Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Traditions of the Heart ❯ The Fung Family ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender

 

Six minutes after Iroh had gone in to have his fortune read he was walking out grinning like a fool.

 

“Aunt Wu says that my tea shop's business will triple next year and that I will be expanding to other cities.” Iroh explained as excited as a child getting a new toy.

 

“That's great Uncle.” Zuko said honestly happy for his uncle's fortunes. It made his heart sore to see the man he loved like a father happy. The rest of the group was also giving congratulations. That's when a knock at Aunt Wu's door was heard. Meng, who was in the next room, came in to answer it. The slender hotel desk clerk stood behind it. He bowed politely before speaking.

 

“I was sent to inform you the Fung family has returned and would like you to join them for dinner. Dinner will be served in one hour's time. Thank you.” With that he bowed again and walked away.

 

“Did he mean all of us or just Zuko?” Toph said propping her elbow on her knee then setting her head in her hand.

“Well I would say all of us.” Iroh stated “You girls better start getting ready. We only have an hour.” The women exchanged looks before standing up and following Meng.

 

“Plan on being late.” Sokka said popping another bean curd puff in his mouth after the women left. From down the hall Katara yelled. “I heard that, Sokka.” Sokka choked while Aang, Zuko, and Iroh laughed. Aang gave Sokka a hearty slap on the back and the puff flew out of his mouth hitting Zuko in the back of the head. Zuko would have gotten mad long ago but not now all he did was exclaim “EW” and used his sleeve to rub the spot.

 

“Well to ensure we are not the cause of being late we should get ready ourselves.” Iroh suggested still laughing. The other men nodded trying to calm their own laughter. They went upstairs and Meng intercepted them leading them to their room. It was right next to the women who were giggling behind white paper walls. The young men wished for a second that the paper was thin enough to see through but Iroh was glad it was not. Inside the women's room Katara and Toph were throwing dresses at Aihe who was attempting to catch the flying fabric. Blue, yellow, green, pink, and purple were the colors they impressed her to try on. Katara had already decided to wear a bright fuchsia dress with vine and flowers in the pattern. Toph was going to wear her formal cream colored dress but Aihe had said she would wear the uniform Toph's parents gave her so she could be introduced as Toph's bodyguard. A simple forest green tunic with cream pants, the belt was the only flattering piece of the ensemble. Forest green with gold filigree and the Bei Fong Family seal. That's what started the dress dog pile on Aihe. According to Katara and Toph, Aihe would wear a pretty dress like she did in the Fire Capitol and not mention her job at all. Aihe relented to a pale green dress with lavender trim. Next came the hair. Toph's was long enough to wrap around a carved wooden hair ornament then braided down her back which Katara did for her. Katara did her hair up into a bun but left her slender hair loops. They then attacked Aihe who exclaimed she could do her own hair but they wouldn't let her, it was just too much fun. At this they heard the men laughing next door, the walls did nothing to block sound. Aihe's long hair was wrapped around an ornament with hanging tassels then split into two braids that she kept putting behind her only to have Katara put them over her shoulders. Finally makeup which Aihe put her foot down about not having anyone but her do. She was not mad nor did she sound so but she just wanted to do it herself. Katara chose a smoky eye shadow, pink cheeks, and pink lips. Toph had Aihe do a pale blue over her eyes, pink cheeks, and a darker pink for her lips. Aihe looked into the mirror and at the colors Meng had given them before going for the dark green which made her eyes look even paler, pale pink cheeks, and naked lips. Balm would work fine since she hated the feel of lip paint. They descended the stairs to find the men had beaten them. They had all changed into their usual dress clothes which included Zuko's royal robes, Aang's good monk's robe, Sokka in a dressy version of his usual blue tunic, and Iroh in a beautiful red robe trimmed in gold.

 

“My, you ladies look breath taking.” Iroh beamed. Aang, Sokka, and Zuko gaped. Not even after the spa did they look this amazing, though they all knew they traveled in lovely company no matter the wear or condition.

“Katara you are beautiful.” Aang said kissing her strongly. Katara giggled after they broke their embrace, taking the arm of her love as he led her outside.

 

“Toph may I have the pleasure of being your escort for the evening.” Sokka said bowing then offering her his arm.

 

“Sure Snoolzes” Toph said taking Sokka's arm and jumping for joy on the inside.

 

“I believe I have the honor of escorting you, fair lady.” Iroh said offering his arm to Aihe who took it without a second thought smiling. Zuko watched as his uncle walked out with Aihe on his arm and felt jealous that it was not his arm she held onto laughing at Iroh's jokes. He walked out of the home alone.

 

Before long they were back at the hotel and the desk clerk was leading them to the banquet hall. It was large and the only table was set up at the end of the room. It could seat thirty people but only sat ten that night. Already seated facing them was the Fung Family. All dressed in green the mother with her grey streaked hair beside her gray bearded bald husband and to his left a beautiful fragile creature. Zuko felt the air leave him and for that moment all want to have Aihe on his arm vanished. She smiled sweetly at him with pale pink slender lips. Her eyes were the color of grass and her hair was a medium brown. The group took their seats with Zuko in the middle across from the father, Iroh on his right with Aihe beside him, Aang on his left followed by Katara, Toph, and Sokka. The desk clerk introduced the Fung Family as the mother Chiyo, the father Kenji, and their daughter Eriko. Iroh took on the role of introducing his group which the Fung family bowed respectfully to.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome your company this evening.” Kenji said spreading his arms wide as if to hug the group.

“We are honored to be your guests.” Zuko replied gratefully. Eriko didn't take her eyes off of Zuko and he glanced at her, frequently. Iroh beamed thinking they may not have to journey much longer if at all. Aihe tried not to notice the eye contact between Zuko and Eriko because it made her feel like a she was peeping at some intimate moment. Eriko was in her field of vision so it was hard not to notice her. Tiny to a fault in Aihe's eyes the girl looked barely over sixteen with hands that had never seen work beyond feeding herself, so fragile Aihe thought she could break her like a dried up stick. The thought no sooner came to Aihe then she shook her head to rid herself of it. Why she did not like this girl was not clear to her. She held no feelings for the Fire Lord beyond friendship but something in her didn't like those blushing cheeks, pouty lips, or glittering eyes all set in pale skin. Kenji went down the line of people in front of him asking questions and getting to know each one.

 

“Master Sokka what do you do for a living?” Kenji asked. Sokka stopped eating and swallowed what was in his mouth before answering with pride.

 

“I am an inventor for the Earth King.” Sokka proclaimed sitting up tall and straight. Kenji was delighted to hear it.

 

“May I ask about your inventions?” Kenji pressed.

 

“Oh, of course. Most are still in the testing stage but my partner and I have already completed work on an ointment that will ward off biting bugs using the oils from plants.”

 

“How wonderful? Is there anything else you can tell us about.” Kenji asked hoping to hear more.

 

“I would but I have not finished them yet. I like to keep them hush, hush until we get them just right.” Sokka said. He had learned his lesson about sharing too much. A student from the university had asked him questions about the improvements to the time telling candles which Sokka then discovered the student had passed off as his own. Now until he and the mechanist announced the invention to the king they kept them secret.

 

“I understand completely.” Kenji said giving Sokka a wink. He turned to Toph.

“How is your father doing, Miss Bei Fong?” Kenji asked after taking a sip of tea.

 

“My mother and father are both doing well.” Toph answered smiling. That cut out Kenji's next and last question.

 

“Oh, well good to hear…uh. Mistress Katara, how is the north pole these days?” Kenji asked hoping for another conversation but Katara answered “I believe it's doing well. I haven't been there in almost a year now.” Again nothing to go on.

 

“Ah, Avatar Aang. How goes the rebuilding of the three nations?” Kenji asked sure to get a good answer but again was disappointed because Aang didn't give up much.

 

“It's going well. A few bumps but most people are learning to get over old wounds faster then I expected. In another hundred years it will be like the war never happened except in history books.” Aang said before putting another cucumber roll in his mouth. Kenji smiled at the good news but couldn't think of anything else to ask. He skipped over Zuko and Iroh whom he would get to later to put all his attention on the quiet women on the end.

 

“Aihe, was it?” Kenji asked almost forgetting her name. Aihe looked up from her food.

 

“Yes, Master Kenji.” Aihe said politely. Kenji thought for a second about what to ask.

 

“What a pretty name. Please don't be offended but how old are you?” Kenji asked eyeing the women who had entered the room on the arm of General Iroh. He guessed she could be no more then eighteen but he had been known to guess wrong before. His wife was older then him by three years, he thought she was two years younger.

 

“I am not offended by your question at all Master Kinji. I will be twenty four this coming spring.” Aihe said confidently wondering on the inside why he had asked her age.

“Well then I was off by five whole years. I believed you were eighteen.” Kenji chuckled as his wife smiled and rolled her eyes. “I have never been good at telling a person's age. I thought my wife was younger then I until we married and I found she was older by three years.” Kenji took his wife's hand lovingly while gently laughing. Aihe felt her wonder subside; it was a game of wit that he had failed. Kenji then turned his attention to Iroh which gave Aihe permission to continue eating.

 

“You are a very lucky man, General Iroh.” Kenji said. Iroh smiled but also gave him a confused look. “To have such a beautiful, young wife. She must make you very happy.” Aihe stopped eating mid chew, Zuko chocked on his tea, Katara and Aang exchanged looks of amusement, Toph giggled, Sokka raised his eyebrow, and Iroh just continued to smile. `Iroh? What are you going to say?' Aihe thought worriedly. Iroh began to chuckle before saying, “She's not my wife, Master Kenji, though any man would be lucky to have her. She is a good friend of ours.” Aihe felt warm inside at Iroh's words.

 

“Oh, well then you are lucky to travel in such lovely company.” Kenji gestured to all three women. They all bowed their heads in thanks.

 

“Lord Zuko tell us about yourself.” Kenji said giving his attention to Zuko.

 

“What would you like know?” Zuko asked. Kenji thought for a bit not wanting to dig too deeply into the Fire Lords soul but wanting to get an idea of the man who potentially could marry his daughter.

 

“Where do see yourself in five years?” Kenji asked. Zuko thought for a second knowing his answer would have a deep impact on Kenji's decisions to allow marriage between him and his lovely daughter.

 

“I see myself ruling a peaceful nation, continuing to build alliances with the other nations, married to a loving wife, and being a father to a few children.” Zuko asked thoughtfully.

 

“Very good, I like that answer.” Kenji said then their conversation continued swimmingly. Occasionally Iroh would interject causing everyone to laugh.

 

Toph sat eating quietly and feeling the heat come off of Sokka's body. He just ate oblivious to the world or at least she thought so. `How do I tell you how much I like you Sokka?' she thought. She thought hard about when and where she should do it. Next to her Katara and Aang sat close together. They listened to the conversation between Kenji and Zuko carefully taking in the reaction of Eriko. Eriko made all sorts of faces to what Zuko was saying which made Katara wonder if the girl was practicing for a play or just that animated all the time. The dinner went smoothly and then came dessert. With it the first words Eriko spoke all night.

 

“Tell me, Lord Zuko; are you a master of the sword?” Eriko said blushing as he smiled.

 

“Why yes, I am a master of the duel Dao swords.” Zuko said with confidence. Eriko clapped with joy at this, reminding Toph and Aihe of a monkey. Toph smiled as she heard Aihe cough out her chuckle. No one else caught it, thankfully. Iroh merely poured Aihe more tea as if she chocked on her rice pudding.

 

“Are you a bender?” Eriko said leaning towards Zuko with interest. Kenji and Chiyo were starting to look nervous from what Aang, Katara, Sokka and Aihe could see. Kenji's nerves broke first and he made a comment to stop his daughters questioning and the answer Zuko was about to give.

 

“Eriko, it is not polite to ask such direct questions of the Fire Lord.” Kinji scolded Eriko who pouted. “Lord Zuko you do not need to answer that question, we apologize.” Zuko was confused since her parents had been asking direct questions all night and decided to answer the question anyways.

 

“It is alright. I am a fire bender.” Zuko said smiling but the pout on Eriko's face just grew. Zuko became even more confused and looked to Iroh for help. The older man was at a loss for words as to what was happening. Aang, Katara, and Sokka had an idea though. Katara was about to ask some questions when Eriko's pout faded when Sokka propped his sword up against the table after a waiter almost tripped over it lying behind him.

 

“Are you a bender?” Eriko directed her question to Sokka who swallowed his food and looked over at his friends. Each looked as confused as he was. Toph felt worried.

 

“Uh no.” Sokka answered uneasily. Eriko clapped again and this time jumped a little in her seat. There was no chuckle from Aihe this time. Toph growled under her breath and Zuko couldn't understand what was happening. He looked to her parents who were starting to look panicked.

 

“What is this all about?” Zuko asked finally feeling a little annoyed at the strange behavior of the family before him. Eriko put her hands together and then over her heart when she answered.

 

“Aunt Wu told me that my true love would come to me tonight and that he would be a great master of the blade but that he would not be a bender.” Eriko said making googily eyes at the now blushing Sokka. “I thought it would be you Lord Zuko but now I see it is your traveling companion, Sokka.” Eriko sighed. Zuko and Toph were both angry while Katara, Aang, Iroh, Aihe, and Sokka were in shock.

 

“I am so sorry about this Lord Zuko. Really this is just a misunderstanding.” Chiyo said trying to get control over the room that was quickly filling with thick emotions.

“It's not a misunderstanding Mommy.” Eriko said standing up and stomping the ground with her foot “This is the man I am going to marry.” She moved around the table to sit next to Sokka and take his arm. Sokka didn't know what to do but the look Toph was wearing when he looked to her for help made his blood run cold.

 

“Get your pasty little hands off my man.” Toph growled before she had time to think about what she was saying. Sokka gave her a startled /confused look but said nothing. Eriko glared at the earth bender daringly but let go of Sokka. The two girls stood facing each other with balled up fists.

 

“I don't see your name written on him. Dirt face.” Eriko said in a low voice which might have sounded threatening to a cricket.

 

“You really don't want to fight me squirt.” Toph said dangerously making Sokka crawl out from between them. Eriko's parents did nothing to stop their child which had Aihe on her feet to do her job after putting a hand on Iroh's shoulder to keep him seated. She got between Toph and Eriko trying to calm them down.

 

“Ladies please calm down. Let's talk about this.” Aihe suggested calmly but neither paid her any attention.

 

“You don't scare me. You can't even see.” Eriko shot back. Aihe felt like letting Toph at Eriko in that moment but she didn't, she kept them both at arms length.

 

“I don't need to see to know how to kick your butt.” Toph growled. Eriko screamed as she jumped around Aihe's hand and clawed at Toph who moved nimbly out of the way.

 

“That is quite enough.” Aihe commanded grabbing hold of both girls' sleeves and pulling; she had stopped Eriko mid slap and Toph mid earth bend. Everyone else had gotten to their feet at this point and Zuko moved forward but stopped beside Sokka. “Toph, come with me back to the house.” Aihe ordered letting go of Toph's sleeve. Toph glared but walked out anyways. Toph felt humiliated and scared. Had she just growled at a complete stranger and called Sokka her man. She began to run as soon as she felt the door was near, she wanted to cry and take it all back.

 

“Yeah, run home you coward.” Eriko shouted after her. Aihe let go of the girls sleeve and though her face showed no emotion her eyes burned at Eriko. Aihe bowed to Eriko's parents silently before leaving the room. Kenji fiddled with his hands nervously. Iroh was the first to speak.

 

“I think it is time we left.” Iroh stated steering Katara and Aang toward the door as they were closest to him.

 

“Is there any way we can still salvage this arrangement?” Kenji said standing up.

 

“We will talk over tea tomorrow for now I think it's best if we leave.” Iroh said as the rest of the group had already exited the hall. He bowed before leaving taking one last look at Eriko who stood there pouting with her arms folded over her chest. He knew her parents would be dealing with a temper tantrum soon.

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“Toph wait!” Aihe yelled as she tried to run in her long dress. Toph was far ahead of her and it was clear the eighteen year old woman would not be stopping soon. Aihe stopped to gather her dress in her arms then started to run after Toph again.

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When Iroh exited the hotel Katara, Aang, Sokka, and Zuko were standing there waiting for him. There was no sign of Toph or Aihe.

 

“I guess they have a head start on us to the house.” Iroh said starting off to the fortune teller's home. He would have a talk with Aunt Wu when they got back. He doubted the possibility of marriage to Zuko was still available to Eriko but all the same the girl should be set straight. They reached the house to find Aunt Wu, Meng, and her husband eating dinner.

 

“Hello how was dinner with the Fung family?” Aunt Wu asked charmingly.

 

“I would like to speak with you about it in the morning but right now I want to know if Toph or Aihe are here.” Iroh said.

 

“No we thought they were with you.” Aunt Wu said. No one panicked because they knew both were able bodied women but they still worried. Sokka felt both happy and unsure all at the same time. His feelings toward Toph had been changing but was he ready to let her know. He knew he would get little sleep tonight.

 

“Well I am sure they will be fine. I think I shall turn in for the night. Goodnight Aunt Wu. Sokka, Zuko, lets go to bed.” Iroh said gesturing for them to go first. Aang and Katara followed behind Iroh but stopped in front of the third guest room. Aang looked at Katara who blushed. The question in his eyes was would they stay in the same room or split up. Katara thought it best to split up since she wanted to make sure the girls came back in the night. She gestured with her head to follow the other men. Aang looked partially disappointed but kissed Katara goodnight and caressed her cheek before entering the men's room. Katara went to the women's room hoping the Aihe and Toph would return soon.

 

Aihe finally caught up with Toph near the gate of the town. Both women were panting for breath.

 

“Where…do you…think…you're going.” Aihe panted out. Toph didn't turn in her direction.

 

“I just did the stupidest thing in my life.” Toph said feeling the tears emerge. Aihe moved forward to place a hand on her shoulder.

 

“That was not stupid it was just unexpected from all parties.” Aihe soothed. “You got jealous and in that situation I would have done the same thing.” Toph balled her fists as the tears escaped then she bended a boulder out of the ground to slam it back down, letting out her frustrations.

 

“But he knows now and I'm not ready….” Toph paused. “I'm not ready to be rejected. Not by Sokka.” Toph's shoulders began to shake from her crying. Aihe took her into a hug. “I wish that we had just stayed home, Aihe.”

 

“No you don't. This is where you need to be right now. You're a strong and beautiful woman. Sokka is going to say what he feels but you need to know that no matter what you will find love.” Aihe said. Toph cried harder in her arms. There was nothing more Aihe could say or do but hold her friend until her crying stopped. After ten minutes of crying, Toph pulled away and rubbed her eyes. “Toph?”

 

“I'm ok now. Let's get back to the house.” Toph said setting her face back into its usual tough presentation. Aihe nodded and Toph began to walk with her behind. Aihe looked down at her dress now soaked with Toph's tears.

 

“I look like I just got out of a water fight.” Aihe joked. Toph allowed herself to laugh which made Aihe feel better.

 

“Thank you, Aihe.” Toph said just as they reached the front door. Aihe smiled.

 

“You know you're like my little sister and I would do anything for you.” Aihe said fake punching the younger women in the chin. Toph felt better but on the inside she feared Sokka would be on the other side of the door waiting to talk to her. When Aihe opened it the only people there was Aunt Wu playing cards with Meng.

 

“Ah there you two are. Iroh was looking for you about thirty minutes ago.” Aunt Wu said placing a card on the table thoughtfully.

 

“Where have they gone?” Toph asked feeling around the room.

 

“They went to bed soon after they came in. I have a feeling the dinner didn't go well.” Aunt Wu said taking three of Meng's cards.

 

“That's an understatement.” Aihe said rubbing her forehead. “I think we will also turn in for the night. Goodnight Aunt Wu, Meng.”

 

“Goodnight girls.” Aunt Wu said not looking up from her game. Aihe followed Toph upstairs and into their room. They were only slightly surprised to find Katara staring out the window at the moon in her night shirt. She looked at them as soon as they entered.

 

“There you are.” Katara whispered. “I was worried sick. Are you ok Toph?” In the moon lit room Katara could see Toph's puffy eyes so she got up and gave Toph a gentle hug.

 

“Are they back?” Aang said from the next room. The women jumped out of their skins and Toph quickly rubbed the tears away.

 

“Yes we're back.” Aihe said finally. She heard rustling on the other side of the paper wall and knew none of the men had gone to sleep yet.

 

“Is Toph ok?” Sokka was heard whispering to the other men.

 

“Ask her yourself, Sokka.” Zuko said out loud deep in the room. He was tired and not in the mood to play go between. Toph didn't know if she should feel good about Sokka's inquiry or bad. She made no move to answer and look to Katara instead.

 

“She's…” Katara started not knowing if she should lie or tell the truth. . “Well Sokka she's been crying.” Toph let out a small noise and punched Katara lightly in the arm. Katara said “Own! What it's the truth?” Sill Toph said nothing but glared. She didn't want to say anything stupid again but her friends were doing it for her. Movement was heard in the room as if some of the guys were shifting places.

 

“Oh…” Sokka said showing he was laying on the ground near the wall. “Toph I'm sorry you're crying.” No response came from Toph. Sokka decided to talk about it now since the presence of the other guys made him feel more confident. “What did you mean about me being “your man”?”

 

Toph took a sharp breath in and looked between Aihe and Katara. `Not now, can this wait until…never?' Toph thought frantically. Katara gestured for her to answer while Aihe leaned against the wall between the rooms in the far left corner. Sokka was lying by the far right.

 

“I…I…” Toph started. Aihe rolled her hand silently telling her to keep going. “I got jealous.” Toph spit out quickly.

 

“Why?” Sokka asked sounding curious.

 

“Um….” Toph staled.

 

“She has a thing for you. There now can we get some sleep?” Zuko said suddenly on the other side of the paper from Aihe causing her to jump then punched the paper without breaking it. “Hey, that hurt.” Zuko exclaimed.

 

“Oh I didn't hit the wall that hard. Stop interrupting.” Aihe said hearing movement and figuring he had moved away from the wall. On the other side Zuko felt his cheeks go red realizing who was right next to him. He said no more but leaned further into the wall. After that horrible dinner and seeing her take command of the situation he had gotten closer to the edge between just a crush and falling for her.

 

“Do you have feelings for me, Toph?” Sokka asked for conformation. Toph went bright red and started to stutter.

 

“Well…uh…I don't know…um, maybe…” Katara poked her in the side making her spill out the word, “Yes!” Toph wanted to run again but she knew neither woman would let her. She waited in silence for Sokka's reaction. It seemed so long that her ears strained for any noise, then *Crunch*. It was loud and quick but it got everyone's attention.

 

“Sorry.” Aang whispered putting down the roasted potato skins. Aihe put her head back on the wall not knowing Zuko's head as right next to it behind the thick paper.

 

“Toph?” Sokka said finally.

 

“Yes, Sokka” Toph held her breath.

 

“Would you like to have breakfast with me tomorrow…alone? We can discuss this in a more private setting.” Sokka said knowing that what he wanted to say couldn't be said in front of a captive audience.

 

“Ok” Toph answered not sure she wanted to be around in the morning and knowing sleep would not come tonight.

 

“We'll meet downstairs, goodnight Toph.” Sokka said and the rustling indicated he had rolled over. Aihe and Katara looked at Toph who wore a very worried sullen face.

 

“K. Goodnight Sokka.” Toph said. She then grabbed her bed matt and unrolled it as far from Sokka as she could. She got into her night clothing and threw Aihe's to her. Katara slipped into her bed roll below the window and stared up at the moon. Soon it was just Aihe still leaning against the wall. She looked around the room to decide where to sleep but she was very warm in the corner. She got up changed and grabbed her own bed matt. She returned to the corner and snuggled against the wall. Zuko was already fast asleep.

 

Later that same night Aihe woke to noise of the men's room door sliding closed. She shifted against the wall to find her warmth depleting. She moved to lie down but stopped when she noticed Toph was gone. A quick look showed that Katara was still there sleeping. Aihe silently left their room and headed down stairs to the empty living room. She heard a small splash towards the back of the house though it sounded like it was outside. She came around a corner to see a beam of moonlight stretching across the floor from an open sliding door. She checked around her and walked threw the door onto a wooden porch surrounded but waist high shrubs. A tea table sat to her right, a cooking pit to her left, and straight in front she saw Sokka standing with his back facing her about ten feet away. He didn't seem to notice her and she soon saw why. His gaze was fixed on Toph sitting in front of a small pond tossing small pebbles into it. Aihe knew Toph was aware of Sokka because he was standing on the ground but the earth bender probably had no idea she was there. She moved closer to Sokka who still didn't register her presence. As she reached the shrubs a hand flew up and grabbed her left wrist. In one silent motion she was pulled into a crouching position next to Zuko. He smiled at her before turning his attention back to the scene in the garden. She could see Toph and Sokka through the sparse branches. She took a more comfortable seat and looked at Zuko.

 

“Weren't you the one that blurted out Toph's feelings so you could go to sleep? Now you're crouching behind a bush in the early hours of the morning, wide awake, watching them?” Aihe whispered just load enough for Zuko to hear. Zuko turned to face her. He lifted his finger to his lips to motion her to be quiet. Aihe shook her head and gave him a look of amused bewilderment as she whispered “You are a strange man.” Zuko grinned. Their attention was drawn away from each other by the noise of movement, Sokka's movement. He had moved a step closer to Toph but by his posture they could tell he was nervous.

 

“I thought you wanted to wait until morning?” Toph said in a small voice which didn't fit her at all. She had been so lost in her thoughts that until he moved after standing so long she hadn't realized he was there.

 

“I heard you leave your room. I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” Sokka said in a sheepish voice. Toph could feel him through the ground as she sat in front of the pond. His heart was bounding in his chest and his movements were timid.

 

“I'm fine Sokka.” Toph said with a little more confidence. “You can go back to bed. I'll return in a little while.” She felt his heart beat slow a bit but his foot steps were coming toward her. As he got closer his heart picked up it's fast pace again.

 

“I'd like to stay out here…with you.” Sokka said coming up behind her. “If you don't mind.” He added not entirely sure of what he was doing. Toph turned her eyes in his direction.

 

“I don't mind. You can sit down, if you want.” Toph said shyly. Sokka nodded and sat down next to her with the same timid movements as before. After a moment of silence he scooted closer to her. Toph turned her face away to hide the blush on her cheeks.

 

“So…uh…odd family huh?” Sokka said with laughter in his voice. Toph breathed out a chuckle.

 

“Yeah.” She said playing with her hands nervously. They stayed quiet for a good three minutes making shy movements and trying to figure out what to say. Sokka finally broke the silence.

 

“You look very pretty in the moonlight.” Sokka said rubbing his forearm. Toph's cheeks turned a brighter red as her heart skipped a beat in its pounding race.

 

“Thanks.” Toph said biting her bottom lip. This didn't go unnoticed by Sokka who felt his stomach twist in knots. Toph went to put her right hand on the ground to better feel Sokka's presence but instead her hand landed on top of his making him blush profusely. She pulled it away as soon it made contact turning slightly towards him.

 

“I'm so…” her apology was cut short as Sokka grabbed her hand while capturing her lips with his. He pulled away as quickly as he had kissed her. Toph put her free hand to her lips and then gave Sokka a shock looked. He was as startled as she was. He began rambling out of nervousness.

 

“I'm sorry I just really wanted to kiss you I hope you didn't mind don't hurt me.” Toph put her hand up to find his cheek which Sokka noticed and taking her wrist guided her there. He leaned into the feel of her warm palm and watched as a gentle smile curved her lips. His nervousness disappeared, replaced by warm confidence.

 

“I have a confession Sokka.” Toph said in almost a whisper. “I've had feelings for you since we first met.” Sokka snickered remembering all those times he had wondered if Toph had had a crush on him. He had apparently been right and now here he was falling for her.

 

“I thought you did but I was never really sure.” Sokka said getting so closer that their lips were almost touching. “Toph?” he breathed against her face.

 

“Yes?” Toph said wanting the distance between their faces closed.

 

“I'm warning you, I'm going to fall in love with you.” Sokka said getting a tiny bit closer. Toph's smile widened.

 

“Good.” Toph whispered just before their lips met. They held each kissing sweetly. Behind the bush Aihe nudged Zuko who looked at her confused.

 

“Lets get going before they come up for air.” Aihe whispered but Zuko turned back to the couple to find they had finished kissing and were making their way towards them. Zuko looked around the porch quickly and spotted the outdoor cooking pit which was tall enough to cover them, sticking up through the porch. For the second time that night he grabbed Aihe's wrist and pulled her along behind the pit. He held her against him with his back to the stone pit as Toph and Sokka come on to the porch. Zuko mentally noted how Aihe smelled in those brief seconds she was in his arms before Toph and Sokka shut the door to the porch. When the coast was clear Aihe was out of his grasp and not bothered by the situation at all. Zuko however was flushed.

 

“Ok so that didn't solve our problem at all.” Aihe whispered covering her chest with her arms. She felt shy standing there in front of Zuko in nothing but her night gown. “They will know we are gone as soon as they get to the rooms.”

 

“We could stay out here for a bit. Make them think we were somewhere else.” Zuko whispered back. Aihe shook her head.

 

“No, they might think we were… doing things.” Aihe said blushing as she thought of all the things they may think. Zuko thought of them too which made him smile before Aihe said “That would be wrong on so many levels.” His smile disappeared instantly and he felt rejected, again. “Come on; lets just go back. It's cold out here and I want to get back to my warm corner.” Aihe said heading for the door.

 

Zuko was pissed that she thought doing things with him was wrong on any level so he decided there would be no more warm corner for her to get back to. Aihe beat him to the second floor and he only saw the door sliding shut. No voices were heard. He paused to give everyone time to register her return without him, and then went to his room. If Sokka, Aang, and Iroh were awake they didn't notice him slip into the room. Zuko saw that the moonlight now streamed into the women's room so much that their shadows could be seen on the men's side. Zuko watched as Aihe felt the corner and let out a sigh. He smirked victoriously at the now cold corner. Aihe stretched and laid down to sleep. Zuko moved his mat away from the corner and did the same but he couldn't help remembering the smell of lavender and lemon grass as he drifted off to sleep.

 

Ok so yay chapter 7 and I have a feeling that this story will be long. I hope you liked this chapter and let me know what you think. I'll get chapter 8 out soon.