AN: I know, it's been a long time between updates, and for that, you have my sincere apologies. Life has just been…stressful, and busy, very busy. I promise I will finish this story, no matter what, it will just take time. Thank you again for reading, and please enjoy. Hopefully part 2 will be up shortly. Thanks again!
Chapter 20
Zuko glanced around the house as he walked down the stairs. The 'cabin', as Toph's mother had put it, was huge. It was a wood house, that much was like a cabin, but vaulted ceilings made the place look larger than it was and huge windows let in sunlight no matter what time of day it was. Then there were the bedrooms, or number of them. Zuko and his family each had their own room in the back of the house and the scarred teen knew Bato and Danny had rooms next to his. Their rooms were all on the second story, looking out on a forest landscape since the house was basically perched on the edge of a cliff. When he had woken up that morning, Zuko had found himself lost in the beauty of the untouched forest behind the house as well as the nice slope that led down the hill to a valley. From the window it looked like the house stood over a cliff edge, but on more careful observation, Zuko had seen that his window was about three stories above the slope. And, it was a perfect slope for sledding.
As he reached the bottom step, he was unsure of where to go, but heard lowered voices in the kitchen and made his way there, recognizing at least two of the voices. As he walked through the large living room, his eyes strayed to the huge fireplace in the corner which was next to the other flight of stairs which led to the Bei Fong's rooms, including Jun's. Zuko spotted Nyla curled up in front of the fireplace which held some glowing embers and smiled as she looked extremely happy with her belly up and all four feet in the air. She turned to look at him and opened her mouth in a dog grin and he smiled more. He motioned for her to stay and she just turned away from him before rolling onto her side and stretching out.
He was almost temped to go over to the dog and pet her, just relaxing by the fire, but he knew he still needed to find a way to get Toph to like snow. He had thought up several options and his attention was peaked when he heard his name from the people in the kitchen. Sighing, he continued that way and walked in to find Jasmine Bei Fong, Jun and his mother talking over tea,
"Oh, good morning dear," Ursa said as she lifted her head and smiled at him.
Zuko gave a soft smile back to his mother and walked to the cupboards to get some breakfast. When they had arrived the night before, Toph had shown him where everything was before they had gone to bed. With the huge amount of snow that the storm had brought in, the roads were still being cleared in some places and many accidents had delayed them on their trip up the mountains. They had not reached the cabin until ten the night before and after getting everything out of the car and put away, it was almost midnight and Lao had insisted on everyone, especially Toph, getting to bed.
"Don't get anything, it's being made," Jun said as Zuko reached for some cereal. He glanced back at her, and frowned since she was looking intently at something on the table in the middle of the three women, then just shrugged it off before getting a mug and pouring himself some tea. Sitting at the edge of the table, he noticed some drawings in the middle and leaned in closer to get a better look.
"Nope, can't see them yet," Jun said as she placed a hand over the closest drawing which looked like a model wearing black clothes. The FBI agent turned to grin at him and Zuko just frowned back. Jun's grin turned to a smirk and she got up. "Come on Zuko, I heard you practice in the morning and I want to see what shape you're in."
"Thought you saw when Toph and I sparred," Zuko growled, but Jun just smirked and the scarred teen saw his mother frown at him in a disapproving manner. "Fine," he sighed, getting up to place his empty mug in the sink. "Where are we going to spar?"
"In the garage," Jun replied, holding out her mug to him. "It has a mat and by the time we're done, breakfast will be ready."
Zuko merely shrugged and followed Jun as she led the way out to the entryway and then down another set of stairs to a regular garage, but only one car was parked there. By the look of it, Zuko thought it was Lao's. Jun padded over to the mat and, for the first time, Zuko realized she was only in sweats and socks. She gave him a confident grin and beckoned with one hand.
"Come on, we'll warm up as we move," she said and Zuko merely shrugged before joining her on the mat and sinking into a stance.
Jun surprised him by jabbing in first, but Zuko deftly blocked it and moved into a kick towards the agent's head. She seemed surprised that he had blocked and then attacked so quickly, but then she was grinning and was punching and kicking at him quickly. Zuko did all he could to block and watched for openings and found a few, but Jun was too fast for him to land a hit on her. He noticed her style was similar to Toph's, but it also had more of an edge to it that reminded him of his uncle. She also threw in a few unexpected things, and blocked when he thought she would attack and vice versa. As they sparred, Zuko realized she was testing him, pushing him to his limits and especially to see how far he could see on his left side and how much he would block with his right hand. The knowledge that she was pushing him made him angry and determined to prove that he could fight and was not to be taken for granted. When Jun attacked towards his right again, Zuko ducked under the jab and parried with an uppercut. Jun leaned back away from the hit, but that was what Zuko was waiting for and he spun towards the ground, snaking his foot out and catching Jun's feet. She stumbled backwards, but also thrust her foot out as she fell, catching Zuko's foot as he spun up into a standing position. He stumbled and tried to keep his balance as Jun fell, but she twisted and grabbed his ankle, pulling his feet out from under him.
Zuko felt his back hit the mat hard and glanced over at Jun as he caught his breath. He was ready to jump to his feet and go another round, but the sight of Jun laughing stopped him. He slowly got to his feet and looked down at her, but she continued to laugh and when she opened her eyes and looked at him, only laughed harder.
"What's your problem?" he asked with a frown.
"You," Jun replied as she took a deep breath and started getting herself under control. "You're so serious. It was just a simple spar. But noooo, you had to go for the kill."
Zuko frowned and held out his arm to the agent. "No it wasn't," he replied as she grasped his arm and he pulled her up. "You were testing me, seeing how far I would go, thinking my left side was weak and how much or little I would use my right hand."
Jun immediately sobered and let go of Zuko's hand and she studied him shrewdly. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" she asked in a serious tone.
"Some stuff does," Zuko answered, glancing upwards and immediately locked eyes with Jun again. "Why the test?"
Jun shrugged. "To see how far you would go and make sure you realize that arm needs to heal. You still need to be in top form, no matter what, but I needed to see that you know to take it easy when need be."
"Just ask next time," Zuko growled, but Jun merely continued to smile. She glanced down at her watch and grinned. "Breakfast should be ready and that means the grouch and squirt will be up."
Zuko looked at Jun, puzzled, but the agent ignored it and started making her way up the stairs into the house. With a roll of his eyes, Zuko followed her. He didn't understand Jun, and felt like he never would. Toph's words came to him about how Jun was part of her family that was crazy and he had to agree with her. Jun was definitely crazy, though in a good way, much like how Toph was. As the scarred teen followed Jun into the kitchen, he was surprised to find it full of people and a wonderful smell. Zuko stopped short in the doorway as the smell of cinnamon rolls wafted over him. He realized he hadn't had any in years and the kitchen was full of adults, including his uncle, Lao, and all four agents who were staying at the cabin, but Toph was absent.
"Move aside and you won't get hurt," he heard behind him and had to smile as Toph brushed past him and sat at the table. Zuko followed her and sat next to her and Bato slid two plates their way. Toph stopped hers and Zuko saw her inhale deeply as steam rose from her cinnamon roll and let out a content sigh. The scarred teen smiled slightly until he saw Lao frowning at him from the other end of the dining table. Their gazes met and Zuko felt his smile falter as Lao narrowed his green eyes at him before straightening his features and turning towards his daughter.
"Toph," Lao said in a calm, even tone. "I have to go into town to meet my investors and clients. Are you going to stay around the house today?"
Zuko was cutting his cinnamon roll in more manageable pieces and glanced over to Toph. He almost laughed as he saw Toph stop mid chew, startled, but then she quickly swallowed and started to smile.
"Actually," Toph started slowly, "I was thinking of going to the village and walking around."
Zuko glanced back at Lao through his hair as he continued to cut up his breakfast, and saw the man actually look startled before he schooled his features back into a frown.
"Don't worry, Lao," Jun said after a quick glance in the teenagers' direction before smiling at Lao. "Me and my boys will be there. There are three staying in the village and with a call will be out and strolling around just like all the other tourists this weekend."
Zuko saw Lao turn inwards through the shield of his hair as he continued to cut his breakfast and then Lao glanced at Toph in a thoughtful, kind manner.
"Very well," Lao announced before taking a final sip of tea and rising from the table. He turned towards Jun and sent a hard look the agent's way. "But no trouble. Understood?"
"Jeese, Lao, you act like I'm the troublemaker," Jun replied with a laugh. "Don't worry. We'll be good little boys and girls."
Zuko almost smirked and Toph snorted before they both covered it up by taking bites of food as Lao sent a hard look their way, but then the businessman left, kissing his wife goodbye, though Zuko did see Lao send an intimidating glare Jun's way once more before he walked out the door. They heard the garage door shut and then Toph and Jun burst out laughing. Zuko glanced at his girlfriend and saw that she was laughing so hard she had one hand on her stomach, but the wry grin in Zuko's direction caused him to smile. That soon gave way to a chuckle as Toph continued to laugh and then he was laughing too, though he didn't know why.
"All right, you two, save it for later," Bato said with a laugh in his tone. Zuko stopped abruptly and turned to look at the table and saw all the adults were regaining control of themselves after laughing as well. Jasmine and Jun were still laughing and Jasmine was wiping her eyes as she started gaining control of herself.
"I never, in all my years of knowing him…" Jasmine started through laughs before taking a deeper breath to steady herself, "thought that Lao would act like an older brother."
"No, not an older brother," Jun replied. "Just like a dad. Glad he's finally gotten into the role."
"Yeah, he could have done the good dad bit a little sooner," Toph remarked with a frown in her voice. Zuko glanced at her, completely expecting a frown, but saw her characteristic smirk instead. "So, what's the plan?"
"Just like I said. I'm gonna call them now while you two finish up and then get ready for the day," Jun said with a smirk to Toph and Zuko. "Ursa, Iroh, what would you care to do today?" Zuko's head shot up at how different Jun's tone was, being polite and thoughtful instead of sarcastic.
Ursa merely smiled at the agent while Iroh took a sip of tea. "I think I'll spend the day here with Jasmine. We have been getting to know each other so well and this new project of hers is wonderful," she said with a wink in Zuko's direction. The scarred teen merely sighed, but kept it discreet before he took another bite of his breakfast.
"And I think I will relax today and enjoy the shops tomorrow," Iroh replied. "Perhaps I can help the ladies, however that may be."
Zuko almost sighed as he heard a smile in his uncle's tone, but continued eating his breakfast.
"All right," Jun said in a thoughtful tone. "Bato, why don't you and Danny stay here and Jon can drive us and then circle the village while the others stroll around. I'll be with these two," and Zuko saw Jun jerk her thumb in is direction as she spoke with Bato, "and watch over them as a chaperone."
Toph snorted again. "Yeah, like we really need a chaperone," Toph replied, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Of course you two do," Jun replied with a smirk. "Who knows what kind of trouble you would get him into."
Zuko popped the last bite of food into his mouth and saw Toph blush out of the corner of his eye and smiled slightly.
"Yeah, but he gets into enough trouble by himself, don't you Sunshine?"
"Perhaps," Zuko replied. "But you're worse."
He turned to Toph as she smiled up at him and he almost leaned over to kiss her, but he knew all eyes were on them.
"Yeah, yeah, break it up you two," Jun said, waving her hands as if shooing them away. "Go on and get dressed in warm clothes. It's a little cold and a breeze is picking up,"
Zuko sighed, but quickly rose and took Toph's plate as well as his own to the sink before heading up to his room to get his jacket and a hat. He shrugged his jacket on and put his black baseball hat on and stopped short when he noticed a mirror on the wall. He looked serious in black pants and jacket, though the cap did a good job of hiding his scar and his hair was getting long as it covered his neck and almost went into his jacket. If he didn't know any better, he would think that he was a guy looking for trouble. With a smirk that seemed to lighten his features, though his scar still glared at him, he knew that was the opposite of that was true. He turned away from the mirror and hurried down the stairs, tucking his gloves into his jacket pocket. He spotted Toph coming down the other set of stairs in a dark green jacket that looked quite large on her and hung down well past her hips, showing blue jeans underneath. With a smile, Zuko noticed the jeans were tight, but it also looked like she had some thermals underneath her jeans as well, making them even tighter. She also wore a green beanie on her head that he had seen the week before during the storm, but her black hair came out from under her hat and fell down to her waist. She was followed down the stairs by Jun who was simply wearing a pair of jeans and a black coat, but the agent had spotted him staring at Toph and smirked his way before nudging Toph and leaning down to whisper in her ear. Zuko continued walking their way and saw Toph turn a bright red before she hit her cousin in the gut with a triumphant smirk.
"Well," Jun said as she got her breath back and smirked at Toph. "Let's get going."
The two followed the agent to the car outside. Zuko noticed that it wasn't as bad as it could have been, and the sun shone on a white winter wonderland, but with a quick glance to his side, he noticed that Toph was scowling. He hurried to the car and opened the door for her, sliding in after her and shutting it quickly.
"It's cold," she grumbled. Zuko merely chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, drawing her close to him.
"It's not that bad," he said and chuckled again when she scowled at him. "Hey, you're the one who wanted to get out. Besides, once we're out in the sun, walking around, you won't even notice the cold."
"You've lived here before?" Toph asked, her face softening in thought.
"No, but colder places," Zuko replied with a frown as he thought about several towns he and his uncle had moved to. At least this one hadn't had an ice storm.
"Well, at least I have a personal heater," Toph said with a sigh as she cuddled against him as Jon started up the car and Jun got into the passenger seat.
XXXXX
Toph smiled as she held Zuko's hand as they walked through the town. She heard Jun behind them, and had to admit that Zuko was right. With the sun shining down on them as they walked, she was quite comfortable. Not too cold, and the gloves and thermals she had on helped. As they entered another of the many shops in the village, she inhaled deeply as the scent of leather engulfed her. She loved the smell of leather and a thought came to her.
"Hey, when's your birthday?" she asked her boyfriend.
"June, why?"
"Ah, that's so far," she replied as she felt several leather wallets, feeling the detailed scrollwork. She heard him sigh and knew he would ask.
"When is yours?"
"December 7th," she replied.
"Pearl Harbor day," he muttered under his breath and Toph thought he sounded agitated before his tone lightened again. "That's the day before my mother's."
"And, less than a month away," Toph said with a smirk as she moved from the wallets to the jackets. She heard a familiar voice and started moving that way, wondering who it was as she also heard Zuko follow her and Jun talking quietly with the young man at the register.
"So, I have that long to think up a gift," Zuko said slyly and Toph smiled at that. She focused more on the familiar person and then it clicked who it was when said person squealed high and then Toph was being strangled in a tight hug.
"Toph! It is Toph, right? Oh how did that costume work out? I heard about the party. Oh, the party! Is this him? The guy who broke the jerk's nose for you? I wish I had someone like that!"
"Hi Ty Lee," Toph muttered out through the other's girl jacket and then she was released and she could breathe again. Toph merely smiled up at the taller girl. "Yeah, it's me, and it worked wonderfully. This is him, my boyfriend, Zuko." She gestured back to Zuko and heard his clothes rustle as if he was stiff and tense.
"Oh, it's so nice to meet you," Ty Lee said, approaching Zuko slowly and holding out her hand. Toph heard Zuko take it and shake it gently.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too," Zuko said gruffly, and Toph wondered what his problem was. A minute ago he was laughing and teasing with her, and now he was dark and brooding again. She would have to think about it and listen more closely to him. It was strange how he had suddenly turned dark and aloof after several days of being more friendly.
"Are you here alone?" Toph asked Ty Lee.
"Oh, yes. My family's up here, but my sisters all wanted to go skiing and I didn't. So I thought I'd stroll the town. There are so many wonderful shops and no one I know. It was so good to see a familiar face!"
"Yeah, it is," Toph said with a wry smile when her stomach suddenly growled. "Actually, we were heading to lunch next. Would you like to join us?"
"Sure," Ty Lee replied happily.
"What school do you go to?" Zuko asked, still sounding aloof and Toph frowned at him, but Ty Lee merely giggled.
"Actually I'm home schooled," she replied. "With six sisters and my dad being away a lot, my parents wanted us to be a close knit family. And my mom was a teacher before she married and started having kids. Thank goodness my parents let me get the part time job at the costume shop. That was so much fun! And I got to meet so many great people! Like you, Toph. I hope we can become great friends!"
Toph just laughed. "Yeah, that would be nice. Come on, I'm starving." She started heading towards the door. She heard Zuko shrug and follow her and Ty Lee and Jun step away from the counter.
"And this is…?" Jun asked with a guarded tone.
"This is Ty Lee," Toph introduced. "She helped me with my costume for Aang's party. And, she's home schooled."
Toph didn't hear anything from Jun except her breathing, and Ty Lee was bouncing almost nervously next to her and Zuko was silent as they waited.
"All right," Jun said with a smile in her tone. "Hope you guys like Italian. There's a great place at the corner."
"Yeah, it's great!" Ty Lee said and grabbed Toph's arm, pulling the blind girl alongside her. Toph could only laugh at the girl's endless enthusiasm. She turned her head slightly as she heard Zuko following them and wondered why he was so stiff. Jun had ok'd Ty Lee. And her cousin was the one protecting them. Toph brushed it off to think about later when they were alone, but it was kind of nice to meet another girl who didn't seem to care about her blindness. They soon reached the restaurant and Toph found the smells intoxicating. Everything smelled delicious and it was so warm in the place, she quickly took off her jacket, hat and gloves.
"Wow, that's such a pretty shirt," Ty Lee awed when Toph took her jacket off. "And you have such beautiful, long hair! It must be hard to work with!"
"Not really," Toph shrugged as she slid into a bench seat, hoping Zuko would slide in next to her as Ty Lee slid in across from her. "I usually put it all up so it doesn't get in the way and I can't see the shirt. I just know it's comfortable."
Her boyfriend did slide in next to her and seemed more relaxed as he moved, but he remained silent and Toph hoped that he wouldn't be rude to Ty Lee as Jun slid in next to the talkative girl.
"Her mom designs clothes," Jun said with pride. "And likes to design a lot of stuff for her daughter. At least you're wearing her stuff now, huh Toph?"
"Yeah yeah," Toph replied, waving it off. "But now Sunshine here had better watch out. With both of our moms together, they're probably designing clothes for him."
"Sunshine?" Ty Lee asked, confused. "Oh, is that you Zuko?"
"Yeah, that's him," Jun said in an amused tone. "Toph there gives all her friends nicknames. Says it suits their personalities."
"Are you her aunt?" Ty Lee asked Jun. "You two look very similar. Oh, are you chaperoning them? How romantic."
"She isn't a chaperone," Zuko growled out. "Per say," he said and Toph wondered what his problem was. "Excuse me, I'll be back."
Toph went to grab for his hand, trying to find out what was wrong, but he left too quickly.
"I hope I didn't offend him," Ty Lee said in a soft, disappointed tone. "I know you guys don't really need a chaperone, and that its kind of old fashioned. I just like the idea."
"It's ok," Jun said with a smile in her tone. "Toph's dad is just overprotective and I'm more the driver and fellow shopper right now. As well as the bill payer. I'll be right back, don't get into any trouble."
Toph heard Jun get up and follow Zuko, but knew he had probably disappeared into the men's restroom. Many other people about their age were in the restaurant as well as many families. But Toph ignored them as she waited for Jun and Zuko to get back and instead focused on Ty Lee who seemed to be strangely quiet and humbled.
"Don't worry about them." Toph said with an easy smile. "Jun's actually my cousin and Zuko…well, he's not a people person. It took him a while to open up and it takes him a while to like new people. Trust me, I practically made him get to know me."
"At least you have a nice boyfriend," Ty Lee sighed. "He likes you the way you are and respects you. I can see it every time he looks at you and I remember him from the costume shop. He really cares about you, not just for your body. I wish I could find a guy like that."
"That's a laugh. He cares about my body too. You should have seen him when we went to the party. He froze at the sight of me and I heard him breathing so fast, I thought he might pass out," Toph said and Ty Lee laughed with her. Toph smiled and sobered a little. "But I guess you're right, he does care. Don't worry. You'll find your guy someday," Toph said with a smile as she heard two people approach their table. It wasn't Jun and Zuko, but definitely two guys by the way they walked and that they were probably about Ty Lee's age if not a little older.
"Hi," one of the guys drawled out, trying to sound sexy and interested.
"Hey ladies," the other said, more polite, but still like a guy. The two almost reminded Toph of Hahn, but she held herself back as Ty Lee giggled.
"We're having a party tonight," the first guy stated. "And would like you two to come." He moved and it sounded like he was handing Ty Lee a piece of paper. Then he gave one to Toph. She merely smirked and took it, knowing it was of little use to her.
"Its' just a block away and there will be music, dancing and fun times for all," the second guy said.
The first guy leaned towards Ty Lee. "And, if you're up for it, maybe a little drink. See you there, sweetie." Ty Lee just giggled again and the guys left.
"That sounds like fun!" Ty Lee stated as Toph heard the guys talking to another group of girls a few tables down. The other girls giggled worse than Ty Lee and Toph merely shrugged.
"I'm not sure if I will go," she said.
"Dancing, people, I bet I can get my sisters to go, at least half of them and then Dad will let us go. Please, Toph. Come out tonight."
Toph hesitated. She didn't know these guys or where this party was and she was sure her parents wouldn't let her go, not just because her cousin was protecting her and Zuko. "I'm still not sure…"
"Sure about what?" Zuko asked, startling Toph. She hadn't heard him approach and he slid in next to her as Jun sat down and picked up the paper the guys had given Ty Lee.
"There's a party tonight," Jun said, handing Zuko the flyer. Toph heard Zuko stiffen again and sighed, blowing some hair out of her face. "We'll talk about it later. Toph, you know how your dad feels about these things."
"Yeah," Toph muttered before she smiled at Ty Lee. "Let me get your number and I'll call you if I'm going."
Ty Lee seemed to perk up at that and told Toph her number and they talked throughout lunch, but as soon as they finished, Jun hurried her and Zuko back to the car with some quick good byes to Ty Lee. Once in the car, Jun turned to them both and spoke before either could.
"Look, I know you want to be like a normal teen," the agent said to Toph, "but a party right now may not be the best idea. I know we're in another town, but more than one family from Gaoling could be here. I'll talk to your parents and if it's ok'd, I'll have some of my younger guys in there. They could easily pass for college kids and will be welcomed. If you two are still up for going, I'm going too, to be outside surveillance."
Toph nodded and heard her cousin turn to Zuko as her boyfriend opened his mouth. "And, I know you're wary of people. It's a good trait, but you have to let people in too. I had Jon do some background on this girl while we headed to lunch and everything checks out with her. Danny is heading out to check out the party and the guys hosting it right now. Let me deal with what could be dangerous and I will fill you in on it. If you're too wary, you stand out. Now, do you both want to go to the party?"
Toph answered 'yes' the same time Zuko answered 'no' and Toph turned to him in surprise.
"Why not?" she asked.
"You remember the last party we went to? Or homecoming? It's too dangerous," he replied.
"And Jun and her guys will be there," Toph stated as she felt the car turn onto the main road.
"It's not just that," Zuko replied darkly and in a low tone. Toph wondered what he was talking about and her frustration with him grew. He had been frustrating since they met Ty Lee, and now it was getting worse.
"What then?" Toph asked, frowning.
"I saw the way they were looking at you and Ty Lee. Just like they were looking at all the other girls in there," he answered, his tone getting darker. "They don't care about you or what could happen. They're just interested in getting drunk and…"
"All right," Jun interrupted. "They are college guys after all, but it's still your call. But only if Lao approves. Now, we're heading back and that can give you two some time to think about it. Toph, your parents could easily say no, and trust me, there are more parties out there for you. Zuko, don't always say no. Toph should have taught you that doesn't work all the time."
Toph heard the smugness in her cousin's tone and stuck her tongue out at Jun when she heard her cousin do it to her, but Zuko was still silent. He was distant, as he had been since they had met Ty Lee and she wasn't sure how to bridge that.
XXXXX
Zuko sighed as he followed Jun ad Toph into the house. Toph was still frowning, but at least she was being less frustrating now that they were waiting on her parent's approval for the party. All he wanted to do was spend time with Toph and maybe his mother this weekend, but she had it in her head to go to a party. To put herself in danger again. He stopped in the entryway and spotted the door to the garage. He immediately turned into it and heard Toph stop. Looking over his shoulder at her, he saw her frowning and questioning him.
"I'm gonna work on some forms," he said and knew it came out a little harsh when he saw her face fall slightly, but he quickly opened the door and descended into the garage. He wished there was a punching bag there as he kicked his shoes off, but did as he said he would and started practicing some of the forms Iroh had taught him the week before. As he practiced, he thought about Toph and Jun. Part of what he liked about Toph was that she never took no for anything, but today that had become frustrating. And that girl, Ty Lee, she hadn't helped with her perky attitude. And then those college guys. He just wanted to spend time with Toph, enjoying a few days of peace, but now…now Toph had it in her head to go to a party. Didn't she know how dangerous that was?! He turned and finished a jab with a little more force than necessary and found himself facing Bato.
"Lao said no, so you can relax and stop killing the air," the agent said with a serious face.
Zuko scowled, and Bato merely smiled that small smile of his.
"Besides, there's going to be another party tomorrow, and if the one tonight turns out ok, Lao will let you go, but only if both of you go."
Zuko stopped short of starting another routine and glanced at Bato. The dark skinned agent was serious and it seemed Lao was too. "Does Toph know this?"
"Not yet," Bato answered, tossing a towel at Zuko. "Danny and Jon will be going to the party tonight and apparently the girl, Ty Lee?" Zuko nodded and caught the towel. Bato nodded and continued. "Her parents said no to tonight as well, but they're doing something similar and the two oldest are going to the party tonight and if everything turns out all right the rest of the family will be able to go. Can you believe that girl is the youngest of six?"
"That explains some of it," Zuko muttered as he wiped his forehead and looked for a place to toss the towel. He spotted a laundry basket next to the dryer and tossed the towel in there. He sighed. "I still don't think it's a good idea to go to a party."
Bato merely nodded. "That may be true, but you're young still. Have some fun and let us worry about danger."
Zuko frowned as he eyed the agent. Bato's eyes were serious but a small smile was tugging at his mouth, as if he knew what the scarred teen was thinking.
"Besides," Bato said as Zuko continued to stay silent. "Lao may still say no tomorrow. Get up there and enjoy that girl."
Zuko let a small smile tug at his mouth and nodded before he turned to hurry up the stairs. He heard voices in the family room and found Toph, Jun and their mothers there playing dominos at the coffee table and Toph was looking slightly depressed. Jun spotted him first as he walked towards them and nudged Toph, whispering something in her ear. Toph stopped looking sad and turned towards Zuko as he walked towards them. He stopped short, knowing all eyes were on him, and unsure what to do. Jun smiled wryly and got up.
"Take my spot," she said to Zuko. "I'm gonna grabs some drinks. Ursa? Jaz? What would you like?"
"Some tea please," Ursa and Jasmine both replied, "Coke," Toph said and Jun turned towards Zuko.
"Just some water," Zuko replied before taking Jun's seat next to Toph.
"Actually, we need to make more tea," Ursa said and when Zuko glanced at his mother, he saw her smiling at him with a twinkle in her eyes and pulling Jasmine up with her. All three women left the room, some giggles escaping them and Zuko found himself alone with Toph. She turned away from and the scarred teen found himself at a loss for words. Earlier he had been frustrated, even angry with her for putting them in danger and wanting to go to the party, but now he was realizing he was being stupid.
"Toph, I…" he started but was stopped suddenly as Toph turned and kissed him soundly. He kissed her back, feeling passion and need in her kiss and trying to reassure her at the same as he returned the passion. When she finally stopped, he searched her face with his eyes and saw that she was still uncertain, but she seemed more at peace.
"I know," she said quietly. "And I am too. My dad…"
"Said no, I heard."
"Look, I know you're worried," she said, irritation starting to line her tone again, "but…"
Zuko stopped her with a kiss and when he finally stopped, smiled as her face was turned towards him, wanting more. "But there could be tomorrow," he said softly.
He smiled as her face screwed up in confusion. "What?" she asked as Zuko heard the women coming back in.
"Yeah, your father said there could be a possibility of you two going tomorrow," Jun said as she set down two cokes before the teens. Toph brightened and Zuko saw Jun smirk. "But only if everything turns out ok, Lao approves it and you both go."
Toph turned from her cousin to Zuko and she was grinning again, but looked at him expectantly. "So…"
Zuko smiled slightly. He knew it was dangerous, but they had people watching out for them and Toph and Jun and Bato were right. He had to live and enjoy life. "If everything is approved, yeah, I'll go." All of his doubts vanished as Toph brightened and hugged him to which all the women laughed.
"All right, break it up," Jun said with a smirk. "Everything still has to go according to plan, including Lao approving. Now, I'm gonna beat you all at this game."
"Not on your life," Toph replied with an even bigger smirk as she faced off against her cousin. Zuko smiled and enjoyed the game as they played through the rest of the afternoon. Iroh joined in the game later, but Toph and Jun were the only ones who won as they played with raised dominos, though Zuko wasn't quite sure how Toph knew what everyone else had or how to beat them. But, that was Toph and he enjoyed every minute of being with her.
