Disclaimer: I still own nothing to do with Avatar. Or the songs mentioned…
A/N: Alrighty! I actually wrote this chapter, and part of the next, down on paper. Ideas came to me randomly the past couple days, but I wasn't home with access to a computer. This would've been out yesterday if I did. I have my last tournament this weekend, but I have to leave a day early because it's a couple hours away and starts in the morning. Sooooo, I'm posting this now! Hope you enjoy.
On to the Tokka!
I honestly have no idea how long we were standing there. Out of shock.
Slowly, I felt the smile returning.
"What's with all the smiles?" I ask again, exasperated.
"Are you kidding? Aren't you excited to play in the Battle of the Bands?" Aang replies, giving Sokka's previous arm wave a run for its money.
"Aaaand when we win, we get a record deal with Roku Records! One of the top producers in the music industry!" Sokka adds, "Unless, on the slight chance, we get second… We still end up with two hundred dollars each. It's a win-win."
I return my gaze to the piece of paper.
Hmm…
When: next Friday.
First place: contract with Roku Records
Second Place: one thousand dollar cash prize
Third Place: five hundred dollar cash prize
Prepare three songs…
Wait, next Friday?
"I say we go for it. I mean, we're really good and we only practiced for an hour and a half! Granted, we all knew the song before… But the worst we could do is third place."
Sparkles makes a point.
Our chance of placing, I would say, are high.
Especially since my dad approved.
Also…with all the time we have to spend…
"You know this means a lot of practice and thought. We have to choose songs, pick a band name, and get some new looks… Not much is going to happen outside the band." I shoot a look to Sokka at the end of my statement.
He starts to respond, but Katara interrupts.
"I'll be in charge of outfits! And I'll call to notify the hosts of our participation in the contest. I am the manager after all…" She remarks enthusiastically.
We all exchange nervous glances.
We obviously shared a collective thought:
Outfits? This is going to mean torture by shopping. I can see it now…
We all sigh.
"Alright. How about songs? It says 'a minimum of three songs of any sort'." Zuko asks, still looking warily at Katara.
Everyone just shrugs, so he sets off with Aang and Katara in search of snacks.
Leaving me and Snoozles alone…
"Yep. So…" He sits down.
I look over to see him looking at me.
"So… Why are you staring at me?" I snap, looking away and crossing my arms.
Stupid cheeks need to stop heating up!
"I'm trying to figure something out. I thought we were cool about the whole Suki thing?" He replies uncomfortably.
Why's he red?
"We are. What's that have to do with anything?" I finally sit down, sharing the awkwardness.
"Well, you brought up time again! You think I'm going to ditch you again?"
"No! I was just saying…"
"…what?" He leans forward expectantly.
"Well…since you two are dating now… It'll be hard for you to hang out for the next week and a half. So…yea." I force out, feeling even more awkward than before.
"Who said we were dating?" He sits back with a blank look on his face.
"Well…you went out…?"
That means your together, right?
Did I miss something?
"Doesn't mean we're officially dating. It's not like we're not boyfriend and girlfriend." He states offhandedly.
"That makes no sense!" I palm my forehead, shaking my head. "Whatever. You're so weird…"
"I thought that's how it was. You can go out all you want, but until you say that you're together, you're just hanging out. And Suki and I are not together." He finalizes, crossing his arms.
"You make it sound like a horrible thing… To be her boyfriend…" I comment, raising an eyebrow at him.
"She's not horrible. Anyone would be lucky to go out with her, but… She's not…" He struggles, shifting uncomfortably for a second time.
And is that a blush?
I think so!
Score for Toph. Haha.
Ahh I like making people uneasy.
It's another favorite pastime. Like eating ice cream and Twinkies, skateboarding, and singing…
Why would he be so open to me about it though…?
Is he trying to hint at something?
What isn't she?
Me…maybe?
Why don't you find out?
What?
Ask him! Or tell him. Then you'll know for sure…
Oh yeah, I'll know alright. Know that he doesn't like me and that I've scared off one of my best friends. So, no.
How would you know he doesn't like you…?
Because! I'm…me. Stubborn, loud, aggressive… Not exactly perfect girlfriend material.
Who said he wants perfect? I mean he practically said he dumped Suki…
No.
Whatever…
After coming to that negative conclusion, I glance over at Sokka.
He seems to come to an end, also.
But right before he opens his mouth, the others interrupt.
That's strike two Sparky. Three and you're out.
And you, Katara, lost a while ago.
"Okay! So, we were talking on the way up and back about the songs. Here's what we've got: 'Fall to Pieces' (for obvious reasons), 'Emergency' by Paramore, and 'Bleed' by Anna Nalick. What do you think?" Zuko states, dropping food off to Sokka and tossing me a bag of chips and a soda.
"Well I understand the first choice. Where's the logic behind the next two?" I ask, honestly loving the songs they picked.
"You mentioned the song 'Emergency' earlier and we all agreed that it was a good song. Plus, you know it, so you won't have to worry about lyrics and messing it up. As for 'Bleed'… I just thought it's a nice song. Great for your voice." Aang informs, scratching his head towards the end of his explanation.
Hmm… That makes sense.
Well the first part.
But I agree with the other song choice.
I love Anna Nalick. And it's a really great song.
Not to mention the cool guitar parts, which might give us kudos with the judges…
I'm am definitely making sure Suki knows and shows up. To rub my success in her face.
Haha…
"Well, I have no complaints. Great songs, great band, let's get practicing!"
"Hold up Snoozles! We will practice, but let's just relax a while. We have a couple hours left today."
I lounge in my chair, propping my feet up on his knee.
He doesn't complain, everyone sat down, and we brainstormed ideas for clothes and band names.
Best time I have had in ages.
Besides the pranking from earlier.
Though, I can wait for the shopping spree this weekend…
A/N: And yep. That's the chapter I meant to post with the other one, but it got deleted. Sooooo I typed it again and here we are! :) Hope you enjoyed it and I'll be working on the next one. Prepare for some surprising martial arts (hopefully). Read and review por favor! ;)
-The Runaway