A/N: It's been a long time-12 years! A lot has happened, and I did continue to write-slowly. I have most of the rest of the story mapped out. Now it's just getting it onto the computer and filling in the details between major plot points. Please R&R and thank you to everyone who's been waiting. Updates will be slow, but I WILL finish! Eventually :)
Fight or Flight continued
Chapter 22
Zuko was surprised at how quickly and easily they slipped into a routine upon their return to Gaoling. The weather was pleasant, and school moved easily, even with their were normal for the most part, and the usual troublemakers were either going out of their way to ignore Zuko or they were actually being friendly. The scarred teen nodded back to Jet as he passed the other senior in the hallway and felt a smile creep onto his face. It was good to be home, and Zuko almost laughed at himself as he realized what that thought meant. Glancing down to his right, the smile came fully and easily to him. Toph was grinning in her usual, mischievous way as they walked from lunch to his history class, having left lunch early as trouble was brewing there.
Apparently Sokka had gone with Suki to visit her grandparents for the weekend, and that had left Aang and Katara with lots of time together. Alone. Though they kept saying nothing had happened, and Toph had told Zuko that Aang wouldn't do anything since he was such a goody two shoes, they had been acting odd since they had arrived back at school on Tuesday. Zuko often caught Aang dreamily staring at Katara and vice versa and both off into space with huge, goofy grins on their faces when the other wasn't around. It was almost sickening to Zuko and apparently Sokka was completely sickened by it. By lunch, Sokka was scowling at his sister and friend. The two were staring dreamily at each other from across the table and Toph had been snickering quietly as Zuko watched Sokka fume more and more while they ate. It reached the final straw when Aang took a spoonful of soup to his mouth, and because of his dreamy mood, spilled most of it on the way to his mouth. Zuko could only watch in horror as the soup that fell, hit the table and splashed onto Sokka's front.
Aang still had no idea what had happened, though Zuko knew Katara had noticed as Sokka jumped up and cried out as hot soup hit him and soaked through his shirt. Sokka glared at Aang who was still oblivious. Toph could barely hold in her snickering as Sokka glanced towards Zuko in disbelief. The scarred teen merely shrugged, not knowing what could be done and smiled slightly when Sokka grabbed Aang's arm and hauled him to his feet.
"Wha…? What's wrong? Sokka?" Aamg had asked, not understanding what was happening as Sokka hauled the sophomore off to a corner.
"Oh no," Katara moaned as Toph started laughing. Zuko felt his smile grow as they watched Sokka talking down to Aang, obviously angry but keeping his voice down as Aang looked abashed and down at his feet, nodding every so often to whatever Sokka was saying. The scarred teen wisely kept his mouth shut and continued eating his lunch as Toph's laughter died down. He could almost feel Katara getting angry beside him. She leaned forward in front of him, looking at his expression when Toph let out another laugh, but quickly moved to glare at Toph across the table since Zuko kept his face expressionless. He could see a storm brewing in Katara's face and posture and was ready to edge away from her at a moment's notice should she blow up at Sokka or Toph. He noticed Sokka was heading back towards them at that moment, and was walking behind Aang. Aang was looking very contrite and Sokka had a smug look on his face. Aang sat down humbly, shooting Katara a quick smile, but Sokka still stood there, smug and triumphant. Zuko noticed Katara opening her mouth to send a few choice words towards her brother out of the corner of his eye, but Sokka raised a finger towards his sister.
"Don't even get me started on you," the blue eyed senior told his sister in a stern tone as he sat down. "At least Toph and Zuko , or even Suki and I have the decency to act like normal people in public settings. You two need to be aware of what's around you. When you're on your own, you can be all lovey-dovey. But it makes me sick watching my little sister be that way. Understood?"
"Yeah," Katara said in a sullen tone before falling into silence. The entire table was silent, though Zuko could tell his own girlfriend was having a hard time keeping it in.
"I'm going to head to history early," Zuko said, having finished his lunch while Aang had been chewed out. "Toph, want to join me?"
Toph had nodded and almost jumped out of her seat to join him and, when Zuko glanced back, he saw Katara starting to look angry and was glad he had left. Toph burst out laughing as soon as the door shut to the cafeteria behind them.. Bato had been waiting in the hallway for him and gave Toph an odd look before turning a questioning look to Zuko who just shrugged. He would have explained to Bato had Longshot and Smellerbee not come out of the cafeteria at that moment and passed them all with a wave and a smile. Toph's laugh had subsided and she was all grins as they walked on before Bato caught up with them as Jet and his sister turned a corner.
"I'll explain later," Zuko told the agent before Bato could say a thing and he saw the man nod out of the corner of his eye. Zuko's words seemed to have reminded Toph of the reason why they had left and she started giggling again.
"Sounds like it will be an interesting tale," Bato said with a small smile before dropping back as they heard several people scarred teen was slightly surprised to find Jun and Mr. Jeong talking and actually laughing as they turned the corner and approached the couple.
"Ah, just who I was hoping to see," Mr. Jeong said with his wry grin pulling at his mouth. "And what seems to be the problem with Miss Bei Fong?"
"Katara and Sokka being themselves," Toph managed as her laughter subsided once again
"Ah yes," Mr. Jeong mused, stroking his small beard. "The elder brother being protective and the younger sister with her well known temper. They will be calm again by the time the club meets again, I hope."
"Yeah, they should be," Toph replied with a final giggle."Did you have something to tell us, Mr Jeong?"
"Actually, it was to Mr. Roku here, "Mr. Jeong said, turning his gaze to Zuko, his smile fading to reveal a frown. Zuko felt a sense of dread, but wondered what could be the problem. The past week and a half had been wonderful, and with the team picked for the upcoming tournament, the scarred teen didn't know what could be wrong, minus his unwelcome family showing up."The tournament committee will not allow anyone who can not participate to be on the team, even as a reserve member."
Zuko felt all the good feelings he had been experiencing that day dissipate, even though he knew he should have been expecting this. Clenching his fists, he felt the reason he could not be on the team; the cast on his wrist. Even though it was coming up on a month from the time his father had broken his wrist, it was still too soon to remove it.
"Don't despair, Zuko," Jun said with her usual smug tone. "We have a plan."
"Though one part you may not appreciate," Mr. Jeong said, his face showing even more of a frown.
"So, what is it?" Toph asked, tilting her head to one side and giving the adults an odd look.
"Mr. Jeong turned to Toph and sighed. "I'm afraid Hide will be joining us next weekend." Toph sighed audibly and Mr. Jeong turned to Zuko. "But to keep the young man in line, I find myself needing an assistant. Since you cannot be a member of the team, would you consider being an assistant coach?"
Jun started grinning while Zuko wisely kept his face impassive. Toph was grinning again, but Zuko was unsure how to answer. He hadn't wanted to be on the team in the first place, but had accepted that. And now that he couldn't participate, he could be an assistant coach, something he never thought he could be or wanted to be.
"Come on Sunshine, it'll be fun," Toph said, taking Zuko's hand in hers.
"I'm not sure," Zuko started, running his free hand through his hair, and frowning when his cast caught, but a quick tug got his cast free. It was odd how quickly he had become used to the cast.
"Think about it, but I'll need an answer by tomorrow," Mr. Jeong stated with a nod to him and then Jun before walking off towards the locker room.
"And it's almost time for class to start. Come on Squirt, let's get you to history. See you later Zuko."
Zuko smiled down at Toph once more as she squeezed his hand before following her scarred teen glanced at Bato before making his way towards his own history class. As he sat down in the empty classroom, he thought about what the gym teacher had offered him. He knew he had to be close to Toph for Jun to protect them both, to make it easier for the agents, but could he coach, or even make it look like he could be a coach? He didn't even like to show moves he knew to people. Could he actually be a supportive, positive influence during the tournament?
He saw Bato come in behind Sokka, and the blue-eyed senior was smiling in a triumphant way. That faltered when Sokka looked at Zuko and Sokka's face fell.
"You ok?" Sokka asked as he fell into his normal seat next to Zuko.
"Yeah, just thinking," Zuko muttered as a few more people started trickling in. "Your sister ok?" Zuko asked, trying to change the subject.
Sokka started grinning again. "Yeah, she's fine. She knows where I stand now and I don't care how she rants. I'm still her older brother." Sokka drifted off into silence and then leaned over and started whispering. "You know I'm here, if you need to talk, right?"
Zuko snickered a little. "You sound like Toph and my uncle. But yeah, I know. Thanks."
"No prob," Sokka said with a goofy grin before Mr. Zhou came in and the class quieted for another long lecture.
XXXXXX
Toph curled into Zuko's side for the drive home, wondering what was going through her boyfriend's head. He had been quiet since their lunchtime meeting with Mr. Jeong. She wondered what he was thinking, but at least he had not become as moody as he could have been. After their fight in the mountains, he had been trying to be not as moody or protective. Toph knew it was hard for him to accept being a coach, even though they both knew it was necessary. As they turned onto their street, he suddenly pulled her closer in a tight hug.
She turned towards him with a smile. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Just thinking about the tournament," he stated in a low voice, his tone telling her he was worried.
Toph just let her hands rest on his as the car slowed to turn into her driveway. "It'll all work out. Relax."
She felt Zuko sigh and then squeeze her gently. "I know," he whispered. He kept silent as the car stopped in the garage and they waited for the door to close.
"Ok, you two," Jun said as she opened her door. "Let's get homework finished and then we'll discuss plans for the tournament."
"We're going," Toph replied with a wry grin before scooting away from the warmth Zuko gave off to get out of the car. She heard him get out behind her and follow her to the family room so they could work on their homework together. From the sounds of the house, Toph knew the house was empty, but she could smell her mother's perfume, telling her that Jasmine had been home recently.
While she worked on history, she felt comfortable with Zuko beside her, but knew he wasn't getting much done. The third time he set a book down after just opening it, she turned to him with a wry grin and pulled out her phone. A push of a button, and Jun picked up on the other end.
"Hey Squirt," she heard her cousin say through the phone and knew Zuko was watching her. "Everything ok over there?"
"Yeah, but maybe we should switch it up a little," Toph replied.
"Ok, we'll be over shortly," Jun replied before hanging up.
Toph knew Zuko was probably looking at her oddly, so she turned to him and smiled. "You're not getting anything done, and probably won't until the tournament is settled."
Her boyfriend was silent and she was pleasantly surprised when he kissed her lightly. She heard Danny turn away intentionally from the other side of the room as she kissed Zuko stopped when they heard the front door open and whispered a quick "thanks" as they heard not only Jun, but their mothers enter the family room. Feeling Zuko tense next to her, she wondered what was going on. Especially when she heard her mother set a pile of fabric down.
"We have a surprise for both of you," Toph heard her mother say in an excited voice.
"Jun let us know about the change, so we've been altering the design," Ursat stated, also excited, but more subdued than Jasmine.
"These are just the basic designs. What do you think, Zuko?" Jasmine asked.
Toph heard her mother hold a piece of fabric up and Zuko remained silent. To break the silence that was starting to become uncomfortable, Toph turned to her boyfriend.
"What's it look like, Sunshine?"
She heard Zuko let out a small sigh, almost in relief to not have to answer the pair of mothers right away.
"The top is black,with green lining the front and neck. On the back is the symbol of the school with the words 'assistant coach' above that."
"And Toph's are dark green with white pants, just like the school colors," Jun stated in a happy tone. "Zuko, I know you don't really want to be an assistant coach, but you also…"
"I know," Zuko stated, stern enough to get his point across without trying to sound angry. "I have to be close." He abruptly stood and walked over to his mother. Toph just smiled as she heard Zuko hug Ursa gently.
"Thank you," she heard him say softly.
"You're welcome dear," Ursa replied and she thought she heard a tear in the woman's voice.
Zuko then let his mother go and turned to Jasmine. "And thank you, Mrs. Bei Fong."
Toph almost laughed and heard Jun chuckle as Jasmine hugged Zuko, something he wasn't expecting.
"I'm so glad you like it!" Jasmine said as she let Zuko go.
"So you're ok with being a coach?" Jun asked skeptically. "You know what that means, right?"
"I know I have to be, but what do you mean?"
"You might want to sit down with Toph again," Jun said with a smile.
Toph wondered what was going through her cousin's mind for her tone also had a teasing quality to it. She felt Zuko's warmth as he sat down next to her and she laid a hand on his. She felt that he was still tense, but he stayed silent.
"Yes, you'll have to be supportive, something I know is not generally in your nature," Jun said with a wry smile in her tone. Zuko didn't react next to her, but she guessed he was ready for Jun's verbal jabs. "There will be several matches occurring at once, and paperwork will need to be turned in throughout the day as matches are finished and people move through the ranks. Jeong and I discussed it and you'll probably be in charge of making sure the proper paperwork is submitted for a select number of attendees, which will include Toph. Jeong and I are discussing which of the others you'll be responsible for. You'll also need to make sure you know which arenas your attendees will need to be at and when. One of my guys will be tailing you the entire time, and I'll have people in the crowd and around the building throughout the tournament. Neither of you will be allowed to leave without at least one of my guys with each of you. Does that sound reasonable?"
Toph felt Zuko's hand tense more for a moment, but then his body relaxed next to hers. "Yeah, it does. Do I...will I get a say in who I'll be responsible for?"
"Unfortunately, no," Jun stated and Toph could almost feel Zuko sag a little. "But, Mr. Jeong and I have worked it out so that you won't have to deal with anyone you've had issues with...too much. You'll still need to be there, to be a coach, but Mr. Jeong thought it would be best for you to be in charge of your friends and the youngest participant..Choji? Shogee?"
"Shoji," Zuko corrected softly and Toph smiled as she heard a small smile in his tone.
"Yep, that's the one. He's a back up, but will be able to be in a couple matches the first day with other freshmen and reserves. Matches that won't count towards the groups' total. Also, Toph, Sokka, Aang and Katara. Although it seems you and that Jet guy have mended fences, let's not push our luck too far. Things are different when you're almost equals versus superior and subordinate."
Zuko nodded and Toph sent a questioning look at her cousin. "So, what are the rules for the tournament? You seem well informed."
Jun chuckled and Toph heard both mothers laugh lightly. "Jeong informed me of the basics, but they sound similar to the tournaments I did when I was your age and in college. Matches will be 90 seconds, or first to 5 points. Finals are usually 2 minutes or 10 points. Trust me, 90 seconds is a long time when you're in the ring. A score on the other person with a punch or kick earns points, as long as it's legal. Usually kicks earn more points than punches. Fighting dirty, or hitting illegal areas, like tender critical areas gets you disqualified. Usually a warning and then disqualification, kind of like the yellow then red card in soccer, unless it's really serious."
Toph nodded her understanding and heard and felt Zuko doing the same before Jun continued.
"There'll be 3 matches for each person the first day, Friday. That will rank the participants and groups. Then at least 3 each the second day, once the levels are sorted. If you lose twice on Saturday, you're out. Then its final death Sunday until 1 person is the winner. The team with the most points scored wins the team trophy. Mr. Jeong will fill in the nuances this next week."
"Thanks," muttered Zuko.
"No prob," Jun replied with her usual smirk in her tone. "Now, get back to the homework. I promised Lao and Iroh you two wouldn't fall behind with all the stuff going on."
Toph just laughed as the women got up and headed to her kitchen as she and Zuko finally started to do their homework...with an occasional kiss thrown in when they were sure no one was looking.
