Chapter Text
In a world where the avatar and bending exists, soul marks were considered rare. To be able to find another soul which fits yours perfectly, to have someone who will understand you and accept you wholeheartedly – this is what most human beings secretly crave for.
When one is born with a soul mark, words that will be first said by their soulmate appears on their skin, generally it would look faded until they meet one another and it will solidify into an inky black, forever marking their skin that they are blessed to have found their other half. Though the opposite could be said when one’s soulmate dies, the words on their partners would disappear; such was the case to some individuals who lost their soulmate before they even met or have found one another but happiness was snuffed by circumstances that were out of their control. They say that the skin where the words were once etched before seemed more colder than the rest and the feeling of being incomplete never goes away for the rest of their life, but these are just sayings that individuals with no soul mark believes.
Such trivial things don’t hold much significance for Toph Beifong, having been caged all her life and being blind as well, Toph believes that soulmates are just nonsense that hopeless romantics believe in. Her parents didn’t have soul marks and as far as she knows she doesn’t have one as well; this suit her just fine. What she wanted in life was to escape from her parents and be able to earthbend to her heart’s content. She wanted to travel the world and show them that she’s the best earthbender, but being a kid sometimes hinder that to you.
When she was eleven a peculiar thing happened to her as she was walking around the estate’s garden, the side of her left rib started aching, a pain she never felt before brought her to her knees and her retainers started rushing to her. A healer was called and with her parents she was examined. Whatever the healer saw made everyone in the room gasped. Toph wanted to know what happened, she knows that looks were being exchanged with the way her parents’ heartbeats were trying to escape their chests and the way she could almost feel pity emanating from the healer.
“Mother? Father? What is it? Is something wrong with me?” Toph knew that her questions would fall on deaf ears but her curiosity was piqued.
“Nothing dear, there’s just an angry bruise on your ribs my dear daughter” She didn’t even need to use her seismic sense to know that her father lied through his teeth. Soon her parents and the healer moved to another room to discuss whatever it was, and she was left alone in her chambers to rest. Whatever was said between them was lost on her and the pain was soon forgotten after a few weeks.
Years passed and she never thought about that incident. Toph managed to escape her parents when she turned fourteen by lying to the avatar. Now she got what she wanted, the chains were broken and she’s travelling with the avatar while teaching the flighty airbender how to be a decent earthbender and of course, she was there to help stop the hundred-year war that the Fire Nation waged against the Air Nomads, Earth Kingdom, and the Water Tribes.
Right now she and her friends were looking for a refuge when they saw a clearing with a small body of water. After days of flying on Appa, Toph could kiss the dirt with how happy she was to finally be back on solid ground. The group decided to settle for now and set up camp so they can recoup and rest for a while before continuing their journey.
Deciding to have fun and enjoy the water, Toph and the others lounged and swam in the lake; with Toph staying in the shallows. This was a first for the earthbender; having friends, being able to accept help without feeling the pity, and being able to trust other people was new to her. While goofing around with Sokka and Aang they heard Katara gasped.
“What is it? Did you spot someone?” Sokka asked with a hint of panic. Everyone was suddenly on edge and Toph couldn’t help but move closer to land so she could see better with her seismic sense.
“No, it’s just that…” Katara didn’t continue but Toph could feel her gaze straight to her.
“What Sugarqueen? I can feel you staring at me” There was hesitance in her voice, and it set Toph on edge.
“Spit it out. What’s wrong? There’s nobody here but us” Toph managed to say. She was back on shore and had scanned the surrounding area. There was only flora and wildlife around them.
“I’m sorry for staring Toph. It’s just that you’re the only other person aside from Aang and I that I encountered with a soul mark.”
Confusion – it’s the only thing that she felt at the moment. The words were directed at her but she couldn’t really fathom it. Of course she and Sokka knew that Aang and Katara were soulmates though the two seemed to have an understanding that they need to wait until the war was over before acting on it. But her? Toph Beifong? The greatest earthbender in the world having a soul mark? It’s laughable in her opinion.
“What are you talking about? I don’t have a soul mark.” She managed to say once she gathered her thoughts.
“I’m pretty sure the words on the underside of your left rib is your soul mark Toph.” Now everyone’s attention was on the earthbender and it didn’t really make her comfortable.
Interestingly she remembered what happened to her when she was still a little girl, when she felt that searing pain on the area that Katara mentioned, and she remembered the silence that followed when the healer examined her. How her parents gasped and the pity she felt from everyone. She realized then that something must have happened to her soulmate that almost cost them their life. Toph didn’t know what to feel about that though she did know her anger towards her parents came back in full force. They lied to her; they must have known about it since she was born but they never told her. Her parents must have thought that she was too fragile and helpless to meet someone else.
“What does it say?” For curiosity’s sake Toph asked no one in particular.
“It says.. It says Oh, Hi there” Aang couldn’t but laugh while answering her and soon all of them joined in. She could not believe that her soul mark was a generic greeting and it felt good to laugh with the group that it dissipated the somber mood from before. Toph didn’t know how she would know her soulmate once she meets them because of the words etched on her skin, not that she believed in it nor would she do something about it if ever they meet; but her curiosity was piqued and since soul marks were never brought up in her household all she knew about it were fables and that it was rare to have them. Toph wanted to corner Katara and planned to find the right time to inquire so she can raise the topic.
Finally in the evening when Katara was preparing dinner and Toph was lounging in the campfire did the opportunity came up.
“Hey Sweetness, I have to ask you something”
“Sure, Toph what is it? And you know you can at least help me prepare dinner, right? Tossing me the ingredients isn’t too much to ask” nagged Katara halfheartedly.
“I’m blind Katara in case you haven’t notice. I might toss you Momo and I wouldn’t know about it” Toph can be pretty annoying when she wanted to be and there was the issue of Toph not knowing how to raise the topic of soul marks without seeming like an eager badgermole.
“Or you’re just too lazy to help. Now what is it that you wanted to ask me Toph”
“Don’t take this the wrong way. It’s just that I never knew about my soul mark and I don’t really know anything about it” She started.
“What? Your parents never told you that you have it? That’s just.. That’s so... Ugh” Toph can feel Katara’s irritation across from the campfire.
“Relax. They must have thought that I would never be able to meet them since they didn’t plan on letting me out of the estate. You know how they are. You’ve met them. They see me as helpless and fragile.” She couldn’t help but let the resentment lace her words. She felt Katara cross the campfire to sit beside her.
“I’m sorry about that Toph. I know we have our differences from time to time, but you know that I believe in you right. You’re capable of taking care of yourself and taking out ten men triple your size with a flick of your hands. Now, I believe you wanted to know about soul marks. Is that it?” Toph was touched and couldn’t help but sock Katara right on her arm for being too sweet.
“Thanks Sugarqueen but yeah. I kind of wanted to know about it. All I know about it is that it’s rare, they say it looks faded until you meet them or whatever faded meant and that it would be erased from your skin if they die first. But...” This was where Toph’s apprehension showed and Katara stayed silent, knowing that Toph needed a moment to gather her thoughts and ask.
“But with me being blind, I wouldn’t know when I would meet them, not that I plan to meet them or that I am going to do something about it but you know… From what I heard the words would be solid once your soulmate spoke it to you. How will I know that?”
Katara’s voice was full of comfort and no pity was held when she answered Toph “I understand Toph and maybe your view about soul marks will change once you meet them but I understand that you are curious. When I met Aang and he spoke his words to me there was almost this warmth I felt where my soul mark was. When I checked my hand and saw the words in solid ink, I knew that he was my soulmate.”
For Toph it was too sweet and pure and everything that Toph Beifong does not stand for. So she did what she did best and teased Katara about it.
“Ugh Sweetness you are too sweet. Why is it that you and Aang haven’t acted up on it? Though you are lucky to have met Aang at such a young age.” Some never meet their soulmate in their lifetime was unspoken but both parties understood what was unsaid.
As such in the life of travelling with the avatar, thoughts of soulmates and soul marks and even laughter were soon forgotten as the group fought to stay alive. Moons passed as they prepared for Sozin’s comet did a miracle happen upon them.
Zuko, the prince of the Fire Nation formally asked the group for forgiveness and to let him join the group so he can teach Aang firebending.
Toph never met Zuko. She only knew about the stories the group talked about him. How he chased them around the world in order to capture Aang, how they once thought he would help them but he turned his back on them. Katara of course wanted nothing to do with him but Aang asked Toph if he was telling the truth and soon the prince was integrated in the group.
That was only a couple of hours ago and Toph haven’t formally spoken to Zuko yet. Honestly, she doesn’t know what to feel about the guy. He was jumpy most of the time and she can hear him muttering to himself about honor and ‘being bad at being good’ or whatever that was.
Currently under a tree and taking a nap, Toph was woken up when she felt a foot tripped from her own and the person stumbled.
“Oh, hi there” She recognized Zuko when he spoke from her right once he had his balance back but from her irritation the words didn’t register to her nor did the warmth she was feeling on the underside of her ribs.
“Watch where you’re going dunderhead” She couldn’t help but snap. Curiously she heard the telltale sign of his breath hitching, his heartbeat racing, and him generally being stunned.
“What? What is it?” Only then did Toph noticed the fleeting warmth from her side and only then did she feel the other person’s rigid stance. No, no way. There was no way that the Prince of the Fire Nation was her soulmate. Fate couldn’t be too harsh on her right (but life often doesn’t go your way and you are left to deal with the cards you do have.)
There was one thing you need to know about Toph Beifong, she’s not a coward; her staying silent and walking away from a stunned Zuko was just a strategic way of knowing which battle was worth picking a fight for and not her fleeing from the realization that yes, she did actually have a soulmate and she doesn’t know what to do about it. And if for some reason you would not be able to find her on the same vicinity when Zuko was there then that was just a complete coincidence. Alas, Toph ran out of luck and soon the prince sought her out.
“Hey… it’s uh.. Zuko” What an awkward turtleduck. This was the first thought that Toph had when he spoke.
“I know it’s you. I know everyone’s footsteps Sparky. What do you want?” Honestly Toph was tired and just wanted to get it over with. Zuko kept fidgeting, she felt him alternating his feet and raking his hair. Toph thought that maybe she was not the only one being uncomfortable about the whole situation.
“So uh, apparently we’re soulmates” Zuko sounded unsure of himself when he said it.
“Yeah, and what about it” Toph tried to be nonchalant about the whole thing because she really wanted nothing to do with it. Her parents wanted to control her before and no other person can do that again, certainly not a soulmate. There was a sigh, and his heartbeat sped up to an almost anger but soon it calmed down. She was curious if her treatment towards him the past couple of weeks were getting on his nerves but it seemed that his resolve solidified and he became more confident when he answered her.
“Listen, I know we are soulmates Toph and I know you are uncomfortable about it but we don’t have to do anything about it you know. I managed to patch things up with the others and well I want to be friends with you too. Is that ok? Can we be friends as well?” There was a hint of desperation in his voice and Toph couldn’t help but pity the prince. She knew he was telling the truth and she couldn’t help but feel a little bit of regret for how she treated him these past few weeks when he only wanted to be friends with her. Growing up alone meant that Toph lacked on having friends and it was only then that she realized that maybe she wasn’t the only one who never had friends before.
“Sigh, I’m… sorry. About how I acted towards you before. I never really expected to meet my soulmate in this lifetime so I, you know. I didn’t know how to react when we met each other. But yeah that would be nice. Having another friend I mean.” Apologizing was never and will never be her strong forte but she figured she could give it to Zuko once. The contented and happy heartbeat that she felt from him was kind of worth the apology and at least she had another friend to have in life.
“So, friends?” The shyness in his voice was unmistakable as he offered his hand to shake and she decided that he really was an awkward turtleduck.
“Yeah. Friends.” And so came the handshake. An oath to the start of another beautiful friendship.
Toph and Zuko seemed to have an understanding that they would not be pursuing anything other than friendship and they were both fine with it. They got along well with one another, there was no more animosity and the tense mood that surrounded the group when Zuko first joined was gone once he was forgiven by the members of the gang. Focusing on teaching Aang to master all elements became their sole motivation especially since Sozin’s comet was nearly approaching.
There were nights when the group had long since gone to bed and sleep was a fleeting thought that Zuko and Toph often find themselves at the campfire, just talking about anything and nothing. She knew that Zuko has someone special in the Fire Nation, Mai. He talked about his insecurities and always being second to Azula and in turn she talked about the loneliness that surrounded her throughout her childhood; how her parents thought that she would never be capable of taking care of herself. It was nice, Toph had to admit. Being able to talk freely and knowing that Zuko would never judge her although maybe her promising to pummel him if he so much try to judge her was also a factor. They had an unspoken agreement that what was spoken during these times were for them only, and the vulnerability they showed to one another was not to be spoken about when the sun rises.
It was enough for both parties to be friends with their soulmate, and they never brought up that topic again. Although they seemed to have forgotten one little thing, you can never fight fate and destiny once it was handed to you.
It was during one of the times that the group decided to watch Zuko and Aang train that the soul mark topic was brought up, they never really shared with the others that they found their soulmate. It wasn’t that they were trying to hide the fact that they found one another but for Zuko and Toph they just thought it was an inconsequential thing.
“Woah, Zuko is that what I think it is.” Sokka was always too nosy for his own good and this was one of the times it showed. It was the first time that Zuko decided to take his top off while training Aang and it seemed that most of the members saw the solid ink engraved on his skin; another mark that would forever be part of him. Now that she thought about it, Toph doesn’t really know where his soul mark was located, once they got past the fact that they were soulmates the topic was never brought up again. So for curiosity’s sake she was interested to know where it was and maybe there was also mirth because she knew what those words say.
“What do you mean?” There was trepidation in Zuko’s voice.
“At the inside of your elbow, is that a soul mark?” Everyone’s attention was now on the firebender as Sokka curiously inquired.
“Uh yeah.” This boy needs to get checked, Toph thought. His heart was always skittering with every prod, he seemed to be always paranoid that others were out to get him.
“Oh man, am I the only one in the group without a soul mark? How come you got one as well. But woah, you’ve met your soulmate already? Don’t tell me it’s that knife throwing chick.” Toph wishes she could bury Sokka because now she could feel everyone’s interest on Zuko’s soulmate a.k.a. her.
“Oh, uhm. It’s actually not Mai…” He trailed off, and she could feel that he turned his gaze on her before staring off. It seemed that he was unsure of how to proceed, and he was waiting for her to take the lead. Toph knew that if she didn’t want the group to know that one way or another, they were supposed to be bound to each other then he would not be saying anything.
She decided to end his misery and help him out before his heart gave out on him. She doesn’t really mind the others knowing that they were soulmates, they were all friends, and she trusts them. But apparently Sokka had other plans as he walked towards Zuko and checked out the writing on his elbow before doubling over laughter.
“Watch where you’re going dunderhead, oh man Zuko. That’s the first thing your soulmate said to you? I’m sure her and Toph would get along, she liked using that word…” There was a moment of pause and several intakes of breaths as the group registered the words that flew from Sokka’s mouth. Toph couldn’t help it and she ended up laughing out loud because of their shock.
“Guys, oh this is so good. I should have dropped the bomb if I knew this is how you are going to react. But yeah, what do you know it seems Sparky is my soulmate.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell us that you met your soulmate Toph?” Katara asked sharply. And that it’s Zuko was unspoken but thought of.
“Would it change anything if we tell you? We decided to be friends and leave it at that. Besides, it just never came up. You know we are trying to stop the Fire Nation from destroying everything right?”
“It is what Toph said. Everything is good between us and it’s nice to have another friend who I can trust. Is it such a big deal?” Zuko calmed down a lot once she stepped in.
And that was that. The group respected their decision and all thoughts about soulmates were once again buried as the day of the final battle came.
They did it. They actually did it. A group of ragtag children helped end the war that lasted for one hundred years. The adrenaline and her almost falling off from one of the war balloons made Toph feel older than her age but she pushed through as her, Aang, Sokka, and Suki descended in the courtyard of the Fire Nation’s palace. If she was a little more than relieved when she felt Zuko and Katara’s heartbeat then that was just her being happy that her group was still complete especially when she felt pain at the side of her ribs earlier. If the others noticed how she ran straight to Zuko and how Zuko sought out her hand then they were wise enough to keep mum about it. If they saw that Zuko wildly checked Toph for injuries and how they saw him release a relieved breath when he decided that she had none then that was just him being reassured that all his friends were fine.
Once Toph felt the unsteady beating of Zuko’s heart did she let herself relax; it was unsteady yes, but it was beating and that was enough for now. Today was a hard day for everyone, even her. She figured that she could be vulnerable for once and let herself be glad that everyone she loved were here and alive and whole. The staggering relief she felt made her dizzy and weak on the knees and if it wasn’t for Sokka supporting her she would have stumbled on the hard ground. She felt Zuko’s gaze on her person but she couldn’t really find the words anymore as the adrenaline left her body. Soon their allies arrived and the children were whisked off to be properly looked at. Defeating Ozai and Azula was just one step of ending the hundred-year war, untangling the damage caused by it to every land known to man would be another thing to worry about but for now the adults let the children rest; They have done more than enough.
Peace is weird, This was what Toph thought while walking around the palace garden of the Fire Nation. It had been several weeks since their group ended the war, there were meetings and preparations for the coronation and it was the first time that she found some time to herself. After being on the run for a year and having to watch your back all the time it was weird for her to let her guard down. She was sure that she wasn’t the only one in the group who felt that way, they haven’t had the time to relax again after the final battle and she wanted to escape with everyone just so they could have fun and be their selves. Too preoccupied with her thoughts, Toph didn’t noticed another person’s heartbeat until she rounded the corner.
Being a few ways away Toph decided to observe her friend through her sense. She was glad to feel that his heartbeat was much steadier and that his stance was a little more straighter than before. The healers and Katara wasn’t sure before if there would be permanent damage from being struck with lightning and she hoped that it would not be the case. For now, she decided to let her presence be known, after all it’s been a while since they talked to one another even though they were staying at the same place.
“Hey, Sparky” She finally reached where he was sitting in front of a pond and heard the quacking of the turtleducks. Heh, the awkward turtleduck returns home, she thought.
“Toph, it’s been a while. How are you?” A smile automatically graced her features, the pleasant thrumming of his heartbeat and the tone of his voice let Toph know that he was glad to see her and that there was probably a smile gracing his face as well.
“Ugh, you know I never actually thought of what would happen after we defeat your father and sister. I didn’t know it would be spent in closed doors surrounded with old men arguing about what goes where and who goes where but here we are. I mean I decided to leave my parents because I hated that they think I was weak and because they were stuffing all those proper societal practices but this is much worse.”
Throughout her rant Zuko stayed silent and listened to her. It struck her how she missed this, talking to one another. All those nights they spent talking in the campfire came back to her thoughts with a vengeance and she realized that it would probably be harder to do that now, with him becoming his nation’s Fire Lord in just a few weeks.
Focusing on Zuko she asked what had been a constant thought on her mind these past few weeks
“Speaking of meetings and preparations, how are you Zuko? We haven’t been able to find the time to sit down and talk to each other, but I worry for you. You were bedridden for a week and now you are working yourself to the bones. How do you feel about all of this?” Toph could feel the shift of his emotions as he tried to gather his thoughts and feelings, she knew it could take a while so she settled herself beside him and waited.
“To be honest I’m not sure. It feels like time is flying by too fast and a lot of things are happening at the same time but I do know that I want to do my country right, I want to undo all the wrongdoings that my father and grandfather did. I know it will not be an easy road but I’m ready for it.” He finished after some time. Toph felt that he was telling the truth and she came to a sudden realization that he was different; somehow, he was more confident and there was strength in his words.
“Sparky, if there is anyone who will be best fit for that job it would be you. I know you have your insecurities but I believe in you. I also know you can turn this nation into a wonderful place and don’t worry, we will always have your back alright. I ,uh, I know we haven’t talked about it much but I want you know that I’m proud that you are my soulmate and if you ever tell anyone about this I will pummel you, you got it?” Toph added for extra measure.
“Thank you Toph. You don’t know how much I needed to hear that. I never told you this but I’m glad that my soulmate is also my best friend. Know that I will always be here for you as well.” Silence descended upon them but it was a comforting one; And with the leaves swaying and the breeze caressing their skin, two people found solace with one another.
They settled into a routine after that, at the end of the day full of meetings and countless arguments with stubborn people, their feet would find themselves settling in front of the pond, feeding the turtleducks and talking about their day. What was once the campfire, the turtleduck pond became their sanctuary. A safe space for the both of them. If the others noticed their absence from time to time, they were wise enough not to raise the topic.
“It’s just so frustrating. Don’t they get that I’m trying to do everything that I can to help this country but it’s either they are scared of me or they don’t believe I’m fit to rule the nation because of my age. It’s hard Toph. I dread going to these meetings knowing that. Already they are also talking about marriage and the matter of heirs. You know Mai and I… we’re still so young that we haven’t talked about these things yet. I don’t have time to think about these things because the memory of the war is still fresh. I need to go out there and placate the worries of my people and yet here we are.”
Toph could feel the frustration all throughout Zuko’s body as he paced in front of her while she sat staring blankly ahead. She let him vent as she settled herself on the ground, with one of the turtleducks at her side.
“I understand, Sparky. I told you before that it won’t be easy, you have to understand that the memory of your father’s rule still lingers. You can’t give up now, you have to stand firm though and if they won’t listen, show them through actions that you only want what’s best for the Fire Nation. I know you can do it.” She finished before she heard Zuko flop down beside her in an ungraceful manner and sighed out loud. She liked this, the thought that he was comfortable in her presence that he could forego all formal pretenses and act like himself around her. Toph punched him on his arm for good measure. She figured he needed some affection after a long hard day. A comfortable silence enveloped them before Toph thought about his other statement, she was curious to know if Zuko told Mai that he found his soulmate and what she felt about it. She figured she should placate the worries of Mai if ever she had one.
“Speaking of Mai, have you… you know. Told her about the whole soulmate thing?” Toph felt Zuko become hesitant and she waited for him to answer.
“No. We never talked about it because she doesn’t have one but she saw my mark a long time ago back when we were children. I figured I ought to ask you before I say anything about it. I’m sure though that she would understand our predicament, Toph.” One of the things that Toph endears to Zuko was that he always treated her like his equal and always ask for her opinion first before carrying out something; especially when such things fall about their bond to one another.
“Hmm, you know you can tell her about it. I like Mai, and we’ve established everything already about this Sparky. If she wanted us to fight over you or something though I am amenable for that. It’s getting a little boring without the drama after all.” She heard Zuko sputter and felt the embarrassment rise out. She couldn’t take it anymore and started to laugh, Zuko was such an easy target. He gets flustered a lot and she figured he could use a laugh, one that drew out after a while when she stopped teasing him.
“You are so easy to tease Sparky. Anyway, why don’t we let out some steam and spar? I feel that you are getting too soft with the cushion life.” She added for extra measure, knowing that it would rile him up.
“What? I am not getting soft. How dare you… You’re on, Beifong.” He said, indignant that Toph could say such a thing. She figured that he needed a distraction from today’s hard work, and she was happy enough to have an excuse to pummel him.
Moons passed and slowly things started to fall into place. Roles were established, birthdays came and went, and soon the anniversary of the end of the hundred-year war was upon them. Fixing the ramifications of the war was far from over but the hesitance that could be felt from the whole palace was gone and slowly trust was built.
On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, she found herself at the turtleduck pond with Zuko as they fed the animals. Toph doesn’t know why she’s unsettled to open the topic regarding her plans. It felt like something was holding her back to say the words but she knew that she needed to do this for herself. Everything was falling into place and there was no need for her or the others to stay anymore. Already the others have informed them of their own plans, with Aang travelling around in the hopes of finding other Air Nomads and to help in any way that he can, and the Watertribe siblings together with Suki, are going back to the South pole to help build their village again. For herself, Toph had been mulling it for months about where she would go. She knew that she wanted to spread the art of metalbending and she knew that she wanted to see the world without worrying about her life. Her plan was ready, it was just the matter of telling her friends about it starting with Zuko. Toph felt that her best friend deserved to know first.
The silence was not new to them, Zuko knew that she had something to say but he was giving her time to re-arrange her thoughts and for that Toph was thankful. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, Toph decided to break the silence.
“Zuko…” one word and a breath. She felt Zuko shift beside her, urging her to continue. Zuko must have felt that this would be a serious conversation, with her using his name instead of her usual nickname for him. Toph doesn’t know why it was hard for her to say this, but she was The Blind Bandit, sifu of the avatar, she always take her problems head on, and with one deep breath she decided to tell him of her plans.
“Zuko, I’ve decided to leave. The others have already talked about their plans, and I’ve already been thinking about mine for months. I, uh, I want to build an academy where I can teach those who are willing the art of metalbending. I’m planning to recruit students while travelling and I would also like to find the perfect place for the academy. I also want to perfect my earthbending skills and I think it would help more while I travel…” She left it at that. Toph felt Zuko’s heartbeat slow down, and she knew that her words affected him, but his answer surprised her.
“I understand, I do believe that you’ve thought this through, and I know no one can tell you what to do. If you believe that this is the best for you then you know Toph that I support you wholeheartedly. Just remember that you will always be welcomed here.”
“…Yeah. Thank you and it’s not like it’s forever. We will still see each other, and I could probably find someone to write letters for me so I can still communicate with you guys. I just, I really want to experience all the world has to offer without worrying about anything. I know you’d understand that Sparky.” She doesn’t know if the reassurance was for herself or for Zuko but at least the somber mood that befell them evaporated. She heard a sigh coming from him and let the silence enveloped them once again. After awhile, Zuko spoke again and there was hesitance in his voice.
“I uh, I wanted to give you something. I hope you’d appreciate it and it would be a reminder that I will always be on your side. You’re one of the most important people in my life and distance won’t change that. Happy sixteenth birthday Toph.” She felt him take her hand and drop something in it. Toph ran her hands on it and felt the metal hum under her skin and from the composition of it she knew it was gold, there was another mineral in it too, one that she recognized as a diamond. He had given her a necklace. She put it on and reinforced the metal so that it would be stronger and played with the diamond between her fingers.
“You know you didn’t have to give me anything but thank you, Sparky.” Shyness was an emotion that Toph was not familiar with, but it was what she was feeling now. He didn’t reply, not that he needed to for she could feel the happiness thrumming from his heart and words were not needed anymore.
Toph celebrated her sixteenth birthday with the people she loved, and afterwards she told them of her plans. Everyone was supportive of it and reassurances of continued correspondence among the group went around. There was an unspoken goodbye felt around, somehow they knew that she would be leaving after this and they were right. Toph left the Fire Nation at the end of her sixteenth birthday with a duffle bag slung on her shoulder and the feeling of being loved.