AN: sorry it has taken me so long to update. I was really into my other two stories, but now i'm here to stay! i'll try to update this and "I Always Return" anually. Thanks for those who like this story!

She opened the boxes diligently. Inside of them were clothes, trinkets, jewelry, shoes, ect.

She looked through each. She started to unpack them, feeling the soft silks of one, looking at the magnificent designs, holding the intricate designs of another, and admiring them all.

The time flew past quicker than a blink by the time she unpacked all seven boxes.

Ray was amazed, there were so many different things she had never seen before now in what is her room.

The boxes were piled in the corner. She was admiring all of the stuff when suddenly three sharp knocks sounded on her door.

"It's open." She called.

It creeped open. She turned around to see Zuko standing there.

"I am to escort you to dinner." He said holding his arm out for her.

Her brow furrowed. She said really slowly, "Ok."

Ray latched onto his arm as they made their way to dinner.

It went by with little to no talk at all.

Finally, Ray looked at both men sitting across from her. "Thank you for all of the new items. They are very pretty."

Iroh smiled. "That should be directed to my nephew, he was the one to pick all of it out, not me."

"Thank you Zuko. It means a lot to me."

He looked up with reddened cheeks. He mumbled his thoughts.

The two teens finished up and he directed her back to her room

"You know, I think I'm learning the ship."

"Oh ya?" he challenged. "Show me."

She led them back to her room from where they stood.

"See, told you." She had a smug look on her face.

"Well, that means I won't have to escort you anymore." Her smile dropped.

"I kinda like it when you escort me though." She admitted.

"Oh really?" he too had a smug look.

She merely nodded.

"Well, I don't mind escorting you."

As she entered, she watched as he lingered in the hall. "So why did you get me all of these things?"

"I was thinking. People are going to think of my reputation wrongly if I just show up with anyone. So, I'm now pronouncing you a wealthy citizen of the Fire Nation."

"Ok, I guess."

"So, you'll act like one of my childhood friends and decided to accompany me because you were so heart broken."

"Ok, if you say so."

"Good." He just stood there staring down at her.

ZUKO'S POINT

'Wow, have her eyes always been so pretty? They're so pretty. Blue, with a slight color of orange. I never noticed that.' He thought.

She cleared her throat and he was brought out of his gaze. "Oh, sorry. Uh." He was flustered.

She smiled. 'such a pretty smile.'

"Want to stay and talk or something?"

'YES!' his mind screamed. But instead he replied, "No, I'd love to, but I have business to attend to." Her smile faltered at his words. "Have a nice night and sleep well Ray."

I turned my back and walked away. "Why didn't I stay?" I mumble. I really wanted to. Now, I'm just wandering around the halls, walking wherever my feet take me.

It's strange how one girl, no teen, could make me loss of words. She is pretty, reminds me a lot of a certain water wench in some way. Only she doesn't have tan skin, more pale like mine. Her eyes are also a sleek hazel. Her hair is what takes my breath away, so soft, chocolate brown waves that roll down her back. She is thin, tallish, and light on her feet. She knows how to take care of herself.

RAY'S POINT

Something inside of my chest wrenched when he walked away.

"You're in love" a voice rang out.

I searched the room to see where it came from. To no avail did I spot it though

"I am not."

"You are. Save the breath and stop arguing." There is was again

"How do you know? Who are you?"

"I've seen the ways you look at him. I've heard your thoughts." She blushed. "I am a spirit of conscious. I am yours and yours only. You are me. I know everything about you. I am you."

"Why me?"

"Everyone has a spirit conscience. And I am yours."

"oh." And with that, Ray laid down in her bed, waiting for sleep to take over her foggy mind and lull her from this world.

ZUKO'S POINT

'I mind as well go to bed, seeing as how I have nothing to do.' I finally said after walking around the whole ship about five times.

Once there, I laid down and tried to get comfortable. I tossed and turned for about an hour before I finally gave up.

I walked up to the top deck to let off some steam.

I did sequence after sequence.

A thick layer of sweat gathered onto my bare chest.

"Are you mad about something?" a voice called out. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists.

"No uncle." I answered slightly annoyed.

"Very well." And pitter patters of his feet retreating reached my ears.

I walked back to my chambers. I entered the bathroom and started some nice warm water running in the tub.

I grabbed a fresh change of clothes. By the time I reentered, the tub was filled about half way. I stripped to nothing and slowly slid myself into the tub. The water enveloped my body in a soothing way. It instantly relaxed me. My eyes drifted shut for a few short minutes as the water seeped into my skin.

A thought crossed my mind. 'I wonder what Ray would look like in my tub.' I shook my head to rid myself of such a thought. To no avail did it work though.

RAY'S POINT

I heard footsteps outside of my door repeatedly. Then, after some time, I heard heavier footsteps. A knock suddenly awoke my out of my sleep all of the way.

I climbed out of my bed and to the door. I was a little surprised to see the one and only Iroh standing before me.

"Hello Iroh, is there anything I can do for you?" I stifled my yawn.

"Sorry if I awoke you from slumber." He said with a smile

"It's fine. I hadn't fallen asleep yet."

"Good. I was wandering if you would like to have a cup of tea with me and chat. I hear that It helps put you to sleep at night."

"Ok." I said. "Sounds good to me. Lead the way."

We walked down the hall into his chambers. He sat at a small table with three chairs. He gestured for me to come and sit. I obliged.

After finishing my tea, I sat there and listened to him talk. He talked about Zuko as a child, his son Lu Ten, Azula, and his own childhood. I listened for about an hour or so before my eyes grew heavy. He must have noticed because he placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up with weary eyes and a yawn.

"You shall head to bed now. You are sleepy and so am I. I hope the tea helped." He smiled

"Indeed. I'm always up for some tea the next time you want to talk." I answered back

He smiled as I left his room, slowly closing the door behind me.