Author's Note: Well, I felt bad about leaving you guys hanging with that last chapter, so here is the Fourth! Thanks for all the devoted readers, it means a lot! Comments and reviews appreciated, but not required. :D
Pipinpadaloxicopolis (The Fourth)
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Avatar: the Last Airbender or any of the characters/ideas inside of this Fanfic. All property is trademark of Nickelodeon. Avatar was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. This story is for entertainment, not profit. But i hope you enjoy!
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.Toph had been worried about seeing Aang ever since she found out he'd be there. She let Suki go in first; she wanted a minute to clear her head. Well, forty-five minutes. She was sure everyone was done eating, but she just knew Aang had to still be there.
Toph; you've missed him for so long. You thought about him everyday, you dreamt about him all the time; and now, he would be there. Waiting for you.
What are you thinking? It's been two years! He could've easily fallen for another girl.
But that moment we had. It was perfect.
But look at Suki! They broke up so easily. And they were perfect for each other.
But Aang and I aren't dating. So, it's different!
With so many similarities, like gifts and hugs, and stuff!
I guess it wasn't meant to be. But wait, then why did he give me the marble?
It was a marble! A child's toy!
But carved into a heart. A beautiful, wonderful heart. Did that mean anyth-
"Ow!" she yelped. She had hit her head on the door leading to the dining room, not paying any attention to her surroundings. Were you really arguing… with yourself? She sighed a bit, wondering if she was just crazy. Letting it go, she grabbed the handle. Let's hope he's there.
"So Aang," Katara said, trying to bring up conversation. "What have you been doing since the war?"
"Oh," he said, grinning. "Just traveling around on Appa. Visiting some towns. Not much."
"Not much? Aang!" Suki said, chuckling. "Just three days ago, you helped us with the Unagi!"
"That's great, Aang!" Sokka said, remembering their first encounter with the Unagi.
"Well, it's not that big of a deal-"
"It is a big deal!" Katara exclaimed. "Remember the first time we faced that thing?"
Aang chuckled. "Oh, ya! I tried to ride some elephant koi," he said, beginning a story. "But things got out of hand when the Unagi-"
"OW!" they heard. They all directed their attention to the door. The voice of a girl was heard. Slowly, the door opened. Aang slipped out of his seat, unnoticed, to the hallway next to them. Is that… her?
"Toph!" they yelled. The blind girl smiled, feeling appreciated. They all stood up to give her hugs.
"Hiya guys!" she said, accepting the hugs. First was Katara.
"Toph! You've changed!" Katara said, analyzing the girl. She had turned into a beautiful young woman. She was skinnier than she was, but more mature. Her hair was still wrapped in a bun, and her bangs were clipped to the side. Two strands of hair flowed down her shoulders, hinting the real length of her hair.
"Toph! You've gotten taller!" Zuko said, as if surprised.
"Thanks, guys. But I'm not gonna stay 12 my whole life," she laughed.
"Toph!" Sokka yelled, giving her a hug.
"Snoozles! OUCH! Let..me…go…please!.." she begged.
"What's with everyone being so weak around here!" he complained. He finally let go.
"Well, I can't really see you guys, but I think you've all gotten taller," she chuckled.
"And stronger!" Sokka bragged.
"Sure, Sokka," Toph said, teasing him. "You've never been stronger."
"You've never been strong!" Suki laughed. The group joined in the giggling.
"Hey! I'll have you know-" he began.
"Oh, just drop it, Sokka!" Katara joked. "Well, we all finished dinner, but we saved you some on the counter."
"Thanks, guys." She smiled, letting them all leave. But a thought lingered in her head. Where's Aang?
"Hey, Toph," Suki said, leaving the room. "Someone's here to see you," she smiled, pulling someone from her right by his robe. He stumbled into view; he had been watching the whole scene. When his eyes fell on the girl, he instantly tensed up.
"Twinkles?" she guessed, sensing the ground. The vibrations were small, but she'd notice them anywhere. A smile took over her face.
"Toph…" he said, staring at the girl. She wore an elegant green dress, flowing down to her feet. A design was swen into the sleeves, adding to the beauty. Her arms were covered by the dress, leaving her hands free. On her chest, he could make out a small lump, guessing she was wearing a necklace. She was gorgeous.
"Aang!" she yelled, running towards him. He stumbled forward, still in shock of her beauty.
As soon as they reached each other, they embraced in a wonderful, passionate hug. At first, they didn't know how to react, but they grasped each other in enjoyment of each other's touch. His arms wrapped around hers, covering her. He spun her around a bit, enjoying the moment.
"I've missed you so much, Toph," he said, letting his words get to him. He grasped her body closer to him.
"Me too," she mumbled, her face in his robes. She started to tear up. "I thought about you all the time. You're my airbender… You took my breath away."
"You're my earthbender… you rock my world… I wouldn't have it any other way." He buried his face in her hair.
Suki walked alone, down to her bedroom. She was glad that she and Sokka were now friends- well, not happy about that, but that they weren't always going to be crying. After Toph arrived, everyone left, leaving Suki to wonder where they went.
She walked through the garden, looking at all the flowers covering the area. Fire-lilies stood out from the rest, swaying in the wind. Enjoying the peace, she stood there for a minute, letting it all in. Suddenly, an arm grabbed hers from her left. "Wha!-"
"Would you keep quiet!" Katara whispered. Suki found herself with everyone- Mai, Zuko, Sokka, and Katara- gathered to watch something. They struggled behind a large bush, not big enough to hide all of them. All eyes peered in one direction.
"What are we doing here!" she whispered, respecting Katara's order.
"Look over there!" Katara said, directing Suki's head. She saw two people hug.
"Who are they?" Suki asked. She squinted her eyes, trying to make out the figures, when it hit her- Aang and Toph!
"Aww!" she said, a little too loud.
"SSH!" Sokka said, staring at the couple in their perfect reunion. And perfect it was!
"Look at them!" Mai said, staring at the teenagers. They were in a deep locked hug.
"Sokka, you can read lips!" Suki said, remembering that Sokka had learned 'the skill' to see what girls were saying about him. "What are they saying?"
"Oh, ya! Hhmm, okay, okay. Wow! This is juicy!" Sokka exclaimed in a hushed tone.
"What are they saying!" Zuko said, getting interested. There he was, hiding behind a bush, failing to stay quiet, struggling for room, surrounded by some of the most interesting people in the world- just to watch some kids hug!
But they weren't ordinary kids. The boy was the Avatar, the strongest man of mankind. He controlled all the elements, fought the toughest war, and was best friends with the Fire Lord. The girl was the world's greatest earthbender, blind but strong. She had the power to bend metal, even sand.
And yet, despite all the facts, they were failing to keep from crying- just because of a hug! And of all things, of all people- Zuko was interested!
"Toph just said that Aang's her airbender and that he takes her breath away!" Sokka gasped.
"Awww!" Katara whispered. "What else?"
"Aang just said she rocked his world."
"Wow, they're deeper than I give them credit for!" Mai said, giggling. "Keep reading their lips, Water Boy!"
"Then move outta my way!" he said, nudging everyone. Mai was pushed out of the bush, but re-pulled in by Zuko. "I can't see what they're saying if I CAN'T SEE!"
"Stop talking and read!" Katara said, hitting the top of Sokka's head.
"Fine! Hmmm. Feelings, emotions, feelings, emotions, mushy stuff…"
"Sokka, we can see that!" Zuko stated. "But what are they saying?" He emphasized the word 'saying,' trying to get Sokka to reveal the important facts.
"Aang is talking about needing to show her something… Maybe for an event?" Sokka questioned.
"Hey," Katara whispered. "Isn't that big festival tomorrow?"
"Oh, Ya!" Zuko said, remembering the celebration planned for the wedding. "Ooh, do you think he's taking her?"
"I hope so!" Katara said. "They make such a good couple."
"Hey, Zuko," Sokka piped up, remembering something. "You owe me 30 copper pieces!"
"No way! For what?"
"Remember 'The Bet'?" Sokka grinned. Zuko slapped his forehead.
"Oh, ya…"
They finally let go of each other. Each other's eyes were puffy from tears of joy. Aang took her hand, whispering. "I got you something; but I don't know if you'll like it."
"I'll love it," she smiled.
"It's with Appa. Do you wanna come?"
"Sure. I'll say hi to my big furry friend!" she said.
They walked hand in hand to the stables. She didn't even care that she wouldn't be able to see what he got her; she'd love it anyways.
When they reached the stables, Toph ran over to Appa, giving the bison a friendly 'hug'. Aang watched, smiling, as Appa let out a sigh of satisfaction.
While she was distracted, he air-bended to Appa's saddle, took the flowers, then landed back on the floor, behind Toph. She turned around, facing Aang. He placed the bouquet in her hands.
"Panda-lilies?" she smiled. She had 'seen' them in fields before. She traced her hands over the flowers, recognizing the structure. She knew they had to be beautiful- and expensive. "Aang, thank you!" she said, wrapping her arms around Aang for another hug. "They smell wonderful."
"And that's not it. If you have nothing to do, (Please have nothing to do!) I'd like to treat you out today and tomorrow."
Did he just ask me out? Yes, Toph, say yes! "I'd love to," she beamed.
Did she say yes? She did! Yes! "That's great! Well, I guess you haven't eaten yet; I didn't either, because I wanted to wait for you. Shall we?" He extended his arm.
Toph put her arm in his. "We shall," she said, blushing. She placed the flowers next to Appa, mentally telling herself to grab them later. Then, she and Aang walked out, together, for their first official date.
