Rating: G
Word Count: 472
Standing with Katara upon the balcony of the Jasmine Dragon and looking towards the setting sun, Aang couldn't help but feel as though he were thirteen again, standing in this same spot and looking in the same direction, towards the setting sun — the end of an old era, the beginning of a new life.
It was hard to believe that it was only five years ago when he and his friends had managed to end a century-long war. Actually, it was hard to believe that everything that had happened during their journey had happened within one year — learning how to waterbend, earthbend, and firebend; experiencing a former enemy become one of the closest friends he's ever had; meeting the most hardheaded, stubborn girl in the world, who also just so happened to be his sifu; bonding closely with a leader who started off as a novice warrior.
And meeting the love of his life. His waterbending master, the strongest, most tenacious, most courageous person he had ever met, whose strength was an exceptional match to her compassion, her love, and her passion in helping anyone, no matter who.
If it weren't for Katara, he wouldn't be standing here now. If it weren't for Katara, he wouldn't have had the strength to continue fighting in the war. If it weren't for Katara, he wouldn't have been able to face his destiny as the Avatar. If it weren't for Katara, he'd be dead, countless times over.
Just like all those years ago, he glanced over to Katara, who was standing right next to him. And, like all those years ago, she glanced back at him. Her deep blue eyes shimmered in the light of the dying orange sun, and Aang was struck breathless by the beauty he saw within their depths. They were impenetrable, layers upon layers of emotion swirling within them, and underneath it all: love.
Suddenly overcome with love for her, Aang gently took her face into his right hand, his other hand resting at her waist. Surprise briefly flashed in her eyes before he leaned in and pressed his lips against her cheek. Laughter bubbled up from Katara, and Aang's mouth stretched in a grin of its own accord.
When he drew back, Katara tugged insistently at his robes. He complied, closing the distance between them yet again, and they leaned their foreheads together, staring into each others' eyes.
"What was that for?" Katara asked, laughter still evident in her voice.
Aang merely smiled bashfully back at her. "Just wanted to let you know how much I love you," he said honestly.
Katara smiled back, her eyes soft. "Well, I love you too."
The anniversary party behind them may have been boisterous and rowdy, but out here, under the cover of intimacy, they were only aware of each other.
A/N See, I CAN write fluff!
