Chapter 1:

Summer was Katara's favorite time of year. This is because summer indicates that the Academic School year is almost over. Luckily for the brunette teacher, this was her last day of teaching. It had been an exhausting year, so she was glad it came to an end. Though at times her students could be a handful, she was going to miss them terribly. But she was also excited to finally get some peace and quiet. Well she wasn't so sure about the quiet part, with friends like hers - it was definitely going to get loud.

Since it was the last day, she didn't give her advisory any instructions apart from keeping the noise levels down and not bothering her. She had a huge headache and couldn't wait to get home.

DING DING DING!

Before she could start reciting "have a great summer, stay safe" to all her students, they vanished. Katara wasn't surprised, after all it was the day every kid looked forward to as soon as they began school. Karata sighed then laid her head down on her desk. Finally, she was done.

"That bad?" A voice asked.

"You have no idea", Katara replied.

She didn't even have to look up but when she did, she already knew who it was. Her best friend - Zuko Brown. Dark, quiet, sarcastic but also very loving and sweet. They are complete polar opposites, sometimes Katara wonders why they are even friends. Most of the time they just tease each other or engage in intense debates... But they are also incredibly close, they always have been - ever since Sophomore year in high school.

"You too tired for our lunch date?" He asked.

She rose to her feet quickly and smirked. Zuko knew that smirk all too well, she could never decline to spending time with him. That rarely happened, and when it did it was due to a petty but legitimate reason.

"Never", Katara replied putting on her coat and grabbing her handbag.

"Alright, Italian?"

"Where else would we eat?"

Zuko just laughed before taking her by the hand and guiding her outside to his car. The pair got in then drove to downtown.

~OoooooO~

Zuko and Katara arrived at the restaurant hand in hand. Katara wore a sky blue dress, while Zuko was dressed in a all black tuxedo. They looked wonderful, they always did.

"Table for two please", Zuko said as the waiter approached them. He nodded then lead them towards an isolated table at the back, near the window.

"Perfect, thank you", Katara thanked him as she took a seat opposite her best friend. The waiter smiled, nodded then left the two alone.

"So you glad to be done?"

"Of course! I finally get to sleep in during the week"

Zuko chuckled, his best friend was adorable. He took her right hand and kissed it gently, Katara did the same. Many would think of this as a romantic gesture, but it wasn't. The two enjoyed their relationship very much and never thought of dating ever. It would get awkward, no, they are great as they are.

"Well I don't get that luxury, I still have to represent sorry losers in court"

"I know it sucks, but you choose the job"

"Oh shut up"

"Hey! I'm I wrong though?"

"Unfortunately no", Zuko replied pinching the bridge of his nose. He hated that she was always right.

"Okay Mr lawyer, what are we eating?" Katara asked grabbing her menu. Though she had been here many times before, she still had trouble remembering the dishes - there were so many!

"I think I'll take the bolonaise"

"Good choice, I think I will too"

The two best friends devoured their meal and complemented it with red wine that of course Zuko requested. Katara wasn't a big fan of alcohol but she didn't mind having some from time to time when it was an occasion which it was. Today marked the 13th year of their meetaversary! So of course there was going to be wine.

The time they spent together was magical as always. They: talked, laughed, argued, fought and also danced. They were there a while. While the evening casually rolled in, they drank more wine and enjoyed each other's company, until it was time to leave.

Zuko drove Katara to her apartment afterwards. She invited him in and as usual, he made himself at home. Katara dropped her coat on the hanger behind the door and went to the kitchen, after drinking so much wine - she needed a glass of water otherwise she was going to be sick. Zuko on the other hand sat on the couch and turned on the TV. It happened to be the news, he was shocked when he heard the information.

"Tara, come look at this", Zuko said with his eyes still glued to the TV.

"What is it?" Katara asked sitting next to him.

There has been a vicious terrorist attack in which three people were killed. It appears that the terrorists crashed into a taxi, killing one woman, the taxi driver and shooting the second female who tried to escape.

"I can't believe this", Katara muttered almost in tears.

"It's alright", Zuko attempted to comfort her but she remained shaken by the news.

"I guess I'll have to take her on another lunch date...", Zuko thought. He didn't like to see her sad, he was going to have to cheer her up.

"Hey Tara", Zuko whispered softly into her left ear.

"Yes Zuzu?", she said turning her head to face him. Zuko rolled his eyes, he hated that nickname. But he would let it slide this time around.

"I was thinking, since I get out early on Wednesday... maybe you want to go on another lunch date?"

"Yes, I'd like that very much"

Now she was smiling again, this made Zuko leap with joy on the inside. Katara casually rested her head on his shoulder and took his hand. He didn't mind at all. Zuko responded by intertwining his fingers with hers and wrapping his free hand around her bare shoulder, it was exposed since she was only wearing a tank-top.

Zuko started flipping through channels effortlessly, he stopped when he saw the movie Rush Hour 3. Katara got up for a second to grab a blanket before snuggling up with him as they enjoyed the movie for the rest of the evening.