A/N: So, yes, this is the final chapter! WARNING for Lemon. Let me know what you think! Now this is done, I will be updating Walk The Path soon and more frequently.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender
*2 Years Later*
Zuko shook his long, black hair out of his eyes as he reached for his toothbrush. The silent, morning routine was interrupted by a heavy footed earthbender entering the bathroom. The petite woman walked over to her boyfriend and squeezed his butt, cackling with glee. "Mmmphh!" a startled Zuko grunted. He rinsed his mouth and smiled at Toph as he made his way to their bedroom. "You always know how to wake me up, it's more effective than coffee, "he chuckled, "I should've moved in with you a long time ago." Toph grinned, "Oh, I don't think you could've handled living with me years ago, Sparky."
Sitting on the bed, Zuko began to get dressed. "You know, I never thought I'd be wearing a suit twice in the same year, but here we are." Toph laughed as she walked over to her closet, "Yeah, it's cruel that Sokka and Suki got married a few months ago, and now we have to do this all over again for Aang and Katara." Zuko furrowed his brow in thought before asking, "Hey, so, random question. What do you think about marriage, kids, all of that?" She shimmied her turquoise, flowy bridesmaid dress on as she answered, "Pfft, come on, Sparky. It's just a piece of paper, doesn't mean anything really. And kids? Not for me. I just want to yell at my metalbending students and travel whenever I want."
Zuko smiled, coming from behind Toph to wrap his arms around her waist, "That's what I love about you, you do your own thing. It does make me wonder, if you don't believe in it, why are you going to these weddings?" She turned around and threw her arms around his neck, "Well, I don't believe in it for me, but if other people want it, hey that's fine by me. I think Sokka and Suki did it for the right reasons, same for Aang and Katara. I know their marriages will be different from Haru and Jin. They're just sad now, I don't even think they like each other anymore." The firebender relaxed under her touch, "Yeah, I know what you mean, it's always tense around those two."
Toph had a question to ask Zuko and knew she had to ask him now in case hearts would be broken, "So, I told you how I feel, but what about you? Are you a marriage and kids kind of guy?" He laughed as his arms squeezed her waist tighter, "No, I thought I did but then I realized it's what my father wanted. I don't really care. All that matters is how we feel about each other." She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Feeling relieved that they both felt the same way, she pulled away from him, "Agreed," she grinned, "Now, we should get going before Sugar Queen chews us out for being late."
In a small, carpeted room in the basement of a banquet hall in Republic City, Aang, Sokka, Haru, Zuko, Hakoda, and Monk Gyatso were beginning to get Aang ready for his big day. Sokka kept reminding Aang to dry himself off so he could get the shirt of his suit on. "You're all sticky, man! Your arm can't slide in the sleeve. Use that airbending and blow, blooooowww!" Aang kept blowing but every time, traitorous beads of sweat formed as soon as he stopped blowing. Haru walked over and pulled a flask out of his jacket pocket, "You just gotta calm down. I was nervous when I got married, it's perfectly normal. Here, take a swig." Before Aang could answer, Sokka's eyes narrowed as he spoke, "No offense, man, but I don't want my sister to get married to some drunk guy. Also, what the hell? It's 11am." Haru grinned and took a swig from the flask, shrugging at the two men before quietly sitting down.
Sokka shook his head and returned his attention to his sweaty, soon to be brother-in-law. "Do not take marriage advice from him. You're just nervous, but let's talk it out and then it'll go away. So, what's on your mind?" Aang's eyes nervously flickered over to Hakoda, who had an expression that Aang couldn't read, before looking back at Sokka. "Uhhh, you know," he rubbed the back of his neck, "Could we talk about this in private?" His friend nodded and led him out to the hallway in privacy. "So, what's going on that you can't say in front of my dad? It better me G rated." Aang's eyes widened before shaking his head, "No! I mean, yes, it's G rated. It's just..I'm worried about being a husband."
Relief washed over Sokka at what he was hearing. "Oh, is that all? Come on, man, that's perfectly normal. You remember how I almost threw up on my wedding day? You'll be fine, trust me, you're all sensitive and shit. I don't think Katara will leave you."
Aang sighed, leaning his back against the wall, "It's not about Katara, it's about me. You know that I never grew up with a traditional family. I was raised by monks at a temple. Families and marriage are not something that air nomads do. And I'm not saying I don't want those things, because I do, it's just that I'm scared. I travel and leave home a lot, I don't want to be a bad husband by never being there." Sokka smiled and looked at his friend with soft eyes, "Aang, in all seriousness, I don't think you'll have to worry about that. You care so much about people, that if you did mess up, it wouldn't be that serious. And as for Katara, she already knows you didn't grow up like we did. She's patient, it'll all be fine. Just let her know you need help." Aang smiled genuinely at Sokka, pulling him in for a hug. Sokka pulled away, "Okay, sweaty. That is super gross," he laughed, "Let's get you dressed."
Inside the room, a finally dry Aang was fully dressed in his light brown suit jacket and slacks, white button up shirt, and a yellow tie. Monk Gyato walked over to Aang, placing a hand on the shoulder of the man who was as close to him as a son, "I'm so proud of you. And the way, you look great, Aang." The two airbenders smiled and talked for a few minutes before Aang made his way over to an ever quiet Zuko. "Hey, man, I wanted to thank you again for being a groomsman for me." The firebender looked at his friend with a half smile, "Sure, Aang, it means a lot that you chose me. We've only known each other for a few years." The two men sat there in silence, both thinking about their awkward start at friendship.
Aang took a deep breath, finding the courage to express his feelings to Zuko. "You know, Zuko, I also have to thank you for having a crush Katara." Zuko's eyebrows raised in shock, "WHAT?" The airbender smiled briefly before returning to his pensive expression, "Yeah, I mean, it sounds crazy, but before you walked into that hospital, I was super insecure without knowing it. It was like a light was turned on in the dark. I felt jealous often and even though Katara didn't like you back, it still made me feel angry. You made me confront some stuff that was holding me back from feeling confident with her. I noticed that I wasn't being fair to her, which spurred me to trust in love and propose. Things have a weird way of working out, huh."
Zuko returned his friend's smile, feeling guilt leave him in this moment. "They sure do. Well, I'm not glad for how our relationship started but I'm thankful that it happened. I never had friends before and even though everyone should hate me, you've all accepted me and my faults. You've shown me kindness and I'll never forget it." The two friends hugged thinking about the kismet present in their meeting at the hospital before a grumbling, short woman entered the room yelling for everyone to head to the hall.
In the hallway outside of the big doors which led to the dining hall, Kya and Suki took turns dabbing tears away from Katara's face. "On the bright side, the makeup really is waterproof," Jin tried to joke but was met with glares from the other women surrounding Katara. "I didn't think I'd cry this much, I must look a mess!" Katara said through a stifled cry. Suki shook her head, "No, Katara, you still look gorgeous!" Kya stroked her daughter's hair, "This day is filled with so much emotion, sweetie. But Aang is great and the ceremony and reception will go by fast. My only regret is that I didn't try to enjoy my wedding as much as I could. I worried about every little thing." Katara nodded but continued to cry, "I know, I know. I'm going to try if I ever calm down." She sniffled as her body calmed down, thinking of how Aang would be acting silly to make her feel better. Kye smiled at her daughter, "Just like for Aang as soon as you start walking. It'll bring you back. Are you ready?" With a slow nod, Katara said goodbye to her mom and friends as she watched them proceed to the altar.
Hakoda, filled with tears and emotion, silently interlaced his arm with his daughter's arm. He refrained from talking for fear that he would cry and not be able to stop. A knowing look was shared between the father and daughter. The look was infused with happiness, hope, and sadness. The shock had worn off for Hakoda that his daughter, now 24, would be starting her own family and her own traditions. His mind flashed to the memory of his little girl with chubby cheeks yelling that she wanted to be a doctor and never wanted to get married. He smiled at this memory, seeing how she was still that tenacious person while being lucky to find someone who understood her need for independence and hard work. As the doors opened, he nodded at his daughter, and she nodded in return, understanding his bittersweet acceptance of this new beginning.
Aang's breath hitched as his grey eyes fell upon Katara walking down the aisle. Her white and blue dress flowed at her feet as she slowly made her way to him. Their eyes locked and Aang became slightly confused at her red eyes that gave away that she had been crying. But his confusion ended the moment he saw the happiness in her face. He beamed as Hakoda let go of Katara, giving the airbender a smile before taking a seat with the other guests. Aang whispered as he held Katara's hands in his, "You're so beautiful". A slight sob came through her as she smiled and managed to whisper back, "So are you."
The officiant read platitudes about marriage and love for several minutes before asking the couple to read their vows. Katara went first with a slight tremble in her voice, "Aang," she smiled at the tears forming in his grey eyes, "People often say that your life partner is your better half, but I see us as two whole people joining together. Since we've met, I've learned a lot about you, but you've also helped me learn a lot about myself. You allow me to be me, which is the greatest gift. You're my best friend, and until my last breath, I promise to continue to love you, support you, and challenge you to be your best self. I'm so happy to marry you and I can't wait for our next chapter to start."
Aang wiped the tears away from his eyes with the back of his hand before taking a deep breath and holding her hands in his. Looking deeply into Katara's eyes, he spoke softly, "Katara, you make me feel home. I've traveled my whole life and never understood living in one place until I met you. You're the only person I want to be with every hour of every day. I love your musical laugh and the excited look in your eye right before you tell me jokes. I try to make you feel special every day and I promise to let you know how much you mean to me as much as possible. We're starting this journey together and I'm so grateful that you want to be a part of my life. I love you, Katara." Katara giggled as she fanned the tears away from her eyes. The officiant declared, "Very beautiful vows, you two. Now, by the power vested in me by Republic City, I now declare you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Aang placed his hands around her waist, pulling her in for a gentle and short kiss. The crowd erupted in applause as the couple broke away from the kiss and exited the platform.
After an hour taking pictures with their bridesmaids and groomsmen, Aang and Katara made their way to the ballroom. Guests were surrounding the room in round tables, leaving a big portion of the floor empty. The lights dimmed and the first song played as the newlyweds entered the room. Aang lightly jogged to the center of the floor, extending his hand for Katara to join him. Katara shyly looked away before turning towards Aang to see him wiggling his eyebrows. She laughed, finally giving in. He pulled her close as they danced slowly, cheeks pressed together.
And you shall take me strongly
In your arms again
And I will not remember
That I even felt the pain.
We shall walk and talk
In gardens all misty and wet with rain
And I will never, never, never
Grow so old again.
The lyrics reverberated throughout the ballroom as Aang and Katara swayed together like they were dancing in a world within a world.
And I will raise my hand up
Into the night time sky
And count the stars
That's shining in your eye
Just to dig it all and not to wonder
That's just fine
And I'll be satisfied
Not to read in between the lines
The song ended and the couple reluctantly stopped dancing as a more upbeat song began to play. The festivities went on for hours until the sun went down. Aang and Katara managed to sneak away from the friends and family with the help of Suki. Laughing together with hands held tight, they ran to their hotel suite for the first time. Aang opened the door and lifted Katara up in his arms, cradling her middle back with one arm while holding her knees with his other arm. She shrieked as he spun her around before gently laying her on the bed at her request.
Formal, restricting clothing was peeled off quickly to only be left in a huddled bundle on the floor. Bare and feeling more vulnerable than ever, Katara crawled on top of Aang as he lay on his back on the bed. She straddled him and began to softly kiss his neck. He moaned at the softness of his skin, it felt like the first time again. As he gently massaged her breasts, he gasped as he felt his wife lower herself onto him. He ran his hands slowly up and down her back before resting at her hips. He groaned deeply in his throat as she relentlessly bounced on his hard member. He raised his hips to feel her more and as soon she came to her end, he shortly followed.
Collapsing onto his chest, she caught her breath and lifted herself off of him to roll onto her back. He sighed, rolling onto his side, breathing rapidly. A grin came across his face as he looked at his wife. She was a goddess and he still couldn't believe how lucky he was. She grinned back, turning on her side to ask him, "So, how's it feel to be married?" Without a second to spare, he responded, "Amazing! I'm so happy. I haven't stopped smiling. How do you feel?" Katara's eyes became intense and thoughtful, replying, "I feel like this is all a dream. I can't believe it's my life. I was wondering," she suddenly became shy and twiddled her fingers, "When do you want to start trying for kids?"
Aang beamed and sat up on the bed, gesticulating wildly, "We could start now! I can't wait to have kids with you, Katara. When do you want to start?" She lowered her head and blushed before meeting her blue eyes with his grey eyes, "Well, I'm ready now, as well. I already took my birth control pill today but tomorrow will be the first day it could be a possibility." Aang pressed his lips against Katara's, enjoying the softness and the taste. He hoped they could stay like this until the end of time. Grateful for the paths and missteps that lead him to her, he learned to rediscover his innocence by staying in the present and not questioning the love between them.
The End
A/N: And that was the final chapter! Thanks to everyone who reviewed it and gave it love. The first dance song was Van Morrison - "Sweet Thing".
