1 Disclaimer: I don not own Avatar: the last airbender
Chapter. 7: SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
Toph glomped her airbending lover, at the news they would soon be at their romantic island destination. Toph was so excited at the idea of some romantic alone time with Aang that she could barely control herself. And the only way she could express herself was through hugs, kisses, and of course glomping him. And Toph was okay with that; more than okay as a matter of fact.
Aang struggled against Toph and her ridiculously strong upper body. Trying to fight off the barrage of hugs and kisses, that endless fell upon his arrow head. And of course the stray wisps of jasmine hair that swept across his face wasn't helping him. But Aang knew that once this whole ordeal was over, Toph would regret and be humiliated by anything she had done under the influence of the passion fruit.
And being both a gentlemen and an Avatar, it was his duty to prevent his friend from doing anything drastic from a moment of weakness. The airbedner dodged yet another kiss that came dangerously close to his lips. He was glad this whole thing would be over soon. As they would have the cure in a day or two.
Luckily; Aang was spared from anymore glomping as a voice rang out, "Land ho!, passengers please collect your luggage and wait for departure, we'll reach dry land in ten minutes".
"That us Toph, why don't you release my torso so we can grab our stuff and get this vacation started" Aang suggested, hoping she was in a listening mood. At that moment, the earthbender was in a conflicted mood, deciding whether or not to kiss him there and now.
For one thing she was a little irritated by all the interruptions that came when she tried to kiss him. This had been the second time she had been interrupted when attempting to kiss him. It was so frustrating to want to do something so badly, but have things getting in the way of that. Of course she didn't want to rush things, she wanted her first kiss to be romantic, something she would remember forever.
But he was right there, and nothing was stopping her from swooping down and giving the little monk a big wet one. But should she? Aang watched with his body frozen in fear, silently watching the gears turning in Toph's temporarily pink fuzzy thoughts. She lightly chewed on her lower lip, trying to decide what to do. Finally she responded, "To be continued", and released him from her grip.
Aang took the opportunity of brief freedom to 'haul Avatar' and dash below deck. Toph followed him, the stairs no longer a problem for her. The air nomad shuddered once more as he passed that accursed Z/A room. He swore he could hear evil music as he walked by. So he quickly took refuge in their room, T/A.
Aang neatly made the bed, before slinging his bag over his shoulder. They didn't have to tidy up much, since they only stayed one night and hadn't left much of an impact on it. Aang picked up his staff, only to drop it by what he heard. "What do you want to do with me?". He whirled around, eyes wide, mouth open, and faced flushed.
"HUH!?"
"You know, what are we going to do together, once we get to the island?". Aang quickly regained composure and picked up his staff, before muttering that he didn't know. All he really wanted to do was get the cure and leave. But it seems it wouldn't be as easy as he originally thought, as Toph started listing all the couple's activities and "fun and romantic" things they could do.
All he could do was half heartedly agree, maybe he could spare one day to satisfy Toph's fantasies of love. Maybe compliment her hair, buy her some flowers, or something to make her more cooperative. Who knows, maybe he could fit in some R&R himself. They were going to an island after all. They finished their packing, and Aang locked the door behind him.
This would be the last time, Aang would have to pass the oddly chilling Z/A room. And it wasn't going to get the last laugh. Ever since he first crossed it in the hall, the room had been silently mocking him, knowing Aang was afraid of it. Well no more. The young Avatar glared fiercely at the door as well as the letters nailed to it. His eyes narrowed menacingly. "Aang what are you doing?" Toph asked, wondering why he was just staring at the door instead of her, like he should be.
"You go on ahead Toph, this could get ugly" he told her, not taking his eyes off the two letters. The earthbender merely shrugged and left him there to stand and glare. This was it, now or never. With a mighty battle cry, the airbender kicked the door as hard as he could before running away like he stole something. A smile of victory plastered on his face.
When Aang arrived on deck, he saw that Toph was already in line and went to join her. They were nearly at the end of the line when a finger tapped Toph on her shoulder. Both the benders turned to find the captain standing there, his hat off and blushing slightly. "I hope you enjoyed the ride Miss Avatar" the captain said bowing.
"Wha-?" asked the supposed Avatar, wondering why the captain was calling her the Avatar. Not remembering Aang's little white lie.
The captain continued, "I brought you in early, just like I promised" he announced proudly. Toph just looked confused, and looked toward Aang for some kind of explanation. But he was too busy trying to contain his laughter. "So; I was wondering..." he stuttered slightly and shifting his feet, "Could I have your autograph Miss Avatar, Please?" he begged.
"Umm...sure" replied Toph, as the captain gave her a piece of paper and a brush to write her signature.
"Thank you so much Avatar Toph" the captain said, as Toph handed him the paper. "I hope you come again" he called as they disembarked from the ship.
The earthbender sighed happily as her feet came in contact with her element. It felt so good to have dirt between her toes again. They had finally arrived at Whale Tail island. The harbor was full of people, bustling through the happy shops and stands that ran along side it.
It was such a clear day, you would see the white beaches, and the blue water crash against the shore. The clear water making the whole area sparkle. It was absolutely stunning. "So Aang what should we do first?" asked an excited earthbender. "Should we go for a walk on the beach, hold hands or, I dunno...go find a chapel get married have three kids and grow old together" she mumbled the last bit.
"What was that last one?" Aang asked.
"I'll tell you later" she replied.
"Actually what I really wan to do is find a place to stay" he said, taking out his map and looking it over. A quick look showed a place; the only place in fact that they could stay. He didn't know what kind of place it was either, all the map said was lodgings. "Well let's get going Toph" said Aang, tucking the map away and turning to her.
"YEAH!, let Toph Bei Fong's romantic adventure of love begin!" she cheered, taking off like a shot down the street and around the corner. Not realizing she had no idea where she was going. 'Oh well' Aang thought, 'she'll come back when she realizes she doesn't know where it is'. He would simply have to wait for her to wander back.
It's not like he had any place to go.
"Hey" someone called in an annoying yet familiar tone.
'Oh no' Aang mentally groaned, before being forcibly spun around to face the source of his headache. The fangirls.
"You liar" one of them screeched, "You're no assistant, you're the Avatar". The real Avatar swallowed a lump in his throat, as he knew he had been found out. He put up his hands pleadingly.
"No I'm not I swear, I just her assis-
"Save it; we know the Avatar is an airbender, and has tattoo's, you can't fool us" the other one snootily replied. "What I can't figure out , is why the Avatar would hang out with a blind tramp".
Aang felt anger boil with in him, as they insulted one of his best friends. No on did that to his friends and got away with it. "SHE IS NOT!, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!".
"If you keep hanging around with earth kingdom nobody's then your name is going to-
"SHUT UP!, she is NOT a tramp, and if you don't back off then I'm gonna-
"Doesn't matter, you're our boyfriend now". The girl quickly gabbed his wrist and started to pull; until another hand grabbed Aang's other wrist.
"Where do yo think you're going with my man" Toph asked falsely sweet.
"Your man? I don't see your name on him" the rich fangirl replied.
"Well check again" Toph commanded, turning the monk around and pulling his collar down. The three girls leaned in closer toward the back of the Avatars neck and squinted at the writing there.
PROPERTY OF TOPH
"See told you so" said Toph smugly.
The three girls were speechless, until one of them recovered enough to say. "A fake tattoo doesn't count, he's coming with us". Toph let go of Aang to face the three girls directly.
"You know, you probably could take him from me" the blind girl said sadly; before a huge grin appeared on her face. "That is if I couldn't do this". The earthbender slammed her foot into the ground, causing a pillar of earth to shoot from the ground, and catapult the three girls into the water. "Come along Aang" Toph said sweetly, pulling him along the harbor.
With his free hand, Aang rubbed the back of his neck and felt ink there. Curious and yet deeply disturbed by the message on his neck he couldn't help but ask, "When did this happen?".
Toph just smiled to herself as she explained. "Last night before you woke up, I got a little bored".
Aang just rolled his eyes before asking, "That's nice, this will come off won't it?". Toph didn't answer, just sped up. "Won't it?" he called. Toph just kept walking, "Toph?" he called, chasing after her. "Toph?" he squeaked.
Now despite the fact of having a new an unexpected tattoo on the back of his neck, Aang figured that at least things couldn't get any worse. Although there happened to be a lot of young couples roaming the streets. Literally, dozens and dozens of young lovers doing couple things, holding hands, kissing, and laughing. The sight of so much love made Aang feel a little uneasy, but quickly dismissed it as merely a coincidence.
That was; until he and Toph turned around a corner and Aang saw...it. It was so horrible, so menacing, so...pink. The whole street was covered with pink and red decorations. Posters clung to every inch of the buildings. Heart shaped balloons were tied to every stand, and pink streamers snaked themselves all along the buildings. And worst of all, a huge banner hung over the streets that read.
SPRING LOVE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
With all the intake of pink and hearts, Aang couldn't help but voice his fears. "OH MY GOD!" he yelled, piss scared but what Toph was going to say about this. The things she would do to him. He could have cried.
"Aang? What -
"YOU SHALL NOT DEFLOWER ME!"
Toph looked quizzically at the young airbender, a little confused, and a little amused. "What are you talking about?" she asked. The scared airbender to turned to face Toph's sightless green eyes, he stared for a moment or two, wondering why she wasn't trying to glomp him on the spot. Finally Aang remembered the fact that Toph was blind, and could not see the hearts and decorations. He was saved. The relieved airbender laughed inwardly at his little episode back there. "Aang what's wrong? Why are you screaming?" she asked again.
Aang looked around for a good and believable excuse, and found one at the fruit stand on the side of the street. "Those watermelons!...they're only two for a copper piece!" he exclaimed, like it was some big deal.
"Oh, let's get some I love watermelon" Toph proposed. And sure enough, five minutes later Aang was carrying two melons in addition to all the bags. And although Toph had no idea what was going on around her. Aang still felt nervous as they moved through the pink laced street. The young monk took deep calming breaths ,trying to straighten his thoughts. 'Calm down' he told himself mentally, 'As long as she can't see, and no one mentions the festival around her. She won't know anything'.
Easier said than done. He had no sooner finished that thought, when a school of chattering girls came to gawk and talk about the decorations. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe that the-
Aang dropped the bags and melons and dove for the blind girl, clamping his hands over her ears. The tactic worked; Toph hadn't heard the rest of that girls sentence. But it had invoked the curiosity of the earthbending master. "Aang, why are you holding my ears?" she questioned.
"Oh... no reason" Aang said taking his hands off her ears, "I just uhh...like your ears" Toph beamed at her lovers compliment, happy that he was saying such nice things about her. And it was only polite to return the compliments.
"That's sweet of you to say Aang, and I like your cute butt" she complimented, before giving it a good smack. Aang yelped, before turning red from Toph's "compliment" hoping no one had seen it. He then lowered his head in embarrassment and walked along side his companion, toward their destination. The two continued to walk down the heart lined streets, with Toph blissfully unaware of her surroundings. And Aang talking very loudly every time someone mentioned the festival so Toph couldn't hear.
"Looks like we're almost there" Aang told the girl next to him, once again checking the map. Toph clapped her hands in joy, soon she would be sharing a room with the cutest airbender in the world. The only airbender in the world, but whose counting. She was so distracted by her lustful fantasies that she accidently walked into something hard and solid. That something being Aang's rigid body, that at the moment was frozen in shock and fear at what he was looking at. They had in fact arrived at the inn, with the words "SWEETHEART SUITE INN' in big pink letters hanging over the doors. "We're here" he announced weakly, wanting to throw up from all the pink, hearts, and little cupids hanging from the roof.
There was only so much pink a man could take. But at least there was a bright side to this pink nightmare; just like the festival, as long as no one mentioned it was a lover's inn. Then Toph wouldn't try to glomp him to death. The nomad heaved a heavy sigh; "Let's go check in" he told her, while mentally cursing that old medicine man for putting such a place on the map.
The lobby however wasn't as pink as the outside, but hade a huge cupid fountain in the center with pink koi fish swimming in the pond below it. Complete with marble floor and fancy furniture. They approached the lady behind the desk, who Aang noticed, had a familiar pink tinge to her cheeks. "WELCOME!" she cried cheerfully, "TO THE SWEETHEART SUITE INN, THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE ON EARTH!". Aang wasn't expecting the receptionist to shout the name of the place, so he didn't have time to cover Toph's ears; he did however have time to smack his forehead in misery before...
"Aang!" Toph giggled, giving the airbender a great big hug from behind, crushing the air out of the bender. "I should have known, it's just like you to surprise me with a love inn". Toph squeezed him tighter, before letting him go and approaching the lady behind her desk. "Got a room for a couple of crazy kids in love?". Without a word and still smiling the receptionist tossed Toph a set of keys. "Meet you up stairs" she called as the earthbender climbed the steps to the other floors.
Aang picked up the bags and melons, when he noticed a miserable looking man sitting on a bench in the corner. And looked so, because the pink-cheeked receptionist lady was busy fawning over him. He approached.
"Passion fruit?" Aang asked.
"Passion fruit" the man confirmed. "Passion fruit?" the man asked, pointing up the stairs where Toph had gone.
"Passion fruit" Aang nodded and confirmed.
"Best friend?" the Avatar queried. But the man shook his head no.
"Sister" he replied miserably.
Aang blanched as he left the poor bastard with his misery, muttering "Sorry" as he ascended the stairs.
Toph waited at the top of the stairs tapping her foot in anticipation, "Come on let's hurry" she said and disappeared down one of the many hallways of the building.
Aang was about to follow the blind girl when he again noticed something on one of the doors. The room number K/T. He was mesmerized by the strange door, and had absolutely no idea why. "My God it's...beautiful" he whispered. And it was, he couldn't explain it, but he felt that behind that door was something...amazing. Something amazing lied just beyond that sliding door. And he had to see it. He had to open that door. And to him, not doing so would be like missing a major step in manhood. He knew this K/T room was going to be magical. Aang slowly reached for the door, savoring the moment. He was so close, he was...
"Aang come on, there's no need to be shy, Toph will take care of you" the earthbender coaxed, dragging Aang down the hall and away from the glorious K/T room. The monk struggled against Toph's grip, and tried to reach for the door but to no avail. So he was forced to follow his blind companion, feeling cheated of something so beautiful and right.
Still sulking about the lost opportunity, this time it was Aang who bumped into Toph's body. "Hey Aang, I was right" she informed him
"Right about what?" he asked, curious to know what she was talking about.
"Katara and Sokka" she replied, "They did go to whale tail island".
Aang nearly screamed in fright as he saw his two other comrades, talking to each other at the end of the hall. Their back turned to them and unaware that they were there. They had to leave; fortunately they hadn't noticed them yet. Maybe if they quietly snuck away they could-
"HAY KATARA! HEY SOK-UMPH".
Aang clamped a hand over the girls mouth and dove behind a corner.
Katara turned at the sound of her own name. But when she turned, there was no one there. "What's wrong Katara?" asked her brother.
"I thought I heard someone"
"Really... you're crazy"
"I guess you're right, let's get out of here we still have to do some grocery shopping".
The two siblings began to walk toward the stairs.
Aang heard his friends approach, and if they didn't hide soon they would be discovered. Spying a broom closet near by, Aang with his hand still over Toph's mouth, quickly hid inside among the brooms and mops. The frightened Avatar held his breath, as he saw two shadows pass the below the door. They were so close he could hear their conversation.
"This is humiliating, having to share a room in a love inn with my sister".
"Ditto".
When the shadows disappeared, Aang exhaled and released Toph's mouth.
"Aang why are we hiding in a broom closet?".
"We're hiding from Katara and Sokka".
'Why are we hiding from them?".
"Because; I don't want them to get in the way of our plans".
Toph assumed that Aang was referring to his romantic plans, and was overjoyed by his consideration for their vacation. His thoughtfulness was so adorable as he chose to stay with her, than be with the others. For a second there she thought that this was a one sided romance. It was so nice of him to go through such lengths just for her, he deserved a big kiss. The blind earthbender grinned at her idea. They were on the island after all, and they were in a broom closet. Toph quickly reached out and grabbed something round and smooth. And believing it to be Aang, brought her lips crashing into it. She felt her lips connect with something smooth and kissed it for all she was worth.
'Oh Aang' she swooned in her head, 'You taste so sweet just like... watermelon'.
The confused but amused Avatar watched the blind girl make out with the melon, glad it wasn't him. "I guess you really do love watermelon" he stated. Toph immediately stopped kissing the fruit, and started feeling around. She soon realized that what she was kissing didn't have a face; or a body.
"Aww come on Toph, it was funny" Aang said, still chuckling from what happened in the broom closet.
"It most certainly was not" she argued, not pleased that she once again missed her chance to kiss her beloved Aang.
"It was hilarious!" the airbender replied before going into another fit of laughter.
Toph just huffed, and followed Aang to their room, "Laugh it up air boy, I sear I'll get you back for that one" she threatened, determined to make Aang pay. And already had an idea how. But right now, Toph's main focus was settling down with Aang in their new love nest. Aang pulled back the sliding door, and marveled at the lavish and luxurious room.
It was certainly much better than the square box on the ship. Aang looked around at the beautiful room while Toph felt it for herself. The room could have easily housed more than two people. A beautiful wooden table sat in the middle of the room, along with matching furniture. There was even a Kotatsu. Two futons were on the other side of the room, under the a window. It even had a balcony.
Although Aang wasn't exactly thrilled to be sharing a room with Toph, especially in a love inn. He took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positives. He was on a nice tropical island. They had paid very little for a very nice room. And there were two futons in the room... until; "This won't do, how are we supposed to cuddle if we have separate beds" she pouted. Aang was secretly glad that the futons were separate. Wanting just one night where he didn't have to worry, about being glomped in his sleep. But of course Toph always found a way around these things. Like she had done on the ship, Toph slid the two futons together to make one big one. "There" she said, flopping down on the soft bed. "Soooooo" Toph drawled, trying to sound innocent. But failing miserably. "What do you want to do now?" she asked, mischief apparent in her question.
Aang gulped as he saw Toph laying on the futon. And although Aang was positive that he was not in love with Toph. His hormones sure did. Aang could recall the time awhile back when Sokka had explained something he called "raging hormones". Not very well though, and ended up just confusing the young bender even further. He made a mental note to ask Katara about this sort of thing next time he saw her. As a gifted healer, she probably knew more about these "hormones" than Sokka did.
And Aang couldn't deny that jasmine bender mad his hormones do something. What he did not know. Still being an Avatar and a gentlemen, he would not bend to something as silly as raging hormones. And boy were they raging.
"Cause I was thinking; now that we're on the island. Now would be a good time to give you your surprise", Toph suggested as she approached. Aang began to panic as she loomed closer, he had to sway her attention and escape. He would have jumped out the window... if he wasn't positive that Toph would be waiting for him when he landed on the ground. Looks like he had no other choice.
"You can't" he said, halting her with a hand. The earthbender tilted her head to one side in confusion, and a little disappointment.
"Why not?" she whined, wondering why it seemed the whole world was against Aang and her being a couple.
"Because..." he faltered, trying to think of a good and believable excuse for getting out of this situation. Without hurting Toph's feelings. And without getting into deeper trouble. "Because...I haven't given you your surprise!" he exclaimed, right before mentally bitch slapping himself in the face. His plan worked; but. He had only achieved two out of three of his goals. Toph had believe his excuse. Her feelings were not hurt. But his mouth had gotten him into deeper trouble yet again.
"So what's my surprise?" she asked, excited as to what her beloved Aang had done to surprise her with next . Aang was so full of surprises, I mean first there was the romantic island getaway. Then there was the love theme inn. How was he going to top himself this time.
'I have no idea' Aang thought to himself. "It's amazing! It will totally blow you away!" he stated confidently, throwing his hands up in the air for emphasis. Right before mentally bitch slapping himself a second time.
"What is it? What is it?" she squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet in anticipation.
"I can't tell you that, it would ruin the surprise" he explained. His plan seemed to be working; Toph was so preoccupied by her fantasies that she was completely forgetting about her surprise for him. Toph seemed satisfied with Aang's response and didn't press the issue of her surprise further. Believing that Aang wanted to give her his surprise first. And if he was lucky he wouldn't have to give her one, and would be cured before he'd have to. The air monk decided to follow up on his earlier plans to do nice things for the love struck Toph. Just to keep her mind busy and not on him.
"Hey Toph, what do you say we go for a walk?" he asked. Toph smiled and nodded. The two left their bags in their room and went down stairs to take their "Romantic walk through the town". Toph's words not Aang's. Aang looked back at the poor bastard whose sister was trying to seduce him, while under the influence of passion fruit. He couldn't help but feel a little grateful that it was Toph in love with him and not someone like; Zuko. The airbender shuddered at the thought.
Toph rested her head comfortably on Aang's shoulder and held his arm with both of hers. Aang was too busy to care; he just kept looking between the pink decorations and the earthbender on his arm. Needing to remind himself that she was blind and couldn't see the decorations for the festival. And as long as no one talked about it, or mentioned it, Toph wouldn't know.
Just then, Aang noticed to figures in blue walking through the throngs of people on the street towards them. His eyes widened as he recognized them to be Katara and Sokka. They had to hide. And with no broom closet in sight, Aang did the next best thing. He grabbed the Toph and dove into an alley. They hid behind some boxes and watched as they passed by their hiding spot.
Except this time; they didn't just pass by and leave like they had done with the broom closet. Instead Sokka stopped to stare at something on the wall. Something that, because of the angle, Aang couldn't see. Katara too; stopped to stare at whatever was hung on the wall. And Aang's curiosity was answered when Sokka said, "Look Katara, there's a festival in town". Toph's head perked up at these words, while Aang's felt like his would explode. Sokka continued, "The Spring Love Blossom Festival... sounds like fun". Aang stood up and glared at the water tribe warrior.
"SOKKA! YOU SON OF A-
Chapter. 7 finished at 7:48 P.M.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I hope you keep reading because there is plenty more Taangy goodness to come.
