A/N Well, here it is! An unusually long epilogue for you guys. It's actually more of a short story honestly, but hey. I'm still gonna call it an epilogue lol. I've absolutely loved writing this fic! So if you've read this far, thank you! To those of you here since the beginning, thank you so much! And thanks to everyone who has left a review. You all are some of my favorite people :)

I hope you guys enjoy this last chapter. It's hard to stop writing, but my worst fear is that I'll write too much and ruin something that's already good lol. Hopefully *crosses fingers* I haven't done that by adding this. All in all, I'm very happy with everything. Again, thanks for reading! (Also, I sound Tazin with a long A sound lol)

Golden rays of early morning light shone brightly through the large bedroom windows. Zuko shifted uncomfortably in the bed he was lying in. He'd been awake for a while now but hadn't wanted to start getting ready for the day yet.

"I know you're awake," said a sleepy, and slightly miffed voice. If there was anything Zuko had learned over the years, it was that Katara didn't like waking up. She'd gotten better over time, but Zuko knew she occasionally still enjoyed a few extra hours of sleep in the morning.

"Sorry," he groaned apologetically. Katara turned her head so she was facing him as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Zuko smiled at the sight of her mussed hair and rosy cheeks.

"It's okay," she said sweetly, sounding more alert now. Zuko moved to brush her hair out of her face gently and she closed her eyes again at the gesture. "Why haven't you gotten up yet?" she yawned. "I thought you'd be excited for today."

"I was, until you reminded me exactly what I'll be missing while I'm gone," he smirked. Zuko rolled over until he was holding himself above her and kissed the spot where her neck touched her shoulder. The spot where he knew she was most sensitive. Katara smiled, and Zuko knew she was remembering the events of the previous night too. He groaned quietly at the memory as he continued to tease her neck.

Zuko heard Katara sigh and felt her shift underneath him. It encouraged him to kiss lower. "Zuko," she laughed, running her cool hands across his chest. Zuko shuddered at the feeling, starting to move the fabric of her tunic aside. The one she'd thrown on haphazardly after everything last night. Katara let his hands continue but urged his face back up. She caught his mouth in a sweet kiss.

To Zuko's surprise, Katara flipped them both, so his back was on the cool sheet and she was straddling him. Sometimes he forgot how strong she was. She found his lips again and wasted no time in deepening the kiss. Her hair fell around them like a curtain, creating a small world for just the two of them. Zuko let his hands fall to the flimsy fabric at her waist. He gripped it and tugged, wanting to feel her body flush against his.

Katara bit his lower lip and pulled. Zuko bucked, his hands digging into her sides now. "Spirits, Katara," he said, his voice huskier than normal. She laughed, returning the movement with a small grind of her own hips. Zuko groaned, hating it when she teased him like this but loving it at the same time. Even after eight years of marriage, nothing with Katara was ever boring.

She slowed their kiss down, letting the tension between them melt away. When neither of them was breathing too heavy anymore, she rolled off him and stood up gracefully. The absence of her on top him was like a splash of cold water. He watched as she retied the red robe she was wearing, hiding more of her smooth, tan skin. Spirits, she was beautiful. Motherhood had done nothing but fill her out a little more. It'd matured her. The toned muscles she'd earned from years of training were still visible in her arms and legs.

"I wish we had time," she lamented. Zuko internally agreed. "Today is just too busy."

"I guess you're right," Zuko conceded with a sigh as he stood too, slipping a shirt on. Katara, who didn't really like anyone helping her dress, walked over to the wardrobe while Zuko walked to the small area where he knew a few servants were waiting just outside a small door to help him change for the day. Unfortunately, he'd never been able to convince them that he didn't need their help. Besides, it was hard to tell them no when they were always so eager.

When they were both ready, Zuko in his robes and crown and Katara in her red dress and crown, they walked out the doors and down the brightly lit, wide hallway. Zuko kissed her quickly.

"You look beautiful."

Katara blushed and rolled her eyes with a smile.

"You still think it's a good idea for Taz to come?" Zuko asked.

Katara nodded. "Definitely. Suki's staying with the younger children but Sokka's bringing the twins, and he hasn't seen his cousins in so long. It'll be good for him. Besides, he's so excited. We can't rip it away now," she laughed. Zuko laughed too, knowing she was right. It didn't matter what they did, their oldest son threw the worst fits. Zuko shook his head, knowing he'd been the same way at that age.

"I feel like you just want to give Yzona a break," he teased.

"Hey, that boy's a handful and you know it. She'll have a much easier time with only Kai to worry about."

"At least Tazin's starting school soon. That'll be a good permanent break for her," Zuko laughed.

Katara and Zuko entered the foyer and as if on cue, two dark haired boys came running down the opposite hallway. The oldest was faster but the younger chased only few paces behind. Yzona was visible at the other end.

"Dad!" Tazin yelled, a huge smile taking up all the room on his small, six-year-old face. Zuko bent down and caught his son as the boy jumped into the air towards him.

"Oof," Zuko said with another laugh as he settled Tazin in front of him.

"I'm all packed!" Tazin announced proudly, looking into his dad's eyes.

"Is that so?" Zuko asked with a smile. Tazin made to respond but at that moment, the second boy finally reached them, out of breath from his dash down the hallway.

"It's no fair," he whined, his arms dangling in front of him and his head slumping forward. Zuko noticed Tazin roll his eyes. "I want to go to 'public city too."

Zuko, still holding his oldest son, looked to Katara. Their eyes met and they both smiled ever so slightly. Katara looked away towards the four-year-old.

Zuko watched her kneel in front of their second son and gently brush his hair away. He let his head fall into his mother's shoulder in a huff.

"Kai," she started gently after a moment. "I'm sorry, but you're still just a little too young. You'll have your chance very soon." The boy let out a grunt of anger before turning and stomping away from her. This had clearly been the wrong thing to say. Katara sighed.

The three of them made their way to the small breakfast room where they ate together almost every morning. Kai was already sitting in his usual spot, his small arms folded and head turned away from his family in anger.

Katara settled down next to him as Zuko set Tazin down on the opposite side and knelt too. "Kai," said Zuko calmly from across the table. "You're needed here. To help your mother. I'm going to be away for a long time. Someone needs to make sure she's safe while I'm gone." Katara shot him a glare and Zuko tried to contain his smile. "There's no one else I can trust."

"Just stop, dad," the boy answered angrily, still pouting. At that moment, a few servants whisked through the door to begin serving food. The family stopped their conversation to eat. The silence was tense. Zuko caught Katara's eyes a few times and they shared a smile. What were they going to do with these boys? After a while, a server stepped to place a second helping on Kai's plate, but he snapped. "Stop!" he yelled, shoving the lady's hand away. "I don't want anymore," he grumbled. What in the world? Kai was never like this. Tazin was the one to yell, never Kai.

"Kai," Zuko said forcefully, staring at his son. The boy cowered a little at the sound of his father's strong tone. "We don't speak like that."

"Sorry," he said sheepishly, his tone implying he knew he'd been in the wrong. "I'm just so mad." He let arms fall to the table and buried his face in them. Katara gently rubbed his back, comforting him.

"Don't worry, Kai," piped Tazin. "I'll make sure to tell Uncle Sokka how sad you are that you couldn't come." He smirked and took another bite of his food.

"Tazin," reprimanded Katara, looking at the boy sternly.

Kai shot up, eyes trained on his older brother and fists clenched at his sides. Tazin started laughing at the reaction he'd invoked. Without warning, Zuko watched his younger son launch his tiny fist forward across the table towards his older brother. A small but strong flame burst out of it. Zuko reacted quickly, bending the fire away and catching Kai's fists.

The family stared in awed silence for a moment. "You can bend, Kai!" said Tazin, his eyes wide in excitement. Kai's own eyes were wide too. He looked at his hand, still covered by Zuko's, with his mouth open in shock. He pulled it out of his father's and continued to stare at it, still not believing what had just happened. Slowly, the younger boy started to smile nervously too. "Now you can come train with Master Zhang too!"

Zuko looked to Katara. She was smiling brightly, watching her boys' excitement grow at the newfound ability. But Zuko knew his wife, and once he looked closer at her, he saw it. That little bit of sadness in her eyes. This made two firebending sons.

He knew what she'd been expecting because he'd been expecting it himself. With Kai's noticeably darker skin and slightly lighter hair, they'd both assumed he'd be a waterbender. They'd even planned and talked as if this would be the case. But Kai's golden eyes didn't lie. He was Zuko's son too. It seemed there was just enough in him of Zuko to ensure he was a firebender.

Zuko stood. "Come boys, it's time for you to go back with Yzona now." The brothers usually grumbled at this, but everything was too exciting right now for that. Tazin was still chattering away and Kai was still stunned silent. When they were back in the foyer, Zuko pulled Kai aside and knelt to his level.

"I'm proud of you, Kai," he said with a smile as he held the boy's small hands in his. "Firebending can be a great gift, if you train hard and work properly."

"Will I get to train with you?" Kai's eyes were wide as he stared at Zuko expectantly.

"Of course," replied Zuko, ruffling his son's hair. Kai smiled. "Now, try not to have any slip ups with it today, okay? You don't want to hurt anyone. Don't get carried away. You have to control yourself."

Kai nodded solemnly and Zuko smiled. He pulled his son into a tight hug. "I love you," he said. "So much."

"I love you too, Dad."

When they broke apart, Zuko stood, leading Kai over to where Katara and Tazin were talking with Yzona. Yzona, who's hair was grayer than Zuko remembered, turned to Kai.

"I heard something exciting happened at breakfast," she said sweetly. Kai bounced his head up and down quickly, nodding in the affirmative.

"I can firebend," he said proudly, standing close to Zuko's leg.

"Wow," replied Yzona. "That's amazing." Kai blushed.

Katara turned towards her friend. "Thank you for helping Tazin pack, Yzona." After a moment she added, "And for everything you do. I know they don't make it easy sometimes."

The woman smiled. "It's nothing at all. I love watching over them."

Zuko looked at her. "We can get someone to help you now. If you'd like," he said, thinking of Kai's newly discovered bending.

Yzona shook her head as she smiled. "It's alright. I can handle these two young princes as well as I ever have."

Zuko nodded, knowing there really wasn't anyone better for the job. And though they sometimes grumbled, the boys loved her. Yzona was the perfect nanny. Zuko sometimes wondered if the reason she enjoyed the job as much as she did was because she'd never had kids of her own.

Suddenly, one of the boys screamed out, "Auntie!" Zuko turned in time to see Kai dash across the foyer to Azula. He smiled. It was rare for her to leave her room, but when she did come out, it was usually a good thing. Azula was like a ghost that roamed the palace, drifting aimlessly between rooms. She was wearing a simple dark red robe and half of her sleek, long hair was pulled neatly behind her. Her face looked content, and Zuko was happy to notice that she didn't look too tired. He still worried that she didn't get enough rest.

"Oof," said Azula as Kaz and Tazin rammed into her and latched onto each of her legs, hugging her tightly. "My goodness, you two. Where do you get your energy?" She bent and picked Kai up with a smile, resting him on her hip.

"I can firebend!" announced Kai proudly. Azula glanced at Katara and Zuko, who nodded to confirm.

"Can you really?" she said, turning back to Kai. He beamed and nodded. "How absolutely dreadful," she drawled. An awkward silence fell, and Kai's smile faltered. Then Tazin laughed.

"You're silly, Auntie," he said. Azula smiled genuinely as she lowered Kai, who was smiling and laughing again. The boys jumped around her, pulling her arms and dress and begging her to play with them.

"I'll come get them around noon," said Katara, turning to Yzona. "The ship is supposed to set off a little after that."

Yzona nodded and bowed to Zuko and Katara.

"Boys," said Katara. "Leave your aunt alone. It's time to go back with Yzona now."

"Please come play," said Kai, looking up at Azula.

Azula folded her arms as if considering. "Well, I suppose I can. It's not like I have anything better to do." Zuko could hear the happiness in her voice. When she smiled at her nephews' excitement, it was genuine.

Tazin and Kai took off down a hallway and Azula walked gracefully after them. Yzona smiled before following them too. Zuko shook his head. Those boys had too much energy.

Zuko and Katara stood and watched them for a moment. When they disappeared, Katara's head fell and he knew what she was thinking. Instinctively, he grabbed her cool hand and pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms around her. Katara snaked her arms around his middle, letting her head fall against his chest. He felt her take a deep, shaky breath.

Zuko knew how much she yearned for a waterbender. Someone she could pass her skills onto. And deeper down, Zuko knew how much she yearned for a daughter. But Katara would never admit either of these things out loud. Not even to him. But he knew. It was cruel that the most talented water bender in the world, who'd trained hundreds of others, had no children of her own to pass her knowledge onto.

"Katara," he said softly, stroking her hair gently.

"I'm not sad, Zuko," she said, her voice a forced calm. "I'm proud of him too."

"I know you are," he replied. It was true. If there was one thing he'd never doubt, it was Katara's love for their children. She often got frustrated that Fire Lady duties prevented her from spending more time with them. Zuko knew it pained her to send them off with Yzona every day. Katara buried her face in his clothes and Zuko felt her shake with a silent sob. He held her tighter. Usually this part of the palace was bustling with workers, but for whatever blessed reason, the area was deserted right now. They were completely alone.

After a moment, Zuko brought a hand softly to her cheek, pulling her face up to look at him. Her eyes were red, and her cheeks were a little wet. He let his thumb gently stroke the soft skin on her face, hating that she was feeling like this.

"We're going to have more children," he said reassuringly, looking deep into her blue eyes.

"You know that's not true," she said looking away from him. "We've been trying for almost three years now, Zuko. And you know what the…" Katara's words trailed off and she buried her face into him again. They hadn't talked about this issue in a while. Both had avoided bringing it up since that dreaded doctor's visit a couple months ago. They'd finally decided to get another opinion after Katara had had a miscarriage.

"But this isn't right," said Zuko earnestly. "We've already had two children."

The old doctor shrugged his large shoulders. Katara's face was scrunched in concern in worry, her eyes trained on the man. She was lying on a table with the doctor sitting on one side. Zuko was on the other side, holding her hand tightly.

"Then you are lucky," said the man. "I would consider them two true gifts from the spirits. Two blessings. It shouldn't have been possible."

Zuko stared at him, his gaze hard. The man pointed to the large scar on Katara middle and Zuko saw Katara's stomach flinch slightly at the touch. Zuko squeezed her hand tighter. "Whatever caused this," said the doctor, his eyes flitting to Zuko again. Zuko was still refusing to divulge that information, but he got the feeling the doctor knew anyways. "Left damage on the inside as well. Lasting damage to the womb for example. Among other things."

"Among other things?" asked Zuko, tersely.

"Potentially," the man corrected quickly. "I hate to cause worry where there isn't a need. If no other problems have presented themselves," said the doctor turning to Katara. "Then I wouldn't worry about any other areas of your health." Katara gave a small nod.

Zuko thought back to Katara's pregnancies. Sure, they hadn't been easy for her. They'd drained her energy considerably. And she'd often complained of pain. Maybe Zuko should have been more concerned at the time. He'd just thought it was all normal. But maybe it hadn't been. He also wondered if Katara had hid how truly painful they'd been. That'd be something she would do. How much pain had she been in those times she'd actually voiced a complaint to Zuko?

"And there's nothing you can do?" he said, some of his anger and impatience starting to creep into his voice. Katara dropped his hand and sat up to pull her top back down.

The doctor sighed. "I'm sorry, my Lord."

For days after that visit, Katara had said hardly anything. But almost every morning, Zuko had seen her in the bathroom, her glowing hands on her own stomach. Zuko watched without her knowing, as she attempted to heal whatever was wrong. It usually ended with a yell of frustration and water on the ground. Eventually, she'd stopped doing this. Whatever was wrong, it was either too deep or too old for her to heal herself.

Now here they were, finally having the conversation they'd been needing to have since that visit. Zuko stroked her hair again. She seemed to be breathing evenly, though her face was still buried in his robes. The idea that he couldn't give her what she wanted so badly pained him deeply. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt. Zuko could literally give her anything in the world except the thing she craved most deeply. It was an awful feeling. He cursed himself yet again for the scar on her stomach. How had he let that happen to her? It was his fault that Katara was hurting, and there was nothing he could do to fix it.

She backed away a little and unwrapped her arms from around him to wipe her face and straighten her hair. Zuko kept his arms around her. His eyes drifted to her neck, where the blue necklace he'd given her so long ago shone proudly. Katara switched between wearing his necklace and her mother's necklace, but one or the other was always on her neck. Zuko smiled when he saw she was wearing his today. It was always noticeable amongst all the red Katara wore. A reminder that she had her own culture too.

"Where's that hope you always used to talk of," he tried to joke. "Anything could still happen."

Katara just shook her head angrily and looked away from him as she continued to wipe her face. Zuko frowned. The feeling he had seeing her so defeated was the worst thing he'd ever felt. It was as if her spirit had been crushed when it came to this matter. And he felt completely helpless.

When Katara felt she had gotten herself under control, she took Zuko's hand and they made their way to the throne room for the morning council meeting. Neither said anything.

. . .

Zuko ruffled Kai's hair again. The royal family was standing on the large dock. The sun was behind clouds, giving a gray overcast to the day, and the wind blew gently. Kai was holding his mother's hand. "Watch out for your mom for me, okay?" he said staring into his son's eyes.

The boy nodded, his face determined. "Don't worry, Dad. I will."

Zuko laughed. "I know you will. And hey, I'll make sure to get you started with Master Zhang once I'm back, okay? Just be patient and careful until then."

The four-year-old nodded again and Zuko smiled as he stood up.

"Bye, Kai," said Tazin.

"Bye, Taz."

Zuko snaked his arms around his wife's familiar waist and pulled her close. He looked deep into her blue eyes. She still seemed bothered by their earlier conversation. The wind blew a few pieces of stray brown hair around her face. "I can stay, you know," he said, tucking a piece behind her ear before settling his arm around her waist again. Katara's arms were folded between them, her hands on his chest.

Katara shook her head, smiling kindly. "No. Aang is counting on your help. He needs you."

"Then come with," he urged. "Let Azula handle things while we're gone."

Katara let out a laugh. The sound was music to his ears. "Do you really think that's wise?"

Zuko laughed too, remembering the last time they tried that while they'd gone on a family vacation to Ember Island. Azula hadn't done anything too terrible, but none of the work that needed to be done had been done. And they learned later there'd been a few 'abuse of power' moments. These mostly consisted of double-time palanquin rides, exotic food requests and even the near firing of a servant. Some things about Azula would never change, even if all lot about her was different now. Better.

"I guess you're right," Zuko said as he bent and kissed Katara sweetly, ignoring the sounds of disgust that came from their children. "Three months is way too long," he grumbled when they broke apart.

Katara laughed. "I'll be here when you get back," she said with a wink and a smirk. Zuko smiled. How had he gotten so lucky? "Say hi to everyone for me."

"I will," Zuko replied.

"Oh, and Sokka's coming from the North, so make sure to ask him how things are there too."

"Wait, why is he up there?"

"He said he had some business or something like that. I'm not sure."

"Has he left already?"

Katara shrugged. "I don't know." The faintest traces of an idea popped into Zuko's head, but he pushed them away. For now.

"Come ooon, dad," said Tazin, pulling his father's robes. They both laughed and Zuko reluctantly let go of Katara before starting up the gangway with his oldest son and a flank of guards. With a look behind him, he saw Katara and Kai turn and head pack towards the palanquins. He said a silent prayer to the spirits that she would be all right. Every time they were separated it felt like Zuko was leaving a part of himself behind. For some reason, this time felt worse than it ever had before.

. . .

"And you're not going to tell me why you need this," said Sokka handing over the small, blue vial. Zuko took it carefully and slipped it gingerly into the deep pockets of his clothes. They were standing in the main town hall building of the small, but growing, Republic City.

Zuko sighed, looking closely at his friend. Sokka seemed completely confused, if not a little worried. He watched Zuko with a raised eyebrow. Maybe it would be okay to tell Sokka.

"I think it can help Katara," he said simply.

Sokka's eyes flashed. "What's wrong with her?" he asked, his voice suddenly serious.

"Everything's fine, Sokka," Zuko said. A beat passed. "We just haven't been able to have any children for a few years. And I know she really wants another."

Sokka eyed him closer, his arms folded across his large chest. Zuko continued. "It seems there was some internal damage from Azula's lightning. Two kids may be all she can manage," Zuko explained sadly. Sokka's face fell. "And, Kai is a firebender." Sokka nodded at his words after another moment and Zuko knew he understood the issue at its deeper levels. Neither of them said anything for a minute.

"Well, I'm glad I could get that water then. It turned out to be harder than I thought. Apparently, they don't just hand it out to anybody anymore," Sokka joked. "But thank goodness for my charm and good looks." Zuko laughed as the tension of their conversation eased a little.

"Thanks, Sokka."

"No problem, my friend," he said with a solid thump on Zuko's back. At that moment, three children came racing in from outside and Zuko and Sokka turned to them.

Tazin and the twins ran towards them. Sokka caught his daughter in his arms and lifted her into the air. "There's my sweet girl," he said with a grunt. Karri giggled as her dad blew a small raspberry on her cheek.

"Where have you three been?" Zuko asked Tazin with a laugh. The two boys and Karri all wore huge smiles.

"We were just with Toph," Karri's twin Eyak explained, still smiling wide.

Tazin nodded. "Yeah, it was great!"

"Oh, dear," said Sokka with a deep laugh. "That couldn't have been good." All three children giggled and started talking all at once. Zuko couldn't help but smile. After a moment, he watched Sokka set Karri down. "Well, kiddos. As much as we'd love to continue learning what you did with Toph, we unfortunately have a meeting to attend." The kids started walking away. "Oh, and remember! Do not try to do anything she showed you on your own. Sadly, none of you are earthbenders and it just wouldn't work the same." This was followed by more giggles.

With that, the kids ran off again and Sokka and Zuko made their way into the bright council room, smiling and shaking their heads.

. . .

Zuko's hands roamed Katara's back and tangled in her hair. Spirits, he'd missed her. Their lips had met in a deep kiss. Three months was too long. She was sitting on his lap on the couch in their favorite sitting room, her hands resting on his shoulders.

Breathless, Katara broke away. Zuko groaned when she shifted on top of him. Her hands ran through his hair, tugging out his crown and letting his short shaggy black hair fall around his face. He smiled, knowing she preferred it down.

Zuko's hands were at her waist now and he pulled her closer. He gently kissed and sucked the soft skin at her collarbone, her smell completely overwhelming him. Katara shivered at the sensation and Zuko groaned again as she just barely ground against him. She continued to hold his head to her, tangling her fingers further into his hair.

Not able to take the feeling of her sitting on him anymore, Zuko shifted Katara so she lying down on the couch. He was immediately over her though, his head falling to her neck. Katara's eyes slipped closed with a smile and Zuko knew she was enjoying this as much as he was.

"I missed you," he muttered against her skin.

"Really?" she teased.

Zuko smiled. "Like you wouldn't believe."

Katara laughed sweetly before pulling his head away from her neck. "I missed you too," she said, looking into his eyes. She caught his lips in a kiss. It was slower and less heated this time around as they both simply enjoyed each other. The franticness from earlier at finally being together again was gone.

When Zuko's mind had cleared a little more, and things had calmed, he slowly moved off her and kneeled at the side of the couch, Katara was still lying down. His lips never left hers, but Katara, confused at why he'd moved, broke away and looked at him. Her head was turned to the side, and pieces of her long hair fell off the side of the couch. Zuko instinctively caught a piece in his fingers and gently twirled it around. Katara noticed and her eyebrows knit it worry. She didn't sit up though.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

Zuko nodded, trying not to be distracted by how red and inviting her lips looked after what they'd just done. He needed to focus and explain things to her. His hand went to the top of her head, his thumb brushing away some stray hairs from around her forehead. This was going to help her. It was.

"I have something I want you to try."

Katara looked confused, and sat up a little, but not all the way. "Okay…"

With a deep breath Zuko reached into his pocket and pulled out the small, delicate blue vial. Katara's mouth fell open and she moved to sit up farther. "Where did you get that?" she asked carefully, her blue eyes wide.

"Sokka got it for me." A beat passed. "I think it can help you," he said simply. Katara swallowed. She seemed unsure. Maybe even a little…scared?

"Zuko…I don't know. It might not work." Zuko sighed. The old Katara would've jumped at this opportunity. He hated that her hope was so crushed from everything that'd happened. Her spirit really had been damaged to some extent. She was scared.

"I understand," he said, urging her to lie all the way back down. She followed, but reluctantly. "But there's no harm in trying," he reassured. His hands began untying her top.

"Wait, right now?"

"Why not?" he replied. When he was finished with the knot, he gently pushed the fabric of her top aside, revealing her dark, tan stomach and the puckered, star-shaped scar in the middle. She shivered when his fingers brushed her cool skin. Zuko looked at her face. She was watching him curiously. Their eyes locked.

"Zuko…"

"Will you please just try?" he asked kindly, but urgently. No one else could do this but her. If she said no, there'd be nothing Zuko could do. The water was useless without a bender. Katara took a deep breath and nodded.

Zuko prayed this would work. If it didn't, Katara would be even more crushed than before. He wouldn't be able to bear it if that happened. Doing this was a huge risk. Zuko placed the blue vial in her hands and stood quickly to walk to the door of the room. He opened it, and double checked they wouldn't be interrupted. The hallway was deserted. Good.

He closed the door quickly and locked it, before returning to Katara's side. She'd already bent the water out of the container. It was spinning in the air and she watched it carefully. Zuko watched with wide, expectant eyes. He saw Katara take another deep breath and close her eyes. The water spun faster and began to glow.

After a second, she opened her eyes again and guided the water to her stomach. It was amazing how it followed her movements so precisely. Katara moved the water over all aroud her stomach. Over the scar and to lower areas as well, where the doctor had said there'd been internal damage. Her eyes closed again as she focused. Her eyebrows were scrunched.

Suddenly, the water soaked through her scar and disappeared. Nothing from the outside looked any different. Katara opened her eyes again and looked at Zuko. She moved to sit up again and this time, Zuko let her. He released her shoulder, not realizing how tightly he'd been gripping it while she'd healed.

"Well," she started. "I guess we'll find out later if it worked."

Zuko nodded and ran his hand through his hair. When he looked up, he noticed she seemed a little sad. Immediately, he stood and sat next to her on the couch. Katara let herself fall back down, her head resting on his leg. She was on her side and watching the crackling fire.

He brought his hand to her waist naturally and traced small circles on her covered skin. He felt her take a deep shaky breath. Zuko looked outside the window. Night had fallen completely now. The only light came from the orange glow of the fire. After a while, Katara's breaths slowed and evened and he figured she'd fallen asleep. Perhaps they could just stay here tonight.

. . .

"Wait, are you sure?" he asked seriously, watching her closely. It was early morning, and they were standing in the middle of their bright bedroom. Katara was pacing and Zuko was completely frozen, trying not to get too excited too early.

"I mean I think so," she said lightly, the tiniest bit of excitement in her voice. "It feels the same as it did before. But it's been so long…" she added sadly. Katara brought her hand to her forehead and wiped away something that wasn't there.

Zuko walked closer to her but didn't touch her. "Katara, it's alright." Katara stopped pacing, but her face was still worried when she looked to him. "Can we find out the same way we did before?" he asked quietly.

Katara hesitated but nodded nervously. "I think so," she said, her voice just as quiet. Zuko took another step towards her and placed his hand on her cheek. She leaned into his comforting touch. If this didn't work, if it turned out to be a false alarm, or even if it wasn't a false alarm but they ended up losing it, he was worried she'd no longer be herself. That a part of her would be crushed for good.

She twirled her arms, and water came in through the bathroom and coated her hands and wrists. Katara looked at Zuko, and something hit him differently. Her eyes were extra bright in the early sunlight. Her hair was still a little tangled from sleep. But her cheeks were flushed, giving her tan skin a rosy hue. She was so amazing. Katara bit her lip.

"Whatever happens, everything will be okay," he reassured. Katara nodded, but her face was still scrunched in worry. Slowly, she placed her hands on her flat, bare stomach. Zuko gripped her lower arms tightly, right above the water. Katara closed her eyes and let her forehead fall forward against Zuko's forehead. The water began glowing and Zuko closed his eyes too. They stood completely still, waiting. Waiting for that small spark of life they'd felt the last three times.

It was taking too long. Something was wrong. Had it been this long before? He couldn't remember. Zuko felt Katara shift against him. She was antsy.

"Shh, just wait," he whispered, reassuring himself too.

That's when it happened. A beat rippled through the water that covered Katara's hands and traveled the short way up her arms to his own hands. They both gasped and opened their eyes to look at each other, faces only inches apart. Neither were smiling yet.

But then it happened again. And again. Katara's face broke into the largest smile he'd seen on her face since the doctor's visit. Her eyes lit up and her face glowed. She laughed like she couldn't believe it as tears of happiness and relief pooled in her eyes. The water fell away from her hands and onto the floor as her forehead fell against his chest. She was still laughing. Zuko wrapped his arms around her.

This was it. It'd worked. Zuko felt almost as happy now as the day she'd agreed to marry him on that cliff in the South Pole so long ago. He couldn't have pushed the smile away from his face even if he'd wanted to. They were going to have another child. Katara was going to be okay.

Suddenly, she backed away and looked at him, gripping his arms tightly. "We could still lose it," she said carefully.

Zuko shook his head earnestly. "We won't," he said, his voice serious. The water they'd used so long ago had made this possible. He was sure of it. Tazin and Kai had been miracles. Gifts from the spirits. But this little child was more than that. It'd been made possible because of water from the spirit oasis directly. It wasn't going anywhere. And, he thought with a smile, there was no way it wasn't a waterbender.

This seemed to be all the reassurance Katara needed. Tears fell down her cheeks and she smiled brightly again, laughing just to release some of the happiness she felt.

At that moment, the doors of their bedroom burst open loudly. They turned suddenly, Katara hastily retying her robe.

"MOOOM," yelled Tazin, angrily stomping into their room. Kai rushed in after him. "Kai took my—"

"I didn't steal your knife! I swear," the little boy said, moments away from stomping his foot. "I don't even like your stupid knife."

"Did too! Where else would it be?! And don't call it stupid." Both kids noticed Katara's face at the same time. "Wait. Why are you crying, Mom?" said Tazin suddenly, his tone changing completely.

Zuko and Katara both laughed and looked at each other. She was glowing. Absolutely radiant. Zuko didn't think he'd ever loved her more than he did right now. The boys stared at them in complete confusion. Katara slipped into her 'mom mode' and bent down to Tazin and Kai's level. She grabbed Tazin's hand and he raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. "Oh, my boys," she laughed, wiping her face. "I love you so much."

"Are you okay?" asked Kai carefully, clearly feeling like this situation was strange.

Katara laughed and nodded. Zuko knelt next to Kai, looking at them both carefully. "Your mother is going to have another baby," he said simply. Both boys' golden eyes widened.

"No way," whispered Tazin.

"Whoaaaa," said Kai at the same time. They both turned to Katara. "So you're not sad?"

Zuko chuckled at their reactions to the new information. "No," said Katara, still wiping away tears. Both boys went to hug their mother. Zuko's heart glowed as Katara wrapped an arm around each of them. Her eyes closed and her smile grew. "Definitely not sad."

The End