Sorry about the late update, between this one and my other one i have had to share time. rest assured now that the plot is about to get messy i don't think i'll be able to stop with this one until i'm close to being finished! It's longer only because i didn't know where to stop...but i don't think you guys will mind :)
Toph was getting nervous the closer they got to Gaoling. She was beginning to regret making Aang promise to take them to visit her family. While they had talked and reconnected at Ba Sing Se things were still a little strained. She knew that at the Earth King's Palace they wouldn't dare make a scene about her disappearance, but now that they were visiting her home she felt she was going to get on ear full. Aang broke her out of her reverie.
"How are you feeling?" He asked concerned.
"I don't know. I'm really nervous but I shouldn't be I'm a hero now."
"You think they are going to lecture you again?"
"Yes, I knew they would seem ok at the huge party in Ba Sing Se, but this might be different…"
"Are you scared?"
"No because I can just leave again if they don't want to see it my way. It's just….they are my parents I don't want to always be mad at them. I want things to be right."
"Well, maybe if you tell them that they will listen."
"Yeah…maybe." Toph hung her head over the side of Appa's saddle.
An hour later they landed outside of the gates of her home. Toph jumped down and hesitated.
"Aren't you guys coming too?"
"Well if you want some privacy…" Katara started.
"Let me rephrase, get off Appa and come with me."
Everyone jumped off and walked up to the gate with her. After a brief hesitation Toph pounded her fist on the gate and two guards opened it to stare at the ragged looking group.
"Lady Toph! You have come back."
"Yeah yeah open it up already."
The doors swung inward allowing the group and Appa to enter. As they approached the front door Toph lifted her hand to knock but the butler had already opened the door. He bowed and invited them in.
"Where are they?" Toph asked.
"In the garden but they are with other guests if you would like to wait…"
"No I think I take priority over other guests." Toph began marching towards the back of the house while the rest followed her saying nothing. She opened the back door and stepped out on the rocky porch searching for them. She turned her feet towards the gazebo that was just over the bridge. She could feel that there were four people sitting there and the tinkling of china told her they were having tea. She took a deep breath to try and steady her nerves. Aang placed a hand on her shoulder and that was all she needed to face her parents. She held her head high and walked over. She was so concentrated on not sounding weak that she didn't even try to figure out who they were sitting with. They didn't matter all that matter is that she made things right with her parents. Aang and the rest stopped dead as soon as they saw who they were sitting with, but Toph kept going. Her mother Poppy gasped when she saw her daughter standing there outside the gazebo.
"Toph!" She exclaimed and ran to give her a hug.
"Yes I came home and I was hoping we could talk about me and some other things."
"Toph I'm sure you remember Tyro and his son Haru." Her father Lao said.
Toph blinked. Haru and his father were sitting with her parents. She opened her mouth but then shut it and began walking back towards Aang.
"Toph why don't you come sit down with us." Poppy insisted.
She didn't respond. She couldn't think straight. There is only one reason why they would be here sitting with my parents and talking to them. She pushed passed the gang and kept walking towards the house. Katara and Suki exchanged glances then rushed after her. Aang and Sokka just stood there not knowing where or what they should do.
"Avatar why don't you and your friend join us." Lao signaled a servant to bring them more tea.
Aang and Sokka took the extra seats feeling uncomfortable.
"So, what brings you two here?" Sokka asked Haru.
"Oh well…" Haru began before his father cut him off.
"We are negotiating his courtship with Toph."
Aang and Sokka almost choked on their tea but managed to swallow. Sokka's face showed blatant shock while Aang just smiled at him.
"Since you two know Haru why don't you tell us of your encounters with him." Lao suggested.
Aang and Sokka exchanged glances then Sokka put a small sandwich in his mouth indicating he should do the explaining.
"Well we first met him while we were on our way to the North Pole. His family fed us and lent us rooms to sleep in. When Haru got arrested for earth bending the soldiers in the village took him away. Katara pretend to be an earth bender in order to save him and we ended up on board the metal prison boat and he helped rescue his entire village."
"Well we couldn't have done it without you Avatar," Tyro interjected, "You supplied the coal that allowed us to escape."
"It was my pleasure. After that we didn't see until the solar eclipse when we invaded the Fire Nation."
Lao looked surprised, "You failed to mention that. That was an impressive feat even though it ended in a loss."
"When we decided to surrender I sent Haru away with the Avatar and some other younger members." Tyro explained.
"Yes and he help aide our escape when Azula came looking for us at the Western Air Temple." Aang smiled at Haru.
"Well," Lao sipped his tea, "This certainly isn't the arrangement I had always planned for my daughter, but her leaving and aiding the Avatar and everything that she has done since leaving here…I know that she knows how to make her own choices. She's not the helpless girl I always thought she would be."
Poppy placed her hand on her husband's and turned to Haru. "I too feel the same way about our daughter and maybe with your more…tender personality you seem to be a fit match."
"Your terms are accepted but I feel we are going to need to speak to Toph about her traveling arrangements." Lao said looking at Aang.
"That is something she did want to speak with you about. I don't want to speak for her." He answered.
"Very well you and your friends can clean up after your journey and then join us for the evening meal." Lao took his wife's arm after bowing slightly to Tyro and Haru and returned to the house.
Haru and his father returned the gesture and Tyro followed the parents inside.
"So I was surprised to see you guys here." Haru started.
"I was just as shocked when I saw you sitting with her parents. So when did you get here?" Aang laughed.
"This morning. We had been talking most the afternoon."
"So the terms, since we are pretty close to Toph I think we need to be included." Sokka folded his arms and assumed a fatherly position.
Haru smiled at him and began explaining, "Well they were hoping that when Toph came back that she would spend a few days with them. I know she has wanted to patch things up so I figured while you guys were out rebuilding I would stop by to talk with her parents about being with Toph."
"So I take it Toph basically told what to do?" Aang asked
"Yeah, she said her parents were old fashioned and controlling so if we wanted to spend any real time together I would need to formerly ask them. So I talked with my father and he agreed to come with me and we settled on some terms like escorts, time to be together, dinners and parties, things like that. But if she is not staying I don't know how that will change things."
"If we know anything about Toph it's that she does things her way. Her parents may try to get to do something but if she decides to travel then most likely you're coming with us." Sokka said.
Back in her room Toph laid on her bed beating and screaming into her pillow. She could feel Suki and Katara standing by the doorway hesitant to walk over. She lifted her head from the pillow and motioned for them to come in. After closing the door they all sat on the bed waiting for Toph to say something.
"He can't really be asking my parents can he?" Toph asked.
"Well what do you think he is asking?" Katara rubbed her hands together.
"Why else would he be here. I have barely known him for what maybe a month and he is already asking to marry me, that's just ridiculous! And I know I'm at the age but come on even you and Aang didn't move that fast and you and Sokka didn't either."
"What if he is not asking to marry you but just to be with you? Didn't you talk about your parents at all with him just casually?" Suki asked gently.
"Yes he asked what they were like so I told him, but I didn't know he would do this. I can't get married right now!" Toph began getting hysterical.
"Toph it's ok. From what I know of Haru I don't think he is a fast mover. From all the time you have spent together he probably knows you well enough not to push this subject with you or your parents."
"Thanks for the optimism." She sighed running her hand over her hair, "I'm just shocked and angry that he's doing this without talking to me first."
"Well what is he supposed to do? We're traveling the earth kingdom it's not like he can just walk around the corner and ask you first. And he obviously likes you enough to come and face your parents that should mean something." Suki was also trying to get her to see the good side.
They sat there quietly for a while letting their words sink in.
"You're right," she conceded, "He does know me better than that. Be is probably just asking to court me or something stupid like that."
"See it's not a marriage proposal. All he wants to do is spend time with you since you are a beautiful young lady." Katara was happy that Toph had finally found someone.
"Don't forget he is really cute." Suki leaned against her bed post.
"Yeah well it's not his looks that I like about him." Toph covered her mouth; this was her first confession that she liked him.
"Nope now you have to spill. We all knew it from the way you would blush when he was around. Now that you have admitted it you have to share." Katara sat on her stomach with her head in her hands.
Great, Toph thought, now I've done it. But the more she thought about actually having someone the more she seemed to like the idea. She had always been the strong willed one, the person that was immovable you didn't care if she had to face the whole world alone. She was proud of herself and everything she had done, but she knew she was missing something; missing someone. Her time she did spend with Haru had made her happy and when she thought about it, he had filled that missing part. Maybe I can give him a chance. Once she had come to that conclusion she had a good heart to heart talk with two girls who she knew would understand her.
Dinner that evening had a formal air about it. Nobody was laughing out loud or trying to make unnecessary toasts. Lao sat at the head and Poppy at the other end with everyone else filling in the middle.
Lao broke the silence, "So young lady, how did you come to know the Avatar?"
"Oh I met them while they were traveling and they visited Kyoshi Island to get supplies. Then my warriors and I went to fight in the war and Sokka sprung me from prison." Suki smiled at Sokka who was sitting across from her.
"Your warriors? What kind of warriors to you lead?" He was perplexed.
"Oh we're just a specific type of warriors that only exist on our island. We study the methods of our ancestor Avatar Kyoshi."
"Interesting…" Lao took a bite of meat.
"You see dad…there are other women out there who know how to fight and take care of themselves. Even Katara is a master water bender." The way Toph talked to her father sounded like a previous argument had taken place before dinner.
The room was silent again but with a more uncomfortable atmosphere.
"My dear, why don't you tell Toph of our agreement." Poppy said softly.
"Very well. Toph after considering your arrangement your mother and I have decided to accept your terms on account that you will visit more often and keep us updated on your travels."
"Is there always going to be a condition with you?" She was irritated but in a happy way.
"Yes as long as we are your parents then we will have conditions and rules."
Toph jumped out of her chair and hugged her father. He was surprised at first but he returned her hug glad that she had accepted. Just then a servant walked in,
"My Lord and Lady you have a visitor, merchant by the look of him."
"Why is he here? What is his business?"
"I'm not entirely sure but he said there are two men trapped in a metal holding cell that have been asking for you."
"No way!" Toph ran out the door with everybody following her.
The merchant was not allowed to enter in the front gate but as soon as Toph arrived she knew her suspicions were right. With Aang's help he air bended the box out of the cart and Toph bended the earth to hold the box upright.
"Toph what is this?" Her father demanded.
"Oh just wait." She smiled standing in front of the metal box and bent it open. Two men, Master Yu and Xin Fu, fall out onto the ground. "Well, well, well, you two finally made it home."
They grunted in response and stood up stretching.
"We apologize for not being able to carry out your orders Lao Bei Fong." Said Master Yu bowing.
"Don't apologize to him apologize to me. You two actually thought you could out smart me." Xin Fu glared at her and was about to strike when Toph threatened, "Don't even try it between you and me and the Avatar you will be back in that iron cage for a whole lot longer."
Xin Fu stopped looked at Aang, who had handed his staff to Katara, and left.
"You know, it really was a bad idea to send them after me." Toph turned to glare at her father.
"I did what I thought was best." Lao turned around and headed back into the house with Poppy.
"Well I guess dinner's over I'm going to relax before we head out to the fire nation tomorrow." Sokka wrapped his arm around Suki and they left.
"You're leaving tomorrow?" Haru asked surprised.
"Yeah I didn't want to stay long as you can see from dinner it's still a bunch of tension." Toph replied.
"When will I get to see you again?"
"Well if it's ok with your dad my parents have agreed to let you come with us as part of this courtship thing. Which is why I have to visit more so they can 'supervise'." Toph lifted her fingers in the air when she said supervise.
Haru turned to his father asking silent permission.
"Go ahead I'm just going to head back home anyway." Tyro brought his son into a hug before turning around and leaving.
"Come on let's leave these two alone." Aang whispered to Katara.
Hand in hand Aang and Katara strolled around the garden enjoying he night air.
"Can we sit I'm tired of walking?" Asked Katara.
"Sure." Aang sat down and pulled Katara in so he could hold her. The blossoms on the tree added a nice touch to the already perfect night. Aang moved Katara's hair off her shoulder and kissed her neck. Katara sighed and leaned into it. She put her hand up to his head holding him. Aang took her hand and kissed it, and then he left a trail of kisses up her arm and ended at her lips. Katara turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. Aang held her close to him and her tongue entered his mouth. They stayed lip locked for a few seconds before needing to break for air. Katara leaned her head against his chest hugging his waist. These moments together were priceless to them; everyone in the world would disappear but them. Aang glanced up to see Toph and Haru walking across the way. He tapped Katara on the shoulder and she looked to see where he was pointing. She smiled as Haru tucked some of Toph's hair behind her ear to get a better look at her face.
"Do you think something will happen between them?" Katara asked.
"I don't know, but I hope so for her sake." Aang bended down one of the flowers from the tree above them and put it in her hair. "Maybe I should help him out a little bit." Aang bended a small current and caught some of the flowers overhead. He then sent the current over to Toph and Haru and gently winded it around them. Haru had a shocked look on his face but Toph and red and mad.
"We do not need your help over here!" She stamped her foot on the ground and Aang could feel a tremor coming his way. He bended a rock down beneath them just in time to stop he small attack. Katara and Aang giggled to themselves as they watched them walk away.
The next morning the gang had breakfast and said goodbye to Toph's parents. After loading their supplies on Appa they set their course for the Fire Nation. The gang arrived at the Fire Nation Royal Palace early in the evening. They still had a couple days until the wedding which was nice so they could recuperate from their long trip. Appa landed in front of the main entrance to the Palace. Zuko and Mai were both standing waiting to great them. As the gang dismounted Appa they walked through a royal processional to embrace their friends.
"Zuko it's good to see you again." Said Aang.
"It is good to see you. Was your trip ok? Any problems?" Zuko asked.
"It went smoothly."
"Any sign of her?"
"I'm sorry every village and town we stopped in I couldn't find her."
Zuko nodded a little disappointed. He had hoped that maybe they would find his mother in time for the wedding.
"Who is this guy?" Mai asked bored.
"Oh you guys remember Haru? Aang said breaking away from Zuko.
"I see, Toph needed a date." Zuko smiled and folded his arms.
"So what if I did, you guys all have someone so I figured I would bring my own!" Toph said a little more forcefully than she probably needed to.
"Is that the only reason?" Zuko teased.
"You know I still haven't had my payback for you burning my feet." Toph stamped the ground and grabbed the rock that popped up.
Everyone started to laugh except Toph which only increased her anger. Haru placed a steady hand on her shoulder and she dropped the rock.
"Come on dinner will be ready in an hour I bet you guys want to wash up." Zuko grabbed Mai's waist and led them inside.
Zuko had informed them that there will be nobles that are attending this dinner so the gang changed into their ceremonial robes. Zuko sent in a tailor to Haru's room so he could have something more formal to wear. Aang and Sokka walked into his room just as the tailors were leaving.
"Zuko had some green on hand." Aang commented.
"Oh yeah…" Haru tied a sash around his waist.
"Ok what are your plans for our Toph?" Aang smacked Sokka on the arm.
"Oh well, I know we both have feelings for each other but I'm not sure if it will become anything yet." Haru blushed a little.
"Well if it's any consolation you are the first person that can actually make Toph blush. That has to count for something." Aang smiled.
"Thanks."
"Come on let's go get our girls." Sokka began walking out of the room.
The boys lingered in the hallway by Katara's room after Aang felt that's where they all were. Sokka was getting impatient and knocked on the door. Suki poked her head out.
"Sokka you have to be more patient." She chided.
"Well, how long does it actually take? It's just a dinner." He complained.
"Well sometimes girls just want to look a little extra special and tonight is one of those nights." Suki closed the door in his face before he could make a comeback.
A few minutes later Zuko walked up to them escorting Mai. He his ceremonial robes and Mai was dressed in a black dress with red lining.
"What's taking them so long?" Zuko asked a little perturbed.
"See I'm not the only one who thinks this is taking forever." Sokka threw his hands in the air.
"Yeah even I don't take that long." Mai said blandly.
"Well you know, Toph can't see so I bet Katara and Suki had to fix her up as well as do their own thing, so that's probably why it's taking longer." Aang tried defending them but it only earned a glare from Sokka.
"I'm knocking again." He strode up to the door and as he was about to knock it opened revealing the women.
"That won't be necessary we are ready now." Said Toph as she expertly avoided Sokka and walked straight up to Haru. She could feel Haru's heart rate increase which made her smile. She had started believing Katara when she told her that she was pretty but actually having a guy react that way made her feel more beautiful and special.
Sokka's mouth dropped every time he saw Suki get dressed up with makeup and tonight was no exception. Aang, as always, was speechless when Katara exited her room closing the door gently. Aang kissed her as soon as she turned around,
"You look beautiful." He whispered.
"And you look handsome." She kissed him again.
They joined the rest of the group as they walked to the banquet hall for dinner. They stopped in front of the entrance when Zuko explained that they were going to be announced.
"This is basically a celebration of the ending of the war and our pre-marriage dinner. Since you guys were all coming, they figured to mush it into one." Zuko explained.
They waited in the hall as a servant came out to ask Haru his name, spoke to Zuko, then exited back into the banquet hall.
"It is my pleasure to announce the heroes who ended the 100 year war: Master Toph and her escort Haru, Master Sokka and Lady Suki, and your hosts this evening Firelord Zuko and Lady Mai. Without further ado it is my pleasure to announce Avatar Aang and Master Katara."
The filed in as their names were called. Sokka's grin widened as he was announced as a master and the cheers and clapping were continuous as Aang and Katara entered the room. The place was full although the amount of people was less from the huge party in Ba Sing Se; mostly fire nation nobles were in attendance as well as the earth king and some of his generals. The gang was seated near Zuko at his request as servants began serving the different courses.
"There isn't going to be another dance is there?" Asked Toph.
"No it's just a dinner and some mingling." Zuko answered.
"Mingling?" Asked Katara.
"Politics stuff, updates, all that stuff. I was going to send you updates on hawks but I figured you would be coming here soon so I didn't bother." Zuko told Aang.
"Yeah those hawks would have been confused about where to go since we didn't get to go to the South Pole before we came over." Aang answered.
"Speaking of the South Pole, I think we need to tell him Aang." Katara said.
"Tell me what?" Zuko asked.
"Oh just that Katara and I are getting married." Aang smiled.
"Hey don't forget that Suki and I are getting married too." Sokka interjected.
"Really? That's great! When are you planning on doing it?" Zuko was all smiles.
"Next week while we're visiting." Aang took Katara's hand and kissed it.
"I'm going to have to clear my schedule and get as much done as I can before I leave. Mai and I could probably be there a couple days before."
"So since you're both getting married are you doing it together?" Mai asked.
Katara and Suki locked eyes, excitement and surprise was evident on their faces.
"I can't believe we didn't think about that?" "That is a great idea!" They were speaking over each other when they both turned to Mai and said at the same time, "Mai you're a genius!"
Dinner went by relatively fast for Suki and Katara since they spent the rest of the time talking about ideas for their now combined wedding. Aang and Zuko were forced into talking with generals and nobles about a rumored resistance. Toph, Haru, and Sokka were lucky enough to sneak out as soon and the dinner was cover. Aang hoped these conversations wouldn't take too long because he had promised Katara that they would spend the rest of the evening together.
"I'm telling you there are right here in the fire nation," One of Zuko's new general, General Chang, was adamant, "They have spies everywhere trying to find recruits. We need to find their head quarters and put an end to it!"
"We have searched the fire nation they aren't here and they aren't in any of the colonies. It's just a rumor to get us scared and keep us divided." Another general, Wu, seemed exasperated.
"How long have these rumors been around?" Asked Aang.
"A couple of weeks but that's not the point. If these are true then we need to get to the bottom of this issue. Stop it before some horrible happens." General Chang was not letting up.
"Have we sent our own scouts out to investigate?" Zuko asked.
"Yes but they haven't returned with their reports yet." General Wu answered.
"Then there is nothing we can do until then. I'm getting married in two days and right now security here is of prime importance. The Earth got here without difficulty and now we need to focus on our other guests and of the wedding day. What is the status of my father?"
"We have increased the guard to 40 fire benders and 40 soldiers. All other prisoners have been moved to different floors or relocated. There shouldn't be an incident there." General Wu answered.
"Good, I want guards walking the halls and servants in the guest areas. During the ceremony the Yu Yan archers should be posted on the walls surrounding the palace and anyone who does anything or seems violent will be detained for questioning. I'm not saying these rumors of the resistance are true but I don't want to be caught by surprise either." Aang was impressed with Zuko's commands; he certainly wasn't the same man he knew from long ago.
The generals bowed and left just as the Earth King walked up to them.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news. The captured Dai Li agents that were to stand trial have escaped." Aang could see the King was flustered but he tried to keep a regal air.
"How did they escape?" Aang asked.
"Well we built wooden cells so they could try to learn metal bending but someone burnt through them."
"Burnt?" Aang gave a sideways look to Zuko, "Was Azula still in prison when you went to visit her?"
"I never actually went. When I sent a hawk from one of the colonies the Warden assured me that she was still there. They had to reapply the mouth brace because she bended at them during one of her dinner breaks. I trust the Warden, he wouldn't lie about this." Zuko was shaking his head and rubbing his temples.
"Any leads on where they went?" Aang addressed the Earth King.
"None it's like they disappeared. The benders guarding their cells were killed and there were no other witnesses."
"Zuko, if this resistance talk is true I can postpone my wedding until things are more calm…" Aang started.
"No. Go to the South Pole I'll take care of this until you and Katara are ready. Besides my Uncle arrives tomorrow I can send a team with him to help with the search."
"Aang you're getting married! That's wonderful when did this happen?" The Earth king shook his hand then announced his engagement to everyone in the room.
This prompted more cheers as more people came to offer their congratulations. Aang was a little perturbed that the King had announced it like this and he would have to stand there again for another 20 minutes happily shaking hands instead of spending time with Katara. Aang noticed that Zuko had slipped away from the crowd and was talking with his generals; no doubt discussing the recent escape and its implications. Soon after the hype of his engagement Aang noticed people began leaving and took it as his opportunity to also leave. He slipped out before anybody else could pull him aside for his opinions or more congratulations. The sun had set about an hour ago and he was eager to spend the rest of his night with Katara.
He walked into her room and saw her standing on the balcony wearing an evening robe. Aang took of his necklace, outer robe, and shoes then joined her on the balcony. She leaned into him as his hands gently caressed her waist and stomach.
"What took you so long?" She asked lovingly.
"Well the Earth King found it prudent to announce that I was engaged. So naturally everyone had to come talk to me." He kissed her shoulder.
"Does everybody think they are invited?" She turned around to face him.
"Maybe but it's cold in the South Pole I doubt they will want to come." He kissed her lightly.
"Good because I don't want tons of people there." She kissed him again.
"I thought you liked the attention?" He kissed her again.
"No that's Sokka, I like friends not hoards of people." They continued this kissing pattern after every sentence.
"Well don't worry I'll make sure unwanted people don't show up."
"Good, because I'll be way too busy with Suki and Gran Gran to pay any attention to that."
He smiled at her and stroked her cheek, "You know, the groom isn't allowed to see the bride 3 days prior to the wedding." Katara said.
"What?" Aang was shocked, "Why?"
"It's a custom, the way I remember Gran Gran explaining 'it is so the bride and groom can feel how separation hurts as it tests the bonds that have formed between them. Also so when the groom sees his bride we can all smile at his dumb founded look.'" Katara smiled as she remembered Gran Gran.
"So what do I get to do while I'm separated from you?" Aang started pouting.
"You get fitted for you robes and you build us a house."
"I build us a house?"
"Yes, then I get to come decorate it so it will be all ready for our wedding night." Katara started rubbing his chest and pushing him inside.
Aang took the hint and swept her up in his arms spinning her around the room. "We're going to be married and we get to be together forever." Aang leaned his head down and kissed Katara. He dropped her legs so his other hand could hold her face to his. Katara was gently easing his shirt from being tucked in his pants. As soon as she got access to bare skin Aang let out a soft moan and began kissing her neck. His hands slowly moved down from her head, tracing her arms and ending at the tie holding the robe on her elegant body. It was an easy bow tie and he gently eased it down until it dropped to the floor. Katara's body was electrified, she hooked her right leg around his waist and he lifted the other and walked her over to the bed. Katara was rubbing his head against her neck encouraging him, she loved feeling his hair growing and how soft it was against her hands. She brought Aang's face back up to hers slipping her tongue in. She could feel his body begin to heat up as her hands traced his arms. Aang was on fire. He was seriously considering breaking his promise tonight. When his hand rubbed her smooth leg he could feel her gasping inside his mouth. As he traced her body again he decided to go out on a limb and squeeze her breast. This action elicited a moan, and he knew he needed to stop, but he couldn't. His mind was reeling and he was consumed by her and he was shocked to find that it was Katara who actually broke away.
"Aang…" she said breathlessly, "we need to stop."
"Yeah, but I don't want to." Aang slide his hands off of Katara and smiled at her.
She gently caressed his cheek pulling him towards her. He laid his head on her chest as she continued lightly trace his head. They were breathing together; their hearts completely in sync. Katara bent her head down and pressed her lips to his prized arrow. She held that position for a few seconds then she lifted his head so she could taste him. Aang adjusted his position so she wouldn't have to bend as far. On his knees and between hers he pulls her towards him cupping her perfect face, nothing exists but her, no resistance or trials or pressing appointments; it's just him and the love of his life. He pulled away from the kiss to marvel at her, her hands were rubbing his sculpted arms.
"I have an idea!" Katara was instantly excited as she hopped out of bed.
"And what is it?" Aang leaned against the headboard of the bed.
"We can do some reading." Katara pulled out one of the scrolls that they had taken with them.
Aang laughed but agreed as Katara nuzzled against him.
"So," she said opening up the scroll, "Should we read all the way through it or so we just skip to the marriage stuff?"
"Hmmm, you pick." Aang played with a stray silky hair not really paying attention.
"Do you already know this or are you just distracted?" Katara put the scroll down and looked up at him.
"Actually, this is something the monks didn't discuss with me because of my age. Even though I was placed in higher levels of bending classes with older boys I wasn't old enough to be actually meeting women in a romantic light."
"Ok then, we will start at the beginning and pay attention this is important." Katara slapped his hand away when he reached for her hair again.
"Ok Air Nomadic Courtship: During the summer and winter solstices any Air Nomads would convene at the Northern Air Temple for the celebrations. During this time it was permitted for the young masters to select a lady for them to court if she agreed. The couple would spend one day together to determine whether or not they wish to further their relationship. Some went on spiritual journeys together, some traveled the world and some would find pleasure in just being together. Some couple may decide that after their courtship they would like to separate and find new love. Some decided to consummate their relationship with a child and some decided to marry, sealing themselves together for the whole of their existence. I don't know about you but that sounds very romantic."
"It's interesting to say the least. Although I have no idea how some of them could have a child together and at the next solstice be with someone else entirely?" Aang thought.
"Well I don't think you have to worry about that, but I do agree it's a little weird," Katara continued reading, "Ok let's just skip down to the good stuff. Air Nomadic Marriage Ceremonies: When a couple decides the go through the marriage ceremony they make an unbreakable bond. As free spirits they enter into a spiritual binding. The bond is formed only if the couple understands each other completely; no secrets can be kept when trying to make this bond. Once the bond is made it is irreversible and if any attempts to break such bond could result in permanent spiritual damage of both of the benders. Wow that's really…"
"Scary?" Aang offered.
"Well yeah but at the same time it's beautiful. To share your spirit with somebody else and have that kind of connection that's just beautiful."
"For us, spirit is the greatest attribute we can have. If we don't have spirit we don't fully understand air bending. But it's also personal, to share our spirit with another person, that's the most pure expression of loyalty and trust that I can think of." After Katara finished reading that passage Aang was tempted to ask her to make this commitment, but he felt it would be unwise of him to ask until she fully understood what it meant to him and to her.
Katara sat in silence pondering what Aang had said. Could she give up that last part of herself? Would she be brave enough to be that intimately linked to her husband? She could sense that the mood had changed in the room so she glanced up at Aang to gauge his reaction. He seemed to be thinking about the same thing she was. After briefly reading through the courtship rituals, it seemed that only a handful of air nomads every made this type of connection. She loved Aang and she would do anything for him. She would be brave enough to give him herself; she would give her spirit if he asked. As connected as they were now would one more permanent connection be that big of a deal?
Aang wanted to ask her but was he allowed. Air Nomads thrived on spirit and it was common to talk about it casually among them, but Katara didn't grow up with that. She didn't have the same upbringing and knowledge that he did. How would she take it if he asked her to give up everything about herself? Did she keep secrets from him? Would she hesitate because of those secrets? He felt her head move up and he knew she was staring at him. He looked down after a moment and she was beaming at him. He smiled and kissed her nose then her lips.
"Aang," she said softly.
"Don't come to this decision lightly Katara." Their faces were inches apart and their eyes closed.
"Aang I love you and if this is how I can have every part of you in every way…"
"Katara wait…"
"Then I want to do it."
Aang held his breath keeping his eyes shut tight. "We still don't know the full extent of what this may involve."
"And I'm sure that whatever it is we can face it together as we always have." She turned around setting the scroll down and stood on her knees in front of him. Aang slowly opened his eyes and looked at his fiancé. He could see tears beginning to form in her eyes as she leaned in to kiss him. There were no secrets between them Aang realized, there was nothing but love. Pure unadulterated love for each other.
"Katara, will you do this with me, become my spiritual bride?"
"Yes Aang, I'm yours now and forever."
So if this seemed a little broken up in places i apologize...it felt that way when i was writing. I'm obviously not very good with filler stuff and this shows it but at the same time it was fun to write and Toph just needs a guy, deep down every tough girl is a softy...and on a plus note it's my longest chapter by far! sorry that was exciting for me :)