The dance was in full swing by the time Katara managed to find Zuko. He was sitting in a corner, away from the music and people, sulking.
Whats the matter, Zuko? she asked slyly, sliding up to him. Is the great Fire Lord too good to dance with commoners? Zuko balked at her words, stumbling over excuses in a cute way. Katara smiledshe was enjoying his awkwardness. After a minute of akward half-excuses, she asked again. Cmon, its fun. Why arent you dancing? she asked. She always loved to see Zuko tongue-tied.
Zuko fumbled for words. I well, its just so loud, and and I dont do well in crowds and I should really be getting back to that paperwork he stammered excuses.
Suddenly Kataras eyes darkened. She shot up, grabbing Zuko by the arm. Dance. Now. She ordered, her voice strict, as Zuko wondered what hed said wrong. You are not doing paperwork today! Youre going to loosen up and relax, understand?
B-but Katara! he had to think of something, fast. He couldnt go out there, by those people. Hed make a fool of himself! Thats not what I meant, I just was relaxing and and my feet hurt and
No excuses. Katara interrupted. Youre coming out here, and youre going to dance.
But I dont know how.
Katara stopped, and Zuko bit the inside of his cheek, cursing silently. He wanted to avoid admitting his weakness. Katara turned, staring down at Zuko with disbelieving eyes as he shrank back in his chair. What do you mean, you dont know how? she asked.
Zuko squirmed. MyMy dad always said dancing was a waste of time and effort that could be spent more constructively, he explained. That dancing showed lack of dicipline. That only idiots did it. I just I know he was wrong, but I just cant. I never learned how.
Katara studied him for a moment. Her eyes were confused, yet understanding. Then, unexpectedly, she offered her hand. Ill teach you then. She offered. Its easyits like bending without your element. You just listen to the rhythm and move to the beat.
Zuko hesitated, eyeing Kataras outstretched hand. His every instinct told him no, and it was a bad idea. But there was just something about Katara that was hard to say no to. He took her hand hesitantly, startled to find her skin was cool, and soft to the touch. She gently led him out to the floor as the slow rhythem of a song filled the air, and set his nervous hands around her waist. Like this, she explained, drawing him closer to her.
Maybe this isnt so bad, he thought to himself as they swayed to the beat. not bad at all. -- Happy Day 6! only one more to go.
Unfortunately, this pic was not working with me. I scrapped the first picture, and the second [this one] was impossible to draw. Zuko absolutely refused to be colored. So... yeah. You're just gonna have to settle for a pretty story to go along with the crummy art.
Oh, about the story--I always assumed Zuko and Azula had similar schooling to the rest of the nation. meaning, no dancing. (refer to the episode: "the headband" for reference). I might have made him somewhat Ooc though. sorry.
Anyway... good day t' yall. -- Day 1 (Aug. 10): Crossover - [link] Day 2 (Aug. 11): Blood - [link] Day 3 (Aug. 12): Jealousy - [link] Day 4 (Aug. 13): Cactuce Juice - [link] Day 5 (Aug. 14): Fireflies - [link] Day 6 (Aug. 15): Rhythm - [you are here] Day 7 (Aug. 16): Lick - [link]
But thank you for the criticism! It's very appreciated.
P.S. It's spelled Rhythm, just take out the extra E.
Thanks for the comment.