Ever since Aang defeated the Fire Lord, Team Avatar—you included—had been traveling wherever the wind (or Appa) took them. They’d seen the Northern Water Tribe glistening under the auroras, camped by the endless stretches of the Si Wong Desert, and even visited the bustling streets of Ba Sing Se to witness its slow recovery. But for now, they were laying low in the Fire Nation, checking in on Zuko as he adjusted to the monumental role of being the Fire Lord.

Tonight, though, sleep had eluded you. The stillness of the house seemed stifling, so you decided to step out and explore. After wandering through the dimly lit streets, indulging in late-night snacks from the market stalls, you returned to the quiet home, your arms full of leftover treats.

You eased the door open with practiced caution, careful not to let it creak and wake anyone inside. With deliberate steps, you slipped inside, your feet light on the wooden floor as you gently nudged the door shut behind you. Turning to make your way toward your room—

Oh.

Toph was standing there.

His bare feet were firmly planted on the ground as always, his arms crossed over his chest, and his expression unreadable. Those gray, unseeing eyes seemed to lock onto you with unnerving precision, as though he could see far more than anyone with sight ever could.

“Where were you?” he asked, his voice low but commanding, cutting through the stillness of the night like a blade.