Modern Day - 5 Chapter Zutara - 5A
Title: 5 Chapter Zutara - Modern Day
Rating: Older Teen
Chapter: 5A
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairings/Warnings: Zutara, Sukka
Summary: Modern Day AU. Katara, a fresh graduate from BSS University, gets her dream job at a company Zuko is the owner of. The problem is she does know that when they first meet and she throws water in his face.
Five Chapter Zutara - 01 - Modern Day
Chapter Five - A
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
The silence between the two was almost overwhelming. For a moment, Katara wondered if they even realized what was going on. Sokka was standing stiffly at her side, his eyes locked onto Suki’s as her hands gripped the sides of her full skirt. Zuko’s golden eyes drifted from one to the other. They hadn’t said a word to each other.
Finally, a small cough escaped his lips. He raised his hand and carefully adjusted the bow tie at his neck. “You two have met before?” he began casually.
Suki’s eyes began to crinkle up. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Sokka’s jaw locked in place as he was finally able to tear his eyes away from her. Katara frowned. This wasn’t going the way she had visualized in her head.
“Sokka-”
“I’m going to get something to drink.” her brother grumbled coldly. Katara’s eyes widened and turned to Suki. The brown haired heiress stood rooted in her spot. Sokka turned around and was about to take a step when Suki’s arm shot out.
Emerald green-gloved fingers dug into to his sleeve tightly. “I need to talk to you.” Her voice was unwavering, as if she were talking to another business associate.
Sokka closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He turned back around, ready to pry her hand off his arm when he caught the desperate look on her face. At any moment, her make-up was threatening to run. Her hand was shaking, he realized. He gave a small nod.
“There is a balcony upstairs,” Zuko said carefully as he casually stepped back; ushering Katara back with him. “Up the stairs, to your right; the two center glass doors along the window open up to the balcony. Just don’t be too loud.”
Sokka glanced over at the other man and gave him another nod. “Thanks,” he murmured. He looked over at Katara and frowned. “We’re going to talk later.”
Katara merely shrugged. If it all worked out, he’d be showering her with thanks. “I’ll see you two later.”
Suki tugged on Sokka’s arm and he turned his attention back to her. He began to follow Suki to the set of stairs across the room. As Suki wove through the crowd of people, Sokka reached forward and wrapped his hand around hers.
Katara smiled softly as her brother’s encased Suki’s fingers. She let out a heavy, relieved sigh.
“I see you didn’t buy a red dress,” The brunette whirled around. She had completely forgotten that she wasn’t standing alone. Zuko took a sip from his wine glass as cool amber eyes slid down her body appreciatively. “Blue is your color.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and turned her eyes away. Despite the well-ventilated room, it was suddenly a little too hot for her. “There wasn’t a red version of this dress and Madam Wu said this one fit me better…”
“She was right,” Zuko agreed softly. For a moment, his eyes lingered on her before turning away. “Why didn’t you tell me that your brother knew Suki?”
“They have personal relationship problems that I was told in confidence.” Katara shrugged.
A small smirk tugged at his lips. “You’re good at keeping secrets.”
“Yes…” Katara narrowed her eyes. “Otherwise, everyone here would know how you spend your nights watching Incarnate.” A triumphant grin appeared on her face as Zuko’s face heated up. He turned away and put his glass down on the nearest table.
“Actually, I’d much rather it not be a secret.” he murmured. Katara tilted her head to the side.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Zuko straightened up and took a deep breath. Casually, he extended his hand to the people beyond their little corner. “Have you looked around and met the guests yet?”
“Hmm? No, no,” Katara shook her head and turned around. By now, most of the guests for that evening’s festivities had arrived. Wealthy and powerful businessmen and women wandered around the restaurant dressed in the finest clothes money could buy. Amongst them, she could spot the tuxedo clad Iroh in the corner, speaking to some guests. “I should go greet Iroh.”
Zuko was about to agree when he saw the guests Iroh was speaking to. Even with their backs turned to him, he could easily spot his younger sister in red and Mai in her maroon and black gown. Instinctively, he reached out and grasped Katara’s wrist.
“He’s still talking to some guests,” Zuko told her blandly, not even looking at her. He kept his eyes on his sister. “Why don’t we greet some of the other guests firsts?”
Katara raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Still, Iroh was the one who gave me the invitation. I’m sure he won’t mind if I cut in for just a moment.”
Zuko looked back at her and frowned, his mind trying to think of another excuse to keep her away from his sister and ex-girlfriend. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer something to drink first?” That was the best he could come up with?
A small, amused smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “No, Zuko, I’m fine,” she assured him. “I really should go greet Iroh.”
“Katara…” Her hand slipped out of his grasp and he took a step forward, half wondering if he was supposed to go with her. She quickly slipped through the crowds, heading towards the now free Iroh. A small surge of relief went through Zuko.
“Zuko,” a voice said behind him. He turned around and felt his blood freeze in his veins. Mai stood there, her usual impassive look on her face, as she clutched her purse nervously in front of her. Her eyes narrowed determinedly as she met his gaze. “May I speak to you for a moment?”
“Iroh!” Katara smiled widely as she melted from the sea of colorful gowns and black and white tuxedos to greet him.
The old man beamed widely as he lowered his glass. “Katara, you made it!” He held out his hand and Katara took it cheerfully. Intently, Iroh studied the dress. “What did I tell you? Madam Wu knows how to dress a young woman like yourself for an event like this.”
Katara giggled and looked back at her sapphire blue dress. “You should’ve seen Jet,” she told him. “His jaw dropped to the floor and then he proposed to me.”
Iroh laughed merrily. “And did you accept?”
“Of course not,” Katara said, blushing slightly. “The last thing I need is Zuko attacking my friends.”
The old man chuckled and offered Katara a drink. She thanked him as she received the glass. “Now, then, I believe we have some people to greet. Would you care to escort this humble old man?”
“Ah…” Katara hesitated. She looked over her shoulder, expecting to see Zuko still standing where she had left him. Instead, all she saw was the empty wine glass he had left behind.
“Katara?” Iroh asked. The brunette blinked and turned back to him.
“I…” she trailed off. She took a deep breath and gave Iroh a big smile. “Let’s go!” She took Iroh’s arm and allowed him to lead her forward.
After nearly thirty minutes of proper introductions and trying to get everyone’s name straight in her head, Katara finally parted from her manager. He had to go check on the dinner entertainment; one of Ba Sing Se’s opera singers.
When he told Katara, the young woman was impressed. Who knew Iroh knew so many people? Then again, a man with his charisma and age was bound to have a few strings up his sleeve. Careful not to get caught up in one of the numerous conversations in the room, she made her way over to the open bar.
She gave her order and waited for the bartender to prepare her drink. “Bar keep,” a strong, female voice said beside her. A hand tapped on to the glass counter with long, pointed manicured nails. “Make me an apple martini.” Her tone was nothing less than an order.
“Yes, mam.” The bartender nodded and returned to what he was doing.
Katara paid no attention to the familiar looking young woman in red until a slender, pale hand was extended. “Azula Souzin,” a smooth, confident voice said beside her. Katara turned around and saw the heiress standing beside her with a calm look on her face. “I saw you walking around with my Uncle. You must be Katara, his new analyst.”
“Yes…” the other woman trailed off. She lifted her hand and shook Azula’s. “You’re Mr. Souzin’s sister?”
“Mr. Souzin,” Azula chuckled as pulled her hand back. “No need to be so formal… and yes, I am Zuko’s sister…” Azula trailed off and cocked her head to the side. “Wait a second…” Her grin widened. “I remember you…”
As she studied Katara’s face, the blue-eyed brunette’s eyes widened. Azula had been with Zuko that night. Inwardly, she cringed. “I see…”
“You threw water on Zuzu!” Azula laughed as she took a seat on the stool beside Katara. “Well, what a small world. Who knew you two would be working together.”
“I was surprised myself,” Katara admitted as the bartender placed a drink in front of her. “Miss Souzin-”
“Azula,” the beautiful woman corrected her. “Please.” She smiled as she received her martini.
“Azula,” Katara began. “What brings you to Ba Sing Se? I thought your family was based in the Fire Nation.”
“Ah, yes, about that… well, I heard such good things about Uncle’s yearly charity event from Mai,” Azula began. “She’s my sorority sister and used to work for AiRo West.”
“I see…” Katara nodded.
“I wanted to start something similar to this in the Fire Nation,” Azula told her coolly as she took a sip from her drink. “Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial to see how my Uncle’s event works. I’m actually quite surprised that he managed to gather so many important Earth Kingdom citizens to attend his function.”
Katara’s hand squeezed her glass. She couldn’t help but feel insulted at the comment. Iroh was a great, well-liked man. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that he had so many contacts. “Your Uncle is a very good man. I’m sure everyone is honored to be here.”
“Of course,” Azula replied smoothly. She raised her glass to her lips and took another sip of her drink. “Mai only has good things to say about him. She used to work in your department actually.”
“Oh…” Katara trailed off. She casually looked over her shoulder; wondering when Iroh was going to start seating people for dinner. “She worked under Iroh, too?”
“Yes,” Azula said as she placed her glass back down on the counter. “She transferred to my company a few months ago. I guess she didn’t feel comfortable being around Zuko after they broke up.”
Sharp golden eyes watched as Katara stopped sipping at her drink and froze in place. Slowly, the blue-eyed woman turned back to Azula and narrowed her eyes. “Broke up?”
“Didn’t he tell you?” Azula asked, feigning surprise. “Well, I’m sure he wouldn’t. That wouldn’t be Zuko,” she said as she slid off her stool. “They had been going out on and off all through college. It was only a matter of time before Zuko finally asked Mai to marry him.”
Her chest hurt. It was as if the pressure around her body began to contract upon her; almost making it difficult to breath. “Marry him?” Zuko had been close to asking someone to marry him?
“Why, yes, of course,” Azula continued on. “After all, her family is good friends with our family. Our parents were hoping they’d wed. Father was absolutely devastated when they broke up. Oh… well…” Azula said slyly as she turned around. “Maybe once Mai returns, we’ll hear wedding bells.”
As Azula wandered back into the crowds in front of her, Katara lowered her glass on to the counter. Was she serious? Did that Mai woman want Zuko back? She was returning? Her hand rose and gently rubbed the area over her heart, as if to relieve it somewhat.
Zuko never told her about any ex-girlfriend. She understood why… perhaps he didn’t want to scare her away. However, if they had broken up just a few months earlier, it was possible that he still had feelings for Mai.
“Katara!”
No, I’m thinking too much into it. Relax, Katara… you can ask Zuko about it later. Reassuring herself that everything was fine, Katara reached for her drink. A hand suddenly came down on her shoulder and she jumped. She whirled around, her eyes wide and her heart racing as she looked up into mirroring blue eyes.
“Are you okay?” Sokka asked, sounding somewhat amused as he stood behind her.
“Yeah…” Katara trailed off. She slid off her seat and stood up straight. “How did it go?”
“How do you think it went?” a cheerful voice piped behind her brother. Katara raised an eyebrow and peeked around Sokka’s body. Suki was smiling brightly, a flushed look on her face as she held Sokka’s hand tightly in hers.
For just a moment, Katara completely forgot about Azula and her words. She let out an excited squeal and raised her arms to hug Suki. “I’m so glad it worked out!” She piped as Suki reached over and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you…” the brown haired heiress whispered in Katara’s ear. “I never thought I’d see him again…”
“Okay, okay…” Sokka sighed as he raised an eyebrow and gently pried Suki from Katara. He looked over at his sister. “That was a pretty dirty trick you pulled… making me come all the way up here and not telling me why. I almost didn’t come.”
“But you did,” Katara stressed. “Besides, if I told you, you’d be your same old stubborn self and not move.”
“Yeah, yeah…” Sokka chuckled. “So…” he said as he clapped his hands together. “When are we going to eat?”
“Ladies and gentlemen!” a voice said from the small, newly constructed stage. Shuffling was heard as everyone turned around. Iroh was standing in front of a small podium before the group. To his left was a classical ensemble awaiting direction. “Thank you all for coming tonight. Thank you for your kind donations to this year’s charity. Trust that AiRo West will meet your donations in full, as we do every year.”
Applause echoed in the restaurant. “I wonder who he is having perform for us this time.” Suki mused as she clapped. One arm was still strung around one of Sokka’s.
“Perform?” Sokka asked as he leaned forward. Suki nodded.
“Last year, a famous classical string group from Omashu performed while we had dinner.” Suki informed him.
“Now, if you all will take your seats,” Iroh said as he opened his arms wide and directed their attention to the numerous circular tables decorated with flowers and candles. “I would like to present tonight’s entertainment… a personal favorite of mine and star of the Ba Sing Se Opera House; Jun Shirshou.”
As everyone gathered to their seats, pleasantly surprised gasps and clapping filled the room. Iroh stepped to the side and held his arm out. A beautiful woman in black carefully placed her black-gloved hand in his.
Thick black hair was pulled back into a tight bun as long locks covered one of her eyes. A red tattoo graced her bare arm and the diamond choker adorning her slender throat glistened in the light. Iroh kissed the back of her hand before he slipped out of the spotlight and left the woman standing there alone.
As everyone took their seats, the lights dimmed. Katara sat at the same table as Suki and Sokka. Beside Jun, the ensemble began to play. Katara sat up straight in her seat and placed her hands neatly at over her lap as Jun opened her mouth.
A full, mezzo-soprano voice filled the restaurant. Katara chuckled to herself. She never thought her first experience seeing Jun Shirshou live would be at a restaurant at the top of Ba Sing Se of all places.
“What is she saying…?” Katara could hear Sokka whispering in low tones to Suki. She glanced over her shoulder and saw her brother and the heiress huddled close to each other. Suki was trying to explain the premise of the song to the confused man. He jerked his head back and looked at her. “Wait… love is like a bird?” he asked, now even more confused.
Katara rolled her eyes and turned back to the opera singer. “Katara,” a quiet voice whispered beside her. She turned around and saw Iroh kneeling down beside her. “Have you see Zuko?”
Zuko? Katara’s eyes widened. “I… no, I haven’t…” Where did he disappear to? “I thought he was around here…” Her eyes raked over the seated guests, but none of them bore the blaring red scar across their left eye. “You don’t know where he is?”
“I thought he was just standing around, but now that everyone is seated, I can’t find him.” Iroh admitted.
“I can go look for him,” Katara assured him as she patted his hand. Iroh couldn’t leave; he was the host. She looked back at her brother. “As soon as the waiters come, make sure I get my artic hen.”
“Right.” Sokka nodded.
“Katara, where are you going?” Suki whispered from across the table.
“I need to find Zuko for Iroh,” Katara whispered back. Iroh helped her up and then stepped aside as she crept to the back of the room. A small part of her felt guilty for leaving in the middle of Jun’s performance. It was rude, but she had to find Zuko. Mentally, she cursed him for wandering off. What could he have been doing? “The restroom…”
Shaking her head, she slipped around the corner and headed towards the restrooms. As she maneuvered her way around the restaurant, she rounded the corner and let out a sharp gasp.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you,” Azula said as she stepped back. She reached out and brushed Katara’s gown off. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes… sorry, Azula, I didn’t see you,” Katara said as she half-heartedly batted Azula’s hands away. “By the way, have you see Zuko?”
“Zuko?” Azula asked, raising an eyebrow as she began to walk around Katara. She could hear the music from where they were standing.
“Yes,” Katara urged. “Your brother.”
The corners of her lips rose. “I believe he’s down the hall.” Azula told her as she flicked her eyes to the corridor that lead to the restroom.
Katara gave a small nod of her head. “Thank you.” She turned around sharply and began walking down the hall.
Azula smirked. “Any time…”
Even in the hall, Katara could hear Jun’s voice. Well… she is an opera singer… Her hands lowered and grabbed the full front of her skirt to lift it up as she quickened her pace. As she neared the corner, she could hear voices. They were almost drowned out by Jun’s.
“I can’t talk right now,” a male voice said. Katara immediately recognized Zuko’s voice. “I have a charity function to attend, Mai.”
Katara stopped in mid step. Her eyebrows furrowed as she pulled back a bit. If he was talking to someone, she shouldn’t interrupt. She turned around and prepared to wait for him at the beginning of the hall. Her eyes went wide when she realized she wasn’t moving.
“Zuko, please, think about this. Take me back,” came another voice. A female voice. “I want to come back to you.”
Katara’s mouth dropped. Calm down, Katara. Calm down. I’m sure it’s purely business. Remember, Azula said that Mai used to work for Zuko. See… that’s it. Purely business. She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. Then why is your heart about to burst?
“The position is filled,” Zuko stated straightforwardly. “We already have someone that took over your spot and she’s doing an excellent job.”
A small bit of relief filled Katara as she heard that. Wait… her spot…? Katara’s eyes widened. She had been the one to take Mai’s spot!
“Zuko, this just isn’t about the job,” Mai continued. “Your father has been asking about you… and us. He wants you to take me back or come home.”
Katara could almost sense Zuko’s hesitation. “What?”
“He wants you to come home,” Mai repeated. “Here…” Katara craned her neck, but couldn’t hear anything beyond the shuffling of a piece of paper. She bit her lower lip and frowned, wondering what was going on. Finally, Zuko’s voice cut through the hall.
“Does… does Azula know about this?” Zuko asked, sounding unsure of himself.
“No,” Mai told him. “He said it was for your eyes only.”
“My grandfather’s hotel chain…” Zuko mumbled. “That’s the biggest part of the Souzin Group.”
“If you accept his terms,” Mai stated. “Sun Tech is also yours.”
Katara frowned. Sun Tech was one of the largest corporations in the technological world. “That’s your family’s tech branch.” Zuko said softly.
“It will be absorbed into Souzin Group-”
“No,” Zuko said, cutting her off abruptly, not even interested in hearing the rest. “I refuse.”
“You can’t just refuse your father, Zuko. He is Ozai Souzin,” Mai reminded him. “And is it really so horrible to marry me?” she asked, sounding somewhat insulted.
Katara’s eyes widened. Her heart sank as she took a step back. Azula had been right. There had been talk of marriage between the two of them. But Zuko had refused. He had just said it.
“No,” Zuko admitted in a low voice. “It’s not.”
She couldn’t breathe. Katara stumbled back against the wall and closed her eyes; trying to regain her balance. She didn’t know what to make of his words. First he refused and then he said he wasn’t against it?
“At least come back to the Fire Nation,” the other woman told him. “To think about this. You know your father won’t take no for an answer.”
“And you…” Zuko said slowly. “You have no problem with marrying me.” Gods, why was he asking her that?
“You already know how I feel, Zuko,” Mai stated. “Will you return to the Fire Nation?”
Katara held her breath. “Fine.”
Her chest hurt. The constricting feeling that had been slowly tightening around her as she stood around the corner was threatening to squeeze the very life out of her. Part of her wanted to round the corner like a jealous girlfriend was supposed to. The other part of her wanted to go into the restroom and lock herself in a stall as she tried to rationalize what was going on.
“Azula and I took your father’s jet here,” Mai was saying. “We leave in the Monday morning.”
“Monday morning…” Zuko trailed off, seemingly weighing the options in his mind. “I understand.”
Why was he going? He wasn’t seriously thinking about going through with the arrangement was he? No… no, not Zuko. Not the man who loved to wake her up at dawn and hold her in his arms as he urged her to watch the sunrise with him. He was going to speak to his father. That was all.
That was all.
“Sokka,” Her voice was quiet… strained. “Sokka…” She was standing beside her brother’s seat. The man was leaning back against his chair, one hand clasping Suki’s as he looked up. The smile on his face instantly faded. “Can we go home?”
“Katara,” Suki gasped as she and Sokka stood up. She immediately surrounded the other young woman; a concerned look on her face as she pulled a small, pale green handkerchief from her purse and began dabbing Katara’s tear streaked face. “Katara, what’s wrong?”
“I want to go home…” Katara repeated, her voice trembling.
“Yeah… yeah, we’ll go home,” Sokka assured her worriedly. “We’ll call a cab-”
“No, I have a driver out front,” Suki said as she tried to stop Katara’s silent tears. “I’ll take you home.”
“Suki, we can’t ask you to do that…” Sokka began as his voice trailed off. His blue eyes wandered over Katara’s shoulder and towards the reappearance of Zuko… and the slender woman walking beside him. His arm rose and quickly gripped Katara’s upper arm. “Let’s go.”
Suki nodded. She gave one last look at the dozen or so tables in front of them. Jun was still singing her second piece and, luckily, they were preoccupied. No one would notice the three of them sneaking towards the exit. They were almost out the front of the restaurant and into the hall when Zuko noticed their movements in the corner of his eye.
He had just sat beside his Uncle, a table away from Mai. His eyes squinted in the dim light, but easily recognized the trio leaving. Only one person in that room had been wearing sapphire blue that night.
“Uncle, I’ll be right back.” Zuko whispered in a low voice as he pushed his seat back. Iroh gave him a questioning look, but let it be. He gave Zuko and nod and turned back to the singer. At the other table, Azula watched with amusement in her eyes as Zuko stood up and carefully slipped through the tables and towards the back of the restaurant. He gave a nod to the maitre’d as he walked out of the restaurant.
“My driver is bringing the car around.” Suki was saying as she closed her phone and slid it back into her bag. She was standing beside Katara, a concerned look on her face. On Katara’s other side, Sokka stood protectively.
“We’ll be home, soon, Katara,” Sokka said softly as he shrugged off his jacket and placed it around his sister’s shoulders. “It’s okay.”
“Katara?” Zuko’s eyebrows knit together; worry rushing through his body as walked closer. Why was she leaving? And without telling him? “Katara, what’s wrong?”
At the sound of his voice, Katara went rigid. Her brown hands tightened around Suki’s handkerchief as her shoulders began to shake. Without waiting for an order, Sokka turned around. An angry look graced his face as he took a step forward and stopped Zuko before he even got within reach of Katara.
“I thought I told you,” Sokka growled dangerously. “Stay away from my sister.”
For a split second, Zuko was taken back by Sokka’s words. Then, his surprise gave way to fury. He stood up straight, easily meeting Sokka’s eyes as he pushed further. “You have no right to tell me what to do-”
“Don’t I?” Sokka hissed. His hands rose and Zuko was shoved back forcefully. “I knew you’d only hurt her. I’ve met guys like you before… good for nothing social climbers only out to line your own pocket.” He spat out, disgusted. Zuko gritted his teeth and shoved Sokka back.
“Sokka,” Suki called behind him before the other male could return the action. “Let’s go.” She stressed. Her arm was around Katara’s shoulder. The brown haired man let out a low growl and turned around.
“The next time I see you, the second thing you’ll see is the floor, got that?” Sokka threatened. The elevators doors opened and Suki quickly ushered Katara inside.
“Katara,” Zuko called out as stepped forward. “Katara, what’s wrong…” He lost his voice as Katara finally turned around. The sparkling blue eyes he had first met just minutes ago had suddenly been drained off all their life, and instead, was replaced by clear, hot streaks of liquid.
Katara stared back into his amber eyes; both angry and hurt that after that conversation with his ex-girlfriend, he acted as if nothing had happened. “Sokka was right about you,” she hissed in a raspy voice as she withdrew behind her brother. “I should’ve known.”
“What?” Panic filled him as he ran forward. “Katara!” The heavy metal doors closed and Zuko slammed against them. “Katara!” He slammed his fists against the doors; mentally willing them to open so he could get things straightened out. A pained look was etched across his face as his hand slid down the cold metal.
From the entrance to the restaurant, a satisfied smirk graced full, red lips as two golden eyes danced with triumph.
Author's Notes: This was first posted in the zutara LJ comm and I'm reposting it here. The chapter was betaed by loveroftheflame.
Rating: Older Teen
Chapter: 5A
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairings/Warnings: Zutara, Sukka
Summary: Modern Day AU. Katara, a fresh graduate from BSS University, gets her dream job at a company Zuko is the owner of. The problem is she does know that when they first meet and she throws water in his face.
Five Chapter Zutara - 01 - Modern Day
Chapter Five - A
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
The silence between the two was almost overwhelming. For a moment, Katara wondered if they even realized what was going on. Sokka was standing stiffly at her side, his eyes locked onto Suki’s as her hands gripped the sides of her full skirt. Zuko’s golden eyes drifted from one to the other. They hadn’t said a word to each other.
Finally, a small cough escaped his lips. He raised his hand and carefully adjusted the bow tie at his neck. “You two have met before?” he began casually.
Suki’s eyes began to crinkle up. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Sokka’s jaw locked in place as he was finally able to tear his eyes away from her. Katara frowned. This wasn’t going the way she had visualized in her head.
“Sokka-”
“I’m going to get something to drink.” her brother grumbled coldly. Katara’s eyes widened and turned to Suki. The brown haired heiress stood rooted in her spot. Sokka turned around and was about to take a step when Suki’s arm shot out.
Emerald green-gloved fingers dug into to his sleeve tightly. “I need to talk to you.” Her voice was unwavering, as if she were talking to another business associate.
Sokka closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He turned back around, ready to pry her hand off his arm when he caught the desperate look on her face. At any moment, her make-up was threatening to run. Her hand was shaking, he realized. He gave a small nod.
“There is a balcony upstairs,” Zuko said carefully as he casually stepped back; ushering Katara back with him. “Up the stairs, to your right; the two center glass doors along the window open up to the balcony. Just don’t be too loud.”
Sokka glanced over at the other man and gave him another nod. “Thanks,” he murmured. He looked over at Katara and frowned. “We’re going to talk later.”
Katara merely shrugged. If it all worked out, he’d be showering her with thanks. “I’ll see you two later.”
Suki tugged on Sokka’s arm and he turned his attention back to her. He began to follow Suki to the set of stairs across the room. As Suki wove through the crowd of people, Sokka reached forward and wrapped his hand around hers.
Katara smiled softly as her brother’s encased Suki’s fingers. She let out a heavy, relieved sigh.
“I see you didn’t buy a red dress,” The brunette whirled around. She had completely forgotten that she wasn’t standing alone. Zuko took a sip from his wine glass as cool amber eyes slid down her body appreciatively. “Blue is your color.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and turned her eyes away. Despite the well-ventilated room, it was suddenly a little too hot for her. “There wasn’t a red version of this dress and Madam Wu said this one fit me better…”
“She was right,” Zuko agreed softly. For a moment, his eyes lingered on her before turning away. “Why didn’t you tell me that your brother knew Suki?”
“They have personal relationship problems that I was told in confidence.” Katara shrugged.
A small smirk tugged at his lips. “You’re good at keeping secrets.”
“Yes…” Katara narrowed her eyes. “Otherwise, everyone here would know how you spend your nights watching Incarnate.” A triumphant grin appeared on her face as Zuko’s face heated up. He turned away and put his glass down on the nearest table.
“Actually, I’d much rather it not be a secret.” he murmured. Katara tilted her head to the side.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Zuko straightened up and took a deep breath. Casually, he extended his hand to the people beyond their little corner. “Have you looked around and met the guests yet?”
“Hmm? No, no,” Katara shook her head and turned around. By now, most of the guests for that evening’s festivities had arrived. Wealthy and powerful businessmen and women wandered around the restaurant dressed in the finest clothes money could buy. Amongst them, she could spot the tuxedo clad Iroh in the corner, speaking to some guests. “I should go greet Iroh.”
Zuko was about to agree when he saw the guests Iroh was speaking to. Even with their backs turned to him, he could easily spot his younger sister in red and Mai in her maroon and black gown. Instinctively, he reached out and grasped Katara’s wrist.
“He’s still talking to some guests,” Zuko told her blandly, not even looking at her. He kept his eyes on his sister. “Why don’t we greet some of the other guests firsts?”
Katara raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Still, Iroh was the one who gave me the invitation. I’m sure he won’t mind if I cut in for just a moment.”
Zuko looked back at her and frowned, his mind trying to think of another excuse to keep her away from his sister and ex-girlfriend. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer something to drink first?” That was the best he could come up with?
A small, amused smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “No, Zuko, I’m fine,” she assured him. “I really should go greet Iroh.”
“Katara…” Her hand slipped out of his grasp and he took a step forward, half wondering if he was supposed to go with her. She quickly slipped through the crowds, heading towards the now free Iroh. A small surge of relief went through Zuko.
“Zuko,” a voice said behind him. He turned around and felt his blood freeze in his veins. Mai stood there, her usual impassive look on her face, as she clutched her purse nervously in front of her. Her eyes narrowed determinedly as she met his gaze. “May I speak to you for a moment?”
“Iroh!” Katara smiled widely as she melted from the sea of colorful gowns and black and white tuxedos to greet him.
The old man beamed widely as he lowered his glass. “Katara, you made it!” He held out his hand and Katara took it cheerfully. Intently, Iroh studied the dress. “What did I tell you? Madam Wu knows how to dress a young woman like yourself for an event like this.”
Katara giggled and looked back at her sapphire blue dress. “You should’ve seen Jet,” she told him. “His jaw dropped to the floor and then he proposed to me.”
Iroh laughed merrily. “And did you accept?”
“Of course not,” Katara said, blushing slightly. “The last thing I need is Zuko attacking my friends.”
The old man chuckled and offered Katara a drink. She thanked him as she received the glass. “Now, then, I believe we have some people to greet. Would you care to escort this humble old man?”
“Ah…” Katara hesitated. She looked over her shoulder, expecting to see Zuko still standing where she had left him. Instead, all she saw was the empty wine glass he had left behind.
“Katara?” Iroh asked. The brunette blinked and turned back to him.
“I…” she trailed off. She took a deep breath and gave Iroh a big smile. “Let’s go!” She took Iroh’s arm and allowed him to lead her forward.
After nearly thirty minutes of proper introductions and trying to get everyone’s name straight in her head, Katara finally parted from her manager. He had to go check on the dinner entertainment; one of Ba Sing Se’s opera singers.
When he told Katara, the young woman was impressed. Who knew Iroh knew so many people? Then again, a man with his charisma and age was bound to have a few strings up his sleeve. Careful not to get caught up in one of the numerous conversations in the room, she made her way over to the open bar.
She gave her order and waited for the bartender to prepare her drink. “Bar keep,” a strong, female voice said beside her. A hand tapped on to the glass counter with long, pointed manicured nails. “Make me an apple martini.” Her tone was nothing less than an order.
“Yes, mam.” The bartender nodded and returned to what he was doing.
Katara paid no attention to the familiar looking young woman in red until a slender, pale hand was extended. “Azula Souzin,” a smooth, confident voice said beside her. Katara turned around and saw the heiress standing beside her with a calm look on her face. “I saw you walking around with my Uncle. You must be Katara, his new analyst.”
“Yes…” the other woman trailed off. She lifted her hand and shook Azula’s. “You’re Mr. Souzin’s sister?”
“Mr. Souzin,” Azula chuckled as pulled her hand back. “No need to be so formal… and yes, I am Zuko’s sister…” Azula trailed off and cocked her head to the side. “Wait a second…” Her grin widened. “I remember you…”
As she studied Katara’s face, the blue-eyed brunette’s eyes widened. Azula had been with Zuko that night. Inwardly, she cringed. “I see…”
“You threw water on Zuzu!” Azula laughed as she took a seat on the stool beside Katara. “Well, what a small world. Who knew you two would be working together.”
“I was surprised myself,” Katara admitted as the bartender placed a drink in front of her. “Miss Souzin-”
“Azula,” the beautiful woman corrected her. “Please.” She smiled as she received her martini.
“Azula,” Katara began. “What brings you to Ba Sing Se? I thought your family was based in the Fire Nation.”
“Ah, yes, about that… well, I heard such good things about Uncle’s yearly charity event from Mai,” Azula began. “She’s my sorority sister and used to work for AiRo West.”
“I see…” Katara nodded.
“I wanted to start something similar to this in the Fire Nation,” Azula told her coolly as she took a sip from her drink. “Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial to see how my Uncle’s event works. I’m actually quite surprised that he managed to gather so many important Earth Kingdom citizens to attend his function.”
Katara’s hand squeezed her glass. She couldn’t help but feel insulted at the comment. Iroh was a great, well-liked man. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that he had so many contacts. “Your Uncle is a very good man. I’m sure everyone is honored to be here.”
“Of course,” Azula replied smoothly. She raised her glass to her lips and took another sip of her drink. “Mai only has good things to say about him. She used to work in your department actually.”
“Oh…” Katara trailed off. She casually looked over her shoulder; wondering when Iroh was going to start seating people for dinner. “She worked under Iroh, too?”
“Yes,” Azula said as she placed her glass back down on the counter. “She transferred to my company a few months ago. I guess she didn’t feel comfortable being around Zuko after they broke up.”
Sharp golden eyes watched as Katara stopped sipping at her drink and froze in place. Slowly, the blue-eyed woman turned back to Azula and narrowed her eyes. “Broke up?”
“Didn’t he tell you?” Azula asked, feigning surprise. “Well, I’m sure he wouldn’t. That wouldn’t be Zuko,” she said as she slid off her stool. “They had been going out on and off all through college. It was only a matter of time before Zuko finally asked Mai to marry him.”
Her chest hurt. It was as if the pressure around her body began to contract upon her; almost making it difficult to breath. “Marry him?” Zuko had been close to asking someone to marry him?
“Why, yes, of course,” Azula continued on. “After all, her family is good friends with our family. Our parents were hoping they’d wed. Father was absolutely devastated when they broke up. Oh… well…” Azula said slyly as she turned around. “Maybe once Mai returns, we’ll hear wedding bells.”
As Azula wandered back into the crowds in front of her, Katara lowered her glass on to the counter. Was she serious? Did that Mai woman want Zuko back? She was returning? Her hand rose and gently rubbed the area over her heart, as if to relieve it somewhat.
Zuko never told her about any ex-girlfriend. She understood why… perhaps he didn’t want to scare her away. However, if they had broken up just a few months earlier, it was possible that he still had feelings for Mai.
“Katara!”
No, I’m thinking too much into it. Relax, Katara… you can ask Zuko about it later. Reassuring herself that everything was fine, Katara reached for her drink. A hand suddenly came down on her shoulder and she jumped. She whirled around, her eyes wide and her heart racing as she looked up into mirroring blue eyes.
“Are you okay?” Sokka asked, sounding somewhat amused as he stood behind her.
“Yeah…” Katara trailed off. She slid off her seat and stood up straight. “How did it go?”
“How do you think it went?” a cheerful voice piped behind her brother. Katara raised an eyebrow and peeked around Sokka’s body. Suki was smiling brightly, a flushed look on her face as she held Sokka’s hand tightly in hers.
For just a moment, Katara completely forgot about Azula and her words. She let out an excited squeal and raised her arms to hug Suki. “I’m so glad it worked out!” She piped as Suki reached over and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you…” the brown haired heiress whispered in Katara’s ear. “I never thought I’d see him again…”
“Okay, okay…” Sokka sighed as he raised an eyebrow and gently pried Suki from Katara. He looked over at his sister. “That was a pretty dirty trick you pulled… making me come all the way up here and not telling me why. I almost didn’t come.”
“But you did,” Katara stressed. “Besides, if I told you, you’d be your same old stubborn self and not move.”
“Yeah, yeah…” Sokka chuckled. “So…” he said as he clapped his hands together. “When are we going to eat?”
“Ladies and gentlemen!” a voice said from the small, newly constructed stage. Shuffling was heard as everyone turned around. Iroh was standing in front of a small podium before the group. To his left was a classical ensemble awaiting direction. “Thank you all for coming tonight. Thank you for your kind donations to this year’s charity. Trust that AiRo West will meet your donations in full, as we do every year.”
Applause echoed in the restaurant. “I wonder who he is having perform for us this time.” Suki mused as she clapped. One arm was still strung around one of Sokka’s.
“Perform?” Sokka asked as he leaned forward. Suki nodded.
“Last year, a famous classical string group from Omashu performed while we had dinner.” Suki informed him.
“Now, if you all will take your seats,” Iroh said as he opened his arms wide and directed their attention to the numerous circular tables decorated with flowers and candles. “I would like to present tonight’s entertainment… a personal favorite of mine and star of the Ba Sing Se Opera House; Jun Shirshou.”
As everyone gathered to their seats, pleasantly surprised gasps and clapping filled the room. Iroh stepped to the side and held his arm out. A beautiful woman in black carefully placed her black-gloved hand in his.
Thick black hair was pulled back into a tight bun as long locks covered one of her eyes. A red tattoo graced her bare arm and the diamond choker adorning her slender throat glistened in the light. Iroh kissed the back of her hand before he slipped out of the spotlight and left the woman standing there alone.
As everyone took their seats, the lights dimmed. Katara sat at the same table as Suki and Sokka. Beside Jun, the ensemble began to play. Katara sat up straight in her seat and placed her hands neatly at over her lap as Jun opened her mouth.
A full, mezzo-soprano voice filled the restaurant. Katara chuckled to herself. She never thought her first experience seeing Jun Shirshou live would be at a restaurant at the top of Ba Sing Se of all places.
“What is she saying…?” Katara could hear Sokka whispering in low tones to Suki. She glanced over her shoulder and saw her brother and the heiress huddled close to each other. Suki was trying to explain the premise of the song to the confused man. He jerked his head back and looked at her. “Wait… love is like a bird?” he asked, now even more confused.
Katara rolled her eyes and turned back to the opera singer. “Katara,” a quiet voice whispered beside her. She turned around and saw Iroh kneeling down beside her. “Have you see Zuko?”
Zuko? Katara’s eyes widened. “I… no, I haven’t…” Where did he disappear to? “I thought he was around here…” Her eyes raked over the seated guests, but none of them bore the blaring red scar across their left eye. “You don’t know where he is?”
“I thought he was just standing around, but now that everyone is seated, I can’t find him.” Iroh admitted.
“I can go look for him,” Katara assured him as she patted his hand. Iroh couldn’t leave; he was the host. She looked back at her brother. “As soon as the waiters come, make sure I get my artic hen.”
“Right.” Sokka nodded.
“Katara, where are you going?” Suki whispered from across the table.
“I need to find Zuko for Iroh,” Katara whispered back. Iroh helped her up and then stepped aside as she crept to the back of the room. A small part of her felt guilty for leaving in the middle of Jun’s performance. It was rude, but she had to find Zuko. Mentally, she cursed him for wandering off. What could he have been doing? “The restroom…”
Shaking her head, she slipped around the corner and headed towards the restrooms. As she maneuvered her way around the restaurant, she rounded the corner and let out a sharp gasp.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you,” Azula said as she stepped back. She reached out and brushed Katara’s gown off. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes… sorry, Azula, I didn’t see you,” Katara said as she half-heartedly batted Azula’s hands away. “By the way, have you see Zuko?”
“Zuko?” Azula asked, raising an eyebrow as she began to walk around Katara. She could hear the music from where they were standing.
“Yes,” Katara urged. “Your brother.”
The corners of her lips rose. “I believe he’s down the hall.” Azula told her as she flicked her eyes to the corridor that lead to the restroom.
Katara gave a small nod of her head. “Thank you.” She turned around sharply and began walking down the hall.
Azula smirked. “Any time…”
Even in the hall, Katara could hear Jun’s voice. Well… she is an opera singer… Her hands lowered and grabbed the full front of her skirt to lift it up as she quickened her pace. As she neared the corner, she could hear voices. They were almost drowned out by Jun’s.
“I can’t talk right now,” a male voice said. Katara immediately recognized Zuko’s voice. “I have a charity function to attend, Mai.”
Katara stopped in mid step. Her eyebrows furrowed as she pulled back a bit. If he was talking to someone, she shouldn’t interrupt. She turned around and prepared to wait for him at the beginning of the hall. Her eyes went wide when she realized she wasn’t moving.
“Zuko, please, think about this. Take me back,” came another voice. A female voice. “I want to come back to you.”
Katara’s mouth dropped. Calm down, Katara. Calm down. I’m sure it’s purely business. Remember, Azula said that Mai used to work for Zuko. See… that’s it. Purely business. She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. Then why is your heart about to burst?
“The position is filled,” Zuko stated straightforwardly. “We already have someone that took over your spot and she’s doing an excellent job.”
A small bit of relief filled Katara as she heard that. Wait… her spot…? Katara’s eyes widened. She had been the one to take Mai’s spot!
“Zuko, this just isn’t about the job,” Mai continued. “Your father has been asking about you… and us. He wants you to take me back or come home.”
Katara could almost sense Zuko’s hesitation. “What?”
“He wants you to come home,” Mai repeated. “Here…” Katara craned her neck, but couldn’t hear anything beyond the shuffling of a piece of paper. She bit her lower lip and frowned, wondering what was going on. Finally, Zuko’s voice cut through the hall.
“Does… does Azula know about this?” Zuko asked, sounding unsure of himself.
“No,” Mai told him. “He said it was for your eyes only.”
“My grandfather’s hotel chain…” Zuko mumbled. “That’s the biggest part of the Souzin Group.”
“If you accept his terms,” Mai stated. “Sun Tech is also yours.”
Katara frowned. Sun Tech was one of the largest corporations in the technological world. “That’s your family’s tech branch.” Zuko said softly.
“It will be absorbed into Souzin Group-”
“No,” Zuko said, cutting her off abruptly, not even interested in hearing the rest. “I refuse.”
“You can’t just refuse your father, Zuko. He is Ozai Souzin,” Mai reminded him. “And is it really so horrible to marry me?” she asked, sounding somewhat insulted.
Katara’s eyes widened. Her heart sank as she took a step back. Azula had been right. There had been talk of marriage between the two of them. But Zuko had refused. He had just said it.
“No,” Zuko admitted in a low voice. “It’s not.”
She couldn’t breathe. Katara stumbled back against the wall and closed her eyes; trying to regain her balance. She didn’t know what to make of his words. First he refused and then he said he wasn’t against it?
“At least come back to the Fire Nation,” the other woman told him. “To think about this. You know your father won’t take no for an answer.”
“And you…” Zuko said slowly. “You have no problem with marrying me.” Gods, why was he asking her that?
“You already know how I feel, Zuko,” Mai stated. “Will you return to the Fire Nation?”
Katara held her breath. “Fine.”
Her chest hurt. The constricting feeling that had been slowly tightening around her as she stood around the corner was threatening to squeeze the very life out of her. Part of her wanted to round the corner like a jealous girlfriend was supposed to. The other part of her wanted to go into the restroom and lock herself in a stall as she tried to rationalize what was going on.
“Azula and I took your father’s jet here,” Mai was saying. “We leave in the Monday morning.”
“Monday morning…” Zuko trailed off, seemingly weighing the options in his mind. “I understand.”
Why was he going? He wasn’t seriously thinking about going through with the arrangement was he? No… no, not Zuko. Not the man who loved to wake her up at dawn and hold her in his arms as he urged her to watch the sunrise with him. He was going to speak to his father. That was all.
That was all.
“Sokka,” Her voice was quiet… strained. “Sokka…” She was standing beside her brother’s seat. The man was leaning back against his chair, one hand clasping Suki’s as he looked up. The smile on his face instantly faded. “Can we go home?”
“Katara,” Suki gasped as she and Sokka stood up. She immediately surrounded the other young woman; a concerned look on her face as she pulled a small, pale green handkerchief from her purse and began dabbing Katara’s tear streaked face. “Katara, what’s wrong?”
“I want to go home…” Katara repeated, her voice trembling.
“Yeah… yeah, we’ll go home,” Sokka assured her worriedly. “We’ll call a cab-”
“No, I have a driver out front,” Suki said as she tried to stop Katara’s silent tears. “I’ll take you home.”
“Suki, we can’t ask you to do that…” Sokka began as his voice trailed off. His blue eyes wandered over Katara’s shoulder and towards the reappearance of Zuko… and the slender woman walking beside him. His arm rose and quickly gripped Katara’s upper arm. “Let’s go.”
Suki nodded. She gave one last look at the dozen or so tables in front of them. Jun was still singing her second piece and, luckily, they were preoccupied. No one would notice the three of them sneaking towards the exit. They were almost out the front of the restaurant and into the hall when Zuko noticed their movements in the corner of his eye.
He had just sat beside his Uncle, a table away from Mai. His eyes squinted in the dim light, but easily recognized the trio leaving. Only one person in that room had been wearing sapphire blue that night.
“Uncle, I’ll be right back.” Zuko whispered in a low voice as he pushed his seat back. Iroh gave him a questioning look, but let it be. He gave Zuko and nod and turned back to the singer. At the other table, Azula watched with amusement in her eyes as Zuko stood up and carefully slipped through the tables and towards the back of the restaurant. He gave a nod to the maitre’d as he walked out of the restaurant.
“My driver is bringing the car around.” Suki was saying as she closed her phone and slid it back into her bag. She was standing beside Katara, a concerned look on her face. On Katara’s other side, Sokka stood protectively.
“We’ll be home, soon, Katara,” Sokka said softly as he shrugged off his jacket and placed it around his sister’s shoulders. “It’s okay.”
“Katara?” Zuko’s eyebrows knit together; worry rushing through his body as walked closer. Why was she leaving? And without telling him? “Katara, what’s wrong?”
At the sound of his voice, Katara went rigid. Her brown hands tightened around Suki’s handkerchief as her shoulders began to shake. Without waiting for an order, Sokka turned around. An angry look graced his face as he took a step forward and stopped Zuko before he even got within reach of Katara.
“I thought I told you,” Sokka growled dangerously. “Stay away from my sister.”
For a split second, Zuko was taken back by Sokka’s words. Then, his surprise gave way to fury. He stood up straight, easily meeting Sokka’s eyes as he pushed further. “You have no right to tell me what to do-”
“Don’t I?” Sokka hissed. His hands rose and Zuko was shoved back forcefully. “I knew you’d only hurt her. I’ve met guys like you before… good for nothing social climbers only out to line your own pocket.” He spat out, disgusted. Zuko gritted his teeth and shoved Sokka back.
“Sokka,” Suki called behind him before the other male could return the action. “Let’s go.” She stressed. Her arm was around Katara’s shoulder. The brown haired man let out a low growl and turned around.
“The next time I see you, the second thing you’ll see is the floor, got that?” Sokka threatened. The elevators doors opened and Suki quickly ushered Katara inside.
“Katara,” Zuko called out as stepped forward. “Katara, what’s wrong…” He lost his voice as Katara finally turned around. The sparkling blue eyes he had first met just minutes ago had suddenly been drained off all their life, and instead, was replaced by clear, hot streaks of liquid.
Katara stared back into his amber eyes; both angry and hurt that after that conversation with his ex-girlfriend, he acted as if nothing had happened. “Sokka was right about you,” she hissed in a raspy voice as she withdrew behind her brother. “I should’ve known.”
“What?” Panic filled him as he ran forward. “Katara!” The heavy metal doors closed and Zuko slammed against them. “Katara!” He slammed his fists against the doors; mentally willing them to open so he could get things straightened out. A pained look was etched across his face as his hand slid down the cold metal.
From the entrance to the restaurant, a satisfied smirk graced full, red lips as two golden eyes danced with triumph.
Author's Notes: This was first posted in the zutara LJ comm and I'm reposting it here. The chapter was betaed by loveroftheflame.