Chapter Ten

Arrival

"Aang," I hissed, hiding slightly behind him as I clutched his arm. "This is ridiculous. We should've at least sent a messenger hawk. Remember the last time we showed up without notice?" I grimaced inwardly. We had been attacked by the guards who were rebels in disguise. At least we found out who the rebels were, though. The idea of just showing up at the palace didn't strike well with me.

My fiance sighed, wrapping his arm around my waist. "It's fine. That was one time." He promised, pressing his lips against my forehead before turning to face the palace gates. Appa and Momo trailed behind us, arguing by the sounds of their grunts and squeals. The golden gates loomed above us, and I suddenly felt nervous. Calm down, I scolded myself, the war is over. There's no threat.

A loud creaking noise sounded from the gates as they slowly swung open, revealing the gorgeous palace behind it. A sudden series of chills ran down my spine as I was rudely reminded of the fight between Zuko and Azula, which led to the fight between Azula and I. Even thought that was years ago, I still had nightmares, and not to mention, subtle worries of deja vu when I visited the palace.

Upon feeling me tense up, Aang gave my waist a reassuring squeeze. He knew of my hidden worries—and thankfully, didn't think that they were stupid like I. At least I had gotten over my fear of fire...slightly. The scars of my wrists and ankles reminded me daily of its destruction.

I was snapped out of my thoughts as Aang led me forward, his demeanor suddenly changing to an even happier mood, if possible. My eyes raised from the ground to see Firelord Zuko, standing in the middle of the walk-way, a grin on his lips as he glided towards us. My old friend was dressed in formal royalty robes, and instead of the usual (and ugly, by my opinion) topknot, his raven-black hair was down, swept across his forehead.

"Aang, Vinca!" He greeted warmly as he reached us, hugging us each. Zuko seemed well, if not a little bit tired looking. Bags were under his eyes and his posture screamed restless. I realized that things were still busy for Zuko, with him being the Firelord and all. I felt sympathy for him.

I bowed, only because I knew Zuko hated it when people bowed to him, "Firelord Zuko." I smiled, my words teasing.

He blushed, running his fingers through his hair, "Unnecessary," he insisted, smiling all the while.

"How have you been, Zuko?" Aang asked, smiling softly at his former firebending teacher.

Zuko motioned for us to follow him, and we obliged. "Pretty good," he replied with a shrug, before adding with a sigh, "busy..."

"As usual." Aang frowned, patting the older man on the back, "It'll die down, eventually."

"Probably in four more years." Zuko made a face, cracking his knuckles absently. He led us deeper into the palace, where his chambers were, and the more personal rooms were located. I've been here countless times, and still found myself lost now and then.

My fiance chuckled, "I feel you..."

"So—how did you know we were coming?" I wondered aloud, my eyes scanning the plain, scarlet walls trimmed with gold and black and the occasional window offering a beautiful view of the city or several courtyards.

"I figured Aang would be arriving soon. Meetings, of course."

I nodded to myself, "Right. Yay, meetings." I mumbled sarcastically, earning light laughter from the two guys. I smiled slightly, changing the subject, "Anyway, where's Katara?" I nudged Zuko, raising my eyebrows.

Zuko hesitated as he thought, "Hm, I'm not sure. She might be packing...she's leaving for the South Pole in two days." He frowned, his eyes dimming at the mention of his girlfriend leaving. I felt sympathy for him—it was difficult being away from the one you loved for a long time.

I swiftly excused myself from the two, "Excuse me, but I'm going to go find her." I smiled brightly, "I'll see you guys at dinner." I waved subconsciously before ducking into a hallway, heading towards the waterbender's chambers.

After getting lost about twice, I finally found myself in familiar territory and steered myself towards Katara's room. I found it quickly, and knocked gently against the wooden door.

There was a couple of seconds before the door opened slowly, revealing a blue-eyed women who seemed vaguely surprised. Her eyes suddenly brightened and a squeal erupted from her throat as she engulfed me in a hug, pulling me into the room, hugging me tightly, "Vinca! Oh my, Spirits! You're so beautiful! I've missed you so much, I've missed everyone! Is Aang here? I'm so sorry I wasn't out to greet you, I was so focused on pack—" she was breathless and excited when I cut her off.

"Katara," I interrupted gently, laughing quietly, "Calm down. Yes, Aang is here, and its fine. Thank you, by the way." I blushed slightly at her compliment, pulling away from our respectful hug. "I've missed you, too!"

The waterbender pinned her hair out of her face. She was gorgeous—flawless, olive-toned skin, big, cerulean eyes, and about an inch taller than me. "I'm sorry about that ramble," she apologized, "I got excited. I haven't seen you in forever." Katara said, smiling. She looked sad. I haven't seen anyone is forever...well, except for Zuko." Katara raised an eyebrow, "Which isn't a bad sight, mhm..." a dreamy expression settled contentedly on her face.

I giggled into my hand, swatting her lightly, "Oh, Katara," I sighed giddly, plopping down onto an empty space on her bed, which was piled high with clothing and the sorts. That action made me realize how tired I was—I hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep last night on our abrupt trip to the palace. My body aches were soothed by the comfortable bed, my eyelids warning me as they drooped.

Katara grinned to herself, spinning around her room before landing in front of a large mirror. She studied me past her reflection, her lips forming an 'o', "Is that it?" The healer whispered loudly, excitedly, her slender finger pointing into the mirror and onto my reflection.

"Hmm?" I absently questioned, my eyes fluttering over her things. Katara was leaving in two days for the South Pole. I frowned, sucking my lips in.

Suddenly, the hyper waterbender was by my side, her fingers scattering over my necklace, accidentally pulling it forward, along with me. A yelp escaped my throat out of surprise, and I calmed once I realized that she was observing my betrothal necklace. A small smile danced on my lips as she 'awe'ed' in joy.

"I know," I replied breathily to her unsaid thoughts, smiling contentedly as my thoughts roamed to Aang—Aang, my fiance, my soon to be...husband. My heart swelled, filling my chest with the promise of him.

She sighed unwillingly, "I knew it would be only a matter of time. Of course, I nearly had a heart attack once I got your letter." the dreamy expression returned, though with a sense of longing. I knew she was thinking about Zuko—and their current point of their relationship.

I poked her, "Just make sure you invite me to your wedding!" I winked, making her flush at the comment.

"Hah—of course." Katara promised, smoothing her hair, "Speaking of invitations...I have yet to receive one to your wedding?" she made a mock-sad face, pouting.

Now it was me to sigh, yet out of frustration. "Aang. We haven't decided when the wedding will be...he wants it in two weeks. It's not that simple." I mumbled, making a face.

Katara shrugged, "If he wants two weeks, we'll give him just that."

"Wha—"

"Come on, Vinca. Let's go send the invitations."

I was exhausted. Beyond that. Yet Katara, her personality stubborn and driven, sat me down at the table and with about two hundred, formal, beautiful stationary, we began to address the people coming to my wedding. She suggested the idea of only close friends, family, and of course government officials, attend the actual wedding ceremony. And for the reception, any persons could come, as long as they didn't disrupt and cause chaos.

We had almost finished the wedding cermony invitations. I had a throbbing headache and was thankful that we were almost done, my brain filled with Katara's excited talk and trying to remember the names to put down. My signature was loopy and a bit sloppy, but I was too tired and drained to care. What I wanted most was to sleep. Sleep. Oh, Spirits, that sounds wonderful.

"Aha," Katara exclaimed, slamming down the writing utensil, "Finished!" she seemed relieved as well. The waterbender collected the invitations and shuffled them into order. "I'll send them tonight."

"I'll help—,"

"No, you're tired. You look dead. Go sleep." Her cerulean eyes glanced outside. "It's late, and it looks like its going to storm." That was true.

I smiled, grateful. "Alright. I'll see you in the morning." I gave her a quick hug and hurried to my room, my eyes nearly closing in slumber at the process.

My journey was cut off by a familiar voice, "Hey, Vinca! Wait up!"

It was Aang.

I slowed, tilting my head in the direction of his voice. My lips lifted into a smile as he stopped his run, his shoulders moving up and down quickly as he regained his breath, his lips in a breathless grin. "Hi," he greeted airly, matching my steps as I continued walking.

"Hello," I returned, "How was your day?"

"Fine. It's better now," he pulled me closer, pressing his lips against my forehead.

My cheeks warmed, and I subconsciously changed the subject, "Guess what? You might get your wedding in two weeks, like you wanted."

His gray eyes brightened, "What? Really?"

I nodded.

"Katara." we said in unison, grinning at each other like children with candy.

Aang breathed in deeply, "That's...wonderful. Amazing, really." his eyes gleamed, "I'll have you. You'll have me." he sing-song cheerfully.

I chuckled, "You already have me." I whispered.

"And you already have me." Aang suddenly stopped, his arms around my waist. I was pressed against the wall, his figure lowering to my level so that he could look into my eyes, "You always have." he mumbled, smiling widely, his lips parted.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, rising to my tip-toes, "I love you." Those words would never grow old. Even if we would, they wouldn't. Never.

"I love you, too. More than you know."

Aang was sleeping next to me. Sometimes we shared beds, especially when it was a bit chilly—but we never did anything. We had both set that aside for marriage, and I knew it was hard for Aang sometimes (a lot more than 'sometimes') as it was for me. Sometimes I woke up with him pitching a tent or a dampened bed. It didn't bug me, but it usually embarrassed him.

My eyes stared at the ceiling, my heart thudding at the thought of calling Aang mine. Of course I already did, but marriage seemed so...official. And that's what I wanted. Even though we both knew that we were meant for each other (as cheesy as that sounds) the thought of marriage had a nice ring to it—and so did the word husband and wife.

I breathed in deeply, closing my eyes at the thoughts of the future. Aang was my everything.

And he would always be.

I smiled, my palm resting on the golden locket, above my thumping heart. You'll always be in my heart, he had said. Vice versa.

"Mhmm...?" a low mumble sounded from beside me, and I flickered to the origin. Aang was lying on his stomach, one arm over the side of the bed, the other by his head, his legs spread, one under the blanket and one out. He rolled over, facing me, his eyes tightening together as he let out an enormous yawn, and without opening his eyes, blindly reaching for me to hold.

Once he didn't find my sleeping figure, his eyes abrupt snapped open, squinting at the sudden, dim moonlight. "Hmhmm...Va...Vinca...?" Aang searched, half-asleep, his eyelids concealing almost all of his gray orbs.

"I'm right here." I whispered, easing his worry.

At my voice, his eyes opened all the way, his tattooed hand rubbing roughly at his eyes as he clumsily sat up, leaning against a palm, "Why are you awake? Are you having nightmares? Did I kick you? If you're having nightmares you need to wake me up—,"

I hushed him, "No no, I'm fine. I'm just thinking."

"Thinking?" he sputtered, as if he was surprised. It was. I hated waking up early, and I guess me being up without a reason, other than 'thinking' was a bit shocking.

I giggled quietly, "Yes. Now go back to sleep." I ushered.

"Wha—? No, I can't, not now. I'm fully awake." he grinned cheerily, blinking into the darkness.

I rolled my eyes, "Well, I was just going to go back to sleep—,"

"Wait," Aang interjected, "Let's go for a walk."

"Aang, it's raining!"

"So?"

"It's midnight!"

"So?"

"Aang."

"It's just a walk." He insisted.

"But it's pouring."

"It's just water."

"We'll get sick."

"Nah."

"It's cold."

"I'll warm you."

"I'm tired."

"Wake up."

"But I look horrible."

"You look beautiful."

I was running out of excuses, "I don't feel so good."

"I'll make you feel good—er, that came out wrong. But you get the point."

"Aang," I sighed, "It's midnight. It's pouring. Time to sleep. Now."

But he didn't listen. Instead, he grabbed me out of bed, throwing me over his shoulders before I could even breath, and we were sprinting out the door.

AN: Sorry for the long update time. School started and everything as been hectic...and surprinsgly, I had the time to read three books. Whoop. Reading books screws up with my writing style, so I'm sorry if he seemed a tad different! ^^'

Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and such! Hope you enjoyed, love you all!