Guess who's back~~~~!

22

Press Conference

Zuko's POV

"Okay everyone I'm opening the doors!"

I reached for the handle and pulled the door back, allowing the endless stream of reporters on the other side. Without any indication that their presences faze me, I put on my best business smile and held tightly onto Katara's hand. "Welcome. If you could all take your time making your way inside we can avoid any injury or damage to equipment. I have prepared tables and chairs. There should be enough for everyone."

I led Katara back towards our long table that was in front of the room where everyone had already taken their seats. Our friends sat at a front table together out of the way of reporters. Their nervous eyes scanned ours, to which I nodded in response. Everyone was on edge but now wasn't the time. Mr. Arnook and Bumi were waiting at a separate table to prepare for our announcement about the company expansion.

At the table Katara's family sat on the right side, and my own on the left. I guided her towards the two middle chairs, pulling the seat out for her to sit next to her father. I took my place beside her next to my own father. We exchanged a look and then my father smiled. "Everything will work out Zuko."

"I sure hope so. I'd like things to calm down after all this shit."

I felt Katara grab my hand from under the table and squeeze it gently. I squeezed back acknowledging that she was there for me as I was for her. I watched as the last few reporters make their way inside. Kyle and Lisa closed the doors behind them and Kyle nodded, signaling that we were ready to begin. I stood up turning on all the microphones with a flip of a switch and cleaned my throat. "Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman. As we all know there has been a scandal happening right outside those doors and everyone wants to know. To find out if the rumor of Ms. South and I being involved in an intimate relationship like the posted photo's suggest."

I watched bodies lean forward in anticipation, waiting to hear and to ask their questions. I smiled, "We called this press conference because the rumors are true." There was a collective gasp from everyone and the snickers from our friends at the nearby table. I pulled Katara to stand beside me and was amazed at how well she held herself together.

"Zuko and I were trying our best to keep things under wraps because we knew what type of commotion it would create. However, now that it is out we don't see any reason not to answer your questions. We will make time for everyone to ask a question so please don't rush and talk over others." She said sweetly.

Multiple hands shot up and camera's began rolling. A few others had already began jotting down the proceedings. Katara and I sat down and I picked the first hand I saw. "Yes?"

"Mr. Agni, as the most sought out bachelor in all of the city we want to know why Ms. South is here sat with you and not your fiancé Ms. Lou."

This was it. Everyone's demeanor changed much like I had planned. My mother began to chuckle and this brought everyone's attention to her. "I'm sorry but I must answer that question. You see I am a very good friend of Mrs. Lou as many of you know. At a young age we used to say that Zuko and Mai would be married however it's been years. Zuko does not feel that way towards her and had quite honestly never asked her. I'm afraid that is something everyone thought of by just looking. They were engaged to us, as their parents who have a very strong relationship with hers. We apologize for any misunderstanding we caused." My mother blushed and giggled giving off the playful and sweet young woman who was actually playing the greatest liar out of all of us.

Another hand shot up and was directed to my father. "If that is true does that also mean that the talk of engagement between Mr. Agni and Ms. Lou wasn't to somehow increase potential for each company?"

My father smirked. "I won't sit here and lie in front of you. Like my wife has stated we were merely acting like a bunch of joyful parents trying to match their children up. Of course with that there was some talk of finding a way to make the marriage benefit both of our companies. However, my son did not feel that way about Ms. Lou and we respected that. We never meant to confused anyone."

I wanted to roll my eyes so badly at his comment. Of course he didn't lie but he worded it so that he appeared to be the calm and thoughtful father. I knew he was trying to change but those years stuck in my head on replay. I saw the next hand and called out to them.

"Ahem, well then Mr. Agni, I was wondering how long this relationship between you and Ms. South has been going on. Was it not but a few months ago that she came to join you in the company?"

"That's true. Actually Katara and I have known each other for a few years. Im unsure as to whether or not many of you know that Katara and my sister Azula are actually college classmates and have been for a few years. Azula knew her first, and as Katara became close to her she would come over on occasion. As for how long we have actually been dating. Not very long but I feel like I've know her for an eternity."

"Ms. Agni is this true?"

Azula smiled to Katara and I before speaking, "Of course! You could look at our schedules, we met each other around 3 years ago and have been close ever since. She's my best friend."

"Then I would like to ask next, Mr. Agni you are known for being the cold CEO of Agni Corp who's number one rule is that you would never date an employee. Since Ms. South is working for you are you not breaking your own rule?"

I chuckled. "Ah I am aren't I? To be perfectly clear as to how that happened. Katara was not the one to come to me. Rather she is busy trying to finish her bachelor's degree in business administration. As many of you know I fire those who come on to me while at work. I look for nothing but the best in my employees. I'm not saying love is banned or making anything against it however everyone who has come and confessed to me does mediocre work. They apply just to get close to me and it is that reason why I had such a rule."

"However, that being said my sister had heard that I had just fired my last secretary and that Katara was looking for a job. Not only was I interested but I knew Katara was a hard worker. I judged her fairly with the others and she just happened to be the best fit."

Another hand shot up. "So did you two decide to start dating before or after this happened?"

Katara smirked. "After, but not much after. It would've happened before but I wasn't ready to be in any type of relationship."

One reporter stood up and I felt shivers down my back. "Is this because of what happened with Mr. Ahriman 2 years ago?"

Katara grasped my hand tighter and spoke quietly. "Yes."

"Then you know about what happened that night between Mr. Ahriman and Ms. South Mr. Agni?"

"I do but I don't see how that has anything to do with this." I nearly growled.

Another reporter picked up on the flow and added to the fire "Then Ms. South are you dating Mr. Agni for his money? He is the richest bachelor…"

"No!" She yelled. "I understand the question and that it's common however not once have I cared about his money. I care about him as a person and I love him."

"I see thank you."

"Then Ms. South since you are not after his money you are after the fame?"

"My daughter would never. In case you have all forgotten we are a well off family ourselves. Katara is no spoilt brat and would never strive after something so petty. I find it quite rude that you suspect her of such things." Mr. Hakoda argued.

Ms. Kya sighed, "Katara and Zuko have known each other long enough that if that was the issue then it would've appeared earlier in their relationship. They are just in love with each other."

"Then Mr. and Mrs. South you are not pairing Ms. South with Mr. Agni in hopes of increasing your own fortune with the opportunity held in front of you due to your daughters relationship?"

"Why I'm quite offended by that. Are you not offended dear?" My mother asked. Everyone shifted their focus. My father glared dangerously at the reporters.

"Hakoda and Kya are our friends from highschool and have been since. I do not appreciate you making our relationship seem so fickle! We have stayed in contact for many years and it is insulting that such accusations come from your mouth."

"Are you saying that the whole family knows each other some way or another and that you're not strangers?"

We all answered simultaneously. "Yes."

This seemed to be a great shock to everyone just like we had hoped and I stood, ready to close this up. "I see know that none of you know anything about our relationships and are asking questions based off of rumors and petty talk. Katara and I are in a healthy relationship with nothing dark behind it. Neither family is looking for gain or an increase in status. I'm shocked to see that you came in with the interpretation of it being so. My mother and father hold the South's in the highest respect as do they to them."

A young woman raised her hand and stood up cautiously. "Firstly Mr. Agni I would like to apologize for such questions however they were ones that people are wondering. You do not reveal much to yourselves as a family or as individuals which causes much speculation."

I sighed, "Your apology is accepted. We are also people. I hope you all take that with you when you leave here tonight. We have a right to our privacy as much as you do. No one owns the exclusive right to know everything about us just because I own a bustling company and the South's a booming restaurant."

Katara held my hand out openly, "We understand that many of you are curious but we would appreciate it if you also gave us our space. It's hard to really live our lives with others breathing down our necks."

"I see. I will take note of that in the future. Then for my last question, are you two by any chance engaged? I couldn't help but notice your ring Ms. South."

I tried to contain my smirk. This was the ultimate distraction from the news. I raised Katara's left hand to my lips and kissed it gently, in which she blushed in response. "I see I did wonder how long it would take for you all to find out."

"Katara has agreed to marry me this evening. It was supposed to be a private event and then the pictures came out. So I improvised bringing everything here. I would like to end this press conference here if there are not anymore questions?"

The reporters where in a frenzy recording, writing, talking, taping everything and anything they could about the news. I chuckled to myself knowing that a scandalous report would now turn into the bustling news of our engagement. I watched a few hands shoot up and the first asked their question.

"Was this already planned?"

"I had spoken to Katara's family the other week about asking for her hand. Of course getting Mr. Hakoda's approval was quite rough they allowed me to ask her."

"Yeah we had this all planned out. We were going to surprise Katara at a nice spot but then you guys came to Zuko's company and began demanding stuff about the photos and we had to change everything." Sokka said angrily.

Everyone read the atmosphere and the next person stood up. "Then this press conference was a quick decision you had to make in expense of proposing the first way?"

I sighed sadly. "That's true. I had planned to send an email out to everyone in the company that they would be able to leave early today so that I could begin preparations. Just as I was about to the ruckus began and I had to improvise. Thankfully regardless of all the tension that we knew was coming our way she still said yes. I've never felt happier."

Katara's blush deepened and the next question was directed towards her. "Then Ms. South you agreed to marry him before the press conference? Were you not worried at all at what would happen during it?"

She smiled and shook her head. "I've been watching Zuko from an arm's length. Every time I was over their house for dinner we spoke the minimum, and yet my eyes always watched him wherever he went. How could I say no to the man who wanted me despite everything that has happened so far and was prepared to face everything in the future with me from now on? Of course I said yes. No matter what happened in the past or from here on out I'm in love with him and I'll stand beside him through it all."

There were a few teary eyed reporters before they all began clapping happily, giving us congratulations and happiness. I pulled Katara up with me and I grabbed the glass of champagne. "We would like to invite you all to celebrate this night with us. Over in the center receptionist area there is drinks and small snack available. Please take the time to get all of your stuff together and let yourself relax. I wanted to also thank you all for your time and I hope we were able to answer all of your questions."

Everyone made their way to where Lisa, Kyle, and Tracy were helping out with the drinks. I sighed thankful that everything was done for now. I closed my eyes letting my body relax. I felt the smooth feeling of hands move around my neck, and I peered down into ocean blue eyes. I was pulled into those orbs, feeling as if I would drown any moment with their captivating aura. "That went better than we had hoped." She whispered intoxicatingly.

"It did but I suddenly feel incredibly tired." I said softly.

My father placed a hand on my shoulder while his other was wrapped around my mother's waist. Katara's family also came to join us. "You did well Zuko."

"Thank you dad. Thank you everyone for helping out. I honestly don't know how well that would have gone if it was just Katara and I."

"Well at least now we can put one thing behind us." Mr. Hakoda said.

We all chuckled in agreement, basking in our success. They left to converse with people and to participate in the festivities. Katara leaned into my chest, wrapping her arms around my waist as I did the same. "I just want to go home now." I mumbled.

"Well you can't do that Mr. Agni, they need us here for a bit longer." She chuckled.

I leaned into her ear and kissed just behind it. "I just want to relax and lay down with you."

She giggled, hiding her face into my chest to hide her blush. "That sounds nice."

Jet's POV

I watched from outside at the embrace and clenched my fists. My nails biting into my skin and nearly drawing blood. I watched them part and kiss each other intimately. I growled, punching the wall of the building in anger. She was mine and only mine. She wasn't allowed to be with anyone but me. I knew her the best, I found her first, and I was supposed to be her first! I wouldn't allow him to take her for me.

I opened my phone and dialed the one number I didn't want to. "Jet…" she answered casually.

I watched Katara smile happily and walk away with Zuko to her family. "Whatever plan you have. I'm in."

"Oh? What changed your mind? I thought you had it under control?"

"Change of plans. You will see tomorrow on the news."

"What-" I hung up on her and flipped my hood back over my head. With one last glance to Katara's beautiful figure I walked away. Thinking about all the ways I was going to make him pay and how I was going to make Katara mine.

And only mine.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I finally finished this monster.

I am SO, So sorry it has taken me quite literally four months to write this bad boy! But like I promised I have returned and this fic is finished. Finito. Nothing else left but to upload it on here for you lovelies to read!

Oh and yes I totally sacrificed weekends of fun to finish this.

Your welcome lol

Anyways this story would have been done wayy earlier if I did hit a gigantic brike wall called writers block. I literally just lost all motivation for this story but your reviews kept me going! I kept telling myself no, you have to finish this. Finish it for the people who love it

and now it has finished. I can finalyl start uploading again and give you your daily dose of Zutara!

So that leaves me with one last thing. Since this story is finished I want to know what you guys want. Do you want daily, every other day, or weekly updates. I mean the fic is finished so it just a matter of clicking some buttons so I don't really care. I know some people like to drag a story out and others like to binge read (me)

So I'm leaving it up to the people who review. Let me know down in the comments below what you would like me to do.

However for now just so everyone get's a chance to voice their opinions I won't post the next chapter till Friday. That way you all get to put your thoughts in on what you want.

After friday you are not allowed to complain especially if you didnt vote. So it's either

Everyday

Every OTHER day (Ex. Mon, Wed, Fri,... yeah you get the jist)

or Weekly.

I'm fine with whatever so yeah

Anyways super happy to be back and I hope you guys continue to enjoy my fic!

Ciao

~Rae~