"Zoe?" came Zuko's voice from the door well of their bed room.

"What?" she snapped from her position on her bed. The fact that Zuko had still not apologized to her about the 'cleavage' incident, and the way he shouted at her unnecessarily had put her in a very bad move and she didn't really feel like talking to him.

Zuko's brow furrowed, annoyed. "I came to ask if you knew a thing about flying bison's."

"Still going ahead with your idiotic plan then are you?" she asked dryly.

"You don't understand." Hissed Zuko, "I have to do this…it's the only way-"

"Only way?" repeated Zoe standing up off her bed angrily, "Only way to what Zuko? What is capturing this bison going to achieve?"

"Like you'd know!" snarled Zuko, his voice rising, "you wouldn't have a clue! You always think you know best, but you don't!"

Zoe stared at him for a moment, hurt and angry. "Fine Zuko; I have no idea." She said coolly, "Go on, go do this 'great' plan of yours and see how it goes; I don't care anymore."

She walked past him, without touching him and left the apartment.

She had never been angrier with him, she just couldn't believe him! What was this going to get him? Say he did find the bison; then what? How would that even get him the Avatar? She thought with him living the life that other refugees do his opinion would change; he'd see what was happening to the world!

She too been schooled, very briefly and at home, in the Fire Nation, and so she too had been vaguely presented the propaganda. 'The Fire Nation is the greatest Nation; this war is spreading their goodness!' Etc, etc. She soon realised how ridiculous that was. And anyway, it can only take one person to turn a whole Nation to evil, and from the little she knew; that was what happened. However, she really didn't know much about it. People ask her why doesn't she hate the Fire Nation; they destroyed her people…but, it's war, and the Air nomads fought too didn't they? They just lost? It was a battle? Not like they were ambushed or something, right?

She shook her head confused, she just didn't know anymore. No, that wasn't true, she knew she hated everything about this war; all it brought was hurt and ruin. She wanted it over, and she wanted Zuko to see that.

The sounds of drunken earth kingdom men met her ears and Zoe realised just how late it was. The sky was like pitch around her; she must have been out far longer than she thought. She glanced around her nervously at the scarce streets and headed home.

Zuko was hurt, confused, he needed help. He needed a friend. Zoe shouldn't turn her back on him no matter what was happening, she had promised she'd stick with him. She couldn't break that promise. Perhaps, with a little more time he'd see the truth, he'd come round, he'd end his search for the Avatar.

But, when Zoe reached their apartment, there was no one home. The place was silent, eerily still and echoed in the darkness. Zoe looked around for something, maybe a note, some sign to where they had gone. She sat down against the wall dejectedly. Was Iroh in on this too? That was stupid of course he wasn't, he was probably out tracking Zuko perhaps to change his mind, talk some sense into him.

She got up again, despite the weariness in her legs. They would stick together, she had to find him. Half a sleep she left once more and walked. Where she was going she had no idea, she let her feet take her, relying on which way felt right. She could almost feel this little thread attaching her to him and she held on, willing it to take her were she most wanted to be.

The sun had risen by the time Zoe found herself by a lake, an enormous lake that seemed to glisten eerily, alluringly, as if hiding something and trying to draw you in.

A roar rumbled through the sky above her just as a shadow flew over and she looked up just in time to see the Avatars bison flying away. Suddenly out in the middle of the lake, two people were appearing; it was Iroh and Zuko!

Zoe ran to the edge of the water and realised there was a stony path that led to them, she ran along it gladly.

Zuko dropped his blue mask into the water wordlessly; Iroh's hand on his shoulder and Zoe knew what must have happened. Her heart swelled, her eyes watered and she threw her arms around the Prince without thinking.

There was a few seconds of shock, and then Zuko awkwardly hugged her back. It would have been nice normally, but it didn't feel real, he felt like he was in a strange dream, as if watching himself from somewhere else, his spirit not in his own body. He was disconnected, he felt dizzy, confused, happy, sad…They had begun walking back now, Iroh and Zoe might have been talking; he couldn't tell really, everything was blurring together, muted, distant.

Finally, finally they were home, in their apartment. Everything was swimming…was this normal? Did their apartment always do this?

"You did the right thing, letting the Avatar's bison go." His Uncle said in a slow, slurring voice that seemed to come from far away.

"I don't…feel right…" murmured Zuko, clutching his head and that was when everything seemed to lurch, blur, blacken and go. The last thing he remembered were some soft arms catching him and the smell of apricot and daisies…

"Is he going to be OK?" whispered Zoe in a scared voice as she set a bucket of cold water down by Zuko's side. She picked up a cloth from the water, squeezed it, and then lightly dabbed his sweating face.

"He will be." replied Iroh, giving her a reassuring smile. "I will fetch some more clean water for him to drink; I am sure he will need it when he wakes."

As Iroh slowly walked out of the room, Zoe placed a cool hand on Zuko's burning forehead. She nearly had to retract it from the pain. He was literally burning! She brushed his dark locks off his face gently then quietly leant forward and placed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Through the brutal burning, the grunts, the agonizing moans and mumblings Zoe held his hand. Neither she nor Iroh left his side. He had woken up once, but briefly and his only action had been grasping the water bucket and gulping it down…half the contents spilling over his body.

The water turned to steam on contact with his skin and Zoe tucked him back under the blankets. She couldn't stand seeing him like this, in so much pain, his body tossing and turning, his face scrunched up. She gripped his hand tightly and hummed a soft tune, the Dance of the Dragonflies. Zuko's body relaxed slightly, his face easing a small amount and Zoe lay down beside him, trying to keep her eyes open.

Iroh watched in the background, a small smile on his face at the sight of the two teenagers. They had so many things still to learn, to realise…they're feelings just one of the many. Zoe's humming slowly died out as she drifted into sleep and Iroh felt himself doing the same…his snoring slowly filling the silence.

Barely a few hours later Iroh awoke, Zoe and his nephew still asleep before him. He picked himself up and went over to feel Zuko's forehead; it was still burning up. Iroh found their tea pot and brewed some chamomile tea that was good for fevers.

Zoe woke groggily, the steam of hot tea pleasing her senses, but it was Zuko's groan that brought her into reality. He croaked out the name of his mother then his anguished eyes opened.

"You should know this is not a natural sickness," said Iroh, he was speaking to Zuko, but also to Zoe. "but, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea," He said warmly. He helped Zuko up and lifted the tea to his mouth. Zoe brushed her thumb over his hand gently, just reminding him she was there. He looked from Zoe to Iroh, confused and…scared.

"Wha-what's happening?" he asked breathlessly, fear coating his golden eyes. Zoe would like to know the answer too.

"You're critical decision," Iroh explains, but Zoe is still confused. "What you did beneath that lake… it was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body." He gave Zuko the remaining tea in his cup which Zuko drank gladly.

"What's that mean?" he asked desperately and still so confused. He coughed weakly, lying back down and taking his hand out of Zoe's to cough some more.

"You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew." Iroh said gravely with a shake of his head. "It will not be a pleasant experience. But, when you come out of it you will be the beautiful Prince you were always meant to be!"

Zoe picked up the wet cloth again and wiped the sweat from that beautiful Prince's face. Iroh handed her a cup of tea too and she smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, Iroh."

"I am glad you are here." He replied, pouring himself a glass.

"Me too." She smiled.

Zoe woke with a start the next morning, her eyes popping open to appear face to face with beautiful golden irises.

"Whoah! Zuko!" she exclaimed, sitting up startled. "Hi there."

Zuko chuckled, sitting up too. "Good morning." He said warmly, a smile lighting his face.

Zoe's eyes narrowed and she inspected him closely. "Are you feeling OK?" she asked warily and placed a hand on his forehead. "Your fevers gone!" she cried in astonishment.

Zuko laughed, "I'm feeling great actually!" he said smiling and he stood up, taking Zoe's hands and pulling her to her feet.

Suspicious, Zoe leaned in closer to his face, looking into his eyes and trying to note any sign of brain sickness, or damage…But, then, before her inspections were complete he kissed her. Just like that, he leant into her and placed his warm lips on hers. She stiffened in shock, her eyes wide, but then she melted into the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut. It was just right, like their lips were meant to fit together. Zoe never wanted it to end. But, of course, all too soon they broke apart, breathless and Zuko grinned.

"Well…ah," stuttered Zoe blushing and Zuko raised a hand to caress the blood flushed cheek, "that was…unexpected?" she eyes narrowed once more, "is this just some weird dream again?" she demanded.

Zuko's smiled widened, "I defiantly hope not." He said, which confirmed for Zoe that it was, in fact, a dream. "I'm going to go wash up." He said placing one more small peck on her lips. "I'll see you at breakfast."

And he left the room, leaving Zoe confused, cold without his touch, and completely disbelieving.

When Zuko did indeed return for breakfast, clean and freshly robed his peculiar mood was still in place.

"Things are looking up Uncle." Zuko was saying contentedly as he sat beside Zoe at the table of their new apartment. Iroh smiled proudly and happily.

"Uncle?" asked Zoe warily, "did the Dai Lee sneak in last night when I was asleep?"

Iroh laughed. "No, Zoe I believe it is just as Zuko says: today is a new day and things are looking up!"

Zoe nodded slowly, still eyeing Zuko suspiciously. "You know…I might go wash up too…" she said finally.

She headed to the bathroom, completely bemused. No, not bemused: suspicious. Well no…just: confused. She couldn't get his warm golden eyes out of her head, nor could she get his gingery scent away from her nostrils or the feel of his soft, firm lips on hers. Shaking her head dizzily, Zoe finished soaking away he stresses and dried herself quickly with a warm towel. She wondered how long this new Zuko would last, or if it was something that was permanent.

Well, she'd accept it for now and see what happens.

Zuko was studying Zoe closely their whole day, that is to say their first day, at their new tea shop. She truly moved with grace and elegance. Her currently straight hair tied into a casual bun at the nape of her neck was most alluring, showing off her petite shoulders and prominent collar bone. Zuko smiled at her whenever she looked his way, taking small pride in the way her cheeks flushed every time she caught him watching her.

Zoe had noticed that though he was now scarily positive, he was still Zuko. He still had his fierce determination and pride, and probably still had his temper, but now his determination was set up on helping his Uncle in his new tea shop.

"Zoe?" Oh yes, and his voice was still that same beautiful, husky voice that sent shivers up Zoe's spine.

Well this time it sent Zoe jumping in the air in shock. Gasping she spun round in the vacant back room of the shop and hissed quietly, "Zuko!"

He smiled triumphantly.

"You scared the crap out of me!" she accused, "and it's supposed to be 'Ping'!"

"Well, Ping then," he corrected, "how do you think our first day of our new tea shop is going?"

A Waiter walked in and Zuko put a hand beside Zoe's head against the wall and said, "We're busy here." to the waiter, turning to look at the intruder out of the corner of his eye.

The man blushed furiously and apologized, exiting the room bowing. "Zuko," scolded Zoe, "what was that about? The poor man's only new!"

"I said, we're busy!" he defended bringing his other hand to Zoe's waist and brushing his fingers softly up and down the curve of her hip. Zoe suddenly found it hard to breathe as that tingling fire shot through her, her abdomen tightening below.

"I…uhm..." Zoe was struggling to form coherent thoughts now, let alone words as Zuko had leant right in and begun kissing her slowly down her neck. Her breathing sped up and her heart raced.

"Zu…Zuko? Why are you doing this now?" She managed to get out and Zuko brought his head up to look at her with hazy, hungry eyes.

"I should have a long time ago." He said huskily, then a worried expression came over his face, "do you want me to stop?" he asked quickly. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"No!" said Zoe quickly, "I'm just…I didn't think you…liked me." she said meekly.

Zuko stared at her incredulously, then suddenly his mouth twitched into a small smile, then a big one, then he couldn't stop laughing! He picked her up from around her waist and hugged her.

"Zuko, I hope you know you're being very weird." said Zoe breathlessly once he had set her back down.

"I'm just happy to be here!" He said joyfully. Iroh walked in before either of them could say anything more.

"There you two are!" He said, a knowing glint in his eye, "I was wondering where my two best tea servers went!"

"Sorry Uncle." smiled Zuko and he turned to look at Zoe. "Let's go make these people some tea!"

And he ran back out to the tea shop's serving area. Zoe looked at Iroh bemused and he winked, "there are some wet cloths by the sink if you need to cool yourself down before coming out again."

Blood painted Zoe's face red and Iroh exited, chuckling heartily.

A/N Thank you SO much for your reviews! you guys are so nice XD btw, I am finding it really hard to write this new, happy Zuko...it's weird...