Aang lay in a crumpled heap on the metal floor of the Fire Lord's Throne Room
Aang lay in a crumpled heap on the metal floor of the Fire Lord's Throne Room. His entire being, from his body to his mind, was exhausted. He wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and sleep…
But Aang could not do that. He had to wait for her. He had to wait for Katara.
As he lay there, waiting for the waterbending to come in and heal him, he listened to his breathing. It was slow and labored. His chest hurt from the effort. Come on Katara, he thought. Even the voice of his thoughts sounded on the verge of tears.
Aside from the pain in his body, there was nothing to cry about. Aang opened his grey eyes and saw his foe, defeated. Fire Lord Ozai lay dead on the floor, a puddle of blood forming around his head. Gulping down a painful sob, Aang shut his eyes tight so he wouldn't have to watch the ruby liquid stain the floor.
At last Aang heard the sound of the doors being opened. Footsteps echoed throughout the room. A hand touched his shoulder. A gentle hand. Aang sighed. Katara.
She turned him over, causing him to gasp. Her worried blue eyes shone like sapphires as she examined Aang's beat up body. She pulled off his clothes as slowly and carefully as she could, leaving him laying in her arms, exposed and vulnerable in nothing but his underwear. He would be blushing if it were any other time.
"How bad is it Doc?" Aang joked quietly. His voice was cracking and weak. Katara knew she needed to hurry.
"Pretty bad," she returned, her own voice full of emotion. She pulled off the pouch of water she had slung around her. The water was filthy, but it would do its job and hopefully the dirtiness wouldn't give Aang an infection. She bended out the contents of the pouch and let it spin and glow over her hand.
Aang occasionally hissed as she passed the healing water over some more serious injuries, like a few of his burns and a deep cut on his left arm. At last she finished, leaving only minor scrapes and sores.
"Thank you," Aang whispered to her. Finally, relieved of most of his pain, Aang gave into his body's needs and wants. He lay back in Katara's arms, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.
A single tear from Katara landed on Aang's cheek, sliding down to his chin and across his neck.