Earth and Fire [Toph Beifong x OC]

The Guru

Iroh was cooking at a stove. Zuko, still groggy from sleep, enters from another room.

Zuko: What's that smell?

Iroh was stirring a thick white paste in a steaming pot.

Iroh: (Doubtfully) It's jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it.

Zuko bows over the pot, inhaling, as Iroh steps back.

Zuko: (Pleasantly) Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle.

The banished Prince picks up and holds a bowl out.

Iroh: (Suspicious) Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow.

Iroh ladles some jook into the pre-offered bowl.

Zuko: (Optimistically) It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up Uncle.

Zuko moves to the table and kneels as he speaks, sipping from the bowl and looking out an open window. Iroh's concerned look melts into a pleased smile at his nephew's new attitude.

Suhara: They sure are, aren't they?

Zuko turns around in surprise to see Suhara standing in the doorway. He quickly gets up and goes to hug his cousin.

Zuko: It's good to see you, Suhara.

Suhara: You too, Zuko.

Zuko backs up and returns to the table with Suhara as Iroh brings two more bowls of jook.

Zuko: You guys haven't left?

Suhara: I thought you said you wouldn't tell him we're here.

Iroh: I didn't. He found one of your flyers.

Zuko: Wait a second, what are you talking about? You knew they were here the entire time?

Iroh: The two of us met on his brother's birthday at the place he died. We didn't see it fit to tell you or his team that the other was here when that was the circumstance upon which we met.

Suhara: Plus, we don't wanna fight each other. But we figured if you and Aang and all the others were told, we'd have to.

Iroh: I'm sorry for lying to you, Zuko.

Zuko: No, it's okay, I understand.

Suhara smiles and sips his bowl of jook feeling great to have some family time with his cousin and father.

Zuko: (Breaking the silence) So what are you still doing here, Suhara.

Suhara: Well, we just took down someone seeking absolute power over the city, and found out he had intercepted letters for us. Right now Katara's meeting with the Earth King's military, Sokka's off with the Water Tribe's military, Toph's visiting her mom here in Ba Sing Se, and Aang's off at an Air Temple doing Avatar stuff. Did Dad ever tell you about Toph and I?

Zuko: That little earth bender girl? You two are dating?

Suhara: She's short, but she's only three years younger than me. And yes, we are.

Zuko: That's great.

Suhara: Until the Earth King's council of generals have decided on a plan to attack the Fire Nation and Aang's finished whatever he's doing, Katara, Toph, and I are here in Ba Sing Se. I'm actually gonna go and find her in a bit, sit down and talk with her mom and all that stuff. Me and Toph also thought of going to your tea shop so you could meet her mom.

Iroh: That sounds like fun.

Suhara: But honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. Too much pressure.

Zuko: What do you mean. You'll be fine. You're a good guy, I'm sure she'll like you. And she'll be glad to meet uncle when she gets to know him.