Prologue/Author's comments: This Zutara tale takes place after the Tales of Bae Sing Sae, in which Zuko went on a date, and Katara and Toph went to a spa.

DISCLAIMER: ATLA (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and other characters/associated material is copyrighted and not mine.I will use the characters however to create/simulate a story within the plot of ATLA to suggest what might happen.

Prince Zuko sighed as he refilled the teapot. He was tired and sore, I wish I could just go to a nice bed and sleep, he thought. But he couldn't, he needed to work in order to survive. He was unhappy that they were working in a tea shop, Uncle already drinks enough of the stuff, but a whole day with it, he thought, though still grateful that his uncle managed to find them jobs. It's hopeless to restore my honor in the family and Fire Nation now. I'm a traitor even more now than ever. Ever since Azula tried to execute Uncle and I, we've been on the lam. Zuko walked back to his uncle's and his apartment after finishing his shift. I wonder where the Avatar is. I haven't seen head or tail of him since we cornered Azula. Also, where'd Jet go? I know the Earth Kingdom soldiers took him away, but he never showed his face again. I thought after he was freed or convinced them he did nothing, he'd return to get my uncle and I. He sat down and began to meditate.
Katara decided to take a walk in the city. She was tired of being dragged to the functions that the Earth Kingdom was using to keep an eye on Aang and his friends. Ever since their attempt to contact the Emperor was denied, the Earth Kingdom had grew angry at the Avatar for telling of the war. Katara walked along the road, and found herself walking where many refugees lived. As she walking, she entered a tea shop. I haven't had a good cup of tea in a long while. I miss Gran and her tea and tales. We also haven't seen Zuko in a while. Maybe he gave up on the idea of chasing the Avatar! But then again, that would be too good to be true. She entered the tea shop and sat down.

"May I get you something to drink?" said a familiar voice.

Katara gasped and turned, there was Prince Zuko's Uncle Iroh. He doesn't seem to recognize me. We haven't really met other than a few glipmses. "I'd like a cup of green tea, please." said Katara.

"Most certainly." Iroh said, and moved away to get her cup of tea.

If Iroh is here, then where is Zuko? They usually are together. I highly doubt that Iroh is here by himself in the big city of Bae Sing Sae, thought Katara, looking around, trying to be discreet.

"Are you looking for someone?" asked Iroh as he placed the cup of tea in front of Katara.

"No, I'm not looking for anyone!" yelped Katara, having not heard Iroh approach. She blushed at being caught.

"You know, you look to be about my nephew's age. How old are you?" said Iroh, sitting across from Katara.

"Um, I'm sixteen." said Katara, shyly. I guess, I'm happy for another person's company besides Aang's and the rest. But I don't want to give too much away because he might tell Zuko. Then who knows what'll happen? But Zuko can't do too much, since the last time we met, he was dressed like a refugee. That must mean something has happened and Aang won't have to worry too much...thought Katara.

"Hmmm..." muttered Iroh, pouring the teapot and drinking some of the tea. "My nephew is very handsome, but he has a scar that he got. He's also shy but sincere. Would you mind stopping by this address to cheer him up? He has been very depressed lately." said Iroh, cheerfully, while handing Katara a sheet of paper."

"Umm...sure." said Katara, getting up to leave.

Aang sighed, as he heard Katara enter the house. He had been wondering where she had gone. "Hi Katara! Where'd you go?" he asked.

"You won't believe what I discovered! Prince Zuko and General Iroh are here in Bae Sing Sae!" said Katara, excitedly.

"WHAT?" came a loud voice behind the door.

Katara made a face and then yelled, "SOKKA! We know you're behind there. You might as well come out. Go get Toph, too, this is important!" Aang and Katara heard footsteps going and coming back. Then the door slid open to reveal Sokka and Toph.

"What's so important that Sokka needed to pull me away from earthbending?" said Toph, irritated.

"Prince Zuko and General Iroh are in Bae Sing Sae, but it's not what you think, Sokka!" said Katara, seeing the look on her brother's face. "They're here, but as refugees running from the Fire Nation. So, they can't possibly capture you, Aang, because Earth Kingdom soliders would be on them before they could make a move." said Katara, breathlessly.

"THIS IS AWESOME!" shouted Sokka, "No one to worry about except that creepy witch girl, that tall knife throwing girl and the weirdo acrobat girl who made my arms and legs go all wonky."

"Good, " said Toph, "At least now, Twinkle Toes won't have to run as hard from people advancing in two directions."

"..."Aang was unsually silent. "It feels so weird, you know. Zuko ahs been my foe since I emerged out of that iceberg. I guess it feels as if something has left me..." sighed Aang.

"Be happy. I know we are." said Katara.

Aang nodded, but remained silent. Katara grew worried.

Zuko broke out of meditation as his uncle returned from his shift at the tea shop.

"Prince Zuko! Come here, I have important news to tell you!" shouted his uncle.

Zuko gritted his teeth as he ermeged from his room. "What, Uncle? What is so important that you need to disturb me during meditation?" said Zuko, irritated.

"Prince Zuko, I had the pleasure of serving a nice young lady in the tea shop today. But it wasn't the Earth Kingdom girl!" said Iroh, hurriedly spotting the expression on Zuko's face. "In fact, it was a Water Tribe girl. A rare sight these days except in the South and North poles." said Iroh.

Zuko's face went from stoic to surprised. "WHAT?" he burst out, "What was her name?"

"Her name was Katara and she is quite beautiful. Perhaps you would like to take her out?" said Iroh, good-naturedly.

"Maybe." said Zuko, before retreating to his room. If the Water Tribe girl is here, than the Avatar is here! But wait, if I capture him in the Earth Kingdom, I'll ave to surrender anyways, since I'm Fire Nation. Better think this through...he thought as he sat down to meditate again.

One of the many scenarios in which Zutara could occur. I mentioned this in my other story, Zutara: Can We Trust Each Other? I actually think this one is more possible than the other since this takes place after the recent episode or it could take place of the new episode coming up which chronicles Appa's POV since his capture. Can't wait to see that one! Look for the next chapter, I promise some juicy action!

Comments on Reviews:

Again, TY for the reviews!

DragonJadefire: I know Katara' s fourteen, I apologize for exaggeration, I know I should be true to the ATLA story, but I decided to make Katara a little bit older, just so she isn't as young, you know? And anyways, on Wikipedia, it says in the article on Zuko, that they think he's around 17 now. I agree, he has matured, right? So that makes Katara around 15, yes?

To everyone else, TY for the great reviews

EXCEPT:

I know everyone is entitled to their opinion and such, but "anonymus" sorry that it isn't to your liking, but everyone has different tastes. And, you took Katara's emotion differently. I meant for her to be overjoyed at the fact Aang has one less foe, so there's one less danger, so his percentage of a death goes down. Besides if you think about it hard enough, I think that since Zuko doesn't want to plant any roots in Bae Sing Sae, should I really allow him to chase Aang? He'd be immediately captured by Earth Kingdom soldiers! Sorry, but its a Zutara story, so Zuko could be captured, but that's not the direction I'm taking. Onwards to the next chapter!