I am alive! Haven't been on in forever. I apologize. So I have never written a story for A:TLA, though I have been in love with the show since it first came on Nickelodeon. I am a huge Zutara lover and am proud to present my first fanfiction for it(also my very first drabble series).

The title explains everything that Zutara is: two opposites meeting in the middle, finding a steady balance. This pairing really is quite beautiful.

Drabbles will vary in length/genre/style…so we can all get a wonderful mix of Zutara!

Disclaimer: Seriously? Do I have to say it?

Excuses

It was simple, almost unnoticeable to the eyes of everyone else. It was a way of private communication for the pair. It kept their secret messages hidden from everyone. It was impulsive if you really took the time to study. This was normal, everyone thought. Two benders sparring to enhance their talents and techniques. But it was more than that −─ so much more.

Zuko and Katara liked sparring together. Their elements clashed in every way, as well as their fighting techniques. Their duels were interesting, intriguing actually. But it wasn't just sparring to them ── it was a thickly veiled excuse to simply be close to one another. It was even an excuse that allowed them to touch ── if either one of them dared to take that step.

This was an escape for them. Longing glances and sweet smiles across the camp fire were nice, but the closeness they got from sparring thrilled them way more than they could admit. Katara knew that eventually everyone would catch onto her and Zuko's little game ── Toph would probably call them out on it for sure. That thought made Katara cringe with the slightest of blushes on her dark cheeks.

She smiled as she saw Zuko walking nearer. Her heart leapt in her chest as he stood before, sliding into a fighting stance. She did the same, noticing the way Zuko smiled softly at her ── a smile he saved for her eyes only. She blushed and in seconds they began throwing water and fire, each kick and step bringing them closer.

So…how'd I do? I hope it wasn't terrible, though it probably was. But I don't know, my guess is only as good as what you say in reviews.

Review please and assure me that I am not over my head for doing this(though constructive comments would be nice).

Last thing: I am not sure how often I can update this so don't get upset if a month or two goes by without any new drabble. Being busy sucks.