Title: The Verisimilitude between Tangled Sheets
Summary: Zuko and Toph are friends. Sometimes lovers, but only when it's convenient. No questions asked, no strings attached—but of course, that was inevitable.
Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender is not mine. The characters are not mine. All I own so far is this plot…and this computer that I'm typing it with, but that's about it. It's a sad existence.
The Verisimilitude between Tangled Sheets
Chapter Eight – The Epitome of Positive Jing
Toph awoke to the sound of cement breaking, glass shattering, and voices screaming. Her sleep had been pleasant enough—she had dreamt that she and Zuko kissed. Not in the usual, lust-filled way, but it was rather slow, bashful, and romantic. Toph felt a blush creep up her cheeks. It was almost…unnerving.
"What the FUCK, Zuko!" came from the hallway. Sokka.
Anger rushed through Toph as she remembered his words from the night before. Granted, he was drunk, and he was dumb enough sober, but that wasn't much of an excuse. Outside, Toph heard another porcelain vase break.
Earlier in the day, Zuko had approached Sokka about the night before. A quiet, tight-lipped confrontation from Zuko led to the bewilderment of Sokka, who claimed to have a very fuzzy recollection. His denial only further angered the Fire Lord, and one thing led to another, and it turned into a full blown fist fight. But we all know it wouldn't just end there. Sokka versus Zuko quickly turned to Aang, Katara, and Suki versus Zuko.
A sharp gust of wind whipped at Toph's hair as she reached the wild hallways. From a farther distance, she heard the distinct rumbling of water as it is molded and controlled by its wielder. As Toph felt Katara lower her stance and wave her arms, Toph commanded a thick obelisk to rise from the ground to protect Zuko, effectively negating Katara's attack.
Everyone else seemed taken aback by Toph's sudden appearance as they regarded her with surprise.
"What is going on here?" She demanded. "Why are you all ganging up against Zuko?"
"He started it!" Sokka piped up.
"Shut up," Toph snapped. "Anyone else besides stupid wanna explain?"
"Zuko just came into my room this morning yelling about some nonsense!" Sokka insisted, ignoring her remarks.
"I said not from you, asshole!"
"Now that was just uncalled for, Toph!" Katara chastised as Sukki and Aang nodded fervently.
"No," Zuko declared, walking around the wall. "It's not. If you had known what he—"
Toph grabbed hold of his sleeve and shook her head.
What Sokka had asked of her was no one else's business. Hell, not even Zuko was supposed to know, but he did anyway. No one else needed to be involved.
She was grateful when Zuko stopped mid-sentence, wrapping an arm around Toph's small shoulders and leading her away instead.
-x-
On a secluded, small clearing in the palace's grandiose garden, they sat. They sat in silence as the minutes trickled by, one of them staring off into empty space, while the other watched her.
Zuko regarded her with dimmed amber eyes. What was he supposed to say? What does he say to the girl whose first crush asked her to be his fuck toy? To fuck with no strings attached, no feelings? How was that any different from what they themselves were doing? He chewed with the insides of his cheeks.
The key difference is his feelings for her. But that was against the rules they set at the beginning of their arrangement.
"Zuko?" Toph's voice cut through his thoughts. "Why'd you have to go talk to Stupid?"
The Fire Lord was taken aback. "Well, sorry for trying to defend your honor." he scoffed.
"I didn't ask you to!"
"Well somebody had to!"
"Listen here, Sparky," Toph stood up from the rock she was sitting on and marched over to him, jabbing an accusing finger into his chest. "I don't need anyone to defend me. Especially not you. You didn't even have to be involved in the first place! You could have just kept your mouth shut, and pretended like you heard nothing."
Zuko grabbed hold of Toph's finger and held it, sensing his temper flaring. "I know, Toph. I know you don't need anyone to look after you, but I want to. I know I didn't have to be involved, but I wanted to kick Sokka's ass for hurting you. Do you get it yet? I want to make sure you're okay and that you know you don't deserve to be treated the way you were last night. Besides," Zuko added, almost as an afterthought. "I'd be an awful host if I let my favorite guest be spoken to in such a manner."
He had chosen his words carefully, taking extra caution not to spit out the ominous 'l' word.
A small smile appeared on Toph's face, her squared shoulders relaxing. "Thanks, Zuko."
His breath was caught in his throat, mesmerized by it. "Anytime," he finally croaked out.
Her face broke out into a large grin as she punched him on the arm. "Good looking out, buddy!"
"Yep," Zuko sighed dejectedly. "I've, uh…got your back."
So that's how she felt about him. After all this time, he's still 'buddy.'
Toph leaned against his side, resting contentedly as Zuko watched the colors of the late afternoon sun playing on her features. He rested his arm around her shoulders. It was a comfortable silence, neither of them creating conversation for the sake of filling up the silence.
It would be dinnertime soon; surely Toph would rather avoid the rest of their little group.
"Let's eat out tonight, Sparky," she said with her eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the setting sun on her skin.
"Since when could you read minds?"
"Oh, were you just thinking about food, too? I haven't eaten anything since I woke up, and I'm getting hungry."
"Hungry minds think alike," Zuko declared with a small chortle.
"I hear there's a new restaurant in town, let's try it."
"Ah, I get it," Zuko arched an eyebrow at her, despite her inability to see it. "You just wanted some curry." Zuko stood up and offered a hand to Toph.
Toph stuck her tongue out. "But you like curry too! Besides, it's immensely popular."
She waved it away gently and stood up on her own. Zuko couldn't help but feel the slight pang of pain in his heart.
"I wonder if I should send a messenger ahead of time to reserve the place for us,"
"Blech," Toph gagged. "Let's not be one of those elitist douchebags who use their power to rob people of their right to good curry. Besides, you're the Fire Lord and I'm the world's greatest earth bender—if they can't make a table for us, I'll make it myself."
Despite Toph's unintentional rejection, Zuko laughed as her fist connected with her palm.
"You want that curry real bad, huh?"
"Is it that obvious?" Toph was practically dragging him through town. Taking a deliberate stride to two of Toph's rapid steps, Zuko followed.
The crowd watched with a mix of confusion and amusement as their Fire Lord was led by a lady only two-thirds of his size. He only grinned at his subjects as they shuffled to bow respectfully when they got caught staring.
Out of the corner of his burnt eye, Zuko noticed a familiar merchant smiling at the sight of the couple.
"Wait here," Zuko told Toph, wrenching his wrist out of her hold.
"What? Why?"
"I have to go, uh…take care of something." Good answer, Zuko mentally commended himself. It was a bit vague, but not untrue. He didn't tell a lie, yet he kept his purpose a secret.
Toph's eyebrows furrowed but let his hand go anyway, marching to stall opposite his direction with a huff.
"I won't take long," he promised.
Zuko quickly weaved through the crowd and made his way to the merchant's stall.
"Good evening, Fire Lord Zuko," the elder man bowed.
"Good evening, Yao-Zhou," greeted Zuko in return. "Is the latest batch of my medicine ready yet?"
"Yes, your majesty," he answered, placing a small, translucent bottle on the table, filled with mulberry-colored liquid.
"Good," Zuko reached into his robes and pulled out several gold coins, more than enough for the potion.
"Y-your majesty?" the apothecary began meekly.
"Hm?" Zuko placed the bottle in the innermost pockets of his robes, ensuring that it was tightly sealed.
"With all due respect, your majesty…I don't think it's very safe for you to be taking that at such a high dosage. It's still a very new formula…not even I know of its possible side effects."
"I appreciate your concern, Yao-Zhou. But I assure you, I will be fine. Besides," Zuko's eyes dimmed as he put a hand over his chest and began walking towards the exit. "It helps make the pain go away."
Yao-Zhou only nodded mutely as he watched his Fire Lord exit his shop, keeping his weathered eyes on him until he got lost in the crowd.
Zuko still felt the repercussions of Azula's lightning years after he had barely redirected it. The burn mark on his chest served only as a reminder of a close encounter with death. Before he had discovered this potion, the pain became so intense that he wished he had never even attempted to save Katara.
He bit back a bitter laugh. How would that have looked on his newly-reformed hero resume?
"What's wrong?"
Of his feet's own volition, he found himself standing directly beside Toph. Her foggy green eyes gazed up at him questioningly.
He looked down into their milky depths. Her unwavering perceptiveness still amazed him. Her sightless eyes gave her insight to a person's true character.
"Yes." There was no use lying, she would just chew him out. "I don't want to talk about it, but just know I'm taking care of it. You don't need to be worried."
She flashed him a bemused grin. "Whatever it is, Sparky, you better be."
He smiled warmly at her, silently thanking her understanding his reluctance to explain any further. "Our curry awaits, madam."
Zuko jutted out an elbow for Toph, and grinned when she looped an enthusiastic arm around it.
They made their way towards Khao Soi Lao Curry and enjoyed their meals.
"Oh!" Zuko exclaimed in the midst of a bite of his red roast duck curry. "I have something for you. Remind me when we get back to the palace."
"If it's important, you'll remember it yourself."
Toph's dismissive comment made Zuko blur the lines between a frown and a pout. He wanted Toph to remind him of her present so he could tease her that she really wanted it. It was a childish reason, but Zuko wanted it anyway. But as usual, Toph wasn't cooperating with his plans. Time to change tactics.
"Fine," he shrugged, poking at meaty duck leg. "If you never get your present, don't blame me."
"What is it anyway?" Toph took a sip of water to cool her burning mouth.
Zuko bit back a laugh. Her curiosity has been sparked. "Just wait until we get back."
"Just tell me what it is."
"If I told you, it would ruin the surprise."
"You're no fun, Sparky."
"Says the girl who can't even wait for her surprise."
Toph drowned her sorrows with another spicy bite.
"What do you want to do after this?" asked Zuko as they neared the end of their meal.
"Not go back to the palace?"
Fairly certain of her reason, Zuko quipped. "Can't avoid them forever."
"Maybe not, but I'll avoid them for as long as I'm here."
They walked out of the shop after paying for their meal and enjoyed the cool night breeze. Under the moonlit sky, Toph's eyes were a shade of grey as they looked blankly forward. There were times when not even Zuko could decipher the emotions behind Toph's eyes. It frustrated him even more when he couldn't see any feelings at all.
"What are you thinking about?"
Toph gave him a bemused look. He assumed it was because of the cliché question. "Where I'm travelling to next," she answered after a pause.
"Oh."
"That it?"
"Guess so."
No. Zuko shoved his hands into the folds of his robe. I was thinking maybe you'd stay here. You know, with me. Forever? I mean, we can take a vacation once a year, where ever you want. Name it and we'll go, I promise. Just tell me you'll stay with me.
"I was thinking of heading east, towards the desert."
"But you have poor 'vision' in sand."
"I know. I'll go anyway, to get better."
"No," Zuko's lips stretched to a thin line. "Absolutely not."
"Excuse me?" Toph scoffed.
"Toph, I'm not going to sit back and let you go on an 'adventure' to the desert—it's dangerous by yourself—"
"Have you forgotten about my awe-inspiring sand sculpture, Sparky?"
"The sand on the beach was compacted because it was moist with the sea water. It was solid and stable enough for you to manipulate. You're going into an area with very little precipitation, where the sand is as loose as it gets. There are still renegades who would do anything to get back at us for dethroning my father. The desert bandits could have some of these factions. Do you realize how nearly defenseless you would be?"
Toph blinked. Once, twice. And Zuko did also, surprised by his own outburst.
"Heh," Toph grinned, turning away. She climbed over a pillar and catapulted herself onto an unsuspecting rooftop. Zuko followed, keeping a wary eye just in case she falls.
"You're being over protective, how cute." There was the slightest hint of mockery in her voice, and he didn't miss it.
"Don't worry, you old worry-wart," continued Toph. "I have someone meeting me at the border to guide me…gonna be my teacher for sand-bending. From what I've 'seen' our methods are very different, but I figured it's worth a shot."
"How do you know this person can be trusted, huh?" challenged Zuko.
Toph shifted her gaze in his direction. "I know when people are insincere," her expression all but screamed 'duh!'
"Besides, he just didn't strike me as the type of guy who'd have the motive to lie."
"Hn." Something resembling jealousy bubbled in the pits of Zuko's stomach. "You never know, he could be another Azula."
"Your sister's a once-in-a-lifetime type of psycho."
"Maybe you didn't meet one in your previous life, and you're overdue."
"Well he did kinda remind me of you." Toph sat on the angled tiles of the rooftop and made space for Zuko. "Well, at least, when I first got to know you. Except he didn't stutter as much."
"How does that relate to Azula? And I burned your feet, remember?" Zuko winced, remembering that night. That was a good greeting, he applauded himself sarcastically.
"It's a good thing he doesn't firebend, then, huh?"
Zuko smiled at Toph's playful grin.
"But a little after that, after you and Aang visited the Sun Warriors. When I met him," Toph's voice softened as she wrapped her arms around her folded knees. "He reminded me so much of you. It was like he was going through a similar change that you went through. Like he was just beginning to find himself and his true purpose."
Zuko sat behind her, positioning his legs on either sides of hers and pulled her against his chest. "You've got a knack for finding reformed bad boys, don't you?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Sparky, you were never such a bad ass," she elbowed him lightly.
"Heh," he smirked as he rested his chin atop her head.
"Make a wish, Toph," Zuko mumbled, his gaze following a shooting star.
He closed his eyes and repeated in his mind what he so desperately longed for.
"Wanna know what I wished for?" Toph interrupted his mantra.
"If you tell me, it wouldn't come true." And if you wished for the same thing I did, I'd hate for it not to.
"I wished that a certain someone would turn up the heat, I'm getting cold."
Zuko repositioned his head to rest on the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent and sighing against her skin. A familiar silence blanketed over them as the cool evening winds nipped at their skin.
"Let's go back to the palace, Toph, it's getting late."
He took her tired nod as an agreement and carried her on his back. It was amazing how someone who was so light could control the sturdiest of the elements. Earth, then metal…and now she wants to conquer sand?
Maybe he ought to teach her firebending? Maybe she can even surpass Aang as the Avatar. Zuko chuckled.
He entered the palace through a small passageway in the garden. Stealthily, he maneuvered in the shadows towards his room, peeking around corners to ensure no one detected their presence. It filled him with a subtle hint of thrill to be sneaking around in his own home, with an unconscious girl in tow.
Upon reaching his chamber, he deposited Toph gently onto the bed and removed her outer robes. He took a moment to look at her peaceful face and couldn't resist the desire to kiss her vulnerable lips.
A tongue darting out to gently lick his closed mouth took him by surprise, and the hand that entangled with his hair kept him from pulling away.
Zuko smirked as he initiated a fiercer kiss. With their lips still attached, he crawled on top of her and let his hands wander underneath her remaining clothes.
Toph ran her hands along his side, pausing at the belt to play with it briefly before untying the knot. Zuko's outer robes draped over them loosely as they broke apart, gasping for air.
"Thanks for doing half the job for me," she grinned, motioning to her half-naked body.
"My pleasure," he grinned back, shrugging off his robes, leaving only his trousers on.
Zuko placed his hands on the hem of Toph's shirt and deftly removed it, leaving her only with her underwear on.
Toph eagerly removed his strained trousers, while Zuko caressed the soft skin by her hipbone before pulling off the white cloth. Her hands reached his, stopping him.
"Wha--?" Zuko was bewildered. Why was she denying him?
"My present, I want it," explained Toph in a nonchalant manner.
With a groan, Zuko moved off of her to reach into his night stand. He patted the drawer blindly, until his fingers found its goal.
He crawled over to Toph who sat against his pillows, stroking her inner thigh seductively. Inviting him, teasing him.
Zuko swallowed a lump in his throat. Wordlessly, he placed himself beside her and secured the jewelry around her narrow neck. She gasped as she touched the precious stones around her neck, feeling its mineral construction.
"It's…so pretty, Zuko," Toph murmured. "What is it?"
"It's a stone that originated from lava emitted by a specific volcano, it came to be what it is now after hundreds of years of being weathered," explained Zuko. "It's a tough gem, just like you are. Beautiful, too…"
His words faded as Toph's lips crashed down to his. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck as she straddled him, her legs crisscrossing behind his back.
"So where were we?" Toph breathed, letting Zuko go on top of her once more.
"Right about…" Zuko positioned his hands on either side of Toph's hips, hooking his fingers at her undergarments. "Here." He dipped his head and began leaving small lovebites along Toph's collarbone, enjoying the sound of her small mewls and becoming increasingly aroused by each one as he removed her only remaining piece of clothing.
-x-
Toph emitted a loud yawn as she cradled a hot cup of acai tea towards her room.
"Where were you last night?" Katara's shrill voice cut through the morning's silence, Toph's drowsy senses failing to see the waterbender coming.
"None of your business," Toph frowned, continuing along the corridor.
"Where'd you get that necklace, huh, Toph?" Katara demanded. "Do you have a secret lover that you run off to at night?"
Toph cursed mentally as she secured her silken robe around her neck, effectively hiding the accused jewelry. "I said it's none of your business!"
"Toph," Katara insisted earnestly, moving in front of her to block her path. "Sokka was waiting outside your room all last night to apologize, and he said you never came back. This isn't the first time you've just vanished!"
A flood of déjà vu overtook Toph as she remembered their arguments from many years ago, when Katara chastised her about scamming scammers. She was only twelve, then, and Katara's stifling motherly nature was forgivable. But she was older now, no longer a child to be watched over.
"Look, Sugar Queen," she snapped through gritted teeth. "I'm a full-grown adult and I don't have to answer to you or anyone else. It is my business where I choose to sleep and I am not, under any circumstances, obligated to explain to you, of all people, of my whereabouts. You are not my mother, so stop acting like it. Learn to mind your own business!"
Toph felt Katara's flustered attempts at piecing words together.
"What's going on here?" Zuko strode over to them casually, though he was already adorned in his royal garb.
"Toph has been running off to who-knows-where at night with complete disregard to our worry!" Toph felt Katara's sense of accomplishment at rattling off. Too bad she picked the wrong comrade.
"Katara, Toph isn't a little girl anymore. What she does with her time is her prerogative," said Zuko solemnly.
Toph smirked at Katara's surprise.
"What if she's hanging around bad company?!" Katara's voice had risen quite a few notches. "What if she's sleeping around with random guys like some—some—tramp?! Who knows what kind of shady character she was with last night!"
"Now listen here—!" Toph took a step forward to yell at Katara right in the face, but Zuko held her back.
"That's unlikely," he said with all the composure he has garnered as Fire Lord. "Toph spent the night in my room."
The way he said it with such detachment was a surprise to Toph, though she felt his heart rate increase slightly. What are you doing, you imbecile?!
Shock and confusion are two very different emotions, contrary to popular belief. Shock is being surprised at what happened, while vaguely accepting the situation. Confusion is not knowing what to believe at all. Katara found herself torn between them.
Zuko laughed in response to Katara's facial expression. No, Toph knew, he forced that laugh. It was hollow and humorless.
"Don't give me that look, Katara, you don't have to worry. I slept on the couch while she took the bed."
Acceptance seemed to settle within the water bender. "What was she doing in your room in the first place?"
He shrugged carelessly. "Toph and I were on our way back from the gardens and we saw Sokka pacing in front of her door. She didn't want to deal with him, so I volunteered we stay in my room until he goes away. Unfortunately, she had fallen asleep by the time Sokka gave up."
Toph's jaw almost dropped at the ease with which Zuko lied.
"Oh," Katara said, nodding. Her accusing tone had settled to that of caring as she addressed Toph, "You can't avoid him forever."
"Yeah, yeah, Sugar Queen. I've heard that whole speech from Sparky last night."
"And I'm sorry for saying all those crazy things. I know you're not the type to sleep around, I've just been very worried."
"Whatever," Toph was mostly just relieved her and Zuko's secret hadn't been discovered.
"But you still haven't told me who got you that necklace. I still think it's a boyfriend. An expensive-looking jewelry like that must have come from someone special," her voice had taken on a light, teasing tone.
"Don't be stupid."
"It was from me." Zuko interjected.
Toph felt her blood run cold.
"I found it while looking through some of my mom's old things a couple of months back. She had an affinity for Earth Kingdom jewelry, something about how they're "the highest caliber of craftsmanship" she's ever seen. And seeing as how Toph is like the Earth Kingdom hero of the war, I felt mother would have wanted her to have it."
The speed at which Toph's heart rate changed could not be healthy. But Zuko's unnecessary divulgement of information made her wary. That, and the backstory he just fed Katara was total bull.
Something had changed within Zuko, Toph realized. He no longer regarded Katara like a lost puppy, seeking approval. He no longer felt any duty to do good with her as he had since he had first joined team Avatar.
As if unable to thoroughly process the barrage of information so early in the morning, Katara only agreed and then excused herself.
"What the hell was that, Sparky?!" hissed Toph as soon as she determined Katara was out of earshot.
"What the hell was what?" Zuko repeated coolly, guiding both of them into the nearest empty room.
Toph tightened her grip on the now-cold cup of tea in her hands.
"Oh, lighten up," Zuko laughed. His regular, heart-felt laugh was back. An unexplainable sense of relief came over Toph. "Got you off the hook with Sugar Queen, didn't it?"
"Well you're perky early in the morning."
"First of all, it's almost ten-thirty. It is hardly 'early in the morning.' Second, I just got out of a successful budgeting meeting. And thirdly, I'm always in a good mood in the morning—at least, whenever you're around."
Toph rolled her eyes. "If you're trying to woo me, stop it. I'm already sleeping with you, aren't I?"
"What, I can't romance my own lover?" Zuko feigned innocence.
Toph felt an indistinguishable emotion bursting forth from Zuko. He took the cup out of her hands and placed it on a nearby dresser.
"Toph," he began, taking her hands and enveloping them with his own. "Would you like to stay at this palace? With me?"
She tried to pry her hands away, but it was futile. His grip was stronger. "No," she scoffed. "What are you getting at, Sparky? It's way too early and I don't have time for your shenanigans."
-x-
There was something about the days prior that made Zuko certain that something had changed within his and Toph's relationship. He had spent the past few weeks exchanging letters with Uncle Iroh, explaining with words as best as he can his feelings for Toph. The older man was ecstatic at the news, and suggested he search for a rare rock that is formed from the lava of Mt. Saranghabnida on an isolated archipelago.
Zuko thought it was a brilliant idea, convinced that the combination of earth and fire was the perfect symbol of their unity.
Iroh had also warned him to take it slow, and avoid making Toph feel as if she's backed against a wall—for she would only carve a hole out and escape.
But there was something about today that made him feel like he could do anything. He had convinced the financial accountants that investing in school facilities and unbiased education was best, and he further lowered military spending, allocating the money instead on the displaced families from the colonies.
And today, he's gonna shut them up about another subject, too. He kneeled down on one knee.
"Toph, will you marry me?" All humor was gone from his voice.
"What?" Toph's voice was not much more than a squeak.
"These past two years, well, they weren't exactly how I've expected, but I don't regret anything."
"What the hell are you talking about, Zuko?"
"Isn't it obvious? I love you."
Toph's green eyes pierced through his, as if searching his soul. There a brief moment when an overwhelming fear flashed through her eyes. And then it became calculating, until it dissolved into nothingness. The sightless eyes he enjoyed gazing into bore no emotion.
"No, Zuko," she said, letting her long dark bangs hide her face. "You don't."
"Yes, I do," Zuko insisted, his eyebrows furrowing. "What, you think I'd lie about something like this?"
"You've convinced yourself that this is the truth, so I can't tell if it's a lie when not even you can."
"Toph, listen…"
"Stop—"
"I love you!"
"No, you don't! You love kissing me. You love fucking me. But you don't love me."
"Will you listen to yourself?!" Zuko exclaimed, aghast.
"You listen! You don't love me. You're comfortable with me, we get along great, but there is a great deal of difference between familiarity and love. Please, Zuko, just drop it."
He could have been mistaken, but Zuko could have sworn there were tears on the corners of Toph's eyes as she left the room. His shoulders slumped, and dull pain echoed within his chest.
Somewhere between feeling like he could be Phoenix King and Melon Lord, his heart was shattered.
What Iroh didn't tell Zuko about the myth of Saranghabnida was the attraction between its two properties, earth and fire, and how they always find a way to reunite with each other without anyone else's knowledge, and only bursts forth when both are ready.
Author's Note: …This took forever, didn't it? Please don't hate me! T.T But look, even though this chapter has nothing to do with Halloween, I got it done just in time for the occasion! Woo hoo! Twenty-eight pages to celebrate! Hopefully, three weeks is the longest you guys will have to wait. Unfortunately, school and work is pretty much duopolizing my time, but I promise to do my hardest to update quickly! Mmmkay, I'll get right down to the responses.
Review Replies:
Lulu: Speaking of Tokka…I came across a few Zukka pics on deviant art, and they were pretty adorable. Oh wait, that has nothing to do with Tokka, only Sokka. Eh heh, I'm glad my story is making you love my native Avatar shipping!
Snea: Hey, I know you from DA! I'm glad you find the story satisfactory so far…I didn't even know there was a "hype" surrounding it!
Avatargirl92: …So Sokka didn't have much of an appearance at all this chapter, but I can guarantee you our prince charming Zuko will have that matter taken care of! :D
Miyiku: I'm glad you feel special. I love feeling special! And yeah, I've always viewed Sokka as a bit of a perv…maybe that's just me being weird.
Shirozero: You know, I was going to have Zuko hold his confession for another chapter but I couldn't help it! I'm tired of the cuddly-wuddly-foofs. I wanted Toph to give her cold shoulder and flat out rejection. I wanted some drama! Mwahaha! But I'm not very good at drama, so I probably screwed it up, but hey, that's okay, right?
Brotherchimo: Man, this is the COMPLETE opposite of what you wanted, huh? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but look, there's quite a bit of fluff in this chapter, to balance out the ending scene!
Liooness: You know, for Toph, I'm almost sure she'd rather go to Zuko than to anyone else to take care of her. He's not the type to ask questions or nag her about it. Hee hee, and thanks!
Animefreak03: Aww, Toph is like a little commitment-phobe, isn't she? That makes her so adorable! And as for the relationship deal, to each their own. Whatever tickles your pickle, man!
Lazyguy90: Threesomes aren't that crazy. A good amount of people are into them. Haha. And your comment convinced me to do a last minute change in the chapter name! I've decided that since Zuko is all pro-active in this chapter, I've decided to title it after him! Anyway, he'll have to go through a few more hardships before he gets Toph, because if there's no struggle, then the reward means nothing.
Mlkoolc86: Thank you! I hope you enjoy this one as well!
Party in the Afterlife: …Yes, yes he does. And Toph? Not be bone-headed? That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard!
Lillythemarshmellowqueen: That's good to know! This update wasn't quite as 'soon' as everyone hoped, but I finally got around to it!
Blz1990: That was just a total dick move on Sokka's part. You are completely right about sympathizing with Toph, haha.
Cutie in boots: There's not much Sokka in this chapter, but worry not! Next chapter will explain the aftermath with Sokka.
Antie Jonas Bro's: …You're against the Jonas Brothers…? T.T I kinda like them…although they kind of looked silly in a poster I saw in OfficeMax today. Made me giggle. Oh, and Toph would NEVER get a promise ring, haha. She just doesn't seem like the type of girl. Oh, side fact: The whole promise ring idea? Inspired by the JoBros. B) (And my sister's sudden announcement to get one for herself.)
Kagegahashiru: I'm glad the story makes you want to stick around!
Njblackwolf: Aww, yay! I'm glad you find it cute, and of course one of them falling in love was bound to happen. I just didn't want it be Toph pining for Zuko. Haha.
Evilevergreen: I doubt you'd ever read this, seeing as you said you've been completely turned off from the story, but I thought about mentioning Mai in the first chapter. But I decided to save her story for later. And I'm sorry that one little sentence had closed your mind to the option of reading the next chapters. To each his own, I guess. :)
ShikaruTo: Haha, I used to tease my friend (who was in absolute love with Sasuke for a while) by calling him Sasu-gay. I know, I'm so creative. And haha, when it comes to people's sexual fantasies, you never know what someone would want. In an awkward game of truth or dare, I found out some weird stuff from whom I thought to be the sanest people in the world. And I wish I were Toph in this story, too. T.T
Sarah: Aw, no worries! I'm just glad you're enjoying this fic. And it's your first TOKO! *squeal* I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I never would have pegged my story to be a good introduction to the world of Toko!
Forever: It wouldn't be fun if Toph and Zuko just up and fell in love, now would it? Haha. I know you want them to get together, I do, too! They're just gonna do it in a very long-winded way, so sit back for more twists!
YumKiwiDelicious: Dun dun dun dunn indeed! It's too bad Toph wasn't awake. She probably would have been too tired to dismiss Zuko as coldly as she did this chapter.
Blade Summers: I swear, from the moment I saw Suki, I thought of her as a freak in the sheets. Especially after the Boiling Rock episodes, no lie. But I'm glad you like the way I just wormed that in there! And umm…the second part of your review confused me. O.o;
Dothead: I'm glad you do! Is ten days since your review soon enough? Haha. Oh, and your name is cute. Dothead. Tee hee, makes me giggle.
Lorelai Kline: So, umm…I hope your bladder is okay. Withholding urine isn't very healthy, I've heard. And relieving your bladder is good times. Haha, I'm glad you find the characters believable, but it'll be a while before the ring and the weding! And oh no! This chapter is twice as long as my usual chapter! I hope you didn't have to pee this time.
C00kiemon: …You mean it? Your review made me tear up a little. I love both Zuko and Toph so much, so I try my best, and I'm glad it shows! Thank you!
aGirlNamedMouse: Holy crap? Is that a good thing or a bad thing! And here's your update, haha.
Bloody Waterfalls: I took on this story knowing it was going to be a lot of work! And I, for one, am excited to take on the challenge! *flashes victory sign*
Kiki09: …I'm updating, uh…now? Hee hee.
Thanks so much for your patience and support everyone!
Have a happy and safe Halloween!