Leaves were falling. Apples were tasting juicer. Spicy scents all around the air. Autumn arrived.

The Fire Nation was the "summer nation". But it still got colder in the winter season, and colorful in autumn. At this time of year the view from the palace was particularly nice.

"I'm telling you Azula, Dragon Town has the best pumpkins!" Sokka said enthusiastically.

"Oh really, and how often did you eat their pumpkins I wonder?" Azula asked skeptically.

Sokka blinked blankly, "Well, never!"

Azula rolled her eyes at that.

"But Mai told that Dragon Town grow the best ones. And my wife deserves the best of everything!" he said smiling.

Azula smiled warmly back at him, a hand on her growing belly. She reached the sixth month of her pregnancy. Their first child. If Sokka was already protective and loving towards Azula, it doubled after finding out about her pregnancy.

Right after she said she wanted pumpkins, Sokka jumped up and informed himself where the best pumpkins were found.

"So does our baby." Sokka leaned forward and caressed Azula's baby bump. Pressing a soft kiss to her cheek while doing so. Azula closed her eyes, enjoying his cuteness.

"Okay, you win Sokka. We are going to Dragon Twon." she said.

Sokka looked questioningly at her.

"No, I won't have you travel such a long way in this state Azula. I promise I'll be quick. You will have the pumpkin this afternoon."

"I can travel Sokka. And it's not like we're away too long. It's a 40-minute drive from the city." she said.

"But..."

"Besides, I want to see the pumpkin patch. I want to spend the leisure time with you. It's not cold outside." she told him.

Sokka looked at her. Slowly his lips curved upwards, while he watched her small smile, the glowing beautiful eyes he got lost so long ago. He caved in. How would he say no to her.

The carriage ride wasn't bumpy. Which was a relief for both Azula and Sokka. More for him honestly, since he feared it wouldn't be good for Azula and the baby.

Reaching their destination, they fooled around while looking for the best pumpkin. Azula laughed a lot at her handsome husband. It ended with them buying five pumpkins.

The golden sun slowly set when they reached the palace. Sokka insisted to cook for Azula. She decided to make desert. They weren't the best cooks and had a palace cook. But it gave them joy to use the kitchen every now and then.

Pumpkin soup and pastry were on the table.

"You're getting better at this love." Azula said while drinking her soup.

"Well, I'm learning since our marriage." Sokka said proudly, "I'm curious about this pumpkin desert of yours. Never had one actually."

"Oh, I promise you are going to love it." she said.

After finishing their food, they sat comfortably on the couch to eat the desert. The pumpkin was cut in small pieces before cooked with brown sugar. Topped with tahini and walnuts after that.

Sokka intensely focused on the taste of it, making humming noises of satisfaction.

"Azula, how come I never ate this, it's sooooo sooooooo good!" he said while still chewing.

"How about you eat it slowly and enjoy the taste Sokka?"

"No no no, I can't, it's too good!" gobbling down the pumpkins.

"My mom used to make these. I always liked it. But somehow this year, I constantly thought of them. Well, about everything with pumpkins actually." she said.

Sokka smiled and sat next to her. He caressed the baby bump and kissed her head.

"Might be our little one doubled your love for it." he said.

"Might be." Azula said, putting her hands onto his over her belly.

"Are you tired love?" Sokka asked her gently.

"Just a little, it feels good like this right now."

They cuddled all through the evening, making jokes and having deep talks.

"I have a girl name in mind." Azula said suddenly.

"Let me guess: Nayla?" Sokka said.

Azula looked up to his face, "How did you know?"

Sokka looked smirking at her, "You once told me, that when you have a girl, Nayla is a name you liked."

Azula was surprised yet smiled at the memory.

"You really remember?" she asked.

"Of course I do Azula! I remember everything you said to me love." he said pecking her lips.

"And? How do you like the name?"

"What is the meaning?"

"The one who reaches her goals."

"Well, I like both the sound of it and the meaning. Nayla." he said as if trying how it sounds.

"I am fearing of asking but doing it anyway: do you have names in mind. Especially a boy name."

Sokka chuckled at her reaction.

"I don't know honestly. I had already Nayla in mind since the pregnancy. I thought we would find one together in case it's a boy."

"Wait! You already accepted Nayla?"

"Yes I did." he replied.

Azula got tears in her eyes.

"Azula? Hey now, what is it?" Sokka asked worriedly.

"Sometimes,... you just... I ..." she couldn't speak so she just pressed her face into the crook of his neck and held his shirt with her hands.

Sokka hugged her tightly, caressing her hair, "You don't have to cry love." he said into her hair.

"I love you so much, never leave me Sokka. Never ever okay?" Azula said in between tears.

Sokka pulled away, hoping to hold himself together. He brushed away her tears.

"Never. As long as I can breathe, I am always here with you. I love you." he said honestly.

Azula laughed now.

"Come here." Sokka said and pulled her back on his chest.

They cuddled in the presence of candlelight, and the moon outside.

A/N: Spoiler: Yes they'll have a babygirl.

I also decided to share the recipe of the pumpkin desert I like!