Metamorphose
Chapter 6: Protection (Aged 19)

...

It was a strange feeling, watching his daughter sleep. She was curled against his chest, her little body warm against his bare skin and it was possibly the most intense heat he had ever felt in his life.

She was barely a week old and Aang was sure that he couldn't possibly feel a love any stronger than he did now. He loved his daughter because she was his and he loved his wife for giving such a beautiful creature to him. Aang was sure that this was why the Spirit of the Earth had decided to incarnate itself into mortal form of the Avatar – to be able to feel such wonderful emotions.

He hadn't been ready for this when Katara had told him and let him feel the baby's chi. He didn't feel ready now, seven months later with the little baby in his hands. Aang wasn't sure that he even knew how to be a father – he had never met his own father and while Gyatso had been as close as one it just wasn't the same. He had seen a few fathers in action over the years, Hakoda mainly, but while their advice was welcome it was hard to put it into practise.

But there was this strange feeling. This intense love and adoration that he hadn't thought he would be able to feel for anyone but his wife. Aang wanted to protect this small bundle of blankets and warmth with everything he was. He would do anything for his child and his wife. He would try to be as good a father and as good a husband as possible.

"What are you doing up?" Katara's hand landed on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against the juncture of his neck softly. "It's early even for you."

"The baby was fussing," Aang answered, scooting over on the window seat to make room for his wife. "I didn't want her to wake you up so I went in for a pre-emptive cuddle."

"That was awfully sweet of you," Katara replied with a small smile as she perched beside him. She held out her arms for Kya, tucking her against her breast securely as she fiddled with her nightgown.

Aang watched quietly as she freed her right breast for their daughter, guiding her to latch on for her morning feed. He frowned when Katara winced fleetingly. "Does it still hurt?"

"Just a little bit," She brushed a hand over the dark downy hair of Kya's head. "But it's getting better."

"Come here," Aang commanded, leaning back against the wall and creating a space for her between his legs. Katara clutched at the baby feeding at her breast and manoeuvred into his embrace.

"Is this a pre-emptive hug?" Katara enquired softly as she snuggled into the heat of his chest. Aang chuckled softly.

"Something like that," He nuzzle into her hair, breathing in the soft flowery perfume of the soap she used. One arm wrapped around her hips, calloused fingers rubbing against the silk of her nightgown, and the other came to support the baby. "Hey?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you. I love both of you so much. Thank you."

...

And thank you all so much for reading. – Fin -