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 love getting reviews, it makes me feel that I know what I'm doing, and that I'm not wasting my time.
Toph felt the retreating footsteps of all of the others, and heard the door close. She wondered what they'd been talking about, but pushed the thought out if her mind, there were more important things to worry about, mainly Zuko. She sighed softly, enjoying the warmth of Zuko's embrace, and listening to the beat of his heart. The even, steady thumping lulled her until she was nearly asleep. She felt Zuko lift her, and put up no resistance as he carried her somewhere, she closed her eyes, and tilted her head back, actually enjoying the feeling of not being firmly on the ground. She was sure that she fell asleep because the next thing she knew, Zuko was shaking her softly, and she was laying in or rather on something soft.
"Toph?" he questioned quietly.
She opened her eyes, not that it made any difference but letting him know that she was awake.
"Good evening." he said.
"Evening?" she asked. "Where are we?"
"Near a hotsprings I found, I thought I would let you sleep, you seemed exhausted." Zuko answered.
Toph sat up, and stretched yawning softly.
"Hotsprings?" she asked.
Zuko took her hand and guided it to the hot water, she gasped softly at the feeling, but her eyes lit up in slight excitement.
She sat up, and brushed her dry hand over Zuko's face, her expression softening to one of wonder.
"How is it that I deserve you?" she asked softly.
"You deserve everything you could ever want." Zuko answered kissing her cheek. She moved her face so that she was kissing him on the mouth. She pulled her hand out of the water, and wrapped her arm around his waist. She laid back, pulling him with her, he resisted, pushing her away.
"That hurts you know." she said.
"What?" he asked worried that he was actually hurting her.
"Pushing me away like that, it makes me think you don't want me." she answered.
"Of course I want you, I always have, but now is not the time." he said, pulling her to her feet.
"We're not going to stay here?" she asked.
"We can come back someday." he said.
She thought over his words, what was wrong with tomorrow?- the comet...
The comet was going to pass over tomorrow, and they would have to fight Azula, and Aang would have to fight the firelord.
Speaking of Aang where was he, shouldn't he have been back?
If Zuko had the same worries, he didn't show them. He held Toph close to him, his arms squeezing her gently, his eyes were closed, and he had his head tilted down towards her. He whispered soft words in her ear, and she sighed softly, resting her head on his chest.
Zuko let her go, and led her back towards the house slowly, enjoying what could be his last few precious hours with her. He opened the door slowly, almost as though he was afraid that the others would be directly on the other side. He walked inside, shutting the door with a quiet creak, and pulled Toph past the sitting room. Sokka was watching him, his face completely expressionless while Suki slept soundly on his chest. Zuko shivered slightly at the look, and continued on up the stairs Toph following closely behind him. Katara heard the footsteps, and rushed to her door, pulling it open she started down the hall.
Zuko saw her and a scowl passed over his face just before he pushed Toph gently through the bedroom door before closing, and locking it. Katara stopped, hurt filling her chest. She'd never had anyone look at her like that, and she really didn't like it. She remembered Sokka's words though, and turned heading back to her own room.
"You didn't have to push." Toph said. "I could hear someone, and if you'd told me who it was, I would've been the one pushing."
Zuko looked down at her, "I think you should talk to her, I don't think I can face her without setting her hair on fire, at least not for a while. Not after what she said about you and me." he said softly.
Toph stood there contemplating it before she nodded slowly. "I suppose you're right, but I may not be able to forgive her." she answered, turning towards the door.
"You want some help?" Zuko asked her.
"No, just tap your foot or something so I can see." she answered.
Zuko smiled softly, tapping his foot softly on the floor as she walked towards Katara's room.
She stopped in front of the door, and knocked softly, stepping back as she heard footsteps. She seemed to be doubting herself, like she wanted to run back, and throw herself into Zuko's arms.
The tapping stopped as Katara opened her door. "Toph?" she asked. "What is it, is something wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to apologise for both me and Zuko for the way we've been acting." Toph said.
"Oh, well could you tell Zuko that I am sorry to both of you for the things I said and did, my behavior was inexcusable." Katara answered.
"I'll tell him that." Toph answered turning and walking back down the hall. She stopped in front of the door for a moment before opening it. Zuko reached out and took her hand, pulling her into the room.
Toph landed comfortably against his chest with a small gasp of surprise. The door clicked as it was locked, and Toph felt herself being pulled away from it towards the bed.
She couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't nervous about being locked in a room with the prince of the fire nation, but she knew that he wouldn't do anything to her.
He turned her around, and pashed her gently so that she sat on the bed. He sat against the bed next to her legs, and rested his head on her knee.
"So what did she have to say?" he asked.
"She said that she was sorry for the things she said, and that her behavior was inexcusable." she answered.
Zuko smiled softly, before his eyes closed as Toph's hand brushed through his hair. She massaged his scalp softly, digging in with her fingertips just enough to make it feel good. There were footsteps in the hall, and Toph's hand stopped, but they just passed by without so much as a pause. She continued running her hands through her hair, moving her knee around him so she had a leg on either side of him. Her calves rested against his shoulders, and her toes barely touched the floor, but now she could use both hands. Her hands moved slowly over his skin, down his neck, and finally to his shoulders.
She pulled on the shirt, and taking the hint, Zuko pulled it off. He smiled softly as he thought that it was only a few hours ago that he'd put it on, just before Katara had decided to tell him what he was doing with Toph. Her hands moved over his skin, massaging his muscles firmly. She had stopped punching him after he kissed her, but he was the only one, so only the bruises on his arms were gone. He leaned his head against her thigh, closing his eyes, and just enjoying her ministrations... for someone so young, she had very talented fingers, but that was probably from being an earthbender. She started to hum what sounded like a lullaby, and soon Zuko was nearly asleep. Toph felt his heartrate slow, and smiled to herself, he needed sleep. She continued humming something she remembered from early childhood, just the first part over and over, the part that she remembered was long enough that it didn't get boring, and she continued singing softly, and caressing Zuko's skin for over an hour.
When Zuko awoke, he felt her warm hands travelling over him, and her soft voice still singing that same lullaby. He caught one of her hands, and her singing stopped. A shiver went up Zuko's spine at the sudden deathly silence.
"Can you try to tell me how long I was out?" he asked.
"At least an hour, or more." she answered.
Zuko nodded, and stretched feeling his relaxed muscles tense before relaxing again. He felt great, better than he ever had before, and he hoped the feeling would last this time.
She started to hum again, her hands moving over his skin again, but this time it was more like the touch from that morning, searching, and exploring.
Zuko sighed and leaned forward a bit, bringing his knees up to rest his arms on.
Toph knelt behind him, her hands still moving over his back even as she leaned forwards. Zuko felt another shiver as she pressed her lips to the back of his shoulder lightly her singing stopping again. She bit down lightly, before sucking on the spot, Zuko sighed again and lifted his head from his arms, enjoying her warm lips on his shoulder.
She moved away from that spot, and continued on leaving a nearly perfect line of seven marks in a row down over his shoulder blade. She stopped when her tongue started hurting from the sucking motions.
"Is it normal for my tongue to hurt?" she asked resting her chin on his shoulder.
Zuko laughed softly. "Yeah, until you devealop a technique that'll stop that."
"Could you teach me that?" she asked.
"Everyone has their own technique, you'll just have to make your own." he said with another soft laugh.
Toph sighed and wrapped her arms around his bare waist from behind, resting against his back.
Zuko's hands closed over hers, and he rested his head against hers.
"I love you Toph. I won't let anyone ever take you away from me." he whispered.
"I love you too. And no one would even dare to try to drag me away from you." Toph answered in a hushed tone.
Zuko laughed, and Toph released him, he stood taking her hands and pulling her to her feet. He held her close for a few moments before leading her to the door, down the hall, and into the sitting room.
"What do you have against shirts Zuko?" Suki asked, she'd obviously just woken up, but she sounded cheerful.
"Nothing, I-" Zuko began.
"Its what I have against shirts on him." Toph finished.
Suki laughed.
"Who else is here?" Toph asked softly.
"All but Aang." Zuko answered.
Toph nodded slowly, and sat down Zuko followed her, but Suki's surprised gasp made him stop.
"What?" he asked turning towards her.
"What's on your back?" she asked.
He blushed softly, looking at the floor and not answering. Sokka leaned over and whispered something in her ear.
"Oh, it's just that they look black in the fire-light." she said back to him.
Zuko sat down next to Toph with a huff, and she laid her leg over his, sitting as close to him as she could without being part of him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, a small smile on her face. His arm encircled her shoulders, holding her close.
"So tomorrow is the day..." Sokka said softly.
"Yeah..." Zuko answered with a look at Toph.
Sokka stood, and stretched. "Zuko, can I talk to you for a second?" he asked.
Zuko had a little bit of a hard time detangling himself from Toph's arms. It seemed that she didn't want to let him go. "I'll be right back." he said softly, and she finally let him go.
He followed Sokka out into the hall.
"Zuko, has Toph said anything out of the ordinary to you?" he asked.
"Whats that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"Well, you know..." he trailed off.
"Not out of the ordinary. No." he said.
"Okay, well has she... You know, offered anything?" he asked.
Zuko narrowed his eyes, and stared at Sokka for a long moment. "Yeah." he said.
"Oh well that's a start to this conversation. You do know she's only doing it for you
right?" he asked.
"Yeah, I haven't accepted if that's what your next question is going to be." he said.
"I think you should." Sokka said.
Zuko's eyes flashed a moment before he shoved Sokka up against the wall. "Why's that?" he hissed.
"Because she knows that one of you could die, and she probably wants to give you everything before that happens." Sokka answered with a wince of pain.
"Neither of us is going to die, we have too much to live for." Zuko said releasing Sokka.
"And if by some slim chance she does die, how long will you mourn for her?" Sokka asked.
"The rest of my life..." Zuko answered softly, walking away.
He went back to Toph, pulling her to her feet, and taking her upstairs.
They slept soundly wrapped in eachother's embrace until the morning came.
Team Avatar landed on Ember island, Sokka went off in search of a ride while Katara and Suki said their goodbyes to Toph and Zuko who got onto Appa, and flew off.
They flew for a long while before they finally got to the fire nation palace. Azula was just about to be 'queened' firelord when Appa landed in the middle of the courtyard with a mighty roar. Zuko jumped off of him, closely followed by Toph. Appa took off again sure to stay away from the battlefield.
Zuko talked to Azula for about a minute, and Toph listened to her voice, looking over her sonic image.
"Zuko, she's a couple plums short of a fruit pie, she has gone completely insane." she said softly. Zuko listened to her words, looking over Azula himself. Toph was right, she'd lost it.
"I can probably take you both." Azula said with a sneer, pushing everyone back. They all went inside the palace, away from the two siblings plus Toph.
Azula made the first move, and Zuko easily countered it. Toph stood off to the side, waiting for the time to strike.
Zuko countered every one of Azula's attacks, and Toph protected herself well. Although one blow was a little close, Toph felt the heat pass her face, and singe her bangs, but she ignored it setting up shields.
Then something in the atmosphere changed, the air became denser, and Toph could feel the electricity... lightning.
Azula was bending lightning, but just as she was supposed to aim for Zuko, she sent the bolt towards Toph. Toph knew it was coming at her, she could feel the hairs on her skin stand on end, she felt Zuko move, a cry of denial tore from her throat, as the lightning hit him.
"Zuko..." she whispered. She felt him curl onto his side in pain, and turned towards
Azula, pain and anger burning in her pale eyes.
Azula sent fire her way, but Toph could see her movements and sheilded against each attack. Azula was quick, but Toph knew what her moves would be before she made them. Toph began to form something to keep Azula still, and the princess moved right into the trap. Before she could figure out her mistake, Toph sealed Azula in rock stopping her from bending. She stood for a few moments before rushing to Zuko. She dropped to her knees, and pulled him into her arms. She felt the blood, and tears began to fall from her face.
"Zuko?" she questioned softly. She could feel his heartbeat, but it was weak.
"Zuko?" she asked. "Zuko, please!"
She bent her head over him, her body shaking with sobs.
"You can't die, you can't! I need you, I love you. Please, Zuko!" she sobbed. She could hear Azula's deranged laughter in the background.
Zuko could hear her words, but they were so far away, he had to go back to her, but he was comfortable, the pain was gone.
"Zuko! You can't die on me! You promised you'd be with me forever!" Toph screamed as she felt his heart grow weaker.
Her words brought the pain back, he had turned his back on her, and if he died, he could never rest peacefully.
He heard everything now, but the noise hurt, and the light made his eyes ache when he opened them.
"Zuko..." Toph whispered again.
He lifted his hand, it was so heavy, but he lifted it anyways, and brushed his fingers over her face.
Her hand pressed against his, and she opened her own eyes, the pale orbs shining with hope.
"Toph..." he breathed, before his eyes fluttered closed, and his arm went slack.
He woke in his old bed, fresh bandages around his waist. He could feel Toph's arms around him, and hear her soft singing. Her voice wavered softly as though she was on the verge of crying again.
Zuko wrapped his arms around her, and her singing stopped with a gasp of his name he looked down at her and saw purplish marks on her arms. He pulled her arm straight, and looked down at the bruised handprint. He compared it to his own hand, but the bruise was too wide to be from him.
"Who did this?" he asked with a hiss.
"One of the guards, he tried to pull me away from you, I wouldn't go." she answered.
Zuko looked down at her again, and could see streaks on her face from her tears.
"You took down Azula by yourself?" he asked.
"Yeah, I had my rage helping me along." she said softly. "You really scared me, I thought I was going to loose you."
"Im sorry. You know that I would never leave you alone, but I came very close." he whispered back to her.
Toph tilted her head up, and kissed him softly, the kiss became deeper as Zuko tightened his embrace. Toph's hands travelled up to his hair, pulling him closer, his tongue slid past her lips, and mingled with hers. She moaned softly at his taste, her head tilted to the side, her tongue sliding around his. He pulled away for air, before attacking her lips with his again. Their kissing became frenzied and urgent, almost as though they feared that if they stopped, their perfect world would end.
Zuko finally broke the kisses, pulling Toph against him. He hissed softly as she was pressed against his wounded abdomen, but he wouldn't let her go as she tried to move away. He sighed softly. "I love you Toph." he said.
There was no answer other than a soft strangled sound as she was pulled out of his arms. Zuko sat up and looked through the darkness, Mai stood with Toph in front of her, a knife pressed to the side of her throat.
"I should have known..." Mai said softly, pressing the knife harder against Toph's throat, Zuko looked at the tip of the knife which had bent from Toph's metalbending.
He looked back at Mai's face, a dangerous look on his own.
"Let her go." he hissed.
"I don't think I will." Mai said. "I want to know something Zuko, when you broke up with me, was it for this thing?"
"No, I broke up with you because I had to leave, and because you are just so damn boring." he said.
Mai's eyes flashed in anger. "When did you hook up?" she asked.
"A while ago." he answered.
"And did you ever think of how I might feel, that I just might still have feelings for you?" Mai demanded.
"Yeah, but frankly, I don't care." Zuko said.
Mai slid the edge of the blade over Toph's throat, looking surprised when it did nothing. Toph reached up and took the blade in her hand, bending it out of shape as if it were made of wet clay.
She turned, pushing Mai away from her. A lamp exploded beside her, and Mai's eyes flashed with fear as she looked at the floating glass.
"What is this?" she demanded.
"Earthbending." Toph answered softly sending the glass at Mai. Zuko turned away not wanting to watch that. There was a moment of deathly silence, and he turned back. Mai was laying on the floor, her hands raised in defence as the glass shards hovered over her before falling to the ground.
"Get out." Toph said softly. Mai stood and quickly left, tears streamed down her face. She never wanted to see Zuko again.
Toph turned toward Zuko. "I couldn't do it." she said. "Im not a killer."
She moved back towards him, and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Im sorry." she said gently.
"Don't worry about it, it's my fault." Zuko said, wrapping his arms around her.
Toph leaned into his embrace, and sighed softly. "The doctors will be here shortly." she said getting right onto the bed, and leaning against the headboard.
A minute later there was a knock on the door. "Enter." Toph said and the doctors stepped inside.
"Ah yes, princess Toph, how is our prince?" someone asked. Zuko had lain his head on her lap and closed his eyes.
"Im not princess yet." Toph commented. "But he is doing much better."
Zuko opened his eyes as she tapped his shoulder. Sitting up he looked at the doctor closest to him, he seemed familliar.
They took the bandages off of Zuko's waist, and looked over the wound. It was healing well, and it seemed that he would be okay in a couple of days.
"When is my coronation?" Zuko asked.
"This afternoon I believe." the doctor answered wrapping new bandages around Zuko before he left.
"Good day Princess Toph, Prince Zuko." he said bowing as he left.
"Why does he call you Princess Toph?" Zuko asked.
Toph smiled. "well while he was working on you, I sat next to you holding your hand, and crying my eyes out. He said that I might feel better if I talked to someone, so I talked to him. I told him about some of our problems, and that if you died, I would beg him to send me with you, and that you said you'd marry me. So now that I've said that, he calls me princess." She answered.
"That makes sence." he said with a soft laugh.
He laid on Toph again for a while before someone else knocked. Toph once again gave them permission to enter the room, and Zuko sat up, seeing four servants, two guys and two girls.
The two guys took Zuko to one room, and the girls took Toph to another.
The guys got Zuko ready for his coronation, and the girls got Toph ready to look respectable standing by his side.
Zuko was dressed and ready in a few minutes while Toph took nearly an hour.
When she entered the room Zuko had trouble keeping his jaw off of the floor.
She had on a long flowing silver and red dress. With a golden tiara type headband. Her hair was down for once, and flowed over her back in soft waves, and her bangs were styled back by clips, and other things. As she walked Zuko could see that she was barefoot under the floor-length dress. She wore a little makeup, just enough to make her look a little older, she had a shawl around her shoulders that trailed down her back, and onto the floor. She had gold and silver bracelets, and the necklace that Zuko had given her was plainly visible above the lowcut front of the dress. Out of her baggy clothes,
Zuko could see her womanly curves, and wide feminine hips.
He stood, drawing her into his arms.
"You look absolutely stunning." he whispered.
"Thank you, and by the way, I love you too." Toph said.
There was a soft swooning sound from one of the girls, and a small giggle from the other.
Toph turned, and pointed at the door, and the girls left quietly.
Zuko smiled softly, and leaned down to kiss her. She accepted the kiss happily, leaning into him.
"How do we look standing next to one another?" she asked as he pulled away.
"like the happiest couple anyone's ever seen." he answered, linking his arm with hers, and walking out of the room. She held her head high, a small smile on her face as they walked towards the front doors of the palace.
"Wow, Toph, you look beautiful." Aang said standing from his spot next to the door.
"Thanks twinkletoes." she said with a laugh. The doors were opened and Zuko led Toph out. They were followed closely by Aang.
There were cheers as Zuko went through his big speech about peace and junk. Toph stood happily next to him, listening to the crowd cheer as he was crowned firelord. Zuko held up his hand, and everything went silent.
He turned towards Toph, taking her hands in his. He dropped to one knee, and there were a few gasps. Taking a box out of his pocket, he opened it.
"Toph..." he asked.
"Yes?"
"Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked.
Toph could feel tears in her eyes, and bit her lip softly.
"Firelord Zuko, nothing would make me happier than to stand by your side." she said, and the crowd cheered again as Zuko slipped a ring onto her finger, and stood, pulling her into his embrace.
Sokka started a chant because that's the kind of guy he is and soon everyone was chanting
"Firelord Zuko, and Lady Toph!" all at once.
Toph found the crowd defening, and discreetly covered one of her ears.
Zuko held up his hand again. "Thank you!" he called before leading Toph inside.
Getting away from the crowd was a relief, and Zuko led Toph out the back way, heading towards the prison.
They entered the prison, and passed the guards to get to Zuko's father's prison cell.
"Well, the firelord himself coming down from high to mingle with the commoners." he hissed looking through his hair at Zuko.
Zuko glared at him. "I don't care for your sarcasm." he growled. "Where is my mother?"
Toph listened quietly at the door, leaning against the door jamb.
She heard Ozai laugh, and felt Zuko's heartbeat speed up.
"Why do you think I'd tell you where she is traitor?" he asked.
Toph moved forwards slightly, and Ozai looked at her.
"You girl, come into the light so I can see the face of the one Zuko chose for his bride." Ozai ordered.
Toph straightened slightly, lifting her head higher, and refusing to move.
Zuko looked back at Toph, and smiled softly. "She won't listen to you." he said to Ozai.
"And why not, I am her father in law." Ozai said sounding outraged.
"You are no father of mine." Toph said softly walking up to stand by Zuko.
"A blind girl?" Ozai asked. "Didn't want her to see your face?"
Toph laughed loudly. "I can see him, and I can see you."
"No you can't, I can see that you're blind." Ozai said standing and taking a step towards the bars.
"One step closer..." Toph threatened. Ozai stopped, a bewildered look on his face. Zuko just smiled, and led Toph out of the room, closing the door behind them with a crash. Zuko led Toph back to the palace, and held the door for her, before leading her to their bedroom.
"No one is to disturb us, don't let anyone so much as even knock on the door." Zuko ordered the guard standing by the door.
The guard shifted, and nodded slightly, raising an eyebrow, and looking at Toph. She felt his movements and smiled. She brushed her fingers over his face in almost a hostile mannor, turning towards him slightly.
"I'll be watching you." she said with a laugh following Zuko into the room. The guard watched her dissapear into the room and the door was closed and locked. He wondered if she could actually see what he did, but he didn't want to test it, he didn't feel like being punished.
Zuko pushed Toph down onto the bed, his lips pressed firmly to hers, and she let out a small moan.
"So when do you want the celebration to be?" he asked her pulling away.
"Celebration?" she asked.
"The wedding." he said softly.
"Next week?" she asked.
"Sounds good to me, and what of our honeymoon, what do you want to do for it?"
"Go back to the summer house, just us two this time." she answered.
"Nothing special? Just that?" he asked only a little surprised.
"Just that. That place is where I have my best memories of you." she said sitting up.
"Okay that's where we'll go, how long do you want to be there?"
"At least a week, or more." she said wrapping her arms around his neck, and resting her forehead against his.
"And do you have any ideas for the wedding?" he asked softly.
"Lots of white, blue and green." she said.
"Okay, anything else?"
"Not right this moment." she answered.
Zuko smiled and pressed his lips to Toph's again, her arms tightened around his neck pulling him closer. He slid his tongue past her lips, tasting her warm cavern. She mingled her tongue with his more readily this time, tilting her head to one side to allow him more access. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him.
He pulled away from her after a few minutes, and pulled the covers back laying down beneath them with Toph pressed against his chest.
"What about my parents Zuko?" she asked.
"What about them?"
"Should we tell them of our plans?"
"Whenever you think it's needed we will." he answered. "Now go to sleep, it's been a long day."
Toph snuggled into him, pressing her cheek to his shoulder, and falling quickly into a light sleep. Zuko lay quietly by her side, his arms still wrapped securely around her. They were both still fully dressed, but it didn't matter, they were going to change tomorrow anyways.
Zuko sighed softly, and closed his eyes, following Toph into sleep.
Zuko woke early the next morning, and got out of bed. He took off his suddenly uncomfortable clothing, and looked back at Toph. She was wearing a soft nightdress so she'd probably got up some time in the night and changed. The dress she'd been wearing the day before was on the floor along with her undershirt and corset. Zuko was surprised that she'd been able to fall asleep for even the short time she'd been wearing the corset, it must have been uncomfortable.
She stirred turning onto her side with a soft sigh, and bringing her knees up towards her chest. Zuko smiled softly, letting his hair down from the obnoxious pony tail it was in, and sitting on the edge of the bed. He rested his arms on his legs, and leaned down, letting the muscles in his back go slack as he leaned his head on his linked arms. He felt the bed move, and looked back at Toph, she was sitting up, and reaching blindly for him. The blankets on his side were still warm so he couldn't have been up long.
"Zuko?" she questioned.
"I'm right here." he said softly leaning back on his elbows.
She felt the change, and reached towards him slowly. Her hand brushed over his chest, and neck, and she smiled. "Good morning Firelord Zuko." she said.
"Same to you Lady Toph." he said.
Toph stood from the bed, swaying slightly with tiredness, and went to open the door. The guard was whispering furiously to the servants.
"The Firelord says that no one is to bother them." he said.
"We must get them ready for today!" one of the girls said.
Toph cleared her throat, "let them in." she said, dissapearing inside. The servants followed her, and that morning's events were about the same as the morning before. Toph was used to this kind of treatment from her old life, so it didn't bother her. She stood with her arms outstretched as the servant girls tied a sash around her middle. This dress was light blue and green with a white sash, again this one was floor length to cover her bare feet. Her headband was silver this time, and looked like fine lace. The sleeves of the dress ended in white lace that nearly touched the floor when she let her arms relax and hang by her sides. She walked to where Zuko was waiting, and again he had a hard time keeping himself composed. Standing, he took her hand and led her to the kitchen, she insisted on 'watching' the cooks prepare the morning meal. She was particularly drawn to the woman that was making her meal, her lilting voice seeming to draw her complete attention as she sang the song that Toph herself sang to Zuko.
"Would you mind if I uh..." Toph trailed off, looking at Zuko.
He raised his hand. "She wants to see you." he said.
"Oh, of course I don't mind sweet." the woman said, leaning down a bit so Toph could reach.
She reached out hesitantly, brushing her hand over the young woman's face, she was dissapointed to see that she didn't reconize her.
"Where did you hear that song?" she asked softly.
"I heard it yesterday while on my rounds. You see I clean too, it was coming from Firelord Zuko's room." the girl answered.
Zuko looked at Toph who seemed a little downcast now.
"That was her singing it." he said, and the cook looked at him.
"You have a very beautiful voice sweet." she said to Toph.
"Just as beautiful as her face." Zuko said. Toph blushed slightly, and turned away from him.
"Don't be embarassed when he says you're beautiful, because you are, on the inside as well as the outside, your aura is pure and clean, but that's how it is with most that communicate with the earth." the cook said.
"What is your name?" Toph asked turning towards the sound of her voice.
"Mayana. And your name is Toph, and from the look of that ring, you are Lady Toph, fiancée of Firelord Zuko correct?" Mayana asked.
"Yes." Toph answered. She turned to Zuko, placing her hand on his arm. "Would you mind, I would like to speak with her for a moment." she said softly.
Zuko smiled. "Sure." he said turning and walking out of the kitchen. He sat on the floor, leaning against the wall to wait.
Toph 'watched' him leave before turning back to Mayana.
"Something on your mind sweet?" she asked.
"How did you know I was an earthbender?" Toph questioned.
"Your hands. They're soft yet strong, and only an earthbender needs strong hands.
Firebender's hands are soft and weak, not much good for anything." Mayana answered.
"You speak against your own people?" Toph asked feeling a little surprised.
"I work for a living, I think I have somewhat of a right to speak against people." Mayana said.
Toph nodded softly knowing what the young woman meant.
"Would you mind going to get Zuko for me?" she asked. "Please."
She heard no answer other than Mayana's retreating footsteps. There was a short wait then she felt both of them coming back.
Zuko wrapped his arm around her as he got close enough.
"Zuko, I would like for Mayana to be my personal keeper." she said.
"Keeper?" Zuko asked.
"Her personal servant." Mayana said. "I would wash her, dress her, show her around, and
be a sort of companion when she's alone."
Zuko looked at Toph, then at Mayana. The girl was tall, and around twenty, her hair was a dark brown, and her features were plain. He shrugged. "Okay, and what of the other two?" he asked.
Toph wrinkled her nose. "They talk more than they should, and are slow. I don't really like how they talk about you either, they whisper things, and I guess they think I don't hear what they say, but I do." she answered.
Zuko nodded slowly. "Okay, they can be maids then." he said with a smile at Mayana.
Toph wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you." she said.
"You know, I've never heard you say that, to anyone." Zuko said.
"You know that I always make acceptions for you." Toph answered.
Mayana cleared her throat. "Sorry to break the moment, but your dishes are finished." she said. "Would you like me to take them to the table for you?"
"Yes, thank you." Zuko said. "You go ahead, it's just through that door, and you can sit in any chair you want."
Toph nodded and followed his directions, exiting the kitchen and waiting for him at the table. Zuko watched her leave. "Wait." he said to Mayana. "What did you do to get her to like you so much?"
"I told her the truth, and answered her questions, I let her know that she had nothing to hide while she was around me. I'm guessing she's a remarkable earthbender." she said walking after Toph. Zuko stood still for a minute before following. He looked at Toph who had chosen the right hand side of the head of the table, her rightful place. Zuko smiled softly, and sat at the head of the table, his hand closing over hers as she waited for him to begin. Mayana stood against the wall, looking up at the ceiling, waiting for them to finish, but not wanting to eavesdrop.
Zuko began to eat, and Toph did as well again she kept either her thumb or her fingers pressed against or hooked over the sides of her dishes.
"What did you want to do today Toph?" Zuko asked. He knew he had to leave her alone that afternoon because of meetings, but he would spend the morning with her.
"What can we do?" she asked.
"Anything you want until later this afternoon, I have to go to a meeting. I usually wouldn't go, but the Firelord has to be present." he said.
"Well, I've always wanted to learn to dance." Toph said with a small blush.
"Then that's what we'll do, anything else?" he asked.
"Maybe just go for a walk? I just want to spend some time with you, I don't care what we do really." Toph answered.
Zuko smiled softly, pushing his plate away, having eaten as much as he cared for. Toph continued until she had nearly cleared her plate, Zuko watched her, leaning his head on his hand, a small smile on his face, he continued to pick at his food, eating a little more.
When she finished, she pushed her plate away, and stood. Zuko took her hand leading her into a large room. It was actually a sitting room, but could be used to dance in.
He took her right hand in his, and placed her left on his shoulder before putting his own on her waist.
"I learned this in Ba Sing Se, let's see if I can remember." he said softly, and Toph let out a small laugh.
He began slowly showing her where to place her feet so they didn't step on eachother.
She seemed to have a tendency to try to lead him, and he stopped her.
"Let me lead, it'll make it easier." he said.
She nodded, and they began again. They didn't need music, mostly because even if there was music, they wouldn't have heard it, they were lost in their own little world. Toph learned quickly and followed his lead willingly, and soon they were spinning around the room gracefully. He told her he was going to let her go, and spin her out and what she was supposed to do, she understood, and nodded.
He let go of her waist, pushing her out. She took three steps backwards, and one forwards as he took four forwards, they met in the middle, and moved about the room again. They stopped, and Zuko stepped back away from her. He swept into a deep bow, and kissed the back of her hand softly.
"I thank you for the dance fair maiden." he said, and Toph laughed softly.
"I thank you for teaching me my Lord." she said with a curtsy.
They both broke out in laughter at that. Zuko stood straight, and led her out of the room, linking his arm with hers. When they came out of the front door, the pole bearers lifted their ride. Zuko waved his hand.
"We'll walk today." he said.
The four men sighed in relief, and put their ride down, it was heavy enough alone without the added weight of two people.
Zuko led Toph out of the gates, and through the city, a few people bowed down, but Zuko
made them stand.
"There is no need to bow to me, I am just a man like you." he said.
A few girls that curtseyed to Toph ended up sitting on rocks. "Don't do that." she said.
The word passed through the city and soon there were whispers of how much humility the new rulers had, and how much happier and nicer Firelord Zuko was than before he had his lady by his side.
There was a little girl that watched Toph as she passed, and Toph stopped.
"What is she selling?" Toph asked.
"Roses." Zuko answered.
Toph let him go, and turned towards the little girl.
"Take my hand please, I cannot see." Toph said reaching out.
Hesitantly the little girl took her hand, and Toph knelt in the dirt.
"I hear you're selling roses." she said.
"Yes." the girl said shyly.
"I will give you this for the biggest most pretty rose you have." Toph said holding out
four gold pieces.
She felt the little girl's heart skip, and smiled. She waited as the girl went to pick one out.
She dropped the gold into her hand, took off the leaves and thorns and broke the stem off of it. She reached up slowly, and brushed the girl's hair from her face, pushing the rose behind her ear.
"A beautiful rose for a beautiful girl." she said softly, brushing her hand over the girl's face. The girl hugged her tightly. "Thank you." she said.
"No, thank you." Toph said as the girl let her go. "Now, I'll be coming by here every day, and I will give you two gold pieces every day for a nice red rose okay?" Toph asked. She could feel the girl's ragged clothing, and she was very thin for her age of six or seven.
She reached down and picked up a smaller rock. "You see this?" she asked.
The girl nodded.
Toph closed her hand around it, and used her bending to sculpt the stone into a small rose with a heart in the middle. "It's yours now, and if anyone ever bothers you, you come and tell me right away alright?" Toph asked kissing the girl on the forehead, and standing.
"Can you make another one of these for mamma?" the girl asked.
"Of course, just give me a stone." she said. The girl did as Toph asked, and handed her a stone, she made another sculpture, and gave it to the girl.
"Tell your mamma that Lady Toph loves her roses." she said walking back to Zuko. He had a soft smile on his face, and Toph had just noticed that everything was quiet as though everyone was watching them.
She heard a whisper to her left. "She's an earthbender..." she stopped walking and let go
of Zuko again slowly she pushed all of the houses on either side away to make that part of the road circular.
"I need everyone to move away from the center of the road." she said, and could feel everyone doing as they were told.
She used her bending to push rocks to the surface of the road, then she looked at Zuko, he just crossed his arms and smiled waiting to see what she would do. She made fire from the rocks, and a rose grew from the middle of it, bluming towards all sides, the leaves were broad, but still thin enough to look like leaves. She piled a few stones at the base of the rose, and turned towards Zuko.
"I like it." he commented, and Toph smiled. "You should make a different one in front of the palace."
She nodded slowly, her smile still in place. A few people clapped softly, while others whistled and cheered for her.
"What did I do?" she asked Zuko as she walked away with him.
"You made this place less boring, there are people standing around it admiring your
work." he said.
"I'm an earthbender though, shouldn't they all run in fear?" she asked jokingly.
"Not anymore." he answered.
Toph smiled, as he snaked his arm around her waist, and pulled her into him. They walked down towards the edge of the city, and finally out onto the soft sand. Toph walked in the surf of the water, enjoying the coolness of it on her feet.
"You're going to get your dress wet." Zuko said with a smile.
"It's just a dress." Toph answered smiling as well.
They walked quietly together until the sun was nearly at it's highest.
"Toph, we have to go back, I have to be at that meeting." Zuko said stopping her.
Toph nodded softly, good things always had to end so quickly.
As they walked back through the city, Toph heard the little girl's voice.
"There mamma, there's Lady Toph!" she exclaimed.
Toph stopped. "You go ahead, I'll be fine." she said kissing Zuko on the cheek.
Zuko nodded, and continued walking.
Toph turned towards the little girl and reached out, she felt her little hand in hers and knelt down. She reached up and felt the rose by the little girl's face.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"Lexxi." she answered.
"Okay Lexxi, I would like another rose." she said, and Lexxi quickly went to pick one out.
"Is it red?" she asked.
"Yes Lady Toph." Lexxi answered. Toph dropped two gold coins in her little hand, and felt her move. Lexxi threw her arms around Toph again, and she heard her mother gasp.
"Lexxi, that is no way to adress Lady Toph!" she exclaimed.
When Toph felt her coming nearer, she felt three pressure points, she had one leg, and crutches.
Toph smiled softly, and stood straight. Lexxi let her go, and began a curtsy, buy Toph
stopped her.
"You are not to bow or curtsy to me, no one is, I don't need to be worshipped." Toph said.
Lexxi looked at her mother, who nodded softly. She pulled on Toph's dress and Toph bent down.
"Your rose Lady Toph." Lexi said holding it out.
Toph blindly reached for it. "Thank you, but I must go now, or else Zuzu will get worried." Lexxi laughed at the nickname but someone behind Toph stood slowly. Toph turned to look at them, and they took a step forwards.
"Maybe you shouldn't scoff about him, he has taken you in out of the goodness of his heart." an old woman said, her voice was cracked with age, and Toph could detect a hint of sarcasm to her tone.
"He does have a good heart, and he loves me, he loves all of you in some way or another. Like Lexxi, he loves her because of my fondness for her, and you because of your wisdom beyond his." Toph said. "Everyone has a place somewhere in his life, including you, where else would his food come from but local shops?" she asked.
"Out of the fire nation." the woman said.
Toph shook her head she knew for a fact that the food was local. She walked forwards, and reached out, she felt the crisp outside of a head of lettuce, and the soft potato-like feel of sugarroot. Her eyes lit up, and the woman finally smiled at her exited expression.
"You have sugarroot?" Toph asked.
"Yes, do you like them?"
"I've only ever had one, but they are delicious." she said. "How much are they?"
"For you, one is free." the woman said feeling a little guilty for saying the things she did.
"No, no. I will give you six gold pieces for six roots." she said.
The woman nodded, slight surprise on her face, for one gold piece, Toph could have bought twenty if she wanted.
The woman put one extra in the bag for Toph's kindness, and gave the bag to her.
"There are seven in here." Toph said.
"One free for you." the woman answered.
Toph smiled, "Okay, one free." she said giving the woman the money.
"I'll be seeing you tomorrow Lexxi!" she called to the girl. She waved as she walked towards the palace.
Everyone moved out of Toph's way, or called out happy greetings all of which Toph returned. As she entered the gates, a guard rushed to her side.
"You should not walk alone with all those theiving peasants around." he said.
Toph stopped. "State your name."
"Buck."
"Well Buck, you have been demoted, you are now to guard the prison, and if I hear even a whisper from anyone that you physically or verbally abuse the prisoners, you will be demoted again." she said walking away. Buck was surprised that she didn't banish him, but then she wasn't Azula.
Toph entered the palace, and walked into the kitchen. Mayana looked up as she entered.
"Ah, Lady Toph, what have you there?" she asked.
"These are sugarroots, tell the cook I would like if he could make a dish for me and Zuko with them. As for you, I would like you to come with me into the city to get a wedding
dress." Toph said. "Oh, and could you have someone put this in a vase in our room?"
Mayana nodded, and took the rose and sugarroots from her. Toph walked slowly to the sitting room that Zuko and her had danced in, she stood in the center of the room, spinning slowly in circles.
"Lady Toph?" Mayana asked. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, let's go." Toph said walking gracefully out of the room.
Mayana followed her from shop to shop until they found one that had a few wedding
dresses in stock.
One was black silk, but Toph pushed it away. "No dark colours, white and blue or green if you have it." she said.
There was a white dress that the shop keeper had put a light green sash on.
It was comfortable, and hugged her curves, but it had a high collar that would hide her necklace.
She took it off and handed it to Mayana who told the shopkeeper of the problems.
The next one, the shopkeeper put a blue sash on, and gave to Mayana to take to Toph.
It was like the other, only had a lower neck line, and trailed farther onto the ground.
Mayana said that she looked beautiful, and the dress fit perfectly.
Toph bought the dress, and it was put into an unmarked box for travel.
"Next Wednesday." Toph said to herself. "I will be forever bound to my love."
Mayana smiled softly as she walked back to the palace with Toph. She carried the box, and they hurried back to the palace. Zuko would be getting out of the meeting soon, and it would be bad luck for him to see the dress.
"I can keep this in my quarters if you like." Mayana said.
"Thank you, but I have a place where I can keep it." Toph said taking the box from Mayana. "You may take the rest of the afternoon off, but I would like you to help me get ready for bed, and for tomorrow." she said.
"Tomorrow is Saturday, you only have five days until your wedding." Mayana said with a smile.
Toph smiled as well, and turned towards her room. "Thank you Mayana." she called back as she entered her room.
She hid the box in a place that Zuko would never look, and laid on the bed. She didn't realize that she'd fallen asleep until Zuko woke her a while later.
He sat next to her on the bed, and kissed her softly. "So, why exactly did you demote my palace guard to a prison guard?" he asked with a laugh.
"He offended me by calling my subjects thieving peasents." she answered.
"Well, that's a good reason, but you could have just banished him." he said jokingly.
"I'm not Azula." she answered sitting up. "Anyways, how was your meeting?"
"Boring, all of the generals talked about how hard done by they were because they had to
pull all of their armies out of the earth kingdom and water tribes." Zuko answered with a sigh.
Toph laughed softly and wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. They sat comfortably like that until a soft knock sounded on the door.
"What time of day is it?" Toph asked.
"Close to nightfall." Zuko answered.
"That's Mayana, I asked her to help me get ready for bed. I'll be back in a while." she said jumping off of the bed, and letting Mayana in, who led her to her changing room.
Mayana talked to her while she undressed and washed her, running her hands through her long hair as she washed it. She would talk about anything, and answered all of Toph's questions.
She had her stand, and dried her off, helping her put on her underwear, and nightdress before sitting her down and brushing out her hair. She started at the bottom unlike the other girls so it went quicker, and didn't hurt as much.
"Do you want your hair up or down Miss?" Mayana asked.
"Down, and could you leave my bangs where they were?"
"In your pretty face?" Mayana asked.
Toph nodded, and Mayana brushed her bangs back down into her face.
She took a bobbypin, and twisted one side of her hair up so it looked simplistic yet graceful, and trailed down over her shoulder. She had Toph stand again, and tied something around her waist.
"So you're not uncomfortable in something so baggy." Mayana explained.
Toph nodded, and Mayana stepped back.
"There, done, just remember to take the pin out before you fall asleep, or it'll tangle." she said. Toph nodded again, and left the room, leaving Mayana to clean up. Zuko was sitting in the middle of the bed when she entered the room, reading something. He looked up, and did a doubletake at her. She stood with her arms behind her back, and her head tilted down as though she was nervous. Zuko dropped the scroll on the floor, and reached out towards her. "Come here." he said softly.
She closed the distance between them, and stood beside the bed. Zuko moved so he was sitting on the edge of the bed in front of her. His hands caressed her waistline, and she smiled.
"So this Wednesday is the day?" he asked softly.
"That was the plan." she answered.
Zuko pulled her into his embrace, and looked up at her. "Well then that's what will happen." he said.
They heard the door open, and Zuko looked up to see Mayana leaving. She closed the door quietly behind her, and Toph leaned down. She pulled Zuko's face back, and kissed him deeply, her mouth opening to him willingly as he pressed his tongue to her lips. He tightened his embrace, and laid back, pulling her with him. Her hair trailed down over his shoulder and onto the bed.
"Does this remind you of anything?" he asked pulling away from her.
0 "Only fond memories of you." she said. Zuko smiled, and rolled her off of him, he got up, and pulled the Firelord ornament out of his hair, laying it on a small table, and proceeded to undress. He felt Toph behind him, her hands brushing over his back. The bandage had been taken off that morning so that the wound could heal freely, and when she touched it, she pulled away sharply, her expression darkening. Zuko brushed his fingers over her face. "It's a memory not worth having, like this one." Zuko said bringing her hand up to his face.
"And me?" Toph asked.
"I would never forget you." he answered softly. He leaned down, and kissed her tenderly, his hand brushing through her damp hair.
She pulled away from him, and wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest.
The pressure on his wound hurt, but he ignored the pain, choosing to pull Toph more firmly against him.
She released him, and went to lay down. He finished getting ready, and laid next to her under the covers. Now it was his turn to sing to her, and he did until she fell asleep.
He watched her sleep until his own exhaustion dragged him into oblivion.
Chapter three... please review and tell me what you thought of it.
XD. thanks