A/N: A new story, not what I had intended to post first, but this one has more inspiration behind it. I give a lot of credit to Arcole for Land of Fire and Stone for inspiring me to write this. Also Jellydonut14 who gave me hope that Toph deserves someone as awesome as herself. Please read Jelly's story, Irreplaceable. It's a great read for Toph lovers. So please read and review and let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar.
Five years after Sozin's Comet.
Toph let the breeze blow her hair away from her face as she turned her face towards the warmth of the setting sun. Traveling by airship was definitely better than travelling by boat or Appa. As much as she loved the fuzzball, being on the bison with just Aang and Katara made her feel…awkward. Especially when the two were being all lovey dovey.
But now she wasn't just the Avatar's earthbending teacher, or the Blind Bandit, or even the heir to the Bei Fong estate. Now she was an ambassador from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation. Toph thought back to the past five years as she felt the sun's warmth leave as it started to set. For the first couple of years, she had mostly traveled with the gang. Fighting in tournaments, traveling the world, visiting her friends and especially Iroh had been great. But word had reached her that her parents were searching for her again.
When she turned fourteen, she had decided to visit her parents, to sort of check in and let them know she was ok. That had been a disaster. For six months, her parents had persuaded her to stay and toted suitor after suitor in front of her. Finally disgusted with the men wanting a trophy wife, Toph had fled Gaoling to Ba Sing Sae and Iroh. There the old firebender had introduced her into the world of politics and she had fallen in love.
She was a skilled diplomat, maneuvering deftly and finding the common ground and facts. Being able to tell when people were lying was an added bonus. After working for the earth king for a few years, the tensions had escalated between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom again over reparations. The advisors, council of ten and Iroh as advisor had requested that Toph go to the Fire Nation as ambassador. With regret, the king had let her go and there she was, flying on an airship to visit Zuko.
"Some tea young lady?" Iroh asked from behind her as she felt him walk towards her.
"Thanks," Toph replied, smiling as she held out a hand for the teacup.
Iroh placed the teacup in her hand and joined her at the railing. Toph sipped the tea and smiled. It was jasmine, her favorite. They drank in silence for a few minutes before Toph spoke up again.
"So, it's been a while since you've seen Sparky, huh?"
"Yes, it has," Iroh said with a smile in his voice. "Nearly a year now. And with a child about to arrive, it is the perfect time for a visit home."
Toph smiled again at the mention of Mai's pregnancy, but her smile was unsure. Mai and Zuko had tried for the past two years to have a child and now one was on its' way. Toph was unsure about her emotions concerning kids. They got under foot, grabbed and pulled, but were fun sometimes as well. Running, playing constantly and they were allowed to get messy. But other times, they were messier and nastier than she was. Sokka and Suki now had one year old twins and even Aang and Katara had a three month old daughter. The earthbender had been at Katara's birthing since Aang and Katara had been in Ba Sing Sae at the time. And the birthing had been excruciating. All those hours of screams and pain had nearly driven Toph out of the city, but Aang had needed support and as his friend, she had stayed.
The baby had been sweet and according to Aang, had looked just like Katara, but with grey eyes. As she complimented Aang on being a dad, he had asked the question. Was she seeing anyone? Did she think about dating? Finding anyone? Toph had laughed it off and said she was far too busy and independent to consider looking for a guy, but inwardly, she wanted someone to care for her as Aang did for Katara, or Sokka for Suki, or Zuko for Mai.
"Your tea is cooling. Here, allow me," Iroh said, breaking into her thoughts as he picked her teacup out of her small hand and heated it quickly. "There you go. But you seem distant tonight. What troubles you?"
Toph smiled at him as she cupped her hand around the warm teacup. "Just thinking," she replied. She turned silent and knew Iroh was waiting for her to continue at her own pace. "Everyone has someone, except for me," she finally whispered.
"Ah, the age old question. Is there another half out there?" Iroh said with a smile in his tone. "You will find him someday. It usually occurs when you stop looking, or in the most unexpected place. Pace yourself Lady Toph, and enjoy the day."
"Thanks Uncle," Toph said, laughing lightly.
Iroh laughed along with her before sighing. "It is a beautiful sunset, but it grows late for these old bones. I will retire and suggest you do the same. Goodnight fair lady."
"Night Uncle," Toph said, bowing her head to Iroh as she felt him bow to her. She turned back to the rail as the coolness of night came on. She thought about all the young men she knew around her age. Sokka had been her first crush, but he had rescued Suki and had never left her side since. Toph knew Aang had loved Katara from the moment he had seen her and Zuko loved Mai. Teo was sweet, but he was air and she was earth. They were just too different. Haru was a pansy, Pipsqueak too big, The Duke too young and Longshot was too quiet. And most of them were married or dating anyways. All the suitors she had met in Gaoling and even a few that had tried to talk to her in Ba Sing Sae didn't see Toph the Blind Bandit. They saw Toph Bei Fong, the beautiful, delicate heiress.
But when she showed them her tough side, they either fled in fright or fled with snide remarks that hurt her, though she never let it show. Sighing at not being able to find anyone for herself, Toph went to her room and to bed. She would arrive in the Fire Nation the next day and who knew what adventure was waiting for her there.
XXXXX
The airship docked in the airfield behind the palace at noon. Toph took a deep breath before she took Iroh's arm. From experience, she knew the docks were wood and she would be blind throughout the number of steps leading from the ship to the ground. She smiled at Iroh as she felt his breath on her and knew he was smiling back.
"Always good to return with a beautiful lady on my arm," he said as he patted her hand. "Ah, and there's my nephew. Come, let's not keep him waiting."
Toph smiled and nodded, letting Iroh lead her down to the ground. Twenty wooden steps later, Toph let out a small sigh as she stepped onto solid ground. She curtsied and Iroh bowed before Zuko as the young Fire Lord approached them.
"None of
that from either of you," Zuko said with a smile in his tone as he
stepped forward and hugged
Iroh.
Toph let go of Iroh's arm as nephew and uncle embraced before Zuko turned to her and hugged her as well.
"And it's good to see you as well, though from what I've heard, I won't be glad as soon as the talks start," Zuko said with a sarcastic hint to his raspy voice.
"We'll see what your stance is, but just because we're old friends doesn't mean I'll go easy on you," Toph said as she gently punched the Fire Lord in the arm.
"Ouch, still hurts too," Zuko said as he rubbed his arm. "But palanquins await us and I know Mai will want to see you both."
Toph and Iroh nodded and followed Zuko to a pair of palanquins. Iroh helped Toph into one before following her.
"I can't wait to set eyes on my niece," Iroh mused as the palanquin started moving.
"Well, I can't wait to set my feet on lunch," Toph replied with a smirk, causing Iroh to laugh.
Soon the palanquins had stopped and Zuko helped Toph out. He hooked her arm through his as he led her and Iroh into the palace and towards the dining hall.
"You've gotten more beautiful," Zuko said to Toph as they walked. "Who knew there was a lady under all that tomboy and dirt?"
Toph grinned up at him and punched his arm again. "Don't talk that way in front of your wife, she might take it the wrong way," she said as Iroh chuckled behind them.
"I can say it, because she knows I love her," Zuko replied. "And here we are."
Toph turned her focus to the dining hall and hurried forward to greet Mai as the Fire Lady rose awkwardly out of her large chair.
"Steady there Dullsville," Toph said as she helped Mai stand fully. The earthbender stepped back as she held Mai's hands and studied the pregnant woman. "I'd say you're almost due. Are you sure you're not carrying twins there?"
"You'd probably be able to tell," Mai replied, a light laugh in her even tone. "But the healers and Katara all say only one. And the baby's not expected for another month."
"I'd hug you, but I don't think I'd be able to reach you," Toph said as Zuko moved to his wife's side to help her back into the chair.
"Don't worry about it Toph," Mai said as she sat again with Zuko's help. "But you must be starving. Please, eat."
Toph sat next to Mai as Zuko sat at the head and Iroh on the Fire Lord's other side. The lunch went smoothly as they talked about old times and the coming baby.
"Well, I know you're both hoping for a boy," Iroh said as Zuko and Mai told them the possible names. "But sometimes a daughter is best."
Toph felt Zuko tense at the mention of a daughter and knew he was thinking of Azula. Iroh must have noticed it as well.
"Having Toph around has made me see the benefits of a daughter," Iroh said proudly as he turned towards Toph. "If she or her parents would permit it, I would officially adopt her. But alas, she is the sole heir to the Bei Fong fortune and an earthbender. I wouldn't want anyone to challenge you for the throne, Nephew."
Toph felt herself blush and let out a small laugh as Zuko laughed at his uncle.
"And I would lose horribly," Zuko said with a smile. "Your rooms are ready, if you'd like to rest."
"A fine idea Nephew," Iroh said as he rose from his chair.
"Actually, I'd like to take a walk," Toph said.
"I'll show Uncle to his room," Mai said as Zuko helped her rise. "Why don't you show Toph around?"
"That's a great idea," Zuko said as Toph heard him kiss his wife's cheek. Toph dropped her head to hide her features behind her bangs. She knew Zuko loved Mai, and the Fire Lord was just a friend, but Toph still longed for someone to show her affection like that.
Iroh moved to Mai's side, giving her his arm as they moved further into the palace as Zuko approached Toph.
"Hey, you ok?" Zuko asked her as she remained in her seat, her bangs still covering her face.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Toph said, lifting her head to show Zuko a smile. She rose and he took her hand, guiding her the opposite way from where Mai and Iroh had gone.
They walked through the palace and out into the garden, Zuko talking about the palace, its history and the changes that had been made. Toph smiled and nodded, but didn't pay much attention to it. Once they were in the gardens, Zuko said something that made her stop dead in her tracks.
"Iroh's worried about you," Zuko said softly. "And that you haven't found anyone yet."
Toph frowned, but didn't come back with a retort like she used to in the old days. She also felt Zuko become tense at not receiving a retort. He had obviously expected one.
"So something is wrong," Zuko said.
"No, nothing's wrong," Toph said as she took a step away from Zuko. "I just hate being pushed into anything and that's all my parents and those rich snotty brats try to do."
"So I have to tell Mai to cancel all those banquets and balls where she invited all the eligible bachelors for you, huh?" Zuko asked with a smile in his tone.
Toph laughed. "Well at least your sense of humor has gotten better," she replied.
"Yeah, well, too late for tonight, but we'll cancel the other ten," Zuko said with a grin to which Toph laughed more.
The vibrations she got off of Zuko told her he was happy she was feeling better, so she gave a small smirk and shifted her foot, causing a pillar of stone to erupt under his feet. He jumped up and off and landed in front of her.
"Not right now," he said. "I'm still in royal robes. And you're in a dress. We can spar tomorrow morning."
"Ahhh," she whined, giving Zuko her best innocent look.
"Sorry Toph," Zuko said as he started to walk away. "But I know you're not innocent."
Toph sighed before letting a smile tug at the corner of her mouth. "Good thing too, now about that room and bath…"
Zuko chuckled and led Toph to her room and a hot bath.
XXXXX
Later that night, a serving girl helped Toph into a wonderful dress. It was silk and clung to her now curvy frame while still hiding everything. Iroh had said it was a beautiful shade of green that made her eyes shine. The girl also did her hair and Toph smiled as she felt most of it falling over her shoulders and down to her lower back. All her friends and of course all the snotty suitors had complimented her on her hair when it cooperated and hung straight.
"There, my lady," the serving girl said as she applied the last bit of makeup. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," Toph replied as she felt Iroh come to her door.
He knocked and the girl opened it for him. "My lady," the girl said, "General Iroh is here."
"I'm here to escort the fair lady to the banquet," Iroh said from the doorway. "Ah and there she is."
"Fair lady? Where?" Toph asked, moving her head around as if looking for the mysterious person.
Iroh chuckled and took her hand gently, wrapping it around his arm as he escorted her to the grand hall. Toph started to dread the hall as she felt the vibrations of lots of people, but she kept a smile on her face as they approached a set of great wooden doors that separated them from the hall.
"Not scared of people are you?" Zuko asked as he and Mai approached Iroh and Toph.
"I'm not scared of anything. I'm just wary of suitors," Toph replied, keeping her smile on her face.
"I'm glad I didn't have to go though that," Mai said with a small smile in her tone. "Zuko, why don't you dance with Toph for the first dance?"
"What?!" both Toph and Zuko cried to Mai and Iroh's chuckles.
"Well, since dancing has come back to the Fire Nation," Mai said, "It's tradition for the Fire Lord and Lady to do the first dance, but I'm far too clumsy right now. Since Toph is our guest, you two should do the first dance."
"Mai…"Zuko started to object, but Toph interjected. "Are you sure it would be ok?"
"What?" Zuko asked as he turned to Toph. "You said you didn't dance."
"Doesn't mean can't, dear Nephew," Iroh said with a grin in his voice to which Toph sighed and blew a stray hair out of her face. She knew exactly what Iroh was talking about. "I've seen Toph dance better than the finest ladies in any court," the old general said to which Toph blushed.
"Good, so Zuko and Toph will do the first dance," Mai said smugly to which both Zuko and Toph sighed but nodded.
Toph knew better than to argue with a pregnant lady and Zuko obviously knew it as well. They took their places and soon the great doors had opened and they were announced. After the crowd had cheered and welcomed them, Zuko led the way to the main table where Toph sat next between Zuko and Iroh. An emissary from the Water Tribe sat on Iroh's other side and the discussion on the general's side caught Toph's attention during dinner until Zuko poked her in the side.
"What?" she whispered to him, slightly irritated.
"Time for our dance," Zuko whispered back before he rose out of his chair.
Toph sighed and let Zuko help her rise out of her chair as the announcer announced them and Zuko led her to the center of the dancing floor.
"Good thing you can't see all the people watching you," Zuko said to her as the music started and he led her into a slow dance.
"Doesn't mean I can't feel them," Toph replied. "Hey, you've gotten better Sparky. Last time I felt you dance, you stepped on Mai's toes every turn."
"Had to," he said as he moved her into a simple turn. "Mai wouldn't rest until I could dance decently. So why are you afraid of all those young men?"
"I am not afraid," Toph growled to which Zuko remained silent, but she could tell he was smirking. "Can we not talk about this?" Toph asked, trying to give Zuko another innocent look.
"No," Zuko replied with a smile in his tone. "Answer me."
"Is it the Fire Lord commanding me?" Toph asked with a small smirk.
"No, your friend is asking," Zuko replied. "You wouldn't answer any authority if you could help it. So how is it that you're an ambassador anyways?"
"My love of politics," Toph said as Zuko spun her into another turn. She knew his concentration was elsewhere for a second, but then he spun her again.
"What if I said I could introduce you to a young man that will see the real you, and won't harass you," Zuko said slyly as she came back to him.
"I might kill you," Toph replied, frowning up at Zuko.
"Well, you can earthbend the admirers away as long as you promise to repair everything tomorrow."
"And you'll interrupt if I need you to?" she said before he spun her around with him.
"The greatest earthbender in the world asking me for help?" Zuko asked, acting shocked.
"Stop it Princess," Toph said and felt Zuko tense at the old nickname. "I'm serious."
"So am I Toph. Yes, I guess I could help you. But only if you really need it."
"It's a deal then," Toph said as the music ended. Toph curtsied to the Fire Lord before he took her arm and guided her away from the main table. She felt a man similar in build to Zuko stand up as Zuko stopped in front of him.
"Lady Toph, may I present to you Lord Wan Lo. He is one of my advisors on the Earth Kingdom and agriculture and I'm sure you two will meet later in talks. Wan Lo, may I present my good and dear friend, Toph Bei Fong, also known as the Blind Bandit."
Toph almost smirked as Zuko emphasized 'good and dear friend'. It was almost like a threat. Zuko let her arm go as Wan Lo took her hand and kissed it softly. Toph smiled up at her new acquaintance as Zuko left her side and retreated to his wife's side.
"May I have this dance?" Wan Lo asked, almost stuttering for a second.
Toph nodded and Wan Lo led her out onto the dance floor. They talked of politics, the Earth Kingdom and just being benders. Toph found out that though he was a firebender, Wan Lo's mother was an Earth Kingdom citizen and he had recently moved to the Fire Nation.
"Fire Lord Sozin gave lands to my grandparents in the colonies," Wan Lo said as he escorted Toph away from the dancing. "My father fell in love with a girl with beautiful green eyes and he married her. She wasn't an earthbender, but her cousin is."
"But why are you here?" Toph asked him as they stopped for a drink. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but the banquet, and talking and maybe flirting with Wan Lo, was actually kind of…fun.
"Originally, checking on my family's lands here in the Fire Nation. But when Fire Lord Zuko heard about how well I was doing with introducing Earth Kingdom crops to the lands here, he asked me to be an advisor and I couldn't be happier."
Toph smiled, but that turned into a frown as she felt many men approach her from all angles.
"Let's do another dance," she said, quickly pulling Wan Lo back to the dance floor. As she pulled the young man out, she earthbent a notice to Zuko that she needed assistance. Several men still approached her and she knew Wan Lo was too courteous to keep her to himself. They started dancing, but she still felt several men closing in on her. She sent another reminder, this time a sharp one, to Zuko. To her surprise, the man who approached and interrupted her and Wan Lo was Iroh.
"May I have this dance," the old general asked.
"Of course General Iroh," Wan Lo replied, bowing away from them.
"Thanks," Toph muttered to Iroh as she felt the other men back away.
"You shouldn't be so hard on my nephew. I know he wants more children eventually," Iroh said with a wry tone.
"Then he should listen better," Toph replied with a wry smile.
Iroh chuckled and continued to dance with her before leading her to a different young man. This one was just as nice as Wan Lo, but not as interesting. Toph slowly maneuvered between men and occasionally retreated to the main table, but enjoyed the banquet more than she usually did. After midnight, Iroh escorted her back to her room where she promptly fell asleep.
XXXXX
Toph woke up late the next morning with a headache. She knew she had had too much to drink the night before and had danced far more than she usually did.
"Good morning my lady," the serving girl said as Toph heard her throw the curtains open. Toph mumbled something dark as she felt the warmth of sunlight on her, but the girl knew she was awake. Toph was herded into a bath, the serving girl talking about how beautiful she had been and talked about the gossip going around and how good of an impression Toph had made, dancing with the Fire Lord and General Iroh and all the other handsome men. And how Toph would need all her energy for her spar with the Fire Lord.
"Wait, what was that last one?" Toph asked as she got out of the bath.
"Your spar with the Fire Lord this morning, my lady," the girl squeaked after wrapping a towel around Toph.
"Oh calm down and get me some tea," Toph sighed. "Seriously, did you used to work for Azula?"
The girl squeaked again and the teapot she had just picked up clattered. Toph grinned. She had hit the mark.
"What's your name?" Toph asked.
"Ming, my lady."
"You are to address me as Toph, Ming and relax. Now, get me outfit number eight and then join me for tea."
The girl bowed her head and quickly got the outfit for Toph, helping the earthbender into the pants and shirt set before pouring two glasses of tea. Ming was still unsteady when Toph finished her tea, but the earthbender was feeling more awake and ready for her spar.
"Good job Ming. Now, where can I find the Fire Lord?"
Ming directed her to the gardens where Toph found Zuko meditating in an earthen sparring ring. Iroh and Mai were there as well, sitting in the shade and talking quietly as Toph approached Zuko.
"Took you long enough," Zuko muttered as she tried to sneak the last few steps to him.
"Not everyone rises with the sun," Toph snapped to which Iroh and Mai chuckled. "Especially after a banquet like that. So, are we going to spar or are you just going to sit there?"
Zuko rose in one fluid motion and sent a fireball at Toph. She felt the heat coming and kicked up a wall as she went into the ground. She felt Zuko moving over her and sent up several pillars to destabilize him before rising behind him. She was about to send a wave of earth at him when he blasted a huge flame right at her as she ascended. Toph quickly brought up a wall to shield herself from the fire as the heat and intensity increased.
"Come on Toph," Zuko said as he stopped the blast. "I know you're better than this."
"Oh, so you want better?" Toph replied with a wry grin.
She felt Zuko become unsure before he steadied his stance. Toph smirked as she sent a wave of earth at Zuko followed by earthen ropes. Zuko blasted himself into the air and Toph waited, holding the earthen ropes ready. She heard Zuko landing behind her and thrust her ropes to intercept him. He blasted at the ropes and at Toph, but she just smiled. Bringing a wave of earth up in front of her to shield herself from another blast, she sent her last rope behind Zuko as he landed and tied him up around his midsection. He struggled against it as he blasted through the earthen shield and grabbed her arm.
"Ooh, good one," Toph said as she felt his hand heat up.
"I'd say the same for you…if you'd…stop…tightening…"
"Say uncle," Toph replied a she felt his hand heat up even more. His hand was almost at burning temperature, but she knew she could get out.
"You…first," Zuko snarled as Toph constricted her earthen rope even more.
"Not today," Toph said and slipped out of his grip and into the earth. She came up behind him and brought up four more ropes to hold his limbs. "I'm waiting," Toph said as she held Zuko.
"Uncle," Zuko sighed and Toph let the earth return to the ground as the Fire Lord regained his breath.
Iroh and Mai were applauding as Zuko stood up straight. "I told him I'd lose," Zuko said to Toph as they joined the two in the shade for drinks.
"But you still tried anyways," Toph whispered back. "That's what I love about you Sparky. You keep on going."
She felt Zuko turn towards her, almost questioning, and Toph punched his arm. "Cool it. You're just my best friend. And Mai is too."
She felt the Fire Lord relax as Iroh got up to hand her a towel. Mai moved to rise as well, but Toph felt something going on within the Fire Lady.
"Mai, are you ok?" Toph asked, rushing to Mai's side as the Fire Lady stumbled and sat back down abruptly. Instantly Zuko and Iroh were at her side.
"Yes, I think the baby turned. I'm all right," Mai said as she sat back down. A man was on either side of her and Toph in front of her, holding her hand. Toph concentrated, but didn't feel anything else abnormal with Mai.
"She's fine," Toph said. "Maybe you were right Dullsville."
"Let's let the healers look at you anyways," Zuko said as he helped his wife up and into the palace.
"And let's get you cleaned up as well," Iroh said as he took Toph's arm. "You need to meet your team."
"Not today Uncle," Toph said as she let him lead the way. "Today I need another bath and a break from men and headaches."
Iroh chuckled. "Then I have the perfect remedy for you. Lots of tea."
Toph laughed at the old firebender as he led her inside.
XXXXX
Ming helped Toph into a new dress for dinner. It wasn't nearly as showy as the banquet dress had been, but was still silk and still comfortable. Toph smiled as she felt the smooth silk with her hands as she ran them down the long skirt.
"Anything else my…Toph?" Ming asked.
"No Ming. Just remember to get that suit washed and returned to hanger number eight," Toph said as she tied on her makeshift shoes over her feet, leaving her bare feet on the ground.
"How do you know where they go?" Ming asked as Toph put a necklace a ring on.
"Simple, Iroh helped me pick them and I know which outfit is best suited for what occasion and they never leave that hanger. Have a good night Ming."
Toph made her way to the dining hall, following Mai and Zuko's vibrations. She also found Wan Lo there, much to her delight and surprise.
"Hope we didn't presume too much," Mai said with a smile in her tone.
"No, not at all," Toph said as Wan Lo approached her and took her hand. She blushed slightly as he kissed the back of her hand before leading her to her seat.
"Well, he is handsome," Mai whispered to Toph as the earthbender sat next to the Fire Lady.
"Clever and loves politics too," Toph whispered back as Wan Lo sat across from her. "Wonder how he spars."
She heard Mai suppress a chuckle and dinner started. They five talked of almost everything, politics, family, and even the future. Wan Lo and Toph got along so well, she even started telling him of all the awful suitors she had met and had everyone laughing as they got worse and worse.
"And then I bent metal rods around his ankles from the kitchen and the dogs chased him all over Ba Sing Sae while he had his pants around his ankles," Toph said finally, to which Wan Lo and everyone was laughing.
"It's growing late," Iroh stated as they got control of themselves. "We should all go to bed. Lady Toph, may I escort you?"
"Actually, I think Wan Lo should," Toph said, feeling the young man blush slightly as he rose to take her arm.
She felt Zuko help Mai up and both were smiling. Wan Lo led the way to her room. She knew she liked this man, and he was seeing the real Toph. He also respected her for who she was, not because of what she was.
"You were very beautiful tonight," Wan Lo said as they turned into the hallway that led to her room. "Just remind me to never get on your bad side."
Toph smiled. "As long as you don't forget who you're dealing with, I don't see any problem with that."
Wan Lo chuckled and Toph smiled even more. The man had a warm laugh that invited laughter and ease.
"I don't think that will be a problem once I see you in the politics arena," he said wryly as they reached her door.
He stopped and withdrew, kissing the back of her hand lightly. "Goodnight fair lady."
He was about to walk away when Toph grabbed his shirt and pulled him in for a brief kiss.
"Goodnight," she said with a smile as she left him breathless at her doorway. She closed the door behind her and felt Wan Lo leave after another minute.
"Did you have a good time…Toph?" Ming asked as she came forward to help Toph out of the dress.
"Wonderful," Toph sighed as she moved her arms up so Ming could take the dress off easier. "Who knew there would be a rich boy that could see the real me?"
"Ah, Lord Wan Lo," Ming sighed as she took the dress off and moved to place it on its' hanger. "He is very handsome, and very charming. Do you like him?"
"I think so," Toph said with a smile, feeling a blush come onto her face as the servant came back and helped her into a silken nightgown. "I'll wait and see, but I think the Fire Nation will be good for me. Goodnight Ming."
"Goodnight Toph," Ming said as she exited the room.
Toph thought about the two days she had been in the Fire Nation. Things were going well and it looked like they were going to be getting better. She sighed happily as she pulled her pillow into her. And as she drifted off to sleep, she thought that maybe, maybe she would find somebody for her.