Well, this is my last entry for Toko Week. There's still one day to go, though, so check out WithinOurTemptation's deviantArt page if you like this pairing.



Toko Week - Strength

Step 1: Initiate conversation.

The night was beautiful, according to the others, but the visuals were lost on Toph. The air felt a little cool to her, but that was okay. If all went well, she'd be acquiring a new source of warmth soon. On that note, she sensed Zuko was in the back of the Jasmine Dragon, getting a fresh pot of tea for everyone. Why he took such pleasure in pouring tea for his friends and uncle at these little gatherings, Toph would never understand. Must be a royalty-thing. Not that it was important. The young Earthbender ambled close by Zuko, and began mentally rehearsing her words.

Surprisingly, Zuko relieved her of some of the burden by speaking first. "I enjoy us all getting together like this. Don't tell anyone back in the Fire Nation, but it's hard keeping my back straight all the time. Sometimes, I just want to slump not worry about the image I'm projecting."

Step 2: Lay mushy groundwork.

"Well, if you want your back cracked, I can help you out!" Toph made a fist and grinned.

Zuko was a moment late in replying. "I was kind of implying that I just like relaxing. Not that I have back problems."

"Oh." Stupid! "There's no one you can relax with back home?"

"Well, yeah. But I meant that here, I can do it public. Normally, it's limited to the private areas of the palace, when I'm with Mai and my personal servants."

Mai. Huh. "Well, any time you want to hang out, you don't need to wait for us to all swarm your uncle's tea shop. Just get word to me, and I'll make sure you get all the privacy and relaxation you need." Oh. That sounded really bad. That definitely could have been worded better.

Fortunately, Zuko could be counted on to miss things like that. "Thanks, Toph. Maybe I'll take you up on that. When I get a chance." He reached for the teapot, to take out to the others.

Step 3: Deliver Payload.

Toph very carefully and precisely leaned in front of the kitchen's door, in a very easy and casual manner. "No problem. You know me, I'm tough on you guys, but I'll always help the people I like."

He moved to angle around her. "I know, Toph. We appreciate it."

"And, I mean, you're one of those people. The ones I like." Should she stand in front of him? Knock the teapot out of his hands?

"It's nice of you to say so. You know we like you, too." He was leaning so that the hot pot wouldn't brush against her.

"But, you know, especially you, Zuko. I like you more than a lot of others." She couldn't stop him. May as well say it. "I like you in a special way. Really special."

His other hand moved, landed on her shoulder. "It's okay, Toph. I understand. I really like having you as a friend, too. We can uniquely relate. Mai is different from me in a lot of ways, and that's why she's so great for me. But you and I can be like the family we don't have." He gave a little sniff of amusement. "And neither of us like talking about it, so I'm really grateful you wanted to say so. Come on, let's get the others their tea."

Step 4: Fail. And take it like a good, strong Earthbender.

"Okay."

END