A/N:This chapter should be interesting. I want to thank those of you who reviewed :-D It was nice to see someone liked it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Avatar. :-/ I do own my original characters though :-D

Katara sat on a ship. A cold metal ship. "This is so lame." Katara had talked with her father three days ago and he had immediately agreed saying that she needed time to think. He made arrangements for a great ride to the Fire Nation and she had sent a letter to Uncle letting him know she was coming. "Arrangements my ass! How is sitting on a cold metal ship full of men 'a great ride'?"

"Katara if you continue to talk to yourself someone might think you are crazy." The Fire Nation soldier to her right said jokingly. It just so happened that the trading ship from the Fire Nation had come into port and her father arranged for her to ride back with them.

"Jee please not today." Katara said looking at him. Katara knew him all too well. He was about two years older than her but he looked much older, Katara assumed the war had many tales to tell about him. She had traveled with him many times since the war ended. He was one of Zuko's most trusted solders so he was never far from important things, such as Zuko, or valuable things from other nations being transported. She had come to know him well and he respected her as if she were his sister.

"Something bothering you?"

"Yes but I would rather not talk about it."

"If there is anything I can do."

"I will let you know." Katara smiled. She loved and trusted this man with her life. He was never far away from her when they traveled together. He always made it feel like Sokka was around. If she could, she would bring him with her everywhere.

"I have to go talk to the men now. Don't stay out here too long." Jee smiled and walked away.

As he walked into the observation room the captain spoke to him. "A lady that beautiful should never be sad. I wonder what is troubling the young girl."

They both walked to the window and looked out on the main deck at Katara sitting in a coat looking out at the ocean. "If only we knew Captain. If only we knew."

A week had passed and they were arriving in the Fire Nation. A month and a week and then all hell breaks loose. Katara sighed as she saw the port come into view. Katara had switched her clothes from the heavy coat and layers of the south to her lighter ones. It was far too hot for layers. She wore a simple outfit, loose pants and a halter top, of course in blue. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail. She knew from experience that she would be very hot for awhile as her body adjusted to the temperature. She stood on the deck next to Jee as they came into port.

"How long has it been since you were last here?"

Katara looked up at him and smiled, "Two months. A very very very long two months."

Jee laughed. "Well I am glad to see we are missed."

"If you only knew." She smiled. Here she was not bothered. Here she could help people. Here she was just Katara. Here she could do what she wanted. She loved it here and spent most of her away time here. Katara thought as she watched the plank lowered. I think in the last 5 years I have spent probably a total of two and a half years here. I never go long without coming here. And I stay forever .Katara laughed to herself as Jee motioned for her to walk on to the dock.

As soon as her feet hit the dock someone was screaming.

"KATARA!"

She looked around and just in time noticed May flinging herself at her. "Oh I missed you so much! We cannot go this long without seeing each other ever again. May squeezed her tighter and Katara just smiled and returned the hug.

"I missed you too May. How did you know I was coming?"Katara asked as the bear hug released her. May was a servant at the palace, specifically assigned to Katara as well as Zuko's personal servant. May was the only one allowed in Zuko's room, since the very first assassination attempt was by a servant that entered his room, that rule was in place the next day. Katara and May had become friends instantly. She was a year older than Katara and they talked about anything and everything a girl would talk about.

"The entire palace knows you are coming. There is a ball tonight to celebrate your return. But between you and me I think it is just so Iroh has a reason to throw a party." May said as she looked up at Jee who was walking towards them.

"I think it is time we head to the palace." Jee said as he walked up to the girls. "And what is this about a ball?" He asked raising an eyebrow and the girls laughed.

As Katara walked into the palace everything was buzzing. People were running around everywhere getting ready for the ball. Katara laughed at this. These poor people. Uncle and his silly parties. Katara smiled and for the first time in awhile she felt truly happy.

Every servant and soldier in the palace had greeted her and asked how she was doing. She knew all their names and had gone out to party with many of them on multiple occasions. Katara never really understood the point of servants. She knew why they were there but they should be your friend too. I mean look at what happened to Zuko since he didn't know his. They were all her friends and she could tell they genuinely cared about her.

"Ok Katara same room as always." May said as she opened the doors and walked across the room. Her room was large but small by palace standards. It had a couch on one side of the room and a small table and cushioned chairs at the other for meals in her room. In the center of the room along the back wall, between a window and the doors to the balcony, was her overly large bed. The first time Katara saw it she assumed that 5 people could sleep in it easily. It was covered with a down comforter and sheets all in a sky blue color. Zuko had had them made special for her. Attached to her room was a bathroom with a very large tub, a shower, and a walk in closet. Zuko had told her she could leave her things there so she had not brought anything but clothes for the voyage. Katara's room was in the family wing located across the hall from Uncle's and next to Zuko's.

"It is still just the way I left it." Katara smiled as she walked over to the bed and ran her hand over it.

"It better be. I wouldn't let anyone in here." Katara laughed at her friend and then turned to look at the door. Jee was still standing there leaning against the frame with a smirk on his face.

"If you don't mind, I would like to show you to Iroh so I can go and rest myself." Jee said as he smirked at the girls. May blushed and Katara smiled knowingly.

"I will make sure your things get put away." May said turning to enter the bathroom.

"I guess we can go then." Katara smiled walking out the door.

As they were walking to the royal family garden Katara spoke "So how are things with you and May?" she had a smile on her face that looked a little sneaky.

"They are fine. Why do you ask?" Jee said as he turned a corner looking at her questioningly. "Did she say something?"

"No. I just thought you told me you were going to propose, and I did not see a ring." Katara smiled mischievously.

"Well maybe I haven't had the time." Jee laughed as they stopped outside the gardens.

"Well you better make some time buddy." Katara said poking him in the chest with the best stern face she could muster while trying not to laugh.

"Ok. Ok." Jee laughed harder as he put his hands in the air saying he gave up. "I will get right on it. Now Iroh is at his tea table. Get going before he thinks I kidnapped you." As he finished he turned her and started to push her in the right direction. Katara smiled and walked away sticking out her tongue at him over her shoulder. If only she could become FireLady. Life here would be so much happier and fun. Every servant loves her and she treats us all the same as her. She would be happily welcomed. Jee my man your head is in the clouds. Fire Lord Zuko has not even shown interest in her. Jee turned as she continued to walk, heading back into the palace with a smile on his face. Now where is that amazing girlfriend of mine.

As Jee was walking away, Katara turned to look where she was going. She spotted Uncle at his normal spot next to the turtle duck pond drinking some tea. "Uncle!" She called as she ran towards him. The old man turned towards her and smiled. He stood and hugged her as soon as she had reached his arms.

"Ah my lovely lady Katara. You are looking as beautiful as ever." Iroh said as he pulled away to look at her at arms length.

"Oh Uncle you never change." Katara said smiling as she sat in the seat across from him.

"Old men can't change much. We are too stubborn." They both laughed as he poured her some jasmine tea. "Now what was so urgent that you came so quickly."

Katara's smile faltered and she sighed. She began to explain everything to him as they drank their tea. Once everything was done Iroh sat looking at the pond sipping his tea. Katara was use to this. The old man would never tell you out right what to do. He would give you a proverb of some kind that would make you think and inevitably choose on your own. Katara liked that about him. He always listened and gave neutral advise but it still made you feel good in the end.

After quite awhile Katara spoke "Well?" She was worried it was taking so long and you could tell in her voice.

"What do you want me to say young one?" Iroh replied after a sip of his tea.

"What do I want you to say? I want you to give me some proverb that makes me think. Like.." Katara paused thinking and then continued in her best Uncle voice, "You are like the moon young one. Free to cast its light on whoever it chooses but still stuck in the same cycle all year."

Iroh laughed a good deep laugh, smiling the entire time. Katara laughed as well.

"That was a great impression."

"Thanks." Katara laughed.

"Katara, I cannot tell you how to live your life. You must choose. If you do not want to do this then don't. If you think it is the right thing then do it. Your Father will understand either way."

Katara could see the glint in the old man's eye. "And?"

"Oh Katara there is no and. But did I mention the ball tonight?" Iroh questioned. "There will be many young men there you could meet." Pause. "I mean if you are going to do this." Pause. "If you so choose." Pause. "That would be a chance." Katara burst out laughing.

"Well I guess you think I am doing the right thing then." Katara said as she continued to laugh.

"I never said that." Iroh said smiling as she sipped his tea.

Katara burst into another fit and Iroh joined in.

Zuko slowly walked down the hall to the royal garden. He had spent his morning training and thinking of this stupid ball his Uncle said HAD to be thrown today. Who does he think he is just deciding to have a ball on short notice. What could possibly be so important to throw one in 3 days time. As Zuko got closer he could hear laughter. He froze. Is that Katara? He rounded the last corner and looked into the garden and sure enough she was sitting across from his Uncle laughing. What is she doing here?

Zuko slowly walked over to the two until they noticed him. "Nephew! Please sit with us and enjoy some tea and stories." Zuko walked the far side of the table and sat down.

He looks good. Really good. Katara thought with a blush as he sat. I thought he would be stressed out again, over something stupid.

Why is she here? Did Uncle invite her for this stupid ball?Zuko thought as he poured himself tea. I bet I smell bad. I did not shower after I trained this morning. Thanks for the heads up Uncle that a beautiful girl, that I only have a small crush on would be here today. Ugh. Why didn't Sokka tell me either? I have only been writing him for how long now about this! I am going to kill him when I see him again. I need to get to my office before she does so she doesn't see anything that Sokka and I have been planning.

"Nephew," Iroh started pulling Zuko from his thoughts of killing his Uncle and Sokka, "Lady Katara has come to visit us. She will return with us in a few weeks for Sokka and Suki's wedding." Iroh stated as he noticed the two not looking at each other.

"Ah so then you will be here for the ball tonight then?" Zuko asked still not looking at her, finding something more interesting in his tea.

"Yes, I will." Katara looked at him as he sipped his tea but never even glanced at her. "Uncle," she chose to ignore him, "the servants were saying that this ball is to welcome me here. But if I know you there is an entirely different reason for this ball." Katara finished with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

Now Zuko was interested. "Yes Uncle, I was wondering the same thing myself. What is the reason for the ball?"

Uncle chuckled lightly. "Well for you of course Nephew." Katara and Zuko looked confused. "You were told to find a wife by the end of next year." Zuko froze. He did not want Katara to know that little fact. "So I arranged for a ball for you to meet some tonight." Katara turned to look at Zuko who looked entirely too embarrassed. "And it just so happens that Lady Katara here has been told she has two years as well." Now it was Katara's turn to blush. "So I assume she will benefit from the ball as well." Iroh was laughing to himself. He couldn't have planned it more perfect. "Speaking of which, I should go and make sure everything is running smoothly." Iroh stood and excused himself. They were left alone in silence.

"Some umm 2 years huh?" Katara was the first to speak a little embarrassed.

"Yeah." Zuko looked at her for the first time since he sat down. She was still just as beautiful as he remembered. It has been two months but it felt like forever. "Doesn't feel like a lot of time does it?"

"No. But at least we get to pick who we want."

"True. How did this happen to you? I mean wouldn't the council be more keen to get Sokka to be married not you." Zuko now turned to fully face her. She was quite a sight.

Katara proceeded to tell him the story to which he then told her his. He had to produce a son or daughter soon incase one of the assassination attempts worked. The next inline would be a cousin who works in the fields and his advisors did not like that. So they had given him two years before they would choose for him.

"Wow." Was all Katara could say when he was done. After a pause she chuckled and said "We have amazing lives." She laughed and so did he.

"We sure do. " Zuko sighed and then relaxed. "I missed you." WHAT? Did you really just say that out loud? You are such an idiot! Oh man what the heck am I going to do.

"I missed you too." Katara said looking him over as he relaxed and then look worried. She smiled a soft smile. He needs a break more than me. Look at those dark circles under his eyes. I wonder when the last time he had a good night sleep was.

She missed me too. He began with a smirk,"It is not the same here without you. No one nagging me or pestering me or.."

"Ok I get it." Katara said as smiling. "But you need that every once in awhile. Otherwise you would never eat or sleep or take a break."

He smiled in return looking up at the sky. She really is good for me. Keeps me in check more than anyone else. "When was the last time you got to see the stars?"

Katara smiled to herself. She always loved to look at the stars and Zuko knew this. She had sat up many a night looking at the stars with him trying to distract him from his work. They would point out different constellations to each other, tell each other stories, and discuss their worries and troubles that could not be spoken when prying ears were around. She loved those moments she got to spend with him alone. He was himself then not the Fire Lord but Zuko, her friend. "Umm I think it has been awhile."

"I think it is suppose to be clear tonight. Maybe if all goes well at this ball" Zuko made a face as he said ball to which Katara giggled. "We could come out to the beach after and watch the sky."

"I would highly enjoy that Zuko." She smiled as he turned to look at her. That is when she saw it. The desperation. He had something he really needed to talk with her about. Her smile faltered. "Do you want to talk about it now?" she whispered only loud enough for their ears. He shook his head and his lips set in a hard line. This is not going to be a good one tonight. He looks really upset and torn.

"So this ball tonight." He started after a moment of silence.

"Yes. Apparently Uncle has bought me 'the most beautiful dress you have ever seen' and placed it in my closet." Katara giggled thinking of the old man.

"He would. It's not like you don't have 500 in there." Zuko laughed.

"I don't have 500. I only have 300." Katara was teasing him now. They both knew Katara kept a few items here for balls but most of her closet was everyday wear. She in fact only had three dresses and one pair of shoes.

"Ok well on that note. I think you should get ready. The dinner starts in about an hour and I am sure May wants you to be scrubbed and polished." Zuko said standing. Katara's smile fell.

"I forgot that they do that here." Katara's shoulders slumped. "I do not feel like having someone bathe me and dress me. Do you have any idea how much faster it would be without their help?" Katara sighed.

"Yes I do." Zuko laughed and offered his arm to walk her to her room.

They walked in a comfortable silence the entire way to her room. They were both thinking how good it was to see the other again. Two months was too long for either of their liking. He had missed her smile and scent. She relaxes me. She had missed his presence and comfort. He makes me feel safe. Slowly Katara placed her head on Zuko's shoulder. Both smiled and loved the feeling of being close again. Neither wanted to reach her room all too quickly but it seemed as if they were there in seconds.

"Well I guess I will see you in a little while." Zuko said as they stopped outside her door.

"I guess so. Will you do me a favor and save me at least one dance? If your Uncle is correct my dad's letters would have gotten around by now and it is no secret I am here." She asked him pleading.

He smiled. "Of course."

"Thank you." And her beautiful smile returned.

Zuko smiled even bigger. Oh how I love that smile. She can make me do anything with that thing. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before turning to leave. "See you soon."

As Zuko kissed her head, Katara shut her eyes and took in the comfort feeling slowly encasing her body. It was a comforting loving gesture that he had started doing months ago, maybe even a year now. She loved it and was depressed when he left without giving her one, but she would never tell anyone that. Oh this man could make me do anything if he so wanted. "Later Zuko." And she walked into her room feeling happier than she had been in weeks. She turned to see a frantic looking May shouting about how she had less than an hour to get her ready.

A/N: Let me know what you think :-D The next chapter will be the ball, but of course it wouldn't be a good story without some shenanigans and problems. What could possibly happen? O_O