*Thanks so much for all the support on this little story. I'm sort of surprised at how many chapters it's going to end up being. You all are just making me want to keep going and make this the best story I can!

This one is a little short and a little late. This week flew by! And I had to make up a couple of Fire Lords. Only one is mentioned in this chapter, though.

xyz- Neither Sokka nor Hakoda got there over night. I imagined that even though Sokka had Appa to fly him, they had to stop for hours at a time to sleep and eat. Hakoda left shortly behind Sokka, after finding his note. He was on a ship, presumably with a crew that could work around the clock. So Hakoda got there only a day after Sokka. I guess I could have explained that more in the story, but I thought the explanation was boring.

iHeartyaoi3- I totally agree with you about the hidden yaoi :) Then again, I think everyone is gay. Iroh will make an appearance, don't worry. And thanks for the positive feedback about Kudan. It's always scary to introduce an original character. And NEVER, NEVER apologize for a long review! I love it!

QuirkyKitty93- Yay! I'm so glad you started watching!

Thank you Tenshi Yami- Angel of Darkness, Guest, Ultimashadow, Calenture, cassy1994, child who is cool, HiDiNgFrOmYoU, M.R. Russell, and Day Met the Night for reading and reviewing too!


zszszszszszszszsz

"Oh, this is so exciting!" Ty Lee exclaimed

She squeezed Sokka's shoulders for about the millionth time. He rubbed himself in the spot and grumbled.

"Why do I have to be here?" he asked.

"Because you agreed to stand up for Zuko at the wedding," Mai replied.

"I know that," he said, exasperated. "I mean, why am I in this meeting? This is the girly stuff."

"Normally, yes," Shyu answered. "But since you're not Fire Nation, Lady Mai thought you would benefit from learning about the customs and traditions for the ceremony."

"Oh." Sokka's posture slumped. He could think of other things he could be doing than learning where to stand and when to bow during the wedding. He was trying to be supportive, but he was wishing he wasn't so involved in preparations. Every time someone mentioned the 'happy couple' or marriage, he was painfully reminded that his lover was betrothed to another.

First, Shyu took them through the ceremony. "The couple getting married drink from the same chalice to symbolize their desire to share their lives with one another. Then, they feed each other dumplings. This signifies their commitment to nourish the love they share. After that, I will recite the vows."

Shyu turned to Mai. "You and Fire Lord Zuko will light candles, representing the spark of passion between you, and the eternal flame of your love."

Mai rolled her eyes, and Sokka frowned a little.

"How long does all this take?" Mai asked.

"The ceremony takes about an hour, depending on the vows you choose."

"An hour? Is there anything we can do to speed it along?"

"Why would you want to do that?" Sokka questioned. "It all sounds kind of nice. If you're really in love," he added quietly.

"What happens next?" Ty Lee asked.

"The groom gives his bride the ring, I announce that they are married, and they kiss."

"Then we celebrate?"

"Yes, Ty Lee," Shyu smiled. "Then we celebrate. This will be the biggest Fire Nation wedding celebration since Ozai married Ursa."

"I have a question," Sokka said. "So, only the uts - utsuga, whatever, gets a ring?"

"Utsugat?" Shyu cocked his head. "We don't really use that terms any more."

"Why not?"

"Well, long ago, marriage was just a legal contract between two families, usually to raise the standard of living for one. It was difficult for women to acquire wealth on their own. Times were very different hundreds of years ago," Shyu explained.

"Not that different," Mai mumbled to herself.

"Utsugat comes from the word meaning lower class. The person marrying up in class was designated the utsugat. Most times, this was the female. But not always."

"Utsugat didn't mean bride?"

"No. The terms are gender neutral. It was all about economic status. The shimoza was the party of higher economic class. If both partners were of equal class, the female traditionally became the utsugat." Shyu laughed, "Unless both parties were male. Then they would have to decide amongst themselves who would take which role."

"Wait, two men used to be able to get married?" Sokka asked.

"Or two women. Still can, technically," Shyu told him. "About two hundred years ago, Fire Lord Zoran forbade the practice. However, the law was never officially changed."

Mai and Sokka exchanged looks. He wished they'd known that before Zuko proposed. Now it was too late.

"I've never heard of two men marrying in the Fire Nation," Mai commented.

"No same sex couple has ever bothered petitioning for marriage," Shyu shrugged. "I suspect it would not have been approved anyway."

"Yeah," agreed Ty lee. "They just go to other nations to get married."

Changing the subject, Shyu said, "You have many questions, but we need to focus on your upcoming wedding. Lady Mai, you strike me as a modern girl. What sort of theme would you like for your wedding?"

"Actually, I'd like a more traditional ceremony," she replied.

"Oh, well that can be easily arranged," Shyu beamed. "The royal dress makers will be pleased. Many brides these days hardly even look the part."

"No," Mai corrected. "When I say traditional, I mean I want a ceremony following the ancient customs."

"But nobody does that any more," Shyu frowned.

"All the more reason, don't you agree?" Mai smiled. "I thought that would please the sages."

"These are modern times, Lady Mai. You are not beholden to the wishes of the sages."

"Aw, Mai, please don't," Ty Lee begged. "I don't want to wear some shapeless old robe. I want to wear a beautiful party dress," she pouted.

"You can wear one under the robe for the reception," Mai suggested.

"Okay. What are you going to wear under your robe, Sokka?" Ty Lee nudged him. "You'll probably look just fine in whatever you wear."

He blushed when he realized she was flirting with him.

"Down girl," Mai rolled her eyes. "You're barking up the wrong tree."

Sokka glared at Mai, but Ty Lee was oblivious to her friend's meaning.

"Would you at least like to recite your own vows? A lot of couples do that nowadays."

"No," Mai waved off Shyu. "That just makes the ceremony take longer."

"So, what's involved in a traditional wedding?" Sokka asked.

Shyu explained that the sort of union to which Mai was referring was a solemn affair. Because they were often arranged by the elders of a family, the couple may not have even met beforehand. Each wore a plain hooded robe, and were not revealed until the marriage was official.

"That way, one of the parties was less likely to back out based on the appearance of the other."

"That sounds terrifying," Sokka said. "We don't have arranged marriages in the Southern Water Tribe. I'd rather not get married."

"Surely you don't want to wear the robes," Shyu said in disbelief. "What about your hair? Your make up?"

"I'll still have them done for the reception. Speaking of which, I'd like to begin planning that. I want it to be the grandest affair ever."

"Lady Mai, your choices are . . . eclectic," Shyu observed. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes. A quick, no nonsense ceremony followed by a huge celebration. Sounds perfect to me."

"As you wish," Shyu bowed. "I will make the necessary preparations for the nuptials. The palace staff will attend to your festivities needs." He bowed and left the other three alone.

"Mai, are you sure you don't want to wear a beautiful white gown for your wedding?" Ty Lee asked. "When I get married, I'm going to wear a big poofy dress and a fancy head piece. What about you, Sokka?"

"No, I don't plan on wearing a big poofy dress," he deadpanned. "I don't think I'm getting married at all."

"That would be a shame," Ty Lee said. "Not to pass down those beautiful big blue eyes." She batted her eyelashes.

Sokka blushed and quickly made an excuse to leave. "I think I have an Advisors meeting. Gotta go."

"Was it something I said?" Ty Lee asked after Sokka left.

"Don't take it personally, Ty Lee. He's already spoken for."

zszszszszszszszsz

"Please, have a seat, Governor," Zuko motioned to the chair opposite him.

"Thank you, Fire Lord." The Governor smiled broadly. Ever since witnessing the proposal, Mai's father was in a fine mood. This day, he was in Zuko's office to negotiate the terms of the marriage on Mai's behalf.

Zuko handed him a paper. "This is a standard royal marriage contract. Look it over. If it meets with your approval, sign it. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mai will sign the marriage certificate."

He sat down and busied himself with papers on his desk while he waited for the Governor. The corner of his mouth rose as he came across a drawing Sokka gave him. Sokka was not a particularly good artist, but Zuko appreciated the effort.

"Fire Lord, you have been most generous in your settlement."

"A small price to pay," Zuko nodded. "For depriving you of your daughter's company."

It sickened Zuko how much the man seemed to covet the money the royal coffers would shell out in exchange for his flesh and blood. However, Zuko had to temper his reaction. He had a role to play.

It was customary in the Fire Nation for the wealthier family to provide 'compensation' to the other family for taking away a daughter, or son, who would otherwise be providing money for the family. It was on old fashioned custom, and only a token was given these days. But Governor Tomio was an old fashioned man and expected a large donation. His reaction told Zuko that he was pleased.

"Yes. The property on Ember Island will surely help ease our loss."

"I want you to be assured that Mai will be well taken care of. I will make sure she is happy."

Ignoring the comment, Tomio continued to peruse the contract. "And there will be another installment upon the birth of an heir?"

Zuko nodded. "It will be important to continue the royal line."

"Oh, don't get me wrong," Tomio said. "I'm all for it. My wife will be happy to become a grandmother. Now, is this amount for each heir?"

Clenching his fists under the desk, Zuko tried to hide his repugnance. "Mai is only asked to produce one heir. We may or may not decide to have more children."

"Well, I can't complain," Tomio laughed. He picked up the ink brush and signed his name. "It will be an honor to have my grandchildren as heir to the throne."

That thought made Zuko want to vomit. In dealing with her father, he understood why Mai was a little materialistic. Maybe more than a little. Zuko figured Tomio didn't give much in the way of affection to his daughter, so she took the things he offered. It saddened Zuko to think that she probably equated possessions with love. No wonder she was so content with all the gifts Zuko gave her. She craved them, in fact.

"Well," the Governor interrupted Zuko's thoughts. "I should be on my way. There is still government business to be done. And you have wedding preparations to make."

He stood and held out his hand. Reluctantly, Zuko shook it.

"Good day, sir."

zszszszszszszszsz

Resting his head on Zuko's shoulder, Sokka lay next to the Fire Lord tracing the muscles of his chest. He sighed contentedly and closed his eyes.

"That was the best one yet."

Zuko laughed. "I think you say that every time we make love."

"Well, it just keeps getting better," Sokka reasoned.

"Yes, it does," Zuko agreed.

Gazing up at the candle light reflected on the ceiling, Sokka asked, "Do you ever worry about someone finding out? About us. I mean, what if your security guards barge in or something?"

"Kudan will make certain that doesn't happen."

"The guy can't be on duty every hour of the day."

"He's in charge of my personal security. If he gives an order to his men not to disturb me, they won't," he explained.

Sokka pulled himself up and lay propped on his elbow.

"Why do you trust him so much? Is he really so loyal that you're not afraid he'll tell?"

Turning to face Sokka, Zuko answered matter-of-factly, "Yes."

"How do you know?"

"The palace staff goes through rigorous evaluation and challenges. He came to the palace just before my father . . . just before my father scarred me. When I was banished, he was one of the few who dared to help me. I didn't know him well at the time. But when I finally came home, I knew I wanted him to be my personal attendant. Why? Has he done something to make you suspicious?"

"No." Sokka paused. "I guess I'm just paranoid."

"Sokka, Kudan has never done anything to make me think he would betray my secrets."

"Okay. If you trust him, then I should too. What about Mai?"

"What about her? Are you worried she'll tell?"

Sokka shrugged.

"She won't. She's getting what she wants. And if she tells anyone about you and me, I'll cut her off. She would gain nothing from it."

"I suppose."

Zuko leaned forward and kissed Sokka. "We could always come out before anyone has a chance to tell."

Sokka remained quiet.

"Are you thinking about it?" Zuko teased.

"I, uh . . . I feel kind of bad not telling my father. I sort of lied to him."

"How so?"

"He kept asking me if I came here for a girl. I said no, which technically isn't a lie. But then I stupidly said something about marrying outside of the Water Tribe."

Zuko perked up. "You did? What did he say?"

"He actually said he was okay with it. I came so close to telling him about us. But I chickened out."

"Maybe someday," Zuko said, lying back down and pulling Sokka close. Within a few minutes, Sokka had taken up his customary position curled around Zuko's body. Zuko realized the boy had already fallen asleep.

That night, Zuko dreamt of strolling down the streets of the Capitol, hand in hand with Sokka. People bowed as they passed and threw flowers. He was happy in the dream because they no longer had to hide.

When he awoke, he wished he could declare his love for Sokka publicly. He hoped 'someday' would come soon. But he feared it would not come soon enough.

zszszszszszszszsz