Toph was so sick of couples. Ever since the war had ended Katara was always sneaking off with Aang, or Sokka with Suki, or even Zuko with Mai, for crying out loud. Suddenly it seemed all her friends had all but abandoned her for their new romances. She sighed. She hated admitting it, but she felt lonely. Not only that, but she felt a little...jealous. Yes, jealous. Why did it seem like everyone else had someone to love but her?

Not to mention that stupid ball coming up. Not that the end of the war wasn't something to celebrate, but the first ten or so post-war parties had been enough for her. Even if this was the new Earth King's ball. She didn't even know who he was. Some obscure relative of the previous King probably. Toph couldn't care less. She had left that world long ago.

All that morning she had been wandering aimlessly through Ba Sing Se, trying to burn off some energy and sort her thoughts. It did little to help her frustration, and after sensing the fifteenth couple holding hands, she made sure the young gentleman "tripped" over a rock that was conveniently placed right in front of his foot. Toph sniggered cruelly, but still stomped off, still inexplicably angry. She wasn't paying attention to where she was walking, and somehow she had ended up inside the Jasmine Dragon.

She was just realizing where she was when a strong hand grabbed her shoulder."Toph, are you doing okay?" Iroh asked,spinning her around. His voice was concerned.

"I'm completely fine!" Toph yelled as she shook off his hand. She inhaled deeply. "No, wait. I'm sorry. I'm not fine."

"Do you want to talk about it over some tea?" He asked, relieved that the hotheaded young earth bender admitted she was not feeling herself.

"I guess." Toph said numbly.

Iroh returned shortly and poured two cups of steaming ginseng tea. "So, what's on your mind?" He inquired patiently.

"I don't know. I feel like my friends are deserting me. They're always sneaking off to go on romantic walks by moonlight, or kiss in the rain or whatever else it is lovers do. I feel like they're forgotten about me."

Uncle Iroh nodded sympathetically. "Mmm-hmm. Maybe they don't even realize what they're doing? Maybe they're so caught up in being in love that they've forgotten how important their other friendships are? Have you tried talking to them?"

"I-I'm not sure I could." Toph stammered. She wasn't the type of person to go tell everyone her feelings. Her feelings were a deep, more secret part of her that she didn't share easily. Iroh was different though. He was like, well, he was like a Uncle to her.

"I could probably manage it for you. I'll be very subtle." He spoke kindly.

"Thanks for the tea and the very good advice." She paused and stood up, "I think, I think that I might ask Katara, Mai and Suki to do something..." she cringed at the word "...girly soon. So we can hang out without their boyfriends being all over them."

"You're very welcome. Feel free to pop in for tea anytime! I hope you ladies have fun." Toph turned to leave.

"Oh, wait, a young gentleman was here earlier, asking for you. What was his name again? The Baron? The Count?" Iroh scratched his beard.

"The Duke?" Toph's heart beat faster. "He was here? He asked for me?" She hadn't seen him since the day the war ended. She didn't know him very well, but on the day of Black Sun he had lent her his helmet when she was boat sick. It was really nice of him, but this was weird. Normally guys don't ask after you after you've upchucked into their hat.

Iroh took note of her faint blush and grinned. "Indeed, he said something about popping in again tomorrow..." Toph mentally smacked herself. She was getting more and more like Sugar Queen every day. Still, she knew she was probably going to be hanging out in the Jasmine dragon for most of tomorrow.