Agni, what the bloody hell?

Zuko is no paedophile, why in this Agni-damn spirited world is he liking this twelve year old girl! (and okay he's not exactly legal yet but regardless, she's twelve for Sozin's sake!)

This is annoying, Zuko concludes as he sits against a rock. He's been in this temple for two weeks now, and already he's harboured feelings for this girl. Okay Zuko, why? He asks. Why?

Well a lot of people like Toph, she's courageous, smart, cunning, witty, she's strong and an overall-great person to be around. But why can't he be like Sokka and Aang, why can't he just leave her be?

Maybe it's her blindness. It's marvellous at her customs in seeing, her tactics. Maybe it's because she doesn't care that people stare and judge her, unlike him with his horrid scar. He could (pfft in another universe maybe) marry her due to her status. Zuko knows she's of royal-blood because although she doesn't show it, Toph still possesses a little bit of a virtuous attire in her everyday life as a 'runaway'.

They have to be it. Body, Soul. And she's not very pretty. Zuko has to admit, she's not as pretty as Song or Jin or even Mai, but he likes that. Toph is pretty in her own way. She's a little chubby but that's just muscle, Zuko assumes and she's short and cute (he daresay). Her eyes, without the clouded expression, would be a jade green, like a little bit of the ocean within a diamond casket.

Her face is heart-shaped, impish and she moves with ease. She can survive in the wild, like Zuko.

But ah, todays not the time! There's a war going on. Spirits, this is messed up. Zuko leans back so his sprawled on a rock, his large hands concealing his face, his scar

A rustle and an 'oomf' from afar. Zuko sits up ever so slightly.

"Oi, Sparky Princess, gimme' a lift! You burnt my feet, that's what you get!" Toph calls out from afar.

And Zuko smiles, because this is what he loves about her, and he can't supress a blush (but thankfully he's by himself). Zuko saunters towards the blind bandit, chortling slightly as he gently heaves her onto his shoulder.

Toph smiles lightly. It's nice being piggy-backed. And Zuko doesn't feel like Sokka, no. He's warmer and more muscly so Toph feels safe (ironically.) She snuggles slightly into the crook of his neck, his scruffy black hair tickling her cheek.

And although they can't see each other, their cheeks tint rose.