Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You are with child, Aang.”

Aang stared at Roku with wide eyes before busting out laughing. He waved his hand dismissively at the spirit of his past life.

“T-that’s a funny one, Roku!” Aang laughed, shaking his head with a nervous grin. “I can’t be pregnant! I’d know!” Aang said, leaning back, his hands resting clasped with his legs crossed. Roku stared at him with a serious look that began making Aang nervous. “. . .I’d know. . .r-right?” The young Airbender repeated, a hand going to his mouth as he bit on his index finger.

“Aang, I wouldn’t be here if not.” Roku states, giving him a firm look. Aang huffed and crossed his arms.

“There could be a million reasons you could be here, Roku!” Aang retaliated, furrowing his brows together as he frowned. He wasn’t expecting this, not one bit.

“Aang.” Roku warns sternly, Aang groans and puts his face into his hands.

“Monkey feathers. . .you are serious. . .” the young Avatar groaned, pulling his bottom eyelids down with his hands “. . .Thanks for the warning. . .I guess. . .” Aang mumbled, resting his head on his fist. Instead of sleep, he’s getting told he’s pregnant. Great, that's just what he wanted to hear with all this other stress on his shoulders.

“Kyoshi wanted to tell you but. . .she wouldn’t have been as gentle.” Roku says, stroking his beard “I just thought with how things are right now. . .you’d need a heads up.” Aang rubbed his forehead as he sighed, looking down “You still have a war to end, you know.” Roku added calmly, looking at him.

“I know that, Roku.” Aang says quietly, looking up at him and biting his lip “So- You’re sure I’m gonna have a baby?” he asked quietly, Roku nodded once. Aang winced.

“Oh, Spirits. . .” Aang groaned, looking at him “How- how am I meant to fight the Firelord pregnant?! How- how do I tell my friends? How do I- oh, Spider-bat! How do I tell Zuko?!” Aang says, getting more panicked by the second, Roku sighed as he watched the young Airbender who already had so much on his shoulders having to deal with this on top of that.

“Aang, you need to relax.” Roku says calmly “You’ll figure this out-” Roku tries to add, wanting to comfort him but Aang shakes his head.

“No! no! I don’t want hear this! I don’t believe it! I don’t- I- l-leave me alone! I just- I wanna be left alone!” He says, his eyes tearing up, Roku frowns and reaches out just for his hand to be swatted away from him “No! just- leave me alone! I just- I need time to process this. . .please. . .” He says quietly, looking at him. Roku nodded in understanding.

“I understand. . .I’m here if you need to talk. . .” he says quietly, Aang nodded and sighed.

“Thanks, Roku. . .” Aang says, closing his eyes.

Aang opened his eyes, laying on his sleeping bag, he slowly sat up and looked around at the others. Everyone is still asleep in the pitch black. He sits there, his lip quivering as he tries to process everything, he takes a deep and shaky breath as tears well up in his eyes and his hands begin shaking. He bites down on his fingers to make sure he makes no noise. He stood up and quietly made his way away from the group as he stared at the ground, sniffling and struggling to hold back his tears. His breathing hitched and he gasped quietly, his other hand moving down to his stomach as he placed his hand on it, clutching tightly against his stomach which had a small, tiny bump.

He didn’t think much about his bump beforehand, he thought he was just gaining a little weight. . How could he be so stupid? Why didn’t he think of the consequences of his actions before fucking up this bad?

Aang nervously laid on the stone bed underneath Zuko who was slightly raised above him, resting on his elbow as his other hand rubbed Aang’s cheek, he gave him a small smile.

“I’m sorta- nervous.” Aang says nervously, his hands stiff at his side. Zuko chuckled quietly as he smiled fondly.

“Don’t be.” Zuko responded, shifting a little to stable himself “Just relax. . .” Zuko says before leaning down to kiss his lips “Here. . .” Zuko says, guiding Aang’s arms around his neck. Aang chuckled as he put his arms around his neck loosely and shifted underneath him a little.

“A-alright.” He says quietly, his cheeks rosy pink. He swallowed hard as he looked up at him “I trust you.” Aang says, resting his head down as Zuko leans down and begins trailing kisses down his neck, He closes his eyes as he relaxes into the new yet welcoming sensation.

The next morning, when everyone woke up they began to go about their morning routine. Zuko walked to the fountain section of the Western Air Temple while looking confused.

“Hey. . .has anyone seen Aang? He didn’t show up for our lesson this morning.” Zuko says, rubbing the back of his head as he looks around, Katara raises a brow but turns her head away to finish serving breakfast.

“We thought he was with you?” Sokka says, raising a brow as he takes a bowl of food off Katara, Katara fills another bowl, handing it to Toph before serving the others. Zuko gets a bad feeling, he groans and shakes his head.

“Where could he have gone? He always meets me at a particular spot. . .” Zuko mumbled, not wanting to admit Aang normally meets him in his room before practice to cuddle or. . .well, sometimes a bit more.

“Maybe he went somewhere else, where does he normally meet you?” Sokka asked, raising a brow as he took a bite of his food. Zuko snapped his head around, his cheeks tinted red.

“O-On the uh- ledge. . .other side- of the uh- temple.” Zuko says, stuttering over his words anxiously. Sokka blinked at him and then shrugged as he turned his attention to something he considered something more important, his breakfast.

Katara gives him a suspicious look before turning her attention to her own food. Zuko turned away and began walking off to find Aang, once he was out of sight, Toph pipes up.

“He’s lying.” Toph says, chewing her food as everyone looks at her, Katara scoffed.

“Yeah, I know.” Katara snarled quietly, watching Zuko disappear into the distance.

Aang sat on the edge of the Western Air Temple, kicking his legs back and forth, stroking Momo who was sitting in his lap. His eyes were blank as he just stared off into the distance.

“You alright?” Aang snapped out of his daze and turned around to see Zuko, standing there with a look of worry on his face even if he attempted to conceal it.

“. . .Yeah.” Aang says quietly, looking away from him as he stares off into the distance once more. Zuko narrowed his eyes before sitting down beside him.

“You’re lying.” Zuko says firmly, narrowing his eyes at him. Aang shook his head and turned his head away from him fully which irritated the disgraced Prince “Hey, look at me.” Zuko says firmly but in a levelled voice. He’s not good with relationships, he never was and Aang continuing to ignore him makes it worse.

Zuko stared at him intensely for a few more moments before he snapped, he grabbed Aang by the chin and forced him to look at him. He didn’t grab him hard enough to hurt him, just firm enough to turn him to him.

“I said, look at me.” Zuko growled, gritting his teeth “What did I do? Why are you mad at me!” He asked loudly, his voice getting louder.

“Zuko. . .” Aang muttered quietly, pushing Zuko’s hand away but Zuko grabbed his face again but with both hands this time and tilted his head up to look at him.

“Don’t give me that, tell me what’s wrong, I’m worried about you.” Zuko says as he pulls Aang’s face towards him. Aang looked up at him, biting his bottom lip as he tried to hold tears back. Zuko examined Aang’s face and noticed how watery his eyes were “What’s wrong, what happened, tell me” Zuko says, looking at him.

Aang just snaps, tears rolling down his face as he begins sniffling and choking back tears. Zuko tensed up, he hadn’t seen Aang cry before so this was all new to him.

“L-last night- Roku just- he came to me and- and- and he told me that- that- that-” Aang finally broke, mumbling over his words not knowing how to get the words out, Zuko gripped his face softly as he attempted to wipe away the onslaught of tears flowing down his lover’s face.

“Hey- hey- hey, hey, hey, relax- what are you trying to tell me?” Zuko blurted out nervously, he looked at him with nervous eyes as Aang looked up and coughed through his sobs.

“He- he told me that-” the smaller males cried through coughs, Zuko tensed up as he watched Aang begin to panic “T-that I-” he sobbed, sniffling, snot running down his nose.

“Aang, calm down- I c-can’t understand yo-” Aang cuts Zuko off before Zuko can finish his sentence.

“I’m pregnant!” He cried out, shouting at Zuko as he pulled away. Zuko sits there, stunned into silence. Aang Airbends himself up to his feet and begins pacing around.

“W-what?” Zuko says, his eyes wide, he looked at Aang again, looking him up and down and narrowing his eyes.

“I’m pregnant, Roku told me!” Aang repeated, looking at Zuko who was now scrambling to his feet. Zuko stood there, his mouth slightly agape.

“You mean. . .I got you. . . .” Zuko mumbled, Aang groaned and threw his head back.

“Yes! You got me pregnant, Zuko! Who else!?” Aang says, throwing his hands into the air before looking at him, breathing heavily “You’re the only guy- spirits, the only person I’ve done anything with, let alone the only person I’ve been with! Sure, I’ve kissed Katara-” Aang blurted out but stopped himself, he didn’t realize he said that due to his heightened emotions. Zuko narrowed his eyes.

“You’ve kissed Katara?” He snarled, clenching his fists. Aang rolled his eyes.

“It was ages ago! Way before you became- good or like- joined us!” Aang retaliated “Don’t start getting these ‘cheating’ ideas in your head.” Aang warned in annoyance “I’m pregnant, for crying out loud! And I have to fight your stupid father before the comet comes! What if something happens to the baby or- or!-” Zuko’s eyes softened, he walked over to him and grabbed him by the hands, holding them tightly.

“. . .We’ll figure this out. I just- I’m sorry.” Zuko says, rubbing his fingers back and forth across Aang’s tattooed hands. Aang sighed and rested his head against the tall Firebender’s chest.

“. . .You know this means we have to tell the others we’re dating, right?” Aang says, looking up at him, Zuko groans and closed his eyes.

“. . .fuck.” He cursed under his breath as he pulled away “Do we really have to? Katara hates my guts” Zuko groaned, moving away to sit on the ground, elbows resting on his knees. Aang looked down at him before sighing. Aang creates a small gust of Air to make his Airbending staff come off the ground and he catches it in his hand.

“. . .Zuko, we have to tell them.” Aang says, his staff on the ground as he gripped it firmly. Zuko pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Are you going to tell them you’re pregnant too?” Zuko asked begrudgingly, Aang tensed up, now holding the staff with both hands.

“I. . . uhh-” Aang bites his bottom lip, rocking back and forth on his heels “I’m- I’m just- I only found out. . .” Aang says, looking away from him “We- we don’t have to say anything right away but- I sorta got to think about how I’m gonna fight the Firelord now.” Aang says, sighing. Zuko paused and stared at him with a confused look.

“What do you mean?” Zuko asked bluntly, narrowing his eyes. Aang looked back at him, he sits on one of the broken pillars.

“. . .If. . .I’m pregnant. . .and- I have to fight the Firelord. . .what if- something happens to the baby?” Aang states, looking at him worried. Zuko stared at him, before scoffing.

“For fuck sakes. . .” He groaned, rubbing his forehead again “We’re really. . .really deep in this shit, huh?” he says, looking at Aang again. Aang nodded slowly as he frowned as he watched Zuko lay down flat on the ground. Aang walked towards him and used his Airbending to sit himself down beside him slowly before he put his staff beside him, putting a hand on Zuko’s chest and curling into him as he sighed, resting his head on his shoulder.

Momo scattered over to them and snuggled himself between the two lovers and rested his little head against Aang’s chin and Zuko’s shoulder blade.

“We’ll figure it out” Aang says quietly, kissing Zuko’s cheek. Zuko gives him a small smile as He strokes Momo’s head before turning his head to him, leaning in and kissing Aang on the lips.

Aang kisses back, holding the kiss for a few moments, Zuko moves his hand to Aang’s cheek to deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue into Aang’s mouth which makes him chuckle and pull away.

“What?” Zuko asked, giving him a small smile, Aang rolled his eyes with a smirk.

“You know what you did.” Aang warned playfully before resting his forehead against him, Zuko smiled fondly and closed his eyes, but Aang’s smile faded as he closed his eyes. Spirits, give him strength cause he can’t do this.

Chapter Text

The gang sat around the fire, each enjoying their own meal, Aang looked down at his own food, rice, a mix of greens and tofu. He hadn’t even attempted to touch his food. He just held the bowl tightly. Katara looked at him worried as she frowned.

“Aang, is something wrong? You’ve barely touched your food. . .is something wrong with the tofu?” she asked quietly, Aang shook his head and snapped out of his daze to look at Katara.

“No. . .no- it’s fine- I’m just. . .not very hungry, I guess” Aang replied, putting the bowl down “I’ll eat it later.” He added, looking away.

“But it’s gonna be cold.” Katara states, clearly worried “Aang you have to eat.” She added, crossing her arms. Aang shakes his head before covering his mouth, quickly fumbling his way to his feet and rushing off. He needed to vomit.

Sokka blinked while his mouth was still open as he was going for another bite of food. Toph raised a brow. Katara sat on her knees confused. Sokka decides to make a snarky remark to lighten he mood.

“Look Katara, your cooking has made Aang sick.” Sokka joked, Katara shoots him a glare and narrowed her eyes.

“You’re not getting seconds now.” She stated firmly, Sokka almost dropped his bowl.

“Wait no! I’m sorry!” Sokka screeched shaking his hand, everyone else laughed at Sokka’s antics beside Zuko who was antsy, he’s looking in the direction Aang ran off in.

“But seriously” Katara says, making the mood more serious “Something’s wrong with Aang, he might be getting sick” Katara added worriedly. Sokka nodded.

“Yeah, maybe. . .do we have any medicine there if so?” he asked, despite his jokey demeanour he did worry about Aang a lot. Katara grabbed her satchel and began routing through it, she sighed.

“No, we don’t. . .and it’s too risky to get some.” Katara responded, looking at her older brother. Suki tapped her chin while thinking.

“Hmm. . .maybe we coul- Zuko? Where are you going?” Suki says, Zuko had hoped he’d be able to sneak away, he looked at Suki as he had been caught red handed trying to sneak off.

“Uh. . .toilet.” He responded dryly, before turning away, heading in the same direction as Aang. Katara scowled. Sokka raised a brow.

“But- the toilets the other way-” Sokka blurted out.

Zuko walked over to Aang who’s kneeling over the edge of a balcony, arms crossed over his stomach as he’s breathing heavily, tears pricked in his eyes. He groaned and slammed his head on the balcony stone railing.

“You alright?” Zuko asked, walking over to him, he puts a hand on Aang’s shoulder but is quickly shrugged off.

“Don’t touch me” Aang mumbled, leaning over the ledge, Zuko tensed up confused. Aang grimaced before throwing up again, Zuko winced at the noise.

“. . .Is it uh- cause of the baby?” Zuko asked Aang, Aang wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and turned to look at him.

“Think so. . .might be cause of my anxiety too. . .” He says hoarsely “I. . . throw up when anxious.” Aang states, turning around and slowly sliding down against the railing, back against the cold, hard stone.

“You’re sleeping with me tonight. I don’t really want to leave you alone while your in this condition” Zuko says, walking closer and crouching down in front of him. Aang looked up at him with tired eyes before shrugging.

“I don’t know. . .” Aang says quietly “The others will get suspicious.” Aang sighed, tilting his head back, Zuko stared at him and hardens his look.

“I don’t give a fuck, Agni could set me ablaze for all I care!” Zuko snapped, leaning into him “You’re staying with me, I need to watch over you.” Zuko added firmly, Aang crossed his arms stubbornly.

“I can take care of myself!” He huffed, looking away, Zuko grabbed his face and turned it too look at him “I didn’t need you before and- I don’t need you to watch over me now. . .” He mumbled, Zuko groaned, he felt the blood rush to his cheeks, he was so cute with his chubby cheeks, big silver eyes and plump, pink pout.

“Didn’t say that you needed me. . . but- I want to take care of you.” Zuko says, stroking his cheek with his thumb “That’s my baby as well, Aang.” Zuko says, smiling at him. Aang nodded at him with a weak smile as he puts his arms out to him for a hug, Zuko switched from a squat to sit on his knees and hug him, holding him tightly as Aang began swaying side to side a little.

“. . .Okay let go, I’m gonna throw up again-” Aang says, quickly Airbending himself onto his feet so he can vomit over the ledge. Zuko starts rubbing his back to help him get it all up.

Toph stood around the corner, her blank eyes wide as she tried to process everything she just overheard, this wasn’t good. Not one bit.

Toph returned to the fountain area of the Western Air Temple. Katara was cleaning up after dinner and turned her attention to Toph who was kicking at the ground as she approached them.

“Something wrong Toph?” Katara asked, putting the plates down to approach her. Toph Earthbended herself a small stool to sit on, her legs crossed and her face resting on her fist.

“. . .Hey. . .Katara. . .weird question.” She says, Katara nodded in confusion as Toph also made her a stool, she fixed her tunic before taking a seat.

“Alright, ask away” Katara said, picking up a set of Sokka’s pants as well as a needle and thread “You can ask me this ‘weird question’ while I fix Sokka’s pants” she says, smiling, Toph tapped the side of her cheek.

“. . .How far along do you have to be to know for sure, and I mean for sure that you’re pregnant?” Toph says, Katara paused, holding the needle against the fabric.

“. . .What?” Katara responded, looking at her, Toph shrugged her shoulders as she sits up straight.

“Well, you said you use to deliver babies back in the South Pole, so you must know, parents never taught me this stuff so I’m just curious.” The blind girl lied, not that Katara knew that. Katara thinks about how to answer the question.

“Well, the first sign is missing your period, then gaining unexplained weight. . . then I suppose. . .morning sickness, it’s where you vomit in the morning or- sometimes not even in the morning you just throw up because baby doesn’t like what you ate.” Katara explained, continuing hew sewing “And then there’s the mood swings, cravings. . .things like that.” Katara finished as she pushed the needle through the fabric again.

Toph nodded, humming in response to the Waterbender’s words. Katara and Toph sat in silence for a few moments.

“You wanna know something?” Toph says, Katara didn’t look up, too busy working on her brother’s pants, she mindlessly nodded.

“Sure.” Katara responded, Toph put her feet on the ground and held the sides of the rock, leaning forth.

“I can sense baby heartbeats.” She stated “Kinda just like a normal person. It’s pretty faint and I just need to concentrate really hard.” Katara looked up at her.

“That’s. . .actually really cool.” Katara responded, Toph nodded before she can say anything else as Aang walked over.

“Hey- Katara?” Aang says, Katara turned all her attention to him, quickly standing up and making her way over to him.

“There you are! I was worried sick!” Katara exclaimed as she hugged him, Aang tensed up in her hold which was abnormal for him. He just hasn’t been fond of touch lately, not from her, not even from Zuko as much as he use to beg to cuddle or get kisses. He’s put it down to the shock of the pregnancy.

“I’m fine. . .do we have anything sweet there?” He asked, pulling away and tilting his head. Katara raised a brow.

“Sweet?” she repeated, Aang nodded before going over and beginning to rummage through their food stash. Katara put her hands on her hips and huffed “Aang, you didn’t even eat a dinner” Katara states as she watched him get frustrated looking for anything to satisfy whatever craving he was getting.

“Katara, I don’t want any of that- Just- something sweet!” He huffed, Katara is taken aback by his attitude, he mumbled when he can’t find anything but a small tub of honey. He stared at it for a moment before taking it with him, He walked off while holding the tub of honey.

“Aang! Give that back!” She shouted at him, she doesn’t chase him though “Ugh. . .Honey isn’t gonna fill him up.” Katara shakes her head, Toph stood there with her feet firmly on the ground “Toph?” Katara says, turning to her. Toph says nothing as she moved her feet along the ground, trying to capture that mini heartbeat again, she wasn’t sure if Zuko and Aang where just joking. . .spirits she wished they where and she didn’t actually sense that heartbeat “Toph. . .?” Katara called again.

Toph grimaced before swallowing hard.

“Katara, there’s something I need to tell you.” Toph finally says “It’s about Aang.”

Katara’s face dropped in worry when she heard that.

Chapter Text

“WHAT!?” Katara screeched, Toph covered her ears and groaned, Katara was fuming and Toph could sense it (and hear it). If she could actually see, even the expression would scare her.

“Chill out, Katara!” Toph shouted while pointing at her “We can worry about the fact they’ve been creeping around behind everyone’s backs later, it’s more worrying that Aang’s pregnant and has to fight the Firelord!” Toph says, Katara crossed her arms, grimacing.

“Right, right. . .” Katara sighed, taking a deep breath, sighing as she shakes her head “How do we even confront them about this?” she asked, the confliction clear in her voice. Toph shrugged.

“I don’t know, that’s why I came to you” Toph admitted as she waved a hand around, the other hand on her hip. Katara groaned.

“Just- don’t tell Sokka.” Katara says, Toph nodded as she puts both hands on her hips.

“Don’t tell me what?” Sokka asked as he walked over to them, Toph stood there and shakes her head while Katara just stared at him.

Aang sat beside Zuko, mixing the honey with a spoon before scraping off the bottom on rim of the glass jar before shoving the spoonful of translucent yellow goo into his mouth, he doesn’t speak as he’s too busy satisfying his stupid cravings.

Zuko puts an arm around him and began rubbing his arm. Aang gives him a side eyes before leaning back against his arm, Aang was trying not to huff and move away but he was more focused on his honey then worrying about that Zuko’s touching him.

Normally Aang would be thrilled for all the attention from the normally physically unaffectionate man but right now he’d much rather purge himself on honey. Aang repeats the process to put another spoonful into his mouth.

“You alright?” Zuko asked, tilting his head. Aang shrugged and leaned forth, pulling his legs up a bit. Zuko examined his face for a moment.

“Honey was the only sweet thing there. . .I sorta just- wanted something else.” He says as he huffed, Zuko moved around, pulling Aang into his chest and then began massaging his shoulders. Aang tensed for a moment, spoon hanging outta his mouth. After a few minutes, he began leaning back and relaxing, Zuko was attempting to get the knots outta his shoulders “Hey. . .” Aang mumbled, sighing as he closed his eyes “Normally I massage you. . .” Aang added as he bites down on his bottom lip.

“Well. . .I’m not pregnant.” Zuko says, he didn’t have much experience with massaging people but he was attempting for Aang “I’m. . .not very good at this” Zuko chuckled, it’s true but Aang didn’t mind, he takes another spoonful of honey before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

“Mmm. . . it’s good.” He mumbled, closing his eyes and rolled his shoulders as Zuko continued to massage them, mimicking Aang’s technique but in a messier way “. . .You worried?” Aang asked, tilting his head back to look at him. Zuko just looked at him for a moment and then sighed.

“Yeah. . .kinda.” Zuko admitted, continuing to massage his shoulders “. . .We’re not married.” Zuko states honestly, Aang sits up and furrowed his brow, turning his body to look at him.

“Obviously we’re not married! Air Nomads don’t normally get married, Zuko!” Aang exclaimed, looking at him in pure shock.

“Yeah but. . .in the Fire Nation you can’t have a kid out of Wedlock. The baby is considered a bastard.” Zuko responded in a serious tone “I mean- the baby won’t be a legitimate Prince or Princess since we aren’t-”

“You’re not a Prince anyways, not anymore so it doesn’t matter!” Aang cut him off, huffing as he looked at him. Zuko paused as he stared at him. The silence is uncomfortable. It takes Aang a moment to realize he hurt Zuko’s feelings “. . .w-wait- Zuko, I’m sorry-”

“Forget it.” He snapped quickly, crossing his arms as he looked away with a grimace “. . .you’re right. . .” He mumbled. Aang puts his hand on his cheek, turning it to look at him.

“No, that- that was so uncalled for- I just- disrespected you as a person- That’s like you telling me I’m no longer an Air Nomad cause the rest of me people are gone. . .” He says, frowning as he moved closer, now straddling Zuko’s lap “I’m sorry. . .” Aang repeated “You should be mad at me” He says, leaning into him and nuzzling into his neck.

“. . .it’s okay.” Zuko says quietly, putting his arms around him, holding him tightly “I mean. . .you’re not wrong, I’m not really a Prince anymore.” Zuko added, leaning back.

“. . .You’re a Prince in my eyes.” Aang whispered, Zuko chuckled as he holds Aang tightly, while looking at Aang he then puts his hand on Aang’s stomach, the small Airbender tensed up a little but stared at him.

“. . .sorry- Should of asked.” Zuko says sheepishly as he pulled his hand away, Aang waits a moment and leaned back, running his fingers over his own stomach before removing his already ruined shirt and  grabbing Zuko’s rough and callous hand, Zuko’s hand was much bigger than his own, which where small, soft and gentle.

He placed the disgraced Prince’s hand onto his bare stomach, Zuko’s eyes light up at the sensation of the small bump, running his hand over it. Aang sat silently, he felt relaxed compared to how irritated he was earlier. Aang guides Zuko’s hand downwards so he can feel the baby-bump.

“. . .It’s- small but- you can feel it.” Zuko says quietly, looking at his own hand feeling the baby bump before smiling at him “That’s our baby in there.” He whispered, smiling at him.

Aang stared at him with his big, silver eyes before giving him a soft smile back.

“yeah. . .our baby.” Aang responded quietly, Zuko’s hand moved from his stomach to interlock fingers with the hand on his hand “I love you. . .” Aang added, looking him in the eyes. Zuko smiled up at him.

“I love you too.” He responded, looking up at him with a big genuine smile.

The next morning, the two join the others by the fountain, Aang rubbed his eye as he yawned, walking up to them.

“Morning, what’s for break-” Before he could finish there was a sudden shaking of the temple, he swiftly turned his body to see Fire Nation airships coming in their direction, quickly he raised his staff and Airbended the shutters close before another fire ball could hit them “We’re under attack!” Aang yelled. Zuko turned and narrowed his eyes.

“I think this is a family visit. . .” He growled before making his way towards the airship Azula was on, smirking down at him. Aang’s eyes widen.

“Zuko, no!-” Aang’s voice cracked as he reached out, both Katara and Sokka grab his shoulders and pull him back. He gritted his teeth and  grips his staff.

Katara realized they’re going to have to separate into two groups, Hakoda, the Duke, Pipsqueak, Teo and Haru agree to take the airship out back to escape while katara, Toph, Sokka, Suki and Aang take Appa to go grab Zuko before making a break for it.

 Sokka grabbed Suki’s hand and pulled her close while Aang flys Appa towards Zuko, his heart is in his throat as he watched Zuko fall through the air, he yanked Appa’s reins which guide him down and Katara grabbed his hand in the nick of time, pulling him safely onto Appa’s saddle.

Aang yanked the reins again to guide him up, he looked back at Zuko for a moment, who was looking over Appa’s saddle at Azula who’s on the side of the cliff, using her hairpin to keep herself from plummeting to death.

Zuko turned his head to look at Aang, his gaze softening as he see’s Aang’s face, the tears in his eyes as his lip quivered. He carefully made his way over to the top of the saddle.

“Hey. . .are you alright?” Zuko says, Aang’s gaze hardens, he gritted his teeth.

“A-are you crazy?!” He shouted at him, his eyes wide “You could of died!” The young Avatar screeched, the other four sitting in the back as they observed the interaction between the two. Katara and Toph already knew the two where together. . .and that Aang was pregnant, Sokka was still left in the dark and so was Suki but she just hadn’t been bothered to pry “If you died, what would that mean for me?! For the baby?!” Aang was so caught up in his emotional rage he didn’t even process what he was saying.

“BABY?!” Sokka and Suki yell in union, Toph tilts her head down while Katara gritted her teeth. Zuko glanced back at them and then at Aang who’s now covering his mouth.

They have a lot of explaining to do. . .

Chapter Text

The group where quiet as they sit around the camp fire, Aang and Zuko are sitting next to each other. Aang was quietly eating his food as Zuko is making tea. Aang chewed his food quietly as he watched him.

“What are you doing?” Aang asked quietly, his voice horsed, Zuko looked at him before back down at the tea.

“Making ginger tea. . .for you.” Zuko responded quietly “My Uncle. . .he uh- said it’s good for nausea and vomiting. . .he was serving it to a pregnant woman when she- asked for something to help with it. . .back in his teashop. . .in Ba Sing Se. . .” Zuko added.  Aang watched him pour a cup of tea and handing it to Aang “Here, drink it, it’s just. . . you struggle with uh- morning sickness so I thought. . .” Zuko felt awkward talking about this in front of the others.

“Thanks” Aang says, blowing on the tea to cool it down before sipping it, he looked up at the others, Sokka was whispering to Suki but when he noticed Aang was looking he quickly shovelled food into his face while looking around. Toph says nothing while eating and Katara hits her spoon off the bowl.

“So, when where you going to tell us you where dating Zuko? Let alone pregnant.” Katara finally says, looking at them. Zuko tensed up, Aang puts the tea down.

“. . .I wasn’t.” Aang says bluntly as she glared at him “I wasn’t. . .originally even going to tell Zuko I was pregnant.” Aang added, he had been keeping that in so long he just needed to get it out of his system. Zuko’s eyes widen in shock.

“You weren’t?” he asked quietly, Aang turned his head to him and frowned. He looked down ashamed, he bites his lip.

“I. . .had my reasons.” Aang says, Katara’s eyes soften at him, she feels pity for Aang, not Zuko. Why would she? She hates him. the Fire Nation took her mother away, now he’s taken Aang away from her “Cause- I. . .I don’t know- it’s just- a lot. . .” Aang sighed, Zuko stared at him for a moment “But- there’s nothing to change now, I’m pregnant and me and Zuko are having this baby.” Aang says, looking up at them all “I’m. . .sure it’s going to be okay.” He added. Zuko reached over and puts an arm around his shoulder and pulled him into him “I’m sorry. . .” he whispered, his silver eyes shimmering with tears.

Sokka looked at Katara who didn’t say anything, she stood up and walked off while pushing her hair over her shoulders. Aang watched with a frowned, Zuko placed a small kiss on the centre of Aang’s arrow tattoo before getting up to follow Katara. Sokka stood up and walked over to Aang and sits beside him.

“Well. . .I think it’s pretty cool you’re gonna have a baby” Sokka says, giving him a smile, Aang wiped his eyes with the bottom of his palm.

“Yeah?” Aang asked, smiling at him as Sokka put his arm around him to hug him.

“Yeah! That kid is gonna be a menace, I know it! I’m gonna teach them to be” Sokka announced proudly, Suki and Aang both chuckled, Toph smiled.

“I can actually sense the heartbeat.” Toph says, Aang looked over at her, his eyes widening in curiosity.

“You- can sense the baby’s heartbeat?” Aang repeats what she said, Toph nodded as Sokka moves his arm off his shoulder.

“Yeah, it’s faint but it’s there.” She responded, Aang smiled and moved his hand to his stomach, holding the small bump.

Zuko walked up behind Katara, clenching his fists. Katara was looking out at the wider ocean, Arms crossed.

“You can’t walk away like that, it upsets Aang.” Zuko says firmly “I know you have an issue with me, that you don’t like me but don’t take that out on Aang!” Zuko added, looking at her “Even then- everyone else trusts me, why don’t you?” He asked. Katara narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, everyone trusts you?! I was the first to trust you! Back in Ba Sing Se and you turned around and betrayed me!” Katara snapped her head around to yell at him, a hand gripping her shirt.

“What can I do to make up for that?! I’ve changed!” Zuko pleaded “Your approval matters so much to Aang, so it does to me as well!” Zuko says, looking at him. Katara gritted her teeth.

“Oh, I don’t know! Maybe you could bring my mother back, your Nation took that from me and now YOU have taken Aang from me!” She raised her voice, gripping her shirt harder “You’re so- so arrogant and selfish! You knock him up with no awareness to what he wants!” Katara rolled her eyes “What did you do to manipulate him into having sex with you, huh?!” She walked closer to him, rage seething in her voice and eyes, Zuko’s eyes widen.

“W-what?! No! it was all consensual, I swear!” Zuko says, Katara crossed her arms, looking away as she shakes her head “. . .Katara, I can admit. I am many things but- I’d never forced anyone to do that, especially Aang. I love him. . .” Zuko says softly, Katara paused, she could hear the sincerity in his voice, her lip quivered before she just stormed off, leaving him there feeling defeated.

The next morning, Aang woke up to find out Zuko hadn’t joined him the pervious night. He furrowed his brow in confusion and rubbed his eyes, leaving the tend with his staff in hand to see Zuko and Katara making their way towards Appa, he was in a much better mood than the previous night.

“Morning!” Aang called, walking over but stopped dead in his tracks when he sees the look on Katara’s face “. . .what’s going on?” he asked warily, narrowing his eyes.

“I need to borrow Appa.” Katara says bluntly, Zuko walked over to Aang and kissed his cheek, giving his stomach a quick pat.

“It shouldn’t be too long, honey” Zuko says, Aang stood there confused as he looked between them. Aang crossed his arms.

“Why?” Aang asked as he fixes his sash as he watched them begin to attach their bags to Appa’s saddle.

“Zuko thinks he knows how to find the man who killed my mother.” Katara says, Aang stared at them and then crossed his arms.

“And what exactly are you planning on doing?” Aang asked, Katara didn’t respond “You’re not going to kill this man. . .are you?” Katara groaned.

“What if I am?” Katara days firmly, looking at him. Aang narrowed his eyes and glanced at Zuko.

“You’re not taking Appa if you’re going to kill someone.” Aang says firmly “and that’s final.” He snapped, pointing at her before she stormed off “and you can forget about sharing a tent with me tonight, Mr.” Aang says to Zuko before storming off, Zuko groaned and shakes his head.

Later that night, Katara and Zuko go to take Appa, when climbing up onto the saddle they find Aang, sitting there with his arms crossed.

“I knew it!” He snapped, pointing at them “You where gonna take Appa anyways, huh?!” He snarled, glaring at them, Zuko glanced at Katara who climbed up on Appa’s saddle and puts her bag down.

“She needs this, Aang.” Zuko states, climbing up beside Aang. He moved closer to Aang and grabbed his face “You should understand that. . .” He says quietly, Aang pushed Zuko’s hands away. Aang looked at Katara, then sighed and Zuko groaned when Aang pulled away. It frustrated him.

“. . .The monks use to tell me revenge was like a two headed rat viper. . . while watching your enemy go down, you’re being poisoned yourself. . .” He says, reaching out and touching Katara’s shoulder “. . .Let your anger out. . .then let it go. . .” Katara stared at him, before looking down. Aang pulled away and goes to get off Appa’s saddle.

“Aang. . .” Zuko says before grabbing his wrist “Don’t be angry with me.” Zuko begged quietly, Aang looked back at him before sighing, giving him a small kiss on the cheek.

“Don’t think this means you’ll be sleeping next to me when you get back, I’m still angry.” He says quietly before Airbending himself off of Appa.

Katara moved up front and took the reins, giving them a small yank.

"Yip! yip!" Katara yelled, Appa complied and takes off. Zuko watched from over the side of the saddle as Aang watched them fly off, he groaned and rubbed his forehead. 

Chapter Text

Zuko quietly sits on the back of Appa as Katara stirred him. He says nothing as he stared at her for a moment before piping up.

“. . .is it true a Waterbender can sense the wellbeing of babies while there still inside the womb?” Zuko asked, trying to make conversation. Katara doesn’t answer him “. . .uhm. . .cause Aang was saying it.” Katara glanced back at him.

“Yeah, it’s true.” She responded bluntly, turning her head away again. Zuko cleared his throat while sitting there before speaking again.

“. . .Aang speaks very highly of you.” He added, looking down “Aang- really cares about what you think.” Zuko finished, looking at her. She remained quiet for a moment before looking back.

“. . .Does he think I’m angry because he’s pregnant?” She asked, Zuko nodded. Katara sighed and turned around to look at Zuko “I’m not- angry because he’s pregnant, I’m- upset because he didn’t come to me.” Katara sighed, looking at Zuko “He should have come to me.” She says.

Zuko stared at her before pushing his hair out of his face. He could see the regret in Katara’s eyes due to how she spoke to Aang.

“He wanted too, he was just scared.” Zuko explained, looking at her “Aang. . .idolises you.” Zuko chuckled. Katara smiled at that and leaned forth.

“Have you two taught about what you’re gonna call the baby?” Katara asked, looking at him. Zuko shakes his head no.

“No, we haven’t. . .not yet but- I’ve been thinking of some” Zuko says as he looked at him “. . .uh- I was thinking of suggesting of naming the baby Ursa if it’s a girl- If. . .Aang likes it. It’s my mother’s name.” Zuko says, Katara’s eyes soften at that.

“. . .That’s a beautiful name. . .” Katara says quietly, looking down before back in his eyes “My mothers name was Kya.” Katara added, smiling at him while touching her necklace.

“. . .She must have been a beautiful woman.” Zuko says, Katara nodded while clutching the pendant on the necklace.

“She was. . .that’s why I have to do this.” Katara’s voice hardened as she looked away and grabbed Appa’s reins again.

When Katara and Zuko returned to Appa, the group when to Ember Island, Aang seemed to be glad Katara didn’t go through with killing the man. Aang was sitting in Zuko’s childhood room, on his knees while looking through a box of old stuff. Katara knocked on the door gently.

“Come in.” Aang says, the door opened and in she walked, looking down at him. Katara stared at him as he’s going through a box of old baby toys, clothes and items. She kneed down beside him.

“What are you looking at?” Katara asked as she’s glanced down at the items Aang’s holding, a small, wooden turtle duck toy.

“I found this box of baby stuff. . .it was Zuko’s when he was a baby, I was thinking some of these things could be useful.” He responded, running his fingers along the wooden toy’s craftsmanship. He bites his lip “. . .I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Aang finally caves in and says. Katara smiled.

“No, it’s okay. . .you were scared. I get it and I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.” Katara responded honestly as she puts her arms around him, giving him a hug. Aang hugged back and holds onto her tightly, soon Katara pulled away and smiled, looking down a his stomach, his bump had  clearly gotten a little bigger, he was finally showing. “. . .Can I touch your stomach?” She asked, Aang smiled and nodded, Katara puts her hand on his bump and smiled, rubbing her hand up and down “. . .strong baby already.” She says, Aang’s eyes light up.

“Really?” He asked, tilting his head.

“Yeah, the baby’s going to be a powerful bender, I can sense it.” She added, pulling her hand away. Aang smiled widely at her and clutched his baby bump proudly.

“Yeah. . .I’m- starting to get use to this pregnancy thingy now.” Aang says, looking back at the box of baby things “Look at this, isn’t it cute?” He grinned, showing Katara a red and gold lined baby blanket. Katara nodded.

“Yeah, it is” She says, taking it and feeling it “Needs a clean though.” Katara added as she feels the soft blanket, she hesitated for a moment before looking at him “How about I make a blanket for the baby?” Katara suggested, smiling at him.

“You’d do that?” Aang grinned, looking up at her. She nodded with a smile before putting the blanket down carefully.

“I’d love too.” Katara replied, smiling at him. Aang hugged her tightly, grinning ear to ear before pulling away at the sound of heavy footsteps. He knows it’s Zuko.

“. . .What are you doing?” Zuko asked, looking at the box Aang was going through. Aang pulled away from Katara as Zuko walked over, looking down “Where did you find that?” Zuko asked, his voice rough. Katara could tell this would be a personal moment, she stands up and walked to the door.

“I’ll go make dinner, don’t take too long you two.” She says before walking out and shutting the door behind herself, leaving the couple alone.

Aang watched Zuko sit next to him, cross legged. Aang shows him the wooden turtle duck he was holding.

“. . .This is my old stuff.” Zuko muttered, looking at the wooden turtle duck, Aang nodded.

“I know, this is your room after all.” Aang stated, smiling down at the toy before taking out a small baby shirt “Look how cute it all is.” Aang grinned, holding the small shirt in his hands “Katara said she was going to make our baby a blanket.” He says, putting the shirt down as he looked at him.

“. . .Oh, that’s nice.” Zuko says quietly, Aang frowned up at him.

“Something wrong?” Aang asked as he looked at Zuko, tilting his head to the side. Zuko sighed as he takes the baby shirt and throws it into the box, he does the same with the toy turtle duck and closes it “. . . .Zuko?” Aang says, looking at him.

“Put that shit away.” Zuko grunted, closing the lid loudly. Aang jumped a little at the sound “You shouldn’t of gone through this shit.” Zuko snarled, narrowing his eyes as he looked at him, clearly unhappy.

“. . .I’m sorry. . .I- I just. . .” Aang mumbled, frowning as he looked down at the ground “I just-I t-thought this stuff was cute. . .and- and would b-be nice for o-our baby. . .” Aang says shakily, his eyes tearing up. His emotions are really out of balance to the point he can’t control them, if he’s angry, he has an outburst, if he’s sad, he sobs and coughs. They all go to the extreme and he struggles to calm down.

“. . .I’m sorry. It’s not you. . .” Zuko sighed, shaking his head “It’s just- Aang. . .they bring up bad memories.” Zuko says, standing up and grabbing the box, putting it into the closet and closing it. Aang stared at him as he just looked at him when Zuko walked over, grabbing his face. Aang sniffled as Zuko wiped his eyes while staring down at him “Come on, stop crying.” Zuko says, Aang nodded and sniffed a few more times before standing up, Zuko still holding his face.

Aang puts his small, soft hands over Zuko’s big rough ones. Aang nuzzled his face into Zuko’s hands and squished his cheek against it.

“I just-” Zuko cut Aang off as he began kissing him, his lips locking with him as he pulled him closer. Aang looked at him through hooded eyes, Zuko’s eyes where already shut, his hands gripping his lovers’ soft cheeks as he pushed his tongue into his mouth, not holding back for every long.

It’s clear Zuko’s wanted this for a while, holding back due to the fact he hasn’t gotten his hands on Aang in a good while due to all the stress and everything else going on.

“. . .I don’t care, I overreacted.” Zuko mumbled as he pulled his lips from Aang’s, Aang panted a little as drool dripped down the side of his mouth, his eyelids droopy as he moved closer to lock lips again but Zuko pulled away “I couldn’t care less. . .” He mumbled, hands sliding down from Aang’s face to his hips “Spirits, I haven’t had my hands on you in so long” Zuko growled lowly as he leaned down to begin biting and sucking on Aang’s neck.

Aang winced and puts his hands on Zuko’s chest, playing with the fabric of his robes as he continued his attack on his neck. Aang lets out a small gasp as Zuko bites down on crack between Aang’s neck and shoulder blade.

“Ngh- Z-Zuko, not there!” Aang yelped, pushing him away and turning towards the bed, getting onto it and under the light duvet. Zuko stared at him before chuckling, smirking at how Aang is a fumbling, blushing mess and trying to hide away from him under the covers.

Zuko walked closer to Aang under the cover, he pulled the sheet back to reveal the Airbender’s face and grinned, getting on top of the small Avatar, straddling his legs to avoid harming his stomach.

“What? You all sensitive there?~” Zuko asked, Aang covers his neck with his hands and shut his eyes tightly from how flustered he is “Move your hands, Aang” Zuko commanded calmly as he began trying to remove Aang’s hands from his neck. Aang huffed, gripping his neck tightly.

“No! Get off m-me, stop being horny!” Aang whined, huffing and glaring at him “That’s why we’re in this mess!” he says, narrowing his eyes. Zuko snickered before prying Aang’s hands away from his neck and diving in, attacking the pale flesh “Gah! Zuko!” Aang squeaked, Zuko pushed Aang’s hands above his head. He pinned one arm down by the wrist, he pinned the other down by interlocking their fingers. Aang bites down on his bottom lip, instinctually tilting his head back to allow his boyfriend better access to his neck.

Zuko places firm kisses against his skin, from the jaw to the collar bone before licking a line up to the middle of his neck, biting down gently and sucking on the skin to leave a reddish-purple mark, he licked his lips as he pulled away before diving back in to leave similar marks all over Aang’s neck and the area around his collar bones while he squirmed and made small noises, small whimpers and squeaks mixed with quiet moans. Zuko tightened his grip on his lovers wrist and hand, the Firebender’s attack on his lovers neck didn’t stop, not for a second.

“Aang, Zuko, dinners ready- Ew, Gross!” Sokka groaned, standing at the door, Aang looked over at him in shock and embaressment, Zuko snapped his head over to glare at him.

“Get out of here! Can’t you see we’re busy?!” Zuko barked, Sokka put his hands up in self-defence before turning around and shutting the door behind him. Zuko lets Aang go and sits up, rolling his eyes, Aang does the same before giggling a little, a fist to his mouth.

“We’re not living this down.” Aang giggled, biting his lip as he looked up at him. Zuko chuckles along with him before moving so he’s sitting beside Aang on the bed. Aang giggled and wrapped his arms around his neck and plants a few sparse kisses on his cheek and scar, gripping his face tightly “and I was starting to enjoy that.” He mumbled as he bites his lip at him “Gimme some more sugar” Aang cooed, Zuko smirked and turned his head to him, locking lips with him once more.