Night time honours
Despite the new era of peace and harmony in the world, the Avatar's job is never done. Aang had some business to attend in the Earth Kingdom, and he didn't expect to return under the next day, and therefore left Katara alone in the house overnight.
Katara had thought, as he did, Aang wouldn't return until the next morning. However, he'd done his task in the Earth Kingdom in a much shorter time than usual and found himself home whilst it was still the middle of the night. Being extremely careful not to wake Katara, he entered the room via the window, pinned back the shutters to the wall on either side and ensured that he avoided stepping on the floorboard that squeaked.
His waterbender appeared so peaceful in the bed. She had fallen asleep with her head buried in Aang's pillow, which meant he couldn't climb into the bed next to her as he'd have to move her. She was laid on her front and the blanket rested lightly on her lower back, stopping just under her shoulder blades. He decided to perch himself comfortably on the nearby windowsill. He would often stay awake for hours simply watching her, or stroking her softly, to reassure her of his presence by her side.
Her breathing was so rhythmic and quiet. As the moon's light shone through the window and onto her face, she wriggled a little. Aang shuffled himself and sat in front of the invading light, stopping it from falling on Katara and disturbing her sleep. She then seemed to smile and bury her head deeper into Aang's pillow. He wondered what she must be dreaming about.
As he watched her chest rise and fall with her breathing, he remembered their first meeting. Katara's face was the first he saw when he emerged from the iceberg that can encaged him and Appa for a long and extremely eventful century, but he knew that's not why he loved her so.
In the four years that he'd known her they grew gradually closer. Aang himself was sixteen now. Katara was eighteen, yet she still looked towards him for comfort and protection. They were stronger together, together as one. He couldn't imagine life without her. She gave him a reason to keep fighting. A reason to exist.
In the hours that passed Aang continued to think what the future may hold for him and his lover. If they'd be together forever. As the sun rose over the horizon the nocturnal creatures who had broken the usual silence of the night died down to nothing, and the birds began their daily symphonies.
Katara heard the commotion and began to stir. Her legs stretched out and she lifted her head from Aang's pillow. She smiled when she saw him. She breathed deep and yawned. "Morning." She said softly.