A/N: Well, this is the final chapter. Thanks again for the idea commissioned by Jak. I'm on discord (PepperidgeFarmRemembers) if you would like something commissioned. WARNING for Kataang Lemon ahead.
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender
"I'll tell you how we're wrong enough to be forgiven." - Ocean Vuong
2 Years Later
Aang tugged at the chocolate, wavy hair of his wife as she bobbed up and down his erect member. He involuntarily thrusted into her mouth prompting him to sigh at the overwhelming pleasure. His grasp tightened on her hair as she enveloped him completely, making him moan lowly in his throat. She knew exactly how to make him feel good. The ecstasy he felt could no longer be contained and he needed to be inside her now. Aang steadied Katara by gently placing his hand on her shoulder. She smiled with lust in her eyes as he helped her to stand before him. He kissed her roughly, feeling her tongue push against his. He hungrily kissed her, relishing how she tasted. As he embraced his waist, he led her to the bed where he crawled on top of her between her legs.
Aang hovered above Katara as he used his elbows to support her weight. Katara arched her back and let out a whimper as Aang entered her with a hard thrust. Muscles throughout her body tensed as she bit her lip to keep herself as quiet as possible. His lips pressed against hers in an effort to silence her vocalizations. The couple gasped silently as their climaxes were reached, hers followed by his. He groaned softly in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
They sighed as their sweaty limbs were tangled together in the bed. Their quiet embrace was interrupted by the door swinging open, causing the couple to bolt upright whilst frantically covering their bare bodies with sheets. An energetic girl with light blue eyes and tan skin assaulted the couple by jumping on the bed, "Momma! Dada! Wake up!" Aang and Katara smiled at each other before returning to beam at their beautiful and tiring 2 year-old daughter. "Okay, okay, we're up! What does the birthday girl want for breakfast?" Katara asked, smiling down to her daughter. "Fruit tart, momma!" Katara nodded and replied, "You've got it, Kya. How about you go to your room and I'll come in to help you get dressed so we can start breakfast?" The little girl jumped down from the bed giggling before running out of the room, "Okay, momma!"
Aang and Katara laughed for a few moments, shaking their head at the seemingly never ending energy shown in their child. As they were getting dressed, Aang pondered about the bittersweet life he has come to live. The greatest joys in his life, Katara and Kya, were both only possible because of genocide, death, lies, and infidelity. He blinked this thought away as he made his way to the kitchen to begin making fruit tarts and tea. A smile came across his face as he looked around at the treats, food, and gifts in the corner of the kitchen ready for his daughter's birthday party. Again, his mind turned to unwelcome thoughts. This was the first party he had invited Zuko to since he left the Fire Lord's Palace in shame. Of course he had seen Zuko at council meetings and on Avatar business, but they only talked informally for the first time two months ago.
Two Months Ago in Ba Sing Se
"Aang, wait up!" an out of breath Fire Lord yelled in the cobblestone crowded street. Aang tried to avoid Zuko every time they met. He would often practically run out of meetings when they were over and would avoid going to the Jasmine Dragon in case Zuko would show up. Not because Aang was mad at him but because Aang was embarrassed. Everytime the firebender looked at him, he could feel hatred emitting from those amber eyes. Aang felt that he was doing Zuko a favor by staying out of his way. This was penance, the airbender told himself.
"Oh, hey Zuko! Didn't see you there," Aang lied as he rubbed the back of his neck. He slowed down and waited for Zuko to catch his breath. He remained silent to let his friend speak first. "So, how have you been?" Aang was visibility confused at this moment. He answered nervously, "Uh, I've been good. And you?" Zuko grinned, "I've been great! We just found out Suki is pregnant!" Aang feigned a smile at this new information. While he was happy for his friend and Suki, this served as a reminder that his friends had gotten married without him there and vice versa. Naturally, it left a sour taste in his mouth. The thoughts were shaken away as Aang attempted to act overjoyed, "Wow, that's great news! I'm so happy for you both."
Zuko's grin fell into a serious expression as he placed a hand on Aang's shoulder. "Thanks, I'm very happy but it has brought some things to light. The idea of becoming a father has made me more thoughtful than I thought I would be. I asked myself what kind of family am I bringing this child into? I didn't like the answer." Aang remained silent for a few moments before asking, "Zuko, where are you going with this?" The Fire Lord replied, "Do you remember what you said to me when I saw my father after you took his bending away?" Aang shook his head, "It was kind of a crazy time there, Zuko. I'm sorry, I don't."
Zuko motioned for them to continue walking as he spoke, "You told me that, 'It's easy to seek revenge, but it's harder to forgive. Let your anger out and then let it go.'" Aang continued to stare blankly at his friend, allowing Zuko to continue. "For whatever reason, that memory has been coming back to be a lot recently. I made the easy choice being mad at you. I let my anger out, but I didn't let it go. I held on to it so tightly since I last saw you. It was like a poison, slowly ruining me from the inside out. While I was happy with Suki, she even noticed that I had become harsh and somber. I know that I have to be a bigger man than my father was. I don't want my child to hold on to anger, it only causes pain. What I'm saying is...I forgive you."
Aang's mouth fell open in shock. "Really, Zuko? You mean it?" Zuko nodded and smiled sincerely at him, "Yes, really. I forgive Katara, too. You're both my friends and I want my child to grow up knowing both of you. We had great times together and you're both some of the best people I have ever known. Please accept my apology." Tears welled in Aang's eyes as he embraced Zuko, "I accept, Zuko. I'm so glad you forgive me," he pulled back to look at his friend, "I wasn't in a good place when you invited me here. I was selfish, tortured, and rude. I'm not excusing my actions but I wanted to let you know that I'm finally myself again. You didn't deserve that and if you'll accept my friendship, I'd very much like to start again." Zuko smiled and tightly hugged Aang. They were no longer two lost boys recovering from a war that had made them forget to be kind.
"Hello, Aang, are you there?" Katara questioned as she sat Kya down at the table. His eyes blinked as he looked at Katara, "Oh, sorry, I'm here." She walked over to him and gave him a peck on the cheek. "What are you so deep in thought about?" Aang sighed and looked down to concentrate on the pastries being made, "My talk with Zuko two months ago. I guess it's on my mind because we'll see him today." She cupped his cheek with the palm of her hand, looking into his stormy, grey eyes, "Do you not want him here?" Aang shook his head, "No, it's not that. I'm happy he's able to forgive us but I still feel unworthy."
Katara wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling his face down to meet hers, "Aang, you made a mistake. You can't keep beating yourself up about this. Zuko wanted to make amends. I think this is about you not wanting to forgive yourself." She pressed her lips to his and broke away at the sound of Kya giggling and shouting, "Kissy kissy!" The couple laughed together, Katara's head resting on Aang's chest. When the laughter died down, he kissed the top of her head, "You're right. If Zuko can forgive me, I can forgive myself."
An hour past noon, guests began to arrive at Aang and Katara's home to celebrate their daughter's birthday. Toph entered grinning as she held her newborn daughter in a green, wrap carrier at the front of her chest. Aang beamed, "It's so great you were able to make it, Toph! And you brought Lin, she's adorable." He reached out his hand but Toph breezed past him as she chided, "She's sleeping, you should know better than that, Twinkle Toes!" The two friends laughed as Aang walked with Toph to a table with assorted foods. Toph spoke with a tone of surprise, "Oh, wow, Zuko's heartbeat is going crazy right now."
Aang stiffened and whipped his head around to see Zuko and Suki walking into their home. The baby bump on Suki was starting to be noticeable, confirming what Zuko had told him. Katara walked over to Aang and interlaced her fingers as they smiled at their long lost friends. Zuko spoke first, "Katara, it's good to see you again. I wanted to let you know I forgive you and I hope that you can forgive me." The waterbender smiled, "Of course, Zuko, thanks for coming." Aang and Zuko smiled at each other as they noticed Katara fussing over Suki. "I think there's a birthday girl here that I need to be introduced to," Zuko announced with a friendly grin. Aang released a breath he didn't know he was holding as Zuko followed him to meet Kya. He smiled as he watched Zuko make Kya laugh. Aang smiled at this moment without any pain. His happiness could not be tainted with sorrow or regret. Not anymore.
