AN: Wow. I'm very surprised at how many of you actually liked this story and thought it had potential. I didn't really think so, but with your help, I'm being proven wrong. I'm sorry if this isn't much of a chapter again. I'm just trying to get everything set up. I don't already have the whole story written unfortunately --; so I'm making up as I go along. Any comments you have to make this story better are greatly appreciated. And to everyone who liked the story last chapter, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well cuz I updated quickly just for you. But enough babbling; on to the story.

Disclaimer: Nuh, uh. I still don't own Avatar and never will.


Updated AN (6/13/08): Hello once again. This is the updated chapter 1. The main change in this chapter is that at first it was in first person, but now it's in third. I thought it was kind of tacky how the first two chapters were in first person, but the rest were third. I think third sounds better (for this story anyway). The explanation of the switch was in the updated prologue. As you can see, I'm kind of making this like a story Aang's writing, that took place in his past (seeing as he's older as he's saying the prolgue). But enough stalling, enjoy the chapter!


Today was the day Aang was going to ask Toph for help. He wasn't really sure what she would say, but he figured it was worth a try – because hey, she could just surprise him and say yes.

Not expecting much, Aang walked over to the part of the school that held Toph's last period of the day, just like he did everyday so they could walk home together (not that oph's parents really approved). Everyone was finally leaving and Aang even caught a glimpse of Katara walking over to Sokka – she was one of the first ones out of the building. The two saw Aang and quickly began to wave and walk over to him.

"Aang, buddy, how've you been? Haven't seen you in like, forever!" Sokka exclaimed cheerfully while smacking Aang on the back.

"Sokka, you saw him just today at lunch. Aren't we forgetful?" Katara reminded her brother before turning back to Aang. She had on one of her smiles that made Aang think he'd died and gone to heaven.

"So Aang, how've you been since lunch? You seem kind of… jumpy about something. Everything alright?" the girl asked, concerned laced through her tone.

Aang fought to keep down a blush at the concern and it didn't take long for him to completely erase it after remembering why he'd walked to this side of the building. Aang glanced over to the large collection of steps and found Toph making her way down.

Aang gave the siblings an apologetic look.

"Ah, sorry, but I really need to talk to Toph right now!"

"Oh yeah Aang, ditch us for To-" Sokka started to complain before he was cut off by a glare from his sister.

"Go on Aang. We understand," she emphasized to Sokka. The boy in question only looked away, finding the ground pretty interesting.

"Well, see ya Aang!"

"Bye Aang!" The two called before walking away to leave Aang alone.

Aang glanced over again to see Toph was already down the stairs and seemed to be irritated. He could understand; usually he'd already be there and he'd be waiting for her. He actually was there early – even earlier than usual, even! But he usually didn't see Katara and Sokka which meant they probably were the one of the first ones out everyday and you probably had to be pretty fast to catch them.

Jogging lightly up to her, he started to grin nervously. Would she kill him for being late? She sure looked like she would. She kind of resembled a panther, ready to strike at any given moment.

"Toph," he began slowly "I can explain. See I ran into Katara and-"

She held a hand up and shook her head.

"You might as well stop there. If Katara was envolved, you were sure to forget me because you're a hopeless loser who's been crushing on her for years, and won't tell her."

Aang glared in response "Hey, if you had a crush on someone, I bet you wouldn't be able to tell them immediately either!"

Toph shrugged "Eh. Maybe, maybe not, but I'll guarantee you one thing; if I did, I wouldn't be nearly as pathetic as you are," she stated apathetically.

"I'm not even pathetic!"

"Riiiight"

"Although, that does kinda have to do with something I want to ask you…"

"Okay, spill"

" … Do you mind maybe helping me get her to like me?"

She raised an eyebrow slightly in response. Was he serious? She smirked as she thought of something.

"Fine"

Aang looked relieved.

"But! I've decided you're gonna owe me one for this. I don't know what it is right now, but I'll tell you when the time comes."

"Thanks Toph! You don't know how much this means to me!"

"Actually, I think I do. Now, what does helping you imply me doing, anyway?"

Aang had to stop and think. He hadn't really thought this out too well yet because he figured he'd be rejected at first and then have to beg. That would've given him enough time to think of what he wanted her to do. But now…

"Well, I'm sure you know how nervous I am around her most of the time. And then, when I'm not nervous, I'm still not too sure how to ask her out; especially since she always has so many people around her and if I was rejected, it'd be like, ten times worse. So I was thinking that maybe you could, I don't know, do…something…"

"…Something?" Toph asked blankly.

"Yeah…" Aang scratched the back of his head; why couldn't he have planned this out better?

"…I'll see what I can do. If any 'chances' come up, I'll try to help you out however I see fit for the occasion."

"Yeah, okay, I understand," Aang stated. He finally took some time to pay attention to his surroundings and saw they were just about half-way to their houses. Well, Aang's was a house; Toph's was more of a mansion/palace thing. Aang just preferred to call it a house though.

"But I think I may have another problem. A problem by the name of Zuko."

"Why? Him and Katara fight all the time."

"Well, doesn't she…like him or something?"

Toph suddenly started to laugh loudly as we finally got to the front door of her mansion.

"What?" he said defensively. It was a legitimate excuse. If she liked that guy, it'd make it that much harder for him.

"Well, from what I know, she hates him. I've heard her sayd he has this major attitude problem and that he thinks he's so much better than everyone else. And apparently she has a grudge against him for some thing or another. Don't worry so much."

Aang couldn't help but be happy with this new-found knowledge. So Katara really didn't like Zuko? This was too good to be true.

"See? You knew something that I didn't know. That's why you should help me."

Toph shook her head, grinning a bit.

"Whatever Twinkle Toes. I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Oh, and by the way; don't forget that now you owe me one."

Toph could sense she was finally at her house. "Later Twinkle Toes"

And with that, Toph walked to her overly large gates, sweetly told who-ever listened to the intercom box to let her in, and then began walking to the huge set of doors.

Aang was estatic. The first phase of his plan was complete – getting Toph to help him. Now all he'd have to do is actually have a conversation with Katara. But he'd try that tomorrow; for right now, it was time to head home and to thinking out the rest of his plan for what he'd do after he initially talked to her. Homework could wait until later.


AN: I was thinking of pairing Sokka with someone. If you think I should, who do you think it should be with? It's between Ty Lee and Suki. As I said, I make up the story as I go along so I have no problem adding the two to the story if you want. Maybe someone else, though I wouldn't expect much. Sorry if everyone seemed OOC in this chapter. I tried to make them IC, but I'm not sure if I did. Comments and concerns are welcome.

In any case, please review. It'd really make my day. :)