Ava was getting frustrated she had just spent the last 20 minutes looking for Zan with no avail. It didn't help that every 30 seconds another person stopped to welcome her back or a guy asked her to dance. Her mood was taking a downward turn fast and that wasn't good. She had to be able to talk with Zan, not argue with him because arguing wasn't going to solve anything.

Ava suddenly spotted Vilandra and rushed over to her. "Hey how's everything going?" Vilandra asked.

"I can't find him anywhere," Ava said frustrated.

"Find who?" Vilandra shouted over the loud music. It was obvious to Ava that Vilandra was pre-occupied.

"Vilandra," Ava shouted while forcing Vilandra to face her, "I can't find Zan."

"Oh, well now that I think about it, I haven't see him either," Vilandra replied.

"Do you know where..."

Ava was then interrupted by Rath who gave Vilandra a kiss. "Hey beautiful, want to dance?"

"Most definitely," Vilandra said grabbing Rath's hand," See ya later Ava."

"Yeah see ya, and thanks for all the help," Ava replied sarcastically. "I've got to get out of here," Ava said to herself as she navigated herself through the crowds of people heading for outside.
-

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"Finally some peace and quiet," Ava said softly sitting down on a nearby bench. She then took the time to admire her surroundings. The palace gardens were more beautiful than she remembered, especially at night. She started to remember the walks her and Zan use to talk. Ava smiled at the memory. Suddenly some rustling behind her startled her. Ava knew it was kind of dangerous for her to be out her all alone, but she didn't think anything would happen. She was now having second thoughts.

Zan stopped short after realizing Ava had heard him. Zan had decided to avoid the whole party scene and hang out in the gardens, when he saw her. He knew she was going to be back, but nothing had prepared him for actually seeing her. Ava had always been beautiful, but over the last four years the teenage girl he knew had become a woman and she was more beautiful than he thought possible. It wasn't just the way the moonlight bounced off her upswept blonde curls or the way the silver dress made her shine, it was the way she held herself, with a humble strength. Zan couldn't help but stare as she down on the bench. The way her forehead crinkled up in frustration made her seen vulnerable and Zan found that particularly alluring. Zan wondered how could that beautiful creature have the power to drive him up a wall and make him so angry. It almost seemed impossible. He watched as she stood up looking around, that was when he decided to step out from the shadows.

"Hello, is anyone there?" Ava asked she could swear it felt like she was being watched. She suddenly felt a presence behind her and she turned around and came face to face with Zan. Ava gasped, Zan was no longer a teenager, but a man. He was a gorgeous man and Ava knew that. "No wonder girls throw themselves at you," Ava thought to herself. Ava and Zan's eyes met and time ceased to exist. It was like nothing had ever changed between them, for one moment everything was okay, but then the moment passed.

"What are you doing out here?" Zan asked rigidly.

The small smile left Ava's face. She realized trying to talk to him was going to be harder than she thought. "I just needed some fresh air, you know I don't like parties like this," Ava replied and she could've sworn she saw a hint of a smile grace Zan's lips.

"Oh is that what had you so frustrated," Zan replied.

Ava's eyes lit up in surprise, "How did you know…never mind," Ava said realizing she was getting off track, "No the reason I was frustrated was because I couldn't find you."

It was Zan's turn to be shocked. "Me, why would you be looking for me?"

"Because I really need to talk to you."

"Ava.." Zan started to say, but was interrupted by Ava.

" I just want to talk Zan."

"Why...every time we start to talk we..."

"we end up in an argument, I know Zan." Ava replied.

"Then why even bother," Zan retorted.

"Because we owe it to ourselves," Ava answered.

Zan stood up and anger flashed in his eyes, "I don't owe you anything, you're the one who left."

"God Zan, when are you finally going to realize I didn't leave you. I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study at the best school in the galaxy, I had to do if for me, Zan. You have to know that. Yes I did leave physically, but my heart stayed here with you, its been here with you the entire time," Ava cried, her eyes pleading with Zan to believe her.

It was all too much for Zan to bear and he turned away. Ava took this as a sign of rejection and sighed, "Maybe you're right Zan, maybe we shouldn't even bother." Ava took one last look at Zan and turned to walk away.

"Ava...wait." Ava turned around and Zan walked right up to her. He was so close she could feel his breath on her face. Then Zan grabbed Ava and covered his lips with hers, Ava didn't resist. She let Zan have all the control and went limp in his arms. Zan had never tasted anything more sweet in his life, he traced his tongue on her lips and was gladly accepted. He deepened the kiss and they kissed for what seemed like an eternity before slowly separating. They stood there, then finally Zan leaned his forehead on hers, "Welcome home," he whispered.