please wait to play the song (:

Yesterday we moved into our new apartment in the Upper Ring. Zuko's sickness lasted only a few days. It was quite boring since he slept the whole time, but the worrying kept me up.

It was early when Iroh started to make breakfast. I sat at our table, looking out the window. The sky was a bright blue. The clouds were white and puffy. It was fresh outside - it really felt like spring.

"Something's not right." I said to myself.

"What was that?" Iroh asked.

"Oh, nothing. Carry on with your... goop."

"It's not goop, it's-"

Zuko walked into the kitchen with a yawn while rubbing his eyes. "What's that smell?" He asked, walking over to Iroh.

As Iroh stirred whatever was in that pot, he replied saying, "It's jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it."

Zuko leaned in with his hands behind his back and took a long whiff of the white soup. "Actually, it smells delicious." He smiles. Zuko picked up one of the bowls next to the stove and handed it to Iroh, "I'd love a bowl, Uncle."

Iroh and I looked at each other with a suspicious/shocked expression. I shrugged and he turned back around.

"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow." Iroh said to him before he poured the goop - I mean jook - into his bowl.

Zuko chuckled, "It's a new day! We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop."

As he passed by me, he leaned down and planted a kiss atop of my head. I slightly perked up at the sudden action.

Zuko then took a seat next to me and looked out the window just as I did earlier. "Things are looking up, Uncle."

While he took a sip of his breakfast, Iroh and I glanced at each other. We smiled a happy smile.

I turned my head and faced Zuko. "I'm really happy you're doing well. More than well."

Zuko placed down his bowl onto the table before bringing me into a warm hug. "I missed you."

"I'm right here." I lightly laughed.

"I wasn't able to touch you or talk to you or really admire you. I missed you." He clarified.

I wrapped my arms around him. "I missed you too, Zuko." I put my head on his chest. The sound of his heart beating made me hum. I closed my eyes and took in the moment.

something definitely isn't right,

but I'm not complaining.

>>>

I will say that the grand opening of The Jasmine Dragon is a success. I don't think there's been a moment where the tables weren't full. And the day's not even over yet!

"Hello, welcome to The Jasmine Dragon. My name is Jade and I'll be your host for this evening." I smiled to a couple. "Please follow me."

I walked to an empty table and persuaded my hands out to it. When they were seated, they thanked me.

"It's no problem. A server will come shortly to take your order. Enjoy your meal here." I walked away from the table and returned to my usual spot.

With my arms behind my back, I swayed side to side, waiting for new customers.

I looked around at all the people drinking their tea. Some smiling, some laughing. Those who were alone were reading the daily news.

An old couple in particular caught my eye.

The elderly man held onto his wife's hand from on top of the table. They were facing each other. Neither of them spoke verbally, but you could tell they were sending heartfelt messages to each other.

I wonder...

My eyes averted away from them and they wandered around the large room. They were searching for Zuko.

I spotted him talking to Iroh at the end of the room. When him and Iroh hugged, my smile softened.

Once the nephew and uncle pulled away, Zuko turned to me. I slowly waved at him and he did the same. Shortly after, him and Iroh went back to the kitchen.

I put my lips into a thin line,

maybe that could be us...

one day.

I slightly jumped when I heard someone clear their throat. "Excuse me?"

I straightened myself out and sheepishly greeted myself just like earlier. "I'm sorry, I doz- Katara?"

"Ruka?!"

I didn't know what I felt when I saw her. Everything seemed to be going so fast. Next thing I knew, I was hugging her.

"I'm so happy to see you. If I'd of known that you were here in Ba Sing Se, I would've came looking for you right away."

"I- I thought you hated me." I said slowly.

"Ruka, you're my sister. I could never hate you. Yes I was mad, but that doesn't matter now." She said when we pulled away. "What are you doing here? Did you escape from Zuko?"

I sighed, "Katara-"

"Wait until Sokka and Aang come back. They're going to be so excited to see you."

"Where did-"

"I'm so relieved that you made the right choice. I really couldn't believe you went to travel with Zuko." She laughed.

"Katara-"

"Where even is he?"

"Katara, I didn't-"

"Uncle! I need two Jasmine, one green, and one leechy!" Zuko yelled.

"I'm brewing as fast as I can!" Iroh replies.

I looked down at the floor, my hands clenched in fists. I can only imagine what Katara's face looks like. I'm not strong enough to face her.

"Y-you..."

I looked up as Katara backed away slowly. "H-he's..."

"You have it all wrong-" I reached my hand out when she ran away. "Wait!"

This can't be happening. Not now. Not when everything is going perfect.

>>>

Side Note:

I was relieved when The Jasmine Dragon finally closed. My mind was elsewhere the rest of the night. Zuko was quick to notice.

"Will you tell me what's wrong now?" Zuko asked me when I walked over to him while he sweeped the floor.

"Nothing is wrong. I'm just really tired." I said. I tried to make my voice sound convincing. "I know I didn't do much, but talking to people all day really tires you out."

Zuko cocked a brow at me and I faked a chuckle, "Hot head, I'm good." I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck.

He leaned the broom against a table before wrapping his arms around my waist. He leaned in and planted a long kiss on my lips. I hummed. I needed that

"You look good in your uniform." I winked.

"Yeah?" Zuko smirked.

"Yeah. Totally an upgrade from the last one." I pecked Zuko on the lips then combed my fingers in his hair. "You need a hat. One like Iroh's."

Zuko stifled a laugh, "I think I'll pass."

"A message from the Royal Palace."

Zuko and I both turned our heads. A man handed Iroh a scroll then walked back out.

"The Royal Palace?" I cocked a brow. While Iroh read the scroll, I looked back up at Zuko and he shrugged.

"I can't believe it!" Iroh grinned with wide eyes.

"What does it say?" I asked anxiously.

"Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!" Like a little kid, Iroh ran away from us with the scroll in his hands, his grin never leaving.

I jumped, "I get to go to the Royal Palace!"

I cleared my throat, "I mean, we get to go to the Royal Palace!"

"Ah, this is so amazing!" I tightened my arms around Zuko and he did the same. He spun me around and I squealed.

My mood truly changed. I was genuinely happy for us, especially Iroh. I mean, this is his moment!

Once Zuko put me down, I pulled myself away. "What am I going to wear? I don't think I have time to get a dress. But this is the Royal Palace we're talking about! I have to make time!"

"Ruka."

"Hm, maybe if I go early tomorrow, I'll find a dress with time to spare."

"Ruka."

"Do you want to help me pick it out?"

"Ruka!"

"What Zuko?! Don't you see I'm planning!"

"I love you."

"Zuko, now is not the time to - wait... what did you just say?" My voice suddenly got low. If he says what I think I heard, I'm going to pass out.

"I said, I love you."

I covered my face with my hands to hide my childish pink face and grin.

I felt hands around my wrists. Zuko gently put my hands down and made me look up at him. "Did you hear me?"

I nodded. "Yes. I heard you."

"You're not saying anything. Do you not feel the same way?"

"Say it again." I told him. "I want you to say it again."

"I love you."

I grabbed ahold of his hands and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure, Ruka. I love you."

"I love you too, Zuko." I tried to keep myself together even though butterflies were swirling in my stomach right now. "Now kiss me."

Zuko cupped my cheeks with his hands and pulled me into him. Our kiss was different. It was sweeter - like tea with the perfect amount of sugar. It was softer - like a brand new pillow filled with the softest feathers. It was warmer - like laying on his chest and hearing his heart beat.

It was everything.

It was mine.

okay so when's the wedding???