Silent Confessionals

Chapter 2

Warmth

Zuko walked to the palace garden, heading for the small pond like any other day. Aang would be coming to visit later that day, so he would have to keep this visit brief. The firebender came to a stop by the pond and watched the smooth surface. The small piece of bread in his hands crumbled easily and the scattering crumbs broke the surface into small ripples. Those ripples were the catalyst, the vision that helped the memories come easier. Memories of a gentle smile, a warm touch and the feeling of being loved.

"Zuko." The call wasn't loud, but it broke through the stasis that had fallen and the firebender turned his head to the direction of the person who had spoken. There was Aang, right beside him. How much time had passed while he had been reminiscing?

Aang moved closer and suddenly Zuko could have touched the other if he'd only had the courage. The Avatar was watching him curiously as he queried: "Where did you go? You were miles away."

"It's not a matter of where but when." Zuko gave the other a smile; he didn't really want to talk about it. "But I should apologise. I shouldn't have been neglecting you. Sorry." He really had not intended for Aang to find him like this.

"It's fine." Aang really didn't sound like he minded as he grabbed Zuko's arm. "Now come on, I'll take you on a flight with Appa."

"What are we doing here?" Zuko shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. "It's really cold."

'Cold' was an understatement. It was freezing. But, then again, that's what you get when you fly for hours towards the South Pole.

"I figured you needed a complete change of scenery." Aang stood up on top of Appa's head to rummage through his luggage. The Avatar returned with a quilt and wrapped it around the two of them. "Is this better?"

"Give me a few moments to warm up and then I'll answer." Zuko huddled closer to the other's body warmth. Aang moved his own body to accommodate the closeness, and Zuko jumped when he felt the other's arm come around his waist. In the end he accepted the contact and settled in place pressed against his friend. Slowly he felt his shivers subside.

"Yes, this is a lot better." Zuko turned to Aang, who smiled at the words. "But I still wonder why you didn't just bring us coats."

"Isn't this much cosier?" Aang's smile widened into a grin.

"Oh I see." Zuko chuckled in amusement. "You just wanted an excuse to cuddle, is that it?" He smirked at his companion, but his expression froze when he saw the way Aang's eyes averted his gaze. His lips turned upwards in a much gentler manner. Ah, so that's how it was. He turned his eyes away from Aang to focus on the wildlife playing around in the snow and water. He understood why Aang liked penguins so much; they were really like the airbender, carefree and playful creatures.

"You're sure you don't want help unpacking?" Zuko asked for the third time while Appa lowered himself within the palace boundaries.

"I'm sure." Aang nodded with a determined expression. "I'll take you all the way to your room and then I'll take Appa to the shelter myself."

Zuko hummed as Appa's gentle float came to a stop in front of a familiar window. He slid towards the windowsill while Aang's steady hands supported him. He waited until both of his feet were securely on the wood before speaking out: "This is a bit like a play. Really romantic."

Aang squawked and Zuko turned to the other to grin at the Avatar's blushing face.

"I really enjoyed today. Thank you." Zuko meant every word. With his uncle off fulfilling his dream in Ba Sing Se, Zuko often felt lonely in the palace. "A cuddle every now and then is good for my mental health."

"I-I'll make sure to cuddle you more often now." Aang's cheeks were still burning as he stuttered his answer and Zuko chuckled.

"I'll be looking forward to it." Zuko hesitated only for a brief moment before he reached towards that much loved face before him and cupped it between his hands. "A small token of my appreciation." The common play line was probably lost on Aang, who didn't care much for theatre arts, but it offered Zuko immense private amusement as the firebender leaned forward to brush a kiss on the other's lips.

When Zuko pulled back, he was amused when he saw that Aang's eyes were dazed. He pulled away from the Avatar, letting his hands trail the other's face before withdrawing. Aang's gaze became more focused and Zuko saw the yearning that mirrored his own.

"Good night, Aang." The words were soft, a whisper really, and Aang's blushed darkly before nodding.

"Yeah, good night."

Zuko smiled one more time before turning away from Aang and slipping into his room. He heard Appa's groans grow more distant as the animal flew away, and looked over to his reflection on the dresser's mirror. Indeed, his face was just as red as Aang's had been. His whole body was glowing with warmth, and it was a sensation he didn't want to relinquish.

To be continued…