Crossroads

AN: Yay! Another chapter. I would like to thank another one of the wonderful people that help me beta-reader this story KurrydaJellydonut for her help. Please, enjoy this chapter and review. Have a blessed day.

-Serenity

Attaining Balance

Toph played with the doorknob multiple times. She didn't want to face the Fire Lord so soon. She wasn't nervous about stepping outside the room; she was just being careful. Yes, just trying hard to calm herself and obtain a calm exterior. She was still a little flustered from the kiss, and the news that followed it didn't help to keep her heart at ease. Zuko knew about the many kisses she'd stolen from him. He'd been awake; how could he have done such a thing? She was good at knowing when people were asleep by the rhythm of their hearts. Oh, well, she thought annoyed, it's in the past. He knows about the kisses and there's nothing I can do about it. She knew he was a master at most of the things that he did. He was stealthy, furtive, and crafty. He was a dangerous person to mess with, but at the same time, he was still so tender.

She'd witness that caring, loving side of him that he kept hidden from the world, whenever he interacted with their son. Even if she couldn't have his heart for herself, she was glad that the Fire Lord was willing to let her see that part of him. She mustered up her strength and agilely stepped outside the room. She heard Zuko stumble a bit when she burst open the bathroom door.

"Toph," he said, as she walked passed him and caught her arm, "um, sorry, I didn't mean to be inconsiderate," he said, slowly releasing his hold on her. "I didn't intend to aggravate you." Zuko said quickly; he remained cautious as he observed her movements.

Toph pretended to be poised, cool and collected. "It's all right," she said indifferently, lightly brushing where he'd touched, and sauntered a few meters away from him, until she was standing in front of her son and smiled down at him. "It just caught me off guard. I'll think of ways to get even with you." She shot back deviously, with a smile on her lips.

"No, Momma, don't hurt him," Rae said defensively. "It was my fault, Momma," Rae said sheepishly. He slowly stood up from the floor and hugged his mother's leg. "I asked him to kiss you. I told him how you wake me up in the morning. He didn't want to, but I made him, please, don't hurt him."

"Rae, it's not your fault. I'm a grown man. I could've…" Zuko trailed off, when Toph raised her hand to silence him.

"Son, it's not your fault, understood?" She said wearily, forcing a smile. "You did nothing wrong."

Rae inclined his head and looked sheepishly over at Zuko. "You didn't do anything wrong, Rae." Zuko reassured his son.

"Now come," Toph said, placing a gentle hand over Rae's shoulder. "We have to get you cleaned. Katara and Suki and the others will be joining us for breakfast this morning. Right, Zuko?" She asked, waiting for his answer, "you did invite them for breakfast?"

"Um, yes of course," Zuko said aloofly, shaking his head as he looked around the massive room, "they should be here soon. That reminds me," he paused and dried his sweaty palms against his rich colored robe. "I've to step out for a few minutes. I have to pick up a special delivery for Rae."

"For me? I didn't ask you for anything, Zuko," Rae said from behind his mother. Zuko smiled at his son.

"I know that you didn't, Rae. But I felt like doing something special for you. Toph, I'll be out momentarily. You are more than welcome to do as you please. I won't take long. Please," he sighed, ambling over to them.

He knelt in front of his son and grabbed Rae's hand and slowly brought it to his lips, kissing it tenderly. He then looked up at Toph and inhaled softly. "Don't leave," he said anxiously. "It shouldn't take me long to get Rae's presents," he whispered, standing up, pressing his lips together in a grim expression. He leaned forward, next to Toph's ear and sighed softly. "Don't leave, please."

"Okay," she said unsettling, her voice trembling.

His warm breath tickled her skin, causing a sudden array of feelings to wash over her. "Please," he pleaded, awkwardly kissing her temple and lowered his head. She looked up and for the millionth time in that day, she wished she could see in to his eyes.

"I won't go anywhere until you are back, Zuko," she said harshly, hiding the emotions that threatened to break loose.

"I need," he began, clearing his throat. He placed his free hand on her shoulder and looked away. "I need to know that you won't go anywhere, Toph. I don't want to come back and find that you and our son are gone," he said fearfully.

"I promise, I won't leave this room, until you come back," she said irritation filling her inside. Why didn't he trust her? Could it be because you hid the fact that he had a son? She reprimanded herself.

"Okay," he murmured, his forehead resting against hers, his other hand was still clinging on to his son's small hand. Rae observed his parents; the atmosphere had grown thick, profuse with unknown tension.

Toph held her breath and narrowed her eyes, as the seismic images played in her head. She could see Zuko's face. She thanked the stars that Sokka had given her the space rock fragment to her. The meteorite fragment made the seismic vibration resonates stronger, giving her the capacity to see his facial characteristics with more clarity. In front of her, the Fire Lord - Zuko - looked burdened and tired; worn out by his internal struggle. She felt guilty. She knew deep down that she was responsible for causing the Fire Lord such sadness.

"Um, Zuko," she whispered, placing her delicate hand over Zuko's and her son's hands, "We'll be here when you return. We're not going anywhere without you."

"Promise?" he asked quietly.

"I promise, Zuko. We aren't going anywhere without you. We're a family… you still want us to be a family, right?" she asked nervously.

"Yes, Toph. I would like that very much." He said contently. She could detect a smile on his face. Her heart lurched out of her chest when she felt the adoration that silently engulfed them.

"Rae," Zuko said, slowly letting the hand that touched Toph's shoulder fall to his side. Toph felt deprived of his warmth and gently took a step back. Zuko noticed her sudden movement and focused his attention on his son. "I'm so sorry if I've upset you. It was never my intention to hurt your mother. I know how actions can hurt other; I'll be more careful from now on. Can you forgive me?"

Rae looked from his mother and then to Zuko, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It wasn't your fault. It was my fault for asking you to kiss Momma… Mommy, can you forgive us? We made a mistake, and we are taking resp- um," Rae chortled, scratching his head as he tried to remember the correct pronunciation to the word.

"Responsibility?" Zuko asked.

"Yes, responsibility," Rae chuckled.

"Toph, you are just amazing," Zuko said, as he gazed down at his handsome, young child. He smiled proudly at his son and then at Toph. "You are an amazing mother, Toph. You raised a perfect little prince. Thank you."

"Um, you're welcome," she said, her cheeks growing hot.

"Rae," she said quickly, acting aloof; afraid to face the Fire Lord. "There's nothing to forgive. You didn't do anything," Toph said, gently tapping the tip of his nose with her delicate finger.

"Okay, Momma."

"But," she began, placing her hands on her hips. "I still want retribution for knowing about those kisses." She said, feigning anger at Zuko. He chuckled and nodded, "and I won't let you off so easily. Be prepared to accept any punishment I give you." She said smugly.

"Yes, Toph." Zuko smiled and nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He sighed relieved. "I'll be leaving now. Hopefully, I should be back in a few minutes. If I'm not back in an hour, meet me at the White Palace restaurant. I arranged to have breakfast there."

"Okay, be careful," Toph said.

"Are you that worried for the Fire Lord, my lady?" He asked, pushing the envelope a little further. He enjoyed teasing Toph. Somehow, something had changed between them. The air around them was different; he couldn't wait to explore the possibilities with her, his son and their new lives together.

"Don't push it, Fire Dork," she said, punching him affectionately on his upper arm. "Go and get Rae his gift. He won't sit still until he knows what you've gotten him."

"Okay," Zuko nodded, leaning forward and kissed Toph's cheek. Immediately, her hand flew to her cheek and she stared blankly at him. For a second there, he felt like she was actually staring at him.

"What was that for?" she asked incredulously. "Why did you kiss me on the cheek?"

"Um," he said, scratching his forehead nervously. "Well, it's complicated."

"Complicated?" she asked incredulously. "There has to be a reason." She said with determination.

"Well," he sighed. "It's my way of saying thank you, Toph."

"You could've just said it," she said indignantly.

"Thank you, Toph. Thank you for everything," he shrugged. "For our son!"

"Uh, you are welcome," she said, trying still her erratic heart.

"Also, thank you for giving my life a new meaning. I'm a father and I'll be the best damn father for our son. Thank you," he whispered softly, "for taking this perilous and uncertain journey into an unknown future with me. I don't know Toph, maybe I kissed you because I'm glad that you are here with me – Um, in my life, both of you are in my life. That's what I meant. I'm grateful for you, for me, and for our friendship and our strange little family. Basically, Toph, the kiss is my way of saying thank you for everything."

"You're welcome," she gulped and added, "I'm thankful too."

"Go, Zuko" Rae said, ushering his father away from his mother. Zuko laughed and lazily moved. Rae escorted him to the door and jumped excitedly around his father. "Zuko! Zuko! Get me my gift. Hurry!" Rae said impatiently, leaning towards Zuko.

"I'm leaving, I'm leaving," The Fire Lord chuckled.

In this world, there are different types of family. Toph and Zuko's family was one of those eccentric families. Both parents loved their son; they wanted Rae to be happy above all things. He was the reason why Zuko and Toph silently vowed to get along. It was all for Rae's sake.

"I'll wait for you, Zuko." Rae said.

"Thank you, Rae. I should be back soon." Zuko said in his raspy voice. "Toph," he said, veering his head towards her, causing her heart to stop at the sound of her name.

"Yes?"

"When – well, after we have breakfast," he paused, glazing a hand over his hair, "When no one is around, can we talk?"

"Okay," Toph turned around, avoiding his face. "We can talk, Fire Lord." She said solemnly, and walked in to the bathroom, closing the door behind them.

The girl was difficult to understand or read. Zuko sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head and a smile of satisfaction on his lips. What could he say? He enjoyed the way Toph's cheeks blushed with embarrassment at the kiss he'd given her. She tried so hard to act tough and detached, but deep down, she was a softie. Before exiting the room, he hugged his son and brought him close to his chest, ruffling his hair.

"Be good to your mother, son,"

Rae nodded and smiled widely. "I will! I'll be here waiting for you, Zuko."

"That's a good prince," He said, slowly letting go of his young son and marched out of the room, feeling like the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.

Toph stepped out of the bathroom, calling her son to get a bath. She didn't have to say it twice. Rae quickly took off his clothes and jumped in to the large tub. He played with the warm water and the bubbles, talking to his mother about his father. By the way he spoke; Toph could already tell that her son idolized his father. She smiled inwardly, satisfaction filling her heart. Zuko was a man to be admired. Nonetheless, Toph was still confused at the drastic change her life had taken. She knew she had to put forth a0n effort to get along with Zuko. Getting along with the Fire Lord was too easy; but there was something that complicated things, she still loved the man with every fiber of her being. But he didn't know that. He would never find out; he would never hear the words coming out of her lips. She vowed to keep her feelings for the Fire Lord a secret: her painful little secret.

"I'm done, Momma!" Rae said in a singsong voice, as he tugged at Toph's sleeve."I want to get out, please."

"Oh, sure," she said distractedly, as she pulled a towel from the towel rack and passed it to her son.

Rae dried himself and continued smiling. He wanted to know what his father had gotten him. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew that it was something amazing. His father – yes, his father had gotten him a gift. The thought of his father overwhelmed the child with happiness. Toph could feel it. The energy practically radiated from him.

"Get dressed quickly, Rae," Toph said casually, "The Fire Lord will be returning shortly. You want him to see how clean you are, right?"

"Yes," Rae said excitedly and quickly put on his clothes. He marched to the wall sized mirror and let his tiny fingers run through his black hair.

"Rae, use the brush, please,"

"Ugh, Momma," he complained, walking over to the table and reached for the Fire Lord's brush and brushed his hair.

When he was done, they stepped out into the bedroom and sat in the small living room space near the door. Rae played with paper planes that Zuko had made for him the previous night, leaving his mother free to drift into her thoughts. Toph was certain of one thing; she'd decided to put her son's happiness above her own. Her feelings didn't matter at the moment, only her son's future, and happiness. He deserved to be with his father. He deserved to be in his rightful place as prince to the Fire Nation. No matter how hard she wanted to hide that part of her son; his heritage, she just couldn't. Rae deserved that, and much more.

She knew that Zuko and her - together - could provide her son a life filled with love. The silent promises that Zuko had given her had quailed her heart's insecurities. He would protect his son. She had a feeling that Zuko would die protecting their son. The thought of death caused her to shiver. She was scared of moving to the Fire Nation, but she was sure that Rae would have a better life there. His relationship with his father could flourish. Zuko could easily be involved in his child's life, and she would be there to oversee Rae's education, his upbringing, and everything that had to do with the Fire Lord's child.

She'd decided that it had to be done. Living in Song village had been great. She learned so much and thanks to Hana, Toph had learned to become a good, caring, and loving mother. But this time, she couldn't think of herself, she had to think of her son. Living in Song village with her son, while the Fire Lord lived in the Fire Nation wasn't an option. She wanted Rae to be near his father. So, moving to the Fire Nation was the only logical and rational answer she could find. The only thing she needed to do now was inform Fire Lord Zuko of her decision. But for the meantime, she was going to make him suffer. Yes, that was payback for kissing her and stirring different emotions inside of her.

After half hour, Rae was dressed, comb and sitting patiently on a small ottoman, facing the door. The paper planes were thrown around him. He was anxious. Zuko wasn't back from his errands and he missed his father terribly. Silently, he was scared of losing his father. His young heart was filled with incredulity and uncertainty. Rae was too young to comprehend the ways of the universe, but he was convinced of one thing; he adored his father. Don't get him wrong, he loved his mother with all the love that his little heart was possible of giving. She'd been his source of stability and security over the past few years, but he also adored Zuko.

Zuko's presence filled a secret ache the young boy felt for many years. Having the Fire Lord beside him, well, made him feel complete. Deep down, the child knew that what was missing from his and his mother's life was the company of his father. In fact, having both of his parents was a blessing; a dream that came true without wishing upon a shooting star. Rae smiled to himself as he played with his hands and waited anxiously for the door to burst open and his father to show up, carrying his gift.

He whipped his head around to his mother. She looked peaceful and tranquil, as she ran her hand through her hair, looking as beautiful as ever. He smiled proudly at his mother. Toph was like her element; solid, steady, dependable and secure.

"He'll be back soon, Rae," Toph said lovingly, without looking at him.

Rae turned to face the door, scowling as he watched attentively at the door. He was growing impatient without knowing where his father was. Zuko promised to be back in a few minutes. Rae's thoughts drifted from his mother to his father. He wondered how his life was going to change. For a four-year-old child, Rae's reasoning and maturity exceeded his age.

"Is Zuko going to take long, Momma?" he asked impatiently.

"He should be back soon, but if he doesn't, we can go to the restaurant and have breakfast without him," she said softly.

"But, it wouldn't be the same," he sulked, biting the inside of his cheek, "I want to see Zuko. He's taking too long." He whined, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "When will he back?"

"I don't know," Toph said patiently. "He must be busy. But don't worry, son, he won't leave without you. I promise."

"Okay, Mommy," Rae thought of his father.

Zuko was so different from his mother, but at the same time, they were so alike. They both loved him very much. His father also resembled his element, the fire he could bend; strong, warm, and devastatingly resilient. And for some inexplicable reason, he was also like a refreshing breath of fresh air that blew in to the child's life. Rae's joy was complete, now that he had both of his parents with him. He only wondered how long his happiness would last.

"Mom-" he stopped, his eyes focused on his mother.

"Rae, stop staring, it's not polite," Toph said unemotionally and reached for a strand of her long locks and pretended to examine the frayed edges.

"Can you see me or your hair with your eyes, Momma?" Rae asked curiously, moving to the edge of his sit, his little legs dangling eagerly as he awaited his mother's response. She remained quietly, pondering on her answer. "Can you see me?" he asked again, hopping down the ottoman and strolled casually to his mother's side.

"No, Rae, not in the way that you can see me," she said, shaking her head. "I use the seismic vibrations of the earth and they help me create images in my mind… sort of like looking with my feet." She chuckled. "I just pretend that I can. It creeps out Zuko and the others."

"You're funny, Momma," he said, resting his petite elbows on her knees. "Why do you always want me to wear my space rock bracelet?" he asked, a wondering look on his eyes.

"Without the space rock I can't see the intricate details of objects. With that rock," she said, pointing at his wrist. "I can see shapes and details of your face. I can also find you in a crowd… and for now that's all you need to know, son." She said, touching his face with her soft hands. Rae leaned his cheek against the palm of her hand and reached his arm to caress her face. Toph did the same, leaning her own cheek in to his small hand. "Before you, Rae, I didn't care about seeing, but after falling for Zuko and after you were born, I wanted to see you guys so badly."

"Really? You love Zuko?"

"I- I," Toph stuttered.

"I'll keep our secret," Rae said sadly.

"I know you will," Toph said caringly. "Son," she said in a quiet voice, "you are the most important person in the world," she chuckled, raising her free hand and touched the back of her son's neck. "I love you, Rae."

"And I love you too, Momma," Rae said, smiling contently.

"I know," she whispered. "Rae, I know. Son," she paused, kissing her child's nose.

"Uh?"

"How do you feel about moving to the Fire Nation with your father?" she asked worriedly. "We'll have to leave our house and friends behind and travel to the Fire Nation. It's a big chang-"

"Yay!" Rae screamed in delight.

"Keep it down, Rae!"

"I get to be with Zuko!" The child exclaimed, as he ran around the living room, his little arms flailing in the air contently. Toph could sense footsteps approaching the room and kindly asked Rae to keep the noise level down. Rae was too enthusiastic to listen. He jumped happily, and suddenly went quiet when he heard the doorknob turn and the door to Zuko's room burst open. He held his breath, anticipating his father's arrival. The moment that the Fire Lord stepped inside, Rae grinned widely and ran to greet the tall, muscular man that stood under the doorframe.

"Zuko!"

"Rae," Zuko said. He'd experienced lavish welcoming from his subjects, but this was by far the best welcoming he'd experienced. Seeing the content glint in his son's eyes was too much to bear. He took a step forward and watched as his son ran in to his open arms, "I missed you, son."

"I did too, Zuko!" Rae whispered merrily near his father's ear. They hugged, Zuko's glance drifted to the lovely earthbender that sat beautifully near the window, her ebony hair cascading over her shoulders, practically astounding him.

"Zuko! Zuko! Zuko!" Rae said chimed excitedly, as he tugged at the Fire Lord's clothes. "Where's my gift?"

"Oh, yes, here," Zuko said, handing his son a wrapped gift and closing the door behind him. "This is for you."

"Thank you," his son said, as he ripped the wrapping paper off his present. "What is it?"

"Why don't you open it and find out?"

"Okay," Rae said, as he opened the box. He held his gift in front of him and smiled. "For me?"

"Yes, it's one of the many gifts you'll be receiving from me throughout the day," Zuko smiled. "This one, I saw it down at the shop yesterday. I thought that it would suit you. I had the tailor make a few alterations. I hope you like it. It's a little something for you… to represent the fact that you are the son of the greatest earthbender and firebender,"

Toph chuckled. "I couldn't have said it better, Zuko."

Rae placed his beautiful robe in front of himself and walked over to the mirror and admired his reflection. The robe was beautiful; it was crimson red and green with the Earth kingdom and the Fire Nation emblems embroider around the hem with golden thread.

"Thank you," Rae said politely. "Can I wear it when I go to the Fire Nation?"

"When you go to the Fire Nation?" Zuko asked puzzled. "Wait, did I hear well?"

"You did, Zuko," Rae said from where he stood. "We are going to move to the Fire Nation!"

"You guys are coming to the Fire Nation? To live with me?"

"Yes, Momma told me that we are moving," Rae said innocently, as he tried on his new robe. "Momma never lies."

Zuko whipped his head and walked over to Toph, kneeling in front of her. "You mean it?"

"I wouldn't lie to Rae," she said rather blasé. "I wouldn't lie to you, either."

"Oh, okay," Zuko said, running his large hand over his face. "It just caught me off guard. Um, wow! I'm excited." He said in a low voice that was almost guttural. "We should celebrate… let's go eat breakfast. The gang is waiting for us at the restaurant."

"Okay," Toph said, as she tried to stand up, but Zuko stopped her. "I thought that you wanted us to leave."

"I do, but, before you get up," he paused and slowly got to his feet. "Thank you. I know that it was a difficult decision to make, Toph. I will honor it and I'll make you happy. I'll make you and our son happy."

"My son's happiness is the only thing that matters," she said coldly. "I'm not asking anything from you, Zuko."

"I know," he said seriously. "But your happiness matters too," he said, turning around and walking away from her.