Sunrise
"I'm supposed to be Fire Lord," Zuko said for the seventeenth time as he adjusted the voluminous robes around him. He sounded like a pig-hen adjusting his feathers.
"In a minute, you're going to be chewing rock," Toph growled. She wasn't too happy being forced into a gown herself. Just because this was a coronation, didn't mean she had to be confined in silk chains. "You're about to be one of the most powerful men in the world. Shouldn't you be happy?"
"I guess. I just...dreamed of this second for so long. And now it's here," Zuko said, as he began to pace across the floor. "And I'm not sure how I should feel."
"You should feel good. It's been three years since the War ended. Your evil dad is in chains, your sister is dead and your uncle is waiting to pass on the crown. Stop moping and questioning things. You won. Rejoice! Throw a party!" Toph ordered, wondering if smacking him would help. It had worked before.
"I guess...you're right," Zuko mumbled, as he stopped pacing and walked over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Of course I'm right. It's the sunrise of your reign, the chance for you to make things right. Leave your doubts here and go out there!" Toph ordered. She was not going to tolarate any angsting on this wonderful day.
"What would I do without you, Lady Toph?" Zuko asked, taking her hand.
"Fail. That's why I am marrying you," Toph said, giving him a rare smile. She knew he'd be like the rising sun, a beacon of light and majesty...as long as she was by his side. "It's just civic duty, to prevent you from screwing up." But she couldn't let him get too haughty!
Dedicated to Claudia for translating this into Italian!
Grazie!