"Mother, are you crying?" Tenzin asked. He was in his room, together with Aang and Katara, getting ready for the ceremony. Aang was busy smoothing out Tenzin's robes while Katara just sat on Tenzin's bed, looking thoughtfully at her son.
She held a handkerchief to her nose and blew on it. "Oh – you must think I'm so silly – but I – I – congratulations, my son! It seems like only yesterday when I held you in my hands. You were such a beautiful baby – and look at you now! You're getting married!"
Tenzin embraced his mother tightly. "It's not like I'm going away, Mother. Lin and I have decided to stay with you here, and she'll be renting out her city apartment instead. Wouldn't that be nice? You'll be with the kids all the time."
"Lin must take care of you well," she sniffed, smiling at her son.
"She will, Mother. You know she will," he assured.
"Son –"
"Dad?"
Aang looked at his son proudly. "Sit," he began. "I know that today would be the start of a new chapter in your life. Thirty-one years ago, you came into our lives – your mother and I would never forget that day. The first time I held you in my arms, I wondered what the future held for you, what kind of life you would live. I didn't tell your mother about it, but I wondered if I could be a good father to you and teach you – raise you – right."
Katara was laughing softly. "You were a very rambunctious little boy, did you know that? You got into everything and I had to watch you every second. You used to climb up chairs or fly off of tables. You've had a lot of bad falls and you banged your head quite often – but you were a good boy."
"You are definitely a man cut from a different mold than anybody else," Aang smiled. "You have so many wonderful gifts and talents, and it excited us to watch you develop them and wonder where your life is headed."
"Was raising you easy? Not even by a long shot! But you know what? Your mother and I wouldn't have it any other way. Of all my children, it was you who taught me the most. You taught me patience, tolerance, acceptance and a considerable amount of humility. These were things I couldn't have learned in any other way. Thank you."
"Dad, I –"
"Thank you, Tenzin," Aang continued. "Now, you are off to a new chapter in your life. Throughout your childhood, Katara and I were there. It's time for us to leave the spotlight and have you share it with Lin."
"We were there when Lin was born," Katara recalled. "Your father held you in his arms when Toph held Lin for the first time – you may not remember, but you held on to Lin's tiny hands as if you never want to let her go. At that moment, I realized that Lin was someone special. I watched the way you two grew up – I saw from the light in your eyes, the excitement in your voice that Lin had a powerful effect on you. I witnessed the way you bonded with each other and how she brought out the best in you. Tenzin, it's been a long journey for both you, and I just want you to know how genuinely happy I am that you two are finally together."
A barely-heard "thank you" was all that Tenzin could muster. It seemed that his parents were letting him go – that they were relinquishing everything and leaving him to strike out on his own. It felt sad and liberating and the same time. Tenzin wanted to cry, but held back his tears – he was sure that if he started crying, his mother would burst into tears and be quite inconsolable.
Katara was wiping her tears away once more. "The key to a long and happy marriage is to remember two words. Sweetie, do you mind telling Tenzin what these words are?"
Aang grinned. "Yes dear!"
"Wha – OH!"
"When you are married, remember that Lin will always have the last word in an argument. Any word you add after that is, by default, the start of a new argu – OUCH!" Aang winced as Katara pinched his side. "See what I mean? Remember also, son, that when you buy flowers, it proves you are guilty. However, the consequences of not buying flowers are far more serious!"
"What your father was saying, son, is that we have years of experience – and we are here to help you. It's the little things you would do everyday from the day of your wedding that will strengthen your relationship," Katara smiled.
"Say 'I love you' everyday," Aang said. "Touch base, discuss your day. Show each other how much you care – go out to eat, visit a park, watch a play – anything to just be together."
"I've been with your mother for most of my life, just like you have been with Lin. Pay attention to her, be sensitive with what she's dealing with, and always lend a hand. Listen not only to what is being said, but what is being meant."
"We know that Lin is very dedicated to her job," Katara added. "Tenzin, be patient – for tardiness, missed meals, thoughtless remarks, and imperfections. Support her career. Encourage her aspirations. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage, and along the way you two will argue with each other. You must learn to forgive each other, Tenzin – know when to let go and admit your mistakes. Do not hold grudges and never, ever go to bed angry at each other."
"Your mother's right," Aang held his son's hand and gave it a firm, sure handshake. "I have wanted to tell you this for so long – and I guess now's the time. The secret to a happy marriage is marrying someone who will commit to dying alongside you – not in sixty years, but daily, as they dismantle the walls of their ego with you; someone willing to embrace the beauty of sacrifice, the surrender of their strength, and the peril of vulnerability – in other words, someone who wants to spend their one life stepping into a crazy, dangerous love with you and only you. I am happy that you have found that special someone in Lin."
A/N: This chapter has a counterpart from Lin and Toph's side. I might upload it on Monday evening! :) Reviews are greatly appreciated!