When the song comes up look up "So Close" by Jon McLaughin... Seriously. Do it. Actually look it up right now so you can just hit play when you get to it. Makes it sooo much more epic.
Disclaimer: I do not own "So Close"
Anyway, to the story!"
It wasn't just a concert. After a few more music pieces by Song and the chorus all of the chairs were moved out of the way and people began dancing to whatever they played. Katara stood to the side clapping along to the lively tune and watching the people spin around and around, she laughed when she spotted her brother and his girlfriend as they kept bumping into other couples. Katara decided to put aside her troubles for now and genuinely have a good time and the result was the thrilling happiness she'd yearned for for so long now.
Toph leaned on the table next to them and laughed loudly,
"So much better then the art show!" She yelled over all the noise.
"Agreed!" Katara hollered back, then she turned to her other side to see several girls trying to get Zuko to dance with them. She nearly laughed out loud at the mortified expression on his face as he tried to decline; but at the same time she felt a possessiveness rise up in her chest. He might still be a prisoner, but he was her prisoner. "Be back in a bit," she told Toph before marching over and looping her arm through his.
"Wha-?"
"-Sorry, girls, but I don't believe I have gotten a dance yet," The other sighed women sighed dejectedly before wandering off to find a new partner, and Katara began dragging the fire bender towards a more empty part of the dance floor.
"No! Katara you don't understand, I can't dance," Zuko rushed a bit too quickly.
"Nonsense, anyone can dance, you just have to choose to," she said smugly. Zuko pulled her to a stop and to her surprise bent down to whisper in her ear.
"I don't know how," when he pulled away from her he looked slightly embarrassed but she just laughed and kept pulling him along.
"What better place to learn then a party!"
Zuko got the hang of it fairly quickly. Although he wasn't as good as the others, he and the water bender were spinning and dancing around the large circle in no time. Zuko spun her around yet again, and was amazed at how gracefully and quickly she spun in her dress. The music slowed to a stop and everyone clapped and cheered for the orchestra.
A man Zuko hadn't met yet took the stage in a suit ushered everyone to calm down.
"We're gonna slow things down a bit for this last song, so lads grab your ladies and pick a spot on the floor. Happy Birthday, Katara." Zuko started to walk back to the sides but Katara looped her arm back through his and he noticed her looking around nervously as they walked. He stopped and waited for her to look at him and he raised his eyebrows in question.
"Strangers always asks me to dance in this kind of song, and it's rude to say no. It's just really awkward." She whispered still looking around; Zuko smiled at her and moved away to mock bow. Katara looked at him startled but he continued anyway.
"Well then, if you would be kind enough to teach me, may I have this dance?" Zuko saw the smile spread over her face and pink tint her cheeks.
"I would be honored," she said with a curtsy. He took her hand and led her to a clear spot on the floor, but he looked at her completely lost at what to do next. She smiled and took his right hand, placing it waist, and took his left hand in her right one; then she put her left hand gently on his shoulder.
"Now what?" he whispered into her ear as the music started.
"Watch my feet and do the opposite, it's just like a box" she whispered back. He looked down to see her step back with one foot and he stepped forward with the opposite foot, then she dragged her foot to the other corner of their "box". She moved through the movements slowly until he grasped the simple technique and when he did he began leading them around the floor as he saw the others doing. Zuko still felt unsure about what he was doing, but they moved so gracefully together, her hand ffit in his like it was made to be there. And then the lyrics started, and every word seeped into his mind.
"You're in my arms
And all the world is gone
The music playing on, for only two
So close together
And when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive
A life goes by
Romantic dreams must die
So I bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now forever I know
All that I want is to hold you
So close
So close to reaching that famous happy ending
Almost believing this ones not pretend
And now you're beside me and look how far we've come
So far we are so close
How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We're so close
To reaching that famous happy ending
And almost believing this ones not pretend
Let's go on dreaming for we know we are
So close
So close
And still so far"
Katara had leaned her head on his chest as the words played through her mind; and then, on the last two lines, she heard Zuko's voice whispering the words. She felt her resolve almost completely fall, she pulled back and looked into his eyes, she didn't see the same wetness she felt in hers; but she did see the emotion. The pain, shimmering with the slight hope she also felt.
The band continued to play softly as they swayed from side to side. She took her hand off his shoulder and rested it on the side of his face, he leaned into her touch and his ember gaze bore through her. Every voice of reason screamed at her to stop but, for the first time in a long time, she shut them out. She stood on her toes, closed her eyes and, before she could stop herself, placed a gentle, loving kiss on his lips. And that was the spark.
... ^-^ Yaaayyyyy! Been planning this chapter for so so long now! I really hope that it didn't disappoint! Also, I would have had it up sooner but I was working on the next chapter for "I Will Find You" (Which is now up so check it out!) And I know I left out the "Schemes of Suki and Toph" but when I got to it, it just didn't click, so ya :/
If you feel so inclined please leave a review with your thoughts.
Love you guys!
Kmsitterley
Edited 12/30/12