A/N:

Two chapters in one day! Next Chapter should be up in a few days too!

Chapter 2:

Dinner was painfully awkward. More than usual. It left Katara fidgeting with her hands under the table as she ignored her plate. Afraid to look up at either one of the two that invited her to spend the evening with them. La, this was torture. And it was all her fault. She kept finding herself in situations like this. Her heart pounded in her chest. Ugh! Why didn't she just leave well enough alone?! This was not what that guard meant when he said find something to do. Oh, maybe she wasn't cut out for this kind of thing. Being an ambassador for her country in the Fire Nation just wasn't working for her. Definitely not when she had to face her past on the daily.

….

~Earlier~

"No freaking way!" Katara shouted as she was about to storm out of the Fire Lord's office. What in La's name is wrong with him?!

Reaching for her over his desk, "But Katara please! Just-"

Quickly turning a pissed glare and a lip twitching snarl at him, Katara marched back over to his desk and stabbed her finger into it. "Do you even realize what you're asking of me?!"

"Yes!" He yelled back. "I'm asking you to return the favor!"

Taken aback, the waterbender's eyes narrowed at him even harder. "So that's all it was to you? Helping me out so one day you could use it as a noose around my neck?!"

"Oh Katara! You're just being ridiculous now!" Zuko rolled his eyes. Sometimes she could be so over the top it was just plain ridiculous.

"Am I?!" She looked him dead in his eyes. "Do you know what that bastard did to my father?!"

Suddenly, Zuko started to recall the day they won the war and realized that Katara was right. He was tying a noose around her neck. Or better yet, dangling her father's killer in front of her face.

After Aang returned with the unconscious and defeated Fire Lord, Sokka climbed out of the airship with his head hung low. He looked like they had lost. Katara and Zuko were completely confused. They had taken Azula down. Ozai was tied up and knocked out. They won the war. But as her brother ran to her and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. He told her at what cost they had won. Their winning didn't first come without losing. Katara's eyes were distraught as her brother told what became of their father. No one in the group had heard such a cry of anguish before.

Now, standing in front of her, recalling that day, Zuko understood how greatly offensive this request of his was. Agni, he could be such an ass and not even realize it. He took his palm to his head as he clenched his teeth angrily at himself. What was wrong with him?

Tears had already traveled their way down Katara's cheeks as she looked away from him. Anger, disappointment, and obvious hurt was in them. How could he not have realized before what he was asking?

"Katara, I'm so sorry. I forgot." Zuko said in a soft voice as he offered his hand to her.

Glancing from the side at the hand, the waterbender contemplated accepting it. Her eyes then darted to his. He had that apologetic look on his face. The same one he wore on a day not too long ago but long enough to not be relevant. La, that face. It only made her that much more upset but...but she was never able to refuse him. Nor resist him either. Why? Why did he do these things to her? It was so frustrating. She blinked a few tears away as she then walked around the desk, unable not to, and accepted his invitation. His arms fell around her as he laid his cheek to the crown of her head. He's still so much taller.

Breathing in his scent as he rubbed his hand along her back and hugged her close, Katara shivered. She should let go. She knew she should. However; she couldn't. Couldn't let go. Was never able to let go. He kept pulling her back. Just how she tried to let go before and he forced her right back to him. Squinting her eyes shut, you selfish jerk. He was the reason she became the Water Tribe's ambassador and had to come all the way back here, forced to see him daily. Why? What was the point? Hadn't he already made up his mind? But in his arms now, she couldn't bring herself to let go. Even if she knew it could save herself tears later, she'd still wouldn't flee his embrace.

"I should go." She tried to get herself to move on verbalized thoughts.

Zuko smiled and shook his head, "Just a little longer."

Sighing, she gave him a little longer. "Alri-

The doors of his office chambers opened and the two immediately tore apart. Katara looked away in hopes of being unnoticed. Zuko, however; looked the uninvited guest in the eyes as if daring them to voice their opinion. Not that it would intimidate them or anything. It was Mai. Nothing ever really shook her. Especially not something like this and Zuko's glare.

In her usual bored monotone voice, "I had been looking for you after you ran off this morning." She walked into the room with a small sway in her hips. Katara balled her fist as she turned back to look at the impassive noblewoman. Zuko showed his lack of care as his fiancé moved across the room.

"I meant to tell you myself that the meetings were cancelled." Mai sighed in even more boredom as she pretended to take interest in her fingernails. "I looked everywhere and couldn't find you. Who would have thought you'd be right here?"

Fed up with the moody bit- Mai. The moody MAI! Katara was once again about to storm out but her wrist was caught. Whipping her head around and casting her glowering eyes onto Zuko.

Snatching her arm back, "I'm sorry Zuko but I can't do this." And before he could further push the issue, she fled out. Not giving one damn that she, again, bumped shoulders with Mai.

In her wake, Mai yawned and propped herself on the desk as she looked at him with that not so obvious scowl. "I can't believe that's your type."

"Shut up, Mai." Zuko shut his eyes and growled, beating his fist into his desk. "Damn it! Why are you always teasing her?!" He raged after being unable to control his temper.

Half chuckling before she scuffed, "I'm not teasing her anywhere near as much as you are." Sending him a knowing look, "When are you going to tell her?"

Roaring as he slammed one of the drawers of the desk closed and storming over to his window, before he could even begin to calm down, Zuko rested his face in his hands. Dear Agni, he was about to lose it. Between the stress he was undergoing with those still loyal to his father, trying to finally get in his grasp what he had been wanting for the longest, and the constant fighting Mai and Katara continued, he was just overwhelmed. It was too much. He couldn't keep this up. Something had to give.

Breathing in heavily as he tried to calm himself, Zuko finally acknowledged the question. "Tell her what? Why she's here in the first place? Why I suggested she be the ambassador rather than that old bastard from Agni knows where? Seriously Mai? Seriously?! What the hell do you think she'll do?! Or how she'll react!? The rebels and this council will be the least of my problems. Besides, there's no point. She's a great ambassador. Hard working. Doesn't give me a reason to doubt her capabilities."

Mai gave him an unconvinced look. To her, it just seemed like he didn't what to tell Katara the truth because deep down he knew she would never agree with it. No woman of honor would accept that kind of thing. No amount of feelings of love or desire for wealth and power would drive a woman as proud and honor-bound as that annoying waterbender to do what Zuko had originally planned.

"You know this is just as bad. Dragging her by a thread because you can't decide whether to finally let her go or keep her close at hand." Shrugging her shoulders as she got up. "One day, you know, regardless of your efforts, someone's going to come along and take her from you."

Like he didn't already know that, Zuko rolled his eyes. But still. How was he supposed to just suddenly let her go? It wasn't like he wanted to. However; with him being the Fire Lord and her being a princess in only name as well as of Water Tribe descent. There was no way she would be accepted as a woman in his life. At least not one of honor. She'd ultimately only ever be a mistress or a concubine. He didn't want that for her. Not at first. But he didn't want to give her up just as badly as he didn't want her to suffer that fate. Katara was too good for that. Yet, he couldn't live without her. He was desperate to find a way to fit her in his life. Whether as his most trusted confidant or as a honorless woman, Zuko needed her in his life.

Growing sick for the day of her fiancé's clear obsession, Mai decided to take herself wherever else there was that would keep her mind occupied. Maybe she could get someone to entertain her for the evening. Not like her and Zuko were anything more than two people mutually benefiting from one another.

…..

"You did this to yourself!" Katara yelled and throwing a pillow off the bed. Her eyes were puffy red, snot had ran its way down her nose, and her nightdress looked as if she had tried to tear it with her bear hands. Then her hair. Good La, her hair was a total mess. Having tripped into a servant's basket of feathers they were transporting when she had ran herself out of Zuko's office. Why the heck would anyone be carrying around feathers, anyway?!

Oh, she was a hot mess. A terribly unpleasant mess. Maybe she should give up her position as Ambassador. This was too much. Not the work. The work she could do. She loved to do. But having to see him every which way, La that was too much. Her heart ached and her throat tightened. She felt as if she would cry just by looking at him. This. This being here. This wasn't going to work. No amount of years could erase him from her thoughts or her heart. No. Not if she had to see him everyday for those years.

Falling forward into a pillow, Katara laid there with her eyes gazing dully off into space. If she was really going to go through with this. Perhaps, she should reconsider his request. A sort of a parting gift. Her last task as an Ambassador and as his closest confidant. As much as the thought hurt her of leaving. She knew she had to go. There was no way this would continue on peacefully. And this request, she figured if she really was going to leave. She should at least do this for him. Even if it would kill her to face that son of a bi- Ostrich-horse! Clearing up her profanity.

Sighing as she rolled over, "You must really hate yourself." She whispered to herself. Thinking of how this would be one more thing to cry over later. La, she could be so pathetic. But Zuko made her pathetic. He always had a way of doing it. Without ever realizing it.

There was suddenly a knock on the door and Katara shot right up, immediately wiping the residue of her little sob fest away.

"Come in." She called just as she threw on her robe to cover up. La, can't I pity myself in peace.

A servant appeared into her room and bowed their heads, "Ambassador Katara, Lady Mai and his majesty Fire Lord Zuko have invited you for dinner. Do you accept their invitation?"

Katara nodded and the servant left shortly after. Once gone, the waterbender raged at herself and shrieked. "You stupid stupid moron! Agh!"

….

~Currently~

And so here she was, sitting at the table with the last two people she wanted to see for the evening.

"So, Zuko tells me you're quite the capable Ambassador." Mai said in that irritating bland voice.

Trying to not make eye contact with the noblewoman, Katara pushed her noodles around with her chopsticks and ignored the fact that she could feel two sets of eyes on her. La dam- dang it! She couldn't take this. It was unbearable.

Loving how the waterbender was just barely keeping herself together, Mai felt she should push. Just a little bit more. See how much the tribeswoman could take.

"I see you're quite dedicated to his majesty. Always ready to serve." Watching as Katara nearly broke the chopsticks in hand. "I also hear he's asked you of a favor. I wonder what it could be. Knowing you, does it even matter? Whatever he says you'll do. Am I right?"

Zuko grabbed Mai by the thigh under the table and squeezed it just enough to get his message across for her to stop. However; the damage had been done. Katara rose from her seat and then suddenly, slammed her fist into the table.

Glaring at them both, "What the hell did you bring me here for?! What?! To mock me?! Make a fool of me?! Why?! What have I ever done to you?! Either of you!" Her angry blue eyes moved between the two of them.

"Ka-"

"No! I can't keep dealing with this! I'm leaving, Zuko! I'm leaving!" The waterbender accidentally froze the glasses of wine.

Zuko looked up at her with wide eyes as he rose from his seat, "What are you saying?"

"Exactly, what it sounds like! I'm leaving! Find another Water Tribe Ambassador!" She shouted.

"But I need you here." He said pleadingly.

Growling as she shut her eyes and balled her fist. Did she have to point out the obvious?! For La sake she was still in love with him and from how he was acting, so was he! But that didn't matter! They couldn't be together. Didn't he see that she was suffering from this arrangement? Forcing her to see him everyday and be unable to control her feelings. She was dying from this. And to make things worse, Mai mocked her every which way! Damn it Zuko! Can't you see?! Not caring about her language anymore.

Seeing that somber look in her eyes she had years ago after his coronation, Zuko hung his head. "Can you at least reconsider?"

"No." She said flatly. "I'll stay and help you with that ridiculous favor you asked of me. But after...I'm going home. I can't do this." Her eyes looked at him sadly. "We can't do this."

Mai watched in utter disinterest as the two love birds had their little talk. Honestly, she was siding with the waterbender on this. The noblewoman wanted her gone and out of the picture. Not because she wanted Zuko all to herself. She and him already discussed that their union was one without the aspect of love. Bitterness towards him dumping her a second time left her unable to have any feelings whatsoever. Their engagement was of mutual benefit. He gets a Fire Lady he can trust and she gets to be that Fire Lady. That's all this was. But of course, Zuko hadn't gotten over his little fling with the waterbender he became acquainted with after betraying his nation a second time. His proposal to her of allowing the tribeswoman to stay in his life whether as a concubine or whatever, didn't seem to bother her much. The only issue was the bitch was annoying and got under her skin. To think she'd have to share a husband with that nosy peasant only irritated her that much more. So as far as Katara wanting to leave, Mai could get behind that. The sooner she left the less annoyed she'd be.

In that annoying way she always seemed to leave the room, Katara ran out with those pitiful tears and the sound of choking sobs.

Mai stood from the table as well and placed her hand on Zuko's shoulder, "You should just let her go. This will only make things worse."

"No!" He grabbed the noblewoman's wrist and yanked her forward to him. "I'm not giving her up. I refuse."

The declaration didn't sit right with Mai. Something about it made her fear their alliance would fall. And to that waterbender. Narrowing her eyes as she pulled away from Zuko. As if she'd ever allow such disgrace. Falling to that peasant. Her family would be mocked for centuries. Never. She declared as she glared her fiancé down.

….

~Days Later~

Standing in front of the cell, Katara asked in a quiet breathless voice. "Is this it?"

"Yes." A simple reply was returned to her by a prison guard.

Taking a deep breath, she couldn't believe this was happening to her or rather she was allowing this. Closing her eyes, she pressed her hand against the cold metal door. Was she seriously about to do this? Truly, was she about to do this? Even if it was for Zuko, how could she actually be doing this? Sighing. Mai was right. She'd do anything he asked her. That was all the more reason to leave, was it not? There was no telling what he'd ask for next and have her agree. She needed to move on and go.

Opening her eyes again to the metal door, Katara settled her still face. This would be the last thing, she swore, that she should do for him. No more following behind him like some lost polar-dog puppy.

One more intake of breath as she rolled her shoulders and neck. "Alright," she said to the guard. "I'm ready."

Without a second to spare, the cell door opened and Katara stepped in. The metal door closed loudly behind her. It seemed reality had kicked in when she heard chains jingle. Her eyes swept the entire cell as she held her breath. Oh dear La, what have I gotten myself into?

Trying to calm herself and hurry to change whatever panic her face may be displaying, Katara reminded herself that this wouldn't take long. She would make this quick and leave. Leave this prison and leave this nation. She was going home. And never coming back.

"Ah…so you come at last my treacherous son. It's been months since you've visited. I was beginning to think you forgot about me."

The eerie voice of the former tyrant caused her to snap back into the moment of what she had come here for. She was on a mission. A mission to discover Zuko's mother's whereabouts.

Gathering herself, Katara placed her hand on the wall and made her way slowly to where the torch was. Flicking the match Zuko gave her and lighting the torch, she turned herself to face the cell bars that divided the room. She jumped back as she saw amber eyes practically glowing from the torch's light and the former Fire Lord, a freakishly tall giant stood all too closely to the bars. He looked like some beast of a man. Hair wild and his face depicting every bit of evil wickedness in him. There was no way any man was supposed to look this frightening.

Expecting to see his son but instead finding a woman in his cell staring in fright at him, Ozai tilted his head. Who is this girl? And what is she doing in my cell? The longer he looked at her the more he was able to pick out her features. That tan brown skin, blue eyes, and her clothes. It was no doubt she was Water Tribe. How did filth find itself way in here? He sneered.

Katara noticed this terrifying man was studying her curiously and tried calming herself down. However; soon his expression became a threatening one and she became guarded again.

"What has my kingdom come to to have something as putrid as you roam around it?!" She nearly cowered at his loud roaring voice.

The waterbender watched the former Fire Lord breathing more heavily the longer he looked at her. He looked even more scarier than before but she had to stand her ground and get this over with.

"Where is Lady Ursa?" She asked pushing all her fears behind her.

Hearing his ex-wife's name off the lips of Water Tribe filth, the former Fire Lord became even more angry and upset. "Don't you dare speak her name, you barbaric trash!" He barked at her.

Not allowing herself to be affected by his words, "Where is she?" Katara asked again.

"None of your business, water bitch!" Ozai hissed. "My son set you up to this, didn't he?! That coward!"

Bending the water from her sash, Katara whipped it to the prisoner's mouth and froze it over his lips as her eyes became as icy as the muzzle she made him. "I asked a question, I want an answer. Lady Ursa, Where is she?"

Ozai narrowed his eyes. A waterbender. He had never seen one before. Mostly because the Northern Water Tribe remained behind their walls while in the South, his father wiped them all out, except for one. The one that aided the Avatar and defeated his prodigy daughter. It's you, isn't it? He finally put two and two together. This was that last remaining waterbender from the Southern Tribe. He should have guessed. What other tribes person would enter his cell?

The ice on his mouth dissolved with a swipe of her hand and he stared even more murderously at the waterbender. Like he would tell her where Ursa was. Not that he actually knew but if he did, she definitely wouldn't be the one he'd tell. However; he hadn't had company in sometime. He figured he'd toy with this girl. It could be his only entertainment for the next few months if Zuko decided not to show up till then.

Tilting his head to the side to get a better look of the waterbender, Ozai smirked. "Aren't you a little far from home, waterbender? Why could you possibly interested in knowing a thing like that?" His grin was like that of a beast planning to play with his food before he devoured it. Oh this is going to be fun.

…..

A/N: See ya soon!