Chapter 24:

When the trio pulled up at the end of Mai's block, which they found due to Sokka's skills with hacking, they waited outside for at least 45 minutes. Katara insisted that they waited until they knew Mai was home alone while Maya was at school. Normally at this time Katara would be scrubbing the Agni Estate floor. Zuko would've been home from for lunch by now. She couldn't stop herself from thinking of him lately.

"It has been like two hours. What is this girl doing? Building a school?" Toph sighed in annoyance

"Yea this stake out thing sucks. I should've brought some maple syrup jerky." Sokka stated searching in his glove compartment for some sort of food. Katara stuck out her tongue in disgust.

"This was a bad idea you guys. Let's just go. I don't have anything to say to her." Katara said, looking down at her engagement ring.

"Nooope, no backing out now. I spent two hours of my life here I can't get back. What kind of car does she drive?" Sokka protested.

"Black BMV."

"Is she tall, thin with an extreme case of resting bitch face," Toph asked, "Well here's your chance! There she is across the street."

That was Mai with the five inch bright red stiletto pumps, long straight hair, and tight black dress. She got out of her car after parking it with a designer bag in hand and big black shades covering her eyes. She was stunning and intimidating all at the same time. Here Katara was in her head wrap get up, looking ridiculous. She paled in comparison of Mai's beauty. How could she even begin to talk to her? Last time things didn't go well at all. Was this even worth it?

"What is she your new crush? Stop staring at her and get out of the car!" Toph demanded. Mai crossed the street and walked right in front of the car, flipping her hair as her heels clicked behind her. Katara was petrified. Toph took it upon herself to unlock the door and push Katara out of the car. Katara being clumsy fell out of the car and face first onto the sidewalk pavement.

To her surprise Mai happened to be two feet away and saw her fall. "Hey, are you okay?"

Katara picked her embarrassed face off the ground and took Mai's helping hand for support so she could stand. Mai immediately pulled Katara's left hand closer to her. Her eyes got very large when she got a glimpse her ring, shining in the sunlight.

"That's some rock! Some guy really must love you. I wish I had a man and a ring like that. I can't even get the guy I want to respect me." Mai frowned with sadness in her eyes.

Katara snatched her hand away quickly and got back in to the car.

"What are you doing?!" Sokka asked as Katara slammed the car door shut.

"Drive!" Katara protested

"But-"

"DRIVE!" Katara interrupted. As they drove passed a stunned and confused Mai, Toph rolled down on of the windows and threw whatever she had in her hand at Mai, which happened to be a cup of water.

Toph doused Mai with the water and screamed out the window, "BITCH!"

Sokka and Katara turned to look at Toph with their mouths wide open in shock.

"What? She deserved it!" Toph shrugged nonchalantly.

~/~

June instructed Zuko and Katara to go on a public date to capture the attention of the media. June bought her clothes she should wear when she and Zuko were out which included short skirts, see through tops, crop tops, tight short dresses, and generally skimpy revealing attire. If her cleavage wasn't popping out she was showing her legs or her stomach. June's reasoning was that sex sells, but wasn't sex the whole reason for this situation in the first place? According to June when people were to see Katara the men needed to want her and the women had to want to be here. That was working well, considering when they entered the restaurant all eyes were on her and Zuko. Granted they were probably looking at Zuko but the tight strapless purple dress could've been the reason too.

Once in the restaurant their waiter led them to a private table towards the back, away from other people. Zuko pulled the chair out for her like a gentlemen then sat in his own seat across from her at the small table. After ordering drinks, the waiter left them alone.

"That girl over there has a camera. If we smile the entire time and laugh it'll look good. June says we can say whatever we want as long as we look happy." Katara brought up flashing a large teeth showing smile. Zuko gave her only a smirk.

"You look very nice today Ms. -Katara." Zuko complimented, looking over her sensually.

"Thank you. You look good too." Katara replied. He did look good. He looked better than good. He looked handsome and beautiful. It was his eyes. Those eyes filled with passion even when he tried to look unemotional that made him attractive to her.

Zuko let out a loud and hearty laugh, prompting Katara to giggle while covering her mouth shyly.

"This makes me sick. I hate acting like this." Zuko said with a smile on his face. The waiter returned with the drinks.

"I love you too!" Katara exclaimed just when the waiter got in ear shot. Zuko reached out and stroked her hand as the waiter delivered the drinks. The waiter took their orders then walked away to place them. Zuko immediately snatched his hand away and let out an annoyed sigh.

"Is it really that terrible spending time with me like this?" Katara asked playing with her hair.

"Yes." Zuko replied as he sipped his water

Katara felt slightly devastated. How could he say that when just a week ago they were talking normally and enjoying each other's company? She had to explain herself again. Maybe it would help.

"I went to see Mai today. I thought that would help you if I talked or maybe yelled at her so you could see Maya again, but I couldn't go through with it. She was so depressed and lonely. I just couldn't."

"I'm taking her to court again."

"You don't seem too happy about that."

"I'm not too happy about ANYTHING right now."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I can't say that enough Zuko. We can still go to your mother's grave you know? I'm sure I'm ready to visit my mom too. We can support each other. It's time for you to let go of your pain and move on. Consider it our second date."

Zuko genuinely laughed, "You're morbid."

First genuine thing he's said this entire week. Katara smiled, unconsciously patting herself on the back. He didn't completely hate her.

~/~

The following day she and Azula were supposed to go dress shopping at an upscale boutique. Azula definitely wasn't her favorite person nor did she want to go anywhere with her, but she was sure I'd be nice to feel like a princess for the day. If anyone knew lavished and expensive it would be Azula. June accompanied her to the dress shop. Azula was already there smoking a cigarette in front of the boutique. Immediately the smell of alcohol and cigarettes hit their noses walking up to the boutique. Jet picked a fine prize with her, Katara was sure. Sarcasm noted.

"Oh Jesus I have been standing here for five entire minutes! I thought some of these bums would touch me. Let's go in." Azula said puffing smoke from her lips. The three of them walked towards the door with June in front.

"Um Azula aren't you going to put that out?" June asked holding open the door. Azula still held the cigarette between her two fingers.

She rolled her eyes in annoyance, "No. They can steam their dresses or something. Smoke won't hurt anyone."

Azula marched into the store with a hand on her hip and the cigarette in her mouth. June and Katara gave each other a look of disbelief before walking in behind her. She had no sense of poise what so ever. What did Jet even see in her?

A young women met them at the door.

"Hello I am Kirsten and welcome to Blush where it is our premiere goal to make every bride a blushing and beautiful one. Do you all have appointment?" The lady smiled and invited the ladies in when she got to Azula however she frowned ,"Um maam you cannot smoke in here. I'm sorry."

Azula threw the cigarette on the white carpet and stamped it with her heel, leaving black tar marks on the ground.

"You're going to have to pay for that maam!" Kirsten responded staring in awe.

"Do you know who I am? I am Azula Motherfucking Agni! I can buy this entire store! I can burn it to the ground if I want! I can do what-"

"Azula! Calm down!" Katara stated, putting a firm hand on Azula's shoulder. June gave Azula a hard kick in the ankle, causing her to groan.

"We are so sorry for our friend here," June shook the girl's hand and gave her a warm smile ," She's been um, a little stressed ever since her brother announced the wedding. Just can't let her brother go unfortunately. We will personally pay for the carpet to be cleaned. To answer your question we do have an appointment. Katara Sapphire here just adores your gowns!"

June was good with people and it didn't help that she was good looking and young. She knew the right things to say and when to say them. She was a natural at her job. Katara only wished she was as witty and as quick on her feet as June.

Kirsten jumped up and down in glee, "Oh my God I didn't even recognize you! I feel so dumb! I follow you on Instagram Katara! You and Zuko are so cute. I hope you find the perfect dress today. Don't worry about the carpet. It's an honor to have such a popular bride-to-be here. Let's head back and get some dresses on you."

"Come on Azula. Try not to make a fool of us here!" June whispered pulling Azula forward towards the back room.

Kirsten led the three women to an all-white room with a large white couch in the middle. Plastered on the wall were photos of women in stunning gowns. There were three mannequins in the room dressed in beautiful white ball gowns covered in intricate beading, lace, and ruffles. She hadn't even tried anything on yet and she felt magic in the air.

"For the bridal party we have champagne and chocolate complimentary. Now Katara tell me what kind of dress you envision and we can start pulling things." Kirsten prompted placing a champagne bottle and three glasses in front of him. Azula picked up both the bottle and the glass in record time.

"NO!" June yelled, snatching the glass and tossing the bottle across the room. Kirsten gave her an odd look. June chuckled a bit trying to smooth it over. "She's on a diet. Azula absolutely has to fit into her dress for the wedding. You know how diets are Kirsten."

"Oh yeah. I understand. I wasn't aware that the party was on a diet. I can take the champagne away if you want. Sorry about that."

"Yes, please do." June replied glaring angrily at Azula who was busy pouting and sighing dramatically. Kirsten had her assistant take away the wine and chocolate, which cause Azula let out a loud grunt. To be honest Katara wasn't worried about Azula all she wanted was to try on dresses.

"Let's get started Katara. I think an A-line gown would be stunning. Come on back with me." Kirsten led Katara back to a dressing room. She went and left Katara alone so she could strip down while Kirsten found a dress. 10 minutes later Kirsten came back with a gorgeous gown.

"This ball gown features a sweetheart neckline with a dropped waist in satin. It has a chapel train. I know it'll look great on you. Come on out when you're done so we can see the dress on you." Kirsten handed Katara the dress and shut the door behind her. She was left with herself, this dress, and the full length mirror.

Katara slipped the gown on and felt like a bride instantly. It was an ivory ball gown with a corseted top. The top featured silver beading around the sweet heart neckline, going down the center of her torso, and then lining her waist. Right where her waist began the silver beading stopped and the skirt of the dress flared out into a classic princess ball gown. The back had a 4 feet long train that was elegantly draped behind her.

Tears were brought to Katara's eyes when she saw herself in that dress. She honestly felt like a bride. She never thought she could feel so beautiful in her life. She felt this moment to be wonderful and transcendent all at once. This was the dress. This was the wedding dress she had dreamed of her entire life. It all felt surreal how fast her heart was beating at the sight of herself in the dress. She felt powerful, sexy, beautiful, and most of all fit to be someone's bride. Her heart dropped when she realized that this was all fake of course and she was going to be no one's bride. There was no magic, no transcendence, and no true authenticity in this moment anymore. She wouldn't get to walk down the aisle in this dress. Zuko wouldn't be waiting at the end of the aisle, teary eyed in awe of how gorgeous she looked. She wasn't even getting married. She felt like she had punched herself in the face with her own sad but needed reality check.

"Fake. Remember. It's all fake." Katara mouthed to herself as she stepped out of the dressing room. She took a deep breath as she stepped out into the room to get the other women's approval. June's jaw dropped when she got a glimpse of Katara in the dress. The sight of Katara playing the part of a bride even got Azula to quit her attitude for a moment and stare in awe at the view.

"You look stunning Katara!" June exclaimed.

"Holy shit. For a maid you do clean up well." Azula said with wide eyes.

"You really do look like a bride. We just HAVE to get you a veil. What do you think of the dress Katara?" Kirsten asked.

"I, I love it. I love it so much." Katara almost screamed the words she meant them so much. June took the liberty of snapping a few picture of her in the dress from the front, back, and side angles. All for social media of course.

"You look beautiful Katara!" a male voice said.

"Um excuse me who the fuck are you? This is a PRIVATE bridal party. No dudes allowed." June protested pushing Aang away.

"Aang? What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to my girl alone."

"GIRLFRIEND!" Azula yelled.

"Katara you have a boyfriend and you didn't tell me! How could you not tell me something so important? Get him out of here before anyone sees him!," June yelled, "Listen here little miss Kirsten if you say anything or sell a story I kick your little bleached blonde ass. Understand?"

Katara panicked and pulled Aang into the dressing room. What could he possibly want from her now?!

Author's Note: Here's the gown since I sort of suck at descriptions. It's a Pnina Tornai gown! Might be familiar with her work from the show Say Yes to the Dress! The dress is Pnina Tornai Style #2019.

Besides the dress, what do you guys think of this chapter?