Funny, I was with karusenshi when she was reading this, then she started screaming. I had no idea why. Riley, hope you will enjoy this chapter! XD
10
Wedding
The smaller wedding is festive. They host it on a beach on Ember Island. The last time Zuko was here, he fought with Mai at a pointless, mundane party.
Now, he's marrying Katara, his love.
Four years ago, Zuko was battling the same girl in places around the globe. He gained her trust, and then betrayed her. She had nearly punched him in the face at the Western Air Temple. So many things have happened.
And now, he's marrying her.
Iroh joked that after two years of dating, he expects a baby to pop out any month. They had laughed. However, Zuko knows the thought lingers in her mind. It's not a situation to be regarded.
Their second ceremony will take place with the Fire Nation present. The citizens are bustling with exhilaration. King Zuko is about to be wed! It's the talk of the streets and part of snatched, hushed exchanges.
This current event involves only relatives and endearing companions. He can't imagine it anyway else. He isn't too keen on having an additional wedding in front of his realm, but it's not a circumstance to be avoided.
Zuko's shaggy hair that previously fell above his shoulders has been trimmed before the event. Long bangs are cut from his eyes and ears. Now it is short, coming to the nape of his neck.
It takes places so out of the blue, Katara hasn't even glimpsed at his new hairdo. She will probably think the alteration is silly and double over, giggling.
Iroh had simply strolled into Zuko's room with a pair of shears and announced, "My nephew, cut your hair before your big day! It needs a trim!"
The music playing isn't as upbeat and passionate like Zuko prefers, but does it matter? All he's anticipating is for Katara to emerge at the end of the aisle.
Iroh smiles and sends a respectful nod in Zuko's direction. Zuko knows that his uncle is proud.
When Katara sees him at the end of the sandy aisle, she stifles an eruption of nonstop giggles. His appearance isn't what she was presuming. Shutting her eyes and shaking her head, Katara looks at her brother.
Slightly uncomfortable, Sokka fidgets in his tuxedo. He flashes a nervous smile and clings onto her arm tighter.
Her sky blue dress barely reaches her ankles. The material is shimmering in the sun and he cleverly identifies satin. Detailed white lace covering her billowing skirt trails with the short train. Tanned bare feet brush across grains of sand. Baby pink rose petals are fluttering against the breeze.
Part of her dress streams behind, like waves amongst zephyr. Hair is released from its usual messy attire, twisted into constricted coils. He wonders how silky it feels if he were to stroke it. Spinning and curly, the texture seems unlike earlier.
But it draws attention to her translucent veil. She's grinning ear to ear, making her way towards Zuko confidently.
He's ready to jump out of his matching blue tuxedo. At the corner of his eye, he peeks at the sparkling water. He's tempted to grab her shoulders and pull her in. The problems are that it's their wedding, and she'd most likely attack him with her own element in a blink of an eye.
To steer himself from the inducing thought, he thinks how grateful they are to have the perfect condition in the weather. Their ancestors have granted sunny weather. It is clear and radiant. If they weren't about to be wed, then Zuko would have suggested taking a trip to the beach.
Finally, he admiringly looks her up and down. "You look beautiful," he tells her. He means it, and he appreciates that she believes it. Many people have probably commented on her appearance. Hopefully from Zuko, it stirs a warmer feeling inside.
After Sokka releases her hand, Zuko apprehends with surprise, that he's crying. Out of all people, Sokka is crying! The independent brother constantly acting headstrong and critical is tearing at the sight of his sister getting married!
Zuko wonders how different today will be if his mother were present. With his father in prison and sister exiled from the kingdom, Zuko only has his uncle left. But his family is now Katara and her kin.
We're going to be a family. He gently grasps her hand, not allowing his eyes stray in the slightest.
The priest recites the vows. The words are music to Zuko's ears. These are the commitments he has to accept. He's ready. Hell, just let them kiss already!
When the priest ceases his speech, he pauses, waiting for their response. All eyes are fixed on the pair.
Zuko places his other hand on top of his. Raising their hands, he says, "I do."
She nearly jumps up in the thrill. Meeting his gaze, she says, "I do."
At last, they are finally husband and wife.
Yay! Marriage! After this chapter, notice a pattern! At the most important drabble in this series, I'd appreciate reviews. Just hit that blue button at the bottom of the page, no big deal...