Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, it's owned by its creators Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon.

The next day, Zuko and Katara were out at the turtle duck pond feeding them when Aang and Xing Ying came over.

"Iroh said you'd be here," said Aang to Zuko. Then Aang said to Katara, "Look, I'm sorry about last night. You were right. I'm about to marry this wonderful lady. I just don't want things to be awkward."

"Just let it go Aang," said Katara. "It's like Zuko said, we're in a relationship. It's serious. We didn't want to hurt you, but we are engaged."

Zuko reached out for Katara's hand. "We didn't want to say anything until after you announced your engagement. We aren't getting married for quiet a while."

"I-I see. I guess I was worried for nothing. Congratulations," Aang walked off.

"I guess he feels betrayed," said Xing Ying.

"He shouldn't," said Katara.

Xing Ying was surprised. "Katara, I know I have no right to ask this, but is there any chance of being friends and forgiving him?"

"Xing Ying, I appreciate your concern, but there is no chance of Aang and I ever getting back together, if that's what you're worried about," said Katara.

"I know that now," said Xing Ying.

"I might be able to be friends with him again in time. I let go," said Katara. "Now Aang needs to do the same. I think you should talk to him."

"Thanks," said Xing Ying. She left.

They were alone in the garden.

"Zuko, I have something I want to tell you," said Katara.

"After earlier, I think I know what it might be, but go ahead," said Zuko.

"I think I'm falling in love with you," said Katara.

Zuko's eyes widened momentarily. "I wasn't expecting you to say that."

"I wasn't expecting it to happen," said Katara. "Especially after everything we've been through."

"We've been through a lot," said Zuko. "I don't want to ruin our friendship."

"Zuko," Katara sighed.

"How about we go on a date?" Zuko asked.

"A date?" Katara brightened. "I'd love to."

A few hours later, Zuko wore his normal clothes and no crown.

"Shall we head out?" Zuko asked Katara.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," said Zuko.

"Are you two headed out?" Iroh asked.

"Yes, Uncle," Zuko replied.

"Have a good time, and don't do anything I wouldn't do," Iroh responded.

Zuko sighed. "Let's go."

"Do you really want to?" Katara asked.

Zuko took her hand, "Yes."

They went out the back way.

Zuko walked around with Katara. He showed Katara around, and he got to see the capital from a new perspective, Katara's perspective.

It was different than when she was there during the war. She didn't have to hide the fact she wasn't Fire Nation.

After walking around and seeing the city, Zuko took Katara to a nice restaurant.

"It's nice," said Katara, after the waiter seated them.

"Yeah," said Zuko.

They ordered.

"So, how are things going in Yu Dao?" Katara asked conversationally.

"Aang didn't tell you?" Zuko asked Katara. Katara looked at him. "The new council voted to rename the former Fire Nation colonies, that way they can be their own nation."

"Really?"

"Yes, he also mentioned something about Sokka suggesting United Republic of Nations. They voted and went with that," said Zuko.

"Wow," said Katara.

"Yeah, they also said they'd want Sokka's opinion on things," said Zuko.

"Sokka didn't tell me any of that," Katara said as she frowned.

"That's weird," said Zuko. "I thought for sure he'd tell you."

"You mean he told you?" Katara asked.

"Er, yeah," said Zuko as he put his hand to back of his neck.

"Well, you guys are really close," said Katara.

The waiter returned with their food. They ate quietly and Zuko paid.

They left and were on their way back to the Palace.

"Zuko," Katara said softly.

Zuko stopped.

"What?" Zuko asked Katara quietly.

"Thank you," said Katara.

"Huh?" Zuko replied confused.

"Thank you for tonight. I had a nice time," Katara clarified.

"Oh," said Zuko.

Once they returned to the palace, Zuko escorted Katara to her room.

"We should go out again sometime," said Zuko.

"Really?"

"Yes. I also think it might be a good idea to travel around the Fire Nation," said Zuko.

"Okay," said Katara.

"I'll see you tomorrow," said Zuko.

Stay tuned...