Title: "Aang's Christmas Gifts"

Authors: ayziks, Divsalley, Seluna, Honey Badger

Rating: T – Kataang/Maiko/Sukka romance, Modern College AU

Summary: The three canon Avatar Last Airbender couples experience Christmas as college students in the modern world, but only Aang is aware that none of them should really be there, the rest act like college students. Aang has a interesting spiritual experience. All characters property of Nick.

Lead Author's Notes: The Korra Connection Forum (and former Kataang Forever Forum) friends and writers Divsalley, Seluna, Honey Badger and A6 (ayziks here on FFnet) responded two years to a request by fellow Forum member Lionheart for a college age, contemporary Kataang Christmas. We four writers had collaborated before, but weren't really interested in contemporary setting ATLAverse Alternate Universe stories, and we certainly never thought we would ever write one, but this story gave us the opportunity to try something that turned out to be more fun than we ever expected! Lionheart also asked us to honor combat veterans in this fic, so we made Sokka and Suki both Army vets, which - as warriors in the ATLAverse - is actually perfect for this AU. I've only made a couple of minor updates. Thanks Lionheart for inspiring us take this fun ride! This is about five chapters.

So with the Christmas holiday season beginning, we all wanted to share this collaborative writing story with you here on FFnet this year!

Chapter 1: The Star

Sparks from the oceanside bonfire curled upward into the star-filled night sky. It took the chill of the air from the Winter Solstice away from the three young couples sitting together on the beach, gazing at the flames and each other.

Zuko broke the silence, "There was a time when I never thought we would ever sit together around this fire as friends again, Aang."

Aang reflected, "Those were hard times, Zuko, but I am so glad I never had to fulfill your 'Promise'."

Mai cuddled closer to Zuko, shivering at that thought, as Katara smiled and caressed Aang in admiration.

Mai added, "I'm even happier that the first thing Zuko's Mom inspired him to do after she told him about her lifetime love affair with Ikem was to come to his senses and make up with me!"

Aang noted cheerfully, "Now look at us – we're building a society together from the history of an old one. The world finally is calm. We can celebrate this solstice in peace."

Suki shot an annoyed glance at Sokka as he fiddled with something hidden in the pocket of his tunic.

"What're you looking for there, Mr. Subtlety?" she asked with a snicker.

Sokka's face paled as he hastily stuffed what he was working with back in his pocket and smiled at her meekly.

"Nothing! Have I told you how pretty you look today? 'cause it's true!" Sokka said.

Suki simply snorted quietly as she scooted closer to him.

"You might wanna be a little more careful, Sokka... Nothing escapes Suki's notice! Believe me, I know!" Zuko remarked with an edge to his voice that made Sokka gulp.

"And how would you know that?" Mai asked with a slight smirk.

"She's a trained warrior. And she's protected me better than anyone else at the Royal palace!" Zuko said defensively, although with a smile.

"Guys, you got a minute?" inquired Aang.

Zuko and Sokka got up and went with him, with all three girls looking at their men quizzically.

Out of earshot from their women, they whispered and conspired.

"If you're worried Aang, I got mine. I am more worried about you, 'Mr Absent Minded Master of the Universe'," smirked Sokka, holding his blue/green betrothal necklace meant for Suki. It was a little crudely made, but still nice.

"Wrong again, future brother-in-law! Got it right...uh...here!" Aang stated confidently.

Aang fumbled, but pulled out a beautiful blue and saffron Air Acolyte beaded amulet, with a shimmering gemstone holding the joined images of the symbols of air and water exquisitely engraved into it.

"Zuko?" Aang asked as he looked at the young Fire Lord, who simply smiled and produced an intricately made hair piece.

"That looks beautiful, Zuks!" Sokka commented, slapping his friend on the back.

"Thanks! It was my mother's. She gave it to me so I could give it to the woman I'm going to marry," Zuko said with a smile.

"OK, let's go!"

They all sat back down, but their knowing smiles betrayed them.

"What?" quizzed Katara.

Aang cleared his throat, and said, "Well, we thought how beautiful it was tonight with all the stars out, and about the future, and well..."

Suki interrupted Aang, pointed to the sky, and said, "The stars are beautiful tonight. Look at that one!"

A single star started to glow a brilliant blue-white, with four rays emerging from the center like a cross. The light from it was brighter than the moon and getting brighter.

Zuko tried to bring everyone's attention back to the moment the boys had planned as a group engagement announcement, "As Aang was saying..."

"Sorry Zuko, wait a minute. Look at it now!" said Katara, half-amazed and half-fearful.

Aang said, "Good grief, Yue, you wanna dial that thing down a bit for us?"

The star continued to grow in brightness and expanded. It was far brighter than the moon, becoming even brighter than the sun. The cold brightness became so extreme that they all tried to shield their eyes. All around them the world was turning completely white.

Katara grabbed Aang by the arm and shrieked, "Aang!"

And they all lost consciousness as their world turned from white to black instantly.