It's been over two months since he left. It would be a lie to say her thoughts aren't constantly wandering back to him. She kept busy during the day with her company. The old CEO, Mr. Doweller, reassured her that she would learn her responsibilities well enough and that he would take care of the rest. Some lonely nights, she replays the memory of his eyes, his face, his embrace. In all that time, she's gotten two letters. Neither indicated any meeting in the foreseeable future. It's not like Asami would ever get insecure. She wasn't even insecure when she found out that Mako had kissed another girl or when said girl stole him. But damn it all, she couldn't stop picturing some Fire Nation whore throwing herself at him. Iroh's an attractive, powerful man who is bound to attract gold-diggers. That unknown girl would be very sexy in trampy fire red outfits. She would try to get him drunk and have her way with him while his senses are imbued. If that happened, Asami might die (but not before taking down that bitch with her).

She didn't want to be the clingy, demanding girlfriend but she wanted more than anything to see him and have him reassure her. She thought about booking a ship to the Fire Nation but he's definitely busy with work… she shouldn't disturb his very important business affairs. That would be downright selfish.

Asami stared up at the thick, dark clouds, barely containing her despair. The strong impulse to sacrifice everything in an attempt to make her wish come true jolted through her heart. Insomnia was taking a toll on her. She needed to think of something else. A story she half-remembered about a girl turning into a moon for love echoed in her ears.

Oh, that's right. It was Iroh who whispered the story as she was falling asleep one night.

Spirits, she's pathetic. Asami couldn't help the prick of pain to her pride. She was worse than a love-sick child (like Meelo's surprisingly persistent confessions of love).

The harsh rain pelting on her window cued her giving up on sleep. It was pouring in a way that it hadn't for a long time. She left her bed in favor of the front steps and decided. So go ahead, call her selfish for wanting to see her boyfriend. It's not like she's going to spend every waking moment; just an hour or two. If that meant keeping any whores off him, well that's just a plus.

Ready or not Fire Nation, here she comes. She's her own woman and she can go visit her boyfriend if she wanted. It's not like she had to wait like some old fashioned woman for her man to come back. She'll go to him.

She boarded the first ship the next morning. The dark ocean water was calm but the sky was just as dark. Hopefully they would miss the storm. She did like the fresh air though. She was gratefully she didn't have 'sea legs'. It didn't matter that it was actually a trade ship; all she needed was to get there. Actually, this could benefit her. She's gotten a fairly firm understanding of the company under Doweller's guidance. Future Industries needed more trade on the new Biplanes model. Maybe companies would be more interested if she posed for more magazines in other nations. She could kill two birds with one stone: see Iroh and play the part of the company's fresh-faced diplomat.

As if on cue, someone's voice rumbled behind her, "If my eyes don't deceive me, I believe I see little Ms. Asami Sato."

She swiftly turned to face the older gentleman. He was smiling benignly down at her. Three large, dark looking men flocked behind him. Mr. Bera was the successful owner of an antique company. They buy and sell many treasures, some of which were very impressive. He attended all the same formal parties her father did. She dated his son, Dane, for a while before realizing she doesn't like arrogant, rich boys. It was strange that his father seemed so humble and kind while his son was rotten to the core. Well, there goes her chance to talk with any of the traders on board.

"Mr. Bera, it's a surprise to see you here. How have you been?"

"I should say the same of you. I had heard that you took over your father's company. You realize it's not custom to do business with common traders, don't you? I am merely here to ensure my precious cargo arrives safely."

Embarrassment flushed through her system as her green eyes flickered away in an attempt to hide her reaction. The lie smoothly rolled off her tongue, "I have an early business meeting with an important client in the Capital. You must understand we all have to protect our own."

Something unidentifiable flashed in his pale blue eyes. "I understand perfectly. Would you care to remain in my company until we arrive? It is so good to see you. I am deeply upset over what happened to your father. He was a good man. Don't let those vultures tell you otherwise."

A lump of emotion caught her breath. She nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Bera."

Lightening the somber mood, he said, "Ms. Sato, it still causes me heartache that you and Dane could not sustain a relationship. You're a beautiful girl. It's a shame he couldn't keep you."

She forced a smile, "We simply could not see eye to eye."

"Well, things change in life, of that I'm certain. Maybe you'll grow to like the boy. You never know what might happen in the future," he winked suggestively.

Restraining herself, she forced a chuckle, "I suppose not." Over my dead body. I can't stay here anymore. Great, now I'm going to have to lock myself in my room the rest of the trip. "I apologize, Mr. Bera. I must retire to my room. This sea air is a bit much for me."

"Yes, yes, women are fragile creatures." he turned to one of his bodyguards, "Escort Ms. Sato to her room."

Damn. "I am fine going by myself."

"I insist. I could never forgive myself if you fainted alone on the ship."

"You're too kind, Mr. Bera. Have a good day."

"As with you, Ms. Sato."

Asami was silent until she got to her room. She dismissed the man politely enough before collapsing on her bed. She slipped out of her day clothes and back into her dark red night-slip. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. After all, she is a little clueless as to how to find him. Should she just stroll into the royal plaza and announce her presence? She should be a little more subtle than that. If she meets his family, she needs to be more prepared. Good thing she brought her whole collection of fine, red tinted dresses.

Maybe she can stroll along the harbor until she finds the navy. She wished there was a formal event going on, but no such luck. Sighing, she imagined how nice it would have been to surprise him if she was all dressed up.

A knocking sounded at her metallic door, "Miss Sato, the crewmen have your things. Are you ready yet?"

She jolted up, swiping at the drool on her mouth. That's embarrassing. Thank goodness no one was here to see it. It looks like she slept through the whole voyage.

"Good morning, Ms. Asami. Or should I say good night?"

Out of shock, she literally fell out of bed. Iroh jumped to his feet to help her up. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.

She pressed her hand to her head. "I'm fine. General Iroh, what are you doing here? How'd you know?"

"This morning I had a friend in Foreign Affairs ask me if I was expecting you. Imagine my surprise when I saw your name on this ship's list. Now, what are you doing here, Ms. Asami? It's dangerous for a young lady to travel by herself."

She lifted a brow, "I thought you of all people would know that I can take care of myself."

"Not if you're outnumbered or overpowered. I thought you learned not to underestimate your enemy."

She flipped her hair, hiding her disappointment. "Well, there's no battle right now. I was expecting a warmer welcome."

Iroh softened considerably, eyes melting into hers. He caressed her cheek, rumbling the whisper, "I've missed you, Asami."

She leaned into his warm touch. Her eyes closed as she savored his hot breath on her skin. Her voice was breathy as she said, "I missed you too much. I'm not one to be consoled by sentimental letters."

"I should have known." His lips came teasingly close. He asked, "What am I to do with you, Ms. Asami?"

"Anything you want," she promised.

Their noses met first, testing the waters after being apart for so long. When their lips finally came together, it was suddenly like they couldn't get enough. Her hands gripped at the material covering his back as he laced her waist with his arms. She's missed this. Thoughts of this are what kept her warm on those lonely nights. The heat of his hard kiss sent lightening through her body.

A second set of knocking had them jump away from each other. "Miss Sato, I'm sorry, but I must insist that you get ready to depart within the hour. The ship must be prepared for its next sailing for the Earth Kingdom."

"I'll be right out," she called to the man.

The two looked properly admonished, only sneaking glances at one another. Giggling wildly, she threw herself on top of him abruptly. He caught her in time to have her lips crash into his. She was drunk on the happiness of seeing him.

"Can you help me get undressed?" she naughtily tantalized, "It wouldn't do if I go out in my sleepwear."

His amber eyes darkened to a near black. "If I do that, I believe by the time we're done, we'd next find ourselves in the Earth Kingdom."

Tempting, oh so tempting, but she can't. Sighing, she retrieved the smaller bag with the single change of clothes inside. She turned back to find him lounged on the bed. Her hand reached for the bottom hem of her night-slip. She paused when she found his eyes on that spot.

"Do you plan on watching, General Iroh? Is that really honorable?"

His smoldering eyes trailed up her body to her face. She shivered at the intensity. Finally, he stood and stood inches away before brushing past her to the door. "Be quick, Ms. Asami. I can't wait forever."

"Do you plan on escorting me to my hotel or are you getting back to work?" she asked as he touched the door.

He shot her an appalled look. "Hotel? Spirits, no. You're staying at the palace. What else did you expect? Please don't protest. I'll personally drag you there myself."

It was her turn to be horrified. "I can't meet the royal family yet! My formal clothes are in a different bag. I need at least two hours to freshen up, pick an outfit, apply my makeup, fashion my hair. No, it's impossible! I don't want to leave a bad first impression on your family!" she shrieked, practically having a panic attack.

He rushed to her side and attempted to calm her, "Asami, you're beautiful as you are. My family will love you just so long you show them who you are."

"I won't budge on the matter. I need two hours to get ready. I can pay a hotel for the night and simply go the palace after I'm ready."

Iroh finally figured out she needed the time for mental preparation and relented into agreement. "I suppose it's ok so long you don't spend the night at a hotel."

Asami smiled at victory. "Thank you," she pecked his lips and sent him out. She took a deep breath.

To meet the royal family will be interesting to say the least.

AN: Well I'm not going to lie. I might not have time to work on this for a while. I actually can't believe I'm continuing it... with a new plot (dun, dun, dun).

R&R