Guess what? I'm back. So here you go... the next installment of the story you know and love. LOL.

Shopping!

I open my eyes to see Zuko still sleeping inches away from me. I stare at Zuko for awhile watching him sleep and thinking about our plans for the day.

"Morning," he says opening his eyes and seeing me looking at him.

"Morning," I smile back. "So is Loc going with you guys?" I ask.

"Yes," Zuko replies stretching his arms.

"That's great, so what are you guys doing for the day?"

"Don't know, we haven't really planned anything," Zuko replies starting to get up.

"No idea huh? Well, I'm sure you guys will think of something to do," I encourage as I grab a dress from the closet and this time putting on sandals.

Zuko turns toward me and kisses me. "Be careful," he says looking straight into my eyes.

"Zuko, we're going shopping, not to war. I'll be just fine," I say wrapping my arms around his neck and give him a kiss.

"I just don't want anything to happen to you," Zuko says as I break away and head toward the door.

"I'll be fine, I have a waterbender and two earthbenders with me," I ensure as we exit our room and head toward the stairs. Zuko grumbles something about knowing that.

"So what did you and Loc used to do together?" I ask trying to change the conversation to a happier mood as we head toward the kitchen.

"Train, hangout, stuff like that," Zuko says and as if a memory struck him he smiles.

"What?" I ask with a curious smile.

"One time, when Loc and I were about eight, we were outside 'practicing' our firebending during school. Loc threw fire but before he could get it under control it landed in the flower pot. It started on fire and the teacher had to put it out," Zuko says with a smile on the verge of a laugh. "She thought it was the guy behind Loc because he always got into trouble. He had to go to the office and we never told anyone. I felt a little bad that the other kid got into trouble but, he was such a jerk," Zuko finishes as we continue walking and talking. We soon arrive outside the door to the huge kitchen.

"So you excited for today then? Maybe you and Loc can reunite and you can be somewhat friends with the rest of the guys. I'm sure Phil will help you out," I encourage before opening the door.

"Let's hope you're right," Zuko says placing one hand on the doorknob.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," I say and Zuko nods opening the door.

"'Morning," I say to everyone as we enter the kitchen.

"Good morning," everyone replies.

"So how long will the meeting take?" Katara asks as we take our seats.

"I don't know; it depends on what we're doing I guess," I reply with a simple shrug as some plates are set in front of me and I thank the chef.

A man suddenly walks into the door and we all turn to look at him. "Sir, these came for you," he says fast seeing that we all were looking at him.

"Thank you," Zuko says taking the scroll from him. He bows and leaves the room now all eyes are on Zuko as he opens the scroll and begins reading it.

"So what does it say," I ask looking over his shoulder and making out a few words.

"It says that the other nations have agreed to leave our wedding for the Fire Nation, but they set up a meeting a few days after our wedding at Ba Sing Se," Zuko says looking at the scroll again.

"Sad, you guys will have to leave right after your wedding," Jackie says knowing it'll take a few days to get to the meeting.

"Well, it needs to be done sooner than later. We can't keep it off forever. So who all gets to go?" Phil asks looking at Zuko.

"It doesn't really say, but I assume that you all can come," Zuko replies setting down the scroll.

"So that'll mean we'll have to get up early after the wedding doesn't it?" Toph asks sulkily.

"Our ships are fast, we can leave around this time," Zuko replies.

"Good," Toph says finishing her breakfast leaning back.

"Come on let's get this meeting over with, then we can go shopping!" Jackie says screeching the last part as she stands up.

"Sounds good," Katara says getting out of her seat.

"See you later," I say squeezing Zuko's hand comfortingly. "Try to have fun," I whisper. "See you guys later," I say as all of us girls leave the room.

"Have fun," I hear Aang says before the door closes.

"So where's this meeting room?" Ning asks as we walk down the hallway.

"It's just around the corner and a couple doors down," I say leading the way.

"So what are these people like?" Katara asks as we turn the corner.

"I've only met them once, but they're sure seem to be all for tradition," I say.

"Well, they better get ready for a new tradition because now the world is changed. They should get that through their thick heads," Toph says as we draw closer to the door.

"Can you please not tell that to their faces? They might find that a bit offensive," I say although with a small smile.

"I'll try," Toph says sarcastically.

I open the door and walk in seeing Dishi and Anthea stand up bowing to me. I nod and take my seat at the head of the table and the girls quickly take a seat.

"Let's get started shall we?" I say as the two take their seat again.

"Today we need to decide where your wedding is going to be since you're inviting the entire nation," Dishi starts.

"The only idea we can think of is that you get married on the balcony and have the reception outside in the grounds,' Anthea proposes.

"That sounds good," I say happy that they finally are taking my side.

"The only problem is if it rains," Dishi says putting a damper on my happy mood.

"I can easily take care of that," Katara says with a grin.

"Yeah, and if sugar queen here can't then we can easily put up a tent of rock," Toph adds indicating Jackie and her. Dishi and Anthea look at me at the words 'sugar queen.'

"She was talking about Katara," I inform them.

"Okay," Dishi draws out uncertain of what to say.

"Now all we have to decide is the minor things that'll make the wedding," Anthea says. We spend the next few hours going over things like the colors of tablecloths, napkins, where the tables are going to be set up, flowers, and the food being served.

"Okay we'll have a rehearsal of the wedding in a couple days," Anthea says and Dishi stand up.

"Good, thanks for you help," I says as Dishi and Anthea bow to me and the girls and then exit the room.

"Well, that was loads of fun," Jackie says sarcastically.

"Look at it this way, we got the boring stuff done with," Ning says.

"And now we get to go shopping," Katara says with a smile.

"I'll try to hold in my enthusiasm," Toph says with a very audible sigh.

"Come on, it won't be that bad. We could always redo the plans for the wedding if you like that more," I say with a sly grin.

"Where are we going shopping?" Toph asks with over exaggerated enthusiasm.

I smile and we head out of the room, out of the palace, and I turn down a ride, even though it's not a queen's place to walk. "Whatever."

"This place looks nice," Jackie says as we come across a huge store with a beautiful gown in the window.

"Alright let's check this out," I say as we head into the store with Toph lagging behind.

"So do you want our dresses to be exactly the same or different?" Ning asks as we all look at something different.

"Well, I want them to be the same color but, I guess if you find something that's not very different that you like I guess that would be okay," I shrug.

"Haley, it's your wedding, what do you want the bridesmaid's dresses to look like? We'll wear them even if they are totally hideous," Jackie says with a smile.

"Gee, thanks," I say and begin to scan the dresses.

"So what color?" Katara asks.

"Uhh, red. That'll match my dress," I shrug thinking aloud.

"Alright, what kind of dress?" Jackie asks and I shrug. "How about this?" she asks pulling out a red dress with a very overdone frilly bottom.

"Wow, that would look great," I say straightly and Jackie looks at me with disbelief.

"Great," she stammers out trying to give a genuine smile but failing miserably.

"I was joking," I state.

"Thank God," she replies immediately putting back the dress.

"How about you guys try on dresses and I'll see what I like and think will look good on all of you," I propose.

"Yeah, fashion show," Jackie says darting to various ends of the store.

"Do I have to? I can't even see," Toph says crossing her arms.

"You don't have to," I say as an employee begins walking toward us. "Although you could be my bodyguard," I say thinking of possible outcomes of what would happen if the whole store or neighborhood found out who I was and where I am.

"Sweet," Toph says smiling.

"May I help you?" the woman asks looking at me and I sigh inwardly glad she doesn't know who I am.

"I'm looking for bridesmaids' dresses for my wedding. The girls are trying on dresses to see what I like," I reply.

"Alright, ask me if you need something," she says with a smile.

"Thank you," I smile back and she nods and walks away.

"Man, I didn't get to beat her to a pulp," Toph wines and I smile.

"Come on," I say as we head to sit in chairs outside the waiting room.

Ning comes out first wearing a bright red dress with a long train, sleeves, and a crazy bead pattern.

"Try going a darker shade of red," I say not commenting on the other hideous aspects of the dress.

"Yeah, and maybe a completely different design," Jackie says laughing as she comes out in her dress.

"Well, at least mine doesn't look like it was made for a six year old," Ning burns pointing out the bow in the back.

"I liked how the straps crisscrossed," Jackie says defensively pointing to them.

"Okay," Ning says in a disbelieving tone.

Before Jackie can retort Katara comes out of the dressing room. Her dress is a darker shade of red with a halter top and a small ball gown bottom.

"Well, I'd have to say that Katara's is the best one," I put simply. "But I like how Jackie's straps crisscross," I say softly and look around for the lady that I was talking to earlier. I find her at the desk watching another lady.

"Here, come with me," I say and we head toward the desk.

"Hello again," she says with a smile.

"Hi, do you think I could get that top," I start pointing to Jackie, "and that bottom," I finish as I point to Katara's dress.

"Alright, in what color?" she asks.

"That color," I say pointing again to Katara.

"Okay, how many dresses?" she asks.

"Four, for them," I say pointing to the girls.

"Alright, follow me and we'll get you're measurements," she says looking at my friends.

"Give us a couple minutes," Jackie says as she, Katara, and Ning head back to the dressing room to change back into their clothes.

"Do you mind if we start with you then?" the lady asks Toph.

"Fine," Toph sighs and we follow her to a back room. After measuring Toph, Katara, Ning, and Jackie walk in.

"So how long will making the dresses take?" I ask after she finishes measuring.

"Well, we have a lot of orders to make so in about a month," she says looking at a calendar.

"Yeah, we need them in two days," Toph says.

"Well, I'm sorry but that just isn't possible. We can't hold everyone else up just because you came here two days before you needed the dresses. Who do you think you are, the queen?" she finishes with a small laugh.

"No, but she is," Katara says pointing to me in a truthful manner that makes the lady stop laughing.

"Sorry, but my wedding is in a few days and we need the dresses by rehearsal," I state calmly as the lady just blinks.

"You seriously expect me to believe that you're the Fire lady? She's an airbender, or so I've heard," she says crossing her arms.

"Haley, do some airbending," Jackie encourages.

"Fine," I sigh and the lady raises an eyebrow. Her face turns to utter astonishment as I make a small tornado in my hand.

"So you really are the Fire lady?" she asks still in shock.

"Yes, so please can I have the dresses in two days?" I ask politely.

"Of course, I'm so sorry I didn't believe you," she starts.

"It's okay," I say with a smile.

"I'll send the dresses to the palace when they're done, even if it might be early," she insists as she begins stressing.

"Thanks," I say and she bows to me. I bow back feeling bad about making her freak out.

"Thanks again," I say as we exit the room and head back onto the street.

"Now where to?" Toph asks.

"We need shoes," Jackie says and we head to the shoe store a couple blocks away.

"Do our shoes have to be the same?" Ning asks as we all begin looking at different styles, again.

"Naw, you're dress will be covering your feet. Just get what you want," I say as I eye a pair of white three inch heels.

"Do I have to wear shoes?" Toph asks annoyed with a pair of heels she just threw off her feet.

"Can you just wear some during the wedding? You can take them off if you want when we're outside," I ask.

"Alright, I guess I can live with that," Toph says trying on another pair as I grab the heels I like. I see a pair of flat sandals that look elegant and comfortable. Grabbing them, I head back to Toph.

"Here, try these," I say giving them to her.

"These aren't so bad. Better than heels anyway," she says. "I'll take them," she adds with a nod.

"Great," I say as we go find the other three.

"Find anything," I ask approaching Katara.

"Yep," she says with a smile holding a box.

"Great, where did Jackie and Ning go?" I ask looking around but not seeing anything being surrounded by walls of shoes.

"They're a couple rows that way," Toph says pointing straight ahead.

"Thanks," I say and she nods as we make our way to them.

"What's up?" I say approaching the two looking like they're arguing.

"Ning like these, but says they're too expensive," Jackie says turning to me. "I tried to tell her that you're the queen and besides weddings are expensive."

"She has a point," I say. "Do you really like them?" I ask looking at the rather elegant black heels.

"They're too expensive," she says quickly.

"That wasn't what I asked," I state with a small smile.

"Yes, I like them," she says after a slight pause.

"Alright, then we'll take them," I say.

"But," she starts.

"If it'll make you feel better, think of it as an early birthday present," I add.

"Alright," she sighs but has a small thankful smile.

"No problem, now let's pay for these," I say and we head to the desk. We pay for them and head back onto the street.

"Now what? It's only mid-afternoon," Katara says looking at the sun's position.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

That's all for now folks. Ha ha bugs bunny moment there.

Anyway, sorry it took forever to make this chapter, but I was busy. I mean crazily busy like you wouldn't believe.

I'll do my best to not take forever on the next chapter.

Sorry again. Anyway review please. If you don't I'll track you down by backtracking the internett lines and have Zuko beat you to a pulp. Just kidding. Or am I? LOL

Thanks for reading.