What I Did Behind Your Back
Chapter 1
Iroh sighed and lowered his rotund body into a chair. His aching joints groaned in relief. He grasped the jade teapot's handle and poured himself some jasmine tea. He raised the tiny ceramic cup and sipped the hot drink experimentally. Yes, that hit the spot.
The retired general began to think through the day. Running his own teashop was difficult but fulfilling. Of course, the customers were so unique that it was never dull. Every age came to his shop, and every level of wealth frequented his restaurant.
His nephew Zuko walked through the room in the direction of the kitchen. That was when it hit Iroh. With all the girls coming to his shop, why did Zuko not have a girlfriend? Despite the angry red scar across his left eye, the young firebender was still handsome. His amber eyes were defensive but underneath that was pain that begged for gentleness. His stance was confident and strong, but every so often, it betrayed some fear.
So why did he not have any dates? Well, there had been that one, but he had never pursued the girl.
Iroh set down the cup of tea and smoothed his emerald robes. Zuko needed help. He needed a push. Someone would have to find the right girl for him. Zuko needed a girl who could see underneath his shell, could see the truth. Someone wise for her age.
"Hey, Iroh!" the young earthbending master Toph greeted the gray haired man. "Can I talk to you?"
"Of course, Toph," Iroh replied. The girl sat down in a chair, and her sightless eyes seemed to regard the elderly firebender.
"I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I know this guy who…"
Iroh's mind wandered back to his problem. Who fit that description? Zuko wandered back into the main room as Iroh pondered this dilemma.
"So what should I do?" Toph finished. Iroh turned his gaze to her. As if for the first time, he saw her black hair, bangs shadowing her eyes. He saw her delicate, pale features and her slim figure. He thought again of her intelligence and unique approach to life.
"Of course!" Iroh cried as it hit him. He leaped to his feet. "You two!" He pointed frantically at Zuko and Toph. "It's perfect! Why didn't I see it before? You two are perfect for each other! You wait here!"
He ran to the back of the shop. Zuko stood there puzzled and ran a hand through his full shaggy black hair.
"Any clue what he's talking about?" he asked the earthbender.
"No."
"Here it is!" Iroh crowed as he returned. He handed Zuko a piece of paper.
"A coupon to the Black Orchid House?" the young prince read aloud.
"You can take Toph here! A nice night out on the town for two young people," the ample man smiled broadly.
"But—"
"Tell me how it turns out!" Iroh smiled as he exited.
Zuko turned to Toph. "I think my uncle just set us up on a date."