Serenade

In the darkness, sitting by the turtle-duck pond, Katara swirled the water with her fingers. The stars shone bright in the sky above her, and she smiled to herself contentedly.

The turtle ducks were asleep, honking and snoring quietly, and there wasn't so much as a breeze to disturb their quiet.

Hearing footsteps, Katara turned her head to see Zuko walking toward her, and offered a small smile. Bare-chested, he sat beside her.

"Hello," he whispered, waving an arm in front of her, causing dozens of candles to spring to life, "Fire Lady Katara."

Katara blushed, and smiled to herself. She met Zuko's eyes, ablaze in the candlelight, and she drew near him. Leaning in, they shared a soft kiss.

Zuko smiled against her lips, and drew back, saying, "So much for serenading you." He then lifted Katara into his arms and strode back into the palace, then straight to the royal bedchambers.