As Katara approached the palace, she wondered why she felt so nervous. She was simply going to spend time with a friend; it was nothing more than that. She was so distracted by these feelings, that when the palace guard spoke, it slightly startled her.

"Forget something Miss?" He asked with a cheery smile.

"Uh…not exactly." She responded when she was back in the real world. "I was hoping to speak with the Fire Lord."

"Well I believe he just went out to the courtyard, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you joined him."

"Thank you." She gave a quick bow out of respect than made her way through the gates toward the garden.

Katara loved the place; there was something very soothing about the soft greenery and delicate flowers as they contrasted the deep reds and golds that covered every inch of the palace. She had once thought she could spend endless hours simply sitting by the large tree dipping her feet in the small turtle duck pond.

It was by this pond that she saw the Fire Lord sitting along staring into the water with a blank expression.

"Um…Zuko," She awkwardly called out. Zuko turned around and just stared in disbelief for a moment, and then he promptly stood up to greet her.

"Katara…hi. Did you forget something?"

"No." There was an uncomfortable silence as she searched for the right words. "This might sound weird…but I was hoping I could stay….here…for a few days?" Zuko raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes. Well I think so. We'll see I guess…that depends…how are you?" Katara wanted to slap her hand to her forehead and grumble at her own stupidity. What on earth was wrong with her?

For what seemed like an eternity Zuko remained silent and unreadable until slowly he furrowed his brow as if in deep contemplation.

"So," He started, "You just want to stay here…for a few days…because…?"

"I just thought maybe we could spend some time together." Katara nervously rubbed her arm as she looked at the ground. "I don't know…I just sort of feel like I never really see you anymore. All our interactions are in the forms of meetings and planning and talking about the fate of the world. But, I don't want to be a burden. It's extremely short notice, and I would completely understand if you would rather be alone…although I might need a place to stay…" Zuko was still very silent and calm and Katara couldn't stand it. "I'm sorry, this was a mistake."

Of all the reactions that had played out in Katara's head, what he did next she had not prepared for. A wide smile spread across his face as Zuko started laughing softly.

"What?" Katara asked slightly impatiently. Her hand found its way to her hip automatically.

"You, being awkward, it's something I've never seen before."

"Well you haven't exactly been helping the situation; you just kept staring blankly at me! What was I supposed to think?"

"You're always welcome here, you should know that by now." Katara felt her cheeks go a little red as he teased her. "I'll just see if the servants can go ready your room. Dinner will be served in less than an hour if you're hungry."

The Fire Lord started walking toward the door behind her. Before he could get passed her Katara gently grabbed his arm, which stopped him in his tracks.

"Thanks Zuko."

The fire bender simply gave a warm smile, before making his way out of the courtyard.