DISCLAIMER: Did this happen in the original story? No, then I must not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or it would have. Enjoy.

"We need a pass to get through" Toph said.

"Alright" Sokka sighed "you girls try and get information. I'll do my best to get a pass."

"What are you going to do?" Toph asked "this gate requires one pass per person."

"I'll get some" Sokka said stiffly.

"We could always have Oppa fly us" Aang offered.

"Yes, but we'll be checked for passes whenever we're in the area" Toph said "or else we'll be arrested."

Aang made a face "alright" he said.

"Let's split up" Sokka suggested "try to get ideas and we'll meet up."

"Alright" Katara said "we lost our pursuers at least, that's a good thing."

"I'll go with Katara" Toph said immediately.

The two girls set off, ignoring Sokka's protests and orders to keep safe.

"Hey" Toph frowned "Katara, doesn't that guy seem important?"

"I guess" Katara said, guessing that Toph was referring to the young man who the commander was speaking to "he looks rather young."

"Maybe he could help" Toph said eagerly.

"How?" Katara asked "besides...Aang is the Avatar, would he want to?"

Toph frowned before her expression lightened "use your feminine wiles!"

"What?"

"You know, flirt with him to get a pass."

"Huh? But..."

"I can't" Toph admitted "I'm blind, he wouldn't fall for it."

"But...I don't know how to flirt" Katara protested.

"Nonsense, all girls can."

"But..."

"Katara, go!" Toph pushed her "look, he's leaving."

"Hey girls" Sokka said eagerly "I think I know how..." his voice trailed off "what happened?" he asked.

Katara hiccupped, a bottle of alcohol in one hand.

"Toph, what happened to Katara?" Aang asked worriedly.

"Um" Toph looked in their direction "we...got a pass."

"How?" Sokka demanded.

"Um..." Katara blushed "I got an invitation to dinner?"

"You have a DATE?"

"I must admit; she was a pretty girl" Iroh commented, eyeing his nephew "however, nephew, I do not believe she is coming. What a shame."

Zuko growled darkly, glaring at the empty seat across from him.

Iroh had, of course, 'coincidentally' happened to be dining in the same restaurant. His table also happened to 'coincidentally' be located out of Zuko's line of sight, but where Iroh could see him easily.

Iroh sighed "tea nephew?" he offered.

"I..." Zuko fisted one hand "I will..."

His mood darkened when a civilian handed him a letter that they were asked to bring.

"Uncle!" Zuko snapped "we need to leave immediately!"

"Of course nephew, I am happy that you found such a willful pretty girl. She will keep you on your toes."

Elsewhere, Katara wondered why all the guards who looked at the pass referred to her as 'Lady Ambassador'.

Sokka just told her to forget it; before muttering to himself about other pathways they could use that would allow them to ditch the pass. Secrecy be damned!

In the end, Zuko managed to get his dinner; it did involve, however, the use of a number of soldiers and the 'Lady Ambassador' being requested to dine with the 'Guard Captain'.

Iroh settled happily to watch the meal progress from the opposite end of the restaurant. He then proceeded to discuss tea with Toph.

And then he asked about their traveling plans. And whether any more passes would be required. Iroh had taken up a collection in case Zuko needed them.