Katara captured the young man's gaze as she processed his question. She knew what was coming, but to hear the very words escape his lips sent her heart racing. The young waterbender's eyes were still wide from Shin's question, but she shook off the shock and gave the boy a warm smile.

"...Finally," she thought to herself.

"Shin, nothing would make me happier," she replied kindly. "I would love to go out with you."

Now it was Shin's turn to widen his eyes, his relief palpable. The girl giggled softly at his reaction, earning a small grin from Shin.

"That's great!" Shin said over-enthusiastically.

Katara blushed, starting to feel self-conscious. She never experienced what it was like to date, and seeing it all unfold was both unsettling and thrilling all the same.

"So...how about we meet up in the city square, you know, where the...dance was? Around 7 maybe? Oh and tomorrow?" Shin said nervously. He then sighed and ran a hand through his hair before looking at Katara more surely.

"I'm sorry; it's been a while since I've done anything like this," he said with a sheepish half-grin. It sent Katara's heart into flutters and she immediately smiled.

"It's okay, I understand. I've never really dated myself, either," Katara said, also sheepish.

The couple looked shy and awkward amongst the tall forest. However, Katara basked in the moment they were sharing, like she basked in the waning sunlight seeping through the trees. It barely illuminated the young boy and girl, creating a magical atmosphere.

She summed up a little more courage and looked up at Shin.

"It'll be fine, we can help each other. We always have," she said with a smile. A stunned look crossed Shin's face, but he immediately brightened at the thought as he nodded with a smile.

"Yeah...we really can help each other," Shin said as he gazed into Katara's clear blue eyes.

His amber orbs conveyed a deeper meaning; they appeared as if he was thinking of something so much bigger than the both of them: something filled with hope and love. Katara was evermore fascinated by Shin's behavior. The two shared a look for what seemed to be hours.

Then, Shin tentatively lifted his hand to touch Katara's cool cheek. His calloused fingertips brushed against her cheek, caressing her tenderly. Her eyes closed, leaning into his palm and marveling at his warm touch.

It wasn't until the resounding of a bird's harsh call throughout the forest that the pair snapped back to reality. Katara's eyes fluttered open as she backed away a few inches. The two looked at each other, mystified by the tender moment they had shared.

But to Katara, it hadn't felt strange at all - it had felt like the most comfortable thing in the world. Trying not to appear frazzled, the waterbender worked to regain her collected demeanor.

"Yes. Anyway, um, yes. 7 o' clock would be great," Katara smiled, trying to speak as calmly as possible. She tucked a loose strand of her soft brown hair behind her ear and met Shin's eyes once again.

There was slight amusement in his eyes as he watched her flustered reactions. Katara had noticed his entertained look, and made an annoyed face. They both laughed before the girl spoke again.

"I should probably get going now. It's already sundown and my brother's gonna get worried."

"Yeah, it's pretty late. My uncle is probably gonna want me home too," Shin said. His eyes were cast to the side, as if contemplating what to say next.

"So...I don't think it's safe to just walk around after dark alone. Would you like me to walk you home?" Shin asked slowly, enunciating his words. A light blush garnished his features.

Katara beamed at his chivalry. She probably looked like a lovestruck idiot with her ever-growing smile. But, the girl couldn't help but be excited to finally be close to Shin.

"That would be really sweet. Thank you Shin," Katara said gratefully, a grin on her face.

The two strolled out of the forest and slowly walked along the city streets that followed. Along the way, Katara and Shin's shoulders brushed together as they began to talk about their lives. Their openness came so suddenly, yet so easily as well. They shared laughs during their stroll, and Katara felt so at home - she almost forgot about actually getting home!

"Is it this corner?" Shin asked as they stopped at an intersection.

"Yes," Katara smiled at the young man. "This should be fine. Thank you for taking me home."

"Anytime," the boy replied, flashing a smile of his own.

An awkward silence ensued as Katara pondered what to do. Should she wait for Shin to do something, do something herself, or just walk away?

Smirking slightly, Shin enjoyed her nervous demeanor. He leaned forward and took the girl's hand.

He pressed his lips on her delicate hand before looking up at the flustered girl. Giving her fingers a light squeeze, Shin smiled.

"Goodnight, Katara."

Slowly, the young man let go of Katara's hand and turned away, walking down the quiet, lonely street.

Katara couldn't contain the dark blush on her cheeks, nor the excitement that coursed through her veins.

"Did he really just do that…?" she thought, her breath held.

When she was sure that Shin was gone, Katara let herself twirl around in the dark street before bringing her kissed hand to her lips. Giggling softly, she continued to dance towards the house. The girl twirled once more as she came to the front door, but jumped back in embarrassment as she saw the person standing there.

Her wide eyes met with the strangest look from her dear brother, Sokka, as he stood at the threshold, dumbfounded. His jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes were bulging out of his skull in disbelief.

"Uhh...who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Sokka asked cautiously.

"Uhh-I-umm-well..." Katara stuttered nervously. "You don't need to know!" she yelled before stomping past Sokka and into the house.

"Girls are so...weird," Sokka said, still standing at the door.

A/N: Ahh, it was really fun to write this chapter. :3 So cutesy, it makes my heart hurt! I just love Zutara. Thank you for all of those who've been reading, and please review, favorite, and follow if you enjoy the story. It would mean the world to me!

I'm excited about the next chappie, because we get the date. ;) Stay tuned!

I started a new Zutara AU story, called Set My Heart on Fire. Hot guitar Zuko there :D check it out! And if you're a Naruto fan, try my SasuHina story, Tasukete: Save Me. :)

As always, thank you so much for reading!