Revelation

by Arashi-No-Shadow

Remember when team Avatar split up to find Aang and Momo, what if when Toph goes with Zuko, something happens, something better than Toph's idea of a life changing experience

2. Chapter 2

Title- Revelation

Rating- M for later chapters

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Summary- Remember when team Avatar split up to find Aang and Momo, what if when Toph goes with Zuko, something happens, something better than Toph's idea of a life changing experience.

A/N- Please... please review. I know you've been reading this...
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Zuko detangled himself from Toph's embrace, and went down the hall to the bathroom.

He sat down in the corner, and reached into his boxers, wrapping his hand around his half-erection he began to stroke himself slowly, fighting with the moans that threatened to tear from him. He reached for the door with his free hand, and locked it, keeping any intruders out.

He continued jacking off, his breaths coming in quick gasps as he thought about things that turned him on, mainly Toph. He would wait until she was ready for him, he wasn't one to force himself on women, or girls for that matter. He reached for a cloth that was on the sink, just before his back arched, and he came into the cloth. He sat for a moment, catching his breath, before he cleaned himself up completely, and stood.

He washed the cloth off, more than once, and set it on the sink. He looked into the mirror, and frowned at his reflection, before exiting the room. He was on his way back to Toph's room when he bumped into Sokka.

"Sorry." he said catching his wrist to keep him from falling.

"S' okay." Sokka said groggily. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"Back to Toph." Zuko answered.

"Gonna get lucky?" Sokka asked.

Zuko had an overwhealming urge to hit him, but held it back. "No."

"She's not giving in?" Sokka asked.

Zuko could feel his arm twitch, and wanted to knock Sokka right onto his ass for saying something like that.

"For your information, she's only twelve, and I don't feel like taking advantage of her. Just because you can't get enough sex doesn't mean that everyone else is like you. Furthermore, I'll only take her when she's completely ready, and comfortable, if you prefer it the other way, that's your problem." Zuko snapped shoving past Sokka and entering Toph's room. He stood against the door for a few moments calming himself.

Sokka walked back towards his and Suki's room. "Happy now? He's gonna think I'm a complete sicko." he said to his sister as she came out of the shadows.

"At least I know now that what Toph told me was true. He will wait." she said.

Sokka waved his hand at her, and went back into his room, muttering to himself.

Katara went to her door, silently promising herself that she wouldn't stick her nose where it didn't belong anymore as she walked to her bed, and climbed in next to Aang. She made the promise knowing that she'd probably break it.

Zuko walked softly across the floor, and stood just looking at Toph sleep.

"Zuko..." she said in a tired voice. "Zuko... I, love you."

She seemed to be talking in her sleep, and all Zuko did was listen. He stood next to the bed, looking down at her, her pale skin shining in the moonlight that washed over her. He waited for a while before he laid next to her on the bed, and immediately, as if she was attracted to his warmth, she wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. She let out a sigh, and that was the end of her talking. He knew that she'd been born blind, but he wondered what she saw when she dreamed and if she saw in the same way she did when she was concious.

He looked down at her, her arm draped over his chest, and her cheek pressed against his shoulder, she looked so innocent. He felt a twinge of pity for her, he knew all that had happened with her family since she had told him earlier, and he knew that the others still treated her like a fragile little girl who couldn't care for herself.

He saw another side of her, a capable young girl who had nerves of steel, and words almost as strong. A young woman who had so much to look forwards to in the future, the girl he would soon choose to be his bride. He smiled softly at the last thought, and closed his eyes, wrapping his arm around Toph's shoulder and falling to sleep.

Toph was first to wake, and she opened her eyes. She was pressed against something soft and warm, and when she reached out, her palm flattened over smooth skin, her fingers brushing softly over it.

Zuko sighed softly, and turned onto his back, Toph's hand still traced over his chest and stomach, and up his throat to his face. His eyes fluttered open, and he tilted his face into her hand. "Morning Toph." he said in a soft voice.

"Morning Zuko." she answered, her hand still brushing over his face.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"I had a strange dream about you." she answered with a frown. "But I can't remember any details."

"You said you loved me last night after you were asleep." he said kissing her softly.

"Well I do love you."

"And I you." he answered sitting up. He felt Toph's hand on his back as he stretched his arms above his head.

"You're really tense." she commented.

"Yeah." He answered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and standing.

"I can help with that, we'll have to go outside though." Toph said standing as well, she reached for her clothes, identifying them by touch she pulled them on. "Do these match?" she asked. Zuko looked at her, and smiled. "It's all red, so yeah." he laughed softly.

And heard Toph's follow his as he pulled on his own clothes. He exited the room, and waited for Toph to follow. He listened to her confident footsteps, and smiled softly, nothing ever got her down did it? She reached out as she neared him, and he took her hand gently, leading her down the hall, and down the stairs, and to the kitchen.

She heard the swishing splash of Katara's waterbending as she stirred the pot over the fire. Zuko sat at the table, and Toph sat next to him. Without a word Katara put something in front of Toph, Zuko looked down at the oatmeal like substance and raised an eyebrow. Katara motioned for him to stay quiet, as Toph tapped her toes on the stone floor, causing it to move the table, knocking the bowl off of the edge. "Oops, clumsy me." she said shrugging, "I suppose I'll have to have something other than slop."

Zuko couldn't supress his smile, as he looked at Katara. Katara shook her head, and grabbed another bowl. This one full of rice. She handed Toph a pair of chopsticks, and she began to eat slowly, keeping her fingers hooked over the side of her bowl so she knew where it was.

Zuko watched her eat until Katara put a bowl in front of him along with a pair of chopsticks. He ate quickly, and pushed the bowl across the table.

"Tell Aang that I'm ready when he is." he said absently watching Toph again.

She'd finished, but was brushing her hands over the sides. "Glass is made of sand right?" she asked.

"Yeah why?" Zuko asked.

She put the bowl back on the table, and tapped the side of it softly. Flicking her free wrist, the bowl cracked clean in two. "Glass bending." she said in an amused voice.

Zuko clapped softly.

"Toph! That was a perfectly good bowl!" she said picking up the halves, and throwing them out. "And Aang is still asleep."

"Tired him out last night?" Toph asked with a smile.

Katara blushed, but didn't say anything. Zuko raised his eyebrow, had she done something with Aang, he asked himself. Toph stood, and pulled on Zuko's arm. "Come with me, I can help with your tenseness." Zuko stood, and followed her outside to the training yard. She stamped her foot on the ground, and pebbles shot up from the stone.

"Lay down over there." she said pointing at the ground away from the pebbles. Zuko walked over to where she pointed.

"On your stomach." Toph said.

He flipped over, and she lifted the pebbles from the ground, making them roll and bounce over his back firmly.

He let out a soft moan, and Toph smiled, knowing that she was indeed helping. She stood for a few more minutes massaging his back, she could feel each of his tensed muscles relax, and stopped, letting the pebbles roll off of his back. She moved forwards, and straddled his waist, holding him to the ground as her small, yet strong hands began to work on the muscles the earth couldn't reach. She massaged his shoulders and neck, with a firm yet gentle squeezing motion. He let out another moan, and heard footsteps, he turned and lifted his head to see Aang.

Aang smiled brightly seemingly knowing that it was just a massage. Zuko lifted his weight slightly, but Toph pushed him back down onto the ground. "Stay there until I'm done." she said.

Her hands slid gently down over his shoulderblades and back, caressing more than massaging. She moved her hands back up his back, as she felt Aang sit down, seemingly interested in what she was doing. Her hands moved over his shoulders, and up the back of his neck before into his hair where she massaged gently for a few moments until standing. Zuko rolled onto his back and sat up. Toph pulled him to his feet with a smile. "Now try firebending, I bet you'll find it easier." she said.

Zuko took a step back, spreading his legs, and spun his arms in a circle, causing a fire 'twister' which he then pushed away with a forward thrust of his arms. He watched the fire die down, before looking at Toph, "Yeah, it is easier." he admitted. "Thanks."

Toph shrugged, before a smile crossed her face. "What do you think you could learn from watching two masters duel?" she asked Aang, looking to where he was sitting.

"Alot!" he said in an excited voice using airbending to stand up.

"Okay, let's go Zuko..." she said. "unless you're afraid."

"Toph, I'm not fighting you." he said.

With a flick of her wrist, Toph sent all of the pebbles on the ground from before flying at him. He used his firebending to knock them away. "Toph..."

She ignored him, sending more rocks at him a smile on her face.

His expression soon mirrored hers, and he began to fight back, sending the fire past her, and at places she knew he would aim for. The ground was soon covered in scortch marks, and littered with rocks. Zuko was starting to get tired, and Toph could tell. She dropped the rock she was holding, and held up her hands. "Truce."

"Deal." Zuko said sounding a little winded. Toph smiled, and turned towards the general direction of Aang.

"Learn anything?" she asked with a smile.

"yeah! That was great!" he exclaimed. "You guys would make an awesome team. Together you're a force to be reckoned with." he said jumping to his feet.

Zuko looked at Toph, and saw a slight blush on her face, but it dissapeared as quickly as it had appeared.

"You should start with his training now Zuko." she said going to sit by a pillar.

Zuko nodded, and began with his lessons. Aang learned quickly, and easily, much different than when learning earthbending. Toph watched them through sonic vibrations, a small smile appearing on her face as she thought of what Aang had said. He was right of course, if Zuko and her worked together as a complete team, they would probably be nearly unstoppable. An hour or so passed until Aang had finally had enough. Zuko nodded softly, and Aang left the courtyard, going to get something to eat as he said.

Zuko sat next to Toph with a soft sigh. "Well, what do you want to do since it'll be a while until Aang wants to train more." Zuko wondered looking down at Toph.

Toph shrugged. "You want to show me now?" she asked in a soft voice, and Zuko knew that it was a continuation of their conversation from the night before.

"No, maybe some other time not too soon in the future." he said. His words were a startling contrast to his tone. His tone should have been bitter, but it was not, instead it was soft, and gentle as it always was when he spoke to Toph.

Toph nodded, deciding to not get defensive about it, but rather just trust that he only had her in mind.

"Okay then, why don't we go for a walk then?" she asked.

"Should we tell the others?"

"No, I'm sure they'll know that we can take care of ourselves." she answered standing.

Zuko followed her, entwining his arm with hers. They walked into the trees that surrounded the house. Once they got far enough away, Toph pulled her arm out of Zuko's, and pushed him down onto a rock that she slid forward for him to sit on.

"Tell me Zuko, why won't you give me a straight answer about... Well that?" she asked, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"I gave you a straight answer!" he said.

"No, you gave me the answer that Katara wants. I felt you leave me last night, and I followed you. I don't know what you were doing, but I know that it was probably something you thought you shouldn't have been, or else you wouldn't have locked the door." she said in a firm and logical tone.

"I-I just don't want you to think you have you do something you don't just to please me." he answered looking down at his hands.

Toph frowned before realization dawned on her. "What were you doing last night?" she asked.

"Nothing, just thinking." he lied.

Toph felt the change in him and narrowed her eyes. "you're lying." she hissed.

He looked up at her face, a surprised thrill going through him as he saw her looking straight at him as though she could see him, or at least most of him.

"I promise that I'll tell you one day Toph when you understand more, but it's just personal, and embarassing." he admitted.

Toph knew he was telling the truth, and nodded softly. She dropped slowly to her knees, and laid her head on his leg. She'd never paid attention to the vibrations that a person's entire body gave off but she focused on them, and leaned back away from him, her eyes moving up and down raking over his sonic image. She couldn't see the scar or anything like that, but she could see the lithe shape of his body, the way that his muscles were shaped and stretched under his skin.

She saw a few other details that his clothes hid from others, and bit her tongue harshly to keep from saying anything. She saw him turn towards her, and closed her eyes consentrating on other things as she let his image fade away. He knelt in front of her, and brushed his fingers over the side of her face gently, pushing her bangs out
of her eyes. He leaned forwards and pressed his lips to hers gently. Her hands fisted in the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. His fingers travelled down her back, tracing small circles before pressing into the small of her back, making her arch into him. Toph didn't feel the vibrations from the person approaching them until it was too late.

"Zuko!" someone said in a surprised voice, obviously thinking that Toph was trying to push him away since her hands were on his chest. Zuko's eyes flashed open, and almost as a reflex, Toph pushed him away, he slid on his toes about four feet having shifted his weight from his knees. He waited for the cloud of dust to settle before he stood up.

"What is it now Katara?" Toph asked before Zuko could say anything.

"Aang is ready for more training." she answered as Toph stood.

"Tell him he's learning more earthbending this time." she said.

Katara nodded, not wishing to start something she couldn't win, and ran off back towards the house. Toph walked slowly after her, and Zuko caught her hand. "Why is it always her that interrupts us?" Toph asked.

"I don't know." Zuko answered with a sigh.

They walked together back to the courtyard where Aang was airbending for practice. Zuko went to sit on the stairs while Toph stood in front of Aang. "Lets play catch." she said, and Aang nodded.

"We'll start out small." Toph said lifting a smaller boulder, and pushing it at Aang. He caught it, and threw it back at her. After a few more throws, she switched to a bigger one, then an even bigger one. Until they reached one about the size of Appa, then Aang dropped it and said he had enough. They'd been doing it for about three hours then, and Toph was starting to get hungry.

"Zuko, can you cook?" she asked.

"No, I tried once, and ended up using firebending, I burned everything, even the plates and bowls." he said with a laugh.

Toph laughed with him, and walked into the kitchen, ducking into the cupboard, and feeling around. Zuko stood behind her, enjoying the view before he mentally slapped himself, he couldn't think that way about her.

"Is this a potato or an apple?" she asked holding it out. "I can't tell... It's smooth, but has no bumps like an apple." she said. Zuko took it from her, and cut it open.

"It's a sugarroot." he said giving it back.

"A what?"

"Sugarroot, it only grows in these parts, I've only ever had one, they're really good." he said.

Toph shrugged and took a bite. "These are really good." she commented continuing to eat. Zuko wrapped the rest of it in a clean rag, and left it on the counter, Katara could use it for dinner.

"You're not going to eat?" Toph asked.

"Not hungry." Zuko said with a wave of his hand that she couldn't see she felt the wind though, and frowned softly. She finished the sugarroot, and moved around the counter towards Zuko. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her head against his chest. His arms wrapped loosely around her, before he lifted her off of the floor. He set her on the counter, and moved forwards so he was standing between her knees. He placed his hands on either side of her, leaning forwards slightly. He wasn't quite kissing her, but he was close enough that when he exhaled, his breath blew softly over her face. She sighed, and closed her eyes, tilting her head back slightly.

Sokka, who had followed his stomach to the kitchen after he woke, stopped short as he saw Zuko and Toph. They didn't seem to be doing anything, but after a few moments, Zuko lifted his hand, and brushed his fingers over Toph's face. Sokka watched silently filing Zuko's moves away to maybe use on Suki. Zuko let his hand travel down the side of Toph's face, and her neck, pushing her collar out of the way, he flattened his palm over her bared shoulder. He leaned down, and pressed his lips to hers, moving them down over her neck, and suckling lightly on her collarbone. She gasped softly in pleasure, and tilted her head farther back. Sokka raised an eyebrow he'd thought that Zuko was going to wait for Toph to be ready. She opened her eyes, and pushed Zuko away and he let her, taking a step back.

"Sorry." he said.

Toph shook her head. "Its not your fault." she said, brushing her fingers over the side of her neck. "What did you do?" she asked feeling a slight bump.

"I just left a mark." he said with a smile.

"A mark?"

"Like a bruise only it doesn't hurt to get it." he answered.

"No, it doesn't hurt." she said.

Sokka moved a little, and Toph heard the shifting of fabric. She was sick of the interruptions, and she used her new bending to send a bowl across the room to hit the door jamb. "Go away!" she exclaimed, and Sokka was gone before Zuko could turn to see who it was.

He turned back to Toph. "Irritated?"

"Its like they don't know what privacy is." she said in an annoyed voice, hopping down off of the counter.

"I think I have an idea to get some privacy." he said softly taking her hand and leading her outside.

"Aang?" he asked when he saw him waterbending with Katara.

"Yeah?"

"Can we borrow Appa for the afternoon?" Zuko asked.

"I guess, where are you going?" Aang asked.

"I was going to take Toph into town for a bit, and see if there's anything she wants." Zuko answered.

His heart skipped, and Toph smiled softly, knowing he was covering for what he was planning.

"Oh yeah, sure." Aang said brightly believing him instantly.

Zuko smiled. "Thanks." he said walking away as Aang and Katara went back to waterbending.

He let Toph step on his hands again, and vaulted her up onto Appa. He climbed onto him, and took the reins. "Yip yip." he said, and Appa took off.

They flew on until they reached Ember Island, and landed near the forest.

"We'll be back in a while, sleep or something." Toph said to Appa who laid down, and yawned hugely. Zuko led her up to the city, taking her into a small shop near the entrance.

"How is this private?" she asked softly.

"later, I would like to do this first." he said.

"How can I help you?" a girl asked.

"She would like you to do her colours for her." Zuko said to her.

"Okay, just sit over there. I'll be with you in a moment."

"Where?" Toph asked turning her clouded eyes towards the girl.

"Over- oh sorry." the girl said leading her towards a chair before going into a back room.

"What have you gotten me into?" Toph asked Zuko with a small smirk.

"She's going to do your makeup." he answered.

"I don't think so-" Toph said trying to stand from her chair.

"Dont worry, I'll be here, and I'll make sure she does it right." Zuko said softly, pushing her back down into the chair.

Toph shook her head, but sat quietly.

"Okay! Let's see what I have to work with." the girl said in a cheerful voice.

She reached out to touch Toph's face, but she stiffened, and the girl pulled away.

"Um..." she said looking at Zuko.

He smiled. "Don't worry." he told her, brushing Toph's hair out of her eyes for her.

"Okay, that works." the girl said. She looked at Toph's face, and picked out a few colours, all of which were soft earth tones of brown, black and green. She worked on Toph's eyes first. "So, if you use a darker brown rather than black eyeliner, it brings out the green in your eyes." she said, applying the eyeliner slowly.

"So, are you like her brother or something?" she asked Zuko with a suggestive smile.

"No-" Zuko began.

"He's my boyfriend." Toph said cutting him off.

"Oh, how sweet! Are you a new couple then?" she asked.

"Relitively." Zuko answered.

The girl smiled. Zuko could barely look at her without laughing in his mind, her hair looked like someone had leeched all of the colour out of it, and Zuko found himself thinking of her as 'Blondy'.

"So is he a good kisser?" Blondy asked Toph, obviously thinking she was older.

"Very." Toph answered, and Zuko felt himself blush a little.

"Well, at least that's one good thing about him." she said looking at his face, mostly the scar.

"I know about the scar, and it doesn't bother me." Toph said sensing that that was what she was referring to.

"Of course, of course!" the girl said, her cheerful smile returning.

Obviously she had no idea who he was, and that was a good thing, she wouldn't go around telling people that she had seen Zuko and Toph in real life.

"Did he tell you about the scar?" Blondy asked.

"No, I can feel it, I have to use touch to see." she answered. Zuko smiled softly, still holding back Toph's hair. The girl reached for another colour.

"This light green eyeshadow will go well with your eyes, and hair." She said. "Green goes so well with black." she said beginning to apply that makeup.

Zuko leaned down as Toph reached back for him.

"Wait just one second, I must converse with him." she said turning her head as the girl pulled away.

"What does she mean by black, what colour are my eyes?" she asked in a whisper.

"Your eyes are very light green, your hair is black." he whispered back.

Toph nodded, and turned back to the girl who began again.

"So, how'd you get together?" she asked Zuko.

"Sorry, I'm not at liberty to answer that question." he said looking down at Toph.

"No comment." Toph said.

"Oh keeping quiet?" Blondy asked.

"Yeah." Toph answered in a finalizing tone. The rest of the colour testing went by quickly and silently. The girl seemed to notice that neither Zuko nor Toph were going to answer her stupid questions.

"There! Done!" the girl said gathering up her things, and leaving to put them away.

"You look beautiful." Zuko said moving around in front of Toph. "Not that you don't always look beautiful to me." he said moving away from her as the girl came back into the room.

"Okay, and for the new couple, this is free of charge unless you want to buy the makeup." the girl said.

"No, this is fine." Toph said standing.

"Alrighty! See you later then." the girl said sitting behind her desk and beginning to read again.

Toph left as quickly as she could, and stood outside for a moment before Zuko pulled her down the road.

"Now what?" she asked.

"Anything you want? Anything at all?" Zuko asked with a smile.

"To spend time with you..." she paused. "and, maybe a necklace of some sort?" she asked softly.

"So you ask, and so it shall be." Zuko said.

"Okay, drop the royal treatment thing, I got enough of that before." Toph said.

"Okay then." Zuko said knowing what she meant.

He led her into another shop that sold jewellery.

The salesman continuously tried to sell them expensive stone necklaces, but Toph didn't like how they felt, and the man switched to smaller things.

There was one that Zuko thought looked absolutely glorious draped around Toph's neck, and when she fiddled with it to see exactly what it looked like, a smile crossed her face.

It was plain silver with no stones, or anything in it. It was simplistic and yet drew the eye. There was a solid silver heart with the words 'my love' written in loopy scrawl over it. Toph nodded, and handed it back to the man Zuko paid, and they left the store. The people seemed to have forgotten about the play a couple days back, and so no one approached them about it.

Zuko led Toph down to the forest, and they sat on the grass together in a small clearing. Zuko put the pendant around Toph's neck, and kissed her softly and they talked for a while before they left.

Appa was still where they'd left him, fast asleep.

Toph woke him, and they flew back to the house. By the time they got there, it was night, and everyone was inside.

They entered the sitting room together, and everyone looked up from what they were doing.

"There you are, we were starting to get worried." Katara said with a smile.

Suki reached out and gingerly plucked the pendant from off of Toph's chest. "What's this?" she asked with a frown. She read the words just before Toph slapped her hand away, wrapping her fingers around her newest prized possession.

"That's sweet, did you buy that for her Zuko?" she asked with a smile.

"Yeah, it was meant to be for Appa, but seemed to fit her better." he said with a laugh, and everyone joined in, even Toph.

They sat close together on the remaining couch, and looked at the fire, well Zuko looked at the fire, Toph studied him with feeling.

Katara watched as Zuko looked down at Toph slowly, lifting her face to see her better. He brushed his fingers over the side of her face, and she smiled leaning into his touch.

"So who went to the kitchen today after I was done training Aang, and before we left?" Toph asked looking blankly out into the room.

"Sokka was the only one to go there that early." Suki answered. "Why?"

"Just wondering." Toph answered with a smile. Sokka stood and stretched. "I think I'll go to bed." he said.

"Just a second, I want to talk to you." Toph said following him out of the door. Zuko sighed, and stood slowly standing in front of the fire for a second, making the flames dance about wildly before he followed.

Sokka stopped about halfway up the stairs.

"Sorry for throwing that bowl at you." Toph said with a grin.

"Oh, it's okay, sorry for interrupting you." he said with a sheepish smile.

"Yeah. So... I guess we should get to sleep." Toph said awkwardly.

"Okay, good idea." Sokka said rushing up the stairs.

"Did I hear right, or did you just apologise to Sokka?" Zuko asked wrapping his arms around Toph from behind.

"You heard right." Toph answered, pulling him up the stairs.

Zuko laughed gently. "Okay, where to?" he asked.

"My room." Toph said softly.

Zuko pulled her through the door, and closed and locked it before looking back at her. Toph was sitting in the center of the bed, and when she heard him move, she motioned him forwards.

He moved towards her, sitting next to her on the bed. She pulled his arm motioning that she wanted him to sit in front of her, and so he did.

"I've been thinking about it all day, and I'm pretty sure I'm ready for you." Toph said, pulling him forwards.

"What?" Zuko asked.

"Im ready Zuko." she repeated.

Zuko pulled away from her, and stood from the bed. "Not tonight Toph." he said softly.

"Zuko..." Toph began.

"No, not tonight." he said in a firm voice.

"You want this, and I can feel it." Toph hissed.

"No." he said. "I don't want you." he froze and his heart skipped three or four beats as he realized what he'd just said.

Toph felt something inside of her break again, and let out a small gasp. "Fine, then maybe you can sleep alone tonight." she said, and Zuko felt something inside of himself become cold. He unlocked the door, and jerked it open, closing it as he left. He walked down the hall to his room, and closed the door behind himself. He sat on the edge of the bed, burying his face in his hands, and thinking about what an idiot he was for saying something like that. Toph had every right to be mad at him, and he knew it.

Toph listened to Zuko's retreating footsteps, and buried her face in her pillows, tears streamed from her eyes, making the pillow damp.

She cried until she couldn't anymore then she lay silently with her eyes open, not caring about anything. She scrubbed her face on her blanket, getting the rest of the stupid makeup off before she stood. She opened her door, and silently walked down the hall, pausing at each door to listen for Zuko. After a few tries she found him, his breathing was even so she figured he must be asleep. She opened the door quietly, and walked softly across the floor towards the sound of his breathing. She reached out hesitantly, and he watched her every move, he hadn't been asleep, only thinking. Her hand brushed over his chest, and he pressed his hand onto the back of hers.

"Zuko, I'm sorry." she said softly.

"No, I shouldn't have said what I did, I do want you, and I do love you, but that's the problem. I want you too much, and you're accepting me because you want to please me, right?" he asked.

"No, I do want you, all of you, I got a good look at you earlier, and I do want you." she answered.

Zuko rolled over, and kissed her softly, pulling her onto the bed with him as he rolled back onto his back.

"Not tonight Toph, I still don't feel completely comfortable." he said with a smile. Toph nodded, and snuggled into his side, she entwined her fingers with his, both of her hands holding his.

"I love you." Zuko said softly, kissing the back of her hand.

"I love you too." Toph said with a sigh as Zuko's arm pulled her closer.

Katara woke with a burning thirst and she had none of her bending water left, so she got out of bed quietly. Aang caught her wrist, and looked at her with raised eyebrows. "You promised." he said softly.

"Im going to get a drink, I know I can trust Zuko with her now so I won't bother them." she lied, and Aang let his hand slide from her wrist. He smiled softly at her as she left the room, and rolled over to go to sleep again.

She passed Toph's room, only pausing because the door stood wide open. She looked inside, and shook her head at the mess, she'd have to clean it tomorrow. The blankets were strewn all over the floor, and the pillows were the same way, obviously Toph had gotten annoyed with something, and did all of this before leaving. Where was she?

Katara continued down the hall, and saw Zuko's door closed so they were probably in there. She shrugged and continued towards the kitchen, getting a drink, and turning to go upstairs. She ran into Suki on the way. She was wearing a short Kimono and didn't seem to have anything on under it.

"Katara, hi!" she said, jumping out of the way.

"I don't want to know what you did with Sokka, so don't tell me." she said walking by her. Suki sighed softly and entered the kitchen.

"Okay, what was it he wanted?" she asked herself quietly walking to the cupboard. She found some fireflakes, and put them into a bowl. He'd said snack so this was what he was going to get. She also grabbed a glass of water, and hurried back upstairs. Sokka sat up, and looked at her enter the room, a smile on his face.

"You know, I think I could wait to eat for a while, would you like that?" he asked. Suki looked at him, her own smile crossing her face at his suggestive look.

"I guess I could be okay with that." she said putting the water and food on the small table by the bed.

She climbed onto the bed, and leaned down to kiss Sokka, his hands worked at the knot to take her Kimono off...

Zuko pulled his hand out of Toph's relaxed fingers, and wrapped both of his arms around her. She sighed tiredly, and wrapped her own arms around his shoulders. He hoped that she wouldn't be bothering him about the sex thing now, but looking down at her sleeping face, he could only think of how beautiful she looked.

It was hours later when Zuko finally felt the pull of exhaustion that he finally fell asleep. Toph once again was first to wake, she wasn't in Zuko's embrace now, and reached out. Her hand smoothed over his back, and she smiled, getting up from the bed. She wasn't used to this room, and it took her a minute to find the door, when she finally did, she left the room, leaving the door open a little so he knew she left. She walked down the hall, realizing that her room was farther from the stairs than his, so she walked slowly not feeling like falling down the stairs. She felt the edge of the stairs under her foot, and walked down them slowly. She wasn't used to being alone since she'd had a twenty-four hour companion for the last week or so. She walked into the sitting room alone, and all conversations stopped.

"It's just me." she said, sitting on the couch her and Zuko usually used.

"Where's Zuko?" Suki asked. "You're usually inseperable."

"He's asleep, he decided to stay up really late last night." she answered.

"What was he doing?"

"Knowing him, probably watching me sleep."

"Oh, that's sweet." Suki said with a soft smile.

"Yeah." Toph said, fiddling with her necklace again. She traced her fingers over the words, but couldn't read them, she realized that Zuko hadn't told her what it said, and if he had, she hadn't been listening.

"Katara?" she asked feeling that she was closest.

"Hmm?"

"What does this say?" she asked.

"Uhh, my love." Katara answered.

"Thanks." she said sitting back into the couch, and fiddling with it again.

About half an hour later Zuko woke slowly with a yawn, stretching his entire body, and sitting up. He saw that the door was open, and got out of bed. He wasn't wearing a shirt, having taken it off last night, and didn't feel like finding another one to put on. He pulled the door open, and walked down to where he was sure everyone was now. He entered the room, and stopped. Everyone but Toph had turned their eyes towards him, he raised his hands.

"Am I under arrest?" he asked jokingly.

"No just interrogation." Sokka answered.

"Youre usually the first one up, why the change of sleeping habits?" Suki asked.

Zuko looked at Toph, then at everyone else. "Why does it matter that much?" he asked.

Suki shrugged. "Just wondering, Toph has been telling us some things." She said.

Zuko looked at Toph, his amber eyes questioning, and a frown on his face. What had she told them?

Toph reached out, a smile on her face, "They mean you watching me sleep thing. But I think they meant to make it sound like you were on trial for a reason." she said with a laugh. "But don't worry, I would never testify against you."

Zuko smiled taking her hand, and sitting next to her. Her free hand travelled over his arms and chest, a small smile on her face.

Katara and Suki watched her while Aang and Sokka had a conversation about weapons.

Suki seemed genuinely interested in what Toph was doing, and Katara seemed to be watching like a mother watches when her child pets a big dog.
Toph's hand continued it's journey south, and Suki's eyes widened. She wouldn't do that right in front of everyone, would she?

Zuko's hand caught her wrist, and Toph nodded softly. He let her go, and she smoothed her palm over his stomach again getting a 'feeling' of him. She made her way back up his body, her expression becoming one of consentration.

"What are you doing?" Zuko asked her.

"Remembering what you look like." Toph answered.

Suki smiled softly, leaning forward a bit, Katara mirrored her.

Zuko was aware of everyone else, but Toph was not. He caught her hand with his, and leaned forwards, all conversation stopped again, but Zuko only smiled.

"Can we do this later? The object of your fastination has become a little edgy, being on stage in front of an audience and all." he said softly with another smile.

Toph smiled as well, wrapping her arms around him, and resting against him. "Okay." she said cheerfully. Zuko leaned back against the couch. "Continue with your conversations, nothing more to see here." he said, and everyone laughed, the tenseness seemed to have been broken and everyone resumed their conversations from before. Zuko only spoke when he had to, or when others spoke to him, and Toph was the same. They sat quietly, happy to just be close together, and not have to explain themselves. Katara's eyes travelled to them every so often, and she smiled, their relationship seemed so loving, and happy. She'd bet they hadn't even had a really bad fight yet.

Toph pulled herself out of Zuko's embrace and left the room without a word.

"Where's she going?" Suki asked.

Zuko shrugged, "If she didn't tell me where she's going, or how long she's going to be gone, she doesn't want me to know." he said looking at his nails. "And she doesn't want me to go with her."

Katara nodded, at least he gave her space. Toph entered the room again a few minutes later, and sat next to Zuko again. She slid something onto his right hand, and smiled "It was meant for someone else, but they didn't stick around to deserve it." she said.

Zuko looked at his hand, and smiled softly. It was a silver ring with a black stone in the middle that had swirling gold and orange in it.

"Where'd you get a flamestone?" he asked.

"My father gave it to me before I left, and told me that I was to give it to the one I thought deserved it." she said.

"And there was someone else."

"I considered him for a very brief period of time, but it's said that you give away your heart when you relinquish posession of the flamestone." Toph said softly. "Accept for when you loose it, or loan it away."

Zuko looked down at the ring again, it fit him perfectly, almost as though it was made for him. He squeezed Toph's shoulders. "thanks." he said kissing her cheek softly.

As noon neared, Aang seemed to get more edgy, and went for a swim. He kissed Katara before he left as if he thought he wasn't coming back.

The comet was going to be there tomorrow, and they only had a short period to get ready while Aang was off for his swim or as Zuko liked to say, finding himself.

Katara went through the plan she had in her mind, Zuko and her would take Appa and go to the palace to head off Azula before she could become firelord.

Toph, Sokka, and Suki would 'borrow' a ride from the island, and would find the firenation fleet before it could take off.

"No." Toph said.

"No?" everyone else asked.

"If I go with anyone it will be Zuko." she said linking her arm with his.

"Fine." Katara said going over the plan again, and switching names. Zuko nodded slowly, and stood, pulling Toph with him. She didn't resist as he pulled her out of the room, and up the stairs. He entered her room surprised to see it clean, and closed the door. He pushed Toph against it, pinning her to the wood as he leaned down, and kissed her softly.

"What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly as he pulled away.

"I just wanted to ask you a question." he said.

"Ask away then." she said wrapping her fingers around his wrists.

"Are you sure you want to face Azula?" he asked.

"Yeah, bring it fireman!" she said in an amused voice.

"Fireman?" he asked.

"Or... I could call you just Zuko." she said with a blush.

Zuko laughed gently, and leaned down to kiss her again. Someone knocked on the door, and Toph pulled away from it violently as though the vibrations hurt her. Zuko wrapped his arms around her, and looked darkly at the door.

"What?" he demanded.

"What are you guys doing?" Suki asked.

"We were talking, now please go away." Zuko said.

"Yeah but..."

"Get out of here!" Toph yelled turning to scream at the door.

Suki's retreating footsteps could be heard as she ran back downstairs.

"Wow, you either really don't like her, or you're really annoyed with all of them." Zuko commented.

"Both." Toph said softly, leaning against him again.

"Hmm, okay." he said tilting her head back to kiss her softly again. Her hands travelled up his chest, and neck to bury themselves in his hair. She pulled him closer, opening her mouth to him. He greatfully accepted her offer, and slid his tongue into her mouth, sliding it over hers. The door opened a small crack and someone looked inside, just before Zuko pushed Toph back to rest on it. The door clicked shut from their combined weight, and soft footsteps could be heard going down the hall. Toph moaned softly into Zuko's mouth as his hands moved over her. He moved his mouth down the side of her neck, sucking softly just under her ear.

"Zuko, what are you doing?" she asked in a breathless whisper. She felt him kneel in front of her, and her hands moved over his face. He slid his fingers into the bottom of her shirt, pulling it up a little. He leaned forwards, kissing her stomach softly, smiling against her skin as she gasped at the sudden contact. He continued his journey over her flat stomach, pushing her shirt up with each kiss. He got about midway up her torso before he stopped, and went back down, slicking his tongue over her skin in slow circles. A small breathy moan escaped her at his ministrations, and someone pounded on the door again.

"Zuko! I have to talk to you!" Katara called out.

"I'm a little busy right now." Zuko said, pulling Toph's shirt down, and pulling one of his own on.

"I have to talk to you now!" she demanded. The glass lamp behind Zuko exploded as Toph clenched her fists in anger.

"What do you want Katara?" she asked, jerking the door open so hard it nearly came off the hinges.

"I have to talk to Zuko." she said.

"No! If you want to say something so bad, say it in front of everyone!" Toph screamed, Zuko could see her trembling with rage, and reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder. The glass lifted itself from the floor with a clatter as Toph's fingers twitched.

Zuko got between them. "Enough!" he said sounding exhasperated.

"You go until she's calmed down." he said pointing at Katara.

"Fine, I'll be back." she said turning and walking briskly down the hall. Zuko closed the door, and looked back at Toph, she was still trembling, and the glass was rising steadily higher.

"Toph, Toph listen to me love. Toph, you have to calm down, it's okay, she's gone. Listen to my voice." he said holding her face in his hands. He leaned forwards and kissed her, and the glass fell to the floor, splintering more. Her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him forwards. He pulled his lips away, and wrapped his arms around her. Her own arms snaked around his waist, and her small hands fisted in the back of his shirt.

"I'm sorry." she whispered, burying her face in his chest. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey, calm down, nothing bad happened." he said softly.

Toph pulled away from him, looking just past him. "I think I'll go outside, I have to break something." she said, pulling him out of the door. Katara caught his wrist on the way out, and Toph's expression turned sour.

"No, go love, I'll be right behind you." he said, and Toph let him go, pushing open the doors, and leaving. They heard the crushing of rocks moments after that.

"What do you want?" Zuko asked Katara, a note of irritation in his voice.

"What do you think you're doing with her?" she demanded in a hushed tone.

"I wasn't doing anything with her.. I-"

"Sokka tells me different." she said cutting off. "He tells me that you're using her. That you only want her around to vent your frustrations on."

"I am not abusive!" he hissed.

"I didn't say you were, I said frustrations." Katara answered.

"I would never use her for that!" Zuko said, his voice getting louder in anger. "What don't you get about this? I love her! I would do anything for her, if I so needed to, I would die for her!" he exclaimed.

"Are you sure that this isn't just something that you think?" she asked, something hot began to burn near her leg, and she looked down. Zuko's entire hand was engulphed in flame, and he had a dangerous expression on his face.

"I don't think I love her, I do love her, and if you have a problem with that, talk to someone else!" Zuko said, letting the fire die out. "I have always loved her, almost since first laying eyes on her. And if you all have a problem with that… you can all just go to hell!" he said storming out of the house. He went over to Toph who was a ways away, breaking chunks off of boulders with her bare hands. She sensed his anger, and used her bending to bend a rock high into the sky. Using his own bending, Zuko obliterated the rock within seconds. After a few minutes of this, Zuko felt his anger begin to fade, and felt guilt, and dissapointment in it's place. He dropped to his knees, burying his face in his hands. Toph felt the vibrations from him, and wrapped her arms around him, kneeling next to him.

"They don't believe me. It's like they don't think I'm capable of loving you, they always think I have some kind of darker intention when I never do. I'm not evil, the only reason I'd ever done wrong in my life was because I was misled, because I knew no better. I'm not a bad person, I never have been, it's like they think that my father passed his anger, and maliciousness to me the day he gave me this scar. That's all it is, it's a scar, a reminder of a dark past that's not worth remembering. I didn't ask to be a firebender, and I didn't ask to be the firelord's son. I trained hard, and acted like someone I wasn't just to please him, to make him proud of me. But I never liked hearing about the killings, or the burning and pillaging of innocent peoples homes. The guards that talked about raping young earth kingdom women, and killing their children while they were forced to watch... all of that sickened me. I thought that I could do something about it after I was banished, and did my best while I was looking for Aang. I asked my uncle for help, and he seemed to understand why I wanted to do it. He was the only father I ever knew, and I turned on him, sent him to prison and now I have no idea where he is. I don't know if I'll ever see him again. You're the only good thing in my life now, and they'll probably try to take you away too. Toph, I love you. I love you too much to let you go, I couldn't live without you. I need you to understand, I need you to stand by me. I love you so much." he said leaning into her embrace.

Toph listened to his confession, feeling touched by his words. He seemed so strong on the surface, but he was sensitive, and he really did care what others thought. Toph felt a tear run down her cheek, and reached up to brush it away. Zuko's hand caught hers, and he kissed her knuckles. "I love you Toph." he whispered.

"I love you too Zuko, and I always will. I will always be with you, no matter how far apart we are." she said softly to him, tapping the ring softly. "I gave you my heart, and it's yours to keep." she continued. Zuko looked at her, a soft smile on his face. He heard something behind him, and turned to see everyone else standing at the door, all but Aang. Katara had covered her mouth but from the glazed look of her eyes, she'd been crying. Suki was openly sobbing softly into Sokka's shoulder, and Sokka was just looking at him and Toph, a soft expression on his face, it was obvious that he realized his mistake, but Zuko wasn't going to let him off that easy. Toph stood, pulling Zuko to his feet, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"It's okay now." she said softly. "I'm okay, and you're okay, and nothing can change that, not while we're together."

Zuko smiled gently, hugging her back. "Im so lucky to have you." he whispered into her ear. Katara moved forwards to speak to them, but Sokka caught her sleeve, pulling her inside, and closing the door.

"Leave them alone, this time it was mostly my fault because I told you what I saw, but if you continue to put words into my mouth, I'm going to stop backing you up, and telling you anything about them. I'm also going to stop doing your dirty work for you from now on, if you want to know stuff, do it yourself. I'm surprised that you haven't been able to tear them apart yet. He loves her, and she loves him, leave it be." Sokka said, holding onto Suki's hand gently.

Katara's mouth dropped open. "Im not trying to split them up." she said.

"Maybe not, but it seems that you are. You tell her one thing, and him something different. I'm going to say this once, leave them alone now, they don't need this, their bond is too strong to break, it has hardly bent since the beginning, they're inseparable. They need space, so give it to them, give them the same courtesy that you give Suki and I." Sokka said softly, walking towards the sitting room with Suki.

Katara was confused now, but decided to follow Sokka's advice, she turned and went upstairs, needing some time to think.

Chapter two... this one is a bit more random, but that doesn't mean that I didn't work hard on this one too. Chapter three coming soon.

Fanfiction fucked up the last chapter, soo... I'll be fixing it too. okay?