Chapter 2: Dating Disaster?
Iroh appeared from behind the kitchen and stifled a smile. Zuko and Katara both looked as if they were in shock. Iroh noted their embarrassed expressions and was unsurprised. He had rather thought it would go something like this. He approached the two teens with a beaming expression.
"My apologies for deceiving the two of you. I believe you are already acquainted. I will be serving the two of you this evening so please follow me." Neither teen moved but both began to protest at the same time.
"Uncle you can't be serious!" This was from Zuko.
"I already have a boyfriend!" Katara exclaimed, though it came out very weak. Then she abruptly turned to Zuko.
"Wait do you have a problem going on a date with me?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"What! Well no but-
"But what? I won't be insulted this way! I'll be the best date you ever had!" She turned to Iroh. "I think we're ready to be seated." Zuko stood there with an expression of disbelief on his face. Iroh smiled happily. He knew his nephew would insult his friend by accident and he had suspected (and hoped) she would react this way.
"Right this way then!"
oOoOoO
"Now Twinkle Toes I need you to calm down." Toph said patiently as she dodged a pillow the boy had just thrown.
"Calm down? How can I do that? Katara is on a date with Zuko." The last two words were emphasized as if Toph needed to understand the gravity of the situation.
"But she was unhappy Aang! She was unhappy with you! Do you really want Katara to be unhappy?" Toph demanded suddenly.
"No." Aang admitted. Wait. Had Toph actually called him by his name for once?
"I just want what is best for my friends. Would you honestly have been happy knowing Katara wasn't?" And Aang knew Toph was right.
"Fine. But since you helped set this up, you have to do something for me."
"What?" Toph asked suspiciously.
"I want you to take me on a date to wherever it was Katara just went. If she really doesn't care for me in that way she won't be bothered by us together." Toph's heart skipped a beat and she thought she was blushing. Blushing? I do not blush! Toph told herself angrily.
"That is THE STUPIDEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD! But fine. I'll go with you."
oOoOoO
The steamed dumplings and tea were probably delicious but Katara hadn't touched any of it. She sat across from Zuko with her arms crossed, scowling. Zuko sat in the same manner. They had sat like this for about ten minutes.
"Argh! I can't take this anymore!" Zuko exclaimed suddenly. "I'm sorry Katara, I really am! I don't mind being on a date with you." Katara regarded him skeptically.
"You have a funny way of showing it! You completely ignored my comment about the weather!" Zuko sighed deeply.
"Because the weather is boring Katara!" The two continued to glare at each other. Suddenly Zuko sat upright and an animated look came into his eyes.
"Wait I've got it Katara! We've both been set up right?" Katara just stared at him.
"Uh yeah."
"Well you didn't like that, right?" Katara nodded her agreement. What had gotten into Zuko? "I didn't either. So how about this: revenge on my uncle and Toph." Katara thought about the idea.
"Ok but how?"
"We pretend to fall absolutely in love with each other! We let them think they were right and then when they least expect it we go back to how we've always been. That will teach them a lesson about setting up people." Zuko finished his little speech triumphantly.
Katara regarded Zuko silently. "Zuko, I think your plan is… absolutely amazing." She flashed him a wicked grin. Zuko grinned back, pleased with her response.
"We'll have to be really good with the acting, of course." Zuko said carefully. He wasn't sure if Katara could act or not.
"Oh believe me Zuko, this will look completely real." And then she leaned across the table and pulled him into a deep kiss.
oOoOoO
Iroh watched the pair from behind the kitchen door. They had kissed! He sighed happily, basking in his own wisdom. The two had been whispering for the past few minutes and both looked very happy. He knew those two would be good for each other. Now was probably a good time to deal with Mai.
Since no other customers were expected for the night (the closed sign might have something to do with that), Iroh knew he wouldn't be needed. Katara and Zuko had their food and Iroh doubted they would notice his absence. But there was someone who might notice Zuko's absence and she needed to be dealt with quickly.
So Iroh left the shop by the back door and made his way quickly to the apartment Zuko had been sharing with Mai. He didn't notice a young couple approaching the shop. If he had he most certainly would have recognized them and would have been able to prevent what was about to happen.