Author's Notes: I don't own Avatar, obviously. I still have my day job sigh

Zuko is a b!tch to write. He is one of the more charismatic characters, but trying to keep him true to the damaged, socially-inept, pride ridden, heart-of-gold boy he is – is quite hard. I keep wanting to get him more smexy situations -but he has to learn to interact first. Meanwhile, there are a couple of questions about the "shipping" situations - truth be told, I don't know how things are going to fall out…

I just have to send my thanks and eternal gratitude to my reviewers. It is motivating me to try and write more frequently. I am trying to increase the amount of discription – let me know if you like the style.

After Earth Rumble 8, Sokka and Toph were discussing the options for the evening. Toph was lounging on the bench and Sokka was leaning against the column on the platform.

"There is the skate park – Haru and Aang are probably there."

"That could be promising. You think Twinkletoes will let me try a Pretzel hold on him? What else, Snoozles?" Toph grinned.

"The Brown Jug is having a band play. It is over-18, but I think we could sneak in."

"Loud, dangerous, and illegal. Definitely a possibility."

"We could go to the school dance." Sokka raised an eyebrow.

"Uhm, how about never, Meathead? Or do you miss your favorite psycho stalker?"

"Kidding, Toph."

"If I want to dance, you are getting me into to Tangelo club downtown. Best bass evah! What else?"

"Why do I always have to come up with the ideas?" Sokka whined.

"You are the idea guy." Toph chuckled. Sokka's stomach rumbled

"Oo! Oo! I know! Stop at Iroh's for sandwiches and then I can kick you ass in Rail Racer."

"You and what army? I'd say you are on, but live music is sounding way more fun. Who is playing?"

"I think The Freedom Fighters. Let's go to Iroh's, we can fortify ourselves and check the bulletin board" The deeper rumble of the arriving train interrupted the talk. Once on the crowded train, Toph made some room by flailing her cane around, and Sokka and Toph managed to take possession of a pole where they continued to talk.

"I might have guessed it was the Fighters, and that your stomach would come first. First stop Iroh's."

"Yes! I have been starving since the match between 'The Chef' and Wasabi Princess. That vat of maguro smelled so good."

"Yeah, I can't believe she smashed him head first into it – It sounded almost as painful as when he put the soup pot on her head and whacked it. Gonnnnggggg!"

Sokka and Toph burst into Iroh's laughing and still rehashing the wrestling tournament.

"I loved it when the Wasabi Princess kicked The Boulder out of the ring and then dumped pickled ginger all over him."

"The Boulder does not appreciate the tale of his defeat." Sokka mimicked, including making the Boulder's hand gestures.

"Miss Toph, Sokka. Pleasant evening tonight." Iroh was wiping down the serving counter.

"Hello, Mr. Iroh." Toph warmed to his presence. "How are you?"

"Very well, thank you. What brings you in?"

"Dinner! – I hope the kitchen is still open." Toph felt her Braille watch for the time. It was a minute or two after nine o'clock.

"Actually, we were about to lock up." A gravelly voice behind them interjected. Sokka turned around, to see Zuko bussing a table. He was in a red t-shirt bearing the "Iroh's" logo, and a red baseball cap tilted to the left to obscure his scar. An apron was wrapped around his black jeans. The chest and neck-strap piece was unworn and was folded over and dangled at his knees. He picked up a large tray of dishes from the last table, his muscles flexing with effort.

"This is true. Zuko. But," as Iroh smiled at Toph, "the kitchen is always open to Miss Toph and your friends. In fact, why don't you join us in the back for dinner? As soon as we lock up, we are having dinner."

"Sounds great, Mr. Iroh. We'd be happy to help." Toph said. Sokka nodded his agreement. Zuko snorted and stalked towards the kitchen with his load of dishes. When he reached the swinging door, he kicked it sharply.

"Wonderful, wonderful. Sokka, why don't you help Zuko with the dishes and Miss Toph can assist me." Iroh was clearly ignoring his nephew.

"Gladly Mr. Iroh." Toph nodded.

Sokka found himself elbow deep in soapy water scrubbing dishes in the kitchen with Zuko drying, while Toph and Iroh shelled peas, peeled carrots and grated ginger for their dinner in the back of the kitchen. For a while Sokka and Zuko washed dishes in silence in the tiny kitchen, and then Sokka spoke.

"I get the distinct impression that you are not happy to see us. Sorry to intrude on your dinner."

Zuko took a stack of plates and put them on a shelf. "As long as you aren't coming to gloat."

"For what…?" Sokka looked up from the sink and stared at Zuko. "Are your feathers ruffled over Suki?"

"My feathers are not ruffled!" A create of glassware clinked as Zuko put it down with a enough force that it looked like the glasses might break. "But most people I know would relish the misunderstanding."

"Really? You think that we'd waste a Saturday night to harass you?" Sokka scowled. "You must not think much of us." He scoured a pot with intensity.

"I am new here." Zuko wiped a dish and then paused thoughtfully. "I guess I'm on guard."

"Why did you think we invited you?" Sokka asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. Zuko took off his cap and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. He absently touched his scarred ear.

"Most people aren't anxious to spend time with me without ulterior motives."

"That's harsh. We may be loud, and we tease a lot – but that's in fun. Nobody is that malicious." Sokka looked up, and noticed Zuko fingering his scar. "What planet are you from? Chicks dig scars." Sokka smiled weakly. Zuko rolled is good eye.

"I'll pretend you never said that."

Toph came up from the back od the kitchen carrying a tray of vegetables. Iroh followed behind, carrying dishes. "You slowpokes done yet?"

"Almost, Toph. Would you like to help?" Sokka grinned.

"No, Bei Fongs' are not meant for manual labor. Where do you want the tray, Mr. Iroh?" Zuko answered for his uncle.

"About 10 steps forward – there will be a counter to your right."

"Thanks, Sparky."

"Sparky?" Iroh grinned. "What a charming and most fitting nickname."

"Uncle!" Zuko glared at him, and then smiled. "I guess it is OK, but only coming from Batgirl."

"Batgirl! Toph, your penchant for nicknames has returned to haunt you!" Sokka laughed.

"Shut it, Meathead." She put the tray down.

Sokka rinsed the final pot. "Yeah! I'm done."

"OK, Why don't you and Sparky…" Iroh let out a hardy chuckle. "set the table. I promised to show Toph how to make my special soba."

"Didn't I say you couldn't call me that?!?" Zuko scowled and went into the back room. Sokka followed. "Take your shoes off." Zuko ordered, while slipping off his old black sneakers. Sokka sat down to unlace his All-Stars and looked around. It was a simple room with no windows, but painted a cheery yellow. There was a low table in the center, a tatami mat underneath it. There was an old dresser with a rice steamer and a hotplate with a teapot just starting to steam on it. There were a few beautiful scrolls with calligraphy and paintings on it. Zuko's kendo things and backpack were piled up by a door opposite to the onet hey had come through. On his left was a stairway going up and underneath was a crowded desk piled high with papers and small knick knacks.

Zuko went over to the dresser and pulled out placemats, chopsticks, and chopstick rests. He made a second trip for napkins and teacups. Sokka helped set up the things he placed on the table. Zuko went to the rice steamer and started filling individual bowls with rice.

"Zuko?" Sokka said quietly. "Is it possible to grab a fork from the restaurant? I am not proficient…. Aw, hell. Chopsticks and I just don't get along."

"It isn't that hard."

"For you – maybe." Zuko placed one bowl on each placemat, and then effortlessly knelt beside Sokka. Picking up a pair of chopsticks, he demonstrated.

"The bottom one rests here – on the ring finger and the fleshy part between the thumb and first finger. All the movement happens with the top one. Hold the top one like a pencil, with the thumb and first two fingers. See." Zuko scooped a little rice and popped it his mouth. He swallowed. "You try."

Sokka squinted in concentration. It took a few minutes, but he was able to pinch the chopsticks together. Then he cautiously approached the rice bowl. The first attempt sent rice flying onto Zuko's shirt. In the next attempt, he was able to get three grains of rice into his mouth. The rest ended up in his lap. He was trying one more time when Toph and Iroh came in the room both bearing food trays.

"Din-din time, boys!" Zuko reached up to grab her tray. Sokka subtlety guided her to the table. Iroh and Zuko quickly served the meal. There was some fried mackerel, a carrot and diakon salad, and a soba soup with vegetables. Iroh made and served tea. For a while, no one spoke, but slurped noodles and ate. Sokka tried very hard to use the chopsticks. Toph set her chopsticks down.

"Snoozles, I haven't heard you eat this slow since Twinkletoes put Tabasco sauce in your oatmeal."

"I am trying to use these crazy food stick thingies." Sokka grinned sheepishly. Iroh responded, "And doing quite nicely for a first time, I might add. I understand in the Tribes it is not customary to use chopsticks? What did you use?"

"I am from the Southern Tribe. Traditionally, we use whale-sharkbone spoons, forks and knives and occasionally our fingers. The Northern tribe uses the same, but it usually turtle-sealbone. Everyone uses metal or plastic these days."

"Fascinating." Iroh nodded. "You must really miss the South." Sokka shrugged.

"Some things I miss, others I don't. I can't wait until this war is over so I can go back. Family is something I do really miss. Katara and I are the only ones here."

"Likewise, young man. My nephew and I are the only of our clan here too. But enough of such sad chat. More tea."

"We'd really like to, Mr. Iroh, but we have other plans. Can we have Sparky for the evening?" Zuko's eyes and Sokka's eyes widened as Toph spoke.

"Ahem. Batgirl, if you want me to do something, you should ask me."

"OK, Sparky. You are coming with us. Go change and meet us at Sokka's place by 11:15. Snoozles, draw him a map."

"That didn't seem like asking to me." Zuko crossed his arms.

"Zuko, why you prefer to listen to me practice the sunghi horn instead?"

"Sokka, I'll need that map." Zuko go up and went over to his backpack. Grabbing a pen and a note book, he thrust them into Sokka's hands. Sokka started to scrawl, while Zuko and Toph cleared the table. Iroh made shooing motions with his hands.

"Go on, I can take it from here."

Sokka handed a map to Zuko and in small letters at the bottom, Zuko read "Going to the Jug and maybe the Tangelo. T-shirt not advised, fake id if you have one."