It was a long day. A long, bad day.
Aang sighed as he sat by the campfire, Zuko's head resting in his lap as he slept. Azula had attacked them again, and like last time they were lucky enough to escape with their lives. It's my fault. She wouldn't attack us so much if I wasn't here, Zuko had said. Bet you regret letting me join your side now, huh?
Of course no one did. The fact that Zuko even had to ask bothered Aang; even after escaping his terrible father it was obvious he still didn't think much of himself sometimes, but the truth was Aang couldn't have asked for a better Firebending teacher and the gang couldn't have asked for a better friend.
I don't care if Azula chases us forever, I could never regret your joining us, Aang thought. Just then, he saw Zuko stir and open his eyes.
"Aang...?" He smiled. "Why're you still here? Everyone else went to bed hours ago."
"I wasn't that tired," Aang said. "Besides, you didn't seem like you wanted to be alone."
Zuko sat up, resting his hands on Aang's shoulders and drawing him close.
"Thanks. You're really great, y'know that?"
"Don't mention it." Aang smiled, then blinked as he suddenly felt the warm, brief press of Zuko's lips against his. "What was that for?"
"I dunno." Zuko blushed. "Just felt like it, I guess."
Aang tilted his head up to kiss Zuko back.
"So did I."