a/n As I reach the end of this tale, my procrastination grows; hence the lateness of this chapter. (Also, my computer suffered from some sort of virus and was out of order for a few days.) I originally wanted this to be the last chapter; however, it is already super long. That being said, this is the second to last chapter. I'm saving all my sentimental notes until next chapter (because if I let the wave of gratitude roll out now, I'll never contain it).

This chapter takes place over the course of a day (a very long chapter for a very long day) and it starts to tie up some loose ends in preparation for the final chapter. Enjoy :)

Chapter 43 ~Busyness~

-Zuko-

The warm rays of sun roused him, but he refused to open his eyes. Katara was still sound asleep in his arms and he was not about to ruin the moment. Instead, he pulled her tighter into his arms and breathed in her delicious smell.
"Mhmm…" she sighed and snuggled into him.
"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted and kissed the spot behind her ear.
"Hmm, I could get used to this."
"Me too," he agreed. They lay in the comfortable silence. As his mind woke up, he started thinking about what he needed to do. Now that he and Katara were back in the Fire Nation, he wanted to be married as soon as possible. How long would it take the palace to organize a wedding? A week? He didn't know if he could wait too much longer. Also, they hadn't talked about what kind of wedding they wanted. It would feel weird to have a completely tradition Fire Nation wedding. He was suddenly reminded of his vision from the oasis. It felt like so long ago.

In the vision, every nation was represented through colorful banners strung everywhere. His robes had a traditional cut and were made of silk, but they were incandescent. As he moved, different colors caught the light. In a way, it reminded him of fish scales. The colors were outstanding. Of course, traditional Fire Nation weddings were solid red and gold, but he didn't think that represented the new direction of the nation nor did the traditional colors represent Katara and him as a couple. Using all the colors in their ceremony would show the unity of the world. He wondered if Katara would like the idea too; however, if she wanted something else he knew couldn't refuse her.
"I can almost hear you thinking," she said dryly and turned in his arms to look at him. "What's on your mind?" He smiled shyly at her. He liked that they could read each other so well. He liked, well loved, her in general. She was so beautiful, kind, and just all around wonderful. He could hardly believe that she was going to be his.
"I was just thinking about the wedding." He replied as he tucked some loose hairs back behind her ear. Her small worry crease evened out as she smiled.
"I had a dream about the wedding," she said conspiratorially and draped her left arm over the side of his body. "It was colorful and bright and wonderful."
"Really?!" Could it have been the same vision? "When I was in spirit oasis, healing, I had a vision of our wedding too. It was just like that."
"Well," she said thoughtfully, "I did touch the water…" she seemed to drift off in thought for a moment.
"Do you like the idea of using all different colors?" he asked, filling the silence. She smiled and her eyes widened.
"Zuko, can we?" she asked excitedly.
"It's our wedding. We can do whatever we want."
"But doesn't the Fire Nation have special traditions?"
"Yes, but I think it's about time for some new traditions." He countered, "Also, doesn't the Southern Water Tribe have special traditions? I really like the idea of mixing the cultures and colors." She hugged him tightly.
"Me too," she sighed happily. He could feel her smile against his chest. Agni she felt so lovely in his arms. "How soon do you think we can get married?" she murmured.
"I don't know. I doubt I can wait more than a week, though… Maybe Lo and Li can help pull it together faster though…"
"Who?" she asked and pulled away just enough to look up at him.
"Technically, they're political advisers," he explained, "but they're more like family." He couldn't help but wish Azula and he had been nicer to them. They really didn't deserve his sullen and temperamental family.
"Well I can't wait to meet them." She said and started to snuggle back into his arms when there was a knock at the door.

-Katara-

She sprung away from him in surprise.
"Err…yes?" he called, sitting up awkwardly. The door pushed open and Iroh's head peeked in.
"Good morning nephew, I-," Iroh started to say before catching Katara's eye, "Oh, I'm sorry to intrude Lady Katara."
"It's alright Iroh." She said while pulling the covers farther up. She was wearing her sleep clothes, but she still felt self-conscious.
"Since you will be entering the family soon, I think you can call me 'Uncle' now," he smiled and she could see his hazel eyes twinkle even from afar. Zuko cleared his throat.
"What's up Uncle?" he asked.
"I just wanted to make sure you were up. You both have very busy schedules today."
"Me too?" Katara asked shocked.
"Oh yes," Uncle nodded, "very busy schedules. Once you're both dressed, don't bother bathing, we can have a cup of tea in my room and I'll explain everything." Without waiting for a reply, he ducked out of the room and shut the door.

They were silent for a moment.
"What was that all about?" she asked.
"I don't know," Zuko shrugged, "But I've found it's best to just go with it." She nodded and they both crawled out of bed.

She shrugged on a simple red and gold dressing gown she found in the wardrobe. When she turned, Zuko was just tying the sash on his robe.
"Ready?" she asked and he looked up.
"Yup," he smiled and reached for her hand. She quickly walked over to grasp it. It felt nice just to have even the smallest of connections. He led her out of the room and down the hallway. They didn't have far to go, since Iroh's room was just a few doors down. The door was already open and the aroma of an unknown tea drifted out. "Ginseng," Zuko noted.
"You've become quite the tea connoisseur, hmm?" she said, nudging her shoulder playfully.
"Well, it is Uncle's favorite." He said as they started to enter the room.
"That it is Nephew," Uncle said from his cushion on the floor, "Come in and sit down." She smiled and sat on a red cushion with Zuko beside her. Uncle's room, like the other royal chambers, was finely decorated; however, his room had the short round tea table, the one they were currently seated at. "Sugar?" Uncle asked as he poured them each a steaming cup.
"No thank you," she said and picked up the tea.
"Nephew?"
"No, Uncle," said Zuko shaking his head. Uncle let out a content sigh as he resituated himself on his cushion.
"You are probably wondering why I called you in here." Uncle said after taking a sip of his tea, "Thanks to a very insightful friend of yours, we knew you'd be coming back soon. I must say, I was happily surprised to see Azula in one of the guest rooms this morning. She seems so… different. She has become the princess she was always meant to be and it is so wonderful to see. I hope she will continue to flourish down her new path as you have done, Nephew." Uncle paused to take another sip, "As I was saying earlier though, we have been expecting you and trying to make as many preparations as possible."
"Who's 'we?'" Zuko asked. Uncle smiled as if he'd been waiting for someone to ask that question. Instead of answering Zuko's question, he turned his head to the other side of the room.
"You two can come out now," he called. A moment later, the door to a private bath opened and outwalked two identical old women. Zuko stood up and Katara did the same. He smiled broadly at them, but they walked right over to Katara.
"It is lovely to finally meet you Lady Katara," one of them gushed, "I'm Lo and-"
"I'm Li," the other said, filling in. She smiled back at them.
"It's nice to meet you both," she replied, a little overwhelmed with their enthusiasm.
"Now neither of you have to worry about a thing," Lo said.
"We have everything ready," Li added. "You'll have to split up to accomplish everything though. After tea you both have fittings for your robes."
"Separately of course,"
"Since, it's considered bad luck."
"Then you, Lady Katara, must go over the menu with the chief."
"You'll be sampling the food options, so that will be your lunch."
"Afterwards, you must approve the decoration options."
"While Lady Katara does that, you," she said and looked at Zuko, "must catch up on what's been going on since you left. You'll need to sign a few scrolls, meet with the military leaders, and…"
"There will also be some guests arriving that you might want to greet."
"After all this you'll have a last fitting for your robes, dinner, and then an early bed, separately of course."
"If we can accomplish all of this, we should be right on track for tomorrow."
"Then tomorrow will be final touches. You'll see your finished robes, hair and makeup, and the great hall. All separately, of course." Li said in one final breath (or was it Lo?).
"Questions?" Lo asked (or was it Li?).
"Yes," said Zuko, "What are we talking about, again?" The twins laughed.
"The wedding," they answered in unison.

-Zuko-

"So are you saying that the wedding will be…tomorrow?" he asked trying to piece together everything Lo and Li had said.
"Yes!" they both said, smiling. Was he dreaming? Did they really have everything lined up?
"Of course," said Uncle, rising and joining the rest of them, "we can't throw this wedding if we don't get going. If a stream has been dammed, the water cannot be expected to reach the ocean."
"But how did you guys know?" Katara asked, "How did you know we wanted to get married so soon or be back so soon?"
"Of course you'd want to be married soon," Li said kindly.
"You'll want to start producing heirs quickly," Lo added. He glanced over to see Katara's eyes widen in shock and her cheeks redden.
"Lo!" Li scolded.
"Everyone knew the wedding would be soon because of how in love you two are." Uncle said, filling the awkward silence, "Some of the guests even decided to hang around after the coronation in case you two made a speedy return. As far as your arrival date went we might have had some help." Apparently, Guru Pathik had been sending messenger hawks to Uncle, updating him on Azula's progress and estimating when all of them might return. Uncle explained all of it without any interruptions from either Lo or Li; however, once he was done, the twins started up again.
"You will need to separate soon." Li said.
"Your fittings are next," Lo said.
"Will this be the last time I see her?" he asked.
"Yes, the next time will be at the wedding." Lo and Li said together. It was a lot to take in.
"Can we have a moment first?" He needed to talk to her, hear what she was thinking.
"Of course," answered Uncle and he ushered Lo and Li out the door before shutting it behind them.

As soon as the door closed, he pulled her into his arms. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"So," he said softly, "What do you think?"
"I think," she replied nuzzling into his chest, "we should have savored our last night together unwed."
"Are you sure you're ready?" he asked. It was all happening so fast. He didn't want to scare her. She tipped her head back to look at him, confusion written all across her face.
"Of course I'm ready," she answered, "I've been ready to marry you for a while I think." He smiled and leaned his head closer until their foreheads touched.
"Me too," he admitted softly. He wanted to be hers in every way.
"I was wondering…" she started to say, pulling away slightly, "Well I wanted to know if…"
"Yes?" he asked, smiling encouragingly.
"There's a Water Tribe tradition that I thought we could use in the ceremony."
"Of course," he replied, "What is it?"
"Near the end of the ceremony we say vows," she explained, "that we've written…" she added, "ourselves."
"I see," he said thoughtfully, already planning what he might want to say.
"I know it's different… Do you want to?"
"Yes, absolutely," he insisted. Of course, he'd go up in front of everyone and declare his love for her. Truth be told, he'd do anything for her.
"Really?" she seemed happily surprised. He nodded. "And they don't have to be 'I promise to' whatever-whatever or anything. Just-" The door opened and in bustled Lo and Li.
"We are sorry to interrupt," one of them said.
"But the tailors must meet with you now," the other said. He nodded and with a sigh released Katara. The twins started leading them out of the room. When they got to the hallway, he could tell they'd be heading in opposite directions. He turned to her.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered.
"I guess you will," she smiled back.
"Follow me, Lady Katara," one of the twins said and started walking away. Katara sighed slightly, but turned to follow the twin. He watched as her loose hair bobbed behind her as she walked.
"Li will take good care of her," Lo assured and Zuko turned around to look at the old woman. She smiled, "You probably know where we'll be going then." He nodded. He only took a few steps before there was a hand pulling at his shoulder. He whirled around and only had a moment to register Katara's presence before her mouth crashed down on his.

The kiss was definitely one not appropriate for public, but she didn't seem to care so neither did he. When she finally broke off the kiss, he was breathing hard.
"See you tomorrow," she panted. He could only give her an enthusiastic nod as he tried to catch his breath. She smiled lopsidedly and turned on her heal to rejoin a waiting Li.
"She's quite the girl," Lo said.
"That she is," he agreed. Quite the girl indeed.

-Katara-

Obviously, she couldn't walk away without kissing him one last time. Her step was a little lighter as she pranced back to Li.
"Ready?" Li asked, smiling.
"Now I am," Katara replied.

Li whisked her off down the hall into a large sewing room. The room had bolts of fabric across almost every wall, several full-length mirrors, a pedestal, and a large wardrobe in the corner.
"Lady Katara," a young man greeted as they entered, "it's fabulous to meet you. I am your tailor Caifeng Shi, but everyone calls me Cai."
"Nice to meet you Cai," Katara said as she took his hand. He led her farther into the room and helped her up onto the platform.
"I'll leave you two to it then," Li said and she left.
"We have made a traditional cut wedding robe," Cai said as he turned to the wardrobe, "However, we've left it undyed. The little color you'll see is just the natural silk fibers. We can easily dye it, so by no means is this the final look." With a flourish, he turned back around with the robe in his arms. The fabric seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting different colors. She was speechless.

Cai's smile faded by her lack of response, so he quickly walked around and started to drape it on her.
"I've tried to match its size based off your other clothes I had at my disposal." He said filling the silence, "It won't be perfect, but that's why we're doing this fitting." She looked at herself in the three long mirrors. The pure silk glistened. It looked almost exactly like her vision. "Of course," Cai said nervously, "It will look better when you don't have your regular clothes on underneath and once it is dyed…"
"Don't," she finally squeaked out.
"Don't what Lady Katara?"
"Don't dye it." She watched Cai's shoulders slacken in the mirror.
"But…the silk is raw here. Perhaps a gloss coat?" he suggested.
"Will it get rid of the color?"
"No, no, no," he quickly reassured, "it will preserve them. Actually…" he looked at the fabric carefully.
"Yes?" she asked, turning to see him properly.
"There is a technique I'm working on…it should enhance the colors. I could even add more of certain colors…" Her heart skipped.
"Really?" she asked beaming down at him.
"Yes…" he said hesitantly, "it's experimental stuff though. This seems like too important of a project to mess up on. We also don't have enough time to craft another if-"
"It's going to be perfect," she said, interrupting him.
"You really think so?" he asked looking up at her.
"I know so." Bolstered, he stood up straight and smiled.
"Okay then, let's get to work."

Her normal clothes were quickly shed and hung up in the wardrobe. The wedding robe felt soft against her bare skin. She also felt very comfortable with Cai. They worked well together. She lifted her arm, head, or whatever when he asked as he twirled around her pinning the robe in different places. They talked about everything and nothing as he worked. It helped keep her building nerves at bay.
"Hmmm…" he said thoughtfully, stepping back from her to see the full silhouette.
"What is it?" she asked, looking at herself sideways in the mirror. She had pulled her hair up in a sloppy bun to aid Cai and even in its incomplete form, the robe showed off her figure.
"My father is working with the Fire Lord since the job is so rushed." He explained, "We were going to dye the robes together, but…"
"I think Zuko is going to want the same colorful style."
"I see you two have already discussed this, that's good. Maybe we could add just a touch more blue to your dress though?"
"And a little more red to his?" she asked, seeing where Cai was headed.
"Exactly!" he enthused, "If that's what the Fire Lord wants of course."
"Does your father know about your new technique? Will he also recommend it?"
"In truth, it is more his technique than mine. He has been trying to perfect it for much longer. I'm sure when the Fire Lord describes what he's after my father will say the same thing I am telling you." She squealed with delight. It was almost too good to be true. She almost felt like she was in a dream.

The rest of her day passed as a blur. After her session with Cai ended it was time to sample the wedding food. It was all so delicious she couldn't decide. There was even traditional food from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe. When she suggested serving the food so the guests could choose their own, everyone quickly jumped on the idea. Their guests would be from all walks of life, it seemed only fitting that their food represent this. Afterwards, she approved the decorations and then it was back to the sewing room to see the alterations Cai had made.

She was exhausted when Li led her to a small dining room.
"Dinner will be served shortly," Li said as she hustled out of the room. The old woman seemed to have abundant energy. Katara sighed and leaned back in her chair. Maybe if I close my eyes for a moment…
"You sure you're ready for this?" Someone said and Katara jerked awake. She turned to see Sokka strolling into the room.
"Sokka!" she smiled and leaped from her chair to hug him. He smiled as well and swung her around.
"What about me?" another familiar voice asked, "Don't I get a hug?" She looked up.
"Dad!" she shouted and rushed into his arms.
"I told you I'd make it back in time," he said as he hugged her. Dinner just got much livelier.

-Zuko-

What an exhausting day he thought as he waited on of the war balloon docks for some guests to arrive. Lo hadn't specified who he was waiting for before she left to check on dinner. At least this part of his day wasn't demanding like others. The tailor fittings had been the better parts. His tailor had been able to capture what Zuko envisioned perfectly. Also, the tailor required very little from him; he just had to stand still while the tailor worked. Reading over scrolls and meeting with military leaders hadn't been nearly as much fun, but in the end, everything seemed to work out.

He squinted and could see a balloon fast approaching. He watched it advance and land. As soon as the ramp came down, he smiled. There was an old woman, a man, and a young boy waiting to disembark.
"Is that them?" A voice asked next to him. The voice had once haunted his dreams, but now lacked all its fury.
"Yeah, 'Zula," he answered without turning, "that's them."
"I guess we best introduce ourselves then," Uncle said from Zuko's other side. No sooner had Zuko stiffly nodded did the little boy run down the ramp. The boy had jet-black hair and hazel eyes.
"Hi! I'm Ning!" the boy greeted them and smiled exposing two dimples. "What are your names?" Zuko bent to one knee to be at Ning's level and took the opportunity to clear his throat.
"My name is Zuko," he replied. He watched Azula sink down out of the corner of his eye.
"And I'm Azula," she said. "His sister." She added.
"You can call me 'Uncle.'" Uncle said beside them.
"Dada says we on a vacation with Gran." Ning explained, "Right?" he asked, turning his head upwards to look at the man who now stood behind him.
"That's right Ning," Ikem said and rumpled the boy's hair affectionately. "It's good to see you again Zuko and I'm very happy to be meeting you, Azula." The siblings nodded and rose. "Of course, I'm honored to meet you too General Iroh. I'm Ikem." Ikem added and extended his hand to shake Uncle's.
"Iroh will do," Uncle smiled.
"Allow me to introduce my mother-in-law, Rina." Ikem said, reaching back to usher her forward.
"I can see where Ursa got her beauty from," Uncle said charmingly.
"Well, aren't you a sweet lad," Rina said and smiled. Lad? Although…Rina was Grandfather Azulon's age. Everyone looked down at Ning who had started to tug on Ikem's robes.
"Dada?" Ning asked.
"Yes, son?" Ikem replied patiently.
"How do these people know mama's name? Were they friends of hers too?" Ikem's eyes widened and he nervously looked up at Zuko. The boy looked up at all the people around him, waiting for someone to answer. Zuko knew Ikem and Rina had respected his wishes not to tell Ning anything, so it was time for Zuko to make the big reveal. He took a deep breath and sunk back to his knee.
"The reason we know your mother's name," he answered carefully, "is because she was our mother too." Everyone held their breaths, waiting for Ning's response. The boy knitted his eyebrows and thought carefully.
"That means you're my brother…and sister." Ning finally said. Azula and Zuko nodded. "Are there any more?" he asked. Everybody laughed at Ning's innocent question.
"No, Ning," Zuko said, smiling, "Just us."
"Oh, I guess that's okay," Ning said and showed off his toothy grin. They all laughed again, Uncle loudest of all.

They were just about to mount the path to the palace when Zuko remembered an important detail.
"Oh, Ning," Zuko said abruptly.
"Yeah?" the little boy asked.
"I forgot to tell you…I'm…kind of the Fire Lord." He let the words sink in.
"We're still brothers though… right?" Ning asked.
"Yes, of course," Zuko quickly confirmed.
"That's cool then," Ning said with a half shrug, "Do you get to live in the palace?"
"Uh-huh."
"Is that where we're headed?" Ning's excitement was now obvious. Zuko nodded. "Sweet!" Ning cried and zipped past Zuko, running up the path as fast as possible.
"I think he took that well," Rina said with a smile. He had missed his family.

-Katara-

She crawled into bed completely beat, but she had a large smile across her face. Dinner had been amazing. The food was great and all, but what she really loved was seeing her family again. She hoped Zuko had a great dinner too. Li had let slip that he'd be dining with a close selection of family too. Katara hoped this included Ikem, Rina, and Ning. She wasn't sure when…or if…they'd be coming since the wedding was at such short notice… Unless Guru Pathik said something to Iroh… Her thoughts were turning fuzzy as sleep called. Her last thoughts were of Zuko. I can't wait to marry him tomorrow.

-Zuko-

He collapsed into bed, utterly bushed. Leaf me alone he thought I'm bushed. The joke still made him crack a smile. Uncle had done so much. Uncle had arranged the balloon to pick up Ikem, Rina, and Ning. Uncle had made sure things ran smoothly while he and Katara were gone. Katara, he thought with a sigh. He hoped she had great dinner with her brother and father. Lo had let slip that the chief had returned. Everything was coming together. He planned to wake up early and write out his vows. His last thoughts as he drifted to sleep were I can't wait to marry her tomorrow.

a/n So... how did I do? What did you think of Ning? Are you disappointed I didn't write the scenes from dinner? Can you believe that 'tomorrow'(/next chapter) is the wedding? Do you think the story is wrapping up nicely? Let me know in a review :)
Thank you so much for reading!

Just as a heads up, next chapter might also be a day late.