An Aang and Toph Mini-Series.
Edit: I decided to rewrite this chapter. Though most of it is the same I thought I'd add a thing or two. I also corrected the few spelling and grammar issues.
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A HARD PLACE
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6 Years after the war.
Aang had become a fully realized Avatar. He traveled around the world solving earthly troubles wherever they emerge. Katara, his girlfriend became a water bending master who had been appointed the duty of teaching her class of young waterbenders in the Southern Water Tribe Water Bending School.
Aang had restored peace to the world but there was a new problem looming, not over the world but himself. He gave the world peace but couldn't solve the peace in his own heart. As of late his relationship with Katara had been unstable to say the least. They argued more often and spent less time with each other. Aang uses his duties as the Avatar to run or escape from his frequent fights with Katara. Similarly, Katara used her teaching as an excuse to avoid conflict with Aang. Ironically, the school was the main issue in the first place.
After every fight Aang would leave. There was only one place he could go to clear and cool his head. As a result he made many trips to meet the one person who could cure him of the plague on his heart, his old Earth Bending teacher Toph. Over the years she made a name for herself. The fame of saving the world and being close friends with the Avatar granted her leeway in many things. However she was satisfied with her current job. She was the owner/founder/teacher of the recently established who 'Blind Bandit's Earth Bending'.
His two remaining close friends, Sokka and Zuko had been too busy for him. With Zuko being he Firelord he had enough trouble on his agenda with running an entire nation and Sokka who moved around almost as much as himself between the South Pole and Kyoshi Island.
Recently, he thought about Toph, more than usual. The worse his fights with Katara got, the more he found himself with Toph. Soon enough, he found himself at her school whenever he wanted to talk about something he saw or did. He met with Toph more often than he saw his own girlfriend. Frankly, it made him feel uneasy. It happened because Toph gave him the time that Katara didn't.
Aang constantly worried about his feelings; his remaining feelings for his girlfriend and his recent feelings for his best friend…
"Alright! Put your backs into it!" The earthbending prodigy Toph Bei Fong barked.
"Yes Master Toph!" Her students responded. Their bodies were full of vigor and pride. Toph had trained them well.
"You call that an earth wall? That was pathetic! Try again! Make it sturdier! Bigger!"
"Come on Toph, aren't you pushing them a little too hard?"
A cold sweat fell down Avatar Aang's forehead. From the moment he got there Toph had been ordering them around without a break. She pushed their limits to the extreme. He could see a few students struggling to follow her commands. He couldn't help but feel sympathetic. He was in their position once before after all.
"Too hard? I'm not pushing them hard enough!"
"Come on Master! We haven't had a break in hours!" One of her lazier students, Pao groaned before he fell to the floor.
"Yeah we're worn-out! I can't even feel my legs anymore!" Jao Li added as he crashed onto one of the many rock chairs.
"That can only mean its working." Toph couldn't hide her grin. She was enjoying this more than she should.
"Toph…" Aang sighed.
"Fine, fine. You can go rest your squishy bodies. Class is over for the day." The class cheered
"But come tomorrow, heh." Toph gave a frightening laugh. All the students knew what she was capable of. They all shivered in fear. Toph was frightening teacher indeed.
"You're a mean teacher, you know that?" Aang laughed as Toph plopped down next to him on his rock chair.
"You're too kind."
"So what brings you here today Twinkles? What did Katara do now?"
"Down to business already?"
"Yep."
"Well it's not really Katara as much as it is me this time. I made plans with her. I told her that I would be back at night but when I got home she wasn't there. So naturally I went to look for her. When I found her she was asleep at the school. At first I felt angry, then depressed. She knew I was coming home and she still chose work over me. I'm really starting to get fed up with it." Aang rubbed his temples and sighed "She's neglecting me again."
"This time it IS Katara Twinkles," Toph blew out her bangs "Maybe she wanted to see you but she got caught up in her work."
"I thought about that too but when I asked one of the other Masters. They told me that she said that she had no plans or anything else to do for the night so she stayed to fill out some contracts and paper work. She completely forgot what I said." Aang sank into his chair resting his head against his hand.
"I don't know what to do anymore! If I talk to her we'll just end up fighting again." Toph listened to every word carefully and devised something to help Aang. It wouldn't help with his relationship but it would get his mind of it and relax him a little.
"Katara is always busy and you have more free time than she has. So occupy that time with something else and find a compromise while you're at it."
Toph got up from her sit. It was time to close up the school. She slammed her foot against the ground restoring the School grounds back to its former glory. It had been massacred by the students earlier.
"Honestly what I think you two need is a marriage counselor."
"We aren't married you know that. And I think I spend my free time wisely. When I'm not doing my duties I'm here."
"Please Twinkle Toes. You two act like a mid-aged couple who are going through their 'rough years'" Toph shook her head.
Now that the School grounds were fixed it was her turn to play. "Now, are you up for the usual?"
"Bring it on," Aang grinned. This was one of the reasons he enjoyed coming here. If he wasn't talking with Toph he would be duking it out with her. A little Sparring with Toph always got his mind of things for a while.
They both took their stances waiting for each other to make the first move. Aang jumped a few feet forward smashing his hand against the ground and with that stone pillars shot from the ground at Toph not from the front, but from her blind back. Toph only grinned ramming both her elbows into the pillars reducing them to dust. In one swift movement she thrust them forward shooting a wave of Earth at Aang who easily jumped over. He countered by slamming his staff raising his own wave of earth. Toph dashed to the side pivoting her foot forward kicking the ground which then shot a pillar of earth.
With a loud thud it made contact launching Aang into the air. He recovered in the air and created a wall of earth. He bounced off the edge and he bended the air around him turning himself into a missile. To defend Toph made a stone wall that Aang easily penetrated. Landing on his staff he quickly spun to his feet and whipped the staff to her face.
"My win," Aang said smugly only to notice Toph's even smugger grin. He had a strange sense of déjà vu when he noticed the extremely large bolder over his head "My loss." He sighed plopping down on the ground.
"Wow Twinkles you aren't usually this out of it." Toph threw the giant boulder and blew out her bangs "You don't lose this fast."
"Yeah sorry, I just remembered when Katara and I went for a ride on my staff" His heart pained him greatly. Just remembering those days hurt badly. She sighed. Suddenly Toph pounced on Aang tackling him to the ground.
"Wake up Twinkle toes! Don't get depressed on me yet!" Toph shouted as she lightly slapped his face over and over.
"Alright you can stop now!" Both Aang and Toph laughed. Despite their age they were still kids on the inside. Toph was currently sitting on top of Aang and he noticed how Toph had grown. Physically, they definitely weren't kids anymore. Aang's face reddened.
Toph no longer possessed her child-like figure, over the years her body grew beautifully. She let down her raven black hair that reached her back. Her slender curvaceous body would drive any man crazy and even her breasts were larger…much larger. Though her height didn't increase by much Aang still found himself unable to look away. Why was he staring at her so much? It's not like he didn't notice her before…or did he?
"Oye," Toph waved her hand in front of Aang's face "Earth to Aang, Toph needs to talk to you."
Aang was suddenly pulled into reality when he noticed how close Toph's face was to his and how close her breasts were. Her body was amazing soft and Aang couldn't deny that he enjoyed her pressing herself against him. She probably did it unconsciously but that didn't mean that Aang's heart didn't race. As fate would have it Katara's face rushed through Aang's mind. He felt guilty. What am I doing? He slipped from under her.
"Oh sorry I blanked out for a bit there." Aang scratched the back of his head nervously. He could still feel Toph's soft body pressed against him. He shook his head trying to dispel the sudden rush of dirty thoughts that clouded his head.
"Geez Twinkles I didn't think you were that out of it." Toph began to walk around the school yard. It was closing time so she might as well get started. "Maybe you just need some rest."
"Maybe you're right. I still feel a little worn down from the trip." Aang decided to help her. First he shut all the windows and then he locked all the doors.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Toph asked casually as she fixed the ground from their previous sparring.
"I knew I forgot something!" He slammed his closed fist on his open palm "I could go look for hotel room…they'd give me a discount too."
"Why not stay at my place? We've got tons of extra rooms and best thing is I won't charge you." Toph grinned "It's a sweet deal, don'cha think?"
"Sorry Toph, you might not mind but I don't think you're parent's are over the whole 'kidnapping' thing." Aang laughed remembering the last time he made a visit. Avatar or not he almost lost his head.
"Fine but at least come visit me tonight before you leave," Toph picked up her bag and lugged it over her shoulders "It gets boring in there without someone to talk to every once in a while."
"Sure, why not?" Aang gave her a smile as they parted ways.
His smile quickly faded. He scratched his head once more and began his search for a hotel that had a barn or something big enough for Apa. What really happened with Toph? She isn't that innocent. Even she could have notice that she was pressing her chest against me. Maybe she thought I wouldn't mind? Or was she coming onto me…? Nah, she wouldn't. But it's not like I hated it.
Toph certainly had grown in all the right places and she did know Aang like the back of her hand…even if she can't see it. Toph was funny and Aang could always feel relaxed around her. She always knew how to have fun. Though her idea of fun usually included breaking a law or six.
Wait no! I have Katara I shouldn't be thinking about other girls! Aang couldn't help but think about Toph pressing against him. She was amazingly soft. It has been a while since me and Katara did anything… Agh! Toph is a friend!
"Wow, already this late!" Aang looked outside and it was already dark. He had to go visit Toph like he promised.
"Where is everyone? No guards that want to behead me today?" Aang asked looking out the windows. Toph couldn't help but chuckle when he looked under her rug.
"Day off and you don't need to be so jumpy." Toph crossed her legs nibbling on the long stem of grass that sprouted from her mouth "My parents are out, off to some business merger or whatever that is."
"So…we're alone?" Aang coughed already not liking the atmosphere. Aang had been drowning in thoughts of Toph and if the two of them we're alone…
"Yeah, so?" Toph asked spitting the grass stem out through the window. Toph wore a light green evening gown that more than clearly showed off her cleavage. It hugged her body ever so tightly allowing Aang to see every curve as she moved. Aang's heart was already jumping at the words 'home alone' he didn't need this.
"Nothing! Nothing at all, I mean what's wrong with it? It's not like anything is going to happen or anything like that. Why would anyone think that?" Aang was beginning to babble. He only did that when he was nervous. She got off her bed and strolled over to Aang making circles around him and finally poking his stomach.
"What's up with you? You've been freaking out for the entire day today."
"Really I haven't noticed…" Aang looked away pretending not to know anything. Toph raised her head, crossed her arms and tapped her foot repetitively. Then Aang remembered that Toph could tell if someone was lying "Listen I've just been confused about Katara. I'm thinking about another girl and its driving me nuts ok?"
"What other girl?" Toph seemed surprised when she heard this.
"It's no one important. Anyway, I shouldn't be here. I have to go." Aang turned away from her trying to get his glider.
"Wait! Aang answer me right now! What other girl?" Toph was getting angry. That was the last thing Aang wanted.
"Toph…I can't. I really can't." Aang grabbed his glider but Toph grabbed the sleeve of his shirt. She looked up to him with her grey pleading eyes "Listen, she's just been on my mind for a while now. I need to fix things with Katara anyway. So after tonight I won't even be thinking about her anymore."
"Aang!" Toph wrapped her arms around his. She wasn't about to let him go. Aang could feel her breast pressing against him. In the dark corner of his mind he wanted her. He wanted her more than anything but remembering his loyalties he shook her off and opened his glider.
"Toph…I…I have to go." Aang had to leave and fast. If he didn't he was afraid of what would happen if he stayed. He raised his Glider and was prepared to launch off when.
"Aang! Talk to me!" Toph tightly wrapped her arms around his waist pressing her breasts to his back. Aang could feel his urges surfacing again.
"My mind has been filled with thoughts of a blind, not-so-short anymore girl who seemed to have grown beautifully over the years! I've been thinking about her more and more and if I want to be faithful I have to go now!" Aang shut his eyes. He wondered what Toph would say.
"I…" Toph was speechless. Of course she wouldn't have anything to say.
"I'm sorry for putting you in a difficult position. Just let me go and I'll be on my way." Aang felt low. Lower than low. He had Katara and now wanted Toph, his best friend. That was enough "I have to go Toph."
"Aang! Please don't leave!" In fact, Toph did have something to say, something that she hid from him for a very long time. If she wanted to say it, it was now or never. "Aang…I…I love you!"
"….What?" His train of thought derailed. Aang was completely taken by surprise.
"I love you! From the day we met, through all our adventures together, for those long six years I've known you I've always loved you!" She buried her face into his back. A torrent of emotion washed over her. All the emotions that she held back were finally let loose. They were released in the form of small tears that drenched Aang's shirt. Aang didn't know what to make of it. Toph…loved him?
"It broke my heart when you and Katara got together. I thought I'd end up alone while you were off exploring the world with her. You always came to me to tell me how your relationship went. Whether it was good or bad but then you told me how your relationship with her wasn't going so well. I don't know my mind and body just…I just thought this was my chance…if I was ever going to be with you this was my chance. I had to do something…I couldn't just do nothing and let you go again…"
"So…you were coming onto me? The tackle?"
"I'm sorry I didn't know what else to do to get your attention! I had to do something or else you'd leave me again!" Toph tightened her grip on the young Avatar. There was a moment of silence between the two. The only sound that could be heard was the Toph's almost inaudible sobs.
"Those weren't the only times you know." Toph spoke up "Face it Twinkle toes you can be a bit dense sometimes…" Toph smiled a little.
"I see…" So it wasn't Aang's imagination after all. No wonder he had been noticing her more.
"I couldn't help it. It's not easy to resist temptation especially if it's with someone you love. I just want to be with you Aang…"
"But Katara…" Aang remembered her smiling face. He held onto what little faithfulness he had.
"Even…" she paused clutching onto him tighter than she had before "even if it's for one night…please Aang…I just want to be yours…" Aang couldn't believe what she just said. He couldn't believe any of this. Toph, the strong, the hardcore, rock-solid girl was showing her weakness. She was pouring out her heart to him.
Even so, Aang couldn't do it. He couldn't betray Katara even if they were drifting apart. He could feel Toph's grip loosen and he used that to turn around and tell her but something stopped him dead. Katara's face was thrown into the back of his mind. Knowing that she was crying and looking into her face were totally different things. Aang found himself wiping the tears from her face with his robe. He raised her chin and looked deeply into her dull gray eyes. Within it he could see the hurt, the pain and the soul crushing loneliness she had been feeling from all those years.
"Are you sure?" Aang whispered. Toph slowly eyes and nodded.
Without hesitation he gently pressed his lips against Toph's. A spark flashed from Aang's lips to his brain. It was something he hadn't felt from kissing Katara. It was like a sudden rush of electricity. Aang wanted more. His gentle kiss had become rougher, deeper and more intimate. After only a moment, a sweet moan escaped from Toph's mouth urging Aang to go on but he soon remembered that he had to breathe. They broke away, their breaths ragged and their cheeks tinted red. Their desire had taken over.
"Aang…" Toph's voice had none of its usual roughness; her voice was sultry and girlie. She faced Aang with eyes that yearned for more…much more and with that something inside Aang's head snapped. He roughly pushed her onto the bed before he removed his robes and threw them to the corner of the room.
"Didn't think you had it in you, Twinkle- Mmm!"
Before she could finish Aang plugged her mouth up with his own as he continued his kiss from before. Aang changed his target from her lips to her ear. He nibbled on Toph's ear while he slowly undressed her. Aang moved down from her ears to her neck kissing her softly before he increased the suction. A jolt of pleasure rushed through her body, her moaning became louder and she began to fidget and squirm. Oops, he thought that's going to leave a hickey.
"Be gentle with me…"
"I will." Aang grinned as the two continued into their passionate night as they embraced each other.
The light shone through Toph's room brightening the dim room. Toph groaned as she turned in bed. She slept soundly with a small smile on her face. She was probably dreaming about something amazing. Aang, on the other hand, was on the edge of the bed his head buried between his hands trying to make sense of the situation.
"What did I just do…?"