#explosive caramel

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

© explosive- caramel, 2026. Do not repost, feed into any ai platforms, alter, plagiarize, or claim as your own. I do not permit my writing to be shared on any external platform without my permission.

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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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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