Work Text:
41 weeks and two days
Zuko was going to kill someone. Preferably the inventor of the car seat. How could something designed to save the life of a baby be so complicated to install?! Even better, he was going to strangle Sokka. That dumbass was the one who recommended this car seat brand to Katara when the car seat that the soon-to-be-parents originally requested was recalled. And of course it was recalled after Hakoda had brought it and installed it.
Zuko tried to get Hakoda to install the new car seat like he did the first one but the expecting grandfather refused. Now Zuko understood why. This was unexpectedly complicated. He'd been at it for at least an hour now and had gotten no further than the first 3 steps. Huffing, Zuko spun the directions around again and clicked through another YouTube video. A tall man shouted, “Congratulations on buying the top safest rated car seat by parents and developers! Further congratulations on buying the car seat that was rated hardest to install!” Zuko swore and facepalmed his already red forehead.
While Zuko pretended to know what he was doing, Katara waddled by occasionally, round with their first child. She was almost a week and a half overdue and had taken to walking up and down their street in an effort to bring on labor. She had also taken all of Zuko’s Fire Flake chips (extra hot) with pineapple ice cream to make the baby come faster. Definitely not the weirdest of Katara’s pregnancy cravings. The combination that even freaked her out was pickles and mustard because she typically hated both. Oh well, what baby wanted, baby got.
Katara glanced at where her husband was fighting with their new car seat. She sighed as she wiped Fire Flake crumbs off her baby bump and threw her third bag of chips into the outside trash. Katara sipped her raspberry infused water then put it back in the mailbox, out of the sunlight, and went to walk around the block again, rubbing her lower back. She’d woken up with back pain and the walking had yet to ease her tight muscles. Maybe after this lap she would do some yoga or have Zuko ‘take a break’ from putting the car seat in and give her a massage.
Katara loved the little bean inside her but she was beyond over being pregnant. So tired of the achy feet and achy back and well achy everything. Suki had warned her that people would stop seeing her as a person and start touching her belly without asking. Katara thought their part of town was pretty forward-thinking but as soon as she popped in her fifth month, strangers came over with outstretched hands and unwanted advice.
Speaking of unwanted advice, Katara started to waddle faster past the Fortune Teller’s house. She and Zuko didn’t think that was actually her job but every time the pair had been outside, working on their home or walking by hers, the older woman had stopped and spoken to them. The busybody not only yelled at them about the day Zuko proposed and their wedding date but also about the day they picked to plant new trees. “The spirits are not happy with new trees today! Best plant them the day after a happy sun shower when the wind is gentle.”
Katara kept her gaze straight ahead and tried to hold her breath as if that would stop the nosy woman from noticing her. She hadn’t seen anyone from the corner of her eye and thought she was in the clear until she heard a voice shout, “Mommy-to-be!”
“Damn,” whispered Katara as she tensed and turned towards the voice. Zuko had ignored the woman once and she had followed him back to their house, yelling about bad manners and bad karma the whole time. It was better to be baseline polite and escape as soon as the woman paused to take a breath.
The older woman moved quickly towards Katara, her yellow dress whipping behind her, “Katara, my dear. You’re glowing! Although if you had scheduled the birth two days ago, like I told you to, your child would have been born under the luckiest of stars. Now tell me your conception date and I can better predict the baby’s future.”
Katara shook her head, resisting the urge to walk away. “I’ve told you, you don’t need to know that. Whenever our baby is born will be the right day.”
“Now dearie, don’t be like that. Tomorrow is another positive day. Have you tried castor oil? Or primrose oil? I have some somewhere inside. Why don’t you come in and I’ll make you a cup of tea.”
“No, I really would rather continue my walk.”
The woman heaved a dramatic sigh. “I don’t understand you kids these days, rejecting offers from your elders...”
Her neighbor continued but Katara tuned her out. This woman was making her back pains worse. Wait, could she fake… No that would be messed up. Wouldn’t it?
The woman leaned in closer and whispered, “Well, you know they say the best way to get baby out is the same way-”
“Ahhhh!”
Both women jumped at Katara’s shout and stared at each other. The volume of her voice surprised the both of them. Her neighbor grasped her arm. “Oh my! Was that a contraction? Let’s get you home.”
“No, that’s alright. I can walk by myself,” Katara said, pulling away from her neighbor, feeling embarrassed.
“Nonsense! It’s been many years since my last child but you should not be alone. No birthing mother should ever be.”
Well that was vaguely reassuring/kind. Katara grunted her acquiescence and let the woman lead her up the street. The pair walked silently with Katara occasionally rubbing her lower back, a slight, not completely fake grimace on her face. The back pains she woke up with were really starting to bother her now.
Soon, they came into view of Katara and Zuko’s home. Zuko was still in the driveway, leaning into their CRV with the trunk open. Before she could call out to him, their neighbor called, “Zuko! Katara’s contractions started!”
Katara winced in sympathy as Zuko startled, stood up too quickly, and smacked his head on the car’s roof. He rubbed at his head as he turned towards them, face shocked as he stared at Katara. She managed a small smile for him and said to their neighbor, “Thank you for walking me back. I’ll be okay now.”
The fortune teller nodded and sagely offered, “The stars say things will go better if you deliver tomorrow.” And with that she walked off.
Zuko hurried to Katara, worry written all over his face.“Baby, did your contractions really start?”
“I think so? Maybe? I faked the first one to get her to leave me alone but it didn’t end up feeling fake.” She squeezed his forearms as another back pain — contraction, she corrected herself — hit.
“Ahhhhh yeah, I think it’s happening, Zuko. Damn that hurt.”
“Umm okay, so let’s start timing them? I think the doctor said to call ahead when the contractions were five minutes apart over an hour unless your water broke.” Zuko glanced at Katara’s seemingly dry leggings. “And it hasn’t right?”
Katara peered down, unable to see around her belly. “I don’t think so but —” Katara stopped short as another contraction hit. This one accompanied by the sensation of peeing herself. A lot. Shit, well wouldn’t be the first time this pregnancy.
“Uhh Katara…ummm, did you pee yourself or was that your water breaking? That looks like a lot…”
Katara took a deep, even breath in and out, trying to process the fact that she was finally- finally- in labor after the longest 41 weeks and two days. “I think that was my water breaking. Oh Tua and La— Zuko, the baby is finally coming!”
“Wait really? I’m not ready, the car seat isn’t installed!”
Katara didn’t feel bad about pushing past him, waddling with her phone in hand to call her doctor. “Just put the bags in the car and grab the stork parking pass!”
About 36 weeks ago
Katara smiled as she pulled into Suki and Sokka’s driveway right before lunchtime. Zuko was at a teacher’s convention and Katara didn’t have massage clients, so Katara had texted Suki to hang out with her and the kids for the day. Suki of course agreed, especially because it was Sokka’s weekend to work at the family’s construction shop. With three kids, more help was always appreciated. Katara loved her nieces and nephew and their sticky hugs. She let herself into the house with her key and called out, “Anyone home?”
Immediately the pounding of little feet running down the stairs was heard along with shouts of “Auntie Katara!” Katara’s smile grew as three sets of grubby hands reached out to hug her. Ila and Yuka, ages 7 and 8, pulled at her while Kaito toddled behind his siblings.
Katara gave each child a hug and picked up Kaito, placing him on her nap. His big sisters immediately started talking about school and all their activities. Suki made her way down the stairs and gently herded the kids to the kitchen, each girl still rattling on about her week.
Katara got the kids set up with their art supplies—colored pencils, crayons, and paper galore—while Suki started talking out quesadilla ingredients. Kaito was firmly in his stage of only eating three or four foods. Pizza, rice with chicken or hot dog, quesadillas, and sometimes cheese omelets. His older sisters went through that too but now they were fantastic eaters—even eating sea prune soup. Suki had cut chicken breast in cubes and was cooking them on a frying pan when Katara came over, sniffing the air. “Suki, I think the chicken’s gone bad. It doesn’t smell good.”
“What, really? I bought it yesterday. It shouldn’t have gone bad that quickly,” Suki said, sniffing the air herself.
Katara shook her head and wrinkled her nose as she got closer to the cooking chicken. “Suki, I’m telling you it smells rotten.”
Suki gave Katara a long look, eyes widening as if she had a sudden surprising thought. “Katara, I was going to make steak strips for us. It’s defrosting in the sink, can you go smell that? I got it at the same supermarket.”
Katara nodded and walked over to the sink. She sniffed the steak and almost gagged. “That’s bad too! You should get a refund,” Katara said, shaking her head and moving away from the rotten smell.
With a “huh” sound, Suki smelled the steak then nodded to herself. “Kat, I really don’t think the meat’s gone bad. I think… well.. I’ll tell you after the kids eat. I’m gonna finish cooking the chicken and I’ll try it before I feed the kids. You can have my leftover arugula salad in the fridge.”
**************
Katara ate the arugula salad like an angry little kid, stabbing the greens and shoving them into her mouth. She had kept bothering Suki to tell her her thoughts but Suki refused. Something about wanting to see her face completely and not being distracted by the kids. Which was fair, since at 22 months Kaito couldn’t be left with his sisters to solely watch over him.
Yuka , ever the big sister, pushed her half-eaten quesadilla to Katara and yet again offered her some. “Auntie Katara, are you sure you don’t want some? Mama Suki did a good job this time.”
Ila nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Mama’s cooking usually isn’t this good. There’s like sooo much cheese.”
Katara tried to smile at the girls but failed — she was really trying not to gag at their food. She knew kids were more perceptive than adults gave them credit for and she didn’t want to narrow Kaito’s ‘Approved Food List’ even more.
Shaking her head, Katara leaned in close to the children (trying hard not to breathe in) and whispered, “My bones were telling me I needed more calcium and vitamin K. That's why I’m having the salad.”
Ila nodded and went back to eating. Yuka looked like she was going to say more but Suki quietly prompted her to keep eating until her tummy was full.
Later — so much later in Katara’s mind— after some outside bubble time and running around outside, Suki put Kaito down for his nap while the girls took their TV time. With a jerk of her chin, Suki motioned for Katara to follow her out of the living room to her and Sokka’s bedroom.
“Okay, are you finally going to tell me what’s going on? You kept pushing as many water breaks on me as the kids! If you thought I was sick, you would've kicked me out ages ago.”
Suki laughed and grabbed something from under the sink. “Well, it’s true I don’t think you’re sick.” Suki held the small pink box out to her sister-in-law. “You’re totally pregnant.”
Eyes wide, Katara kept looking from Suki’s totally serious and happy face to the box labeled “Early Result Pregnancy test” that Suki was still holding out. Katara shook her head in disbelief. There was no way she was pregnant. Well it wasn’t technically impossible and her and Zuko’s first anniversary was a few weeks ago but wouldn’t she feel her body changing?
Instead of voicing those thoughts though, she said, “Wait, why do you have pregnancy tests on hand? Am I getting another niece or nephew?”
Suki shook her head. “No way, we have our hands full enough with three kids. These are leftovers from Kaito.” She put the box on the side and took Katara’s hands.“Sweetie, any result this gives you, you are ready for it. And I’ll be right here.”
Katara nodded, then hesitantly took the box and went to pee on a stick.
2:48
“You started the timer right?”
“Yeah, you watched me press start.”
“Mmmm, just checking.”
2:16
“Oh Tua and La, what if I am pregnant? Then everyone is going to know that Zuko and I had unprotected sex!”
“You guys have been married for over a year and dated a ridiculous amount of time before that. I think people already know.”
2:01
“What if I’m not pregnant? I think… I think I may want a baby.”
“Then talk to Zuko and tell him.”
1:47
“Wait, how am I going to tell Zuko? He’s oblivious.”
“True… we’ll figure that out after…”
1:12
“La, this timer feels slow!”
“Stop looking at it!”
27
Katara gasped
10
“Suki…”
9
“Yeah?”
8
7
6
5
4
3
“How am I going to be a good mom if I haven’t had a mom in years?”
2
1
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Suki pulled her eyes away from the two pink lines and the word “pregnant” that appeared on the stick and pulled Katara towards her, ignoring the continued beeping of the timer. Suki gave Katara a tight hug and pulled back just enough to look into Katara’s watery blue eyes.
“You are going to be the best mother ever. That little bean inside of you is immensely lucky to have you as a mom. You’re beyond loyal and caring but you don’t put up with crap from anyone. No one knows how to be a mom and that’s okay. I certainly didn’t when I moved back home and fell back in love with Sokka and his two girls. I barely had an idea when I had Kaito. But you will learn and Zuko will be there for you. And I’ll be there and Sokka too. And everyone else in this ridiculously noisy family. “
Katara gave a watery smile, happy tears falling down her face. Squeezing Suki and starting to jump up and down, she yelled,“I’m really pregnant!
Suki jumped along with her. “Oh spirits, yes you are!” And they stayed jumping and yelling together until Yuka and Ila came running and shouting into the bathroom, asking why they were being so loud.
Suki pulled her girls into a group hug. “Because we’re so happy! Now, let’s give Auntie Katara some space and go get out a book or a puzzle while Kaito finishes his nap.”
Katara smiled, grateful to Suki for the space to take in the news. With a sudden thought, she grabbed Suki at the door. “Wait, but really, how am I going to tell Zuko?”
Suki snorted. “Good luck, you’re going to have to do it in a super obvious way!” With that Suki followed the kids out of the room and Katara took out her phone to search “how to tell your oblivious spouse you’re pregnant.”
Katara paced back and forth in her and Zuko’s kitchen. She had gotten home with enough time before Zuko arrived to put her plan into action. Katara and Suki had toyed with the idea of ordering a baby shirt or a shirt that read "if you can read this you're going to be a parent" but Katara knew she couldn't keep this a secret for any length of time.
Katara could hear the water still going for her husband's shower. Her baby daddy's shower. Wait, they were married, could she still call him that? Nevermind, she was getting off her worrying topic. Zuko needed to hurry up and get out so he could be the one to pick a movie from their usual streaming platform.
Katara worried her lip and took out a pot and popcorn kernels. She needed to keep herself occupied or else she was going to drag him out of the shower.
Finally, just as the popcorn finished popping, Katara heard the shower turn off. She turned off the fire but kept moving the pot as a way to look busy. Soon enough, Zuko came into view and smiled at her.
“Popcorn all done? Do you need any help?”
“Huh, yeah —wait no, I'm good. So good! The popcorn is so good, I mean. I mean, it’s almost done. Just gotta put the salt and seasonings on. How about you pick a movie while I do that?” Katara rambled, nerves shining through.
Zuko gave her a look but agreed and went to the living room to grab the tv remote. From the kitchen doorway Katara had a clear view of Zuko and the television. She heard the da dum sound and saw the profiles fill up the screen. Katara held her breath. He had to notice the new profile, right?
Zuko huffed and turned to his wife in the doorway. “Why do we have to share an account with Sokka again? He created a new profile for the kids! They already share the kids' profile. Why does Kaito need his own?”
Katara stood staring at the idiot that she willingly married. She thought it would be really obvious but she guessed not. “It's not for Kaito,“ she said, walking over.
Zuko stared up and blinked at her. “Why would we have a profile called 'Baby' then?”
Katara stood in front of him and waited for it to click. She stared into his amber eyes, tears beginning to fill her own blue eyes as she moved her hands to her belly. Zuko jumped up and took her hands in his. “Are you… are we… is that Baby profile for us?”
Fully crying now, Katara warbled out a “yes” before Zuko wrapped her in a big hug and spun her around. When Zuko finally put her down, his eyes were also wet.
“We're really having a baby?” Zuko asked again gently.
Katara smiled and breathed “yes” a moment before she kissed him. Knowing the thoughts in his head would be similar to hers — albeit for different reasons — she whispered on his scarred side, “You're going to be an incredible father.”
Zuko’s breath hitched and he turned to his amazing spouse who he swore could read his mind sometimes. He gave Katara a smile and wrapped her in his arms, bringing his head down to whisper in her ear, “You're going to be the best mother ever.”
34 weeks
The private party room of the Jasmine Dragon was filled with everyone beloved by Katara and Zuko for the couple's Baby Shower. The space was bursting with streamers and a big “Oh, Baby!” sign. Suki had expected to plan the baby shower with Hakoda but Uncle Iroh volunteered to run it all. And he had done an excellent job. The space was warm and inviting and all of the presents were arranged in a picture perfect manner around a chair at one end of the room.
Katara and Zuko had announced they were having a baby girl on the invitations and had told everyone that they didn't want “stereotypical pretty pink presents.” And their loved ones listened. There were of course different shades of pink-wrapped presents, but there were also presents of every other color. The one that guests kept pointing out was a bundle haphazardly wrapped in newspaper with a “congratulations!” sticker stuck on top followed by a typed print-out of “on expanding the population.” It was Toph’s, and she had signed her name underneath in her big scrawl. The expecting couple had laughed when they'd seen it. Katara told Toph that she was touched she wrapped it herself and Zuko had commented on how of course Toph had doctors’ handwriting. Sokka overheard and snorted that she was “only a Doctor of Chiropractic” after which Toph immediately punched him in the arm.
While everyone ate, Katara fluttered around the tables too filled with excitement and happiness to stay in one place for long. Zuko moved along with her, occasionally pestering her to eat something off his plate. She'd take a bite then return the plate to him, happily sipping her green tea.
Eventually everyone finished eating and Katara was led to the main chair to open presents. Zuko stood behind her and Suki was near the couple with a marker in hand to label presents with senders’ names so they could write “thank yous” later. Katara asked which one she should open first and Iroh excitedly pushed a big rectangular box wrapped in light pink paper and a big white bow on top towards her. Katara pulled at the paper and revealed a beautiful walnut-colored crib. The crowd clapped and Iroh happily announced that,“it was a convertible crib with a toddler bed conversion kit included!”
Hakoda pushed an ocean blue box forward and Katara cried when she opened it and saw the exact rotational car seat that she wanted. Hakoda hugged her then Zuko and whispered that he and Kya were so proud of them. At the mention of her mother, Katara cried harder, wishing she was there physically but knowing her mom was watching. Several tissues later, Katara nodded that she was ready to continue and Azula strode forward with a professionally wrapped red present.
Everyone “oohed” and “aahed” as Katara carefully unwrapped the present, revealing a gorgeous stroller that looked expensive even in the box. Katara gasped, recognizing the luxury stroller. “Azula, this is too much…”
Azula's perfectly manicured hand gave a dismissive wave. “Nonsense, my niece deserves the best of everything and that includes this Gazelle electric stroller. Besides, it wasn't even that expensive.”
Katara nodded along, knowing the stroller cost well over a thousand dollars. Well , she thought to herself, when you’re one of the most sought after lawyers, I guess a thousand isn’t that much money .
While Katara was still in shock looking over the box, Zuko gave his sister a quick hug that was surprisingly returned. “Thank you,” he said to her. “I’m impressed that it’s not black.”
Azula rolled her eyes. “Zuzu, I do know better than that. With how often you’ll be outside, I didn’t want my niece getting overheated.” Zuko stared at her, feeling there was more to the story. Azula sighed and continued. “Plus, Ty Lee may have suggested that I consider your preferences and not my own when I ordered it. Hence Ocean Blue. You’re welcome.”
Zuko chuckled and smiled, feeling grateful that his relationship with Azula had improved enough for her to want to be in his baby’s life. “Thank you, Azula.”
Ty Lee bounced over next, bringing a gift bag with baby animals on it over to Katara. Katara smiled as she pulled out a beautiful baby carrier. Ty Lee clapped. “This is the carrier most of my new parents recommend!” Katara smiled and thanked her.
Suki brought over her and Sokka’s gifts next. Katara was excited to see a changing mat for the dresser they already had and a big colorful diaper bag. After that, Katara pointed to a little orange gift bag which Zuko brought over to her. Before she opened it, Aang called out, “It may be a while before you’re able to use it but it never expires!” Intrigued, Katara pulled out a gift certificate for a year’s worth of lessons from the chain of gymnastic and acrobatic studios that Aang worked for. The couple laughed and thanked Aang for a gift only he would give.
Toph waved her cane in the general direction of her present and this time, Zuko was the one to pull off the paper. Hearing the paper rip, Toph called out that the big present was from her and the additional mobile was from her parents. Toph’s present turned out to be a dual swing and bouncer that could vibrate and play nature sounds. The mobile had a badger mole, sky bison, dragon, and polar bear dog on it. Zuko opened the mobile box and commented on how soft the stuffed animals were. Toph grinned and said that she thought the same thing.
The gift-opening continued and Katara and Zuko were both surprised to open a simple bag and find a soft handmade lilac-colored baby blanket from Zuko’s ex partner Mai. Teo and his dad had given multiple sets of colorful stacking blocks and building games, while Haru had gifted the couple an Earth-themed play mat. June gave them a stuffed animal version of her pet Nyla and adorable baby clothes. Katara’s former instructor Yagoda had sent baby clothes and a well-regarded thermometer. Bato gifted them a brightly colored baby walker and diapers. Other friends gave more diapers, clothes, and even more toys. Last was an unmarked cream colored box that no one claimed that Zuko brought over to his wife.
Opening it, Katara was surprised to see a pair of designer baby shoes and socks inside. Confused about who would send them, she passed the box to Zuko. Frowning, he took out the branded shoes and noticed a post-it underneath them. Huffing, he read out loud, “Congratulations -Ozai.”
Katata hummed, confused about why the man who only stopped by their wedding for 5 minutes would bother sending a present. Though she thought baby shoes were useless, especially designer shoes, and too-quickly outgrown, she guessed her baby girl would look cute for the few days the shoes fit her. Zuko shook his head and mumbled that it was Ozai’s secretary's handwriting. Fitting that his perpetually absent sperm donor wouldn’t even sign the card himself.
Iroh walked over and took the shoes. He then squeezed Zuko’s arm and put his other hand on Katara’s shoulder. In a loud voice, he thanked everyone for coming and that everyone’s "thank you” tea satchel favors were by the exit.
People began leaving, hugging Katara as she continued to sit in her chair and congratulating the expecting couple. Katara was truly overwhelmed and tired by the time most people left. Only her and Zuko’s closest friends and family remained to help put all the presents into cars to take to the couple’s house. The men loaded the cars while Suki and Azula directed them.
Toph tapped her cane over Katara, stopping when the cane tapped against the chair. “Sugar Queen! What a long day! My butt was getting tired of sitting. How are you feeling?”
“I’m happy so many people came but I have to pee like an arctic hippo.” Sighing, Katara put her hands on the sides of the chair and heaved herself up. “Oh,” she whispered as stars danced in front of her eyes and a wave of nausea hit. Vaguely, she registered Toph calling her name but it sounded so far away. Wasn’t Toph standing next to her? Katara couldn’t check because her world had gone black.
**************
Katara had always been a deep sleeper. Falling asleep sometimes could be troublesome, but waking up usually happened in steps for her. She hated being woken up suddenly and she still loathed her dorm junior year of university because the building fire alarm system was awful and would go off after anyone took a too hot shower. Pregnancy made Katara even more aware of her body in that in-between area of asleep and awake. From early pregnancy morning sickness to later feeling kicks of her little bean, Katara had carefully adjusted her waking up cycle.
This current feeling, though, reminded her of college — being severely hungover after too much drinking and not enough water. Her mouth felt cottony and that steady beeping noise was too loud. Katara took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself to open her heavy eyelids. A hand suddenly squeezed hers, and she heard a voice —Toph’s — gently say, “Katara? Katara, are you waking up? Shit, Zuko just went to meet Suki in the parking lot for spare clothes. He’ll be right back. You're okay. The baby is okay. ”
Groaning, Katara summoned the effort to open her eyes and slowly took in the dimly lit hospital room, feeling the hospital gown rub against her skin. She noted Toph next to her, looking more scared and upset then she’d ever seen her. Katara cleared her throat, preparing to speak when Toph told her to wait. Toph reached over to the hospital table beside her and moved her hands along it until she reached the pink hospital water pitcher and plain cup. Carefully, Toph poured the water until it hit her finger along the rim and she carefully passed it to Katara. After drinking the entire cup, Katara asked about the baby and Toph reassured her they were both fine. A moment later Katara asked what happened.
Voice thick, Toph explained. “You passed out. You fainted when you stood up and I saw your shape go down but I couldn’t catch you. Everyone was putting everything in the cars and you fainted with just me there and I couldn’t do anything but scream and —” Toph took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. Katara felt her own throat close with emotion and reached out to take Toph’s hand again. After another few breaths Toph continued, “I’m trained in first aid and I should’ve known what to do immediately but I froze right there next to you and I screamed. Iroh’s waitstaff came in quickly to see what happened and once I heard someone say they’d call emergency services, my body moved. You were breathing and it didn’t feel like your head was bleeding or had any bumps so I moved you into a recovery position.”
“Katara, I was so scared. You woke up after a minute or so but you seemed so out of it. Then everyone came back in but you seemed so out of it. When EMS came they asked me if you hit your head on the chair or the floor and all I could tell them is that it didn’t sound like you did. Katara — I — I’m not used to feeling vulnerable and weak like that.”
Katara sniffled, “Toph, come sit next to me.” Katara scooted her frame over and Toph carefully sat next to her, shoulder-to-shoulder. Katara pulled Toph into a hug and placed Toph’s hand over Baby Girl’s favorite kicking spot. Baby Girl seemed to know what they both needed and after a heartbeat, she kicked. And kicked and kicked.
Toph tried to breathe in a sob but soon was crying hard into Katara's shoulder. Katara gently cooed at her while Baby Girl kept kicking. "Toph, thank you. I'm glad you were there with us. I know you'll always protect this little bean and I want you to know that I trust you with her. I trust you with both of us. We're lucky to be in your life."
Toph's sobs had slowed to a sniffle and Katara knew she was back to her usual self when she sat up, wiped her eyes, and said, smirking, "Yeah you are."
The pair stayed in bed, feeling Baby Girl kick when Katara quietly asked if Zuko was getting clothes because she peed herself.
“Oh, yeah. Completely.”
41 weeks, two days, and many hours
Katara took in a deep steadying breath and slowly released it through her mouth as yet another contraction hit and she squeezed Zuko’s hand harder. She thought she’d had some really painful period cramps before but those had nothing on contractions. She vaguely registered a knock and heard Zuko telling the person to come in. When the pain passed she opened her eyes and saw Ty Lee in front of her with her usual bright smile.
“Hi Katara! Hi Zuko! As promised I’m going to be one of your L&D nurses. I reviewed your birth plan in your chart. Do you want to go over it with me again or are there any changes you want to make?”
Katara shook her head. “No, no changes. I just really want that first skin-to-skin contact before cleaning and checking her over.”
“Of course! We can do skin-to-skin immediately and give you guys your ‘golden hour’ then get Baby Girl checked out. I’ll go bring in the birth ball you requested. If you think of anything you want please let me know!” Ty Lee glanced at where Katara still grasped Zuko’s hand and added, “I’ll bring some ice packs too.”
Katara’s gaze traveled from where she clenched Zuko’s hand up to the pinched expression on his face. She opened her mouth to apologize then decided not to since all this pain was his fault. But then again, Katara didn’t like bringing pain to others. As if reading her mind, Zuko lifted their hands and kissed the back of her hand. “I don’t mind losing all sensation and feeling in my dominant hand. It’s okay.”
A loud laugh escaped Katara and she pulled her husband towards her for a kiss. Foreheads touching, she said, “How about losing feeling in both hands?”
“Anything for you baby.”
Time seemed to compress and expand as Katara moved through the labor process. Pain made her so aware of her body but she was also aware of Zuko staying next to her throughout it all. He helped her get into different positions on the birthing ball and walked slowly with her around her hospital room. Zuko only left her side for quick bathroom breaks or to grab a requested item from her birthing bag.
Labor progressed and Katara continued to squeeze Zuko’s hand or arm when the contractions hit. He texted family members updates with one hand and played the voice notes that they sent cheering her on. At one point when he was whispering encouragement and affirmations that she had previously picked out, Katara screamed at him to shut up and get out. That had startled him and he looked to Ty Lee across the room. A flash of surprise also passed over her face but ever the professional, she asked him to fill the pitcher with ice again. Zuko complied and took the pitcher from her. He made it as far as the doorway before Katara screamed, “Get back here!”
The spa music playlist that Katara had chosen played in the background, forgotten by everyone as the doctor and Ty Lee instructed Katara to “Push!” Time again seemed to flatten as Katara yelled and grunted and then fell back against the bed. Immense pain was followed by a sensation of release and suddenly a sharp tiny cry was heard.
Katara opened her eyes and reached out her hands as Ty Lee placed her and Zuko’s baby girl directly onto her chest then put a baby blanket on top. Zuko pushed back Katara's hair which had long since escaped her hair tie and stared in awe at his wife and new daughter. He leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“You did so well Katara. She’s perfect.”
Katara pulled her eyes up from their daughter’s perfect little face and beamed at Zuko, raising her chin to ask for a kiss. Zuko readily complied and kissed her hard with all the emotion he’d felt during the past hours of labor. He broke the kiss. “I love you and I’m proud of you. Our daughter is perfect.” Katara hummed in agreement. “Our daughter. I love the sound of that and I love you Zuko."
*******
Zuko was having an out of body experience. He couldn’t believe that his baby girl was finally here after 41 weeks of waiting. He and Katara had their "Golden Hour" of skin-to-skin time with their baby before she went off to the nursery. Now Zuko stood outside the family waiting area, hesitating before going in. Uncle Iroh, Hakoda, Sokka, and Suki were all there expecting news of the birth and waiting to be brought back to the nursery viewing area a few people at a time. The nursery area where he would he introduce them to their grandchild and niece. Because he was a father. A father. Fatherhood wasn’t a hope he held onto given his own upbringing. Zuko shook his head, shaking that thought away before it sunk in like a dragon moose in mud. With a deep breath, Zuko pushed open the door and walked in.
His family jumped out of their seats at the sight of him, talking over each other. Ty Lee had used his phone to send a message that Baby Girl was healthy, that Katara was doing alright, and that the parents were doing some skin-to-skin contact time but hadn’t said anything else.
“Woah,” Zuko said, trying to take in what everyone was saying. “Baby Girl was born at 9:51pm. She weighs 8 pounds and 3 ounces and is 22 inches. She has all ten fingers and toes and is the most perfect thing I’ve ever seen. Katara is doing well, and said she was going to try and rest now that Baby Girl is in the nursery.”
Suki nodded, “I think I’m going to peek in on her then I’ll meet up with you guys in the nursery viewing area. Congratulations, Zuko!” She gave him a quick hug as she squeezed past him to the door.
The men exited behind her and Zuko stared at the sign at the top of the corridor, trying to see which way the nursery was. Sokka snorted behind him — “Amataur!” — and laughed as he pushed in front of Zuko to lead the way.
Sokka turned around, walking backwards, and said, “By the third time you’re here, you’re going to have the whole place memorized.” Hakoda laughed and Iroh chuckled as he put his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. Zuko couldn’t yet imagine doing all this two more times.
Soon enough the men were in the nursery viewing area. Technically visiting hours were over, but Ty Lee had bent the rules for them. There in the middle, swaddled in a white blanket and a pink bowed hat, was his Baby Girl. Grinning, Zuko said, “I’d like to introduce you to Kya.”
*******
The new family of three’s time passed quickly in the hospital. Immediate family members stopped by to love on Baby Kya and her new parents. Suki and Sokka told them that their kids were so excited to meet their new cousin. Having both come from relatively small families, the couple was grateful that their daughter had three big cousins. Katara and Zuko learned so much about their daughter in a short time and knew they had so much more to learn.
Katara sat in her hospital bed repacking her bag for the third time. She had really tried to control her nesting instincts and not bring too many baby clothes and items to the hospital but between what she brought and what the hospital had given her, her bag would not zip! Groaning, Katara threw a bag of diapers— hers, not even Kya’s— on the floor as Zuko pushed Kya into the room. He raised an eyebrow at her and carefully put the bag back on the bed.
“Packing’s not going well, I take it?”
Katara shook her head, “No, I can’t get everything in this stupid bag! It’s like an impossible game of Tetris. How can I be a mom if I can’t even pack this basic dumb bag!” Tears of frustration started to pool in her eyes but she continued, “I don’t know if I can do this Zuko.”
“Katara, baby, please take a breath. You got this! You already carried Kya for more than 40 weeks and you’ve been doing such a great job feeding her. And you change her diapers so quickly.”
Katara nodded weakly in response to Zuko’s words. “You did really well with her first blowout diaper too” Zuko laughed and put one arm around her while using his other arm to pull Kya’s bassinet closer.
“I did, didn’t I? We have each other and all our friends and family. I’ll go ask for another bag to help get everything to the car. Oh, plus I figured out that damn car seat so we totally got this parenting thing.”
Katara laughed, feeling relief, and reached up to pull her husband to her level. Foreheads touching, Katara said, “If you can figure that out then we can truly handle this parenting thing.”
Zuko hummed in agreement, pausing to give his wife a quick kiss before picking up their baby from her bassinet. He brought her over to sit next to Katara on the bed. Zuko pressed another kiss into his wife’s hair then rubbed his nose on Kya’s. She gurgled in response as a nurse came in with their discharge paperwork. “You guys are all good to go!”
Katara sat in a wheelchair holding her precious bundle as a volunteer pushed her to where Zuko was waiting with their car. This was real. She and Zuko had walked in the hospital together — well she waddled until she was given a wheelchair —and now they were leaving with a whole other perfect person.
Zuko hefted their bags into the trunk and then Katara and Zuko carefully put Kya into her carseat. After taking a million or so photos of her, Zuko turned to Katara who was still staring at their newborn daughter.
“Better buckle up, baby.”