Hey everyone! This chapter has some third POV. I usually write in third but I've liked doing individual povs lately. I feel like this is a good time to explain Toph and Zukos friendship! I really really hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

Thank you for all of the wonderful support!

Now on with the chapter~

Tophs Story

7 years ago

Being normal was never possible for Toph. She was born blind to one of the most influential business couples of Ba Sing Se, the Bei Fong's. Although she suffered from a disability she never failed to make her parents proud. Fighting to understand the world she lived in Toph continuously fought with her father over what she could and couldn't do. Unlike her mother, Mr. Bei Fong refused to believe she could handle herself beyond their household walls.

"You can't keep me locked in here forever!" Toph yelled. Her father growled, fists slammed down onto the dinner table and her mother sat motionless at her husband's regular outrage. How Toph knew? Easy, the vibrations from the actions, the sound and the feel of the ground beneath her. Their doctors said it was a miracle that she didn't have to use a cane to stop herself from hitting objects. In fact it was like she wasn't blind at all if you didn't notice her milky green eyes. Void of any recognition if she looked at you. In fact she knew where she was most of the time but, unless someone moved or spoke she didn't know where you where.

Fury bubbled in her father's chest whenever she spoke out against his orders. "Toph you are blind! What on earth makes you believe that you could be fine out there! You are twelve years old and barely have an understanding of what it's like out there. You are weak and people can take advantage of you! I will not have you unsupervised. This conversation is OVER!" She flew her plate across the table, or she hoped she did. When the plate shattered on the floor she smiled internally at the accomplishment. From there she turned out of the dining room and allowed her escort to take her to her room.

Mrs. Bei Fong looked to her husband with sadness. "Dear, please listen to me. I understand your concerns but, twelve years she's been imprisoned here. Maybe she just needs a friend? If you can't allow her to leave please let her bring someone in. Summer vacations are coming up. Surely one of your business partners has children that would be willing to come to our home?" Mr. Bei Fong rubbed his chin. Their servants began to clear the table and the food on the floor that their daughter had thrown moments ago. With a heavy sigh he looked to his wife.

"Perhaps. I can't think of anyone with children her age. I hate to keep her here. Even if she thinks she can handle herself… I don't trust other people." Ms. Bei Fong smiled.

"Maybe there are none her age. Don't you think it would be wise to ask Ursa and Ozai's children to stay? I was speaking with her the other day, seems like her son is also having troubles at his school when it comes to people. I believe it would be wise to build their friendship so that we may continue a healthy relationship with the Azulon's in the future." Mr. Bei Fong jumped out of his seat, bringing his wife with him.

"Why Mrs. Bei Fong that is a wonderful idea!" She blushed as his fingers graced the side of her face affectionately, "ah how lucky I am to have married such a noble and intelligent woman." They kissed and began making arrangements.

Not even a week later the Azulon's daughter and son had arrived at the gates of the Bei Fong's house. Much to Azula's dismay she had to go. She craved to go out with other friends to Ember Island but, her father had demanded they stay for at least a week with their friends. She blew the hair out of her face as her and Zuko climbed out of the car. If anything she would be on her best behavior ...or try to be, like her parents wished. Zuko stood next to her quiet and polite as ever. She rolled her eyes but, quickly smiled as the Bei Fong's approached them.

"Mr. Zuko, Ms. Azula, welcome to our home. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Zuko stepped forward shaking hands with Mr. Bei Fong.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Our parents always speak fondly of you and wish to apologize for not coming with us. They had important matters to attend to." Azula frowned. Yeah busy trying to expand the company. Mrs. Bei Fong looked around frowning.

"Dear where 's Toph?" Mr. Bei Fong's smile fell and quickly looked to the nearest servant demanding answers while Mrs. Bei Fong took them into the building. As they walked they could hear his distressed cry.

"SHE RAN AWAY AGAIN!? HOW CAN YOU LET THIS HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN? FIND HER! IMMEDIATELY!" Zuko gasped. Azula smiled wickedly she poked Zuko in the side and leaned into his ear.

"Maybe this won't be so bad. Seems like this Toph girl isn't as weak and helpless as we thought." Zuko smiled hushing his sister but nodded in agreement. Mrs. Bei Fong appeared pleased despite her daughters disappearance which piqued Azula's interest.

"Mrs. Bei Fong, is it normal for your daughter to run off. I thought she was blind?"

"Azula! Mind your manners!" Zuko blushed with embarrassment from his sisters lack of respect. At 14 you would think she could read the atmosphere. He rolled his eyes before apologizing to Mrs. Bei Fong.

"It's quite alright Zuko, yes Azula she is blind. However she isn't completely blind. Have you ever heard about your senses strengthening if one is lost? Toph's sense of sound and touch is greater than a normal human beings. She may be blind but, she can hear and feel everything around her. After living here for 12 years of her life it's no surprise to me that she is able to run off. I believe this is the 50th time."

"50th!?" Zuko exclaimed. She nodded silently with a smile.

"Yes. Which is why I am glad you two are here. I believe Toph needs friends, someone who can understand that she is not as weak and ignorant as my husband believes she is." Azula groaned.

"Why don't you just tell him that yourself?" Zuko was absolutely appalled at his sisters behavior. Unlike him she wouldn't be in too much trouble. However, as the soon to be successor after his father. Zuko had to remain loyal to his studies and practice honor among other things. He sighed allowing Azula to do as she pleased no matter what he said she wouldn't stop anyways. Mrs. Bei Fong didn't seem upset at her behavior and continued the conversation with a small smile.

"My husband believes that Toph is still a little girl. No matter how much she changes he ignores her due to her blindness. Honestly sometimes I think he is more blind than she is." Azula laughed at this came to a corridor. To the left, right, and front was a room. Mrs. Bei Fong opened the left sided room's door. "Azula this will be your room during your stay. Zuko you are across from her. In between is Toph's room. I hope you are comfortable here. Please make yourselves at home while I return to my husband and look for our daughter. One of our servants will call you for dinner." She waved and walked away. Leaving Azula and Zuko to look into their rooms.

After 10 minutes Azula walked into Zuko's room. He was sat texting on his phone. She shook her head, he was reporting to their parents. "Really Zuko? When will you grow up and stop telling mom everything that happens. Your such a Momma's boy!" Zuko threw his phone down.

"You know what Azula? I'm tired of you telling me what to do. You're my little sister you don't get to boss me around! Yeah your dads favorite and I'm moms but I'm supposed to take over the company one day so just lay off!"

Azula flipped her hair from her face and smirked at Zuko. "Woooowww it doesn't take much to rile you up Zuzu. I know all that so calm down. No need to get so temperamental." Zuko groaned and fell back against his bed. Pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to ease the headache that was coming on. Azula sat next to him.

"Soooo I heard your sort of engaged to Mai. Kind of sucks. I mean you're only 16 and fathers already selling you off." Zuko snapped. That was a low blow, even for her.

"THAT isn't happening. We are not engaged it's just a precaution! Father just told Mr. Lou that so that they would continue to support us. He will break it off if the company makes it through the next two years." Azula fell back on the bed with him.

"I know. I'm sorry…look I know you don't want to marry her. You haven't spoken about it since they decided on it."

"I wont marry her. It is never going to happen." Azula hummed quietly.

"Mai seems thrilled about it sadly." Zuko sat up sighing.

"There's no point in talking about it. That company is all our family has. If we lose it. We have to start from scratch. That's not easy. So if by me marrying a woman I don't love is needed until the company is fine then so be it. If I have to marry her," he shivered. "If I have to marry her then I will. But, the moment the company is fine I will end it with a divorce." Azula smiled.

"Don't worry Zuzu there will be a girl out there for you. You're just not looking hard enough!" He smiled at his sister and they waited patiently for dinner. Thankfully it wasn't too long until someone made themselves present. Too much of their surprise a girl stood at the door way.

"Yo. Sounds like your going through a hard time." Zuko shot out of the bed.

"Who are you!?" Toph laughed and walked into the room. Her milky eyes drew their attention and realization hit them full force.

"You! Your Toph!" Toph smiled and heard Zuko growl.

"Whoa calm down Sparky. I didn't mean to listen into your conversation but, I figured I should say hello." Azula walked towards her shaking her hand.

"Nice nickname. That fits Zuzu perfectly. I'm Azula by the way." Toph smiled and shook her hand.

"Thanks I tend to make a lot up for people. Sort of irritates them." Her and Azula laughed together and then Zuko walked over. Toph heard his heavy footsteps and turned in his direction. This surprised him and Azula.

"Wow you really can tell where people are." She shrugged.

"Doctors say I'm lucky that I can hear and feel so well but, it doesn't stop me from wondering what it's like to see things." The siblings nodded, then finally spoke when they realized the girl couldn't see that.

"ah yeah I suppose not." Zuko said. He took Toph's hand and placed it in his. "I'll just have to do my best to help you see during my stay." Toph smiled at his friendliness.

"Well I don't plan on staying long so you and Zuzu will have to get along. I promised some friends I would be able to hang out after a week." Toph nodded and smiled.

"Don't worry I understand the urge to run away from here." They all laughed and a servant came to collect them for dinner. Somehow Toph knew that her and Zuko would get along. Mostly because of how similar they really were.

One month later

Zuko and Toph had become fast friends. After the first week Azula stayed true to her word and left to go out with other friends. Zuko had enjoyed a females friendship besides his sisters. Especially since they were just as rowdy and boisterous as any other group of friends. Toph was calm and eager to do something different every day. Unlike other girls, Toph didn't care for the girly things. Instead she craved adventure, trouble, and a companion to do it with. It was the most fun Zuko had had in all the 16 years of his life. Highschool was tedious and demanding he thought for sure his summer would be the same. One night they were laying in the grass in the garden watching the stars gleam and flicker.

"Hey Toph. If you could have one thing in life what would it be? Your eyesight?" She hummed thinking about his sudden question.

"I would say it is. Maybe not for the reasons you would believe though." Zuko turned onto his stomach looking at Toph and her milky eyes.

"For what reasons then?" She smiled.

"If I could get my eyesight back people would probably want me to do everything imaginable. Learn to read, write, the typical things. Maybe add a trip into the heart of Ba Sing Se in there or even to the Fire county to see you. If I got my eyesight back I would want an education. Something that would require me to test people. To push them beyond their limits. And overseer if you would. I think if I had a job like that I could be happy. I can already read people by their tone of voice no matter how hard they try and I can feel them. Their presence I guess. I think I would be the best at something like that." Zuko flipped back onto his back. Awed by Toph's hard thought view on her future. If only there was a way to get her eyesight back for her.

"I see. So something in a company or military then?" She turned on her side.

"Never the military. That would be a little too much." He nodded.

"So a company position then?"

"Yeah like a supervisor. To watch over everyone. Make sure they are honest. Do background checks, conduct interviews, ect." Zuko smiled.

"If somehow you got your eyesight back then I would hire you. I'll be taking over the family company once my dad deems me worthy. I would like to have a friend there to work with me." Toph smiled. Pleased with the idea of her and Zuko working together. "Sounds like fun Sparky. If only it was possible."
Zuko smiled.

"Never give up hope Toph."

It took an incredible amount of persuasion to convince Zuko's father to find a way to cure Toph of her blindness. After discussing Toph's dreams his mother was able to push his father into agreeing. The operation was expensive but, it was a 99% success rate. They decided on Toph's 15th birthday she would have the operation. The summer before highschool.

Zuko's father told her that once this was done he hoped she would work for Zuko and to watch his back. He didn't have to warn her twice. Thankfully the operation was successful. It took her about a week to finally open her eyes and adjust to the world around her. Another 2 months to stop herself from getting headaches over the massive amounts of information the visual world added to her brain.

Then she started school with Zuko and Azula. Although she was younger and Zuko had already started college Toph pushed herself into taking the top highschool and college classes. She was beyond smart. She was incredibly intelligent. Passing every class thrown at her with flying colors. Not only did she graduate with her highschool diploma but also her bachelor's degree at 18. Then it only took her a total of two years at Zuko's college to finish her master's degree in business.

In the time in between, Zuko and Toph stayed close friends. Keeping in contact about everything in their lives. He struggled with his approaching marriage to Mai and she was busy trying to tell her father to back off. Even with her improved eyesight her father refused to let her go on her own. They knew however, that in the end they would get where they wanted. Toph graduated and joined Zuko at his acceptance party as his Co-Director. A position Mr. Azulon had created for her so that she was with Zuko most of the time. Finally after all the preparation, Zuko would become the director of Azulon Corporations. His parents spoke a short speech before he took the stand in front of all his fathers, now his employees.

"I am more than grateful for all of you that managed to attend my family and I tonight. My father and his father before him have done nothing but build this company to where it is today. From this day onward as the new director I will put all my strength into making it bigger and better than it is now. I plan on expanding it internationally. Many of you have volunteered to leave for this new headquarters to experience a new beginning. Although I stand here now before you as the new face of Azulon Corporations, I know that the true hard workers are you. So please enjoy the music and food because, tonight is also your night!" Toph smiled and held a glass up.

"To Zuko!" The crowd cheered and yelled in excitement.

Present

Kataras POV

"So now you know. I owe the life I have now to Zuko but, even if he didn't ask his father to cure my eyesight I would have remained a friend." I finished my lunch in disbelief. Their friendship ran pretty deep. I knew Zuko and Toph where close but, I didn't know that they practically gave her a brand new life that was close to impossible to accomplish. She took the last bite of her lunch and looked out the window.

"I... I never knew. I mean I knew you and Zuko had grown up with each other but," she waved her hand finishing my sentence short.

"Don't worry about it Sugar Queen. But now you know! No more secrets! Oh there is one thing I wanted to ask..." The waiter had come back to our table.

"One check or separate?" I looked in my bag for my credit card.

"Separate ple-" I began.

"No no, this is on me. It's your first lunch don't worry about it! You can pay another day." The waiter nodded and left me hanging. I smiled at Toph.

"Thank you Toph," she smiled and crossed her arms on the table.

"So back to what I was saying. I have a favor." A favor? I scratched the side of my temple.

"Uhhhh depends, what's the favor?" She looked at me seriously leaning back in her chair. Letting out the breath she was holding she began to speak.

"It's about Zuko..." I caught the fact that she didn't use his nickname which made me think whatever she was about to say was serious. "I know he likes you." I smiled.

"I like him too Toph I don't plan on letting it involve our work life though. Or at least that was the plan." She shook her head.

"Look Katara, I know your type. Your interested and who wouldn't be? I mean Zuko is not only rich but good looking. Women have thrown themselves at him so many times I makes me wish I didn't get my eyesight back. He's a good friend of mine and I don't want him to get hurt." I looked at her silently, not saying anything. What was she implying?

"Zuko would kill me if I told anyone this but I think you will be good for him. You don't seem like the type of girl that runs after riches."

"Uh okay what is it?" She smiled wickedly.

"When it comes to relationships he's an idiot." I felt my eyebrows knit together in confusion.

"What do you mean he's an idiot when it comes to relationships? Are you saying that he doesn't know how to be in one?" She nodded her head. The waiter came back with the check and Toph signed it off.

"Exactly. It's not his fault he's just never dated anyone." I leaned forward, slamming my hands on the table alerting everyone around.

"WHAT!?" Toph snickered and started walking outside. I followed quickly behind trying to catch up to the short statured woman. "Toph what do you mean he's never dated!? It's Zuko, how the hell has he never dated anyone?" We walked back into the building waiting for the elevator.

"Well Zuko was so busy trying to live up to his father's expectations that he never gave women the time of day. He just didn't have time for a girl in his life. Sure he's probably had flings or one night stands but no one has actually interested him like you have. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he's trying to get your attention every time you're in the room." I felt the blush creep onto my face, remembering the game he and I had agreed too. Of course to anyone else the game was silly and to be honest a little slutty on my part. It sort of made sense now though. I had practically denied him a relationship so here he was trying whatever he could think if to get me to notice him.

"Toph has Zuko ever asked a girl on a date?" We got in the elevator and headed up to the 40th floor. I checked my watch it was 2:10. Zuko was probably still in a meeting. Toph was going to show me how to make appointments and other desk like jobs that I would be in charge of in the afternoons. She said I would be done in 3 hours. Guess that meant we were starting as soon as we got in.

Toph laughed, "Noooooo I doubt he could stand having a date with anyone! The girls he had flings with were purely physical. It sounds bad I know but come on I'm pretty sure everyone's done it at least once. Don't give him hell because of his past. Though I'm guessing you want to know because he's asked you out for dinner or something right?" I nodded shyly and told her about our game. She burst out laughing.

"Oh my god that's great! I'll have to make sure to pop in every now and again to embarrass him!" I grinned.

"So you have any suggestions? You know Zuko better than I do. Is there something I should use to my advantage?" The doors opened and we walked to the front desk where two seats where. One for me and one for Toph. Zuko was in his office with his 2:00 appointment. Toph wouldn't tell me who it was but she told me that I should prepare myself to hear yelling. She straightened out some papers and smirked.

"Okay I have one but you should use it when your ideas are running out or nothing seems to faze him anymore." I nodded enthusiastically while she leaned over so Zuko wouldn't hear us. "Wear red."

I glared at her. Not going to sound like a bitch but, I was expecting more. "Really. That's it?" She rolled her eyes.

"Katara look around? What color does Zuko wear every day? Red. He's like obsessed with it. Imagine how he would react if you came in with a body con dress in a bright red? He'd fall over drooling!" I held in a laugh. She was right, everything about Zuko was the color red, red and more red. Maybe some gold and black here and there but not much. I didn't mind the color but, it definitely wasn't in my wardrobe. I'd have to go shopping on my next day off.

I thought about it from my point of view. If Zuko came in with a blue shirt I would probably look twice not going to lie. I mean yeah, he was hot in red and his black business attire but, I wouldn't mind a bit of a change. I hummed thinking about the possibilities.

" !" I jumped at the booming voice from the other side of the door in Zuko's office. A man came rushing out obviously very angry. He was tall, maybe around 6ft and had short black hair. His eyes were a deep brown and had a stern look in his features. I presumed he was Mr. Lou, Zuko's 2:00 appointment. I looked at the clock. It was only 2:30 something must have gone wrong because that was too short of a meeting. I looked to Toph who was already standing and walking into Zuko's office ignoring the angry man. I followed closely behind watching Mr. Lou enter the elevator and leave.

"What happened now?" Zuko groaned and fell back against his chair.

"He won't listen to reason. When I told him about cancelling-" he looked at me and smiled sadly. At that moment I knew he was hiding something. "-he just stormed out!" He grunted and threw his hands in the air. I didn't like being kept from secrets but then again I just got here. Maybe I would know in a couple of days when they thought they could trust me more?

Toph sighed and placed a pile of papers on his desk. "It will work out Sparky. Look finish these papers and then you and Katara can take a tour around the building together. I only took her to the main floors." He smiled and looked back to me. I blushed furiously. I could see the look in his eyes. He wanted to play the game, I smirked. He didn't know that I had told Toph about it.

"Thank you Toph, Katara do you still want to see the rest?" He asked, I smiled.

"Sure and maybe your house afterwards." His eyes bulged and blush exploded across his face. Toph broke out into hysterical laughter.

"Have you been messaging Azula?" He muttered. I blushed, what?

"No…why would you think that?" He groaned and let a hand cover his face in embarrassment.

"Unless Azula said the same thing. Oh my god she did didn't she! This is going to be great! Good job Sugar Queen guess today's your win!" I was blushing at the accidental slip on Zuko's part. I turned to Toph who was still laughing, I smirked and saw the gears turn in Zuko's head.

"You told Toph!?" We both started laughing at him while he was trying to compose himself.

"Of course I did. So like we agreed… no date tonight. I'm a little tired anyways." Zuko sighed while Toph laughed walking back to the front area.

"I was kind of hoping you would accompany me tonight." I sighed. It was the first day. I really didn't want to go. He stood up and walked over to me, when he finally stopped a few inches away I could smell cinnamon. It was intoxicating.

"Does it have to be tonight? Zuko I agreed I'd work with you but, to be honest I still don't like the idea of dating you when you're my boss." He smirked causing my stomach to lurch.

"I know, I really do wish I had met you before all this. I wanted you to come tonight because my family would like for you to come. I called my dad earlier but he wouldn't listen. He says he misses you and my mother would like to see how you're doing." I sighed, I knew eventually I would have to be at a family dinner. Before I was only friends with Azula and had never met Zuko, so we never had a dinner together. Now that I worked for him I feared that they would make us all attend. I loved Zuko's parents but, I was scared. He must have sensed my fear because he brought a hand to cup my face. His hands were warm and comforting, I felt myself lean into the gesture ignoring the fact that Toph was still in the room.

"I won't tell them about us." I stopped breathing. Toph whistled and walked out muttering 'that's my cue to leave'.

"What?" I asked, he smiled sadly.

"Katara I like you. I really do but, I can tell that you're not ready yet." I opened my mouth to voice my opinion but he stopped me. "It's okay, I knew from yesterday that I'm kind of forcing myself on you. We should spend more time together to get to know each other." He smirked, " and to play our game." I smiled with him.

"Thank you then, I guess I can let today go and go to dinner with you. It doesn't count as a date anyways since your parents would be there."

"And Azula." I smiled. That made it much more enjoyable. Knowing that Azula would be there with me made excited.

"Good, I would be lost without my best friend." He rolled his eyes when Toph came back into his office.

"Okay you two no more flirting! Sparky finish your paperwork and let me show Katara a couple more things. Then you guys can talk more okay?" I giggled. Zuko leaned into my ear, his breath was hot and ticklish against my skin.

"I really love that sound," leaning away he smiled broadly at my blush. He released his hands and turned his attention to Toph allowing me to escape beside her.

"Okay Toph okay, I'm working now. Katara?" I looked up at him shyly. I wasn't fond of public displays of affection.

"Yes?" He smirked.

"I'll see you in a couple of hours." I could feel my heart skip a couple of beats. He was dangerous. This entire predicament was dangerous. Zuko was attractive, charming, childish, and sneaky as hell.

And I was playing with fire.

Ahhhh thank you guys for reading! I'm so glad I was able to finish another chapter! I had college today and I think I have a pretty nice schedule for keeping up with these fics. I should be getting a job soon too (or I hope so) so until then I can update a chapter a day or at least try to. If I get a job I might have to shorten the amount of chapters per week.

Anyways thank you guys so much for our support! Tell me what you guys think so far! Did you enjoy Toph's little story? Please review review review! I appreciate all opinions and try to answer as honestly as I can. I understand I can't please everyone so I'll try my best to explain my reason for writing something the way I see fit.
Until next chapter!
Ciao

Rae