Both Zuko and Katara were grateful for their little impromptu nap because with the evening came more pre-wedding festivities. This time, a banquet was held in the Avatar's honor, since he had finally arrived. It was all well and good. Aang probably wouldn't have approved of the ceremonial hunt anyway. Afterward, the men and women split up for more bachelor-bachelorette style celebrations. Song hooked elbows with Suki and Katara as they walked into town. It was evident by the skip in her step just how grateful the bride was to be free of the dowager's imposition. Katara was admittedly glad that Malina had decided not to join them, although that probably meant that the woman was spending time with her father instead.

Song wanted to go crazy apparently. She took them to a bar where there were lots of fancy drinks and lively dancing. Katara knew she was underage, but the bartender seemed intrigued by his new waterbender customer and offered Katara a cocktail he called Ocean Water. It was a lame name, but a delicious drink, she decided. It tasted like lemon, lime, and coconut plus something really sweet that the bartender told her was called rum.

"Rum rhymes with yum!" she said with a giggle as she requested her third drink. After her fourth, she found herself on the dance floor despite her earlier declarations that she would not be caught dead moving her body like that in public. She'd momentarily lost track of Suki and Song, and she got caught up in the music. It was fun… and a little bit sensual. She wished Zuko were there, although she doubted he would dance anyway. Maybe if he'd had enough to drink. He liked Earth Kingdom whiskey, she remembered.

In her dazed state, she almost thought her wish had come true. The young man who had positioned himself behind her smelled like whiskey. She felt warm, sturdy hips rock against her backside. She leaned back into him and caught a glimpse of dark shaggy hair as she met the rhythm of the music—and his body—with her own.

"Hey there, beautiful." Something tickled her cheek when her dance partner spoke.

Everything took a minute to register, the stalk of grass finally helping her come to her senses. "Jet!?" She shoved away from him and through a few other people while clambering for a nearby chair.

He sauntered over to her. She groaned.

"Hey, we had a good thing going. You left me hanging."

Katara wasn't sure if he was talking about the dance floor or something else entirely. "Jet, what are you doing here?"

"I live here. I'm from the Earth Kingdom, remember? What are you doing here?"

"Uhhh, the king's wedding."

"Right. Those royal affairs. Still dating that royal assface?"

"He has a name. And for your information, yes. Yes, I am."

"Seriously, Katara. His face looks like an ass. Ohhhh, but I see how you are. You're too busy looking at his ass to notice."

"You're the only one who's an ass, Jet. Now excuse me, I'm going to get another drink." She knew it was a bad idea, but she needed to get away from him.

Of course, he followed her to the bar. "Well, I know you liked my ass out there on the dance floor, sweetheart. Where is your lordly boyfriend now? He left you all alone to drink and dance by yourself?" Jet made a pouty face.

Katara scolded herself for thinking for a split second that he actually looked sexy like that. It must be the alcohol talking. Maybe I shouldn't have another…

Just then, the bartender placed two shot glasses in front of them. "Rum on the house," he said.

Katara threw the drink back quickly. A little too quickly. She felt like she was falling backwards. She reached out with flailing arms expecting Jet to catch her and fearing what would happen if he did. She definitely didn't want to be incapacitated and subject to his whim. Thankfully, the last thing she saw before she passed out was Suki's face.

Katara woke up in a room that seemed familiar, but not. The pounding in her head reminded her of where she had been, and the soft breaths of her friend beside her told her where she was now. Suki had caught her before she fell and saved her from not only meeting the ground but also from her chance encounter with a certain insistent Earth Kingdom boy she had forgotten about—and was still trying to forget. Spirits, I hope I didn't do anything stupid. Her mind still felt fuzzy. She focused on Suki's steady breathing to help her go back to sleep, but then another pattern of breathing caught her attention.

It was heavy. And eager. And female.

"Ohhhh, Koda, please."

The sounds her father gave in response made Katara's head pound even more. There is no fucking way I will just lie here quietly and listen to them… fucking.

Malina then started making these half-pant, half-shrieks, and Katara saw Suki's eyes shoot open. The Kyoshi Warrior just groaned and rolled over, pulling a pillow over her head as she did.

Then it was suddenly silent. Katara heard her father's frantic whisper, "I thought you said nobody was here."

"I didn't think there was. Everyone went out for the night," Malina answered breathily.

Another few minutes of silence passed by, and Katara decided that maybe the torture session was over. Once the lovebirds fall asleep, she'd make her way back to her own villa. There was still a conversation she wanted to have with her father, though. Later, obviously.

She then heard Malina whisper, "Whoever it is, they're asleep anyway. Come on, Koda. Give it to me."

"Oh, I'll give it to you, alright—"

"Enough already!" Katara sat straight up in her bed, ignoring the assault her quick ascent made on her head. In the dark, it was hard to get her bearings and find the quickest exit, but she eventually spotted the door as her eyes adjusted. She felt Suki's hand on her arm just before she stood. She acknowledged her friend's apologetic expression before rising and stomping loudly across the room. She heard the murmurs and shuffle of fabric from the other two occupants, but she didn't care.

"Katara? Is that you?" She found the sound of her father's voice grating. It had been so sultry a minute ago, and now it carried an air of concern. Of course he should be concerned. I just caught him sleeping with… the enemy.

The cool night air felt good as she breezed through the courtyard toward her own villa. She saw then that Suki's was closer to the pathway that led to the bar, so that must've been how she ended up there. In Sokka's bed perhaps? That meant Zuko wouldn't be back from whatever the boys had gone off to do. Her head was starting to feel clearer, but her anger hadn't subsided. She really wanted to waterbend. She had seen a fountain somewhere, but where? She stopped and turned, and that's when she saw him. He was shirtless and still messing with the tie of his pants.

No. No. No. I will not have this conversation right now.

"Katara, wait!" Hakoda called after her.

She didn't know where she was going, but away from him—she knew that for sure.

"Katara! Can we please talk? I know this is about Mom."

What!? Katara stopped dead in her tracks and instinctively clutched her necklace. She hadn't even considered that. At all. She clinched her fists. "You don't know anything!"

She could tell he had caught up to her by the sound of his heavy breathing and the smell of sweat in the air. It was likely from his running to chase after her, but it reminded her of where she had just come from and him doing that. She closed her eyes and refused to turn around and face him.

"Can you at least let me explain?" he panted.

She didn't answer.

"Katara, I—" Hakoda swallowed hard. "I'm not being impulsive. I know you just met her, but Malina and I have known each other for months. I was reluctant at first… to give in to my feelings for her. I was afraid of what you and your brother would think… and I didn't want to dishonor your mother's memory. I'm sorry if you see it that way, I—"

"I don't," she interrupted.

"OK… well, I agree that just now was… awkward… but you've been avoiding me the past few days. And Malina said that you didn't—"

"I don't like her."

"Well, I don't suppose you have to. But why? Is it her age? She's actually older than she looks. I know she can be a little… flighty at times, but—"

"She's taking advantage of you." Katara then turned to face him.

"What? Why would you say that?"

"She's Chief Arnook's pawn. She just wants a foothold for the North to come in and take over. You can't trust her. You can't trust them."

"Katara… I don't know what gave you that idea, but she's not the enemy. And neither is Chief Arnook."

"Dad, they're from the North."

"Your point? The war is over, Katara. Besides, we were never fighting with the North. It's time to pool our resources and rebuild. It's time for cooperation. The South is struggling right now, and the North has a lot to give us. Malina has been an integral part—"

"I don't know, Dad. Sounds like you were the one about to give it to her back there."

Hakoda folded his arms across his chest. "Now you're just being immature."

"Oh, I'm immature? I'm not the one dating someone and using international relations as an excuse!"

Hakoda raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you're not, Ambassador Katara?"

Whatever retort Katara had ready to fire at him next got caught in her throat. Her stormy eyes met his icy ones, both intense and blue, but seemingly worlds apart.

"Ughhhhhhhhhh. Whatever. You better get back to your negotiations. You don't want your trade partner to think you've gone back on your word." She turned on her heel and stormed off in the direction of her villa. She felt very, very tired all of the sudden.

"Katara!"

She ignored him because she was trying to convince herself that she didn't care. But the tears that now streamed down her face meant otherwise.

Zuko was so tired. Staying out all night would have been fun if it hadn't been just before the most boring wedding ever. He knew Fire Nation weddings weren't any better when it came to all the customs, but man, the Earth Kingdom nuptials seemed neverending. Katara had to elbow him several times to keep him from nodding off. How was she able to do it? He thought the girls had a similar night out. He was also surprised at how alert and awake Kuei and Song appeared. Perhaps that's what it would be like when such a long-awaited moment finally came. He wondered when that moment would be for him and Katara.

He didn't see her at the ceremony, so he was surprised to see his mother at the reception. Her arm was tucked tightly into Iroh's elbow as if she would fall over if he didn't support her. Zuko thought she looked a little paler than normal but otherwise quite beautiful. She was always radiant in red, like a true Fire Lady, but it had been a while since he'd seen her in formal wear that color. He was taken aback although unsure why.

"Mom, you look great! How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? Like I could use a drink," she answered with a warm smile.

"Well, it's wedding reception. I'm sure that can be arranged."

As if on cue, a server appeared with a tray of champagne. Iroh lifted his glass to make the toast. "To the new Earth King and Queen. May their reign be full of love and peace." He winked at his nephew.

Zuko rolled his eyes. The man always had a flair for drama, it seemed. True, the words from his coronation speech always struck him as significant, but there were only four of them standing there—his uncle, his mother, and Katara. The drink was cool and crisp, though, and he felt like he could finally relax. Ba Sing Se hadn't been so bad this time, and soon they would be heading home. He breathed a sigh of relief and downed his champagne. As he reached for another glass, Iroh placed a hand on his arm.

"Slow down there, nephew. It's a long night ahead, and you don't want too many regrets in the morning."

"All we're doing is traveling tomorrow, though. Right?" Although Zuko imagined being hungover on an airship would not be fun.

"Well…" Iroh exchanged a nervous glance with Ursa.

"What is it?" Zuko felt a flutter in his stomach. Did his uncle plan something else? Did they have to stay longer? Only one more day, old man. That's all I'm willing to give…

"I don't think I'll be returning to the Fire Nation just yet," Iroh said.

"What!? Why?" Zuko felt Katara's hand on his other arm this time, an effort to comfort him, no doubt.

"Well, the Jasmine Dragon's bookkeeping is a mess for starters. Takeo was supposed to take care of that for the three branches, and well…"

Zuko and Iroh shared the same dark expression at the mentioning of the former business partner who had betrayed them… and worse.

"Okay, but—" Zuko started.

"There's another matter that has come to my attention," Iroh continued with a sideways glance at Ursa. "There are some Earth Kingdom government officials who have behaved… dishonorably… and need to pay for their crimes. I have offered my services to King Kuei since we in the Fire Nation have experience with that sort of thing."

Zuko thought he knew what his uncle was talking about by the stricken look on his mother's face, but he never anticipated what she would say next.

"Zuko, I'm not going back right away, either." She refused to make eye contact when she spoke.

"What!?"

"I'm helping Iroh… sort of. Or well, I'm helping Dr. Jung, actually. He's made a lot of headway with the Joo Dees recently. If we can help them recover their identities—and their memories—and incriminate the Dai Li, then maybe this whole ordeal can finally be put to rest."

Zuko couldn't help but feel the anger surge through his blood, but just like the odd sensation he felt when he saw his mother in her Fire Nation finery, he couldn't figure out why. He thought maybe it had to do with the past—its ruthless way of creeping up and closing in on him.

He cleared his throat, trying to rid his voice of emotion. "I understand the need for justice… and healing… but it's an Earth Kingdom problem. Just let them handle it."

"But Zuko, they need our help. And we should give it to them," Ursa said.

"Why? It's not like they come and help us with our criminals." Zuko knew the edge was back in his voice. He needed another drink… and fast.

"On the contrary, nephew. Your friend, Toph, came and helped with our war trials, remember?" Iroh's face was stern, and he'd seen that expression before. Here in Ba Sing Se, in fact. Probably just below where they were standing.

"Fine. Whatever. Just leave. Or stay. Hell, I don't even know anymore." Zuko decided that storming off would be the best thing before he said something he would regret or worse, made a scene at a royal wedding.

But Katara pulled on the sleeve of his robe and held him back. "Zuko, don't. Let's just enjoy this night together. Nobody is leaving just yet."

"BUT THEY ALWAYS LEAVE!" So much for not making a scene. Several pairs of eyes shot his way, including two sets of pained ones. Good. It hurts me, too.

Katara gripped his arm tighter and leaned in to whisper. "But I'm going back with you, okay? And I'll never leave you."

"BUT YOU'RE NOT FAMILY!" Pain then flashed through a third set of eyes, but this time, he felt immediate regret. He saw his mistake crashing like a wave in a depth of blue. He wished he was anywhere else but here. Out to sea, maybe. Getting carried away by the tide.

Even though he felt like he was in motion, swaying almost, time stood still. He was suspended with indecision—ebb and flow—about what to say or do next. Nobody seemed to know.

Katara finally broke the ice. "You're right, Zuko, I'm not. Maybe that's why I stick around. Because you need a little relief from all this… heat. But it's not easy. And sometimes I wonder if it's worth it…"

That's what he was waiting to hear. She wanted to leave, too. "It's not worth it, Katara."

"Are you even listening to me!? I just said I would never leave you. I think YOU are worth it, OK. Besides, the prophecy says—"

"Fuck the prophecy! I don't want you to stay because you think you have to! That's just as bad as an arranged marriage. And I don't want that."

"Then what do you want, Zuko? Hmm?" She pointed a finger at his chest.

"I WANT YOU!"

"You have me, you idiot!"

"But I want you to want me, too."

"I do."

The way she said it sounded so much like how she would say it in their wedding vows. He had just heard Song say it with the same amount of sincerity and devotion. It filled him with so much hope that he knew he would never doubt her love again. He pulled her in close so that their foreheads were touching. "Marry me, Katara."

She laughed. "Zuko, are you proposing… at someone else's wedding?"

He surveyed the small crowd that had gathered around them. His uncle and mother were smiling. He wasn't sure what to do next. Should he get down on one knee and make it more official? Should he make an announcement? Should he kiss her?

He decided on the latter and had almost closed the gap between them when Suki broke into the group. "Hey guys! Guess what!? Sokka just proposed! We're getting married!"

A/N: Haha, Jet! Had to bring him back for the parallel to Jin. He's alive according to the Stalking series. Also if anyone is familiar with the drink Ocean Water from Sonic, yes, that was the inspiration. Although it's been years since I've had one. And I've never tried it with rum, but it sounds good, no?

Also, Chapter One of the third installment came to me in the middle of the night! As did the title, Beyond the Silver Lining. Be on the lookout for me to post that as a teaser chapter soon. You know what that means... the end of Rising Tide is in sight, and me posting the third fic is making my commitment to finishing the series.