This is the first part of Trying Circumstances, Chapter XI. The 'two parts' deal is explained in the post-note.
Both parts of this split chapter are dedicated to CynicBoarder, who was my first reviewer (ever) on both this story and this website and who has reviewed every one of these chapters since then with both compliments and constructive criticism. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my words.
(Trying Circumstances)
Chapter XI (Friendship Part I)
Aang and Toph were finishing their tea and their midmorning/midday meal. Every few sentences Toph would interrupt Aang, always whenever his thoughts strayed towards Katara, Zuko, Katara and Zuko, or the night before. Finally, Aang had decided that it was time to talk about it... even if it was difficult.
It's almost good thing that the others are gone right now. Otherwise I would have to face them all at once, without Toph to talk to and keep me sane. Or to keep my heart from stopping.
"Ahem."
We really need to talk though. What in the world was she doing there last night? Why did she drag me underground?
"Ah-hem."
And… Katara. She and Zu-
Aang suddenly found himself lying in the dust with a bruised jaw. He blinked in the sunlight as his vision cleared and he saw Toph's face, mere inches from his own.
"Justwhat do you think you're doing, Twinkletoes?"
"I- "
"Do you want to stop your own spirit cursed heart again?"
"No, I jus- "
"Because I'm not going to let that happen! The world is counting on you! We're all counting on you! And I- and I am not going to let you die on my watch! Got that?"
Aang blinked several times in surprise as Toph stopped yelling and glared at him, her face so close to his. For a long moment, only the sound of their deep, labored breaths could be heard throughout the clearing. Then Toph got up off hands and knees and briskly dusted herself off. Aang was still lying in partial shock on the ground.
"You stink, Twinkletoes."
Aang blinked in confusion.
"Wha- what?"
"I said that you stink worse than Sokka did after he was stuck in that crevasse all day when you were learning earthbending. You're covered in sweat and dirt, some of which has become dried mud, and its not even workout sweat, like from bending practice. You stink of nervous sweat from your stupid dreams."
Aang opened his mouth to contradict her, but thought better of it and shut it again.
"EvenI say that you need a bath and that your clothes need a wash. If it's just going to be you and me for the next two days, you need to smell better. I have a sensitive nose."
Aang snorted. He doubted there was any part of Toph that was sensitive. She ignored him and continued.
"There's that small pool with a waterfall less than half an hour's walk that way, isn't there?"
"Yeah… but… "
Aang looked down at himself and rubbed his jaw, which was already swelling a bit.
Spirits, I am filthy… Toph's right, as usual.
"Ok, lets go. But on one condition."
Toph gave him a look that said he was getting a bath no matter what, and if she honored his condition, it would be just to humor him. They started off towards the pool. Aang plowed on anyway, figuring that it couldn't hurt to ask.
"I need to know what happened last night. I can't just pretend that it didn't happen, because it did. And I need to be able to think about it without dying, or else the return of our friends will be the end of me. You can help me with that. Just… talk to me, Toph, I need a friend."
He smiled at her winningly, desperately hoping that she would agree with him. She hadn't interrupted him at all, just kept on walking alongside him.
Maybe she sensed that I wouldn't allow her to interrupt me this time…
"Ok, Twinkletoes."
"That's great, To- What?"
Aang stopped in shock. He hadn't expected her to give in so easily.
"I said, 'Ok'. Now come on. You still stink."
Aang caught up to her in a few strides.
"I just… didn't expect you to, I donno, actually agree."
"Just because I enjoy being argumentative for its own sake doesn't mean that I'll deny a friend, my first friend, something that only I can give that will help him."
Her logic makes sense… but sort of a Toph-sense. Only Toph would say something like that…
Aang smiled at her and reached over to give her a hug, but tripped over a stone that he was certain wasn't there a moment ago and landed in the dust at her feet. He looked up and found her grinning at him.
"You may be my friend, Twinkletoes, but you still stink."
A/N: Thats Toph for you, always honest! Gotta love her.
Now you may be wondering, 'Why is chapter XI (or 11... only I think in Roman Numerals...) split into two parts? And where is part II?' These are very good questions. They shall receive answers. First of all: I never planned for it to be in two parts, its just that the first part that you see above you went and lengthened itself. Stupid stories write themselves, I swear!
Secondly... about part II... It is typed and ready to be posted, but I won't post it until I get at least 5 reviews for this chapter. Preferably of the constructive and/or critical kind. Now you may be thinking, 'wtf is she doing? this chapter sucked.' I will give you this: the second part is much better and over 300 words longer. So review, and I'll post the next part.
I promise to not make this an every chapter thing. Its just because I need my weekly dose of sadism and happen to have both parts ready at the same time.
Review... or no part II! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA