Author's Disclaimer: I own nothing belonging to Bryke and "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Nothing!

Author's note: I always seem to get one-shot ideas while in the middle of a story. This came about thinking of the beginnings of Republic City and Aang setting up there with Katara and their new family. I imagine with being the last of his nation, there was more pressure put on him than the show indicated. It was written for a kid's network but this seems plausible to me.

In this story, I put Aang and Katara in a private house on the outskirts of a growing city. Air Temple Island hasn't been built yet at this point. Bumi is here and Katara is pregnant with Kya. And I like the idea of getting Gran Gran to live with them.

"Katara's Fear"

An "Avatar: The Last Airbender" one-shot

"I will hear no more of this!"

Katara jumped and paused. She was outside two heavy double doors leading to the main council room of City Hall. Her husband and Firelord Zuko had pushed their resources and endeavors to creating this city and while Republic City was budding, some Old-World notions stayed the same. Mainly the notion the older generation would try to continue running things without them.

She had been on her way to the council in Aang's place, as Zuko needed him for something they wouldn't tell her about. She was sure the boys would let her in on whatever they were conspiring, certain it was another gift for her unborn child. Mai was heavily pregnant as well, and the boys must have ducked out to plan a surprise for them. It was just like them, she decided, but bit her lip listening to the flurry of increased argument.

Voices were raised inside the council chamber and the one that came so forcefully belonged to Iroh. He had arrived the day before to help his nephew with any work for the city and now a meeting was already in progression without the Avatar or the Avatar's wife? What was going on?

Katara was just deciding to just push the doors open and risk whatever argument was being raised to holy hell inside, but the next few words made her freeze in her tracks.

"He's the last of his kind! He only has one child as it is….."

That voice belonged to an old man Katara knew belonged to the White Lotus. Iroh snorted loudly.

"His wife is already pregnant again! Leave things be, Yang, I'm begging you."

Katara knew Iroh could be forceful if pushed, but his voice rang with regretful anguish. They were talking about her and Aang? Why?

"His son is not an airbender! We can't very well leave things to chance…."

"We don't know that yet! He may very well show the signs soon…."

"Be that as it may, his wife is only one woman. I can nominate several eligible girls….. Very distinguished families have submitted their daughters for consideration…."

Katara blanched, feeling her skin go cold and clammy. She held her protruding belly, feeling sick to her stomach.

"NO!" Iroh again. "NO! I will not allow you to disrupt the Avatar's life! You will leave him and his family alone!"

Katara was fiercely glad Iroh was defending Aang and Bumi, but the mass of voices that lashed out in uproar against his protest made her knees wobble. Who was in there, talking so badly about her family? To keep from collapsing to the floor, she backed away rapidly. Her vision swam and she trotted as fast as she could with her wide belly.

The fast moving crowds outside City Hall gave Katara reprieve from the ugly words she wasn't meant to hear. She walked quickly towards her home, side stepping merchants calling out their wares. She acknowledged greetings called her way and barely nodded in return. She just wanted to go where she was safe and wanted. She didn't want to be seen by anyone right this moment.

At the house on the outskirts of the blossoming city Zuko had built for them, Katara was led in by two servants who took her coat and helped her into the threshold. They exclaimed over her, not wanting her to fall ill with her birthing time so soon, but Katara shooed them away. She made her way to the sitting room where her grandmother was holding a scabby-kneed four-year old in her arms.

"Hi, Gran Gran," Katara forced herself to smile. Her grandmother held her hand and helped her to sit at the low square table. Katara tried to make herself comfortable as her son opened his eyes and grinned.

"Mama!" Bumi jumped out of his great Gran's arms and fairly crashed into hers. Katara caught him high before he could mash against her stomach and he gently folded dark skinny arms against her chest and belly. Katara finally smiled genuinely and ran a hand through his dark hair.

"Were you good for Gran Gran, Bumi?" she asked. Bumi raised his head and grinned cheekily. His hair stuck out in wild waves.

"Bumi's always good! Daddy was looking for you," he offered up. Katara looked over the top of his head to her grandmother.

"Aang wanted you to know the ball is at seven tonight and was going to help you prepare. I think he went to your bedroom," she offered. Katara handed her son over and rose wearily. She placed a hand to the small of her back.

"Then I'd better get ready. Everyone's expecting the Avatar and his master to look their best," she said with some snark to her tone. Gran Gran raised an eyebrow but a smile was on her lips.

"Don't be sarcastic, darling. Go on, now. I have the little one."

Katara gave her a genuine smile and made her way to the back of the house. In their bed chamber, Aang was tossing down different tunics on the low bed, deciding between them. Katara paused and ran an appreciative eye over his body. He was shirtless and his stomach was taut, lean muscles lining the concaves of his slender form. Aang looked up and a grin spread across his lips. He had begun to grow a beard, but shaved his upper lip so his kisses still felt smooth.

"Hello, darling," he said, holding out his arms. As always, the youthful light in his eyes belied the crinkles that had begun to form around his mouth and brow. His body was smooth and his hands strong. His support always packed a whallop to her heart and Katara moved into his arms, feeling her heart thump harder. One hand pressed against her back and the other moved over her belly, caressing the child inside softly. Katara laid her head against his bare chest, listening to his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, finally feeling at peace.

"Hi, Daddy," she said somewhat teasingly. Aang grinned widely, and moved both hands to her back, tilting her closer for a kiss. Katara leaned up the long length of his body, her lips seeking. The edges of his beard tickled her cheek, but his lips were smooth.

Aang rubbed her back and tangled one hand through the loose ends of her dark hair. "Are you okay, Katara? Are you tired? We can stay in tonight," he said quickly. Katara felt warmth spread through her chest as her fingers played along the lean lines of his chest.

"We should go, my love. Everyone's expecting us," she said. Aang smiled ruefully and placed a kiss against her brow.

"Everyone can wait if my wife is exhausted. And I'm not going alone. I hate leaving you alone when you're pregnant," he confessed.

"I've only been pregnant once before," she said teasingly, but her earlier encounter kept encroaching along the current topic. Her stomach roiled and her arms slid around his lean waist.

"Katara?" he asked softly. He could feel something was wrong. But Katara shook her head against his chest.

"I'm okay, Aang. I promise," she said, and it was almost the truth. Aang brightened and pressed small kisses against her cheek.

"How about your new gown? Zuko had it sent over earlier," he suggested. Katara agreed and Aang helped her strip and change into the bright blue gown. It was disconcerting to be so heavy that she needed help to change, but Aang's gentle touch was welcome. The gown was truly beautiful, falling past her knees in gentle waves of light fabric. It had been made in the Southern Water Tribe fashion, with small ruffs of white fur along the sleeves. Zuko was thoughtful; it was tailored for her pregnancy and smoothed over her round belly easily. Katara sat on the edge of the bed as Aang knelt before her, easing her swollen feet into flat shoes.

"You're too good to me," she said, voicing her thoughts. Aang grinned up at her and rubbed the side of her knee, just south of her inner thigh. The gesture was intimate and Katara felt a warmth spread between her legs. She blushed and pressed her knees together. "Really, darling, you're too much."

"I'm here for your pleasure and disposal," he said grandly, but Katara noted two spots of red dotting his cheeks. He rose and held out his hands. Katara slid her hands into his and eased up with his help. She went to the dresser to apply small touches of makeup as Aang put his tunic on, and threw a red Air Nomad cloak over his shoulders.

"Don't we look good," he commented, eyeing them both in the mirror. Katara met his eyes in the reflection and smiled.

"Come on, love. Let's knock 'em dead."

8
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8

8

8

The ball was a grand affair, drawing sponsors for the budding Republic City from all over the world. Dresses and robes from Fire Nation burgundy to Earth Kingdom green and Water Tribe blue were scattered throughout the tables. There was some financial aide that was needed for building new districts, but Zuko and Aang worried over those details. The Earth King couldn't come, but Katara knew a high percentage of the city's coffers were thanks to his generosity. She resolved to not focus on anything worthy of a headache and giggled with Mai at the head table over their duel pregnancies. Their powerful men hovered at their sides, signaling for certain dishes to be brought over. They greeted and talked with several movers and shakers that vied for their attention discreetly. Spritely music was played by a live band and several couples were dancing.

Katara watched Aang tap one finger in time with the melody. When she wasn't so heavy, they usually danced heartily at such events. Aang was a marvelous dancer, his airbending making his steps light and athletic. She was fairly good as well, but Aang made her feel light as the air he bended. She longed to dance with him, but the melody was too fast for anything she could plan to keep up with at the moment.

"Are you okay, Katara?" The Firelord's brow deepened as he bent to check. Mai was eating a large piece of cake but nodded at her. Aang was pulled aside by a few of the White Lotus and Katara felt a pang slice through her, remembering her afternoon. No, not all the White Lotus would agree with that…..

Katara looked up into Zuko's eyes, and smiled. His golden eyes softened and he smiled back. No matter how old they got, his voice was youthful as ever.

"I'm fine, Zuko. Just tired all the time," she offered. Zuko nodded, manfully trying to offer his friendly support.

"Tell me about it," Mai complained readily. "My feet are so swollen they're going to pop. Rub them for me later, Zu?"

Katara laughed as a blush stained the Firelord's cheeks. He had grown a beard as well, matching Aang, yet he grew it longer, the ends joining at his chin in a deft fork. It reminded her of Iroh. He had also grown a mustache that stretched across the top of his lips. He stammered and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yes, dear," he said softly. Mai laughed and nudged Katara's arm.

"We hold them in the palm of our hand, don't we?" she teased. Katara smiled. Mai had grown more friendly in the past few years under Zuko's love. Maybe it was the hormones of her own pregnancy, but she was almost downright bubbly the past few months. Katara laid her hand over hers and squeezed.

"We do. The mighty Firelord and Avatar are no match for us," she teased. Mai grinned, blushing.

"My friends are so kind to their Fire Lord," Zuko complained, but his smile was wide. He hovered at Mai's side, and raised a hand, signaling the approaching sponsors to leave them alone for a moment.

Katara scanned the crowd for her husband's form and spotted the back of his bald head across the room. He was bowing before a Fire Nation woman, a firebending master from the looks of it. She was talking rapidly to the Avatar and Aang turned around to meet Katara's eyes.

She shrugged at his beseeching look and he raised five fingers, indicating he would be back in a few minutes. He turned back to the Fire Nation girl. She laughed and took his hands, leading him to the dance floor. People clapped and cheered as Aang matched her athletic leaps and turns, his strong hands steadying her as they turned in time with the quick tempo of the band. Katara watched Aang's strenuous movements, feeling cold jealousy slide through her chest. She sighed loudly.

Zuko followed her gaze and tried to smile. "It's okay, Katara. She's Sifu Yumiko; she's just come to the city to open up a firebending school."

Aang was just being friendly to a new master. But still….she was very good at dancing as well. It wasn't a far leap to take dancing from bending, but her lithe body turning beneath Aang's hands filled her with quiet dread. It was just a dance. But the talk she heard earlier was making her downright paranoid.

"Uncle!" Zuko suddenly called, waving his hand. Iroh moved through the crowd of people, light on his feet despite his size, and took a seat beside Mai.

"How are you, nephew?" he greeted. His eyes softened as Mai placed a hand over her belly.

Zuko grinned widely from ear to ear. "Couldn't be better. The midwives say Mai will be due soon after Katara."

"I was about to ask when your little one would come," Iroh placed one fist inside his palm and bowed his head across the table towards Katara. She lightened considerably under his warm smile. "How is your son, Katara?"

"As energetic as always," Katara smiled.

"I'll have to come see him soon," Iroh promised. His eyes flicked from hers and scanned the men and women and they fixated on several of his order. He fairly brooded, staring after the other White Lotus and suddenly Katara could see a heavy resignation in Iroh's gaze. If he ever felt the weight of his position as an influential White Lotus and uncle to the Firelord, he always kept it hidden under smiles and jests. But for a moment… Katara could see a simmering anger beneath his thoughtful gaze.

'I will hear no more of this!' The heated words resounded in Katara's memory and she swallowed hard.

"He'll like that. And my grandmother enjoyed your last visit," Katara said, trying to bring Iroh back to a better mindset. Iroh blinked and his lips spread in a smile toward her again.

"I shall keep my visit chaste lest Paku feels threatened," he teased. Zuko laughed. Mai leaned close and pressed her face against the side of his shoulder. Katara watched them, trying to still the hardness forming in her heart.

After what seemed several songs, but was really only one and a half, Aang took his leave of Sifu Yumiko, bowing deeply. She laughed, twirling a lock of loose hair behind one ear. It was obvious from her body language she was infatuated and trying to flirt. When Aang straightened from his bow, she took the opportunity to lean in and press a friendly kiss against his cheek. Katara gaped, then shut her mouth. Bright dots of red speckled Aang's cheeks but that was a natural bodily reaction, wasn't it? He held his hands up good-naturedly, smiling, and backed away. He swirled, his red cloak bannering around him.

Katara didn't take a deep breath until he was back at her side, sliding into his chair. He was flushed and slightly sweaty from his energetic dance, and laid his hand over his wife's happily. Katara looked up at him sadly, feeling a slow chasm of dread threaten their happiness.

"Katara?" A small furrow deepened Aang's brow. He rubbed a thumb across Katara's cheek, smoothing a loose lock of hair behind her ear. "Are you okay, darling?"

At his familiar tone, Katara smiled, though tears pricked the corner of her eyes. "Yes… but do you think we can leave soon?"

"We can," Aang promised. Zuko stood to help Katara rise to her feet, and planted a chaste kiss goodbye on her cheek. There was no romantic gesture in it and Katara gave her friend a smile. Mai waved as they walked across the banquet hall to retrieve Katara's coat.

"Avatar Aang! Master Katara!" Several people waved and tried to steal more moments of their night. Aang gently rebuffed them with smiles and promises to set up meetings. He kept his strong hand on Katara's back, walking slowly to match her waddling gait.

Usually, Aang would spirit them away with his airbending, but with his wife so heavy, he wasn't going to chance it. They came in a chicken-horse drawn carriage, and they waited for the next one in front of the building. Aang helped Katara up into the carriage and leaped in next to her easily. Katara smiled and leaned against him. Her hand rubbed up and down Aang's thigh, feeling the muscle beneath his loose-fitting pants. When she tilted her chin up, she was pleased to see a sensual smile on her husband's face.

He kept his hands to himself until they were home. And they still did the good parent thing by checking in on Katara's Gran and the servants, saying goodnight. Aang tiptoed into Bumi's room, tucking the blankets over his sprawled form. Katara smiled as Aang leaned to kiss his cheek.

Back in their room, the pair began their nightly ritual of washing up and dressing down for bed. Aang merely stripped off his cloak and tunic, kicking off his shoes as he came to help Katara remove her gown. In her current state, she was like to rip it trying to tug it over her head.

"Now are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Aang asked gently. His large palm held her cheek, thumb rubbing gently. Katara bit her lip and lowered her gaze. She could never hide anything from him and Aang was remarkably perceptive.

"I hope it's nothing." Katara picked up her nightgown and Aang helped her slide it on. "When I came to City Hall today, there was already a meeting taking place."

Aang nodded and made to say something but Katara continued. "With the White Lotus. Iroh was angry about what they were saying."

Aang helped Katara sit on the edge of their bed and pulled the covers back for her. "What were they saying? Granted, they've been a big help since the end of the War….."

"It wasn't something I wanted to hear," Katara placed her hands on her belly and bit her lip. Sudden insecurity clawed through her. "They were talking about you, and about Bumi, how you are still the last airbender and our son hasn't shown any signs of bending…."

Aang's brow furrowed tighter and he knelt before her. His hands slid over hers and held her belly.

"Whether he bends or not, is not up to them," he said sagely. "It will happen if it happens."

Katara looked down into his concerned visage. "I know, and I'm not worried about that….but what if we never have any airbenders? What if…."

Aang knelt up and pressed a kiss up to her lips. He gave her several short kisses, trying to halt her fears. "We can't guarantee we have any. All I know is that I love you and….."

"But I've been the only woman you've been with," Katara sniffed. Several angry tears spilled down her cheeks. Drat those crusty old men! "They were saying they could set you up with several girls and then….."

Aang gave a startled gasp. It wasn't one of pleasure, but a strangled syllable of surprise. He knelt closer and wrapped his arms around her wide belly, laying his head against her breasts. Katara's arms wound around his neck. Her selfish fingers rubbed circles behind his naked scalp and down the side of his head tattoo.

"Katara…." His voice was muffled but he pressed gently against her. "I don't want anyone else. I promise you that. I'm going to have a talk with the White Lotus and…."

"But what about the world? What if you are the last airbender ever?" Katara bit her lip, more tears streaking her vision.

"Then that is the destiny for the world," Aang said evenly. Katara sunk her nails into his neck and he yelped. "Katara!"

"But….. what if…." Katara went on but Aang pushed gently and they lay back on the mattress side by side. He kept his arms over her, keeping her warm against him.

"Ever since I first saw you in the ice, I knew you were the one for me. The only one," Aang vowed. His grey eyes settled into hers with an intense light. "And Spirits help you, you fell in love with me too. You've got me, Katara. I'm not going for this 'idea' of the White Lotus'."

Katara felt soothed by his words but dread of the future still shrouded her mind. She wasn't for the notion to become a breeding mare for her husband, but she would rather have as much children with him than let anyone spread his seed elsewhere. She had married the Avatar. She would have to endure the trials others placed at their door.

"I love you, Aang," Katara said softly. Aang smiled down at her and blew out the lantern. When his warm chest pressed back against her back, Katara held onto his hands, placing them in front of her on her belly. They drifted to sleep as the new city buzzed commotion outside their home.

The End

End note: Anything with one quotation : ' words here ' indicate a thought in my stories. I just thought I'd get that across (smile). I intend this to be a one-shot despite Sifu Yumiko trying to be a flirt. Back, woman!

I love listening to a lot of music while writing. I can go from 60's to 80's or millennial depending on my mood. While proofreading, I listened to "Layla" by Eric Clapton, "Everything she wants" and "Careless Whisper" by George Michael, "Working my way back to you" by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, and even LMFAO. Their "Yes" has an awesome beat to write to. "Dream on "by Aerosmith is also a favorite. And for some reason, the theme to "Requiem for a Dream."

Oh and I've noticed that Bryke like to work in elements of history into their world and I guess a part of this story was inspired by specials I've seen on WW2, namely the Aryan baby making machine. Registered soldiers of "pure "Aryan blood would be matched with German girls to pump out as many babies for the nation. Seriously. Abit dark, but it helped form the edges of this story and the dark fears of the White Lotus concerning Aang's blood.

And I couldn't seem to fit Sokka in anywhere. Sorry, big guy!

Sincerely, penpaninu

4/2/2016