Modern Day - 5 Chapter Zutara - 3B
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
She had felt incredibility out of place as the maitre di led her through the maze of tables on the main floor. Everywhere she looked, there was a couple whispering sweet nothings to each other. Some married couples… some who looked like they had just started dating. Some woman had the largest engagement ring Katara had ever seen on her finger.
To make it worse, they all seemed dressed better than her. She sighed heavily and followed the maitre di up the stairs. She shouldn’t have been complaining. After all, she was in the most expensive restaurant in the city. Still… she would be having a meal with her manager…and happy couples lost in love surrounded her. And being early, Katara’s dinner date wasn’t there yet. Of course.
“Just have a seat here, Miss Katara,” the man told her as he pulled her chair out. “As soon as Mr. Souzin arrives, I will bring him here. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”
“No, no,” Katara said as she sat down. “I’ll wait for him. Thank you.”
The man nodded and headed back down the stairs. Katara busied herself with looking anywhere but downstairs. Instead, she focused on the view she had all to herself. A small smile reached her face as watched the lights below them.
This wasn’t so bad, she decided. She lived in one of the most spectacular cities in the world. She had a great job with great benefits. Her manager was a kind, grandfatherly like man who was generous and well respected by all his employees. She wasn’t fired from her dream job and that weekend, she was going to move into her new home.
Katara nodded to herself. It wasn’t bad at all. So what if she had no man in her life? So what if the closest thing she had to one was Jet? So what if her brother would kill him if he realized that? She was young… bright… she didn’t need a man right now. He would only get in the way. And finding the perfect man for her would be a long and difficult process.
Who needed that headache? Who had that kind of time to spare? She had a ton of work to deal with. Katara leaned against her hand and continued looking out the window. I have plenty of time to find someone. I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now… I mean… I have other things to deal with… and it’s not like the perfect guy for me is going to just appear, anyway!
“Miss Katara,” a voice said behind her. She pulled her arm back and turned around. “Mr. Souzin has arrived.”
Blue eyes widened as Katara laid eyes on the wrong Mr. Souzin. Immediately, she stood up. Behind her, she kicked her chair back and let out a sharp gasp as she whirled around. “Oh, my gods…” she mumbled stupidly as she knelt down to pick it up.
“Allow me, Miss Katara.” The maitre di said as he swept down and moved the chair for her.
Stuttering and apologizing profusely, Katara’s eyes darted from her fallen chair to the young man standing just a few feet from her. “I… Mr. Souzin!”
Uncle… Zuko silently swore to himself. I’m going to buy out your favorite teashop… and then close it down. Zuko stared at Katara; unable to believe that the ‘business associate’ his Uncle had been telling him about was her. From her shocked expression and fumbling movements, he could tell that Iroh hadn’t told her, either.
“You were expecting my Uncle…” he stated, understandingly.
Katara nodded. “Yes…” she began, her eyes looking away, embarrassed. “I… he and I were going to have dinner to celebrate the news of the Bei Fong account.”
“I see…” Zuko mumbled.
“Sir, if you’ll have a seat,” the maitre di began. He motioned to the chair in front of Katara. Zuko drew his eyes away from her and moved over to the seat. He pulled it out and stood just above it. Katara stood across from him, her fingers knotting themselves in front of her as she waited nervously. Zuko raised an eyebrow. “Miss Katara,” the maitre di whispered in a low voice as he noticed the situation. “Please have a seat.”
“Huh?” She snapped out of her stupor. “Right! Right! Sorry!” Cringing at her own actions, she quickly took her seat. Finally, Zuko sat down across from her.
“The meal will be out in a moment.” The man told them. Zuko looked up and frowned.
“We haven’t ordered yet.”
“Mr. Souzin has already given us the orders,” the maitre di explained. “He requested that some wine be served as well.”
The corner of his eye twitched. “Very well. Thank you.” Zuko gave a small nod of his head to dismiss the man. The maitre di gave a nod of his head and headed down the stairs.
“I’m sorry,” Katara began suddenly. Zuko looked up and watched as Katara shifted in her seat. Her eyes were fixed on anywhere but him. “Iroh probably didn’t tell you he was supposed to have dinner with me.”
“No, he didn’t,” Zuko stated, somewhat annoyed. “I’m sorry for being late.”
“No, its fine,” she insisted. “What happened to Iroh, anyway? He’s not hurt or anything is he?”
No, but he will be. “He’s at home…apparently; he had a prior engagement…” Zuko said in a low voice. He arrowed his eyes are he glared at the candle in the center of the table. “It’s the season premiere of some cartoon-”
A sharp gasp caught his attention and he looked up. Katara’s eyes were wide as a panicked look graced her face. “Incarnate: The Final Windmaker!” she whispered breathlessly. For a moment Zuko stared at her.
“You know what it is?” he spat out, unsure of how to act. Surprised that she knew or disturbed.
Katara nodded her head vigorously. “It’s the best cartoon around… oh no…” She groaned and slumped back against her seat. “I hope Jet recorded it for me… I should’ve told him…”
The name rang alarms in his head. “Jet… he’s the motorcyclist…” Zuko began as casually as he could. He sat up straight in his chair, watching Katara tap her fingers on the table. “A friend of yours?”
“He’s my neighbor,” Katara replied, only half paying attention. “In the Lower Tiers.”
Instantly, Zuko frowned. “You live on the Lower Tiers?” he asked, disapprovingly.
Katara let out a heavy sigh and nodded. “I couldn’t afford a better place to live by myself. The studio on South Market is the best I could afford-”
“You live on South Market?” Zuko spat out, leaning forward. “That’s the most dangerous place in the city!”
“It is not,” Katara countered with a frown of her own. “That’s only a rumor.”
“All those shootings I hear on the news don’t seem to be a rumor.” Zuko retorted.
Katara rolled her eyes. “My brother gives me grief about it, too,” she told him. “I know it’s not the greatest place to live, but it was fine for me. Besides, Jet is right next door-”
“Right, that man who can’t even read a ‘no parking’ sign. I’m sure he’s excellent protection-” Zuko began sarcastically. Katara sat up straight.
“Don’t talk badly of my friends!” Katara snapped defensively. “First, you don’t even know me. Second, Jet is excellent protection! He’s always helping and watching out for me. As a matter of fact, he’s been helping me pack all my stuff for my move this weekend. He’s far more reliable and trustworthy than you give him credit for!”
Zuko jerked his head back at her outburst. Katara was practically glaring holes in his head. Perhaps he had gone too far… Across the table, Katara’s eyes widened once more as she realized she had just yelled at her boss… again.
She quickly pulled back and looked away. When will she learn not to let her temper get the best of her? Even if the CEO did deserve it. Nervously, her hand reached out for the glass of ice water.
“Hey!” Zuko gasped. She looked up and watched the panic in his eyes as he leaned back and held his hands up. “I didn’t mean to offend you!”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “What are you…?” Her eyes widened and a blush spread across her face. “Oh…” How could she forget throwing water at him that night in the club? “No, I was actually going to drink it this time.”
“Oh…” Zuko slowly lowered his hands, feeling a bit foolish for over reacting. Katara watched the embarrassment cross his face and smiled to herself as she took a sip of water. Unconsciously, Zuko’s hand rose and re-adjusted his tie once more. He looked uncomfortable in his own skin. He clearly didn’t want to be there.
A small part of Katara was embarrassed for the mix up as well. She wished Iroh would’ve at least told her his nephew was coming in his place… that would’ve given her time to cancel, reschedule, and possibly catch the season premiere of Incarnate. Instead, she was sitting across from someone who didn’t want to be there. And frankly, she found herself uncomfortable as well.
Did the man know how good he looked in black? When she had turned around and seen him standing there, she briefly entertained the thought of him coming willingly in Iroh’s place to apologize for her dress in the form of dinner and possibly dancing. However, the surprised look on his face told her otherwise.
Still, it wasn’t a complete waste. If she thought he looked good in a suit, the tuxedo did it. With the soft candlelight highlighting his features from the contours of his face and neck to the shadows over his shirt, he looked nothing less than a prince. That would explain the giggles she heard from Jin and Song whenever ‘Mr. Souzin’ walked past them or the ‘fan club’ of his over in accounting.
He was an angry jerk, but he was a good-looking angry jerk. Katara felt her face warming up as her hand shook. She was having dinner with the most eligible man in the company… A twinge of disappointment flooded her. Too bad it wasn’t under the ideal conditions.
Across the table, Zuko willed himself not to check out his guest, his employee. Surely, there must’ve been some sort of company policy against that. He made a mental note to check the next day. His hand played with the napkin on his lap.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, a small voice that sounded like his Uncle was telling him to compliment her. That was how small talk started. He would compliment her. She would thank him and compliment him back. Then speech would fill up the awkward silence. He had done it plenty of times before at all those parties his Uncle had with clients. How different would it be to speak to the young woman across from him?
Zuko glanced back at Katara and felt his cheeks redden. Of course the first thing he saw was the plunging neckline and the smooth, brown skin peeking out temptingly beneath it. Agni, why do you hate me? Zuko silently prayed. He willed his eyes up, above the neck.
Long, thick brown hair was pinned back at her temples. Her blue eyes were looking away from him as she raised the glass to her dark red lips. As she closed her eyes, she looked as if she were almost kissing the glass. And for some reason, he was leaning forward.
The movement of the glass snapped Zuko out of his daze. What was he doing? She was just another girl. A pretty one. His eyes darted over to her once more and loosened his tie. A pretty, smart one who just happened to be easily insulted…This is all Uncle’s fault…
Finally, she put her glass down and looked at him. “Mr. Souzin, if this is uncomfortable for you-”
“Nice dress!” Zuko cut her off quickly. His mind quickly played her words in his mind, forcing them to register as she blinked at him. Katara’s eyes slowly lowered to look down at her dress after his sudden comment. Mentally, Zuko slapped himself for sounding so stupid. “I’m not uncomfortable,” Damn it… Now I look like an idiot… “I’m sorry, this was just unexpected. I was ready to discuss business…”
“Well… this was originally a business oriented dinner…” Katara trailed off unsurely.
It was, huh? What is it now? Zuko nodded. “I hope my Uncle told you I was going to take care of the bill…” It wasn’t the most proper of things to say, but he didn’t know what else to tell her.
Katara nodded. “Yes… you know, we can just cancel this,” Katara began once more. “I mean… Iroh was supposed to have dinner with me to celebrate…”
“He had you come all the way out here,” Zuko began. “At least have dinner...” He perked up in his seat as the idea struck. “Let me use it to apologize for the South Beach incident!”
Katara looked surprised. Was he serious? “Mr. Souzin-”
“Zuko is fine,” he insisted. She gave him a hesitant look and he nodded. “Really. I insist, actually. I ruined your dress and was incredibly rude. I would sincerely like to make reparations for the damage I caused.”
Well, at least he admits it… “Mr. Souz…Zuko,” Katara began. “That really isn’t necessary. I’ll have dinner, as I’m sure Iroh is very busy. Besides, I’ll be too busy to ‘celebrate’ for at least another month with my moving-”
“This weekend, am I correct?” Zuko asked. Katara nodded. She sighed heavily.
“I actually still have to rent the truck-”
“Allow me to pay for it,” Zuko insisted once more. Katara looked surprised. “You need the trunk and I need to pay for your dress.” He was right.
Katara mulled over the offer for a moment. Knowing him, he would probably rent the biggest, best truck that could easily move all her things in one go. “That’s… doable…”
“Great,” a relieved smile appeared on his face as he reached into his coat pocket and retrieved his phone. Finally, his Uncle would get off his back about the dress thing. “Shall I have them drive it to your current apartment?”
He was already dialing. “Um…” Katara began. “You don’t have to call now-”
“Hello, Song?” Zuko began. Katara frowned. Regardless of the circumstances, it was not flattering for the man she was having dinner with to call another woman before they even started the meal. “Tomorrow, rent a moving truck… I’ll deal with the specifics tomorrow. Katara from my Uncle’s group will give you her address tomorrow morning. Thanks.”
He snapped the phone closed and Katara rubbed her forehead tiredly. “Thank you…” she mumbled in a low, unappreciative voice. Zuko mere nodded proudly, as if he had done something incredible.
“Saturday morning, it’ll be at your door step.”
“Hey, Katara…” Sokka stepped into the apartment and made his way around the boxes that littered the front part of Katara’s studio. In the back of the room, she was taping up the last of her boxes while Jet took apart the bed.
“Yeah?” She looked up from the stack boxes in front of her. It was eight thirty in the morning and already, her once neatly braided hair was disheveled. She was dressed in a loose pair of Sokka’s old denim over alls, a gray shirt, and sneakers. “What is it?”
“Some guy is here. He says he’s here with the moving truck?” Sokka told her, looking slightly confused.
Katara let out a sigh of relief. “That must be the rental my boss ordered!” She beamed a happy smile as she stood up. The day before, she had wanted to ask Zuko about the specifics of the truck when she went to drop off her address to Song, however, he had been in meetings the entire day. She had tried the mobile phone number on his business card, only to get a busy signal each time. As a result, she wondered if he had even gotten the thing ordered. Part of her still couldn’t believe she had gotten along with him, without scratching his eyes out, during their dinner.
He had been, in every sense of the word, a complete gentleman. It was somewhat refreshing. Whenever she returned from the bathroom, he pulled out her chair. When they left the restaurant, he held the doors open. Throughout dinner, he had listened intently as she had dominated the conversation; desperate to fill the uncomfortable moments of silence. She had felt a bit embarrassed after she ended up revealing her carefully thought out opinion on how two characters from Incarnate should get together. She would’ve felt worse if he didn’t say he would watch it one day to see what she was talking about.
Then he took her home. At first she had resisted; saying she would take a cab. However, he insisted; citing he wanted to make sure she got home all right considering she lived in what he considered the worst part of town. It hadn’t been such a bad idea…until she woke up nearly drooling on his shoulder as they pulled up to her apartment complex. Her face burning with humiliation, she was ready to bolt from the car, only to have Zuko insist on walking her to her door. And he did. And it was nice. Awkward with only ‘have a good day at work tomorrow’ as a good-bye, but nice.
When she couldn’t get a hold of him the next day, it had started to worry her. Was he avoiding her? Was it because she really did drool on his tuxedo, which was probably more expensive than her rent? He didn’t even answer the email she sent! When Song told her about the all day meetings and how she couldn’t get a hold of him either, Katara was somewhat relieved. She could do without the truck, but not her boss hating her.
“You two seem to have gotten close,” Sokka said suspiciously as she walked passed him. “I thought you said he was a crazy, egotistical bastard who purposely strung you along before he would fire you.”
Katara rolled her eyes and headed for her door. “Yeah, well,” She grabbed the door handle and pulled it open. “We had a little…” Her words stopped in her mouth as she saw the man waiting at her doorstep. Gold eyes were narrowed as a few stray locks of unkempt black hair fell over them. Keys dangled from one clenched hand as he shot her a glare.
“A crazy, egotistical bastard...” his voice repeated slowly. Each word dripped with venom as Katara cringed and jumped back behind the door. “I see…”
“Mr. Sou…I mean Zuko?” Katara gasped. She almost didn’t recognize him in the dark blue jeans and the black T-shirt. “What are you…?”
“I found out too late that someone had to pick up the trunk,” Zuko spat out, obviously still annoyed. “So I went to get it and drop it off.”
“Hey!” a voice shouted behind her. Katara turned around just as Jet reached the doorway. He smirked as he looked over at the newcomer. “It’s the suit!”
“Jet!” Katara hissed as she tired to shove him back and hide him behind the door. “He is my boss!”
“Oh…” Jet’s loud voice carried over. “The prick who wanted to fire you that you told me about.”
Katara let out a pained moan as Zuko fumed in front of her. “I… I can explain that…” she began.
“Here are the keys,” Zuko spat out. He dropped the rental keys in her hand and pulled his phone from his side pocket. “Let me just call a cab. You have to return it by six tonight.”
“Right, right…” Katara nodded.
“Katara! If the truck is ready, go and open it up!” Sokka shouted. “We have to moving!”
“Look at all your crap…” Jet grumbled from deeper inside the apartment. “Hey! Get the suit to help out!”
Katara whirled around. “Jet! He’s not here to help us move!”
“He brought the truck didn’t he?” Sokka asked as he heaved a heavy box on his shoulder and began walking towards her. “Tell him to get in here and help!”
“Sokka…” Katara began in a dangerous voice. She moved out her brother’s way as he passed. He paused just before Zuko and studied him.
“Your legs aren’t broken, get in there and help.” Sokka told him. Behind him, Katara groaned.
“Maybe she didn’t tell you, but I’m not here to help,” Zuko snapped. “I just came by to drop off the truck, which is more than-”
“Oh, I get it,” Jet said as he moved aside some boxes. He looked up from where he was crouching next to a box marked ‘kitchen stuff’ and smirked at Zuko. “A suit like you probably can’t even carry the microwave down to the truck. Figures… all that sitting and talking on the phone…”
“Jet!” Katara gasped. Please let Zuko remember his policy on personal life versus business. Please let Zuko remember his policy on personal life versus business…
“What are you implying?” Zuko spat out as he snapped his phone closed. His golden eyes narrowed as he stepped into the apartment. Katara stepped back as he approached Jet.
“Oh, I think you know,” Jet smirked haughtily. “Suit.”
Zuko’s eyes narrowed. “Give me the box.”
“Zuko, its fine-” Katara began, only to be ignored by the two men. Jet merely snorted and stepped aside.
“Be my guest, paper pusher.” Glaring, Zuko knelt down and picked up the first box. Katara cringed, waiting for the moment when Zuko stumbled and embarrassed himself. Sokka, working at the resort his entire life, was used to manual labor. Jet, who had worked in everything from vegetable packing to photo lab technician, was, too. However, Zuko... who had led the privileged life of a wealthy little boy...
Large hands grabbed the sides of the box. Katara watched as all the muscles in his arms moved beneath smooth, flawless skin. She never realized how defined his arms were… and casually wondered what else of his was defined. With surprising ease, he hoisted it on to his shoulder, just as Sokka had done. Giving one last glare at Jet, he turned and headed towards the door.
“Just push them towards the front so it’ll be easier to grab them.” He stated as he passed her. Katara nodded and watched him walk down the hall.
Gods, his butt looked good in those jeans. “Not bad…” Katara jerked into a stiff position as she looked over her shoulder and saw Jet standing there, nodding in approval as he watched Zuko walk down the stairs at the end of the hall. Her eyes widened.
“Well, I’ll tell him you’re interested…” Katara snickered as she slipped back into the apartment. “I didn’t know you were into the male kind…”
“Sorry, you’re mistaken. He’s not my type,” Jet rolled his eyes as he walked in after her. He paused and grabbed Katara’s wrist, pulling her against him as he smirked. His arm rested around the small of her back as he leaned down and hovered just above her face. “Of course… throw yourself in there… and we might have something.”
Before Katara could even reply, a horrified shriek cut through the apartment. “Jet!” a murderous voice growled from the door way as a shadow fell across the room. Katara paled as she saw her brother standing there. “Get your hands off my sister!” Those were the last words Zuko heard before he returned to an apartment with five busted moving boxes and Katara’s yelling.
Zuko wondered how it was possible that they got anything done that day. Between Jet’s not so subtle flirting with Katara, her brother’s bouts of violence, and her constantly reopening boxes to ‘check’ the contents, Zuko was sure it would be impossible for them to even get things moved into her new condo that day.
Strangely enough, it had happened. It had taken them all morning to move Katara’s things from her studio to the moving trunk alone. Three times, Sokka had rushed to throttle Jet for coming too close to his sister. Zuko counted himself lucky. Sokka only eyed him threateningly twice. The two siblings were either constantly joking around or arguing over something completely irrelevant to moving.
At noon, they stopped for two hours for lunch. It was far too much time to waste for Zuko’s taste, but he wasn’t the one moving. In retrospect, he wasn’t sure why exactly he had stayed to help her move in the first place. He growled every time he thought about how he had been suckered into doing so by Jet.
Challenging my masculinity… that was low… Zuko fumed as he carried one of Katara’s boxes into the sprawling area of her new condo. Ugh! I can’t believe I actually wasted a whole day because that idiot! He placed the box on top of another one by the door.
Katara’s condo was furnished with the majority of the large pieces of furniture. A living room set, a dinner table, chairs, a fridge, and large bed in the master bedroom. She would have to provide everything else herself later on.
“Hey, Katara!” Jet shouted as he wandered in after Zuko. “Where do you want-”
“Keep it down,” Sokka said as he came from the living room. A serious look was on his face. “She’s sleeping.”
Jet’s usual cocky demeanor faded as he gave an understanding nod. “All the moving must’ve tired her out,” he said as he placed the box in some random part of the kitchen. Zuko followed behind him and peeked into the living room. Katara was lying across the couch, using her brother’s jacket as a pillow.
A ripping sound sounded behind him and he turned around. Jet was opening one of the boxes. He quickly pushed the blade back into the pocketknife and sipped it back into his pocket before pulling open the box flaps and taking out a blanket. He handed it to Sokka as the other man passed.
“Is there any more stuff in the trunk?” Sokka asked.
“Just two more boxes, I think,” Jet replied. “I’ll bring them up and then head back. You staying here?” He asked.
Sokka nodded. “Yeah…” He turned around and followed Jet out; completely forgetting Zuko was standing in the kitchen. Silently, Zuko took that chance to look around the condo. He nodded to himself; pleased he had purchased such a nice chunk of the building for AiRo West when he had the chance.
He walked down the hall and looked into the spare bedroom and bathroom before coming to Katara’s bedroom. He paused at the doorway to the Master suite; telling himself it was okay to look inside as it wasn’t ‘hers’ just yet. He looked over his shoulder to make sure Jet and Sokka hadn’t returned, and then stepped through the partially opened door.
To his surprise, the bed had already been made. That must’ve been where she was while we were moving the boxes up here… Several pillows were at the head of the bed and a worn looking blanket covered it. An even more worn out stuffed penguin was seated right in the center. A small smile reached his face as he wondered if all grown women kept their stuffed animals.
From his experience, Ty Lee had stuffed poodle monkey, Mai had a mongoose dragon, and Azula had, of all things, a koala-otter, when they were children. He doubted they still had them… except maybe Ty Lee.
He walked back outside and looked over at the young woman sprawled out on the couch… surrounded by boxes. She’d kill herself trying to get up at night to use the bathroom if she wasn’t moved. Zuko ran a hand down his face.
As he bent down and scooped her up in his arms, he silently prayed that Sokka would not come walking in at any moment. A snide remark from Jet, he could handle, but Sokka dive-bombing him was not something he wanted to deal with. Carefully, Zuko adjusted her so his arms rested beneath her knees and back as he carried her into her room.
He was careful not to hit her head on anything as he did so. It would’ve been more than awkward for his Uncle’s favorite employee to wake up and find herself being carried into a bedroom in his arms. Not to mention, he would never hear the end of it. When they reached the bed, he gingerly lowered her onto the drab, worn blanket and fixed the one on top of her slightly.
A sleep filled mumble was his thanks as her arm reached out blindly. Her eyebrows furrows as she mumbled for ‘inguin’. Zuko rolled his eyes and leaned over to pluck the stuffed animal from the center of the bed and place it in her arms. Another mumble escaped her lips as her arms wrapped around the creature.
Zuko sighed heavily. Suddenly, his ears picked up the sound of voices in the hall. Jet and Sokka were returning. Quickly, he rushed out of the room, barely remembering to close the door half way as he rushed back into the living room.
“Hey…” Jet frowned as he placed the last box on the counter. “Where’s Katara?”
“She moved to her room,” Zuko shrugged casually as he stood before them. “Does anyone have the keys? I need to return the truck.”
“Oh yeah,” Jet said as he grabbed his jacket, that was hanging on one of the breakfast bar stools, and put it on. “Sokka! Keys!”
“You heading out?” Sokka asked. “Good,” Jet smirked and headed out the front door. The brother reached into his pocket and pulled out the truck keys. “The back’s closed.”
“Great, thanks.” Zuko mumbled. He reached for the keys, only to stumble forward as Sokka held them back. A confused look reached the young CEO’s face until he looked at Sokka. A serious look was on the blue-eyed man’s face.
“Thanks for your help and all,” Sokka began sternly. “But I swear, if you lay a hand on my sister, they’ll be peeling that suit Jet is always talking about off your corpse. Got it?”
Zuko felt as if someone had just punched him in the stomach. His eyes widened and he stumbled back, unable to believe what he was hearing. “What are you talking about?” he growled. His eyes narrowed instantly. “I haven’t done a thing to your sister.”
“Good. Keep it that way,” Sokka snapped. Zuko opened his mouth to argue, but Sokka cut him off. “I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at my sister. I don’t care if you’re her boss or not, stay away from her. Someone like you isn’t suited for someone like Katara.”
Zuko scowled. He reached forward and snatched the keys out of Sokka’s hands. “You’re crazy,” He spat out as he whirled around. “She’s just an employee. A damn good one I intend to keep working for my company. Got that? Whatever looks you think I’ve been giving her are all in your head.”
“Whatever you say… just stay away from her,” Sokka pressed one last time. Zuko shook his head and headed out the door. As the sound of it slamming echoed across the condo, Sokka looked towards the hall. “That goes for you, too, Katara! He’s only going to hurt you, I can feel it.”
From where she stood against the wall, in the hallway, Katara clutched her penguin against her and narrowed her eyes. She stepped out and frowned. “You don’t know what you’re talking about Sokka.”
Her brother shook his head. “He’s a little rich boy… Just like the rest of the people in their ‘class’, they think they’re too good for people like us,” Sokka frowned. “He’ll lead you along and then dump you, like that.” He added with a snap of his fingers. Katara narrowed her eyes critically.
“Sokka… is this about Yue?” She watched as the pain spread across his face at the mention of his ex-girlfriend’s name. Quickly, it was replaced by frustration and bitterness as he turned away.
“Yue… Suki… they’re all the same,” Sokka frowned. He stood up and brushed off his clothes before heading into the kitchen. “I’m serious, Katara. Stay away from that guy. He’s bad news.”
Author's Notes: This was first posted in the zutara LJ comm and I'm reposting it here. This was betated by
loveroftheflame.
She had felt incredibility out of place as the maitre di led her through the maze of tables on the main floor. Everywhere she looked, there was a couple whispering sweet nothings to each other. Some married couples… some who looked like they had just started dating. Some woman had the largest engagement ring Katara had ever seen on her finger.
To make it worse, they all seemed dressed better than her. She sighed heavily and followed the maitre di up the stairs. She shouldn’t have been complaining. After all, she was in the most expensive restaurant in the city. Still… she would be having a meal with her manager…and happy couples lost in love surrounded her. And being early, Katara’s dinner date wasn’t there yet. Of course.
“Just have a seat here, Miss Katara,” the man told her as he pulled her chair out. “As soon as Mr. Souzin arrives, I will bring him here. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”
“No, no,” Katara said as she sat down. “I’ll wait for him. Thank you.”
The man nodded and headed back down the stairs. Katara busied herself with looking anywhere but downstairs. Instead, she focused on the view she had all to herself. A small smile reached her face as watched the lights below them.
This wasn’t so bad, she decided. She lived in one of the most spectacular cities in the world. She had a great job with great benefits. Her manager was a kind, grandfatherly like man who was generous and well respected by all his employees. She wasn’t fired from her dream job and that weekend, she was going to move into her new home.
Katara nodded to herself. It wasn’t bad at all. So what if she had no man in her life? So what if the closest thing she had to one was Jet? So what if her brother would kill him if he realized that? She was young… bright… she didn’t need a man right now. He would only get in the way. And finding the perfect man for her would be a long and difficult process.
Who needed that headache? Who had that kind of time to spare? She had a ton of work to deal with. Katara leaned against her hand and continued looking out the window. I have plenty of time to find someone. I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now… I mean… I have other things to deal with… and it’s not like the perfect guy for me is going to just appear, anyway!
“Miss Katara,” a voice said behind her. She pulled her arm back and turned around. “Mr. Souzin has arrived.”
Blue eyes widened as Katara laid eyes on the wrong Mr. Souzin. Immediately, she stood up. Behind her, she kicked her chair back and let out a sharp gasp as she whirled around. “Oh, my gods…” she mumbled stupidly as she knelt down to pick it up.
“Allow me, Miss Katara.” The maitre di said as he swept down and moved the chair for her.
Stuttering and apologizing profusely, Katara’s eyes darted from her fallen chair to the young man standing just a few feet from her. “I… Mr. Souzin!”
Uncle… Zuko silently swore to himself. I’m going to buy out your favorite teashop… and then close it down. Zuko stared at Katara; unable to believe that the ‘business associate’ his Uncle had been telling him about was her. From her shocked expression and fumbling movements, he could tell that Iroh hadn’t told her, either.
“You were expecting my Uncle…” he stated, understandingly.
Katara nodded. “Yes…” she began, her eyes looking away, embarrassed. “I… he and I were going to have dinner to celebrate the news of the Bei Fong account.”
“I see…” Zuko mumbled.
“Sir, if you’ll have a seat,” the maitre di began. He motioned to the chair in front of Katara. Zuko drew his eyes away from her and moved over to the seat. He pulled it out and stood just above it. Katara stood across from him, her fingers knotting themselves in front of her as she waited nervously. Zuko raised an eyebrow. “Miss Katara,” the maitre di whispered in a low voice as he noticed the situation. “Please have a seat.”
“Huh?” She snapped out of her stupor. “Right! Right! Sorry!” Cringing at her own actions, she quickly took her seat. Finally, Zuko sat down across from her.
“The meal will be out in a moment.” The man told them. Zuko looked up and frowned.
“We haven’t ordered yet.”
“Mr. Souzin has already given us the orders,” the maitre di explained. “He requested that some wine be served as well.”
The corner of his eye twitched. “Very well. Thank you.” Zuko gave a small nod of his head to dismiss the man. The maitre di gave a nod of his head and headed down the stairs.
“I’m sorry,” Katara began suddenly. Zuko looked up and watched as Katara shifted in her seat. Her eyes were fixed on anywhere but him. “Iroh probably didn’t tell you he was supposed to have dinner with me.”
“No, he didn’t,” Zuko stated, somewhat annoyed. “I’m sorry for being late.”
“No, its fine,” she insisted. “What happened to Iroh, anyway? He’s not hurt or anything is he?”
No, but he will be. “He’s at home…apparently; he had a prior engagement…” Zuko said in a low voice. He arrowed his eyes are he glared at the candle in the center of the table. “It’s the season premiere of some cartoon-”
A sharp gasp caught his attention and he looked up. Katara’s eyes were wide as a panicked look graced her face. “Incarnate: The Final Windmaker!” she whispered breathlessly. For a moment Zuko stared at her.
“You know what it is?” he spat out, unsure of how to act. Surprised that she knew or disturbed.
Katara nodded her head vigorously. “It’s the best cartoon around… oh no…” She groaned and slumped back against her seat. “I hope Jet recorded it for me… I should’ve told him…”
The name rang alarms in his head. “Jet… he’s the motorcyclist…” Zuko began as casually as he could. He sat up straight in his chair, watching Katara tap her fingers on the table. “A friend of yours?”
“He’s my neighbor,” Katara replied, only half paying attention. “In the Lower Tiers.”
Instantly, Zuko frowned. “You live on the Lower Tiers?” he asked, disapprovingly.
Katara let out a heavy sigh and nodded. “I couldn’t afford a better place to live by myself. The studio on South Market is the best I could afford-”
“You live on South Market?” Zuko spat out, leaning forward. “That’s the most dangerous place in the city!”
“It is not,” Katara countered with a frown of her own. “That’s only a rumor.”
“All those shootings I hear on the news don’t seem to be a rumor.” Zuko retorted.
Katara rolled her eyes. “My brother gives me grief about it, too,” she told him. “I know it’s not the greatest place to live, but it was fine for me. Besides, Jet is right next door-”
“Right, that man who can’t even read a ‘no parking’ sign. I’m sure he’s excellent protection-” Zuko began sarcastically. Katara sat up straight.
“Don’t talk badly of my friends!” Katara snapped defensively. “First, you don’t even know me. Second, Jet is excellent protection! He’s always helping and watching out for me. As a matter of fact, he’s been helping me pack all my stuff for my move this weekend. He’s far more reliable and trustworthy than you give him credit for!”
Zuko jerked his head back at her outburst. Katara was practically glaring holes in his head. Perhaps he had gone too far… Across the table, Katara’s eyes widened once more as she realized she had just yelled at her boss… again.
She quickly pulled back and looked away. When will she learn not to let her temper get the best of her? Even if the CEO did deserve it. Nervously, her hand reached out for the glass of ice water.
“Hey!” Zuko gasped. She looked up and watched the panic in his eyes as he leaned back and held his hands up. “I didn’t mean to offend you!”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “What are you…?” Her eyes widened and a blush spread across her face. “Oh…” How could she forget throwing water at him that night in the club? “No, I was actually going to drink it this time.”
“Oh…” Zuko slowly lowered his hands, feeling a bit foolish for over reacting. Katara watched the embarrassment cross his face and smiled to herself as she took a sip of water. Unconsciously, Zuko’s hand rose and re-adjusted his tie once more. He looked uncomfortable in his own skin. He clearly didn’t want to be there.
A small part of Katara was embarrassed for the mix up as well. She wished Iroh would’ve at least told her his nephew was coming in his place… that would’ve given her time to cancel, reschedule, and possibly catch the season premiere of Incarnate. Instead, she was sitting across from someone who didn’t want to be there. And frankly, she found herself uncomfortable as well.
Did the man know how good he looked in black? When she had turned around and seen him standing there, she briefly entertained the thought of him coming willingly in Iroh’s place to apologize for her dress in the form of dinner and possibly dancing. However, the surprised look on his face told her otherwise.
Still, it wasn’t a complete waste. If she thought he looked good in a suit, the tuxedo did it. With the soft candlelight highlighting his features from the contours of his face and neck to the shadows over his shirt, he looked nothing less than a prince. That would explain the giggles she heard from Jin and Song whenever ‘Mr. Souzin’ walked past them or the ‘fan club’ of his over in accounting.
He was an angry jerk, but he was a good-looking angry jerk. Katara felt her face warming up as her hand shook. She was having dinner with the most eligible man in the company… A twinge of disappointment flooded her. Too bad it wasn’t under the ideal conditions.
Across the table, Zuko willed himself not to check out his guest, his employee. Surely, there must’ve been some sort of company policy against that. He made a mental note to check the next day. His hand played with the napkin on his lap.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, a small voice that sounded like his Uncle was telling him to compliment her. That was how small talk started. He would compliment her. She would thank him and compliment him back. Then speech would fill up the awkward silence. He had done it plenty of times before at all those parties his Uncle had with clients. How different would it be to speak to the young woman across from him?
Zuko glanced back at Katara and felt his cheeks redden. Of course the first thing he saw was the plunging neckline and the smooth, brown skin peeking out temptingly beneath it. Agni, why do you hate me? Zuko silently prayed. He willed his eyes up, above the neck.
Long, thick brown hair was pinned back at her temples. Her blue eyes were looking away from him as she raised the glass to her dark red lips. As she closed her eyes, she looked as if she were almost kissing the glass. And for some reason, he was leaning forward.
The movement of the glass snapped Zuko out of his daze. What was he doing? She was just another girl. A pretty one. His eyes darted over to her once more and loosened his tie. A pretty, smart one who just happened to be easily insulted…This is all Uncle’s fault…
Finally, she put her glass down and looked at him. “Mr. Souzin, if this is uncomfortable for you-”
“Nice dress!” Zuko cut her off quickly. His mind quickly played her words in his mind, forcing them to register as she blinked at him. Katara’s eyes slowly lowered to look down at her dress after his sudden comment. Mentally, Zuko slapped himself for sounding so stupid. “I’m not uncomfortable,” Damn it… Now I look like an idiot… “I’m sorry, this was just unexpected. I was ready to discuss business…”
“Well… this was originally a business oriented dinner…” Katara trailed off unsurely.
It was, huh? What is it now? Zuko nodded. “I hope my Uncle told you I was going to take care of the bill…” It wasn’t the most proper of things to say, but he didn’t know what else to tell her.
Katara nodded. “Yes… you know, we can just cancel this,” Katara began once more. “I mean… Iroh was supposed to have dinner with me to celebrate…”
“He had you come all the way out here,” Zuko began. “At least have dinner...” He perked up in his seat as the idea struck. “Let me use it to apologize for the South Beach incident!”
Katara looked surprised. Was he serious? “Mr. Souzin-”
“Zuko is fine,” he insisted. She gave him a hesitant look and he nodded. “Really. I insist, actually. I ruined your dress and was incredibly rude. I would sincerely like to make reparations for the damage I caused.”
Well, at least he admits it… “Mr. Souz…Zuko,” Katara began. “That really isn’t necessary. I’ll have dinner, as I’m sure Iroh is very busy. Besides, I’ll be too busy to ‘celebrate’ for at least another month with my moving-”
“This weekend, am I correct?” Zuko asked. Katara nodded. She sighed heavily.
“I actually still have to rent the truck-”
“Allow me to pay for it,” Zuko insisted once more. Katara looked surprised. “You need the trunk and I need to pay for your dress.” He was right.
Katara mulled over the offer for a moment. Knowing him, he would probably rent the biggest, best truck that could easily move all her things in one go. “That’s… doable…”
“Great,” a relieved smile appeared on his face as he reached into his coat pocket and retrieved his phone. Finally, his Uncle would get off his back about the dress thing. “Shall I have them drive it to your current apartment?”
He was already dialing. “Um…” Katara began. “You don’t have to call now-”
“Hello, Song?” Zuko began. Katara frowned. Regardless of the circumstances, it was not flattering for the man she was having dinner with to call another woman before they even started the meal. “Tomorrow, rent a moving truck… I’ll deal with the specifics tomorrow. Katara from my Uncle’s group will give you her address tomorrow morning. Thanks.”
He snapped the phone closed and Katara rubbed her forehead tiredly. “Thank you…” she mumbled in a low, unappreciative voice. Zuko mere nodded proudly, as if he had done something incredible.
“Saturday morning, it’ll be at your door step.”
“Hey, Katara…” Sokka stepped into the apartment and made his way around the boxes that littered the front part of Katara’s studio. In the back of the room, she was taping up the last of her boxes while Jet took apart the bed.
“Yeah?” She looked up from the stack boxes in front of her. It was eight thirty in the morning and already, her once neatly braided hair was disheveled. She was dressed in a loose pair of Sokka’s old denim over alls, a gray shirt, and sneakers. “What is it?”
“Some guy is here. He says he’s here with the moving truck?” Sokka told her, looking slightly confused.
Katara let out a sigh of relief. “That must be the rental my boss ordered!” She beamed a happy smile as she stood up. The day before, she had wanted to ask Zuko about the specifics of the truck when she went to drop off her address to Song, however, he had been in meetings the entire day. She had tried the mobile phone number on his business card, only to get a busy signal each time. As a result, she wondered if he had even gotten the thing ordered. Part of her still couldn’t believe she had gotten along with him, without scratching his eyes out, during their dinner.
He had been, in every sense of the word, a complete gentleman. It was somewhat refreshing. Whenever she returned from the bathroom, he pulled out her chair. When they left the restaurant, he held the doors open. Throughout dinner, he had listened intently as she had dominated the conversation; desperate to fill the uncomfortable moments of silence. She had felt a bit embarrassed after she ended up revealing her carefully thought out opinion on how two characters from Incarnate should get together. She would’ve felt worse if he didn’t say he would watch it one day to see what she was talking about.
Then he took her home. At first she had resisted; saying she would take a cab. However, he insisted; citing he wanted to make sure she got home all right considering she lived in what he considered the worst part of town. It hadn’t been such a bad idea…until she woke up nearly drooling on his shoulder as they pulled up to her apartment complex. Her face burning with humiliation, she was ready to bolt from the car, only to have Zuko insist on walking her to her door. And he did. And it was nice. Awkward with only ‘have a good day at work tomorrow’ as a good-bye, but nice.
When she couldn’t get a hold of him the next day, it had started to worry her. Was he avoiding her? Was it because she really did drool on his tuxedo, which was probably more expensive than her rent? He didn’t even answer the email she sent! When Song told her about the all day meetings and how she couldn’t get a hold of him either, Katara was somewhat relieved. She could do without the truck, but not her boss hating her.
“You two seem to have gotten close,” Sokka said suspiciously as she walked passed him. “I thought you said he was a crazy, egotistical bastard who purposely strung you along before he would fire you.”
Katara rolled her eyes and headed for her door. “Yeah, well,” She grabbed the door handle and pulled it open. “We had a little…” Her words stopped in her mouth as she saw the man waiting at her doorstep. Gold eyes were narrowed as a few stray locks of unkempt black hair fell over them. Keys dangled from one clenched hand as he shot her a glare.
“A crazy, egotistical bastard...” his voice repeated slowly. Each word dripped with venom as Katara cringed and jumped back behind the door. “I see…”
“Mr. Sou…I mean Zuko?” Katara gasped. She almost didn’t recognize him in the dark blue jeans and the black T-shirt. “What are you…?”
“I found out too late that someone had to pick up the trunk,” Zuko spat out, obviously still annoyed. “So I went to get it and drop it off.”
“Hey!” a voice shouted behind her. Katara turned around just as Jet reached the doorway. He smirked as he looked over at the newcomer. “It’s the suit!”
“Jet!” Katara hissed as she tired to shove him back and hide him behind the door. “He is my boss!”
“Oh…” Jet’s loud voice carried over. “The prick who wanted to fire you that you told me about.”
Katara let out a pained moan as Zuko fumed in front of her. “I… I can explain that…” she began.
“Here are the keys,” Zuko spat out. He dropped the rental keys in her hand and pulled his phone from his side pocket. “Let me just call a cab. You have to return it by six tonight.”
“Right, right…” Katara nodded.
“Katara! If the truck is ready, go and open it up!” Sokka shouted. “We have to moving!”
“Look at all your crap…” Jet grumbled from deeper inside the apartment. “Hey! Get the suit to help out!”
Katara whirled around. “Jet! He’s not here to help us move!”
“He brought the truck didn’t he?” Sokka asked as he heaved a heavy box on his shoulder and began walking towards her. “Tell him to get in here and help!”
“Sokka…” Katara began in a dangerous voice. She moved out her brother’s way as he passed. He paused just before Zuko and studied him.
“Your legs aren’t broken, get in there and help.” Sokka told him. Behind him, Katara groaned.
“Maybe she didn’t tell you, but I’m not here to help,” Zuko snapped. “I just came by to drop off the truck, which is more than-”
“Oh, I get it,” Jet said as he moved aside some boxes. He looked up from where he was crouching next to a box marked ‘kitchen stuff’ and smirked at Zuko. “A suit like you probably can’t even carry the microwave down to the truck. Figures… all that sitting and talking on the phone…”
“Jet!” Katara gasped. Please let Zuko remember his policy on personal life versus business. Please let Zuko remember his policy on personal life versus business…
“What are you implying?” Zuko spat out as he snapped his phone closed. His golden eyes narrowed as he stepped into the apartment. Katara stepped back as he approached Jet.
“Oh, I think you know,” Jet smirked haughtily. “Suit.”
Zuko’s eyes narrowed. “Give me the box.”
“Zuko, its fine-” Katara began, only to be ignored by the two men. Jet merely snorted and stepped aside.
“Be my guest, paper pusher.” Glaring, Zuko knelt down and picked up the first box. Katara cringed, waiting for the moment when Zuko stumbled and embarrassed himself. Sokka, working at the resort his entire life, was used to manual labor. Jet, who had worked in everything from vegetable packing to photo lab technician, was, too. However, Zuko... who had led the privileged life of a wealthy little boy...
Large hands grabbed the sides of the box. Katara watched as all the muscles in his arms moved beneath smooth, flawless skin. She never realized how defined his arms were… and casually wondered what else of his was defined. With surprising ease, he hoisted it on to his shoulder, just as Sokka had done. Giving one last glare at Jet, he turned and headed towards the door.
“Just push them towards the front so it’ll be easier to grab them.” He stated as he passed her. Katara nodded and watched him walk down the hall.
Gods, his butt looked good in those jeans. “Not bad…” Katara jerked into a stiff position as she looked over her shoulder and saw Jet standing there, nodding in approval as he watched Zuko walk down the stairs at the end of the hall. Her eyes widened.
“Well, I’ll tell him you’re interested…” Katara snickered as she slipped back into the apartment. “I didn’t know you were into the male kind…”
“Sorry, you’re mistaken. He’s not my type,” Jet rolled his eyes as he walked in after her. He paused and grabbed Katara’s wrist, pulling her against him as he smirked. His arm rested around the small of her back as he leaned down and hovered just above her face. “Of course… throw yourself in there… and we might have something.”
Before Katara could even reply, a horrified shriek cut through the apartment. “Jet!” a murderous voice growled from the door way as a shadow fell across the room. Katara paled as she saw her brother standing there. “Get your hands off my sister!” Those were the last words Zuko heard before he returned to an apartment with five busted moving boxes and Katara’s yelling.
Zuko wondered how it was possible that they got anything done that day. Between Jet’s not so subtle flirting with Katara, her brother’s bouts of violence, and her constantly reopening boxes to ‘check’ the contents, Zuko was sure it would be impossible for them to even get things moved into her new condo that day.
Strangely enough, it had happened. It had taken them all morning to move Katara’s things from her studio to the moving trunk alone. Three times, Sokka had rushed to throttle Jet for coming too close to his sister. Zuko counted himself lucky. Sokka only eyed him threateningly twice. The two siblings were either constantly joking around or arguing over something completely irrelevant to moving.
At noon, they stopped for two hours for lunch. It was far too much time to waste for Zuko’s taste, but he wasn’t the one moving. In retrospect, he wasn’t sure why exactly he had stayed to help her move in the first place. He growled every time he thought about how he had been suckered into doing so by Jet.
Challenging my masculinity… that was low… Zuko fumed as he carried one of Katara’s boxes into the sprawling area of her new condo. Ugh! I can’t believe I actually wasted a whole day because that idiot! He placed the box on top of another one by the door.
Katara’s condo was furnished with the majority of the large pieces of furniture. A living room set, a dinner table, chairs, a fridge, and large bed in the master bedroom. She would have to provide everything else herself later on.
“Hey, Katara!” Jet shouted as he wandered in after Zuko. “Where do you want-”
“Keep it down,” Sokka said as he came from the living room. A serious look was on his face. “She’s sleeping.”
Jet’s usual cocky demeanor faded as he gave an understanding nod. “All the moving must’ve tired her out,” he said as he placed the box in some random part of the kitchen. Zuko followed behind him and peeked into the living room. Katara was lying across the couch, using her brother’s jacket as a pillow.
A ripping sound sounded behind him and he turned around. Jet was opening one of the boxes. He quickly pushed the blade back into the pocketknife and sipped it back into his pocket before pulling open the box flaps and taking out a blanket. He handed it to Sokka as the other man passed.
“Is there any more stuff in the trunk?” Sokka asked.
“Just two more boxes, I think,” Jet replied. “I’ll bring them up and then head back. You staying here?” He asked.
Sokka nodded. “Yeah…” He turned around and followed Jet out; completely forgetting Zuko was standing in the kitchen. Silently, Zuko took that chance to look around the condo. He nodded to himself; pleased he had purchased such a nice chunk of the building for AiRo West when he had the chance.
He walked down the hall and looked into the spare bedroom and bathroom before coming to Katara’s bedroom. He paused at the doorway to the Master suite; telling himself it was okay to look inside as it wasn’t ‘hers’ just yet. He looked over his shoulder to make sure Jet and Sokka hadn’t returned, and then stepped through the partially opened door.
To his surprise, the bed had already been made. That must’ve been where she was while we were moving the boxes up here… Several pillows were at the head of the bed and a worn looking blanket covered it. An even more worn out stuffed penguin was seated right in the center. A small smile reached his face as he wondered if all grown women kept their stuffed animals.
From his experience, Ty Lee had stuffed poodle monkey, Mai had a mongoose dragon, and Azula had, of all things, a koala-otter, when they were children. He doubted they still had them… except maybe Ty Lee.
He walked back outside and looked over at the young woman sprawled out on the couch… surrounded by boxes. She’d kill herself trying to get up at night to use the bathroom if she wasn’t moved. Zuko ran a hand down his face.
As he bent down and scooped her up in his arms, he silently prayed that Sokka would not come walking in at any moment. A snide remark from Jet, he could handle, but Sokka dive-bombing him was not something he wanted to deal with. Carefully, Zuko adjusted her so his arms rested beneath her knees and back as he carried her into her room.
He was careful not to hit her head on anything as he did so. It would’ve been more than awkward for his Uncle’s favorite employee to wake up and find herself being carried into a bedroom in his arms. Not to mention, he would never hear the end of it. When they reached the bed, he gingerly lowered her onto the drab, worn blanket and fixed the one on top of her slightly.
A sleep filled mumble was his thanks as her arm reached out blindly. Her eyebrows furrows as she mumbled for ‘inguin’. Zuko rolled his eyes and leaned over to pluck the stuffed animal from the center of the bed and place it in her arms. Another mumble escaped her lips as her arms wrapped around the creature.
Zuko sighed heavily. Suddenly, his ears picked up the sound of voices in the hall. Jet and Sokka were returning. Quickly, he rushed out of the room, barely remembering to close the door half way as he rushed back into the living room.
“Hey…” Jet frowned as he placed the last box on the counter. “Where’s Katara?”
“She moved to her room,” Zuko shrugged casually as he stood before them. “Does anyone have the keys? I need to return the truck.”
“Oh yeah,” Jet said as he grabbed his jacket, that was hanging on one of the breakfast bar stools, and put it on. “Sokka! Keys!”
“You heading out?” Sokka asked. “Good,” Jet smirked and headed out the front door. The brother reached into his pocket and pulled out the truck keys. “The back’s closed.”
“Great, thanks.” Zuko mumbled. He reached for the keys, only to stumble forward as Sokka held them back. A confused look reached the young CEO’s face until he looked at Sokka. A serious look was on the blue-eyed man’s face.
“Thanks for your help and all,” Sokka began sternly. “But I swear, if you lay a hand on my sister, they’ll be peeling that suit Jet is always talking about off your corpse. Got it?”
Zuko felt as if someone had just punched him in the stomach. His eyes widened and he stumbled back, unable to believe what he was hearing. “What are you talking about?” he growled. His eyes narrowed instantly. “I haven’t done a thing to your sister.”
“Good. Keep it that way,” Sokka snapped. Zuko opened his mouth to argue, but Sokka cut him off. “I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at my sister. I don’t care if you’re her boss or not, stay away from her. Someone like you isn’t suited for someone like Katara.”
Zuko scowled. He reached forward and snatched the keys out of Sokka’s hands. “You’re crazy,” He spat out as he whirled around. “She’s just an employee. A damn good one I intend to keep working for my company. Got that? Whatever looks you think I’ve been giving her are all in your head.”
“Whatever you say… just stay away from her,” Sokka pressed one last time. Zuko shook his head and headed out the door. As the sound of it slamming echoed across the condo, Sokka looked towards the hall. “That goes for you, too, Katara! He’s only going to hurt you, I can feel it.”
From where she stood against the wall, in the hallway, Katara clutched her penguin against her and narrowed her eyes. She stepped out and frowned. “You don’t know what you’re talking about Sokka.”
Her brother shook his head. “He’s a little rich boy… Just like the rest of the people in their ‘class’, they think they’re too good for people like us,” Sokka frowned. “He’ll lead you along and then dump you, like that.” He added with a snap of his fingers. Katara narrowed her eyes critically.
“Sokka… is this about Yue?” She watched as the pain spread across his face at the mention of his ex-girlfriend’s name. Quickly, it was replaced by frustration and bitterness as he turned away.
“Yue… Suki… they’re all the same,” Sokka frowned. He stood up and brushed off his clothes before heading into the kitchen. “I’m serious, Katara. Stay away from that guy. He’s bad news.”
Author's Notes: This was first posted in the zutara LJ comm and I'm reposting it here. This was betated by
loveroftheflame.