Book 14: Autumn Breeze

[savedtheworld]

[Action]

[The day is off to a normal start for Aang, starting with airbending practice. He also spends some of the morning using airbending to play around with the leaves on the front lawn of House 56.

After school, he then spends some time cooking at the bakery. He puts together a mix of cookies, cupcakes and some fruit pies of different flavors, and anyone can pop in while he's working on that. He leaves some at the bakery and takes the rest to the Welcome Center, where he sets them up as treats for visiting New Feathers. He spends some time lingering there to do what Welcome Center-ing work there is to be done. And before heading home for dinner, he takes Appa out for a ride flying in the air over Luceti.]

[Video]

[While Aang's at the Welcome Center, he sets up a video. The treats he prepared are visible on a table in the background. Those who met him during the last experiment can probably pick up over the video that he now looks 15-ish rather than 12, although it's easier to tell the difference in person.]

Hello. How is everyone? It's Aang here, and I've got a few things I wanted to say. First of all, isn't it great that it's autumn now? That's like the best time of the year! Does anyone know any fun things you like to do in autumn? I'd like to try out all kinds of new things.

I... also wanted to say something about the way I was a few weeks ago. When I was littler again. I lied and told some of you I wasn't the Avatar, but I really am. I'm sorry about that. [He pauses for a moment.] Other than that... I left some treats out in the Welcome Center to help greet any New Feathers! If you have any questions about this place, one of us there will do our best to help you. I know lots of things can be confusing and unfamiliar in this place. Come to think of it... Is it just me, or is this New Feather cycle going on longer than usual?

Comments

[savedtheworld]

Exactly! So how's it going, Zuko? Have you been talking to your uncle and Mai a lot?

[twodragons]

Yeah, some. I'm sure you've talked with them too.

[He knows you have, honestly.]

[savedtheworld]

Of course! But I bet you talked to them more, since they're important people to you and all!

[twodragons]

...Probably. I've been around the village with both of them.

[savedtheworld]

That's good to hear! I hope that they're settling in well.

[twodragons]

I know my uncle is. I hope Mai is too.

[The latter, of course, wouldn't be as forthcoming about it.]

[savedtheworld]

I'm glad about Iroh. But you're not sure about Mai? [Aang doesn't know much about their relationship - especially that they're not currently a thing.]

[twodragons]

How many things are you sure of about Mai?

[Their relationship status is none of your business.]

[savedtheworld]

N-not a lot! I mean, we never really talked a lot back home, and I only talked to her here when she just arrived, so I don't know everything that's going with her. But I know she's on our side now and the two of you are... I mean, you are together, right?

[twodragons]

[In answer to that, Zuko just stares back at the feed and says nothing.]

[savedtheworld]

Is that... not a yes?

[twodragons]

We're not... currently seeing each other.

[savedtheworld]

I'm sorry to hear that, Zuko.

[Pause.]

I mean, unless it's something that makes you both happier. Then I'd be glad to hear that.

[twodragons]

How about we just not discuss my love life, alright?

[savedtheworld]

Sure! We can totally not do that. I'm all for it! As long as you are, I mean. If you wanna talk a lot about feelings and stuff, than I'm your guy, Hotman! But if you don't, we can not do that, and do something else instead.

[twodragons]

I am about one more use of "Hotman" away from shutting this off on you.

[Just giving his friend the most deadpan of looks.]

[savedtheworld]

Okay, okay, sorry! We can talk about other things. What other things would you wanna talk about?

[twodragons]

[...Sigh.]

How have you been otherwise, Aang?

[savedtheworld]

I've been fine! I've been getting really excited for autumn. I bet you are, too!

[twodragons]

...Why would I be getting excited about that?

[Firebenders are all about the summer.]

[savedtheworld]

Because it's the most fun time! Sure you're a firebender, but I bet you'll have fun with the season, too!

[twodragons]

Maybe.

[The changing leaves are always nice, it's true.]

Except for when it gets colder.

[savedtheworld]

You say that like it's not easy as pie for you to make some warmth!

[twodragons]

It's easy, but no one wants to do that all the time!

[savedtheworld]

Well we can both firebend, but we can take turns! Then it won't be so bad. And it's not bad with jackets and hats and stuff. [Of course, Aang apparently had no problem hanging out both polar extremes of the world wearing just his monk robes.] You're just being fussy.