Finding the Avatar had been a challenging quest, one that had taken Zuko almost half his life. Finding the right girl to love and finding a way to be with her, despite all the obstacles in their way, had even seemed impossible for a time, but he had succeeded.
This was what Zuko reminded himself of constantly as he braced against the freezing winds in the South Pole, enduring the painful chill that rushed through his bones and made him feel weak, unsteady, insecure. But the challenges he had faced in the past reassured him: if he had found Suki and was well on his way to marrying her, and if he had found Aang when no other members of his family had succeeded, he could very well stand in the frozen tundra and teach the Avatar firebending.
"It's really not the way it's supposed to be, right?" said Aang, gritting his teeth as he followed Zuko's motions. "I… s-should learn each element in each nation, right?"
"That's what… what the legends say," said Zuko, breathing deeply and taking a stance. "But neither of us are welcome in the Fire Nation, are we?"
"I doubt it, but… I'd welcome some Fire Nation warmth, myself," said the Avatar, swallowing hard. Zuko sighed.
"Just breathe, Aang," he said. "Breathe deeply, and…"
He allowed his power to fill him before punching the air before him. Flames were conjured in the middle of the cold, tearing through the snowflakes and offering Zuko brief warmth before the orange fire was extinguished out of existence.
Aang nodded and concentrated. He pulled back a fist and shot it out as Zuko had, and a smaller burst of fire came out of him. He breathed heavily afterwards, and Zuko shook his head.
"Breathe deeply before bending, not afterwards. The key to firebending is in the breath," he said.
"In some forms of airbending, too," Aang admitted, with a small smile. "But this is tricky, Sifu Hotman…"
"I admit it, it'd be easier if we were anywhere but here," said Zuko, sighing and glancing around them. "And don't call me that."
"Well, why not? It's fun!"
They were outside of the village's walls for now, as the snow fell around them lightly. But the skies above them were dark, making it so the only lights to be seen outside the village would be those of their fires, blazing in the night whenever they conjured them.
The dark period had begun some time ago, to Zuko's chagrin. He had felt drained of power once the brief periods of light grew smaller and smaller. The extending night had reminded him of how long he had been here by now: it had already been five months since they had arrived, after all.
In those months, Zuko had helped Aang understand firebending's basics, and he had grasped them quickly. But in this environment, producing flames was more difficult every day. The lack of sunlight drained him, tired him, and made him feel miserable. It was especially a problem when it came to his bending skills: never had he needed to go to such lengths to conjure fire.
"I'm sure we'll be able to train better when the light period returns," said Aang, sighing and looking at Zuko apologetically. "It won't be too long now, I think… but will you still be here by then?"
"Huh?" Zuko said, standing upright and rubbing his gloved hands together. "I'm pretty sure I won't have a choice. Aren't I a prisoner of some sort down here?"
"Well, maybe you were before, but… after all this time, are you still one?"
Zuko sighed and looked at Aang with uncertainty before gazing at the village. The wall, the old watch tower, the igloos inside, the huts: all of it had been foreign, unwanted, once. By now he was used to it, but more than that…
"Do you really think I should have taken my time to build that igloo just to take off the second I'm finished?" he asked. Aang smiled.
"That's… yeah, that wouldn't make any sense," he admitted. Zuko smiled a little.
"Speaking of which, it's almost done now. If you want to take a break, I'll go work on it…"
"Do you want any help?" Aang asked. "Moral support? A handy man?"
"No need," said Zuko, shaking his head as they turned and headed inside the village again. "Though if you want to watch me give it the final touches, feel free."
"Ah, really?" said Aang, smiling brightly. "I should tell Suki, then! She'd love to come and see…!"
"No, please don't tell her yet," said Zuko, with a small smile. "I'd rather surprise her."
Aang chuckled and nodded. The two of them crossed the entrance to the village, finding people huddled around the large central fireplace, hoping to warm up against the freezing weather. Zuko sighed, longing to join them the way Aang would. He sank on a seat next to Katara, who smiled warmly at him until Kino slid between them to ask Aang all about his training session with Zuko.
Unlike how it was during his first arrival at the pole, people were a lot less active. No longer were there multiple hunting trips, as most the men were forced to stick together for their safety in the dark. The women who always worked on crafts also weren't seen outdoors as often as usual. People either warmed up at the central fireplace or stayed in their igloos or huts if they were warm and comfortable enough there.
Suki sat at the central fireplace, too, and her eyes met Zuko's when he was about to head to his unfinished building. He smiled sweetly at her, nodding in her direction before getting back to work. Suki sighed and smiled too, watching him move towards the shadowy corner of the village where he had been building their future home.
"It won't be much longer before he's finished," Katara said, surprising Suki. "Dad said he only needs to fix the bamboo floors by now."
"I'm surprised there were bamboos to be found in the South Pole," Suki commented, smiling. "Or… aren't there?"
"Truth is, there aren't," Katara confessed. "But we always send a group of men to some islands not far away from the Pole, where bamboo trees grow. Zuko didn't have to make the trip, though, as we still had some bamboo left over from this year's haul."
"That's fortunate, though he probably could have benefitted from leaving the pole for a while," said Suki, sighing. "He smiles a lot, which is strange, coming from him, but I think the weather is getting to him."
"He's a firebender, it's likely that it is," said Katara.
"It makes me crummy too and I'm not one," Kino said, shaking his head. "Poor Prince Zuko…"
"Okay, don't be so melodramatic," said Katara, rolling her eyes. "He doesn't need that much sympathy."
"He's a prince! He deserves all the sympathies and all the melodrama!" Kino exclaimed. Aang chuckled.
"Well, at least he's been a good teacher even if the weather is a burden to him," said Aang, smiling. "I hope once the light period is back, I'll be able to bend better than I already do."
"We watched you guys for a while," Kino said, smiling. "It was so cool, two firebenders training in the South Pole…"
"I think it might hinder my growth as an Avatar, though," said Aang, grimacing. "I should learn each element in each nation…"
"The world has changed enough that elements and nations are scattered everywhere by now," said Suki, sighing. "You'll find plenty of earthbenders in Fire Nation lands, Fire Nation lands where it should have been Earth Kingdom… not a lot of things make sense in the world as we know it."
"All thanks to Fire Lord Sozin," said Aang, shaking his head. "Why did he have to do all this, really? I visited the Fire Nation a few times when I was younger, you know… why couldn't things stay the way they were back then?"
"Who knows," said Katara, shrugging. "Well, maybe Kino does. Why did your nation decide to destroy everyone else?"
Kino blinked blankly and looked at all three of his friends nervously. No good answers came to his mind, and he felt himself sweating with uncertainty.
"Um, I… well, he said it was to spread greatness, b-but… that doesn't make sense, does it?" he said, with an awkward smile. Katara sighed.
"Damn right it doesn't," she grunted.
"It's wrong, everything the Fire Nation did," Suki said. "But at least we have each other by now. The world will never be the same, not even after the war ends… but we can work so the next changes will help people instead of hurting them, right?"
"Right," Aang said, smiling weakly. "I still wish I could learn firebending in the Fire Nation, but… who knows, maybe this will actually make me stronger."
"I think it already has," said Katara, smiling at him too.
"It might be making Zuko stronger, too," said Suki, gazing back at him. "In more ways than the obvious."
The banished Prince was too far away to hear what was being spoken about him, or to notice that all eyes were on him as he made his way to his igloo, but he had too much work ahead of himself to pay them much mind. Fitting every plank of the bamboo floor was one of the last things he had left to do before his new home was finally inhabitable, and the sooner he did it, the sooner he'd be living with Suki the way they were meant to.
Building the igloo had been easier during the light period, as he had a better chance to see what he was doing without needing to resort to his bending for a light source. There were obvious risks to that: too often he had melted ice blocks without meaning to, and he had needed to find new ones or ask Katara or Aang to help him rebuild the collapsed ice block. Still, he had worked on his igloo without too many setbacks.
Aang's advice was helpful, but the one who provided the best suggestions was Hakoda. The Chief stopped by to watch Zuko work once in a while, and he would often give him tips on how to work with certain blocks, how to make the walls curve properly, what sorts of animal hides were better for the floor and which ones were better for the walls. He had directed Zuko in the building of the fire pit, advising him on how to work the available rocks that would keep the fire from leaking out into the bamboo floors or animal pelts.
It had been a long, tiresome process, that he had endured no matter how frustrating it could be. But life in the South Pole, hard and rough as it was, had been satisfying in its own way.
He had sneaked inside Hakoda's igloo several times, seeking out Suki just to enjoy her company and to find comfort in her arms, and she had been thrilled every time he had done it. He had taught Aang most the firebending basics, enough for him to be able to bend small wisps of fire: with every day that passed, Zuko found less scowls on the faces of the tribespeople. He found more welcoming smiles, encouraging words, and even offers of kindness. Where children had usually fled from him on sight, now they watched in fascination as he used his fire to meld the ice blocks together into a steadier structure. The elderly in town also offered him gifts, food, even, and he had been given the opportunity to join groups of hunters too, once in a while.
The almost finished igloo elicited a strange feeling in Zuko's chest. He glanced across it, knowing all they needed to do was bring in everything Suki had been working on in Hakoda's igloo: all their kitchenware, their marital sleeping bag, the soft cushions they would use as mats to sit at the fire. The building would be as good as finished, though, once he set down the final bamboo plank.
"Well?"
Hakoda's voice surprised him. Zuko turned to glance at him, finding him standing at the igloo's door, hunched over slightly as he looked at Zuko. The firebender smiled a little.
"You don't have a lot more to do, from what I saw this morning," said Hakoda.
"Yeah, this is the last one," said Zuko, showing him the plank before sighing. "I… don't know. It's strange. I'd never…"
"What? Built an igloo? Yes, I noticed," said Hakoda, smirking. Zuko laughed and shook his head.
"I was thinking I hadn't worked this hard with my own hands for something so… domestic," he said, smiling and looking around himself. "The places I lived in, that I called home, whether it was a palace, or a warship… I never had to build them. I never had to tire myself out every day to create something for myself and for someone I love. All my life I've just…"
"Chased the Avatar?" Hakoda asked, stepping inside the igloo. Zuko looked at him with uncertainty.
"Chased for things, in general," he said. "I chased after my sister for a long time, trying to outdo her, but it was impossible. Then I chased after the Avatar, and a throne I'd never have. I've never really succeeded at any of those hunts, you know. The goal was always… removed, out of my reach. So, this… it's strange to me. Knowing that once I set this plank down, I'll have… I'll have succeeded at something I set out to do? I don't know how to feel about it."
Hakoda smiled, looking at Zuko sympathetically.
"Considering the fact that you're smiling, I think you do know how to feel about it."
Zuko's eyes widened. He hadn't noticed he was smiling at all. He bit his lip before laughing and shaking his head.
"I guess I'm not a failure, then?" he said. "Even though that's what I've always thought I was…"
"Didn't you set out in every single one of your so-called 'hunts' to prove yourself? Well, I'd think you've proven all you had to, Zuko. It's something to be proud of."
Zuko breathed out and smiled, taking the bamboo plank in his hands and placing it in its slot amidst the others on the floor. He nailed it carefully, the way Hakoda had advised him to a few days earlier. Once it was perfectly fixed where it was, Zuko sank back and took in his creation with amazement.
"You did this, Zuko," said Hakoda, smiling. "Sure, you had advice, and a few examples… but who doesn't? What matters is you did it yourself. You have a home now, for yourself, your child and your wife. You've done a good job."
"I have…" he said, his breath hitching. "I… I did it. I've done it."
"And, of course, the harder part is what comes next," said Hakoda, smirking. "You'll have nightmares about cleaning cloth diapers for the rest of your life."
Zuko laughed at that notion and looked at Hakoda gratefully. The man clapped his shoulder in a congratulatory gesture.
"But before that, the actual celebration of your success will be held," he said. Zuko raised his eyebrow
"Yeah?"
"What, you forgot you did all this so you could get married?" he asked. Zuko blushed and shook his head.
"I didn't forget, I just… figured I'd start planning it tomorrow, maybe?"
"Tomorrow?" Hakoda asked, smirking. "If you had any sense of humor, I'd think you're joking, but I know you aren't. You're not waiting any longer: you're getting married tomorrow, Zuko. There's no time to waste."
"Wait, what? Really?" Zuko asked, his eyes wide. "But…"
"But what? Oh, you want silk dresses and royal outfits for everyone involved?" Hakoda asked, teasingly. Zuko frowned now. "Maybe there's some sort of waiting period for weddings in the Fire Nation, maybe you hire cooks or hold great balls someplace or another, but for us it's a community event. Everyone comes together to help you and your bride, providing the celebration feast you deserve…"
"And there's no traditions we need to uphold?" Zuko asked. "Like… in the Fire Nation there's some rite about lighting a candle?"
"Oh, our rites are simple too. We'll carve cuts across your palms and then bind your hands together, as you speak the vows with which you will honor one another as husband and wife," Hakoda answered casually. Zuko's jaw dropped.
"Cut our palms? Really?"
"Come on, it won't hurt one bit," said Hakoda, chuckling. "You'll both wear shawls, signaling that you're the bride and groom, and we'll simply gather around the fire to celebrate. But you two are not allowed to meet through most the day, as you will go with most the men to hunt for the feast while she prepares here with the women…"
"Okay, then… okay," said Zuko, biting his lip and nodding. "We can do this. I can get married tomorrow. I… wow. Married. Tomorrow. Suki's… going to be my wife."
"It's finally sinking in?" Hakoda said, smiling and patting Zuko's shoulder again. "She's a good woman. Make her the happiest she can be."
"I intend to," said Zuko, smiling too.
The two men left the igloo, and Hakoda smiled as he strode towards the fire to reveal the news. Zuko's chest was filled with an unbelievable, unfamiliar sense of satisfaction he hadn't felt ever before. His eyes found Suki's shape by the fire, noticing that Katara was caressing the large baby bump gently. He sighed in bliss, knowing they wouldn't be apart anymore from tomorrow onwards…
"Everyone, we'll have a wedding tomorrow!" Hakoda exclaimed, earning the attention of all those around the fireplace. "Zuko's igloo is officially finished!"
Suki's eyes widened, and she smiled joyfully as she turned to look for her lover in the darkness. Zuko was walking towards her, with a relieved smile on his face.
"You did it? You did it!" she exclaimed, pushing herself up to her feet. Zuko rushed in to hug her before she could jump towards him as he suspected she might. Her arms wrapped around his neck. "Katara said you'd be done soon, but I didn't think…!"
"I figured we'd have a bit more time to prepare, but Hakoda insists that this is how it's done in the South," Zuko said, chuckling. "Ready to be my wife?"
"Always have been," said Suki, beaming and kissing him happily, not caring whatsoever that they were in front of the whole tribe. But seeing how Zuko had proven himself indeed, the gesture of affection didn't earn as many scoffs as they used to.
"I'll miss having a roommate," Katara admitted, with a smile, as she stood up. "But you've been waiting long enough, haven't you?"
"I'll move everything I've made into the igloo right away," Suki said, excitedly. Zuko chuckled and kissed her brow.
"We can do that later, and someone else ought to do it instead of you, too," he said. "You're pregnant, remember?"
"So, what? It doesn't mean I can't help," she said. Zuko smiled.
"Who can ever say no to you?" he said. Suki laughed.
"Not you, that's for sure," she said, hugging him again.
"Are you ready for the ceremony, then? You'll be off to hunt by morning," Katara told Zuko, who nodded. "And I hope you have your gifts ready…"
"Gifts?" Zuko repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Nobody said anything about any gifts."
"Uh… I did hear about that before. Katara mentioned it," said Suki, looking at Zuko with confusion. Zuko froze.
"I… nobody told me," he said. Suki chuckled and shook her head.
"It's fine," she said. "You built an igloo and haven't had a moment's rest in the past five months or so. What better gift than a home we can live in?"
"Huh… if you want to see it that way, I guess," Zuko said, with a weak grin. Suki hugged him and sighed, her head against his chest.
"It's finally happening, Zuko," she whispered. "We'll be together as before… better yet, even. We'll get married…"
Zuko's smile was the most genuine anyone had seen on his face. He hugged back his fiancé, burying his face in her auburn hair. It had been a rough process, and he certainly had second-guessed himself countless times through it… but he had done it. He was ready to be the head of a family… at least, by Water Tribe standards. Still, he felt emboldened, and stronger than he had in a very long time. And it hadn't come from trying to please a father who never cared for him, or from finding someone who wasn't supposed to be found, or from defeating a bitter rival with an uncontestable victorious streak: it had come from opening his heart to the woman he loved, and from letting himself experience true happiness, for a change.
"And we shall mourn that Prince Zuko will move out of our home," Kino sobbed, wiping fake tears from his eyes as Aang chuckled and shook his head.
"He's going to be right there, Kino, we'll be neighbors!" Aang exclaimed. "You'll see, we'll end up spending so much time together it'll be as if he'd never left."
"Yeah… that sounds like the dream married life, alright," Zuko said, sarcastically. But Kino was smiling brightly now at Aang, and Katara merely gave Zuko a sympathetic smile.
"I guess you won't be rid of your biggest fan that easily," she said. Zuko sighed.
"What should we do, though?" Kino asked, looking at Katara and Aang with confusion. "There's never been a wedding here while I've been around, so I have no idea…"
"Well, you could go with Zuko to the hunt for the wedding feast," said Katara. "I guess Aang will stay, as he doesn't like hunting."
"And I'll help set up everything over here," said Aang, beaming. "Don't worry, Kino, it'll be great! Nobody could get a better wedding anywhere else!"
Zuko smiled and looked down at Suki, wondering if she'd think so too. Wouldn't she rather marry him in Kyoshi Island, with her family and friends, her own people…? Quite possibly, but as it was, they had no choice. And she seemed happy enough in his arms, so hopefully that would mean she didn't care where it happened, as long as they were together.
They kissed good night as they always did, once they were ready to sleep, but even though Zuko's body begged him to get rest, his mind was buzzing with activity. And his roommates weren't helping, either.
Aang had spent quite some time setting up the right accommodations for his igloo, as setting it all up was more difficult than merely placing the ice blocks as he had at first. With Kino's help, they had furnished the igloo completely within four months, but it was a lot less organized and traditional than the other igloos in town. Instead of having the soft cushions around the fire, their sleeping bags were the ones around it, since Kino had insisted that this was the best way to sleep. Their kitchenware wasn't great either, but hardly anyone had decent pots and pans in the South Pole. Most things were scattered in the igloo, without any specific places they belonged in.
Zuko had gotten used to the messiness, but he didn't really like it. He hoped he'd have a chance to live in a tidier igloo once he and Suki moved in together.
"It's our very last night with you, Prince Zuko," Kino sighed, as the three men took their seats by the fire.
"It's not like he's going far away, Kino, really," said Aang, chuckling.
"But our run as the foreign, handsome bachelors in the Water Tribe will be over!" Kino exclaimed.
"I think that was over for me as soon as I arrived," said Zuko, raising his eyebrows. "I've been with Suki since before I got here, remember?"
"Oh. Right," said Kino, smiling awkwardly as Zuko gave Aang a meaningful stare.
"You can take care of the fire, right?" he asked. Aang gulped and nodded.
The Avatar focused as Zuko had taught him, and he took a deep breath before extending a hand towards the fireplace. Embers came alive, sparking over the bones that served as tinder, before the full flames came to life. Aang smiled broadly, and Zuko grinned back.
"Nicely done," he said. Aang chuckled.
"Thanks for everything, Zuko. Yeah, you're not going anywhere, and I figure you'll keep teaching me, but still…"
"I probably ought to thank you, too," said Zuko, swallowing hard before smiling. "To be honest, I… I can't remember having friends like you guys before. If I've been no good as a friend, it's probably because I'm out of practice."
"You're not a bad friend!" Aang said, surprised, and Kino shook his head strongly.
"You are a legend, Prince Zuko!" Kino declared. "We are fortunate to have you amongst us!"
"Uh, well…" said Aang, looking at Kino with uncertainty before smiling at Zuko. "I wouldn't have put it that way, but he's still right."
"I… now, I don't think I deserve that much praise," said Zuko, with a weak grin. "But thanks anyways."
"You'll have to tell us all about your wedding night, though!" Kino said, beaming. Zuko's relaxed mood soured quickly as he scowled at Kino. "We deserve to know, as your friends… right?"
"You're not getting anything out of me about that," he said stubbornly, sinking in his sleeping bag as Aang chuckled. Kino sighed.
"No fair," he pouted.
"Come on, it's a special night," said Aang. "He's supposed to keep those things to himself. Would you want to disclose your wedding night to everyone if you ever got married?"
"Well, I'd tell my friends about it if they asked…" Kino pouted, and Aang laughed.
"Good things your friends won't ask, then," said Zuko, smirking.
"Yeah, those sorts of details are better kept secret," said Aang, smiling. Kino sighed.
"Such party poopers," he said.
The three men stretched across their sleeping bags, their eyes glued to the ceiling. They remained quiet for a while, and the only sound in the room was that of their breathing and the sparks in the fire. Eventually, Zuko sighed and shook his head.
"I can't sleep," he confessed. Aang laughed not far from him.
"You're looking forward to your wedding, is all," he said. Zuko smiled.
"I never thought this day would come. When things didn't work with me and Mai, I… I thought they'd never work with anyone. I didn't expect to find someone else, let alone to find Suki… or to end up marrying her in the Southern Water Tribe."
"Life is full of surprises," said Kino, nodding. "And the Southern Water Tribe tends to hide many of them, too."
"Your life will change for the better, Zuko," said Aang, smiling.
"It already has," he said, closing his eyes and breathing deeply.
He didn't remember when he had last felt this way: maybe he never had. He had struggled for so long, tried his hardest and often come short. But right now, his future was humble, but bright. He was going to live a life full of love, with a new family, a chance to be himself without fearing he wouldn't be good enough. A life with Suki. A life with peace.
He sighed as he relaxed in his sleeping bag. Yes, that was what this unfamiliar, but wonderful feeling was: he was at peace, for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
Zuko woke up a few hours later, by what the Water Tribespeople considered dawn while in the dark period. The only noticeable difference regarding the rest of the day was a mild glow in the horizon that disappeared soon enough, anyways. Zuko gazed about himself in Aang's igloo, smiling as he remembered he'd be sleeping elsewhere tonight. He'd finally be with Suki, together just as they were supposed to be.
He left the igloo and found a group of men outside, by the waning central fireplace of the village. They were getting ready to hunt, and Zuko breathed deeply as he approached them: they were preparing for his wedding's hunt. He caught the eye of one of them, Kattan, who smiled and waved at him.
"Ready?" he asked. Zuko gulped before nodding.
"I just have to get my things," he said, smiling a little too. "Should I wake up Kino for this, though?"
"Eh, if he's not up yet, he probably should just stay here and work on things with the girls," Kattan sneered. Zuko chuckled and shrugged.
"If you say so."
The feeling of being an outsider would likely linger forever, he had no illusions of ever truly belonging here, but it wasn't too different from how he had felt in the Fire Nation a year earlier, or how he had felt while traveling during his banishment. He was used to the feeling of belonging nowhere, even if he didn't like it.
Yet, of all places where he didn't belong, the Water Tribe was slowly but surely becoming the one where he felt at most ease in. He didn't enjoy having to hunt for food, and the hard, manual labor was a pain most the time, yet he had made friends, and the people were no longer as cold and aloof as they used to be. They were growing more welcoming, surprisingly so. Even those who had hated him when he arrived five months ago were a lot more amicable these days.
He returned to Aang's igloo and picked up the hunting gear he had been loaned by Hakoda some time ago. He guessed he'd have to make his own gear eventually, but the thought didn't daunt him so much. If he had built an igloo, he could work to build more things. He could provide for his family, he was sure of it.
Zuko joined the hunting party soon afterwards. It was a group of ten men, carrying lanterns and all the gear they'd need for today's hunt. The sooner they took off, the better: they wouldn't have all day to hunt, as the wedding would be happening as early as possible. Thus, they wasted no time and started on their journey, searching for prey.
"So, how're your nerves?" Kattan asked Zuko, smiling at him. Zuko smiled too and shrugged, as the group hiked through the snowy plains.
"I'm eager, but… I'm not that nervous, actually," he said. "It feels right. And I don't usually feel that way about a lot of things."
"Well, in all fairness, you're marrying someone stunning," said Kattan, chuckling. "I'd be pretty pleased too, if I had a girl like that. Most of us can't sway anyone here…"
"If the others are anything like Katara, I can see why wooing them isn't easy," said Zuko. "Still, if a guy like me could do it, I'm sure you'll find someone too."
"Oh, I hope so," said Kattan, sighing. "The future of the tribe depends on that, after all!"
Zuko smiled warmly at him, and Kattan chuckled as they continued to stride behind the rest of the group. The Fire Nation prince swallowed hard before speaking again.
"I'm glad you're helping me," he said. "All of you. I know it's a tradition, but still… I'm surprised I've been deemed worthy of the traditions at all."
"Hey, the Chief says you're worthy," said Kattan, raising his eyebrows. "That's all we need."
"Really? You're just doing it because Hakoda asked?" Zuko said, tentatively. Kattan chuckled.
"No, I'm doing it because I want to do it, like the rest of them," he said. "But Chief Hakoda said you'd get the full celebration, and so, we'll help you with it. If he'd said you'd have to get married the Fire Nation way, well, we'd just sit on the sidelines watching whatever traditions you have."
"Huh. That's what you meant…" said Zuko, with a weak smile. "Well, thank you. It's great to have help with this."
"Hey, don't mention it," said Kattan, waving a gloved hand from side to side. "Besides, you do need help, all the help you can get, and I'm not saying it to insult you: most our weddings happen during the light period because it's easier to hunt by then. The ceremony can go on for longer, since the sun helps with keeping everyone warmer. But as we're in a tight schedule with you and Suki and the baby…"
"We had to do it this way, yeah," said Zuko, sighing. "I hope I can compensate you all for your help one day."
"Hey, no worries. When I finally get a girl, you can join my hunting party," Kattan said, beaming. Zuko chuckled.
"I'll agree to that, yeah," he said, nodding in his direction.
The temperatures were extremely low, and the lanterns they brought with them weren't very helpful for their hunt, since animals would escape from the light if they were to notice it. It seemed they would have to settle for fish, so once they reached a large enough expanse near the shore, the Water Tribe men readied themselves for fishing. But Zuko had never been one for fishing, lacking the patience and disliking the nagging feeling that he could be spending all that time doing something more important than just scooping up fish.
"Do you guys mind if I check whatever's nearby?" he asked the group. They frowned. "I just want to try to find something other than just fish, maybe an animal's den or something…"
"You should stay with us," said the oldest of the group, Nanuk. "It'll be safer."
"I won't go far," said Zuko. "I just… really want to try my luck at finding something special. I'll be back before you guys know it."
The group seemed uncertain about it, but they shrugged and nodded eventually. Kattan clapped him in the back.
"Don't be long. If you find nothing within an hour or two, get back here quickly," he said.
"I will. Thanks," said Zuko, nodding and picking up a lantern.
He wandered the icy plain alone, making sure to stay within range of the hunting group. He couldn't find any prints, though, let alone any special trinkets that could serve as gifts for his bride. He sighed, wondering if Suki might accept wedding presents weeks after the ceremony: despite her assurance that he didn't need to do anything, he wanted to find something meaningful for her. There had to be something, anything…
A gust of wind forced him to turn around so he could brace himself against the chill, and when he lifted his gaze he spotted something strange. It was a large shape, its outlines too geometric to be natural. Whatever it was, it seemed to be man-made. He frowned and approached it steadily, making sure not to step on any thin ice, and the closer he got, the more confused he grew. It could have been his imagination, he wouldn't have been surprised if it were, but… that shape looked a lot like a Fire Nation ship.
It wasn't his small boat, that was clear, even if it was stranded in the sort of shipwreck that could have only been caused by a waterbender, just like his own had been. But it was a Fire Nation warship for sure, frozen here since decades ago.
Zuko frowned as he walked towards it, almost hypnotized by that call back to his past in the middle of his quest for the future. His fists clenched as he stood before the large structure, watching as whatever remained of the ship's flag drifted in the wind. If the rope that kept that flag in place had endured for so long, the ship might be full of dangers inside: Fire Nation people were very protective of their technological advancements, and if they were forced to leave behind this ship, they would have done it only by making sure that the Water Tribe would pay dearly if they ever tried to use it against them.
But knowing that there would be defensive mechanisms didn't deter Zuko. He knew what to expect, and he knew what these ships were like, firsthand. So, if he had been the captain of this ship, where would he have placed each trap?
With a small smile, the banished prince took a step towards the shipwreck.
The village was barely ever as boisterous as it was right now, and Suki couldn't help but notice it. She hadn't seen it like this before, not even during the light period. Everyone fussed about all preparations for the wedding, but they told her to stay inside Hakoda's igloo while everyone else worked. It didn't stop her from watching from the door, or the window, whenever the urge would strike her.
She felt a hand on her shoulder once she as in the middle of peeking, though, and she smiled up at Kanna, who had approached while holding a soft fur in her hands. Suki looked at her with surprise.
"You're supposed to wear this today," Kanna explained, smiling. "It's the cloth that symbolizes your status as the bride."
"And I figure it's white because of purity and chastity?" Suki asked, with a sigh and a guilty smile. Kanna chuckled.
"You wouldn't be the first girl who marries a man over a pregnancy, dear," Kanna said. Suki raised an eyebrow.
"Did it happen before around here?"
"No, but in the Northern Water Tribe it happened once or twice," said Kanna, chuckling. "It's much harder to have secret affairs in the Southern Water Tribe. Though you and your prince certainly have been sneaking around fairly easily…"
"A-ah… you noticed?" Suki asked, blushing a little. Kanna laughed.
"Everyone but my son did," she said. Suki smiled. "But nobody is upset about it. It's wonderful that you two are so eager to spend time together. You should have a happy marriage if you enjoy each other's company so much."
"I sure hope so" said Suki, sighing. "I really thought that he'd grow tired of me eventually. That one day he'd wake up and ask himself why on earth was he doing any of this, why work so hard just for a girl like me…"
"Oh, most men do ask themselves those questions," said Kanna. "It's in their nature to question if a relationship is worthwhile or not, just as we do it."
"Right," said Suki, biting her lip.
"But in my experience?" said Kanna, moving to sit behind Suki so she could brush the girl's flowing red hair. "You know when you're with the right person when you can answer every single one of those doubtful questions. When you know that you're going to lengths for someone just to see them smile, just to enjoy a peaceful life by their side… So Zuko must have answered all those questions for himself already. Do you think he would have finished that igloo if he hadn't?"
"I guess not," said Suki, with a shy smile. "I suppose I still feel like… like I'm not that worthy of him. I've had a complicated life…"
"From the sound of it, so did he," said Kanna. "Maybe that's why you suit each other so well."
Suki laughed and Kanna smiled behind her as she worked on Suki's hair. Her auburn locks were admired through the whole village, as it was the most unique hair color anyone had ever seen within the Tribe. Suki had noticed that many of their men watched her in awe, and many women approached her on occasion, wanting to touch and brush her hair, often fascinated by its softness. It was amusing, to say the least. But today, Kanna would arrange it into a traditional Water Tribe top knot, paired with small braids that would be attached to the knot in the same way Katara's hair loops were. As Suki's hair hadn't been cut in quite some time, Kanna had plenty of locks to work neatly with.
"I do have to say, I'm pleased I can finally help someone get ready for her wedding," said Kanna, sighing. "Katara's suitor is taking so long with his courtship that I most likely will be dead when they finally wed each other…"
"Oh, don't say that," said Suki, with an uncertain smile. "I'm sure Aang just needs a little more courage to do it, but he will, eventually."
"I certainly hope so," said Kanna, chuckling. "I would love to meet a great-grandchild of mine…"
"You can think of mine as one, if you like," said Suki, smiling a little. "We've been living as family for quite some time now. I know it's not the same as a child from either Katara or Sokka, but still…"
"Hmm…" said Kanna, finishing one of the braids. "Well, that's very sweet of you, child. I'd love to spoil your offspring as all grandparents should. Though I do hope that, if Sokka ever does have a child, he'll try to send word about it…"
"I don't know if that would be possible," Suki admitted, with uncertainty. "Not just that he might never have any kids, if he's really involved with the Princess, but I have no idea how he might be able to send word…"
"That Princess, then…?" said Kanna. "Did she truly save you?"
"Yes," said Suki, without a hint of a doubt. Kanna smiled.
"Then I do hope you're wrong about your assessment," she said. "From what you say, and what we know, Sokka might have changed her. It would be lovely if they could have a family, if they wanted one…"
"You don't despise her?" Suki asked, surprised. "Most people here can't even tolerate hearing her name…"
"When you reach my age, dear, you realize that holding onto resentment only harms you in the end," said Kanna, sighing. "I only want what's best for Sokka. And if he's found love… well, it's much better than for him to be a tormented slave, isn't it?"
"Of course," said Suki, with a small smile. "Though he wasn't that tormented when I knew him. I guess he wasn't always cheerful, but the last times I saw him, he really seemed to be happy around her. She was very proud of him after he won in a very hard fight… in fact, I'd never seen her smile the way she did after he won. But it wasn't just because he'd achieved victory, though… she actually left the trophy with her friend and rushed to Sokka's side right away."
"That sounds sweet," Kanna admitted, smiling. "I do hope they're happy together, then. And that they can stop by here one day for a proper Water Tribe wedding, too. I'd love to see one of my grandchildren married, and seeing as Katara isn't likely to do it…"
Suki laughed again as Kanna finished fixing her hair. While she couldn't have been more of a foreigner, Suki's hair suited the Water Tribe hairstyles fairly well, Kanna noted.
"You should let me brush it more often," she concluded, as Suki turned to hug her gratefully.
"Thanks for everything so far, Kanna," she said.
"I ought to be the one thanking you," said Kanna, chuckling. "This village definitely needed all this new blood. You, Zuko, Aang and Kino… you've given new life to the Tribe, in ways you can't begin to fathom."
"I'm honored to know so," said Suki, smiling warmly at Kanna. "The Tribe has felt like a family for us too. For all of us. It had been a while since I last had that feeling at all. I'm glad I could experience it again."
"And you will continue to, for now at least," said Kanna, smiling and taking Suki's hands in hers. "And for now, we wait."
"We wait indeed," Suki said, nodding and glancing outside through a small window. "I hope the hunt won't take much longer…"
"It surely won't. You'll be joined in marriage before you know it, dear," said Kanna.
Suki smiled as she heard footsteps entering the igloo. Katara ducked through the entrance and stopped to stare at her friend, taking in her new hairstyle and the ceremonial shawl already adorning her shoulders. Katara's lips curled into a gentle smile.
"You look beautiful," she said. Suki laughed somewhat coyly. "The hunters aren't back yet, but it won't be long now…"
"Are we sure of that?" Suki asked, raising an eyebrow. "With the conditions they took off in… have any weddings been postponed because the hunting party took too long?"
"Only once in a while," said Kanna.
"I've never seen it happen," Katara confessed. "Though I haven't seen too many weddings either…"
"I'm sure Zuko will return before the day is out," said Kanna. "And if not, the dark period is dark enough to make it seem as though the day isn't over yet, right?"
"Right," said Suki, smiling a little.
"Kino's moping all over the place," Katara commented. Suki laughed. "He didn't wake up on time to join them, so…"
"I guess you're hiding from him in here?" Suki asked. "Well, you're welcome to. Even if I'm not great company right now, with how impatient I am…"
"You should enjoy your last minutes of not being married to Zuko, really," said Katara, smirking. Suki snorted.
"You were being so nice to him lately…"
"Where's the point in only being nice?" Katara said, smiling. "I can't let him think I've eased up on him completely, now, can I?"
"What harm would there be in that?" asked Suki, shaking her head but still grinning. "Oh well. Some things simply won't change."
"But some do," said Katara, reaching out for Suki's hand. "You'll get married, and you'll be a mother, too. I'll keep an eye on you every day to make sure the child is growing properly."
"Thank you," said Suki, smiling again. "It won't be much longer before the baby is born, will it?"
"It shouldn't be," said Katara, looking at Suki's large belly. She reached out and touched it gently with her palm. "Have you decided on any names yet, by any chance?"
"I've thought of a few," Suki admitted. "Mari, for a girl. Or, well, Kerra would be sweet for one, too…"
"Have you thought about boy names?" Katara asked. Suki laughed and shook her head.
"No, foolish of me not to," she admitted. "But Zuko is completely convinced that it will be a girl, so, for some reason, his enthusiasm made me settle for girl names. But maybe we can name a boy after a family member, perhaps his un-…"
"They're back!"
Aang's voice startled them, and Suki's breath caught in her throat. Katara smiled as she looked at Aang in the doorway.
"Then… everything's going according to plan?" Suki asked. Aang smiled and nodded.
"As soon as the cooking is underway, we'll get started!"
Suki smiled, a rush of joy bursting inside her. It wouldn't be long now… and she could barely wait anymore. Zuko was outside, waiting to take her as his bride, and she couldn't have been happier to jump in his arms and pledge loyalty and love for him for the rest of her life.
The wait was a little less worrisome now, as the hunting party had returned, even though Suki had no news of Zuko. She guessed he was getting ready elsewhere… She tried to stay calm even as she fetched the gift she had prepared for him, and she sat down to wait until Katara or Aang came looking for her again. The meals for the feast were already being cooked, and she could smell the roasting meat even from the igloo. Before she knew it, her heart was racing. It would be time soon, it would…
"You're going to be born into a legal family after all…" said Suki, stroking her own belly and smiling. "We would have loved you all the same, but it's wonderful that you won't have to wait before going home. We'll be all settled when you arrive, ready for you…"
The baby was large enough to kick, or turn, and Suki felt it doing as much right now. It always responded to her voice when she was alone, as if it knew she was speaking directly to it. She thought that meant that the baby would turn out to be remarkably smart…
She was fidgeting and going through all the furniture and wares she had built over the course of these days, the pots and pans, the sleeping bags, everything they'd need for their new home, when Katara finally returned. Suki looked at her eagerly, and Katara smiled.
"It's time."
Suki's hand trembled as Katara helped her up. They left the igloo side by side, with Suki's shawl properly wrapped around her shoulders. A group of women waited for her at the entrance of the igloo, and they beamed encouragingly while whispering words of luck. Together, the women approached to the fireplace, where the men waited, in turn. Some were sitting around the fire, in a circle, watching as today's hunt was cooked thoroughly, others were standing and watching Suki as she came closer.
Hakoda stood at one end of the circle around the fireplace, with Aang and Kino near him. Beside them also stood Zuko, with his usually wild hair brushed and tamed. He wore a shawl much like Suki's, but with inverse colors. When he spotted her approaching, his face lit up, much like hers did.
"Ready?" Katara asked her, still guiding her friend, hand in hand. Suki smiled at her and nodded.
"Thank you," she mouthed, and Katara smiled brightly too as she stopped before her father, leaving Suki to finally meet Zuko.
The light from the fire shed shadows over his face, but the lighting couldn't have disguised the tears pooling in Zuko's eyes. Suki laughed, looking at him in disbelief as her own eyes grew tearful as well.
"I can't believe this is happening," she said, and he chuckled too.
"You look beautiful," he said, but when he reached out a hand to caress her face, Katara slapped Zuko's hand away.
"Behave yourself, now. You can touch her all you want after the ceremony is done," she smirked. Zuko sighed and looked at her skeptically.
"Fine," he said. Suki laughed. The relationship between Zuko and Katara wouldn't cease being conflictive, although their problems were a lot lighter and sillier these days.
Hakoda cleared his throat, looking at the group carefully. Everyone was ready, covered with furs and parkas to fight off the chill in the dark period's air. The food would be done soon, so it was time to get started.
He pulled out an old whalebone knife and held it out ceremoniously so the fire would reflect on it. Zuko and Suki stared at it intently.
"This blade has brought forth the union of men and women through many generations in the Southern Water Tribe," said Hakoda. "Today it will witness a new union, one between two foreigners, who have built a home for themselves amongst us, through nothing but hard work and determination. With today's ceremony, they will not only be married, but they will be part of this tribe too, for as long as they wish to be among us."
Everyone else clapped, while Suki and Zuko gaped at Hakoda in surprise. They'd be part of the tribe, officially? They exchanged a glance, and a quick smile. Hakoda chuckled.
"Now, are you two ready? Will you take your vows and pledge love and loyalty to each other for the rest of your lives?"
"Well, this whole matter of being part of the tribe is a surprise," Zuko admitted, and Hakoda chuckled. "But… a nice surprise, actually. Thank you."
"We'll gladly be part of your tribe," Suki seconded, and Hakoda beamed. "And of course, I'll take Zuko as my husband."
"And I'll take Suki as my wife," Zuko said, smiling at her. She answered the sweetness in his eyes with a tender smile of her own.
"Then, as is my right as Chief, I will proceed to bind you together. Aang, you have the cloth?"
"It's right here," said Aang, nodding and holding it up. Hakoda nodded.
"Remove your right hand's gloves, if you would."
Suki and Zuko obeyed, the chill in the air reaching their hands quickly, but the warmth of the fire kept them from being too cold. Hakoda lifted the knife and approached Zuko first.
"With this mark, we symbolize that your life will forever be changed by this union," he said, carving a line over Zuko's palm carefully. The banished Prince flinched, but endured the pain before Hakoda moved to do the same to Suki. "Love can bring pain, but the strongest of bonds will never be torn apart by it. You will become family, and your descendants will share your blood. As of today, with your hands bonded, you'll begin your journey as spouses until the spirits take you."
With that, he brought their hands together. The two cuts were painful, and they were pressed together as Aang bound their hands with the cloth he had been holding. Zuko and Suki endured the discomfort, though, gazing at each other with heartfelt smiles as they waited to be told what was next. Hakoda placed a hand atop theirs once Aang was finished tying the cloth, and he smiled at them both.
"Now, it's time to make your vows," he said. "Your promises for the future, with which you shall pledge yourselves to each other as husbands and wives are meant to. Who wants to go first?"
"Uh, well…" said Zuko, gulping. Suki giggled and stepped up, though.
"I was born in a fishing village in Kyoshi Island," she said, as everyone fell into reverent silence as she spoke. She held Zuko's gaze as she did. "And never in all those years did I dream of finding a prince and falling in love with him as we eloped towards an unknown future together. Yet one day I bumped into someone in the Grand Royal Dome, not knowing who it might be… and it turned out to be the soulmate I never expected to find. It was the man who saved me from myself more times than he ever realized, who encouraged me to move forward when I was overwhelmed by darkness, who offered me kindness when I thought there was none left in the world. You were patient, you were respectful, and you proved to be the best man I've ever known. How was I supposed to help but fall in love with you?"
Zuko laughed softly, tears blinking in his eyes again, as they did in Suki's. She breathed deeply.
"I've found a life worth living for thanks to you, and I hope I can inspire you the same way you've inspired me. It won't be easy, but as long as we head into this challenge together, I know I have nothing to fear. You're my partner, and you always will be, and it's because you chose to be mine. I couldn't be luckier for it. So, I promise to be yours, and yours only. I will love you and our family fully, no matter where we are, no matter what life has in store for us. We'll be together for good, and I'll do everything I can to make you happy for the rest of my life. You've chosen to be with me, so… I'll work to make sure you never come to regret that choice."
Zuko laughed again and shook his head, allowing himself to cup her cheek with his free hand.
"You don't need to work hard at all to know I won't regret it," he said, smiling gently. "As for making me happy, you always have. In fact, you might be the first person with whom I experienced genuine happiness, but also, genuine peace. It had never happened with anyone before you. You knew me while I was hiding myself, ashamed of who I was, but after I finished that igloo for us and our child, I felt proud of who I've become because I'm a man who can live beside you, and who can support and encourage you as you deserve it. I feel worthier today than I ever have, even though I still think a woman as beautiful and remarkable as you could do a lot better…"
"Not true," she said, smiling. Zuko chuckled.
"You are so biased," he said. "But it's also true that nobody has ever loved me the way you do. When everyone else would leave, or forget me, or move on, you're the only one who ever wanted to stay with me. The only one who chose an uncertain future with me over, well, any stability you could have found in the Fire Nation. And the fact that you'd choose me… I'm sure I'll never stop cherishing it. We'll raise our child together, and we'll live our lives with our family, for as long as we may live. I swear I'll always seek to be a better man for you, to be one who's worthy of your love. I will always do my best to respect you, to listen to you, and to help you see how wonderful you truly are whenever you fail to see it. I want you to be the happiest you've ever been, and I'm sure that, together, we'll create a future we'll be proud of. I love you, and I always will."
"I'll always love you too," said Suki, sniffing as the tears rolled down her cheeks now. "Thank you for everything, Zuko…"
"I'm grateful to you too," he said, chuckling a little and moving closer to her, still stroking her cheek. "Thanks for letting me love you, and for loving me in return."
After they fell silent, Hakoda smiled and stepped closer to them, clearing his throat once more.
"Just so you know, you only need to kiss now to make it official," he winked. Zuko and Suki laughed.
She reached up to Zuko's neck with her left hand, and Zuko wrapped his left arm around her waist. When they joined together for this new kiss it felt like the entire world was changing, like every breath they had ever taken had brought them to this moment, like every spirit, like all of nature, was celebrating with them. They heard the cheers and clapping around them, but they were fully invested in each other, forsaking everything else for now as they shared their first kiss with one another as husband and wife.
The celebration afterwards was a blur of joy and song, of excitement and shared enthusiasm by every member of the tribe. The children played together, the men and women worked on the meals, and Zuko and Suki hugged their friends after Aang undid the cloth that had tied their hands together. Their palms were rather bloody after that, but Katara washed them and helped heal them, though only a little.
"You're supposed to bear those marks forever," she said, smiling as she bandaged Suki's hand while Aang took care of Zuko's. "So, we'll leave them to mostly heal on their own."
"It's a strange practice, cutting people's hands…" said Kino, staring at them intently before beaming at Zuko. "But you're married! You guys are finally married! How's married life treating you so far?"
"It hasn't even been ten minutes," said Zuko, laughing as Suki kissed his cheek.
"It's been wonderful so far, no matter how little time we've been married," she said, beaming.
The group took their seats at the fire, as Hakoda busied himself with supervising everything about the feast. It wasn't long before plates of food were passed along the crowd, reaching the newly married couple quickly. But before they enjoyed them, Suki asked Katara to fetch something she had left in the igloo.
"Thank you," said Suki, once Katara returned and turned over what Suki had asked for. Katara smiled.
"I suppose I'll give you some privacy now," she said, before turning to talk with Aang and Kino.
Zuko raised an eyebrow as Suki looked at him, clutching onto something that looked like brown clothes to Zuko. She didn't dawdle in offering them to him: they were gloves, not mittens, with individual fingers. Zuko's eyes widened.
"Suki?"
"They should be warm enough for you to fend off the awful cold weather, firebender," she said, smiling at him. "I wanted to give these to you earlier, but Katara told me about the wedding gifts so I figured I'd give them to you now…"
"They're beautiful," Zuko stated, trying out the left one and humming agreeably at the soft padding inside. "And comfortable."
"And… remember when we needed fire resistant clothes for Sokka?" said Suki. "Ty Lee bought me and Haru a few things too, and I brought mine with me when I came with you. It used to be a vest, but it didn't look like I'd make much use of it in the South Pole. So… that's what the outside layer is made of. You'll be able to firebend with them, I asked Aang to try them out and it worked. So, no more mittens on fire!"
"This is… so useful," Zuko said, his eyes wide. "Suki, this is genius. It's perfect for this weather and… oh, you're amazing."
He leaned in and kissed her, and she laughed as she kissed him back. She had thought the gif was somewhat simple, but it seemed their lives had become simpler, in some ways. The Water Tribe was never overwhelming when it came to their traditions, and the traditional wedding gifts Katara had mentioned were much simpler than these gloves.
"Well, I hope you'll like what I got for you, but your gift is very hard to beat…" said Zuko, sighing. Suki raised her eyebrows.
"But you didn't have to…"
"Too late for that now, isn't it?" he said, smiling and standing up to find the present. Suki watched him go, surprised but intrigued by what he'd found. She had told him not to worry, that the igloo was enough… but apparently Zuko had disagreed with that.
He returned within a few moments, carrying something Suki had never seen before. The beautifully decorated box, made of what seemed to be cherry wood and adored with shells, was completely out of place in the frozen South Pole. Her eyes widened.
"How did you…? Zuko, where did you find something like this?" she asked, looking at him in awe. He allowed himself to chuckle.
"I may have stumbled upon some sort of Fire Nation shipwreck while we went out to hunt," he said. "I found some animals in there, caught a few, brought them for the feast… but I also looked through the cabins to see if maybe I could find something for you. And after avoiding several booby traps, I did."
"It's… it's so beautiful," Suki said, looking at the box now and opening it, finding a black velvet interior, fit to hold anything for safekeeping. "Oh, Zuko, it's so thoughtful…"
"You like keeping mementos, I'd seen them in your bags back when we were still at sea," he smiled. "I thought… this way you can keep them safe somewhere, and you'll always know where to find them."
Suki smiled brightly and kissed him. Zuko laughed but kissed her back, his hand on the back of her head. Eyes drifted towards their passionate exchange, and giggles were heard over the circle of tribespeople: their love was moving, and everyone was happy to see them shining with joy as they were now.
"And to think that when I married you, Karok, you gave me a fishhook," a woman said, berating her husband. Everyone burst into laughter.
The evening was the warmest that either Zuko or Suki had ever experienced, no matter how cold the weather was. The food proved to be delicious, even without much seasoning: Zuko was getting used to the different taste of food, and tonight of all nights, the meals were better than ever for him. Jokes were told, advice was given to them, and not long after the meal was done, they were encouraged to dance, despite their uncertainties about doing so.
The Water Tribe's dance was merely guided by the drums that some of the men were playing, and they were comprised by fast movements and quite a lot of jumping. Both Suki and Zuko were astounded by the fast pace at first, but soon enough they dared join in, albeit with a slower version of the Water Tribe dance, as Suki couldn't move easily with her large belly.
Once the children started to fall asleep, the few liquors they had were shared amongst the adults. It wasn't long after this that people started to take their leave, to rest in their huts and igloos. Zuko took that cue to mean that it was time to finish furnishing his igloo. With Aang and Kino's help, he moved everything he owned into their new home, and afterwards the three did the same with all of Suki's belongings, and the gadgets she had built for the igloo. Katara sat with Suki, smiling at the sight of the Kyoshi-born girl with her reddened cheeks and bright grin.
"I'd never seen you so happy," Katara said, and Suki laughed.
"Would you believe me if I said this is probably the best day of my life?" she said. Katara smiled.
"I would. It was a great wedding," she said. "And now you should go and, uh… consummate your marriage again?"
Suki laughed, and Katara joined her with her own laughter just before Zuko, Kino and Aang returned.
"We can go to the igloo now," Zuko announced, proudly. "Are you ready?"
"Of course," said Suki, beaming and standing up with some difficulty. When she made to remove her shawl, Katara shook her head.
"Oh, no, that's yours for the night, and so is Zuko's," she said, smiling. "You're only supposed to remove them once you're, uh… exercising your marital rights."
Zuko blushed at the comment while Aang and Kino laughed. Suki gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Well then, no time like the present," she said, taking Zuko's bandaged hand in hers. He smiled.
"It's nothing we haven't done before anyways," he chuckled, before nodding at his friends. "We'll see you guys tomorrow, I imagine."
"Or later, if Suki can't get enough of you," said Kino, chuckling. Zuko rolled his eyes.
"Right," he said, with a small smile anyways.
"Thanks for everything, guys," said Suki, smiling at Aang and Kino, and turning to Katara. "We're very lucky to have friends like you."
"And we're very happy to have friends like you," said Aang, bowing his head towards them. "Sifu Hotman, Suki, have a great wedding night!"
"It's been better than great so far," said Suki, smiling at Zuko and leading him to their new home.
Zuko lit up the lanterns inside the house, guiding his new wife into a cozy, brightening igloo. Suki gazed about it in wonder, though she still thought that she'd have to rearrange many things that Zuko, Aang and Kino had simply brought in and left near the empty fireplace. She smiled, though, noticing one small room to the left, and a larger one to the right.
Zuko's arms wrapped around her from behind, his hands resting on her womb. Suki smiled.
"It's lovely," she said, shaking her head. "It's truly lovely. You did a wonderful job with this."
"You did a wonderful job with everything you made for us, too," he said, kissing her cheek. "It wouldn't be a home if we hadn't worked for it together."
Suki turned in his arms and kissed him fully. Zuko smiled and returned the gesture before leading her to their bedroom. A large sleeping bag had been laid there, big enough for the two of them: Suki had stitched it together while Zuko worked on the igloo.
"Let's see if it keeps us warm at all," Suki said, smiling as Zuko sat on the sleeping bag. He grinned at her too.
"I'm sure it will, but… we can always find warmth in different ways," he said. She smirked.
"Huh. Are you being suave, or are you simply saying you could build us a fire?" she asked. He laughed.
"Well, I could build one, but… we should make something other than a fire tonight, shouldn't we?"
Suki smiled and nodded, before kneeling beside Zuko and kissing him deeply again. It was the first night of the rest of their lives, after all: they had to make the most of it, especially while their child wasn't born yet. Once the baby was born, it would likely keep them from enjoying each other's company fully.
As the stars lit the sky brightly, and their lights shone upon their new home, their two souls merged together in fulfillment of all their earlier promises. Everything was peaceful, and everything felt right in the world, if just for that moment.
The slight glimpse of the sun's glow on the skies in the South Pole would be a welcome break soon: a month had already passed after Zuko and Suki's wedding. Everything seemed ready to come to life again, even the people, who were revitalized by knowing the deep, dark night would finally lift soon, though their enthusiasm could wane if they were fully loaded with fishing gear, just as Kino was.
"Oh, guys, wait up…" he complained, as he followed Aang and Katara on their way outside the tribe's walls. "Can't you slow down?"
"You should hurry up, if anything," Katara said. "We might just catch a glimpse of the sun if we go to the harbor, but only if we get going quickly."
"Okay, okay, but let me catch up with you, at least," he sighed, rushing after them through the tall doors.
"We just had to go fishing…" Aang sighed. Katara looked at him sympathetically.
"I'm sure we'll find seaweed for you too," she said. He smiled weakly.
"Let's hope."
Everyone in the village had long grown used to watching the three of them going everywhere together. People merely greeted them and wished them luck on their way outside, and children asked them to bring a big haul of fish for everyone, too.
Zuko didn't accompany them, though he certainly had little interest in doing as much. He was having the best month of his life so far, as he lived with his wife in the house he had built for them, and the sun's impending return only improved his outlook on life.
"You're gonna keep looking at your friends or are you here to choose a pup?"
Zuko jumped as Nanuk smirked at him. The banished Prince smiled somewhat apologetically.
"Sorry, I keep getting distracted… anyways, do you really just give these away?"
"Sure, everyone could use a canine partner," said Nanuk, smiling and gesturing at his litter of wolf-dog cubs.
Nanuk was a man of nature, always part of every hunting party, and whenever he wasn't hunting, he was the village's appointed breeder of wolf-dogs. He had a fair number of adult wolf-dogs, and recently one of the females had cubs. Hakoda had recommended adopting one of the cubs to Zuko, for they were fierce partners and loyal companions, suitable for any man in the South Pole.
"Which one do you think I should take?" Zuko asked. Nanuk smiled.
"There's one back there that's all grumpy. Could suit you, I keep calling him Gruff," he said. Zuko grimaced. "See, that's why."
"Heh… fine, fine. When will it be safe to take him home with me?"
"In about a month or two. They're still growing up, as you can see…"
Zuko glanced inside the igloo, watching as the small dogs kept chasing after their mother, bumping into each other in the process. Some were prone to distraction, intrigued by any adornments on the wall that might stir their curiosity.
"I'll be training them, so you won't have to work that hard with the one you take," said Nanuk. "Besides, you're going to have your hands full with a baby and… Suki."
"Uh, maybe the baby will be trouble, but my wife is a hard worker and I'm sure she won't be a problem…" Zuko said, frowning defensively, but Nanuk pointed at something over Zuko's shoulder.
"Nice as that may be, your hard-working wife is walking barefooted in the snow, Zuko."
The words he uttered struck Zuko as completely nonsensical, until he turned on his heels and discovered that, indeed, Suki was right outside their igloo, stepping carefully on the snow without wearing anything on her feet.
All matters of adopting dogs vanished from Zuko's head as he ran towards his wife. Surprisingly, she was smiling placidly while standing where she was, but he certainly wasn't so carelessly blissful about her unexpected, confusing, health-endangering choices.
"Suki?!" he exclaimed, startling her.
"Uh… what?" she said, shrugging, as he looked at her in disbelief.
"You can't just…! You can't step outside barefooted, you'll get sick!"
"But my feet hurt, Zuko, they're so swollen," she complained, grimacing. "And the igloo is so hot even when I put out the fire, and…"
"You have to go back inside. No takebacks," Zuko determined, frowning. "Either you go yourself or I can carry you, your choice."
"Come on, do you really have to be so…?" she asked, but he forced her to turn on her heels and head inside. "Ugh, Zuko…"
"Stop putting yourself in danger, we can cool down your feet in some other way!" he exclaimed, leading her inside the igloo with determination.
Where the igloo had been orderly when Zuko had left, now there was chaos. He grimaced as he spotted many ornaments on the floor, along with kitchenware and even food. He looked at Suki with uncertainty as she grimaced.
"I couldn't pick up anything with this belly in the way," she explained, pointing at it.
Zuko sighed, reaching to caress her womb. It was massive, too big for the woman carrying it, it seemed. He wondered if it could possibly grow any larger, though it seemed scientifically impossible, but who knew?
Suki's pregnancy had been somewhat complicated because of external factors before, but by now her movements were heavily restricted because a nine-month pregnant belly demanded that it would be so. She often complained about the swelling of her feet and ankles, and her back hurt horribly too. She needed help when sitting down, and thus, Zuko offered her his hands so she could take her seat by the empty fireplace.
"Give me a moment, okay?" Zuko said, picking up one of the fallen cups and stepping outside briefly. Suki sighed, but smiled when he returned with some snow in the cup. "There, you can press this to the swelling and it'll be a little less risky, don't you think?"
"You're so clever," she said, sighing and grabbing a cloth that she handed to him. He wrapped the snow inside the cloth and pressed it to her swelling feet. Suki sighed in bliss. "Yeah, that's what I needed."
"You're welcome," he said, pleased as ever over having helped his wife. Suki smiled. "So, how are you feeling now?"
"Uh… you want the truth?" she asked. "Horny."
He had to do a double take upon hearing that, and she giggled about it as she watched his cheeks flush.
"Yeah, uh, I didn't expect you to say that," he said, with a small smile too. "But it was a good joke, yes…"
"Joke? Your reaction was funny, dear, but it was no joke," she said. "Come on, I'll lie down on my side, you know what to do…"
"Weren't you complaining about how hot it is in here?" he asked. "Don't you think having sex will just… make things hotter?"
"For a good reason," said Suki, smiling lazily. Zuko snorted. "Come on, Zuko…"
"Well, when have I been known to refuse your requests?" he said, moving closer to her. "Say, maybe I can just start by pleasing you…?"
"What do you have in mind?" she asked, as his hand glided over her belly and moved to her private area. Zuko smiled a little.
"Just wanted to have some fun. Let me know if it's no good," he said, and his fingers started to work.
Suki closed her eyes and relaxed, enjoying the sensations, and Zuko smiled brighter, knowing he was pleasing her. Nothing made him happier than watching her reactions to his touch… though nothing alarmed him faster than watching her face clench in pain just as he was touching her.
"Uh, Suki?" he said, as she reached down to her womb. "Are you okay? Wait, you're…"
"I'm fine, it's just… baby stuff, you could keep going, it's already gone and I'm feeling better…" she said, but Zuko's hand pulled away brusquely before she could register why. "Oh, come on, Zuko…"
"You're soaked."
"Well, yeah, that's what I meant when I said I was…"
"No, Suki!" Zuko exclaimed, blushing anyways. "I know what it's like when you're excited, what happened to you just now is… different."
"Different?" Suki asked, frowning.
That was when she noticed it. Something was unpleasantly wet, something she didn't like one bit. When she sat up she felt it gushing down faster, and the strange feeling didn't recede. She cringed and grimaced, but she knew what it meant even though Zuko clearly didn't. The panic in his eyes betrayed as much.
"Suki…?" he asked, as she grimaced at him.
"Zuko…" she muttered, biting her lip. "I think my water just broke."