A/N: Since I've decided to write the story in scenes, I'll be posting them here. As a forewarning, I would just like to say that the next few scenes will be flashbacks. Also, Sokka/Longshot is an official pairing (although you won't find it in this chapter).

"Aren't you busy training Aang, Red?" Toph asked, intent on a piece of igneous rock she had been toying with for the past half-hour.

"I've assigned some rudimentary exercises to keep him occupied." The Red Spirit said, her fingers working to untie the strings that held the mask against her face. "And when we're alone, I prefer that you'd call me Azula. It's bad enough that I have to wear this; I don't think I'll survive without hearing my name."

Toph made a non-committal sound, still busy reshaping the rock.

Pulling the mask away from her face, Azula absentmindedly flung it aside and sat besides Toph. Her eyes fell at the rock and for a moment, there was simply silence.

After a few seconds, Toph broke it, "You know if one of them sees you without that mask…"

Azula laughed. "You could always warn me if one of them is nearby."

Toph tilted her head. "And why should I? I'd gain nothing by helping you."

"Oh, really?" Azula asked. "And I suppose my training the Avatar is no benefit to you."

Toph snorted. "Of course not; he'll simply become more insufferable than usual."

Azula smiled. "I see."

"Well I don't," Toph said bluntly. "Go away now."

"What is it that you're doing anyway?" Azula asked, ignoring Toph's command.

"I don't know," the younger girl admitted. "When I got that meteorite from Sokka, I found that I can shape rocks the same way Katara shapes water…" She stopped as if remembering something and sighed. "Listen, Coldilocks, I'm busy. Can't you see I'm busy? Have you turned blind too?" She asked testily.

"Whoa, cool it, Toph," Azula said, raising her hands. "You're reminding me of a certain hot-headed prince I know. Now that I think of it, perhaps—"

Toph clenched her fists, making the rock shatter into tiny pieces. "Stop avoiding my questions," she growled.

Azula placidly picked up a piece of the rock and began rubbing it with her index finger and thumb. "I don't want to go away just yet." She said quietly. Letting out a sigh, she grabbed Toph by her shirt and shoved her against the wall. "I've only done this once, and trust me, I'm—" she paused and looked down as if searching for the right words. "The last time I tried to court someone, the guy ran away like a coward, so please, bear with me; I'm not really sure how to say this."

Toph, who was preparing to launch an attack against the princess, blinked. "Court? Me?"

"Oh don't be so disgusted," Azula snapped.

"I'm not!" Toph said defensively. "I was just…shocked…surprised."

"Surprised why? You're a strong bender, Toph, besides—"

"I'm the only one who knows the face behind the Red Spirit's mask." Toph pointed out.

Azula searched the girl's eyes for a moment. Frowning, she said, "Your knowing my identity isn't part of the requirements, I'm afraid."

"So you have this-this list of standards for the perfect mate? Is that it?" Toph demanded. "Is that how you Fire people choose your—"

"It's not because of that," Azula argued back. "I don't know why I like you. I just…I'm just trying to justify my feelings. I'm just…I don't know, ok? I'm—these feelings…"

"Sokka's coming!" Toph said hurriedly.

Azula grudgingly dropped Toph, rolled and grabbed the mask she had thrown away earlier. Pulling her hood up, she turned just in time to greet Sokka. "Water boy."

"Red," Sokka said and nodded at Azula. His eyes flickered at Toph who was dusting her clothes, her face as emotionless as usual. His eyes moved to look at Azula again. He raised an eyebrow.

Azula shrugged. "Training," she said aware of a reply, echoing hers.

"Rock climbing."

"Right," Sokka said, making the syllable longer than was necessary. "The three of us are going to the village nearby to get some supplies. Since Red here can't go gallivanting about in the streets because of identity issues—people might mistake her for the real thing, after all—you're gonna have to babysit her, Toph."

"Go ahead. Have fun," Toph said, her voice matching the impassive look she wore.

Sokka nodded and gave them one last questioning look before he walked away.

Once she was sure Sokka was gone, Azula shifted her stance and looked at Toph out of the corner of her eye, "I'm surprised you didn't give me away."

A small smile appeared briefly on Toph's lips. "You're not the only one."

Azula smirked. "Perhaps you've finally accepted the fact that we are meant for each other. I am the most beautiful, most powerful, most perfect person in the world after all."

Toph shook her head and grinned bitterly. "Of course."

Azula raised an eyebrow and remembered that Toph couldn't see her behind the mask. On second thought, Toph couldn't see at all. "Is there something on your mind?"

Toph opened her mouth and, after a few seconds of thought, closed it. "Maybe."

Azula frowned and looked down at the rock she was still holding. "Once, I asked a friend how I could catch a boy's attention." Her eyes flickered to Toph who was staring at the wall. "She told me I should act stupid and shallow. I'm afraid that method doesn't work for me."

Recalling her own stupid attempts at trying to catch Sokka's, Toph sighed. "Same here."

Wordlessly, Azula walked towards Toph and grab the girl's hand. Lifting it, she placed the rock she'd been holding earlier. The young bender almost dropped it, stunned at the heat it was emitting.

Seeing the puzzled expression on her face, Azula explained, "It's an old trick we do to keep our rooms warm during the night, it doesn't last for long but I thought you might like it."

Toph gulped. Not only did the stone warm her, it also filled her with renewed energy and a sense of serenity; it eased her out of her angered state. "I don't know what to say."

"I believe a simple thank you is sufficient."

With a twist of her foot, the stone underneath her rose a couple of inches, bringing her face-to-mask with Azula. She pocketed the rock and pulled Azula's mask off her face. Leaning down, she timidly gave her a peck in the cheek and whispered, "Thank you."

A/N: I would just like to say thanks to Twilight Rose2, my first reviewer. I really wish you people would review. I do so love to discuss my theories. Haha. I'll try not to spoil you though.

Also, people can still look into my LJ since I might discuss some of the future scenes I'll be writing.