I do not own ATLA.


Well, that was that. Monk Gyatso's long, illustrious journey was finally over. The Airbending Master could now rest in peace, thanks to his young protégé finally giving him a proper burial.

It wasn't without a price, though. Said protégé, twelve-year-old Avatar Aang, had to use all his strength to fight tears as he performed the sacred rituals of a proper Air Nomad funeral. By the end of the ceremony, it was all he could do to keep from crying, as he was unable to hold in his grief for his master much longer.

His friends al stood solemnly a few yards away from him, unsure whether to step in to console him or to leave him be while he finished his service. Katara was at the point where every time she heard Aang's breath hitch, she took a step toward him, only to be stopped by Sokka's hand on her shoulder.

Finally, Aang finished the funeral proceedings with a mournful, "I miss you, Gyatso. I'm sorry." He walked away from everyone and made his way toward a fountain in the main courtyard of the Southern Air Temple.

It was then and there, unseen and unheard, that he let a sob escape his lips, and began to cry. All his pent-up emotion was finally let out in broken, grieving sobs. He needed this.

"What Aang just did back there…that was so brave," Suki remarked as she helped Sokka, Katara, and Toph prepare dinner.

"I'm so proud of him," Katara said, smiling sadly. "Gyatso was close to him. I can only imagine how much pain he's in right now. To find the strength to do that…even with how much it must hurt him…he's amazing."

You should probably check on him, Katara," Sokka suggested. "You know, make sure he's okay."

"But…what do I say? What can I do?" Katara asked. She remembered how she felt upon her mother's death. Nothing anyone said or did could give her any sort of comfort. She had been inconsolable. Wouldn't Aang be the same way?

Suki smiled a little. "I'm sure you'll think of something. You always do."

"All right. I'll check on him," Katara decided. She got up and began to follow Aang.

She didn't have to go very far. The main courtyard was the first place she would look, and it was just a short walk away. Sure enough, she found the grief-stricken Avatar on his knees next to the fountain in the courtyard, his head in his hands. The sight was threatening to bring tears to Katara's eyes, but she blinked them back, deciding that she needed to be strong for him. Silently, she made her way over to the weeping Airbender and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

The boy nearly collapsed at the sudden contact, but Katara held him steady as he cried on her shoulder. "I m-miss him, Katara…" he wept.

"I know," the girl murmured, gently stroking his back. "I know."

Aang continued to sob for a good hour or so, gradually calming down thanks to Katara's soothing words and her loving embrace. Eventually, the only sounds that could be heard were Aang's sniffles and occasional whimpers.

Katara pulled out of the embrace to look into Aang's eyes, which were still glistening with tears. "Better?" she asked, putting a hand to his tearstained cheek.

"A l-little," he answered quietly, "thanks to you."

"I'm proud of you," she said, smiling at him. "What you did was so brave, and so strong."

"I loved him," he replied, looking down at the ground. "I still do. He's the closest thing I've ever had to a father. I just wish it didn't have to end like this. It kind of makes me wish I hadn't run away."

"I know," she sympathized, frowning. "But the way I see it, everything happens for a reason. I know you lost a lot because you left, but…you could have lost your life if you'd stayed."

"And I'd never get to meet you," he added. "I know, it's for the best that I ran, but…things like this make me second-guess myself sometimes. I-I can't help but wonder what if."

"But look at you now," she said, tilting his head up so she could look at him. The tears had stopped, but his face was still downcast and glum. "You've mastered all four elements, brought an end to a terrible war, and saved the entire world. You've accomplished so much, Aang. Gyatso would be so proud of you."

Aang's face brightened considerably, a small smile forming on his lips. "You think so?"

Katara smiled back, putting her free hand on his. "I know so."

"That means a lot," he said, lacing his fingers with hers. "You always know what to say to cheer me up, Katara. I don't know what I'd do without you." He knew it sounded sappy, but it was true. Where would he be if it weren't for her?

She blushed. "Sweet-talk? Did Gyatso teach you that, too?" she teased.

Aang chuckled. "No. I'm just being honest," he replied innocently.

"And I'm being honest when I say you sound like a sap," Katara said, giggling. "No offense." She shoved him playfully.

"No, no, you're right," he laughed. Then, his tone became more serious. "But it's true. You're always there for me when I need you, and I'm really thankful that I have you. Losing Gyatso and the Airbenders hurts, a lot. But you…you make the pain bearable—like there's a little piece of them still with me, in you. And I know you're much more than just that, but—mmph!"

Before Aang could register what was happening, a pair of lips smashed into his in a loving kiss that sent his head spinning. Katara gently tilted her head and affectionately cupped Aang's face. Unsure of how to react, he moaned softly against her lips, sending shivers down her spine.

All too soon, they pulled away, smiling at each other and still locked in an embrace.

"You're so sweet, Aang," Katara said, running her right hand down his left cheek. "I love you."

Dazed and very red, Aang barely managed to squeak, "I love you, too."

"Let's head back to camp," the Waterbender suggested. "Sokka might burn dinner if we don't hurry."

"O-okay," stuttered the still-stunned, unfocused Avatar. He wasn't thinking about dinner at the moment. Right now, he was thinking about Gyatso proudly watching over him. And as Katara helped the boy up, he smiled.


In case you were wondering, yes, I do have something in the works for Christmas. So stay tuned!