Chapter 24

The sun was rising and as usual Kuvira and Bataar woke with the sun. This is the day they had been waiting for, the day that took too long to come. They stared into each other's eyes as they lay there waking from a restful sleep. "We have to get up. There is a lot that has to be done before we go to the bride and groom's suites to dress for the wedding." Kuvira reminded. "I know. My father will be up in about an hour. Korra and Asami will be here soon to escort you downstairs." Bataar commented. "I can't believe that in a few hours we will finally be married. We have waited long enough." Kuvira stated. "I agree. Come on get up." Bataar pushed.

An hour later Korra and Asami knocked on the door. "Here comes the bride." Korra teased. Kuvira's face turned red. She never liked being the center of this kind of attention. "Where is Bataar?" Asami asked. "He went downstairs with his father." Kuvira replied. "Well come on let's go." Asami said. As they walked down to the bride's room they passed Suyin who was making her way to the groom's room to see her son. She smiled at Kuvira who kept looking ahead. Kuvira just hoped she would leave her alone.

As they entered the room, the makeup artist was already waiting for them. Kuvira hoped she make her look like a clown. She never wore a lot of makeup. "Come on sit down so we can get started." The makeup artist stated. As the makeup artist applied makeup to Kuvira's face, Korra and Asami couldn't help, but laugh. "What's so funny?" Kuvira asked. "Nothing, we just never saw you with the much make up on before, you look different." Asami commented. "It looks good"

The time seemed to go by fast because before they knew it, Kuvira had to finish putting her dress on so they could get her down the aisle. "I just love how the emerald and diamonds go with the dress. They bring out your eyes. You look exquisite." Korra complemented. Kuvira put her veil on and they left for the ceremony.

The music was playing and Kuvira started getting nervous. She had wanted a very small wedding or no wedding at all and there were a lot more than a few more people added to the original guest list. She supposed she would have to get used to it because Bataar was a Beifong and in a few moments so would she. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her hands were shaking. Asami and Korra as bridesmaids walked in front. "Just keep your eyes on Bataar and you'll be fine." Korra comforted. "It's time. Let's go Korra." Asami said.

As Korra and Asami made their way down the aisle everyone turned their heads expecting the bride to come out any minute. Kuvira watched as Korra and Asami made their way to the end of the aisle and the music signaled it was her turn. As she walked down the aisle, she kept her eyes on Bataar who was looking at her as if she was the only one in the room. He had a huge smile on his face. Everyone was looking at her and she felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest. As she made her way to the altar she notices Bataar's father standing next to him with a smile on her face. She returned the smile. He had always been nice to her and made her feel welcome. She took Bataar's arm as they step up to the altar together.

"We are here to witness the marriage of Bataar and Kuvira." The judge started. "Bataar, do you take Kuvira to be your wife and promise to love her all the days of your life?"

"I do." Bataar beamed.

"Kuvira, do you take Bataar to be your husband and promise to love him all the days of your life?" The judge asked.

"I do." Kuvira smiled.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride." The judge stated.

Bataar and Kuvira gazed into each other's eyes for just a moment before Bataar took her in his arms and kissed her long and hard. He didn't care that everyone was watching them, this was his wife. When he finally let her go, they walked back down the aisle as everyone cheered for them. Suyin was crying. She couldn't believe that her babies had gotten married. She was very happy for them. At least she knew that Bataar would take good care of Kuvira.

"Congratulations," Korra and Asami beamed as they hugged both Bataar and Kuvira at the same time. "Thanks," Kuvira and Bataar responded. Bataar's father, sister and brothers walked approached them and congratulated them one by one. Prince Wu was behind them and gave shook Bataars hand before hugging Kuvira. "Congratulations you guys." Wu stated. "Thanks." Kuvira and Bataar responded. As they made their way through the crowd to the reception hall and to their table, everyone cheered. After everything settled and the music started to play, there was an announcement for the newlyweds to dance. As Bataar took Kuvira's hand he smiled at her, "let's go Mrs. Beifong." Kuvira giggled. She had never felt so happy. He led her onto the dance floor where he spun her around. "Where did you learn how to dance like this?" Kuvira asked. Bataar smiled, the surprise had worked. "Asami has been teaching me at the factory, while you were off with Korra." Bataar laughed and winked at Asami who smiled and winked back. The DJ called the bride and grooms parents on the dance floor. Suyin look at Bataar Jr. who nodded his head for her to dance with his father. Bataar Sr. took Suyin's hand and led his wife onto the dance floor. "They are beautiful together don't you think?" Suyin asked her husband. "Yes, they are. They look very happy." Bataar Sr. replied. It was when the DJ called announced that the groom would dance with his mother and bride with her father. Bataar had forgotten to tell the DJ not to do that. Before Bataar Jr. could say anything, his father swoops in and takes Kuvira into his arms, leaving Bataar Jr. with Suyin. As they danced other people started making their way to the dance floor.

"Congratulations, sweetheart!" Bataar Sr. beamed at Kuvira. "Thank you, Mr. Beifong." Kuvira replied not knowing how she should address him. She never interacted with him growing up. "Kuvira, I know I may not have acted like it and for that I am sorry, but I think of you as my daughter. Please call me father or Bataar or whatever else you feel comfortable with." Bataar replied as he kissed Kuvira's forehead. She didn't know what came over her, but she felt her heart surging with love for this man who had always made her feel welcomed and wanted. "Ok…..Bataar," Kuvira uttered as she looked into Bataar Sr.'s eyes. He wrapped his arms around her as Bataar and Suyin watched. "I wonder what happened." Suyin thought out loud. "I don't know Mother, but they are both smiling so it can't be bad." Bataar Jr. replied. "She looks stunning. I don't think I have ever seen her wear makeup like that before." Suyin commented. "That's because she hasn't," Bataar smirked. They danced each danced a few more dances with their current partners as they before Kuvira and Bataar Jr. started dancing again.

"What happen between you and father?" Bataar Jr. asked. "Bataar and I were just talking," Kuvira smiled. Bataar smiled at the way she referred to Bataar Sr. He knew that even though Bataar Sr. and Kuvira were never close, they were always fond of each other. The wedding was a success and everyone had a wonderful time. The wedding was over all too soon. Kuvira had enjoyed herself and she was happy that she had made up with Bataar Sr. That alone would make things easier between her and Bataar. Kuvira didn't think that she would ever be able to be comfortable around Suyin again though. She didn't say anything because she had wanted to make Bataar Jr. happy and it worked, but she wasn't comfortable when Suyin got too close. There was just too much pain and she couldn't open herself up to Suyin for her to only hurt her once again.