Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar…or anything else…of course you already knew that.
Four years later…
A loud yawn escaped the airbender's mouth as he awoke. The Avatar rolled out of bed and stretched until he heard the satisfying pop of his joints. Aang had retired late last night for he had just returned from the Earth Capital. He had discussed the repair of some smaller villages in the Earth Kingdom with the Earth King.
Aang rubbed his eyes and searched his wardrobe for some attire for the day. Usually, since he was the Avatar, he wore his airbending apparel, however since today he had no business to attend to he wore his Fire Nation robes. The robes somewhat embodied Avatar Roku's clothing.
Aang had taken up residence in the palace for he was constantly needed to resolve problems of the Fire Nation's new government.
Aang pulled the robe on and when to straighten his look out in the mirror. He looked nice in the robes. Now at the age of seventeen, he had changed much. The Avatar was no longer the scrawny little boy he once was when he was twelve. Through vigorous training mastering all four elements and refining his skills and retaining his power though constant training had shaped his body. Even through the baggy robes of the Fire Nation you could see the young Avatar's defined muscles earned through training with the best and becoming the best. He now had broader shoulders and was much taller then he once was. At the proud height of 6'3 he was no longer of short stature.
Other changes had also occurred. The Master Airbender now had a full head of hair. He grew it out having liked the first time he grew it out right before the Gaang's first attack on the Fire Capital, the Invasion. However, this time his did not conceal his arrow. Other features on his face had also been defined. His cheekbones, nose, and chin had now all shown the more chiseled and defined look.
Even though his voice also lowered, and had changed physically. Aang had not changed mentally. He was still a teenager. His eyes still held his innocent nature and his boyish charm. And his face did still retain some of his boyish looks too. And if asked what his favorite thing to do he would still say penguin sledding and riding his airscooter.
Aang brushed his hand through his hair twice trying to straighten it out. After accomplishing his task he exited his room to make his rounds about the palace. Having to make sure he was not needed before running off to do whatever he pleased was repetitive and annoying.
He was not a servant of the Fire Nation, if that's what you were thinking. Aang was actually the most important figure in the world. He controlled everything that went on in all the nations. Yet, he still had to be humble and show responsibility by asking if his services were need. If not, he was allowed to do anything he wanted, even though he had that ability any way.
Aang headed to the once war room, now the meeting room for peace meetings and complaints of citizens. That's when he bumped into a figure. Seeing he was spacing out, like he normally did, he quickly looked at who it was.
It was the newest and youngest Fire Lord, Fire Lord Zuko. Zuko brushed himself off and glared at the young Avatar. Each holding the glaring contest with fierce competitiveness. That was until each started to chuckle at the childish game, soon turning into loud laughs.
"Daydreaming again Avatar?" Zuko smirked with slight humor in his voice. Over the years Zuko had opened up a little more. Now being able to bring peace and happiness to his people, he slowly converted back to his childhood personality. Happier and much kinder than he had been while searching for the Avatar. For now the Avatar was one of his best friends…and who can hunt their best friend?
Aang rubbed the back of his head as he was caught daydreaming again, "You know me…can't keep my head out of the clouds." Crickets could be heard in the background at Aang's attempt of a joke.
Zuko just tilled his head slightly. "You know Airbender, sky, clouds. Get it?" Zuko shook his head, "No? Never mind."
"Sorry Avatar, maybe next time." Aang shoulders drooped in defeat.
"Well…okay…So where you off to Fire Lord Zuko?" Aang posture straightened up as he spoke.
"Avatar we are equals…call me Zuko." A light blush appeared on the Fire Lord's face, "And I'm not going anywhere."
Aang's smiled grew into a full out grin as he noticed Zuko's blush. "So you are going to see Mai now, huh? It's a shame I can't join you." Aang's voice full of mock and tease.
"Ah be quiet Avatar! I have no business in your private affairs so stay out of mine," Zuko then mumbled under his breath, "I'd be shocked even if you could get a girl."
"I'm just as shocked that you are even with Mai. Plus I'm the Avatar I don't have time for girls." Aang look away, "the right one hasn't come along yet anyway."
Zuko brows furrowed, "You'll find a girl…you have thousands of fangirls. You can find a girl." Zuko stopped to think for a moment, "Do not hold the Avatar thing over my head! If it wasn't for me you would even know firebending!" The young Fire Lord and Avatar walked side-by-side as the headed in the direction of the stables.
"Hey you are the one who keeps insisting to call me 'Avatar.' I've been trying to get you to call me Aang for years." Aang muttered afterward, "Avatar makes me sound as old as Roku."
Zuko laughed hardily, "Old habits die hard I guess." Both laughed.
A moment of silence past. Aang decided to break it, "So when are you going to propose?"
Zuko's steps faltered causing him to trip up a little, "How'd you know about that?"
Aang smiled, "Being the all-knowing Avatar I have my sources."
"Uncle told you."
"Yep."
"I've been telling him to be quiet."
"Good luck there. I'm surprised Mai doesn't even know yet." Aang glanced over at Zuko, "It was bound to happen any way. You're 20 and you two have been together since you returned to the Fire Nation 4 years ago."
"I'm proposing on the summer solstice."
"Two weeks from now, huh? Well I'll try to be here when you are rejected." Aang smile widened.
"That's not funny." Zuko shot Aang a glare.
"Yes, it is!"
"No it isn't."
The bickering duo arrived at their destination: the stables. The fighting stopped as a low growl echoed from inside.
"APPA!" Aang raced up on to the sky bison's back. "You ready for some flying buddy?"
Appa answered with a loud rumble emanating from his throat.
"Aang before you go." Zuko reached for the inside of his robe pulling out a parchment, "The advisors wanted me to give you this. It is a summoning from the Earth King. He has an important project for you. He requests you presence immediately. All the details are written in here." Zuko handed him the scroll. "Did you even check in with them this morning?"
"Ah well…an old lady got lost in the palace and um I had to help her out so-"
"I'll take that a as a no."
Aang shrugged his shoulders and grinned, "Yep pretty much. Will you tell them I'm off?"
"Avatar this is your duty." Zuko had caught Aang.
"Come on Zuko. I didn't tell on you when Mai and you snuck out and-"
Zuko cut in, "Fine. Leave already."
Aang grinned, "Yip Yip Appa!" Appa took off soaring into the sky. Aang called back at Zuko, "And call me Aang!"
Once the sky bison and the young Avatar disappeared Zuko turned and walked back into the palace, "That kid is going to have the surprise of his life once he reaches Ba Sing Se." Zuko smirked as he sauntered off towards Mai's to have a morning brunch with the love his life.