Disclamer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

AN: This is a sequel to my other story, Love, Honor and Iroh. If you haven't read it, you won't understand this one. Well, enjoy.

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The ferry was crowded. Very crowded. I was one of the last people to board. Children cried and clung to their mothers, while girls gathered in groups and took this time to gossip. Don't they know what's going on? We are being shipped out of Ba Sing Se, to be kept safe. We were already protected. A small voice whispered.

Someone shoved me, then another pushed, but where they could go on this small ferry, one could only guess. My mind kept drifting back to the palace, wondering what was happening. I knew that they weren't fighting yet, but I still feared for all of the men's lives. Ba Sing Se was suppose to be the safest place. So why are we leaving? I shook my head in frustration. My mind was running in circles.

A woman rushed past me, following her young son. I looked around and realized that I was the only woman who did not have a friend or relative. No one seemed to notice me, which was okay, I guess. I didn't want a repeat of last night's dinner.

"Excuse me." A voice asked. I turned around to see the Water Tribe girl, Katara. "I don't mean to be nosey, but aren't you acquainted with Zuko?"

"Yes I am." The words came without hesitation.

"Hmm." She bit her lower lip before continuing. "I've never seen him so… happy."

"Really?" Where was she going with this?!? It was starting to get on my nerves.

"Yes. But, then again," Her face changed from innocent to hard. "He never seemed to be in a good mood. The few times I did see him, was when we would escape him." Her eyes narrowed and searched my face. It was all I could do not to laugh.

"That's interesting." I responded in a flat tone.

My curiosity got the best of me, so I played along. She turned, as if to leave, but then whipped around and crossed her arms.

"Does he ever talk to you at all?" She asked, taking on the roll of detective.

Oh, now I get it. She wants to see if Zuko is still after Aang.

"All the time." I answered truthfully.

"How long have you known him?"

"It depends on which person you are talking about. I knew him as Li for about four months. I've known him as Zuko for three."

She seemed confused, but soon shrugged it off.

"Hmm." She mumbled. "Interesting."

"Come on Katara." I looked behind the Water Tribe girl to see Toph. Some how she had snuck up on both of us. "Quit beating around the bush." Turning to me she added, "We want to know if we can trust Zuko."

I laughed at how blunt Toph was.

"You can trust him with your life." I answered.

"I wouldn't bet on it." I heard Katara muttered.

Toph rolled her eyes and stomped down on Katara's foot.

"Could you say that any louder? I don't think the people below decks could hear." She said through gritted teeth.

"It's okay." I said, trying to keep the peace between them. "It took me a while to trust him too."

They both nodded, as if they understood, but they didn't. No one could understand our relationship. The thought brought a sad smile to my face.

"Do you guys mind if I stay with you? I'm alone and I don't have anywhere to go." I asked hopefully.

"Sure. Toph and I have already claimed a sleeping area, we could squeeze you in." Katara answered.

We spent the rest of the day talking. Not of our pasts or grief, but of places we have been and of our friends. The avatar and his friends have been to all of the major cities, both Water Tribes, a Fire Nation island, and to Kioshi Island twice. Katara and Toph had made enemies and friends in all of these places.

I obviously didn't say much. Katara kept trying to coax things out of me, but I didn't budge. She kept saying Zuko's name every once in a while to see the effect it had on me. Unfortunately for her, I kept a straight face.

By the time we finished our conversation, it was getting dark. We stood up, stretched out our kinks, and headed to the 'sleeping quarters'. It turned out to be nothing more than an open deck with sleeping bags and blankets scattered everywhere. All of the women and children had already started crawling into bed when we arrived. Katara and Toph slipped into their sleeping bags easily. I had a more difficult time doing so. My cast kept catching on the inside, so I eventually had to trade it for a blanket.

Toph and Katara rolled over and went straight to sleep. The sound of rhythmic breathing filled the air. Before I knew it, I was the only one awake. That left me alone with my thoughts. Or thought, I should say.

There was an throbbing ache in my chest, and I knew it was from being away from him. It had only been a dull pain earlier, but now that I was alone, it had become more severe. I replayed our parting in my mind over and over again. I thought of how brutal the Fire Nation is, and wondered if they would show any mercy for one of their own. My mind dismissed that last thought.

"Not with his father still on the throne." I murmured to myself.

I rolled over and faced Katara in frustration. It was already hard enough leaving him, but to know that I might never see him again? It was all too much for me. The thought of what might happen to him, was unbearable. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes and I let them come freely. I made up my mind that night. No matter what the outcome of this terrible war was to be, I was going to be next to him. He should not have to go through this alone. As soon as we reached land, I thought. I am going back.

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AN: I have this dream, and it's to have at more than 3 reviews on one chapter. Hint, hint. Review!!!! Please!!!