Hey! Just want to take a quick second to thank for the reviews and mass amounts of story update alerts in just the space of a day. The next chapter will be quite exciting for you TOKU lovers who love a little bit of drama, so look out for the next chapter tonight.

Also, I know this chapter is a little short, it's only cause I needed to get a certain part of the story before the next chapter.

Enjoy :D

CHAPTER TWO

It was evening as the moonlight danced along the waters along side the paper lanterns. Zuko was bored of welcoming guests to the palace for the wedding that would take place in a matter of days and was sitting by the fountain in which a few years previously, he had fought Azula by. He sighed, wishing for a way out. The air was quiet but Zuko turned rapidly at the sound of footfalls.

"There's our favourite Fire Lord!" Called a familiar voice from the shadows.

"Who's there?" Zuko said, standing up, unable to believe his ears.

"Do you really think we'd miss your wedding?" Came another voice, which Zuko recognised had matured over the years of distance.

"Sokka? Katara?" Zuko said.

"That's right buddy!" Sokka said, walking out into the light of the lanterns along side a girl with short brown hair and kind eyes, it was Suki. Behind them immerged the second couple.

"I never thought I'd see the day Zuko" Avatar Aang said, his matured face still sporting his impish grin.

"I can't believe it" Katara smiled, her face still as motherly as ever.

"When did you guys get here?" Zuko said, unable to keep a smile from his face.

"We just arrived, a few of your maids are taking Appa as we speak" Aang said.

"Is Toph here?" Zuko asked expectantly.

"No, we didn't have time to stop by her house in the Earth Kingdom, we figured that she'd be making her own way there." Sokka said. "So, who's the lucky lady?"

"That's the thing…" Zuko said sheepishly. "I don't know, it's kind of an arranged marriage."

"What? Why?" Suki gasped.

"It's kind of a necessity for the Fire Lord to have a… lady. All spirit tradition and all that. That's how my grandfather Azulon found my grandmother." Zuko said.

"So you have no idea who you have to spend the rest of you're life with?" Sokka said, holding back laughter. Suki frowned and elbowed him hard in the side.

"I think it's sweet." Katara said.

"Thanks" Zuko said unenthusiastically. "Well I should probably go inside and see my uncle"

"Care to show us to some rooms?" Sokka said.

"Come with me back into the palace, I'll ask a maid to show you your rooms." Zuko said. Sokka and Suki began to walk back up the castle as Sokka and Aang launched into a conversation on what they think the bride will be like. Zuko stared down into the water of the fountain, looking at his scarred reflection. He pitied who would have to be his wife and see the scar every morning. Zuko jumped as he was brought out of his reverie by a soft hand on his shoulder.

"I'm really glad you found your way" Katara said softly in his ear. Zuko looked at her and smiled as they both turned on the spot and followed Sokka, Aang and Suki.

Zuko stared at his appearance in the long mirror. His hair was tied up with the signet Fire Diadem placed in the top. He fingered at the golden collar of his robes and sighed. The door creaked open behind him as Iroh stepped in.

"What a lovely day to marry" He said cheerfully, embracing his nephew. He stepped back and looked into Zuko's eyes.

"Are you alright?" Iroh asked, appraising Zuko.

"Just a little nervous that's all. I'm also just… thinking about things." Zuko said glumly, his eyes slipping to a painting of his family that sat on his desk. Iroh picked up the painting.

"You are thinking of Ursa?" Iroh asked.

"And father… and Azula. I wonder what today would be like with them here"

"Probably a disaster" Iroh chuckled. "But I have come to ask you, although it is tradition to not see the bride before the wedding, would you like to meet her."

"What? I can…?" Zuko asked nervously.

"I have a feeling you are either going to be very shocked or very relieved" Iroh winked.

Zuko's stomach churned uneasily. "Okay. I'll meet her."

"You look beautiful darling." Poppy said.

"I don't care how I look." Toph growled.

"All that's missing is a freshly picked lotus flower. I did see some growing outside. I think I'll just go and get some" Poppy said. "I won't be long Toph"

"Yeah. Don't come back." Toph whispered under her breath. Toph waited until she heard the closing of the door before jumping down off the pedestal and kicking off the shoes her mother had practically forced onto her feet. With her hands, she gently brushed the material, feeling the rich silk beneath her fingertips. Toph may have been blind, but she knew she was wearing a very beautiful dress. Every time a maid had entered to bring her mother something, they'd all gasped at how pretty she looked. Toph sighed and walked across to the dressing table. She pushed her long silky black hair behind her back and sat down on the ornate stool, leaning her chin on the palm of her hand.

Toph jumped when she heard a soft tap on the door.

"Come in" She shouted.

The door creaked open as Zuko popped his head in.

"Hi uh… I know it's not customary to see the bride before the wedding but…" he stammered as Toph stood up and faced him. Zuko frowned a little at her familiarity. He walked forwards until he was only two feet away.

"I thought it would be easier for you… after coming so far to an unfamiliar place" He stuttered once more before stopping. His breath caught in his chest as he saw how truly beautiful this girl was that stood before him in pale green robes with peach trimmings. Her hair hung down her waist and her eyes were on his. Zuko found himself unable to stare at the translucent paleness of her pupils and iris'. He would have recognised those eyes anywhere.

"Toph?" he said. "Is that you?"

"Caught me" she sighed.

"I'm so sorry." Zuko said. "My uncle told me to come into this room."

"What for?" Toph asked slightly amused as his pulse raced.

"He said that the… bride… would be in here" He said.

"Surprise surprise." Toph said awkwardly.

"Huh?" Zuko said.

"I'm your bride." She said.

Zuko stared as her unseeing eyes looked at the floor. Zuko felt a rush of old feeling flow back to him from three years ago. He remembered how Toph had been kind to him, treated him like a very close friend before any of the Avatar's gang. He had always thought her pretty and full of life, and now here she stood in front of him, more beautiful that he could comprehend.