Cruel Intentions Chapter 10: Learn To Walk, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar or Cruel Intentions... Don't own Stop & Stare by OneRepublic (gosh, I love their music!)

Note: This chapter may be sucky and shorter than usual.

Chapter 10

Learn to Walk

The doors opened and closed as customers walked in and out of 'Wu's Book Store'. Today was pretty slow as Katara was stacking new arrivals onto the shelves. Sometimes, Katara would come and help out if there was really nothing to do, and each time, Aunt Wu would graciously accept her help.

"Excuse me, but do you have 'Pride and Prejudice'?" a smooth voice asked from behind her. Katara turned around to see Zuko in casual vintage jeans and a leather jacket; BIG change from his usual wear. He leaned coolly against the book case, hands stuffed into his pockets. The girl finished putting the rest of the books in place before copying Zuko and leaned against the shelf to. The guy just raised an eye brow and grinned at her.

After a while and studying Zuko, Katara had to smile to herself. "Isn't it a little too early to be stalking?"

"It's not stalking, just 'conveniently bumping' into each other," he chuckled. "Besides, I don't know you worked here?"

"Usually just on the weekends to help Aunt Wu. Besides, do you really read such sophisticated books?"

"Hardy har har, Katara." He replied in monotone, "Did you know I once had a stimulating conversation about books with a cheerleader?"

It took all of Katara's willpower not to laugh out loud, her body quaking. "Sorry, but I've got to go back to work," she said.

"Work? There's only an old guy here! How about I take you out to lunch instead?" Zuko offered.

"I don't know...I can't, really. I'm sure Aunt Wu really needs me he--!"

"Aunt Wu!" Zuko shouted from across the store, dragging Katara with him towards the store keeper. "Do you mind if Katara takes a little break for lunch?" Zuko asked.

"Oh no! Not at all. Katara, have a great time," The keeper said, whispering to Katara before she left, "He seems like a keeper!"

"Thanks..." she muttered sarcastically under her breath.

The both of them sat outside with the fresh air blowing in their faces, other tables surrounding them busy with chatter. A bowl of fruit sat on the table between them, each one being plucked off one by one.

"So..." Zuko began, his sentence slowly melting away. This is more awkward than I thought, he said to himself.

"Cat got your tongue? I'm surprised that Zuko Valmont is tongue tied for once," Katara proclaimed in mock astonishment.

"Hey, come on. I never hear you starting any conversations with me," He smirked, playfully throwing a grape in her direction. Katara retaliated by flinging some cherries his way. This repeated all the way through their meal, even hitting some people nearby.

"You know, surprisingly, I had a really good time with you," Katara said as they both stood in front of the book store once again.

Just as Katara was about to leave, Zuko spoke up, "Hey, you're not busy tonight are you?" A mischievous grin playing on his face.

"No, why? But this better not be a date," Katara forewarned.

"It's not, honestly. Just think of it as a way to get to know the city better. You see, there's going to be this festival tonight. There'll be a lot of great stuff there, nothing fancy." He threw the last part in. Zuko was now smiling, hoping she'll accept the invitation.

"Sure, I'll play along." Katara smiled.

"Great! How about 'round 7 then?" Katara just nodded. Zuko walked away, his heart still pounded like drums.

Thirty minutes before picking up Katara. Zuko stood in front of his full view mirror. His collar button shirt clean and pressed, his pants also sparkling and more formal. He looked at what he was wearing. He ruffled his hair a little bit, then over analysed his appearance, fixing his hair again. Don't screw this up! He told himself.

Unbeknownst to Zuko, Katara was also facing the same dilemma. While she looked at her attire, she was worrying about a lot of stuff. About half of her clothes lied on her bed. She checked every six seconds to see if her hair was alright, also making sure her silk blue dress was kept unruffled.

By the time they met, they starred at each other. Amber clashed with sapphire.

"Doubt thou the stars are fire,
Doubt the sun doth move,
Doubt truth to be a liar
but never doubt thy love." Zuko recited slowly without flaw, flashing his winning smile at her.

This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us
It's time to make our move, I'm shaking off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
I'm staring down myself, counting up the years

Steady hands, just take the wheel...
"Never glance" is killing me
Time to make one last appeal... for the life I lead

"Shakespeare? Very nice," Katara arched a brow.

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can you see what I see

"You're beautiful..." Zuko commented, starring at her dress.

"Thanks, but I think I'm a little over dressed." Katara looked away as her face grew pinker, thanking that the street lights by the store were temporary out of order.

They're trying to come back, all my senses push
Untie the weight bags, I never thought I could...
Steady feet, don't fail me now
Gonna run till you can't walk
But something pulls my focus out
And I'm standing down...

"Of course not, but we should be on our way,"

Fortunately, everyone else was dressed the same. The guy and girl walked all over the place, playing, laughing, and probably having the best time of their lives. One song came to an eventual end as another soon began boom from the speakers.

"Want to dance?" Zuko asked, holding his hand out for Katara to take. She hesitated for a moment before taking it. "Don't worry, you'll do just fine," Zuko said as if he could read her mind.

What you need, what you need...

Other people also started to dance, two-step ballroom style. Zuko closed off the huge space between him and Katara, gently guiding her. Out of everyone, they were the best to watch. The outside world died out, as Katara met Zuko's gaze. He tilted his head towards her, Katara stood there motionless. She could feel his face drawing closer to hers. Her hands left his and pushed his chest forward, taking a step back with the push, quickly whispering, "I'm sorry, but I can't," before running off. Zuko stood there, watching her run away, the music dying off in the background along with his heart.

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be
Oh, do you see what I see...

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. This chapter might be like crap, but I hope you'll still continue to read on since it's not really gonna be movie based anymore :P And while I was writing this chapter I had a sudden thought: would brining Aang into the story kill it? I know that's not very good for an author to ask, but I really need to know if any of you guys'll hate Aang being in this.