Title: Turn the Page: Monster
Author: Inkcharm
Summary: Monster: You're going to be the uncle. I'm going to be the monster.
Pairings: Zutara
Disclaimer: The TV show "Avatar - The Last Airbender" does not belong to me, nor do its characters or anything related to the show. I make no profit out of this story, it is written merely for the fun and entertainment of other fans.

For Pepipanda, by dearest beta, and all the readers who have been waiting so long for me to get back on track. I love you all dearly. Thank you for your support and your patience!

"Oh come on now. It's not that bad."

Zuko was silent. The Fire Lord sat by the turtle duck pond, his knees pulled up to his chest in what had to be the most dignified manner the servants in this palace had ever seen a Fire Lord behave while his first child was born.

"Shouldn't you be excited? Shouldn't you be ecstatically happy? Shouldn't you fidget and run around and ask and get impatient and angry and then happy again? My sister is having your child right now, man!"

After what seemed like hours, Zuko raised his head.

"You are one to talk. You're going to be the uncle. I'm going to be the monster."

Baffled, Sokka slumped down next to Zuko. For a while, both men were silent, then, Sokka placed a hand on the Fire Lord's shoulder.

"You are not your father. You are Zuko. Sparky. Hotman. Jerkbender. Ha! See, I knew I could make you smile. Now, swallow that lump of brooding darkness you always carry around with you. You're going to be father any moment now!"

A nervous smile flittered across Zuko's face.

A father?

A monster?

A father…

Please forgive the long wait. The past months have been more busy than I expected, and I just needed to time. But now things are looking up, and I have found time to write. Consider this a little treat before the big update – Twilight Chapter 8 will be up in a few days. It is finished and is currently being proofread by the amazing Pepipanda – so don't you worry, you'll get a new dose of that story very, very soon!

Thanks for reading and please leave a review.

Yours,
Inkcharm