AN: Some of this chapter might seem a bit familiar. ;)

"As if a regular ol' dance wasn't bad enough, now we gotta dress up in stupid costumes?"

Katara walked alongside the grumpy earthbender.

"Not exactly. It's a masquerade, so a dress and a mask is all you'll need. Mai got the masks already," the waterbender explained with an encouraging smile. "And, Suki and I will help with the dress." She could sympathize with the younger girl. There was a time, back when she was first assigned the position of Ambassador that she had not been too comfortable around nobles and dignitaries either, but she quickly learned how to handle herself. And them as well. "All you'll have to do is show up."

Toph cursed under her breath.

"I think it could be fun..."

"'Course you do, Sugar Queen," Toph laughed. "You were made for this kinda thing, hobnobbing with snobs and idiots."

"Gee, thanks, Toph," Katara deadpanned.

"I mean, you're good with people. But me? I'm better in the ring or on the front line. Not playing dress up."

Despite being born into nobility, sometimes Toph felt like an utter fake when she was at a fancy party in a fancy dress. Other times it was just dealing with people like her parents that put her on edge. It was never her favorite place to be.

"That's not true," Katara argued, wondering about the downcast look that overtook her friend's expression. Could it have anything to do with the guard Suki had told her about, she wondered. Maybe Toph missed him? As curious as she was, the waterbender got the impression it wasn't the right time to ask about that. "You can be friendly - when you feel like it. But you're always fun. And, you're a beautiful young lady." The other day, Toph had not seen the looks various nobles' sons sent in her direction, but Katara had. The pretty earthbender had even made a certain monk blush. "I bet you'll have your pick of dancing partners tomorrow!"

Dancing... Toph couldn't stop thinking about it, actually. She had done it before, of course, but now Twinkletoes was in the picture. And try as she might, she couldn't help wonder what it would be like to dance with him...

The concern Katara began to feel gave way to relief when blue eyes caught sight of Toph's small smile.

"Besides, Zuko only asked you to show up..."

"I'll keep this short," the Fire Lord announced once all his friends were gathered in his private study. "I have a favor to ask of you. All of you."

"A favor?" Katara said, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Sokka didn't bother hiding his suspicion. "What kind of favor?"

"Yeah, spill, Sparky," Toph demanded, swiping the last mini bun on a golden platter in the middle of the desk, and popping it in her mouth.

Zuko glanced at everyone sitting or standing throughout the study. "There will be another event in the ballroom tomorrow night, a masquerade ball. And, I would appreciate it very much if you could all attend."

The tension seemed to leave the room and everyone relaxed. Everyone, except Toph. The youngest girl groaned.

"Really? Another dance?" she complained. "I'd rather see the Ember Island Players again."

"Besides," Katara continued as they turned a corner, "You don't have to deal with any of those 'idiots' if you don't want to."

"...True."

"Plus, we'll all be there."

"Also true." Toph revved her arm back and Katara prepared for the impact. "Thanks, Sweetness."

"Of course." The waterbender rubbed the tender spot on her arm. When they reached the hallway leading to Toph's room, the older woman paused. "Get some rest. I'll stop by first thing in the morning to take you to your dress fitting, okay?"

"Can't wait," the earthbender answered.

"Great," Katara replied, ignoring the sarcasm. "Have a good night."

At the same time Toph opened the door and stepped into the room, Aang flew in through the window.

"How long you been out there?" she asked him, not at all surprised.

"Just left Zuko's study. I was catching up with Iroh."

The old general was one of Toph's favorite people. A genuine smile lit up her face when she asked, "He's here!?"

"Yeah, he just arrived."

At least she'd have the one-time Fire Lord to hang out with at the stupid ball.

"So, what do you think of the masquerade thing?" she asked to make conversation because Toph did not want to talk about what happened before Mai walked in on them. She sat on the ottoman by the foot of the bed hoping Twinkletoes remained far away by the window.

When Aang crossed the room and took a seat next to her, his arm brushing hers as he did so, she mentally berated herself. It was just Aang, for earth's sake. He was... the boy she confessed to, a tiny voice supplied unhelpfully. The boy who was currently making her insides twist into knots.

"It could be fun," he replied, shrugging one shoulder then laughing at the way she blew at her bangs in irritation.

"Ugh, not you, too."

He didn't say so out loud, but he hoped that maybe...this time...they'd get a chance to dance together...

"You'll see," he stated, easily taking her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. "We'll have a great time."

His hand was so warm. Toph cleared her throat, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, maybe."

They both sat there feeling a little awkward and nervous because they were very much aware of the other. When he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, Toph jumped up off the ottoman.

"I don't like this!" she cried, beginning to pace the room.

"Like what?" He sounded worried. "My holding your hand?"

"No. I don't like that I like when you do!"

Reassured by her words, Aang stood and went to her.

"It's okay if you do," he assured Toph, smiling shyly as she continued her back and forth. "I like holding your hand."

She stopped pacing and turned her face up to his, a soft blush turning her cheeks a rosy pink. With a confidence he was only just beginning to feel around her, Aang erased all the distance between them. Still nervous, but no longer experiencing that awkward feeling fluttering in his stomach, he reached up to caress the side of her face.

Toph couldn't move. For all her boldness and bravado, she could hardly inhale or exhale in that moment, let alone do anything else as Aang leaned forward, into her. When he pressed his body close, her eyes fell shut. Dipping his head, his lips swept across hers in a feather-like touch, while the hand not in her hair was on the small of her back, drawing her closer still.

The way he kissed her, slow and sweet at first, then hungry and demanding, made her knees weak like some silly girl Toph swore she would never be. But, it was almost unavoidable. Aang made her feel so many different things she wasn't used to. As she placed her palms flat against his chest, she tried to tell herself it wasn't to steady the dizzying effect he was having on her, though it was.

When his tongue slid against hers, Toph couldn't help the moan that escaped her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. Taking his time, his hands found their way underneath her tunic to explore the smooth skin of her waist. The back of his knees hit the side of the bed and he slid down against it to sit on the floor, pulling her with him. Grinning, Toph settled herself comfortably on his lap.

Things progressed quickly after that.

The intensity of it might have frightened some, but Aang and Toph had been here before. Back on the ship, only now they were unable to hide behind the guise of practice. For a fleeting moment, Toph wondered if it should feel different kissing him now that she'd essentially confessed her feelings and he...he had not! She pulled away suddenly.

"Whuh?" he mumbled, sounding out of breath.

Eyebrows pulled together, Toph shook her head.

"Nothing," she replied, finding his mouth again. Whatever questions rose in his mind fled soon after her lips touched his.

She was not going to ask him. She didn't tell him how she felt for any other reason than she wanted to. If he wanted to share something with her as well, fine. If he didn't... Toph shoved the thoughts away and was soon lost in the many sensations she was experiencing as he trailed wet kisses down her neck and ran his hands up her back with newfound familiarity.

"Toph..." he whispered against her lips and then he was kissing her again, losing his hands in the mass of dark hair that had come undone.

Aang would never get tired of this. How could he? Toph sitting on his lap, kissing him, letting him kiss her. This girl, amazing in so many ways, had taken a risk and opened up to him about how she felt. And that despite the fact she never did those kinds of things! It was truly surprising. Usually he was the one pouring his heart out, except...except this time he hadn't! He hadn't told her anything!

"Wait," Aang said, his breath uneven.

"I- what?" She was breathing heavy, too.

"I, um, didn't get to finish earlier."

"Finish what earlier?" Toph growled because stopping in the middle of a serious makeout session like that was simply not done. But soon it hit her. Normally, the fiercely independent and aloof earthbender had no need to have everything out in the open. This, however, was different somehow. And since she'd told him, somewhere deep inside her, she wished he'd do the same. "Earlier when?" she asked again, but her voice held a much more neutral tone. "When Little Miss Sunshine walked in on us?" she prodded.

Aang almost smiled as the color returned to her cheeks obviously remembering what Mai caught them doing. They'd been standing so close after he kissed her, while he was finally ready to tell her how he had been feeling only to be interrupted unexpectedly.

"Yeah," he answered. "All I was going to say before was that I'm not sure when it happened, but it stopped being practice for me, too," he admitted while playing with the hem of her tunic with his thumb and forefinger. "And I know things are different now because..." It was his turn to blush a little as grey eyes darted away. His heart was beating so fast it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest any second. "...because I've been thinking about you a lot."

The same crimson hue colored both their faces.

"Alright, guess that's all cleared up now," she said, feeling light-headed, but trying to downplay the effect his words were having. This nervous energy filled her entire being and she was experiencing so many conflicting emotions. She wanted to laugh and hit him and kiss him all at the same time.

Aang took both her hands in his. "I wasn't done," he apologized and Toph remained uncharacteristically quiet so he could continue. "I just... I want to be with you all the time, Toph. Or, as often as you'll let me," he finished only half-jokingly.

The room was too small. He was too close, too far, and Toph felt like she was running out of air. The urge to get up and escape out the window was so strong, half of her desperately wanted to do it. Yet, she stayed right where she sat because the other half wanted that more.

"Good," she replied in a faint whisper, because as nauseating as it sounded, she'd been thinking about him a lot as well, and she wanted to be with him all the stinkin' time.

"Toph," his voice was soft between them, "I'm... You're.." He released a shaky breath. "I like you, too," he admitted quietly.

...

The breeze coming in from the window was cool for a summer night, but not cold in the least. Hundreds of bright stars filled the sky, though Yue was nowhere to be seen. Even as high up in the Palace as they were, the sounds of the cricket bees below could be heard clearly. But none of that seemed to matter while Toph sat on Aang's lap, stunned.

So, this...this was the real deal? She had somehow, inexplicably, fallen for Twinkletoes...and he for her? That...might have been the strangest, craziest, most unexpected thing ever!

"Huh."

"What?"

After a moment she replied.

"This is weird."

"What is?" he asked self-consciously.

"This. Us."

"No, it's not," he defended.

She was still sitting on his lap and had no plans to move, but when she thought too much about it... Aang and her? Together together? Yeah, it was weird.

"Twinkletoes, come on. Did you ever see me and you...like this?" she challenged.

"No!" he answered quickly.

Toph did not fail to notice his reply came a bit too quickly. Placing one hand on his chest, over his heart, she asked again, "Did you ever see me and you like this?"

Aang gulped and denied it once more.

"You're lying!" she laughed, amused, while her stomach twisted with nerves for some reason. "When?"

Honestly, he contemplated not telling her, but with the human lie detector sitting on his lap there was no way he would get away with it.

"I don't know," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Once or twice, I guess..."

"Really?" Laughter bubbled within her. "When?" she repeated.

She was enjoying this far too much. Not in a million years would she have ever imagined Twinkletoes saw her as anything other than Toph, World's Greatest Earthbender and the girl who could kick his butt anytime she wanted.

"...In the swamp."

Her good mood vanished and she made a face. "Musta been some other girl, Twinkles, 'cause I've never been to the swamp."

"Well, it wasn't really you, but it was you."

"Oh, okay. Now you're making total sense," she replied sarcastically.

"I think I tried to tell you about it once when we first met in your parents estate after Earth Rumble VI, but you didn't care. Anyway, I saw you after I was called down to the swamp by some unexplained force. I told everyone that in my vision-"

"In your vision?" she asked skeptically.

"Yes. I know what you're going to say, it was just Avatar mumbo jumbo, but I'm not so sure. Sometimes I thought, yes, that's all it was, but there were other times when I thought maybe...I don't know... I wasn't too sure."

"Uh-huh."

He frowned at her. "You want to hear this or not?" Aang asked.

"Proceed," Toph waved him on magnanimously.

He couldn't help rolling his eyes.

"See, the thing is I told everyone that I saw a girl in a white dress with a pet flying boar. What I didn't mention to anyone..." he paused to figure out the best way to say it.

"Is that you wanted to jump me?" she teased making him stutter as he tried to explain. She didn't let him. "Because we were only twelve," she continued in the same mock-scandalized tone.

"No!" Aang cried when he finally found his voice again. "I didn't want to jump you - Spirits! - or anything like that!" Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything.

"Well then, what?"

"I just..." He took a deep breath and went on. "When we met, I thought you were smart and so fun and..."

"And?"

"And, even prettier than in my vision. Your eyes... and, your smile..." He chuckled sheepishly, his gaze falling on everything in the room except those eyes and that smile. "But, it seemed you only saw me as a friend."

"I couldn't see you at all."

"You know what I mean."

"I do," she admitted, allowing herself to indulge in the memory. He was her first friend, after all. Her voice was so soft when she spoke. "You were the first boy I ever talked to..."

Aang smiled at her.

"And then you cheated and sent me flying outta the ring!" she yelled, punching his arm.

"Ow!" he rubbed the tender spot. As he watched her, he couldn't help wonder if at any point she ever thought of him as anything other than a friend. "Well, that was the first time, I guess."

Toph was quiet for a moment. She never imagined that the reason his heart rate sped up those first few weeks had anything to do with her specifically. She assumed it occurred simply because of the fact a new person had joined the group and altered its dynamic. Still, as interesting and ego-boosting as the revelation was, Toph didn't want to continue down the path this conversation was headed, so she stopped it all together.

"Okay, this is officially boring," she stated.

Aang's mouth fell open.

"Hey, you asked!" he cried, sounding offended. Not that it mattered obviously, but he had shared something with her he had never told anyone! And she couldn't care less!?

"Trust me, I wouldn't have asked if I'd known this was coming," she added.

Affronted and hurt, he moved her aside - off his lap - and stood up.

"Hey, what're doing!"

"I'm getting up and I'm going to sleep," he declared. Not bothering to undress, he climbed in under the covers fully clothed.

"Can you blame me?" Toph asked, laughing and standing near the edge of the bed. "Wanna know what I just heard? Blah, blah a white dress and something about looks."

Aang threw the covers off him and sat up. "I was talking about you!" he yelled at her. "And how I thought you were really pretty when I first saw you. And how you turned out to be more than just that! You're smart and funny and fun to be around and the best earthbender ever! And I was going to say that it's all still true! But I'm sorry I bored you with my feelings, Toph!"

He fell back on the pillow and childishly pulled the covers over his head once more.

Had she been someone else, she might have apologized for being insensitive to his feelings, especially when she knew how difficult it was to admit certain things. But Toph couldn't help being Toph and simply snorted in response. "If I'd known you were gonna get your panties in a twist, I wouldn't have said anything."

She heard him growl under the covers.

"Yes, you would have!" he snapped.

She laughed. "Yeah, probably."

When he didn't say anything else, the earthbender walked to the middle of the floor and let herself fall back. Arms tucked behind her head, she was ready to feign sleep. Knowing that she could've still been kissing him if she hadn't made fun of him, Toph sighed quietly to herself. The problem with that was she actually enjoyed hearing him say all those things. True, she'd never know what he meant by pretty, but she knew enough about people using the term and it...felt good...that he thought about her that way. The other reason she ended the conversation so rudely was because he would undoubtedly ask if she ever experienced a moment like that regarding him. Lying was always an option, of course, but something about not being honest with him didn't sit well with her, so she decided to avoid the whole thing instead.

Aang was her first friend. The first boy she ever even talked to. And as mad as she was when he showed up at her house unannounced, she couldn't believe he had gone through all that trouble simply to ask her to teach him earthbending. Twinkletoes never saw her as tiny and helpless and fragile. He was the first person to see her like she had always wished to be seen: strong and capable. Looking back, it wasn't a surprise at all that she liked him as more than a friend. She had never met anyone quite like him and her inexperienced mind simply ran away with itself.

It wasn't until Ba Sing Se that Toph came to the painful realization that Aang didn't see her in the same light. Apparently now he claimed he had at one point, but she didn't know that then. After that she convinced herself it had all been nothing, not even a silly crush. It was embarrassing enough having been through it once, Toph didn't want to have to relive it by telling him about it. It didn't matter what they had become recently, the things she'd thought possible five years ago when they first met were the stupidly romanticized and pathetic notions of a twelve year old who'd never had any friends or even spoken to anyone her own age. Truth be told, she'd rather have him be angry with her than have to reveal any of it.

...

Only a few minutes passed, but like the silence that had fallen around them, the empty space between them seemed endless. Aang, laying comfortably on the bed, was starting to feel guilty. Not only for yelling at Toph - he knew how she was when talking about emotions and things of that nature, so he shouldn't have been surprised. But aside from that, she was on the cold, hard floor all by herself, while he was warm and comfy on the plush bed.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice muffled by the comforter.

"Nah, I'm good," came the automatic reply. Immediately after Toph answered she realized that was probably his idea of a peace offering. "Hey, Aang?"

"Yeah?" he replied eagerly.

"Never mind."

"Agh, Toph!"

He was so easy to bait, she couldn't help laughing.

"You know, Twinkletoes, the floor is big enough for two," she offered with a smirk. Grey eyes peaked out from under the covers.

That was probably the closest thing to an apology he was going to get, so when he slipped out of bed he grabbed two pillows and both blankets and dragged them over to the middle of the room. When Toph sensed his familiar vibrations on the ground, she had to force herself not to smile like an idiot. After tossing a pillow her way, Aang fixed the blankets to cover them both.

Even though it was late and he was tired, Toph kept him awake by tossing and turning apparently unable to get into a comfortable position. When she crawled closer and tugged on his arm to place her head on his bicep, he swallowed nervously because everywhere her body made contact with his suddenly felt like it was on fire. The way she made him so mad one minute, then made him forget the reason why the next was beyond perplexing.

"Stop being so tense," she mumbled into his arm before turning around so that her head was settled on his shoulder and her face was buried in his chest. When she threw on arm around his waist and her leg over his, it nearly became too much. "Better not move," she threatened.

Somehow, the idea that she was trying to sound menacing while she was clinging to him like a purple pentapus amused Aang to no end and he found himself relaxing.

"I won't," he promised, carefully wrapping his arm around her small frame. "Have a good night, Toph," he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"No, none of that," she groaned. "All that gooey feelings talk tired me out. Can't take anymore," she finished with a yawn.

"Okay," he chuckled. "No more for tonight."

"No more ever," she mumbled from somewhere in his chest.

"Afraid I can't promise that, Toph."

"Fine, then I'm leaving," she muttered, but made no move to go anywhere. If anything, she shuffled closer to him.

Smiling, Aang tightened his hold around her. Even if it took them a while, something told him they would reach a point where they felt completely at ease with one another. The thought gave him comfort and before he knew it, his eyelids grew heavy and soon he was fast asleep.

Yup, this was part of the old Ch. 23, but I think it works better this way. If you have any questions, please leave them in your review *wink wink nudge nudge* or PM me, thanks! =)