Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender purely begins to Mike and Bryan. This is just my vain attempt to live past the series finale.

Summary: Building a new world is never easy. Years after the end of the war, one night between Zuko and Katara leads to the reveal of hidden truths and disrupts their plans of the peaceful lives they thought they'd have. Even when everything spins wild, they will always find each other. They could fight the entire Fire Nation together, but what are they willing to sacrifice when the other is on the line?

Last Time…

He stroked her hair. "My uncle will be in Yu Dao by the end of day tomorrow. I asked him to meet me here before going back to Ba Sing Se. We'll ask him what he thinks is best."

"You should probably drink my tea for me in case he found some more cactus extract. That can't be good for the baby." Katara's mouth quirked upwards. "Iroh will be ecstatic to learn that he's having a grandchild."

Zuko grinned at her before pulling her in tightly and resting his forehead against hers, sighing contently when she wrapped her arms around his waist. "It'll make his whole year," Zuko agreed. He imagined the look on his uncle's face, cleared his throat, and added, his voice thick. "Thank you, Katara."

Katara leaned back to lock eyes with him. "I should be the one thanking you," she said, echoing their exchange from five years prior when Zuko had taken lightning for her.

Zuko released a trembling breath as he beckoned her back into his embrace, holding her firmly against his chest. He responded with "I love you," as if it was the simplest thing in the world. As Katara nuzzled into his chest, she supposed that at the root of it all, it really was.

Toph smirked as the carriage pulled up. She kicked off from where she leaned against the building wall to approach the carriage, an easy smile on her face. She could sense how it shifted as the passenger prepared to exit the compartment and her smile widened in time with the door opening.

"General Iroh," she greeted pleasantly. "Bet you weren't expecting to see me again so soon."

A hearty chuckle traveled in the air as Iroh saw her. "Master Bei Fong," he returned genially. "I hope you don't find this offensive, but I must confess that you were not who I was expecting to greet me."

"I figured. But Sparky and Sweetness are having a little tiff at the training compound and I figured someone should be here to welcome you to Yu Dao while they lose track of the time. Sorry to disappoint."

"Not at all! This surprise is a very pleasant change in plans. But… why are my nephew and Master Katara fighting?"

Toph hesitated for just a moment, but Iroh was able to catch the slight shift. She evaded, "Don't worry about your bags. I'll have someone take them to Zuko's room. You can come with me to see them. They should be over it by now."

"Zuko's room?" Iroh asked, light surprise in his tone. "Why will my belongings go to his room? Is there not enough space for my own room?"

"Well since Zuko's not using the fancy room that's set up for him, and someone ought to, he and Katara wanted you to have it."

A bushy grey eyebrow rose. "Then where will he be staying?"

"General Iroh, don't act like you don't know where Zuko spends his nights in Yu Dao," Toph answered slyly. She shrugged as they walked towards the training compound. "Not that Katara is a big stickler on propriety— shocking, I know— but she also insists that you'd be more comfortable in the room specifically chosen and set up for the Fire Lord. She oversaw it herself."

Iroh hummed thoughtfully. "You've been friends with Katara for many years, Toph. I think you know as well as I do that Master Pakku's first female student knows that what is 'proper' isn't necessarily what is right," he commented knowingly.

Their attention was taken by the loud crash that echoed from the compound, along with the tremor in the ground. Toph frowned in confusion.

"I was not aware you were still holding classes for your students," Iroh began.

"I'm not," Toph said in a brusque tone. She hurried to the compound, Iroh on her heels. She called over her shoulder, "I mentioned that they were having a disagreement, didn't I?"

Iroh couldn't help but look at her dubiously. "This sounds like more than a mere disagreement."

"What the hell is going on in here?" she demanded as she entered. "I spent a lot of time building this place and if you two idiots end up destroying it with your stubbornness, I'll kick both of your asses back to last year."

Katara's head jerked up at Toph and Iroh's appearance, the glower on her face instantly shifting into an expression of shock. "General Iroh? You're here already?"

Iroh raised an eyebrow at her. "I am… I'm assuming that you and my nephew must have lost track of the time in the middle of your… training."

Katara stood halfway across the arena from Zuko, who groaned as he was on his hands and knees. He tossed his head back, getting some the damp strands of hair that had fallen onto his face out of the way. His gold eyes immediately locked onto Katara's and narrowed as he rose to his feet. His clothes and hair were soaked and there were puddles surrounding him.

"Not exactly," Zuko grit out. "I was busy avoiding the deathly pillars of ice Katara was tossing at me."

"I was proving my point," Katara retorted.

"What point? That you have an anger management problem?"

"That's rich, coming from you!"

"How can you even say that? Katara, what the hell were you expecting from me? I had every right to—"

"No, you didn't," Katara shot back coolly.

Toph stepped towards them. "I think I'm missing something here."

Katara scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Zuko forgot who it is he's dealing with— that's what happened here."

Zuko's face twisted as he opened his mouth to retort, but he stopped himself from responding right away. His jaw was visibly working as he took a deep breath. "Katara…"

"Perhaps we should all get cleaned up before dinner?" Iroh suggested. He looked between the Fire Lord and Waterbender and how they resolutely avoided the each other's gaze. "Or maybe not."

Katara exhaled harshly, screwing her eyes shut as if she were holding back tears. When she opened them again, they were suspiciously bright, but her voice didn't waver when she spoke. "Of course, General Iroh. It's a long trip from the Fire Nation and we planned to welcome you with a relaxing dinner. I want to make sure that you enjoy your time in Yu Dao. After all, for the next year, it is my home and therefore, a representation of me. And I'd hate to be a poor host."

Zuko kept his eyes on the ground. His lips thinned as he pressed them together and his jaw clenched slightly. "We'll meet you in your chambers, Uncle. Katara is right. You're an honored guest in Yu Dao."

Iroh looked between the two, a disenchanted look on his face clearly indicating he wasn't buying their artificial niceties. He asked, "Then, I'll see you two shortly?"

Katara forced a smile and nodded. "We'll clean up and meet you for dinner soon," she promised.

"Very well. Master Bei Fong, I hope you don't mind escorting me back to my quarters. I pledge that you'll only have to show me the way once. I never get lost."

Toph nodded silently and they left the training compound so that Zuko and Katara were the only ones left. Silence stretched between them and Katara kept her eyes focused on a far spot on the wall. She nervously combed her fingers through the ends of her hair and took several deep breaths to calm down. Her mind echoed back to when Sokka learned of their relationship and how he predicted that their arguments would be volatile. Her stomach dropped and she could feel an anxiety-driven bout of nausea wash over her.

She closed her eyes and brought a hand to her temple. "Zuko… I'm sorry. You're being overprotective and I'm being sensitive. I shouldn't have reacted so strongly. But that still doesn't give you the right to speak that way to me."

Zuko continued to breathe deeply, his chest visibly rising and falling. He nodded his head and continued to avoid meeting Katara's eyes, the hurt he previously saw in her cerulean orbs weighing heavily on his heart. "I'm sorry."

"But I want to know how this argument got so far that we need to have this conversation in the first place."

Scoffing, Zuko snapped, "You think I have any idea why? I… I haven't had an outburst like that in years since I was a kid. Agni, Katara, when it comes to you I just lose all of the control that I worked so hard for. I don't know what came over me."

Pursing her lips, Katara grudgingly allowed, "Well I wasn't exactly the picture of serenity, either." She frowned. "It's not my intention to make you feel like you're losing control. I also can't recall the last time I got that petty, either. I should've talked to you, not let myself get riled up that I resorted to Waterbending."

"To be fair, I did deserve that first water whip. I yelled at a hormonal Master Waterbender."

Katara couldn't help but let her lips twitch into a small smile. "You did."

"When I saw you doing those Bloodbending maneuvers with Toriq and Akna, knowing the physical stress Bloodbending has had on your body, I freaked out. And then you were allowing them to attempt techniques on you. I was scared for the baby." He sighed. "You warned me that this is a fragile time and we talked about how we have to be careful with everything happening with my father. I saw you all Bloodbending and all I could think was that so many things could go wrong. When it comes to anything having to do with me, things usually do."

"Zuko, I would never put our child in danger. I know my body and its limits. As a healer, I'm extremely attuned to the baby and whether it's in distress or not. And I've been Bloodbending regularly for months now. Yes, I get tired, but it doesn't stress my body or pain me the way it did when we first trained together in Ba Sing Se." She shrugged and allowed, "I guess you wouldn't have known that since you haven't been around."

There was an anxious set to Zuko's brow. "It's not like I don't want to be— I even left to come to Yu Dao early for more time with you! Don't make it seem like I don't want to be here."

"I know and I didn't mean for that to be an accusation," she said, her voice low and placating. "It is what it is and I understand. But for you to come in during a training session that I'm leading and demand that I stop in front of my students? Like I'm weak? It's a slight to my abilities and I won't have that."

"Logically, I know that you would never put our child in danger. But I just got so angry at the idea of it being put at risk at all. And we just talked about taking it easy last night after I told you what my father might have planned!"

"There's always a risk. Even if I was lying in bed all day long, there'd be a risk of miscarriage."

"Bloodbending seems like an unnecessary risk," Zuko insisted.

Katara raised her eyebrows. "I'm the only known Bloodbending master in the world and Toriq and Akna uprooted their lives to train under me. I owe them their training. It's the full moon tonight. It's the only time I have to check their progress until next month. And do I have to remind you of the incident in Ba Sing Se? Zuko, you plunged a damn broadsword into your chest. And I was more than understanding about the level of recklessness that decision entailed."

"Listen—"

"Zuko, stop." To illustrate her point, Katara thrust her hand towards his chest and held Zuko in place.

Zuko's teeth snapped as he cut himself off, glaring at Katara. "Let me go."

"I will, once you listen." Katara released her hold on him as soon as she felt his resistance wane. "I know my body and its strengths and weaknesses. If I was pushing myself further than necessary, you'd be within your rights to ream me for being reckless, but I wasn't. You've trained with me. You know how far I can go with Bloodbending and I was doing very little. Toriq and Akna have only been training for two months and to be frank, they don't have the natural talent I have. I can easily brush off any Bloodbending technique they try on me before it goes too far. They can't even extend their Bloodbending awareness enough to discern that I'm pregnant. Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked them to attempt it. We're not doing anything advanced that would put unnecessary strain on me or the baby."

All of the anger dissipated and Zuko slumped slightly, feeling very much like a polar bear dog with its tail between its legs. His heart still pounded in his chest from the panic he felt when he walked into the compound and saw them. Zuko's mind flashed back to their time in Ba Sing Se and the pain Katara would be in or how her energy would be completely drained. The idea that she could be weakened that way while pregnant petrified him. That either of them could get hurt sent him into a blind haze of misplaced fear.

"I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that in front of your students, I know. They must think that I've lost my mind. And I'll need to find a way to apologize to them as well for disrupting their training."

"I appreciate that. Zuko, you and I have separate duties and I understand that it's hard to reconcile our responsibilities when we're apart with our feelings when we're together. We're not just heroes anymore. We have commitments. Our jobs. Families. I can't ask you to not return to the Fire Nation because I'm terrified of what your father might have planned for you, as much as I want to keep you here with me where I can see you. Because that's not fair of me. We have to weigh the consequences of our actions more carefully now. They affect more than just us."

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck guiltily. "Yeah, well… you used to like when we'd make heroic, impulsive decisions."

Katara met his gaze purposefully and held a hand to her stomach. "Things change."

Reluctantly nodding in agreement, that wasn't the answer Zuko was looking for, but he knew it was the fairest one. "I'm really fucking this up, aren't I?" he asked wryly. "Agni, I'm so bad at this."

"You overreact. It's your one character flaw. It's mine, too, or do you not remember the pillars of ice I just threw at your head?" Katara ventured a shy smile and offered. "I've been helping women give birth since I was a young girl. I forget that I've had more experience and time to understand pregnancy and childbirth. And I'm carrying the baby so I feel like I have a little bit of control. But you don't have the time, experience, or control in this situation. I should've been more understanding to the fact that you're still adjusting. I'm sorry that I worried you."

Zuko grimaced. "Are you sure you want to be tied to me? I feel like you'd both be better off without me messing things up for you. I don't know what to do about my father and as much as I want to, I can't be here to protect you in person because I have to stay in the Fire Nation."

Katara crossed the space between them and pushed back the strands of hair that still hung in Zuko's face, her cerulean eyes tender with sympathy. He immediately took her hand in his and his other hand pulled her closer by the hip.

"Don't. Don't say that. I'm so proud of you, Zuko. You've done so much good. When the people you care about leave to do amazing things, it's not necessarily a bad thing to miss them. Oh it definitely aches, but it reminds me how good of a man you are and how lucky I am to have you in my life. There are people who need you and your leadership and I wouldn't dare take you away from them. I'm used to people leaving me for the greater good."

Zuko insisted, "But it shouldn't be that way. I don't want to leave you. What are we supposed to do— just steal moments together for the rest of our lives? I don't want to be taken away from you two and I wish I didn't have to leave." His hand flexed restlessly on her hip. "I don't want to turn my back on either of you. You are my priority. My father never treated me like I was one and I don't want to repeat any of his mistakes."

Katara gripped his face to make sure she looked directly into his eyes when she told him firmly, "You will never be like your father, Zuko. And that's a very good thing. You are strong, good, and you care so deeply for the people around you. That's a power he'll never be able to comprehend or harness. You have already surpassed Ozai in your work as Fire Lord and you'll do so again as a father. I know it. We have time to figure it out. "

"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" he asked sheepishly.

"For now," she sniffed, but her expression betrayed her words and Zuko knew that he was out of the polar bear doghouse.

He kissed her, just a quick peck, a small display of affection and thanks. As a kiss, it left a lot to be desired, but the taste of him had Katara yearning. Katara's lips quirked upwards and she began to tug at his arm as she walked out of the training compound. "Now come on, your uncle is waiting for us for dinner."

Iroh smiled appreciatively at Katara as she fussed, ignoring his protests and collecting his dirty plate and bringing it to the kitchen sink. Zuko turned to his uncle and discretely shook his head to tell him it was pointless. Nevertheless, Katara caught the movement and playfully stuck her tongue out at him. Zuko's mouth split into a grin.

"I told you, Uncle. It's useless trying to convince Katara not to dote on you."

"It is very sweet of her, though wholly unnecessary."

Katara giggled. "General Iroh, Zuko just told you that it's useless trying to convince me otherwise."

"A picture perfect host," Iroh complimented. "I am quite relieved to hear that your tenure as councilwoman thus far has been smooth. The townspeople do seem quite happy here, as do the other villages I rode through on my way here. The United Republic is certainly off to an auspicious start."

"A few hiccups here and there, but nothing I'm too worried about. There's a village that's experiencing a rather long drought further north so my father will be bringing some Waterbenders with him from the North Pole to help dig some canals for a more efficient irrigation system. If his travels aren't delayed, he'll be here in two days' time, just in time for the first check in for the council."

Iroh asked, "Wasn't your father supposed to come to Yu Dao before?"

"He's been at the North Pole since Ba Sing Se and hasn't had the chance to visit like he initially thought he would. I imagine it has to do with more negotiations regarding the rebuilding of the Southern Water Tribe. Some of the outer villages still need more supplies that we just haven't been able to produce quite yet. But Sokka has been handling everything in the South Pole in his stead."

"Great practice for when Sokka takes over as chieftain," Iroh supplied sagely.

Katara smiled. "I'm sure that's what my father is thinking, especially since Sokka just got married." Just then, Katara's jaw opened and she hastily covered her mouth as she yawned widely. "Excuse me," she said afterwards. "I've been feeling more tired recently." Her eyes quickly darted to Zuko's and Zuko's pulse picked up, knowing exactly what she was signaling.

"You're working very hard. And you haven't touched your tea! Some will surely help to restore some of your energy, or at the very least, help you relax for a good night's rest."

Katara blinked and opened and closed her mouth several times before answering diplomatically, "I've been trying to manage my caffeine intake."

Iroh waved off her concern. "Not to worry. I brought several of my favorite herbal blends from the Fire Nation with me. I'm sure I can spare some for you." He made to rise from his seat and rummage through his bags.

"No, General Iroh, really that's not necessary. I'm actually avoiding herbal teas at the moment as well." Katara chewed on the inside of her cheek as she finished speaking, fighting to hide her smile.

His brow furrowing, Iroh questioned, "Why on earth would you want to avoid teas?"

"Well I'm not quite sure it's safe for us this early on."

"Us?" Iroh watched as Katara offered him a timid smile, before both of their eyes slid over to Zuko, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange. Zuko's face was tense, apprehension evident in the way he pressed his lips together and sat rigidly in his seat. Zuko's heart was racing and he felt like his hands were clammy, but soon enough, a small, warm hand settled into one of his. Zuko cleared his throat but his mouth still felt dry as he met his uncle's expectant gaze.

"It's still rather early, like Katara said," Zuko hedged, "but yes, Katara's pregnant with my child—"

Zuko was barely able to get the words out of his mouth before the older Firebender made his way around the table to envelop the young couple in his arms. Zuko took in a breath harshly and stiffly returned the gesture, his eyes wide in shock. Iroh noticed the expression and he asked, "What's wrong, Zuko?"

"I guess I never thought about how you might react and… I'm relieved. A part of me thought you would be disappointed."

Iroh smiled kindly at his nephew and tightened his grip on his shoulders. "Why wouldn't I be happy for you? This is the most joyous news a man can receive in his life, to learn that the woman he loves is carrying his child."

Katara nudged Zuko. "I told you," she said lightly. "I knew he'd be ecstatic."

Zuko visibly swallowed and he looked between Katara and his uncle. "Even though we aren't married?"

Katara sighed and her smile turned melancholy. "Even though I'm a commoner and will never be accepted by the Fire Nation court?"

Iroh's expression turned stern. "Is that what you were worried about? I don't care if you're not married. I know that this child will be raised with love. And as for the Fire Nation court, they are long overdue for a break with tradition. Do not waste your energy thinking about them, when it should be going to the new life you're creating. It will be handled in due time. They will react the way they are going to react and it cannot be helped. You two will be incredible parents."

With a knowing smile, Katara returned, "And you a doting grandfather, I'm sure."

Iroh's mouth fell open and he looked from Katara to Zuko, who blushed but nodded at him. Iroh closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steel himself against the onslaught of emotion rising in him. "Grandfather," he said softly. "This is a title that I won't accept lightly."

"We know you won't," Zuko reassured him. "But you have been more of a father to me than anyone else on this world. And I can't wait for your guidance and presence in our child's life. It will be needed, I'm sure."

Katara laughed airily. "With our genes, it definitely will be. A child born of polar opposite parents— they're bound to be a handful."

"Fire is energy and passion. Water is nurturing and sustaining. Together, you have life. This child will be doubly blessed." Iroh's expression sobered as he looked to Zuko. Emphatically, he said, "Your father cannot know about this."

"We know," Zuko said darkly. "I'm not letting him get anywhere near them."

"I suppose this was part of the impetus behind the impromptu training session earlier?"

Katara winced. "Something like that." She sighed and continued, "We were hoping that you might have an idea of how we can make it through the next seven months while stopping Ozai's probable coup."

Stroking his beard thoughtfully, Iroh mused, "You two will have to make some decisions. Soon, Katara will not be able to hide the pregnancy and you have to have a plan in place. But before then, you have to decide who will know of both the pregnancy and Ozai's threats."

"Sokka," Zuko said immediately. "He trusted me to take care of you, Katara. He'll never forgive me if we don't clue him in."

"I agree. We'll have to tell my father when he arrives, too, " Katara added. She scoffed when Zuko's face turned anxious. "He likes you. Stop worrying."

Zuko eyed her dubiously then sighed and said, "And of course…"

After another moment's pause, the two met each other's gaze and in unison, softly said, "Aang."

Frowning, Katara said, "That conversation may be more difficult than the one with my father."

"But it's necessary. We knew we had to tell him sooner or later. And with my father escalating matters, we need Aang as a friend and as the Avatar. He deserves to know and to hear it directly from us."

"Are you nervous?"

"Aren't you?"

"Aang is our friend. He may be upset, but at the end of the day, I know that he'll only want for us to be happy."

"I wish this wasn't how we spent our first pregnancy," Zuko confessed forlornly.

"First? There'll be more?" Katara countered, a dark brow arching as she crossed her arms expectantly.

Iroh fought a smile as Zuko turned red. Zuko cleared his throat nervously. "Um… I… only if you're okay with that? I mean, not that I, you know… we haven't, uh… I imagined that—"

"Zuko, I'm teasing. Spirits, you look like you're going to have an aneurysm," Katara laughed. "And on that note, I think we should all call it a night." She took Zuko's hand with a wide, toothy grin and turned back to Iroh. "Have a good night, Iroh."

Iroh watched them with a proud smile. "Good night. And if I may be so bold as to share my opinion, I think that you two will be fine as long as you remember that you have each other through everything."

As soon as the couple exited the suite they had set up for Iroh, Katara touched her hand to Zuko's face in understanding, her blue eyes soft. "Your uncle's not wrong, you know."

"He's not?" Zuko asked wryly.

"I have you and you have me and that's all that matters. And then we'll have our baby and he or she will have us. Zuko, I know that for you, family isn't associated with positive memories and I understand why. But for me, it's everything. And I can't wait to show you how it should have been and will be with our family."

Zuko pressed his lips to Katara's forehead softly. "Katara, you already have."

Zuko sat on the edge of Katara's bed as she puttered around the room, getting ready for the day. The rest of Zuko's first week in Yu Dao passed without incident and they had slowly wrapped their minds around the fact that they were going to be parents.

Katara came out from the bathroom, her skin and hair still damp from her shower while she held her towel tightly with one hand. Zuko tilted his head as he watched her, eyes roving over the tan skin appreciatively. She caught his gaze and blushed before turning away to pull underwear from her dresser. The new collection of silken garments was a gift Zuko brought from the Fire Nation and she had to admit that they were much easier to use than wrapping her sarashi. Zuko grinned and waited until she had shimmied out of the towel.

"Are you still shy about me seeing you naked?"

Katara laughed lightly and looked over her shoulder at Zuko, her smirk somewhere between sultry and chastising. "It's different when I'm just walking around naked versus when we're having sex," she maintained.

Zuko chuckled. "I'm surprised you were able to say that without blushing more. But all the more reason to do it more often, no? So we get used to it. Besides, it's the first chance I've had to admire you since Ba Sing Se."

Katara's towel soon entered his line of vision as she threw it as his face but Zuko quickly batted away the fabric and grinned unashamedly. He made a show of watching Katara shrug on her underwear. He rose and stepped towards her, grabbing her hands before she could reach for the scrap of silk meant for her chest. Somehow, he was able to move his eyes past the swell of her breasts and continued down the flat plane of her stomach. Only, this time, there was something new. Her lower abdomen had a gentle rounding that stood out on her slight frame, a tiny bulge that would have easily been hidden beneath her usual tunics, especially if she wore the ones with fur trimming.

That tiny bulge was his baby.

His mouth split into a wide grin.

"Zuko?

Zuko's grin grew and practically turned silly.

"What?" Katara asked again, a mystified smile on her face.

Holding up a hand, he asked, "May I?"

Katara blinked and nodded. As soon as she did, Zuko rested his palm across her lower belly, on the border of her pelvic region. Once she felt the warmth of his hand, Katara gasped and her mouth turned into a surprised 'o'. It was the first time he had felt her belly since learning she was pregnant. He marveled at the new sensation beneath his fingers. The bump was hard but was dissimilar to the usual firmness of her muscle. Zuko looked up and saw Katara's grin match his. It was the last thing he saw before she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. Zuko relished the way she sighed softly against him, her limbs turning heavy as she leaned into him. He pulled back to catch his breath, pulling wet tendrils of curls away from her face.

"Agni, Katara, I didn't know you could be more precious or beautiful to me, but somehow, you've managed to do it."

Katara hummed and smiled up at him, her eyes heavy-lidded from their kiss. "So romantic all of a sudden," she teased, laughing when Zuko's golden eyes narrowed at her in light censure.

She looked down at her stomach and placed her hand on the small bump, tilting her head curiously. "I just can't believe that it took me so long to realize. The symptoms were all there— the exhaustion, loss of appetite, body aches, irritability. This," she gestured at her stomach. "You'd think that I'd notice this since I'm the one looking at it everyday."

"You're looking at it every day so I get why you wouldn't notice. I've spent the last two months imagining your body so I was bound to notice something new."

Ignoring the implications of his words, Katara shrugged. "I guess I just didn't even think about it as a possibility and it was so easy for me to write everything off as a result of the move and new position."

Zuko gently took her chin and urged her to look up at him. "You didn't mention these symptoms in your letters," he said pointedly. "I want to know these things, Katara. I want to try and help as much as I can."

"I didn't want you to fret over me. Don't worry, Zuko, I'll make sure to put all the gory details in from now on— the bloating, gas, constipation, tender breasts— all of it."

Zuko barked out a laugh and dragged her closer for another hug. "Good. I want it all. The good, the bad, the ugly."

Her voice was muffled since she was nuzzling her face into his chest. "Speaking of which, my father and Aang will be arriving shortly."

"Don't forget the messenger hawk Sokka will be sure to send. If his head hasn't exploded from reading our letter first, that is." Zuko sighed and sank back down onto the bed, pulling Katara into his lap. "How do you want to tell your father?"

"Honesty is the best policy with my dad. And you have nothing to worry about, Zuko. He respects and trusts you."

Scoffing, Zuko told her, "As a friend and ally, sure. As the man who has impregnated his daughter—"

"He will still respect and trust you. And now you're the father of his grandchild. You're family now. I get the feeling that all of your worry comes from a lack of knowledge of Water Tribe customs and thinking that somehow I'm in trouble. I'm telling you, I'm not." Katara tossed her hair back, bending away the excess water so that the bed wouldn't get soaked.

"The women in the Water Tribes are expected to be married at sixteen, and are expected to have kids shortly thereafter. In Water Tribe terms, I'm basically a spinster. The outlook's definitely changed since the war, but it's only been five years and traditions are hard to break. And in the Water Tribes, people don't really care about what you do in your personal life, as long as it's not broadcast to the rest of the tribe flamboyantly. Things that are private should remain private." She shrugged. "But intimacy is never given freely. It's always about furthering the connection you have with someone. And it most certainly isn't something to be ashamed of. Marriage in the Water Tribes is a natural progression in life... not a big to-do or necessity. Sokka is expected to be the next chief so he was expected to have a more prominent wedding ceremony. When I realized I was pregnant, I was most scared of how this will change our lives in terms of opportunity afforded to us, but not because I'm ashamed. At most, there'll be concern about what this means for the child's family unit. Where will it be raised, whose customs will it learn, you know…"

Zuko raised a brow. "Okay, definitely not as scary as I was anticipating. In the Fire Nation, if a girl is discovered pregnant out of wedlock, she's ruined. Her reputation and the child's reputation. And even if she's lucky and the father accepts responsibility and marries her, the whole family's reputation is still tarnished because everyone will know the reason behind the marriage. It's a huge dishonor."

Katara frowned and stroked her hands through Zuko's hair comfortingly. "That sounds awful. I can understand why you've been so worried." She cocked her head in acknowledgement. "Of course, now I'm a little worried about how this will pan out for our child once it's discovered that it's yours."

Zuko frowned. The idea of marriage had been ruminating in his mind for the last week, but he wasn't sure how Katara would react and he had told her that he knew she wasn't ready for it. Before Zuko could respond, there was a knock at the door.

Katara disentangled herself from Zuko's lap and reached for the rest of her clothes. "We'll figure it out in time. That'll probably be Toph, telling us to hurry up." She smirked at Zuko. "This is all your fault, of course, for distracting me while I was getting dressed."

Zuko ducked down to kiss her quickly. "Like you weren't happy to be distracted. I'll go get the door and tell her to wait up." He gave her one more kiss and strolled out of the bedroom leisurely.

As he opened the door, expecting the petite Earthbender, Zuko was shocked to see Hakoda standing in the threshold. His blood turned cold and he felt his stomach drop as he saw the older man. To his credit, Hakoda merely raised his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes in shock when he saw the Fire Lord welcoming him into Katara's apartment.

"Fire Lord Zuko?"

"Chief Hakoda!" Zuko's mouth felt dry. "I was expecting Toph. Katara and I were waiting for her to let us know when you arrived to Yu Dao."

Hakoda looked slightly mollified, but there was still a slight furrow to his brow. "I see… and Katara is…"

"Getting dressed," Zuko answered.

"I see," Hakoda said again, his tone not giving anything away.

Zuko jolted and stepped out of the way, widening the door. "Uh… Come in!"

Just then, Katara hurried out of her bedroom, tying her hair out of her face before she fiddled with her wrist wrappings. "Toph, you're much earlier than I expected. I just got out of the— Dad?"

"I see that my presence here was most definitely not expected." Hakoda crossed his arms and the expression that came over his face was eerily similar to Katara's when she had caught someone doing they weren't supposed to be doing.

"Well I was hoping to meet you as soon as you got here and show you to your room. But this is a very good surprise." Katara hugged her dad tightly and when she pulled away, she remarked, "There's been a few surprises lately." Her eyes shifted slightly in Zuko's direction.

"Yes, well I brought some Waterbenders from the North. They're just awaiting instruction for the irrigation canals and they'll head out to the northern village after dinner tonight. But I figured that Toriq and Akna might want to see some friends from home for the day."

"They certainly deserve it with all the work they've put in the last few months." She hesitated and locked eyes with Zuko. He nodded at her, but she could see the trepidation in his eyes. She took a deep breath and pulled her dad towards her kitchen table. "But before we head out to see everyone, I, actually we, have to tell you something."

Hakoda reluctantly took a seat at Katara's kitchen table and he looked between the two young adults warily. "I have to admit that I'm feeling a little uneasy. You both looked like you saw a ghost when you saw me. Is everything alright?"

Katara grinned broadly, the smile obviously forced. "Everything's fine!" She wrung her hands together nervously. "I have some big news and um… actually, like I said, Zuko and I have big news and we wanted you to know."

"Have you two come up with new legislature?"

"We've come up with something…"

Zuko groaned. "Katara."

"Okay! So, Zuko and I started dating during the spring summit in Ba Sing Se."

"Oh… well..." His blue eyes darted between the two again, a slow smile appearing on his weathered face. "Is that why Zuko looked like he saw an executioner when he opened the door?"

Zuko's cheeks turned pink. "Yes," he said, in a clipped tone.

The Water Tribe man's laughter boomed in Katara's apartment and once he settled down, he smiled warmly at Zuko. "I apologize for laughing, but the way you two were acting, I thought someone had died. Did you think I would disapprove? Zuko— if you feel comfortable with me calling you by your first name—"

"Please, go ahead!" Zuko spluttered. He sent a glare in Katara's direction when he heard her giggle at his obvious discomfort.

Hakoda clapped a hand on Zuko's shoulder good-naturedly and looked him in the eye purposefully. "Zuko, you've been a close friend of my children for years. You've proven yourself to be a good and honorable man and you're the best Fire Lord your country has had in a long time. And besides, I know Katara can handle herself. You don't need my approval, but you have it anyway." He turned towards his daughter. "Though I must admit, this will be a bit awkward today."

Katara winced at the obvious reminder to Aang's arrival. "Right, well about that— there's more..."

"More?" Hakoda deadpanned.

Katara tenderly held a hand to her lower abdomen. "I'm pregnant?"

Hakoda's sharp intake of air was the only sound in the apartment. "Are you asking or telling?"

Zuko took Katara's hand and nodded at her. He turned to Hakoda and affirmed, "Announcing. You're going to be a grandfather."