Okay so this is my first Zutara Week so please be gentle with your critiques and reviews ^.^

Disclaimer: If I DID own A:TLA, would we have seen Kataang the last minute and a half of the finale? Or AT ALL during the series? I didn't think so.

Family

Zuko awoke from a surprisingly restful sleep, the soft sunlight of autumn illuminating the spacious bedroom. This did not register with him at first, as Katara's face was mere inches from his own, her blue eyes wide and bright, and large smile across her face.

"Happy Birthday, Zuko!" she exclaimed, and she pecked his nose. He chuckled, then sat up and stretched his arms over his head. Katara lay beside him, her long dark hair fanning out over the pillows, radiant as the muted sunlight lit up her face. He bent over and kissed her softly.

"Thanks," he murmured as he lay on his side and pulled her into his arms.

"So," she began as she traced his collarbone with her finger, "any plans today? Meetings, and whatnot?" Her voice rose steadily higher in seemingly innocent curiosity.

"No, I don't think so," he sighed, though he was a little suspicious. "I gave the generals a couple weeks off after the meetings in Ba Sing Se." What was she planning?

"That's great!" She looked up at him and beamed. "Because I already invited the Gaang over for your birthday party!"

"Gaang?" he ask quizzically.

"Sokka's idea," she said.

"Oh. Wait, birthday party?" He groaned quietly, but she shook her head and tapped her finger on his chin.

"You, my dear, need to have some fun before you forget the meaning of the word." She gazed imploringly at him. "And it's been so long since we've seen them! Suki must be getting huge by now"-they'd learned of Suki's pregnancy on the last visit-"and Sokka will want some quality guy-time with you and Aang, and you know Toph. She'd want to visit even if the place was flooded." She pouted her lips and gave him her best Foo-Foo Cuddly-Poops face. How could he resist that?

He sighed. "Fine. But nothing too huge or demanding, I want to relax today."

"No, of course not," she said. But she had something bigger planned for that evening.

Aang was the first to arrive, as he had been at the Western Air Temple these past few weeks, rebuilding it with the help of Earthbenders, since it was still decimated after Azula's attack. He and Zuko bowed to each other in the entrance hall, then embraced each other as old friends.

"Zuko, it's so wonderful to see you! Happy Birthday!" Aang grinned as he hugged Katara. "And how are YOU?" he whispered.

"Fine," she said, surprised. How had he found out? He grinned even bigger and wiggled his eyebrows up and down. She laughed at his expression, but inside she was puzzled. However at that moment, three other people entered and embraced the three already standing there.

"Sokka!" Katara said as she hugged her brother. "I'm so happy you made it! I was worried you wouldn't be able to come all the way from the South Pole, with Suki as far along as she is."

"It's nothing, really. She's want to come see you even if you lived on the moon." He smiled down at his sister.

"That's right." Suki sidled, or rather waddled, up next to them and hugged Katara. "So, are you sure of yourself?" she asked as she pulled away.

"Positive." Katara beamed, and Suki grinned back.

"Happy Birthday, buddy!" Sokka pounded Zuko on the back. "It seems like only yesterday we were saving the world from total destruction, doesn't it?" He smiled, reminiscing.

"Yeah, it does," said Zuko. It had only been three years since the day of Sozin's Comet, but alot can happen in three years.

"Happy Birthday Sparky, or should I say Firelord?" Toph smirked as she gave Zuko a quick hug. Zuko smiled down at the little Earthbender. She was still easily the shortest, even though she was 15.

"Thanks, Toph," Zuko said, then he turned to Suki as Toph went over to Katara.

"So, how is Her Fireladyship doing this afternoon?" Toph asked. Katara smiled.

"Great, thanks."

"And have you told him yet?" Toph looked up at her friend, or rather, she turned her face upward in Katara's direction. Katara frowned.

"No not yet, but I will," she said guiltily. "Soon."

"You'd better get a move on, Sugarqueen," said Toph. "Otherwise it's gonna start showing before you can reveal it yourself." She nodded knowingly.

The group made their way to the dining hall, where they were served Fire Nation delicacies and the finest wine, though both Katara and Suki declined to drink any. Sokka and Aang kept up a stream of jokes that soon had everybody doubled over in laughter. Zuko recieved presents from them all: Sokka and Suki gave him a handcarved boomerang ("Now we have another boomerang guy! I'm not alone anymore!" Sokka exclaimed while Suki rolled her eyes), Toph gave him a phial of a clear liquid she claimed was special tonic in the Earth Kingdom ("It'll 'quench ya'" She said, and Sokka grimaced), and Aang gave him a specially crafted flute that when played right could calm the most enraged person. Zuko thanked them all, though he noticed Katara look apprehensive about something.

"Later," she said, and she smiled at him, though it did not reach her eyes. He grew a little suspicious, but pushed it to the back of his mind.

They eventually made their way outside after they finished the meal, and settled along the edge of the pond in the courtyard. It was a brisk night, but not cold enough yet for the fireflies to cease their nightime drifting. Conversation died down until the only sound was that of the crickets, and they gazed lazily over the water at the dancing fireflies.

Yes, thought Zuko. This is a true family.

Katara rested her head against Zuko's shoulder, and he took her hand and laid his head on top of her's. Suki's head was in Sokka's lap, and he stroked her hair as her eyelids drooped. Toph and Aang leaned against the cherry tree, already dozing. Although it was so comfortable just to be in each other's presence, the party had to end, specifically with a rather loud yawn from Sokka. The group parted for the night, heading for the guest rooms as the Firelord and his wife made their way to their bedroom.

"Is it later yet?" Zuko asked as the door closed behind them. She looked up at him, her bright blue eyes deep as the ocean.

"Yes, I should think so," she whispered. She crossed to the dresser and opened a drawer, pulling out a rectangular gift box. Zuko sat down on the bed, wondering why Katara was acting a little strange. She crossed back over and smiled as she sat down. She thrust the box out to him.

"Happy Birthday," she said, then seemed to steel herself as Zuko took the box. He looked at her questioningly, seeing the nervousness etched on her tan face and her wringing hands, then turned his attention back to the box as he lifted the lid, wondering what she was worried about. Inside was a small, red cotton tunic and pants, and a pair of tiny red slippers, tied together by laces. He pulled out the slippers and held them up to look at them closely. Katara could see the confusion on his face, willing him to figure it out. Realization dawned on his face, and his golden eyes widened as his mouth opened slightly. He lowered the slippers as he gazed in awe at Katara.

"Katara?" he asked, almost in reverance. She smiled hesitantly and nodded.

"A baby?" She nodded again, tears forming in her eyes as Zuko's face lit up in an enormous smile. He grabbed her hands and pulled her close to him. He was laughing with joy, and Katara grinned over his shoulder, tears spilling down her cheeks. He pulled away and held her at arms length, his eyes resting on her stomach. She took one of his hands from her shoulders and placed it over her stomach, which was beginning to bulge.

The warmth of his hand was soothing, and then they both felt the lightest brush. His eyes snapped back up to hers, both of them grinning in amazement, for that was the first time Katara had felt the baby move. Zuko tenderly cupped her face, and kissed her, willing the love he felt for her, and now their unborn child, to flow through to her. Katara wrapped her arms around Zuko's neck and shifted so their was no space between them. She could feel the love and elation that seemed to radiate from Zuko, and then she felt tears fall from his eyes and mix with her own. She pulled back, unwillingly, and saw his golden eyes brimming. She wiped his tears away, and he held her hand to his face.

"You're going to be a father, Zuko," she whispered excitedly. More of the happy tears spilled from his eyes.

"Yes," he breathed. "And I promise- no, I swear- that I will not become the kind of father my own was." His face darkened, but quickly lit up again. He pulled her into his arms again, and buried his face in her hair, hoping their child would have Katara's beautiful features, while she in turn hoped the baby would have it's father's golden, piercing eyes.

A new family of our own, he thought happily.

YAY! STEAM BABIES! XDDD

wow...that's actually a pretty long story :3 but necessary! Can you find any episode references? *coughcactusjuicecough*

I hope this plot line isn't cliched already :( I felt that Zuko should have an autumn birthday, dunno why :) I also drew a companion pic to go with this story, which actually turned out pretty good, though I doubt I'll be able to put it on dA :(

Speaking of deviantART, a link will be posted of this on Zutara-Week under my deviant name tchelsaetehrock (just making sure I don't get accused of plagiarism ^^)

- C