quick note: This is a direct continuation of Blood and Cactus Juice

This was her chance. Katara looked down at the flier clutched between her hands. It was an advertisement for the upcoming Firefly Festival. The festival was held every three years and legend had it that couples who attended would be blessed with everlasting happiness. The Fire Lady smiled. She had Zuko could go through the tunnel and then she could tell Zuko about the baby. It would be perfect.

--

"Absolutely not." Zuko's voice was firm and Katara could see that this was going to be difficult.

Since no one else was in the throne room she pouted in the way that he liked. "Why not Zuko? It would be a nice thing to go to."

Zuko sighed and pretended not to notice the pout. "Katara as Fire Lord I can't go galavanting across the country to a Firefly Festival. You know that."

Katara stayed quiet for a moment before suggesting, "We could sneak out and disguise ourselves."

"Katara..." Zuko paused to reach over and take his wife's hand. "There's no way I can disguise the scar. I'm sorry but the answer is no."

--

Katara lay on her bed with her hand resting on her stomach. Tears gathered in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She whispered softly, "I'm sorry baby but daddy has a point. I guess i'll tell him about you in a normal way." Katara closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. Several minutes later Zuko walked in. He leaned against the door frame and took in her appearance. Stepping closer Zuko realized that her face was tear stained. The young man sighed and leaned over so he kiss her cheek.

"Don't worry Katara," he murmured softly. "I'll make this up to you." Zuko straightened, turned on his heel and left the room.

--

A few days passed and Katara tried to think of a way to tell her husband he was going to be a father. The night of the Firefly Festival the young woman stood on one of the many palace balconies deep in thought. Even if she couldn't go to the festival with Zuko, Katara decided that she would tell him this night. Taking a deep breath she turned and blushed bright red. Zuko stood at the entry of the balcony. He was dressed in the formal robes befitting his station and his hair was brushed to perfection. His arms were folded across his chest and a smile lit up his face.

Katara's heart sped up. God her husband was handsome. "Zuko...how long were you standing there?"

"Awhile," He admitted uncrossing his arms. Zuko held out one of his hands. "Come with me. I need to show you something." Katara took his hand and Zuko led her through a series of corridors. They reached the door for one of larger gardens. "Close your eyes Katara." Zuko's voice was husky and filled with warmth.

Katara frowned quizzically but did as she was told. When he was sure that her eyes were closed, Zuko pulled her through the doors and outside. Katara felt the warm night air and asked softly, "Can I open my eyes now?"

"Yes..." Zuko gave her hand a squeeze and released it just as she opened her eyes.

Katara's eyes grew large and she gasped. Fireflies filled the area. "Oh Zuko...did you catch them all for me?"

Zuko's faced turned red. "Well I had help...." he smiled slightly. "I'm sorry we couldn't go to the festival. I hope this makes up for it."

Katara threw her arms around Zuko and hugged him close. "It's even better." She pulled back and grew serious. "Zuko...there's something I want to ask you..."

"You know you can ask me anything." Zuko touched the side of her face and waited expectantly.

Katara took a deep breath and asked softly, "How...How would you feel about having your own little Yuena or Rue...?"

Zuko burst out laughing. "Katara what kind of question is that? You know that's not--." He stopped and his expression froze. Just as Katara began to feel concerned Zuko whispered, "Are you...are you ..." he gulped, "pregnant...?"

A smile spread across Katara's face and she nodded. Zuko pulled her close and as the two embraced Katara felt positive that they would be blessed.