Aang paced the store he was nervous on what to get top for her birthday the last time he got her something he knew she hated it but she lied sand said she loved it.
She didn't know it but he had practiced his earth bending to the point where he could see and understand when people were lying.
Unfortunately it also showed him how Katara really felt towards him he never sent her heart into summersaults like she did to him. He knew she had stronger feelings for Zuko so he did the hardest thing he had ever done he let the woman he loved go.
It had been a year since then he had traveled the world again this time with only with Appa, Momo, and surprisingly Toph. After he defeated the fire lord, Sokka went with Suki, Katara stayed in the fire nation as its water tribe ambassadors. Toph didn't have anywhere to go and worried she might destroy whole cities he invited her to going him on his travels. They were all meeting on Ember Island to celebrate Toph's birthday hopefully he could keep it a secret from her.
He had grown fond of the blind bandit, he nearly jumped when Toph suddenly appeared behind him.
"So twinkletoes whatcha doing?" she asked a smile growing on her face as she felt his rapid heartbeat she must have scared him good.
"no-nothing Toph I was just looking around" he wasn't totally lying but he knew she wouldn't by it. She looked at him skeptically but she shrugged and looked around as well.
She knew they were in a jewelry she felt all the precious gems around her one in particular sparked her interest. She asked the clerk what the stone she felt was, he answered that it was a rare type of emerald she felt it in her hand it was easily bendable she liked it but sadly it was too expensive for her taste.
"Hey twinkles I'll be outside hurry up with your jewelry shopping she said loud enough to embarrass him.
After Toph had left he bought the emerald.
"Ah your buying this for your girlfriend I see good choice" immediately Aang immediately blushed "she's not my girlfriend she's a really close friend"
"Ah I see this stone is a perfect choice it is said that among people with a strong connection strange powers arise the set is called The emerald eyes" Aang was interested in these gems he picked up the emerald, once he did the stone glowed with a silhouette of green.
The clerk looked at Aang with a calm but sure look "you are the avatar aren't you" Aang was about to answer when the clerk handed him the matching gems in a metal case.
"Take them as a gift for saving the world" Aang looked at the gems "sir I can't accept this how much are these" he said immediately, but the clerk wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Just remember to stop by again if you need anything else" the clerk smiled and waved as Aang walked away.
With the emeralds in the metal case Aang hoped Toph wouldn't sense the precious gems.
"You done yet twinkles I'm bored and we got to get to Ember Island on time or sugar Queen will get angry". She said in an annoyed voice.
"I know Toph I just finished" he said tucking the gems into the saddle pack.
Toph sensed that twinkles nerves he was hiding something after another year of travel she had could easily tell when he was hiding something. she decided to enjoy the ride for a little she had come to enjoy riding on Appa though she would never admit that to anyone.
"So what are you hiding from me twinkletoes" she hurd him jump she couldn't feel his vibrations very well but she could have sworn his heart did a summersaults.
"Nothing Toph why do you ask" she knew he was lying even without sensing his vibrations she knew something was up.
"Are you still trying to get back with Sugar Queen?" he jumped again she smirked to herself two in a row she was good.
"Not at all Toph why do you ask" she was surprised his voice was sure he didn't break so what was he doing in that jewelry store she wondered.
She decided to forget it and sleep till they arrived.
Thank the spirits she fell asleep he was sure she was gonna find him out he picked up the speed so he would get to the island early. When he landed Sokka and Seki greeted him Sokka hugged him.
"I missed ya buddy"
"I missed you to Sokka" he said with a wide grin
"So where's Toph" Suki asked and almost on queue top jumped out of the saddle yelling.
"Hello Ember Island are you ready to be rocked"
They all laughed and went inside for some reason Aang didn't feel the usual pickup in Tops heart beat like he used to had she gotten over Sokka? He wondered.
They found Zuko and Katara siting at the balcony talking he felt there vibrations he knew they must have been in love. He was happy for them and for some reason the aching pain he once felt had diminished to a light prick had the traveling helped he didn't know. But he was glad to be moving on both Zuko and Katara greeted them with open arms.
"Aang, Toph it's good to see you" they said in unison
"Wow you two really got that annoying relationship unison down don't ya" Toph joked, Aang couldn't help but laugh as the couple blushed he'd have to thank Toph latter.
They all got ready for dinner Aang changed into a simple bright orange and yellow robes after washing up. He headed out into the hall and ran into Toph.
She wasn't wearing her usual close she had on a beautiful red and gold dress that showed off her curves and her thin waistline. Her hair was done in a braid removing the bangs from her face revealing a beautiful face. He blushed how had he not notice how beautiful she looked before know.
She felt Aang's heart beat quicken when he stepped out of his room.
"What's wrong twinkletoes so I look bad or something what's the deal because if Katara messed up tell me I feel weird in this getup".
"Nothing top it's just you look incredible" she blushed the complement sent a chill down her spine for some reason she shook it of what's up with me she thought.
She chose to ignore the feeling and keep walking Aang kept up with her they talked about the comment she had made on the couple and laughed hysterically.
She loved to laugh with Twinkles he always lightened the mood they walked and joked until they reached the dining hall. When they stepped in she heard everyone yell in unison "surprise! Happy Birthday Toph".