Merits 37
He'd wandered the halls when he finally woke, and followed the trail of their voices to find the rest of the group sitting around a large breakfast table.
-or, that's what it sounded like, at least. He hadn't set foot inside. Yet.
Unsure if he should trespass upon their family meal, he waited, debating whether or not he should simply leave the compound and return to his own home.
Brow furrowed, Zuko glared self-consciously at the door.
But suddenly found himself thrust through the doorway with a massive shove to his back, and nearly lost his footing as he tumbled ahead of his manhandler.
"If I have to sit through this, so do you," Toph hissed through her teeth just loud enough for him to hear, a wide smile on her face as she strode through behind him. Then, in a louder voice, "Rise and shine, Sparky! What're ya havin'?"
"Um, that is, uh, I was just-."
"Eggs & bacon are on the left, fruit's in the middle, pancakes are on the right, and the syrup's probably all over Sokka's sleeve by now," Toph's authoritative voice rang out as she pushed the reluctant vampire further into the room towards the spread. When his feet dragged, she zapped him and couldn't help smirking at the wounded yelp he tried to suppress.
"Hey, it is not!" Sokka yelled indignantly around a mouthful of bacon. And sausages. And sea-cucumber quiche.
"Uh, Sokka,…" Suki started in hushed, diplomatic tones, "maybe you should roll them up a bit…"
"No need! This bathrobe is big and manly and these sleeves are a sign of my-."
"Want me to do it for you so you don't have to put down your fork?"
"Yes, please."
"Psht, all men are babies," snorted the hostess, taking up a seat. She turned back to Zuko, who still stood apart from them.
He looked on at them, painfully unsure of his place.
"Oh for Pete's sake," she muttered under her breath. And with that she brought her hands together in a single, loud clap that broke the air – and sent a minor earthquake along the floor, which suddenly rippled and launched Zuko into the seat across from her.
A tap of her foot bumped him snugly up to the table.
"Now eat before you offend my sensitive hospitality," she snapped at him, croissant crumbs flying from her mouth.
"Yes, ma'am," he stammered, and reached for a glass of water.
Conversation around the table resumed, and Aang broke the ice with Zuko by offering to share his pomelo with him.
"Hmph," was all Toph replied, but inside she felt relief.
It was a start.
TBC.
This chapter posted Dec 10, 2010.
Yes, I am working on a chapter for your for Christmas. Please forgive me my delays.