two years later*

Katara and Aang sat outside in the courtyard watching Tenzin toddle after Bumi. It was a warm day, and Kya was having fun using her bending to splash herself and her siblings. Katara had healed up well, and was back to 100%; however, her inability to have more kids weighed on her as Tenzin got older. Kya's water bending had been revealed around the time she was two years old, and that was the age Tenzin was coming up on.

"Mom, dad! Look what I can do!" Said Kya as she ran up to their chairs. She had three marbles in one hand, and with the other bent water to surround the marbles. Once they were in a a hovering ball of water, she pulled it into more of a stream, and began to spin the marbles around inside the water. "It's the water bending version of dad's trick!" She said with a smile.

Katara watched as Aang's face lit up. "Kya, that's amazing! You know part of being a master bender is using not just the techniques from your own bending style, but also the techniques from other bending styles."

Kya nodded, "cool!" This answer caused Aang to let out a gentle laugh, "in a few years your mom and I will teach you more about the other bending styles and how to incorporate them into your water bending," he said.

Kya opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a voice, "Kya, it sure is hot today. Are you in the business of cooling an uncle off," said Sokka as he walked up the path.

"Uncle Sokka!" All three kids cried as they quickly made their way over to him.

"You know I charge for a cool down these days," said Kya was a mischievous smirk on her face.

"Oh...well how about you cool me down in exchange for a shoulder ride," said Sokka as he picked up Kya and placed her on his shoulders.

"Deal!" Answered Kya, and she bent water from the nearby pond and let it splash on top of Sokka's head.

While this was going down, Aang and Katara had made their way over to Sokka, Aang picking up Tenzin who had fallen behind his siblings in the race to greet their uncle.

"Sokka, what are you doing here?" Asked Katara, her question filled with joy. Sokka and Suki had moved off Air Temple Island and back into the city shortly after Tenzin's first birthday. The couple had originally moved to the island from the city when Kya was born, to help Aang and Katara with the kids.

"I missed these little rugrats, and I wanted to come see how you guys were doing. Tenzin's birthday is in a few days."

Sokka had a point. Aang and Katara relished their son's birthday, but it was also difficult as it reminded them of the other events that had taken place on that same day.

Tenzin began to cry, interrupting the exchange. "I think it's about time for his nap," said Katara who held out her arms to take her son. Aang shook his head, "I'll put him down, you and Sokka keep talking.

Katara nodded and watched Aang disappear into the house with their youngest. She couldn't help but wonder what would happen if Tenzin ended up not being an airbender.

Sokka took Kya off his shoulders and sent her and Bumi to play before saying, "you look like something is bothering you, sis."

Katara let out a sigh, "Aang and I had agreed to continue to have kids until we had an air bender or until we couldn't anymore. In the hospital that day he told me he'd die happy as the last airbender just knowing I didn't kill myself carrying more children, but I just...I just...when I was pregnant with Tenzin I had a suspicion that he might be an airbender, but now..."

Sokka set a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Katara, Tenzin isn't even two yet, we didn't discover you could water bend until you were like five!"

"But what if he isn't, Sokka? I failed..."

"Katara, Aang didn't marry you so that he could continue the air bender population, he married you because he's in love with you and wants to spend the rest of his life with you."

Katara nodded. In the chaos that was her and Aang's life she often forgot to take the time to just enjoy their romance. "Thanks, Sokka," she said.

--

Aang and Katara had finally got the kids down for bed, but as Aang and Katara settled into their own bed for the night, he could tell that something was on her mind.

"Is everything okay, sweetie?" He asked as he grabbed her hand gently and held it in his.

"I was thinking..." Katara got a far away look on her face as she spoke. Aang nodded, trying to be reassuring, but also quite worried about his wife.

"I was thinking, if Tenzin isn't an airbender..." she trailed off again, not able to meet his eyes.

"Katara-" she cut him off, "if Tenzin isn't an airbender maybe you should try with...with another woman. Like one of the acolytes or something. Just so you can continue the air bender population." Katara's eyes began to fill with tears as she looked down and fidgeted with her hands.

Aang was shocked by this, it wasn't something he had ever even considered. He knew there was always a possibility that he would truly be the last air bender. He hadn't married Katara to try and continue his lineage. Even if his kids weren't air benders though, they were still part air nation. Aang knew the culture wouldn't be lost even if the art itself was.

Katara's comment not only shocked him, but also hurt him. Had he given her that impression?

He took his finger and lifted her chin so their eyes met. As he spoke he cupped her cheek, "Katara that isn't at all what I want. I love our family exactly the way it is, and if Tenzin isnt an air bender, all the kids still carry the gene. But, Katara, even if there are never any more air benders I will die happy because I got to live this life with you." Aang gave her a soft smile.

Katara immediately began to sob. Aang grabbed her and held her as she buried her head in his shoulder.

As her sobs began to lessen she lifted her head and said, "I just felt like such a failure when we found out we couldn't have any more kids."

Aang took her face in his hands, "my sweet Katara, that does not make you a failure. You are so strong, you've carried and given birth to three beautiful kids. I saw the way that took a toll on you, I saw the pain you went through for them and for me. Sweetie, when I didn't know if you were going to make it, the only thing I was thinking about was you and if there was anything I could do. I love you, and I just want you."

Katara smiled and nodded, "I love you too."

--

A few days later it was the morning of Tenzin's second birthday. The whole family was enjoying some time together before guests began to arrive.

"When is uncle Zuko gonna get here?" Asked Bumi, his eyes wide, "and is he bringing his dragon?!"

"He should get here when everyone else arrives at 3pm today, sweetie" answered Aang who was hanging decorations.

Suddenly a burst of air came out of nowhere, almost knocking Aang over. "Tenzin! You ruined my hair!" Cried Kya.

--

the end of ch 2

sorry for the short chapter, the next one will be longer :) I hope you enjoyed! Do you guys like this one?