Disclaimer: dammit they weren't distracted by the monkey, gives back the copyright

This is like a companion piece to wooden swords but whereas wooden swords was serious this is pure fun and fluff which was what I originally intended but stupid character depth got in the way.

Duels and Duos

Sokka was bored, really bored. Now that all the opposition to the Fire Lord had joined together and was preparing for the big battle there was a lot of planning and waiting around. Don't get him wrong Sokka loved planning, there was nothing better than a perfectly organised schedule but listening to those old men argue was getting on his nerves. He spotted Zuko sitting on a large rock sharpening his swords. He could use a little practise and any excuse to show off was good.

"Hey, want to see how sharp those swords really are" he called to Zuko holding up his own hand forged, black, meteorite sword and grinning like a Cheshire cat. Zuko smirked, this could be fun, just how good was the Water Tribe warrior. Well let's see.

They took their stances, bowing respectfully to their opponent as was the Fire Nation custom. Then they began, attacking and defending, thrusting and parrying. Zuko would slash at Sokka's neck with both swords; Sokka would bend backwards outstretching his foot to catch Zuko's. Balance was lost and then regained. Rocks, walls, trees all were used as cover or extra ground or even extra weapons.

This attracted some attention as they almost danced around each other in the effort to gain the upper hand. Neither wanted to fatally injure the other but neither wanted to submit either. Toph and Aang watched randomly cheering for both boys

"Go, Sifu Hotman"

"Don't call me that"

"Whoop his butt snoozles"

"Don't call me that"

Iroh had wandered over as had Paindao from their game of Pai Sho,

"So easily distracted" he shook his head

"But evenly matched, I think" Iroh commented

"Well I trained Sokka, one of my best if not more unusual students"

"I believe that Zuko's mother gave him the Dao swords for his birthday, he and Lu-Ten would often spar with one another"

"That's right" Ursa said walking up and standing between the two men.

"Are they not the ones that you 'borrowed' from my father's workshop" Paindao asked her.

"Well they don't give weapons to girls and anyway they needed someone who could use them properly"

"There is a reason they don't give swords to girls"

"Please I could beat you in less than five moves" she folded her arms and smiled, the resemblance between mother and daughter very clear.

Everyone was now turned watching this new and interesting development, Paindao master swordsman was challenged by Lady Ursa. She strode forward and took the Dao swords from an astonished Zuko's hand.

"Mom…" he began but was stopped

" O hush and go stand out of the way, you think you get it just from your father's side"

Zuko and Sokka joined the others, panting slightly from their fight. Paindao and Ursa took positions and bowed as well. He thrust forward, hand a blur of rapid movement. Ursa blocked his attacks with skilled grace, counting under her breath, four. She darted in close to him, eyes sparkling mischievously she whispered something in his ear and kissed him on the cheek. Paindao was so shocked and flustered he nearly dropped his sword. Ursa took the opening holding the sword to his neck and declaring "I win".

She turned and walked away.

"Where are you going?"

"To make dinner, that's a woman's job after all"

He ran after her "I want a rematch" was heard before they were out of earshot.

"Easily distracted indeed" Iroh laughed, wondered off to find some tea after sagely informing the young ones "that is why you should always be wary of a woman, somehow they always win and somehow you don't really mind"

The others were stunned; Zuko was speechless, eyes wide.

Sokka laughed "Hah, your mom and my master"

"Shut up before I hurt you Sokka" he growled.

"Hey look at it this way, at least it's not Hakoda, right Sokka" Toph grinned evilly as she walked away with a confused Aang. She felt two thuds hit the ground.

Both Sokka and Zuko had fainted.

AN: sorry weird I know but the adults deserve some love too.

Though I do like the Ozai, Ursa relationship, this is just light and fun.