A/N: Thank you for the reviews. It really helps with the encouragement to write more. :D

I've also decided that I'm not ready for writing an Mpreg. I don't know the basics and...I don't know I'm not ready so...Enjoy.

Sorry for those who were looking forward to it.

Warning: This story contains Male/Male attractions, and the whole nine yard.

Contains: Fluff, Drama, Suspense, Romance, Humor, (coughs) Lemons! Just getting it out there.

Summary: After several refusals by Sokka to go the fire nation to settle down for the fire nation festival that lasted one week; Iroh and Aang's secret plan of action, he finally affirmed the invitation and brought his son and daughter, Maikel and Tamar on one condition. And that condition was not tell a soul, mainly Zuko of his arrival and departure. Little did he know, things are going to unravel into heart-warming events.

Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Avatar: Last Airbender. If I did...(let's end that thought there)

Memo: My ff's will consist of 2,000 or more words since the intro takes up the page.

Chapter 2: The Day Before The Festival Part 2/3

"Please enjoy your stay." Zuko said for the umpteenth time. 'How many people are arriving?' He complained mentally. He could be in his uncle's company, or better yet sleeping instead of doing this. However, it would make a better impact and good rep of the Fire Nation, if they knew and saw the Firelord took time out of his schedule to greet those from other kingdoms. Sighing mentally, he put on a sardonic smile and continued greeting to the very last drop of a person off the ship.

Afterwhile, Zuko found a bench and lied lazily, feeling his body grip onto the churning of the ancient doors(which seemed like ancient to him). Aforesaid ancient doors meant, in the land of fire; A time when nightfall or drowsiness occurs as the hands of the unconscious realm real them into a plentiful rest. Sleeping has been happening since, forever. So that pretty much explains the "ancient" part. The "doors" are just a metaphor to portray a human hand guiding them to a place of peace or turmoil. Whether we're ignorant of it or not.

And so, Zuko's reality, was now thee unconscious realm.

It was a dark and stormy mid-spring afternoon where dark clouds that exclaimed gloom and despair, surrounded the palace. The youngest firelord ruler, Zuko had expectations and obligations he had to live by in order to gain the respect of the people; his subjects. And that was to either kill the leader of the rebellion under Ozai's faithful minions, or capture him as a hostage. While inquiring demands they could not see fit for the satisfaction of his kingdom. That was the plan, and he'd make sure it would be done, and done well.

A knock on the door to his chambers captured Zuko's attention. "Come in." He ordered, trying to seem kind but distant by alot of miles per say.

The door opened with ease as Iroh, Zuko's uncle entered. Before speaking, he took a bow of both chivalry and courtesy. "Your grace."

Zuko simply kept his gaze upon his novel, turning a page to the next part of the tactical scene. "What is it that you want, Uncle?"

Iroh stood there with feign hurt, playing it off innocent. "You can't possibly think every time I come to you about something nephew, it is to possess something I cannot have."

"When was the last time that was so Uncle?" Zuko countered, in a tone that was as calm as a snail making its slow pace to wherever it's destination may be. You see, Iroh has endlessly asked and asked Zuko for tea recipes from other kingdoms, including ingredients and what not. So that's why Zuko is very, not a little, but is very skeptical about requests from his Uncle. And don't repeat this but, last time Zuko accepted one of his Uncle's requests, he had a bubble butt for three weeks. Reason why...Obtaining earth kingdom honey from a colony of horn sized bees isn't an easy task. Pretty sure you can guess what happened. The bubble butt wasn't even the icing on the cake. The icing on the cake was King Bumi's and Aang's jokes. Half of the jokes came along the lines of, "When you go to lie down, your cheeks probably touch the floor on both sides of the bed." Not something he'd like to experience ever...again.

At first Iroh was stuck, Zuko had struck a strong point he couldn't cross, until he retorted, "This time would be the first."

"I wonder..." He spoke placing a bookmark into his book and closing it. Placing it on his desk he turned around to face his uncle. "What troubles you?"

"We've captured the leader of the rebellion." Iroh spoke daftly.

Zuko shot up from his chair and slipped into his royal garments with a shout, "Where is he?!"

"In the throne room." Iroh replied, opening the door to the Firelord's chambers to let his nephew out first.

"Don't wait up!" Zuko boomed, as he bolted towards the room where he had to decide the fate of the rebellion leader. Familiarization roamed back and forth as he toiled with this decision. This was the day he was looking forward to. This was the day the rebellion will be left vulnerable and frail to not only his kingdom, but the rest of the kingdoms as well. "Here goes nothing."

There he opened the heavy doors and spotted the traitor in his midst, struggling with four lieutenant fire soldiers pinning him down. A mask of an ox, cowarded in front to hide his idenitity and behind it beheld the face of the great rebellion leader. Garbs that coloured themselves in a thickening scarlet, moon drop lit iron bands around his wrists, and a tainted yet appropriate scarf blanketed his caramel neck of flesh.

Zuko unsheathes his Chinese sword, and walks towards the toiling bunch like it was a mile. Why he did that? Because all of the sudden he became extremely nervous. Heart racing, hands perspiring, breaths hitching, and midway sounds of his throat swallowing a hunk of saliva. Nervousness flooded his mind because it was his first time killing someone that would have a greater impact on his kingdom, then anything he's ever drastically accomplished.

Even though he was nervous, he knew if he kept him hostage, an even greater rebellion could rise. The rebellion could really think like, ashamedly, his father. Thinking that people are liabilities.

But he knew, this had to be done for the good of his and others kingdoms as well. It and he was destined for this to end; To come to an abrupt halt.

Beyond the shadow of doubt, he threw it to the side and stood in front of him. Raising up his sword, his men pinned the rebellion leader in a position of, being on his knees but his torso was upright as his caramel flesh was now naked to be seen by Zuko. His hands bounded and tucked behind his back, with scarlet irritation roaming up his arm from the tightness of the rope.

One quick slit to the throat and there he would see a lifeless body fall to the ground but, curiosity got the better of him and placed his unequipped hand on the man's mask. He yearned to see who it was that opposed him.

Unmasking him, all colour faded from his face as he dropped his sword to the ground. His knees buckled in pain and not of pleasure. His heart shattered, and his chest became full of speechless sorrow that towered over his better judgement. For behold, it was...Sokka. A scowling Sokka and words like a bee's stinger stung his heart with poison, "Any similarity between you and a human is purely coincidental! I hate you!"

"What in the world are you talking about?" Zuko said as his bangs flowed into his face and his heart completely grounded and crushed.

"Its really good of you to act so stupid so the others don't feel embarrassed!" Sokka yelped. "You lied to me! You betrayed me! You played with my emotions!"

"Just shut up." Zuko ordered painfully. "Put him in the dungeon and keep tight security on him."

"Answer me this Zuko!"

"What?!" Zuko spoke both irritated and greatly hurt.

"Do you regret meeting me?" Sokka spoke so frail, Zuko just wanted to embrace him...Kiss him...Make everything go away...But being the Firelord has a harsh reality that comes with it.

He turned his back and said, "What are you waiting for, an invitation? Take him."

Yells and screams echoed his eardrums as he heard the guards forcefully and brutally take Sokka from his sight.

One small tear slipped passed Zuko's eyelids as he opened his eyes and sat up from being awakened by such a horrible dream. That was worse than any nightmare he's ever endured. "I hope that never comes true but..." Even though it was a dream, that really hit him in the gut. Wiping the one tear that was able to escape the tough demeanor he always held, he decided to go back to the palace and drink some tea with his uncle. Somehow the old geyser seemed to brighten his day and his afternoon nap was now already attained anyways.

While walking home, he wondered why out of all these years Sokka surfaced into his dreams. He hasn't thought of him since the day he left him. Sure, he'd loom in his mind from time to time, but in his dreams, that was a first.

"The first time the heir to be the Firelord saw this caramel woman, he was smitten in an instant. Her hair flowed of neck length raven hair that curled around her face, her eyes likes doves that lit up like sapphires, her fingertips a little plump but soft as his heart was for her. This hardened heir to be the Firelord of the Fire Nation became what people say nowadays "a big softy". He didn't care, his eyes, his vision, his future was focused on her, and her alone. Many tried to tell him, "She's of the water tribe, she isn't of our land. International marriages were simply not done in the old traditions." ." Iroh said as the two mixed elemented children listened attentively, drinking from their sweet Oolong tea and eating beef stroganoff in small bowls.

"He pushed what they said away and continued to go after her. Many nights later, he found her in his garden, bending over with her torso and her bottom sticking out. It seemed her interests were the fruits and flowers that exhibited a beautiful foliage. He giggled softly so she couldn't hear him and softly made his way behind her. Then slapped her bottom. She jumped up and turned around and sent her fist flying in his face. He fell backwards into a thorns bush with blood rushing out of his nose as he began to feel sleepy." Iroh chuckled at the last part, with the two children as well with there hands planted on their bellies as it was getting harder to breathe.

"And that's the end for today." Iroh said smiling.

Both children jumped up in anger as their uncle left them with a cliffhanger for the first time. "You can't stop there!" Maikel insisted.

"Yeah! What happened next?!" Tamar insisted as well.

"I will tell you more tomorrow. It's time that both of you should take a bath and go to bed." Iroh sternly said, making the children back down and both of them "Awwwwww" in unison.

Iroh stood up and took both of their hands and led them to his private baths. "I think you both will really enjoy yourselves. There are lots of bubbles and toys for Tamar."

"Yay!" She giggled and skipped oddly.

"And even waterproof copies that talk about our family history you've been asking about Maikel."

"Thank you Uncle Iroh, I greatly appreciate it." Maikel thanked, smiling as bright as a thousand suns.

Meanwhile, Sokka rested along the ledge on the west end of the palace, intaking the Fire Nation aroma. He could hear the waves a lot more clearer, almost as if he were present at the docks himself. The taste of the salty sea filled his nostrils. The smell was enchanting, and delightful. From what he could remember, the sea often helped him cope with the hectic situations and circumstances that came his way. The tiresome days of working hard in the sun, being lonely from time to time, and trying to impress girls that MOST of the time ended with him embarrassing himself. He chuckled softly remembering when he was trying to impress Suki with a seductive approach while they were on the road, and Zuko walked in on him in the tent. "Those were the days..."

Sighing out in satisfaction, he stopped mid way to cetch a distinct fragrance. "It almost smells like him." he spoke not too loudly. Iroh said it wouldn't be safe to go to this region, Zuko's chambers were just next door with a balcony of his own. But Sokka for once was being the hard-head-headed one; Taking a risk. It's wasn't that he was planning on speaking with Zuko just yet, but he was tempted to just see if he'd pop up. Just to see his radiant face from a distance...Just to hear his rough sensual voice that was a bit scratchy at times.

"Smells like who?" a voice spoke hesitantly, trying to be friendly.

Sokka turned his head to where the voice had come from. His eyes widened and his mouth agape, as he saw Zuko leaning against his own balcony, approximately ten inches away with arms crossed.

OH SHOOT!

o-o What ya'll think?

Sorry about the wait, been reading and expanding my vocabulary. As well as editing other ff's so it looks halfway decent. Reviews are greatly appreciated, bad or good. I'm a novice willing to learn from others who are farther up in a professional ladder than I am.