Chapter Nineteen:

-Zuko-

The day seemed to drag on after our outing, but once Katara was sound asleep I snuck out of our room to talk to Uncle. I found him making his evening tea…go figure. "Uncle?" I called out quietly.

He turned around startled. "Why Zuko! What are-"

"Shh!" I shushed him. "Katara is asleep. I don't want her to wake up. So keep it down" I whispered.

"Sorry" Uncle started quieter. "Would you like some tea?"

"No." I took a shaky breath. "I actually wanted to talk to you so I could ask you a favor."

Uncle gestured to the table in the middle of the room. We both sat down quietly. "What is it my nephew? You seemed rather stressed ever since you and Miss Katara arrived home."

As quickly and as quietly as I could I explained to Uncle how Katara had noticed the outfit at the lady's shop and how I wanted to get it for her despite how much she said she didn't want it. "The lady was kind enough to tell me that she would hold it until three o'clock tomorrow and she even lowered the price of it for me, but I found something else that I want to give her to go along with the outfit. I know I don't have the money for it, even with the amount I earned after we were paid."

"So you're trying to ask me for help?"

I looked down as I nodded slowly. "I know it's asking a lot Uncle."

"Nonsense Zuko. I would be happy to help. And we do have enough money because I received a raise this morning. I shouldn't have any trouble loaning you the right amount of money." I was about to say thank you when Uncle got a glint in his eyes that I knew to be wary about from experience. "Why don't we make a celebration out of it?!"

"Celebrate what?"

"We could celebrate her birthday?"

I gave him a look that clearly said 'Uncle you are insane.' "How? We don't even know when her birthday really is."

"True." Uncle stroked his beard as he thought this over. "How about celebrating us being together for a month already?"

Katara's been with us a month?! It can't be a month already. How was she even able to stay with us for as long as she has to begin with? Aren't the Avatar and that so – called warrior brother of hers even trying to find her?!

… Is anyone?

"Do we really need to celebrate? Can't I just give her the outfit and that be the end of it?"

"Absolutely not. We should make this a day for Miss Katara to remember."

If she remembers it. A vaguely remembered Uncle's conversation with Han back at the one village close to our cave hideout. He said that if Katara ever did regain her memories there is also a chance of her not being able to remember anything that happened in between. Now more than ever that thought seemed to really crawl under my skin uncomfortably. Uncle was talking but I couldn't pay attention. Katara not being able to remember, no sign of anyone looking for her, and…and…

"And then afterwards maybe you and Miss Katara can take a walk together" is where my mind came back into focus.

"Hold it! Are you trying to set me up or something?!"

Uncle pulled on his best innocent expression that he could muster up. "Of course not nephew! Where would you get an idea like that? I was merely thinking you two might like some time to yourselves since I'm not as full of energy as I used to be." He sounded genuine, but I still saw that twinkle in his eyes that he was planning something. I half growled through clenched teeth. "Nephew, there is something else troubling you."

Oh no please not a lecture! "Uncle I'm fine" I tried to fool him so he wouldn't continue. No such luck.

"Zuko, you have changed greatly in the short amount of time that Miss Katara has been with us. You actually smile more often than you have these past three years. Your temper is not as bad as it used to be; though you still have your moments. You do things that normally you would never consider trying. And you have done everything within your power to protect that young lady."

"Are you going somewhere with this?" I really don't want to have this conversation right now!

"You care about her. Maybe even more as a friend." It sounded like he said that last part a little more slyly than I have ever heard.

I kept my eyes down but I could feel a blush crawling up the back of my neck. "Don't be ridiculous Uncle. Yes I care, but she's been through probably one of the worst experiences of her life. She's still healing. She's had to go through so much. I just wanted to do something nice for her. Nothing more than that." I finally looked up to meet his gaze. It looked like he was about to argue with me so I just stood up from the table. "I don't want to talk anymore Uncle. I'm tired and I just wanted to ask you for a favor and to thank you for it. I'll go find the lady early in the morning before Katara wakes up and then the day after you can have the small party or whatever. You do what you want. Good night."

Uncle sighed heavily. "Pleasant dreams my nephew" he called out quietly after me as I shut the door to Katara's and my room.

I walked over to my mat and lay down. I snuck a peek over at Katara. She was still sound asleep and her face seemed completely calm. Good, no signs of any nightmares. I don't think I could handle hearing her wake up screaming again after that one time. I wonder if she is dreaming though. And if she is what about? A memory? Will…she ever remember? If she does…will she hate me later? One day at a time Zuko. Just focus on tomorrow and trying to make the next day Katara's best day ever. It's the least she deserves after everything she's been through. With that I drifted off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow goes well.