A/N: The lyrics to the song used later on in this chapter do not belong to me. They are from the movie Quest for Camelot; the animated version.

Chapter Twenty – one

-Zuko-

I don't even know what I was thinking at the time. Katara was upset about what those girls were saying behind her back and I just wanted to see a spark back in her eyes that I spoke before I even thought of what I was asking. 'Would you like to learn how to dance?' that was the best you could come up with?! Katara just stared up at me with her ocean blue eyes questioning me.

"I—I don't know. I don't think I could without tripping." She started mumbling to herself as she twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers.

I held out my hand. "Katara, I just asked if you wanted to learn."

"Yes I would but-" Katara was cut off by the sound of music starting to play somewhere down in the lower ring. I found it kind of ironic since she had mumbled something about no music just now.

"Katara," she brought her gaze back up to mine. I gave her a small smile, still holding out my hand. "Take my hand." Finally she took my hand and nodded, mumbling ok. I helped her to stand up and brought her closer to me while still giving her just enough space so she was comfortable. Taking her left hand I placed it on my shoulder and kept her right hand in mine. Then I rested my right hand near her shoulder blade instead of her waist so I wouldn't freak her out; that was the one thing that Katara still hasn't been able to get over, but I couldn't blame her. "Ready?"

Katara took in a shaky breath and nodded. I began to take a step once I found the beat to the music that was being played at the time. Only a couple of steps in and Katara looked down nervously to her feet. I brought my hand away from her shoulder blade and curled my hand so I could bring her face back up to mine. "Don't look down. Only look here" I said pointing to my eyes. "Trust me and follow my lead. I'll do the rest."

Once Katara started to relax she was dancing like a pro. She was twirling and spinning without any difficulties. Music continued playing in the background; must be some sort of festival taking place. Katara never commented. She was just having fun dancing. Surprisingly I was too. "When did you learn how to dance?" Katara asked me as one of the songs seemed to be coming towards its end.

Before I could stop myself I answered her truthfully. "My mother taught me when I was younger. When we weren't feeding the turtle ducks she was teaching me how to dance. Of course when I started for the first time I was extremely stubborn saying I didn't want to." Katara started to laugh quietly. "I was only five at the time could you blame me?" Katara shook her head no telling me that she understood. "My mom kept telling me that I needed to learn so I would someday be able to dance with a nice lady" I stopped myself since a blush about a shade of soft pink had started to spread along Katara's cheeks. My breath caught briefly in my throat before I could continue. "I still don't understand how my mother was able to walk afterwards." She gazed at me confused and I laughed. "Being five I had to stand on her feet." I laughed again at the memory and she joined in with me.

"I really wish I could have met her" Katara sighed.

"Me too. I think she really would have liked you" I replied honestly. Katara smiled at me. "At least you're smiling now."

"I really am sorry about that. I was just upset."

"You don't need to apologize. But I meant it when I said you're not a burden and that you should not listen to people like those girls. You understand?" Katara nodded. Then I spoke up again without thinking. "But just so you know Katara, you are beautiful."

We stopped dancing when Katara subconsciously tightened her hold on my shoulder and stared me straight in my eyes. "You mean that?" she whispered.

"Yes." Katara smiled and hugged me. I hugged her back and I realized the music had completely stopped. "It's getting late" I noted as lanterns were mostly lit by now and not much of the sun could be seen anymore. "Do you want to go home now?"

Before Katara could respond music had started again, only this time it was much slower than the previous songs. "Can we have one last dance?" she asked me. I grinned, nodded and placed my hand back near her shoulder blade. Then for the first time we heard two people singing along with the music.

Look at the sky tell me what do you see

Just close your eyes and describe it to me

The heavens are sparkling with starlight tonight

That's what I see through your eyes

Katara and I danced a lot slower than we had during the previous dances. She didn't seem to mind.

I see the heavens each time that you smile

I hear your heartbeat just go on for miles

And suddenly I know why life is worth while

That's what I see through your eyes

I never took my eyes off of Katara's eyes. She seemed to be the same way. When the lady singing mentioned smiling Katara took her hand off of my shoulder and poked at my cheek trying to lift it up so I would actually smile. I tried to scowl but it didn't last very long. My smile was probably the biggest I ever felt on my face since my mother disappeared. Katara's smile was just as big.

That's what I see through your eyes

I spun her away from me and caught her. Her smile just grew bigger. Mine as well.

Here in the night, I see the sun

Here in the dark, our two hearts are one

It's out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun

And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes

"You doing really well Katara" I complimented. She just continued to smile and I continued to spin her around. If she ever got dizzy she never said anything to me.

I see a night I wish could last forever

I see a world we're meant to see together

I spun her away from me again and she started to twirl around on her own. My breath momentarily caught in my throat yet again; I don't even know how many times that has happened just today. I started following her so I could catch her more easily. Then I noticed that Katara started to trip – over what I have no clue – and give out a little yelp. Luckily I was close enough to catch her. When I caught her I found her arms wrapped around my neck…and mine wrapped securely around her waist. We both froze.

And it is so much more than I remember

Katara didn't move. I couldn't. I was just waiting for Katara to freak out; anything. I was so sure that Katara would punch me square in the jaw for this. Nothing happened. Ever so slowly I brought Katara back up so she was standing upright. Katara's arms remained around my neck and mine remained around her waist. Then the strangest feeling occurred within me. I don't know what, but, as if out of nowhere I felt the same way I had that night after Katara had gone back to sleep after her nightmare. I wanted to kiss her.

More than I remember

I couldn't seem to stop myself. Slowly I started to lean forward. Katara did as well. I couldn't understand. Her eyes were half closed. We were only a couple of centimeters apart.

More than I have known

And then I pulled away just about the same time that Katara did.

Here in the night, I see the sun

Here in the dark, our two hearts are one

It's out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun

And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes

Even after we pulled away Katara took my left hand back and kept her other hand still round around my neck. She didn't protest when my right hand remained resting on her waist as we continue our dance as if nothing ever happened.

Looking through your eyes

As the song ended Katara rested her head at the crook of my neck and I held her close to me. Even after the music had completely stopped and I had stopped moving; neither one of us seemed to mind. Unconsciously I rested the scarred side of my face against her hair, feeling its soft texture. Then Katara tried to stifle a yawn in my shoulder and I chuckled. "C'mon, it's late. We should head home." She nodded and I released her temporarily to grab our picnic basket. Once I had it Katara wrapped her arms around my waist and my right arm was wrapped around her waist to support her – she still didn't go into shock – as we began our walk back to the apartment.

Well I hoped you liked the Ch. and next Wednesday I'm going to be nice and post Ch. 22 and 23. Both chapters kind of go together in a way so I thought it would make sense to post them at the same time. Until next time!