I'm participating in the 2012 Zutara Week this year! I am doing one drabble each day for each of the prompts. In addition, each drabble will have a corresponding picture with it on my Deviantart account. You're welcome to go see it. I'm a touch worried I won't make every single day on time, (I've got a big, real life, write-for-money project that takes priority, and it's due Saturday... and Zutara Week took me by surprise this year.) But, I'll do my best. Wish me luck!

Sunday, July 15th - Saturday, July 21st

Day 1: Serendipity – During a spirit attack, Zuko and Katara happen to meet on the road.

Serendipity

"Fancy meeting you here," Zuko said lightly, almost teasingly.

His tone of voice certainly did not match the dire situation they were in. Around them, dark spirits swarmed, just out of reach from Zuko's dual swords, growls deep in their throats. Katara watched them warily, edging around until she was back-to-back with Zuko.

"This is no laughing matter, Zuko," she pointed out, drawing water from her pouch and settling into a firm stance. She paused, and added, in a voice just as teasing as his; "Besides, aren't you supposed to be at the peace summit?"

"Aren't YOU?" he asked, and almost laughed. She glared at him from the corner of her eyes, and he shrugged, "Sorry. I know I should focus."

He turned back to the spirits, his eyes roaming their dark features. "It's just… well." Zuko smiled. "I certainly wasn't expecting to see you here." Fair enough—the chances of them BOTH missing the summit and meeting up at the threshold between the real world and the spirit world was highly unlikely.

She shrugged. "Serendipity, I guess."

"Maybe. But, I should really have expected you this time. After all—" …" Zuko was cut off right when a snakelike spirit shot out from the hoard, straight at them. Zuko raised his sword to block, but Katara pinned it to the ground before he could even blink.

Zuko smiled. "…You always seem to be here for me right when I need you."

A/N: Hope you liked it! Please review. Remember: accompanying pictures are on my Deviantart account-the link can be found on my author profile page. See you next time!