Zutara - Secrets Chapter 10
Zuko and Aang practiced firebending in awkward silence. Toph and I ran where we did the day before and watched. Aang was quiet and didn't seem to concentrate at all.
"So what were you and Aang talking about last night?" I asked casually turning to Toph.
"Uh," for the first time, Toph seemed for a loss of words. I raised an eyebrow as she stuttered, "N-nothing important. I mean he was kinda frustrated and, uh, he needed to talk."
It was obvious she hid something, "And what did he say?"
"Well, he told me about you guys on the balcony. And he told me what he did, with the whole firebending thing… and how Zuko responded…"
"And?" I wanted to know what she was hiding.
"And that's all," she said, seeming slightly flustered.
"Toph, I don't have to feel vibrations in the ground to know you're lying."
She huffed, "I'm tired and not in straight mind today."
"I've noticed, and that's why I know you're hiding something. You said you were up late. Were you with Aang?" I asked searching her face.
"No," she turned away.
"Yes you were! What were you talking about?"
"I can't deal with you pestering me!" Toph growled.
"Then tell me the truth," I replied simply.
She sighed, "You're not gonna let this go are you?"
"Nope," I smiled, "You didn't leave me and Zuko alone."
She frowned then and gave up, "Fine. But it's not what it sounds like okay." I nodded and waited eagerly for her to go on. "So Aang and I sat and talked until extremely late…
~Flashback~
Toph followed Aang quietly to the beach, "So what is it that you want to talk to me about?"
Aang sighed and looked back at the house, "I don't want anyone else to hear."
"Aang, everyone else is FAR out of earshot, I would know."
"Alright," he sat on a rock. "It's about Katara."
Toph heaved a sigh and sat next to the avatar, "I told you, Twinkle Toes, if you love her, it might take time to…"
"No, this is different. She's with Zuko."
"Oh, so she told you," Toph said casually.
"So you already know? Does everyone know?" Aang stood up and threw his hands up in anger.
"No, Twinkle Toes, as far as I know, its only me. I found out right away because I caught them in action."
"In action? What were they doing?" Aang said with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't really know," Toph stood up next to him. "But I don't wanna spread rumors either. But anyway, was that all you wanted to tell me?"
"No, that's not all," Aang took a few steps and looked toward the water. "I don't know what to do. I thought if I waited, she would somehow magically fall back in love with me, but she didn't. and now she's in love with Zuko."
Toph step forward and put a hand on his shoulder, "The best thing to do know, is let her go."
"But I can't," he bowed his head and a tear rolled down his cheek.
"Aang…" Toph searched for the words that could express what she wanted to say. "Sometimes life doesn't go as planned. And Aang, you are the avatar, you are bound to find someone amazing in the future. And remember you are only 12, you don't need true love yet. I know you feel like an adult since you are saving the world and all, but you know that at heart, you are still a kid. And there is nothing wrong with that." Her hand left his shoulder and took his hand so that he turned to her. "Please don't try to grow up too fast."
Aang snickered, "I didn't expect to hear something like that from you."
"Hey at least I'm still enjoying myself like the kid I am!" Toph giggled back. "But seriously, Twinkle Toes, take it a step at a time. Life is only worth living if you are enjoying every minute."
"Thanks."
~present~
"After that, we sat there and talked for a couple hours and then finally went our separate ways," Toph finished.
I crossed my arms, still searching, "That can't be all."
I thought I saw a slight blush on Toph's cheeks as she turned away and said, "That's all you need to know."