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Aang sat beside Zuko, nervously cleaning one of the new injuries his husband has required, Zuko hissed, moving back when Aang went to the worst one he had gained since the Agni Kai with Azula.“Zuko, hold still, I know it hurts but I need to clean it up-” Zuko grabbed Aang’s arms genteelly as he groaned.“I’m. . .” he paused, it hurt to talk “I’m sorry, I need a second, please.” He wines, Aang nods, huffing as he placed his hand on his stomach as he picked up some clean cloth which he would douse in disinfectant remedy seconds later, Zuko looked at his lover then placed his hand over Aang's, who gave him a small smile in return.“Don’t worry about me sweetie, I’m fine and so is the baby” he reassured him, placing the cloth against the side of Zuko’s mouth where the slit laid.
Zuko flinched, he had tried to capture Azula once again and this time she was relatively more prepared. She had a knife on her and when Zuko was up close she slashed at his face, getting him right on the lift side of his mouth, cutting through leaving a slight where you could see though to his teeth, it was about half way through his cheek. Aang sighed after cleaning it up, the blood no longer going everywhere, although his hands and clothes where covered in it. Zuko felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he looked down, Aang standing up and wiping his hand clean, still slightly stained.
“I’ll run you a bath after I clean up my hands and change my clothes” Aang smiled, as he walked into the bathroom on the side of their chambers.Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose, then touched the scar on his face, he hated how his body was covered in scars, especially the one he gained from his father. He moved his hand to his eyebrow, a small scar there as well. He felt his breathing speed up as he moved his hand to his chest, the lighting scar still haunted him. He sighed, looking down at his arms and abdomen, scars and small burns scattered all over the place from failed attempts on taking his life the Firelord knew Aang had his own fair share of scars himself, Zuko was haunted by the one on Aang’s back, he knows Azula shot the lightning but if he hadn’t chosen her side maybe he wouldn’t have it now, a constant reminder of when he almost died. He ran his fingers along the stitches on the side of his mouth, letting out a shaky sigh as he closed his eyes.After what felt like hours, Aang emerged from the bathroom, his short brown hair tidied up and dawning a loose, yellow robe.
“Zuko?” Zuko opened his eyes, looking at his husband, he couldn’t help but smile as he stood up and walked over, his arms now around the Avatar’s waist. He wanted to kiss Aang but he felt the stiches on his mouth would creep him out. “I filled the tub for you, so why don’t you take a bath now” Zuko nodded, Aang placing a peck on his lips, making the Firelord smile “The waters going to be cold if you don’t hurry up” Aang smiled, Zuko nodded, kissing his lover once more and walking into the bathroom, shutting the door.Aang sighed, falling backwards onto the bed. He laid there for about twenty minutes, he had to admit, he was nervous, scared, so many emotions. He turned onto his side, holding his stomach, he was stressed and stress wasn’t good for the baby. He sat up, and jumped off the bed, rubbing his hands together nervously as he approached the bathroom door and knocked on it.
“Zuko?” he called out, sliding down against the door.“Yes?” he heard the water draining from the tub, Aang didn’t respond “Aang?” Zuko called, Aang didn’t respond again, which irritated and worried the older man, he opened the door “Aang.” He paused, Aang sitting at the bottom of the door wiping his eyes. Zuko closed the door and sat down beside him, his shirt open over his chest, he was wearing basic Fire nation robes, a pair of maroon pants held up with a light yellow, silk belt, the top the same shade as the pants lined with gold thread, Aang leaned on Zuko’s shoulder. It’s like all the shock fear from Azula’s attack on Zuko was finally setting in.
“Aang, darling, why are you crying?” Zuko asked, rapping his arm around his spouse, Aang let out a shaky sigh.“I don’t- I just- I think I’m just s-stressed out, you could've d-died. . .” he responded, Zuko’s amber eye’s met Aang dull gray ones.“There’s more, isn’t there?” he pushed, Aang nodded, closing his eyes, leaning on his chest. Zuko hesitated for a moment then decided to go out on a whim “Is it the baby?”.
Aang froze, looking up at him. Aang couldn’t lie anymore.“Yeah, it. . . it is. . .” his voice soft and hurt, Zuko hummed “I mean, how can I not worry?! Yeah this is all I’ve ever wanted, to marry you and have a family of our own, sure but after the first time I got- well you know, pregnant. . . and. . .” Aang stopped himself there, not wanting to mention the miscarriage as it was a sensitive topic for the both of them. Zuko took a deep breath to compose himself.“And me getting hurt like this doesn’t help, I know it doesn’t and I’m genuinely sorry these things happen, I hate stressing you out, my love” he sighed and pulled him into his chest “and everything with the baby will be different this time, I know it will” Zuko sighed, Aang nodded, his eyes damp but no tears falling anymore.“I know. . . I isn't your fault, don't beat yourself up about it, sweetie” he sighed, closing his eyes as the two sat in silence, Aang falling asleep in his husband's arms which Zuko didn't mind, he closed his eyes, falling asleep himself feeling at ease.Finally, some peace.