Chapter 23 Preparing Holiday
A/N: Tournament is next, hopefully next week. There may be a break after the tournament but I'm hoping to continue writing. Please R&R, let me know what you think! Thank you
The week actually moved smoothly until the weekend. Mr. Jeong had picked the team, obviously including Toph, Katara, Sokka, and Aang. Other participants included Smellerbee, Longshot, Jet, Angie, Pipsqueak and Haru. Shoji and Hide were the backups. No one had been particularly pleased about Hide being a backup, but he seemed humble enough about it as the team was announced. Angie informed Zuko after the team meeting that her grandfather had a heart to heart and given his best evil eye and grandfather/teacher speech to Hide to ensure he behave or he would be removed, no matter what day or time.
On Saturday, Toph came over to Zuko's house with Jun after he finished his breakfast, and she did not look pleased.
"You ok?" he asked her quietly as Jun went to join Ursa and Iroh in the kitchen for Iroh's special tea.
"No, but I should have seen this coming," Toph almost growled out. Zuko studied his girlfriend. This wasn't her usual morning grumpiness, but seemed to be more like she had been arguing with her father. He drew her to the couch in the thankfully empty family room and just sat with her, trying to be patient.
She smiled up at him and just cuddled into his side. "My mom's family will be here for thanksgiving. And for Christmas, we're going up to Santa Barabara to see my dad's side of the family and then see Uncle Bumi in Sacramento before the new year. The thing that sucks is you and your family aren't invited."
Zuko sighed. He should have seen this coming. Lao didn't like him or his family endangering Toph.
"I know," Toph sighed, almost as if she could read his mind. "My dad made a big point of not wanting the rest of the family knowing the drama or danger. If my grandparents...his parents, knew, I bet they'd want an armored platoon around my house and me 24/7. I don't think he wants the drama. Jun will be with me cause she's family, but Nyla will have to stay over here."
"At least we'll have the rest of thanksgiving weekend," Zuko stated. "It'll be busy, but we'll be somewhat together."
Toph actually chuckled a little at that. "That's true. And I can usually get out of the house Thursday morning since I just get bored or in the way. Maybe we can spend the morning together."
Zuko studied her face and was glad she was starting to smile. He was struck again how beautiful she was and how lucky he was to know her and actually be with her. She must have sensed a difference in him because she met him in what started out as a gentle kiss, but quickly deepened until they were making out. Knowing their 'chaperones' were in the next room kept him from taking it too far, but he relished the taste of her kiss, the feel of the passion in her kiss. Toph started to pull away a little as he heard Jun get up from the kitchen tale and start to make her way towards them.
"Too bad we can't do this more often, "Toph breathed as they seperated.
"I know," Zuko just sighed, leaning his forehead against hers.
"All right, you two lovebirds," Jun said with a smile. "No getting all sappy. Toph fill you in on the holiday issues?"
Zuko separated himself enough from Toph to meet Jun's eyes.
"A little. How long will the Christmas getaway take and what's the plan then?"
Jun smirked. "I'll have all my people in the area as well as some of Piandao's detectives on Thanksgiving and during the tournament. The 17th will be your last day of school before winter break. We'll leave for Santa Barbara on the morning of the 24th. We'll be in Sacramento the 27th and come back the 28th. I'll have Sue and a couple others follow us up north, but Bato and Danny will stay here with you and keep my other men in line. I'm already making calls to the police agencies of where we'll be to make sure they know we'll be in the area and to see if they can provide some plain clothes detectives. Bumi has already promised whatever we want in Sacramento. He's actually sad that he won't get to meet you over the holiday."
"The governor knows about me?"Zuko asked, surprised.
Jun's smirk just grew as she shrugged. "He knew before I mentioned my detail regarding the upcoming visit. I think he knows your uncle because he mentioned being sad about not getting a new tea and drinking partner."
Toph laughed at that and Zuko sighed, but let a small smile come to his lips. Of course the governor knew Iroh. Sometimes it seemed as if few people didn't know his uncle in some way.
"Well, now that that's out of the way. What do you two want to do today?" Jun asked.
"Stay here,"Toph stated, just cuddling further into Zuko's side. He wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her side. It amazed him how well she fit against him and how she was always so cold! Maybe she just used it as an excuse to get some more cuddling in. Not that he minded, of course.
"I have a couple movies, and don't really want to head out either," Zuko stated. Jun just nodded and turned to leave them. Before she turned back to the kitchen, she turned back to them and gave them a wry smile.
"I better hear some talking, or I'll have to check up on you two, just to make sure you're only watching movies."
Toph laughed and Zuko smiled as he nodded before getting up to get a move going so they could just cuddle on the couch for a bit.
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The holiday week arrived, and, before they knew it, was over. Zuko wrapped an arm around Toph as they drove home from school on Wednesday. The club meeting had just been a meeting among those who would attend the tournament. Hide had been initially ecstatic about being on the team, but that had turned into a scowl when it was announced he was just a sub, but mostly because Zuko was assistant coach. Mr. Jeong had noticed the attitude and that every time Hide thought the teacher wasn't looking, he would scowl at Zuko because Mr Jeong took him aside half way through and Hide was looking cowed when he returned. Toph had been snickering while Mr. Jeong had been talking to Hide, but Zuko tried to ignore it.
Everyone else had been excited and wondering what would happen. They were informed of the rules which were very close to what Jun had informed Zuko and Toph of. Shoji was excited to just be a part of the group and that he and Hide would actually get to compete on Friday. Everyone would have 3 matches Friday to determine rankings and levels, and then the real competition began Saturday. There were individual trophies and a team trophy.
Zuko was actually starting to embrace the tournament but also had a feeling of dread, hoping his father didn't make an appearance. But, that was why Jun and Bato and the FBI agents were there.
Toph curled into his side as they drove home. She had enjoyed herself at the club meeting, but was now acting nervous. Zuko noticed that Jun was on edge as well.
"Relax." Zuko whispered into Toph's ear. It's just a day with your family."
Toph sighed heavily then turned to smile up at him. "I know. At least we can spend some time together in the morning."
Zuko nodded. "Just call when you're ready to come over."
Toph just nodded again and curled up into his side. She stayed pretty quiet the rest of that night, spending the evening at Zuko's house for as long as possible, even sharing dinner with him and his uncle and mother before curling up on the couch to watch and listen to Oscar. Zuko was surprised but happy the movie Toph had introduced him to had become a favorite. He found something new to smile or laugh at every time he watched it. Toph continued to be quiet, for her, but she seemed to not be as nervous as she had in the car or for previous family days. As Zuko started feeling drowsy, but too soon for either of them, Jun came to let them know it was time to get Toph home. After several farewell kisses, even though Zuko knew Jun was smirking more and more at the door, they said good night.
After Toph left, Zuko joined his mother and uncle at the kitchen table. Ursa was looking healthier since she had come to live with him and Uncle. She was writing something down as Bato was serving her and Iroh some tea. She brightened and smiled at Zuko as he took the seat next to her. He glanced at the paper and was surprised to see a list of ingredients and recipes.
"I thought we should have a nice Thanksgiving dinner for us, since the Bei Fongs are having their own holiday dinner," Ursa said with a smile. "And we'll have all the agents who aren't working outside over as well. And open meals for all the others for the hard work they've done", She said, turning her smile to Bato.
Zuko smirked a little as he saw a faint blush appear on the FBI agent's cheeks. Then his smirk fell. "Will we need to shop tomorrow?"
"Maybe just for a few odds and ends," Iroh stated after sipping his tea. "Bato and his people have been getting groceries all week, and some have their own favorite dishes they'll be bringing."
"I just was making a list of the staples and some favorites of Iroh's and mine. Any requests?" Ursa asked Zuko.
Zuko glanced down at the list she had made. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, homemade rolls. He scanned it as he started towards the bottom. All the things he remembered fondly were there, but something wasn't….there it was.
"You already have it," he said pointing towards the bottom. "My favorite dessert."
Ursa's smile grew to a grin. "Mine too," she said with a conspiracy wink. "If you can help me tomorrow, we can make it ourselves."
Zuko could only stare at her. He then felt a genuine grin come to his face and hugged his mother, remembering to be gentle. Ever since his father had torn their family apart, there were many regrets and things he wished he could have one more time. Homemade pumpkin pie was always at the top of that list every time the holidays came around. Now, he wouldn't have to wish for something from the past. He and his mother could actually make a cherished childhood memory.
"Of course, Mom. Thank you."
He heard Iroh sigh sweetly and Bato turn away as mother and son hugged before working out the last of the needed ingredients for the next day.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Toph woke among her cocoon of blankets to the smells of things baking in the house. She breathed in deeply, sighing. The smells and tastes of Thanksgiving were the bright points of the holiday. Not that she didn't love and miss her grandparents, but they were almost as protective of her as her own parents. She heard Jun stumble down the hallway towards the kitchen and hurried into the shower.
Once she was dressed warmly, but in some nice jeans and a warm, long sleeved shirt her parents would approve of her wearing for her grandparents, she slipped into the kitchen to be surrounded by the warmth and smells of food cooking. She smelled the turkey in the oven, the preparation of the stuffing, the herbs and veggies being prepped, and the baked goods being prepped. Jun slid her a cup of tea and she smiled as she smelled Iroh's brew. It was becoming a favorite of hers. And it did really help her wake up more, without the jitters she had received the couple times she had drunk coffee.
"Who's baking?" Toph asked her cousin.
"Your father," Jun said in a low voice, clearly surprised. "Fong set the turkey and prepped what he could before leaving to be with his family. I have strict instructions on when to take the turkey out and when to put the sides in. But your dad...I didn't know he was skilled in the culinary arts."
Toph just smiled. "He loves to bake, he just doesn't have a whole lot of time to devote. This is probably the only time of the year he can really enjoy it."
Toph smiled pleasantly at her father as he approached them both with some plates of delicious smelling rolls and honey. "It's a shame no one else enjoys the work, only the results," Lao stated as he set the plates before toph and Jun.
"Wish I could Dad, but you won't let me get close," Toph replied with a smile.
"And we all know Jaz can't," Jun said in a low voice. Toph smiled as she bit into her roll as she heard her father chuckle softly. They all knew Jasmine wanted to cook and bake well, just couldn't.
Lao cleared his throat. "Toph, your grandparents will be here about 2, and dinner will be at 4. You're free until they arrive."
"Thanks Dad!," Toph stated and reached for her phone.
"But…" Lao stated and Toph paused. "Be careful."
Toph smiled at her father. "I will be, Dad. Jun will be with me."
"And where do you think we'll be going, Squirt?" Jun asked.
Toph just pulled out her phone and called Zuko. He picked up quickly. "Hi," he stated, a smile in his tone.
"Hey Sunshine,"Toph replied, turning slightly away from Jun and her father. "Did you want to do anything this morning? I'm free until 2."
"We're all set over here until that time," Zuko replied. "It's actually a nice day, want to take a walk to the beach?"
Toph smiled. "That sounds great. I'll see you soon."
She hung up after Zuko made his farewell and turned back to Lao and Jun. "We'll take a walk to the beach. Not too far."
"All right," Lao said and Toph heard her father nod before turning back to his baking.
Jun instantly pulled out her phone and Toph heard her cousin calling her people to prepare for their simple walk. A couple minutes later, Toph and Jun were at Zuko's door. When he opened it, the smells in her own kitchen were dwarfed compared to the spices she smelled from Zuko's house. Toph breathed it in deeply, sighing. Zuko was there and she could smell many of the spices on him as well when he moved to kiss her softly. Bato and Nyla joined them and Zuko held her hand as they walked to the beach.
"You seem in a good mood," Toph finally stated after they were a block from their houses. Now that they were away from the smells of cooking, she could definitely smell cinnamon and nutmeg on her boyfriend, more so than his usual scent.
"I was able to help my mom bake this morning. It was...fun."
Toph laughed lightly as her boyfriend sounded slightly surprised.
"I wish I could bake," she sighed.
"Why don't you?" he asked.
"Dad doesn't want me near any fire. I tried...once," she replied, holding out her wrist with her burn scar. "I was 5 and my dad flipped out when I reached too far and slipped, catching my wrist on the oven door. I'm lucky he even lets me in the kitchen."
She heard her boyfriend nod and then he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her. She reveled in his scent, and the scent of the baking spices.
"Maybe we can try. Later…"
She nodded. If Zuko was decent at baking, he could help her, be her eyes for what she couldn't' see.
"So what did you bake today?" she asked.
"Rolls and my favorite, pumpkin pie," he replied with a smile. "The pie is a recipe of my mom's, a little different from the store bought ones, something I've missed the past couple of years."
Toph smiled as she heard a sad smile in Zuko's voice. She just wrapped her arm around his waist and gave him a gentle squeeze. She smiled more as she smelled the sea air become stronger and felt a little bit of spray on her face. They had reached the beach. She and Zuko turned to walk slowly on the boardwalk, followed by Jun and Bato walking Nyla a respectable distance behind them. Toph just enjoyed being with her boyfriend, and heard several people moving around them. She knew not many people were out, but the constant feeling of eyes on her was familiar now. Being followed by FBI agents for a couple weeks had made her grow accustomed to the feeling.
As they neared downtown and were about to turn around, Toph felt something else. She knew she wasn't the only one as she heard Nyla and Zuko tense first.
"Act casual," Zuko whispered as he reached down to kiss her neck. She heard him moving around slowly, as if just looking around and making a gesture. He turned and reached out towards Jun and Toph was surprised as Jun handed him Nyla's leash.
"I don't see anything," Jun said in a low tone as she passed the leash. "Let's get back, but be casual. And take the next right."
Toph didn't nod in response and just leaned into Zuko more as if she were cold. He took the lead, Nyla on his other side from Toph. It felt as if they were shielding Toph from whatever new was watching them. They walked casually, but slightly faster than how they had walked out. Toph knew the right Jun had mentioned was coming up and Zuko took it quickly, as soon as they were able. She felt the sense of discomfort lessen and just knew they were out of sight of whoever was watching them.
"Slow down a bit, Sunshine," she whispered. Zuko nodded once, but stayed tense. She heard Jun motion and Zuko took another right, into what Toph knew was a tall alley behind businesses.
"Sue, Danny, Tom," Jun said after pulling out her phone. "Northeast of my location. From a height, probably at least 100 meters. Call Piandao and check it out. No singles, at least pairs, no matter what. Thanks."
Jun took a deep breath and turned to Zuko and Toph. "Good instincts, you two. We'll wait here a moment. Have it checked out. Could be nothing."
"It's not nothing," Zuko replied, his voice tense and moody. "We all know it's him."
"We do, but others don't," Jun replied. "Not a word to your family, Toph. We don't want to worry them. Let's wait here, and if need be, i'll have a couple cars come and do a shell game."
"I'm sure he knows where we live," Zuko stated. "Why the shell game?"
"He probably does know, especially with Toph's family being so prominent. But he would also know the houses are the most guarded. He's more likely to attack en route."
Zuko and Toph both nodded their understanding. Toph sighed. This had started as such a nice morning with her boyfriend. Though she knew the risks, she hated that the man they were trying to capture had ruined such a wonderful moment. She knew Zuko would blame himself, and she wanted to help him.
She drew him back towards one of the walls of the alley and then turned him towards her. "It's not your fault," she told him sternly.
She heard him nod, but he was silent. She grabbed his shirt and promptly pulled him down for a kiss. He seemed surprised but was soon kissing her back. She knew Jun and Bato had turned away from them, pretending not to notice. Only Nyla remained watching them, in a relaxed sit.
Once they pulled apart for air, Zuko just pulled her close to him, resting his head on hers. They were silent for at least a minute before Zuko sighed. "I know," he whispered. "I hate this, but I know we need to do this to catch him. I just...I don't want him to hurt anyone else."
Toph felt him squeeze her more tightly and she just hugged him back. They both knew this was the way it had to be. Act normal and hope the maniac came out of hiding and got caught. But the emotional toil on them, on Zuko, that was the hardest part. Toph knew some of what he had been through, and she believed he could do this and more. And she would do her best to keep him from blaming himself for any wrong that was caused by his father.
After only a couple minutes, though it seemed almost an eternity to her, and she was sure even longer for Zuko. Jun's phone rang.
"Yes? All checked? No one missing or hurt? Ok, thanks. We'll walk for now. Have the boys stay in their positions and keep an eye on our surroundings. One shout and we'll go to ground and call for cars. Thanks Sue."
Toph heard Jun sigh and relax slightly before turning to them. "It seems he was on a rooftop 200 feet away, watching the boardwalk, opposite direction from your neighborhood. A glimpse of movement was caught as Sue and a cop went up the last rung of a ladder. They're pretty sure he left the other side of the building, away from us. Let's get going. Walk quick, but casual."
Toph heard Zuko nod as she did and they started walking back, this time Bato in front and Jun strolling along behind them. Zuko still held Nyla's leash as they walked back home. Jun and Bato got texts occasionally but they made it back to Zuko's house in one piece without anything else happening. Zuko promptly led Toph to the family room, pausing for a moment by the hallway that led to bedrooms.
Toph plopped onto the couch, sighing heavily as she felt Zuko fall onto the couch next to her. He had seemed more at ease and almost tired once they had entered his home. The smells of thanksgiving had made them realize that it had only been less than an hour that they had been out. If a chance of meeting Zuko's father was this exhausting, Toph wasn't sure she had enough energy to deal with her family that day. But, there was someone who needed her strength more. She heard Zuko breathing next to her, a little ragged, but almost like he was trying to control himself. Placing a hand on his, she felt him clenching his fist, a hint of a tremble in it before he stopped as he took her hand in his.
"Jun and her people will get him soon," Toph stated, smiling up towards her boyfriend.
"I know," he breathed out, sounding tired. Toph grinned as he pulled her closer to him, up to his side and almost into his waited, feeling there was something more..
"Why can't he just leave me alone?" Zuko whispered, more to himself than to her.
Toph just cuddled into his side, hearing quiet murmurs coming from the kitchen. Though Jun wouldn't tell her family of what had just happened, she knew Iroh and Ursa should know. She just stayed silent, being strong while Zuko processed his emotions.
After just a minute, Toph heard Zuko's breath finally even out. She heard and felt him take a deep breath and then he squeezed her hand, a strength she had felt many times present in his grip. She grinned as he kissed her soundly.
"Glad you're feeling better," she breathed when they finally separated for air.
"Thanks," he said. "Too bad we can't spar. Or use a punching bag."
"Couple more weeks," Toph replied, grinning. They heard footsteps come from the kitchen and Toph recognized Iroh as he came into the family room.
"I know this is troublesome, Nephew," Iroh started, but paused, probably seeing what Toph assumed was Zuko in a halfway decent mood. Iroh just chuckled for a moment. "But hope is always present. Jun received more information just now. He was spotted leaving the area. He will make his presence known again, but probably not today."
Zuko just nodded before turning to Toph. "So, what movie do we watch before you have to go home to your family?"
Toph just laughed lightly as Iroh left them, glad her boyfriend was out of his dark mood so quickly. "Pick 3 you're curious or like and then I'll pick."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Zuko crept through the house in the early morning light. Today was the first day of the tournament and he was still a bit on edge from the day before. Thankfully the family room was empty. Danny was on patrol and Iroh and Ursa were still sleeping. Though he had felt better and been able to calm himself with Toph's presence and enjoy dinner with his family and the agents, the fact his father had gotten so close still had him on edge.
He pushed the table out of the way so he could do forms. He knew Jun and Bato and the other agents were doing everything they could to catch Ozai. All he had to do was be the bait. But that meant Toph was also bait. Was there something he could do to keep Toph..and the rest of his family...safe? From him.
Zuko thought up different scenarios as he continued his forms. He would do his best to keep Toph safe and make sure he was ready for when Ozai decided to show himself again.
