While writing this, Sweet Pea by Amos Lee came on my iPod and I was thoroughly inspired.

Disclaimer: I don't own A:tLA

Always

"Have a safe trip, Honey."

"Thanks, Love. I'll write as soon as I get there and everyday afterwards." The Avatar gave his wife a kiss goodbye and headed out to the stables to finish loading his things onto his faithful bison and hitting the road – figuratively of course. It was always hard for him to leave his family and there were many days when he woke up wishing he weren't the Avatar.

Today was one of those days when he wished he could have just stayed in bed. It felt like one of those lazy days. Unfortunately, duty called. As he as going about, gathering and loading his things, the Avatar didn't notice his eldest come to the stables when she normally would still be in bed.

"Papa?" He started and turned to face the sleepy little girl. She stood in the large stable doorway with her parka over her nightgown and boots on her otherwise bare feet. With a large, unladylike yawn and a rub at her droopy lids, she padded over to her father. He smiled warmly and stooped to lift her to his hip.

"Hey, what are you doing up this early? Does Mama know you're out here?" he asked softly. She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Do you really have to go?" she asked quietly. The Avatar nodded and looked away sadly, knowing if he met her gaze that he would most definitely not go anywhere but back inside.

"I really do have to go. But only for a little while." His daughter sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.

"But who will tell me bed time stories?"
"I'll write new stories and send them to you everyday. Then Mama can read them to you when you go to bed."

"But she doesn't do it the way you do, with the voices and flame puppets."

"I'm sure if you ask her to, Mama can do the voices for you and make little water puppets." The little girl didn't reply. Her father shifted, causing her to look up at him. Looking her right in the eye he spoke: "Tian Mi, I'll be back as soon as I possibly can. You know how much I don't like leaving my two favorite ladies." She smiled. "While I'm away though, can you promise me that you'll take care of Mama and your little sister?" he asked, referring to Tian Mi's unborn sibling, whom Tian Mi was absolutely certain was a girl. Tian Mi smiled wider.

"Only if you promise that you and Appa will fly back to us as fast as you can." Her father laughed.

"Sweet pea, I'll always fly back as fast as I can, no matter when, no matter what."

"Always?"

"Always."