“Zuko…” Katara whispered softly, her eyes unable to leave Zuko’s amber.
Mesmerized, their faces drew imperceptibly closer together, when the sound of a paper falling on the floor released Katara from her daze.
She jerked back from Zuko quickly, a dark blush tainting her cheeks. Reaching down, she picked up the lyric sheet that had fallen. It had become unnecessary; the words were already burned into her heart.
Hesitantly, Katara looked back towards Zuko. Her brows furrowed when she saw him. His expression was...different. The boy was looking down, hair hanging over his face. Katara raised her voice to ask what was wrong.
“Zuko, what’s wro-” she began, but was cut off by a look from the young man across from her. His eyes brimmed with anger.
“We’ve had enough practice for today,” he said, his voice hard and cold.
He got up from his seat, grabbed his guitar by the neck, and stormed out of the practice room. Katara sat in her place, stunned at Zuko’s sudden change in attitude. Just when she was beginning to think that the boy and her had found a connection, he did something so rude and unexpected.
Katara shook her head, a grimace now on her face. She balled up the lyric sheet and watched as it sailed into a nearby wastebasket.
“What a waste of time,” she frowned to herself. With that final thought, Katara barged out of the room, fighting off the nasty feeling in her gut.
Katara walked briskly to the classroom where the Music Club was. She tried to empty her mind, but she couldn’t help the sinking feeling in her heart. Katara crossed the room and grabbed her bag from her school desk hurriedly. The room was empty except for Suki, who was sitting at the front desk shuffling through some papers. Suki looked up from her work, noticing the frustrated Katara.
“So, how’d it go?” Suki asked. Katara answered her with a slam of the door.
“Still a lot of sexual tension, I see,” the girl chuckled to herself.
Katara briskly walked towards the double doors of the school exit, hoping to not be stopped by anyone. Her blood boiled at the thought of Zuko. What the hell was wrong with him? He had been enjoying the song as much as she had. The girl didn’t know why, but whenever Zuko seemed to show any emotion, he closed himself off immediately. It was insulting - like Katara couldn’t be trusted with his feelings. After sharing such a close moment, she felt...in a word, betrayed.
Katara was about to turn the corner, knowing the doors were just beyond, when someone yanked her arm from behind. Startled, the young girl turned her head to meet a familiar pair of grey eyes.
“Hey,” Aang smiled, still firmly grasping her arm. Katara stared at Aang for a few moments before looking down, distraught.
“You all right, Katara? You look upset,” Aang asked worriedly.
“I’m...fine,” she answered lamely.
“Well, how was Music Club?” Aang asked thoughtfully. Katara just shook her head, making Aang’s brows furrow in concern.
“Not fun. I got paired up with...Zuko. For a music assignment,” Katara said, grimacing.
“And I’m guessing he’s not Music Partner of the Year, huh?” Aang commented.
Katara merely nodded in agreement. She looked up when the boy placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, it’s one assignment. It won’t take forever. Plus, you’re an amazing musician, and you’re strong too. You can handle him AND make a kickass symphony with your hands tied behind your back!” Katara grinned slightly at Aang’s comment.
“Um, I wouldn’t necessarily call a symphony ‘kickass’, Aang.”
“Well, YOU’RE the genius, remember?” Aang laughed.
The girl blushed when Aang brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.
“Don’t worry, Katara. It’ll be okay. Come on, we should get home,” he said as he wrapped the girl in a hug.
Katara felt immediately calmer and leaned into his embrace. Soon, they both strolled out the school exit, Katara fending off her thoughts of the boy in the practice room and focusing on the boy walking with her.
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I know its short, but its an update! Comment if you love the story so far, I love to hear them :) Thanks to all who have been reading, I love every single one of you; when you show up on my news feed after you followed me or my stories, a big smile just slides across my face instantly :D Keep on reading, more to come, and I love you! Like, a lot. Kbye.
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Set My Heart On Fire (UPDATED AND CONTINUING!)
FanfictionA Zutara Alternate Universe fan fiction. Her cerulean eyes watched in anticipation as his calloused fingers strummed the rustic guitar. Her mind quiet; her breath stilled. He began to sing. It was resonant. Beautiful. It set her heart on fire. Cover...
