Zuko woke a few moments before dawn. After bathing and dressing himself, he finally realized that he would have nothing to do the entire day. Not meetings, no training, no nothing.
He opened his door to find a note pinned to it's exterior side.
Dear Nephew,
I will be gone all day on an excursion to our Eastern borders for an informal conference regarding irrigation (lucky me) and a friend of mine will be arriving at The Palace a little after sunrise. This person is a very important woman and will be arriving alone. Please make our guest feel welcomed in my absence. In lighter terms, keep her busy until I return.
With Regards,
Iroh
"Great," mumbled Zuko as he stomped out the door and through the hallway that led to the recieving room "while he gallivants off to Angi know's where, I'm left here to babysit another old hag."
"Old Hag?" called a voice, familiar as it was smooth. "I've aged, Zuko, but I'm far from becoming a hag."
Zuko whipped around to face the bawdry blue eyes of the, now, young woman.
"Katara? Oh, Katara, this was a very...unexpected surprise." Zuko said uneasily. He hasn't seen her is years, he's forgotten how to act towards her, what to say, what to do.
"Unexpected? Or unsatisfying?" She asked cleverly. She's exactly the same as she was before. Perfect.
"Just unexpected. Your visit isn't really unsatisfying, but if you truly want to satisfy me come visit me tonight in my quarters."
'Perhaps I shouldn't have let that thought leave my mouth...' Thought Zuko. Katara was also caught by surprise at Zuko's forwardness but did none to correct him.
"Iroh told me you'd be hospitable. But I didn't know that it would go that extent..." she joked "Come, I've grown tired from the journey. Show me my bed, Prince Zuko." she took his hand.
'Perhaps then I'll show you mine.' he though mentally.