Iroh might not need to be showed off to, but surprising the older man was something enjoyable. He was an appreciative audience, with warmth and enthusiasm that was more like a parent's than the sharp fascination of a new onlooker. He was nice to show off to.

So sensing he was there, Toph worked at yanking a particularly large bit of metal towards her -- a scrap piece over twice as big as herself. It quivered, trembled, reacting to her demanding hand like the pull of a magnet.

In the end, though, the boast was too big; she just couldn't hold it. With a sharp exhale of breath, Toph released, letting the stubborn metal flop back to the earth with a clang. Rolling her shoulders, she headed for the older man, her nose wrinkled in irritation.

"Hey."