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.

Author's comments: Well, let's see what happens on their little date. Zuko is more "experienced" now since he had a date with Jin, maybe he'll be more comfortable with Katara? Or will it all go haywire?


Katara prepared herself mentally before her "meeting" with Zuko and his uncle. I have no idea what it's going to be like, she thought. But at least it is in a public place, in case Zuko has any thoughts still left about the Avatar. Katara had never been on a date before since the only men or boys left in the village had been her brother (Ew!) and a bunch of little kids. The only person Katara could remember possibly having feelings for was Jet. Of course, kissing Aang was embarassing and gave her a little bit of the butterflies, but wasn't major to make her feel romantic. It had been in a life and death situation anyways. She knocked on the apartment door.

"Come in." said Iroh, as he opened the door, "We were just sitting down to tea."

As, Iroh shut the door, Zuko turned to look at the guest who his uncle invited. His eyes widened at the sight of the Avatar's WaterTribe companion. But after the shock subsided, his face resumed its previous stoic expression.

"Please sit," said Iroh, firmly, "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, thank you." said Katara, feeling awkward and annoyed at the expression on Zuko's face. No acknowledgment? I would at least guess that a Fire Prince would be taught some manners, she thought.

Iroh, looking at the expression on Katara's face, said, "Prince Zuko, this is Katara. I met her in the tea shop of our employment. She is about your age."

Zuko only nodded and muttered a barely audible, "Hello"

"So, Katara where were you born? The North Pole or the South Pole?" said Iroh, attempting at starting a conversation.

"I was born in the South Pole..." said Katara, as Iroh poured her a cup of tea.

The conversation lagged in bits, but Iroh was very good at asking questions and being a hospitable host even though Zuko would not say hardly a word to Katara and very few, although at least some, to his uncle.

"Eh hmmm...How about you both go for a trip to the marketplace? There are some interesting items there and you can get something to eat besides drinking tea here. I'm an old man and would love if my nephew would get out from being underfoot, so I can take a nap in peace." said Iroh, cheerfully.

"But! I never--" said Zuko, protesting.

"A walk would be lovely." said Katara, through gritted teeth. What was Iroh doing? Couldn't he see it was awkward enough without having them together alone? Did he not know that she and Zuko had met before in not so friendly circumstances? Didn't he recognize her from the North Pole, where Admiral Zhao had killed the Moon Spirit?

As she and Zuko got up to leave, Katara could swear that she saw Iroh winking at her.


Aang peeked through the door to the girls' room. "Katara???" he whispered.

"Katara isn't here, Twinkle Toes," said Toph, "Besides why are you always looking for her? You haven't talked to me in a while. Probably since we stopped having Earthbending lessons. Which reminds me, I have a few new tricks I can show. How about it?" said Toph.

"Sorry, Toph, I can't. I was looking for Katara because I'm going to look for Appa and could use some help. Sokka is busy and Momo is obviously no help." said Aang.

"Sure, I can help you, Twinkle--" said Toph, as she was cut off by Momo flying into the room. He (She?) squeaked and dropped a bundle of white fur in front of Aang.

"Hey!" said Aang as he picked it up, "This is Appa's fur! Maybe we can use this to look." Momo squeaked again and flew around Aang's head. "What are you trying to tell me, Momo?" asked Aang, excitedly, "Toph, I think Momo is telling me to follow him (her?)!" Aang followed after Momo who flew out of the house. Toph, sighed and followed Aang, resigned to her task ahead.


Ooohhh big suspensful music ensues Zutara gets a little more juicier and Aang and Toph are going on a quest for Appa! Can't wait for the new episode of ATLA tonite! Appa's POV smiles