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

It took her almost two months to arrive within the walls of Ba Sing Se. The journey had been slow and agonizing when she barely had supplies in the first place and no mount to travel on. Ameya had decided to avoid the desert altogether, traveling alongside the mountain and ocean on the east side of the Earth Kingdom.

There were not many villages on the other side so she spent most of her time outdoors and scavenging whatever the earth had provided. She was certain she had lost weight from the lack of nutrition but she persevered.

The ferry ride to the city had not been eventful. All she did was flash the Earth Kingdom ring to the ticket lady and her forged passport and Ameya had been cleared. She barely realized the significance of the ring but if someone had provided it to her, it could only mean she would be able to use it within the capital of Ba Sing Se.

Shortly after the ferry ride with rotten food she had barely touched, Ameya had finally arrived at the capital. Her passport cleared her through to the Middle Ring—better than what most refugees are able to access to but it was certainly short from the inner.

She spent the first week relaxing from her tiresome journey. Her expenses had mainly been paid for, oddly enough, and she wondered if the ring had a connection to her previous master. Ameya would need answers but it was difficult to find any when there was no one she knew in this grand city. It was not often for her to wander within a large city but she blended in naturally.

For now, the young woman waited. She stored her fox mask away safely and changed her old clothes to simple Earth Kingdom garbs. She thought she looked strange in green—it was never really her color but she ignored it and ventured out the city.

Ameya wondered if she would encounter the banished prince in here as well. They had promised to meet again within the walls and for some reason she found herself anticipating the sight of brown hair and a scarred face anytime she wandered around.

She smiled to herself and hoped Iroh and Zuko have arrived safely.

When Zuko heard they were heading to Ba Sing Se, his mind immediately wandered to the blue eyed thief. That was their promised meeting place and although he had been skeptical at first, he couldn't believe they were heading to the same destination. He wondered if he had known beforehand, would she be willing to travel with them?

But it had been too late. She had departed from them weeks ago before he realized they were going to hide in the capital as well. It had been another journey Zuko would have to endure before he was able to reach the wall but he persevered.

That would be where they are to meet next and he felt—strangely excited at that prospect.

And during that time, he realized that being alone was never the right choice. He knew for a certain now, before he even confronted Jet. But the prince still refused the Freedom Fighters group—Iroh was the only one he trusted and although Jet had good intentions, Zuko did not want to resort to stealing and hiding again.

Ameya flashed before his mind, her skin tainted with red and that was enough for Zuko to hold back. Never again would he put on the mask to harm others for his own selfish desires. Someone—she—had been hurt because of it and guilt still ate away at his heart whenever he thought of it.

And shortly after, Jet attacked them. Zuko had a feeling the other man was suspicious of them since Iroh's blunder at the ferry but he had fought him back successfully. Jet had no longer bothered them since his arrest and the prince went back to working like a lowly servant.

Although he had initially disliked hiding like refugees in the city, his gold eyes still wander the streets for a sign of familiar black hair and bright blue eyes. But it had been futile—he had not seen a sign of her even after a month since his arrival and he wondered if she was even in the same city.

He ignored the feeling of disappointment and tied the apron behind his back, preparing for his job at the tea shop.

The night was still early when Ameya ate at a nearby restaurant she found within the Middle Ring. The food was pleasant, a little spicy, and it filled her up. It was a widely popular place and after she was done, she left a few coins on the table and left, going to the Lower Ring.

It had been two weeks now since her arrival. The woman was disappointed to hear about the Earth King's party for his pet bear that occurred right as she arrived in the city. She would have loved to sneak in for information but she was still preoccupied with her sudden arrival that she had lost track of time.

But Ameya had managed to get a gist of how the kingdom was run. There was no mention of the war anywhere and the Dai Li agents were the most respected police force she had seen. The civilians revered the Earth King as god and she wondered if the proclaimed king even knew of the war.

It was suspicious that she had been sent here, of all places, but this had been the first calling from her raven eagle. The best she could do now was wander the shops and hopefully someone would be able to tell her about the ring she had received. But that would be for another day. All the shops were closed by this time and so with nothing to do, Ameya once again wandered the city.

Zuko could not believe his uncle had set him up on a date. He had been nervous the whole time—he never once went on a date before! It was hard to keep up the façade of a refugee and he had never been great at lying. Luckily, his date had been kind and dismissed his shyness, taking the initiative on most of their conversation and dinner.

He ignored how odd he felt with Jin's arm around his and imagined someone else to be in his arms instead.

Zuko pushed those thoughts away again. It had been a little over two months now since they separated and he had practically given up on the idea of seeing her again.

The girl in front of him is just an Earth Kingdom refugee with dark braided hair and wide olive eyes. She was pretty and kind and did not mind his social awkwardness around her. He should enjoy the time now while he can. In the walls of Ba Sing Se, he was not a banished prince with a deranged sister chasing after him—Zuko was just a regular refugee currently on a date.

And so, he pushed the thoughts of the blue eyed thief away. He pushed the thoughts of his family away and focused on the girl right in front of him. It was unfair to Jin for him to feel confused and distracted when she had been looking forward to this night.

And yet, he thought he saw a strand of black hair leaving the plaza as soon as they entered the unlit Firelight Fountain.

"I can't believe it! They aren't lit."

Ameya turned to the distressed voice, peeking out from the small spot by the house on the opposite side of the newcomers. She saw the two figures approach, assumed they were on a date and left, not wanting to invade on their privacy.

"Close your eyes, and don't peek."

She paused at the strangely familiar voice, hiding in the shadows and watched with wide eyes, focused on the young man with the burn scar on the left side of his face. Ameya couldn't believe it—this was the last place she had expected to find him in and—he was on a date. Zuko was on a date—with an Earth Kingdom civilian.

Her hands clasped tightly around each other, feeling the sharp sensation of her fingernails digging into her skin and knew it was not a dream. Zuko was even firebending—lighting up the candles of the plaza and she felt—strange that he was risking it all in the capital of his enemy territory—for a girl.

Their voices grew quiet then and the two figures were slowly drawn to each other. Her heart pounded against her chest painfully, watching from the shadows as the two conversed.

Leave, run now, just go.

Her mind was trying to give her the easy way out—trying to tell her to escape before she sees something she did not want to. But Ameya stayed rooted in her spot, unable to take her eyes off the couple.

Did he forget the promise?

Was she just fooling herself?

Wait—no—there was nothing there in the first place. She had grown too comfortable around the prince—this was her mistake.

It was just a misunderstanding on her part.

The promise meant nothing.

She hadn't realized a tear rolled down her face when she saw the girl lean up to kiss Zuko and the image of her doing the same thing back when they were underwater filled her mind.

Ameya turned and ran away from the sight.

Zuko nearly jumped at the feel of soft lips against his own—almost kissing Jin back while lost in the moment but the image of the blue eyed woman appeared before him again—and when he opened his eyes, it was not Ameya staring at him but Jin.

"What's wrong?" Her eyes filled with worry at his shocked one and Zuko looked away with guilt.

"It's complicated," he replied simply. Why can't he get her out of his mind? Why was she the one always haunting him—even when they have been apart for months? "I have to go."

Jin smiled at him sadly as he turned around. "She must be one lucky girl."

Zuko froze at her words, glancing behind him hesitantly. "What—?"

"The girl that's been on your mind. You're not as sneaky as you think you are—you look like you're always searching for someone and stare at girls with long hair longer than usual even back at the tea house," the young girl blushed, she had been watching him too. But this date had opened her eyes. Even when they were together, the young man was still searching, still unfocused on the girl in front of him.

"I-I don't—"

Jin laughed and shook her head at his half hearted refusal. She knew she had lost to whoever was occupying his mind but she still took the chance. Jin did not regret it though.

"It's okay. Maybe she is the one you should ask out next but…I'm glad you still went out with me tonight. It was nice." She smiled again despite her heart ache.

"I'm…sorry."

Zuko left after that. Had he really been that obvious? It wasn't like he was purposely seeking her out—maybe he had a thing for long hair. He shook his head; he never thought of other women like that way before. He wasn't even sure of his own feelings.

But Jin had been right.

Ameya had been on his mind the whole time—every day almost and yet—where is she now? Would she have enjoyed the Earth Kingdom food they had tonight? Would she like to see him firebend the Firelight Fountain for her—where he does not have to hide his heritage and she would watch with amazement and wonder?

When Zuko returned back to his little apartment complex, Iroh was waiting for him already. The elder man was looking at him thoughtfully but Zuko did not return his gaze.

"How was your night, Prince Zuko?" Iroh questioned genuinely but was answered by a slam of their shared bedroom door.

Zuko regretted that instantly, he hadn't realized he even made it back home. He opened the sliding door just a crack, "It was nice." He repeated Jin's words.

It was a nice night. It was a successful date by all standards—but it was not who he wanted to be with.

The Pao Family Tea House was bustling with customers in the afternoon. The tea house had gain a highly regarded reputation since Iroh had taken over the tea making business, bringing in many customers from all over Ba Sing Se to enjoy the tea.

Zuko worked tirelessly at the amount of order rushed to him. He ran back and forth from the kitchen to the tables, taking requests and relaying them back to his uncle. It had been another full house today and noon had been their busiest hour. He barely had time to ponder his date from last night again—or think for that matter.

The sound of the door opened and another set of feet walked in. A few customers turned to the new arrival and had seized talking, eyes focused on a beautiful young woman who had just appeared.

"May I join you?"

The banished prince froze at the voice, whirling around to see who had spoken and felt himself short of breath. A young woman spoke to a nearby customer, a man a little older than himself was sitting by a table enjoying his tea in a corner.

But it was not the man that caught his attention—it was her.

Long black hair was tied behind her head with a bright green ribbon in an elaborate bun. Her elegant green robe with pale green trim stood out amongst the slums of the city and she stood with poise and grace unlike the other civilians. Her normally pink lips were painted a bright red and light green shadow dusted around sharp icy eyes that only belonged to Ameya.

"S-sure," the other man stuttered at her request and she smiled back at him pleasantly.

"Thank you. I've been wanting to try this tea house for a while but…it had always been so packed," she blushed a pretty pink and took a seat across from him.

Zuko felt overwhelmed at her sudden appearance. As always, Ameya appeared without a word but this time, she was not talking to him. She did not even greet Iroh—she spoke to a common refugee around her age and even dolled herself up.

"This tea house has been growing in popularity since the new tea maker was hired. I'm surprised you've heard of it! You do not look like you belong here." The other man said excitedly and Zuko fought the urge to break something, focusing intently on the conversation.

"I get that often," she smiled and brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. Her icy eyes looked up then, noticing the stare directing her way and smiled at the observer. "Excuse me waiter; I would like to place an order."

Zuko realized she was talking to him now—but was acting like she did not know him. He found that hard to believe—his scar was very noticeable even from afar. He resisted the urge to stomp towards the table, his hand gripping the quill tightly while posing to write up an order.

"What would you like?" He asked with restrained annoyance.

Ameya did not turn to him then, directing her attention to her date. "What would you recommend?"

The other man burst with pride at her interest and leaned in closer. "I would suggest the jasmine tea—it is their most famous tea. I-I have an apple cake on its way if you would like to share."

She smiled pleasantly at his shyness and glanced at Zuko for a second. "Jasmine tea please," then back to the man in front of her, "It would be my pleasure."

Zuko fumed silently. Why was she acting like this—why was she treating him like a stranger? This was not the meeting he had expected so why—why was she pretending in front of some Earth Kingdom civilian?

Iroh noticed his nephew's distraction and looked out, his amber eyes focused on the woman that stood out amongst the local residents. She did not even look at him then, laughing lightly at something her date had said. Iroh focused back on Zuko who was practically boiling the cup of tea with his fingers.

"Lee, be careful with the tea. It is quite hot," he warned lowly and Zuko relaxed his grip, ignoring the twist in the gut at how Ameya was acting.

"S-so Meya, are you seeing anyone at the moment?" The man asked boldly just as Zuko appeared. The tray in his hand nearly slipped from his grasp as he slammed it on the table none too lightly. The two eyed him curiously but Ameya's brow was arched at his negative mood.

"No, I'm afraid not," she answered smoothly before turning back to the man, "Are you interested, Shin?"

Zuko recognized the sly smile on her lips and knew she was teasing this 'Shin' person. The twist in his stomach tightened, staring at her pretty smile that was not on him and realization dawned on him in the form of Ameya's bright green robes.

He was jealous.

Zuko, the Fire Nation prince—was jealous of a commoner's attention because of Ameya.

And he couldn't understand why—

Why was she here?

Why was she pretending to not know them?

Why was she flirting with this stranger?

Why was it not him—?

"Is there something else you need?" Her tone was cool and quiet, directing those piercing blue eyes in Zuko's direction and he realized he was still standing there unmoving.

"No," he gripped the tray tighter; resisting the urge to shout but he contained it—always bottling his feelings when it came to her and looked away. "Not anymore."

She watched him walk away to serve the other customers, a small frown on her painted lips and forgot her act. Ameya should not be so affected by him—Zuko had always been moody and distant and yet—why did she feel guilty for coming here?

"Meya?" Shin asked curiously and the young woman turned back to him, "Is everything alright?"

No.

"Yes, I was just distracted by the tea scent. The cake looks delicious." Her mask was back on perfectly, an empty smile on her pretty face.

Ameya had left shortly after her tea session. Zuko barely registered the green of her robe to leave the shop and he felt disheartened that they had not talked at all. Apparently the other man she had been conversing with felt the same, left with her tab as well and the prince requested the money from him briskly.

He resisted the urge to go after her—when would the next time they meet again? What if this was the last time—was this her last parting to them? Why was she so distant and cold?

Why, why, why?

Zuko cleaned the tables vigorously, gold eyes glaring down at the wood with his fist clenching the wet rag. He had stayed dutifully behind to help his uncle after the shop closed but since her appearance, he had not been able to focus. The orders he took were jumbled together and he accidentally broke a cup or two but Zuko was unable to find himself to care.

He could not get the image of her smile from his mind, his heart twisting in jealousy when she laughed with 'Shin'.

Did she really not care about him at all?

Was everything she did just a lie?

Even when they comforted each other—even when she initiated the hug—did it mean nothing to her?

Because for Zuko, it had been his salvation—and he hadn't realized until now that in their promised meeting, he wanted her to stay.

"You should go."

He snapped towards Iroh's voice promptly, gold eyes widen at his uncle's understanding gaze. Zuko looked away, unable to face the truth and shook his head.

"No. She left willingly—just like how she always appears unexpectedly. She's always doing what she wants." He felt bitter as the words left his lips, trying to reason with himself that this was the right choice.

Iroh, on the other hand, thought otherwise. "If you let her go now, there might not be a next time."

Zuko tensed. "Maybe it's for the better."

"Is that what you truly believe?"

He opened his mouth to say yes but he could not form the word. His jaw tightened at the chance that this would be their last meeting—that he would never see the blue eyed woman again and felt his hands tremble.

"What…if she was lying to me too—what if she was just using me?" His voice came out quietly in the empty tea house but Iroh heard his insecurity loud and clear.

"If you truly believe that…then stay," the elder man set a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder and Zuko turned to him with perplexed gold eyes. "But if you think otherwise—if you think Ameya is not that type of person, then go. You would not be able to find the answers here."

Something clicked in Zuko's mind, all the times Ameya had been with him flashed before him. Iroh was right, Zuko would not be able to know without asking her himself.

He knew—from the multiple meetings and time they spent together, Ameya had no reason to lie or use them—he is a banished prince and a refugee. She had nothing to gain by staying with them. Instead, she had always been there when he was lost—she had been his pillar of support.

He couldn't let her go so easily.

"I'm going."

Zuko untied his apron swiftly, throwing it aside and running out the door of the tea house without looking back.

Iroh watched with a gentle smile on his aged face and continued where his nephew had left off, cleaning up the shop by himself.

Zuko ran through the streets of the slums, noticing the setting sun's light to be dying down slowly. It had been hours since she left—what are the chances that she would still be in the Lower Ring? He knew she was using a fake name—she did not trust the other man. He also knew she was not part of the Lower Ring—her clothes were too elegant for it.

His heart beat against his chest rapidly as he rounded corners but he continued his search regardless. He refused to let that be their last meeting—he refused to let it end without hearing her explanation.

Zuko was always chasing after her shadow but this time he will reach her and won't let her run anymore.

She sat by the Firelight Fountain daintily, her hair undone from the uncomfortable bun on her head. Ameya lost track of time on how long she had been sitting there but no one dared to approach the lone woman. From an onlooker's view, she looked like a beautiful sculpture—untouchable and unapproachable by the commoners.

She found herself smiling mirthlessly at her actions. Instead of trying to search for clues about the earth insignia ring, she spent the whole morning tracking rumors about a tea shop and another two hours dressing up and going to the Lower Ring.

Ameya knew she was acting petty and childish—showing up to the tea house knowing where Zuko and Iroh were working and flirting with a stranger openly. But she couldn't help herself—couldn't stop the ache in her heart when she imagined the Earth Kingdom girl by Zuko's arm.

She had spent the previous night reflecting. Two months had been a long time and what they had—what she thought they had was little compared to the possibility of a new beginning here.

If they are to leave the past, it would only mean she would be left with it. Ba Sing Se would be their safe haven—but that cannot be if someone knew their true identities. After all, she knew who they truly are but Ameya did not plan on staying here forever.

It would be good for Zuko and Iroh to start a new life here. Maybe Iroh would gain enough popularity to be scouted by someone from the refined Middle or Upper Rings. Maybe Zuko would fall in love with the Earth Kingdom girl and he would finally be happy.

It would be for the best—and yet why did it hurt so much?

The sky had darkened and most of the residents had gone back home. It left Ameya alone in the Firelight Fountain, admiring the water with melancholy and barely realized the lanterns had lit up. She thought the flames reflected from the water were beautiful—two polar opposites coexisting with each other.

There was the sound of footsteps approaching and someone breathing heavily behind her. She glanced their way and immediately turned back to the fountain, hiding her rapid heartbeat at the sight of the banished prince who looked like he had ran here with no stop.

"Are you looking for someone, My Prince?" Ameya greeted him evenly, hoping her voice did not tremble in the slightest.

"Yes," he answered after taking a few more deep breathes, gold eyes focusing on her lone figure.

Ameya was still wearing the green robe from earlier but under the candlelight, it appeared almost orange and yellow and Zuko thought those colors fit her just well. She was not looking at him though and he missed the color of icy blue, taking a step closer to the woman who looked so detached from the world.

"Well, I hope you find them."

The girl she saw him with flashed before her mind. He must be looking for her—there's no reason for Ameya to be here. She stood up then, smoothing the silk of her robes and began to walk away.

His hand found hers quickly; his callous fingers were surprisingly gentle against her own. Ameya froze. What did he want?

"Let go."

"No."

She turned to him then, icy eyes sharp and glowing against his determined gold ones.

"Why do you never listen to my request?" She tugged on her hand but Zuko did not relent.

"Why do you always run away?" He countered just as pointedly, taking another step towards her.

Ameya scoffed, turning away. "I do not."

"You do."

"I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"No—I do not."

She turned back to glare at him again but stopped at the proximity of their bodies. When had he got so close? His hand was still holding her own carefully and she attempted to calm her nerves but was unable to under his powerful gaze.

Since when did he care so much? Since when had he ever looked at her with such intensity? Since when did she realize his eyes were breathtakingly beautiful surrounded by the lantern lights?

"Yes, you do." Zuko whispered again, searching for her reaction. "Ameya, I was looking for you."

She froze at the sound of her name and looked away. No one should ever hold such power over her—just by simply saying her name and yet when he does it, it felt so intimate and…sincere.

"You shouldn't."

The image of Jin next to Zuko appeared before her mind again. Ameya realized she would need to sever their ties now—for the good of him.

"You have a girlfriend already, don't you?" She forcefully ripped her hand away from his grip, taking a step back with a small, sad smile. "You will fit in here just fine. You and Iroh will be safe here. But…I do not belong here."

The banished prince stiffened at her words. What was she saying? Was she still looking out for them—even now? And what girlfriend—oh.

Oh.

Zuko was right—he wasn't hallucinating when he thought he saw black hair leaving the fountain last night. Ameya was there—she had been there and saw everything. But if she stayed the whole time—she should know of the conversation that transpired after.

Was that why she approached them today?

Was that why she was so cold?

Was Ameya—jealous—too?

He could not stop the hope from emerging in his chest as he stared at her beautiful—yet heartbreaking smile. Like always, she thought she didn't belong. Did his words at the Northern Water Tribe still affect her? And what had she meant by them being safe here—was she planning on going away again?

No—no. Zuko can't allow it. It didn't make sense—he never wanted to live the life of a refugee—he was born a prince and yet with the thought of her by his side—he thought he could maybe endure it.

"I don't have a girlfriend." He clarified quickly and watch her eyes widen slightly, blinking in confusion.

"What…?"

"There's someone else."

Ameya didn't think it was possible for her to get her hopes up and be crushed so easily. Why did she even hope in the first place? She opened her mouth to say something but Zuko beat her to it.

"She's a stubborn, headstrong, reckless idiot that saved my life multiple times. It wasn't until recently that I realized I may have come to depend on her. But she's always slipping away from my grasp, always hiding and crying alone."

It all made sense now.

Zuko finally understood why he had been so frustrated with her.

It was because he had—somehow—came to like her. He was scared of his feelings—scared that it was beyond 'like' and even now he was scared to say the other four letter words out loud.

But he knew he was jealous back at the tea house. He knew she must have felt the same when she saw his date last night and that—somehow made him feel brave.

Zuko wasn't going to ignore his feelings anymore—he wasn't going to ignore the heated blushes at their skin contact. He wasn't going to ignore the flutter of his heart whenever she smiles at him or says his name. He wasn't going to ignore all the times he thought she was lonely because Ameya truly was and he—wanted to be the one beside her.

Everything felt so much lighter now once he realized his feelings for her. Somewhere along the way with her teasing and support—Zuko had fallen in love.

He took a step towards her again; their bodies close enough to touch with the wind brushing upon them. Her hair floated along with the wind and he caught the scent of mint and tea.

Ameya wanted to take a step back but she couldn't. She stayed frozen where she was, icy eyes wide at his confession.

What was he saying?

Why was he saying that?

"This time…would you stay?" He asked softly to her, his voice barely above a whisper and Ameya could only stare with wide eyes at his proposal.

"But…I—…" she didn't know how to respond. Her mind was blank from the confrontation and she had so badly want to say yes but fear consumed her.

What if that would be a mistake? What if the Fire Nation were to invade here too? What if Azula was going to take Zuko away at the thought of capturing the Avatar?

Ameya was scared—so scared of the possibilities and yet at the sight of Zuko's hopeful—nervous—yet passionate eyes, everything felt insignificant to it.

"Okay."

He grinned just then—a sight Ameya had never seen and felt her heart skip a beat at how young—how stunning and happy he looked.

Zuko's head dipped down and her eyes closed in anticipation. Their lips touched gently, soft and hesitant but full of care. His hand reached up to caress her cheek and her own hands reached up to touch his chest. She felt his drumming heartbeat beneath the cotton robe and Ameya was certain her own heart matched his pace. When Zuko pulled back, his golden eyes focused on her wide blue eyes and blushing cheeks.

He let out another grin. This was the first time he left her speechless and although his own cheeks burned with embarrassment, the sight of her flustered expression was better than anything he imagined.

"Y-you—what—why—?" Ameya could not even form a sentence, her cheeks flushing a deep red and Zuko felt the heat radiate onto his palm.

"You kissed me first," he pointed out defensively, referring back to the underwater kiss they had always avoided but the silly grin was still on his face.

Ameya gaped at him. "You remember that?! Of all things?!" She quickly shook her head. "T-that was to save you!"

His smile almost faltered and looked at her considerately. "Did you not like it?" Zuko suddenly felt very nervous—did he make a mistake while caught up in the moment? He was certain she felt the same.

"I—!" She realized he was suddenly shy; his hand dropped from her cheek and Ameya bit back her pride. "I did not—say that."

He swooped down to kiss her again and her blue eyes widen in shock. How was he so brave—when had he gotten so brave?! One of his hands gently held onto the back of her neck, easing her into the kiss and she felt her eyes close, appreciating his tender touches.

His lips felt hot against hers and she couldn't stop her hand from reaching up to cup his unscarred cheek tenderly. Zuko smiled against her lips at her positive response and his other hand wrapped around her waist, gently pulling her in. He definitely knew why he couldn't kiss Jin back now—not when Ameya had been the one he wanted.

When they pulled away again, it was Ameya's turn to laugh lightly at him. Zuko looked at her in confusion but he enjoyed her laughter and the way her light blue eyes squinted in happiness at him.

"T-there's…lipstick…on your lips."

He stiffened and quickly brought one hand up to wipe at it. Ameya's laughter subdued to small giggles and she reached her robed sleeve upwards to dab at the spots he missed, eyes softening against his. He smiled in appreciation, leaning into her touch and thought this would not be so bad.

The moment Zuko entered their small apartment complex; Iroh knew everything would be okay. His nephew had a small smile on his lips; his gold eyes that were always filled with anger and resentment were soft and caring.

"How was your night, Prince Zuko?" Iroh repeated again and watched the young prince turn towards him happily.

"It was perfect."

He entered his bedroom then, the smile never leaving his lips. Iroh could only watch his retreating back fondly and hoped Zuko had finally found peace.

Author's Note:

I named this chapter 'Tale of Ameko' BECAUSE AMEYA/ZUKO'S SHIP NAME IS REALLY CUTE EHEHE I almost split this into two chapters but…I would hate to wait for a week for the last scene.

Honestly my favorite chapter written and I had to take several of breaks while writing because I CANNOT HANDLE THE FLUFF—AHHHH

One of the few chapters I would beg for reviews but this is definitely…a favorite chapter of mine. I hope you all enjoyed it! How do you like Ameya and Zuko's relationship progress? They have grown so much I am so proud. I love the theme of Ameya always running away and Zuko chasing after her...can you tell?

Thank you all for the lovely reviews as always!

P.S. This story hit over 100 followers I am so thankful ohgosh QQ I'm glad people are enjoying this fanfiction! It really feels like my work is interesting enough to be read. Reviews are always loved and welcomed!