Coming Together

Finally - The Final Chapter

*Lemon*

Food was out and music was playing when the new couple was still stuck in their little bubble of time. They ate very little, not wanting to let go of each other's hands despite being cut free from the threads. A few glasses of wine were already gone and smiles and laughter filled the air. Many congratulations had been given. Many people had come to see them and gone their own way. It was a perfect night.

In the dim glow of the lanterns, Aang stood and offered his hand to Katara. She took it almost immediately. He led her to the empty half of the dining hall that was being used as a dance floor and swung her around into his arms. She smiled and it was like their eyes were always connected. She wasn't sure how long she had danced but eventually people began to fade away and go off to bed. She hadn't even realized the music had stopped, laying her head on his chest and swaying in a soft rhythm. With her eyes closed and her arms fisted into her own chest she had never been happier, Aang's arms around her as they swayed side to side.

Aang looked around and a few acolytes stayed behind to help clean up but other than that, the guests were gone and lanterns were being put out.

"Katara." He whispered into her hair and she looked up at him.

"I think it's time for bed."

She was confused and looked around, surprised at the lack of bodies. She turned back to her husband.

"How long have we been out here?"

"Long enough for everyone to get tired and go home." He smiled and took her hands. "Are you even close to tired?"

"Not really. I'm past elated and excited and anxious and now I'm just serene, though not tired."

"Well, we probably should leave and get ready for bed anyway. It's late."

She nodded in agreement and wrapped around his arm as he lead them back to what was now their home. They walked through the door together and she expected him to go towards the bedroom. He stood for a moment and looked to her.

"Would you want to take a bath before bed?"

"Yeah, I need to get this make up off." She smiled and let go of his arm. She walked towards the bathroom and realized he was still standing in the foyer like a stone. She turned to him to ask what was wrong and he was blushing.

"Would you... um", he stammered, nervous. "Would you want to take one together?"

The back of her neck got hot and her stomach jumped up and down. She had never bathed with anyone before but the idea sounded pleasant and loving, possibly erotic and even embarrassing. She was so silent that her lack of an answer made him even more nervous.

"Sorry. That was really forward. Just go take a bath and let me know when you're done." He said and rubbed the back of his neck, taking sudden attention to the wall to his right.

"No you're not too forward at all. We're married. Nothing is off limits, right?" She smiled but was nervous through the whole sentence. "We should. It would be a nice bonding memory for us."

She bit her lip and faced towards the bathroom. He met her in the doorway and entered before her, holding a small flame in his hands. They didn't speak as he moved around the room, lighting endless candles on shelves, the side of the tub, the window sill, and even on the counter. When the room was in a warm glow, he let the flame go and looked to his wife.