He visibly relaxed slightly.

Then immediately looked horrified again. “…Did I really leave those?”

You covered your face instantly. “Oh my gosh.”

Sokka looked traumatized.

“I’m never eating in this kitchen again.”

Toph was still cackling. Katara pinched the bridge of her nose. “A warning would’ve been nice.”

“We didn’t know they were there!” you defended weakly. Aang still looked guilty somehow. His eyes stayed fixed on the bruises. “…I grabbed you that hard?”

Your face somehow got hotter.

“You were emotional.”

Toph made a choking noise laughing.

“Oh this is GOLD.”

Aang immediately rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to bruise you…”

You softened instantly seeing how upset he suddenly looked. Because despite the embarrassment, Aang genuinely hated the idea of hurting you.

Even accidentally.

You reached for his hand gently.

“Aang.”

His eyes immediately lifted to yours.

“I’m okay.”

“…Promise?”

“Yes.”

He still looked uncertain. “I should’ve been more careful.”

Your chest softened painfully. “Aang, they don’t even hurt.”

Sokka stood abruptly. “Actually I’m leaving forever.”

“Nobody asked you to be here,” Toph replied.

Katara finally sighed. “Okay, now that we’ve established nobody is being abused- ”

“THANK YOU,” you muttered.

“- can we please never discuss this again?”

Toph immediately grinned. “Oh no, I’m discussing this for months.”

Aang groaned quietly before stepping closer to you again. Still embarrassed. Still pink-faced. But his hand automatically settled gently on your waist anyway. This time very obviously careful. You looked up at him teasingly. “Scared to touch me now?”

“Yes.”

You laughed softly.

“Aang.”

“I’m serious.”

His thumb brushed lightly against your hip where the bruises sat hidden again beneath your shirt. “I don’t like seeing marks on you from me.”

Your expression softened instantly.

“You know I liked them.”

Aang’s face immediately went red again.

“Baby.”

Toph gagged dramatically.

“Ew.”

Sokka pointed accusingly while backing toward the door.

“See?! This is why I’m leaving!”

Katara was fully covering her face now. “I miss when we were children.”

“We literally fought in a war,” Toph said.

“Somehow this feels worse.”

You started laughing helplessly while Aang buried his face briefly against your shoulder in embarrassment.

“I can’t believe this happened.”

“You walked into it.”

“I hate all of you.”

“No you don’t,” you murmured softly. Aang sighed dramatically before lifting his head again. Then quietly enough just for you- “…Still sorry though.”

Your heart melted instantly, because even now, after years together. After knowing you trusted him completely He still cared so deeply about your comfort and safety. You kissed his cheek softly.

“I know.”

And immediately

Some of the tension left his shoulders again.

Even while Sokka continued loudly announcing from another room that he’d been emotionally scarred for life.

♡♡♡