Her eyes. So soft. So wise. The eyes that had cursed him. The eyes that forgave him. The eyes that saved him. The eyes that love him. The eyes that he was going to wake up every morning to look into and fall asleep staring at each night.
"You may kiss the bride."
Zuko snapped out of his reverie only to be pulled into a reality that must surely be a dream.
Her lips pressed against his as they met each other halfway.
And in that kiss, in that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. He knew he could do it. He knew he could be the man that his father had never been, in every way; as a Fire Lord, as a husband, and as a father. His destiny was finally before him. His world was finally complete.
To the sound of cheers from their friends and family, they broke the kiss and turned, triumphant, to the crowd.
Zuko paced in front of the bedroom door. It was his wedding night. The first night he would finally, truly be with her. The love of his life.
Tradition stood that the groom had to wait outside of the wedding chamber while the bride prepared herself. When she was ready, she would slip a card under the door and he could finally enter.
Zuko took two deep breathes, doing all in his power to calm himself down. He was excited for this night, but nervous as well. He wanted to impress Katara in every way. After a few more paces, Zuko heard the light patter of bare feet on the hard floor. He turned to see a small red paper slipping under the door. Smiling, he gently pushed the door open.
Inside, the light was dim as the only light came from many candles around the room. The window at the far wall was open slightly, letting in a cool breeze from the night. The bed was adorned with the best the palace had to offer; nothing less for the Fire Lord and his wife. But perhaps the best thing in the room was her.
She stood before him, her dark hair loose and cascading down around her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of him. Her posture was that of confidence. Her slender body practically glowed in the candle light, her curves accentuated by the light and her tight, partially see-through night gown.
His breathe caught in his throat and he didn't know what to say.
Thankfully she left him no time to talk. Before the door had even shut she was in his arms, her lips pressed to his. Wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her body close to his he kissed her hard.
Stumbling together, they made it to the bed. Gently he laid her down, hovering above her.
Pausing they looked into each other's eyes. All he could see in hers was pure joy, and he knew she'd see the same in his.
"I love you Zuko."
"I love you too, Katara."