Aang quietly watched his friends, hidden in the trees. He didn't want to make his presence known quite yet, for some bizarre reason.

Recently, he had traveled to the newly forming town created from many people who had populated Lake Laogai for a short time. Having common ground, they felt compelled to spend more time researching the many things they had learned during what was now being called the 'Second Phoenix War.'

Of course, now the town attracted many people, because they focused more on research and learning versus any one bending form. Hahn and Teo had decided to stay around the area as well, feeling that their particular specialties might become useful.

Many people still felt uneasy, however. Some still felt that Firebenders shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the area, given recent history, while others felt that the town should focus more on learning. Hahn, particularly, spoke at great length on the union of all Nations, and the importance of new discoveries.

He knew that Hahn carried with him a betrothal necklace, but hadn't given it to Katara quite yet. The two had become quite close as they had focused on their respective bending abilities of healing. Both had approached him at different times on the topic of marriage, though Aang believed it was due more to his former relationship with Katara than from any other reason. Yet after he voiced his support on the union, they both seemed a bit more relaxed. He hoped he'd see Katara wearing the betrothal necklace soon.

Teo and Toph seemed to both enjoy coming up with new inventions, Teo explaining the idea, while Toph helped create them with her bending skills. At the moment, they spent a great deal of time creating different items to help with mobility, such as they had done for Jet.

As for Jet, he had mentioned rejoining the Freedom Fighters, which was fine by Bee as long as he didn't get it into his head to take over again. Or ever, for that matter. This, Aang had been told, led to a rather large yelling match between the two. Longshot had wisely kept his mouth shut, though he probably would have stepped in if Bee had been injured in any shape or form. The other Freedom Fighters had mysteriously disappeared when the yelling started. Iroh claimed that he vaguely remembered seeing a few familiar shapes at his tea shop, but for the life of him, couldn't remember who they were or exactly when he saw them.

Bee later confessed to Aang that she allowed Jet to join, but on probation.

Haru and Mai didn't show any signs of actually being a couple yet, but Aang felt that it was all a matter of time. The two Leaf members traveled to different towns, quietly spreading word about the unity that was now sought, and what better way to demonstrate but to have representatives from the two strongest populations.

Aang knew Mai still had feelings for Zuko, especially since she seemed to hover over him. Aang had purposely provoked her to get the confession, a part of him wanting to help and a part of him just slightly possessive of his lover. She had sliced him on the cheek, and he hadn't moved to protect himself. He, nor Mai, never told anyone the conversation they had afterwards, but his friends had seen the cut on his face, and that Mai's eyes had been red, as if she had cried. Shortly afterwards, she had left with Haru. Nonetheless, she later told Aang she held no grudge against him, considering how Zuko's health seemed far better than ever.

And as for Zuko…

Aang smiled as the young lord laughed over something Sokka said. Suki sat near them both, now clearly showing the life that grew inside. The Fire Lord never demonstrated his powers again, but whispers spread of the Phoenix, how it had cleansed the Fire Nation and healed Zuko. People were far happier to talk to Zuko than any other Fire Nation member.

It was difficult to believe that only months before, they could all have been killed.

Aang still felt guilty at times, since it had been partially his fault that Ozai escaped. Azula assured him that whether he had indeed helped or not, her father would have found a way out. Apparently there had been far more people sympathetic to Ozai's cause than they originally believed.

Anyway, each of them had grown far stronger, and they had discovered a lot.

And, Aang had to admit, he didn't feel the turmoil of before, when the growing anger and sorrow had shadowed his thoughts.

Aang jumped down, and he saw Toph tilt her head, the only indication that she knew now that it was him.

Zuko turned his head, probably because of the wind that Aang manipulated to ruffle his hair a little. He smiled and stood up, causing the others to look as well.

"Welcome home," said Zuko.

Aang smiled as the others called to him.

With Zuko in his arms and their friend around them, he said, "I'm home!"

Final Notes: This is indeed the end, and that is NOT an April Fool's Joke. I'm sorry that it wasn't as fluffy as I originally meant it to be, but Aang refused to cooperate entirely. But I hope that there is just a tiny bit of warmth as everyone imagines Zuko and Aang cuddling while surrounded by their friends.

To everyone who read, and especially to all who left comments, thank you! Keep your muses busy!

Sincerely,

Luna