Ten Years
The meditation deck creaked beneath the light footsteps as a figure approached the railing, resting forearms on the wooden frame. The Avatar stood watching the sunset, taking a deep breath of the evening air. The sky was still illuminated with golden beams, now fading into the western most sea.
The lights of Republic City were slowly being lit, sparkling as brightly as stars in the newly built windows and streetlamps. There were still many camp fires on the outskirts, as many did not have sturdier housing their their own simple cabins or tents. But they would, once more people came into the city-
"Are you alright?"
Aang turned his head, smiling as Katara stepped up to him, arms circling his waist. His hands moved, covering hers in a warm, comfortable way. Her chin came to rest on his shoulders, he could feel her warm breath on the bare skin between collarbone and neck.
"I was thinking about how far we've all managed to come." Aang sighed, the golden light of the sunset causing his skin to glow like polished bronze, hightened by the sky-blue arrow tattoos down his back and arms. "Ten years ago, I was still frozen in the ice, you and Sokka were the only warrior and waterbender in your tribe… everything's changed so much."
"That's the way the world is, sweetheart," Katara felt Aang relax at the sound of the familiar pet name, wanting to coax the unease away from him. "But we keep on going. And the others will be there to support you, Sokka and Zuko and Toph and Suki, all of our friends. And so will I."
Aang gave a deep sigh, then nodded. "Your wisdom never ceases to amaze me, Sifu Katara," he teased slightly, as she suddenly laughed, her blue eyes dancing as deftly as her feet. She moved to stand in front of him, now wrapped in the embrace of his strong arms.
"I'll do my best to always keep amazing you, mister Avatar," Katara smiled and leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a firm kiss.