In the fire nation, Toph was meeting Zuko for a very important meeting. What used to be the war room was now the conference room, flames and throne removed. Most of the security detail staff were leaving the room after the meeting was adjourned, leaving Toph and Zuko alone. He looked across the table to his friend and smiled, folding his hands.

"Well, that went well." He said sarcastically. Toph would roll her eyes if she knew how.

"If they aren't going to listen to me then there is no point in me being here. I have duties back in Republic City. This isn't a vacation." She said in a sour tone.

Zuko sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"They will listen. Eventually. They are just not happy about me taking security advice from you."

"Why not? I'm the Chief of Police. I think I can handle security." She asked and folded her arms over her chest.

"I guess all the assassination attempts on Aang have really gotten to them. Maybe defamed your procedures?"

"Look, Aang can take care of himself. I can't assign him a bodyguard. That would make the Avatar look totally useless."

"I know, I just think it's set in their minds that you can't take care of Izumi."

"Zuko, if they work with me I can promise your daughter's safety."

He nodded once.

"Okay, we'll try again tomorrow."

They both stood and walked towards the door. Zuko offered lunch to her and she agreed. As they walked down the halls, Toph's hand strayed towards her swollen belly. She made a nervous face, her thoughts pacing back and forth like a person in a doctor's office. Zuko noticed and looked forward.

"How far along are you?"

"Only a few more months to go."

"You seem calm."

"I am. I mean, it's just a baby right? I've done way harder things. This kid should be a breeze."

"I can tell your lying."

She frowned and moved her hand back to her side.

"Listen Toph, you're going to do well. I know that Katara and Aang's kids have seen some danger in their young lives and you know yours will be no different. Just don't be too soft on them like they were. Make sure they know what's out there." He said in a caring tone.

"You sound like you've had some experiences yourself with your daughter."

"Would you be here to beef up my security if I hadn't?"

"I suppose not."

"In any case, Izumi has had a few run-ins at school and some aggressive maneuvers from adults. She handled them well with Mai training her from day one on self defense and myself teaching her firebending. She's fine but I worry about her here at home when she's gone."

"Wow, what a loving father." She said and smirked.

"Kids change you. They change the way you look at the world. You have this beautiful baby in your arms and suddenly something as simple as a bowl of grapes is a threat. Nothing is the same. And it will be the same for you. but like I said before, I think you'll be fine." He said and put a hand on her shoulder. She smiled and nodded.

"Do you have any idea who could be a father figure in the child's life?" He asked.

"I was hoping Sokka would be nice enough to, but him and Suki have their own issues. Aang and Katara have too many children already and you are all the way over here in the west. So no. I don't."

"It's okay. I think you can handle it better on your own anyway." He smiled.

"Really?" She asked and sounded almost self-conscious. Zuko was concerned at first. Toph was never self conscious. Not around him anyway. She made a face and nodded.

"Of course I can." She agreed and walked into the dining hall with Zuko. She turned her head to the side and smiled.

"Thanks for the talk, Firelord."

"Anything for a friend." He said and followed her into the hall, ready for lunch.