Aang woke up cheerfully that morning. Talking with Zuko had calmed him down and now he was ready to face whatever obstacles there might be waiting for him.

Katara was also awake. She was making breakfast for everyone and was slightly surprised to see Aang wandering around the camp that early.

As Aang walked past Zuko's tent, he stopped briefly to ponder whether he should wake him up or let him sleep. Hearing a silent snore, he decided to let the other teen sleep. The whole meaning of the trip was to let them rest and take it easy for once.

Aang sighed heavily before continuing his walk. It was boring when Katara was making breakfast and no one else was awake.

Little birds were chirping on the tress and the sun was rising in the horizon. Aang bounced from branch to branch before reaching the top of the tallest tree. He enjoyed the view in front of him. It was rare for him to have time to just relax and watch the sun rise. He breathed in deeply and slowly let it out. It was a great feeling.

After a few hours, the camp was full of happy laughter, babbling and occasional snorts, which mainly came from Zuko. They were planning a trip to the nearest town, since they were running low on food supplies. Zuko wasn't too happy with the idea, but didn't protest when everyone else dragged him to Appa. The bison had had lots of rest and was eager to go flying again.

The flight wasn't long, merely only two hours, but it felt like an eternity. The sun was shining from a cloudless sky and almost burned everything its rays touched. It was wonderful to feel the gentle breezes that cooled the summer heat slightly. Aang gazed dreamily to the horizon, trying to spot the town. All he saw was endless grassland and rocks that stood out from their surroundings. He snapped back to reality when he heard Zuko's voice.

"I am not wearing that!"

"Oh come on, Zuko! It's for your own good!" Katara was waving some sort of cloth in her hand while arguing with Zuko.

"Do you even realize, how hot it's here? And you want me to wear some more clothes?"

"Zuko. We are going to an Earth Kingdom town. Even if the war is over, the people there might not be too happy to see the Fire Lord walking down the streets."

"I can take care of myself. Besides, Aang is with us. I'm pretty sure people won't be attacking the Avatar's company."

"Maybe, but it's only for your security. And, it wouldn't be the first time people are ignoring rhe Avatar's will. This one time, we ended up in a town wher-"

"Okay, okay. I wear that stupid thing"

Katara tossed the grey cloth to Zuko and looked satisfied. Aang couldn't help but snicker at the sight. It wasn't everyday Zuko was taking orders from anyone, especially from Katara. Even though the two of them got along, they weren't that keen on spending time together. Usually when they were left alone, an awkward silence fell between them, as neither of them had nothing to say.

"Hey, Katara! You wouldn't happen to have another one?"

The girl had a questioning look on her face.

"Uh, actually I have one. Why?"

"Well, I'd rather stay incognito than jump around the streets when people can recognize me."

Ever since the war had ended a few years ago, he had tried to hide himself from the public as good as he could. He didn't like it when people were running after him and trying to touch or at least see him. A few years earlier he might've even liked it, but not anymore. It was strange how things changed.

Aang took the grey cloth gratefully. He wrapped it around his shoulders and lifted the hood over his head. It covered him pretty well; only his knees and everything under them could be seen. He gazed again to the horizon and let his mind wander.

He thought about Katara. Her tribe had been very understanding when she had told that she wanted to go exploring the world a bit more. Sokka had taken the same opportunity and joined Aang and Katara once again. While Katara had helped rebuild her hometown, Aang had resided in the Earth Kingdom and helped people there. It had taken them four years to get where they were now.

Aang hummed to himself. He remembered the day he and Katara had started dating. It was the same day they began traveling together again. It hadn't been anything special. Sokka had dragged them to Suki's and they had met Toph on the way there. It was almost like old times. Except no one tried to kill them.

Zuko wasn't traveling with the gang. He was the new Fire Lord and had responsibilities he couldn't just abandon. Although he had ruled the Fire Nation for four years, everyone called him new. It was just the way it was.

Mentioning Zuko in his thoughts made Aang smile. The two of them had stayed close friends and Aang was very grateful for it. Zuko was a person he could trust and discuss everything with. He understood the pressure Aang felt and tried his best to comfort him. Of course Aang had also Katara, Sokka and Toph, but none of them really understood the responsibility nor the stress.

Someone poked Aang on the ribs. He turned his head to see Katara leaning against him. He blinked a few times before realizing that Katara was looking at him curiously.

"So what do you say?" She asked.

Aang blinked again. He hadn't even noticed Katara when she had sat beside him. And now she was waiting an answer from him?

"Uh.. About what?"

Katara sighed and started talking. Aang heard something about gowns and make-up, but his concentration faded when he caught a glimpse of Zuko's half-bare chest. He had strong looking muscles that flexed under his skin when he stretched his arms. Zuko's skin was slightly sweaty, probably because of the heat. Aang found himself staring and quickly tried to fix his attention back to Katara. The girl seemed to be annoyed.

Aang realized that he hadn't been listening to his girlfriend for the second time in a row.

"Oh, sorry Katara!" He said with his cheeks turning slightly red.

The girl huffed and mumbled something that sounded like "whatever" before turning her attention to Sokka.

They landed near the town, bought some rice, bread and water before settling to a café. The sun was still shining with all of its might, but the town was a bit cooler, thanks to all the shadows.

"So.. What's next?"

Toph said she needed a new dress for the Ba Sing Se's annual ball, Katara said something about new make-up and Suki nodded eagerly to both of them. Neither Aang or Zuko were happy with the ideas, so instead they just said they would meet the rest of them in two hours. Suki dragged Sokka with her and so they were left alone.

Aang sighed tiredly. "Why does this happen every time?"

Zuko just shrugged and slumped deeper to the chair he was sitting on.

"I mean like, every time we go shopping, Katara wants to see every store that has dresses or something similar."

"Hmm.. That seems to be the reaction of all the girls."

They watched as people passed by chatting and giggling. Some even gave them weird looks for wearing those gray robes.

Zuko was the first to break the silence between them.

"The Ball is in two weeks. I suppose you're going with Katara?"

"Yeah. I can't believe the ball is so near. I really wouldn't want to go there, but I guess that's one of those 'responsibilities', although it seems utterly useless."

"Hmm.. Maybe, but you're still lucky. I, too, have to go there, but I have no idea who I should ask to come with me. It doesn't give a good impression if you go there alone, you know."

They talked about the ball and laughed at Sokka, who had managed to spill water on the king last year. Two hours went by quickly and before they knew, they were back to camp with all the purchases.

"Aah! On solid ground, once again!"

They smiled at Toph's reaction and unpacked everything. Katara started cooking again and Sokka struggled to get the fire burning before the sun would set. Aang sat comfortably near the fire and chatted with Sokka and Suki.

"Food's ready!" Was all it took for Sokka to jump to his feet and drool after the meal. While laughing, Aang noticed that Zuko was still on his tent.

"I go get Zuko" He offered and turned towards Zuko's tent. He crossed the distance quickly and stepped inside, only to freeze to the spot. Zuko was topless, his back towards Aang.

Aang couldn't form any words. He just stared at Zuko's sleek form, broad shoulders and muscles that covered his arms and back.

"Oh, Aang. Sorry I did notice you. I was meditating."

Aang forced his stare to Zuko's face. 'Shit! What was I staring at? Zuko?' He struggled to find words, and the fact that he could feel his cheeks heating wasn't helping a bit.

"Umm.. Yeah, the food's ready." He managed to stutter before leaving a puzzled looking Zuko behind him.

A/N

Ok, so I guess the ages need a bit explaining. The war ended a few years ago, which means Aang would be about 15. I thought that Toph is also 15, Katara 17 (seriously, when watching the cartoon, Katara looks a few years older than Aang), Sokka 18 and Zuko turning 19. Old, I know. Hope it doesn't change the first chapter too much..