I just have to say it: You guys are the best, most awesome reviewers EVER! And I love you all. So ah, no this is not the last chapter. Remember those super special awesome plot twists I was talking about? Here you go!

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar

The situation the next days was strange. Not exactly awkward, because there was nothing to be awkward about, right? They were just friends who had hugged. But it was strange nevertheless.

What irritated Toph the most about the hug was how protected she had felt. It was stupid; there was nothing Zuko needed to protect her from. It wasn't like she couldn't do that herself. She was strong, the strongest, and she could take care of herself.

But still, it didn't change the fact that she had felt safe in Zuko's arms. Toph frowned and hit the earth with one open hand. She was sitting cross-legged on the ground in one corner of the wide, spreading lawns of the garden. The sun was shining onto her face but it didn't look like today would be all too hot, especially not in the shade under the tree she was sitting.

Anyway, back to the hug. Toph chewed her bottom lip in thought. She had liked the way it felt, Zuko's firm chest under her cheek, his arms around her shoulders, his hands on her back, encircling her, holding her, keeping her safe.

Suddenly Toph became aware of soft vibrations in the earth. Footsteps coming towards her, Zuko's footsteps to be precise. She let out her breath and tolled her head back on to her neck willing herself to remain calm. There was absolutely no reason to be nervous, for her heart to start pounding. No reason at all.

"Hey," Zuko stopped.

"Hey," she grinned up at him, "what's up?"

"Uncle said we should come over for dinner tonight," Zuko crouched down beside her, running his fingers through the short grass. She liked his voice, Toph realized, low, thick and slightly rough.

"Sure then," she answered, "We haven't seen him in quite a while."

"Yeah," Zuko smiled. He loved his Uncle, the one person that had always remained by his side, guided him and tried to help him see the right way. He hadn't seen Iroh for a while since he didn't live at the palace anymore and was glad Toph had agreed to go to the dinner. Not that there was any reason she shouldn't…but still. They were going.

When Zuko and Toph arrived at the palace a servant was waiting for them and informed them that the Firelord was still caught up in a meeting. So Toph and Zuko went ahead, to the part of the palace that held the Firelord residency.

The palace was an old, old building decorated in traditional Fire Nation style. That meant: lots of black and red and heavy, ornamented furniture. The dining room too which Zuko and Toph now went was no different, though the table was set with the beautiful, minimalistic china from the Earth Kingdom that Iroh preferred. A bunch of flowers in the center of the table sent their heavy scent around the room.

When Iroh arrived (and it took quite a while) Zuko could immediately see that something was wrong. There were more wrinkles in his Uncle's face and his movements seemed slower. He looked tired and worn, his skin sickly pale, a little grey even. But when he saw Zuko and Toph waiting for him he smiled, "ah my nephew and Toph, how wonderful to see you!"

"What's wrong Uncle?" Zuko's voice was sharp, worried.

"It's nothing,' Iroh waved a hand as he settled himself into his chair, "the meetings have been stressful lately, that's all."

Zuko instantly felt guilty. After all, he hadn't been in the palace lately, instead spending his time at the house with Toph. "I'm sorry, Uncle," he began, "I'll help. I'll come right away tomorrow and-"

"It's not your fault Zuko," Iroh interrupted him; "I'm glad that you are finally enjoying yourself. There is no need for you to spend your time inside; going over things with the ministers, there'll be enough time for that when you're Firelord."

"But I should be helping you," the black haired prince insisted, "It's my duty as crown Prince."

"Nonsense," Iroh sighed and coughed slightly, then continued, "You are young, you should enjoy yourself. Let us old men handle the politics. And now: food."

The servants brought the platters and bowls. They were simple dishes mostly, but made with the best ingredients and each tasted absolutely delicious.

The three chatted over dinner. Iroh asked about Aang's visit and told the newest jokes he had picked up but even though Iroh was acting like his normal, cheerful self Toph could tell something wasn't quite right. She noticed how little Iroh was eating and her keen senses picked up his erratic breathing and unsteady pulse. And because she new she was the first to spring into action when Iroh collapsed unconscious, falling out of his chair.

For a second, Zuko couldn't react. All he saw was Iroh, who a moment before had been laughing at a joke he told, go limp and fall forward and Toph leap out of her chair to catch him. Then he sprang into action.

"You," he bellowed at one of the servants as he leapt out of his chair, "get a doctor." She nodded, frightened and ran out of the room. Zuko hastened over to Toph, who was struggling to hold Iroh up and helped her. Together they managed to shift Iroh between them so that they could carry him.

"This way," Zuko commanded. They weren't far from the Firelord's room but Iroh was heavy and it was awkward carrying him between them since Toph was so much shorter than him.

One servant ran ahead and held open the doors for them. Together they carried Iroh inside and managed to put him down on his bed. He was stirring slightly.

"Get water," Zuko ordered harshly, then moved to stand at his Uncle's side. Toph hovered on the other edge of the bed. A bowl of water and several cloths were brought. Zuko began to dampen them and laid one on his Uncle's forehead. The Firelord stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttered and he groaned but then he fell silent again.

They waited in silence, only Zuko moving to exchange the cloths and wipe Iroh's face. It was oppressive, the whole room, with its dark, ornamented furniture and the black, red and gold decorations seemed to small, the air too heavy but no one moved to open a window.

Luckily they didn't have to wait long for a doctor, one of the perks of being royal. He was young with wide, kind brown eyes and a slightly ruffled, messy topknot. Zuko moved aside immediately, his face dark. He looked thunderous. Quietly Toph moved to stand beside him. She listened to the soft rustle of clothing and sheets and the doctor's quiet 'hmmm's and 'aaah's and her heart was tight with fear because she could feel Iroh's breathing and heartbeat and she knew something was very wrong.

Finally the doctor moved away and began stowing his instruments. "It is a type of virus," he said, his voice quiet, "it takes over the system very quickly. The Firelord seems to be holding up for now but things can still go either way. He needs to be kept warm and given lot's of water. I will bring something by later that will hopefully help." He paused and looked at Zuko seriously, 'I don't mean to be pessimistic but these things can drag on. It will be while before your Uncle recovers." He didn't say 'if he does' but the message hung there unspoken. Zuko nodded and moved past him to Iroh again. A servant had quietly brought two chairs, one of which he took now.

"You can go back to the house," Zuko's voice was harsh and he didn't turn to look at Toph, "But I'm staying. I have to."

"Don't be daft," Toph moved forward and took the other chair, "of course I'm staying. Iroh needs us."

Oh yes, it's all just part of an elaborate plan on my part to- ah but I can't spoil it now can I? XD