Addition for Zutara Month. Disclaimer: Don't own the characters.
Day 6: Quiet
It was the quiet that caused Toph to first notice the racing hearts of the two benders. Each time that they encountered each other as they went about their days at the Western Temple there would be a pause, a skipped beat, that signaled to her. She found this quite amusing. Outwardly they still bickered and Katara avoided Zuko like the plague, but when they unexpectedly came across one another and, Toph assumed, their eyes locked, the silence told all.
After a few weeks of this, Toph could take no more. She wondered when they would realize it themselves. That their hearts raced for each other. Being the trickster she was, Toph decided to take things into her own hands.
"Katara, could you meet me tomorrow morning a little after sun rise, by the fountain? I want to show you something." Katara turned toward her from the cooking. "Sure, Toph. But isn't that just a bit early for you?"
"Usually yes, but it's very important and I need to talk with you," she replied. Katara just muttered ok and that she would be up. Her plan was now set. Sparky always meditated in the morning by the fountain, so he was already taken care of. All she had to do was… persuade them a little.
When day broke, fog clung to the buildings softening corners and consuming early morning rays trying to break through. Not even the birds had come out yet. Toph woke to see if the two oblivious benders could get a clue.
Zuko came out first. He always began his day with meditation. He sat, legs crossed, on the edge of the fountain and began his breathing exercises. As he started to inhale he heard a voice. "Toph? Is that you? It's so foggy this morning. Maybe I should bend some of the moister out of the air." He froze. Toph could feel his heart beat increase. Here it was. Her chance.
Toph shifted the earth under Katara's feet and threw her forward onto the unsuspecting fire bender who toppled backward. It took Katara a moment, but when she realized the well muscled prince beneath her she scrambled to get up.
"What just happened? Zuko? What are you doing here? I was supposed to meet Toph," Katara said in an irritated tone.
"I am always here at this time," he said as he righted himself. "It's when I meditate. And since when does Toph get up this early?"
"That's what I thought when she asked me to meet her. She said there was something important she needed to talk to me about, but she is probably still sleeping." After stating this, Katara noticed how close Zuko was. She could feel the warmth radiate from his skin in the cool air that surrounded them. She was so close, and she had an odd feeling that she wanted to be closer.
"I'm guessing she is still asleep too." He looked over at her, catching her eyes. Were they always that bright? He blushed and turned away realizing her proximity. "So, um, do you need help with making breakfast or something? If not I can just go back to meditating." 'And you can go back to pretending I am not here' he added in his mind. She had made it blatantly obvious that she did not want him around. He wasn't even really sure why he offered.
"Uh, well, yeah, sure. I guess," Katara stumbled over the words. She wasn't sure about this. It felt like she was easing up on him, but she wasn't quite ready for him to leave. The two masters then turned to go toward the cooking area in an awkward, quiet companionship. The development wasn't quite as far as Toph had wanted, but it would do… for now.
A/N: Well, that was that. wasn't too sure about it, but hey I tried. I would appreciate if anyone reading has any type of feedback. Shout out to SoapDuck who has made my week so far! And remember- Stay Awesome!
