Beauty in the Beast (Zutara)

Chapter Seven

"What the hell are you doing here?" Zuko's eyes went wide at the sound of her voice, his heart skipping a beat from the shock. Oh dear god...you've gotta be shitting me. He mentally sighed. There's no end to it. Turning around to face his partner in English he suppressed his groan. She glared at him, looking him up and down as she noticed he was dressed in uniform with the rest of the aspiring martial artists. Why out of all the clubs did she have to be here? He ran his fingers through his hair and looked at her, not noticing he was exposing more of his bare chest to her as he lifted his arm up.

"I was just looking for an escape for a few hours. Didn't know you'd be here." He sighed as she narrowed her eyebrows. "What are you doing here?" Katara turned her head away sharply not wanting to dispel all of her secrets to Ozai's son.

"I needed an extracurricular." He nodded a little all too eager to end this conversation before turning on his heel and walking back. I guess if I'm stuck with her we can try to be civil at least. He looked back at her noticing her nervous hand clasping onto the pendant of her necklace gently as she looked around the seemingly unfamiliar faces around her. She seemed to be searching, possibly knowing someone who recommended she do this to pass the time. At least she's looking a little less crazy. Zuko sighed softly, hoping he wasn't recognized by anyone else. Leaning his head against the wall he replayed the stress in his home. Ozai's words cut deeper than before as he was pressured more to spend time with Mai and act like a proper husband. Just do as I tell you, Zuko, you don't want to be even more of a disappointment to me than you already are. Zuko let out a deep sigh once more, almost as if he had blown away his cruel words. Lets just hope there won't be a problem with me and that girl, at least here I don't think I can handle much more bullshit between Azula and Father and then school here. He watched Katara walk towards a couple girls, one with brown short hair and a bright grin next to a girl who contrasted her greatly. Her long dark hair in a neat long ponytail, her pale skin gleamed even in the dimmed light. Her sharp eyes noticed the shaggy haired boy making her smirk. Zuko felt a small shiver go down his spine noting that she was looking at him.

"This is going to be an interesting year." She chuckled to herself. Suki looked in the direction of where June was looking only to have her eyes widen as she gripped Katara a little protectively.

"Katara...are you going to be okay with...him?" Suki asked nodding over to Zuko, not hiding the concern in her voice. Katara nodded looking at him as well now.

"Yeah, I've got bigger fish to fry at the moment. I don't really need to worry about him right now." Suki nodded, still a little unsure. June's lips curved into a small smirk. "Besides, if I can take someone like him, I think I'll be fine with my other problem."

"I like this girl. She's kind of a princess, but she's got spunk. Suki, she'll be fine. So, fly off mother hen." She waved her off much to the dismay of Suki, nevertheless she complied with one last hug before leaving the room. June walked in front of the room her presence demanding full attention as the room slowly grew silent.

"I'm going to tell you all this now, because I don't want any whiners here in my club. Any of you who think this is just a fun little way to lose weight or get healthier are going to be severely disappointed. This club is about hard work and dedication. You're going to be knocked on your ass. Repeatedly."

~~

Katara flopped on the bed, wincing from the tightness of her muscles burning from pressed contact with her sheets. She could feel her pulse antagonizing her as she stared up at the ceiling. I didn't think it would be that harsh. She thought to herself. A thin glimmer of sweat slicked on her skin as it slowly dried, furthering the tightness that constricted against her skin. She slowly looked towards the door thinking about the mercy of a steamy shower relaxing her muscles. The thought giving her the strength to move, she slowly hobbled her way towards the door only to have it opened quickly by her brother, a small bag in hand.