Author's Note: Warning this chapter has mentions of sexual activity, although it isn't graphic at all. Just a heads up for you readers.

Chapter 16:

Skirts twirling, legs shaking, and wondering eyes averted their gazes as two men across the room engage in a bold battle. Aang immediately lunged forward and tackled Zuko to the ground. Gasps and stares followed them from around the room.

"Oh my God!" Katara exclaimed running over as a crowd started to form around the fight. Her boyfriend was on top of Zuko forcefully punching him in the face. "STOP IT!"

Katara ran straight into the two fighting men and tried to pull them a part. Two big men proceeded to pull the men apart, leaving Katara in the middle. Zuko's nice suit was now wrinkled and disheveled from the brawl. He had a noticeable scratch on his cheek where Aang had probably cut his skin. Aang looked completely unscathed except his heavy breathing.

"What's going on? Why are you fighting?" How did this even happen? What could have possibly happened to lead to this?

"Katara, this guy! He's just jealous and he jumped on me out of nowhere. Let's just leave." Aang yelled. Zuko suddenly broke out of the hold he was in, pulled back his arm, and punched Aang so hard in the face that he fell to the floor. His fist connecting with a loud crack that everyone heard.

"NOW you can leave!" Zuko shouted shaking his hand a bit. His eyes were full of rage, something Katara had never seen before. "Get him out of here!"

Immediately four men came swarming out of nowhere picking Aang up and dragging him out of the party. Blood was gushing out of Aang's nose and all over the floor as he was carried out.

"Kataraaaaaaa! Kataraaaaa!" Aang exclaimed in misery. This was absolutely embarrassing. Thank God for masks otherwise she'd hope to disappear into the back of the crowd. She just didn't want to deal with this right now, not when she didn't understand anything that was happening. People surrounding the scene were pointing and gossiping, some squeamish people couldn't handle the sight of blood. All were waiting to see what Zuko Agni was bound to do next.

Zuko and Katara had a brief moment of eye contact. He thought he was gazing into her very soul. She couldn't look away. Zuko just shoved passed her and the entire crowd and completely disappeared. She felt the need to apologize, but everything was just happening so fast. She needed a drink.

Once again she was at the bar alone, this time with thought of the Mystery Man on her mind. She was drinking her glass of Fireball Whiskey and started to remember how his bare hands felt against her back. She shuttered at the thought of him touching her again. It was one of the most invigorating moments of the entire night, next to the Zuko/ Aang brawl. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Aang:

Katara: I hope you're okay. We need to talk when I get home.

Katara sighed. For once she wasn't looking forward to seeing Aang. For once she wished Aang wouldn't be so possessive and treated her like an equal. This fight was totally uncalled for. Now he could possibly have a broken nose, all over thinking Zuko wanted her. She both annoyed, embarrassed, and upset all at the same time. She was annoyed because he always felt the need to prove his dominance and puff out his chest where ever they went. She was embarrassed because her boyfriend had made a scene at a party with many prominent people. She was upset because despite whatever Aang thought she was a woman, not an object. A woman that deserved to be catered to and not protected like she was some prized trophy all the time. He wanted him to act and handle her like a man, not a little boy with a crush.

"Hello Katara." She heard a voice she was less than excited about. The clock struck 11:55.

"Azula? What do you want? And how did you know it was me with the lights so low?"

"I looked for the cheapest thing in the room and there you were. Plus you're little boy toy so nicely announced that you were still here."

"Ugh can I get another glass of whiskey." Katara grimaced. "Save it Azula, aren't you supposed to be grinding all over my ex, Jet?"

The bartender materialized another shot of Fireball. She took the shot straight back. The burn was very satisfying as the warm liquid slid down her throat. She didn't too much care about what Azula had to say, considering she was currently dating her sloppy seconds. Azula was one of those people who were much better to be around drunk. When she was sober her attitude was absolutely distasteful. It was clear one of them had to be drunk to even have a good conversation at all times.

"Trust me, I'm not dating him willingly. You should take it easy on the shots though. Wouldn't want anyone taking advantage of a poor, hopeless girl like you."

She was so beyond condescending. How anyone could had ever found her attractive was beyond her. Maybe Jet had a method to his madness. She felt the need to gag and pass out all at the same time by just being around her negative energy. At least when she was drunk she was a little more fun. She made her feel nauseas or maybe it was the whiskey? The bartender put another glass of whiskey in front of her and she downed that quickly. Nope, definitely Azula.

"Get lost. I can handle myself." The clock read midnight. It was time to meet her Mystery Man. "If you excuse me, I have somewhere to be."

Katara was eager to leave the glass and Azula behind.

~/~

He heart was anxiously beating as she made her way to the elevator. She fixed her hair and made sure her dress was well-adjusted before she hit the up button on the elevator. Her body felt like every single nerve was on fire she was so excited. She watched the numbers light up above the elevator in absolute anticipation. The number finally read 1. The doors came flying open and she paused for a moment before she stepped inside. There he was. There was the masked man that she had danced with. She clutched the piece of paper and the key in her hand and stood next to the man, only a foot away in distance.

"Going up?" The voice sounded muffled and somewhat distorted. She couldn't quite make out who he was under the mask by voice alone. She nodded in response. "Good, because I wouldn't be able to get into my room any other way."

She twisted her hair around her fingers, anxious to get off the elevator and see who he was under the mask. Their fingers touched for just a moment as the doors swung open. Without a moment's notice the masked man picked her up over the threshold and carried her down the hallway. His hand on her bare, exposed thigh was driving her crazy. She had never been a part of something so spontaneous in her life. To say she was caught up in the moment would be an understatement. The Masked Man was quick to slide the key card in the door, carrying her into the bedroom, and threw her down on the bed. He lifted some of the mask up to expose his lips to her and kissed her on the mouth, while he stroked up and down her thigh. She moaned into his chest as he showered soft kisses down her neck. His hand slips under Katara's dress and she moaned against his touch. She kissed him once more even harder. She gives him sweet kisses on his collarbone and loosens his tie, causing the Masked Man to suckle on her earlobe. Her heart was racing, as he unbuttoned his shirt. She was taking in the beauty that was his body. She smirked, tracing circles around the man's well defined abs. After a moment of teasing, she flipped him over and found herself on top of him, legs wrapped around his waist.

"Let me see you." Katara reached for the mask, but the man was quick to grab her wrists to stop her. The man nodded and slipped the mask down over his face again. "What are you ugly or something?"

The man only responded by reaching up and unzipping her dress. Katara got up and let the dress fall to the floor. The man got up and ran his hands over her sides and bare stomach. His touch was exhilarating. The touch was surprisingly soft, slightly uncertain, and gentle. He unbuckled his pants and was left clad in his boxers.

"I can't do this and not see you." Katara exclaimed. A small chuckle came from behind the mask. He pinned her on the bed once again, removed his tie, and used it to tie Katara's hands together. His hand reached up and touched her chest through her bra. "I can't touch you either. How selfish?"

His smell was masculine of musk and cinnamon. He trailed kisses down her body as she bucked her hips against his touches. He groaned as he gently, spread her thighs, sliding down the lacy material to her ankles. Katara's moans got louder and faster in anticipation. He stopped for a moment, silently making sure it was okay.

"Please, don't stop." Katara moaned. That was all the confirmation he needed. That night Katara forgot everything and got lost in the Masked Man currently taking her to ecstasy.

~/~

Katara rolled over in the afterglow of her intimacy. Everything smelled like him and that made her smile a bit. The moment she lifted her head she groaned in annoyance. She definitely didn't need that fourth glass. She wrapped herself in the white sheet on the bed and stood up. She surveyed the room and much to her surprise her masked lover was gone. What did she expect from a guy she knew for five minutes on the dance floor? She sighed, frantically getting her clothes from the floor. Under her dress was a note in a plain white envelope. She slipped on her dress then opened the envelope. It was a note:

To my Beautiful Seductress,

I'm sorry.

She crumbled the paper up in her fists. Not only was she left alone after last night, the man considered her one big mistake. He couldn't even validate her by saying he enjoyed himself. This was one big mistake, led on by frustration and too many shots of whiskey. Now she had to face Aang. God, she couldn't even face herself right now.

Katara made her way into her apartment with her head pounding. She tossed her keys on the couch and didn't even bother looking at her phone. It had had to be at least 4AM. The sun hadn't even risen yet. She just wanted to wash her shame off, pop some aspirin, and head to work.

"Well, well, well where have you been Sweetness?" The last person she wanted to see right now was Toph when she was still in her walk of shame attire. She could smell the judgement from across the room.

"How the hell do you keep getting into my apartments? You know what never mind." Katara grumbled, kicking off her shoes. "I told you I had to go to the masquerade party."

"Your boyfriend called me FIFTEEN TIMES when you didn't answer any of his phone calls. We were worried. I don't know who is worse at this point: you or him."

She made her way to the bedroom with Toph trailing behind her. She unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor, took off her earrings, and grabbed her jar of makeup wipes to clean her face.

"I'll call him later. Can you keep it down Toph, some people didn't get much sleep last night and they have work soon?"

"I wonder why you didn't get much sleep last night Katara!"

"I don't know what you're talking about Toph." Katara said coldly stepping into the bathroom to brush her teeth and grab a fresh towel. Toph was not letting up.

"Really?! Don't start lying to me now. You're wearing the same dress you wore last night. You smell like sweat, musk, and rose petals. AND you have a hickie on your chest Katara. What exactly do you want me to tell Aang?"

Katara looked down, surely right above the cup of her bra was a round brownish red hickie. She just couldn't get a break could she? The Masked Man couldn't have just left but he had to leave her with his mark. She leaned over the bathroom sink, absolutely sick to her stomach. She couldn't lie to Toph of all people.

"I- I made a mistake Toph. God, I'm so stupid. I don't even know who the guy was, alright? I, I was dancing with this masked man and it was incredible. No one had ever made my adrenaline pump so fast. He asked me to meet him at midnight and I swear I wasn't. Then Aang got into a fight with Zuko and I was so angry with him. Not just for the fight but for everything. He's been so overbearing. I just wanted to feel free and like I was wanted for me and not some silly idea. I had a little too much to drink and- and it all happened so fast. I spent the night with a complete stranger just to feel like a woman and not an object. God, I'm pathetic. Just fucking pathetic Toph." Tears streamed down Katara's face. No amount of remorse could make Aang ever understand. Katara slid down to the floor and curled into the fetal position. Toph got down on her knees and held her. She needed her right now. Katara sobbed loudly as Toph held her head in her lap.

"It's okay Katara. You're human and were cut up in your inhibitions. Tell Aang the truth, Katara. It'll hurt but how would you feel if he kept a horrendous lie from you?"

"If he kept a lie from me I'd never forgive him. Toph, he's- he's going to leave me. I messed up and now I have to go to work and act like nothing is wrong."

"One things for sure though the longer you choose to lie and hide things from him the worse it'll be for both you. Lies are the sort of things that fester and destroy a relationship. For now, handle one thing at a time Katara. Start by taking a shower." Toph advised

She hoped the shower water would wash off all memories of the steamy yet shameful night she had.

~/~

Katara got to the Agni Estate two hours later, her eyes still puffy from crying. How was she ever going to get through this day? Zuko was business as usual, already dressed in his suit and handling a couple phone calls when she came in. Katara hoped he wouldn't say anything to her right now. She just wanted to focus on work and nothing else. Katara started wiping the dining room table, wiping in small circles, and pressing down slightly.

"Good Morning Ms. Sapphire." Zuko said cheerily.

"Morning." Katara quickly stated, continue to wipe the table more aggressively.

"Geez, what did my table ever do to you?" Zuko joked. Katara was so out of it she didn't even realize she was scrubbing so hard. "You have been wiping that same spot for 5 minutes."

"Well, maybe the table is really dirty." She retorted. Zuko took the cloth from her hands and set it down on the table.

"Ms. Sapphire, what's wrong? You seem to be in a bad mood." Zuko looked concerned. What was she supposed to say: Hey I had a one night stand and now I hate myself?

"Well you seem to be in a pleasant mood Mr. Agni. That's all that matters." She couldn't even look at Zuko. She knew looking at him would make her break down. She didn't need to pour her whole soul to her boss right now.

"I had a great time at the Masquerade last night that's all." Zuko smiled at her, but his happy appearance soon was traded for a serious expression. "Listen, I know the whole fight thing was uncalled for and I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble at all. I'll pay for any and all of his hospital bills."

"Why were you two fighting anyway? You have any idea how embarrassing it is to have your boyfriend dragged out of a large party in front of all those people with a broken nose!" She was lashing out him, but at least she was slightly justified this time.

"I'm sorry. I can't apologize enough. It's just whenever he comes around I just get a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Ever since our first meeting in my office, I haven't trusted him. He just reminds me of someone. I know men like him; I used to pretend to be one of them. Bad guys who delude themselves into believing they're really the hero, the Nice Guy. When I had the opportunity to humiliate him I took it. That had nothing to do with him being your boyfriend. I know it was wrong, but when guys like him come around the Old Zuko comes out."

"Guys like who?"

"Nice guys. Guys like my father. The type of guys that do awful things to people and have no remorse. Guys that act nice, perfect, and respectful in public but beat their wives in private. He's so possessive and controlling with you that he idolizes you. He isn't in love with YOU, he's in love with the idea of you. The moment you ruin his picture perfect world he will turn on you." Zuko paused. He clenched his jaw and balled up a fist, recalling a past memory. "When I was younger my father was abusive to my mother, which was his way of keeping her in line. All he ever cared about was his image and his perfect fantasy. Outside he was loving and affectionate, the perfect husband but he would beat her if she so much as talked to another man when we got home. She finally got fed up with him and he gave me second degree burns on my face to make her stay. He wanted to prove a point; that that was the only way she was going to leave him was if she was dead. He, he killed her. He looked me dead in the eye, told me he did and that there was nothing I could do about it. I don't want to see you end up like my mother."

"As sad as that story is Aang is nothing like your father. He would never do that. My mother is dead too and you don't see me using it as an excuse to fight people." Katara needed to maintain her cold demeanor. She didn't want to appear weak, not in front of him anyway.

"You don't know that. I don't trust him around you Ms. Sapphire."

"Why are YOU so concerned with my personal relationship? It's none of your business how he treats me behind closed doors. I can handle myself without you breaking my boyfriend's nose!"

"Dammit! He is a liar and a manipulative excuse for a man. The only reason we fought in the first place is because he made it his mission to challenge me. Granted, I got my ego involved when I shouldn't have. However, that doesn't change the fact that he lied to you. I was hoping he would be man enough to tell you the truth by now. I bought that car for you Katara NOT him. I don't give a damn how much he says he cares about you, at least I'm honest with you. He can't do for you like I can! He can't make you feel like I can. You really want to know why I'm so concerned. Because he DOESN'T deserve you!"

Katara was absolutely dumbfounded and shocked.

Author's Note: Do you guys think everyone (mainly Aang, Toph, Zuko, and Katara) are realistic and believable characters? I'm trying hard to make the characters react as realistic as possible, but still have a bit of their canon character traits. How do you guys feel about this chapter? Reviews always welcomed.