Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender

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Mai rose from her bed weakly and walked carefully over to the crib where her new born daughter lay. A rare smile graced her lips when she saw the child; her little princess, so innocent and small; barely able to fill out her clothing.

Mai lifted the small bundle and brought her back to the bed she had been laying on earlier and cuddled the child closer to her own body. She chuckled lightly when the princess yawned and snuggled even closer to her. She touched the child's face gently. This is her princess, he baby girl. And as she gazed at her child, she realized that although birthing her had been amongst the most painful of experiences, it was every bit worth it.

She turned her attention from her child to the person entering her room. "Zuko", she called as she felt the bed sink slightly with the added weight if her husband. "Carry the baby", she instructed tiredly and turned to put the child into the arms of its father.

Zuko frowned slightly at the order his wife had just issued him. She wanted him to carry the baby. He couldn't carry the baby; what if he dropped her? What if she woke up and started crying? What if she didn't like him? All these thoughts rushed into his mind as he continued to sit stock still and stare in disbelief at his wife's request.

"Stop mulling and start carrying", she interrupted him and pushed the child into his chest gently. He stared down at the sleeping girl and hesitantly lifted his shaky hands to support her body and neck. And then Mai slowly removed her hands from the baby's body. Zuko took in a sharp breath as he felt the full weight of the child resting in his arms and suddenly he realized that this person's whole life rested in on his shoulders. She seemed so fragile and weak. Her only defense being her unbelievable cuteness and so he held her closer to his body, suddenly feeling the absolute need to defend this little being in his arms.

She opened her lovely golden eyes and stared up at him. He looked back at her and smiled. At least she doesn't seem to dislike me, he thought absently as he gently lifted one hand from beneath her to touch her face, readjusting her position in the delicate process to ensure that her safety wasn't in the least bit compromised.

She smiled back at him and lifted her own hand and captured his index finger in her tight grasp. He chuckled lightly. She was indeed adorable. "I'm your Daddy", he said slowly. She giggled in response and reached out her other chubby hand to touch his face.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Mai asked from beside him as she stroked their daughter's hair.

"She is", he said simply in reply as he turned his gaze to his wife. "Just like you are", he added and planted a kiss gently on her cheek.

"I'll take her", Mai said softly and reached for the baby. Zuko looked to her as if to say that he didn't want to let the child leave his arms before he reluctantly place the child in his wife's outstretched arms.

"What will we call her?" Zuko asked as he hovered over the child.

"Kimi", Mai stated simply. Zuko just nodded despite his earlier protests to the name, too busy staring at the little bundle and deciding that any name would be perfect for such a perfect little girl.

"Kimi", he whispered and brought his hand up to stroke her cheeks. "Welcome to the world, my princess."

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A/N: Please review!