Enjoy reading!
I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
"I brought you a blanket," Sokka said, handing it over and sitting down on an empty bench on the balcony where Aang and Katara were. – You know, actually I have to have an "older brother" conversation with you, - he added some time after the airbender sheltered them with Katara.
The lovers were also sitting on a bench. The head of the waterbender rested on the shoulder of the young Avatar. The girl's breathing was quiet and calm. She was asleep. Before that, the couple went out to look at the stars together, but pretty soon the blue-eyed waterbender fell asleep, and the airbender did not want to wake her up. She was too cute when she was sleeping.
"You can still do it if you need to, Sokka," Aang said quietly, "just be quiet, don't wake Katara up."
"No, I don't need it," the girl's brother replied, lowering his voice. "I know you would never hurt her. I trust you.
"Thank you, Sokka," the Avatar whispered.
- She was withdrawn after the death of her mother, - the warrior suddenly spoke, attracting the attention airbender. – She was hurt more than all of us. She stopped laughing, her smile became rare. Only sometimes I could make her smile at least a semblance. And then Dad went to war, leaving me to look after the tribe and my younger sister. Then she became only a shadow of her former self. And there was nothing I could do. So, I promised myself that if I couldn't make her smile, then I had to protect her at all costs. And I defended. Sometimes she didn't understand it and yelled at me, thinking I was being unfair, but I didn't care. As long as she was safe, I was willing to put up with everything she told me.… And then we found you. And you, the one she knew for less than a day, made her not just smile, but really laugh! And after that, she was ready to leave with you at all. But you insisted that she stay with her family… Then you returned and saved our tribe by surrendering. And Katara followed you. Then I began to notice that I was becoming an empty place for her… After the North Pole, it became clear that she no longer needed me that much. When she was sad, you lifted her spirits, and I understood that she was more than capable of protecting herself on her own. She was smiling and laughing, thanks to you. And despite the fact that it seemed to me that I was replaced, I couldn't help but be happy for her." He paused. - We made new friends, visited new places… But you were always there for her, especially in difficult situations. You protected. Сared. Made happy… I'm saying all this to the point, Aang, that if I could choose who she would be with, it would only be you. And no one else.
- Thank you, Sokka, - whispered the airbender, feeling a little moisture in his eyes. – I will do everything in my power to make her always happy…
"I know, buddy, I know," the warrior agreed.
- And she still needs you, Sokka, - Aang gently reminded. – Maybe she doesn't say, but she loves you, because you are her own brother, her family. She always hopes and believes in you, without even thinking. So don't think you've been replaced. No. You will always be dear to her, no matter what… And just so you know: As you said, we've made new friends and I'm sure we'll make even more, but for me, you and Katara will always be the first. And our journey, when there were only three of us, holds a special place in my heart.
- Thanks, dude, - Sokka thanked, feeling the warmth in his heart, knowing that he, like his best friend, especially cherishes the memories of their adventures when there were only three of them.
"I think I'll go," said the warrior of the Water Tribe, getting up from the bench. – Good night.
- Good night, Sokka, - Aang wished in response, after which the older boy left.
The airbender looked down at Katara. Bending his head, he gently kissed the girl on the forehead. In response, she smiled in her sleep and snuggled even closer.
"Yes, her smile is worth any effort," Aang thought tenderly, looking up at the night sky.
To the stars.