*Yawn* Good morning everyone~ I had this chapter finished back when the last one was posted but I read a review and decided to actually read it over and try and catch some stuff.

Hopefully this chapter is better than the last

Enjoy

Media Attention

Katara's Pov

"Are men always this infuriating!?" I growled. I knew I should trust Zuko to make a plan but, waiting for that plan was literally killing me.

My mother chuckled, "of course dear, now you're father and Sokka are on their way. I can't believe all this is happening at once. First Jet this morning and now the paparazzi. I need to speak with the staff tomorrow morning and you and your brother. They will be all over us as well." She sighed.

"Katara do you have Ursa or Ozai's number?"

I sighed in response, the stress was killing us. "No but I can get it from Zula."

My mother was right. Now not only were the press interested in whatever Zuko and I were doing, they were going to start digging into all of our lives. Trying to find anything to write in the next morning's paper. I sighed again wishing that none of this happened, to go back to when Zuko and I were still hiding that blissful relationship. I groaned knowing that this was bound to come out. Sure I wanted Zuko and I to have announced it on our own time but seriously who were we kidding? I sent a quick text to Azula knowing that our parents had to catch up, and quickly.

'Tara- Hey Zula I need your parents numbers. My mom needs to speak with them. I don't know if you've seen the news…

I tossed my phone on the counter feeling extremely stressed. My mother soothed her hand over my back in a calming effect.

"Don't worry love, we'll figure something out. Zuko's plan might work as well." She let go and moved towards the kettle and began to boil some water. "I'll make us some tea. It always helped calm you're nerves."

I smiled sadly at her and looked back to the dark blue note at the end of the counter, shivers traveling up my spine…

I had to tell Zuko, even if I wanted to deal with it myself it could have a bad effect now that the media was going to be watching us. Zuko needed to know, and I needed to call the police about that restraining order. I could've sworn it was longer…but when I think about it, it might have really only been two years. Jet isn't stupid, and he wouldn't have ricked getting caught if he knew that I could just call the cops on him again. No, Jet was smarter than that. He came knowing that by just talking to me I would have nothing to prove against the police that he was doing anything wrong. I looked back at the note. His first mistake was sending this, because now I have leverage to make the police know that he was starting again. It wasn't enough to really prove his intentions but it was enough to start another case.

I groaned angrily. Why was everything happening now!? I looked to the TV and the continuous reports. My phone buzzed on the counter shocking me so much that my heart began racing in my chest. I looked to read the text from Zula.

Zula- How could I not see the news? Zuzu need's to figure out something fast. This is ridiculous. My father and mother are on their way now. It might be best for us all to just go. Here's their numbers anyways.

My mom's: XXX-XXX-XXXX, and my dad's is: XXX-XXX-XXXX

'Tara- Thanks Zula, I told Zuko I would head over but, he told me to stay put until he calls me back. Apparently Toph had an idea.

Zula- Well if he did then I say wait for him to call back. He isn't stupid and neither is Toph. This needs quick but careful planning. One thing wrong can make the wrong impact on the media.

'Tara- I know I just wish there was something more I could do.

Zula- He'll figure it out. Katara is there anything else wrong? You're not texting in short text which means your mind is elsewhere.

'Tara- Jet showed up at my house last night. Then this morning he rang our doorbell and left a note on the door step saying "Katara I'll get you back." My mom and I are pretty freaked out…

Zula- WHAT!? Why didn't you call me! Why haven't you called the police!?

'Tara- I had Zuko with me and we stayed at my parents house. I was safe.

Zula- You still need to tell me that type of stuff! Why was he at your house!? What happened?! DID YOU CALL THE POLICE?

'Tara- No Azula I haven't. I was going to, but now I'm not so sure it's a good idea. Long story short he forced his way inside, demanded that I listened to him. Practically tried pulling me out of my house. Then Zuko came in, literally threw me behind him. The rest of my family came in and threatened him. Then Zuko and Sokka were going to kill him when he finally decided he should leave. Then I told Zuko about what Jet had done to me…

Zula- And you never thought to call!? Wow Katara….

'Tara- Look I'm sorry….I was just really frazzled, and well Zuko was there.

Zula- You're forgiven. You're still stupid, you should've called the police. Only because Zuko was there I won't lecture you anymore. Is your dad home right now?

'Tara- No but he should be here in a few moments. I think my brother is too.

Zula- Good there needs to be a man at the house, Jet's fucking crazy. I'm worried about you and your mom being home alone.

'Tara- I'm pretty sure we could take him but I understand what you mean. Jet isn't stupid enough to attack us right now though.

Zula- I know you think you're tough shit Katara, and you can be pretty freaking stubborn, but this isn't the time for you to be thinking how you can figure it out yourself.

'Tara- I know. I'm sorry it's a hard habit. You know I hate asking people for help, I don't like feeling like I have to rely on people to solve my problems.

Zula- No I know, but you're not making anyone solve anything. It's called asking for help and there are plenty of people who would gladly offer it. Such as myself…

'Tara- I know and I'm sorry Zula, I won't be stubborn. I'll tell Zuko about what happened. I think tomorrow I will call the police. I don't need the thing with Jet to happen today along with this stupid stunt.

Zula- Yeah I understand.

'Tara- Hey my dad's home I'll text you in a bit okay?"

Zula- Okay. Keep in touch.

I looked up from my phone and saw my dad and brother walk through the door. "Hey dad, Sokka…"

My father ran over and embraced my mother and I in a huge bear hug. "Are you two alright? The fucker didn't come in here right?" He said as he checked both of our faces. My mother chuckled. Sokka watching us with vengeful eyes.

"No we are fine love. He just left a message to Katara. I just wanted there to be someone home. I was afraid that it wouldn't be safe with just us." My mother said solemnly.

I smiled sadly, "I don't want to involve the police right now either. Zuko and I are apparently on the news. This would just make it worse."

"We won't deal with Jet for now, I agree with Katara. Now isn't a good time but we are getting this sorted." He looked at me with worried eyes. "You also need to speak with Zuko…"

I looked down ashamed and worried, "I know…"

My father sighed heavily. "I just spoke with Ozai. We aren't doing anything until Zuko calls you back. Apparently they have a plan but Ursa doesn't like it."

My father shrugged. "Apparently Arnook is there. Along with his co-director, Toph? I think that's what her name was."

"Any plan is better than just sitting here doing nothing…" I sighed looking at my phone waiting for Zuko to call me back with this so-called plan.

Zuko's POV

"Y-you have got to be kidding. That's the plan!?"

Toph leaned back in her chair sighing heavily. "Zuko the media is going to be all over this, plus you guys have been dating awhile what's the deal?"

I scoffed at her calm attitude, "What's the deal? You want me to go out there and tell them to stop pestering us because I'm secretly planning on proposing!? Please explain how the hell that's going to work!?"

Arnook smirked gripping my shoulders. "Zuko think about it this way. The media is all over you guys because you have such a secret relationship right? Well if we can get your parents to come out about being long time friends, no one would look at it weirdly that they've set up their eldest son with their daughter. It's normal for that sort of thing to happen, but people won't just go for you two dating. We need to make it seems like this is something they've planned for awhile. You're 23 now and should be thinking about marriage. Why not now?"

I shook my head and sat down harshly, "Because Katara and I haven't dated for that long! It's been what a couple of months? We can't just jump to that. She would never agree to it…"

Toph sighed, "Is the problem getting her to agree or you not wanting to make such a huge leap. We're not saying you actually have to marry her we just-"

"I never said that!" I growled impatiently. Everyone stared at me wide eyes as the embarrassment crept onto my face. "I-I mean…"

"Whoa Sparky seriously? You've been thinking about it?" Toph questioned me.

I shrugged, "I-I mean I haven't…not…thought about it?" I groaned, "Oh I don't know okay!? I really like Katara, and if I did ever propose to her I wouldn't…want it to have been like this."

Toph for once didn't interrupt and instead became lost in her own thoughts. Arnook and Bumi sighed, "Well we need to figure something out. You're father is on his way. Zuko, I know you don't want to do this but it's the best we got. Just explain it to Katara, I'm sure she will understand…"

I threw my face into my hands. Suddenly asking Katara to ask me to push this whole thing with the media into a different direction was too absurd. I wanted to cherish her, not force her into a choice where she had no say. I took a deep breath and thought for awhile. There wasn't much I could do, the marriage proposal would be a great cover up but she meant more to me than that.

I gasped. It didn't have to be a cover up. I stood up looking to everyone with a calm smile, "I know what we can do. I agree to proposing but we are doing this the right way. I'm going to need everyone's cooperation. For now I need to call her and tell her a fake plan so that we can make this work." I reached for my phone and dialing her number. I could only hope she would believe in the fake plan.

Katara's POV

"Ugh I'm going to kill him!" I screamed while I paced the living room. My mother and father were on the phone with Zuko's parents while I sat here waiting for him to call me back. Sokka was on the sofa watching the news with a deep frown. I looked back at the TV as well, watching the ever growing amount of reporters. Sitting down next to my brother I listened to all of them speak, their statements both harsh and kind…

"What do you think their relationship is?" One reporter asked.

"Relationship? What relationship? For the years that Zuko Azulon has been in the media's eyes he hasn't had a relationship. That's why he's the most sought out man in America. Not to mention Katara South has been awfully quiet about the matter. I think this is just a huge rouse and he's trying to get women off his back. There's no love it's just fake." One bystander argued.

"I never understand why people have such an interest in other's lives. Why can't they keep out?" he mumbled.

I opened my mouth to speak but ultimately left it as a rhetorical question and merely shrugged my shoulders. Listening to the next person.

"Hmmm, I think that it's really unclear. It just doesn't make any sense. I haven't seen her anywhere with him and these photo's are just suddenly revealed to the public. Why hasn't this been mentioned before? How have we never noticed it?"

I scowled at the TV, she had a point. How had the photo's come out? Why now of all times? Were they trying to make Zuko or I uncomfortable? The photo's hadn't been credited to anyone, they were just given anonymously. But why? Why would someone take those pictures and not want anything in return?

"I work here and I can tell you that they make a great pair. Katara has made quite an improvement in the few months of working here." I looked at the TV closer, the woman speaking was Tracy. I squealed happily in my seat. I would have to bring her more Starbucks. "Not to mention Zuko isn't the frivolous type. If anything I bet he's going to marry her. Everyone in the office is just waiting for them to come out about their relationship. It's a shame that it had to be revealed in such a tasteless fashion with the media." Score one Tracey. Media nada.

"Wait, you're saying everyone at the company is for it?" The reporter asked.

"Oh of course! They don't know it, well I guess now they do if their watching but we are all behind them! We support you guys~!" Then she did one of those signature anime winks with the peace-sign-hand-gesture-thing.

I blushed, I didn't know they thought about us like that. Wait, how did they even know?! I thought back to all the times I had spent with Zuko in the office. We were very careful not to make our relationship known. I scowled, okay so maybe we weren't as careful as we should have been but that was all Zuko. Still there was no way that they knew!

"I thought Zuko didn't date employee's?" The reporter continued.

"Oh you know I'm not really sure. Maybe Zuko and Katara have always been in a relationship and he had used it as an excuse?" Tracy countered. The reporter seemed to be at a dead end with his questions. He thanked her for her time and motioned behind him to the few familiar faces behind Tracy, all employee's of Zuko's company and people that I worked with. I smiled feeling the tears at the edge of my eyes, threatening to spill over at any given moment. These people hardly knew me more than a few months and they were protecting me and supporting us with everything they had.

I wiped the few tear drops from my eyes when my phone rang. "Zuko! What's the plan?" I practically screamed.

Sokka was suddenly all ears and watched me carefully. I smiled and felt relief wash over me when I finally heard his voice.

"Whoa calm down, it's okay I know what to do. Listen to me carefully okay?"

"O-okay."

"I need you to trust in me okay? I have an idea…although I'm not sure how you're going to like it." He paused taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "I'm going to hold a press conference tonight. Have everyone go there. Media, employee's, our families, everyone. I'll let them ask us questions there."

"A press conference? Are you sure that's going to work?" I glanced over to my brother who was also making a worried expression.

"Do you trust me?"

I sat silently watching the news continue and then Zuko's mom and dad walk out of a car and into a building. My mom and dad had obviously finished their discussion and had come back into the room, waiting for me. I sighed knowing that there wasn't much else we could do. "I trust you…"

"Good, now I have to go make the announcement. Stay at home until I come pick you up. I've had my father tell your parents what you will need to do in the mean time."

"Okay. I really hope this works." I sighed. Sokka gestured for me to give him the phone, "Uh, I think Sokka wants to talk to you."

"Sure put him on. I need to speak with him anyways."

I handed my brother the phone, pulling my knees up to my chest and watched his changing expressions as he spoke.

"Yo Zuko, Katara said you had a plan….okay….WHAT!? But-…Oh I see….hmm I supposed that could work." He said. Sokka glanced at me before sighing. "In the end it's not really our decision is it…no I don't like it but what else can we do….Yeah I got nothing…You better not make her cry…yeah I wont...I KNOW ALREADY CALM DOWN!...Geeze yeah I'll see you later tonight….yup…here's Katara."

I watched him curiously and took the phone from his hands while he walked over to our parents muttering something under his breath.

"Z-Zuko?"

"Sorry Katara, I've told Sokka how I want him to act tonight and to relay what I told him back to your parents. I have to go make the announcement now though so I'll have to speak with you later. "

I rested my head on my knees and sighed into the phones receiver, "I know, I trust that you know what you're doing."

"I do, and I want you to know two things Katara. I want you to keep thinking these until we finish tonight."

"What's that?" I asked curiously.

"One, I'm in love with you. Then secondly, that I would ever do something without meaning it with every fiber of my being."

"W-what is that supposed to mean?" I questioned nervously.

"You'll see tonight. I have to go. Love you."

I sighed but smiled happily, "yeah I love you too."

Zuko's POV

I hung up on Katara and looked to everyone with pleasure, "She bought it. All that's left is the preparations."

I looked to my mother and father who had come in while I was on the phone with Katara. Toph had caught them up with everything I said through text messages.

"Zuko I don't like this idea. Surely there has to be something else." My mother walked up to me with a sullen expression.

I sighed, "If there was mother I would have chosen that. But, we both know that this is the only plan full proof enough to actually get the press to be easier on everyone. If I could have done it another way than I would have. Trust me this wasn't how I was planning to do this."

She sighed. My father walking up to her and placing an arm around her waist. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

I nodded confidently, "Yes, I don't mind doing this as long as everything goes the way I'm imagining it too." I looked back to my mother, "I know you don't agree but really the decision is Katara's. She had the final say despite everything that we are planning."

Mr. Arnook sighed, "I know we were the ones proposing the idea first but what if she doesn't answer the way you hope she will? Won't that have a negative impact?"

Toph shook her head answering for me. "No, because either way the press can't make out Zuko and Katara's relationship to be something dirty. Either way it will look pure and romantic. That's what's going to save all of us from this stupid mess."

I nodded in agreement and took a deep breath. "Guess I will go make the announcement."

Everyone watched me walk to the elevator and continued to do so until the doors closed. I knew what I was doing wasn't right nor was it wrong, but given the circumstances I was going to try my best to make it perfect. My heart clenched in pain and nerves at the very thought of tonight. Taking a deep breath I walked out of the elevator and to the wide glass doors to the front of my building. With my head held high I took a confident step through the doors out to the large crowd of people standing, waiting for me to come out.

The moment they noticed me all camera's, camera mics, and flash photography were on me. As well as the loud booming questions they all desperately wanted to ask.

"Zuko is it true you and Katara are having a secret affair!?"

"Is Katara just after you're money!?"

"How did you two meet? Where did those pictures come from?"

"Are you ashamed that you are having intimate relations with your secretary!?

Sighing, I raised my hand to quite the crowd, happy that they understood, I lowered it before speaking. "As many of you know there have been quite scandalous pictures brought out into the public about myself and my secretary Katara South."

"At this current moment I will not be answering any questions. However," I said, quickly before anyone could intervene "I would like to offer that everyone meet me here later tonight around 7pm for a press conference where we will all answer your questions. For now I ask that you leave and return to your homes or work and allow my employee's and myself to work efficiently and freely without anymore distraction."

There were numerous murmur's throughout the crowd, adding nerves and uncertainties to their expressions. But overall, many people seemed to like the idea of a press conference. They were much more organized, and it would also give them a better chance at having their questions answered. One person in the back yelled out, "Will Katara and her family be there as well?"

I stood perfectly still, not flinching or indicating my unease that they had specific questions for Katara. "Yes, her and her family will be attending." Finally people began to walk away, knowing that nothing more would come out of standing in front of my company building. While looking at everyone I sighed and made my way back inside to carry out tonight's plan with everyone.

I could only hope that Katara would react the way I hoped she would.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and didn't get too stressed or hurt during Black Friday. Literally I've been working all weekend hahaha all hands on deck!

Anyways Like I stated above I actually had this chapter written and revised not too long after the last chapter was posted. See I read all of you're reviews when you post them and then I reply to them after I've finished writing the chapter. This time because I was on such a roll I had actually written two chapters and didn't read you're reviews until I was about to upload this.

Well a certain review stood out and I comepletely changed my game plan. So to the guest Can Haz Develop I would like to answer all you're questions. Everyone if you would like please keep reading the responses because they made some very good points that I would like to address before I continue to write the next chapter...

Can haz Develop:

I wont lie and say you're review wasn't harsh because it was. However! That doesn't mean I appreciate it any less than the others. To be honest I've been expecting a review like this for awhile and I know you're only trying to help so don't worry I wont get mad ahahah. I would like to point out though that I never said I was a great author so I hope you dont place too high of expectations on me. I write merely to get my thoughts on paper and to stop my twitching fingers ahahahah. I write to improve myself because I know I'm crap at this but yeah onto you're questions.

1.) About the character development I think you misunderstood what I was asking, see the thing about last chapter was the whole stress part. I was just wondering if I had kept them in character, not if they had character development :), that being said I can completely understand where you are coming from with character development lacking in my chapters so I hope in the future ones I can address that properly.

2.) Mai's father is the classic villain, see the thing with my fanfic is that I wanted real world issues to come about but not go for the freaking mainstream oh jealous ex boyfriend/girlfriend, accepting parents, ext. So when I thought about this fanfic I actually wanted it to be a bit darker, make Mai more than just the average jealous ex, and Jet more than the average controlling boyfriend. Which left me with Mai's father who is really the one pulling the strings. Don't get me wrong Mai is having quite a large say in what they do as well. About the business man part and how Mai's father should make more logical decisions, well I guess I didn't really explain it but it isn't Mai's father who owns the company, it's her mother, who I have left out of dialogue purposely because I want her to be too "busy" running a company to wonder what her husband and daughter are doing. So even though yes he's a business man he isn't like a crazy important business man. He's just kind of there when it comes to business, it's really Mai and her mother, note why its a international fashion industry. I just want him to be a little overboard, because it's fun to write like that..I hope that makes sense.

Why didn't Katara tell Zuko about Jet?

Hahaha well I kind of explained it in this chapter, I know I skip some things and my Beta does her best to catch that for me. But, please keep in mind that this is a weekly update thing, I tend to answer the question in the next chapter or chapters. It's part of my plot. I didn't make her tell him because of some reasons but keep reading because I've purposely left it for a certain part in the story.

Why has no one had Jet arrested for not obeying the restraining order?

Again I kind of explained it in the next chapter but my thinking is because I want Jet to purposefully to be pushed aside due to the media. Again part of the plot just keep reading it will make sense :)

What happened after Hakoda and Sokka were called?

I described it in this chapter :)

What's been happening with Aang throughout all of this?

I've got a plan for Aang so I've sort of pushed him to the side, for now lets just all think he's busy working like Ty Lee and living their own lives until I get to the point where I want them to reappear.

Zuko has been head-over-heels in love with Katara up until now- why did he start being colder and less relaxed?

I figured this would come up eventually. I know everyone likes the whole good guy or bad guy act. But in this setting I've kind of make him a bit ooc. Instead of being the jerkbender (heheheh) that we all know and love at first I tried his other personality which is his closed off heart. Pretty much he's in love with Katara but so far I haven't had them really sit down and get to know each other. Pretty much due to plot reasons so you will see soon I promise. But for now I can say I'm doing it for a slight character development. Zuko is trying his best to get with Katara, but he isn't willing to fully open his heart to her. Again im trying to keep some of his character and change it a bit without getting too crazy. He's started acting a bit more aggressive and less relaxed because his walls are dropping. This proves that the more time they spend together the more he forgets what he's actually doing. I hope that makes sense...

But yeah, mean and cold Zuko= Zuko's walls dropping because he's more comfortable around Katara and forgets. Plus I also have mentioned numerous times where Zuko has made it clear to Katara that she really hasn't seen all of him, about how hes tempermental, controlling, jealous, ect. Those were supposed to be hints to his attitude. T.T I'll do better in the future.

Why do Mai and her Dad think shaming Zuko will make Zuko marry Mai if Katara already knows Mai's trying to mess things up?
Katara already had to deal with people thinking she likes Zuko for the money- even if Zuko hadn't signed the deal making him a billion-dollar company, the paparazzi would still think that.

Well first with Mai and her Dad shaming, I didn't mean for it to be Shaming. I meant that Mai and her Father's plan was to frighten Katara off. I should've added more dialogue sorry. There plan so far is to bring pressure on Katara in hopes that she will run off. Then if this doesnt work they are hoping Jet will get rid of her for them.

Then with Katara having to deal with it, she didn't. I'm pretty sure i've made it clear that besides a select few in their family and friends no one else knows about their relationship. So she never had to deal with that. She was aware of it at the beginning and was aware of people having thoughts which is why she wanted work and personal life seperate. So now that their relationship is being forced out into the open shes just panicking. Yeah she knew before hand this would happen but she didn't think it would happen like this.

Whew hahaha I hope I answered all of you're questions well enough, if not let me know and I'll try my best to answer them!~ I hope I didn't sound too harsh in my replies because I actually really valued this review a lot. Nonetheless I am overjoyed that despite all of the questions and comments you still love the story ahahh~ I must be doing something right at least :D~

Ladyjane025:

Heheheh yes it isssssss, this is only the beginning *evil smirk* super excited to write more of this now because I'm getting into the heavier plot line heheeh. Oh! Don't worry there will be Azula x Hahn action~

IriannaMarie:

Honest to god I wish I knew you in person we have very similar thoughts. I love the idea with Jet interrupting a dinner but I have a bigger plan, trust me interrupting a family dinner will look minor for what I have planned for him to do eheeheheh.

The Congresssman:

Lol I doubt you're up to date to this chapter but if you are here's the reply to you're chapter 1 review. THANK YOU ahahaha I'm glad my modern AU is something worth reading. I chose to do a Modern AU after searching through the list of Zutara ones and not finding many that I enjoyed so.. I thought, Why don't I write one? Anyways I hope you continue to enjoy this story~!

That's all for today you guys. I probably wont update anytime soon, maybe sometime next week. I got so absorbed with these chapters I've sort of neglected my other one Fire and Water Destined Lovers.

Yeah its another Zutara but placed after the war in their world :D, yeahhhhhhh I really need to go write that one...

ANYWHO~ Thanks for all the lovely reviews once again!~
Please keep reviewing because I just love talking to you guys and your such a motivation for me~

OH~ And check out my other Zutara :D~

CRAPPPP I forgot an important thing, okay so my Beta is actually sick and I just wanted to apologize for any mistakes in grammar for this chapter and maybe the next one. I want her to get better and not worry about checking these for me. I'm also really busy with work this weekend and looking for an apartment still for my transfer to University. Meh too much too much, I tried my best to catch mistakes but, I tend to miss a few so again I apologize~

Okay thats all ahahah

Ciao~

Rae