On the days I can't see your eyes

I don't even want to open mine

On the days I can't see your smile

Well I'd rather sit, wait the while

For the days I know you'll be near

Well a day without you, it just isn't fair

See the days I can hear your voice

I'm left without a choice

Zuko

Today is the day I couldn't wait to have happen. Today is the day that I have been waiting for since I got stuck in the crystal catacombs of Ba Sing Se. Today is all I have been hoping to happen for the past six months. Today is the day I marry Katara of the Southern Water Tribe; Katara, the love of my life and the reason I am the happiest man alive.

Now, as I step into the warm bathwater to get clean before the ceremony, I remember the night I proposed.

It was four and a half years after the end of the war, and Katara had been living with me at the palace since. She became an ambassador for the Southern Water Tribe, and decided to spend a week or two down there to spend time with her father, brother, and Suki, and to help deliver the baby she and Sokka were to have soon. She traveled by airship, and left me to my duties as Firelord alone for the time being.

I had spent the past half a year hand carving the betrothal necklace I was to give to Katara. The necklace was made of red silk with a sapphire-colored pendant on it. The design was a heart engulfed in both fire and a wave of water. I told my advisors and councilmen a day or two before I left that I would be back with or without a bride. As expected, with the uncertainty of my announcement to them, they were outraged. I silenced them, though, with the fact that if they act out on their anger, that their disloyalty will not go unpunished.

I made my trip to the Southern Water Tribe in secret; only taking the smallest airship I could to make the four-day journey. Uncle joined me on my escapade; deciding that her acceptance of my proposal, which he was more than positive would happen, would be a sight to see.

When I arrive at the tribe, I land at a location far enough away from the growing town to where I won't be very visible. Iroh complained the majority of the mile-long walk, but I told him it will be worth it. I am dressed in all black, and my uncle was dressed the same way. Once I get into the town, I ask around so I can find out where Katara is staying. I find that she is staying with Sokka and Suki in their igloo. It's around dinner time when I get there, so as Iroh and I walk, we get strange looks; and not just because of our attire.

"Remember the plan," I tell my uncle.

"Yes. I just hope it doesn't scare Lady Katara too much," Iroh says.

"Same here," I say.

As planned, when Uncle and I get to the house, I go around back and scale the small igloo for the entrance to the chimney. I send a quick prayer up to Agni, thanking the spirit that there is no smoke coming out of it.

I hear the opening of a door as I wait on the roof of the igloo, and when I hear Katara's disappointed sigh that I'm not with Iroh, I swing my legs into the chimney and slide down.

"Zuko!" Katara exclaims after I dust myself off.

I soon find myself in a tight embrace, which I quickly return.

"What are you doing here? And why didn't you just come through the front door like a normal person?" Katara asks.

"I have my reasons," I say with a smirk at her stunned expression.

I then proceed to take out the fire lily I had been keeping warm inside the black shirt I'm wearing over my red tunic. I get down on one knee, and present her the flower.

"Zuko, it's beautiful!" she says. "But there has to be something else you're doing. I mean, I'm flattered an everything, but why would you come all the way down to the South Pole to give me a fire lily?"

"Because that's not all I wanted to give you," I say.

I reach into the pocket of my red trousers and pull out a red box. I open the box, and her eyes go wide.

"Zuko… you're not asking what I think you're asking are you?" Sokka asks.

"Yes," I say. "Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, I've loved you for years upon years. There's no one that I'd rather spend my life with than you. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Katara exclaims as I get up.

She jumps into my arms and I spin her around.

About two years after she started living with me, we decided to take things a step further, and we professed our love for one another. So now, as I get clapped on the back by Sokka, hugged by a very pregnant Suki, and kissed repeatedly by Katara, I know that this will last forever.

I get out of the bath, feeling as clean as I'll ever be, and I begin putting on my ceremonial robes. Uncle helps me with my topknot; seeing as now that my hair is longer, it's a bit more difficult.

We would've had the wedding in the Southern Water Tribe, but due to complications with various rebellions around the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, it wouldn't have been wise to take a leave of absence. So we decided to have the wedding here in the Fire Nation.

Deeming me ready, my uncle takes his place in the audience as I walk down the aisle. Katara isn't to show up for a few minutes, so I have time for a few words of wisdom from Sokka, my best man.

"How do you think she'll look?" Sokka asks in a whisper.

"Breathtaking," I whisper back.

"Right answer."

I smile at little Yue, Suki and Sokka's daughter, as she is lulled into sleep by Suki's whispering. It makes me think about my own baby that I am to have in the coming months.

Katara and I found out that we were expecting a baby just a week before the wedding. We plan on telling everybody two or three weeks after the coronation, which takes place tomorrow. Katara, with her healing abilities, already knows it's a girl, and I can't wait to give her all the love in my heart and more.

The music starts, and the congregation stands up. When I see Katara, the breath in my lungs escapes me. Decorated in long, elegant blue tribal gown, and her hair curled and left down, Katara looks absolutely stunning. I can't resist letting a wide grin on my face form. Right now, she makes a goddess look ugly. I can't help but think, God damn, you're beautiful. She smiles at me as we take our place in front of the fire sage, and the ceremony begins.

Soon enough, our vows are said, and we are officially married. After the feast, and when I get her alone, I make sure to show her how beautiful she is, and how happy she's made me as I shower her in kisses and affection.