…Rage Of The Black Dragon…

Warnings: This chapter contains:- a little bit of sadness, mention of mental health issues, possessiveness, fluff, Aang being a flustered mess, and there is a kiss! All reviews are appreciated.

P.P.S.: This is an Omegaverse story as in Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic, with Alpha Aang and Omega Zuko, so you have been warned! And it is also a time travel one! The titles that would be used for the Omegaverse dynamic in this story, are from the Chinese fandom (As the story would have many customs and cultures from southern and eastern Asia; China specifically):-

Alpha - Qianyuan

Omega - Kunze

Beta – Zhongyong

P.P.P.S: This is a dark (And I mean really dark!) story that takes place in the ALTA's timeline (The original show, not the live adaptation, but who knows, maybe I will add a pointer or two from the NATLA after I watch it?) to some extent but with many major changes such as Aang being aged up to sixteen and Zuko being OOC; this story is also the first part of the series that would follow the first chapter but diverge after a certain point.

Chapter 4

"So, wait you are the good guys?!" The one who shrieked these words was no other but Sokka, who was gaping and pointing his finger at Zuko, who paused in sipping his tea to gaze at Sokka like there was something wrong with him, an assessment shared by nearly everyone as they side-eyed the Zhongyong with so much bewilderment it was a miracle that they weren't scolded to death.

Aang who was sitting beside his friend couldn't help but wince at the loud volume that nearly pierced his eardrum (If Aang didn't know any better he would have thought that Sokka was an Air Bender in disguise with how loud he was all of the time), before he all but tried not to flush bright red from the embarrassment as Sokka was still pointing at Zuko and sputtering broken words that would make insulting sentences if put together.

"Sokka!" Aang hissed, wanting his friend to shut up and stop embarrassing them more than they already did by digging their graves with the disrespect, Sokka and Katara had shown so far. Just an hour after Zuko and his crew had arrived; Aang's mind was already whirling and trying to think of how to damage control from all the shit Sokka and Katara had put him through with their ignorance about the Fire Nation culture, and their constant show of hostility.

"Wai… wha… but… Aang!" Sokka squeaked, pointing at Zuko rudely while squeaking something, then he pointed at Aang and squeaking something that even Aang didn't understand, and to make matters worse, Sokka then pointed at everyone else in the room and choked something under his breath while waving his arms around.

Aang could only slide down his seat and hide his face behind his hand, turning his head away from the stuttering Zhongyong as he prayed to every Spirit out there to allow him to Earth Bend a hole under himself to swallow him whole, and save him from such embarrassing situation. It was a miracle that the Kunze before them hadn't gotten offended and demanded punishment to compensate him for how disrespectful and awful his friends were acting, with Katara glaring and hissing and sending the Kunze and his uncle dirty looks, and Sokka putting his foot in his mouth; it was a miracle that Aang hadn't started to hyperventilate from the mess he was thrown in.

The snorts and giggles, Aang heard from the Kyoshi Warriors surrounding them didn't help him at all, as they looked at the three of them and whispered to each other; Aang was one step from running away and flying back to the South Pole and freezing himself once more, citing that if he knocked himself out for a few more years, the embarrassment of this situation would be forgotten and be over… maybe Aang should mediate and detach his Spirit to roam the Spirit world instead. Surely, nothing there would equal the embarrassment he found himself in at this moment, right?!

"All this time, and you still didn't learn to be respectful when talking with Kunzes…" Suki 'Tsk' several times, shaking her head in mock disappointment, her words finally making Sokka shut his mouth, which almost made Aang kowtow several times to Suki, to thank and praise her for managing to shut Sokka before he dug Aang's grave and made him shot himself in the head just to forget today's embarrassment… Sweet Merciful Lung-ta! This was even worse than the time Aang tried to impress Kuzon but ended up falling on his face and getting laughed at.

"As if you are the one to talk…" Zuko rolled his eyes, amusement shining in them as he jabbed Suki in the stomach, trying to detach her off his body, where she made herself comfy while wrapping herself around the Kunze like a sticky rice cake (Something inside of Aang felt nothing but happiness and relief at the sight in front of him. He couldn't help but wonder what the two's relationship was, but when looking at them; strangely, Aang could only feel happiness at the sight greeting him, no spec of jealousy or discomfort making its way to his heart… which was so strange, because shouldn't he feel discomfort or even jealousy like how Sokka was feeling while he was putting his foot in his mouth trying to gain Suki's attention?). "When you don't even know the definition of personal space." Aang's lips quirked up as he heard Suki's boisterous laugh; ignoring the massive pout Sokka was sending in Suki's direction.

"Oh, come on Fancy Fingers! What personal space between friends or you know…" Suki laughed, before leaning to whisper something in Zuko's ear making him flush red and elbow the woman's ribs hard, making her squeak and fall to the side, but that didn't stop Suki's shrieking laugh as she rolled around the floor choking 'I know it!' and jumping away to hide behind Chief Oyaji before Zuko managed to catch her.

Aang had to bite his tongue to stop the laugh that wanted to leave, be it because of the amusing show of friendship and closeness in front of him, or because of the jealousy and the huge pout that dominated Sokka's face as he waved his arms around and called for Suki in a whiny tone, looking like a jilted lover while gazing at the Kyoshi Warrior who was smirking and sticking her tongue as Zuko (Happiness and contentment took hold of Aang, and he could only gaze at the ground in wonder and surprise at the strange feeling that squeezed his heart and almost made him cry because… because he felt like he was finally…).

Aang watched as everyone finally calmed down after a while of messing around, an amused smile on his face. "Thank you…" Hearing this made Zuko leave Suki and turn toward him, a confused look made itself on his face, and several others before harsh gasps were heard around Aang when he stood up and kowtowed before Zuko and his kind uncle. "Thank you, both of you, for the kindness you extended to my people when I wasn't there. On behalf of the Air Monks you helped, this Aang vowed to return your generosity a thousand times more." Aang said while kowtowing, ignoring the shocked murmurs and hitched breaths as everyone no doubt looked around in panic, not knowing what to do when the Avatar himself kowtowed and paid respect to someone when it should be the other way around; this was something unheard of and would have never been heard of if it was any Avatar other than Aang.

"Stand up Avatar," Aang heard Zuko say in a strangled voice, and even then, Aang made sure to kowtow a few more times, offering his sincere gratitude and thanks before he finally raised and looked at Zuko; ignoring the shocked look on every face as they looked at him, not knowing what to do when something that had never happened before happened in front of their eyes. "Avatar… you should never kneel to anyone no matter the circumstances… Have we not talked about putting yourself in such situations the last time?" Zuko said, with an undertone of steel in his voice as he gazed at Aang with what no doubt he hoped was a placid face, but Aang? He could see the troubled look miles away, with the undertone of uncertainly and fear (And why fear? Aang didn't know, and he feared that it would be an overstep if he dared to ask, so he didn't, he only offered a comforting smile when he noticed how Zuko hid his trembling hands in the wide sleeves of his Hanfu robes).

"We did, but please let the self, judge what's wrong and what's right. What should be done in such situations, I believe I know what I am doing…" Aang said, wanting to express how important it was for Aang to show his sincere thanks, even when he did it in what people would have considered an unorthodox way. "…I am showing my gratitude to you not as the Avatar; but as Aang, an Air Monk from the Southern Air Temple." He explained gently, looking everyone in the eyes with determination, willing them to understand that before he was the Avatar, he was Aang, just Aang.

Even so, Aang could only frown when he saw the uncertainty and confusion in people's eyes because what Aang did went against everyone's beliefs.

The Avatar was the bridge that connected the Spirit world and the mortal realm, the Avatar was the only person alive who could bend all of the elements, the Avatar was the symbol of power and divinity; the Avatar was a being that ascended into godhood to stand beside Agni, Lung-ta, Oma and Shu, Tui and La, to bring balance and harmony to the lands. So, for a God to kowtow to a mortal? That was madness incarnation itself because Gods do not bow to mortals…

But people seemed to forget something important, they seemed to forget an important piece of information that should have been general knowledge to every person out there. The knowledge that before the Avatar ascended to godhood, they were normal humans too with their own beliefs and rules they followed before their ascension.

"A-ah! I see!" Iroh stammered before bowing to Aang accepting his thanks and returning the bow several times to thank him in return before turning and trying to change the subject and divert everyone's attention away from what happened a few minutes ago, something that everyone seemed on board with as everyone started to talk and chat about this and that.

Aang, though, could only watch how silent Zuko was, as he seemed lost in thoughts even when he gave Aang a soft smile and a nod of gratitude; it was the pain hidden in those ember eyes that made Aang frown and wonder what was going on with Zuko, and if he had dared to hit a sensitive subject with his action…

Aang promised he would apologize to Zuko tonight…

…(Zuko could only smile happily, feeling relief washing over him almost turning his muscles to jelly when he saw Aang in the crowd. The relief and happiness almost made his heart burst at the thought of Aang being here, in Kyoshi, instead of escaping Agni knows where and leaving Zuko to scourge the earth to search for him once more (And wouldn't it be funny in a way? Spending his second life searching and chasing after his beloved once more, when he spent his first life doing the same and wasting so much time…). But against all expectations, Aang was here; be it fate or an interference from the Spirit world, or just Aang being bad with directions… Aang was here!

Seeing his beloved once more, after Zuko thought he lost him; seeing Aang once more, so close to Zuko after he left him. It was so hard for Zuko to try and stop himself from jumping his love and holding him tightly in his arms, maybe scolding him to his heart's content about how shitty it was of him to leave Zuko alone once more. Leaving once was a nightmare that almost broke Zuko and turned him mad; leaving twice, made Zuko almost lose it and burn everything in his path before he calmed himself down with the thought of meeting his beloved soon in a few short days… leaving for the third time? Oh, Aang could only wish because Zuko wouldn't allow his stupid husband to leave his sight once more…

Suki being Suki (An annoying little shit that Zuko loved and adored) had noticed almost immediately how Zuko all but rushed to Aang but stopped himself at the last minute; taking this as her chance, she whispered something that made her fellow warrior shriek (Zuko could only hear the last few words after managing to snap himself from devouring his beloved with his eyes, and even those short few words he heard were enough to make him fluster with embarrassment) and squeal and laugh even as Zuko snipped at them to shut up or he would call aunt Yukari out of seclusion to beat their asses, which only ever success in making Suki and her hyenas of friends laugh as if their lives depended on it, ignoring Zuko's plight as he wanted to rush to his beloved but was unable thanks to Suki who dragged him away.

One thing led to another (And with Suki having her mind set on something, nothing in the world could change it), and in the end, Zuko found himself in Chief Oyaji's home, with Aang (Who was giving him relief and happy looks, that almost made Zuko damn it all and hug him tightly even when everyone was watching), Katara (Who was glaring at him as if her life depended on it, not that Zuko cared as he only gave her indifferent glances), and Sokka (Who was shifting and pouting and glancing at Zuko in confusion when he saw Suki giggling and hanging off Zuko's shoulder like an annoying parrot who found her perch there; something that made his friend frown and then open his mouth only for stupidity to leave his throat and causing everyone great embarrassment, especially Aang, who looked a step away from Earth Bending a hole and burying himself in it). His uncle and Chief Oyaji were talking with one another in hushed voices, sending Aang glances every now and then, no doubt scheming their next step and how to inform the Order of The White Lotus of the changes that would happen after finding Aang.

And then, his Aang did something so unorthodox, it almost made him break the teacup in his hand, his eyes widening in shock (Anger was there too because his beloved should never…!) as he saw his beloved kowtow to him, his sincere voice rang across the place as he thanked Zuko and his uncle for helping him honor his people and give them a proper burial (Even when they did nothing but the bare minimum, not knowing what to do and how to honor the dead of the Air Nomads as everything of their culture was wiped from the history) when he wasn't there to do it.

"Stand up Avatar," Zuko remembered saying, feeling unbalanced and angry that his beloved would lower himself to do something like this when it wasn't needed because, in the first place, it was Zuko's ancestors' fault that his beloved had to bury his people. Aang shouldn't bow to anyone, Aang shouldn't kowtow to anyone, Aang was the Avatar, he was the bridge between the Spirit and mortal world, he was his beloved, Aang was his beloved, he… he shouldn't do this…

Seeing his beloved kowtow and prostrate to him all but sent Zuko ten years back. To the days when his daughter was forcefully taken away from him and he had to hallucinate his beloved kowtowing and crying and asking for forgiveness, he could never gain after his death. It was a miracle that the teacup in his hand didn't shatter as he put it down, or his fire didn't burst out when he was forced to see his love kowtow to him once more… such unpleasant memories to think of…

"…Let the self, judge what's wrong and what's right…" Aang had said, his words making Zuko freeze in his place before swallowing the harsh words that almost left him as he all but dragged Aang to stand up because he could not see him like this anymore or he would snap.

His beloved's words brought nothing but a frown to Zuko's face before he relaxed his face into a perfect picture of gentleness and acceptance as he hid his shaky hands in his sleeves, trying not to lose it by having his mind remind him of that cursed period of his life ten years ago when he was still in Ozai's clutches. Needless to say, it was a miracle that he survived this ordeal with a forced smile on his face; he all but sagged in relief when his uncle inserted himself and started talking with Aang and distracting his beloved… Zuko knew then and there…

Nightmares would refuse to leave him tonight…)…

It was probably after midnight or close to dawn when Zuko finally admitted defeat and left the ship; planning on walking around the island and calming his jittery nerves that refused to calm even after a long time passed between today and yesterday.

Hours after the shock of yesterday's events, Zuko knew he was right; sleep had eluded him and refused him any respite, as every time he closed his eyes, only nightmares and hateful memories took hold of his heart, reminding him of the Demons he tried to kill and forget about but always failed.

The sound of waves leaping on the shores, of the winds rustling the leaves, of small animals scouring away through the forest; all made Zuko take a deep calming breath as the cool breeze gently caressed his feverish skin, further calming him down and drove his mind away from nightmares that refused to let him go. Taking another deep breath, Zuko let out a tired sigh as he found a clean spot under a tree with a great view of the sea, not that far from the village or the ship.

A harsh rustling sound came from above him, making Zuko blink and raise his head to see the source of the noise; his breath hitched when he saw Aang, sitting on one of the sturdy branches and gazing at him with a surprised look that morphed into a nervous smile.

"Can't sleep?" Aang asked in a soft voice, his words snapping Zuko out of his daze and making him stand up from his seat, gazing at Aang who shifted before jumping down to stand beside him (After yesterday's event, Zuko didn't have the chance to talk with Aang, mainly because he spent the day with Suki going over what happened on Kyoshi Island ever since his departure months ago, and then Sokka had pulled Aang away to talk with him about something separating the two until now).

"I should be the one asking this question." Zuko finally said, his lips quirking into a smile when he saw how nervous Aang was as he shifted from one foot to the other to calm himself; in a way, it was amusing, how shy and easily embarrassed Aang was when talking to him when Zuko was walking around openly as a Kunze, so different from when Zuko hide what he truly was and bickered with Aang day and night as he chased him around, but at the same time so familiar that Zuko didn't feel awkward even as the silence stretched.

Aang let out a laugh, shrugging one of his shoulders before saying. "I don't really sleep much." Leaving things vague, and making Zuko frown a little, wondering if it was the nightmares (About sleeping and waking up centuries later where everyone he knew was dead) that were acting up now, or the nightmares about what happened to Monk Gyatso, but before Zuko could ask Aang looked at him with determination before saying. "I am sorry!" This made Zuko furrow his brows in confusion because what was it with Aang apologizing about this and that without Zuko not knowing what the hell was the reason for such apologies?

"For what?" Zuko couldn't help but ask, wondering what was going inside his beloved's head now, and what kind of dark or dramatic scenarios he was thinking of. "Please don't tell me you did something as stupid as using an Elephant Koi to surf and attract the attention of the Unagi that was hibernating?" Zuko pleaded, finally remembering that Aang had done something as stupid as this in the past, resulting in Zuko's ship being nearly destroyed as he tried to fight a gigantic eel to survive. If this happened this time too, he swore he would kick Aang's butt because he didn't want his ship to be destroyed once more by that annoying creature.

"Wait, what? There is an Unagi here?" Aang asked as he looked over Zuko's shoulders toward the sea with a raised eyebrow and a twinkling glint in his eyes that informed Zuko, that Aang would be up to some mischief later that day if he wasn't stopped now… a thought that warmed his heart greatly and made him feel happy, even when he knew the consequences waiting for him when something as dangerous as this got into his beloved's head…

"Don't you dare!" Still even when happy, Zuko hissed in a warning, poking Aang's chest a few times and snapping him from his chaotic plan of finding the Unagi and aggravating the monster to the point of showing itself.

Zuko knew that Aang had come to Kyoshi Island in the past for the Unagi and not those stupid Koi fish as he claimed, he knew it! But Suki and the others never believed him no matter how much Zuko swore up and down that, Aang was the personification of chaos, a gremlin in disguise and a certified little shit who went where the chaos was; no one ever believed him, already they were fooled by his beloved's innocent eyes and polite nature; out of the two of them, it was always Zuko who was blamed for the troubles that Aang dragged them into when he was clearly innocent!

"Eh? Dare? What do you mean?" Aang asked in an innocent voice, looking at Zuko with wide and confused eyes as if he didn't know what Zuko meant by his words. Ha! As if Zuko was going to believe those eyes were innocent when he more than once had the misfortune of being at the end of Aang's mischievous plans!

"What do I mean? I can clearly see how you are going to bother the Unagi to reveal itself later! Your innocent act won't work on me, I can see it in your eyes." Zuko crossed his arms over his chest while narrowing his eyes, his action made Aang look at Zuko with shock and surprise clear on his face as if he honestly believed that Zuko would have never caught him in the act (And maybe if the two weren't together in the past, maybe if they hadn't been beloveds and partners, maybe if Zuko still followed Ozai and hadn't left his care, he wouldn't have known to read his beloved as he did now).

It didn't take long before Aang's lips twitched into a huge grin and a laugh followed not that much later; a laugh that made Zuko all tingly as he felt warm all over because… when was the last time he had heard such a happy laugh from Aang? A laugh, that moved every muscle of Aang's body as he clutched his stomach and tried to get his breath back, looking so delighted and happy and full of life, that Zuko almost pulled him into a kiss like he used to do when he saw how lively and happy Aang was.

"You caught me…" Aang said after he regained his breath, offering Zuko a sincere grin that made the Kunze warm, knowing that Aang was truly happy, and this wasn't one of the polite smiles he always gave everyone when he wanted to reassure them, he was fine. "But… that wasn't the reason why I apologized." The smile was wiped off Aang's face as he looked serious all of a sudden. "Today, for making you uncomfortable, I am truly sorry," Aang said, looking as though he wanted to bow to him and apologize before he paused midway as if knowing such action wasn't welcomed, by Zuko who froze in his place.

So, he noticed… Zuko couldn't help but shift, wondering what to think about this information, but being happy that his beloved noticed him being uncomfortable even when he didn't know the true reason for such discomfort. "It's fine…" Zuko finally managed after a while of silence; closing his eyes and letting out a tired sigh as he tried to banish the hateful memories that refused to let go. "I got over it eventually…" Zuko leaned on the tree behind him, opening his eyes and sending Aang a glare. "But you! Did I not say not to put yourself in such embarrassing situations? Did you hear me when I said that or were you deaf at that time?!" Zuko raised his right hand to strike, and before Aang even knew what was happening, Zuko had already flicked his forehead three times in a row… hard… making the mighty Avatar squeak in pain before jumping away from Zuko, looking at him with wide eyes, as he rubbed his abused forehead gently.

Silence dominated the clearing before a loud 'Pfft' was heard coming from Aang, who turned away from Zuko, his shoulders shaking harshly as he tried to control his laughter and was failing to do so if the humor and flicker of happiness was anything to go by. "You are so cruel…" Aang snickered as he leaned on the tree beside Zuko, his shoulder brushing the Kunze's and an amused grin dominated his face.

"Cruel? This was nothing, lean down a little and I will show you how cruel I can be…" Zuko threatened even as he tried to hide his grin, raising his hand once more in a threatening manner that promised another forehead flick, which only summoned a snicker from Aang who didn't look that concerned by his threat.

"I did what I think was the right choice, what my people would have wanted; unlike what others think, gratitude and sincere thanks must be given when they are due no matter the person. What you have done for my people was something only the kindest of souls would have done." Any amusement Zuko felt before had vanished when he was slammed with these words, making Zuko bite the inside of his cheek while glaring at the ground near his feet.

"You wouldn't say that when you don't know who I truly am…" Zuko finally said after a while of silence, anger and helplessness took hold of him as he remembered the past, and how disrespectful and angry he was back then.

Wasn't Zuko the one who spent years chasing his beloved and disrespecting his people by turning his back on their remains? Wasn't Zuko the blackest of souls out there, for the disgusting deeds his ancestors did, and the lives he injured or took when he stood against Aang? Zuko knew if it wasn't for Aang opening Zuko's eyes and winning his heart, he wouldn't have done what he did in this life and would have continued to ignore his beloved's people in his descent into madness and hatred.

"You are the descendant of Sozin…" Aang said all of a sudden, his smile never leaving his face, even when Zuko's shocked eyes found his. "The son of the Fire Lord, the Prince…" Aang words made Zuko swallow harshly, trying to hide his shaky hands in his sleeves.

"How… How did you…?" Zuko asked, his breath hitching, looking at Aang long and hard trying to think of how Aang found out who he was so early, when he didn't even dare to tell him who he was this time around, unlike in the past when he introduced himself as the Prince of the Fire Nation.

"Your letter." Aang simply stated, his words making Zuko pause before he understood what Aang was referring to… So it was that letter… He couldn't help but ponder how Aang managed to connect him to the letter he wrote ages ago begging forgiveness from the people his grand-grandfather had killed, and then managed to correctly guess that the letter was written by one of Sozin's descendants and not any other Clan in the Fire Nation.

He can be smart when he wants to be… Zuko thought with an amused smile. "And? Are you not angry for who I am, and what my ancestors did to your people?" Zuko asked with curiosity, wondering how much Aang's answer would differ from the past when he joined him in the Western Air Temple.

"Have I not told you my answer today?" Aang asked gently, and Zuko couldn't help but raise his eyebrow as he reviewed what Aang had told him when they were sitting with the others. It didn't take long for Zuko to know what Aang had meant by his words, and by then an amused smile played on his lips.

Zuko chuckled as he finally understood what his beloved meant. "You are weird…" Zuko told Aang, because this was the best, he could do without breaking down and confessing everything through tears, promises, and kisses. To think even now… even now when Aang should hate him for what his family had done, his beloved was still kind to everyone he met even when they weren't deserving of his kindness.

"A good weird, or a bad weird?" Aang questioned after a while, scrunching his nose and actually looking concerned about the answer; that more than ever summoned a laugh from Zuko, who felt like a weight he had been carrying all these years was finally removed from his shoulders.

Unable to help himself anymore, Zuko decided to damn it all and lean up to softly kiss Aang's cheek, before saying. "That's for me to judge." Zuko then began to walk away, his smile widening when he heard a squeak coming from Aang's direction before his beloved started to stutter something, finally catching up on what had taken place just now.

Snickering to himself, Zuko waved goodbye to his beloved, who even from this far and with the moon as their only light source of light, was bright red, looking at Zuko with such an embarrassed and flustered look that Zuko couldn't help the giggle that left him… suddenly…

Zuko didn't feel so alone anymore…

Aang couldn't even sleep a wink that night… sitting under one of the trees in a meditating pose, Aang could only watch the ground in front of him in a daze, not knowing what to do or how to act.

His cheek still tingled with the kiss he received that night, and once more Aang couldn't help his hand from cupping his right cheek in wonder… That was my first kiss… He thought to himself, knowing that even if it was a silly kiss on the cheek, this was the first time that anyone had done something like this to him.

Remembering the kiss again, Aang could only flush red, finally breaking his meditation pose and hugging his legs tightly, laying his head on his knees and trying to control the redness that wanted to spread all over his body…

Sweet Merciful Lung-ta! How did Aang's apology last night end in him getting a kiss all of a sudden?! Shouldn't the Kunze (Aang doesn't know!) become angry for the emotional turmoil Aang put him through the day before? Shouldn't he be mad and not want to see him again, or at least should he be hard to befriend? How did everything Aang imagined turn out to be the opposite and ended up with him getting a kiss?!

Don't get Aang wrong, he was actually very pleased and elated to get a kiss from such a beautiful and kind Kunze (Even if the said Kunze was the Prince of the Fire Nation, which reminded him, he had to make sure never to mention such information in front of Katara or Sokka, because… you know… prejudice and hate on both sides and all of that, even when Zuko didn't seem to have any connection with his nation and such), it's just… it's just embarrassing… all of a sudden and…

Spirits above! Why is it always him, who finds himself in such situations? …Aang couldn't help but whine internally, looking at the sea not that far with a contemplative look, wondering if it would be worth it to wake the Unagi from its hibernation and beg that creature to eat Aang and save him from such an embarrassing situation.

When Aang had decided to roam the beach last night after sleep had eluded him for the third night in a row, he didn't imagine that he would end up meeting Zuko who looked tired and troubled, but no less sad; a sight that made Aang so concerned he all but jumped down and scared the Kunze who seemed lost in thought.

One thing led to another, and then by the end, the two of them were talking and even joking, making Aang so happy and content, because when was the last time someone treated him like he was a normal person instead of the Avatar? He surely didn't remember someone treating him like this after it was known that Aang would be the next Avatar, a piece of information that was disclosed to everyone when he was twelve, still too young to be considered an adult in everyone's eyes, but with the background he had? It was already decided that he was too old and should have already been taking his duty as the Avatar seriously even at that age.

So, they talked, and exchanged some deep words that made both of them hesitate to go further because they were strangers; they also exchanged not-so-deep words and jokes, that made Aang laugh and feel the invisible shackles tightening around his neck loosen a bit as he was treated like he was a normal person and not someone to be feared or worshipped.

One thing led to another, and in the end, Aang found himself being kissed by Zuko (Even if it was a small kiss on the cheek, for Aang, it meant something big) who then waved goodbye and left Aang alone under this same tree, stuttering and looking around and feeling like a maiden that was bullied and teased (A strange feeling while it wasn't pleasant, Aang wouldn't say he minded it, not when his heart pounded so loudly in his chest it was a wonder how Zuko didn't hear it).

So, here Aang was, sitting under the same tree for hours on end, trying to meditate and calm himself but failing spectacularly at that because his mind decided to put the kiss on repeat until Aang all but made a hole in the ground and buried himself in it. "This is so…" Aang mumbled, to himself, raising his hand to slap his forehead, hoping to get his barriers back because if he didn't… well… let's just say the Unagi would have some delicious dinner given to him on a golden plate.

It was only when the sun was high in the sky that Aang finally gathered the courage to stand up from his place and walk toward the village. Partially because he was hungry and wanted to buy something to eat, while another because he was already thinking about the next step and whether he, Sokka, and Katara should finally leave Kyoshi and go to the Northern Pole; they had already spent days here when this was supposed to be a temporary resting place before the three of them left to find the Water Tribe in the North… part of Aang, though, couldn't help but wonder if he would be able to see Zuko again after leaving to the North.

"…He should be kind! A hard-working person! The strongest bender out there! Follow the old ways! He-!" Shrieks and laughter greeted Aang when he finally reached the village, Suki's loud screech of delight as she ran around made Aang pause midway, as his eyes fell on Zuko who was chasing Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors around who were laughing and screeching and trying to run away.

"He should be respectful of all lives! A man with patience and knowledge! He should also have a funny side that makes you laugh!" Miko laughed as she continued, running away before Zuko managed to catch her. "He should be tall! A Master of his element!" Miko jumped away, running behind Suki who was looking a step away from keeling over from how hard she was laughing.

Aang watched the chaos taking place in front of him with confusion, but nonetheless, amusement made him smile and he almost laughed out loud at how flustered Zuko was, and how he was pouting a storm as he pointed at Suki. "Enough, stop bothering me, and go kiss your boyfriend!" Zuko huffed, glaring at Suki who was grinning so hard, that it was a miracle that her face wasn't split in two.

"I don't have one… unlike someone here… tell me! Tell me! Did he meet all of your criteria? He did, didn't he?!" Suki danced around Zuko, making the Kunze's brow twitch and a harsh glare was sent toward Suki. "What was next? Oh, yes! A loyal man! Have an unshakable view of right and wrong with unwavering honor! He should be humble! Loving! A person who-!" Suki couldn't even finish as she dodged Zuko's hands, laughing loudly as she danced around the Kunze who looked like he was a step away from killing his friend.

"Woah there!" Aang exclaimed when Suki bumped into him while trying to escape Zuko's grip, his presence made all of the Kyoshi Warriors (Plus Zuko) freeze in their place, and their jaws dropped when they saw they finally saw who the person they bumped into. "Uh… did I… interrupt something?" Aang said nervously, gazing at the women who fell silent, their eyes never leaving Aang making him nervous all over.

"Say Aang…" Suki suddenly pipped, making Aang hum and turn his attention to the woman, and all but scrambling away when he saw Suki looking at him with a scary grin that shouldn't be on any woman's face unless it meant bad things were going to happen. "Are you by a chance betrothed to someone?" Suki grinned, his words freezing Aang before a confused noise left his throat.

"I… wha… no?" Aang said, confusion coloring his face when he heard the giggling followed by loud 'Oh!' ringing around the place.

"Suki, I am warning you! If you don't shut up, I will tell Sokka that you fancy him!" Zuko said in a threatening manner, his words summoning nothing but giggles from the Kyoshi Warriors who looked between Aang, Suki, and Zuko. As for Aang, he was looking around, wondering what the hell was going on and what had he thrown himself into.

"Oh, shut it Fancy Fingers! I am trying to find you a husband, don't ruin this after we finally managed to find the only person who met your crazy standards!" Suki then stuck her tongue out at Zuko, disregarding Aang, whose face turned so red at those words, that he almost started stuttering and running away; especially when the women around him all started giggling and laughing and cheering.

Silence dominated the clearing before. "Aunt Yukari!" Zuko's loud shout could be heard all across the forest, making the Kyoshi Warriors squeak before shouting and running away, laughing and shrieking as they jumped and disappeared into the forest, the only one who stayed for a bit was Suki, who shouted 'This wasn't over!' before escaping and following her friends, leaving a flustered Aang alone with Zuko.

"…Hehe… nice friends…" Aang laughed nervously, his words making Zuko flush red, making Aang bite his lip to stop the grin that took over his face at the embarrassment he saw on the Kunze's face. As much as Aang wanted to tease Zuko relentlessly as a payback for the kiss, it would be mean to tease him like this when Suki had already embarrassed him enough.

"Ex-friends if I had anything to do with it…" Zuko mumbled to himself, his words summoning a laugh from Aang who leaned on his staff, feeling a little mean and somewhat giddy by the implication he heard Suki sputtering, even when Aang was sure they were just teasing the poor Kunze.

Thickening his face a bit, Aang decided to be a little mean and say. "So… did I meet the criteria?" Making Zuko stumble on thin air before he whirled around; face flushing bright red as Zuko opened and closed his mouth several times before huffing and turning around, not giving Aang the chance to tease again before he ran away, leaving Aang alone.

Not being able to help himself, Aang laughed loudly, feeling so light (And so, so happy, which was strange, because wasn't he sad and in pain not a few days ago?) about today's event he couldn't help but have a skip in his steps before returning to his hut for the duration of his stay…

Aang could only smile…

…("Did you find him?" A harsh voice resonated across the hall, making everyone flinch and look down, not daring to raise their heads; terror and fear had sized every heart in the room, and no one dared to open their mouth to respond to the Lord sitting on his throne. "Well?!" The sound of a fist hitting a hard surface, the heat that almost burned them alive as it kept on increasing; the fires that roared across the room in response to the Lord's anger. It all made everyone cower and shut up, not daring to open their mouths lest they summoned their Lord's rage.

Finally, after what felt like decades of silence, someone had gathered enough gut to crawl forward and kowtow to the enraged Qianyuan who was a step away from burning everything in his way. "My Lord, our spies had found a strong lead on the possible whereabouts of the Prince." The man stuttered, looking like he was a step away from pissing himself or just running away and leaving the place.

A growl of rage resonated across the hall, and everyone shook; their hearts picking up as terror crawled over their nerves, promising them a painful end if they didn't satisfy the madman who stood from the throne and started pacing. "How many times did you sputter this same nonsense in front of me? How many years did you say these exact same words only to turn out to be nothing but failure, Zhao?!" The snarling voice of the Fire Lord was enough to make many kowtow and blabber apology after apology, fearing for their lives, and knowing that their Lord could lose it at any moment now and burn them all in retaliation for the bad news they brought.

"T-this time, it's d-different my Lord… the prince's ship was spotted!" Zhao stuttered, looking so shaken and terrified, a feeling that everyone in this hall knew intimately as they fought themselves to calm their breaths down and not lose it. "I-it was spotted going into the North Pole! To the Northern Water Tribes!" Hearing that, the Fire Lord stilled in his place, a harsh snarl crossing over his face before it smoothed down.

"The Northern Water Tribes… huh…" The Lord muttered before letting out a hum and taking his seat on the throne once more; silence dominated the hall before an aggravated sigh left the Qianyuan. "Zhao… this is your last chance, bring Prince Zuko back, or never return to the Fire Nation again!" With a harsh slam, the fires roared once more, making the servants and generals scramble back in terror.

"Y-yes, my L-Lord!" Zhao's shaky voice could be heard across the hall as he kowtowed to the Fire Lord a few times before scrambling away, leaving the throne room, and no doubt trying to go and bring the Prince of the Fire Nation back before the Lord's patience disappeared and he did something worse than burning Zhao and nearly killing him.

"This time… this time…" Shivers ran down everyone's spine as they heard the mad muttering coming from the Lord who stood from his throne and once more started pacing around, hissing and growling something under his breath. "This time... you will learn..." The people down below the Dias looked at one another, dread clear on every face as the muttering continued to be heard, even after everyone escaped from the throne room…

They hoped that Zhao would find the Prince because if he didn't…

No one wanted to witness the madness that was going to take place…)…

So, what do you think?

A little fluffy chapter because we deserve it!

Zuko and Aang are cute together!

And yes, Suki ships them ^-^v

Read and Review

And tell me what you think…

Nazaki-Sama