Title: The Verisimilitude between Tangled Sheets
Summary: Zuko and Toph are friends. Sometimes lovers, but only when it's convenient. No questions asked, no strings attached—but of course, that was inevitable.
Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender is not mine. The characters are not mine. All I own so far is this plot…and this computer that I'm typing it with, but that's about it. It's a sad existence.
The Verisimilitude between Tangled Sheets
Chapter Three – Establishing Boundaries
Zuko and Toph had an unspoken agreement. Their engagement would have to be conducted behind closed doors, no one must ever know, and the most imperative, absolutely no romantic emotional attachments. A bit of open-mindedness was required for a relationship such as theirs. Or in this case, an extra dose of kinky.
From Toph's all-fours position on his bed, Zuko could see the moonlight brightly outline the curve of Toph's back. He moved behind her, running his hands up and down her sides as he bent down to lay kisses from the base of her spine to her neck, making her shiver. Toph turned her head slowly to meet his lips and smirked against them as she heard Zuko groan when she pressed her body further against his.
With lips still brushing against each other, Zuko feigned hopelessness, "Why do you keep teasing me like that?"
In the moonlight, Zuko saw a sparkle in Toph's eyes. "Because I enjoy it," she answered simply.
"Oh yeah?" Zuko pulled his body away and firmly put his hands around Toph's small waist. "Well you'll enjoy this even more." With his strong arms, Zuko flipped Toph over so she was on her back. Toph let him put her hands above her as he used a discarded silk scarf to tie her wrists together.
Moans and groans filled the room, harmonizing with the sounds of flesh making repeated contact with each other.
Toph and Zuko were careful to not let their bedroom escapades affect their interaction during they day. They remained casual and friendly, a teasing comment here and there, and of course the conversations that had brought them close to begin with.
But by night, they were lovers. Well, more like sex fiends. It was never meaningful or sentimental and they both knew it. What it lacked in sincerity was made up for exponentially in passion.
They never made love. Zuko and Toph fucked. They fucked hard and fast with an animalistic ferocity that would make the writer of the Kama Sutra seem like a prude.
-x-
It had been almost three weeks since Toph ran into Sokka in the hallway. With Suki's impending arrival, the blue-eyed warrior had taken to being extra sweet to Toph and begged her to keep their secret. Sokka's ass-kissing and attending to her every whim and begging would have been a cause of a great schadenfreude-esque joy for Toph, but not in excess. Eventually, he had persuaded her to talk to Ty Lee also. According to him, she has promised that she won't tell, but he wanted Toph to go in and use a little Earthbending to point out if she's lying.
After dinner, Toph trudged over to Ty Lee's room and invited herself in.
"Oh, hi, Toph!" the acrobat smiled brightly, cartwheeling from one corner of the room and ushering her visitor to sit on her bed.
"I know about what happened between you and Sokka," the Earthbender said bluntly, feeling the sudden anxiety that had overcome Ty Lee.
"I've already promised Sokka I won't tell Suki and I won't make any advances towards him any more," Toph could feel the honesty in her voice.
A laugh emitted from Ty Lee's mouth. It was partly bitter, but mostly regretful. "All the guys I like are always off-limits."
Toph was taken aback by the sudden change in the cheery brunette, "Huh?" She only knew about her crush on Sokka.
Timidly, Ty Lee confessed, "I've always had a thing for Zuko. But of course," She forced the perk back into her voice and added a feigned apathy, "I couldn't do anything about it because Mai had a huge crush on him when we were younger and years later, they dated. And now they're over, but still, you just don't date your best friend's ex. You just don't go there." Ty Lee finished with resolve.
Indifferent, Toph only shrugged in response.
As if oblivious to Toph's lack of interest, Ty Lee went on, "I mean, it's not like they ever went all the way or anything, but you know…"
"Huh?" Toph raised an eyebrow in query and urged the other girl to explain. She felt her uneasiness and hesitance, but, unable to resist spreading gossip, Ty Lee spilled.
"Mai told me that she and Zuko never went past second base."
Toph's eyes widened as choked down the urge to laugh.
"Now that I think about it," Ty Lee said, now lost in her own reverie. "I think I remember Zuko pledging his virginity until marriage. He even used to wear a ring to symbolize it!"
Toph couldn't bear it anymore. She let out a loud laugh, which didn't seem to affect her companion in the slightest for Ty Lee just continued in a reflective tone, "I guess he's keeping that promise, huh? I mean, I haven't seen him with anyone since Mai, and she agreed to wait until their wedding night too—"
A rude snort erupted from Toph. "What, so it'll be more special?" her voice had taken on a snooty tone as her fingers did the motion for air quotes.
Ty Lee seemed to have missed the sarcasm in Toph's voice for she nodded vigorously, her long braided ponytail bounced up and down with her head.
"Uh, riiight," Toph stood up from the bed and brushed the imaginary specks of perks from her attire. "I'm gonna go. Good talk, Ty Lee. Good talk."
Ty Lee bid her goodbyes as Toph closed the door.
"You can come out now, Sokka. I knew you were listening the entire time," Toph called upon reaching a sufficient distance from Ty Lee's door.
Sokka tuck-and-rolled from behind a pillar and composed himself next to Toph. "So Zuko's a virgin, huh?" he began with a smug grin.
Determined to keep the subject off of Zuko's allegedly purity, Toph interrupted the beginning of Sokka's tirade. "That's not really the subject you should be concerned about."
"Oh, right. So…?"
"Ty Lee's not gonna tell anyone." Toph felt Sokka ease as they reached her room.
"Aren't you gonna come to our gAang meeting tonight?"
Toph paused, "What?"
Sokka let out an exasperated sigh, as if this were the umpteenth time he had to explain the same thing. "Tomorrow's the last UN meeting—"
"Yeah, yeah. And then the weekend after is the Ambassadors' Ball, I know. Why the hell are we having a meeting?"
"Because during that week that we have off, we're going camping!"
"Count me in, Snoozles! You know I'm always up for an adventure in the great outdoors!"
"Your presence wasn't exactly optional," Sokka said offhandedly. "But we're also gonna be talking about Suki's arrival!"
"I think telling Suki you messed around with Ty Lee on the first day she gets here is the quickest way to set her on her way back to Kyoshi Island."
"Why would Suki want to go back to Kyoshi Island?" Zuko's voice became clearer as he rounded the corner. "Hey, guys."
"Nothing! There is absolutely no reason for Suki, my one and only love, to want to go back!" Sokka exclaimed enthusiastically, flailing limbs and all. "Especially not when she can be here, with me, the man who loves her!"
Way to be obvious, stupid. Toph rolled her cucumber-tinted eyes as she felt Zuko regard her with uncertainty.
"Uh, right. Whatever." Zuko shrugged and turned to Toph. "I'll see you later?"
Toph nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thanks for the not-so-brief briefing, Snoozles." She bid both men goodnight as she entered her room and closed the door.
Had Sokka not been exceedingly preoccupied by proclaiming his unwavering love for Suki his usually keen mind would have noticed that Zuko pointedly meant to see Toph later and the smile that came over face when she nodded in confirmation.
It's only normal for one's senses to be dampened when one is drowning with guilt.
-x-
"You're late," Golden eyes shifted towards the double doors as one swung open.
"My, my, Sparky," his raven-haired beauty swayed her hips from side to side as sashayed across the room towards him. "You're impatient tonight."
"No, not impatient…" Zuko brought a hand to rest on Toph's waist as she stirred them towards the couch.
"No? Well then do you prefer the term..." Toph pushed him down gently and folded her porcelain legs on his sides so she was straddling him. "Eager?"
"Much better," Zuko struggled to get the words out as Toph rocked her hips lightly.
"I'm glad it pleases you, Fire Lord…" Toph bent down to kiss the juncture where his jaw met his ear, shooting an electrifying jolt down his spine. He can feel the smile playing on her lips against his skin and he could smell the aroma of her hair and the bath oils in her skin as it mixed with her natural scent. It intoxicated him.
Zuko felt the urge to pin her down and kiss every inch of her lithe body, but he resisted. Instead he settled for holding Toph's hips firmly as he grinded his against hers. "Mm, Z—zuk…" His name was lost in a moan as he pushed her silken robe off her shoulder tracing kisses on her collarbone and then dipping his neck to travel further down.
She pressed her body against his even closer. Another moan escaped Toph's lips when she tilted her head back as Zuko reached her bosoms. The fervency of Toph's grinding against him caused Zuko to emit a low growl. He secured his strong hands on her butt and walked towards the bed. He knew Toph could feel the straining in his trousers and when he set her on the bed, she grinned. It looked as if the fabric was bursting at the seams.
Zuko grinned down at her, "I don't think my tailor would appreciate this."
"Who cares?" Toph smirked dismissively, pulling Zuko towards her by the hem of his pants. "I appreciate it."
Zuko chuckled as he hovered above her. "I know."
Porcelain fingers entangled themselves within dark tresses as Toph brought Zuko's head closer to hers. He resisted with a smirk of his own, instead using one of the arms he had been using to support himself to caress her torso.
With a careless flick, he pushed the remainder of the flimsy robe that covered her all the while looking at her pretty face.. Toph shivered against his touch and pushed her pelvis up against his.
Zuko stared at her luscious pink lips, lightly parted, waiting for him. Without any hesitation, the Fire Lord obliged, closing the gap between them.
Author's note: So I planned on covering more this chapter, but then it would have been double the amount of pages it is now (it's TEN pages, by the way, holy moley.) and that would have been way too long for my liking. And it would have taken a long time. Anyway, this chapter gives hints (some are more blatant than others) to future chapters, which, let me just get it out there, I'm soooexcited to write! Not the immediate next chapters, though, there are still some things we need to establish…but I'll shut up now, because I don't want to spoil it. :) Oh, by the way, I've changed the rating of this fic to M. Just to be safe. I mean I avoided getting too steamy with their uh…love scenes. I don't think I'd be able to write those anyway…my fingers would feel dirty and soiled and…yeah, I'm just going to avoid that.
Review Replies
Party in the Afterlife: I'm so relieved you thought the conversation went well! I was worried it wouldn't be…enough. But, woohoo for me! I managed to write a confrontation scene without sap! Hopefully you'll stay interested! :D
Avatargirl92: Haha, yes, she is skilled. Especially awkward for Zuko, huh? But that's just the initial reaction. As you can see, he and Toph are hardly shy around each other, if you get my drift…
Kouu Hissori: I think what helps make a good story is the focus on the process of falling in love and I'm definitely excited to write the twisted way that Toph's and Zuko's relationship will work out. We're only on chapter three, there's time to prolong this pseudo-wooing process for as long as necessary! Oh, and I was really worried about their characterization. I'm glad you find them to be accurate.
Mlkcoolc86: I always, always double—no, triple check your name to make sure I've got it right. I'm mildly dyslexic so a seemingly random arrangement of letters is shocking to me. Haha.
Sparky-Poo: I bet you're gonna be the first to comment this chapter. What time zone are you in, because I think that's the reason you were first for the first two chapters (well, prologue + first chapter). Anyway, good to know you're not biased! And yes, Toph is definitely not one to dwell on problems and blow them up to, as you so brilliantly put it, dramatic proportions. Can you imagine being Zuko, though? Sheesh, how shocked must that poor guy have been?
ShikaruTo: Oh, so your prayer was what I've been hearing these past few weeks? Whew, I'm glad I've figured where that voice was coming from. I was starting to think I had an alter ego. Hee hee, I'm glad you're likin' this story.
Blz1990: Hope you had a great birthday! I think Katara's more likely to cheat than Aang…just because she's pretty, she knows it, she knows how to get her way with guys. But you don't need to concern yourself with that here. :)
Nychothomas: Does it offend you if in my mind, I say it like I would hippopotamus? Well, at least the last two syllables. …I'm a big fat jerk, sorry. Forgive me? Anyway, yeah, I try to be as realistic as possible, so I tend to draw on real-life experiences. I'm glad this isn't cliché. I try to avoid them. :D
Lazyguy90: Nooo! You totally just laid out my brainstorming ideas! I was thinking of making the three of them hook up or something…but then I didn't know how people would feel about that, hmm…Now I have to figure out another way. Maybe Sokka will just fall off a cliff or something. …No? Oh, okay. Well, I'm drained for now. The update speed varies, it could go from twice a week to once every two weeks! I can't promise any regular updates, because I've got school and work and blargh, but I try to get a chapter out as soon as inspiration hits. Good thing I find this story fun to write!
Liooness: Oh, dear, more Toko action? Go for it, man—wo…man. I'd love to see some more physical attraction going on between those two. I mean, yeah, it's great that they're usually attracted at a deep emotional level, and at the end of the day, that's the basis for a good, healthy relationship, but once in a while, a more…shallow perspective can be very entertaining.
Animefreak03: Tee hee, yeah. Eyes bulging, throat drying, and seeing as we've just established Zuko still had the big V card during their talk, he probably was happy. In the pants. I make myself giggle. :)
Chi the Turtle: What were you confused about? Tell me so I can make sure to try to make it as clear as possible! You know, in my mind, everything makes perfect sense, so I subconsciously expect everyone to be on the same page as I am…so yeah, tell me, guyyys. I want to write better for you guys!
Shirozero: Nooo problemo. Toph and Zuko are pretty amazing.
Anti Zutara: Tee hee, Nycothomas and I were just talking about shippings. I'm glad you love Toko! Who cares if everyone else likes Zutara? That makes us unique and cool and we get to avoid overly-cliché plots!
Sagibunu: Oooh! I'm so honored! I love that fic! And thank you. Yes, I try hard to think the chapters through before I write them, though sometimes I add and delete things at whim. Haha. Swift head-over-heals romance rarely last, that I find, so I avoid them even in my writing. I'm just against the traditional prince meets princess and they fall in love and live happily ever other because no matter how I change my angle, I'm never that princess. I relate much more to the underdog! We'll change the world someday, us underdogs.
Forever: Good to know you liked the story!
Yuki Miyazawa, Hazelnutte, Margaritanightly, Destinygirl, Coolsteel, Greenbird of Bluesky, 86thetomato, J.M. Rekark: Thanks for adding this story for to your story alerts, and/or your faves. Feel free to leave a review, I love reading your feedbacks!
Woah, the review replies alone took more than half an hour. But that's probably because I was multitasking for a while. But anyway, thank you guys for your support, encouragement, and critique!
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! For some vague hints of what to come, check out my homepage, wink wink. ;D
Any thoughts/comments/suggestions, feel free to include them in your review!