(a/n) Hey I'm back here's the next chapter of TDD. Special thanks to The Wistful Bloom who edited this chapter.

Chapter 4: Of Tours and Hair

Mizumi

Have you been on a castle tour, yet? I've heard that it's quite the attraction! Please be careful, and stay out of trouble. I won't be there to bail you out.

-Jun

I toss the scroll with the others before pulling my hair up and away into bun. The smell of cooked food is practically calling me into the tiny kitchen. Kai stands in front of the small pit, making what appears to be noodles.

Crap.

I'm no expert chef or anything, but I know noodles take a while to cook. Another pressing issue is that firebenders are known to spice up their noodles. I have no idea if he likes spices or not. Glumly, I go back to the bigger room, before sloughing down on the floor. Whether it's spicy or not, I'm hungry- so I'll have to tough it out.

Ever since Kai told me about what the prince had said, I've been slightly jumpy. The prince himself hasn't come around again, thank La. He probably found a better hiding place from Lady Kimiko. Unconsciously, I start bending little water bubbles. I freeze and unfreeze them, watching the particles expand and compress.

"Mizu, food."

Finally- I could eat a whole bear. My tummy seems to agree, judging from the loud gurgles. When Kai sets the bowl in front of me, I all but leap at it. It wasn't even that spicy- another plus for team Mizumi.

"Either I'm a really good cook, or you've gone insane."

I'm too busy stuffing my face to even give him any sort of reply. Today's a day off. No going in later, or having the night shift. It's actually a day off. Well... for me, at least. Kai is going to go in later, since he really needs the money- but he didn't want me to be alone. Probably wants to make sure I don't steal something else. I smile as I slurp down the last of my noodles.

"You're a great cook, Kai."

He flushes, before looking down into his own bowl. He never could take compliments well. He was wearing casual, yet typical, red clothing. I on the other hand decided to show my inner Water Nation Pride.

"Why are you so dressed up?"

"We're going on a tour of the palace."

Before he could make any smart remarks, I went to wash my bowl. When I came back, he was dressed and ready to go. He opened the door, ushering me out first. Then we set off to the plaza. We got various reactions as we walked down the path. Most were simply curious. Others were giggling. I ignored them. When we reached the ticket stand, most people had already bought theirs.

"Two tickets for the tour please." Kai said, while I looked around.

Most of the people on the tour were either from a different nation, or just really loved their country. I met the blue eyes from some Water Tribe people, and they returned warm smiles.

"Let's go Mizu."

With a soft tug, we were standing with the others at the palace gates. The actual palace was bigger in person. It was made of the finest materials anywhere. The servants were clad in simple red tunics, while those of higher status didn't even glance our way. We walked past the front gardens in awe. The flowers were numerous and plentiful. Small animals lazily hung about in trees, before flying away.

"Please do not harass anyone you see in the palace. Violators will be publicly flogged."

The tour led us into the rooms briskly, barely letting us see anything, but I tried to see as much as I could. I looked at the numerous paintings that lined the walls, the ornate doors that lead to war rooms, bath houses, studies, beds, kitchens... When we got to the training room, we finally had a break. Inside, the Crown Princess was practicing her bending. She gave us a small smile, before going into form. Just by looking at her, you could tell she was on her way to being a master. Her movements were graceful, yet fierce. The fire whipped around her, obeying her every command without any hesitation. Her teacher watched her with critical eyes. He wrote down notes every two seconds and I couldn't help but wonder what he could possibly be writing. Her style was perfect.

"Princess, you've improved greatly."

With a crisp nod, the princess left with a swish of ebony hair. The tour guide quickly shuffled us out, before leading us to the grand ballroom. No words could describe how truly magnificent it was. As before, we were marched out in a hurry. We didn't go to any royal bedrooms, but I had a general idea as to where they were. For the final part of the tour, we were allowed to wonder through the gardens. Almost immediately I was swept into a spinning hug. I gave a shout of protest, but it was useless.

"WE'RE FINALLY FREE!"

People gave us some odd looks. I started laughing, even when he put me down. We were both in a fit of giggles on the greenest grass in the Fire Nation. It took us a while to calm down from the craziness of it all. Once we did stop laughing, we watched the sky. It was an impossible shade of blue, with few clouds. The sun happily showered us in its waves.

"Mizu, what's it like out there?"

Lazily I roll over onto my side.

"It's big."

He snorted.

"Seriously, it's huge. There's so many places and people, each one different... and yet we live in peace."

My voice got softer towards the end as I heard the soft gentle breathing of Kai. I look over to see him fast asleep. Others are having picnics and running around. Too lazy to join them, I prepare myself to join Kai in dreamland.

"Are you here to steal something?"

I close my eyes tighter, hoping that it's just a dream. When a foot taps my arm, I let the sense of doom take over.

"Why would I do that, your highness?"

"Stop playing around. Are you here to steal, or not?"

His voice never rises above a whisper.

"I'm on a tour of the palace."

Why hasn't anyone noticed the prince snooping about?

"That doesn't comfort me. Get out." I open my eyes to find a golden glare aimed at me.

"I can't just leave my friend."

Mentioning names would land me in more trouble. He spares Kai a glance, before shrugging.

"He can get out too."

His face is carefully blank, so I give him one of my own glares.

"I paid good money to be here, your fireness."

The last bit may have been a tad mocking. He only gave me another blank look. I turn away from him and into Kai's shoulder. I don't care if it's rude-I'm sleepy. A soft thump is all I hear- he's sat down. Is he in some type of disguise? I really didn't get a good look, but I refuse to look again. His firebender heat hitting my back makes me squirm closer to Kai. It doesn't really makes sense, since Kai is just as hot as he is, but there's a little comfort in someone friendly.

"Is he your betrothed?"

Despite not wanting to see him, I whip around to give him a glare. I would hit him if I wouldn't risk being beaten into a pulp.

"No, then. Doesn't that make you an old maid?"

How does he know about Water Tribe customs? Then again, he is a prince. Princes should know about the other nations. He's a little off on the old maid thing, though. I still have two years. My eyes start to close again. A hand touching my hair jerks me back awake. He doesn't remove it and continues whatever it is he's doing.

"Water Tribe traditionally wears braids."

He picks up one of my long braids, touching the beads that are woven in. My bodies starts to shut down again. He can study my hair all he wants, as long as I get some sleep. The last thing I remember before happily diving into sleep is the feel of his naturally warm hands. When I wake up, I feel perfectly content. The sun is high in th- WAIT. The sun is... where?! All traces of drowsiness disappear.

Kai has to be at work in the next couple of minutes, or he's going to be screwed. The poor guy is out like a log. Looking at the pond just a few feet away, I decide the best course of action He jumped up, spluttering curses at me, and then quickly sped away. I was right on his heels, and we made it just in time to see Xue send out the other two.

"Misumi, Jun wants you to write about your visit. Kai, get to work."

We both gave brisk nods in response. When I made it home, the first thing I did was write the letter. I made sure that everything was perfect before sending it off. It wasn't until I looked into the bucket of water by the futon that I noticed it. Instead of the way I had it this morning, my hair was completely different. Instead of a bun, a high pony tail was at the top of my head. It was segmented by red bands and my bangs were pulled out. How was I supposed to take down? I couldn't even see most of the ties. I doubted Kai would be of any help, either.

Fantastic.

(a/n) So I changing the cover. I don't know if I'll keep it, change it back, or make another me. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.