Book 2 Chapter 12

New Sparks and Old Flames

"The Fire Nation? I-I don't think I can... "she began to ramble off reasons why that would be an outrageous idea.

"Come on Asami. I've been hearing about Future Industries. It's doing great, and you've probably been working your ass off. I'm sure you can make time for a small vacation, and you could probably use one too. What do you say?" He watched as Asami contemplated the idea.

"Well... I don't have any important meetings so..." she started to say.

"Yes! You're coming with me now" he interrupted. "Trust me, you'll love it" he leaned over and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

The two fell asleep in each other's arms. Asami awoke the next day to the feeling of the boat rocking. She had never been on a moving boat before. It gave her a weird feeling in her stomach, but it wasn't sickening. She looked around and saw no sign of Iroh. She found her clothes laid out neatly on a chair across the room. She rubbed her eyes, got up and picked up her clothes. They were completely dry now so she went to the bathroom to change.

She waited a bit in the room for Iroh's return, but grew impatient and decided to go looking for him. She stepped out the room and continued down the hallways leading to the main deck. She walked out to find the crew relaxing. Some men were playing Pai Sho, while others sat back and watched while drinking tea. Not the first thing she had in mind when it came to the United Forces.

She recognized one of the men Iroh had introduced to her. Zhu, she believed was his name. "Excuse me, have you seen Iroh?" she asked politely not wanting to interrupt the game.

"Ahhh, Miss Sato. You've awaken. Good Morning. I do believe General Iroh is in the wardroom with the other officers. I can escort you to him, if you'd like" he stood up and motioned with his hand "After you."

He led her to where Iroh was debriefing the officers of their many tasks at hand once reaching port in the Fire Nation. "General Iroh, Miss Sato is now up. I've brought her to you, just as you asked."

"Thanks you Zhu" he shook his friend's hand. "Asami, just in time. Come with me, I'd like to show you something" he held out his arm for her to grab as they walked out the room. He brought her to the crow's nest.

"Iroh, why have you dragged me all the way up here for?" Asami puzzled as usual whenever Iroh has something planned for her.

"Shhh... just look" he placed a finger on her lips then pointed out to the horizon. It was hard to see what Iroh was pointing at with the morning fog, but Asami could start to see dark structures appearing as they got closer. The fog slowly began to clear out as they moved further inland, and Asami eyes widened in amazement when the Fire Nation uncovered itself from the fog.

"Wow, this is amazing. It looks nothing like Republic City" she spoke. "That's because the Fire Nation hasn't really changed much in the past years. Grandfather says it still looks exactly how it did when he was a child" he explained to Asami. "Only a little while longer before we reach port, then we can get you off this ship" he smiled at her. He always enjoyed surprising her because of how big her smile would be. She had one of the most breathtaking smiles he'd ever seen.

"Oh and I almost forgot, I have to give you the traditional Fire Nation greeting" he smirked.

"And what exactly would that be?" Asami asked hesitantly.

Iroh placed one had on her waist and the other on the back of her neck to bring her in close and gave her a kiss. Once their lips parted, Iroh rested his forehead on hers gazed into her green eyes as she caught her breath. "I should come to the Fire Nation more often" she giggled. And the two began to laugh as they made their way down the crow's nest.

The ship had docked safely and the two walked hand in hand off the ship. "So, since this was a last minute thing, I'd like to take you shopping for clothes and anything else you'd like before we head to the Royal Palace. It'll also give me a chance to show you around a bit too" Iroh sounded quite excited for Asami to be here with him.

"I never turn down shopping" Asami grinned. The Fire Nation was an amazing sight. The buildings were vivid and colorful, the people were friendly, and the air smelled of food from the different street shops. Her stomach began to grumble.

"Sounds like someone's hungry" Iroh laughed at Asami blushing as she could not control the sounds her stomach made. "Come on, I know a great place to eat."

As they walked through the streets, everyone immediately stopped what they were doing to great Prince Iroh. And being a Prince, the couple was followed by a good dozen Fire Nation guards. Young girls swooned at the sight of the Prince walking past them.

With word getting to everyone that Prince Iroh was back, the news reporters and paparazzi showed up as well. Photos were taken of Prince Iroh walking arm in arm with this beautiful raven haired women no one had seen before.

"Wow, you sure do get a lot of attention" Asami was shocked.

"Surely you're no stranger to a camera Asami, you eventually stop noticing them after a while" he reassured her.

Iroh had a great time showing Asami around after the two grabbed a quick bite to eat at the family restaurant, The Jasmine Dragon. He showed her all the places he enjoys spending time with friends and took her only to the best bazaars stocked with this season's top fire nation fashions.

"Iroh? Is that you?" A tall, slender, dark haired woman walked up to the two as they were finding the perfect evening dress for Asami. She had her hair up, and wore a beautiful long dress, with gold jewelry to match. She was accompanied by two guards herself.

"Lian?" Iroh was quite surprised to have run into her.

Asami watched as the two chatted for a bit. They obviously seemed to have known each other well, Iroh gave her a hug before he walked back over to Asami. Lian waved one last goodbye before she carried on.

"So, who was that?" Asami asked after taking a breath to show no anxiety over who that beautiful woman was.

"Just an old friend." He left it at just that.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself Asami" Iroh said as the two strolled along. All their shopping bags were being carried by the guards who were stumbling and bumping into each other as they followed close behind.

"Of course I did, what girl doesn't like a free shopping spree" she giggled, "but you didn't have to.."

"Nonsense, only the best for you, darling" Iroh was very good at sweet talking. Asami's heart always melted when he would call her a sweet name. "There's our carriage, up ahead. We'll head straight for the Royal Palace. Grandfather will be most pleased to finally meet you, oh and mother too." He gave her a peck on the top of her hand and helped her up into the carriage.

"Right, the Fire Lord..." Asami almost choked remembering she was meeting the most important person in all of the Fire Nation, and the most important person in Iroh's life.

Author's Note:

I apologize for being MIA for those of you still following the story. Started working on this chapter then got so busy with finals, never got a chance to get back to it till now. The next semester of college just started and I'll be a little busy with that, but hopefully the next chapter won't take as long.

Hope you guys enjoy and thanks for reading my story. Comments/Reviews/Suggestions are always appreciated :)