"Ready?"

Aang exhaled, the force of it ruffling the heavy folds of Zuko's robes. "Ready."

Zuko stepped forward with the red lantern held out in front of him, and blew a delicate flame into the center. Simultaneously, Aang pushed his own orange lantern forward with a burst of airbending, sending it spinning in intricate shapes over the edge of the cliff. Just like Sokka had promised, whatever newly-discovered gas he had pumped into the inflated sides of the lantern kept it afloat in the air, even without a flame or other visible source of propulsion.

Zuko backed up to watch, and Aang raised a hand and made a fluid, beckoning motion, as though combing his fingers through long hair. Silver ribbons of wind leapt from his hands to the two lanterns, and they circled each other, two planets caught in orbit, before Aang slowly lowered his hand and gave them up to the night.

It took only moments for the lanterns to vanish into the low-hanging clouds.

The young monk was uncharacteristically silent. Zuko chanced a glance over, only to see tears running soundlessly down Aang's face.

Tentatively, Zuko hovered a hand over Aang's shoulder, then gave him an awkward pat. In turn, Aang leaned into Zuko's side with unselfconscious ease and hugged him, burying his face in Zuko's ceremonial robes.

"Thank you, Zuko," Aang mumbled. "I haven't done this since—since—" He drew in a shaky breath. "...thank you."

"I'm sorry I couldn't do more," Zuko said quietly, wrapping his arms around Aang's skinny shoulders. "Uncle taught me what he could, but all he really had were stories of the old days. But..." Zuko hesitated, then took the plunge, "I was hoping I could ask for your help with stuff like this. Reintroducing traditional holidays, cultural events and the like, to the people." He closed his eyes, imagining a sky of manmade stars. "Organizing an official Lantern Festival for the next year."

Aang pulled back, and while his cheeks were still wet, he was smiling. "I'd like that," he murmured, and hugged Zuko again. "I'd really like that."

A/N: Happy 2020! Thank you all for reading. :)