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

4. Chapter 4

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. To those that did and said that Toph was acting strangely, don't worry; she'll be back to her normal self soon, trust me. Love just does some random stuff to you. Plus, she almost lost Zuko once, that trauma might have changed her views on life slightly.

Time skip-Tuesday

When Toph awoke on Tuesday morning, she was alone as she had expected as Zuko had to leave early that morning for another meeting that would last almost all day.

She sighed softly, and sat up, stretching slightly. There was a note on the pillow next to her, and she smiled, she'd have to have Mayana read it for her.

She sat against the headboard, and fiddled with the letter, folding and unfolding it over and over.

Mayana knocked on the door around half an hour later.

"Enter." Toph said, standing from the bed.

Mayana moved quickly across the room, and set her things down on the table as she started to make the bed.

"Mayana?"

"Yes sweet?"

"Can you read?" Toph asked.

"Yes, I learned from my mother."

"Could you read this for me?" Toph asked holding out the letter.

Mayana stopped what she was doing, and reached for the letter.

She smiled softly as she read it over once, and then recited to Toph.

"'Toph, I have a meeting today as I've already told you, but I will try to hurry it along as best I can so I have time to spend with you. Hopefully this one won't be as boring as the others, but even if I do fall asleep, I'll just dream of you. I know you cannot read, but I thought that Mayana could read this to you, and you could know that I will be missing you with my every fibre. I wish I could bring you along, but it is not permitted at this time. Anyways, I did not want to wake you, you look far too beautiful when you sleep, so I couldn't bear to disturb you. I really wanted to postpone this meeting until after the wedding and honeymoon so you did not have to be without me, but it was not possible.

Loving you always and missing you already, your fiancée Zuko.'" Mayana read handing the letter back to Toph and continuing to make the bed. Toph placed the letter on the table under a candle to keep.

Mayana led her into her changing room when she finished with the bed. She helped her put on her dress, and brushed out her hair putting it up gracefully. She put a tiara-like headband in her hair, and turned her around, fixing her bangs in the way she liked them.

"There you are sweet, oh, almost forgot..." she trailed off, wrapping a gold sash around Toph's waist twice, and tying it in the back.

"Okay, where to?" she asked.

"To town." Toph answered, walking out of the room.

Mayana followed, and they walked down to firerose square, named after Toph's sculpture.

Lexxi was excited as always to see Toph, and picked out a large rose for her. Toph gave her the gold coins, and smiled as the girl hugged her. Going across the square, she spoke with Tia, the old lady with the sugarroots.

She bought two and a bracelet from the woman's granddaughter.

Mayana helped her put the silver bracelet on, and they left with happy farewells. Almost everyone that passed said hello to them, Toph seemed to be much loved in the city.

They went to a few other places, one which Toph insisted on going to get something for Zuko. She settled on another ring, but this one was a wedding band that had a twin for a woman. Toph had the rings sized and waited for them. She paid, and left. She gave the boxes to Mayana to carry for her while she had the rose, and the sugarroots. They walked slowly back up to the palace, and by that time, it was nearly noon.

Mayana insisted that Toph eat lunch, and fixed her a small meal. She stood by the wall again to wait, but Toph called her over to the table to sit next to her.

"The preparations for the wedding are being made; everything is white or light blue and green. Other than your bouquet, it's red and pink roses surrounded by small blue forget-me-nots." Mayana said.

"And you?"

"What of me?"

"I would like you to be my bridesmaid along with Katara. Speaking of her, have you sent her the invitations?" Toph asked.

"Yes, the hawks were sent yesterday." she said.

Toph nodded, she didn't want her friends missing the most important day of her life.

"Thank you Lady Toph." Mayana said softly.

"No, thank you." Toph said pushing her nearly empty plate away. "Any idea of when Zuko will be back?" she asked.

"No, sorry." Mayana answered.

Toph shrugged, and stood. Mayana followed her back to the 'royal chamber' or her and Zuko's room.

Toph sat on the bed and sighed.

"Could you read to me?" she asked.

"What do you want me to read?" Mayana asked.

"You pick." Toph answered.

Mayana picked out a book that her own mother used to read to her, and began to read. Both of them got so caught up in the book that they didn't notice how much time had passed until Zuko entered the room. He leaned against the doorjamb, and smiled softly.

Mayana looked from him to Toph, and stood from the bed, closing the book and putting it back on the shelf.

"Thank you for keeping her company." Zuko said as she passed.

Mayana smiled and nodded, continuing down the hall as Zuko closed the door. He walked slowly towards her, and stopped next to the bed.

"You know Zuko I was thinking, Ozai has long hair right, and it's usually tradition for the firelord to grow out his hair, and beard, but would you mind not doing that?" Toph asked.

Zuko was slightly surprised at the random question, but he shrugged. "I don't have to, and I'm sure that it would make my father angry to know I wasn't following tradition, so for you, I won't." he answered sitting on the bed.

"Thank you." Toph said leaning forwards, and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I don't like guys with long hair and beards."

"Well then, I'll make an extra effort to make you happy." he said.

Toph stiffened, and Zuko looked at her.

"What is it?" he asked.

She jumped quickly off of the bed, and ran out the door, leaving it wide open. Zuko followed her, and realized what was wrong when she got to the bathroom.

"Oh no..." he said softly. He knelt next to her, and pulled her hair out of the way, rubbing her back softly.

He couldn't figure out why she was sick, it was impossible for her to be with child, so maybe it was something she ate.

Zuko didn't watch her throwing up, but he stayed next to her, holding her hair back which she'd taken down earlier, and rubbing her back.

She seemed to be finished, and Zuko reached for a cloth, and handed it to her. She wiped her face, and threw the cloth away, wrapping her arms around him. She was shuddering and Zuko could feel that her breathing was becoming laboured as though she wanted to cry but couldn't let herself.

Zuko held her close until she pulled away.

"Thanks." she said looking at the floor.

"My pleasure." Zuko answered, standing. He leaned down, and picked Toph up off of the floor, carrying her to their room.

He laid her on the bed, and kissed her cheek softly. "I will be right back." he said.

He left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

He found a maid and got her to clean the bathroom, and then he went to the kitchen.

He confronted Mayana who was making their dinner.

"What has Toph eaten today?" he asked.

"Breakfast and lunch." she answered.

"What was in that?"

"You and her had the same breakfast, and for lunch she had fresh bread, sliced baked sugarroot, soft potatoes, and a small salad, all of which I tested myself before giving it to her, as I do with all meals for both of you." she answered still working on the dinner.

"Then why is she sick?" Zuko asked.

"What?" Mayana asked shocked. She dropped the knife she was using, and looked up at him.

"She just started throwing up after I got there." he said.

"Is she usually an active person?" Mayana asked.

"Yes."

"It could be because she's not as active as she once was, and her body is adjusting to the change." Mayana said. "I suggest she continues to be active, maybe do some earthbending."

Zuko nodded softly. He'd have to remember that.

"Thank you Mayana." he said hurrying back to the room. The door was open, and Toph was gone, she was in the bathroom, and the maid was standing next to her, holding her hair for her.

Zuko waved her out the door, and closed it behind her, he knelt next to Toph on the floor, and held back her hair, rubbing her back softly. He could feel her back arch each time she heaved this time, and he felt sorry for her. One day before her wedding, and she was sick, he hoped that she would be better by tomorrow. He talked softly to her, just talking about anything that came to his mind accept the wedding, in case she got the feeling that he was too excited about it.

He didn't want her to think that she had to be better just for his sake.

They were there for almost an hour, but mostly it was just dry heaves that nearly had Toph in tears. Zuko sat by her side, comforting her gently, and talking softly.
He held her hair away from her face, and held her hand in his free one. Her grip became almost painful when she squeezed, and Zuko found himself wincing now and again. She rested her head on her arm, gasping for breath after the heaving finally stopped.

She reached for another cloth, and cleaned her face, and Zuko handed her a glass of water along with a little bit of their version of mouthwash.

Toph drank the water, and used the mouthwash, rinsing her mouth thoroughly. She wrapped her arms around Zuko, burying her face in his chest.

"Thanks." she whispered.

"No problem." he answered, wrapping his arm around her back, and hooking his other arm under her legs, picking her up and carrying her to their room.

He kicked the door closed as he entered and walked over to the bed, laying her on it gently. He unzipped the back of her dress, sliding it off of her shoulders and down the line of her body then dropping it on the floor.

He flipped the blankets over her, and stripped down to his boxers before joining her. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, and sighed as her arms wrapped around him.

Toph fell asleep quickly, and Zuko listened to her soft even breathing until it lulled him into his own dreamland.

They were both woken by a knock on the door the next morning. Toph dragged herself from the warmth and comfort of Zuko's arms to answer the door.

Mayana stood on the other side, and when she saw Toph she smiled.

"Oh good, you're feeling better." she said pulling Toph into her changing room.

Zuko lifted his head, a confused look on his face as Toph disappeared.

He rolled out of bed and went to his own changing room, to get ready for the day's events.

Mayana filled Toph's tub with warm water for her to bathe in, and chatted non stop about the wedding.

Toph stopped her, and sat up straight. "You know it's funny, you've seen me without clothes but..."

"Zuko hasn't?" Mayana questioned.

"No he hasn't." Toph answered.

"Well, the time for that will be coming soon." Mayana said, beginning to wash Toph's hair.

"What if... What if he doesn't like me that way?" Toph asked.

"He will, I'm sure of it." Mayana answered.

"Well, how do I look, you know..." she trailed off.

"You look very pretty, I'm sure he'll be very attracted to what he sees." Mayana said rinsing Toph's hair.

Toph nodded softly and stood, another bucket of water was dumped over her to get all of the soap off, and Mayana wrapped a towel around her, drying her quickly.
She sat in the chair while Mayana slowly brushed out her hair. She thought for a moment, biting her lip softly. "Well, hypothetically speaking, what if he doesn't like me that way?" she asked.

"You guys can compromise for your differences. You love each other so much, I'm sure that you will look beautiful to him no matter what sweet." Mayana said.

Toph smiled softly, she knew that Zuko loved her, and would no matter what.

Mayana helped her put on her underwear, and dress. She fiddled with the dress fixing every little off detail before tying the sash around her waist, and fixing her dress again.

She twisted half of Toph's hair up into a tight knot, holding it with a red firenation hairpiece. She left out her normal headband, and replaced it with a silver tiara before she curled the rest of her hair, and let it cascade gracefully down her back.

She put a little makeup around her eyes; just enough to bring them out, and had her stand again. She handed her bouquet, and stepped back.

"Perfect, you look absolutely stunning." she said, and Toph blushed softly.

Mayana took a few minutes to put on her own dress, fix her hair, and do her makeup. Then they were off, Mayana grabbed her bouquet off of the table as they left, and closed the door behind them.

"Stop playing with the flowers, you look beautiful." Mayana said. "I have to go now, I have to be at the alter, but your cue is in a couple of minutes, some guy named Sokka is supposed to walk you down the aisle." she continued disappearing through the doors.

Sokka entered the room, and froze. "Wow, who are you and what have you done with the Toph I know?" he asked jokingly. Toph punched him in the arm hard. "Shut up! I'm nervous enough as it is!" she hissed.

Sokka rubbed his arm. "Okay, sorry, you look great." he said linking his arm with hers.

"Okay, follow my steps, walk in slow motion, and try not to trip." Sokka said.

Toph elbowed him and he winced. Then the music started. Sokka opened both of the doors, and began walking down the aisle with Toph. "Stay calm Toph, you'll do great." Sokka said just before they got to the alter.

Sokka held Toph's left hand in his, and placed Zuko's on it in a way of giving away the bride before he stood next to Aang who was best man.

The priest cleared his throat and other than a few sniffles everything was quiet.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony..." he began.

The ceremony was long and boring, but Toph managed to stay awake through it, and he finally had them turn and face eachother.

"Now gaze deeply into the eyes of your other half, and feel the binding strengthen." the priest said. Toph rolled her eyes slightly, and someone laughed.

The priest held up his hand, and again all was silent.

"If anyone has any objections to this bond, speak now or forever hold your peace."

There was dead silence other than a few sniffles.

"Now, Firelord Zuko, do you take Toph Bei Fong to have and to hold through sickness and in health to love, honour and cherish till death do you part?"

"I do." Zuko said.

"Do you have any of your own vows you would like to say at this time?" the priest asked.

Zuko shook his head, and the priest turned to Toph.

"Toph Bei Fong, do you take Firelord Zuko to have and to hold in sickness and in health, to love, honour and cherish till death do you part?" the priest asked.

"I do." she answered.

"Do you have any of your own vows you would like to say at this time?" he asked.

Toph shook her head, and the priest closed his book.

"By the power vested in me, in the witness of all that is good I now pronounce you husband and wife... You may kiss the bride." he said, a wide smile on his old leather like face.

Zuko lifted the veil from Toph's face, and kissed her gently, pulling away quickly, and pressing his lips more firmly to hers in a branding kiss, a kiss that said she was his for all eternity.

The crowd burst into applause, and tears from the sound of some of the women. Zuko wrapped his arm around Toph's waist, leading her back down the aisle. Rice hailed down on them, and Toph stopped at the end of the aisle, and threw her bouquet over her head.

It was caught by both Suki and Katara who both blushed softly. Zuko waved to everyone, and vaulted Toph onto a rhino before following quickly. They rode down to the docks, and got onto a ship, waving as they sailed away.

The trip across the sea was a little under an hour, and they took a few supplies, and a couple of changes of clothes from the ship. And walked up to the house as the ship sailed away. Zuko lifted Toph into his arms, and carried her over the threshold. He dropped their things at the bottom of the stairs and carried her up them, going straight to the last bedroom in the hallway. He leaned down slightly so that Toph could find the doorknob, and push the door open.
Zuko kicked it closed once they were inside; he sat on the edge of the bed, and set Toph on her feet.

"Are you ready for our honeymoon? No one here, no one to bother us, just like you wanted." he said pulling her into his arms.

Toph leaned down, and kissed him deeply before stepping back. He was going to stand and follow her but she stopped him.

He sat on the bed again, wondering what exactly she was doing. She reached up, and pulled the hairpiece and tiara from her hair, letting it fall down her back. She shook her head softly so her bangs flopped back into her face, and reached around behind herself. She found the string that Mayana had tied to the zipper and pulled it, unzipping the back of her dress. She let it slide from her shoulders, and fall to the floor, Zuko watched silently, removing his own shirt, and shoes.

He wasn't exactly sure what he was doing, she was only twelve for god's sake, but it seemed that she wanted this as much as he did.

He could see her chest rise and fall rapidly with her breathing, and moved forwards, pulling her into his embrace. Her breasts flattened against him, and her arms wrapped around him as well. He backed up, pulling her with him; he eased her down onto the bed, and leaned down over her, kissing her deeply, his tongue sweeping in and out of her mouth. She moaned softly, and his hands slid around behind her back, finding the end of her chest wrappings and pulling it to unravel them. Once she was bared, she crossed her arms over her chest, the lightest blush on her face. Zuko kissed her softly, waiting for her to be comfortable enough to show him what her arms hid. It took a very short time for her to wrap her arms around him, and pull him closer. He kissed her for another moment, and pulled away, her arms fell to the bed, resting on either side of her head. She could feel his eyes on her and her doubts from before came flooding back.

She heard him say something softly, but didn't quite catch it.

"What?" she whispered.

"You are so beautiful." he repeated kissing her again. His mouth moved down the side of her neck, suckling softly just under her ear. She moaned softly as she felt his hand move slowly up her body to cup her breast in his hand.

She arched her back into his touch, a soft moan escaping from her lips as his hands softly kneaded her soft flesh.

He kissed her again, sliding his tongue into her mouth, and dancing with hers. He pulled away again looking down into her face which had a soft sprinkling of pink over her cheeks.

He sat up, and pulled off his pants, and boxers. Toph followed him into a sitting position, her hand trailing down his chest and stomach, and over his thigh. He caught her wrist, and she looked up at him, her blinded eyes looking through him with a confused expression.

He brought her hand back to his stomach, and pressed it against his skin. "Straight forwards." he whispered softly.

She turned her hand, and brought it slowly forwards, her fingers brushed over something, and she heard Zuko moan. She wrapped her hand around him, and his breath hitched in his throat. Her hand moved up his shaft, and he hissed softly.

"Zuko?" she asked, reaching up with her free hand, and brushing it over his face.

"I'm fine." he said. "Continue..."

She blinked, and continued moving her hand up and down his hard shaft. He arched his back slightly, and gasped softly, his head tilted back, and his eyes closed.

Toph could feel something inside her stomach changing, tightening at the sounds that he made. She let go of him, and threw her arms around him, pressing her lips to his firmly. He slowly lowered her onto her back, bending her knees up so he could rest between her legs.

His hands slid down her body slowly, hooking in the waistband of her underwear, and pulling them down and off.

She lifted her hips into his, grinding against him instinctively. The head of his cock brushed over that small bundle of nerves which sent an electric shock of pleasure through her body. She stiffened and moaned softly.

"Toph..." Zuko groaned through his teeth.

"Do it, I want you, all of you." Toph said between gasps.

He pushed slowly into her, stretching her.

She threw her head back as far as it would go, arching into him.

"Ah, Zuko!" she cried, digging her nails into his shoulders.

He stilled for a minute, kissing her softly, his tongue delving into her mouth.

She kissed him hungrily, loving the feeling of him inside her. She could feel her inner walls relaxing to allow the intrusion, and soon the pain had faded and all she could feel was his heartbeat inside of her.

She pushed her hips against his, and talking the hint he pulled slowly out of her, and pushed slowly back in. His tempo was slow, and steady, his mouth moving down over her neck, and breasts. She met each of his thrusts instinctively, wrapping her legs around his waist. His speed increased, and she moaned softly, the friction the new tempo made was driving her mad.

Her hands smoothed over his back, feeling the way his muscles moved under his soft skin. She felt something breaking between them mentally, the final wall was being torn down, they were finally one, their bodies may have been two separate entities, but their minds were one.

The pleasure they felt was only intensified by the love they felt for eachother, the bond that would hold them together forever.

((Okay, sorry to interrupt, just thought I'd put this little tidbit of info in to clarify what I'm trying to say. When you have sex, your brain releases this chemical called dopamine, the first time you have sex if it's good, the dopamine intensifies the feeling of pleasure, if it's bad, the dopamine makes it worse. Obviously they are having good sex, so the dopamine from both of them makes them all giddy and junk... So the sex is the best they will ever have.
Fact- the more you have sex, the less your brain releases dopamine, and the less mentally pleasurable the sex becomes, until finally, all the sex is, is physical pleasure, or fucking.
Right now they are making love, connecting with eachother on levels that others may not understand, since Toph is a virgin, and I don't know and really don't care if Zuko had sex with Mai. Even if he did, he held no real value to the connection, so it was broken before it was even established, and so, because he loves Toph so dearly, he is able to connect with her and not others as you have seen.
The dopamine will connect you in special ways to your first, or second lover, that's why you should wait until you know exactly what you're getting yourself into before you give away part of yourself to someone who may not deserve it, you should almost always wait until you know for a fact that you love someone and are completely comfortable with them before you decide to have sex with them. Some people believe differently but, meh, each to their own. There, a little bit of science facts for you, I even managed to make it mostly interesting. Don't hate me for making you learn something, just thought you should know.))

Toph tightened her legs around Zuko's waist as she felt a strange feeling in her lower abdomen. She pulled her lips away from his, and buried her face in his shoulder, biting down softly. Her bite became painful a few moments later, as her arms tightened around him, and her fingers dug into his shoulder blades.

She threw her head back, another cry tearing from her as she came. Her back arched as high as Zuko's body would allow, and her inner walls tightened around Zuko.

He let out a breathy moan, forcing back his climax until she released her grip on him. She eased back onto the bed, her arms sliding from his shoulders to his arms.

He pulled out of her and came; it took nearly all of his self control not to stay inside of her.

Once he'd finished, he reached around, and detangled himself from her legs. Rolling off of her, and laying on his back, staring at the canopy of the covered bed. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling herself into him, and resting her head on his shoulder.

He placed his arm around her shoulder, rubbing it gently.

"Wow, if I'd known what sex was, I may have done it sooner." Toph commented with a laugh.

Zuko smiled as well. "With me I hope."

"Of course." she said, her smile disappearing.

"I love you Zuko." she said after a pause.

"I love you too." he answered. They lay quietly for a few minutes until Zuko sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

Toph leaned up on her elbow, "What's up?" she asked.

"I think we should move to another room, after we go for a little swim." he said pulling on his pants.

Toph shrugged, and followed him off of the bed. He took a long Kimono off of a hook next to the bed, and put it on her. Her lower stomach ached a little but she ignored it, and followed him out of the room.

"I'll be right behind you." she said, going into the bathroom.

Zuko shrugged, and continued to the beach.

Toph stretched slightly, moving her hands over her skin softly, she untied the kimono, and let it fall open, running her fingers over the bumps and welts that Zuko had left on her body.

She reached out, and placed her hand on the cool glass of the mirror, how she wished she could see, if only for a few minutes.

She shook her head, and pulled her hand from the mirror, tying the kimono again.

She reached up, and finger combed the tangles from her hair, trying to smooth the frizz she felt, but it was of no use, and she gave up.

She pressed her hands against her lower stomach where the ache was growing slightly worse. She closed her eyes and smiled softly, she had never dreamed that she could grow quite this close to Zuko.

She opened her eyes, and turned quickly, exiting the room, and heading down to the beach.

She stopped, and listened to the swish of the tide, and for Zuko.

She heard and felt nothing, and frowned, her stance became defensive, as she waited.

She felt footsteps to her right and turned quickly, locking the sand around the person's feet to stop them from moving. Her pale eyes stared through the person, but she could see who it was, a smile crossed her face, and she allowed the sand to fall back to the ground. She turned towards the sound of the water, and tilted her head back slightly as she stepped forwards into it.

Zuko was slightly confused, but he just crossed his arms and tilted his head watching silently.

Toph's hands smoothly undid the knot on the front of the kimono. She let the soft fabric slide from her shoulders, and flutter to the ground as she walked forwards into the water. She walked out until the water was at her waist, and stopped, her hands playing over the surface. She heard Zuko's soft footsteps as he followed, walking up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed the side of her neck.

She turned in his arms, pressing herself to him.

"Why did you want to come out here if all we're going to do is stand here?" she asked with a laugh.

"I thought you liked the water." Zuko answered.

She smiled softly, and let him go as he moved away. He moved behind her again.

"Lay back." he said.

She lifted a sceptical eyebrow, but did as he said, laying back into the water.

He pulled her out into deeper water, and pushed her under. She struggled slightly, but could feel that he was under with her, his chest pressed against her back. She relaxed, and could feel them sinking until her knees touched the sea floor. She wondered what he was up to, but soon her lungs couldn't take the pressure, and all she could think about was air, he covered her mouth so she couldn't inhale the water, and suddenly it got hot, really hot. They broke the surface, gasping for air, and Toph turned to him.

"What the hell?" she exclaimed.

"I wasn't trying to drown you, it just took me a bit to get the fire going down there." he answered.

"Underwater firebending?" she asked.

She heard him laugh gently.

"Underwater firebending." he said. "You're not the only one that can make your own bending."

She smiled in spite of herself.

"I thought you were trying to kill us, why'd you drag me down as well?"

"It only works if you're inside the expanding walls, if not, you'd be boiled alive." he answered.

"You're sick, you could have warned me"

"Says the one that threatened both Katara and my old girlfriend with exploded lamps." he said.

She punched him in the arm, and he rubbed the spot. "okay, ow."

"You deserve it." she said walking past him and out of the water. She pulled the kimono on, and tied it tightly. She began to walk up to the house as she felt Zuko pulling on his pants.

She felt running footsteps, and was too late to turn and fend him off as he wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her off of the ground. He swung her up into him, her legs automatically wrapped around his waist, and she laughed softly. He carried her past the house and through the trees.

As they walked farther into the trees, she could feel the heat and humidity growing steadily higher.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked.

"You'll see." he said, stopping a minute or so after that comment.

"Remember this?" he asked setting her down. She reached down and felt the hot water.

"Yeah, the hot springs." she said smiling again.

He took off his pants again and slipped into the water, sitting on the soft slabs of rock at the bottom.

He watched Toph slide the kimono from her shoulders again, and licked his lips, the soft sunlight glinted off of her still wet skin, making it look like she was surrounded by a halo of light.

She stepped down into the water, and sat next to him with a soft sigh.

He slid his arm around her shoulders, and she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest.

They sat like that until the sun set, and the moon rose. Toph fell into a light sleep after a while, and Zuko felt his own exhaustion pulling at his mind.
He knew it was not a good idea to fall asleep in the hot water though, in case of hyperthermia. ((Hyperthermia- opposite of hypothermia... It's Heatstroke.))

He woke Toph gently, her eyes opened, and she stretched.

"What?" she asked.

"We should go inside now, its night time." he said.

She nodded slightly, and he stood, pulling her to her feet, and out of the water. She moved sluggishly and clumsily as though the heat had affected her. He pulled on his pants and helped her with the Kimono.

Her legs were tingling, and it intensified with each step, and she finally did the unthinkable, she asked him to carry her. Which he did.

He carried her into the house, and into the room that she once called hers. By the time they got there she was asleep again. He laid her on the bed, and took the kimono off of her, replacing it with a nightdress that he grabbed from her bag. He pushed a pair of underwear up her legs, and pulled the dress back down, covering her with a light blanket. He smiled thinking about what she would say to the fact that she was sleeping in Azula's old room.

He dried his hair, and got into the bed, lying on his back, and staring at the ceiling for a while until his exhaustion pulled him into a deep sleep.

Toph woke slowly, she felt warm and comfortable, but she didn't feel Zuko near her. She reached out, and smoothed her hand over the cold sheets next to her. She sighed, and sat up, a sharp jolt of pain shot through her stomach, and she lay back onto the bed, wrapping her arms around herself. A small gasp escaped her, and she lay, curled in on herself until the pain faded.

She sighed softly, and sat up again, slower this time, swinging her legs over the side of the bed, and finally standing. She stretched slightly, and walked towards the door. She turned to the left, and walked slowly down the stairs, and into the kitchen.

Zuko was standing, and looking down into a pot, not that she could see him, but she could sense that he wasn't facing her.

He took the pot, and threw it into the sink with whatever it was that he had been cooking in it.

He took another pot out of the cupboard, and put it on the stove, filling it halfway with water. He moved down the counter, and picked up a knife, cutting vegetables, and throwing them into the pot. The water boiled quickly, and he put noodles into it, watching them cook this time. He took the pot off of the heat, when it looked like the noodles were cooked. He opened a cupboard above the sink, and took out two bowls. He forgot to close the cupboard, and as he reached across the sink for something, he smacked his head on it. He cursed softly, rubbing his forehead, and slamming the door closed.

"A few tips..." Toph said.

Zuko turned quickly to face her. "And what are those?" he asked.

"A watched pot never boils, close the cupboard as soon as you take the stuff out, and the spoon is used for stirring." she said laughing softly.

"Ha ha." Zuko said in mock laughter.

"Oh come on, for a firelord who can't even make tea properly, you did pretty well... Only tell me that this food won't kill me if I eat it." Toph said sitting in a chair at the counter.

Zuko laughed dryly again, and pushed a bowl across the counter to her. "I don't think it will." he said softly.

"Good, I would much prefer to spend the rest of my life with you." she said pulling the bowl towards herself. She ate slowly, as she was still half asleep, but the food was surprisingly good.

She pushed the bowl away as she finished, and Zuko took it, and washed it.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked gently, placing his hand over hers.

She knew what he meant, and shrugged. "I'm fine, a little stiff, but fine." she said, it wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. She smiled, and squeezed his hand softly, her blank eyes staring just past his shoulder.

He returned the soft gesture of reassurance, and pulled her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her.

"What did you want to do today?" he asked.

"What time of day is it?" she asked.

"After the time the sun is highest." he answered softly.

"Well, I have something we can do." she said, pulling the buttons on his shirt open, and smoothing her hands over his bared chest.

He smiled softly, and leaned down to kiss her gently.

Time Skip- one week later

Toph stood close to Zuko with her arm around his waist as they waited for the ship. The ramp was lowered, and they walked onto it, Mayana was there, and she pulled Toph away from Zuko.

Toph resisted, turning back to kiss him before following her. Mayana led her to a cabin, and sat her down on the bed.

"Now tell me everything." she said in an excited tone.

"What?"

"Tell me everything, all of the details." Mayana repeated.

"Uhh, why?"

"Because, I've been dying to know! Is he good? Can he kiss really well? How lo-"

Toph knew what was next, and stopped Mayana before she could say it. "I don't know what you mean by good, but he is a really good kisser, and he knows how to use his tongue in a kiss to... Well I can't really explain it. And as for that last question, that is absolutely none of your business." Toph said, raising an eyebrow.

"By good I mean, how is he in bed... You know during sex?" she asked.

Toph blushed, and turned away.

"I don't know what the definition of good would be, that was the first time I've ever done it." she answered.

"How did he make you feel?"

"Like I could fly. My senses were nearly exploding with the feeling of... pleasure." she said pausing before the last word.

"Yep, he sounds pretty good to me." Mayana said with a soft laugh.

Toph blushed again, and heard footsteps just before the door opened, her blush darkened as she heard Zuko's voice.

"I hope you're not hassling my wife too much, she looks a little flustered... Or is that embarrassment?" he asked leaning down slightly to see Toph's face.

"Nope, we were just having a little girl's talk." Mayana said with a smile.

"Ah." Zuko said, backing out of the room. "I'll leave you to it then." he said closing the door.

Mayana laughed again, and turned back to Toph. "Is he at least gentle with you?" she asked.

"Yeah, he is, he always is." Toph answered.

"Good." Mayana said. "Now, personal question, did he uhh... come inside of you?"

"What?" Toph exclaimed.

"It's that Uhh... Wow, this is awkward. Uhh, the slimy (?) stuff that comes out when he's done..." she said in a rush.

"No, he didn't, not that I remember." Toph answered.

"Not that you remember?"

"Yeah, there's blank spots, places where I can't remember what took place." Toph answered.

"Huh, he must be really good then." Mayana answered with a soft laugh that broke the tension in the room.

She asked more question including the one that she'd tried to ask before.

Toph paused.

"If you can't tell since he's the only one, I can tell you, just answer this; does your lower stomach ache after?" Mayana asked.

"For a long time after, and once in a while if I stand too fast, there's a shooting pain throughout my stomach." Toph answered.

Mayana whistled softly. "You really hit the jackpot girl." she said with a laugh.

"What do you mean?"

"From the sound of it, he's pretty big, and he's good in bed, and he treats you like a goddess, you found the perfect guy." Mayana answered. "Not to mention he loves you more than anything."

Toph blushed softly again, and turned away. A soft knock sounded on the door and Toph lifted her head as it opened.

"Can I steal my wife from your iron grip for a few minutes, Mayana?" Zuko asked with a laugh.

Mayana laughed, and got up, brushing past him in the doorway, she turned her back to him as she squeezed past him through the door so he didn't think she was making a pass at him, and walked down the hall.

He closed the door softly, and walked over to the bed, sitting next to Toph.

"You do know that you don't have to answer her questions." he said.

"I don't mind, she wouldn't tell anyone what I say, she never did before, she's like a living diary, I can tell her anything." she said.

"How do you know about diaries?" he asked.

"Katara has one, I stole it from her, and had Sokka read it to me once." she answered with a laugh. "But no one can read Mayana; all of my secrets are safe from everyone, including you."

"And if I order her to tell me?"

"She won't, she's my keeper, and she only really listens to my orders." she answered.

Zuko nodded softly. "Did you mean what you said about the pain?" he asked.

"Yeah." she answered slowly.

"So you lied to me." he said. "You told me you were feeling fine, just a little stiff."

"I just didn't want you to worry." she said.

"I'm not mad, but I would like if you would tell me how you were actually feeling." he said.

She nodded, and wrapped her arms around him. "Well then, I'm feeling really comfortable." she said. He laughed softly, wrapping his own arms around her; they sat quietly enjoying the moment while it lasted, completely comfortable in each other's presence. Toph heard Mayana coming back, and tried to move out of Zuko's embrace, but he stopped her, pulling her tightly to his chest. There was a knock on the door, and it opened slowly to reveal Mayana's tall frame, silhouetted in the sun.

She looked slightly embarrassed, and ashamed, but moved forwards when Toph motioned her into the room; closing the door behind herself she stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"Just cause he's here doesn't mean we can't continue talking, you may even get straighter answers because of his presence." Toph said, patting the bed next to her and Zuko.

He had turned her so her back was against him, and it reminded her of something that kept slipping her mind, something from before he confessed to her. He could be just as light on his feet as twinkle toes, and could probably have done something, she just couldn't recall...

Mayana sat on the edge of the bed, her hands folded in her lap in a lady-like manner.

Zuko raised his good eyebrow, an unbelieving smile on his face.

"You should act normal, or I might think you two have been up to something..." he said with a soft laugh.

Toph laughed as well, and Mayana visibly relaxed, folding one leg underneath herself, and letting the other hang over the side of the bed.

She and Toph talked while Zuko listened, playing with Toph's hair, looking up every-now-and-again at an embarrassing or ill phrased question from Mayana.

He surprisingly didn't feel his anger rise as Mayana pressed Toph for answers she didn't want to give, Toph seemed to calm him completely, both physically and mentally, and maybe that was why he'd always been drawn to her presence, even before he knew of his feelings for her...

Every time he'd left his uncle, or struck out on his own, he had seen Toph somewhere, he was madly drawn to her, like a starving, dehydrated person is to food and water.

He had always watched her from afar, not realizing until later that she was with the Avatar, and thus his enemy. He knew she was an earthbender, and that she could easily take even him down, but he always seemed to end up where she was or had been, as if her spirit was his guide.

He had watched her sleep one night after he joined Aang, wondering what it was about this unremarkable girl that could attract him so strongly. He'd watched her the next night as well, and the one after that, soon making a habit out of it. He was always in a bad mood from lack of sleep, and annoyance, but he had never once lashed out at her badly, his anger was always directed at someone or something else.

He'd noticed a strong physical attraction to her some time later just after they got to Ember Island, but never acted on it until after Aang had disappeared.

They had been tied together once, and the idiots who had decided to tie him and Toph together tied them back to back with Zuko's arms wrapped around her, and tied so he couldn't use firebending to get out, or so they thought.

He remembered what she had done to make a little room for his hands. She used her earthbending to push herself up and halfway over his shoulder, leaving a three or four inch gap between her and his hands. He had ever so carefully used his bending to get him out of the cuffs. Her hands were behind her back, tied with rope, and locked together with ice so she couldn't break free. He had melted the ropes that bound her to him, and stood.

"Don't you dare leave me here." she hissed as if she was afraid that he actually would.

He had carefully melted the ice, and the ropes, and she metalbent her way out of the chains that crisscrossed her body. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet so they would be ready to fight, and she wrenched her hand out of his, glaring in his general direction for even thinking of touching her.

He smiled at that thought, look at them now...

He tilted his head down, and rested his forehead on her shoulder, and he heard Mayana stop talking.

"He's not doing anything, continue." Toph said.

Mayana frowned and looked thoughtful. "What do your parents think of this?" she asked.

"Well, I haven't told them, they would probably try to take me and not to mention some money away from him." she said leaning back into Zuko's embrace.

Zuko laughed. "They can try." he said softly, his head still tilted down.

Mayana's nervous laughter joined his along with Toph's soft chuckle.

"So how old are you two actually? No one seems to know." she asked.

Zuko finally lifted his head and whispered softly in Toph's ear. She shook her head, and whispered back.

Mayana couldn't hear what they were saying, and decided not to try to eavesdrop.

"Toph, you are actually too young to be with me, I'm sixteen, and you're twelve." he said.

"I'm actually thirteen. And that's only two years and some months difference." she whispered back. "Anyways you said that yourself. It doesn't matter, we are both young, it won't matter."

He looked at her. "You're thirteen?" he asked. Toph laughed softly turning back to Mayana.

"Why don't you guess?" she asked.

"Well, it's kind of a big difference between your heights, but I suppose a lot of people are different like that." she began. "But I'd say that you are seventeen, eighteen, and you are fifteen?" she asked first Zuko then Toph.

Zuko shook his head. "I'm sixteen." he said.

"And I'm almost fourteen." Toph answered, clasping Zuko's hand in hers.

"Sixteen and thirteen?" Mayana asked. "Huh, I never would have guessed." she shrugged, and there was a soft tremor as the ship beached.

"Oh, we're back!" she exclaimed standing, and smoothing out her dress. Toph followed slowly, and Zuko was last to stand.

"Lexxi has really missed you. Every day she asks 'where is Lady Toph?' she really likes you." Mayana commented as they exited the cabin. Toph could hear and feel that there was a huge crowd waiting for them, and winced slightly as they broke into cheers.

As they walked through the crowd, Toph could feel women kissing her hands, and children tugging her dress. She stopped, reaching for Zuko, not sure what to do. He took her hand, and wrapped his arm around her waist. Mayana went ahead pushing people back behind the lines. They all seemed to know her, and respect her.

"We've only been gone a week." Toph commented over the crowd.

"Yeah, this is what happens." Zuko said. He lifted his hand, and all went silent.

"Please, Lady Toph has very sensitive hearing, if you could keep it down... It would be appreciated." he said, and the crowd murmured softly.

There was a cry from somewhere to the right. "Lady Toph!" it was Lexxi, trying to push her way through the crowd. She stumbled to the front, and stopped just in front of Toph.

"Lady Toph, I missed you." she said.

"And I you." Toph said, kneeling. Zuko put his hand on her shoulder protectively as the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves.

"I brought you a rose. Mayana came every day, and bought a rose for you." she said. "Even today, but I wanted to give you this one."

Toph smiled, and reached out slowly, taking the rose carefully.

"Thank you Lexxi." she said. Zuko tapped her shoulder, and she reached over to take the money from him. She gave it to Lexxi.

"Now you remember what I told you? If anyone bothers you, come straight to me, or if you have any problems at all." she said.

Lexxi nodded, and threw her arms around her in a warm hug. Toph returned the hug, and stood letting Zuko lead her to the palace.

Time skip one month later

It was a rainy evening, and no one was out accept one little girl. Rain and mud streaked her clothes and face as she ran to the palace. She slipped and fell at the gates, and a guard was alerted of her presence.

"Please let me in, I'm Lexxi!" she cried. The guard had heard of this girl, and let her in the gate, leading her up to the palace doors. She knocked, and he left. The door was opened, and Mayana looked out.

"Lexxi, what-" she began.

"I must speak with Lady Toph!" Lexxi said.

"Okay okay, come inside, and we'll get you dried off before you see her." she said.

Lexxi was cleaned and dried and allowed to wear some dry clothes as she was led to the dance hall where Toph was dancing alone since Zuko was in a meeting.

She twirled in circles, her hands held out at her sides. She stopped as she heard Mayana.

"Mayana, what is it?" she asked.

"Lexxi is here to see you." she answered leaving the room.

"Lexxi?" she asked.

"Its mamma, she went into the woods to get roses and never came back, she's been gone for three days!" she exclaimed.

Toph was surprised by this news. "I'll send someone to look for her, meanwhile, you will stay here in the palace with me." she said.

Zuko walked into the room just in time to see Lexxi throw her arms around Toph, bursting into tears. Toph held her gently, not offering any words of comfort as the girl sobbed into her dress. She dropped to her knees, and pulled Lexxi down into her arms, cradling her against herself much like Zuko had done for her once.

Lexxi continued to cry, not noticing Zuko walking across the room to kneel next to Toph.

"Her mother is missing." Toph whispered into his ear. He nodded, and looked down at Lexxi. She still had her eyes closed, but her tears had ceased. He picked her up, and carried her to a room not far from his and Toph's. He laid her under the covers, and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Lady Toph and I will be just at the end of the hall, be sure to knock to let us know you're there." he said. "We don't want you scaring Lady Toph now do we?" he asked looking back at Toph.

Lexxi followed his gaze, and shook her head.

"Now, you should try to get some sleep." Zuko said softly. "You want me to read to you?" he asked.

Toph tilted her head, he was never this sensitive around anyone but her, Lexxi must have brought out the best in him.

She nodded, and Zuko asked her which book. She picked one, and he lit the lamp with firebending, and began to read. Toph listened silently, a smile on her face, the story amused her, and whenever Lexxi laughed she could feel Zuko relax a little. He read until she fell asleep, and closed the book, putting it on the table, and tucking Lexxi into bed.

He walked softly over to Toph, and gently pushed her out the door, closing it behind him.

"You big suckie." she commented.

"What?" he asked slightly surprised.

"That's it; I've seen through your charade, you really are sensitive."

"I never said I wasn't." he said with a smile.

He leaned down pressing his forehead to hers, before he picked her up off of the ground, and walked to their room.

He closed the door behind them, and strode to the bed, letting Toph go so she fell on it before he joined her, his body hovered over hers while he leaned down to kiss her.

His lips pressed firmly to hers, his tongue delving into her mouth.

There was a knock on the door, as Zuko's lips moved down the side of her neck.

"State your business, and stay out." Toph ordered, tilting her head back with a soft gasp. Her hands fisted in the back of the shirt Zuko was wearing in pleasure.

"Toph, I have to talk with you!" Mayana called.

"To-tomorrow." Toph said stuttering slightly as Zuko moved his lips to the other side of her neck.

"Now if possible!"

"Later then! In an hour or two, make it two." Toph said pulling Zuko down onto herself.

"Fine two hours." Mayana said, walking away.

"Two hours?" Zuko asked with a laugh. "You overestimate my stamina."

"No, we can take it really slow now." Toph answered with a smile, tilting her head up. Zuko kissed her softly, biting into her lower lip gently.

The stinging pressure sent shivers down Toph's spine, and she moaned softly, pulling her lip from between his teeth, and pressing her lips to the side of his neck, sucking harshly. He groaned, tilting his head to give her more room.

She felt his hands pull her up a little to pull the zipper of her dress down. His hand smoothed over her bare back, and under the back of the skirt until he squeezed her butt softly, pushing his fingers into her tight-fitting underwear to brush over her soft skin.

She moaned softly against his neck, before pulling away, and unbuttoning his shirt slowly, pushing it away from his chest and stomach, stroking his scarred abdomen with a slight frown.

"I hate your bitch sister." she whispered into his ear, nibbling on his earlobe.

"So do I." he answered, pulling away from her, and sliding the dress down over her shoulders, and legs, dropping it onto the ground. He pulled the shirt from his own shoulders, letting it fall to the floor as well before leaning down, and kissing her again. Her hands fumbled with the tops of his pants, pushing them down slowly. He pulled his lips away from hers, and looked down, kicking off his pants as he did. He had taken off his shoes when he'd got out of the meeting, so was nearly nude.

Toph felt his hands travel around to the wrappings that covered her chest, and he unravelled it, baring her for his eyes.

She sat up as he pulled on her and tilted her head back as he kissed his way down her neck, and took her peaked nipple into his mouth, brushing his tongue over the nub. She moaned, letting her hands travel up his back and into his hair, massaging gently.

He could feel his erection growing from the sounds she made at his ministrations. He ran his hands up and down her bare back, the pads of his fingers creating swirled wispy patterns over her back. He laid her back down onto the bed, pulling his mouth from her nipple as his hands moved lower down her body, his fingers hooking in the tops of her underwear.

He pulled them slowly down, and over her legs, dropping them onto the ground as well. Her hands pulled at the front of his boxers, and taking the hint, he slid them off. He pressed his body down into hers, brushing his fingers up her inner thigh softly.

She gave a moan, and thrusted her hips against his hand as he brushed his fingers over the sensitive bundle of nerves there.

He continued to pleasure her with his fingers as he leaned down and kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue into her mouth.

She pulled her lips away from his after a bit, closing her eyes and tilting her head back.

"Zuko, I want you inside of me..." she begged, brushing her hand over his face softly.

He pulled his hand away from her, and balanced on his elbows over her. Obliging her wishes, he pushed slowly into her.

If her head hadn't already been back as far as it could go, it would have been. She gave a soft cry, wrapping her legs around his waist, and her arms around his shoulders.

He began to thrust when he felt her loosen around him a little. Another cry tore from her at the friction, this one louder. Her breathing quickly became laboured, and her fingers dug into his shoulder blades as he made love with her. His groans joined hers, his eyes closing as he enjoyed the tightness of her. He continued with his pattern for a few more minutes until Toph gave a feral cry, coming over him.

Her inner walls restricted around him, and before he could pull out, he came.

His first thought after he could think was: 'what did I just do?'

He could have impregnated her right there, and with his luck probably did.

Toph was quiet, thinking about what had happened.

"Zuko?" she asked softly.

"Hmm?"

"What's wrong?"

"I..."

"You know you can tell me." Toph said sitting up.

"It's nothing, I'm just a bit tired." he said softly.

"Oh, okay, well if you're not too tired, could you help me get dressed, I have to talk to Mayana." she said.

"Of course." he said sliding on his pants. He helped her put on her clothes, and laid on the bed with her. Her back was pressed against his chest and again it brought back a feeling of Deja vu, although that could have been from anything.

It was only a while later when Mayana knocked.

"Enter." Toph said.

"You're sure?"

"Yes so either come in or go away." Toph said snuggling into Zuko who wrapped his arms around her waist. He had pulled the top blanket off of the bed, to keep themselves clean, and it was in the corner with his clothes.

Mayana entered, and Toph sat up pulling Zuko along with her. He moved behind her, and pulled her onto his lap after crossing his legs.

She rested comfortably against him, looking towards the door when she heard it close.

Mayana took a few steps into the room, and stopped.

"Miss Toph..." she began.

"Mrs." Zuko corrected with a smile that was hidden by Toph's shoulder.

"Okay, Mrs. Toph, I wanted to know what to do about Lexxi... Is she staying here?"

"Yes, until we find her mother, and even if we don't find her." Toph said.

Zuko nodded slightly, pressing his palms against her stomach, and pulling her closer to himself.

Mayana looked slightly surprised.

"A commoner?" she asked.

Toph opened her mouth, but Zuko beat her to it.

"A child who needs us, she turned to us, the least we could do is take her in." he said.

Toph smiled softly.

"And what of this trip you were planning?" she asked.

"Postpone it to next year." Zuko answered.

Mayana nodded looking at Toph.

"What is your opinion?" she asked her.

"Do it, only if we don't find her mother." she said. "I don't mind missing one trip."

Mayana nodded, and exited the room.

"She's too nosy for her own good." Zuko commented.

"I know, but she's good for me." Toph answered.

There was a tiny tentative knock on the door that Zuko missed, but Toph looked up.

"Yes Lexxi, you can come in." she said.

The door opened just enough for Lexxi to squeeze through, but once she let go of it, it just swung open anyways.

"L-Lady Toph?" she asked.

Toph stepped off of the bed, and walked over to her. "Please, call me Toph." she said. "What is it Lexxi?" she asked.

"Well, I was asleep for a while, but I can't sleep for long unless mamma sings something to me, could you sing?" she asked.

Toph took her hand and led her back to her own room. She tucked her in, and sat on the edge of the bed.

Zuko appeared at the doorway as she began to hum his song as he thought of it.

"Are there words to that?" Lexxi asked softly.

Toph thought a moment, and began to sing words that suddenly came to her mind.

"~Home is behind
The world ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadow
Cloud and shade
All shall fade
All shall fade...~"
((to any who have seen the lord of the rings trilogy, yes this is the song that Pippin sings to the creepy old steward guy... XD))

Lexxi closed her eyes, falling asleep a few moments after.

Toph stood up, tucking Lexxi into bed once again before walking back towards the door. Zuko moved out of her way, crossing his arms as she closed the door.

"I thought that was my song..." he said.

"It is, it's the only song I know how to sing." she said.

"Ahh..." he said. He took her hand and led her back to their room, kicking the door closed, and picking her up. He laid her gently on the bed, and laid next to her, his breath washing over her ear as he talked softly to her. His words were nearly intelligible, but Toph got the gist of it. She turned towards him wrapping her arms around him, and pulling herself into him.

"I love you Zuko... More than anything." she said kissing him softly.

"I know, and I love you too." Zuko answered as she pulled away.

He wrapped his own arms around her, and rested his chin on the top of her head. He felt her sigh and closed his eyes, following her into a light sleep.

No one woke them the next morning, so they both woke late, Mayana had her day off, so Zuko helped Toph put on her corset. He felt bad for her, it looked so uncomfortable. He pushed his knee into the small of her back as Mayana did, and pulled the strings tight. He also felt bad for Mayana, those damn strings were like blades, they would have cut through anyone's hands if they didn't know how to hold them.

He reached the top, and went back to the bottom pulling them again, until he reached the top, then he tied it. He helped her pull on her dress, and zipped up the back, and she sat on the chair in front of the mirror.

Now he knew why her back was always so rigid and straight, no one could slouch in that corset. He took the brush in his hand, and brushed her hair slowly. Starting at the top in the center and on either side he made three French braids, braiding the three at the back and tying it off. He put Toph's tiara on her, and had her stand. He fixed her dress, straightening it before he kissed her softly.

"You look beautiful." he said.

She reached up, and ran her fingers over the braids.

"Where did you learn to braid?" she asked.

"Mother, she had me braid her hair because Azula never had the patience." he answered, fixing her tiara so it was straight before he leaned down to look in the mirror. He took his own hair down, and retied it, tighter this time, and replaced the Firelord piece.

He stood, entwining his arm with Toph's and leading her out of the room.

They entered the dance hall and sat down in front of the fire. Toph curled up next to Zuko, drawing her knees up, and leaning against him. They sat quietly eating the small breakfast that the servants brought, and talking softly together.

There was a knock at the door, and Zuko looked up a butler was standing there, looking pompous. "Firelord Zuko... You are needed urgently in the war chamber..." he said in a haughty voice.

Zuko stood, pulling Toph with him, until he was jerked to a halt. He looked back; the butler had grabbed Toph's other wrist stopping her from following. "The girl must stay here." he said.

Zuko turned back towards him, grabbing the front of his jacket, and picking him up nearly off of the ground.

"Unhand her." he hissed.

The butler let go of Toph's arm, and she moved behind Zuko with a snide smile. The butler's eyes were wide with fear as he looked down into Zuko's angered face.

"You are not permitted to touch her... Ever." Zuko growled throwing the butler onto the ground. "Get out of my sight."

The older man scrambled to his feet, and out of the door, Toph could hear and feel him run away, and laughed. "You didn't have to do that, I could have dealt with him." she said.

"What can I say, I'm a jealous guy." he said with a laugh. "No one but me and a few selected others are even allowed to look at you without previous permission."

"Okay, well we're needed in the war chamber." she said.

Zuko led the way to the huge room, and Toph sat on his right as a short meeting started. Zuko's fire blocked everyones view of him and Toph, but they knew he was there.

He yawned slightly in the middle of the meeting, and Toph couldn't help but smile. The lead-person-guy or whatever stood in the center of the table, going on and on about something or other.

"It is not of my concern whether or not your men agree with my views. They have their orders now make them follow them!" Zuko said, his voice rising in annoyance.
Toph smiled, Zuko was right, and if it had been her she would have said just about the same thing. She leaned back on her hands sighing softly, and letting the heat of Zuko's flames warm her. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, letting out another soft sigh.

Zuko looked at her and did a double-take, turning to fully look at her. She was absolutely beautiful.

The firelight danced over her pale skin, bathing it a reddish-orange colour that only fire can create. Her neck stretched in a gentle arch down into her chest, and his eyes followed the curve of her full breasts, and flat stomach, down over her legs and back up to her face.

"Firelord Zuko?" the lead guy whatever asked loudly.

"Huh? What?"

"I asked what I should do about that navy ship that has yet to be found."

"Uhh, find it, start at the North Pole and work your way down, a little hint... They'll be near the water." he answered.

Everyone but the lead guy whatever laughed softly, even Toph.

Everyones laughter stopped as they heard Toph. Her laughter stopped with theirs though, do there was only a moment of confusion before everything was back on track.

The leader continued to talk and finally Zuko got annoyed.

"Do something other than sitting here doing nothing! You expect me to fix all your problems, I am only one man, and I can only do so much! Now leave here, we'll speak some other time." Zuko said cutting everyone off.

Everyone looked up, and Toph just smiled. All of the men left, closing the big heavy doors behind them, and Zuko sighed.

"Wow, I have never been more frustrated with anyone other than them. They call me to these meetings to complain about what they can't and won't do, then ask me what to do." Zuko said. There was an edge to his voice, but it wasn't directed at Toph.

She got up from the cushion she was sitting on, and moved over toward Zuko. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled herself into him, her lips just barely touching his. He pushed forward, pressing their lips firmly together, and wrapping his arms around her waist. He pulled her up, and onto his lap. She hitched her dress up around her thighs, and wrapped her legs around him, pressing her body flat against his.

Zuko pulled away, moving his mouth down the side of her neck with soft butterfly kisses. She tilted her head back, and moaned softly. Even though she couldn't see it, she could feel it as the fire got hotter, and grew higher.

Zuko's hands were on her back, and she could feel their heat through all of her clothes, his lips were hot as well, and when she touched his face, she had to pull her hand away quickly.

His entire body was heating up. He pulled his mouth away from her neck.

"Get off me." he said softly.

Toph did as he told her to, quickly moving away from him.

"Zuko?" she questioned reaching out, this had never happened before, and she was a bit worried.

She could hear his steady breathing as he meditated, and the fire gradually began to die down. As he drew in his breath, the fire went down farther, and when he exhaled the fire got slightly higher.

Toph waited for him to do whatever he was doing, and calm down.

Minutes passed, and finally Zuko opened his eyes and looked at Toph.

"Sorry, mixed emotions tend to cause me to 'overheat'." he said with a laugh.

"Does that happen to others as well?" Toph asked.

"Very few, only those who have very quick tempers." he answered.

"And how often does this happen."

"When I'm around large amounts of fire, and I'm feeling many different things at the same time." he said standing, and pulling Toph to her feet.

With a wave of his hand, he bent the fire away, letting it die down completely. The room was dark now, but they just walked up the center of it, and pushed open the door. Zuko led Toph to their room, and sat on the bed.

"We can continue what we started before." he said. "Or do something else."

Toph sat next to him, leaning against him.

"You know, I used to be jealous of Katara. She always got the guys, first there was that Jet guy, then twinkle toes, then you, then back to twinkle toes, and then she couldn't decide between you and him." she said. "I know she never 'got' you, but she liked to think she did. Then there was Suki who took Sokka... I used to like him and his idiocy, but he's too much of a megalomaniac for me, he loves himself way too much..."

"But then?" Zuko coaxed, knowing there was more to this than she'd said.

"But then I found you... Or rather you found me. I never understood why you went with me instead of Sugar queen, I mean, I am rude and uncouth and never know when to shut my big mouth, but I think I get it now, you need someone in your life who won't listen to every little thing you tell them to do, and someone who can take care of themselves and won't hang on your every word. Sugar queen would be in her glory here, she'd have every servant in this place looking after her, and she'd be ordering everyone around. Lexxi definitely wouldn't be here. Katara isn't as kind hearted as everyone thinks, she helps others yeah, but it's for social status, not out of the goodness of her heart." Toph continued. Zuko listened quietly as she vented, preferring to stay out of her way.

"I have to admit, that first time I was actually alone with you while looking for Aang, I was nervous... I used to be scared of you. So you stopped and moved towards me, and I tried to move away, I didn't want you that close to me. Your hands on my shoulders wasn't what stopped me, I could have broke both your arms if I so needed, but it was your heartbeat. The calming rhythm I could feel through your hands, and the ground. I could tell that you were nervous as well, and I wanted to see what was up. I had always wanted to kiss someone before, maybe Sokka, but he had a girl. Then there was you, how mad would Sugar queen have been if I managed to take you. I thought that over for a long time before you and I were alone. Then you kissed me, and it was like nothing I had ever felt before, it made me want to fly. I was like clay in your hands; you could have moulded me into something I wasn't if you had wanted.

Your hands were on my back, pulling me closer, then you pulled away, and the feeling of euphoria stopped. The next kiss was just as pleasing, it was slower, and deeper, and so full of emotion, but of course Sugar queen had to ruin it by showing up. I thought that maybe you had only kissed me to get rid of your frustrations from Katara, but I was so wrong, it's not funny.

And here we are, months later, our love still blossoms, and still, every time you kiss me, I feel like my world is complete again. You gave me wings, and let me fly, you set me free.

The saying says; if you love something you should set it free and if it loves you it'll come back.

You set me free, and I'll always come back." Toph said.

Zuko listened to her words, knowing that what she said was the truth.

He brushed his fingers over the side of her face, and tilted her head up to kiss her softly. She melted into his embrace, pressing her lips to his firmly. He laid her back onto the bed, hovering over her, his lips still pressed to hers. The door scraped on the floor as it opened, and there was a small gasp. Zuko moved quickly away from Toph, sitting up and looking at the door.

Toph stayed where she was, her hands resting on either side of her head, she closed her eyes, and relaxed completely. Zuko wondered what she was doing, and looked down at her.

"I-I'm so sorry!" the maid exclaimed, backing up.

Zuko waved his hand, and Toph spoke softly.

"Come here." she said.

The maid walked into the room, and up to the bed, she stood with her head bowed, and her hands folded in embarrassment.

"What do I have to do to get you and the others to knock?" Toph asked opening her eyes, and turning her head so she was staring at the ceiling.

"N-nothing, please don't make an example of me." the maid begged.

"Do I look like Azula to you?" Toph asked softly. "Just don't let it happen again."

"Thank you! Thank you Lady Toph." the young maid exclaimed.

"Now do what you came here to do, and leave us." Toph said.

The maid bustled around the room, picking up discarded clothes, and blankets, and straightening things. She was working as quickly and efficiently as she could, and Toph didn't bother her about it. She lay still on the bed, and waited patiently.

The maid could feel Zuko's eyes on her, and every time she looked at him, his unwavering amber glare unnerved her slightly.

She wondered why he was watching her so closely, but didn't let it bother her, he was probably just pissed that she had interrupted.

He watched her as she left, signalling that she should be quiet. She looked at Toph but she had her eyes open, so she couldn't be asleep... Maybe he meant that she should be quiet about what she walked in on...

Once the door was closed, Zuko leaned down over Toph. He didn't kiss her again, preferring to just look at her.

"If the mood is dead, we can bring it back." Toph whispered and Zuko laughed.

She leaned up kissing his cheek softly, before lying back onto the bed. He followed her, pressing his lips to hers gently.

"Maybe we can do this later." he said softly.

Toph looked slightly disappointed, pouting in an unnatural manner for her.

Zuko smiled, and leaned down again. "Or we can do it now." he said taking her lip between his teeth, and biting down softly.

Toph hissed, closing her eyes and tilting her head back slightly.

Zuko pulled her lip into his mouth, sucking on it softly and brushing his tongue over it.

Toph moaned softly, loving the pleasureful feeling. His mouth was unnaturally hot to her right then, and again she could feel heat radiating from him, but this time it didn't bother her, rather it comforted her. He let go of her lip, pressing his mouth to hers in an open mouthed kiss. The heat from his mouth invaded hers, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. If he'd noticed that he was getting warmer, he didn't register it, because he kept kissing her deeply.

His hands moved down over her body and she could feel him shaking slightly.

She pulled away from him. "Zuko, are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine." he said, sitting up. "We should continue this later."

Toph 'watched' him leave, part anger, and part sorrow rising in her chest. She stood as well and wandered around the palace for a while until she began to feel guilty for how she had reacted. She followed the feeling of someone pacing and found Zuko, walking back and forth along the small table in the war chamber. She sat down on the edge of it, and waited for a few moments after he stopped.

He sat next to her with a sigh. "Sorry." he said.

"Don't worry about it." she said. "I was being selfish."

"You're not selfish."

"I can be."

"I wouldn't doubt it." Zuko replied without thinking.

"What about you?" She snapped.

"I can be too." he replied, he had no idea what his own words would do.

"I'm not always so bitchy as you can tell," Toph sighed. "You are more important than me." she said.

"No don't say that. Don't you ever even think that! There is nothing in this world more important to me than you!" he said shaking her gently.

Toph frowned she hadn't expected that reaction. "Nothing? Not family, friends or yourself?"

"Nothing, and I want you to promise me that you'll always put your own safety first for me." he said.

"I can't do that. You and my friends are more important than me." she said.

"Would you die for them and me?"

"I would try for all of you."

"You didn't answer the question!" he exclaimed.

"Yes! Yes I would die for all of you."

"That's not what I want to hear!"

"I don't care what you want to hear!" she yelled pushing him away and standing. "Just because you care for nothing but yourself doesn't mean I can be the same way!"

"Toph-" he began.

"Don't even bother! I think you can sleep alone tonight!" Toph said stalking towards their room. Zuko grabbed her wrist before she could get there.

"Let go of me! You selfish, spoiled bastard!" she yelled at him wrenching her arm from his grasp.

Zuko stood dumbfounded as she ran out of the room slamming the door behind her. Each word she had said against him had cut deeply, and squeezed his heart painfully.

He mentally slapped himself, she was too noble to leave her friends, and he should have known that.

He turned and walked away, leaving her to calm down for a while.

Chapter four... the longest one yet... XD. I hope you enjoyed it. I don't think that this one turned out as good as it should have; please tell me what you think.

By the way, I'm sorry that this is all clumped together like this, the story was not written on my computer, I'm sorry.