Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the Avatar: The Last Airbender. They belong to Nickelodeon. However, any characters you don't recognize are FaithInHim4ever's and mine. Katara's and Zuko's nickname for Kiana belongs to FaithInHim4ever.

A/N – In my story, Jet is still alive.

At Times Like These

Zuko stood, outside the palace, glancing out over the endless expanse of water, watching the sunrise. His hands were behind his back, and he felt a small heave on his arm. He turned to see who it was.

"Papa," it was Kiana. "I want to watch the sunrise with you."

As he picked his nine-year-old, ebony-haired, blue-eyed girl up, he told her this truth. "We rise with the sun, my firebending angel. Watch and tell me all the colors."

"I see yellow, orange and some red – just like firebending."

"Excellent perception, my fire princess."

The sun had fully come up in about half an hour.

"Now," Zuko turned to face his daughter, who was in his arms. "It's back to bed."

Katara was awake, thanks to her brother, who was nibbling on every piece of food in the palace. As Zuko walked inside carrying Kiana, who was almost fast asleep, he quietly kissed Katara.

"What are you making?" Zuko whispered to his wife, making a nasal sound because he was holding his breath

Katara sighed. "It's juk. Someone" she motioned to her brother, "has eaten

everything I had prepared for breakfast." She began pouring the porridge-like-mush into four small bowls.

Zuko wrinkled his nose because it smelled disgusting. "I think I'll skip breakfast. Besides, I need to get ready for the peace treaties tomorrow in Omashu."

At this, Kiana was instantly awake. "Can I go with you, Papa? Please?"

Zuko looked away. "I don't know."

Tacai glanced at his sister. "Peace treaties are for men. Women are better at cleaning and such."

"Come on, Zuko. You've taken Tacai to peace treaties for years at an even earlier age than nine." Katara chimed in. "I think it's about time you take someone else. Mainly Ana. She really needs this; quality time with her father."

"Thank you, Mama." Kiana whispered under her breath.

"Okay, Ki-ki, if you think you're ready."

"Yes! Yes, I know I am." She stuck her tongue out at Tacai.

Zuko and Katara were laying in bed, just talking about Kiana's going to Omashu.

"Zuko, I want you to take care of her."

"I will. I promise." A moment passed and the subject changed. "Huo ie Shuie."

"Mmmmmm. Shuie ie Huo"

"Katara, have you ever thought about having more children?"

"Not really, no. I'm happy with what we've got so far."

"But what about all the fun we'd miss about making children?"

"Zuko, I'm not saying forever. And if it did result in more children, I wouldn't get rid of it. And we could still have our fun. Just wait a while."

Zuko gently held her face and kissed her. "We'll be fine in Omashu. Don't worry."

"I guess I should pack for her. " Katara pulled a red, silk robe over her pajamas.

"Don't pack too much. We're only going to be there for a week."

Just then, Aang spiraled around in the massive quarters on his air scooter.

"Aang, are you okay?" Katara asked, concerned for her friend.

"Kinda. Toph has been dropping hints that she wants another baby. But I'm not sure. I mean, I've got a lot of responsibilities now. Not just to her, but to the whole world! " Aang began hyperventilating.

"Aang, why don't you try and get some rest. I'll talk to Toph."

"No. I don't want anyone mentioning what I've just told you about me and Toph."

"Are you sure?" Katara wished she could tell if he were lying.

"Yes. I'm sure."

"You do know that I'm always here for you, right?" She wrapped an arm around Aang's shoulders. "But right now, I want you to try and get some sleep."

Aang yawned. "Okay, Katara."

With that, everyone headed off to bed, except Sokka, who went to sleep earlier, and Katara, who was packing for Kiana.