Epilogue

Once again, he watched with avid eyes as she stripped down to nothing, leaning over to blow out the candle next to their bed before slipping between the sheets to join him. Yue was generous that night; ample moonlight poured into their bedroom as he drew her into his arms, snuggling against her.

He was suddenly overwhelmed by the need to apologize for it all. For feeling so insecure. For even entertaining the idea that she might've been, even on some subconscious level, lusting after some random student. Aang couldn't even explain where it had all suddenly come from. Maybe I really am getting old, he thought, shuddering with the unpleasant thought.

Katara smiled at him, reaching up to cup his cheek. She stroked her thumb along his beard, and he could tell she was reading his thoughts in that moment. Finally, after what seemed like a long silence, Aang grinned sheepishly and acknowledged what had been unspoken between them the entire time.

"I'm kind of an idiot."

Katara laughed. A full out, head-thrown-back, chortling laughter that brought tears to her eyes. Reaching for him, she rolled on to her back, pulling him with her into the space she created for him as she drew him down for a long, deep kiss.

"You'll get no argument from me, Avatar."

The End