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The last few flickers of light danced at his command following the delicate way he moved his fingers. She watched him, his eyes gleaming in the bright orange flame that only enhanced the beauty of his unique storm grey irises. Aang was content.
Without a word on her part, he knew she was there standing idly by; like she did most nights, just watching him as he controlled the element he once feared more than anything. The thought of her eyes on him chased a familiar chill down his spine. So he turned and to no surprise, there she was; the flickering light setting her features in a warm glow. He didn’t think he had seen anything as beautiful as her.
Katara.
She went to him with grace, beaming at him, the pure joy radiating off of her consuming his born element with every step. It consumed him; until he, too, was beaming back at her.
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” He chuckled, watching as she planted herself next to him by the campfire and threw her legs over his lap like it was nothing. She just shrugged, eyes studying his features, no air of subtlety tainting the action. It was a look of admiration.
“I just love seeing you like this.” She grinned once more, her azure orbs fixated on his, the air around them changing as she slipped her hand in his with confidence. He welcomed the gesture, squeezing her hand, but his gaze was searching for the meaning behind her words that she didn’t make obvious.
“Like what?” He questioned with the rise of a brow, thinking for a moment when she didn’t answer. “...clueless?” The corners of her mouth slid upwards, revealing a toothy grin, and like before, Aang mirrored her with no thought. Any emotion she donned was infectious to him.
“No, sweetie,” Her laugh was infectious, too. “I love seeing you... relaxed.” Aang straightened at her words, no longer calm even though the soft stroke of his thumb over her knuckles told the girl otherwise. “Letting yourself take a break once. I love it when you let your guard down.” She sighed, nuzzling her head in the crook of his neck. They were entangled. Fingers intertwined and legs ravelled together. Though he stared forward, thumb never ceasing its loving gesture against the supple skin of her hand, her eyes drifting to a close, completely and utterly at peace in his presence; but unaware of the cord her words struck within him just moments before. That is until his thumb stopped its caress. She pulled back, sensing the tense way he sat and stared into his eyes, searching for something to give him away; but his eyes were glued to one spot in the fire, avoiding her gaze.
“It’s only going to get worse,” He spoke almost in a whisper, and Katara’s brows furrowed at the shift in his mood. “isn’t it?” Finally, his eyes met hers. It had dawned on Aang that this fluctuation between being the Avatar - the fully recognised Avatar attending court trials and dramatic balls and council meetings - to being Aang - the last Airbender, the 17-year-old teenage boy who was madly in love with a girl from the Southern Watertribe and had a group of friends that he wouldn’t change for the world - would be his life. It would define him. The time to wind down, to relax with the ones, or one, he loved would become sparse. Katara would watch him worry about worldly affairs and uprising rebellions, wishing he would take a moment for himself, a moment for his friends, a moment for her. To give himself a break. But she wouldn’t watch it happen, because it wouldn’t happen. It would become impossible-
“Aang, no...” He was pulled out of the violent whirlwind by her voice and a soft hand on his jaw. Aang didn’t notice, but she wiped away the tear that had stained his cheek with a trail of sadness. A trail of regret... and guilt. Guilt for Katara.
“You deserve more than this life, Katara. You deserve someone who can be by your side every second of every day without having to worry about-” The tears just kept coming, and Katara had raised onto her knees. Concern tainted her features as she held his face in her hands, thumbs in a constant bid to wipe away the hurt that stained his cheeks with a sheen that glistened in the low light of the dying embers. Her face was inches from his and her eyes blinked back the pools that threatened to gather in her own eyes. She had to stay strong. For him.
“Shh, Aang. Sweetie? Look at me.” His hands gripped tight to hers on his face, fearing they might slip away at any second, his eyes shut tight. “Please.” She scooted even closer, words a quiet beg that barely escaped her lips. But he heard, and he opened his eyes, now pools of upset and apology that made Katara frown, her hands stronger on his face. “This is the life I want. I choose this life, Aang.” Their noses almost touching. “Every single step of the way I will be by your side. Every single step. Do you know why?” He opened his mouth to speak, but her words stopped him, thumbs stroking the soft skin there and her eyes gazing into his. “Because I love you. More than anything in this world.” Aang released a heavy breath he didn’t know he was holding. “I love you.” She whispered, the words requiring no thought to be uttered and he smiled, his hands now gentle against her wrists, the fear that she might slip from his grasp, fading to nought. “I choose you, Aang. And because of that, this life will be perfect.” The pools in her eyes overflowed to dampen her cheeks, silently calling for his touch. And of course, he answered, brushing away the water in one slow motion, until only a loving caress of his hand remained; one she leaned into. Her eyes never left his, an overwhelming wave of affection washing over her as she scanned over his handsome features. “Now, and forever.” The girl breathed out, a smile gracing her features - eyes and lips - transfixed with the way he gazed at her. He looked at her like she was a rare artefact, a priceless gem; or rather, he looked at her for what she was: Katara. The stunning beauty who captured him from day one. Katara. The woman he wished to spend the rest of his days with. Katara. The love of his life.
Aang nodded, “Now, and forever.” A smile now painted his lips, but his features remained tainted with this impossible guilt she would never be able to strip from him completely. Though she would try. And try hard she would until next to no guilt remained. Aang leaned down, slow and unwavering. Anticipation coursed through her veins as she felt his breath hot on the sensitive skin of her lips, eyes on his, and she tilted her chin up, eyes fluttering closed as their lips finally met for a kiss of compassion, swearing to love one another until their dying breath. The pressure was slight, exerting the most delightful tingle over her lips. Shoulders slack and hands gentle, she melted, pouring her emotion into the gesture. Relishing in the feel of his skin against hers, she pulled his face closer, the heat from his breath so light against her cheek, it replaced that of the fire. As long as she had him, everything would be perfect.
Now, and forever.
They parted, her forehead resting against his. The kiss left a delightful sensation on the soft flesh of her lips as they breathed together.
In, and out.
Blue on grey.
She slid her hand from his face to intertwine their fingers once more, pressing her face against his palm; her almond eyes filled with joy, contentment, and excitement for the future. But with an almost weary shake of his head, he opened his mouth, no doubt another protest close to spilling from his mouth. So before one measly syllable was uttered, she stopped him in an instant with a finger slack against his parted lips, urging them to close; and so they did. Katara shook her head slowly, the velvet surface of her face moving against the soft skin of his palm.
“I choose you, Aang.” She urged him to listen, “This life will be perfect.” No one could prove her otherwise, her voice flooding with confidence and a great deal of certainty as she slid her free hand to the nape of his neck. His silver eyes darted between hers, never looking away. “No matter what.”