Prompt: Toph babysits Kya, Bumi, Tenzin, Lin, and Zuko's daughter. Feel free to add and create Sokka's kid(s), if you'd like. =)
An anonymous person sent me the prompt on Tumblr and I just felt the story come to life from there. I absolutely love the you enjoy it!
"Well, today's the day!" Aang exclaims to Toph.
Toph nods, smiling. She and Lin had arrived at Air Temple Island earlier that morning. "Did you get King Kuei's granddaughter a gift for her marriage to bless her into royal matrimony?" Aang, rolls his eyes at Toph's sarcasm but adds, "Yes, yes we did. We are even bringing gifts for her grandfather's bear Bosco."
Toph smiles at her best friend and replies "That bear is too cute. I remember when we first met him back in the day…" Aang laughs lightheartedly and says, "It feels like so long ago…"
"It was long ago Aang, we're old now." Toph adds, punching his shoulder lightly. Aang clutches his aching shoulder, trying not to express his pain by changing the subject. "And you're sure you don't want to come? You were invited, you know."
Toph rolls her eyes and replies, a slight nuance in her tone, shifting from jocular to vindictive. "Yes, Aang. I'm sure, weddings just aren't my style. Plus, I much rather be here, watching the kids."
Aang nods and drops the subject. "Well, we can't thank you enough. If you weren't staying, we'd have to take the kids with us and that would have been so chaotic."
Toph smiles at the idea, returning to her normal, fun self. "We'll be fine, Aang, don't worry. You guys are only leaving for a couple of days, what's the worst that could happen? Anyway, Katara, Zuko, Mai and Sokka are coming. You should go help with their bags, I'll get the kids."
Aang turns and finds no one, but then remembers that Toph sees through the earth's vibrations. "Right, I'll meet them half way."
Minutes later, Aang returns outside carrying his and Katara's suitcases. The children sit on the front steps to the entrance of the temple and are casually talking and playing.
"We're gonna have so much fun since Aunt Toph's our babysitter. She's the best!" Aang's son Bumi says, joyfully. "You got that right, Bumi!" Lin adds, giggling. Tenzin, sitting quietly on the corner steps is quick to agree with Lin. "Yes, she is really great!" Lin looks over at him and smiles.
Aang coughs to make his presence known and the children turn around and get up to greet him. "Now, you all are going to be well behaved aren't you so Toph doesn't have a hard time, right?"
"Oh of course, Uncle Aang!" Zuko's daughter Honora says, her smile beaming and her golden eyes shimmering. Hakoda, Sokka's son, agrees passionately, obviously seeking to impress Honora. Aang sees her cheeks fill with rouge and he smiles down at the children.
Aang steps past the children and places his suitcases upon Appa. He is atop Appa's saddle and looks out into the horizon, excited to travel in the air again, just like old times. He notices Toph sitting on a bench not too far from the children, wiping her hand at her eyes.
His gaze falls and he slides down and walks over to her. When he arrives, Toph begins to speak acting as though nothing is wrong. "Toph, I saw you crying. What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Twinkle Toes…Well, sometimes, I just wish Lin's father was here and able to see how happy she is. He was a horrible father, but I want to show him how much I don't need him anymore and how much Linny doesn't need him anymore. We're fine alone-I'm fine alone.", The last sentence is accompanied by a crack in her voice and she turns away, ashamed at revealing herself.
Aang senses her vulnerability at this moment and sits down next to her, holding her hand. She is the farthest from being an open person, and knows this is hard for her to admit.
"Is that why you didn't want to go to the wedding? Because you'd have gone alone? Toph, I understand you completely, but you're not alone. You have all of us, and we have you. Those who stay are the ones who count."
Toph looks up smiling, her tears shimmering in the sunlight. "Thanks Aang." She turns over his hand and squeezes it tightly. "Remember when I asked you if friendships could survive through lifetimes?" Aang nods in approval, not wanting to ruin the moment between the two best friends and places his second hand over hers. "I think you were right, Aang. I think our friendship will last lifetimes."
Aang, recollecting the moment she is referring to, smiles and says, "I know Toph." They stand as Katara, Zuko, Mai and Sokka are placing their suitcases on Appa and talking to the children.
"Bumi, Kya, and Tenzin, be good now. I love you." Katara says, kneeling down with Aang to hug each of her children. Sokka rubs Hakoda's head and says, "Be good little buddy, you don't want Auntie Toph on your bad side." Hakoda laughs and hugs his dad's legs. Finally, Zuko and Mai are spreaking with Honora and she leans into a hug from both her parents. Lin is leaning against her mother, holding her hand.
The five adults pull away then mount Appa. As they are lifting into the air, gliding toward the Earth kingdom, they wave more goodbyes and farewell wishes.
End of Chapter 1! The fun has only begun you guys! Review if you want, I am not pressuring you.