Chapter 25 De-briefing
A/N: Thank you for everyone who is continuing to read. Don't forget to review! Some friendship stuff here and fluff next chapter before some of the fun begins.
The next morning was tough. Emotionally and physically. When he had awoken to get ready for the run, Iroh had been waiting for him with a mug of tea. It appeared as if the older man had already been up for a couple hours and gone through nearly a whole pot, but the mug waiting for Zuko was still steaming.
"Sit, Nephew," Iroh stated in a tired voice. Zuko had done so and watched his uncle from the other side of the table, seeing Bato speaking quietly to a couple agents in the family room in sweats and running gear.
Zuko waited, as patiently as he could, for his uncle. Iroh looked older somehow. His hair looked a little greyer, there were more lines around his eyes and circles under his eyes. Iroh brought his face up to meet Zuko and gold eyes met gold.
"I know you're only looking out for the welfare of others, and...that is commendable. But what of the cost?"
Zuko felt his brows come together. What was his uncle getting at?
"I can't let...Ozai.. control my life anymore. I'm not going to run anymore."
Iroh sighed. "I know, Nephew. And I am proud of you." A small smile came to Iroh's face at that, before his face fell into sadness. "But, be safe my Nephew. I...I don't think your mother could take the stress, and I...I can't bury another son. I just….cannot."
Zuko was taken aback by the emotions and words of his uncle. His look of surprise must have been interpreted differently by Iroh.
"Ever since my son...died, I've thought of you as my own…"
Zuko was up in an instant and hugging his uncle. He had suspected, but never heard it outright. And, though the last 3 years had been hard and filled with anger and strife as they had run from place to place, he knew who his real father was. It was not the man who fathered him, but the man who had done everything to protect him.
"I...know," Zuko replied as his uncle held onto him. "I'll...I'll do my best to be careful. I promise, Uncle."
Iroh hugged him back with great strength. "I know, Nephew. I trust our agent friends, as I know you do. Now, go. Set the trap and catch the elusive octopus."
Zuko smiled and then pulled away from his uncle. He sighed, knowing he had better get to Bato and the run. He met the agent in the family room and was given a smirk from the scarred agent.
Bato started with his specific instructions to Zuko before he outlined their route to the group.
"Anyone says 'down', and you go down, behind the closest barrier. Whoever's closest to you will then cover you and guide you back home or to a car. You will not leave that person's side unless Jun or I take responsibility for you or you are home. Got it?"
Zuko had merely nodded along with the others before they left for the run.
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Zuko was tired. And sore. And thirsty. He reached for the glass of water on the table and took a long drink before setting it back down. Bato had said they had only run 5 kilometers! Not even miles! He lay on Toph's couch as they watched or listened to a movie. A small smile came to his face as he thought about how he wasn't in the worst shape of the group. Bato had outlined the route before they set off and told them it was only a test run.
Zuko sighed. He had thought he was in better shape. It had been a while since he had to run any distance but it seemed like two of the younger agents that were also joining their running group were in the same or worse shape than he was. Sue, Bato, and Danny were the regular runners and two he didn't see often; Dave and Roland, were now joining them for extra coverage. And to get back in shape for their annual testing per Jun. Bato stated they would work their way up to 5 miles within the next couple weeks, but he wanted to get an idea of where the new runners were.
Toph just chuckled as a joke was told in the movie. Zuko smiled at his girlfriend. Her attitude had gone almost back to normal since their spar and heart to heart the night before. Making out after the spar until Nyla had come into the room had probably helped too. Toph was sitting on his legs on the couch, more between them as he was laying down. She would occasionally massage his calves when he had to readjust. Zuko smiled pleasantly as she massaged a sore spot, both from the running and their spar the day before.
He knew it would take a while for Ozai to pick up on the pattern for the trap to work. But that also gave the scarred teen time to get in better shape. His father had probably gone to ground after the failed attempt the day before.
Toph's phone started ringing and Zuko paused the movie so she could answer it.
"Hey Snoozles," Toph said, a smirk on her face. "Yeah, Mr. Jeong called Jun and our moms about the meeting. Ok, we'll meet you there. See ya."
Zuko watched as Toph hung up the phone and sighed, turning her face towards him. "I guess we should get ready for our own debriefing."
Zuko frowned and sighed again. "All right." He tried to pull his legs out from under his girlfriend and grimaced as a muscle tightened.
"Wow, you need to get in shape," Toph stated with a mischievous smirk.
Zuko glared at her, then smirked back. A simple twist of his legs and Toph was off the couch and on the ground, looking startled before she started to reach for his feet and a couple of ticklish spots. He quickly drew his legs away as he heard adults enter the living room.
Toph pouted for a moment before her eyes got a mischievous sparkle. "I'll get you later," she said before getting up to kiss him lightly. "But it sounds like it's time to go."
Zuko just grabbed her around the waist, knowing the adults were talking and giving them a couple more moments. He pulled her in for a more passionate kiss and was glad she was kissing him back. Zuko felt her hands creep down towards his sides and he quickly extracted himself from his girlfriend as she tried to tickle him. Jun must have walked in at that moment because she started laughing as Zuko was finally able to stand up.
"I guess they're ready, Jaz," Jun told her cousin as they entered the room. "Come on you two. Time enough to be all lovey dovey later."
"We're going," Toph replied, laughing as she finally stood up and turned towards her mom and cousin. They were soon in the car and driving to the school where Mr. Jeong had set up a meeting to discuss the events of the tournament with the team and their parents. Zuko knew his uncle was already there, and probably knew more of what was going on than anyone else except Jun.
They arrived quickly and were escorted to the gym. Sokka, Katara, Angie and Mr. Jeong were there along with the blue eyed teens' father. Zuko met Hakoda's eyes and was smiled at by the lineman. Soon, other members of the team came in along with one or both parents. Once all were there, the teens sitting on a practice mat with chairs provided for the parents, Mr. Jeong stepped in front and started. Zuko noticed Captain Piandoa was there as well as a couple agents and police, including Ben who had driven them the day before, this time in regular police uniform.
"Parents, students, welcome," Mr. Jeong started. "I invited Captain Piandoa here from our local precinct as he was there yesterday as my guest and was able to coordinate with the local police to obtain more information as he assisted in the safe exit of the students and parents."
A pause as many of the parents turned to the Captain in full police finery before Mr. Jeong captured their attention again. "I want to thank all the parents who were there yesterday for understanding our need to keep the students together to make sure all got out safely. There were many acts of heroism by parents and students alike as all helped each other to evacuate safely. I'm going to hand it over now to the Captain who will give you a summary of the events and what he can pass on. Then we will open it up to any questions from students and parents."
Captain Piandoa came forward and shook hands with Mr. Jeong before taking center stage. The man had an air of authority around him that Zuko could respect and it seemed as if everyone else in the room felt it as well.
"Again, thank you to Mr. Jeong for inviting me to the tournament. We're old friends and it was a pleasure to watch and encourage our local youth. It was a tragedy of what happened yesterday, but it could have much worse. Thanks to the quick thinking of security, the teachers and tournament staff, the only injuries were some bumps and bruises. The security and police on site were able to get a description of the terrorist. Yes, the suspect is being listed as a terrorist. The man escaped and all leads are being pursued. It is not thought that the suspect is involved with any of the schools participating, and all leads are being pursued. The information has been passed along to Homeland Security and the FBI for any possible matches. All police for the schools involved have been notified and are on alert to see if the suspect reappears. Now, any questions?"
Zuko noticed that Sokka had sent him a glance at the mention of a suspect and figured the other senior was probably aware of his involvement. Several parents asked questions regarding safety and the future of the club and were reassured that the club would continue and they were safe. Then, Hide raised his hand.
"Mr. Jeong, I noticed Zuko and Toph were not with us when we exited. I thought all students had to be accounted for."
"You are correct, Mr. Fyre," Mr Jeong replied with a small smile. "The two were stranded at the main stage and in the lane of traffic flowing away from our meeting point. My friend and another guest of mine, Ms. Ling, who you saw there both Friday and Saturday, had invited her younger brother to attend. He was able to reach my assistant and Ms. Bei Fong. He was able to communicate with both Ms. Ling and myself via text and it was decided for the pair to exit a different route and I was notified when they were secure in a vehicle and then home. There was no way for the two to reach us safely before we were forced to evacuate. Due to Ms Bei Fongs'...unique abilities and our location farther away from the center stage, I did not want to risk the safety of our group or them waiting for the lanes of traffic to clear for them to join us. I knew they were in good hands and safe at every point. I alerted their parents or guardians of their safety and alternate exit. Any other questions on that matter?"
As silence ensued, Mr. Jeong nodded wisely and then answered some other non-tournament questions. The parents were assured and then Hide raised his hand again.
"Does this incident have anything to do with what happened to Zuko during Homecoming?"
Captain Piandoa came forward and answered Hide. "The chief doesn't believe so. But all leads are being pursued. As I'm sure you've been informed by the faculty here, please report all suspicious activity to any of the teachers or call the police immediately. Gaoling Police does not believe the two events are connected but anything is possible. Several plain clothes detectives will be on site around the school until Christmas break."
Some more questions were answered and then Mr. Jeong took control of the conversation.
"I know this has been a long, tiring weekend. We should not let this deter our spirit or our activity. Our club shall continue to meet on Wednesday afternoons except during the winter break. Any questions, or if you feel you need to talk, please seek me out. I am always a willing ear and can guide you to someone more knowledgeable if needed. Thank you again for all your hard work and for looking out for everyone's safety."
Zuko caught Sokka glancing at him again and hung back with his uncle, Toph and Jasmine as the other parents and their children left. Sokka let his dad lead Katara out before walking back to Zuko and Toph.
"Hey, can we come over later? Talk some things out?" the blue eyed senior asked. The questions were directed to Toph, but Zuko saw blue eyes meet his and knew the questions were also directed at him. He nodded once as Toph grinned and nodded back to Sokka.
"Sure, Snoozles. Why don't you bring Aang and your sister over later and bring some In-N-Out."
"Toph!" Jasmine said in an admonishing tone.
"What?" Toph shrugged back to her mom. "I haven't had it in a while and with everything that happened, I'm just feeling like that would help. I always pay Sokka back, anyways. Is Suki still out of town?"
"Yeah, at her grandparents for the weekend," Sokka replied, smiling. He was obviously used to Toph's teasing.
Zuko almost smirked as Jasmine Bei Fong sighed before she smiled at Sokka. "Toph and I would love to have you over. Toph's friends are always welcome. Come Toph, it's time we started home. I know you have some homework to complete before your friends arrive with lunch."
Toph sighed and Zuko smiled slightly at that. Iroh had attended the meeting as Ursa was still emotionally exhausted from the day before. Iroh had seemed at peace during the whole meeting and was talking with Mr. Jeong and the Captain. One look between them and he easily made his goodbyes and walked with Zuko to his car where they met Bato. He knew Toph and her mom would drive home separately, especially with Hide's suspicions.
An hour later found Zuko back at Toph's house joined by Sokka, Katara and Aang. Jasmine had left the teens in the family room to discuss things amongst themselves though Zuko noticed Jun and Danny occasionally sneaking peeks at them from the hall as they ate.
Once the teens were satisfied with the delicious burgers and fries and some anime was on the TV, Sokka turned to Zuko.
"So, was it...him?"
Zuko nodded grimly. "Yeah, it was my father." He almost spat out the word 'father'. "Jun and the police confirmed it with camera footage and the injury I gave him at the homecoming dance." Zuko absently rubbed his left hand along the cast on his own wrist. "Look, it's dangerous to be around me. The FBI and police are doing everything to protect those I care about, but they can't be everywhere."
Sokka smiled. "Relax, Zuko. We're your friends too. We were Toph's friends first, but we won't make you go out. We just wanted to know what was going on, from our friend."
"Yeah,"Aang chirped in. "And we want you to know we're here for you. No matter what. If you need to talk, or listen, or...whatever."
Toph started grinning next to Zuko. "Don't worry, Twinkles. I'm getting him to relax and let out stress. I think what Sunshine's trying to say is we shouldn't put on a big show of how close we all are. Hang out at school, at the club meeting, but no more hanging at my house for a while."
"Well, you two are always welcome…"Katara started, but Zuko started shaking his head.
"No, it'll be best to lay low for a while. Katara, I appreciate the offer, but...no one else can get hurt."
His eyes met Katara;s blue eyes and, for a moment, they had a small battle of wills. Katara then smiled. "I think we understand," she said. "Do you guys have any plans for Christmas? Or...A certain birthday coming up?" Katara turned to smirk at Toph.
Toph smirked back at the last comment. "Just a quiet evening at home with the parents and maybe Sunshine and his family, if my dad ok's it. But, since the big day is on a Tuesday, why don't we celebrate it after the club meeting on the 8th? Just something small. That way, no big deal for crazy guy to get involved. As for Christmas...I'll be going to visit my grandparents up north."
Toph sighed in a sullen way at the mention of Christmas and Katara's eyes were now sparkling with mischief. "Ok, so we have a week and a half to plan your birthday at the club meeting. As for Christmas, maybe we can get together like this either before you leave or after you get home? Just something small and laid back."
Zuko almost chuckled at the look Toph was giving Katara. Like she knew the blue eyed junior was planning something. It was almost quizzical and yet suspicious at the same time.
"As long as my birthday is laid back too. Just don't forget your famous cupcakes and cookies that week," Toph replied.
Katara merely agreed quickly and they settled in to watch some of the anime. Sokka kept stealing glances at Zuko. When their eyes finally met, he motioned with his head towards the kitchen. Zuko sighed and made excuses to Toph as he got up and followed Sokka. He knew they were out of everyone's hearing range except Tophs. He was almost angry with Sokka for pulling him away privately, but he couldn't hold onto that anger as he only saw earnest care in the other senior's face when Sokka turned to face him.
"Look. I know you're trying to protect everyone, and that's great and all," Sokka started. "But don't block us out. We don't want to lose a friend either. I...know what it's like to lose someone close to you, their life cut short. Don't let it get that far please." Sokka seemed sad and his mind seemed far away, but his eyes kept boring into Zuko's.
After a moment of silence, Zuko spoke. "What do you mean?"
Sokka took a deep breath. "Toph's like another little sister to me. I don't want to lose her. And I don't want to help her get through losing you like she helped me when Yue died. You can always talk to any of us. We're your friends too."
Zuko smiled softly at that. "I know. And...thanks. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. I will do what I can to stop him, but I know...many people care for me too. Thanks, Sokka. If you need to talk…"
"Yeah, " Sokka said with a nervous laugh. "We're guys. We usually don't do this kind of stuff. But I'm glad you're there for Toph. Seeing you two together this weekend...It was nice. I know she hates big events like that, but...you were there for her and didn't make her feel...blind. Thanks. But...um, let's grab some drinks and get back. I haven't seen the ending of this episode yet."
Zuko only chuckled and helped him grab some sodas before returning to Toph's side. She promptly cuddled into his side, sighing happily.
After a couple more hours and some snacks and laughs, Sokka, Katara, and Aang made their farewells. Zuko also decided he should head home and check on his mom and complete his homework. As they were exiting, Aang hung back while the scarred teen kissed his girlfriend one last time. Zuko turned to find Aang waiting for him on Toph's front porch.
"I know Sokka talked to you, but I wanted you to know I'm here too,"Aang said in a nervous tone before he became bolder and more confident. "I listened to a lot of other kids in the orphanage, and even had a bad experience with a foster parent myself. What you've gone through...it's been bad. But it could have been worse. I know some psychologists in the area if you want someone more...professional."
Zuko barked out a short, sarcastic laugh, catching Aang by surprise. Did all his friends think he needed mental help? "I've talked to many in the past, Aang. But thanks. I think since I've met Toph, I've actually told more of my story in the past 3 months than I have in the past 3 years. Thanks, Aang, but I'll pass for now. See you tomorrow?"
Aang laughed, more relaxed. "Yep!" he chirped happily. "See you tomorrow!" With that, he was almost skipping to Sokka's car and then they drove off. Zuko waited a moment longer, knowing Danny was waiting around the corner, on the driveway for him. Once Sokka's car was gone, Zuko stepped out and walked to Danny before they headed across the street to his own home.
