Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Aang belongs to Brian, Mike, and Viacom. I own nothing.
"What're you doing up at this time of night?" The question was punctuated with a somewhat over exaggerated yawn.
A huff, "Why does it concern you how late I'm up?"
"Because I care about you," not the finest way of reasoning.
"If you really cared, you'd let me have some peace and quiet every so often." Hands balled up in fists at sides.
"But we just sit without saying anything most days—"
"That doesn't count."
"Good. Night."
Wait for the footsteps. Wait for the sound of the door opening, then closing. Wait for the feeling of relief. Don't wait to run. Step gingerly outside onto the cold steps. Walk down the main path. Reach the side path. Find the little grove. Stand there and wait.
"What's on your mind?" Hand on a shoulder.
"I don't want to talk about it." Shrug the hand off.
"You're upset about something…"
Arms folded, "I said I don't want to talk about it."
"Then come to bed." A hand tugs a sleeve.
"I'm not tired."
"Fine; suit yourself."
Stare out into the night. Try to remember. Was there a plan? Slide over the balcony railing. Land without a noise, and not in a leaf pile. Slip through the gates. Don't stop to make sure no one has seen. Stay in the shadows. Recall landmarks from daylight. Turn onto a smaller path. Stay very quiet. Wait a moment.
"We need to stop meeting like this."
A/N: Reviews are love. Extra brownie points for guessing who the characters are.