Chapter 30:

Katara was fast asleep in the bed when Zuko had crawled from underneath the sheets and carefully unhooked himself from her. He listened to her soft breaths as he tip toed towards the door. She stirred in bed when Zuko creaked the door open. She yawned and stretched out her arms. He didn't want to get out of bed, especially not with Katara in his arms.

"Good Morning," Zuko said.

"Morning. What time is it?" Katara couldn't seem to find a clock in the massive room.

"It's noon. I have business to take care of today. I'll come back and get you at five for the dinner. Make yourself comfortable."

"What business?"

"Don't worry about it." Zuko opened the door gently. "And Katara, you're welcome to stay here… with me for as long as you'd like."

With that Zuko left the room and went to his to dress himself. This time he wasn't going there to try to put on an appearance. He was going to be prepared for war. He couldn't remember the last time he had worn jeans or tennis shoes. He was dressed to fight. No need getting one of his suits ruined. He was out to blood if things got to that point.

This meeting was a long time coming. Even though they hadn't spoken in months, his father seemed to plague his life on the daily. Every time he looked in the mirror he was reminded of his father. It had made him sick that he had his eyes. It had made him sick that he had the same crazed gene that drove their family to being evil and mad. There was no talking of sense in his family, only madness. There was no compassion in his family, only hate and malice. He hoped this meeting would help him free himself of all his pain and move forward. There were no more fences to be mended. They had already been burned down long ago.

Zuko met with his father once again at the family home. It made him sick to his stomach that the place he grew up was filled with both blissful memories and so much pain. Everything was still the same. The same green grass, the same pictures on the wall, same furniture, even the same smell filled the air. Unfortunately, the same suffering and the same negative energy dwelled inside.

Zuko knocked on the door, internally hoping that he wouldn't be on the other side, but lo and behold, he was. His father opened the door with the same smirk Zuko would often give his clients and competitors. It was his way of confirming he was better than the man sitting in front of him. It was like sitting in front of a mirror looking at Ozai's smirk. Of course he thought his son wasn't his equal. In Ozai's head, he was some sort of ruler of his own nation and everyone deserved to cower at his feet. Well, today Zuko wasn't interested in feeding into his fantasy.

"Hello Father," Zuko said with a smirk. He wasn't backing down, and if came to a physical altercation, so be it. Ozai and Zuko went downstairs to Ozai's private study. He remembered his father being down here on many occasions and his mother trying to desperately drag him out to socialize with the family. He called it his "throne room" and no one else was welcome to even sit in it. In all of his twenty five years, Zuko hadn't seen the inside of the room where his dad spent so much his time while he was absent. He looked at the red and gold, the ornate chairs, and the tapestries and couldn't help but want to laugh. He really thought he was a king. Delusional. His father was truly delusional. He wouldn't be surprised if he had a scepter and crown lying around.

Ozai sat down in a chair that was draped with satin and had gold accents. It was the most decorated chair, directly in the center of the room. "Zuko, it's been a few months and you still have the same horrible stench of failure that you had when we last spoke."

Zuko decided to stand. He didn't want to get comfortable or let his father think everything was okay between them.

"Do you know anything about Rebels Incorporated? They've been our competition for quite a while now. Seems like Jet, the CEO, has a vendetta against us. I want to know why."

"If you must know, I did business with the young man's parents and cooperated with them in their small store. I was going to loan and co-sign on the branding of a company for them. I wanted to gain the store for all it was worth. I took it further; I decided to maximize Agni Inc.'s profit by acquisition. I bought the company out and now had seized all of the assets for myself. It was all business. I was able to push forward to cash that they could never even dream of and take over. The once owners of the business couldn't handle it. If they had thicker skin they would've maybe survived."

"That's terrible. You robbed them! Do you have any idea how what you did is effecting me? He's trying to seize the company and ruin me! He won't stop, all because you wanted money. I inherited a company built on lies, stealing, and fraud. I thought grandfather Azulon was ruthless but YOU!"

"Azulon originated the robber baron persona. He was immoral but his ends always justified his means. Maybe if he was still alive he could teach you how to do real business!"

"I didn't come here for you to comment on me. I've come here to speak for Azula, who you've brainwashed so bad she's convinced you're a good parent. You didn't even visit her in the hospital. Uncle and I have been visiting her every day. Uncle Iroh has been more of a father to me than you ever could have!" Zuko ground his teeth. He was already upset and the nonchalant expression on Ozai's face didn't help. "She told me what she let one of your investors do to her. You are sick and you will pay!"

Ozai laughed, "Azula is in the hospital because of her own incompetence. I didn't care to see her obvious weakness. It would do me no good. What Azula did was for the good of our great and powerful legacy. She was simply doing her duty for the family company, just as you are by serving as CEO."

"Are you kidding me? Is that how you rationalize offering your sixteen-year-old daughter up to a grown man? You are sick! You let power destroy you. You will never see Azula again or me, do you understand?"

"Well, how can you annex me when I still hold fourteen percent of the company through my share? I can still serve on the board as Chairman! Besides, I was man enough to make the company into something great. I was man enough to burn all the obstacles in my way. You think being a man means puffing your chest and sleeping with women? Being a man means doing what's necessary."

"Necessary? I would never let some man violate my daughter in the name of the family company. If my daughter ever comes to me and says a grown man touched her inappropriately I would find the guy and beat his ass. I would hold my daughter every night and tell her it wasn't her fault. Instead, you told Azula she had to consistently be perfect. You allowed her to drink herself to near death instead of being a father. That was my baby sister and you, you destroyed her. You will never see the light of day, Dad! Consider yourself conquered!"

"Ha, the moment you usurp me is the moment I lay dead in the ground."

"Oh, I'm not going to kill you. That's too easy and you aren't worth it. I'm just going to make sure you get put away for a very long time."

"For what? I've done no crime."

"We all know you did dirty business, Dad. I did a little digging in the old accounts and I've been looking at the new financial account. You have been embezzling money for fifteen years now and I have proof. You have stolen fifteen million dollars from our cliental and our investors over the years and tried to hide it all in an off shore account. You are going to jail for a long time. I've tipped off the authorities. "

"I am building an empire! That money is my birth right, my legacy. Those peasants didn't deserve the money anyway!"

"I am going to make the company an honorable one if it's the last thing I do. By the way, that fourteen percent is now split between Mai and Maya, so you are no longer on my board or active in the company. Good bye, Dad. Next time I see you you'll be behind bars."

Zuko stormed out, somehow feeling more defeated than he thought. He had beaten his dad. He was going to be able to atone for his numerous sins in jail but somehow he felt so much worse than before. His company, his legacy was tainted. If he was going to be a real honorable man he would have to admit that.

~/~

Zuko had made sure Katara had some clothes to wear to the dinner. He had Ty Lee bring over a dress for her to wear. It was a black lace dress that was backless and strapless. It was quite form fitting. Well, it couldn't have been worse than anything June would have picked out for her. She slipped the dress on after looking at herself in the mirror. She looked good, she had to admit.

She had been finalizing more baby shower stuff while she waited for Zuko to return. It was stressful but she was glad Suki was not the one planning all of this. Suki was now four months pregnant and was beginning to show. She was hormonal and craving, which caused Sokka to call Katara nonstop to coach him on dealing with his mood swings. Even Sokka didn't seem to have a grasp on the baby shower, too busy between working and catering to his fiancé. She had managed to find a caterer and got food secure. She was still unable to find a cake designer yet or a present. The invitations hadn't even been mailed out yet, so there was that she also had to do. At least she had four months left to plan.

The baby shower had mostly been on the back burner, considering she had the full time job of being Zuko Agni's stand-in girlfriend. It was exhausting keeping up appearances, trying to dress a certain way, and always looking happy for the cameras. Behind closed doors though, sometimes she got frustrated. Now she had to leave her home because some possible crazed fan had tried to attack her, at least that's what the police speculated had happened. She would be so happy when she was free to live her own life without the expectations and the camera and the entire fake charade.

"Ready to go, Katara?"

A whiff of cologne hit her nose and boy did it stimulate the senses. She had always wanted to tell him how much she loved his cologne. It was the perfect smell. He came in attempting to tie his bowtie. He had his dress shirt button and tucked in already and his suit jacket draped over his shoulder. He seemed to be struggling with it, too annoyed to take the time to tie it properly. It was adorable to watch him struggle, but she had to help him.

"Let me help you." Katara smiled as she walked over and helped. She crossed the two ends and from there began forming the bow tie.

"Where'd you learn how to tie a tie? Into cross dressing now, Katara?"

"Definitely not at the same place you learned to tie one. I have a brother and a father. I'm the only girl. I learned fast." With one final pull Zuko's black bow tie was complete. "There you go."

In a moment of silence, their eyes meet. Zuko continued to stare wild-eyed and passionate at Katara. Katara's blue eyes locked eyes with him in a moment of disbelief. He was alluring and if no one else had ever seen that they didn't know Zuko Agni at all.

Zuko gritted his teeth and then clenched his jaw. "Let's go. We'll be late."

Well, that moment was cut short. He seemed like he had something to say. She had never seen him grit his teeth like that before. That was weird. Maybe he just a little tense about the dinner, because she certainly was. Sokka and Azula in the same place scared her enough to make her not want to go. Hell, her father and Zuko being in the same place was probably worse. The last time they'd met Zuko was less than kind to him and was completely abrasive. To top off the disastrous combination, Mai hated her and Toph threw a gallon of water at the girl. She anticipated death glares from all around the table.

When they arrived the table was already full. Toph, Sokka, Suki, Mai, June, and Iroh were already seated at the table. Wait a minute, what was Iroh doing here? Zuko escorted her in with his arm around her. She felt the stares from the entire table. Zuko took the seat at the head of the table, while Katara took the open seat across from Mai. Way to create instant tension! Katara couldn't ignore the eye roll Mai gave her when she sat down.

"Hello everyone." Zuko gave a general hello towards the table and instantly buried his face behind a menu. Something was off with him. He was usually less distant, at least when risking public opinion anyway. If she wasn't surrounded by people she would've asked.

"Zuko, how do you know Iroh?" Katara was genuinely confused as to why the owner of her favorite restaurant was here.

"Iroh is my uncle. You two know each other?" Zuko responded.

Iroh's chipper tone lightened the mood. "Yes, Nephew! Katara is my BEST customer at the Jasmine Dragon. We've known each other for quite some time. She loves my green tea."

"Wow, what a small world," Mai said in a bitter tone. Katara could feel her burning a hole into her ring finger. Maybe Mai felt like she was parading the ring around in her face, which wasn't her intention at all. Hopefully this dinner would turn things around.

"Um, let me introduce you all to my family. Sokka is my brother. Suki is his fiancé. Toph is my best friend. I'd like to introduce you all to Iroh, Zuko's uncle. June is a friend of Zuko's and Mai is um… well-"

"I'm the mother of Zuko's child." Mai sipped her drink and spoke proudly. It didn't help that Mai looked dead at Katara when she explained her title, as if she was trying to purposely bother her.

"Oh." Sokka's eyes widened in shock. He continued speaking in a more polite tone. "Well then maybe you can give me fathering advice, Zuko. You know us guys have to stick together."

Mai laughed so hard she snorted. Everyone turned to look at her. The confused look was shared around the table as they wondered what she was laughing at exactly. Katara knew, even if the rest of the table didn't. A man's fathering skills just weren't up for debate when he was in his child's life. She wanted to kick her so hard under the table for even insinuating Zuko was a bad father. Toph beat her to the punch.

Toph said indignantly, "Mai, where's your daughter? Did you leave her at daycare while you got your nails done?"

Mai responded with a small smirk on her face. "She's at school. Our baby is an A+ student. So Suki, when are you due?"

Katara could see how effortless it was for Mai to respond with poise. Nothing shook her. It seemed like only person that possibly could get her bothered was Zuko, otherwise she's cold and unemotional.

Suki rubbed her slightly swollen belly. "I'm due September twenty-first. I'm really nervous, but I'm happy."

"You haven't even gotten stretch marks yet. There's nothing more nerve racking than trying to hide tiger stripes in a two piece bathing suit. It's an acquired skill," Mai said coldly.

June cleared her throat and lifted up her wine glass. "Can we take a moment to toast the engaged couple here? That's why we're here, aren't we?"

The table erupted with clanking glasses and congratulations. For a moment Katara felt like it was real, looking at the smiles on her family's and friend's faces. Zuko smiled for a minute and then went back to getting lost in his menu or phone. His energy was definitely off. He was even fidgeting in his chair.

"Congrats, Sis. You finally found a man who could buy me all the beef jerky I want," Sokka joked and the table let out a unanimous laugh.

"That's a very nice ring, Katara. It's certainly unique. I just feel like I've seen it before…somewhere." Mai was obviously picking at her. She had seen her ring when she was outside of her house. Katara only wanted to have a heart-to-heart with her, but she was too scared to do it. Mai's scowl right now didn't make her regret her decision.

"It is beautiful! Sokka needs to buy ME a ring like that. We can trade this one in," Suki chimed in.

"I just find it funny, Katara, how you can easily accept-"

"Hey, Mai," Toph picked up the pitcher of water in her hands. "Do you want some more water?"

"No thank you. I'd prefer for you to not throw it at me, Sweetheart. I was talking to the wannabe wife of my ex, so you can stay down."

"What is your problem? Are you mad because Katara stole your di-"

Katara interrupted, "Stop! Toph, apologize to Mai right now."

Toph sucked her teeth, then gave a dry "sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Mai. I'm not a mother, but I can only imagine what it's like having someone around your child that you don't know. I know you don't trust me, you have no reason to. I'm not trying to take your place either, Mai. Zuko will always love you and I get that. I understand you still love him too but there's no reason for you to be bitter. I'm not taking him away from you. You and Zuko's relationship will always be important. I can't compete with the mother of his child, so I don't know what game you want to play."

"Game? This isn't a game. This has nothing to do with me wanting Zuko. This is my life and my family, Katara. You don't get to infiltrate my circle so easily, not without proving yourself. I don't trust you at all and you know why."

Okay, so Mai knew this whole thing was fake. She had thought June had handled Mai too. It was understandable why Mai wasn't her biggest fan, but she had to admit she was a little bitter. The way she eyed her ring proved that much. Katara understood how hard it was moving on from someone you thought you loved. When she broke up with Jet she hadn't dated anyone else for a few years. She sympathized with her, especially when she was so overprotective of Maya. What was she even supposed to say to that?

Silence set in when suddenly Azula Agni walked into the restaurant with Jet hand in hand. Katara wanted to gag. The sight of Jet made her skin crawl. She could never forget about how much of a dog he was when they were together. Now he had moved on to Azula. Her loss. At least Azula looked sober. She was so much more beautiful when she wasn't extremely drunk. Jet on the other hand, looked off.

"Why's everyone so shocked I'm here? It's the last day before I'm locked up in rehab. I'd prefer to spend it with my family and my boyfriend. Pull up a chair, baby."

Jet pulled up two chairs at the foot of the table and set up there. The uncomfortable mood across the table had set in. Katara could feel Jet staring at her and it wasn't even time for appetizers yet. He should be worrying about his girlfriend and not her! The way he was looking at her made her feel like she was an object. Zuko seemed to notice because he finally put the menu down and glared directly at Jet on the other end of the table.

"Hello, Katara," Jet greeted, like she was the only one sitting at the table. "It's been a long time."

Sokka interrupted, "Last time we saw you was Katara's college graduation. Look what comes out of the wood work."

Jet ignored Sokka and continued, "Anyway, Katara I see your fiancé is pretty silent. Trouble in paradise?"

"Why are you so interested in their relationship Jet? You're with ME now." Azula was not happy in the slightest.

"There's no trouble, Jet. We're very happy." Zuko had spoken for the first time all night and it was to throw a dig a Jet. This wasn't good. What was the deal between them anyway?

Jet retorted, "Really? Because I'm still not convinced. I don't know you personally but with your big company and all, I can't imagine you having time for a wife and kid. Maybe you should take a little break."

"I have this under control. Thanks for your… concern." Zuko folded his hands on the table and leaned forward a bit.

Azula rolled her eyes so hard at Jet it looked like her eyes would roll towards the back of her head. Great, now Azula hated her too. The tension was extremely high now. Not only did she have Mai sending negative energy, now she had Azula too. Between Zuko looking extremely uncomfortable at the tables end and the sour mood, Katara felt like she needed to go.

Iroh was the one to finally break the silence. "This negative energy and bad atmosphere is festering. People have to learn to handle the unresolved issues before it takes something from every single one of you. Holding on to pain and rage is like drinking poison; you are poisoning your souls. Forgiveness is the only way to heal from this. Until then, no one is safe from the darkness and rage that lies within."

Toph cut in, "Basically he means get your shit together because misery loves company. Check yourself before your wreck yourself. Don't worry about people who aren't paying your bills and let it roll off. Is that an accurate summary?"

Toph's bluntness might have saved the entire dinner. From there everyone was pretty much cordial, but that didn't change the fact the tension was in the air. Zuko didn't say a word during the entire meal and underneath the smiles, Katara knew everything wouldn't be smoothed over by wine and good food. At least she survived.

~/~

Katara and Zuko made their way home. Upon entering the house Katara pulled off her shoes, happy to be out of those heels. How Azula wore them every day was a mystery to her. Zuko still didn't say a word. He went upstairs to his room to change. Katara was quick to follow him.

"Zuko, what's wrong?"

Zuko had unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the ground. She could barely stop herself from looking at its Olympian physique. "Nothing is wrong with me, Katara!"

"Then why are you so tense and angry? And what was the deal with Jet?" She placed a hand on his arm and could feel his muscles tense under her hand. Zuko quickly moved away from her but nothing was wrong.

"Nothing. I'm frustrated, okay?"

"Well what is it that you're frustrated about? Talk to me"

Zuko let out a loud groan and said, "Screw it."

Warm lips pressed against hers. Katara's eyes widened and it took three seconds to realize that she was being kissed. It took another two seconds to realize that it was Zuko kissing her. He wasn't shy either, his mouth moved against hers slowly and sensually in desire. A hand wrapped around her waist while the other hand was tangled in her hair, pushing in gently. When they finally broke for air, he rested his forehead against Katara's, and gather much needed oxygen. His smirk told Katara everything she needed to know about how he was feeling.

"Did you mean what you said about it not being good? The sex, I mean." Zuko leaned in close so there lips were just a inch away from each other. She couldn't stop looking at his lips

" Frustrated. I get it. Zuko listen, that night was anything but bad. I was just in my feelings when I said that. I'm sorry if what I said bothered you."

Zuko leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I'd like to do it again, Katara."

His hot breath was on her neck now, teasing her skin. Her frustration had reached a new high as she remembered how his deep voice sounded in her ear, how his touch felt far too good on her lips, how close he was to her, and how she would've liked for him to be even closer.

"We can't… I mean wouldn't that complicate things more than they already are?"

"We're adults here. Frankly, I've never gone this long without it. I was just wondering if you'd be interested in having consensual sex with me. No strings attached, of course. Trust me I'm a pro at this type of arrangement."

"What if I want the strings, Zuko? I'm not that kind of girl."

"Then we can talk about that later," Zuko replied in a deep, sexy tone as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

He drank in her lips again. This time more passionate and hungry with lust. His hands started to roam her body and Katara began to melt under his touch. Flashbacks of their one night together filled her head. If she was sure of one thing Zuko Agni knew how to satisfy a woman, but even with that insurance she was still nervous. This time there would be no masks, no secrets. It would be two people raw and bare with nothing to hide behind. That scared her, but it felt too good to stop now.

Somehow Katara knew Zuko wasn't telling her the entire story. She knew this wasn't going to fix things for him. He was more than frustrated. He was hurting. Katara would go along with it until he decided to tell her the truth. She was scared out of her mind, but he needed her right now and Katara just needed to feel good again.

Author's Note: What do you think? What's going to happen next?