hi ya'll! yes, new story! :D im just happy i have inspiration to write this, and im aiming for longer chapters in this story, the first one is just like a small intro, so its shorter. this will be my main focus for a while, and i think the story i've got planned has lots of potential :D so...enjoy!

as lovelyidiot pointed out, i forgot to mention, this is another modern day fic, and toph is can see!...tho that might change.

Disclaimer: avatar: the last airbender does not belong to me

Maybe It Isn't Meant to Be

Chapter 1: Two Different Worlds

Aang's POV

"Come on Twinkle Toes! Hurry up!" I heard Toph's light voice above me, and my lips curled up in a smile. She always manages to make me smile.

"Ok, ok! Stop yelling!" I yelled back. As I scrambled to my feet, I heard Toph's voice approaching, and I tilted my head. I meet her beautiful emerald eyes, and I saw her extend her hand towards me. I grinned as I reached out to grab her hand.

I don't know what compelled me to, but as I grabbed her hand, I pulled her down as well. With a high-pitched squeal not to be associated with Toph, she tumbled down on me, and we both ended up rolling in the sand. I laughed merrily, and Toph joined me. Her laugh was like sweet music to my ears, and I wished I could make the moment last. As we stopped rolling, she started to sit upright, and I did the same.

We were sitting cross-legged, facing each other, I had a goofy grin plastered on my face, but I didn't care. Toph pulled back her arm, an action I knew all too well, and I yelped, closing my eyes as I did so.

Shutting my eyes tight, I waited for the blow, but none came. I opened my eyes and Toph started laughing, "You know what? I'm in a good mood today! I'm not going to hit you!"

My smile widened and I let out a laugh. These were the moments I wish I could just take a snapshot of and keep forever. These were the moments I lived for. I sighed contently as I leaned back on my elbows, and I turned towards the ocean.

A light breeze caressed my face, and I chuckled. I turned to Toph, and I saw that she was also looking out at the horizon, and she was smiling genuinely.

She was smiling. Lately she hasn't been doing that often. I don't know why, she won't tell me. I don't want to push her to tell me, because I know she'll just tell me everything's fine, but I know that's a big fat lie. I can't do anything, but wait for her to open up. I can't force her to tell me, so all I can do is be there for her when she's ready.

"You know, I should get back," Toph nudged me as she said with a small, sad smile.

I frowned, and I said softly, "You don't have to if you don't want to, Toph." Toph turned her head, and I see her smile at me, but this time, her smile was sadder. As if it was forced.

My heart grew heavy as I watch her demeanor lose the happy, carefree attitude it was just a few minutes ago.

Toph started to get to her feet, but I grabbed her hand, "At least stay for the sunset." I widened my eyes, and tried the best puppy dog look I could muster, and Toph's genuine smile returned, so I guess I did it good enough. "Ok, Twinkles, but after that, I'm going."

My smile came back, and Toph sat down again. I felt her scoot closer to me as she rested her head on my shoulder. I glanced down at her and seeing her long, ebony hair cascading down her shoulder, my heart started fluttering.

We just sat there, in silence, and together we watch the sun set. A whole myriad of colors, but predominately streaks of fiery yellow and red, danced across the sky. The water glimmered, and sparkled, and as the sun crept away, my heart melted along with it.

I let out a sharp breath as the sun finally set, throwing us into the darkness of night, and realized I had been holding my breath. "It's…beautiful," Toph let out an awed whisper next to me, and I nodded my head, even though she probably didn't see it. "Yeah…no kidding." I murmured back, into the still night.

In my mind, I added, "It's not as beautiful as you though." I sighed mentally. Toph was my best friend, but there was just one thing I could never tell her.

As I stared into the night sky, I spotted a shimmering star. Just one. I smiled crestfallenly to myself, "Some things just aren't meant to be."

"You know…I should really get going." Toph sighed into my shoulder and I sighed as well.

"Fine," I mumbled as un-crossed my legs and stood up. I extend my hand out to Toph, and she accepted it. I pulled her up, but instead of letting go, I bring her into a hug.

I wrapped my arms around her, and I felt her hug my waist.

"Happy 18th birthday Toph," I bent down to whisper in her ear. She squeezed me tighter as she leaned her head against my chest, "Thanks Aang. This is the best birthday ever!"

Pulling away, I see her smile. That smile that made me heart melt, and made my knees turn into jelly. The same smile that made time stop, and the whole world fade away. It was her smile.

"You're welcome…but hold on, I've got one more thing for you," Grinning, I let go of Toph, and I reached for my back pocket. I pulled out a simple black box, with a small red ribbon.

"It's not much…but I want you to have it," I could feel my face get hot as my nervous fingers handed it over to Toph.

"Damn, Twinkles…you didn't have to." Toph gave me a weak punch to my shoulder, and she took it gingerly.

My eyes never left her face, as she slowly untied the ribbon. She let the ribbon fall to the ground, and with a slow, deliberate movement, she opened the small black box.

Her eyes widened, and I swear, I saw her iridescent eyes well up. With a shaky hand, she reached into it, and pulled out the necklace.

It was a simple silver necklace with a heart, but heck, it was beautiful. The silver shimmered brilliantly under the moonlight, and Toph cradled the necklace. "It's beautiful," Toph whispered, "H-how did y-you afford this?" She gave me a questioning look as her fingers traced the heart in her palm.

I smiled, "It belonged to my mom."

Toph stared at me, dumfound, "No, Aang…I can't take this. This was your mom's." She tried to put the necklace back in the box, but I gently pried it from her fingers, "No, I want you to have it." I said softly, but firmly.

I unclasped the hook, and I bent over to clasp it on her neck. I took a step back, and it was only then I saw a single tear that trickled slowly down Toph's cheeks.

"Thank you, I love it," Toph smiled as she looked at the necklace that now hung on her neck. She added, "And If you tell anyone I cried…." I rubbed the back of my neck and I chuckled. Typical of Toph to ruin a moment like that, "Yeah, yeah. A slow and painful death for me."

She punched my shoulder and laughed, "Exactly."

Toph gazed into my eyes, and my heart rate doubled. "Seriously, this is the best birthday ever. And the best birthday present as well! You're the best Twinkles!" With a smirk, she leaned over and gave me a quick hug. I didn't have a chance to hug her back before she pulled away, "I've really gotta go now. But thanks Aang. For everything." With that, she quickly turned around, to the direction of her enormous, beachside manor, and took off running.

I watched her run into the still, cold night air. Back to her world, her society. I had to go back to my world too. Even if it was for a few hours, we were able to go into our own world, and I was grateful for that.

Even as she turned around after a few minutes, and waved back at me. Even as I walked the other way, and climbed over the wire fence. Even as I walked back home, through the dirty alleys, and littered streets. Even as disheveled, tattooed men glared daggers at me. Even as I reached the small, two room apartment I shared with my foster dad 20 minutes later.

The whole time, my lips remained upturned into a smile.