Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar.
Chapter 10
Rumors
Now Aang knew that he was fast. Very fast. He may not have bragged about it, but he was aware and somewhat proud of it as well. However, there were some things that were just too fast for him to outrun. Things such as Appa, angry Toph, headaches, and of course homework. Most recently added to this list: the rumor mill.
Toph and Kuzon had been running late that morning, apparently because of a father/daughter talk that Toph had been unwilling to listen to. Thanks to that, Aang and Ty Lee missed out on breakfast at school and they did not get a fair heads up from Ria. It was not until homeroom that he even knew that he was the subject of the day among the student body. Well, him and Toph. The moment Aang stepped inside Mr. Brandt's room, the classroom erupted with the sound of chairs sliding and people rushing over to him.
"Congratulations!"
"You're insane!"
"Don't listen to him, it must have been so romantic!"
"Was it a blast?"
"Did you get hammered?"
"You must have gotten laid!"
"Whoa whoa whoa!" Aang yelled over the crowd. "What are you all talking about?"
"Enough," Mr. Brandt interrupted. "Back to your seats, please. You too, Aang."
"What's going on, Mr. Brandt?" he whispered.
"Apparently your classmates believe you and your girlfriend eloped over the weekend."
"That's ridiculous!" Aang exclaimed.
"So you didn't?" Mr. Brandt asked.
"Of course not," Aang replied seriously.
"I hadn't thought so," Mr. Brandt smiled. "Just thought that I would ask."
Aang sat down and placed his forehead on the table. Did people really think that was what he had done over the weekend? How crazy was that? Who runs away and gets married to someone in high school? And then comes back to school? That was just plain crazy as far as Aang was concerned. Unfortunately, not everyone else shared his opinion. All throughout his morning classes he was barraged with questions about married life. Some were just in good fun, but most seemed to think it was true. Lunch was not much of an escape from the insanity either.
"So how was the honeymoon?" Ria asked as she and the others sat down. "Did you bow-chikka-wow-wow?"
"Knock it off," Aang moaned in reply. "It's been a long morning."
"You have pictures, right?" Bee asked. "I bet you looked great in your wedding dress."
Aang shot her a glare just in time to see that even Longshot was smiling. At least they all knew it was nothing but an idiotic rumor. Ty Lee was being as nice as she could, but even she was stifling her laughter. Funnily enough, Mai was the only one that Aang was glad to have around right now. He knew she would never laugh at him.
"Hey, cue ball."
"Just what I don't need right now," Aang groaned as he did his best to ignore the strip-haired boy walking up to him.
"That blind little slut must have been pretty desperate if she strong armed you into eloping."
"Watch your mouth," Pipsqueak growled as he stood up.
"Yeah! Toph's no slut!" The Duke defended.
"Probably right," Kaze agreed. "Sluts don't hang with other sluts do they, Ty Lee?"
"Shut up," Mai said quietly. "Unless you want me to cut your tongue out of your mouth."
"So the emo talks," Kaze pressed. "Wanna try saying that a little louder?"
"Back off, Kaze," Aang warned. "Unlike me, I'm pretty sure Mai will hurt you."
As if on cue, Mai began spinning her knife between her fingers. Somehow, she made even that little piece of white plastic look threatening. Aang could see in his eyes that Kaze was deliberating with himself whether or not to continue with his attack. He thought once, twice, three times about it before turning his back on the table and walking away.
"Is there any chance I could get you to follow me around for the rest of the day?" Aang jokingly asked Mai. She did not laugh.
"Mai says 'you're welcome'," Ty Lee said cheerily. "Honestly, where do guys like that get off?"
"Alone in their rooms," Bee answered instantly.
Aang laughed at that. It was not really his kind of humor, but at the moment it was funny enough. It dawned on him that if school was this crazy for him, Toph must have been going through the same thing back at Hui-Ying Fai. How was she handling it? Knowing her; very loudly and physically. Another smile slipped upon his face.
"You gonna eat that?" Pipsqueak asked, pointing to Aang's untouched plate.
Aang answered by finally taking a bite.
As bad as the day had been, nothing could have prepared Aang for what had awaited him just outside of the cafeteria. It was like a complete and utter mad house outside. The only thing that he could see at first were the blinding lights and flashes. The disorientation that followed only made it that much more difficult to interpret what was going on. He felt people thrusting something in his face and more than once he felt cold, metallic surfaces pressing into his cheeks and lips. He could not tell who it was that grabbed his arms at first, but judging from the yelling and shouting it had to have been Ria and Bee.
"Back off, all of you!" Bee was shouting.
"Yeah, why don't you vultures buzz off?" Ria added.
"Just a few questions, Aang," someone was saying.
"Is it true that you and Toph Bei Fong went out of the country for the weekend?"
"Are you and Toph Bei Fong romantically involved?"
"Is there any truth to the rumors that Toph Bei Fong is carrying your child?"
It was around then that Aang realized that he had been mobbed by reporters. Paparazzi, rather. All wanting to know what had happened over the weekend.
Carrying my child? he thought to himself. This is getting way out of hand!
"Um . . ."
Many of the voices fell silent as the microphones were pushed closer to capture whatever Aang was going to say. Before he was even able to collect his thoughts and try to form an answer, a car horn sounded from behind the crowd. Reports turned their eyes and microphones around along with the camera men as a long black limousine pulled up. The driver door opened up and out stepped Kuzon wearing his most formal uniform: a fine green material trimmed in golden thread. Ignoring the questions of the photographers and reporters, he walked around the car and opened the passenger side back door.
"Mr. Bei Fong! Mr. Bei Fong!" the reporters all clamored as he emerged.
Lao was clad in a very fine looking forest green suit. He did not pay the media any mind as he approached Aang and placed a protective arm around his shoulders.
"Come with me," he said.
Aang did not get a chance to argue. Lao pulled him away from Ria and Bee's hands and maneuvered him towards the car. Aang could not help but glance from side to side as the reports continued to poke and prod at him with their microphones and questions. Lao guided Aang gently into the limousine and then joined him, sitting directly across from him.
"Hey, Twinkle Toes," Toph greeted in an annoyed fashion.
"Toph," Aang blinked. "What's going on?"
"What'dya think?" she asked, her annoyance growing. "We came to get you away from those snakes."
"This is exactly what I was talking about, young lady," Lao huffed as Kuzon started the car.
"I can't help it if these jerks don't understand the meaning of privacy!" Toph yelled.
"Do not interrupt me!" Lao returned. "I have told you time and again that you have to be more responsible! You know that we are watched constantly by the media and they will try to find anything at all to put in their papers or reports!"
"Sir," Aang started meekly. "If this is about the effect this will have on your business--"
"It has nothing to do with that!" Lao groaned as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Toph, I have done everything I can to keep your and Aang's private lives just that: private. But after the stunt you pulled taking him out of the country, I can't just sweep this under the rug."
"Why does it have to be?" Toph protested. "So what if Aang and I are in love? What's wrong with it?"
"Nothing!" Lao hollered in frustration. "Did you even stop to think about how this would affect your lives? Before it could be tossed aside as some little friendship that no one but the tabloids would be interested in. Now I can almost assure you that incidents like today will be repeated! The paparazzi have absolutely no respect for any individual."
"I can handle a few reporters, sir," Aang said, trying to help. "It's no trouble."
"That is not the point, Aang," Lao explained. "The point is, neither of you should have too."
Toph was in a stubbornly sulky mood for the rest of the drive. When Kuzon finally pulled into the Bei Fong Estate, Aang watched as they passed by yet another large gathering of reporters waiting fir them near the gates. Thankfully the tinted windows blocked out most of the camera flashes. Neither Toph nor Lao said anything as they went inside. Kuzon waited outside the main door and told the reporters to disband. Aang did not wait to find out if they listened.
"Oh, Aang!" Huiliang Bei Fong cried as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. This was the first time he had seen her in just over a month. He wondered if he had just never noticed how large her belly had been getting. "I hope those fiendish, heartless monsters didn't bother you too much! I'm so sorry you have been dragged into this circus. Are you alright?"
"He's fine, Poppy," Lao said as he gently pulled her off of him. He led her back to the living room and sat her down in her chair before he left for his study.
"He treats me like I'm an idiot," Toph mumbled.
"No, dear," her mother consoled. "He doesn't think you're an idiot. He's just worried for the two of you. You know how he can be."
"Could have fooled me," she growled.
"I've never heard him call you 'Poppy' before," Aang said in an attempt to change the subject.
"It's a long story," Huiliang blushed. "Actually, I think it's one that you two should hear."
"Do we have to?" Toph asked.
"Back when I first met your father, he was a lot like you are, sweetie. He was brash, short tempered, and he most definitely stood out in a crowd. When we first met, I thought he was nothing but an egotistical boy who was used to getting anything he wanted. Having made such a large fortune at such a young age has a tendency to swell a person's head.
"I remember that I was studying at one of the school cafés when he came so noisily down the walkway. He was making a spectacle of himself as usual when he came in. He announced to everyone that he was going to cover the bill for the entire crowd. I did my best to ignore him, but when he sat down across from me it became harder and harder."
* - * - * - * - *
"I like the flower," Lao said, pointing to the one in her hair. Huiliang said nothing. "So do you eat here often? Or is that a little too cliché for you?"
"I'm afraid I don't have time to bolster your ever growing ego right now," Huiliang replied. "I have a test to study for."
"Wouldn't if be easier for you to study somewhere more quiet?" he asked her. "I know just the place."
"Am I to assume that this place would just so happen to be on your private estate?"
"Beautiful and psychic," Lao grinned.
Huiliang closed her book and gathered her things with a sigh.
"I don't think so," she told him. "I don't have time to spend with children."
"At least tell me your name," Lao said as he grabbed her hand.
"But then it would be easier for you to find me again," Huiliang explained with a smile. She turned to leave only to hear him calling after her.
"Poppy then!" he said. "Like the flower in your hair. You'll be my Poppy Flower."
Huiliang only shook her head and left.
* - * - * - * - *
"That doesn't sound like the old man at all," Toph said.
"You would be surprised," Huiliang smiled. "He used to be quite unpredictable."
"Unpredictable?" Aang asked.
"And romantic."
* - * - * - * - *
For some reason Huiliang just could not stop thinking about that arrogant boy that had bothered her last week. He had been utterly obnoxious and pretentious, but still she could not put him out of her mind. She sighed heavily as she slammed her book closed and massaged her temples.
"Trouble, my little Poppy?"
"I can't focus," she replied without thinking.
"I have that effect on people," Lao smiled as he sat down next to her on the grass.
"Do you even hear yourself when you talk? How annoying it sounds?"
"I've been told I have a great voice."
"Who told you that? A deaf man?"
"You don't like me, do you?" Lao asked.
"What gave it away?"
"Do you want the complete list or just the recent transgressions?" Huiliang smiled lightly. Not intentionally, but she smiled nonetheless. "Now that is a beautiful sight."
"You are a terrible flirt," she told him bluntly as she lifted her book to hide her face.
"I've been told I'm pretty good actually."
"Only because they think it's what you want to hear."
"Ouch."
"Mr. Bei Fong, I do not have time to babysit you," Huiliang said. "Why don't you go find some other girl to bother?"
"They don't interest me," he told her honestly. "You do."
"And why is that?" she asked, trying to hide her blush.
"Because."
"You are a terrible flirt," Huiliang frowned. "You think you can have anything you want using your money and your charms, don't you? How can you be this way?"
"It's all anyone expects of me," Lao countered. "The tabloids, paparazzi, and the rest of the world think of me this way, so why shouldn't I give them what they want?"
"Because you should be the person that you chose to be, not who everyone expects you to be."
Lao was silent for a while as he sat there staring at her. Just when she thought that he would never take his eyes off of her, he spoke again.
"And would you be willing to give me a chance to be that person?"
"Maybe after you do some growing up," she said before she stood.
"Never seen a Poppy with thorns before," Lao smiled.
* - * - * - * - *
"How long did it take for Dad to grow up?" Toph asked.
"Oh, a while," Huiliang answered, laughing to herself. "That wasn't the worst part though. After we began to spend more time together, I couldn't go anywhere without someone trying to ask me questions or take my photograph. Lao tried to keep me sheltered from it, but no matter what he did they still showed up. They would surround me at home, at school, any time I was on the street. I started trying to disguise myself every time I went outside."
"What did you do about it?" Aang asked.
"Well, to tell the truth it never really stopped. There are still times that I'm approached by the media, and I've even given interviews without even knowing I was talking to reporters. You think you're talking to some passerby or fellow grocery shopper just to find out that they're recording everything that you say. I think that's why your father has been so adamant about you not drawing attention to yourself and Aang, dear. He just doesn't want you to have to deal with it if her can help it."
Aang could see the thoughts going through Toph's mind. He knew that she did not like being sheltered or protected, and he certainly knew that she could take care of herself. Somehow though, he could also see the understanding in her face. She knew that her father was just looking out for the two of them. The fact that Lao had been trying to protect their privacy meant a lot to Aang. It was just another way that he knew Lao approved of him. At least a little.
"Come on, Twinkle Toes," Toph said at length. "Appa probably wants to see you."
Toph was right of course. Appa tackled Aang the moment he stepped outside the door. The two of them ran around as Toph took a seat on the porch. She followed their vibrations across the garden, lost in thought. Her Dad was right, she had to admit. It was not fair to Aang to have those clowns show up all over the place bothering him and asking questions whose answers were none of the world's business.
"So judging by the talk in the car, I'm guessing you haven't talked with your parents about the baby yet?"
Toph's attention snapped back to the garden just in time to feel the furry face of Appa pressing against her cheek, and his tongue bathing her in slobber.
"No, I haven't," she smiled as she pushed Appa down. She scratched the furry monster's head and pat the spot next to her for Aang to sit down. "Haven't really gotten a chance thanks to the lecture I got when I got home last night."
"Speaking of which, I didn't even think about it until Gyatso looked at me like I was insane when I tried to tell him you left them all a note."
"You just figured that out?" Toph laughed loudly. "Wow, Twinkle Toes. I can't believe it took you three whole days to put that together. And you needed help."
"Hey, it's hard to remember my girlfriend's blind when she sees things better than almost anyone." Toph snuggled herself up against Aang as he draped an arm over her shoulder. "By the way, are you really carrying my baby?"
"Is that what they were asking you?" she chuckled.
"It's not entirely hard to believe."
"Excuse me?" Toph said, raising an eyebrow. "And how's that?"
"I wouldn't hold it passed you to take advantage of me in my sleep," Aang smiled.
This time it was Toph's turn to catch Twinkle Toes off guard. She turned and pinned him to the ground, causing Appa to begin barking and wagging his tail thinking that it was time to play again.
"I don't need you to be asleep to take advantage of you, Twinkle Toes."
"You're not taking advantage if it's something that I want," Aang replied.
Toph felt her cheeks burning as her chest tightened like it always did when Aang talked like that. She wondered just how much of that last statement was teasing and how much was true. From the way his heart was pounding under her frame, she could not tell if he was lying or just nervous. She decided she did not care. Toph's lips slowly descended onto Aang's. He returned her affection instantly as he wrapped her small waist in his arms. She cupped his cheek in her hand as he maneuvered his lips down onto her neck. She let out a weak moan as he pulled her tighter into him.
"Toph!" She sat up in sheer surprise and embarrassment at the sound of her father's shout. With a furious blush, she slid off of Aang who she could tell was just as surprised as she was. "This is just what I was talking about! Those reporters are still outside, and any one of them could have wormed their way in here to take a picture of the two of you!"
"So what?" Toph yelled. "Are we not allowed to kiss each other anymore just because someone may or may not be waiting to catch us in the act? I don't care if the world knows we're a couple! Aang doesn't either!"
"Actually, Toph," Aang said. "I think I agree with your dad."
"What?" she shrieked.
"I don't like what they're doing to you. They're trying to make you out to be some kind of wild, loose girl." He could not stop thinking about what Kaze had said. If everyone started thinking that about Toph, he would never forgive himself.
"You've got to be kidding," she huffed. "I don't care what they say about me!"
"I do," Lao said.
"Me too," Aang agreed. "I don't like the idea of people judging you just because they see you spending time with me."
"So you're saying we shouldn't spend time together?" she asked, growing more frustrated with the men in her life.
"We're not saying that, Toph," Lao tried to explain calmly. "I just don't want to see my baby girl's more private . . . intimate moments plastered across the papers and news."
Toph noted the pause before the word "intimate." Somehow, the simple fact that her dad was not yelling at her for the moment he had caught them in made her feel a little better. But why was everyone so concerned with protecting her? She could do it herself!
"I don't need you guys to worry about me!" Toph yelled. "Stop projecting your baby worries on me! Pretty soon you'll have the kid you always wanted anyway!"
Lao was taken aback by the anger in his daughter's voice. Aang shook his head in frustration, but was not shaken enough to miss Toph's escape attempt. As she tried to push by the two of them, Aang caught her by the arm and stopped her. This was one conversation he was not going to let hang over anyone as long as he could help it.
"You need to talk to him," Aang told her firmly.
"Why?" she asked, eyes watering. "He doesn't want to listen anyway. He doesn't care about me, he just doesn't want me making things hard for the new baby!"
"Is that what you really think, honey?" her mother asked from the doorway. Apparently she had been listening to the conversation.
"You're about to have a normal, healthy kid," Toph said a little bitterly. "Of course you don't want me screwing things up around here right now."
"That's ridiculous!" Lao said, clearly angry at the thought. "Toph, you are our daughter. This baby will never change that, or how we feel about you."
"Nothing ever could," her mother agreed.
"If I have my way," Lao said, completely serious, "this baby will be nothing like a normal child. I would rather have another strong, fiery boy or girl that is just as wonderful as you are."
Toph could feel that her father meant every word. Maybe she had been worried over nothing. She fought to keep her tears back. Now that things were out in the open, she wondered if she ever should have said anything at all. She was feeling a bit stupid for thinking anything could make her dad change. Her mother caught her up in a tight hug and stroked her hair.
"You know, I think this baby is a very lucky kid," she said.
"Why?" Toph asked.
"Because, silly. The baby will have you for a big sister."
"Big sister?" Toph asked. Suddenly, everything began to connect in her mind. This was not just going to be her parent's baby. This was going to be her baby brother or sister. She was going to be a big sister. "I'm gonna have a kid brother or sister."
"Yeah," Aang smiled. "Boy, do I feel sorry for that kid."
Toph grinned as she punched Aang in the arm.
A/N: Darn paparazzi. I always have hated tabloids and magazines that plaster people's private lives across them. Especially those pictures that get taken without the person's knowledge. I just don't agree with it.