The next few days passed with agonizing suspense and slowness. Aang was jumpy and Azula was rather angry herself. Aang wouldn't meet Azula's eyes, nor did she meet his. If Katara and Zuko did know, it was only a matter of time before one of them confronted the odd couple. They hadn't been alone since that day in the stables and Aang was feeling more and more apprehensive with each passing day. Katara and Sokka departed for the Water Tribe, leaving meal times rather quiet and short. Aang knew that if he prolonged his stay in the Fire Nation questions would arise, so he followed suit and flew east before the week was out, thankful that nothing had been done to prove that Zuko and Katara knew anything about his secret. He oversaw the plans of the great empty expanse that would come to be Republic City, trying to think and consult with others about how all nations might feel at home and welcome in the place. For the moment, it was all planning and grading the land, preparing it so that it could support a city. Weeks ground away slowly, making Aang want nothing more than to fly to the Fire Nation and steal the Princess from the Fire Lord's watchful eyes. Instead he lay awake at night, after each long, hard day of Earthbending and planning for the city's layout and design. While he tossed and turned, he thought of her.

He then flew out to inspect the Air Temples. Aang simply passed through the Eastern Temple, reminiscing the Gaang's fight against the Firelord. He saw the waste and rubble scattered about by their battle with Combustion Man. He inspected the interior of the temple. A few of the images on the walls were faded, but otherwise it seemed almost untouched. He camped next to the giant pai sho table and for the first time in a while, he felt peace flow through him. He was at one of his people's temples. Sleep came easily to him, but he dreamt of long lost friends that he once had in the Temple. Not nightmares, just saddening dreams of better days. All through the dreams he saw a woman, leading him through a dark place. She held his hand and they raced along together. She had black hair that almost blended into the darkness surrounding them. She was dressed in red and gold clothes and he heard a strange sound, laughter. She turned about and he saw a very familiar face that made his heart skip a beat. He woke feeling well rested but rather sad.

He inspected the other Temples, the Northern, which had been settled into by refugees and a rather mad mechanist, the Southern, which was inhabited by no-one other than a few native creatures and was Aang's home before he had run away. He bowed before the statue of Monk Gyatso before taking his leave. He then headed to the Western Temple, meeting with the Guru that unlocked his Avatar potential.

Aang approached the Guru, winding up the path that lead to his meditation platform. He was about to speak when he heard Pathik say something.

"I sense much strife in you, Avatar Aang."

Aang bowed and Pathik returned it. His stern look broke and a smile cracked his face.

"It is good to see you, Aang."

"You too, Guru Pathik."

The two spiritual leaders embraced for a moment before sitting across from each other and discussing many things. The spirits, Aang's training, philosophy, and several other topics. Aang was handed a cup of the old juice that he had drunk when he was studying under the Guru. He took a sip. It was onion and banana juice, just like before. But now it was not only tasty to Aang's well-rounded pallet, however, it was nostalgic. He took another few gulps and was surprised to find the cup empty. He handed the cup back to the Guru, who swapped it out for a large mug. He filled it to the brim and handed it to Aang.

Pathik had not changed since Aang had last looked upon him. Aside from a few extra wrinkles about his eyes, he looked just as well preserved as he had the day Aang left for Ba Sing Se to rescue Katara.

"I told you."

"What?"

"I told you, the Avatar spirit would fail if you left. I told you, love is not as important, nor as permanent as the forces that seek to ruin our world. I think you learned this the hard way, however. I have nothing left to teach. I am glad to see you have grown into a fine Avatar and a good man, Aang. Your heart is in the right place."

"Thank you, Guru Pathik-"

"I was not finished," the Guru spouted indignantly. "Your heart is in the right place… but… you must be wary. The Avatar spirit is not human, though the vessel is. The spirit will destroy everything nearby that may be a threat to keep you safe, whether friend or foe. Also, I sense a great cataclysm coming upon you Aang. You must be ready for it. You may go."

The dismissal took Aang by surprise, but he rose and watched as Guru Pathik looked out over the edge, surveying the setting sun as it soaked the clouds in brilliant hues of purple, pink and red.

"One last piece of advice, Avatar Aang. Love is extremely dangerous. It twists the greatest of men into savage beasts. It ensnares the mind and corrupts one's spirituality. Chastity would be the best, but I realize there is little to keep you from your heart's wants, and you are the last airbender. Be very certain you can trust the woman you love, and that you will spend the rest of your lives together. When love is real, it will find a way to manifest itself in the right person. Take care Aang, I hope you find happiness in the right person."

Aang bowed but the Guru was still eyeing the beautiful display of clouds in the West. Aang descended the spire and hopped onto Appa.

"Come on, boy. We're going to the Fire Nation. Yip yip!"

Appa slapped his tail against the ground and took off, soaring high and far. Aang was tired after many days of travel and work. He sought the arms of the pale beauty in his dream. Even so, it took some time before he fell asleep next to the outskirts of a little village. He was laid out on Appa's tail, watching the embers of the fire die and crumble. He fell asleep with the view of the coals imprinted on his retinas. He woke to find himself in the same glade, but now that it was morning the place looked very peaceful, with a thin layer of fog making it so that the distant hills could just barely be made out. He saddled Appa and tied the rope to his horns for reigns.

They spent the next 2 days flying toward the Fire Nation. One night was spent on an island that looked eerily familiar. He assumed it was either Ember Island or one of its surrounding siblings. The next day he reached the capital city and landed to find the royal welcome rolled out for him. There stood the royal family, its advisors, (including Iroh, who was visiting, and Azula) and of course Zuko and Mai. Sokka and Katara also stood by the Fire Nation's greatest. They both looked relieved to see him alive and well, it was their habit of worrying whenever he went out on his own. They stuck out, two bricks of blue in a wall of red and gold. Then someone short, tough and blind stepped out from behind them. It was Toph, who had been busy teaching at her Metalbending Academy. She smiled and Aang leapt off of Appa and ran to receive his friends. All of them, including Zuko, Katara and Sokka. Katara hugged back as if nothing had ever gotten between them, as if the fights were nothing. Zuko held back until he was pulled into the hug by Aang. He stood there and took it with his arms locked to his sides by Aang's arms. Aang let go and stepped back, bowing to each of them in turn.

"Welcome back, Avatar Aang," Zuko announced formally. "We have been awaiting your return."

The Gaang sat around a large dining table. Iroh had brewed tea and was serving it to relieve their hunger before they ate the feast prepared in Aang's honor. He had done it a hundred times to appease Zuko's honor, but this time it actually felt special. He was back with all of his friends, like old times. Then he realized what was making him happiest of all. Being near Azula again. He had missed her, though he hadn't been gone for even a month. He looked at her from across the table. Tonight she wore a kimono, like Katara's old outfit, but it was Fire Nation style, trimmed with gold instead of fur. The entire ensemble had a slashed look. The cut of the fabric was completely diagonal, so it started at her thigh and ended at her opposite legs heel. Even so, it had a slit going all the way up. Underneath she wore extremely tight pants that seemed almost painted on underneath. Aang looked her up and down in a fraction of a second and he couldn't help but feel an unknown sensation. It wasn't love, exactly. It was a bit more… carnal. He wanted to take her in with more than just his eyes, but he did nothing to reveal his feelings. She caught his gaze and held it for a moment and he smiled lightly.

Aang turned his gaze to Katara, who seemed to be in a great mood, laughing and talking and joking with the rest of the group. They spoke at length, even after the sun went down and the candles and torches and lamps that were placed all over the castle were lit. Soon after, dinner began to waft its scents through the double doors that lead to the kitchen. Everyone's stomachs began rumbling and soon enough a chef lead out a procession of lower chefs. He clapped his hands and each of the chefs laid out their platter or bowl or whatever they were holding on the table. A few uncovered the lids and lit the food inside on fire, making fancy puddings cook thoroughly and giving them a spectacular feast to dig in too. Zuko must have pulled out all the stops because a group of musicians tromped onto stage and began performing. Aang recognized a few of the people and realized they were Zuko's old crew, back when he was trying to capture Aang. They looked happier now though, with laugh lines instead of scowls and frowns. The tsungi horn player seemed to set the mood with a slow, baleful tune that slowly built in suspense and thickened into an upbeat tune complete with dancing moneys. Aang clapped along with the others and began to dig into his food. There was just about everything he wanted. Him being a vegetarian must have been of great concern to the chef, because very few dishes contained meat, most contained rice, fruit, beans, vegetables and noodles in a variety of different styles and forms. Aang couldn't help but smile as he took in the food and friends. He still worried over the love he had for Azula and how he would make their love known, but for the moment he didn't think on it too much, not wanting to spoil the mood.

Even Azula enjoyed herself, though the mirth she felt didn't escape her eyes, which clung to Aang and sparkled with happiness as she beheld his own. He was happy, she was happy. Nothing would get in the way of their feelings. They would find a way to work things out, they had too. Aang and Azula's eyes met once more and Aang noted the love in her glance. He noted the way her eyes seemed to sparkle in the candle light. He smiled and the corners of her lips twitched into a smirk. It was the best she could do, not having had something to smile about for many years. Aang appreciated the effort all the same.

That night Aang was dozing in his huge bed in the high ranking guest room, just down the hall from the royal quarters, when he heard a soft knock on the door of his chambers. He rose and went to the door, only wearing his brown pants and walking slowly to avoid tripping. Toph and Zuko had ordered spirits and liquor to be brought to the feast and as such many went to bed with a pleasant buzzing sound that replaced their normal brain function. Aang, being a "lightweight," as Toph had jived, didn't require much alcohol before he was ready to retire. Even so, he had been dozing fitfully, zigzagging the line between sleep and consciousness when someone knocked. He pulled the door open to find Zuko and Azula, both looking rather uncomfortable with the situation. Aang had a questioning look in his eyes, looking from Zuko to his sister and back again.

"Hi Zuko, Azula. What- what's up?" He spoke thickly through the haze of pleasantness that still swayed his thoughts.

"Not much, I wanted to talk to you when I saw Azula knocking on your door, I figured she could get what she needed from you and then we could talk about… stuff."

"Sure, c'mon in. It's your palace after all."

"Thanks."

Both of them entered his room, both looking more uncomfortable with each other's presence by the second. Aang turned his attention to Azula and adopted a rather hard tone, as if they were still enemies that were forced to work together.

"What can I help you with, Azula. You know what's mine is yours."

"I just wanted those reports I at dinner, the ones you said you would fill out, about the populations of the Air Temples."

"I see. I haven't quite finished them off. I still need to flip through them, go over them once more with a very fine toothed comb. Can't have any mistakes, can we Princess?"

"I am no longer a Princess," Azula snapped. "And no, I have no room for mistakes as large as yours, Avatar."

"I'm sorry," Aang said, waving a hand in front himself as if to clear away his improper words. "The alcohol was rather strong, and I have had more than my fill. As such, I'm afraid you'll just have to find somewhere to put those mistakes, Lady Azula, no matter how immense they may be."

Zuko still didn't notice the innuendo, as it wouldn't have been noticed unless you had an intimate knowledge of their secret want for each other.

"No need to apologize, Avatar, I have seen much bigger mistakes than yours be made. Now about those reports…."

Azula and Aang hammered out some fraudulent story about the reports being in by tomorrow and she took her leave, shutting the door behind her and leaving Aang wondering what would've happened had Zuko not decided to intrude.

"So, now that has been dealt with, what can I do for you Fire Lord Zuko? I'm afraid I can't do much more rational thinking than demonstrated, but I will try my best."

Zuko sat on Aang's bed, resting his elbows on his knees and holding his hands in front of his face. He shuddered and Aang saw a tear fall from the Zuko's face.

"Aang…"

"Yes, hotman?"

Zuko pulled his head up from his hands and smiled at Aang. For a moment it held before being replaced by a look of intense sadness and guilt.

"I… have to tell you something."

"What is it? Are you and Mai alright? I thought she looked a little big."

Zuko looked up and said something under his breath. His eyes were wide with realization and suddenly he was on his feet. He stumbled but Aang caught him.

"Thanks, I owe you. Twice."

"Twice?"

"I just realized something… I think Mai is..."

Aang's mouth fell open and his eye's widened.

"You mean, you're going to be a… you're having a…."

"Yes! I think so, this explains everything!"

Zuko gave Aang a hug and whipped down the hall towards the royal chambers. As he went Aang saw him jump and click the heels of his slippers together. Aang laughed and closed the door. A few minutes later a small knock on his door got him out of bed again. This time it was Azula, alone. Aang didn't have time to speak before she had slipped in, closed the door and hung her arms around his neck, kissing him softly. She couldn't stay the whole night; servants would look for her and find her with Aang. So they lay on the bed and basked in each other's company, savoring the stolen time spent together. Azula began to slide herself on top of Aang, but he turned her force against her and rolled so that she was underneath him. Her face was flushed and her cheeks had red patches. They were both breathing heavily and Azula shifted slightly. Aang laid there, staring into the amber eyes of the Fire Nation's greatest beauty. He slowly and deliberately placed his lips on hers. She moaned and felt the blue-hot passion burn within her again. She wrapped her legs around Aang's waist and began to pull him close, nothing in between the two of them but the thin fabrics of their night clothes. The thought made Aang think of his chastity as a monk, then of Guru Pathik's warning. Aang flipped himself over and landed next to Azula on the bed, laying on his side and looking at her. She seemed determined to get what she wanted though, and she threw herself onto Aang. He stopped her and put a little space between them. She laid back, still blushing and looking as beautiful as could be, her silk night robe beginning to climb her legs and show more than was usually acceptable in society.

"I can't do… this."

She slid herself up and rested on her elbows, her face turning from love to confusion in a split second.

"You mean… this?" Azula indicated my waving a finger between the two of them.

"Or...this?" She slowly leaned in and began to kiss and grope as she had before, but before Aang could stop her she pulled back.

"That," he said. "I can't do… that."

He blushed and looked away and Azula smiled wickedly.

"What's the problem? You can defeat an army of firebenders, but you can't conquer a poor, defenseless woman?"

"I can conquer whatever I please… just not now. Not while there's so much as stake. I can't risk losing Katara. Not yet."
"Oh," Azula stated angrily, flipping her hair to get it out of her face. "I see, this is about the water tribe… girl."

Azula had almost called her something else.

"It's not like that-"

"Then what is it like Aang? If you still love her why don't you go and sleep in her room, hmm? If I were that peasant would you be willing to do this?"

Aang was tired, drunk and became as angry as the burning fires of hell when Azula insulted Katara. As such he fixed her with an angry glare. He had been told that as an air nomad, these feelings offered nothing. He disregarded this and began to slowly inch toward the firebender in his bed. She leaned back as Aang grabbed her wrists and thrust them above her head. She didn't struggle, she laid back relaxed as Aang slowly straddled her and leaned his face in close, still wearing that ugly look of anger and disgust.

His face was in Azula's but the feeling was wrong. She didn't feel loved, she felt threatened. She began to try and get Aang to let go of her wrists, but he didn't. She gave him an angry look, but he didn't quail. He looked at her until she looked away and then stared some more. She was trapped underneath him.

"I love you. I love you more than life itself and I would never hurt you. If I had my way we would be together and Katara would be happy for us, but that won't happen, will it? No, I'm stuck in this mess, all because I feel things for you that I shouldn't. By my duty as the Avatar I shouldn't love anyone. I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, and here you are, demanding something of me that I can't give. Ask me for a palace of gold, or a statue of you, or a flying saber-tooth-moose-lion. These I can give you, but you're asking me to give you everything, without thinking about it. Let me ask you something Azula… Do you want a family? Do you want children? Right now, when we're still so young? Well?"

Azula shook her head, stunned by what Aang was saying to her. She pulled away from his face which seemed even more contorted with anger up close.

"I didn't think so. I only want what's best for you. For us. But I can't do this, not now. Someday, maybe, when all this is sorted out, but until then-"

"Alright."

"What?"

"I said alright. We can wait. I think I just… had a little too much to drink tonight. And I've never felt this way…. It's all so strange."

Aang's look of shock caused Azula to smile. He must not have expected her to give in so quickly. He let go of her and gave her a swift kiss before rolling off of her and lying beside her on the huge maroon bed.

"It is pretty weird. What do you think the others would say if they found out?"

Azula pursed her lips.

"I'm not sure, I really don't know them all that well."

"Take a guess."

"Well, I'm guessing that the water tribe girl would give some speech about hope or something. Her brother, the carnivore, would simply stuff his face. Maybe pause and make a sly remark. My brother would banish us both… and the blind earth kingdom noble would probably lay a beat down on you for even thinking about me in such a way."

Aang made a face at her, realizing she was questioning his strength.

"I could take her."

"She can bend metal."

A pause.

"You're probably right. Either a beat down or I'd be on the ruin for the rest of my life as she followed my trail, looking to beat down on me. You seem to have a general knowledge of the group. I suppose profiling us as enemies tends to stick with you for a while."

Azula turned to face Aang.

"Am I the enemy?"

Aang looked back at her, feeling some sort of importance lied in his answer. He put his arms around her and pulled her closer.

"No more than I am. And if they try to make you the enemy… you have the Avatar to defend you."

Azula looked into his eyes, a smirk crossing her face. She placed the back of her hand against her forehead and whispered in a falsetto.

"My hero."