The Ties that Bind

- Funny, what invisible strings connect us all -

Chapter One: Firewood

“Toph!” called out Katara from the running water fountain. It was another early morning at the Western Air Temple and Katara was gathering water to start the day’s cooking. As she walked back to the small camp she called out for Toph again.

“You bellowed Madame Fussy Britches,” responded Toph from her little corner amongst the temple’s ruins.

Katara jokingly rolled her eyes at one of Toph’s several nicknames she had for her. She even invented nicknames for the new members of the group. She called Haru “Whiskers,” because of his mustache. Teo was “Wheels” because of his movable chair. The Duke was “Squirt,” but only she can call him that; everyone else had to call him The Duke. And finally, Zuko was “Hotness,” which Sokka found most hilarious.

“Toph it’s your turn to get firewood, it’s dying out,” said Katara as she pushed some of the embers aside.

“But why?!” she whined out loud while stretching on the floor.

“Can you two keep it down?” called out Zuko as he turned away from them and placed an arm over his eyes.

“Sorry Hotness!” Toph called back as she sat up.

“Stop calling me that!” he responded by shooting his arm up into the air for emphasis.

“Hotness…so funny…” mumbled Sokka nearby and Zuko just let his arm fall back onto his face with a frustrated grunt.

“Come on Toph, everyone’s pitched in with the firewood gathering,” begged Katara as she folded her sleeping bag.

“Okay, okay, whatever, I’m going,” she said and earthbended herself up from the floor.

“I can help you Toph,” chimed in Aang from his corner. With all his earthbending training, Aang hardly ever bonded with Toph. So when he heard Katara ask Toph to get firewood, he thought this would be the perfect opportunity.

Toph jumped a bit as she didn’t feel Aang approach her from the side. He tended to have that effect with his lightness of foot. She was about to say that she wouldn’t need any help when Zuko interrupted again.

“Good! Can you two go now?!” he called out and this time shot both of his arms into the air in continued frustration.

This time Aang jumped a bit at his outburst and then Toph whispered, “Let’s go Twinkle Toes before Hotness throws another fit.”

Aang quietly laughed at her comment and the both slowly walked away. Before completely leaving out of sight, however, Toph turned to Aang and brought her forefinger up to her lips for him not to say anything. She turned back to the camp and yelled out, “See you later Hotness!”

She then grabbed Aang’s arm and the both sprinted away with fits of laughter just in time to hear, “Stop calling me that!” echo in the distance.

Tbc...

A/N: Oooh I smell a review! I love reviews : ) I still have to finish typing chapter two, so I'll put that up soon.