”Y-yes, the reins work,” Aang chuckled through the words, and Zuko’s face flushed even more. Aang got one look at him and started to laugh all over again, and he continued even as big hands settled on either side of his head and gave him a gentle shake. Zuko’s grip was light and harmless. His hands were warm.
”Stop laughing at me,” he demanded, though he didn’t sound angry at all. Aang brought both hands up to hold onto Zuko’s wrists and peeked at him through watery eyes, but he couldn’t stop his laughter. Zuko’s face was still red, and Appa roared in a way that was almost like he was laughing too.
***
A thousand thanks and hugs to @shange0211 for this commissioned piece for my fic! I love you so much, my friend! All credit for this art goes to her!
You can read Could We Have Been here!!
Also, 100 points to anyone who recognizes what inspired this scene/piece!
