The middle of the night was drawing near; the moon high in the sky, full and shining down on them like a paper lantern. The ground had an eerie glow, the light creating shadows that could never exist during the day. Sleeping forms lay scattered around the ground; tucked in sleeping bags and under blankets. The two animals were curled; Momo in a soft ball inside of Katara's sleeping bag and Appa laying alone; as he was of the size where fitting into anyone's sleeping bag was out of the question.
His warm, slightly coarse fur was a comfort though, and she leaned against the warmly heaving body, her dark locks mixing with his light ones as she allowed her eyes to flutter shut. She was content, the happiest she had been in such a long time. And yet, somehow she felt confused; what did this all mean? She was traveling with the Avatar; was she fundamental to the war now? Or was she a tag-along?
She just couldn't bear thinking to deeply into it; what use was that when she would probably not know the true answer until the far away future? There was no point.
The warmth increased; another body settling lightly beside her. Smellerbee smiled, not having to open her eyes to realize who it was. She didn't need to speak for him to understand what she was thinking; and she didn't need to open her eyes to know that as she leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, that Longshot wouldn't have a problem with it.
They both sat cross legged, Smellerbee with her hands tucked in her lap; Longshot wrapped one of his arms around her slight shoulders, hugging her close. Her eye's flickered open and a slight smile curved her lips. He returned the expression, turning his face to hers and brushing a stubborn lock of brown hair back from his friend's eyes. She leaned into him deeper, the warmth of his body near hers more comforting than anything else in the world.
Her eyes shut once more, but as her eyelashes brushed her cheeks she felt light pressure against her lips; his. She gasped lightly, eyes opening and widening as Longshot pulled away, and apologetic look in his eyes. She stared at him for a moment, a sudden, strange warmth blooming in her stomach. He removed his arms from around her, pulling away, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
Smellerbee caught his sleep, legs aching with the effort as she leaned forward, pressing her mouth against his sloppily, her cheekbones colliding with his in a bruising way. Painful, yet sweet. Like a lemon; but so much better.
Longshot stiffened at first, but relaxed, pulling her against him, holding her tightly as they broke away. She searched his eyes for a moment, her palms flattened against his chest. But the emotions were strong, and she could bear it. Burying her face against his shoulder Smellerbee was content with letting Longshot hold her as he was.