chapter 19 THE WEDDING!!!!! oh and a BIG suprise in this...let's see if you can figure it out before it's spilt......

A maroon blur raced through the columns. Passing by people, and running fast. She stopped to take a breath, leaning against one of the columns.

"Suki?" a voice called out to her. She turned her head to see a short earthbender heading her way, in a maroon gown also. They were dressed as the bridesmaids, for Katara. It was the day of the wedding.

The last month had been frantic, she had arrived with Katara's father and grand-parents, a week after Zuko and Katara set the date. Katara had been in panic-attack mode for the last month, and for the past week, had gotten ill. They kept telling her to go to the doctor, but she wouldn't listen.

It was crazy, arranging the wedding and the places for the families to stay. The palace was large enough, but Sokka said he didn't want to stay there, until he saw the kitchen. He had changed his mind almost immediately.

"Yeah Toph?"

"Okay, 2 things," Suki walked up to Toph and they both head back to the dressing room, "the first thing, did you get something borrowed?"

Suki held up her lucky fan. Katara already had something new, her engagement necklace, and something blue, her under-garments. Toph had to get something old.

"Second, Katara is in the bathroom throwing up again."

"…again?" Suki was worried about this; Katara would have to stand at the altar for 4 hours, before she could get away to the bathroom. She hoped Katara would not get sick during this. Toph just nodded and slipped into the room. Suki followed and could hear Katara gagging.

"Katara, are you all right?" Suki knocked on the door. Katara opened it and smiled.

"Of course."

"Sugar Queen, you did not sound all right."

"I'm fine!" Katara said, walking over to the mirror. She fixed her hair and make-up, slipping on her shoes.

"Suki, do you have something borrowed?" Katara took the fan with shaking hands, and held it up, "Suki, thank you!" Suki just smiled at her.

"It's the least I could do; after all I am your Maid-of-Honor."

Toph stood up and faced the two girls, "Are you ready Katara?"

The soon-to-be Fire Lady nodded, a wide smile spread across her face, "I always have been."

"Well, then I have something old for you!" Toph reached behind her back and pulled out a flyer. Katara took it and looked at it.

"Toph, this is a flyer we made in Ba Sing Se, when we were looking for Appa."

"It's the only thing I could think of, besides, it is something old." Toph just grinned at the two. Suki rolled her eyes, forgetting Toph was blind for a moment. Katara giggled and hid it in her bouquet.

She spun around in front of the two, "how do I look?"

"Very beautiful," replied Toph sarcastically, "said the BLIND girl!"

"You look gorgeous Katara!" Suki said, hugging Katara briefly.

The bride took a deep breathe, and rushed into the bathroom, retching noises could be heard.

Suki sighed, "This is going to be a long day!"

Toph nodded, "Yup."

Zuko looked at his reflection. He stood in maroon robes with gold trimmings. The pattern of a black dragon followed around the robes, dancing with an invisible partner. His hair was in a top-knot, usual for the Fire Lord. The golden Fire insignia sat on top, glimmering in the light it caught.

Fixing the collar for the sixth time, he glanced at another reflection in the mirror, his brother-in-law-to-be. The warrior was dressing in his maroon robes, grumbling about something to do with the color blue. Zuko smirked to himself, Sokka could always give you a smile, and he respected him for that, although he would never admit it out loud.

The Fire Lord turned around and looked at the Avatar. He was dresses in his usual orange and yellow, saying it was an Air Nomad wedding tradition. He also looked toward his future father-in-law and gulped.

The warrior was very intimidating, and was bound to talk to Zuko at some point. The firebender shrugged in his robes, damn it's hot in here, he thought. The room was silent except for the ruffling of fabrics and Sokka's silent ranting.

"Are you ready for the big day?" Aang's enthusiastic voice said beside him, breaking the silence.

Zuko just shrugged, he had another pair of eyes on him. Sokka's back was still turned, although he had stopped grumbling and stood still.

"Come on, I mean you're getting married!" Aang said beside him, giving him a lopsided smile which caused a grin to spread across Zuko's face.

"Yeah, I mean I'm nervous as hell, but extremely excited about it!" He looked at the older warrior, who watched him with calculating eyes.

"Zuko," the older man beckoned, "I need to talk to you." Sokka looked over at his father then Zuko, barely stifling a laugh. Aang found something interesting to stare at on the wall. The Fire Lord gulped and walked over to the older man. Hakoda flung an arm over the firebender's shoulder and walked him out into the hall. Zuko stiffened as the arm remained over his shoulders, tightening by a fraction.

"Zuko, you do realize that you are marrying my daughter, the technical Princess of the Southern Water Tribe?"

"Yes Sir." Zuko answered automatically.

"You do realize that if you hurt her in any way, you'll be hunted down by the entire Water Tribes?"

Zuko just stared at the older man, the arm around his shoulder long dropped. He turned so he was facing Katara's father, his lips pressed into a thin line. Brows furrowed deep in thought.

He did realize that he loved Katara long ago, but he knew she would get hurt. People did not want to see 2 different benders marrying, especially nobles in his court. He had managed to get them to agree, but nothing would stop the gossip that spread. With him being Fire Lord that meant Katara had to produce an heir. The nobles would definitely try to stop her, probably send assassins after her.

"I would kill or die for your daughter" he answered truthfully, "I'm not going to lie and say yes, I can not stop what some nobles may say, but I can try to protect her from it."

The older man nodded approvingly, "Keep her safe." Zuko nodded, a small smile hinting at the corners of his mouth. Hakoda patted him on the back, rather hard, and walked down the hallway, he paused for a moment.

"Are you going to miss your own wedding?" He joked to his future son-in-law. Zuko chuckled and caught up easily. They had some small talk as they made their way to the formal hall.

Hakoda stopped as Zuko was about to open the doors, "Aren't you coming in?"

The warrior chuckled, "no, it's a water tribe tradition to walk the bride up the isle."

"Oh." Zuko waved once to Hakoda and ducked into the doors. He looked around. On one side, the Fire Nation Flag flew proudly. On the other, a Water Tribe Flag fluttered in the wind. Katara had wanted an outdoor wedding, while Zuko argued with her over it. The memory brought a chuckle out of his mouth.

Toph, Katara Suki, Aang, and Zuko all sat along a round table. Sokka refused to participate in the "corruption of my baby sister" as he stated. In the middle of the table, there were fabrics and various flowers thrown about. Samples of cake sat neatly to the side, to be tested for later. Aang eyed them hungrily but stared back at the arguing couple. Suki was in the middle, trying to compromise and Toph sat to the side, amused by the shouting match.

"I said I wanted an outdoor wedding!" Katara stomped her foot like an impatient child, folder her arms over her chest. Suki sighed and looked over at the groom, who was currently glaring at the waterbender. His face was red with anger, and the room growing warmer and warmer.

"And I think an indoor wedding is more practical." He answered slowly, and sounded as though the words were being forced from his lips. He had to keep his temper in check, taking a deep breath, he looked over at Katara.

She glared openly at him, the fire in her eyes almost glowed. God, why, did she have to be like that, he thought to himself. A fighter's spirit, she was Fire Nation; she just didn't know it yet. And Gods, she looked so beautiful when she was frustrated, her face flushed and her eyes showing her inner furry.

He had to resist the urge to go up to her and press her into a passionate kiss, the little scene playing in his mind perfectly. He felt a jab on his side and looked down at Katara, who was next to him, and looking more hostile.

"Were you even listening to me?" She demanded, her face getting inches away from his.

"Um… No, sorry day dreaming." He looked down at her, she looked even more pissed.

"I said," putting emphasize on 'said', "we should have an outdoor wedding near a pond!" poking his chest with every word. He grabbed her hand and held it in his larger, calloused one, pulling her to his chest. She glared up at him, before turning her head away, pleading Suki to help with her eyes.

"I think," Suki started slowly, "that we should have an indoor wedding-"

"Traitor!" Katara yelled at her, still being held to Zuko's chest, although not resisting.

"Let me finish," the Kyoshi warrior protested, "I think we should have an indoor wedding, where there are no windows, like arcs. In a temple with just a roof, that way it settles both your wants."

Zuko shrugged, he was fine with it. He looked down at Katara; she seemed calmer, although her eyes were in slits.

"What about the pond?" she whined, Gods she was sexy when she did that. Stop it, Zuko scolded himself.

"I'll build one just for you," Zuko murmured to her. She sighed, giving in.

"…fine. What's next?"

Aang nearly jumped a mile in the air, "Cake samples!"

Everyone chuckled and he looked sheepish, although was still staring at the cake.

Zuko stood at the Alter, to his left stood Sokka, his best man. Katara had insisted upon it. Next to him was Aang. He looked around. Many people were still filing in, but lots were already there. He saw Gran-Gran, as she told him to call her, and she waved at him.

Looking around he also spotted his uncle. Iroh winked at him, and Zuko turned away, before a blush could get to his cheeks. Fire Lords do NOT blush!

He stood impatiently at the Alter, waiting for procession to start. He hadn't seen her all day, another Water Tribe tradition; although his Uncle seemed to stress it on him it was also Fire Nation tradition.

He tapped his foot to keep form ripping his hair out and going to find Katara herself. Most people were in their seats, the music started and the doors opened.

Katara walked up with Toph and Suki. Her father smiled down at her as she hugged him. Moments before she was rushing here, after another wave of nausea had hit her. She convinced Toph it was nerves, but Suki could sense there was something Katara wasn't saying, but didn't press any further into it.

Hakoda pulled away from her and looked down at his only daughter smiling.

"You look as beautiful as your mother did" he said, squeezing her shoulders. She beamed up at him.

"I wish she was here" Katara wiped some tears that threatened to escape. She looked up at her father.

"I'm sure she's here, or she's watching where she is." Katara nodded and hugged her father one more time, before returning to her bride's maids. Toph was fixing her shoes, and suddenly the bottoms were in her hands.

She sighed, "Much better."

"Toph, why did you do that?" Suki scolded, looking down at the youngest girl.

"So I can see," a grin spread across her features, "and Zuko is nervous as hell!" Suki giggled but stopped.

"Toph, is Sokka in there?" Katara asked worriedly. She was afraid that he would not come.

"Yup, and so is Twinkle Toes. Every one came, wow, that a lot of people." Katara gulped loudly, the butterflies that occupied her stomach now felt like flying bison. She hear Suki whispering something to Toph about Katara being nervous enough all ready.

Music started and she walked to her father, who gripped her hand in his own, "Are you ready?"

"I was born ready," she said and took a deep breathe as the doors opened and Toph stepped out.

Zuko watched as Toph stepped forward. Her hair was in it's usual bun, and her bangs covered her face. Her smirk in place was not something that was good for Zuko. She walked forward and Suki came out. Her hair was also in a bun on top of her head. The maroon gowns on both looked lovely, but he couldn't wait to see the bride.

At that moment the doors opened once more revealing the bride. Zuko took in a breath, but felt as though the air did nothing for him. She stood there and was the most beautiful creature on the face of the earth.

Her hair was done nicely. Half of it was in a top knot on top of her head; the other half flowed down her back in gentle waves, almost like a brown waterfall. The Fire Nation insignia would be placed there after the vows. She was smiling, glowing to the room, as she walked down the isle. Her robes looked exquisite as she had several tailors come to her.

They were maroon that faded to a soft white around the edges. The plunging neckline, showed some cleavage, but not enough to call it scandalous. Her betrothal necklace was in place, hugging her neck. The robes clung tightly to every curve; the sash around her mid section was a deep purple, almost black color. The bottom of the gown faded to a soft purple, and a black dragon followed the edge, the invisible partner of his own.

He met the two down the steps, never taking his eyes off Katara. She kissed her father on the cheek, and turned to him. Hakoda placed her smaller hand in his, and looked between the two, who couldn't take their eyes off the other.

He smiled at Katara and gave Zuko a stern look, but a smile tugged at his old features. He squeezed their hands before he went to his seat beside Gran-Gran.

Zuko looked at, "are you ready?"

"I was always ready, now I'm just waiting" she replied, smiling at him. They walked up the steps together, their hands still joined. The priest eyed them carefully, before beginning the ceremony.

"Do you Fire Lord Zuko, take this woman to love and cherish?"

"I do," he said, turning to Katara, their eyes meeting.

"Do you Lady Katara, take this man to love and cherish?"

"I do," she replied her eyes never leaving Zuko's golden one.

The priest took their two hands and fastened a white ribbon around them, "this ribbon symbolizes the love and marriage between the two. It fastens them together and makes them whole." He tied the ribbon in a knot, turning to look at the young couple.

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

Zuko kissed Katara lightly on the lips, then pulled her in for a more passionate kiss. They both smiled into the kiss as they heard the applause around them. Katara heard the sniffs of Gran-Gran, while Zuko heard Iroh's chuckle and "always the lady's man".

They broke apart, both flushed and out of breath. Sokka took Suki's arm and led her down the isle. Aang took Toph; or rather Toph took Aang down the isle, which left the married couple to fend for themselves. They walked down, collecting the congratulations and nodding at the people that flooded around them.

They kept in close contact outside of the temple, and began to walk away to the reception.

The evening was filled with the sounds of a party. The wedding reception was coming to a close, around 1 am. Zuko and Katara were dancing slowly in the middle of the dance floor, a slow melody coming from the instruments.

The wedding reception was filled with laughs, mainly from Sokka and Aang when Zuko had squished the cake in her face. She had gotten him back though, squishing her piece in his face. The crown was placed on her head, safely tucked into her top knot, and boy was it heavy!

They had many people congratulate them, and most of them wished they would have many heirs. Especially Iroh who wanted to, "hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet in the halls of the palace."

Katara just blushed a deep crimson color, as Zuko tried to get Iroh away. When he returned they had both burst out laughing, saying that Iroh must have spiked his tea. Although the sake was open to any one of age. She had caught Aang trying to sneak some, but gave it to him anyway, seeing he was only 3 months shy of his 16th birthday.

Now both he and Toph were dead drunk, and unconscious on one of the sofas. Sokka was dancing with Suki next to them, and Katara smiled. Her perfect paradise was right here, at this moment. Zuko bent his head down to her ear, whispering promises of later that night, and she giggled softly. His breath on her neck tickled her endlessly.

Hakoda and Gran-Gran had long since left, Gran-Gran complaining of her feet hurting. Hakoda wished them a good marriage and saw Gran-Gran leaving to her room, ran to catch up with the older woman.

Iroh was around "tormenting someone" Zuko had so kindly put. Katara rested her head against his chest, and hummed along with the melody. It was a Water tribe lullaby, her mother used to sing to her. She closed her eyes and let the melody engulf her completely.

"Come on love, lets go." He tried to pull her along, but she stopped.

"Zuko I have an announcement to make." She dragged him up to the banquet table, and clinked on the glasses, she had every one's attention in minutes.

"Um, Hello," she started out nervously, "I had an announcement to make." She swallowed nervously. How should I say it, she thought, just blurt it out?

"I wanted to tell you, that….." she looked around at every face, looking at her with interest. Suki had a smirk on her face, and Sokka was raising an eyebrow.

"I'm pregnant!" she blurted out. First it was quiet; Zuko stared at her in shock. Then the hall erupted in more cheers of congratulations.

Suki dragged Sokka, who had the same expression as Zuko, complete confusion.

"Katara, oh my gods, congratulations!" she said, hugging the mother-to-be.

"I'm going to be an uncle?" Sokka asked dazed. He looked down at her stomach and felt it through the cloth. Her stomach grew hot at his touch, "yep, it's a firebender. One with a short temper," he glared at Zuko.

Zuko just stood there, opening and closing his mouth. He looked like a fish out of water.

"Well we should probably go, I'm tired out. Come on Sokka!" she said pulling the warrior behind her, waving to them over her shoulder.

Katara turned to Zuko nervously, "Zuko?"

"I'm going to be a father?"

Katara snorted, "Obviously."

Zuko looked down at her, "you are sure?"

"I checked with the doctor yesterday. That's why I've been getting sick in the mornings."

Zuko just nodded, and sat down heavily in a chair, pulling Katara into his lap.

"I'm going to be a father…" he murmured to himself, before breaking into a big smile. He looked up at Katara, who was playing nervously with a piece of her hair. He took her dainty hands in his, and kissed her palms, "Katara I love you with all my heart."

She smiled, "I know."

"And now I also love our child." He rubbed her tummy, whispering to it, "Hi, I'm your Dad." She laughed.

"Stop it…..that tickles!" She said through fits of giggles. Zuko stopped and looked at her stomach. He bent down and felt it grow warmer at his touch, much like Sokka.

"Yup, he is going to be a firebender."

"He?" Katara raised an eyebrow.

"Yes He." Zuko said before grabbing Katara bridal style and taking her away to his room.

Inside he sat on the bed, looking at Katara. She sat at the vanity brushing out her hair humming the lullaby to herself.

He crossed the room and stood behind her reflection. Bending down he whispered in her ear, "Gods you're beautiful."

The reflection beamed at him. She turned around and took his face between her hands. She kissed him lightly on the lips.

"…Zuko?"

"Mm?" he trailed kisses down her neck, and up again, across her jaw line and back to her lips.

"Are you ready to start our new life?" she asked. He looked up from his task.

"I'm ready to start my new life with my new family." He kissed her lips lightly, and then kissed her tummy.

"…our new family." Katara said.

"Yes, our new family." With a flick of his wrist, the lights went out, and giggles could be heard.

the epilogue is next.....how was the suprise......anybody shocked? *crickets chirp*......well fine then! *sulks in corner*