Thanks!
I colored it with MS Paint. That program can be a pain in the butt but still fun.
Since I finished the oneshot/drabble I figured I'd log on and post it already.
And bump the thread upZuko stared at the fire in silence. It seemed to dance in defiance against the wind. All he could think about was Iroh. How he had turned on Azula and ran off, now wanted as dead fugitive. He left Iroh behind and only Agni knew if the old chap was still alive and not at Azula's mercy.
Toph Bei Fong was in her earth tent. Her eyes may have been closed but she was as awake as a chicken rooster in the morning. What egged her were the particular teenager’s vibrations. By his heartbeat, she could tell he was still thinking about Iroh. In truth she thought about him too especially because she knew Iroh would go through heck and back to make sure Zuko was all right. It appeared Zuko would do the same for him. Like Zuko, she had a soft spot for the formidable old man though Iroh was his uncle so it was only natural for him.
Katara had reassured him so many times that they would try to go and get Iroh back but how, that was a different story. With Azula head of Ba Sing Se and the Dai Li, one would call it suicide. A mad man's hope. But since when did that stop Zuko or any of them from trying? Toph sighed. This should have been Katara's job but since she was the only one up besides him, she'd have to convince him to get some sleep. How would he be able to kick butt with lack of sleep?
She earthbended the earth door of her tent down and crawled from under it. She stood up without bothering to dust herself and said a simple, "Hey."
Zuko looked up at the first member who accepted him without any grudges bore against him and replied in the same manner, "Hey."
She took a seat next to him on the log. "I'm not good with this consoling fluff, that's Sugar Queen's job, but staying up worrying isn't going to do anything except make you tired."
Zuko looked at her with a scowl. "My uncle is back in Ba Sing Se held prisoner by Azula and the Dai Li! I can't help but worry!"
"Your uncle," Toph started out. "Isn't he a firebender like you?"
"Yes," Zuko muttered.
"I'm sure he's taught you just about everything you know."
"Yeah. So?"
Toph shrugged. "So he's not in complete danger." She could feel his heartbeat remain the same. "I think about him too, you know. I'm positive everyone else does too. I like your uncle. He helped me out and I'm willing to return the favor. I can tell he'd give his life to make sure you're okay." She punched in the arm, causing him winch and frown at her before proceeding to rub his arm. Toph continued, "And it's great to know that you'd do the same but I bet he'd want you to have some sleep."
A man needs his rest.Zuko couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah.......he would."
Satisfied, Toph nodded and rose up. "Now get some sleep before I have to knock you out."
Smiling lightly, he stood up and nodded to her. "Fine......Good night."
"Good night to you too."
They parted ways to head back for their sleeping spots. Zuko stopped and turned around, "Hey!"
Toph was already at her earth tent so she merely turned her head. "Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"I didn't say much, Flame Boy," she replied. There was a hint of a smile in her voice, most likely out of confusion or amusement.
"But you still prompted me to put myself in my uncle's shoes," Zuko insisted. "So thank you."
Toph shrugged. "You're welcome."
With that said from both parties, Toph crawled into her earth tent and Zuko crawled into his sleeping bag. Both minors were able to get some sleep tonight. Both would be prepared to fight for the Dragon of the West.