#pyrescar

Twas a joyful day to celebrate , laughter echoed through the stone halls of the facility , music from the old stereo blended with the chatter of the patrons , providing a light natured air all over the main halls of the Jasmine Dragon Tea Shop , as it marks it's 10th year annniversary since it's opening. Despite being unable to mingle properly with other visitors considering their Big Shot Titles && what nots ( && lack that there is to talk about with) , Toph still remained to show support to the Old man she cherished like family . A pleasent smile etched on her face , body leaning against the wall comfortably as she hid at the sidelines . Letting the soles of her feet rest on top of the porcelean cement of the building , freely permetting her senses to lounge for a bit , it lazily scanned the vacinity occasionally lingering on people she finds entertaining like the feather light vibrations of people dancing , the heavy stomps of an angry ba sing se official that was losing a game of paisho && finally she settled lastly at the star of the night. Iroh who is happily serving his tea for everyone. Toph could feel the delight on his heart && the joy in his laughter making the earthbender feel joyish as well && decide only to settle on the shadows , enjoying the show unfolds, until someone had stopped her focus. The earthbender was caught off guard, in her defense she let her guard down since this was a party so the other person couldn't really blame her for her reaction, she immediately shifted her body to giare at the other before stopping abrupty upon the contact of their arms. In an instant, familiarity washed over the blind woman , recognizing the warmth of the fire bender's limbs, there's an excited pulll from zuko that she cannot deny but to follow , ushering Toph away from her little secluded corner , && as her feet started to follow the said Fire bender, her senses was all directed towards him , there's a bounce on his feet , && fluttering joy in his heart beat . Toph may not see it , but she could clearly feel the genuine ' Joy ' he feels , && It was infectious. Endearing even. && Toph couldn't help but to let out a laughter of her own to equal his excitement, after all who is she to deny the Fire Lor--- no. In here he is just Zuko. the feeling of genuine ' happiness ' for his uncle's success , so she caved in && excitedly matched his foot steps. ❝ You're Late, Sparky! I hope the gift you got for your uncle can beat mine ❞ Toph teased , holding into his arm with mirthful glee.

The door to the throne room opened with a loud creak , followed by sharp && precise footsteps , that grows louder as she approached the throne where the Fire Lord seats . Mai didn't bow to offer respect nor showed any form of fear towards him despite her mere presence had caused disturbance already towards his work . In fact she didn't have an ounce of care to what task && responsibility he has to finish that evening , especially not when she knew that what he is doing right now is recipe for impending 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 . ❝ Are you going to continue acting like this ? ❞ her voice speaks venom as she tilted her head up to meet his gaze. Eyebrows knitting together in anger not towards her boyfriend , but towards his selfish needs to prove the world that 𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 , when the world itself knew already the truth, he is just far too blind to see it . ❝ I've been informed that you've been awake for 4 days now . Zuko . && I'm not going to turn into your Nanny . every time you decide to sabotage yourself . 𝐆𝐎 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏 . ❞ That's her final warning , if he ever wanted to salvage whatever is already left between them.

❝ Stop it— ❞ Toph snapped , her voice cutting the silence between the two of them. They were given a momentarily privacy as the water tribe siblings fought to bring aang back from the brink of death . ❝ Stop making me feel as if I'm going to break. I'm blind Zuko , Not Dumb. ❞

&& , Now here they are at the end of it — Side - by - side in the dark , hands still linked together in a tight grip . Toph couldn't remember the exact moment their fingers had slid together , but she was completely aware of how Zuko's hand is warm — always too warm , like a living furnace — && his grip was firm , Steady yet tender . careful && protective at the same time. His long fingers wrapped perfectly around her smaller ones . Causing something deep inside her to stir, an ache of wanting that she didn't know existed inside her && same time a sign of acknowledgement that she / loves / the way his large hands completely covered hers. To toph's disappointment however , she felt zuko's weight shift. His Fingers began to slowly , reluctantly unclasp from hers. A signal that tells their time together has finally concluded && it's time for them to say goodbye. Toph should do the same , it's the right thing but instead , the earthbender didn't let him. Pulling his hand back , she squeezed his hand hard, forcing their fingers to intertwine again. ❝ Stay — ❞ she ordered , coming out like a bossy demand && then she looked up at his face , stubborn && selfishness writtten on her face. A second later however realization of what she just stated hit her like a charging moose-lion. She felt her cheeks heat up as she tried to control the damage with an explanation . ❝ What I meant to say It's late ❞ Toph uttered fast, her heart hammering against her ribs yet her fingers still locked tightly in his , ruining the chance to make her story believable at all . ❝ && I wouldn't want your stuck up soldiers, goin after me && my lily live- ' Students' if the Fire Lord suddenly get mugged on his way back ! ❞ Even to her own ears, she found her excuse terrible && silly . Making a mental note that she would never let herself get away with it. So she just thought / fuck it / her dignity be damned && with one final deliberate squeeze , putting everything she couldn't say into his palm . Toph whispered, his voice losing all it's stubborness && thick defenses . ❝ Stay. Just for Tonight. ❞

❝ Don't you think , it's a little too late for a midnight stroll ? ❞ Toph questioned her voice filled with fake suspicion && amusement as she remained her back from the other. ❝ You should be careful — sir . Word on the street is there's a rogue spirit running amok tonight . It'd be a real headache for Cheif Beifong if a civillian get caught up in it's games ... unless you happen to be the spirit in question. ❞

Her   thumbs   started    rubbing   against   his   jawline  , pressing   firmly   into   his    skin.     She  traced    the    sharp   angle   of   his    nose ,  && the soft , distinct    texture   of    the    burned   flesh   on    his   left   eye. She mapped    him     with   an agonizing    slowness && tenderness   ,   her    hands    trembling   as    if    she   were    desperately memorizing    every    single    detail   of  his    face,    terrified    that   he   as  well   might vanish   if   she   let   go   && once   she   was   satisfied ,   her   hands   never   left   his face instead she rested her forehead against his own , closing her eyes , && For a moment it was quiet   until  Toph   let   out  a   quiet   sigh    of relief , && content confirmation of the truth.     ❝ We survived. ❞