Date:

A year had passed since the death of their daughter—who they named Nyla. In that year, Zuko and Katara had grown distant. They slept in the same bed, they shared dinner together, and then they went their separate ways. Neither one dared to break the silence for fear of saying the wrong thing. Their family stopped visiting them, making sure the couple would be okay. The guards and servants had learned to leave the two royals in peace. It was if they were waiting for something to happen.

"I can't take this any more!" Zuko said, slamming down his quill. He pushed the parchment onto the ground and grabbed a fistful of hair. He looked around the room, and noticed that there was a scribe in the corner, taking all of this. "That will be enough for today, Scribe. You may go."

The small boy cowered out of the room without so much of a second glance. Zuko stood up, and walked over to the window. Staring out to the beach bellow, he saw the girl he had fallen in love with. The water was wrapping around her body and making shapes and zigzags through the air. She seemed to be at one with her element.

It had been a while since the two of the spared against each other, or even just sat down and talked about what was going on in their lives. She was really good at politics, better than him, and he really wanted to start to get her input again. No more of that "Whatever my lord wishes." Why did they fall apart when Nyla had disappeared from their lives? According to their personalities, they should have gotten closer, using each other for strength to get through the next day.

Growling, he moved away from the window. He kicked at the floor and knocked more stuff off his desk. Finally, Zuko took in a deep breath and exited the room. The first night of the week long Fire Festival. There would be great food, loud music, drunks, entertainment, and dancing. He knew for a fact that Katara loved to dance—or at least she did years ago.

He ran a hand through his hair. He was going to go grey at twenty-three. He needed something to get the romance back in his life. Sighing, he looked at the picture that was painted of them on their wedding day. They were so happy four years ago. And even last year, they were happy.

"Okay, then its set," he said. He moved out of his study and headed down the hall with a wide smile on his face. A few passing nobles, that were staying in the palace stared at the Fire Lord with a little fear. But after a moment of staring at him, they walked down the hall whistling a happy tune. With him in a good mood, the rest of the country had every right to be in a good mind.

Katara wiped the sweat from her brow as she continued deeper into the palace. She knew that a chair from her balcony called out to her, and there, she could soak up the sun and enjoy the rest of the day. From that spot, she'd have the perfect view of the fireworks that would light up tonight's sky. The Fire Nation always tried to have a reason to celebrate. And when they threw parties, they knew how to throw a party.

She let out a sigh. During their first year as a married couple, Zuko had taken Katara out into the town and showed her everything that was there. They dance, drank, and had a great time. She shook her head, getting water all over the place. Another sigh escaped her mouth and she paused.

Even she had to admit it was starting to get a little lonely without Zuko to talk to. They used to stay up all night talking about everything, but now without the presence of him, her day was just boring. She felt like Mai, being all moody and wanting to do nothing.

There were few rooms in the Fire Palace that actually had doors. For instance, the bedroom that she shared with Zuko was one of them. And there were some days she was very thankful for that door. However, after a long day of practicing she hated to push open the door.

"Good evening, Katara," Zuko said. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. He didn't wear his Fire Lord robes, but the same clothes he wore while traveling with the Avatar. Instead of having his black hair up in the topknot, he wore it down.

"Zuko," she answered and walked in, grabbing a robe. He shook his head and took it off of her. "I'm not in the mood," she said firmly.

"Get dressed, I have an amazing evening planned out for us," he answered. He moved to the dresser and began to shuffle through the clothes. He finally pulled out a dress that was similar to the blue one she wore all the time while traveling with Aang. Except this one was red with black pants.

"Maybe I don't want to go out with you," she snapped.

Zuko folded his arms. Her words were angry and hurtful, but her eyes said something completely different. She looked almost happy that he was finally paying attention to her again. "I won't take no for an answer. You have five minutes and then you and I are going to the festival. I'd appreciate it if you wore that braid. I loved it. I shall be down in the study waiting for you."

He walked out of the room, giving her more privacy. He smiled to himself as he walked down to the study. This would be the first time Katara and him would be going on a date. He couldn't help but feel giddy as he walked down. Five minutes couldn't come fast enough.

Katara looked at the dress that Zuko left out for her. She smiled and picked it up, spinning it around. She let out a squeal and adjusted her bindings before slipping the dress on. She quickly slipped the pants on and began to braid her hair.

It had been a while since her heart beat this fast. The two of them used to go on dates—all planned by Zuko—all the time. Her blue eyes looked over to the picture of his mother, her mother's necklace, and the picture the artist had painted when Nyla was born.

"Thank you guys," she whispered. "For giving us this second chance at our marriage. I know neither of us want it to end in heartbreak." She slipped on her shoes and bowed before the memorials.

Music was playing loud and children were running around laughter. It was awkward at first between the couple, but after some food in their stomach they were able to relax and enjoy themselves. Katara pulled Zuko along the road, stopping at the vendor stands that grabbed her attention.

"I was thinking that maybe we should go to Ember Island," Zuko suggested, while Katara was looking at bracelets. "We could spend time there, just the two of us."

"I'd like that, but would the Council approve?" she asked.

He smirked. "To hell with what the Council wants. Isn't it all about me and what I want? And I want time to spend with my wife," he kissed her cheek and walked away.

Katara denied the offer to buy the jewelry she was looking at and ran over to the Fire Lord. She wrapped her arm around his waist and noticed that he was looking at a giant panda. In front of him were milk bottles stacked in a pyramid.

"Would you like to throw a ball? Two silver pieces for six balls," the vendor said. "You could win something for your wife, sir."

Zuko placed two silver pieces on the table and began to throw the balls. The first two missed, by several inches. The third, fourth, and fifth balls barely caused the bottles to barely move. Barely, Katara was able to hear the water shake around in it. She clenched her fist and felt the water freeze, and Zuko through the last ball. It hit the bottles and just bounced off.

"I'm sorry, love," he said. Katara pulled out two more silver coins and picked up one ball. She threw the first one, and it landed a couple of inches in front of her. This caused the vendor to laugh.

For the rest of the balls, she missed horribly. She looked over at the vendor and put on her best puppy dogface. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm out of money, and I'd just like one more try."

Zuko gave his wife a strange look. He knew that she was able to throw better than that. And she was a better bender than what she was letting on. The vendor sighed and put the last ball on the table. Katara gave out a little squeal and picked it up, rolling the ball in her hand.

"Okay, little lady, one more shot."

Katara pulled her arm back and threw it. As it sped towards the bottles, she twirled her finger in a small circle. The water quickly unfroze and when the ball hit the bottles they cracked sending water and ceramic everywhere. The vendor looked at the bottles in disbelief.

"I think I won," Katara said, innocently.

Rolling his eyes he picked up a prize. It was a stuffed turtle-duck. Handing it to her, he was surprised when she shook her head. A smirk crossed her face as she pointed to the biggest turtle-duck that there was. Sighing in defeat, he handed the biggest stuffed animal to her. She hugged it and wished the man a well night.

Together her and Zuko walked down the street. "How were you able to win that?" Zuko asked.

"Well, I cheated," she answered.

"Katara," he groaned. "Remember what happened with the water scroll?"

"No, that was stealing. I was scamming a scammer," Katara said. She remembered something similar happening with Toph years ago. "It's all okay."

He pushed the turtle-duck's head away from her face. He kissed her deeply in the middle of the street. A few people cooed at how cute the couple looked, while others stuck their tongues out in disgust. "I knew there was a reason why I loved you."

"Other than my good looks?" Katara asked.

"Yeah."

"Good, now make yourself useful and carry the duck." She shoved the turtle-duck into his arms.

Then, she grabbed his hand and dragged him down the street. They continued on with the night, laughing and dancing. Right before the fireworks were about to start, Katara and Zuko went up to the palace and sat on the balcony. Below them, they listened to the songs and laughter of the people in the square. The giant stuffed creature sat between them, but it didn't stop them from holding hands.

"I think that was the best date I had have in a long time," she said.

"I can't think of any other way to spend a day," he answered.

Silence over came the two and blue met gold. Her eyes wandered Zuko's body, stopping every so often. There were still some things they needed to discuss, and maybe this would be the only time they could do it.

"Zuko, I'm sorry," she said. "I shouldn't have yelled at you."

He looked at her. "I don't want to hear it. It's in the past."

"But." He leaned over and placed a finger on her lips. The first firework lit up the night sky.

"I want to tell you, I had an amazing night. And I'm hoping that this will be the first of many dates to come," he continued. He felt like he was courting her all over again. And maybe, in a way, he was. "I want you to know, that I never stopped loving you. And I never will."

She moved his finger to the side and kissed his lips. "Do you know what Sokka would say at this time?"

He chuckled. "I was thinking more along the lines of what Toph would say."

"You're thinking about Toph, rather than me?" she demanded. He could hear the teasing in her voice.

"Yeah. But I know one thing that Toph can't do that you can," he said, standing up.

He grabbed her hand and helped her up. Then he led her to the bed. He laid her down gently, minding her head. He kissed along her neck, up to her mouth. He kissed her gently. Pulling away, he looked deeply into her eyes.

"I think this would be the best date I ever have," she said. "Next time, maybe you can win me a stuffed animal, instead of the other way around."

He laughed, and looked towards the balcony. "And maybe something other than a turtle-duck," he answered.

"I thought you liked them?" Katara asked.

"Just as much as you like penguins," he answered.

"Well, this penguin wants some loving from her husband," she told him, nuzzling his neck. And for what would be the thousandth time that night, Zuko kissed her again.

K15: I thought this turned out cutely. So far, I've liked every one of these that I've put out.

Toph: So have I. It's a great read!

Me: Why thanks… wait… Toph! Anyway, so now I'm officially all caught up. I've got a couple of ideas for the next few days. So, you might see multiple updates. Also, if you can't tell, all of these so far are connected. I hope you're enjoying Zutara week. Until next time. Later. K15

Disclaimer: After all these Avatar: the Last Airbender fics, I've written, I still don't own it.