Chapter 23:

"Hello and welcome to Republic City after Dark! I am Joo Dee and these are my Dai Li warriors!" Joo Dee introduced herself in a cheerful tone as the crowd clapped. Joo Dee looked as if she were floating when she came out of the bright pink double doors in the center of the stage. A techno song played behind her entrance. She took her seat on her green couch as the topless men (her Dai Li warriors) in green jogger pants danced a rather suggestive dance onto the stage. The crowd of woman erupted with lust as the Dai Li warriors did flips, shakes, kneels, and the occasional crotch thrust. No wonder this show was so popular. It had half nude man and gossip, all over the backdrop of a pink and green set. What wasn't to love?

"Thank you Dai Li. We don't want to give the women here heart attacks." Joo Dee stated as the music stopped. The men formed two single file lines, nodded at the same time, and then filed off the stage while marching in unison. "They look good ladies but they don't talk much."

The crowd let out an amused laugh in perfect unison. Joo Dee pushed her black, thick brimmed glasses up onto her face.

"Let's get started with today's show. As you all know there's a certain risqué video floating all around town between a certain play boy bachelor turned CEO and an unknown woman. Now before I go on I'd like to tell you all what I think of Zuko Agni's latest sex slave, I mean new partner. I think she's out for his money. Let's be honest, I know you all are thinking it. I think she set him up and has been playing him like a fiddle and took the opportunity of this tape to cash in on his daddy's money. Now Zuko isn't all innocent. We know he had an alcohol problem and we also know he's no stranger to making spur of the moment choices. Get this, Zuko released a statement just an hour ago that the woman in the video is going to be his wife!"

The crowd let out an audible gasp.

"I know! Is it fishy to you guys too? This girl is really working Zuko's emotions here. All the more reason I think she's in it for money. Did you all know after a year of marriage a spouse is eligible to receive at least 50% of their assets, including income? That would be 250 million for Zuko's new 'fiancée'. As far as Mr. Playboy is concerned making him tied down would clean up his image tremendously and help bring new interest to his company. I'm not saying either is innocent here, but it all still seems very convenient to me. We will see if this marriage business is real because we have them here with us tonight. I'll be asking all the questions you all want to know!"

Katara's heart sunk. Was Joo Dee really going to drill them? If she was neither of them were prepared for this. Zuko gripped her hand tightly and she could feel the sweat on his palm. He was nervous as well. Glad she wasn't the only one.

"Smile." Zuko whispered to Katara. The first thing he had said that was actually positive this entire day. Katara put on a smile and so did Zuko. She had forgotten how beautiful and stunning his smile was. She almost wished the smile was real instead of forced.

"Let us welcome Zuko Agni and his fiancée, Katara Sapphire to the show everyone!" Joo Dee announced. Well this was the moment of truth. Zuko and Katara stepped forward, beyond the bright lights. Pushing the pink double door open, Zuko lead Katara out onto a stage that felt far too big in that moment. The couple sat across from Joo Dee on the other pink love seat available. The audience clapped and screamed, trying to make them feel welcome. Zuko placed an arm around Katara's waist, prompting Katara to place a hand on his knee, just like they had practiced with June.

Joo Dee smiled at the couple and gave both of them a small hug before going back to her seat across from them. Katara felt intimidated by Joo Dee. Maybe it was her glasses, maybe it was the fact that she was unconsciously examining her and looking for them to slip up, or maybe it was the fact that she had an entire audience of people who holds on to her every word.

"Well aren't you two just one of the most attractive couples to grace this stage. She's very beautiful Zuko, not that we would doubt your pick in women considering the harem of models you kept company with. Am I right?" The crowd clapped at Joo Dee's comment. Zuko's muscles tensed under Katara's hand. If he could get through this without blowing up they would be fine.

"Welcome to Republic City after Dark. My Dai Li Warriors and I welcome you both." Joo Dee said smiling.

"Thank you Joo Dee!" Katara said an inviting tone.

"Thank you." Zuko responded in a pleasant tone.

"Let's just jump to the good part. There's a little explicit video detailing one night of what looked like passion between you two. Might I added that you both have amazing bodies by the way? The real pull of the video however, is the location it was captured. According to my sources, it was shot at the very same hotel and very same night of the annual Agni Inc. Masquerade Ball. Now tell me what was going through your mind Zuko, considering there were thousands of guests downstairs for you? What made you do that? Don't you think it's a little irresponsible?"

Zuko cleared his throat, "Well that seems to be my main problem. I don't think. I was overcome with lust and emotions when I saw Katara in that dress. I couldn't contain my feelings. I mean, what man wouldn't have done the same thing in my position? I admit it was irresponsible of me to have an affair when many waiting guests were downstairs. I wasn't thinking with the correct brain so to speak."

"Now Katara, many people are saying you seduced and set Zuko up. Did you know there were cameras in the room?" Joo Dee asked

"Absolutely not. I was not aware of cameras. In fact, I would have never thought that cameras were anywhere in sight. All I was focused on in that moment was pleasing my man. I love Zuko for him and not his money or his name. If I wanted his money I think I would've married him long ago." Katara answered staring into Zuko's eyes.

"Right, I guess the question everyone wants to know is how long have you been together? This engagement announcement seems pretty rushed to me. Perhaps you can clear up the timeline for everyone." Joo Dee asked peering over her glasses.

"I hired Katara as my maid last year. I tried to keep the relationship strictly professional. Now-"

"Mind you professional to him means barking orders." Katara interrupted. The crowd laughed at that comment and so did Joo Dee.

"Well yes, I was very impersonal with her. The thing about Katara is she's stubborn as hell. She demanded respect until I gave it to her and treated her like an equal. Little by little I would come home from work and more and more I would open up to her. She has been instrumental in helping me clean up my act. We started dating secretly last August and have been nothing but happy. I finally proposed to her last month, but did not announce it because I wanted to shield her from the media." Zuko explained.

"Forgive me but I find it hard to believe you have been together for a year when last month you were photographed at a night club taking shots from other women's breasts completely drunk. 8 months ago you were confirmed to be public dating a model named Lin; either you're lying or she's idiotic for putting up with your cheating ways." Joo Dee stated coldly. She was good Katara had to admit but Katara wouldn't let her ruin this.

"Zuko has not been the perfect man by any stretch of the imagination. He has a history of alcohol abuse and I will admit when he's drinking he has done things I find unacceptable. I remain by his side because I know what kind of person he is on the inside. Everyone has to fall a few times before they get back up. The women and the alcohol are little trip ups, but its progress being made in him becoming a better person. I love Zuko so much I could never leave him when he needs my help the most. He needs support while he's battling this addiction. REAL support from a REAL woman not the support of ditzy models." Katara responded. The audience clapped at her statement.

"Who am I to judge? He seems completely sober at the moment." Joo Dee said

"And I plan to STAY that way." Zuko added.

"Of course, I'm happy for your sobriety. Moving on, my team dug up pictures of you and Katara with a little girl and she looks an awful lot like you, Zuko. Have you been hiding a love child all this time? Who's the mother? Is it Katara's or some other woman? How does your daughter feel about the engagement?" Joo Dee asked looking towards Zuko

We had not prepared for questions about Maya. How could they had possible gotten those pictures? Zuko tensed and froze. He was shutting down and he was angry. Katara squeezed his knee a bit to try to snap him out of it. The audience was getting rowdy in the silence. Even Joo Dee fidgeted in her chair from Zuko's inability to answer the question. Katara had to turn this sinking ship around quick!

"Forgive him. Zuko is very sensitive about Maya, which is the reason why he has hidden her from the public. He wants her to have a normal childhood, away from the scrutiny of the media. Maya is a child from one of Zuko's previous relationships. She is just an amazing child. She's smart and sassy just like her dad. She has a lot of spirit and she has one of the most beautiful hearts of all the people I met. In just the time I have known her I have been truly touched by her amazing spirit. She only seven, but she has a bright future ahead of her. She is so loving and has a family full of people who love her. You say what you want about Zuko, but he is a damn good father and no one can deny him of that. I fell in love with him because of his true self being revealed through his daughter. He is always thinking of what's best for her even when it doesn't always benefit him. Because of her both Zuko and I have been changed for the better. What everyone doesn't see is Zuko the father. As a father he is a man full of compassion, affection, and an overwhelming amount of selfless love. I love THAT Zuko and I love his daughter too. I love Maya like my own and she has truly been our biggest fan throughout our entire relationship." Katara explained.

The crowd let out a pleased "Aw". Even Joo Dee found herself warmed by Katara's words. Katara didn't know where that small speech came from, but she was glad she said all of it. Zuko met Katara's eyes in an awed expression, his grip around her waist tightened. He seemed to be okay now or at least snapped out it due to what she said.

"How touching Katara. I approve! When's the wedding?" Joo Dee exclaimed.

"We are slated for an autumn wedding. I can't wait to see my beautiful bride in that white dress. I can't wait to claim her as mine." Zuko leaned in, grabbing Katara's face and brought her lips to his. His kiss was so warm, so passionate. Holding her waist tight, he tenderly pressed his lips against hers. Katara became lost in his arms as their lips locked in perfect harmony. She had forgotten where she was, what they were doing, even what to say next because all that mattered was the man kissing her in an all-consuming fire of passion. Zuko pulled back, not unlinking his eyes from hers for a second. She was drawn to him and couldn't look away. Her body was on high alert from the unplanned and unexpected kiss.

"WELL that certainly heated things up in my studio today. Get a room you two, but check for cameras first," Laughter came from around the room as Joo Dee joked, "I can't really argue with THAT kiss. Best wishes to you two moving forward. I DO hope I get a wedding invite."

"Dai Li, show our guests a great good bye!" Joo Dee yelled. A reggae song played and the shirtless men came out again. They danced, making the crowd go wild as Katara and Zuko exited the stage.

June was eagerly waiting right by the doors when they went backstage.

"Good job!" June mouthed as they arrived backstage. Zuko immediately dropped Katara's hand and pulled away. Okay, she was seriously getting whiplash from his confusing signals. She would deal with this later but right now June wanted to go over the schedule for the rest of the week.

~/~

After countless hours of briefing with June about more interviews and public appearances the day had finally ended. Zuko had offered to drive her home. Once in the car, the silence and the awkward emotions set in. Zuko looked straight at the road and didn't acknowledge Katara's presence at all. All Katara could think about was that kiss which was now being replayed all over the country. She remembered how his warm lips felt on her own. It gave her thoughts of that night they had spent together: remembering his lingering touches, soft kisses, and loving actions. She needed to fix things with him. Maybe then she could actually sort out how she was feeling.

"I meant what I said about Maya, Zuko" Katara said in a genuine voice. Zuko only answered with a barely audible grunt.

"I'm sorry for what I said after the meeting. I care about you. I shouldn't blame you for the decision I made. I wasn't thinking about the consequences when we slept together, I don't think either of us were. I'm sorry about Aang too. I'm sorry for not believing you when you told me he was a liar. I should've trusted you and to be honest things with him are still on the fence. I can't deny that we have a strong connection between us. I don't want our relationship to suffer. Please, talk to me. Tell me what I can do to fix things." Katara hoped he would receive her apology and genuinely want to start over.

"Stop." Zuko protested.

"Stop what?"

"Stop acting like you care when you don't Katara. I'm tired of playing games with you."

"It isn't a game. I meant what I said today on Joo Doo's. I care about you and think you're an amazing man."

"Really? You sure you weren't saying this for the cameras. After all this engagement isn't real. Who knows what's true anymore."

"Are you upset with me because of this engagement thing when it was YOUR team who had this entire idea? I know it's confusing but-"

Zuko pulled up in front of her apartment. Cameras immediately started flashing.

"You don't get it at all. I'm NOT the one confused about my feelings here. I can't see my daughter because of you so I'm definitely not confused about the fact that I'm more than a little upset. Get out of my car Katara. Let's make this easier on us and continue to keep this friendship as a business venture. Don't forget to smile when you get out of the car." Zuko unlocked the car door. Katara got out and put on her best fake smile, but inside she wanted to scream.

~/~

Katara went over to her brother's house to help plan baby shower activities. Toph came of course for food and to tease Katara. Toph was busy eating all of her brother's chips while she worked with Sokka trying to find a cake.

"How about raspberry pretzel cake with a peanut butter icing?" Sokka exclaimed.

"Sokka that sounds disgusting. No one at the shower would eat that but you." Katara responded

"That's the point! I'm the dad! I deserve my OWN cake!"

"Sure Sokka if you have cake money!" Katara responded. Toph came over leaning over Katara's shoulder to look at all the different cake combinations, also tracking crumbs onto Katara's bare shoulder.

"Well sorry I'm not the one with a rich sugar daddy!" Sokka retorted.

Katara brushed her shoulder free of crumbs in annoyance, "He isn't a sugar daddy Sokka. We have an agreement."

"That kiss on Joo Dee's didn't look like JUST a nice agreement. Sure it's all fake?" Toph asked munching carelessly on another pretzel.

"Can we prohibit talking about my baby sister and kisses? It makes me feel weird." Sokka protested.

"I'm just saying, the way he looked at you afterwards like he would take a bullet for you or something. Fake or not he likes you." Toph stated

"Well, he's made it clear he doesn't want much to do with me. Mai won't let him see his kid as long as he's publicly seeing me. He hates me."

"What kind of mother keeps a child away from their father? I would never do that to Suki! If I were him I'd be pretty depressed too. As a man, when another person, especially a woman, has power over you and abuses it, it chips away at our core," Sokka said in a serious tone, "How about a gummy worm cake with chocolate glaze and root beer filling?"

"You know for once I thought you weren't an idiot but that has to be the worst cake recommendation ever Snoozles! Sokka's right though. He has to be feeling hurt and depressed with, well everything. You just happen to be a catalyst for all of his negative shit to pop back up at the moment." Toph explained.

"I want to help him but every time I try something else happens. I don't know what to do. He wants nothing to do with me. His sister, his father, and Mai have to be the worst for him at this point."

"Well let's kick her ass! That'll teach her to upset your man and then she'll let Zuko see his kid!" Toph exclaimed.

"TOPH! I can't go around fighting her. Plus, we're supposed to play nice for the media."

"Technically speaking there's no clause in the contact about you NOT fighting her. At least not in private anyway. Mmm cheese and cherry cake with sweet potato glaze." Sokka chimed in.

"Exactly let's go show Mai who's the boss. Screw the contract. What June doesn't know won't hurt her!" Toph proclaimed.

"You do realize you JUST finished community service right?"

"So fuck it. I'll just hold her hair so you can punch her. It's not illegal to hold someone's hair. Let's go right now. Put your Hindu hijab disguise on!"

"Ohh I'll drive! I love girl fights!" Sokka stated.

"You guys are awful!"

"Okay, okay we'll go talk to her, but if I hit her don't blame me!" Toph grabbed the car keys from the table and the trio headed out in Sokka's car.

"Ninja stake out!" Sokka yelled putting the key in the ignition.

This was so wrong!

Author's Note: Next chapter Mai vs Sokka vs Toph vs Katara. Next chapter will be a little more comical. What do you guys think?