In which an important phone call takes place. (conversation begins with Zuko)
"So…?"
"So."
"When did…?"
"When do you think?
"…oh."
"Yep."
"I guess that makes sense."
"You were quite the animal that afternoon, even if it was only a quickie in the airport bathroom."
"I hadn't seen you in a month. And then I was gone again for two months after that…I'm a horrible husband."
"You should work on that. It gets very…lonely, without you."
"I'm sure you find ways to…entertain yourself when I'm not around."
"I do. But it's just not the same."
"I can only imagine…in fact, I'm imagining it right now."
"Something to get you through those long executive board meetings?"
"Something I'd like to see later this evening."
"…well…um…I mean, that's kind of…I didn't know you got off on that."
"Given the amount of time we've spent apart of late, I'm surprised either of us remembers what gets us off. But I intend to rectify that. Maybe after dinner?"
"Promises, promises."
"Not a promise, a fact. I already had my schedule cleared – no phones, no work, no interruptions. It's just you, me, homemade risotto and some vintage wine – well I guess the wine's out now."
"That's a yes. And I'm glad we're doing this."
"So am I. I've missed you."
"And I've missed you…truth be told, if the clinic wasn't so shorthanded my hormones would've had me bent over your office desk hours ago."
"For once, I'm disappointed that you made the honorable choice to stay and work."
"I figured you might be."
"…"
"What is it?"
"…we've going to have a baby."
"You never know. It might be two. Or three. Or more."
"…shit."
"Stop worrying. We planned for this eventuality. We've been saving. It'll be fine."
"I know…and this is great…but-"
"You're going to be a terrific father. We're not going down this road again. You say the 'O'-word and I swear by Buddha that you will not be tapping this magnificent ass tonight, no matter how badly I want you in me."
"I would hate to leave the lady unsatisfied."
"I'm glad we came to an understanding. I'll see you at home, hon. And Zuko?"
"Yes Katara?"
"I love you."
"Forever?"
"Fivever."
*click*
Zuko sank back into his office chair, completely dumbfounded and strangely joyful.
He was going to be a father.
