Sup everyone. I'm sorry I've taken a while but I recently got another job and university has been keeping me very busy. I'm already starting on the next chapter. Your reviews and views have kept me motivated to keep going so thank you for that. Hope you enjoy this one!

After greeting Zuko when they had arrived, the boys decided to start getting ready for the party as well. They already knew that the girls would take a while be ready so they took their time. Aang had been straightening his robes after he put them on when he suddenly got a strange feeling that he was being watched. He craned his neck to find Zuko in his room, watching him with narrowed eyes.

"Anything I could do for you Zuko?" Aang asked, turning his body to face the fire bender. For a moment Zuko didn't say anything and just kept his steady gaze on Aang, giving the air bender an uneasy feeling.

"I spoke with Mai earlier…" Zuko spoke with a low raspy tone.

"Oh yeah. She came to me wanting to talk about you", Aang responded as he remembered his previous conversation with Mai and what they did when they weren't talking.

"She did? When?"

"This past week. She and Ty Lee came over and she wanted to talk to me in private", Aang stepped to the front of his mirror to check his appearance. He grabbed his wooden necklace and placed it around his neck.

"So what did she say about me?" Zuko figured he already knew the answer to that. Aang thought of what to say as he did not want to tell him about the conversation he had with Mai. He figured that Mai wouldn't like it if he told Zuko everything they talked about.

"Just that you sent her a letter. She showed it to me and asked what she should do", Aang answered.

"Why would she ask you of all people? She could have just talked to Ty Lee about this instead" Zuko said, feeling upset that Mai would show the letter he had written for her to Aang. The letter was meant for her eyes only.

"Let's be real Zuko…you know why" Aang stated bluntly, still not looking at his friend.

"Yeah…I do" Zuko admitted, feeling a tinge of guilt within him. "What did you tell her when she asked you what she should do"

"I told her to do what she wanted and not what I think she should do"

"Mai certainly did that and more", Zuko scoffed. He then remembered what she had said about a certain air bender. He didn't believe it at first until Toph and the girls confirmed it to him. The more Zuko thought about it, the more angry and envious he grew.

"I'm guessing your talk with her didn't go so well", Aang said as he smoothed out any wrinkles he saw on his robes.

"No it didn't", Zuko crossed his arms, "Mai suggested I ask you something"

"What?"

"How did it feel to have her tongue in your mouth?" Zuko growled. The words stunned Aang, making him go completely still. From the corner of his eye, Aang could see Zuko glaring at him. Before he could say anything, Zuko continued on.

"I didn't want to believe her and so I didn't until I asked the others. The girls told me what happened so don't bother lying to me."

"I wasn't going to lie to you", Aang sighed and turned back to his friend, "It was just a one—"

"Oh I heard how it was just a one time thing Aang! But you already knew that I was planning to ask Mai to take me back and you just…MADE OUT WITH HER!" Zuko fumed.

"Mai asked me to kiss her Zuko. I didn't want to but she was almost begging me and wouldn't take no for an answer" Aang said.

"Well you should have just kept denying her! You knew that I was planning to come and ask her to take me back", Zuko stepped closer to Aang with curled fists, "I love Mai and yo—"

"Enough!" Aang grabbed a hold of Zuko's shirt collar and pushed him against the wall. "You need to calm down Zuko!" Aang demanded. The fire bender tried to push Aang's hands away but could not.

"Mai is her own person Zuko. She can do whatever she wants and if she asks me to kiss her then I'll do it."

Zuko's attitude had become rather annoying to Aang. Who was he to say anything? Especially when he had no problem kissing Katara, whom Aang had loved behind his back. It wasn't fair for Zuko to act this way while Aang still regarded him as his friend despite what happened.

"So I kissed Mai. Big deal! It was just a one time thing and it won't happen again. She hasn't kissed anyone since you and so she asked me. I don't love her like you claim to and I never will. Instead of being mad at me for what happened, focus on how to convince Mai take you back", Aang scolded.

Zuko finally relented and let his hands fall to his sides. He knew that the air bender was right. It was no use being upset with him for being there for Mai when she asked him to. Aang let go of him and smoothed out Zuko's shirt, cleaning it of any wrinkles he might have caused. Zuko pushed himself forward from the wall.

"I'm sorry Aang. I don't know what came over me…I thought I had gotten passed my anger."

"It's fine Hotman" Aang smiled, "I'm all finished getting ready for this party. The girls will probably still take a while so let's have some of your uncle's tea before it's time for us to go."

"Yeah that sounds like a good idea", Zuko agreed and followed Aang out of the room. While Aang may have calmed him down, Zuko still held on to his insecurities.

After nearly two hours passed, the girls were finally ready. They were wearing long qipao dresses with different colors. Katara's dress had a sky blue color, Toph wore a dark green, and Suki wore a green and yellow qipao. Sokka was in awe with how his girlfriend looked.

"Suki my dear, you looks absolutely gorgeous!" He complimented her.

"Toph you look amazing", Zuko grinned.

"Yeah yeah whatever. Don't think I'll forget about you leaving me with those two Sparky", Toph snarled.

"Don't be like that Toph, you look beautiful", Katara said behind her. When Aang caught a glimpse of her, his heart began racing. She had let her long hair flow, but still kept her hair loops up. The color of her dress had made her eyes stand out even more than before.

'Katara looks beautiful…WAIT', Aang shook his head and looked away, 'Get a hold of yourself Aang!' He and the water bender were just starting to becoming close friends once more. The last thing he wanted was be awkward around her like he used to be. Unbeknownst to him, Katara wanted to get a reaction out of him. She walked up to him hoping to hear him calling her beautiful like he had before.

"So what do you think?" She asked with a small shy tone and blushed.

Aang turned back to her, 'Alright be cool, be cool Aang.'

"You look great", Aang gave her a small smile.

It wasn't the answer she was hoping for, but she would make do with it, "Thank you"

Sokka clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention, "Alrighty everyone. The sooner we get to the palace the better! There is already a royal carriage here to take all of us."

"We're not flying on Appa?" Toph asked.

"King Kuei already provided us a royal escort since we're guests in Ba Sing Se", Zuko stated, "It's expected of royalty host their guests after all. As Fire lord, I have to do it as well."

"And as much as I love riding on Appa, I would rather my hair not get ruined by the wind", Suki added. Katara nodded her head in agreement.

"I'm also taking Appa to pick up Kano. I'll see you all later at the palace", Aang waved his friends off as he walked out of the front door.

It didn't take long for Aang to reach the hotel Kano and her friends were staying at with Appa. He jumped off the bison's head and started for the lobby until he saw Kano coming right out. She wore an all blue lehenga dress with silver accents that flowed on the skirt. Just like Katara, Kano let her short hair down, minus the hair loopies. She wore the same amount of makeup as she did for their first date. She looked like a princess.

"Wow…you look beautiful Kano", Aang stated.

Kano smiled at the compliment and walked over to him, "Thank you. You don't look half-bad yourself."

"Thanks", Aang wrapped an arm around her waist and jumped to Appa's saddle, "You ready for a royal party?"

"As ready as can be. I can't wait to see how an air bender likes to party", Kano grinned.

"I'll try not to disappoint you", Aang smiled and looked to Appa's head, "Okay buddy, take us to the royal palace."

It was only a few minutes until the two had arrived. After jumping off the bison, Aang offered his arm to Kano, to which she gladly accepted. Appa was led to the nearby stables as servants led Aang and Kano to the reception hall. The hall was lively with nobles wearing nothing but the fanciest clothes. When Aang and Kano stepped through, a booming voice echoed through the building.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the mighty Avatar Aang and Kano of the Southern water tribe!"

Aang winced inwardly at the loud announcement. He had forgotten how loud announcements of his arrival would be at functions like this. The party attendants clapped and cheered for his and Kano's arrival.

"How did they know who I was?" Kano wondered.

"It's likely that my friends told King Kuei about you since I didn't arrive with them. Hope you don't mind being the center of attention like that" Aang replied.

"I don't mind. I guess you're used to this kind of treatment."

"Just barely", Aang muttered. The couple walked over to the round table where the rest of the gang, minus Zuko, sat. Sokka was happily eating his meal, much to his girlfriend's embarrassment. Aang pulled up a chair for Kano and took the seat the next to her.

"Wow Kano you look gorgeous", Suki complimented her.

"Thank you. You look stunning", Kano replied with a smile and looked to Katara and Toph, "and you two look amazing as well."

"Thank you Kano. I agree with Suki, you look great", Katara responded, a feeling of self-doubt gnawed at her. How could she hope to have Aang's heart when Kano, being as beautiful as ever, at his side? She felt envy towards Kano but kept the emotion from taking over.

"So how are my new students faring after their lesson?" Toph inquired.

"They are finally able to move on their own…although just barely with how sore they are", Kano chuckled.

"Those lily-livers still have a long way to go before they become metal benders, but they have potential", Toph said, smiling as she thought of what she would put Sato and Suna through next. Whatever Toph was planning, Kano had a bad feeling about it for her friends. From the corner of Aang's eye, he could see Sokka watching him and remembered his last conversation with the water tribe warrior. However, before he could dwell on his friend's words, Zuko had walked over to the table and took his seat between Aang and Katara.

"Agni…talking to these old nobles is so exhausting", Zuko remarked.

"Well I have someone who isn't old here for you to meet", Aang chuckled, "This is my date, Kano."

Kano dipped her head slightly down in respect, "It is an honor to meet you Fire lord Zuko."

"Oh um. It is very nice to make your acquaintance" Zuko replied rather awkwardly. He had just remembered that Aang was bringing a date. When Kano raised her head back up, Zuko finally got a good look at her appearance. He could see why Aang would be interested in a pretty girl like her. After they all ate their meals, a female servant informed Aang of King Kuei's request to see him. He stood up from his chair and offered his arm to Kano once more.

"Would you like to come with me and meet King Kuei?"

"Of course", Kano accepted, wrapping her arm around Aang's. Once the two were out of the gang's ear shot, Zuko glanced at the girls.

"You guys weren't kidding. That girl is gorgeous!"

"Told you so", Katara said. Her eyes were still on Aang and Kano with growing jealousy. She wasn't sure how much longer she could stomach seeing Aang with that girl.

Zuko noticed the look in her eye and worried for her. He remembered how she was when it finally dawned on her that she was truly in love with Aang. Katara could only yearn for the air bender since she was restricted from telling him her truth. The truth of her love for him.

"You okay?" Zuko asked.

"…y-yeah. I'm fine Zuko" she answered with a sad smile. Suki watched her friend and couldn't help but feel guilty. She was the one that restricted Katara and assured her that she would not lose Aang. But that was before he was reacquainted with Kano. Sokka worried for his sister and wish to knock some sense into Aang. To tell him that his sister loved him and regretted getting into a romantic relationship with Zuko. Sokka knew Suki wouldn't be happy if he told Aang the truth. Although, it did not mean that he couldn't try to show Aang instead of just telling him. He had an idea. Toph…was still thinking of ways to train her victims, Sato and Suna.

"I will tell him eventually", Katara continued, "for now…I just need to endure this. Even if it hurts seeing him with someone else."

Zuko placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "That's rough buddy."

Katara sighed and resisted slamming her face down on the table, "Tell me about it."

The female servant led Aang and Kano to the center of the reception hall. Just then a familiar young man stood before the pair. He had brown hair and a light skin tone. Aang did not recognize the young man until he had gotten a proper look at his face. Then his eyes went wide with recognition.

"Huan!"

"It's good to see you again Aang", Huan greeted him with a smile. Since the last time they had first met Aang had asked King Kuei to give Huan a job working as a part of the royal administration. The king happily complied and appointed Huan as one of his royal secretaries. Aang then introduced Kano to Huan and told her of what happened with him and Miu.

"How is Miu these days?" Aang asked.

"She is doing well. We have actually just moved into a new apartment and still have so much to unpack so she decided to stay while I came here. She wanted me to say hello to you for her", Huan explained.

"I'm glad to hear you two are doing well", Aang smiled, "Be sure to tell her I said hello as well and that I'm still waiting on that wedding invitation"

Huan laughed, "In due time Aang. I promise you that you will get that invitation." With that, he bid the couple farewell.

"That was really sweet of you to help him and Miu out like that. Can't imagine a lot of guys willing to do that for anyone they just met." Kano commented.

Aang shrugged, "I just like to help out anyway that I can"

The pair continued on, following the servant up the stairs in the hall. They eventually arrived at a private room where King Kuei and Bosco the bear were residing.

"Avatar Aang! It is wonderful to see you again", Kuei greeted them.

Aang bowed his head, "same to you, your majesty. This is my friend, Kano."

At the mention of her name, Kano bowed her head to Kuei as well, "It is a pleasure to be in your presence your highness."

King Kuei smiled, "The pleasure is all mine. I hope you are enjoying yourself at this celebration."

"Immensely" Kano replied and raised her head, "Aang informed me that this party is to celebrate the new trade agreements."

"Yes. It is a step towards progress for a world without war and thus deserves to be celebrated. I hope that we can have more celebrations like this from here on."

"You really love parties don't you, your majesty", Aang said.

"But of course. Bosco and I are always happy to have parties. Isn't that right my friend?" Kuei turned to his furry friend behind him. The bear only grunted in agreement.

"I haven't seen a platypus bear like that before" Kano remarked after looking at the bear.

"Bosco is only just a bear", Aang grinned.

"Don't you mean armadillo bear?" Kano inquired.

"No, just bear." Kuei assured her. He was used to hearing this from people when they first met Bosco. "If you would excuse us Miss Kano. I would like to speak with Avatar Aang privately."

"Um sure no problem", Kano turned to Aang, "I'm going to head over back to where your friends are then."

"Sure thing. I won't be too long." Aang told her. With that out of the way, the water bender made her way back to the reception hall. Bosco began his nap as King Kuei and Aang walked out to the balcony that held a great view of the city from the palace. The sky was dark, showing some specks of light coming from the stars above. A glow could be seen everywhere in Ba Sing Se, showing just how much the great kingdom was alive even at night.

"I hope you and your friends have had a wonderful stay here in Ba Sing Se." Kuei started as he turned to the air bender.

"It's been great to take a break for some time here. By the way, I ran into Huan while I was on my way to you. He and Miu seem to be doing well since you gave him the secretary job." Aang replied.

"That young man has become a great asset. I should be thanking you for asking me to give him a job. He's helped me a lot during his time with the royal administration."

"I'm happy to hear that. So what did you want to speak to me in private about?"

"I was actually curious about something. A while ago I happen to notice an advertisement for a "date with the Avatar" and was wondering if that was a real advertisement you set up."

Aang's eyes blinked. This was the last thing he would expect the earth king to talk to him privately about. "Toph was the one that set it up. I didn't find out about it until I read it in the newspaper myself."

"Oh dear, I imagine that was quite the surprise", Kuei laughed.

"You can say that again", Aang mumbled.

"But you still went along with it?"

"While I originally wanted to start dating, Toph had me starting a lot sooner than I had expected to. My first blind date happened to be with Miu and that's how I met Huan. Her family set her up on a date with me but Huan was the only man she truly loved. I blamed myself for putting her in that position" Aang explained.

"My word, that is quite the predicament."

"Her family didn't approve of Huan because of his status so that's why I suggested that you give him a high ranking job."

"Quite a win-win situation for the both of us if you ask me. You helped out a new friend and I got a hard working secretary out of it." Kuei remarked and continued, "can I assume that a majority of your dates varied in age and were eager in being your wife?"

"You can", Aang sighed, "How did you know?"

"You and I are similar in that regard. I have had many women throw themselves at me since I was your age in hopes of becoming my wife and bearing my children."

"King Bumi suggested that I look into having a harem…" Aang mumbled.

"But that is not what you want I presume"

Aang shook his head, "It would make sense for me to have a harem considering that I am the last air bender. But I want to spend the rest of my life with a woman I could love and whom would love me for who I am."

"Have you fallen for Kano?" Kuei wondered.

"Kano?" Sokka had asked him earlier if he planned on getting serious with her. While Aang found Kano attractive, he wasn't sure if he could say that he loved her. Not like he loved Katara. Then again they were only on their second date so it could have been a matter of time. Aang remembered how he felt on his first date with the water bender. Since his earlier conversation with Sokka, Aang had a feeling of doubt over what he truly desired. "I can't say that I have."

"Be that as it may, love isn't not something that can be rushed from my experience." Kuei stated, "You are still young Aang. How old are you now?"

"I'm fourteen years old", Aang answered.

"You still have quite a long life ahead of you Avatar Aang. I would suggest that you take everything slow and just enjoy your life as is."

The two then heard someone stepping up from behind them. Aang turned to see a women wearing a green and gold kimono. Her dark black hair was tied up in a bun. Her skin tone was pale with piercing green eyes. From what the air bender could tell, the woman had to be in her late twenties.

"Perfect timing Tomoe", Kuei addressed her and turned to Aang, "This is my lovely bride-to-be, Tomoe Ryosuke."

"Hello Tomoe. It's nice to meet you", Aang greeted the newcomer.

"Hello Avatar Aang. It is an honor for me to meet the young man who ended the one Hundred Years' War", Tomoe bowed her head.

"You can just call me Aang", he turned back to Kuei, "I didn't hear about you getting engaged."

"It is actually being announced tonight. You can expect another party to celebrate the occasion", Kuei chuckled, "Tomoe and I met during my travels after Ba Sing Se fell to the fire nation."

"It was love at first sight", Tomoe recalled fondly until she remembered what she came to them for, "my love, it is time for you to make your entrance at the party."

"Of course dear. Aang and I will be there shortly."

Satisfied with his answer, Tomoe went back inside.

"Seems like you've found your true love. I'm happy for you your majesty", Aang smiled.

"Thank you Aang. It should be only a matter of time until you find what you're looking for. I'm sure of it" Kuei said encouragingly.

Aang only hoped that King Kuei was right about that.

The party continues in chapter 21! Be sure to let me know what you think of this chapter. Hope you have a good weekend!