A/N: Another chapter, another day. Not as good as the previous installments but that's what you get for having writer's block for the past couple of months. But I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed typing it. I might make one more chapter before actually finishing the story. Probably about Lee and Azula's old age or something on those lines.

One more thing. If you enjoy my writing style, I started a Legend of Korra fanfic. It's called Pen Pals. What is it about? Well you gotta read it to find out.

Chapter 3

I can finally understand the troubles Aang and Zuko goes through now. Well, minus the whole making sure the whole world stays peaceful and not entering another war. Why can't she let me sleep for another five minutes.

She continues to shake my arm to wake me. "Come on Daddy, wake up already!" My daughter starts shaking my whole body. "You promise we can go see them first thing in the morning." She whined.

Ugh, why do I promise things again? Oh, that's right, I'm an nice guy. Why am I a nice guy again?

I shake her off of me and pull the blanket over my head. "Once your Mother wakes up, then I'll get up." I grumbled.

"Mommy is already up." Of course she is. She's not the type of person who sleeps in. "So," My daughter jumps on me, laughing. "get up already!"

She starts tickling me. I squirm around to get out of her assault but I couldn't. I laugh uncontrollably. "I give, I give, I give." She stopped tickling me, leaving herself wide open for an counterattack.

I suddenly got up, making my daughter lose balance. Not wasting the opportunity, I started tickling her. Her high pitched giggling, her wide smile, and her trying get away brought a smile to my face. Being a Father isn't so bad.

I pull her in a hug and we both share a good hearty laugh. "Are you two dum-dums finished?"

We look towards the door. Az is leaning against the door frame. She is trying to look her usually unimpressed and anger self but her tiny gleeful smile is betraying her.

"Yup Mommy!" Our daughter cheered.

"Good." Az starts walking inside our room. "In that case, leave your Father so he can get ready." She glance at me with an amuse smirk. "You know how long it takes for him to be ready, and what did I say about what a princess should always be?"

Our daughter sagged her shoulders. "On time." She said in a monotone.

"Correct." Az said while nodding in affirmation. "Now run along Jin. Make sure the servants get everything ready for our departure to see Zuzu and the gang."

"Okay." I released Jin from my hold. She ran out of the room.

"And no running!" Az scolded. We soon hear the slowing sounds of her footsteps on the floor.

I chuckled. "It's still weird to hear you act like a Mother."

"And it is still weird to think we have beautiful seven year old daughter." She walks over to me and sits down on my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me in for a quick kiss.

"Yeah I guess so. It feels just like yesterday we got married, and now we have a child and we're on our way to meet with our friends so our children can play."

"Speaking of children," She took hold of my hands and place them on her stomach. My eyes widened: don't tell me. "We are expecting another one." She said with a small smile.

I start laughing and jump up in joy. "I can't believe it! We are going to have another kid!"

"I can not believe you just knocked me off the bed." I looked down at the floor. Az looks slightly pissed and is rubbing her sore backside. I forgot she was on my lap.

I got off the bed and sit on the floor. "Sorry Az, it's just,... I'm just so happy. I have loving wife, a great home, an adorable daughter, and now we are expecting another child. It all feels like a-"

"Dream?" Az said rather oddly. I raised a eyebrow, wondering if I did something wrong. "I'm not surprise that you feel like you are in a dream, since, well, you are in one."

"Wait, what?"

I awoke with the sight of my wife's back to my face. I turn to face the ceiling. I cover my eyes with my right arm. That's right, I'm currently staying in a hotel at my hometown before we reach Republic City. Both Sokka and Zuko believed that Az should become the representative of the Fire Nation for the council Sokka is starting up there. United Republic Council he calls it. Heh, he really like the word republic.

When Az was offered the position, she immediately accepted it. She gave no second thoughts about it or discussed it with me since it involved us moving from our home and me quitting my job. She always does this; just assumes that I'll keep following after her like a loyal pup. It is starting to piss me off.

And what she said to me seven years ago did not help me feel any less angry about our current relationship with each other. I wanted to start a family with her, I had dreamed of such thing since the day we got married. I wanted mini me or a mini Az walking about in this world. When I brought the idea of having a child to her she responded in manner that I thought: 'the old Az is back.' She laughed at me. She claimed she hates children and we are not fit to be parents.

Needless to say, I never brought up the subject ever again. All of our friends either already has a child or raising their second one. I want to know the joy of raising my own flesh and blood. I want to tell my boring stories to a child that looks up to me. I want to be a Father.

I hear groaning to my right. I guess she's up. Az turns to face me, her eyes still close. "Morning Lee." she cover her mouth with her hand as she yawns.

"Morning Azula."

I watch as she sits up. Her eyes are now open and are focus on my face. "What's wrong?"

"What?" I sit up also and I look at my wife. "Nothing's wrong. Why do you assume something is wrong?"

She cross her arms. "You only call me Azula when you are either, commit a mistake." I keep my face neutral. We might be together for about a decade now but that doesn't mean she can still read me like a open book as when we younger. "Or, when you are upset with me."

I momentarily look elsewhere before focusing back on her. I know she saw that, I wish she didn't. Damn my body reactions. Before Az can say anything, I got up from my bed and make my way to the dresser. I quickly start changing clothes.

"Where are you going?" I can hear my wife hastily getting up from the bed. The sounds of her hurrying to walk to me makes my heart sink. She grab hold of my wrist before I start buttoning up my shirt. "Talk to me Lee, it scares me when you act like this."

I gently removed her hand off my wrist. I turned to face her, showing her a small smile of mines to reassure her that there's nothing to worried about. "I just going to get a fresh air. I'm thinking about visiting my parents before we leave later on today. Don't worry, I'll be back be-"

Az suddenly places her hand on my cheek, caressing it gently. "You are still a terrible liar."

"Az-"

"It's fine Lee, everyone needs their alone time." Her hand drop and she make her way back to the bed. "Please do make sure you do not forget the time we are suppose to leave." She lays down in the bed and makes herself comfortable. "I will leave without you if you are even a minute late." She said, waving her hand dismissively at me. "Tell your parents I said, hello."

"O-okay, I will." I walk towards the door. I open it, looking back at Az before leaving the room.

I walk in the busy streets of Yu Dao. It really got an upgrade in the last couple of years. That's probably because of Sokka and Zuko, especially Sokka. The United Republic of Nations, or URN, as I like to call it, is his big project. He has been working on since day one. Speaking of Sokka, I haven't talked to him since little Bumi's birthday. He is a ladies man, er, well, he like to think of himself as such. He might be able to help me with my Az trouble.

"Is that you Lee?"

"Hmm?"

That tone of voice. It can't be. I turned around to see a young fair skinned woman with raven black hair in a braided ponytail style which makes her innocent fossil gray color eyes pop out even more. And that tiny scar on her bottom lip confirms she is whom I believe her to be. She is my ex-girlfriend and best friend. "Xiao!" I quickly run up to her to give her bear hug. I haven't seen her in years but at the last second, she stomp on the ground, calling forth a slab of earth to protrude from the ground, making me crashing into it face first.

"Woah there big guy." She starts to laugh. "No roughhousing with me Lee. I don't think my little one can handle a hug from a earthbender."

Roughhousing?! I was only about to hu-wait did she just said little one? I brought down the wall of dirt while making sure my nose isn't broken. When I looked at Xiao I, well, I was completely utterly shocked. She's pregnant, and pretty far along based on the size of her stomach.

"You're pregnant?!"

"Yup," She said proudly, posing like some hero. "I'm eight months in by the way."

"Eight months?!" I can't wrap my head around this. I point at her enlarged stomach. "When did you get pregnant?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Eight months ago."

I face-palm from her answer. "Yeah, I know, I mean." I sighed. I inhale then exhale to calm my nerves. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? Who's the Father anyways?"

For a fleeting moment, I saw Xiao flinch slightly from my question. Did I say something wrong? The cheerful smile she had now seem forced. Did the Father leave her? I made a fist on the thought. That is one of the worst things you can do to someone. If he ever comes back, I make sure to kick his ass thoroughly.

"Hey, are you doing anything at the moment?" I asked. I want to get rid of this awkward atmosphere that I created.

"No." Xiao cocked her head to the side with her famous shit-eatin grin plastered on her face. "Why, asking me out on a date?" She starts giggling. "Though I don't blame you, I am a fine catch. I just didn't picture you as the cheating type."

I rolled my eyes. Matter as well play along. "Oh yeah Xiao, I realized that you were the one for me all along." I walk to her and place my hand around her waist. "Now, let us start our forbidden relationship."

She grab hold of my waist and brought me close to her. "I'll make sure not to be caught as your Mistress as we meet at low-end hotels for our sexual escapades."

We face each other, leaning in close to each other. When we were at kissing distance, we couldn't hold it anymore. Our burning desire for each other overcame our senses. Yeah, like that ever happen! We separated from each other, laughing uncontrollably. It has been far too long since I laugh this hard. It's really great to meet Xiao again.

I wiped away a tear from my eye. It feels good to act stupid again. "Xiao, I'm about to visit my parents, wanna come with?"

She cleared her throat to stop her own laughter. She face with me with a bright smile. "Sure Lee." She shook her ponytail off her shoulder. "It's been awhile since I talked to those walking fossils."

I hid my face in embarrassment. I hate it when they tell this story. Why must my parents always tell this story when I bring anyone in their home.

"Then Lee, yelled at the top of his lungs," My Dad clears his throat and stood up, thrusting his left fist in the air. "You gotta deal with it!"

Xiao almost fell out of her chair from laughing so hard. I further buried my face in my arm. Why is she laughing so hard anyways. She heard this story thousands of times back when we were kids and even more when we were dating.

"Lee, you had the best childhood." She nudge my shoulders.

"Shut up." I murmured.

I hear Xiao getting up from her chair with a grunt. "I'll be back, all that laughter made me have to go to the bathroom."

"You still remember where it is?" My mother asked.

"Of course I do, Mom." She slowly make her way out of the room. "Don't tell any funny stories without me." She glance back at me. "I want to see Lee squirm a little more."

"Just go damn it!" I threw the cushion pillow at her but she left before it made contact. I can hear her snickering in the hallway.

"It's good to see you two together again." My Father took a sip of his tea. He sighed in satisfaction. "You guys still act as when you were children."

"I guess." I rest my head on my hand. "I can deal without the teasing though."

My Mother giggled. "In any case, it is good to see her smile again." Her cheerful smile of her's slowly transform into a frown as she looks to where Xiao left at. "It's been a long time since I saw her smile like that."

What? Has Xiao been depressed for that long? Does it have to do with the Father of the child? "Since the incident I believe." My Father's face became that of disgust and anger. "I'm happy that bastard got executed."

What are they talking about? Who is this bastard and why did he get executed? Maybe if I play along I can get more information. "Fuck him, I hope he is burning in hell." I hope that was believable.

My Father nod in affirmation. "I bet he is."

My Mother shook her head in disappointment. "I still can't believe some people commit heinous crime like rape."

My eyes almost pop out of my head from that word. I jump out of my chair. "XIAO WAS WHAT?!" Why no one told me of this? Why did Xiao not tell me such a thing happened to her? Wait, that means the baby is… Oh Agni, no wonder she acted like she did when I asked about the Father.

"Why did you tell him?"

I look at Xiao at the entrance of the living room. I quickly made my way to her. "Xiao, what they sa-"

"I'm leaving." Xiao make her way out of the house. Oh she is not getting away that easily. I hastily follow after her.

She made it done the block before I caught up to her. I took a moment to catch my breath "I thought you were supposed to be slower when you are pregnant." I said between my breath.

All of a sudden, Xiao slap me. Hard. I took a couple of steps back before I recovered. I didn't see that coming at all. "You still say insensitive things as jokes."

I try to touch the spot she slapped but it stings too much. "Sorry." I thought I fixed that problem by now. "Xiao, wh-" I sighed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

She over-dramatically threw her hands in the air. "Oh yeah Lee, like I can write you a letter saying," She start pretending to write a letter in the air. "Dear Lee, how's it going? Is Azula still stuck up know it all? Anyways, I was ra-." She stop writing and her hands drop to her sides. "I was..." She close her eyes and bit her bottom lip. "I was ra-."

"You don't have to say it." I interrupted. In fact, I don't want her to say it. "I'm sorry tha-."

Xiao growls while pointing at me. "This is why I didn't want to tell you." Her shoulders slump and she walk to the building, leaning against the wall. "I didn't want your pity."

My pity? I lean next to her. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. I mean I got over the incident, but the constant stares, and just,..." She sighed. "Like I said Lee, I don't know. I just know that I didn't want you to view me the same way as them."

"I don't care of your reasoning." I got in front of her and I tap her head like Az does to me. " Dum-dum. You should have told me, especially about something like this." I lean back against the wall. "I would have dropped everything to help you during that time."

"Yeah I know you would since you love me." She rest her head on my shoulder.

"You are my first friend after all, and like said back when I accidentally gave you that scar on your lip." I glance at her. "We have a bond that can't be broken. We will always have each others back."

Xiao starts giggling. "Was that before I try to give you the same scar, or after I beat you to a pulp for giving me it." She got off my shoulder. "The only thing I can remember is how cheesy you still are."

I wrap my arm around her shoulder and brought her down for a noogie. "Oh shut up."

I let up after minute. I kept my arm around her as we basked in our laughter and enjoy the sight of the night sky together. I can't believe it's so late already. Time really does fly when you are having fun.

"So, what are you planning on naming the kid?" I'm genuinely curious.

"Well, I don't know the gender yet. I want it to be a surprise. If it's a girl, I'm naming it after yours truly."

I rolled my eyes. "Why am I not surprised."

She playfully elbowed my side. "And, if it's a boy, I'm naming him after his Uncle Lee."

I snap my head to her. "Do you mean it?" That's a big honor for someone to named their kid after them.

She faced me with a smile. "Nope,"

I should have known. "I hate you."

"I love yo-"

"Oh, so this is what you were doing all day Lee." Oh Fuck. I know who that is without even looking at her.

I completely forgot that we were supposed to leave hours ago for Republic City. I just got caught up with seeing Xiao and my parents after so long I lost track of time. I let go of Xiao and turn around. Yup it's Az and she is quite visibly anger at me… and also crying?

Does she think that I… "Az, it's not what you think."

Az's cold emotionless stare is not only scaring me but it is also breaking my heart. "So you were not cuddling with your ex-girlfriend, whom I assumed is pregnant with your child, telling each other how much you cared for each other." She tried not to sniffed back a tear. "I should have expected this when I learned I can not bare your children. Father always said women are only good for birthing children."

What?! What is with today and shocking news! Why did she never told me this? Before I even I got word in she curtly turned around made her way back to the hotel. I guess more running.

Az is trying to push me out of our hotel room. Normally she would be able to, but I guess her broken heart is sapping her strength away.

"Az, please, let me explain."

"I said no." She stop pushing me and summon a small blue flame in her hand. "If you do not leave in the next second, I will burn to a crisp."

I took a step forward, showing no fear of my own well being. "Go ahead. Just know that I love you Az, and I always will."

"Then why,..." She extinguish the flame. "Then why her?" She punch me in the chest. "Why did you go back to her?" She leaned her head against my chest. I can feel her tears soaking in my shirt. "Why do you betray me after all you had done for me?" I try to place my hand on her shoulder but she slap it away. She push herself off of me. "Why did you even show me what love is if you were just going to toss it away like yesterday's garbage?"

"Az, look at me." She hesitantly look at me. "I would never cheat on you. I love you. I wouldn't have dropped everything at my hometown to live with you, just so I discard you away a couple years later."

"You lie." She was about to turn away but I stop her. I brought her close to me then I kissed her. I place all of my emotion in this one kiss. I hope this conveys that I'm not lying to her.

I break away first. "Princess Azula of the Fire Nation. I love you and I would never dare to think of another woman other than you. You are my Sun and I can't live without you."

Does she believe me? "If that is true, then why were you with that peasant, Xiao?"

I kind of wish she didn't call her that, but I should not be complaining right now. I'm making leeway.

"We were having a friend bonding moment. I learned a shocking fact about an incident that happened to her."

"What was the incident?"

"She was…" Should I tell her? No, this is something Xiao must do. "I can't tell you. You must ask her about it. I respect her privacy too much to tell you."

"Even if it leads to us having a divorce?"

A divorce?! Is she that upset? She does have a trust issue since the war. "Yes Az. I'm sorry." But that doesn't mean I can betray my friend's trust.

"In that case, I believe you. You are the type of person who will do such a thing for a friend. Plus, that kiss was convincing enough."

I smile softly. "Thank you Az."

She wiped away her tears. She looked at her hands."You made me ruin my makeup."

I chuckled. "Sorry."

"You are not forgiven." She made her way to the chair and sit down in it. She cross her leg over the other. "Well, I matter as well tell you about my inability to have children since I know that is what you want to talk about next."

She read my mind. I walk over to the bed and sat in it since it is across from Az. "That would be nice. When did you learned that you can't bare children?"

Az turned away to look in the mirror. "To be more precise, it is quite hard for me to bare children rather than me not being able to conceive them." She starts removing the makeup off of her face. "I learned of this seven years ago by Katara. I was pregnant with our first child and I wanted to keep it a secret from you. I wanted to surprise you." She momentarily stop removing make-up, to what I'm assuming is gathering the nerve to continue. She slowly exhaled. "When I went to Katara for my check up, we learned that I had a miscarriage, and that I have a special body condition that makes it hard for me to have your children."

Why does everyone assuming to keep such important things from me today? "Is that why you said such things to me when I asked you about starting a family?"

She nodded in affirmation. "Yes, I...I'm sorry about what I said to you. I was afraid of you leaving me if I told you about my condition." She finished removing her make-up and hang her head sadly. "I guess this is Agni's way of punishing me for what I did in the war. Someone like me does not deserve to know the happiness of motherhood."

"Az, that's not true."

"Knowing me and my mess up family Lee, I would make our child into a carbon copy of myself. A monster."

I got off the bed to grab hold of her shoulders and turn her so that she can face me. "You are not a monster Az. We proved that years ago. And you would make a terrific Mother. Lady Ursa raised both you and Zuko and you are about to become the very first Representative of the Fire Nation while Zuko is the leader of the Fire Nation. Both of you are leading the new age of peace we all work so hard for." I let go of her. "So please do me a favor, and stop talking down about yourself." A small grin form on my lips. "You are a Princess after all."

Az smile softly at me. She gave me quick kiss. "You are right Lee, thank you." She suddenly grab hold of my collar push me on the bed. She quickly straddled on top of me. "Also, talking to a Princess in such disrespectful manner deserves some…" She lean in close to my ear and whispered, "punishment."

I packed the last of my and Az's luggage in the carriage. We should arrive at Republic City in the afternoon if we leave now.

I yawn, covering my mouth. "Slept in the doghouse, huh?"

"Hmm?" I turned around to see Xiao. I'm surprised she's here. That's right, I told her I was leaving for Republic City at my parents house yesterday. "Hey Xiao, and not exactly." I look at Az ordering the driver to be extra careful while driving. Poor guy.

Xiao whistling made me put my focus back on her, "Wow, you guys made up fast." I blush at her comment.

"S-shut up."

She chuckled. "So, are you two good? I didn't accidentally caused any rift between you two?"

"No, we are doing fine. This little stop at home help us out a lot." More so me than anything. Though not all of it, it did made me overcome most of my anger towards Az treatment towards me. She just don't want to lose the thing that made her whole again.

"That's good to hear." She got on her tip of her toes and try to look behind me. "Hmm, it seems Az is ready to go." She reach her arms out for a hug. "You know the drill Lee. You must pay the hug toll before leaving."

I smile and brought myself in for the hug. It's good to see her again. I'll make sure to send Xiao a letter once I get settle. I squeeze a bit harder. When I heard her yelp I quickly stopped. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

Xiao is on her knees. Her face is in excruciating pain and her hands are squeezing her pregnant stomach. I notice her pants are damp. Oh man, this is not my week! She is a month early. I kneed down and place her arm around my shoulder. We walk to my carriage. Az was about to question what I was doing till she saw Xiao's current state.

"Change of plans driver. Head to the nearest hospital, we have woman who is about to deliver a baby."

Hearing that, the driver snap the whip of the two ostrich horses. The driver is really know his way around town because the next thing I know we are already at the hospital. Az and I help Xiao out of the carriage and into the building. Once inside the nurses took over and told us to wait. And I hate waiting.

We waited for about six hours before the doctor came back and he does not look like he has good news. Please tell me that the child is okay.

"You are Lee, right?" The doctor asked.

"Yes, is something wrong? Did the baby make it?"

"The baby is fine. Though a month early, it is a healthy girl."

I released the breath that I didn't know I was holding. Oh man, I was so worried for second. "That's good. Does that mean we can see her and Xiao?"

"About that."

No.

"I'm sorry to say."

No.

"That Xiao"

No.

"Did not make it. She passed away soon after delivering her child. I am sorry for your lost."

She, she can't be gone. I just saw- she- bu- why? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I can no longer see. My tears are blocking my vision. I just can't believe. I was talking to her a moment ago. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why does it have to be her. What was the last thing I even said to her? I...I...I... I don't even know.

I feel someone wrapping their arms around me. "I'm so sorry Lee."

Was that Az? I can't really tell anymore. My cries are drowning out everything.

Seven Year's Later

"You know Xiao, I think Xiaoli might be a bigger troublemaker than you when you when you were young. So you know how Katara is training your daughter in waterbending, right? So yesterday, she, alongside Kya, waterbent ice in some of the doorways in Air Temple Island, creating a giant maze!" I took a moment to gather my breath. I remembered how even the great Avatar got lost in the maze. Those two are going to be big trouble when they grow up. "It took two long hours for the acolytes to figure their way out of the building." I laughed, slapping my knee.

I smile at the tombstone. "Anyways, I got big news. You are officially an Aunt!" I leaned back on the grassy plain. "Yup, the twins were born with no problem at all. I'm still surprised that they came to be. I lost all hope of having kids of my own a long time ago." I sighed. "Though they look alike, their hair and eye colors are completely different from each other, so it's easy to tell them apart, lucky me right. Knowing me, if they did have same eye and hair color, I will get them confuse with each other." I can picture Xiao agreeing with my statement with a smile before making a comment about how my kids are doom.

Oh, my time is almost up. I don't want to keep her waiting. "The boy's name is Katsu while the girl's name is Anju. Well, I should go, it's your daughter's turn to tell you her week."

I got up from the ground and walk to my family. I smile at Xiaoli and nod my head towards Xiao's resting place. "She's all yours kid."

She smile at me. She really is a spitting image of her Mother minus her big innocent cerulean color eyes. "Thanks Daddy!" She ran up the hill.

I stand next to my wife. She hands me Anju to carry while she hold on to Katsu. I watch in amusement as Xiaoli enthusiastically tells her Mother everything. Az kissed me on the cheek. "Told her anything interesting?"

"Nah, just the usually." I wiggle my finger in Anju's face. She smile while giggling, trying to grab my finger. "Hey, Az?"

"Yes?"

"Did you picture us like this?"

She chuckled. "No, you?"

I look at Xiaoli as she runs back to us, pretending she is flying like her Uncle Aang. "Only in my dreams."

A/N: In case any of you are confuse about the ages of the characters so far, here you go. Lee is 33 and Azula is 31 by the end of this chapter. I hope. Math is not my favorite subject.

Also to tell you where in the timeline this is in, it is around the same time as Tenzin being born.