Behind These Painted Masks

Chapter 4:

I Can Tell You're Lying

Dinner was uncomfortable. The Bei Fongs sat at either end of the table while I was wedged between Toph and Zuko. A large meal was in front of use, obviously this was Poppy's way of saying she was sorry for insulting us earlier. I think it may have been a bit nicer if she had made the food and not her personal chef. Sokka was sitting across from Toph and the tension in the room was so clear that he was eating like a civil person, usinf the chopstick as a utensil not merely as a tool to get the food from his plate to his mouth.

"So," Lord Bei Fong spoke, dislike hinted in every syllable, "How is the Fire Nation doing Prince Zuko?"

Zuko placed down his spoon and began listing all the crops, the people and the cities in the Fire Nation. Everyone else just sat and stared, how could he know so much useless information? I mean sure I could probably tell you the name of every civilian in the Souther Water Tribe, there was 30 of us, Zuko seemed to know every single man, woman and child from his Nation.

Interrupting Zuko, a messenger came in and bowed handing over a message, "From the Earth Kingdom Guard." he was wearing an Earth Kingdom uniform but I was curious as to way he was dressed in armor, the war had long ended.

The Lord's eyes scanned it and he closed it and saying harshly, "We cannot send any guards to skirmish the Rough Rhinos you'll just have to make due." the soldier looked angry only for a second but bowed stiffly and marched from the room.

"How can you say that?" I attempted to stand but a jagged pain through my ankle kept me seated, I made due by raising my voice, the Bei Fongs excluding Toph looked at me as if I was insane,

"We cannot risk our own necks." Poppy said calmly, "We are rich, and there is a long list of people who wold hold us for ransom." she took a napkin a gentally tabbed at her mouth.

I clenched my fists and made another attempt to stand, "You're just going to turn your back? These people need your help!"

Lord Beifong nodded, "I'm sure they will make due." he said picking up a piece of sweet and sour pig-chicken and placing it in his mouth.

I growled some low curses and hobbled out of the room.

"Is she always like this?" Zuko leaned over to ask Toph who grinned.

"Yeah you better watch out." She warned.

I tested the ankle and pain shot through it but not that bad, I looked in the mirror and double-checked that the paint was even and the veil hid most of my features. I opened the window and had one leg out when the door creaked open.

"And just where might you be going?" Toph leaned againt the door frame, bangs in her eyes, while her arms were folded in front of her chest.

Ok she can't see…maybe I can lie, "Out on a stroll."the lie slipped out before I could stop it. Out on a stroll? Through the window?

"Through the window?" Toph read my thoughts and came closer her skin pale in the moon's light.

Damn. After 3 years I still hadn't learnt that you can never lie to Toph.

"Please don't tell Sokka." I begged, the last thin I needed was my brother finding out about my nightly escapades. She looked thoughtful for a minute and nodded, but I caught her whisper as I ghosted away.

"Say hi to Princy for me."

Zuko's Point of View

"So why do you like her so much?" I asked Sokka as we walked under the moon, dinner had ended right after Katara had left, Toph had followed after her. Sokka and I had decided to take a walk together.

"What do you mean?" he looked confused and looked up towards the moon.

"Well you're always poking, fighting and she only uses your arm when she's 'blind'." I pointed out, he shrugged but his cheeks were slightly crimson.

"So does that mean every time I kick your ass it's the same thing?" I was going to respond with a biting retort but from Sokka's goofy smile I just couldn't.

"Asshole." I pushed him jokingly and he fell over, he just stared and started laughed and before long I had joined him.

---A/N---

HAHAHAH I just thought up really lame joke XD

Twilight Rose 2: Knock, knock

Sokka: Who's there?

Twilight: Interrupting Zuko

Sokka: Interrupting Zuko wh…

Twilight: I MUST CAPTURE THE AVATAR AND REGAIN MY HONOR!

Sokka+Twilight: OMFG LOLZ!

Hahaha I laugh at my own oddness