Author Note: Hey guys! So I started school this week so I won't be able to upload new chapters as often as I have been! However, this story coming to a close soon so not to worry! :)

This chapter is where the thought for this story first came to be.. so I'm excited to finally be writing this!

Disclaimer: Still don't own anything.

It was a cool, sunny spring morning in the Capital of the Fire Nation.Aang had awoken early in the morning out of pure excitement, and had decided to go for a walk and watch the sunrise. The palace courtyard was quiet and calm. It was early enough that Aang figured he wouldn't see any palace staff walking about. He made his way to where he and Katara were set to wed in eight hours. His heart fluttered. "Today is the day," he thought, "I'm marrying the most beautiful, perfect, extraordinary person in the world today."

They chose the palace courtyard for a few reasons. First, Zuko could officiate. Ever since they got engaged, Zuko begged and pleaded with Aang to let him officiate. After ruling out all other options, they agreed. Second, this was a heavily guarded area. The wedding they planned was small and intimate. They did not want unwanted guests there - just their close friends and family. Knowing Aang's status as the Avatar, they considered the fact that people from all over the world would try to get a peak at their wedding. Enlisting the help of the Kyoshi Warriors, the palace courtyard would quickly become the safest place for the wedding to take place. A day for Aang to not worry about saving the world. A day where all he had to think about, was marrying the love of his life.

He closed his eyes to picture what Katara was going to look like today. He knew she would look beautiful. She always looked beautiful. She had been talking about her outfit with Suki non stop (and even Toph got in on these conversations sometimes!), and although Katara always tried to keep Aang out of the conversation so he would be surprised, he had heard enough to know that she was going to be downright stunning.

"Aang?" Katara's voice came from behind where Aang was standing. She had woken early as well.

"Katara, sweetie," Aang jumped at her voice, turning to face her. She was rubbing her eyes, wrapped in Fire Nation robes, hair down, framing her face perfectly. He ran to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Without a word, he brought her in for a sweet kiss.

"I couldn't sleep," Katara whispered after they broke free, her nose still pressed against his. "I'm too excited."

Aang grinned, keeping his face near hers. "Me too," he said, "it feels like we've waited forever. I can't wait for you to be my wife."

Katara smiled as well. Keeping her eyes closed, she nodded in agreement. "Today we begin the rest of our life. I can't wait to call you husband."

They kissed once more before parting. "But," Katara began as she forced herself away from his sweet embrace, "you know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Katara winked as she giggled.

"Isn't that once you're in your dress? I don't get to see you for the whole day?" Aang looked genuinely distraught over this fact, which caused Katara to giggle a little more. "Aang, the wedding is in the afternoon. It's not even that much time."

Aang sighed and replied a simple "Okay," before kissing her one more time. "I love you, you know. My almost wife."

"I love you too, almost husband."

The Southern Water Tribe

"Avatar Aang! Wake up!"

Aang awoke to three wide sets of eyes staring at him, causing him to let out a gasp of surprise.

"Good morning, Avatar Aang!"

"Mom made breakfast!"

"We were wondering how long it would take for you to wake up!"

"Sorry, long day yesterday," Aang replied sleepily, rubbing his eyes. As the three kids ran out of their room, Aang yawned. He tried to un-fog his brain and snap out of dream land. It felt so real. He could practically feel Katara's embrace as he sat on the bed. What if he had special dreams? What if they weren't make believe and he was seeing into his future? He was the avatar after all, and weirder things had happened to him.

Taking one more big stretch, he stood up, realizing the sun was completely up. He wasn't one to be a sleepy head in the morning. He actually preferred to be an early riser. Feeling a little lazy, he walked to the main room of the house.

"Good morning, Avatar Aang," Noquan said from a small table next to the kitchen. He was already finishing up his breakfast, most likely nearly ready to head out. "I apologize if these three scared you. I sent them in to wake you up so I could speak with your briefly about today before I left. I didn't know they would be so excited to do so." His three kids all giggled, now all seated at the table.

Aang smiled. "It's quite alright, I've had my fair share of waking up in a panic."

"Yes, well, we still are trying to teach them to be a little less blunt." Noquan shared a giggle with Aang, before taking his last bite of food. "I got word that our meeting today will only be a half day, so luck is already on your side. I can speak with Hakoda to invite him to dinner during our midday break. I will be as discrete as possible."

"Thank you sir," Aang said, "your help really means the world to me. How can I repay you?"

Noquan raised his hand in front of him. "Please," he said, "everything you have done for the world over the last few years is enough. This is me, repaying you. Our family is together and safe because of you. I am honored to help you in any way that I can."

Aang opened his mouth to protest but was shut down when Tyla walked in with breakfast. "I made a vegetarian breakfast, Aang," she placed a plate in front of him. "Please eat!"

Aang thanked her and took a small bite, finding the food absolutely delicious. Noquan stood up as Aang began to eat. "Well, I am off," he said as he kissed his wife and hugged his kids. "I will let you all know what Chief Hakoda says when I get home." He waved, and walked out the door.

"So, what shall we do today?" Rana said excitedly.

"You," Tyla chipped in, "along with your brother and sister, have chores to do. I am sure the Avatar has plenty to think about, so you should let him be."

Aang continued to eat his breakfast as his mind wondered once again. "This is it. This is the first step towards asking Katara to marry me."

Town Meeting

"And like I said," Hakoda said, sitting behind a table, lined with other members of the tribe, "after our issues with the North a year ago, I understand the trust issues we would have with them. But we cannot cut ourselves off from our sister tribe."

BRRRRIIINNGGGGG!

"Time for our midday break. Please be back in here in thirty minutes!"

"I gotta say dad," Sokka said as they all stood up from their place at the table, "I think you are really changing some opinions here. You are making some excellent points."

Hakoda smiled and nudged his son in the side. "You're not so bad yourself. Keep it up and you could be in politics someday."

"Chief Hakoda?"

The voice cause Hakoda, Sokka and Katara to jump out of surprise. "Noquan! How are you?"

"I am well, thank you, "Noquan said as he approached Hakoda. "I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment?"

Hakoda stretched his hand out towards a door on their left. "Of course, anything for you, old friend. Katara, Sokka, I will be back soon."

Katara and Sokka waved at their father before heading in the opposite direction. The two men entered the dimly lit room, Hakoda opening a window to let light in. "I tell you," he said with a smile, "sometimes I wonder how nice life would be for a firebender. Never having to worry about light."

Noquan and Hakoda shared a laugh as they sat down in two chairs. "So, what can I do for you?"

"Nothing crazy," Noquan began, "just wanted to invite you to dinner tonight."

"Oh how nice of you," Hakoda replied, "I have a large amount of paperwork to complete today. I'm not sure I'll be able to leave early today."

Noquan placed a hand on his chin, leaning forwards. "It's a special occasion, sir. My wife and I received a visitor last night that we want you to meet. He will be leaving soon, however. I'm afraid tonight would be the only option."

"Oh? What kind of visitor?"

"A surprise one!" Noquan smiled, trying to be as discrete as possible. "Think you can make it?"

Hakoda, now also leaning forward said, "well, if it is a surprise. I can't pass that up. Katara and Sokka are supposed to have dinner with their grandma tonight, however. They won't be able to make it."

Noquan felt relieved, not having to come up with an excuse to not invite them. "Oh, not to worry! He wants to meet you specifically."

"Great! Then, it's a plan. I'll see you tonight Noquan."

Noquan's Home

Aang was pacing in the main room. The moment Noquan got home and informed them his plan was successful, Aang felt relief. That morphed very quickly into nerves. "What if he doesn't want me to marry his daughter?" Aang thought. He had spent a lot of time with Hakoda. He liked him a lot. Aang shook his head and sighed. "Of course he will. He knows how much we love each other." This thought was followed by a deep breath. Trying to push the nerves down, Aang closed his eyes and imagined Katara. When all this was over, they would be engaged. That was all that mattered.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Tyla emerged from the kitchen to open the door. Keela, Noen and Rana had already eaten and had been sent to bed to keep from interrupting the important night. They protested when their mother informed them they could not be a part of this important conversation, but Aang promised to do something fun with them once this was all done and he didn't have to hide any more. They begrudgingly agreed.

"Chief Hakoda," Tyla said as she opened the door to welcome him in, "I'm so glad you could make it. Welcome!" She motioned him inside, where Noquan stood to welcome him. The men shook hands. "Thanks for coming," Noquan said as they smiled.

"Of course, thank you for inviting me. I love a good excuse to leave – Aang?"

Hakoda had noticed Aang standing in the corner, waiting for Hakoda to notice him. He sheepishly smiled and waved. "Hi, Chief Hakoda, sir."

Hakoda looked to the side, obviously confused. "Hi Aang. I'm sorry, I'm a little confused. Noquan, is this the visitor you mentioned? I have definitely met him before. After all, he is dating my daughter."

"Well," Noquan began, "I know that. The truth is, Avatar Aang has some questions to ask you. I was trying to be discrete about it."

"Why don't we all sit at the table," Tyla interrupted to break the confusion. "Dinner is ready, and we can get everything out in the open."

The three men nodded and moved towards the kitchen to sit at the table. Aang could feel his heart fluttering as he opened his mouth to explain. "Sir," he began, "I apologize for being secretive. I'm trying to surprise Katara and need your help."

"Aang," Hakoda said with a grin, "you never have to apologize to me! I'm always happy to help you. Katara hasn't stopped talking about you since she got here. She already misses you so much. She will be very happy to see you!" Hakoda paused, as Aang grew more and more nervous. "You need my help with something?"

Aang's eyes were down at his plate of food as he desperately tried to figure out the best way to word this conversation. "Yes, sir, I, well, uh," Aang was rubbing the back of his neck, just like he always did when he was nervous. "Well, to be honest sir-"

"Aang," Hakoda interrupted, "if you call me 'sir' one more time, I might start to freak out. I've known you since you were twelve. Why are you being so formal?"

Aang's eyes grew a little wide at this comment. He knew he was not good at hiding his emotions. He sighed as he forced the next sentence out. "I want to propose to Katara."

A long silence followed this statement. Noquan and Tyla sat, quietly eating, trying to stay out of it. Hakoda did not look upset or confused. Instead, his eyes grew wide as he looked Aang in the face. Aang could feel his heart rate grow even faster yet again. He waited what felt like hours for Hakoda to respond. "Aang…" Hakoda began. "You want to marry my daughter?"

Aang didn't really know that this kind of reaction meant. But before he could respond, Hakoda spoke again. "This is the best news I've heard in a long time!" A grin spread Hakoda's face as he stood from the table. Aang sighed, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. "Aang, I would like nothing more than for you to be my son-in-law. I've actually been expecting to have this conversation with you for quite some time."

"Really? For how long?"

"Well, I have half a mind to believe that if you ended to war when you were a bit older, you two would have gotten married right there on the spot."

Aang started to feel warmth in his cheeks, knowing they were flushing red. Aang stood as Hakoda walked over to him. Before he could stand all the way up, Hakoda brought him into a warm embrace. Aang had never hugged Hakoda before. It was warm and loving. As his eyes closed, his brain went somewhere he hadn't in a long time. Suddenly Aang had a sense of fatherly love wash over him. He hadn't felt this kind of love since he last spoke to Monk Gyatso. A tear formed in his eye as he was released from the hug.

Aang looked up to Hakoda's face. "Does this mean I have your blessing?"

Hakoda grinned. "Of course, Aang. You have my blessing to marry my daughter."

Author Note: Yay! Almost there! I am hoping to get the next chapter out some time next week. Hope you all enjoyed this one!