Beauty in the Beast (Zutara)

Chapter Twenty-Four

It was well known that seeing Suki at any of the clubs she had founded was a rarity. Katara's eyes widened as she looked to her friend, giving her a small excited wave. Suki smiled at her waving, relieved that she showed up today. Her eyes scanned the rest of the group and the people coming in looking for a scarred individual. June watched her and rolled her eyes knowing of Suki's true intentions. Just as the founder hoped, Zuko came in with a small group of his fellow club members, his eyebrow raising seeing the brown-haired girl in the middle of the group, with some of the members flocking to her and asking her various questions. Taking the opportunity from all the commotion, he moved over to his girlfriend leaning over to her.

"Who's she?" He asked.

"That's Suki, the founder of this club and a few others. She's also my brother's girlfriend." He looked over at Katara, astonished making her laugh. "I know right?"

"She looks like she can kick his ass." Katara chuckled and nodded.

"She can and has kicked his ass."

"I think she can kick my ass."

"Don't feel bad," she snickered, "she can kick everyone's ass." He couldn't help but to laugh softly at the thought. Katara smiled looking down at the floor, trying to keep the blood from rushing to her cheeks. Zuko watched her out of the corner of his eye, a sheepish smile crawling on his face. Suki watched intensely, while listening to her members, answering the questions they had, her eyes trying not to widen as she watched their telling body language; like two flustered children not knowing what to do with a crush. She watched as they kept eyes on each other throughout practice, silently having conversations and checking in on each other during sparring practices. Suki saw a smile that she had only seen in the past pictures of Katara when she was with Jet, her eyes lit up and the shy tucking of her hair upon seeing the man of her affections. He in turn, softened while he was around her, his mannerisms and the way he touched her as if she were a precious jewel to be coveted and despite not being able to hear him, she could tell how his voice became so gentle around her. Blue eyes bore into Junes as she nonchalantly shrugged at the sight turning her attention back to the others. As she heard the titter of Katara, she looked over to see his golden eyes glint with admiration and pride while pleased with the smile he brought on her face. Confliction ruled over her as practice continued watching the newly born dynamic of the two.

Practice was much quicker than Suki remembered as she watched her members leave, excited voices still speaking about their founder paying them a visit as the throng departed. Zuko and Katara waved to each other, Suki not missing the faint blush on both of their cheeks as the room became silent with the absence of others in the room. June sighed and started cleaning the rest of the room reveling in the peace. Katara was on the floor working her hair out of her ponytail.

"So," Suki began awkwardly as she approached her, "you two have been getting along I see." Katara nodded with a small smile.

"Yeah, he's not so bad once you get to know him." She shrugged with a small chuckle. Suki raised a brow at her, her hands finding her hips.

"And how long had you two been 'getting to know each other' as you put it?" An unnerved chuckle came from the younger girl.

"I don't know what you mean. Did Sokka not tell you about the project he and I have together?" Suki crossed her arms, a frown governing her face.

"Katara, don't bullshit me. I watched you this whole time." She stated firmly. "How long has that been going on?" She opened her mouth to speak as Suki placed a hand up her brow deeply furrowed now. "And don't sit here and ask me what I'm talking about. June saw you coming out of this room, holding hands and him kissing your head." She cocked her hip to the side expectantly watching Katara flinch. With a defeated sigh, Katara timidly looked up at her brother's girlfriend.