* Thank you for your patience with this story. I keep getting distracted with other projects. But I promise to keep working on this until the end. Thanks also to Kigen Dawn, pashathepeddler, cassy1994 and Guest for reviewing. btw, Katara would have been a logical choice, but it didn't occur to me.


Zuko awoke in the morning, after the best sleep he'd gotten since Mai came home. He felt happy to know that he wouldn't be sharing his husband that evening. And he wouldn't have to cheat on him either.

Beside him, Sokka began to stir. He stretched and yawned.

"Hey," he said quietly.

"Hey," Zuko smiled back.

"How long have you been awake?" asked Sokka.

"Just a few minutes. It's going to be a beautiful day."

Siting up, Sokka questioned, "What makes you say that? It looks kind of cloudy out there."

Zuko chuckled. "I wasn't talking about the weather, silly."

Sokka reached up stroked Zuko's cheek softly. "You really are relieved about not having to . . . you know, with Mai. I don't think I realized how much you hated it."

"I did. So, I've decided that we'll try the healers' methods to conceive this time. It may take a little longer, but I'm never, ever going to share you again. And I'm never sharing myself with anyone else either."

A small smile grew on Sokka's face. "I like the sound of that."

Taking his husband's hands in his own, Zuko said, "I still love you more than anything else in this world."

"What about our children?"

"They're not in this world yet. I hope I can love them as much as I love you. But for now, I want to concentrate on you. You've been neglected far too long."

"Zuko, I haven't been neglected. You're the Fire Lord. You're busy. So am I. I know you love me. I'm happy."

"I want to make you happier."

Sokka's brow furrowed, recalling his conversation with Katara before her wedding to Aang.

"It's not your job to make me happy. I told you I am happy, and I mean it. But . . ."

"But what?"

"Maybe we could use a little time away . . . alone . . . together." He paused, trying to gauge Zuko's thoughts on the subject. "It's probably not a good time—"

"No. You're right. We haven't had a proper vacation in nearly three years. Maybe we can fit one in before Kudan and Quan's baby arrives."

"What about ours?" questioned Sokka. "Are you giving up?"

"No. Not at all. But it will take a while to find the right woman to be our child's mother," Zuko pointed out. "Let's do it. Let's go away. We have two weeks before Quan has the baby."

"Really?" Sokka grinned.

"Really. Where do you want to go?"

"Do you have to ask?"

Zuko's brow furrowed. "Wouldn't you rather go somewhere a little more . . . luxurious? We could stay at the Lotus Inn or go to Ember Island."

"And pass up the opportunity to go hunting and fishing? We never get to do that anymore."

A smile lit up Zuko's face. He'd forgotten how much he enjoyed those things, not to mention cooking what they caught. He rarely got the chance to do things for himself. Even simple things like cooking were done for him. The prospect of setting up camp, fishing, and even cleaning up was appealing. Of course, being utterly alone with Sokka by Lake Laogai was the most appealing.

"Okay," he said. "Give me some time to get things squared away. I can push up a couple of meetings and we can go in about a week."

zszszszs

"Are you sure this is a good time to go away?" Ursa asked Zuko as they sat beside the turtle-duck pond.

"There's never a good time . . ." Zuko sighed.

"But your new niece or nephew is about to be born," she replied. "There are preparations to make, announcements to plan."

"Kudan can take care of most of that. It's his baby."

"It's the Fire Lord's duty to introduce the new member of the royal family. What if the baby comes early?"

Zuko sighed. "So the baby will be a few days old when we make the announcement. What's the big deal? We're only going for a few days."

Ursa rested her hand on her son's. "Zuko, we're talking about a possible future Fire Lord. If, for some reason, you don't produce an heir, Kudan's children will be next in line for the throne. Even though Zumi is eldest . . ."

Casting a quick glance, Zuko asked, "Are you referring to Uncle Iroh, how Dad pretty much stole the throne from him?"

She nodded. Zuko sat up straighter.

"Kudan would never raise his children to betray each other like that."

With a sad smile, Ursa answered, "Do you think I raised Azula to betray you?"

"No. Of course not. But . . . I guess Dad did after you left." He tossed a stone into the pond and watched it skip. "Actually, Azula was like that since she was born. I was never able to get through to her. I was never able to have the kind of relationship with her that I have with Kudan."

"I don't know if that's either of your fault. Azula was . . . too much like her father."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I've tried to find her. She seems to have vanished."

"Don't be sorry." She smiled. "I have a wonderful son. And another beautiful daughter that loves me. I've accepted the fact that Azula is lost to us. Even if she came home, I couldn't bear to be near her, knowing how she feels about all of us." Before the mood could sour any further, Ursa patted Zuko's hand. "That's why it's important that you are here for your brother, and his family. Because it's your family too."

He nodded. "But so is Sokka. And he and I need this time together. We've been . . . I wouldn't exactly call it arguing, but maybe disagreeing on things lately." He noticed that his mother bit her lip. "I know it must be a disappointment to you that I have chosen to marry, not only outside our nation, but a man, but-"

Suddenly, Ursa wrapped her arms around him. "No. You have never disappointed me. Ever. I have always been extremely proud of you, and the choices you've made. Sokka has been a welcome and valued addition to our family."

"Then what is it? I can see that you're not telling me something."

Ursa smiled. "So insightful. I suppose I'm only a little disappointed that you don't seem to be interested in making me a grandmother. But if that's what you've chosen . . ."

Zuko grinned. "That's mainly what Sokka and I have been butting heads over."

"Oh?"

"Mom, we're both interested in making you a grandmother, as you put it. We just disagreed on how to go about it. But I think we've finally come up with a solution. That's why I want to go away with him now, while we have a little time. When we get back, we're going to choose a surrogate and begin trying to have our own baby."

She hugged him again. "Oh, Zuko, I'm so happy for you both."

"So, I can go?" he teased.

"Yes, you have my permission," she joked back. "If Quan's baby does come early, Kiyi and I will do everything we can to help."

"Thank you. I know Quan and Kudan appreciate how you have accepted them into the family, even though he's not your son."

"He's a good man, like you."

"He's also the first born son of a Fire Lord, like Uncle Iroh, whose brother purloined the throne."

"You didn't even know you had a brother when you became Fire Lord," she pointed out. "You didn't purloin anything. Kudan gave up that honor freely. And even after you found out about him, he didn't try to overthrow you."

Zuko chuckled. "Kudan said he would rather go back to being a guard than be Fire Lord."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," Ursa said. "Except finding someone to make me a grandmother. You and Sokka enjoy your time alone. When your baby comes, it will turn your life upside down."

zszszszs

Despite the chill in the air outside, the temperature inside the small tent beside Lake Laogai was rising quickly. Sokka lowered himself down onto Zuko again, angling his hips to find the greatest satisfaction. Trying to draw out their lovemaking as long as possible, he moved slowly back up, then down repeatedly.

"Stop teasing me and cum already," Zuko breathed, a grin gracing his handsome features. "I want to watch you."

"Then I'd better put on a good show." Sokka leaned forward for a kiss, his hair falling into Zuko's, before leaning back.

With his hands on Zuko's chest, Sokka began to bounce up and down with vigor. His own erection bobbed wildly, slapping against Zuko's stomach.

Zuko watched for a few moments before he couldn't help but grab it. He pulled roughly on it, following Sokka's rhythm.

Letting out a groan, Sokka threw back his head. "Yes, Zuko."

Within a few moments, he erupted all over Zuko's chest. Once he composed himself, Sokka rose off Zuko's cock and settled on his thighs.

"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Zuko breathlessly.

"I want to watch you too." Sokka scooped up a little cum from Zuko's chest and began to stroke.

Though at first disappointed to be deprived of Sokka's ass, Zuko relaxed back and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Sokka's skillful hands. Before long, he added to the mess on his torso. Loudly.

As Sokka gazed down, he smiled. "That was beautiful." He grabbed a nearby cloth and wiped Zuko's skin clean. Then he lay next to his lover. "It feels like it's been so long since we could really concentrate on just each other."

Nodding, Zuko agreed. "Let's make it a point to make more time for us when we get back."

"We should go down to the lake and clean off," Sokka sighed. "Plus, I want to set up my fish trap."

He started to get up, but Zuko pulled him back.

"Just lie here a little longer." He pushed the hair from Sokka's face and kissed his cheek. "This is my favorite part of being here. Lounging around in bed is something we never get to do."

Smiling, Sokka rested his head against Zuko's shoulder and sighed again. They remained in thoughtful silence, listening to the sounds of small animals scurrying in the sparse woods.

"Zuko?"

"Yes?"

"Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?"

Zuko sighed. "It doesn't matter, I guess. As long as we have a healthy baby."

"I'm really hoping for a girl."

"You are?" Zuko snickered. "I only said that because I thought it was the politically correct thing to say. I'd rather have a son. I don't know how good I'll be at raising a daughter."

"You'll be great. Thought about any names?"

"Well, not specifically, but it seems to be the trend of Fire Lords to have a z in the name."

"Hm. You're right," Sokka stroked his chin. "I never realized that before."

"Yeah. So, I figured we'd keep up the tradition." Zuko lifted his head to better look at Sokka. "Is that a problem?"

Sokka pursed his lips. "But I was hoping to have a Water Tribe name. You know, since the baby will be yours. And Fire Nation."

Zuko opened his mouth to protest, but seeing the look of disappointment on his husband's face caused him to rethink.

"Well, we've already broken so many traditions," shrugged Zuko. "What's one more?"

Watching Sokka's face brighten made the compromise worth it.

"I was thinking maybe Kanna," suggested Sokka excitedly. "Gran Gran would be thrilled. Unless it's a boy." Sokka stroked his chin. "Maybe Kanto? Well, we have plenty of time to decide."

"Right," agreed Zuko. "We ought to go and get cleaned up now."

"Okay."

"I'll make some rice and lychee nuts while you set your fishing traps." Zuko grinned. "It's been a long time since I've cooked for us."

"I wish we could have come for a whole week," grumbled Sokka as he pulled up a pair of britches to wear to the lake.

"Next time, we'll plan ahead so we can have more than three days," Zuko suggested.

A large grin grew on Sokka's face. "Someday, we can bring our family here for vacation. Imagine fishing and hunting with our kids. It'll be great."

He walked the path to the lake with a spring in his step. Zuko watched him go, beginning to get a little more excited about the prospect of children. He may not have had much confidence in himself as a parent, but with Sokka by his side, he could be the father he wished he'd had.

zszszszs

Too soon, Zuko and Sokka were on their way back to the palace. And back to the daily grind of running the nation.

As they strolled through the gates hand in hand, and followed by several guards, Ursa met them.

"Oh, your timing is perfect," she panted. "It's happening."

"Huh?" Zuko blinked.

"The baby is coming. Quan is in the infirmary. It shouldn't be much longer."

Gasping, Sokka pulled Zuko along with him. "Let's hurry so we can be there when the baby is born."

"Wait. Sokka. We can't go in and watch. And I have things to do. Being away for three days has put me behind."

Sokka's shoulders slumped. "Then, would you mind if I go wait with your mother?"

"You really want to?" Zuko's brow furrowed. He nodded. "You go and I'll join you in a little while. I'll see what needs to be done immediately. The rest can be put off until after the baby is born."

"Okay. I'll come get you if there's news before you get there." Sokka gave Zuko a quick kiss and hurried off with Ursa.

Kudan and Quan welcomed a second son, Kuro, into the world an hour and a half later. Zuko had arrived moments before Kudan came into the waiting area to share the good news.

"Congratulations," Zuko held out his hand to shake. "Another son is a blessing."

"Yes," nodded Kudan. "It is good that Zumi has a brother."

Zuko smiled in agreement. He himself was glad to have a brother. But these boys will be brothers from the beginning.

"How is Quan?" asked Ursa.

"Exhausted," answered Kudan. "But very happy. I should go back in. I just wanted to let you all know since you've been waiting so long."

"When can we see the baby?" asked Kiyi.

"It will be a while. They have to make sure the baby is healthy and cleaned up first," Ursa told her daughter.

Kiyi's brow furrowed. "So, is the baby my cousin?"

"Well, technically, the baby, and Zumi, aren't related to you," Ursa replied.

"But Zuko is my brother. And Kudan is Zuko's brother."

"I know, but-"

"Actually," Sokka interrupted. "You're more like an aunt than a cousin."

Kiyi pursed her lips, contemplating Sokka's words. "An ant? Like a bug?"

Sokka giggled. "No. I mean aunts and uncles. They're your parents' brothers and sisters. Kudan and Quan are going to need a lot of help. That's where aunts and uncles come in. They get to play with the baby and help take care of him so his parents can get a break once in a while."

Cocking her head, Kiyi considered it.

"And the best part is," Sokka continued. "When the baby cries or poops, they get to give him back," he laughed.

Kiyi snickered. "So, are you the baby's uncle?" she asked.

"Yep. And I'm not really related to him either."

"Oh." Kiyi smiled. "Okay. I'll be the baby's uncle too."

Everyone laughed, prompting Kiyi to frown.
Zuko knelt down in front of her. "You can be his aunt. And when Sokka and I have a baby, you'll be his or her aunt as well."

Sokka joined Zuko. "It's an important job. Think you can handle it?"

Kiyi nodded. "You bet." She hugged Zuko, and Sokka hugged them both.

"You can come in and see Kuro," Kudan poked his head out the door. "Quan is anxious to show him off."

Ursa, Kiyi and Ikem went into the infirmary. Before Sokka could go in, Zuko tugged at his arm, reeling him around to plant a firm kiss on him.

"What was that for?" Sokka asked, breathless.

"For being you."

Footsteps coming down the hallway interrupted their intimate moment. Mai and Lin Lu were on their way to inquire about Quan's labor progress.

"When did you get back?" Mai questioned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We got back not long ago," answered Zuko. "My mother told us about the baby before we even stepped foot in the palace. We came right here," he fudged.

"Oh. Any news?"

"Its a boy," Sokka said enthusiastically. "They named him Kuro."

"We were just about to go in to see him. Would you like to join us?" inquired Zuko.

She paused a moment.

"Unless . . . you're upset that we ended the contract. Is it going to be too difficult to see the baby?"

"No." She shook her head. "It isn't that." She glanced at Sokka, who seemed impatient to go into the infirmary. "I will join you."

The four of them went inside to find Ursa fawning over the infant in Quan's arms. Kiyi was cooing and smiling over her mother's shoulder, while Ikem and Kudan talked in the corner. By the window, Zumi sat at a table with an abandoned game of Pai Sho.

Gingerly, Kuro was passed around for all to admire. Or most. When Sokka tried to pass the baby to Zuko, he balked.

"I'll just look at him while you hold him," stammered Zuko.

"Aw, come on," Sokka tried to coax him. "You may as well get used to it."

"Yeah. Everyone else had a turn," teased Mai.

Glaring at her, Zuko begrudgingly held his arms out to Sokka. He muttered something about dropping Kuro as he carefully scooped the boy out of Sokka's arms. Sokka helped him along, cradling the baby's head and pulling the blanket up.

"You're not going to drop him," assured Sokka. "Isn't he beautiful?"

Zuko gazed down at his brand new nephew. "He's so small. I don't remember Zumi being so small."

"I didn't make you hold him. He was probably a year old before you picked him up," chuckled Sokka.

From across the room, Ursa enjoyed the sight of her son and Sokka as they fussed over Kuro. She looked forward to the day it would be their child.

Mai approached the pair, placing a gentle hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Looks good on you."

He looked up at her. "You think? It's such a big responsibility. I'm so nervous."

She smiled. "I'd be worried if you weren't." Mai stroked the baby's sparse black hair. "It means you're taking the responsibility seriously. It makes me feel a lot better."

"About what?" Zuko frowned.

"About carrying your baby."

"Mai, I thought we all decided," interjected Sokka. "It's okay. We're going to find another surrogate. We don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"Well, it may be a little late for that," she chuckled, rubbing her belly.

The men looked blankly at her.

Finally, Zuko found his voice. "What are you saying? Are you saying it actually worked? Are you-"

"Are we-" Sokka lowered his voice to a whisper. "Pregnant?"