Disclaimer: Okay don't own ATLA. Chapter 3 begins now. Please R&R!
Toph blinked slowly, feeling the silky sheets beneath her palms. She frowned, sitting up slowly. She wasn't in her room, the surrounding were foreign. She jumped slightly as someone started snoring next to her. Toph's foggy green eyes widened as she reached out slowly and touched Zuko's hair. She could recognize his soft hair anywhere, even more so if she was lying in his bed. She started panicking and rolled out of the bed quickly, shocked as her bare skin met the early morning air. She scooped up the first piece of clothing she could find and draped it over herself. She could tell it was Zuko's. The material was too silky and big to be her dress. She shivering, looking around with terror. If anyone found out she'd slept with the fire lord, she was majorly screwed.
"Toph?" Zuko called sleepily from the bed. She tensed, turning slowly to face him.
"Nice shirt," he smirked, rising and pulled on his trousers. She blushed heavily and desperately looked around for her own clothing. He chuckled softly, handing Toph her dress shoes She ran behind a shade and changed quickly. Zuko pulled his shirt off the top of the wooden shade, relishing as the warmth she'd left behind and the sweet earthy smell that came with everything related to Toph.
She emerged once more, tightening the knot around her waist before facing Zuko with a serious expression.
"Zuko, this never happened," she said firmly. He sighed, falling heavily on the bed once more.
"Why do you have to marry him?" he whispered, almost in pain. She sighed, grabbing his face between her pale hands.
"My people need me in the Earth Kingdom. The people of Gaoling look to the Bei Fong family for leadership and I cannot abandon them now. You must understand," she said softly, kissing his forehead. He nodded in defeat, grabbing one of her hands and kissed it softly.
"I love you."
"I love you too, but we cannot be together." And with that final statement, she disappeared, fleeing through the dim halls of the Fire Palace before reaching her own room where the bed had not been disturbed all night and a young chambermaid sat sleeping.
Zuko groaned and fell back on the bed again. He had just spent the most amazing night of his life with the woman of his dreams, only to have the bliss ripped away from his as soon as the sun rose. He sighed, beginning to rise from his bed when a soft knock came on the door. Zuko's heart leapt into his throat, hoping to see the earthbender once more. A tall man walked in, his hands folded respectfully across his midriff. The Fire Lord's face fell, before gesturing for the man to enter the rooms.
"Were you expecting someone else, My Lord?" he asked. Zuko shook his head.
"What do you want?"
"We bring news of your sister and father. They were sighted near the Western Air temple. General Iroh nearly had them in his position when Azula fired lightning at him, distracting him as they got away," he explained. Zuko sighed, remembering his previous responsibility before Toph had arrived.
"How many days ago?"
"Two."
"Okay. Did they secure the area?" he asked. The man nodded, bowing. Zuko dismissed him and dressed in fresh clothing for the day.
As he entered the royal dining room, Toph was already seat, as far away from his as he could get.
"Good morning, Lord Zuko," she said stiffly, as if nothing had happened the previous night. He bowed in return, knowing it would irritate her not to hear a reply. She said and did nothing, continuing to eat her porridge delicately. He slumped into the chair, gesturing for the maid to bring out his breakfast.
" Did you sleep well?" he growled. She flinched slightly before nodding, placing the spoon silently on the table.
"Very well. Although, my room felt a little—crowded." He glared in her direction as a war lieutenant suddenly stormed into the room. He bowed quickly to Zuko and then Toph.
"My Lord, we've found—"
"Not here!" Zuko interrupted, casting a cautious glance in Toph direction. She watched the exchange intensely.
"My Lord, as I am too a diplomat here, anything of state you need to discuss, I will surely not be bored," she said sweetly. He gritted his teeth, gesturing for the lieutenant to come closer.
"They've been apprehended trying to cross through the Swamp to reach the Northern Air temple. I believe they're searching for the Avatar," he whispered.
"Who's searching for Aang?" Toph asked quickly. The lieutenant glanced nervously at Zuko.
"No one, Toph," he sighed.
"Bullshit! Aang is in trouble and you're not telling me. He was my pupil way before you so I have a right to know who is threatening him!"
"You're not going to like it," he warned.
"Damn you, Zuko!" Toph snapped.
"Okay," Zuko shrugged. "Ozai and Azula have escaped."