Chapter 27:

Maya Agni was gleefully running towards the swing set at the park. The grass was green and a soft breeze was blowing. Following behind her were her parents, Zuko and Mai.

"Daddy, will you push me on the swings?" Maya had ran full speed to the swing set, her two braids swinging in the wind. Zuko had a cheerful smile on his face as he watched his daughter run in excitement. Zuko stood behind Maya, who sat in the swing set next to her mother.

"You ready, Big Girl?" Zuko said with a happy grin on his face. Mai had already began swinging in the swing next to them. Mai's black hair cascaded in the air as she soared above the ground. Zuko pushed his daughter forward until her feet were lifted above the ground.

Maya giggled and lifted her feet. "Higher, Daddy! Higher!"

"I'm going to go higher than you Maya," Mai joked swinging higher in the air.

"Ha, that's what you think," Zuko retorted, pushing Maya even higher than before. Maya seemed as happy as she could possibly be. Zuko felt like everything was going right for once when he looked at Maya and Mai's cheerful faces.

"Daddy, Mommy is beating me! Higher!" Maya exclaimed as she continued to lift her legs in the air.

After fifteen minutes of swinging, Maya wanted to relocate to the slide. Her parents watched as she freely slid down the bright yellow slide. She looked so happy, at least happier than she had usually been.

"It's good to see her this happy, Zuko. We should've done this long ago," Mai said in genuine awe.

"We can spend more time together whenever she wants," Zuko had a stoic expression on his face, signaling he was thinking about something. "Mai ,about the leak, are you absolutely positive it is who you think it is?"

"I saw them come downstairs. I know what I saw. It's hard to believe, I know. I should've told you earlier but, I wasn't sure what was going on."

Zuko blinked hard then said, "It's almost five. I should get you both home."

Maya, Zuko, and Mai loaded themselves into the car, Zuko in the driver's seat. He was completely focused on the road and how he was planning on getting into contact with June later on. He barely had time to do anything in between the fake wedding planning. Zuko was quickly taken out of his thoughts when a warm hand wrapped around his.

Zuko quickly turned towards Mai, her eyes were filled with affection. Affection was something Zuko wasn't going to give her, at least not right now.

He snatched his hand away and looked back towards the road. "Mai-"

"Daddy, is it true you're getting married? Alicia's parents were talking about it when I went over her house," Maya inquired in a curious tone. Zuko saw his daughter's radiant expression in the rear view mirror. Mai shot him an annoyed glare in response to the question. He suddenly felt pressured to answer a certain way.

"Well, it's complicated Maya. Ms. Katara and I have-

"You're marrying Ms. Katara! Ahhh," Maya squealed, grinning from ear to ear. "She's going to be my new step-mommy. I love her. Can I be the flower girl? Did she pick a poofy princess dress? Is the wedding going to be on the beach? Can my friends come?"

"Maya, how about you stop asking Daddy questions while he's driving. He needs to… focus." Mai leaned in and whispered to Zuko, "Great job. Now I have to explain this whole thing to our daughter."

"But I want to hear about the wedding, Mom!"

Zuko rolled his eyes at Mai and said, "Hey, we can talk about that later and I'll answer all your questions, I promise. In the meantime, I know you said you wanted to attend Katara's niece's or nephew's baby shower. It'll be next month and I'm thinking you could come up with a special gift for the baby by then."

"Yay Yay! Mommy we can make a blanket for the baby! I'm so excited!" Maya was grinning from ear to ear.

Mai sighed and said sarcastically, "Sure, Baby."

~/~

"Why do they have 13 kinds of napkins? What baby needs 6 shades of pinks napkins?"

Zuko was mildly annoyed and confused. Katara thought inviting Zuko to help plan the shower would be helpful, considering it would be at his place, but it wasn't. So far he was no help at all. No wonder he had offered to hire a party planner for the event! Katara, being her stubborn self, wanted to plan it all on her own.

"It's not for the baby. It's for the guests. They need to wipe their hands from the food." Katara picked up a small stake of round paper plates with ducks on them. "Speaking of food, we need to get on that. Aren't these the cutest plates?"

"Yeah, really cute… for ants maybe," Zuko replied rolling his eyes.

Zuko had taken Katara to the premier baby store in town. They were surrounded by miniature versions of normal people things. Small clothes, small beds, plates, bottles, cups. Baby bassinets and strollers were next to toys and bibs. It was like blue, pink, and yellow were all competing for attention among the clothes, bottles, and toys. Katara was on cloud nine. She had always been called motherly by her peers so being in a baby store was like her calling. Zuko on the other hand was dragging his feet and seemed completely uninterested.

"We need to get decorations and a gift for the baby." Katara stepped into the decorations aisle. "Plates, cups, table cloths, and napkins."

She picked up a set of blue polka-dot napkins with the saying "Little Man," and next to it were the matching pink polka-dot set that read "Little Miss," Next to the napkins were tiny boxes that said "Oh, it's a baby!" Katara squealed when she saw them and eagerly put a few in the cart.

"These are so cute! We can put pink or blue candy in them on every table to reveal the gender! It'll be great everyone can open them before we bring out the cake!" Katara was so excited she could hardly contain her squeals.

"Yeah, great," Zuko said in a dry, unemotional tone. He rolled his eyes behind Katara as she raved over more things that were needed for the party.

Katara jumped for joy and proceeded to drop more things into the cart. "Oh my God! We have to get some banners and balloons, Zuko. Oh, and we need gifts wrap for the presents!"

Katara made her way over to the decorated bassinets and cribs. Zuko seemed even less eager than before when going to this portion of the store. Zuko picked up a soft, pink blanket. It felt so heavy in his hands. He threw it back down quickly before Katara could see. Katara was busy rocking the small bed and turning on the mobile that hung above the bed. She smiled as the soft song played. The song brought joy to Zuko too. He had found himself smirking at the calming song before he stood next to Katara. Katara, who was swept up into the music, was startled when Zuko placed a hand over hers. She eyed her ring and couldn't help but feel comfortable. She was surprised he still wore his ring out when it wasn't necessary.

"Do they know the sex yet?" Zuko ran his hand over the soft cloth that draped the inside of the bassinet.

"No. They want to unveil it at the party. That's why the theme is gender reveal. I know they'll need a lot of things though. I want to make sure my niece or nephew has everything needed. Babies are expensive."

"If only I knew," Zuko grimaced. His eyes narrowed at the mobile spinning above the bed. He watched the moon and stars rotate around, sending him into a brief state of relaxation.

"What do you mean?"

Zuko's voice was filled with regret, and sadness was in his eyes. "I disappeared and avoided her for the first five months of her pregnancy, then the last four I was in rehab, detoxing. I missed the baby phase completely. All I did was hand her money every month, so she did it all on her own. Maybe Mai would be better at this stuff than me."

"You think it's a good idea to have me and Mai alone together? Besides, you shouldn't feel bad about that. You're there for Maya now. I had no idea going shopping for baby stuff would be so touchy for you. I wasn't thinking, I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. I just wish I was there to, I don't know, hold her when she slept and rock her to sleep at night. I respect Mai for doing it on her own and dealing with the sleepless nights. I, I take her for granted. All this baby stuff just reminds me of how much I checked out. I don't mean to make it seem like I don't enjoying being with you right now, because I do." Zuko looked back at Katara, who was hanging on to his every word. He paused before saying, "Do you want any kids, Katara?"

The question caught Katara off guard. He had never asked her something so, so couple like. Married couples or couples that plan to be married talk about babies. Technically, they weren't explicitly talking about having a baby together, just babies in general. I guess being in a baby store begged the topic to be discussed. That still didn't make the conversation any less weird coming from Zuko.

"Um, well, yeah. I've always wanted children. I love them, which is why I studied child psychology in school. It's just right now I don't see myself having babies without a ring on my finger." Zuko chuckled and gestured towards to massive ring on her finger. Oh, the irony, "I mean, a REAL ring. I mean, not that this ring isn't real. It's gorgeous and it's better than anything I could possibly get from someone else. I mean, I don't want them until I'm with a man who I truly can commit to."

Zuko snickered. "I get it Katara. It's really cute when you're flustered, by the way. Anyway, I would consider having another child too. I like being a father."

"You'd have another child with Mai?" Katara asked in shock

"Of course not. With a new woman that loves me and that I love, and when we're ready, we could start a life together. If there's one thing I realized, it's that I need to feel wanted and needed in a relationship for it to work. Mai and I, we just don't need each other anymore, no matter how much she still wants me." Zuko's eyes lit up as he continued speaking. "I'd love a little boy. Call me selfish, but it would be useful to have another guy around when Maya starts dating. I'd need back up."

"I remember my Dad almost shot Jet when I brought him home for the first time. The gun was for show of course, but he forgot to put the safety on. Almost shot off Jet's toe. If my dad could do that, I'd be afraid for any man that Maya would bring home. Luckily, you have another 10 years before that happens."

Zuko tensed at the mention of Jet's names. Katara noticed the change in body language instantly.

"What's wrong? I'm not saying you'll be that cr-"

Zuko interrupted her, "Don't compare me to that scum. Ever. Again."

"Why are you so mad at him? I know I told you that story, but still. Did he do something to Azula?"

Zuko sounded irate, "Wait You knew Azula was dating him… before me?"

"Well yeah, but only because I saw them making out once. It's not like she told me about him. I barely talk to your sister as is."

"Let's just drop it, okay? I don't, don't want to talk about my sister or Jet right now." Zuko took a deep breath and calmed himself down. "Do babies like elephant sheets or whatever?

Katara made him put the sheets back down. "You promise you'll tell me what's going on with you later if I don't bring it up? I want to know what's going on with your life."

Zuko looked Katara straight in the eyes and said, "I promise, but when we're alone. Okay?" Katara nodded and Zuko continued speaking. "So, do you think Suki and Sokka would mind getting a crib or something as a gift?"

Her mouth dropped open. "Zuko, you cannot buy them a crib. They're my family, not yours. You don't have to do that. Besides, we're already using your home as a venue."

"I don't see why I can't get the crib. It's one less thing they'd have to do. Plus, the baby deserves something nice."

"This isn't the time to make up for not being around when Maya was a baby Zuko."

"I'm not. I want to do something NICE for your family."

"Well, stop it. My family is fine."

"What is your issue?"

"My issue is-

Both Zuko and Katara's phones vibrated at the same time. A message from June had arrived.

June (PR Maven): Having baby fever? Or does someone have to pee on a stick?

Attached to the message was an article with the headline: Is Zutara expecting a new addition? When scrolling down there were pictures of them walking through the baby store and browsing through the aisles.

Katara groaned. "I thought you said no one was following us?"

"My security detail made sure no one would. Someone from in here must have snapped some photos. Look at how close up these shots are. Someone must have been taking these without our knowledge while we were walking around the store."

"Great. Now half the world thinks I'm a pregnant whore!"

"Don't worry, we'll fix this. You aren't pregnant so it should easy to explain away. Really I'm more offended by our new pet name. I mean Zutara? What is that? It sounds like a weird, alien fruit loop name or something. Katuko would have been better."

"Zuko, Katuko sounds like we're a foreign toucan or something. Let's just be happy we have been upgraded to a power couple, along with our new name."

Zuko grabbed Katara's hand. "I've been meaning to visit June anyway. Let's check out and get over to June's office."

~/~

After checking out and paying for one thousand dollars worth of baby shower decorations, Zuko and Katara made their way to June's office downtown. When they arrived, June was seated her desk. Even in her knee length pencil skirt and white button up blouse, June was still killer beautiful. Katara was surprised her and Zuko had never done anything. Hell, maybe they had and she just didn't know.

June had a grave and bothered expression on her face when they entered. "Well, if it isn't Zutara, the newly announced power couple. Please explain to me why there's photographs of you both looking at cribs?"

Before anyone could answer, June reached in her bag and tossed something at Katara. "Don't even answer. There's a bathroom down the hall. Go pee on that stick."

Katara was quick to drop the pregnancy test on the ground. "June, I'm not-"

"Shut up. Do it."

"I'm NOT-"

"Well if you aren't, let's make sure. Go in the bathroom and take the test, Katara."

Katara rolled her eyes and left the room to go to the bathroom. June was a tough woman to say no to.

"June, she's not pregnant. Katara and I haven't had sex since the night of the party. We were shopping for her sister-in-law's baby shower. Whoever took the pictures just assumed that she was."

"Well, that isn't too much of a farfetched thing to assume given the situation. And she may not be having sex with you, but she could be screwing her boy toy, Aang."

At the mention of his name Zuko glowered. "That doesn't mean anything!"

"Oh, aren't you just a ball of anger. Jealous much? You should watch it before you get jilted at the fake alter." June filed her nails nonchalantly, "I've been keeping tabs on Aang, by the way. Apparently, he knows about this whole ordeal here. Katara hasn't seen him in weeks, if that makes you feel better. He's still very suspicious. He stalks her social media, according to my Techie friend. He sometimes goes out the way to drive by her house once a day, but never gets out to go inside."

"I'll handle him. June, I've been meaning to talk to you. I know who leaked the tape."

"Who's your source? Tell me it's someone reliable and stop looking back at the door. It's only been a minute and thirty seconds. She'll be back soon."

"My ex-girlfriend, and I know you don't think she's reliable or trustworthy, but I know her, and I know when she's lying to me. She was telling me the truth."

"I'm extremely skeptical, but go on and tell me who did it."

Katara walked back into the room with the test in hand. "Well I'm not pregnant like I said, June! Do you want the pee stick as evidence?"

"Ew, no. If you get pee on my carpet I will flip this desk. It's good that you aren't pregnant. It's good that you both are here because we have information to discuss."

Katara threw the test in the trash can and took a seat next to Zuko.

June began to explain. "It's important to clean up all loose ends. The media can't get enough of you two, but some still aren't convinced. We need to get you and Zuko's families together. I understand if a baby shower isn't the best place. Also, this Aang guy. Are you aware he follows you around and drives past your house? I need to know the status of your relationship."

Zuko answered. "I have already began coordinating a family dinner of the sorts. Everyone is welcome to come."

Katara responded. "I will arrange for my family to come. As far as Aang is concerned we're off… for now."

June rolled her eyes, "For now? Sorry if I call bullshit, but I ask that you don't blindside me, Katara. If he leaks anything or is seen with you in public in any capacity, it could all be over. The fact that he stalks you indicates he's not stable and doesn't think it's off right now."

"He is not stalking me. I told him to stay away from for as long as this situation is going on."

"He drives by your house every day at 3:21AM. He has viewed your Instagram paged at least 40 times a day. He reads your past messages constantly. He's bat shit crazy, and I'm worried about your safety. I'm not talking as your PR girl but as another woman. It isn't safe."

"Fine. I'll talk to him. I'll make him go away."

"Good. If you will excuse me, I have a two o' clock appointment. Zuko, we will talk later about what you have to tell me." June left the office swiftly.

~/~

Zuko and Katara headed to his home to drop off all of the baby shower decorations. They decided to unpack and store the stuff in Zuko's studio downstairs. The studio was dark with little light coming through the windows. Katara could make out canvases that were mounted on aisles and covered with big, white clothes. She remember he told her to never come down here when she was first employed, but she couldn't see what changed now.

"I didn't know you painted." Katara placed bags next to one of the canvas." Why have you been hiding this?"

Zuko was behind her with more bags. He managed to hit the lights so the room was lit. "Something I picked up along the way. It helps with stress sometimes. I need a stress reliever now more than ever."

Now that lights were on Katara got sight of the room and the full extent of Zuko's painting. There were at least twenty canvas in the room alone, and the walls were hand painted with bold, red and orange flames.

Katara asked in awe, "Did you hand paint all of these flames on the wall?"

"Yeah, I was bored one day so I started painting the walls. I've always like fire and thought it was a beautiful element."

"I definitely think if you were an element you'd be fire. Fire is the element of rage, of passion, and desire. It's unpredictable and can be destructive if not controlled. Still, even with all the power involved, fire is still beautiful."

"Look at you being insightful. Well I'd say you'd be water. Water is an element that invites nurturing, sympathy, intuition but water is also sensitive with its wild changes and irrational with its strong waves. Water is the ultimate companion to fire, Katara."

"Opposites attract," Katara muttered. "I want to see some of your paintings, Zuko."

"Later, I promise. Some of them are special to me. Now, are you and Aang really done?"

"I don't know, things are confusing."

"I want you to live with me, Katara, at least until we know he isn't completely irrational."

"What? No!"

"I don't want to hear a 'no.' You are not safe with him driving by your apartment every night. He could break in while you're sleeping and hurt you. You stay with me and there is no alternative!"

"I think this fake marriage thing is going too far. I can't live with you. What is Aang going to think?"

"I don't think you gave a damn what he thought when you went to bed with me, so why does it matter? I want to make sure you're safe, Katara, that's all. We can sleep in separate rooms. We don't even have to talk in the house if you don't want to. Please, stay with me. I don't want to worry about you being off with him anymore. He is dangerous and I don't trust him."

"Do you really think he's dangerous or are you jealous of him? Do you think you own me now, just because we're in this arrangement?"

"I have proof that he's dangerous and manipulative. He leaked the tape himself, Katara. He set up the cameras and everything. He's the reason we're in this situation now. If you go back to him now, it would be like sleeping with the enemy."

Aang did what? Katara was in complete shock and disbelief.

Author's Note: PSA, thanks to an awesome reader, Dark'Empress911 I will be working on a sequel after this story is finished so look out for that. I'll make an announcement when this is finished in the final chapter!

On to regular business, Why do you think Aang leaked the tape? Did you guys enjoy this chapter? Thanks for reading!