The Avatar’s Heart 𑣲 ˎˊ˗ Aang · Y/n story by @canonwho

The palace had finally grown still. Even the servants had retreated to their quarters, leaving only the soft patter of rain against the windows and the occasional flicker of candlelight to keep company.

Aang

stretching, letting out a long breath The Fire Lord really knows how to pick the long topics.

He smiled, but it was tired around the edges. Rain streaked down the window, blurring the distant lights of the capital into soft golden smears.

Aang

I'm glad you stayed for the debrief. I think my head might've spun off without you keeping the notes in order.

A pause stretched between you. The kind that followed long conversations, where the silence felt less like an ending and more like a held breath. You gathered the remains of your work into a neat stack, preparing to stand.

Aang

Stay.

Oh, you could practically hear the universe groan. I certainly did.

Aang

I mean— his face flushed crimson —it's late. And the storm's getting worse. And I have extra blankets. Not that— not that I want you to stay for the blankets, obviously, I just— the guest wing is far, and the halls are cold, and honestly I don't know why they built the palace so big, it's inefficient, and the hallways are too long, and—

He was rambling. The Avatar, who had negotiated peace treaties and stared down spirits, was rambling like a nervous initiate before his first airball game.

???

quietly I'm not trying to keep you here. I just... didn't want the night to end yet.