I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender of any of its characters.

Chapter 2: Starlight

When Zuko had first met Aang, he had been taken aback by his young age. He'd been disappointed. But then, Aang's movements as an airbender, and later as a waterbender on Zuko's ship, had reminded him that this boy was the Avatar. Ever since, he had admired him and this feeling became even stronger when he realized that Aang was as wise as his uncle Iroh, and maybe even more. The child's wisdom was always surprising him.

Aang's vision was a little different. Technically, the first time he had seen Zuko was in the southern water tribe village where he'd found Sokka and Katara. But really, the first time he'd actually seen the real Zuko was in Ba Sing Se, when he was talking with Katara. Aang had felt jealous. Not, as he told himself at that time, because he had feelings for Katara, but truly because he'd seen a little of the prince's good side when he freed him from a prison as the blue spirit, and he had hoped that the person Zuko would open to first would be him... But all that had changed. Now, Aang could see Zuko's true personality, and it was beautiful. A simple and strong and lovable soul, and all Zuko needed to let it out was love... and Aang was more than willing to give his.

It was a few weeks after the first time the two benders had held hands for the first time, and the sunset-time breathing exercise had become something of a habit for them, although they usually just sat together without making contact. The two benders loved this routine and would never have let it go.

So, this was just another day that had passed for Aang and Zuko and both of them were again sitting side by side watching the sun fade away and the landscape become blazing orange.

"Aang?"

"Mmh?" the airbender had answered weakly, already focused on his breathing.

"How will I know when I've fulfilled my destiny?"

"Well, it depends", Aang answered, his eyes still closed. "Do you think you're on your way right now?"

"Actually, I've never felt as on the right way as right now. My destiny is to help you become a fully realised Avatar."

"And how do you know that? Not long ago, you thought it was to capture me."

Zuko fell silent. He only started talking again after a few seconds:

"I'm sure now. I know it because not long ago, I only listened to what my father told me. Now I've learned to listen to myself and I've seen the truth."

"Have you?"

"I think so"

Aang turned to him with a mild smile. "Then you'll have no problem knowing when your destiny's done."

Zuko smiled to himself and let out a sigh. "I suppose, yes." Then after a short silence, "How about we just lie down and watch the sun go down?"

"Okay, sifu Zuko!", Aang said cheerfully.

Zuko's smile grew wider as he got up and ran to a more grassy area on the hill, Aang on his heels laughing to himself.

It was a moment's notice before the two benders were down on the grass and breathing heavily. Shaking with mild laughter and shining with innocence, Zuko and Aang lay panting and smiling under a weary Sun, in the soothing calm of dusk, the Moon behind the Earth and ready to come up.

As the boys's breathings stabilized, Zuko and Aang began to feel the soft earth under their tired bodies, the caress of the wind against their skins that sounded like a lullaby to them.

A star became visible, then another, and after some time the sky was filled with gold and light and endless dreams of happiness. Everywhere light was surrounding Aang and he turned his head to Zuko only to realize that the firebender was already looking in his direction with gleaming eyes and doubt; the fire was all around them in rich colours of every diamond, flying and the light was too much for the young airbender and his thoughts were confused and he got closer to the only thing his eyes were able to see and pressed his lips against it and the world exploded. And Aang didn't even care.