Aang woke with a start, as was the norm these past few days. Katara was a week past her due date. The rest of their friends had joined them two weeks prior to be there for the big day. Katara was sound asleep next to him, hair completely mussed, snoring slightly, her big belly was sticking out the bottom of her shirt. He chuckled softly to himself and pulled the covers back over the top of her sleeping form. He would never be able to repay her for the toll this pregnancy had already taken on her. She was so quiet in her discomfort that the others scarcely were aware of it, but Aang saw every small grimace and stretch as she attempted to reconcile with the little life within her. He was an attentive husband and plumped pillows, fetched cravings and rubbed feet without even having to be asked. Things had been quiet all around and with the extra security that Sukki had ordered from the Kyoshi warriors at the firelords palace he felt that he could finally relax. Quietly so as not to wake her he slipped out of the room in search of Sukki who, because she had some experience with pregnancy in her village, was following Katara's pregnancy closely, especially in this past week. He found her sitting with Sokka and Toph eating breakfast.

"Hey twinkletoes," Toph called, "how's Katara doing? Any updates?"

He laughed to himself at the memory of her this morning, "she's still asleep. She looks like she could just sleep forever."

"That's normal," said Suki, "the length of her pregnancy is taking it's toll. It's normal to last a few weeks over, especially for first timers, but I hope for her sake that she delivers soon!"

"Me too," Sokka scoffed, "she's so irritable, it drives me nuts. I don't know how you do it Aang."

"Ha! Remind me to be extra annoying if we ever have children," said Suki playfully punching Sokka in the arm, "she's doing just fine Aang, ignore my idiot husband."

"Um, ow," Sokka said quietly to her as he rubbed his arm.

They all laughed and continued to eat happily when Aang heard her first cries of pain.

"AAAAANNNGGGGGGGGGG!"

He froze, chopsticks halfway in his mouth. Maybe I just imagined it. He thought.
Sukki was already out the door and down the hallway.

"Uh, Aang, are you planning on going to be with your wife," said Toph poking him in the shoulder, "Sokka I think he's broken."

"AANG! Snap out of it, you're going to be a father," yelled Sokka, "now go help my sister."

Aang shook his head bringing himself back to reality.

"This is really happening..."

"Damnit Aang, would you go?" huffed Toph, sending a rather large boulder at his head.

He ran down the hall to their room. Suki was sitting on their bed holding Katara's hand.

"It's ok sweetie, just breathe. Each one will pass," upon noticing Aang she said, "what on earth kept you? Go get me some fresh linens and warm water. Then get over here and hold her hand."

Aang ran around gathering all the required items and brought them to Suki.

"Alright that's perfect, now I'm going to leave for a while and let her progress. She still has quite a while. I'll be back in to check every hour or so," then softening her voice at the frightened face of the avatar she added, "is everything ready in the baby's room? I'm sure Sokka and Toph wouldn't mind helping."

"No it's fine. We're fine?" he added questioningly to Katara.

"Yea," she said slightly out of breath, "we are. Thanks Suki."

She nodded as she took her leave from the room.

"Sorry, sweetie. I'm here now," he said, "Are you sure there isn't anything I can get you?"

"Maybe move that pillow closer to my back? It's really hurting right there."

"Here?" he inquired, rubbing his hands over her lower back.

"Mmhm, yea."

He covered his hands with the warm water from the basin and heated it with fire bending as he massaged her back.

"Ahh...I have to say, whatever the drawbacks Aang, being married to the avatar has it's per- ahhh!" she said clutching her stomach as another contraction seized her.

"Sweetie, breathe, breathe, through it. It'll be over soon. I'm sorry sweetie."

Aang thought his heart could burst from watching his dear wife go through so much pain. He comforted her when he could, commiserated with her when he couldn't.

Things progressed in the same pattern of pain and relief throughout the night. Suki checked in on them often, but found that Aang was a very capable and thoughtful caregiver, she simply had to check Katara and offer her help before she was able to leave again. She brought Aang some food, and tried to get them both to rest. The young couple couldn't help but think how wonderful a friend they had in her.

Finally the next morning things began to change. Katara was weary from the agonizing night, but determined to finish strong. She sent Aang for Suki when she felt the urge to push. They arrived not a minute later, Aang at her side, he busied himself with holding her hand or wiping her brow, as he tried not to concentrate on his worry for his wife and child. Suki sat below her uttering words of encouragement and direction.

Katara's cries echoed down the hall to Sokka, who was pacing the floor frantically and Toph who was trying to look nonchalant by crushing small rocks to dust.

Not an hour later Katara let out one last yell and then there was silence.

Sokka abruptly stopped. Toph used her feet to see into the room.

"He's here!" she yelled excitedly, as the first startled cries of the baby reached their ears.

They ran down the hall to the room where Suki was waiting to intercept them.

"Stop, stop, stop, she said to them, "give them a minute."

"Damnit Suki, move aside," said Toph.

Inside the room they were marveling at the beautiful new life that was now their responsibility.

"She's beautiful Katara. You did wonderfully," said Aang as he brushed Katara's hair out of her eyes.

"Hmm, she has my eyes," Katara said smiling, "but something in her expression reminds me of you. What do you want to name her?"

"Kya," he said, "I don't think there's ever been any question about that."

"Kya," Katara said sighing to herself, "it's perfect Aang."

"Let us IN," Toph yelled as she pushed the earth under Suki's feet aside. And she and Sokka burst through the door.

"A GIRL!" Toph said proudly, "ha pay up Snoozles!"

"Thanks alot guys," he said as he tossed over a silver piece to Toph.

He kissed his sister on the forehead and said, "honestly though she's beautiful, you can barely even tell the skinny monk had anything to do with her."

"Hey! That's my husband," said Katara indignantly.

"Haha no, no, I couldn't be happier," said Aang, "I hope none of my children look like me."

"That's just stupid Aang," Katara said rolling her eyes at her husband.

They all laughed together lightly as they all gathered around their newest member in awe.

Authors notes:

yay! baby Kya! Now Aang is a bit freer to head back to help Zuko. We have got to check in on that boy! Peace, -the evenstar