Written for Zutara week 2013. Prompt: Euphoria
Sorry I'm a little behind on Zutara week. Naturally it had to be the same week as the last week of my summer class. You know the drill: enjoy and review!
Katara twirled in a circle, watching the long white dress spin around her. She knew most girls were nervous on their wedding day, but she couldn't help but feel excited. She giggled.
"Now, Katara. Sit down so I can do your hair," Gran Gran said.
"Sorry," Katara replied meekly as she sat. Gran Gran wove her hair into the intricate braids that were typical for a water tribe bride. She tied it up with blue ribbons. Katara stood and turned to look at her reflection in the mirror.
"Don't you look beautiful, my little water-bender," Gran Gran said. "Oh, Katara, you can't wear that anymore." She untied Katara's necklace and slipped it into her pocket. "I'll save it for your daughter."
Someone knocked at the door. "Katara? Are you ready?" Hakoda called. Gran Gran opened the door and handed Hakoda Katara's veil. "You look just as pretty as your mother on our wedding day." He fastened the veil in Katara's hair and flipped it so it covered her face. He held out his arm to Katara. She linked her arm through it and they made their way to the entrance of the ceremony hall. Gran Gran went ahead to announce the bride's arrival.
The music stared and the doors swung open, revealing a huge crowd. Everybody stood as they saw Katara. She felt a gentle tug on her arm as her father began to walk down the aisle. She fell into step beside him, and looked up to the stage. There were her bridesmaids: Suki, Toph, and Mai. Standing to the opposite side were the groomsmen: Aang, Sokka, and Teo (who was now somewhat able to walk due to Katara's healing powers and some new invention from his father).
Then her blue eyes locked with her soon-to-be husband's golden eyes. He smiled at her, and she grinned back. Katara and Hakoda stopped at the foot of the stage. He pushed back her veil and hugged her tight. She returned his hug, then he let go, smiled, and went to his seat.
Katara took her groom's offered hand and stepped up onto the stage. "Nervous?" Zuko asked.
Katara shook her head and grinned. "I couldn't be more excited."
"Me either." he squeezed her hand, and together they turned to the Sage. They said their vows, and then Sokka and Suki's young son rose from his seat, holding a small cushion. He walked up to the stage and held it out to Zuko. "Thank you," Zuko said as he lifted a necklace off the cushion. He held it before him so Katara could see it, then tied it around her neck. The betrothal necklace was a blue ribbon with a blue pendant hanging from it, similar to Katara's old necklace. The difference was, this slightly larger pendant had a red flame where before there was a water tribe insignia.
"You may now kiss the bride," The sage said. Zuko and Katara leaned towards each other for a kiss, then Zuko pulled her closer and deepened it.
"Zuko! In front of all these people?" Katara protested.
"You're my wife now. I'll kiss you whenever and however I like!" He smiled.
Katara laughed and kissed him again. "Sounds good to me."