Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.

A few days have passed since Ameya decided to stay longer at the Fire Nation resort. She was not brooding anymore, much to Iroh's relief, but as the week dragged on, it turned to the banished prince's turn to sulk. Ameya had attempted, once, to repay his kindness by offering an ear for him to talk to but he refused harshly.

That's the last time I've decided to help, Ameya thought with a frown, walking along the beachside by herself.

It was a beautiful day. The sky was bright blue, her meal had been delicious, and she even spent some time in the hot springs. Zuko's own sour mood should not put a damper on her own.

She spotted a familiar figure walking down the shore and squint her eyes at it. She recognized the hair of grey and smiled, making her way to the retired general.

"Iroh," Ameya greeted politely and the man turned to her with a kind smile, "What brings you here?"

"Collecting seashells! I have not seen ones as beautiful as these since Ember Island!" He boosted happily, holding up a large red shell in her direction.

"They are lovely," she complimented and accompanied him on the walk, picking up a few shells herself.

"It has been a while since I've enjoyed the simplicity of collecting shells. If only this time could last," Iroh said wistfully.

She hummed in agreement. Ameya had been feeling relaxed lately but she reasoned that she deserved it. It is not often she did not need to hide or steal to enjoy a simple meal but she knew staying too long in one place would spell danger. Plus, she was not sure how much Iroh's funds have on him to last for three people.

"Today marks the third year of Prince Zuko's banishment," he began, startling Ameya, "I apologize if my nephew has been less than tolerable lately but he is clearly…upset that he is not home."

She shook her head. "You have nothing to apologize for, Iroh. I'm well accustomed to his sulky moods now—although I'm not sure I want to be." She laughed lightly to ease his worry.

"You are very kind, Ameya," he reinstated again, his amber eyes gentle under the sunlight. "I know it must have been hard to lose a loved one recently but I am glad you are back to your old self."

She ran a hand through her hair shyly, turning away from his gaze. "I suppose I could not cry forever. Yue saved the waterbenders…she saved the Water Tribe. Somehow, being the Moon Spirit fits her."

Iroh's eyes softened at Ameya's resolved. She had always been strong by herself, she never relied on anyone.

"Are you ready to hear her last words?"

Ameya tensed and nodded her head stiffly.

"She wanted you to be safe, Ameya. She cares deeply for you, for the Water Tribe boy, for her people. She would not want to see you mourn over her sacrifice any longer."

Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Iroh."

"Uncle!"

They turned to see Zuko walk up to them, his usual straw hat worn to hide his face. She turned away from him, still peeved from his harsh behavior before.

"I'll see you later, Iroh," she waved to the elder man, walking away from their conversation. Zuko stared at her retreating back for a second before turning to his uncle, eyeing the seashells wearily.

Ameya found a small spot on one of the many rocks by the shore to sit on, admiring the soft crashing waves along the beach and a shell in her hand. She tossed the shell lightly in her hand, contemplating once more.

Yue's last words were to her to stay safe. Even when Ameya was not there—when she had ran off from the oasis, Yue still thought of her. She felt disappointed, never realizing that those were their last moments together.

She wondered how Chief Arnook must have felt. She wondered what Sokka's reaction was. Maybe she will ask them the next time she sees them—but it won't be anytime soon. Returning to the Northern Water Tribe would not be the best option for her—she would not be able to face the tribe—to face Arnook.

Ameya knew it was a cowardice move. She was running away again, she had left without a goodbye. It was better to stay alone, she believed, if only to lessen the heartache.

A ship docked within the crescent harbor and Ameya turned to it curiously. It was too large to be a trading ship and her eyes widen once she recognizes the structure of the ship to be part of the Fire Navy.

She stood up but froze. What should she do? Should she stay hidden while she can? Should she run? No one should be able to recognize her anyways—she blended in just like any other civilian. Were they here for Iroh or Zuko? They are royalties—someone must be looking for them.

Ameya sat back down, confused. It would be safer to wait it out, she decided.

It was around sunset when Ameya decided to head back to the resort. The civilians seemed to be bustling with excitement and she could not catch the reason why but she thought she heard the word 'princess'.

She rounded a corner, almost bumping into someone and stepped back, her head bowed.

"Excuse me."

The other person hummed disapprovingly and Ameya glanced up to stare at gold eyes. The other girl seems to be a little younger than herself but holds a proud grace to it that cannot be rival. She glowered at Ameya and she advert her gaze, hiding her blue eyes and stepped back, allowing the other girl to cross first.

"That's what I thought." The young girl scoffed and walked by with two guards trailing behind her.

Something felt oddly familiar by her tone but Ameya ignored it, heading back to the resort. It was best to avoid nobles like her.

She heard Zuko talking when she was within vicinity of the two cottages.

"We're going home! After three long years, it's unbelievable!"

She almost narrowed her eyes suspiciously at that. He sounded way too happy to be Zuko—unbelievably happy. Is she hearing the right person? Ameya leaned against wall, waiting. She briefly wonders if they had dinner without her.

She's not ease dropping, she reasoned, she was just waiting for them.

"It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything." Iroh's brother…the Fire Lord? Zuko's father?

"Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him! He cares about me!"

"I care about you! And if Ozai wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine."

"You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything!" Ah—that's the angry prince she knows.

"Zuko, I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem."

"I think you are exactly what you seem! A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother!"

The door opened a second later and Ameya looked up to see Zuko's signature frowning face. His golden eyes narrowed at her, not expecting her to be outside.

"So you're going home," she caught the gist of the conversation and waited for his response.

"Yes."

"Safe travels," she walked past him, heading towards Iroh instead.

The elder man looked saddened and Ameya felt annoyance towards Zuko once more. How can he not see when someone is clearly worried for him? And Iroh—jealous of the Fire Lord title? That was highly unlikely.

"I guess this is where we part," she offered a small smile to him and faintly realized Zuko had stalked off moments ago.

"Yes…I suppose it is time," he said wearily. His creases seem to deepen at the thought of home and Ameya never seen him look more…worn out than he does now.

"You're still going to follow him—despite his tantrum?" They knew she meant Zuko.

"He is still young and must learn that he can be wrong at times too. His struggles make him stronger and I will be there when his mistakes will be his undoing. I just hope for his sake that my brother is as forgiving as Azula makes him out to be…"

Her mind wanders back to the girl she met earlier with a traditional topknot on her head and gold eyes. She wonders if that may be Zuko's sister—they did share the same eyes and noble air around them. Ameya won't admit it out loud but she prefers Zuko's eyes over Azula's—her stare was mischievous and unsettling.

"Good luck, Iroh. I doubt our paths will cross again but I wish you safe travels."

"What do you plan to do?" His gaze curious.

She hummed thoughtfully. "I haven't thought that far yet but I'll figure it out. You don't need to worry about it."

Iroh did not trust the smile she sent his way and could only watch her leave the room. Somehow he had a feeling she would revert back to her thieving ways. If only there was someone to guide her as well—to offer her a home.

He still did not understand the reason why she did not stay in the Northern Water Tribe—it was the best option for her. But maybe it had become haunted to her, just like how the Fire Nation had become haunted to him after his loss of Lu Ten.

With a sigh, Iroh prepared for bed. Currently, Ameya was more headstrong than Zuko. She had performed outstanding feats and survived all the up until now—she would be fine after this as well. Zuko is the one Iroh must look out for; his nephew is too caught up in his past to see reality.

When Zuko left the resort the next morning, there were two things he noticed.

One, Iroh was still sleeping soundly in his bed and had not packed for the trip home. He did not bother to wake his uncle up, not wanting to start another argument with his father's wise decision. Zuko was certain he would be accepted even without the Avatar—his father must have missed him terribly after these three long years.

Second, Ameya's room was ajar. He had not meant to peek in but when he did, there was no sign of the blue eyed woman. It was as if she was never there in the first place.

He once again ignored the twist in his gut and walked towards the harbor.

He saw the Fire Navy ship anchored alone on the harbor and relief filled him knowing that Azula had not left. It was finally happening—he was going home. Even if alone, this is what he wanted—dreamed of for years.

With strong strides, Zuko descended the stone stairs. He began to think of the extravagant treatment he will be given again—of the respect people will give him once he has returned. He imagined he would be busy with the royal tutors once more, brushing up on the Fire Nation military strategies to win the war and groomed to become the next Fire Lord.

Maybe he will be able to attend the military meeting with pride—he would not make the same mistake as before. And maybe—his father will welcome him back with open arms and say how much he missed his son and how prou—

"You really are a fool of a Prince."

He stopped in his tracks, fist clenched tightly. Why did her voice appear just then? Her words should hold no power over him—her opinion did not matter. Everything he envisioned—everything he has been wishing for will come true.

Zuko had earned it.

"Wait! Don't leave without me!"

He turned around quickly, eyes lighting up to see Iroh run down the stairs with his own travel pack. He pushed down the odd feeling he felt to see him alone but smiled nonetheless.

"Uncle! You've changed your mind!"

"Family sticks together, right?" He put a hand comfortingly on his shoulder and Zuko was reminded of his father once more.

"We're finally going home!"

The hunt for the Avatar, his dishonor, everything will be left in the past as soon as he's home. That, Zuko was certain.

It has to be.

The sound of a large explosion startled Ameya, turning towards the mountain of rocks behind her with wide eyes. It was in the direction of the harbor and a small part of her hoped Iroh was safe. She wonders if the two had already left. She had already said her goodbyes the night before—there was no need to drag it on or leave awkwardly.

She had known since the beginning that her place was not with them. It was Iroh's kindness that allowed her to stay that long. She could not take that for granted—could not make the same mistake as she did in the Northern Water Tribe.

Ameya had always been alone and that is fine with her.

She walked along the path of the river, following the stream south. It was true that she did not know where to go next but she always go where her feet take her. The important thing is finding money again—which she can do in the next few towns.

Should she stop by the pirate's harbor again? Would they recognize her if she returns? There were plenty of stolen goods already and it would be easy to snag a few trinkets.

There was a shuffle of feet behind her and she turned around, eyes focusing on the two Fire Nation royalties she thought she separated from. Iroh was the first to notice her, stopping in front of her with labored breath. Zuko refused to look at her, staring at the red boots on her feet instead.

Ameya hid her surprise to see the two of them, scanning them over for injuries. "I take it the family reunion did not go well?" Iroh grimaced, "Ah, guess not."

"I think we're safe here." Iroh let out a tired sigh and both he and Zuko kneeled down by the river.

Ameya leaned against the tree trunk, hiding beneath the shade and watched as the prince pulled out a familiar pearl dagger from his side. So he did get it after all. She watched quietly as he brings it up to his ponytail, slicing the hair from his head and passed the blade to Iroh. He mirrored his action, removing the topknot from his head.

She did not understand the grand significance of the action—she was not Fire Nation. But Ameya could guess it was their way of cutting ties from their home country. It was odd, seeing them without the signature ponytail or topknot on their head and thought back to all the Fire Nation military troops who had worn the same hairstyle.

They looked sullen, watching their hair drift down the river and she felt—sympathetic—even if she had no reason to. And here she thought she would never see them again.

"Let's go," she made the first move, "I know a place nearby we can stop at."

The walk was quiet. Ameya didn't doubt Zuko was brooding again and Iroh made no comment of proving his point. Something must have happened during their reunion to cause them to flee so urgently. She thought back to the explosion and wondered if they had anything to do with it.

It was at the end of the day when Zuko decided to speak—complain would be the right word.

"How much longer is this place?!" His tone was bitter and impatient—more so than ever.

"Maybe another few days?" She guessed thoughtfully, "We'll set up camp for the night and continue first thing in the morning."

They selected a small field by the trees. The rocks had thinned out considerably since their venture but they still traveled by the river. Ameya placed her travel pack on the floor and brought a few dried meats out, tossing it over to the two men. They caught it in surprised but ate it hungrily.

"You seemed to be accustomed to camping, Ameya," Iroh pointed out.

She shrugged, sitting down on the soft grass. "Sometimes you have to make do with what you have."

"Easy for you to say—you have nothing to begin with."

They turned towards Zuko's bitter accusation and Iroh looked nervously at the young woman. However, she was not fazed by his words, merely turning towards him with a tilt of her head.

"That's true, I don't but I'm not going to let that stop me. Are you going to keep feeling sorry for yourself then?"

Zuko visibly flinched as she turned those words back at him. He did not forget how he was the one that said it originally but he hated to be on the receiving end of it. Zuko was angry already with his sister's lies and betrayal, tired of having his hope crushed and stomped on repeatedly. He wanted so bad to go home and now he can't.

He's a fugitive of the Fire Nation and enemies of the Earth Kingdom.

Could it get any worse?

Ameya sighed and stood up again. She walked towards Zuko and took a hold of his wrist, dragging him away.

"We'll be back, Iroh."

The elder man stared openly as the two teenagers walked away. He wonders if there was something between them and a hopeful smile appeared on his face. Iroh liked Ameya and thought it was about time Zuko found someone he liked and as he continued to play with that idea, the more likely it seemed.

"Look, I don't care if you sulk and I won't say I know what you're going through because I absolutely don't but just listen," Zuko listened to her soothing voice without a word, allowing himself to be dragged away from Iroh's earshot. "Iroh cares for you, I'm sure you can see that too. Whatever happened—must have been a shock but at least try to be civil until we separate again."

She dropped her hand and faced him completely and Zuko realized this was the first time he had actually looked at her the whole day. She looked as worn out as them and her hair was slightly disheveled from the journey but her bright blue eyes were stern.

"So this is for your sake then? You don't want to deal with two runaways and is taking pity on us until you find a place to dump us at." Zuko accused harshly, his gold eyes piercing through her own.

Ameya glared at him. "This is what I mean! You are so cynical to others yet don't realize what is right in front of you! I have no obligations to help you but Iroh had helped me plenty so this is for him." She sighed tiredly, "You will be fine as long as you have each other. But I travel alone—that's all to it."

She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away. In that light, Zuko thought she looked lonely but quickly crossed that out of his mind. She seemed to fare just well being alone.

"Whatever," he turned around, preparing to walk away.

"Zuko," and froze, "You'll get through this."

His fist clenched. 'Getting through' is not what he wanted. But as of right now, he cannot achieve what he wants.

And that frustrates him more.

Surprisingly enough, Zuko had been decently civil when it was just the three of them. He was definitely still brooding but his sarcastic replies and anger had been held back—at most like he was avoiding her completely. Ameya figured this was the best he could muster and accepted it. She stretched her arms, missing the comfort of the futon from the resort compared to the earth she slept on.

A small cottage was beginning to appear in view and she smiled, braiding her hair quickly and tied it into a bun with her blue ribbon. She fixed her bangs and clothes to be more presentable and turned to the two men.

"We're here but…let me do the talking first." She instructed as they made their way to the wooden house.

An old woman was feeding grains to a few chickens surrounded by a fence when they arrived. Her white hair was tied back neatly in a bun and a giant straw hat was on top of her head. Her brown eyes squinted at the three approaching figures.

"Grandma," Ameya greeted happily once she was close enough, "I hope you don't mind the sudden visit."

Iroh and Zuko exchanged a look, both wondering the same thing.

"You're back! I did not expect to see you so soon again with how quick you left last time," the elder woman smiled kindly at her, looking to observe the two Fire Nation males behind her. "And who are they? My, he's handsome, your boyfriend?"

Zuko and Ameya froze but the woman recovered quicker, shaking her head with a light laugh.

"Oh no, they are distant relatives of mine. We're cousins and this is our uncle," she gestured to them and the old woman's eyes crinkled in happiness.

"It's been so long since I've received so many visitors. Come, come, let's go inside."

Ameya helped her walk, providing an arm for the older woman and they all followed them into the house. She guided her to the small table in the middle of the room and the other two followed awkwardly.

"Oh! Tea, I should make some tea," The elder attempted to sit up but Ameya beat her to it.

"I remember where it is, I'll get it."

"Allow me to help, I can never turn down an offer for tea," Iroh stood up, following the younger woman to the small kitchen.

"So what are your names? I don't think I've caught that," the old woman smiled at Zuko and the boy froze, eyes widening.

"Names—yes we have those. I'm uh—Lee and my Uncle is Mu…shi…?"

Ameya nearly dropped her cup. This is why she said she should handle the talking. Iroh must have the same reaction for he cut in immediately, a smile on his face.

"Yes, my nephew was named after his father, so we just call him Junior."

She choked back a laugh and smiled pleasantly at Zuko's angry face. She appeared with four teacups, placing them in front of them gracefully and sat down.

"And I'm Meya. Thank you for allowing me to stay with you the last time but we may have to impose again. It won't be for long."

"Stay as long as you like dear. I am glad to see you again. I was worried to see such a young girl like you collapse in front of the road."

She felt Iroh and Zuko's gaze on her as she poured the tea, eyes drifting downwards to stare at the kettle.

"That won't happen again. But while we are here, feel free to give us any chores to do. Junior is a young, capable man and I'd be more willing to help." She knew Zuko was glaring at her for volunteering his time but she merely smiled pleasantly at the elder woman.

"I am running low on firewood…would you be able to gather or chop some lumber for me?"

"Of course he can! Let's leave the manual work to them—I believe I saw a Pai Sho board in the corner," Iroh looked around and Ameya took that as her cue to stand up, motioning for Zuko to follow.

They made their way outside towards a tree stump with an axe besides it. Piles of large branches were off to the side and Ameya began picking up the small twigs. Zuko frowned but set a log onto the stump, grabbing the axe and swung it down.

"She's not my real grandma," Zuko turned to her briefly and continued to split the wood, "But she is kind enough to share her wealth with me—even if it is little. We'll be here just for a day; there is a town further down. I won't be going with you."

The question of where she will be going instead died in his throat. He had no motive to ask—so he didn't. She did say she would be leaving soon and that is fine with him. She's only helping them because of Iroh—not him.

Zuko said nothing and Ameya furrowed her brows at him. She stood next to him, her arm full of twigs and waited.

"What?" Zuko finally asked, annoyance rolling off of him.

"You've been avoiding me," he stiffened, "I know I asked to be civil but not completely ignore me. Unless that's the only civil way you know how to act then I apologize—I didn't know how socially inept you are."

"And how is this civil?! You're outright insulting me!" His axe dropped, forgotten.

"Ah—that's better. It was odd not seeing that flare again," she smiled pleasantly, turning away to pick up more wood.

Zuko could not tell if she really meant to insult him or tease him but either way he let it go, his eyes trailing to the familiar blue ribbon on her hair. It reminded him of her Water Tribe look. Zuko frowned.

"Why did you put your hair up?"

He caught a glimpse of blue eyes before he turned away, shocked that he even asked that out loud. Her hand reached up to touch her hair then brushed a loose strand away from her cheek.

"It's less conspicuous. Don't you think I look more feminine like this?" Ameya tilted her head in his direction, her lips curling upward playfully.

Zuko glanced at her and ignored the voice in his head agreeing with her, turning away immediately.

"It's unfitting."

It showed too much of her neck. It makes her look too unguarded—innocent even. She didn't look like a runaway thief—just a simple teenage girl. Oh, maybe that was why she wore it like that. But why did it have to be blue? Why can't she choose a yellow ribbon or red—

"Well, that's just your opinion," Ameya smiled regardless and began heading back with the armful of twigs.

That night when they shared a meal together, grandma asked for her age.

"I'm sixteen—why?"

Ameya tilted her head curiously, looking up from her bowl of rice. Iroh looked at her then realization dawned in his amber eyes, staring at the young woman.

"Did your birthday already pass?" He remembered the conversation they shared in the cell of the ship prison. Had it really been over a month already?

"Ah, yes. It was about two weeks ago."

She didn't look at them but they remember. Two weeks ago they were still drifting in sea and she had just learned of Yue's sacrifice. Ameya had spent that night mourning, her birthday forgotten.

"We should celebrate!" The elder woman smiled happily but Ameya shook her head.

"No need. Uncle and Junior had already celebrated with me graciously. Thank you for the offer, Grandma," she smiled pleasantly at her lie and the two Fire Nation royalties looked away.

Ameya directed the conversation to something else and the significance of her birthday passed.

"Oh…are you leaving already?"

"Yes, I'm afraid we have to Grandma," Ameya smiled softly at the elder woman.

It has been a day already and they had plenty of rest that was not out in the cold hard ground. Zuko had agreed with the decision to leave as soon as possible while Iroh enjoyed the elder woman's company in the game of Pai Sho. Although she was not particularly good, sometimes it was just the companionship he desired.

"Well…at least you said goodbye this time," the elder sighed and handed her a small clothed pack.

"You didn't have to—"

"Oh don't be silly, just take it." The elder shoved the small pack of supplies in Ameya's arms and she took it reluctantly.

"I—would like to ask a favor too," Ameya dug into her bag and pulled out something wrapped in a pink cloth. She handed the items gently to the elder and Zuko caught a flash of blue fabric from within. "Please keep this safe for me. It is very important to me."

The elder woman took it carefully, retying the pink cloth tighter and nodded her head.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

The three of them bowed to her and the elder smiled back at them kindly.

"Bring your boyfriend next time."

Ameya flushed and Iroh laughed outwardly. Zuko turned and walked away first, irritated. They smiled apologetically to the elder woman and waved, running to catch up with the brooding prince. The elder watched their retreating backs fondly, thinking when would be the next time she can see them again.

"Will you guys be alright by yourself?" Ameya asked curiously once they were far away from the old cottage, turning to the two Fire Nation fugitives.

"We will be just fine, Ameya. Thank you for looking out for us," Iroh smiled softly.

"Anytime, Mushi. You and Junior take care now," she teased lightly, enjoying the angry expression on Zuko's pouting face.

"Drop it. That was a onetime thing," he growled out grumpily.

"Well you do need alias in the Earth Kingdom. Somehow I doubt 'General Iroh' and 'Prince Zuko' is fitting," with a shake of her head, she turned around, waving to them once, "I'll see you around."

Ameya had a feeling she'll run into them again.

Author's Note:

I like to implement few things from the series and expand on the time that's not shown on screen. I like writing it in this way and I hope you guys enjoyed it too! Ah but just because I didn't write a certain scene does not mean it did not happen; I just hope it's not too confusing?

Thank you so much for the positive feedback from the previous chapter! It really helps with my confidence issue/would it be too much to ask for this support to continue? It not necessary of course—but it helps a-ahaha;;;; I appreciate all of those who don't normally review to post a little review for me, I know it can be tedious. But all the reviews help so much—I tend to reread the reviews many times when I feel lost in motivation ehehe.

I'm so happy you guys are totally shipping Ameya and Zuko ahah. Like I planned from the beginning, it will be a slow burn. They are just two completely complex characters that won't immediately fall in love—they have their own issues to go through. But slowly, their relationship is changing and I'm so excited to show you what will happen in Book 2.

Thank you all for your input in the story! I do have written titles for all of the chapters but didn't think they were too important enough to put it in—but I will now! As you noticed, I will update this weekly so I won't abandon this story anytime soon. I will continue to draw and write for it because I'm in love with it—is that conceited? Ahaha;;;; well, visit my Tumblr for more art as always.

Sorry for the long rant! There's a lot more I want to say but I'll leave it at this ahaha. Thank you for reading and reviews are always loved!