Crossroads

AN: I'm tired. I've been studying hard. I passed some of my tests with good grades. Just another week before I go on Christmas break. Well, I've received so many reviews for this fan-fic. They make me happy and I'm so thankful. I love the suggestions and the demands for more updates. I'm working hard on doing both... that's why I'm updating the story right now. Regarding my beta-readers, I am still waiting for my newest and amazing beta-readers to make the connection with me, so we can pass the documents back and forth. For the moment, I'll be updating without a beta-reader. I'm not going to apologize for my grammar! This isn't grammar class and I'm only doing it as a hobby. I admit that my writing is not the best out there, but I am proud of what I can do. Oh, well, that's all the ranting I have for today. Read, review, and enjoy.

The Fire Lord Knew

Her heart palpitated so rapidly, that it was difficult for her to catch her breath. The moment, the instant, and the company were too much for her to take in. Zuko did things to her that she couldn't understand. She knew that his eyes were on her. They followed her movements; she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck rise whenever he got closer.

"It's getting cold," Zuko said, his raspy voice, reverberating in her ears, causing her to shudder. If she wasn't cold before, she was now. "A prince shouldn't be out this late in the evening without proper attire," he said, glancing at Toph.

She straightened her back and tightened her hands in to fists. "Are you telling me that I don't know how to take care of my son?" she said, seething with anger.

"I just said that he isn't dressed in prince attires,"

"Where we are at, he isn't a prince," she gritted.

"He is to me," Zuko said edgily. "He's the son of the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation,"

"And he is the son of Toph Bei Fong," she clenched, "the woman that will bury your sorry ass, if you don't shut up. Are you trying to say that I'm not a good mother? Because I am! My son is-"

"Toph," He laughed mockingly and looked down at his son's face. Rae looked confused; he didn't understand why his parents acted so distant and cold. According to his mother, Zuko was a friend of hers. Shouldn't they act amicable towards each other?

"I didn't say that," Zuko scoffed and ran a caring hand over his son's hair. "Your mom hasn't changed, has she? She's still feisty and ready to fight anyone," he whispered in the young boy's ear. Rae shrugged, offering him a smile that melted the Fire Lord's insides. He couldn't describe the joy his son brought him. Did his mother felt this joyful when she held him? He furrowed his brows at the sad memories of his mother. Rae touched Zuko's face and smoothed out the creases off his father's forehead.

"Better," Rae giggled. "Zuko shouldn't be mad. Momma just worries about me."

"And she should," Zuko paused. "She is your mother after all,"

"I'm right here," Toph jeered. "If you have something to say, Zuko, just spit it out," she said, placing a hand on her hip. "Are you gonna hold it against me that I withheld the information that I had a son? Your son to be more specific," she asked through gritted teeth. "The son of the Fire Lord."

"That's not what I meant," Zuko sighed annoyed, pinching the bridge of his nose and shook his head. Rae copied his father and pinched the bridge of his small nose and shook his head. Toph stifled a laugh, when she sensed the seismic vibrations that were enhanced by Rae's space rock bracelet. She could practically see the outline of their faces; there were more detailed, and she enjoyed seeing her son mimicking Zuko's movements. There was no doubt; Rae resembled his father.

"Momma," Rae said, his little fingers were still pinching the bridge of his nose, and he tried to frown just like his father. "I look just like Zuko."

"Yes," Toph mumbled. Zuko's eyes rested on her, and didn't move away from her.

Her stomach churned; she felt naked and exposed. His eyes were narrowed as he scrutinized her. The Fire Lord took in the young earthbender. He had to admit, she was beautiful. She no longer possessed any childish qualities to her physique. She had grown in to a lovely, curvaceous, young woman. She wore a green and yellow dress that clung tightly to her full hips, something that he wasn't used to. Toph had always been a tomboy. She'd liked to get dirty and she'd enjoyed her healthy coating of dirt, but the Toph that stood in front of him was different. The Toph that stood before him was definitely more feminine and motherly. Everything about her; from her creamy complexion to the sole-less shoes she wore, was lovely. Her midnight black hair was combed in a traditional Earth Kingdom hairstyle. It was pulled neatly away from her face, except for the short bangs that framed her face, exposing those delicate, yet sightless eyes. He gulped, his eyes falling on her tantalizing lips. They were full, parted, and so tempting. Memories of the night they shared together popped in to his head and he felt utterly embarrassed. He shook his head and cleared his throat.

"What?" she asked sternly.

"W-we," he stuttered, unable to look elsewhere. Those luscious lips, he thought, surprising himself. "We should talk somewhere private, Toph," he said in a deep, throaty voice.

She blushed. The way he said her name felt so intimate. She shook her head and tried to clear the strange thoughts. It was impossible to run away from the effect that the Fire Lord had on her. She was good at running away from her problems. She'd done it for so long, but this time, she couldn't run from him. Zuko knew about Rae. She hated how vulnerable she felt around him. He wasn't aware of how attentive she was of his movements and of the way he gracefully walked with such poise and assurance. She could sense in the way he sauntered, that he'd grown stronger and confident in himself. Everything about him, his scent, and the sound of his heartbeat irritated her. The proximity of his body elicited so many dormant feelings inside her. She felt so helpless.

"Where should we go, Rae?" he asked, looking at the child. Rae tilted his head and pointed towards the direction of the parade.

"Do you want to go to the parade?" Zuko asked.

Rae nodded. "I want to go to the parade with you." He said excitedly, snaking his arms around his neck.

"I want to go to the parade with you, too," Zuko chuckled lowly. "We have to ask your mom; she might want to go somewhere else…" he trailed off, giving Toph a side glance."What do you say, Toph? What do you have in mind?"

"I don't know," she said crossly, folding her arms over her chest. She felt like Rae had replaced her for Zuko. She probably wasn't what her son wanted or needed. She felt a pang of jealousy. What if her son would forget her? She swallowed the invisible lump that had formed in her throat and took a few steps away.

"Momma, don't go," Rae said worriedly, shifting in his father's arms. Zuko gently placed him on the floor and watched as his son ran towards Toph. "Don't leave me, please."

"I wasn't," she said softly, unfolding her arms, as they fell to her sides. "I wasn't going to leave you."

"I don't want to live without you," he said sadly.

Toph sighed, touching his little shoulders. "I was just giving you some room to be with him," she whispered, pointing at Zuko. "You wanted to meet your father, Rae. This is your chance," she said, offering her son a hand. "I'll never leave you. You are my Rae."

Rae pulled his mother to him, she knelt beside him, and they hugged. She felt so dejected, confused and so afraid. What would become of their lives? She could no longer hide him from Zuko. Zuko would become a permanent figure in his son's life. The moment had been preordained, she couldn't have stopped it. What a cruel joke of destiny.

Rae's small hands tightened around her wrist. "Momma," he paused, searching her opaque eyes. How he loved her so much. His mother was his world, but his world was big enough to accommodate his father too. The young boy whipped his head back and smiled dejectedly at Zuko. "If you are sad, then I won't be nice to him. I don't want to see you look so sad."

"Rae, son, you don't have to that for me," she said, pinching her son's cheek.

"If he makes you suffer, I'll stay with you." Rae said, a tiny tear escaped his eye. Toph could smell the salty teardrop and her throat tightened. "I'll stay with you forever."

"No, no, son, don't think like that," Toph said, blinking back her own tears that threatened to fall down her face. "You don't have to do anything for me. Just be yourself. I could never ask that of you. He is your father," she trailed off, caressing his soft hair. "Your wish has been granted... you always wanted to meet your father. He is standing a few feet away from you. He doesn't make me suffer. He's just so pompous and irritating," she said, shaking her head.

"Pompous?"

Zuko chortled, but remained silent, as he watched the exchange of words between mother and son. He was surprised at how faithful his son was to his mother. Something inside him moved. He saw himself in his son. He placed a hand over his heart and silently wished that he could see his mother again. He wished that she could meet her grandson.

"… Rae, ask him all those questions you asked me earlier."

"I don't know him well," he said timidly, looking at Zuko from over his shoulder. "What if he doesn't like me?"

"I doubt it. The guy wants to take you to the Fire Nation and brag about you," she said, smiling weakly. "He came here looking for you… He knew about… you…" Her forehead creased and she slowly stood up. "Wait a minute," she said, shaking her head.

"What's wrong?" Rae looked up at her and then at his father.

"How," Toph's stance changed. Rae took a few steps away and scratched his forehead nervously. He knew his mother pretty well and was aware that by the stance his mother had taken, she was about to unleash a powerful and amazing display of earthbending. "How the hell did you know about Rae, Zuko?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"If you want to know," Zuko said nonchalantly and remained indifferent. "I suggest that we go somewhere private to converse." He said calmly. "Or would you prefer that we speak about our private matters in the middle of the street?"

"Don't you patronize me!" she hissed, moving in front of her son, shielding him with her body. "You may be the Fire Lord, but you don't order me around,"

"I would never do such a thing," he said indignantly. "I only wish to speak to you in a civilize manner."

"Ugh, don't talk so condescendingly towards me," she said, taking a step forward, jabbing her finger on his chest. "I don't like your attitude, Fire Lord Zuko. How did you know about Rae? You did know that you had a son, right?"

"Yes," he said, nodding. "No, not really..."

"Start explaining! How did you find out?"

"I will tell you, but not in front of our son," Zuko said, knitting his eyebrows together and looked down at her finger poking him. "You can stop that, it's rather annoying."

"I'll stop, not because you're telling me," Toph stopped, but not before jabbing her finger on his side with such force, that he jerked in pain.

"Ouch," he hissed.

She smiled triumphantly. "Now we can go somewhere private to talk."

"Fine," Zuko muttered, rubbing his side.

"Rae, son," she said her tone of voice changing as she spoke to her son. Zuko chuckled; this was definitely a different side of Toph he'd never seen. "We are going to follow Zuko… he's taking us somewhere," Rae nodded and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Where are you staying at, Toph?" Zuko interjected, she rolled her eyes at him and sighed irritated. "We can go to your hotel room – if you are staying near he-"

"I am sharing a room with Katara, Suki, and Rae," she said dryly. "We wouldn't have any privacy there to talk," she said surly. "They'll meddle in our businesses."

"Yes. We can always go to the inn that I'm staying at," he said calmly. "We won't be able to watch the parade from my room, but we ca-"

"I'm hungry," Rae said, poking his head from behind his mother's leg. "I didn't get my cotton candy."

"Then let's go eat some cotton candy," Toph said, spinning around.

"Toph," Zuko said sternly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Momma, I want Zuko to come with us, too." Rae said, looking at his father, a timid smile on his lips. "Can he come, Momma?" he asked, batting his long lashes at her.

"Fine, we'll go to your room," she said defeated, removing Zuko's hand off her shoulder. "But you better order a lot of food for us, because we are very hungry," she said, tightening her hold on Rae's hand and stomped her foot on the ground, causing the ground around Zuko's feet to move. "And you better order a lot of meat, got it Fire Lord?" she said haughtily.

He nodded. "No problem, Toph." He said proudly, looking down at his son.

Rae's free hand balled in to a small fist and he giggled with excitement. Toph sauntered over to Zuko and motioned him to lead them to the inn he was staying at. Rae remained next to Toph, but ever so often, he would look over at Zuko and grin. Rae offered the Fire Lord his small hand and he took it. They were soft, warm, and so tiny against his. His son smiled warmly at his father, causing Zuko's insides to melt at the sight of Rae's smile. It wasn't just a regular smile; his son's smile conveyed so much love, forgiveness, and understanding.

He'd been convinced that Toph bored him a child. He'd expected his son or daughter to be a total stranger. He'd been driven by duty. He would never abandon or forsake any child of his, but after meeting Rae, all his fears melted away. Toph had done an excellent job at raising their son. The young prince was compassionate, polite, and much more. He had the makings of a potential ruler. Zuko didn't know what to anticipate. He'd pictured many possible scenarios, but the moment that Rae ran in to his arms, his sense of duty was replaced with love. His son made him feel complete, like he'd finally found his niche in the world.

They trudged in silence, through the clearing, until they came across a bridge. Toph shuddered, when her feet touched the wooden bridge. She couldn't register where she was walking. Wood didn't have earth particles that would allow her to see. She couldn't feel any vibrations, which rendered her useless. She truly felt invalid and blind. Rae knew of his mother's difficulty seeing whenever she walked on wood or ice. He gently guided her along the length of the bridge. Zuko helped too, placing his large hand on the small of her back, but she turned and swatted it away.

"Don't touch me, Rae can help me,"

"I just wanted to be helpful," Zuko said, raising both hands in the air.

"I don't need your help," she said arrogantly.

"Sorry,"

They reached the Red Dragon Inn. The innkeeper welcomed Zuko, and addressed him by the name Lee. Rae was about to correct the elder man, but Toph quickly placed her hand over his mouth and shook her head. Rae quickly caught on and remained quiet. Zuko ordered plenty of food for his starving guests. They walked to his room, which was ample and comfortable. Rae and the Fire Lord played, until the maid knocked on the door and brought in the food. They ate in silence, only when Rae would comment on how delicious the food was. After dinner, Rae walked over to his mother and she played with his hair, until he fell asleep. Zuko watched them and felt like he was interrupting an intimate moment between a mother and her son.

"He's a nice kid,"

"Yes, he is," Toph said, closing her eyes, her fingers tracing lazy circles on the skin above his neck.

"Can I carry him to the bed?" Zuko asked, gnawing at his lip, hoping that she would say yes.

"Sure," Toph shrugged and gently scooped her son off her lap and held him in her arms. "If you want to," she said casually. Zuko stood up from where he was sitting and with trembling hands took his son out of her arms. Their skins touched and he felt the sparks fly between them. He sensed Toph shifting uncomfortably. "You don't have to wrap the blanket tightly around him. He gets really hot. He might burn it." She explained.

Zuko nodded and stared attentively at his son. Rae's lips were similar to Toph. It was the only similarity he could find on the kid's face. The rest of Rae's face was identical to his. He truly was his son. The Fire Lord gently placed his son on his bed and tucked him under soft and thin blankets. He stared in disbelief at Rae and hesitantly got down and placed a soft kiss on the child's creamy forehead.

"Tell me about him,"

"Not before you tell me how did you know about Rae? I didn't tell anyone," she said tiredly.

Zuko spun around and looked at her. "I have ways of tracking people down," he said, touching the brim of the night stand, as he approached Toph's chair. "I was good at tracking the Avatar, wasn't I?" he said cockily.

"I don't care about your cheap comments of how you used to track down Aang, Zuko. What I want to know is how did you know about Rae? I didn't tell anyone about him. Not a single soul knew about him, until two days ago when Sokka came to the village I live in and asked me to go help him find you. That's when he met Rae." She said irritated.

"Katara and the rest of the gang know about him, right?" he asked curiously.

"Like I just told you," she paused, pushing her bang away from her hair. "Not a single soul knew of him. Katara and the rest of the gang met him yesterday…."

He arched an eyebrow and then turned somber. "Mai suspected that you and I might have, um, been intimate." He said jadedly.

"Mai?" Toph asked intrigued. "How? We were careful not to let anyone know,"

"Apparently, we weren't too careful. Drunken sex can be loud. We didn't use precautions and we had a son…" he trailed off, avoiding looking at her.

"Yeah, trust me, I know," she said curtly. "I had a son and I raised him,"

"You didn't have to do it on your own. You could've asked for help," he hissed in a low voice, trying hard not to lose his composure and scream. He didn't want to wake Rae up.

"I handled it on my own, and I did a damn good job,"

"I would have taken responsibility for my actions. But you didn't even give me a chance to prove myself."

"I didn't see the need to ask you for help. You were busy running a nation," she confessed, gnawing at her bottom lip. "Besides, you had Mai. She would've been the Fire Lady. I bet that she could've bored you many sons."

"But she didn't," he said angrily. "You were the only one that gave me a son... Family has always been important to me,"

"I didn't- I don't need your help. Rae has everything that I can give him. He isn't spoiled or coddled like you-"

"And you," he added. "Don't forget that you were also raised to be a spoile-"

"Shut up, Zuko!" She barked, then turned toward the bed and sighed, when her son shifted on the bed, but didn't wake up. "This isn't about me. This is about Rae. He is a good kid," she said, leaning back on the chair. "I did a great job raising him. You may be his father, but he is mine. I had him… I tended to him when he was sick. I didn't need anyone's help. I have provided, cared, and loved that kid with all that I have. I am a goddamn better mother than my own mother. I put that child before all my needs. I was fifteen when I had him. I did it all on my own. I busted my ass working so he would never go hungry. Rae is more than just my son... he is my life. The only light in my dark world..."

"I don't doubt it, Toph," he sighed, raking his fingers through his dark hair. "I don't doubt that you are an excellent mother. I know that you adore him. I'm glad that you are his mother. I can't see Rae having any other mother. I see you interacting with him and I can see the love you have for him. I don't doubt it, Toph." He said dejectedly and played with the vase that sat on top of the night table. "You remind me of my own mother. She was zealous and caring and so loving towards me. I know that you would give your life for our son." He said, looking down at the floor. "I just want to know why you didn't give me the opportunity to be in his life from the beginning… Why did you hide him from me? I would have been a decent father."

"I-I," she stuttered and tugged at the hem of sleeves. "Before I answer any of your questions, how did you know about him?" she asked, changing the subject. She raised her chin and looked proudly at him. He leaned against the table and wondered if she was actually staring at him with his eyes. "How did Mai know about Rae?"

"She really didn't know," he began, pacing around the room. "It's more like an intuition." He said, stopping behind Toph's chair. She remained quiet, listening to Zuko's calm and even breaths. "After you left the Fire Nation, Mai was curious to know why you left. She asked Suki and Katara, but didn't get answer from them, she gave up. But, one night, a few months after you'd left, she overheard your maid talking to one of the night guards about you being sick prior to your departure. When Mai confronted her and asked her about you, she told Mai of your morning sickness and how you missed your period. Mai concluded that you may have been pregnant. Her only question was who the father might be,"

"I didn't know that I was pregnant," she said defensively. "I thought that I was sick,"

"I figured that much." he said and added, "you were a virgin, when we -you and I-"

"I'm aware of it, you don't have to remind me," she said crossly. "How did you find out about it? I'm sure that Mai didn't tell you about her suspicions, right?"

"No, Mai would have never told me this," he confessed and sat down across from her. "She wouldn't risk her opportunity of being the future Fire Lady of the Fire Nation."

"Ha," she laughed sarcastically. "How fun would it have been," she mumbled.

"I heard that," Zuko said lightly.

"Then, how did you find out?"

"After her funeral,"

"How did she die?" Toph asked intrigued. "She was a healthy young woman."

"She was poisoned," he said gloomily. "A servant, follower of the previous Fire Lord, tried to assassinate me, by poisoning my food." He said miserably. "Mai accidentally ate the poisoned food and fell ill that same night. It was too late to save her, by dawn of the following day, she'd passed away."

"I'm sorry," Toph said quietly. "It must've been hard on you. I know how much you loved her."

"I won't lie to you, Toph, I was sad," he said softly. "I cared for her very much. She was a great woman, and we were engaged for so long… but I never truly lov- After you left things changed between Mai and me."

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked nonchalantly. "I'm sorry that she died so young, Zuko, but I never liked her. I couldn't stand her and, just, I don't understand why you are telling me this."

"I'm telling you this, I don't know, maybe because I get nostalgic having you here with me. It's been so long. I used to be able to tell you everything. You were once my best friend," he acknowledged. She nodded and remained silent. "I feel like I owe you an explanation… for that night… when you and I slept together,"

"You don't have to, though," she said, standing up from her chair. "I knew that you could never reciprocate my feelings. I was aware of that from the beginning. I admit that I was upset when you asked me to be present when you proposed to Mai."

"I was a douche," Zuko admitted remorsefully.

"Yeah, you were a douche," she said, assenting her head. "I got drunk that night. I wanted to forget you. I was so furious at you, her and the world... and at myself."

"Yes, you told me that when you came over to my room," he chuckled, shaking his head, as he recalled that night. "You were pissed. You metal bent the door out of shape... so no one could come in."

"It worked, didn't it? None of your servants dared to bother us," she laughed mischievously

"It did work. I wasn't that drunk," she confessed. "I knew what I was doing. It was easier to tell you how I felt if I pretended to be drunk."

"Why? You've always been so honest and bold... So, you weren't drunk?"

"No. Maybe,"

"You told me that you loved me, Toph"

"Biggest mistake of my life, Zuko,"

"Oh," he said disappointed. "I see. What else was a lie?"

"Everything,"

"The kiss?"

"I can't believe that you kissed me back," he said, looking out the window. He could see that the shadows of the night were covering the trees.

"You kissed well," he shrugged. "You told me that I was the only one for you, Toph,"

"I was fifteen. I thought that you were my soul mate. You were angry at your parents and so was I! We were full of angst," she said, rolling her eyes. "I was stupid and an idealist. I kissed you, believing that you would see me as more than just a friend," she glowered. "I was in love with you."

"But you aren't anymore,"

"I don't love you anymore,"

"Okay, it's good to know," he said through clenched teeth. "It's good to know how you feel. I don't want to make any mistakes."

"I drank a lot of sake at the masquerade ball. I went to your room, things led to another and we- we ended up conceiving a beautiful son. That's the only thing that I wouldn't change about that night; about us."

"I was there, Toph," he said guiltily. "I'm aware of how things ended that night. I am truly sorry ab-"

"Don't apologize. It's in the past, Zuko. I barely remember it…" she snapped, sitting back down. "If Mai didn't tell you about Rae, how did you know about him?"

"Mai's parents gave me a box full of her stuff. They felt like I would benefit more from having her favorite books, journals, and belongings. I didn't look through them, until a month ago, when I got news of my mother's whereabouts. Before I left the palace to follow on her lead, I packed enough things for a long journey. I ended up packing one of Mai's leather bounded books. I didn't know that it was a journal. A few weeks ago, I read it. I discovered that it was Mai's diary. I didn't know that writing was one of her many secret hobbies."

"I don't care about her hobbies, Zuko! When did you find out about Rae?" Toph asked annoyed, covering her face behind her hands. "I don't care about Mai. I never did! She's always irritated me. The mention of her name annoys me. Just tell me, how did you know about Rae, Zuko? I want to know, please, just tell me."

"I didn't know about Rae. During my travels I picked the leather book and read the pages. I happened to come across one of her entries. I read about her suspicions. Immediately, I sent a hawk to one of my trustworthy top officials. A week later, General Wong dispatched one of our nation's best trackers to find you. I was intrigued to know about your life. I also knew that I was your first, Toph. I had an inkling that if what Mai wrote was true," he paused. "Then,"

"My child would be yours," Toph finished.

"Yeah," he nodded, looking back at the bed. He smiled despondently as he watched his son curled up in the large bed.

"Congratulations, Zuko, your inkling was true. You are a father."

"You don't have to be sarcastic about it, Toph. The tracker that General Wong dispatched proved to be very useful. He was conspicuous and quickly found you. He sent word to me and I traveled to your village. It didn't take long to find someone that knew you well enough to tell me about your life. I received a tour around the small town. I was taken to your tiny dojo, Toph."

"My dojo?" She said rudely.

"Yes, one of your students, Kan, took me to your dojo." He grinned.

"That little idiot," she mumbled. "If you didn't know about Rae, then how did you recognize him earlier?"

"Yesterday while I was at Song plaza, I came across a woman. She came to me and gasped when she saw my eyes. She said that I was an older version of Rae. I asked her who Rae was and she invited me over to her house," Zuko said nonchalantly, leaning forward and tapped Toph's knee. "I was sure that your child was mine, Toph. I had a hunch that if you had a child it would be mine, but when she told me about Rae,"

"I get it,"

"Anyways, I still didn't know that I had a son, until I met Hana. She invited me over to her house and showed me the picture she'd painted of you and Rae last summer." He said in a low voice. "I told her who I was and she sighed in relief to know that you had friends,"

"You aren't my friend… I can't believe that Hana would do that," Toph said surprised, her hands falling to her lap. "How did-"

"She told me about you. She's a kind woman, she sort of reminds me of Katara," he said, reaching for her hand. Toph jerked away and licked her lips. "She talked about Rae… I even got to keep the portrait that used to hang on the wall of her small living room."

"Hana," Toph muttered in disbelief. "She betrayed me."

"No, Toph, she didn't betray you," he continued. "Rae looks too much like me to deny that he isn't my son. Toph," he said firmly. "Hana did me a favor. I'll be honest; I came looking for you and my child out of duty. But now that I know him, I want to be in his life now and forever. I don't want to miss anything about his life."

"Are you planning on taking him from me?" she asked frightened.

"I don't want to take him from you. He is your son and you've been his fortress throughout these years," he paused. "I just want to be in his life. I saw you in the kiosk line and I watched you from a far. I was nervous. I knew that it was you. I felt blessed. I've always wanted a family, Toph... and even though, our small family is unorthodox, I wouldn't change it for the world. This isn't something that happens to me on a daily bases or everyday..."

"What are you saying?"

"I followed you to the alley and when I saw the kid's eyes... I was drawn to him. It's like looking in a mirror. I need my son, Toph. Please," he pleaded. "Don't take him away from me."

"I guess that the Fire Lord knows that he has a son,"

"Yeah, the Fire Lord knows," he chuckled.