Scandals (ZUTARA)

Chapter 25 : Katara 🌊 | The Grand Finale

Cold, unstoppable tears run down my cheek. My cheeks have probably grown rosy from the cold, but there is something comforting about looking up at the luminous moon and the mesmerising stars.

Zuko betrayed me, but it wasn't the video that proved it, it was the look on his face when he saw my reaction to it that pissed me off. How could he do that to me? I thought he liked me. Loved me. 

"Hey," Zuko whispers from behind, taking a seat beside me on the bleachers. "I'm sorry."

"I know," I whisper back, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Are you mad at me?" Zuko asks stupidly, shuffling closer to me.

"Obviously," I scoff and he frowns. 

"Do you, do you feel anything for me Kat? Other than hatred?" Zuko inquires quietly.

I snort. "I don't hate you. I never hated you."

"Even though we've only known each other for 4 months, I feel like I've known you my whole life," Zuko tells me. In an instant, my heart unwillingly melts. "Do you, feel the same way?"

I freeze. "I-" I begin but I am too shy to say the words. 

"You what?" Zuko asks lazily, his pupils dilated, his lips inches away from mine.

I love you, I think to myself before taking his face in my hands, and kissing him. Instead of moving away like I'd expected, Zuko slides his hands around my waist, pulling me towards him until I eventually end up on his lap, my hands tangled in his hair.

When I break out of the kiss, out of breath, Zuko looks up at me with his eyes half open, and I feel faint. "I love you, Katara," he says before kissing me again.

🌊

SUKI'S POV 

After a while, Zuko and Katara arrive, hand in hand. When I notice the red stain on the side of Zuko's shirt, my heart drops. Mai disgusts me. How could she stab someone? She stabbed Yue for you, remember?, the voice in my head reminds me.

On stage, Principal White makes an announcement. "I'd like to start by thanking everyone who came tonight, me and the staff very much appreciate it." A huge round of applause follows his introduction. "Assuming you all are having a great time, let's announce this years Ice Queen and King, Ty Lee with 120 votes, and Prince Zuko with a total 200 votes! Ty Lee, please make your way to the stage."

 I'm surprised at how many people roar with excitement as Ty Lee waltzes onto the stage. I daren't clap. The minute Ty Lee is handed the microphone, a tiara and sash are given to her. "Thank you to anyone who voted for me," Ty Lee says in a baby voice, blowing fragile kisses. "I'm so honoured to be your Ice Queen for the second time."

I roll my eyes. "Prince Zuko, please make your way to the stage," White says once Ty Lee leaves the stage..

I join in on the extremely loud applause Zuko receives as he makes his way to the front.

Once Zuko is gives his crown and sash, he begins his speech. "Thank you to anyone who voted me, because I couldn't have done this without you. Whilst I'm here, I would also like to thank Suki, Toph, Sokka and Aang, for being incredible friends to me in the short time that I've know them. I also want to thank Kat, for being beautifully perfect, and accepting me of course." 

After Zuko's speech, him and Ty Lee are forced to waltz for a few seconds. It's kind of funny seeing the disgusted look on both of their faces as they twirl around.

"Boo!"

I gasp. "Mai?" I ask, turning to the side.

"Hi," she says casually. "I know I already told you this, but you look beautiful."

I blush. "I'm sorry for how I reacted earlier," I fluster.

"Nothing happened earlier," Mai frowns.

"Please don't be like that," I beg, taking hold of her hands. "I don't wanna just be friends."

"What?"

"Mai, if what you said earlier was true, then I have something to confess too," I confess, staring right into her mysterious eyes of coal. "I love you."