Recovery: Modern Azulaang AU

I'd Kill For You, Aang

Azula

I'm sitting next to Aang at Gyatso's funeral. Today's been hard. Even though Aang's been okay the past few weeks, today is definitely not easy for him. He's been specing out pretty much the entire day. He's also been quite antsy. This morning, I had to tie his tie for him since he couldn't get it right. He was getting unorthodoxly pissed at the whole thing, I just wanted to try and make the little things easy for him.

One of Gyatso's old friends finish saying a few words and it was Aang's turn now, but he remained unmoving, his eyes distant. I take his hand, making him look at me, worry evident in his eyes.

"You can do it. I'm right here with you," I whisper to him, giving him small, supportive smile.

He gets up, not letting go of my hand, and as he moves to the stage, I'm forced to walk with him, standing beside him awkwardly as the other funeral goers watch us.

Aang clears his throat,

"I uhh... I had prepared a few words," he says, fumbling with a piece of paper he took from his jacket pocket,

"Monk Gyatso took me in after my parents died. He had been a close friend of my family since before I was born. He was even a Godparent to me. So it made sense that he'd take me in. Kinda didn't have a choice, did he?" he jokes, making the crowd chuckle, "but he did actually,"

I look to him, my brows furrowed in confusion,

"I was originally going into foster care. I had known a few weeks before my parents died that he was moving out of the country. To preach his teachings and beliefs around the world. He didn't go through with it. Not when he found out my parents died,"

Aang pauses for a bit,

"You know it's funny," he says, scoffing, "I still remember asking him why he didn't go. I asked him how he could give up his own dreams to take care of me. I remember saying, 'Monk Gyatso. There's a world of people that you could help, why are you choosing to help me?' and I'll never forget what he said. He said, 'Aang, one person alone cannot help the world. But one person may be able to help another. Especially if that person is sure that he can provide joy and love to the one he's helping.',"

Aang chokes back a sob, tearing up a bit,

"My parents loved me. They played apart in who I am today, and I will forever love them. But monk Gyatso wasn't just my guardian, or even my parent. He was my whole world. He was my best friend. He taught me everything I know. How to ride a bike, how to drive, how to be grate ful,"

He looks back at me,

"How to love,"

I smile at him, hoping to a higher power that no one notices my blush,

"I miss you already, Gyatso. Love you," he finishes, kissing his finger tips and laying them gently on top of the coffin. Most of the crowd had shed tears now, and they weren't the only ones.

Have I been crying that whole time?

The rest of Gyatso's service went pretty well. After the reception, me and the others went back to Aang's place. We were now all sitting in Aang's living room, looking at Aang's old photos with Gyatso. The others, along with Aang were also looking back at fond memories they all had together with Gyatso. I was just listening, laughing along. Obviously. Though I wish I coukd've also had happy memories with them like that, I'm just glad I can still be here for Aang. He's been holding my hand the whole time since we got to his place.