Chapter 2: Aang

On Ji finally finished this long chapter about the origins and history of Omashu, and stretched in relief. Most of her coursework was done ahead of schedule, and she was looking forward to taking a break, which to her meant curling up on her bed with a cup of tea and a (not school related) book.

Ba Sing Se University was the pinnacle of academics in the Earth Kingdom and arguably, the world.

Coming here had been a crazy dream that had somehow turned into a reality. She'd had to work harder than most to get here, contributing earnings from her job for the tuition. Her parents had supported her as well.

They had been reluctant at first to let their only daughter travel outside their city, let alone outside their nation, but On Ji had managed to convince them, in part due to the insistence of her friend Aang in his letters- his encouragement for her to follow her dream even if it was all a little scary- even if she doubted if she could do it.

He had even offered to recommend her to one of the professors, but she had declined, wanting to prove to herself that she could do it on her own.

Earth kingdom hostility towards the Fire Nation wasn't completely erased overnight, and hence, Out of nation students had fewer spots and tougher competition, but after months of diligent studying, she had passed the entrance exam with ease, even earning a partial scholarship for herself.

Now, she had access to knowledge from all around the world- so much diversity of both people and culture. All this would have been unthinkable for a young girl from an indoctrinated Fire Nation a mere ten years ago.

Until Aang had changed the world.

One could say that she was living the dream, but that didn't mean she was living it easy. She had to study harder than ever, but it was also rewarding for someone as fond of learning as her.

Not to mention how she missed Aang each and every day, even though it had been over a year now after their last meeting. She truly was hopeless, she thought with a sigh. One meaningful reunion, and she couldn't manage to get him out of her head yet again.

As fate would have it, Aang hadn't had a chance to visit Ba Sing Se in the last year, being needed at the various air temples. He travelled so much, yet he was never at the one place she wanted him to be.

Busy in thought, On Ji didn't hear her roommate -Hira, a cheery Earth kingdom girl- walk in.

"On Ji! Why are you still in pajamas? Don't tell me you're missing the party this evening!"

On Ji always played the responsible one in situations like this. "Midterms are just a few days away Hira. I think I've earned a well deserved break- and my idea of break does not mean socialising amidst too loud music…"

"Gosh, you're always studying day and night. What can I do to tempt you, huh?" She smirked suddenly. "There might be cute boys there…"

On Ji rolled her eyes. "I've told you time and time again, I'm not interested in boys."

"You're lying!"

"I'm not! and besides, I already-" her eyes widened and she clamped a hand over her mouth.

Hira narrowed her eyes. "Already what? have a boyfriend?"

"N-No!" On Ji sputtered. "He's not-"

"Aha! So there is someone!"

"It's not like-"

"Oooooh. Hearing about our resident bookworm's love life is so much better than any party!" She said excitedly. On Ji smacked her forehead on her book. She'd dug her own grave.

"Let me guess. Schooltime sweetheart from your hometown?"

Oh well. The cat was already out of the bag.

"He's… not exactly from the fire nation…"

"He's not fire nation?! Wow. You've got that rebellious fire in you! Which one is he then? Earth or water?"

"Uhhh…" she said uncertainly, taking too long to answer the simple question.

Her roommate rolled her eyes. "If you don't want to go to the party then just tell me! No need to make up imaginary boyfriends…"

"He's not imaginary" On-ji pouted. "And he's not my… I mean… we've never talked about it… I'm not sure if he likes me in that way…"

"You're not sure?"

"He never mentioned it in any of his letters so…" she opened the drawer on her desk, filled to the top with neatly arranged letters. She grabbed the topmost one and gave it to Hira, who gave it a skim.

"Wow, He's totally into you. Not only does he show interest in your boring studies, he says he's gonna read your thesis when you complete it! You couldn't pay me to read that!"

"Hey!" On Ji complained, failing to ignore the fluttering of her heart at the logical argument.

"Judging by the amount of letters you've been hoarding in here in just a year, I'll say he definitely likes you."

On-ji blushed even more. "I- I hope so" she murmured, unable to hide her hopeful smile.

Hira then did a double take then at the top of the letter in her hand.

"Its postmarked 'Eastern air temp-" On-ji snatched the paper away and hid it again.

Oh no.

"It's- it's not like-"

"Huh" Hira remarked. "I didn't know they have started letting tourists visit the air temples already… he must be some hardcore travelling enthusiast."

On-ji bit her cheek to keep herself from smiling. His secret was so unthinkable that it was turning out to be easier to keep despite her lack of natural subtlety.

"You have no idea"

"Young Avatar?" Guru Pathik asked, opening one eye to look at his disciple as they meditated together at the eastern air temple.

"Yeah?"

"What's on your mind?"

"Oh! Nothing!- I mean the avatar spirit- I mean-"

"I know you're contemplating something, young one. Are you thinking you'd rather be somewhere else- with someone else?"

Aang shook his head. "I'm grateful for you training me. It's not like that. But yes- you are right in a way. I'm finally going back tomorrow- I'll be able to find some time to visit Ba sing se and meet someone after a very long time."

Pathik smiled. "Then why the long face?"

"I… I'm worried she wouldn't feel the way I do about her… I mean it's been so long…."

"And if she does?"

Aang sighed. "Even if that were the case somehow… I'll just have to leave again each time for something or other and I'll leave her behind again, and this time she'll definitely break things off with me for good."

Guru Pathik grabbed some onion and banana juice and offered it to the troubled airbender.

"How do you feel about this girl, Aang?"

Aang looked away shyly at first, before shaking his head. "I have only met her twice, really. But we've written to each other many times over the last two years. I know that doesn't seem like all that much, but I can't help it. I liked her when I met her all the way back when we were in school. I felt more strongly about her when I met her the second time… when she helped me find my old friend Kuzon.

And now… I think… no- I know… I know I have feelings for her… she is the one who attaches me to this world now… no matter how much I immerse myself in Avatar duties, she never leaves my mind. I find myself worrying about her- missing her- I know I should be able to discipline my thoughts and feelings better- but I can't. I love her."

Pathik chuckled. "You're very decisive for such a young man. I respect that, and I think she will appreciate it too. I see that the way out of your predicament- the way out of all the uncertainty- is rather obvious"

Aang took a minute to gather his Guru's meaning, and he reddened and looked away.

"But that's… that is…"

He gave it a long think. It didn't take him much effort to make up his mind. His master was right.

Yes, he was still young. Not even twenty years of age. But his life had hardly been anything similar to a normal boy of his age.

He'd seen so much and experienced so much. It made him realise that waiting even longer was pointless, not when his heart had made up its mind a long time ago.

He wasn't gonna sit around fretting about circumstances, while letting the girl he loves keep wondering if he'll ever come back.

Standing now, he bowed respectfully to Guru Pathik before going to start packing his stuff.

He was going to Ba Sing Se.

When On-ji had been returning to her dorms after a long day of classes, the last thing she'd expected was to see the white shape emerge from the clouds above her.

The surprised gasps of people around her didn't even register as she stared at the Sky bison circle high above before descending behind the tree line near the campus.

A lot of people tried to figure out where the legendary animal had gone while others were wondering if they'd even seen it or had it been a trick of the light.

On-ji could hardly focus on their theories the whole evening, not while her heart thudded uncontrollably in her chest.

When she laid down to sleep a while later, she knew leaving her window open might be necessary- and it was.

She gasped quietly as a lemur-bat?! flew in, flapping around her small room, dropping a roll of parchment at her feet before scurrying away.

She knelt down and picked it up, unrolling it with shaky fingers.

Meet me in the forest by the lake.

-Aang.

"Oh Agni" she whispered, thankful that the commotion hadn't been enough to wake her snoring roommate. Even that simple sentence was enough to make her feel lightheaded with anticipation.

As she quickly got dressed and brushed her hair, she could hardly keep the relieved smile off her face.

Yes, he'd written to her like he'd promised these last two years. But now he was actually here- he was here in Ba sing se- for her?

She all but ran out into the cool night, trying to avoid being spotted leaving the dorms well after curfew. She was entering the woods before she knew it, ducking under branches in the moonlight and trying not to trip over her feet.

The cool breeze in her face told her the lake was nearby, but she'd hardly laid eyes on it when she was suddenly swept up in someone's strong arms.

Aang picked her up and swung her around like she weighed nothing, laughing in her ear and making her squeal in delight.

"On ji!"

"Aang"

He put her back down on the ground and they both just grinned at each other for a while, neither wanting to break the precious moment of pure bliss.

Unable to stop himself, Aang wrapped her in another hug, holding her close and feeling her sigh against his neck.

"You-you came back" she finally breathed, after he let her go.

Aang realised she had a tear in the corner of her eye, and it made his heart melt completely.

"Of course I did."

"I missed you Aang."

"I missed you too, On-ji. Not a day went by that I didn't think of you."

"R-Really?" she asked with a blush.

"Mm hmm. I could hardly focus on my training sometimes, with the thoughts of you distracting me..."

"Sorry…"

"No need to apologise! Reading each one of your letters was always the brightest part of my days."

"I'm glad you're here Aang."

"I'm glad I'm here too. I've longed to see your gorgeous smile for so long now"

"Aang…"

On-ji held back her tears the best she could, thinking that there was no way this night could get any more perfect. But her Avatar, overachiever that he was, managed to prove her wrong.

With absolute conviction on his face, he produced a maroon and yellow braided cord, a flaming Ruby in its center. Even in the moonlight, she could see the immaculate craftsmanship.

A gift for her? She was over the moon and was about to thank him when-

He stepped around her, moving aside her hair and holding the necklace upto her neck.

"May I?" he asked quietly. The twinge of nervousness- apprehension- in his voice- was what made it click for her.

This was much, much more than just a simple gift.

Her knees threatened to give out then, but she managed to stay on her feet. Managed a nod, even as a few tears of joy escaped her lashes.

He put it on for her and stepped back, gazing adoringly at her like she was the most precious sight in the world.

"This is a tradition Fire Nation betrothal necklace… well… except for the Ruby- that is something I added because it reminded me of you… so strong and beautiful… the one with a soul of fire who stole my heart completely…"

She wiped her face with her sleeve before falling into his arms again, before he could see what a sobbing mess he'd made her into.

He breathed in a long breath that she could feel against her chest. "There is still some time left before I complete my training On-ji… and I know you graduate in two more years… but I didn't want you to spend them thinking I didn't care about you as much as I do… you don't have to worry anymore. I will always come back for you, for the one I love. No matter how many times I might have to leave for my duties..."

On-ji sniffled against his neck. "I love you too, Aang"

Never let me go again.

Aang introduced her to Appa for the first time, and she was absolutely awestruck by the adorable furry bison. He procured some food from Appa's saddle and they pretty much had a picnic right then and there in the middle of the night, catching each other up so much better than they could in letters.

Aang held her pretty much in his lap and had the biggest smile on his face the whole time. Despite his worries, Guru Pathik had been right after all. She had agreed to marry him, and she had even agreed to wait for him.

On ji, meanwhile, had to pinch herself to reassure herself this wasn't a dream, as she'd conjured up many a similar scenarios before in her mind.

Her beloved Aang was finally here in person, and she had apparently just been proposed to. She wondered what her parents would think, about her getting engaged to a boy she'd only met three times.

She hoped they'd give them their blessing, as there was no way she was taking this thing off her neck for the foreseeable future.

They had exchanged a few more "I love you's" while talking before he laughed at something she'd said and On Ji's gaze dropped to his lips, and she felt a tug in her stomach.

And then she found herself blurting it out without any thought. Surely she'll think it embarrassing in the morning but tonight, tonight she didn't care one bit.

"Since we're engaged now… I hope this is okay for me to ask… will you kiss me, Avatar Aang?"

Using his title in a playful way made him blush as much as her request did.

The way he hesitated showed her his conservative air nomad background. But the want in his eyes betrayed him, and he finally caved in.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips against his future wife, his betrothed. She hummed against his mouth, feeling the air swirl around them, making leaves go flying and thrilling her to no end.

After he pulled away and the wind died down, On-ji giggled at the way she'd made him lose control of his bending, just for a moment. The red on his cheeks showed that he was surprised as well.

"Kiss me again?" she asked.

Aang grinned, no longer feeling shy. "As the lady wishes."

Aang had told her he couldn't stay longer than a night. He'd taken special permission to be able to travel here, and he also didn't want to be discovered as the Avatar, as he knew that would only bother On-Ji with all the unwanted attention- when people realised she knew him personally.

On-ji couldn't say she wasn't sad, but the fact that he was here now and promising to return in the near future did make it better.

As his giant Sky bison settled into the grass to sleep, he hooked his arms around her waist and flew them off with a gust of air bending until they were sat in the large saddle.

She cuddled into his side under a blanket and soon fell asleep, as did he.

She had taken leave and departed for home the very next day, to give her family the good news in person. Her parents had been overjoyed at the unexpected news, while her brother had nodded and smirked way too much, his eyes saying the words "I knew it all along" loud and clear.

When she'd returned to Ba Sing Se the next week and her friends had noticed the prominent betrothal necklace around her neck, some of them had thought it was a childhood friend - turned lover from her hometown or something, and On-ji hadn't really denied their theories.

Her roommate was harder to convince, still unclear about her mysterious boyfriend's ever-changing nationality, but On Ji had managed to evade most of her questions, promising to introduce him properly to her soon.

For the following year, Aang and On Ji exchanged more letters than they could count.

The Avatar finally settled down in one place for an extended period of time during On-Ji's final year at university, as he helped finish work on Air temple island in the newly forming Republic city.

Since it was just a few days journey from Ba Sing Se, he was able to meet his betrothed much more frequently, sometimes even multiple times a month.

Their meetings were still largely in secret though, and only On-ji's family knew about the true identity of her husband-to-be.

She had managed to convince her school friends that her fiancé was an Air acolyte in republic city, and it was close enough to the truth that they had mostly believed her.

Never once getting to meet the guy did raise some scepticism from her closer friends, but she'd managed to get them to believe her after finally getting Aang to show up in person one time, wearing a headband and in his 'city boy' disguise.

She had laughed endlessly with him afterwards, copying his 'Earth kingdom accent' to tease him.

Despite all the fun, she was still glad he'd given her the privilege of a normal time at university, and not letting her get swept up in the frenzy of being the Avatar's future wife.

She knew she'd have to face the world one day or another, but till then, she cherished these moments with her beloved dearly. Where it was just her and him. Just a boy and a girl in love, no world politics involved.

After way too long a wait, they were almost done with their respective short term endeavours. After finishing most of the work on the new Air temple island, Aang had gone back to his training and had further mastered the Avatar state, having told her in his letters that he was now able to go in and out at the blink of an eye, able to pinpoint and use any particular past Avatar's knowledge or skills at will.

On-Ji, meanwhile, had graduated with honors, having completed her studies on world history and culture. All her peers were envious of her extensive knowledge of all the four nations, despite her young age.

Of course, it didn't exactly hurt that her fiancé was probably the most travelled person in the world, and was more than happy to let her pick his brain when it came to asking about the cultures of all these places.

Once she had a moment to breathe after graduation, she already knew the first thing she wanted to do.

With the help of her friends at University, she managed to get ferry passes to the southern-most point in the earth kingdom, and then and then spent the next few days making her way to the Southern Air temple by ferry.

The traditionally reclusive Air nation had changed a fair bit, now that it was represented by just one original member.

Aang had opened the air temples to the people of all nations, and had earthbended new paths leading up the mountains, a place where only Sky Bisons could go before.

Travelling alone wasn't easy, and she was once again in awe of how Aang had managed to do it from a mere twelve years of age.

But it was all worth it though, the moment she - breath still heaving from the long climb - laid eyes on her beloved, as he meditated under a Sakura tree.

She gazed longingly at him for a few seconds before letting her heavy backpack drop to the ground, and the sound made him open his eyes.

The way his face lit up at seeing her, going from disbelief to surprise to pure excitement- it made her feel like the most special girl in the world.

He practically launched off the ground with airbending one moment and had her in his arms the next, spinning her around in delight.

"I missed you Aang" she laughed, despite her eyes tearing up.

"How did you even get here?" Aang said.

On Ji smirked, having even the Avatar at a loss for words, for once.

"I'll tell you if you show me what you've been working on" On Ji asked.

Aang pulled back and grinned.

He took a step back- and he was in the Avatar state before she'd even blinked. He hadn't even taken a deep breath to settle himself- like he'd had to do in the past!

Lifting a hand, he raised some soil out of the ground. He extracted the water from it in a second, then evaporated it with a burst of firebending.

It wasn't the scale of the bending that was impressive. It was the immense precision and lack of effort on his part. He'd told her that he'd been working to fine-tune his control of the elements, rather than just going for bigger and bigger feats of bending. His effort and hard work had clearly paid off.

Tattoos and eyes still glowing, he stepped close to her and pressed his forehead against her. The glow faded away and her Aang was still there, looking into her eyes.

"That was- that was like nothing you've ever showed me…" On Ji breathed.

Aang grinned goofily- totally breaking his 'calm and wise' look- making her smile. And blush, because he was still staring into her eyes.

She once again realised that he'd just shown her his Avatar state for the umpteenth time- something that she knew he never did- to anyone else- except his teacher.

He respected the great power he held immensely, and never used it unless it was absolutely necessary.

To think that he trusted her enough to show her that time and time again- trusted himself to be at his most vulnerable with only her- it made her ache for the day she could be with him forever. And that day wasn't far, not anymore.

He started to pull away but she grabbed his hands, asking him for a kiss with her eyes. He obliged, and the young couple quickly got distracted enough in the midst of their display of affection that they didn't notice Guru Pathik walk up.

"Ahh, you must be the young woman my pupil always talks about."

They broke apart with a start and Aang rubbed his neck shyly. On Ji was also red but did bow respectfully to the Master.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm On Ji."

The old man gave her a wrinkled smile. "Indeed. You seem like a smart young woman. No wonder my Aang chose you as his tether."

On Ji tilted her head. "Tether?" she inquired, not seeing Aang frantically waving his arms behind her, trying to signal his master to stop speaking about embarrassing things.

Pathik chuckled, and ignored his pleas. "Aang here had rejected my teachings earlier, when I'd told him he needed to let go of his attachments to this world to master the Avatar state. Instead, the young airbender managed to focus all his material attachment into a single tether, the one person that attached his spirit to this world- you. I was sceptical about his method at first, I admit. But by his diligence and determination, he managed to do the impossible."

Aang was redder than a beetroot by now, since his secret had been so casually spilled.

Nonetheless, the girl in question had her mouth open in an 'o' shape. She still couldn't fathom how an ordinary girl like her could mean that much to him.

She was the one turning red now, being held in such high regard by two masters.

"On Ji I…" Aang started, but she was already pressing her face against his neck. "I love you Aang. I want to be your wife as soon as possible."

"I love you too On Ji. I… I feel the same. We don't have to wait any longer. Just tell me the date. I'll be there."

They were married at Air temple island in Republic city.

Since Air nomads didn't traditionally have weddings as such, Aang suggested they have a Fire nation ceremony, to reflect the homeland of his bride.

The Firelord and Lady were in attendance, along with the Earth King, and the Chiefs of both water tribes. With Aang being there, the leaders of all four nations were present, On Ji realised in awe.

She couldn't believe this day had finally come, those ridiculous daydreams of her teenage years- falling for someone and then getting to be with him in the end- it had all come true.

Not to mention, the way Aang couldn't stop staring at her and her glittery maroon dress made her feel unreasonably giddy inside.

Her family and friends both from her hometown and from Ba Sing Se had also made the journey to Air temple island.

Aang also had plenty of friends from all around the world, and many of them were here today.

She did feel a pang of insecurity when his old water bending master- Katara of the Southern water tribe- greeted them- but her nerves soon settled when she realised that they were still just friends and on good terms with each other. She was busy helping her brother with Water tribe matters and seemed to be very happy for Aang. And her brother Sokka had stolen the show with his best-man speech, which had concluded with a perplexing "I knew they looked pretty good together.", and Katara was apparently the only one who'd understood that joke.

Aang had also introduced her to Firelord Zuko and his wife Mai. She was extremely conscious to be in the presence of the two young rulers of her nation, but the way Aang laughed with Zuko like they were close friends did help settle her nerves.

Despite being of a noble family, fire lady Mai could still relate with On Ji, growing up as a girl in a conservative Fire nation under Ozai's rule. They struck up a conversation and On Ji was surprised how easy it was to have a conversation with the serious and intimidating looking girl.

Their husbands were like brothers, and leaders of their respective nations, so they could relate to each other In a way that no one else could.

Aang's earthbending master, Toph Beifong wowed the crowd with a masterful display of metal bending, with even few of her top students joining in the display as they made dozens of small metal dragons fly around the sky, while Uncle Iroh served his special tea to anyone in need of wisdom. Even Appa and momo were running around with Flopsy.

All in all, it was a wonderful time.

As the party continued late into the night, On Ji grabbed Aang's hand and they managed to sneak away from the watchful eyes of her overprotective big brother, while he was busy having a Haiku battle with Sokka.

They giggled down dark and empty hallways, stopping occasionally to share kisses against the marble columns like they were teenagers.

Finally reaching their chambers in twice the time it should've taken, they stepped inside the cosy room, and Aang heard her lock the door behind them.

He didn't know why, after being finally alone for the first time with his new wife, he was feeling strangely nervous- and he did not have the best track record of keeping his wits about him in situations like this.

On Ji was still in that unbelievably distracting dress and all of a sudden he was feeling too hot in his ceremonial air bender robes.

Deciding that a casual Fire nation greeting would help settle his nerves, he was blurting it out before he even knew what he was saying.

"Flameo, hotwoman!"

On Ji almost tripped on her step, raising an eyebrow "Hot?"

He instantly realised his fatal mistake.

"I meant it like hotman! Aang sputtered, trying to backtrack. "I mean a woman from the Fire nation- not a hot woman! I mean you are pretty hot but that's besides the point and- I should probably stop talking" he reddened.

"I didn't realise you were so bold, Avatar" she said with a neutral expression, making him further believe he'd messed up on this important occasion.

"I'm sorry, I-"

On Ji decided that he'd been teased enough though, seeing his terrified face. She broke out laughing, making him finally realise she'd just been messing with him.

"I'd say you're a hotman too, Aang. And I do not mean a man from the Fire nation"

Aang crossed his arms and pouted like a child. "You're mean!"

"Oh really?" she purred, stepping closer and running her lips against his neck. "What we can I do to make it up to you, my husband?

Aang was still being stoic, but the way the tone of her voice made him shiver gave him away.

Sighing in defeat, he smiled down at her and spoke softly. "We don't have to do anything, you know. I'm sure you must be tired."

On Ji palmed his cheek with her hand. Of course, she knew the man she had married all too well, and he'd never rush her in anything if he could help it.

"I know we don't have to do anything Aang. But that doesn't mean I don't want to- if you also want to, that is…"

Aang laughed. "Have you even looked in the mirror tonight? I'd be crazy not to want to be with my beautiful wife."

On Ji nearly swooned then, hearing him call her his wife for the very first time.

"I'd say we're in agreement then. Why don't you help me change into something more comfortable and then we'll get properly acquainted with our new bed?"

"On Ji!" Aang blushed at her words, said in such a matter of fact tone. "Okay, but promise me you'll tell me if you want to stop or slow down at any point?"

On Ji nodded eagerly. "I promise. Now please hurry up and help me remove this overcomplicated dress already"

Aang shook his head smiling at her impatience, before getting started on doing just that.

"Aang? are you still awake?" On Ji whispered into the darkness.

She felt him shift and mumble a reply, yawning "Mmm. Wide awake"

It was in quiet moments like these when she realised just how cute he really was. It was strange saying this about the all-powerful bridge between the worlds- but to her, he was just Aang, Aang. Adorable, kind, and loyal beyond measure.

"You were amazing, you know that? and so gentle too"

Aang smiled sleepily. "I'm glad… and you were incredible too, you know" he grinned, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. "You made me go into the Avatar state- twice"

"Aang!" she blushed, still not used to this newfound intimacy between them. Nearly four years into their relationship and they hadn't done anything beyond cuddles and chaste kisses until tonight.

Yet, here she was, feeling relaxed and sated in his arms, not a stitch of clothing between them. It was kinda strange how not shy she was feeling, given the situation.

Perhaps she'd expected to feel changed somehow, and yet she still very much felt the same girl who'd become a married woman earlier this evening.

But maybe she had changed. The way he'd made her feel…

"Aang?" she asked again.

"Mmm?"

This was the hardest part. She should've said all this before, but she had been too scared of what he might answer and then they'd gotten distracted with-

"Aang… I'm… I mean- is this okay…? I'm married to you now… I'm the Avatar's wife now… and yet I'm not… I'm not even…"

Just say it, you wuss!

"… a bender…"

Aang tilted his head obliviously. "Uh… so?"

On Ji reddened in embarrassment. "We just… you know… did what married couples do… and you know what that means right…? There's a chance I could be…"

Aang grinned against her cheek. "That would be wonderful."

On Ji couldn't help but beam too. "It would be, of course- but… for the world… you're the last airbender Aang. I'm sure people all around the world are hoping you'll be the start of the new Air nation… and given my background… our child might as well be a non-bender like me… I can't help but think… was I too selfish? You might've had a better chance of getting another air bender with someone closer to air nation ancestry… maybe an earth or water bender… what if I wasn't the correct choice…"

Aang took a moment to process her words before firmly shaking his head. "You do know that I didn't marry you for bringing back the air nation, right? I did it because you're my best friend and I love you. There is no other reason."

"But what about…"

"On Ji" Aang said. "Our child could be an airbender, fire-bender, or a non bender, and it wouldn't make a difference to me one bit. I've learnt that trying to force something often works in the opposite way… I have belief that everything happens the way it's meant to be. The world will find balance if we let it… and besides, as Uncle Iroh once told me… trusting in love is the right decision most of the time… and it hasn't failed me once."

On Ji felt so much relief at his reassuring words that she nearly cried.

"And I know it'll all turn out alright in the end. If anyone thinks lesser of you for being a certain kind of bender or non-bender, then it's them who is wrong. Not you. My sweet On Ji. How could you ever think I'd ever choose someone else over you?"

On Ji hid her teary face against his neck. "I'm- I'm okay now. I believe you Aang."

Aang smiled. "You are the only person who I feel sees me as Aang first, and the Avatar second. I promise I'll try to keep that part separate-"

"No Aang. You are the Avatar. That's the truth, and I accepted it a long time ago. I don't want you to forgo your duties for my sake. I know it'll be different, and it'll be a lot. Travelling the world, meeting world leaders, helping people. I've seen you do it alone, but now, I want to support you in all of it. If you're tired after a long day, I want you to have someone to look forward to at the end of it…"

"Oh On Ji. My fireheart, my kanojo. I'm so happy you want to be a part of that half of me too… and I know Air temple island will always be our home, but it doesn't have to be our only home, you know?"

On Ji wiped her tears and gave her husband a smirk. "Oh yeah?"

"Mmm. My wonderful wife, will you do me the honor of seeing the world with me? We'll take Appa and momo of course, but it'll be just us. You and me."

On Ji nodded eagerly, and sealed the promise with an affectionate kiss.

"Yes Aang. Of course I will."

A/N: Thanks for reading this little two shot story! I loved writing their long distance relationship here, as well as imagining their possible future. I am happy to have contributed to the small amount of Aang x On Ji fics out there and hope it was enjoyable. Please let me know if you liked the fic! I'd really appreciate every single one of your comments.

-Gravitybeam