*Whoo! This one was hard to finish! hehe! I figured hey everyone else got a field trip with Katara, now it's Toph's turn! Cept she'll get a good one! No profiting! Some OC-NESS! Reviews and suggestions appreciated!*
Zuko was busy with his sister's move into the house, Katara didn't want to bother him. She sat on the couch with her laptop on her lap, opened onto a specific website. ' Piandao Kekoa Vineyard.' Katara couldn't place were she recognized the calligraphy on the label before but the name was defiantly familiar. Katara searched the internet for at least a month looking for any information on her mothers... gentleman friend. He was handsome and strong, well aged like the wine from his vineyard. He looked water tribe, at partly. His beard and goatee combo complimented his face, as well as his dark caramel eyes.
His eyes held such kindness, but also much sorrow. Katara stared at the screen in uncertainty. She had his information right there in front of her but what to do with it. 'I could call... but what do I say? Hi my name is Katara and I think you might be my real dad? Oh yea Tara that sounds COMPLETELY INSANE!' She was so engrossed in her mental debate Katara hadn't noticed Iroh enter the apartment. "Oh you are considering ordering a house warming present for Azula and Jet?" Iroh asked causing Katara to jump. "Uncle! I didn't hear you come in!" Katara exclaimed, catching her laptop before it fell. "My apologies Katara, I simply came to retrieve something for my nephew. Piandao Kekoa is a dear friend of mine, if you are in need of assistance in acquiring his infamous whine. I know he only sells the good stuff for special occasions." Iroh chuckled. Katara gaped, "you know him?"
"Why yes. He was in my platoon when I was in the military. A truly good man." Iroh replied. "His vineyard isn't that far from Blazing Palms. Something he purchased about fifteen years ago. If I might suggest a brand, the last bottle he sent was truly fantastic. It was called Kya? Yes, the blend and texture was truly amazing." The older man smiled as he retrieved Zuko's object and took his leave.
Katara was at a loss, she was unable to reach Sokka for some reason, and Zuko was too busy with Azula. She sat at a cafe with Toph in attempts to avoid her thoughts. "Alright Sugar Queen! You called me out for coffee only to have me sit here for twenty minutes in silence!"
"I'm sorry Toph, I've just got a lot on my mind right now, Sokka isn't answering his cell and Zuko is busy with his sister..."
"Any day now Sugar Queen!" Toph sighed as she messed with her marble bracelet.
"I found the guy my brother told me about, and I don't know what to do about it!"
"Well that's easy Sugar Queen! You face it head on! Any earth bender knows that!"
"Uh Toph..." Katara was about to reply but Toph waved her off.
"You know what I mean Sugar Queen! If you want to know if this guy's your real dad then go ask him!"
"No! I mean I couldn't! I shouldn't! I!..." And the next thing Katara knew she was driving her beloved boyfriends hunter green Plymouth Duster down the long roadways with Toph beside her. Zuko had been concerned when Toph called and demanded his car, but Katara assured him she would explain when all was done. Sokka was still not answering his cell, and Suki was too busy to know more.
They stayed in a cheap motel for the night, Toph snored soundly as Katara mulled over her thoughts. The next morning the girls found themselves at the large iron gates of Piandao Kekoa Vineyard. The massive manor hid the miles and miles of vines behind. To the side was a barn with all kinds of animals by the sound of it. On the gate there was a sign posting tour times. "Lets just walk in!" Toph countered as Katara read out the times. "We can't just walk in Toph! It would never work!" Katara scolded. "And posing as tourists will?" Toph muttered.
They purchased their tickets and the tour began. The group sat atop a rhino pulled wagon as the guide talked through a microphone. Toph couldn't see a thing and she made sure to mutter about it. Katara scanned the grounds anxiously for that familiar face. Once through part of the vines, they were led into the barns where the animals, and equipment were kept. "Excuse me tour guide guy, is Mr. Kekoa at home?" Toph asked. "He comes and goes as he pleases, but today I believe he is away on business." Katara noticed a lot of the women in the group looked disappointed.
Toph huffed and leaned into Katara's ear, "he's lying. Uncle mentioned that this guy was a major bachelor worth millions, he's avoiding husband shoppers." Katara nodded. Toph took her arm as a guise of needing a guide, "when I say, we turn down this side hall and search for him ourselves. And don't say we have to stay with the group, Tara, your being a coward and you know it." Katara opened her mouth the retort but found nothing came out. She merely nodded and followed Tophs lead.
Once the group turned left down the end of the hall, Toph pulled Katara down the opposite hall. Toph all but dislocated Katara's shoulder as she dragged her further away from the group. Once Toph was sure they were safe she stopped, only to dig her feet closer into the ground. "Ugh Tara... I can feel Sokka's heartbeat." Katara gaped at Toph, "Wha?" "I know its weird but I'd know his anywhere... It's like right behind that hay bale." Katara moved quickly and went to investigate. "Careful though there is a..." Toph warned but stopped short as she heard Katara fall. "...Ledge."
"Oh why does this stuff always happen to me!" Katara and Sokka both groaned. Katara had landed on top of Sokka's back. "Tara?" Sokka questioned as she rolled off his back. "Yea?" She replied as she dusted her cloths off. "What are you doing here?" Sokka asked as he helped himself and his sister up. "Oh you know..." Katara replied but Toph cut her off. "She's looking for her real daddy!" Toph hopped down with a smile. Sokka gaped at his sister. Katara quickly spoke, "NOT LIKE THAT! I just had to see him. Or something! I don't know really OK! And why haven't you answered your cell! I've been calling for like two days!" "No cell reception around here, kinda why Piandao chose this place." They heard a small crash by the door and the three turned to see Piandao standing in the doorway. Looking as if he'd seen a ghost, "Kya?"