A/N: Well, here's the next chapter and a huge thanks to NonFiction for being a beta for me. I am trying to write as much as possible, but you guys understand being busy and blocks. Thanks again for reading and don't forget to review! Especially all you who just have favs and alerts on this story.
Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar
Chapter 18
Zuko sighed as he looked out the window at the world of grey. The day had not been as bad as it could have been, but it wasn't the best either. It was pouring rain outside and cars flew by them as they changed lanes to get onto another freeway. He turned to look around the car and saw Toph sitting next to him, curled up into a ball in her large green sweatshirt with her headphones disappearing under the hood as she played with her iPod. Knowing she was cold, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to him, rubbing her arm as he did so. She turned and smiled up at him, and that in it self made Zuko feel better for a second. Turning to look towards the front of the car, he saw Jun talking quietly on her cell phone in the passenger seat and frowning as Iroh drove the car. Zuko frowned as his uncle glanced back at him through the rear view mirror, but Iroh merely grinned before focusing on the road again. The scarred teen just sighed again and glanced out the window as the traffic slowed. There was another accident on the freeway due to the heavy rain. They had passed three and were only halfway to where Azula was being held. Trying to get his mind off of seeing his sister again, Zuko focused on what had happened that day.
It had started off cold and miserable and he had woken up at his usual time of six, though he had been groggy. He knew he was groggy because of the weather. Gray skies always seemed to drain him of energy. He had worked out as usual with Nyla being his silent companion before showering and getting breakfast as Iroh and Bato talked over a cup of tea.
"Well, this Zhou fellow better listen to Jun," Bato said as Zuko ate some cereal.
"Perhaps I can have a talk with him. I can be rather intimidating if the need arises," Iroh said and Zuko heard a smile in his uncle's tone. He glanced over and saw Iroh grinning a goofy grin in his direction and just scowled back before turning his attention back onto his breakfast as Bato merely laughed.
"That's what Jun says, though, according to her, I'm glad I haven't had the chance to experience it."
"Yes, the need doesn't arise as often as it used to," Iroh replied, still as jolly as ever, making Zuko frown.
Zuko finished his breakfast and got up to clean his bowl. When he turned around, he noticed a thermos sitting on the table and Iroh and Bato watching him expectantly.
"What?" he snapped out.
Bato frowned at his attitude, but Iroh merely sighed before smiling at his nephew again. "It's time for you to go, my nephew," Iroh stated and pushed the thermos towards Zuko. "Would you please take this to Jun? I'm afraid she's not a morning person and she loves this blend of tea."
"Sounds like it runs in the family," Zuko muttered under his breath as he grabbed the thermos and made his way to the entry, grabbing his backpack on the way. He waited as patiently as he could, hearing Bato saying his goodbyes to Iroh and then approaching Zuko.
"Here," Bato said and when Zuko turned to face the man, he saw the dark skinned FBI agent holding out one of Zuko's large black coats. "It's almost freezing out there."
Zuko just shrugged and grabbed the coat, pulling it on quickly and pulling the hood on. Bato pulled on his own coat and then opened the door, looking around for a moment and then stepping out. Sighing, Zuko stepped out behind him, frowning more as the temperature hit him. Bato was right, it was nearly freezing, but he noticed that he didn't have it so bad. Danny was standing out in the rain, his breath making a mist and he was visibly shivering as he held an umbrella over Nyla as the dog sniffed around.
"Come on," Bato said and Zuko followed the man across the street and they both stopped under the porch to shake the water off their coats. Fong opened the door before either could knock and Zuko followed Bato to the kitchen. "Wait here," he said and Zuko just shrugged.
Bato frowned, but left and Zuko just sighed. He knew his bad mood would be questioned, but he had a good reason for it. Seeing his sister was never a pleasant experience and seeing her so soon after she and his father had attacked him was going to be worse. Glancing out the window at the grey day, he knew the weather wasn't helping his mood either.
"Mornin," he heard behind him and turned to see Toph making her way towards him and rubbing her eyes. He didn't know why she would have to rub her eyes, but she did and that in itself made him smile a little. He had never realized she would be so cute first thing in the morning.
"Morning," he replied and smiled at how Toph scowled at him, almost like she was too tired to fight back. He knew she wasn't a morning person and the way she fell into one of the chairs just confirmed it.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing towards the thermos he had placed on the table.
"It's for Jun, from my uncle," Zuko replied, but then felt a smile tug at his mouth as he thought about the reason Iroh had sent it over. "Where are your cups?"
Toph was frowning, but looked surprised at the question. "Second cabinet, first shelf," she replied, pointing at the cabinet she was talking about. Zuko nodded and opened the cabinet, finding glasses of all types and grabbed two mugs before turning back to Toph. He noticed that she was still frowning, but that she was also covered head to toe. She was wearing tight jeans, but with thick boots and he could see a long sleeved shirt peaking out at her wrists from under a heavy green sweatshirt and she even had a green beanie on her head. Her long black hair was coming out at her neck and he saw that it was tucked into her sweatshirt. Zuko almost laughed as he gazed upon her. She was curled up on the chair, pulling her knees to her as if she was cold.
"Here," he said as he set the mugs down and opened the thermos, pouring out some of the liquid into the two mugs, making almost a full mug for Toph and just a little for himself. He held out the mug for Toph and noticed she inhaled deeply before she stopped frowning and took the mug from him. He watched her wrap her petite hands around the mug, seeming to soak in the heat from the tea and took a deep breath over the mug.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A special blend of tea my uncle makes," Zuko remarked, picking up his own mug. "He claims it's more powerful than coffee and tastes better too." He took a sip and sighed as the heat warmed him from the inside. Toph seemed emboldened by him drinking and took a sip. She hastily moved the mug away from her and held it at arm's length.
"It's hot!" she exclaimed.
"Of course," Zuko remarked and smiled more as Toph scowled at him.
"I mean really hot," she replied. "How can you drink it?"
"Practice," he replied as he sat down next to her and got an idea. He leaned over and blew on her mug, noticing the steam moving away and that Toph was startled by his actions. He then turned to her and kissed her softly. "A blow to cool it down," he said and kissed her again. "And a kiss to make it feel better."
He drew back and saw Toph smiling, almost in a dreamy way. "It doesn't feel better yet," she said in a low tone and leaned forward, meeting him in a kiss. He set his mug down as he continued to kiss her, but then Toph drew away with a smirk when he was about to go further.
"Don't get too carried away," he heard Jun say behind him in a tired voice.
Zuko frowned and pulled away to see Jun enter the kitchen and stumble towards the cabinet. She pulled a mug out and handed it to Zuko.
"I smell Iroh's brew," she said and Zuko sighed before he grabbed the mug she was holding out and poured the rest of the tea left in the thermos into the mug. Jun snatched it out of his hand just as he finished pouring. The scarred teen turned to scowl at Jun, but she was already drinking the tea and sighing as the effects hit her. Glancing back at Toph, he saw her sipping her tea with a slight smile and he just shook his head and finished his own tea before he took the mug to the sink.
"Just leave it there," Jun said when he started looking around for soap and a sponge. "Fong can get it when he gets back. We need to leave."
"Already?" Toph asked and when Zuko turned back, he saw her pouting out her lower lip.
"Yep. Come on, Squirt. Time for school," Jun said with a smirk before she drained the last of the tea from her mug and picked up the thermos. She tossed it at Zuko and he frowned as he caught it, barely remembering to catch it with his left hand. Toph sighed loudly and drank the last of her tea before following her cousin out to the garage and Zuko followed the two. He hoped the day wouldn't be as bad as the day before, but he still needed to prepare himself for his visit with Azula. And if Zhou was as irritating as the day before, that feat would be nearly impossible. After sliding in next to Toph, he just gazed out the window as Fong drove them to school. It was going to be a cold, wet, miserable day and the gloominess of the day was already dragging his spirits down. He ignored Jun and Fong talking and Toph had to poke him in the side to realize Jun was asking him a question.
"What?" he asked.
"I said, 'How do you want to go about meeting with your sister?'" Jun replied, glancing back over her shoulder at him. He saw that her dark eyes were narrowed at him, but she had a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Interrogation room? Others there? Recording devices?"
Zuko merely frowned as he thought about it. "Probably a room, and definitely record it, but you would do that anyways." He saw Jun's smile grow as Toph just shifted so she could rest her head on Zuko's shoulder, seeming to try and catch a little more sleep. "But knowing my sister, she'll only talk to me if I'm alone. And she knows she'll be recorded."
Jun just nodded. "Well, we're heading there straight after school. What about Toph? I need to be with both of you. How about Toph and I wait in the recoding room and you go in. Bato will be right outside in case you need him."
Zuko merely nodded. He didn't really want to face his sister, and yet, at the same time, he did. He wanted answers. Why did she still believe in their father? Why attack him constantly? Why was she just so…crazy? He put those thoughts away for later as Fong slowed the car and stopped outside of school. The servant got out and pulled out an umbrella, holding it as Jun and Zuko opened the passenger side doors. The scarred teen heard Toph mumble something under her breath as he moved, but he just smiled. It was kind of cute how she grumbled and pouted when she didn't get enough sleep, but they would just have to make due for the time being.
"We're not here as early as yesterday," Zuko muttered to her as Jun took the umbrella and hurried the two teens inside.
"Feels earlier," Toph muttered. "But I think that drink is starting to kick in. What's in it?"
"Don't know," Zuko replied, pulling up his hood as the wind started to blow the rain sideways. "I just know it has caffeine."
"Sounds like a winner, bring some more tomorrow," Toph sighed as they stepped inside. They found Bato waiting for them and he started walking Toph to her English class as Jun turned to Zuko.
"We're switching it up," she said as she motioned towards a corner of the hall. Zuko noticed a tall red head walk their way out of the shadows and that though she was pretty, she was very tall with large feet, and looked to be about thirty with some heavy eye makeup. "This is Sue Kyoshi," Jun said, introducing the agent. "You probably saw her in gym yesterday. She'll be with you for Biology, Math, and Chemistry. I have a matter I need to take care of during that time. Now, off to English."
Sue nodded to Zuko and he nodded back, feeling ok with the transition and glad that Jun wasn't keeping him out of the loop.
"So, what are you going to do?" he asked Jun as they walked.
"Hmm?" she replied, looking over at him. "Oh, check on the pups, interrogate Zhou. That kind of stuff."
"Sounds like fun, wish I could be there," Zuko replied evenly and almost smiled as Jun grinned at him as they entered Mr. Pakku's English class.
"Yeah," Jun whispered as she walked past him as he sat down. "But you get the fun of questioning your sister."
Zuko just frowned, glad Jun couldn't see it and pulled out his notes to study for the quiz as other students started trickling in.
"Here, listen to this," Toph said, drawing Zuko out of remembering what had happened that morning. He looked over at his girlfriend and saw her holding one of her headphones towards him. He shrugged and took it and felt his face lighten as he listened to a girl singing about burning a picture.
"Who is this?" Zuko asked.
"Taylor Swift," Toph replied, snuggling closer into his side, trying to mold herself to him with a seatbelt still on. "She's country, but some of her stuff is actually really good."
He just smiled and rubbed Toph's arm more before he turned to stare out the window again as the song ended and another started. He recognized it as Evanescance; "Bring me to life", and his thoughts turned back to that day.
The day had gone more smoothly and the transition of Jun to the Kyoshi girl was all right. The new FBI agent was tall and regal looking, but she was quiet and just stood back in the corner. Most everyone ignored Zuko and Toph throughout the classes and even Hahn left them alone. At lunch, Zuko noticed Jun was back and talking with Pakku and Jeong as they drank what looked like coffee, but knowing Jun, it could have been his uncle's tea. The scarred teen finished his food quickly and just observed quietly as Toph told their friends about the tournament and gave several menacing reminders to keep it quiet until Mr. Jeong told the club.
"We need ten and two backups, but I don't want any competition for those spots until it's needed," Toph said. "So no blowing your airhole," she said, turning to glare at Aang.
"You won't hear it from me," Aang said, swallowing a lump in his throat. Zuko merely let a corner of his mouth rise in a smile at that, and knew he would have to ask Toph if there was a story behind that later.
"Ok, so Bee, Pipsqueak, Longshot, Angie, you three plus me and maybe Li with Sunshine here as backup," Toph said, counting off the people on her fingers. "That leaves one more spot and a backup. Can you guys think of anyone?"
Zuko turned and looked around the cafeteria as the group started flinging names back and forth, most being shot down by Toph. He saw Smellerbee, Pipsqueak and Jet talking very animatedly at their table on the other side with Longshot nodding occasionally. Jet turned and met Zuko's eyes and seemed surprised that Zuko had been watching him. Zuko saw Longshot push Jet slightly and Jet turned to frown at the quiet teen before he sighed and nodded, getting up and started making his way towards Zuko. The scarred teen stayed where he was, letting Jet make the move and when Jet was about ten yards from him, the bell rang and everyone got up to hurry towards their classes.
"Coming?" Sokka said, suddenly standing next to Zuko.
"I'll be right there," Zuko replied and saw Sokka shrug as Toph turned towards him, seeming to search his face with her blind eyes. "Trust me," he whispered to Toph and laid a hand on her shoulder. "I'll see you in gym."
Toph just sighed and nodded, leaning over to place a quick kiss on his cheek. "Just don't beat him up, that's my job," she whispered back and as she drew back and got up, Zuko saw her grinning.
"I won't," he said and saw her nod as Bato met her at the door and started walking with her to her history class. He noticed Jun still leaning against the wall, watching him out of the corner of her eye as he reached down and grabbed his backpack. When he stood, slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he found Jet a few feet away from him.
"Yes?' he asked, frowning as Jet just stared at him. The brown eyed boy had a blank expression on his face and Zuko was getting impatient with the silence. "Fine, see ya," Zuko nearly growled and turned to leave, starting to head towards the door.
"I'm sorry," Jet stated and Zuko stopped. He turned back and looked at the guy over his shoulder. Jet's brow was furrowed and he seemed to be trying to find the right words. Behind him, Zuko saw Jun, ready for anything. Zuko shook his head slightly, trying to indicate Jet wasn't a threat, and Jet met his eyes again at that motion.
"Look, I know there's been stuff between us, but I heard about homecoming. And, well, Bee and Longshot and Chuck all stick up for you," Jet stated. "I'm over Katara and I know you're not interested in her. What I'm trying to say is that I want to come to the club tomorrow."
"I don't have any say in the matter," Zuko replied. "Ask Mr. Jeong." With that, he turned to leave.
"I did," Jet called out when Zuko was almost to the door. "He said I had to resolve my issue with you."
Zuko stopped and sighed. Why was all of this happening to him right now? He already had enough on his plate.
"Fine," Zuko stated. "I don't care. Gotta go, I'm late." He started stalking off and was halfway to Zhou's class when he heard Jun catch up with him.
"Nice one," Jun said quietly as they hurried through the nearly empty halls.
Zuko just frowned at her and quickened his pace as he saw a clock in the hallway. He only had a minute to get to Zhou's class and he knew he didn't want to be late. Sokka had told him there were horrible consequences for being late, though the scarred teen had never witnessed it since he had arrived at Avatar High.
"He better not get you in trouble though," Jun said from behind Zuko as she turned the corner behind him. He saw Zhou's class with another senior hurrying into it and quickened his pace, so that he was almost jogging. Zuko slowed down enough so that he wasn't running into the class and entered just before the bell rang. He saw Zhou scowling at him as he walked back to his seat, but knew the teacher couldn't reprimand him, for he was on time.
"Very well," Zhou said curtly. "Now, for an overview of what has been discussed. We will be having a test Friday and then move on after that."
The class groaned and Jun walked in leisurely at that moment, smirking at Zhou to which he just frowned before turning to the chalkboard as he wrote some notes for that day. Jun smiled at Zuko as she passed him on her way to the back, and he just frowned, hoping the day would be better than the day before. It was, but only barely, for Zhou didn't call on Zuko nearly as much, and no matter what question Zhou threw at him, Zuko answered correctly. When the class ended, Zhou called out.
"Ms Ling, I need a word with you."
Zuko glanced at Jun and saw her sigh, but she made a wait motion with her hand towards him and he nodded, taking his time in gathering his things as the class emptied quickly. He and Sokka walked out, but Zuko stopped outside the class.
"Go on, I need to wait," he told the blue eyed senior quietly. Sokka just shrugged.
"I might as well wait too," he said and leaned against the wall. Zuko just nodded and leaned against the wall, next to Sokka, waiting, though he didn't hear what Jun and Zhou were saying this time, just the murmur of their voices.
"So what did Jet say?" Sokka asked.
"So what did Jet say?" Toph asked, bringing Zuko back to his surroundings as they finally passed the sixth accident, a four car pile up. Zuko felt sorry for the people and the cops standing out in the rain, but was relieved as it looked like no one was really hurt. Just a major fender bender mess. Toph laid her hand on his cast and he turned to smile at her.
"He just said he was sorry and he wants to come to the club," Zuko replied.
Toph's face lit up in surprise before she narrowed her eyes at him. "And your answer?"
"I told him fine. I don't care, and besides; It's your turn to teach someone a lesson."
"Damn straight," Toph replied with a smirk which made Zuko smile back. She sighed and started frowning and Zuko wondered what she was thinking about.
"Hey, you ok?" he asked her quietly.
"I'm bored," she sighed and blew her bangs out of her face.
Zuko just nodded. The ride was taking longer than it should have, but with the rain and the accidents, that was to be expected.
"What are you going to do?" Toph asked.
"Huh?" Zuko replied. He wasn't sure if Toph was talking about Jet, Zhou, or the person they were going to see.
"Your sister," Toph replied, turning so that she was meeting him eye to eye. He didn't know how she did that, but it made him feel better.
"I don't know," he sighed. "She's just so…frustrating!"
"I thought you would say something else," Toph said with a smirk.
"I would, but Uncle wouldn't be happy about that," Zuko replied to which Toph laughed lightly. Her hand moved from his cast to his face and Zuko tensed as it wandered around, touching him softly as she moved from his scar to his forehead and then back to his cheek.
"Relax, Sunshine. You'll be great. And Jun and I will be there for backup," Toph said with a smile.
Zuko just sighed again. He didn't want his sister to see Toph. She would know it was serious between them and the fact that Toph had beat Azula at homecoming was another factor that Zuko did not want to think about. The consequence of what Azula would do to Toph, the only one Zuko knew to beat Azula in a sparring match was not something he wanted to think about. And as crazy as his sister was, Zuko wasn't sure if Azula would mock or try to kill Toph. He was betting on the latter, and didn't want to be in that situation.
Suddenly Toph's hand moved to the back of his neck and she pulled him down towards her to a kiss. He kissed her, softly and was surprised at how slow she was kissing him, but went along with it, letting his mind be at ease as he focused on Toph. A cough from up front started getting louder and Zuko pulled away from his girlfriend, feeling his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He saw Toph's cheeks flushed and sent a quick glare towards the front seat where he saw Jun smirking at them.
"We're almost there," Jun said and turned back to look forward. Zuko glanced at Toph and saw her sigh and he kissed her quickly, catching her off guard.
"I'll be fine," he whispered to Toph and saw her sigh. She just smiled again and laid her head on his shoulder as he looked forward. Through the rain, he saw his uncle pull up to a very intimidating gate. The gate was made of steel bars with barbed wire above it, and looked like it used to be a gate to a maximum security prison. A small house stood at the gate's entrance and Zuko noticed there were two men inside, though only one leaned out towards the car as Iroh stopped and rolled the window down just enough to speak to the man.
"Jun Shirshu, Iroh and Zuko Agni and a guest to see someone," Iroh stated and Zuko tensed as he heard his last name.
"Of course, sir, ma'am," the guard said and when he moved back to the guard house, Zuko saw a gun under the man's coat and the other guard relaxing and what looked like an M16 resting next to the man's leg. The gate opened, just enough for the car to get through and Iroh pulled in. Toph's hand moved back to his cast and she joined her hand with his, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
Zuko waited in silence as Jun directed Iroh to park in a parking structure and close to the elevators. The scarred teen also noticed a few agents standing around, looking outwards and knew Jun was playing it safe. They were in the middle of an FBI holding facility, but there was still a chance Ozai could attack them. Jun led the way out and Zuko followed, still holding Toph's hand with his uncle bringing up the rear. As they walked, Zuko studied the place and found it was like all the other government buildings he had been in. The walls were off white and the floors gray and everything was clean and had a purpose. There were hardly any people there and he saw Bato coming down the hall towards them as Jun suddenly opened one of the doors on their left and went in. The rest followed her and Zuko was surprised to find Captain Piandoa there who smiled at them and shook Jun and then Iroh's hand.
"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this, Agent Shirshu," Piandoa said to Jun and the FBI agent merely nodded.
"You and your men have helped us so far, it's only fair to involve you," Jun replied before turning back to Zuko. "We're ready whenever you are."
He nodded and turned towards the glass wall as the lights came on in the adjacent room and he saw Azula being carried into the room by two large men. She sneered at the men when they set her down and locked her handcuffs to the table before they left. As soon as they were gone, Azula' face changed to a bored expression and she sat patiently, as if there was nothing better in the world than to inspect her fingernails.
"Be careful," Jun said, and Zuko was surprised to find her next to him. "She's gotten out of three pairs of cuffs already and knocked out a large agent."
Zuko turned and looked into Jun's dark eyes and felt a frown take over his face.
"She's her father's daughter. What else would you expect?" With that, he turned and walked out of the room and found Bato waiting outside the next door down, with the two large agents waiting there, looking like they were ready for anything. He stopped outside the door and took a deep breath, noticing the two large guys looking at each other and Bato as if they didn't believe that he would be crazy enough to go in there alone.
"Ready?" Bato asked gently and Zuko met the man eye to eye and nodded.
"Now or never," he growled and opened the door, walking into the room to talk to his sister.
XXXXX
Toph waited with Iroh, Jun and Piando as Zuko left and she wondered what Zuko had been thinking about as he left. His last words to Jun had sent a chill down Toph's spine, but she knew they were true. Also, he had been distant throughout the day, though he had occasionally come out if his shell whenever she pestered him. She thought the exclaiming over how hot the tea had been and kissing him in the car had been good moves on her part to improve his attitude, and it had for a few moments until they were brought back to reality. She heard Jun turning on machines and suddenly heard Azula's breathing as she sighed and the sound came of the girl picking something out of her nails.
"He's not really going to go in there alone, is he?" Piandoa asked and Toph heard Iroh sigh heavily, sounding tired.
"He must. He knows it and he knew he would have to truly face her someday," Iroh answered.
"That's insane, someone should be there with him," Piandoa stated.
"We are," Toph said, and knew the captain was surprised by her voice. She was surprised she was so calm as well. "We're here, being the support he needs. Now hush, he's going in."
A door opened and from the sound coming through the speaker, Toph knew Azula was sitting up straighter.
"Why, hello Zuzu," Azula said smugly and Toph thought the girl sounded a little surprised, but also pleased as Toph heard Zuko enter the room. "Come to get your dear sister out of this terrible place?"
"You know why I'm here," Zuko stated calmly, though Toph heard the anger and agitation in his voice that she had heard when she had first met him and especially whenever he talked about his father.
"Ah yes, you got my message," Azula said and Toph heard nothing but smugness in the girl's tone. Zuko remained silent and when Azula spoke again, there was some frustration in it. "So, how are you doing? I see some new war wounds. Did your little girlfriend do that?"
"No, but I did far more to the one who did," Zuko gritted out and it sounded like Azula stopped inspecting her nails in surprise. Toph knew the girl was a little shocked to hear that, but also that Zuko was starting to lose his limited patience with his sister. Silence reigned and it sounded like Azula was moving her head around, maybe trying to get a better look at her brother.
"If you're not going to tell me anything," Zuko stated finally. "I'm going to leave." It sounded like he turned and took a step towards the door when Azula spoke softly.
"So that's the girl you left Mai for," Azula said in a superior tone. "She's not much to look at. Tiny little thing. What, did she lose a bet to go out with you?"
Toph heard Zuko stop and it also sounded like he was tightening his hands into fists, trying to control himself. When he spoke, she heard the anger underlying his tone, and how thin his patience was getting.
"She beat you, didn't she?"
"Luck," Azula spat before she turned smug again. "She must be blind to ever consider going out with you. The way you're always covering yourself and that awful scar. How does she feel about that?"
"She doesn't care, and if you're not going to say anything important, I'm gone," Zuko gritted out and Toph heard him make a step towards the door again. He had almost reached it when Azula spoke again.
"Why couldn't you just leave him alone?" Azula asked with a slight sneer to her tone, though she seemed to be getting worried. Toph thought it might be because she hadn't gotten a reaction out of Zuko. "He only wanted the best for us. For me. He told me he was trying to get me into a special school, but Mom wouldn't allow it. That was why they were arguing and then an accident happened. Why the lies, Zuzu? Wh…?"
"Shut up!" Zuko yelled, and Toph almost jumped as he slammed his hands onto the table. "He almost killed us. He meant to kill us! He tortured her for years and I was the only one who saw it! He beat her and hit her, again and again, even when she begged for him to stop!" Toph heard Zuko pouring out all his anger into his words, and also the sound as if he was holding back a sob reached her and she stepped forward, towards the glass, trying to be there for him as he continued to shout at his sister. "He did this to me for standing up to him!" Zuko yelled, moving his left hand and Toph was sure he was pointing at his scar. "And he said he won't stop until I have suffered and am dead! Don't you get it?! He's just using you! He's never cared about you or about anyone but himself! And when his little perfect world of control came crashing down, he started destroying everyone!"
Toph placed her hand on the glass separating her and Zuko as she heard her boyfriend breathing heavily as Azula seemed frozen. Toph wondered if Azula didn't expect the reaction she was getting, but almost immediately, Azula's breathing changed to normal and from the sounds coming through the speaker, Toph knew the girl had relaxed again. Zuko moved and Toph thought he had moved his head to look towards the glass by the sound of his hair moving against his shirt before he turned back towards his sister.
"You were there," Zuko said in a much calmer voice as he stood up straight. "You heard him Friday when he said Mom and I were supposed to die that night. If you want to follow a homicidal maniac, that's your choice. But I intend to live and protect my family."
Toph listened as Zuko turned and started walking towards the door. Azula spoke out as she heard him touching the doorknob and he stopped.
"Oh, so I'm not family anymore?" Azula asked in a smug voice. Toph heard Zuko take a deep breath and turn his head towards his sister.
"I wish you were, but as long as you side with him, you aren't. Not anymore. Sometimes I don't know why I even protected you from him." With that said, Zuko opened the door and stalked out, slamming it shut behind him. As much as Toph wanted to be there for Zuko, she felt like she needed to stay where she was, listening to Azula. She heard Jun move to turn something off.
"No, leave it on, it's not over," Toph stated and heard Piandoa and Iroh turn to her in surprise, but Jun simply nodded and Toph concentrated on Azula's breathing. The girl's breathing was getting faster, and it sounded like she was seething before she took a deep breath.
"He doesn't know the truth," she heard Azula mutter to herself. "He doesn't, he's just making it up." Silence came again and Toph heard more muttering, but couldn't make it out.
"Turn it up," she told Jun and the volume increased and Toph heard Azula's fingers fidgeting slightly and the girl's breath becoming ragged.
"But if he's telling the truth…no, stop it," Azula whispered to herself. "Daddy said…but Zuko's not good at lying. He couldn't have gotten that good. There's got to be a logical explanation." Toph listened more intently as Azula's breathing and fidgeting became spontaneous. Sometimes quick and heavy with lots of fidgeting and then calm and collected. When she spoke again, Toph jumped since it was so loud, though she knew it was the girl's normal speaking voice. Jun must have seen her jump, because the volume was turned down again.
"I want to talk to my brother again," Azula stated and then silence came as she waited. "I know someone can hear me! I want to speak to Zuko!"
Toph heard Iroh move towards the door and leave, knowing he was telling Zuko about Azula's demands. Silence reigned again in the room, though Toph could hear Azula start to fidget again, though she tried to keep it under control. Just when the girl was about to yell again, Toph heard the door open and Zuko walked in.
"Anything better to say this time?" he asked in a calm, collected tone and Toph felt proud of her boyfriend for standing up to his sister so well.
Azula sighed and Toph knew the girl was trying to act calm and aloof, but her slight fidgeting was giving her away to Toph.
"Say you are right," Azula said slowly and carefully, as if trying to find out if Zuko was lying. "When did you ever protect me?"
"Where is he? What is he planning?" Zuko replied.
Toph heard Azula shrug. "I don't know. We were staying at an abandoned shop in an old mall. It was an old pastry shop. All I knew is that he was going to teach you a lesson and then we would be free to go off together and find a new life. No more schools with nuts, and no more running."
"You put yourself there," Toph heard Zuko mutter under his breath before he spoke in a louder, calmer tone. "The day before everything went crazy, you were showing him your report card. Remember?"
"Yeah, so what of it?" Azula replied, sounding slightly defensive.
"He asked if you thought you were better than him. I saw the anger in his eyes, the same anger he always showed me and Mom." Toph heard Azula start fidgeting again, just slightly, and knew that the girl knew the truth of Zuko's words. "I pulled you away, ready to be between you and him. And then Mom was there. She always made sure she took the brunt of his anger. Not us."
"Well you didn't help much with those fights and your poor grades," Azula scoffed.
"That's because I had found out what he was doing to her. I wanted to stand up for myself. I finally did, and all he has wanted to do since then was kill me. Anything else you think I should know?"
Toph waited and heard Zuko fidget slightly as Azula remained silent. Zuko finally let out a low sigh and turned towards the door. "Tell them if you remember anything else. Goodbye Azula."
Toph heard Zuko walk back to the door and start to open it.
"He's patient," Azula said in a low tone and Zuko stopped. Her tone turned smug as she turned to her brother. "But not as patient as he used to be."
Zuko seemed to wait, but nothing else came and he exited the room. Toph turned towards her cousin and nodded. She just seemed to know Azula was done. The girl had some things to think over, and Zuko did as well. Toph heard the door to their room open and heard her boyfriend enter and smiled at him, trying to give him reassurance he was ok. That no matter what, he had done the right thing. He sighed and walked straight towards her, pulling her into a hug. Toph just hugged him back, just being there for him, stable as a rock. He didn't speak, and she just heard him breathing evenly as she held onto him, but she knew he just needed comfort in something stable. She couldn't fathom the emotions he was going through at that moment, and frankly, she didn't care. She would just be there for him.
"We'll wait to go until she's locked up again," Jun said softly. "Just in case."
Toph heard Iroh and Piandoa nod and then the adults were walking towards Toph and Zuko, but stayed back, obviously knowing Zuko just needed a moment.
"Find out anything important?" Zuko asked slightly and Toph knew he was directing the question at her.
"She's not really sure who to believe at this point," Toph replied. "She knows you're not good at lying."
"But she believes in him too much," Zuko sighed, just holding Toph and laid his head against hers.
"You gave her something else to think about," Jun stated.
"And I'm proud of you, we all are," Iroh said, laying his hand on Zuko's shoulder by the sound of it.
Toph merely felt Zuko nod, and knew he was grateful for their support. Iroh drew back and Toph heard the adults talking quietly in the corner as they waited.
"She was just trying to get a rise out of you," Toph whispered to him.
"I know, and it worked," Zuko sighed.
Toph smiled. "But not the way she thought it would." She reached up and laid a hand on his scar and felt him flinch slightly. "And you're right, I don't care."
Zuko pulled back, away from her touch, and though she was slightly saddened by that, he more than made up for it when he leaned down and kissed her softly.
"They seem to be doing that a lot more," Jun said dryly and Toph smiled as Zuko pulled away from her and turn towards her cousin, probably glaring at Jun.
"They're young, let them be," Iroh said with a smile in his tone and Toph almost laughed as she heard Zuko growl and mutter under his breath.
"Well, enough of that, she's locked up and it's time to get you two home," Jun said as the door opened and Toph heard Bato come in. "We still have a lot to look forward to this week."
Zuko sighed and Toph did as well. Jun was right, it was only Tuesday and though she was looking forward to the club meeting the next day, she was dreading the upcoming weekend. But at least Zuko would be there and she wouldn't be bored as she kept him from thinking about his sister and father.
