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Cracking your door open slightly, you hear what seems to be a group running towards your direction with another gathering of people not far behind. The ones at the front turned the corner and as you could finally see them. Based on the clinking of metal following them, they were currently being chased by fire nation soldiers.
Stepping out into the dark street you wave your hands, whisper shouting; “Over here! Quickly!” A girl with brown hair is the first to notice you, nudging the others to head in your direction. Each of them make their way into your home, finally able to catch their breath. Just as you’re about to shut the door you notice one of boys from the group still standing outside, looking as though he is going to try to stand his ground.
Your eyes widen ‘shit.’ In just a moment you reach out and grab him by his clothes, promptly shoving him though the door. In the haste of locking the door, you press him up against the wall as he slowly realizes what just happened. You keep your ear on the door, listening for the fire nation soldiers footsteps. Once they fade, you let go of your the young looking boys clothes and begin apologizing.
“Ah! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you any harm. Are you alright?”
“Huh? Oh I’m fine no worries! By the way I’m Aang whats your name?” The brown haired girl from before elbows him.
“Don’t just give out your name to strangers! We’re in the fire nation, they could be an enemy!” The way she speaks reminds you of your mothers; stern but clearly caring.
“Come on Katara, he seems nice, plus he just saved us from those fire nation soldiers!” The boy Aang says, a smile stretched across his face.
The other boy with them speaks, “Yeah come on Katara, we can’t out run those guys forever. Who are we to turn down free shelter?” The girl glares at him, clearly not too happy with his input.
“Oh so now I’m the bad one for not trusting random people from the fire nation. What happened to the ‘all skeptical Sokka’ from a few weeks ago?” The two begin what looks like and angry staring contest as you and Aang watch from the sidelines. After a bit you decide to speak again.
“Uh sorry to interrupt… I understand your doubts but I promise I just want to help. If you had kept running you would have gone into a dead end on the next street.” Sokka and Katara break eye contact and look over to you.
“My name is y/n, you guys are the avatar and his friends right? I saw a part of your arrow when I pulled you inside” Aang feels around his head readjusting his headband.
Suddenly, theres a knock on the door stoping anyone from speaking. Quickly you motion them to hide, waiting for them to be out of sight before opening it. In the doorway stands fire nation general, he takes a quick glance around and then looks down at you.
“l/n correct? Have you seen anyone suspicious around this area?” You lean against the door acting as though you were just woken up.
“At this time? I haven’t seen anyone pass by recently.”
You yawn before continuing, “Was there anything else you needed?” The guard scans behind you another time, turning his head to look back at you suspiciously.
“Where are your mothers? Shouldn’t they be home by now?” Your parents were decently well known around the fire nation, one being an inventor and the other being the royal family’s painter. People learned not to question their relationship.
“My mothers are still working, they likely wont be back until morning. Now if I may, I’d like to get back to sleep.” You bow towards him as he finally makes his way down the street. Shutting the door you let out a deep breath.
“You can come out now hes gone.” Slowly the group steps out of their hiding places.
Dusting himself off Sokka talks again, “See? He didn’t sell us out to the fire nation, I’d say thats good enough proof! Right Katara?” The girl seems hesitant but sighs and nods reluctantly.
“Ugh fine you guys, but we can’t stay here for long. Appa is still waiting for us, plus I don’t want to risk getting caught by the fire nation.” Aang shrugs and turn back to you, noticing your small smile.
“Please stay as long as you need, I’m sure my mothers won’t mind. Do you need any supplies? It must be difficult making money while in hiding.” You make it over to the kitchen looking for something that would last a while. Taking out a few items to place them on the counter pushing it towards the group.
Katara slowly approaches the kitchen, “Are you sure we can take these? Won’t your parents be upset about the missing food?” You shake your head reassuring her. She thanks you before putting the items in a bag.
“I have a guest room but I’m not sure if all three of you will fit. You can try, but if there isn’t enough space one of you is free to share with me.” You lead them through the hallway towards the guest room. Opening the door they all enter one by one.
“I call dibs!” Sokka says, jumping into the bed.
“Sokka don’t be rude! I’m sorry about him.” You wave you hands telling her not to worry. Katara motions him to move over, attempting to get in the bed as well.
“Yeah I’m not sure Aang could fit too, especially with Sokka flailing around at night.”
“I don’t flail!” You and Aang laugh at the two.
“I’ll leave you to decide who sleeps where, I’m going to grab a few extra pillows.” You leave the room heading towards where your family kept the extra bedding. Grabbing some pillows as well as cases, you make your way back down the hall. Once you reach the door again you hear them talking.
“Come on Katara! It’ll be like when we shared a bed back when we were kids!”
“The only reason I’m agreeing is so Aang doesn’t have to go through what its like sleeping next too you.” Sokka makes an offended noise before seemingly leaning back into the bed.
“Are you okay sharing a room with y/n, Aang? If you want we could try fitting all three of us in here.”
“I don’t mind! He seems nice, plus I can defend myself if it comes to it.”
“Alright if you’re up for it. We’ll let y/n know once he gets back.”
Finally you open the door with the pillows, “Did you figure everything out?” Handing a few to Katara she nods.
“Sokka and I’ll share this room and Aang with sleep with you if thats alright.” You nod your head and tell them you’ll show Aang to your room. Saying goodnight you and Aang walk a few steps to where you’ll be sleeping. You enter the room with Aang as he looks around.
“Your house is really nice! …Woah is that a painting of you and your moms?” Aang says pointing to the portrait on the wall.
“Yeah it is, my mama is the royal families painter. She paints a new one of us every few years so that it looks up to date.” You smile fondly at the painting, its of you sitting at a table as your mom and mama stands behind you. Their hands are on your shoulders with a loving smile on each one of your faces.
“The royal family!? No wonder that general knew you!”
You laugh nodding your head, “Most of the generals are familiar with my family. My other mom is an inventor that has helped with the necessity shortages caused by the war, because of that she’s become pretty popular with the citizens.” You shuffle through your drawer before grabbing a blueprint and handing it to Aang.
“This was one of the first designs she came up with.” You notice him holding it by the corners clearly trying not to damage it.
“You don’t have to worry, its just a copy. The real one is framed in their room.” He visibly relaxes, letting out a deep breath. Aang looks over it another time before handing it back to you. Placing it back in the drawer, you go to put out the candle.
“You can lay down now, Goodnight Aang.” He crawls into the bed getting comfortable as you extinguish the light.
“Goodnight y/n!” You get under the blankets, laying so you’re facing each other. You close your eyes falling into sleep quickly.
Aang had a bit more trouble falling asleep with you so close.
You’re woken up by the sound of your door opening. You open your eyes slowly, adjusting to the brightness of the room. Feeling warm you go to move your covers off but you arm is seemingly caught under something.
Opening your eyes fully, you notice you and Aang had gotten much closer while sleeping. The two of you were practically intertwined with him still asleep. Your face warms slightly as you try to untangle yourself without waking him up.
Hearing quiet laughter you look up at the door seeing your mom leaning on the frame. You glare at her the best you can in your current situation, not noticing Aang waking up. He moves the arm trapping yours to rub his eyes, still unaware of his surroundings.
“y/n…?” Aang finally opens his eyes realizing how close he was to you.
“AHH!” Seemingly airbending his way out if the bed, hes lands on the floor.
You sit up looking at him with worry, “Are you alright Aang?” He stands up quickly, clearly flustered, but nods nonetheless.
“Alright come on kiddos, your friends are already eating breakfast.” Aang and your mom head down the hall with you right behind, following the delicious smell of food. Walking into the kitchen, your mama hands you and Aang your plates motioning the both of you to sit with the others.
“Get a good nights rest sleepyhead?” Katara laughs as Aang blushes, sitting beside her. Turning her attention to Sokka she elbows him.
“Ow! What was that for!?” He nearly spits out his food from the hit.
“Have some manners! You’re practically spraying food everywhere!” Sokka scowls at her as they begin bickering.
“So angel how did you manage to come across the avatar’s group while we were gone?” Your mama asks you while handing you a napkin.
“Ah… they were being chased by some fire nation soldiers. They were heading towards the dead end, so I waved them over haha…” You look nervously at your parents expecting some type of scolding. They look at each other before smiling.
“You did good kiddo, just be careful okay?” Your mom pats you on the back as you nod at them.
You all continue breakfast, talking about the avatar’s travels and what its like being against the war as fire nation citizens. Soon the time comes when Aang and the others have to leave.
“Thank you so much for the meals Mrs. l/n! We really appreciate it.” Katara bows at your mama while she smiles saying it was her pleasure.
“Please know you are always welcome here. I’m sure y/n would be glad to see you all again.” Your mom says as you smile bowing at them.
“Good luck on your travels, I hope we’ll be able to meet again soon.” The group says their final goodbyes, walking off to find Appa.
“So that Aang kid huh?”
“Stop it mom.”