A/N: Being sick sucks. Womp. This chapter was extremely troublesome for some reason. But, I got through it! Eat that, writer's block. Anyway, a reviewer asked a question that I've actually been waiting to be asked.

Question: "Isn't weird? I mean, with logic, Azula and Zuko are siblings and so are Katara and Sokka. So, if Katara is Zuko's fiance, why would Sokka date Azula? Isn't
that like dating your own sister-in-law?"

Answer: Well, no. Haha! It sounds strange to us because of the culture we live in, but in royal families, this is quite common. Although it's kept on the DL, siblings even crossbreed with each other to keep the blood pure. EW, I KNOW.

Plus, I like them together.

Haha! Thanks for the question and I hope that clears things up for everyone.

Once Upon a Time: Chapter Eleven

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The Fire Lord's engagement/ End of the War Anniversary party was coming soon and the guests had arrived. After greeting the guests at the gates all morning, everyone at the palace had a lot of work to do. There were servants working all around the great palace, cleaning each room, window, and hallway; they tended to the gardens and plants and did the laundry. The guards who were not attending as guests were making sure that each procedure and attack was remembered well and executed to perfection if anything were to happen on the special night.

Even the Gaang had their own jobs. Katara, Suki, and Toph were taking care of the invitations and Zuko was Fire Lording (At least, that was the excuse he gave.) Azula was terrorizing the chefs and needless to say, she was doing her job with stunning precision. Sokka and Aang were working in the main ballroom with the decorations with Sokka as the Head Decorator. The Water Tribe warrior was strange and ate way too much for his own good, but no one could deny that he had great fashion sense. He had personally recruited the Avatar's Airbending skills for help with the high areas as to keep people from getting hurt. Aang couldn't deny his friend this favor.

Plus, helping out at The Fire Lord's engagement party should get Aang on Zuko's good side for at least a day.

Aang flew back down to stand beside Sokka. "How does that look?"

Sokka tapped his chin as he inspected the Avatar's handiwork. "It's perfect. Now, let's get to the other side."

Aang smiled with a nod. He turned around to pick some more decorations up off the ground, then his smile fell. "Uhm, Sokka."

Said person turned around and his own face fell at the sight he was faced with. It was Azula. She was storming into the ballroom, pushing and shoving servants around, and stomping on decorations like the military leader she was. It wasn't that that caught Sokka off guard. He was used to the imagery of Azula terrorizing others. It was a normal occurrence. What bothered him so much was what she was wearing. She was actually wearing a dress. A beautiful, and flowing red dress which stood as a testament of her loyalty to her nation. She actually looked like the princess she was.

That image paired up with all of the destruction and mayhem she was causing caused his throat to grow dry. He cleared his throat. "Princess-"

She stopped in front of him. "You've been avoiding me and I want to know why."

Everyone stopped what they were doing. There was word circulating around that the Princess and her warrior had a falling out. This just verified the rumors. As afraid as they were of Azula, they were nosier than they were fearful and she looked more concerned with fixing up her love life than with keeping it under wraps.

Aang whistled and chuckled. "That's my cue." And he walked off.

Sokka could only glare at his friend's retreating and bald head. So much for 'through thick and thin, buddy'. "Do we really have to do this now?"

Azula nodded and crossed her arms. "Yes. And we're going to. Because I say so."

He wouldn't argue with that. And even if he did, he would lose regardless.

So, she continued. "Every time I enter a room, you scurry off. You've been doing this for a full week now."

He almost forgot how observant she was. "Princess-"

"I told you to come back to me when you were ready. May you please inform me on how long it takes for someone to prepare to ask someone out?"

"Princess, please-"

"I know I'm intimidating, but we all thought that you liked that-"

"Azula, will you listen to me," he finally exclaimed.

She stopped. It was never "Azula". She was always "Princess". So, she nodded and let him speak.

"Honestly, I want to be with you so badly. Every god and Spirit watching over us knows how much I love you. Everyone in this palace knows how long I've wanted you ever since I started coming here every Summer." Sokka sighed and ran a hand through his loose hair. "Even that annoying, old guy on the tenth floor next to the laundry room is always trying to give me advice on you!"

An undignified and wavering, "Hey!" followed by a muttered, "Ungrateful kids," rang through the room.

Still, Sokka continued undeterred. "Azula, every relationship and fling I've been in has failed. My first girlfriend turned into the moon, for goodness' sake. I want to be with you and I want you. But, I'm not willing to take that risk. Especially not with you."

A chorus of "Aw"s were shared by a majority of the servant girls and a couple of the guards present.

Well, Azula did not share the same sentiment. She narrowed her eyes at him. "I've been waiting on you for all of this time because you're insecure about your failed relationships?"

"You make it sound so unmanly when you put it like that-"

She cut him off with a growl. "You listen to me you uncultured piece of peasant swine. You know how I feel about you. Now that I know for sure how you feel about me, I'm not letting you go. Get that through your pea sized brain right this minute. You are taking me to that stupid party. We are going to have a good time. Then, at the end of the night, you will walk me to my room and you will give me a kiss good night. Just like in those disgustingly sweet princess stories."

Sokka found himself nodding with a smile. The edge in her voice reminded him of when they were enemies and she was the scariest human being that he had ever come across. But, for some reason, that just made him love her even more.

"Then," she continued through clenched teeth. "We are going to date for a while and we will be the cutest couple in the Fire Nation. There will be no room for competition. After a while, and it will be a long while judging from today, you will ask me to marry you. We will get married and we will have 16 children. That way, you will be stuck with me and have to deal with me forever, just like I had to deal with all of your foolishness! Do you understand-!"

He grabbed her face and he kissed her. "Of course, my Princess."

She nodded and her nose brushed his. Good. She was back to "Princess". Better yet, she was his Princess. "Good."

Everyone smiled at the scene. It wasn't often that the Princess was so girly. Once they each got their fill of the scene, each servant and each guard returned to their post.

Aang stared at the couple. That was it? A whole bunch of insults and some confessing, then they were good? He shook his head. He wasn't going to try to understand the dynamics of their relationship. They were already a strange pairing. He had business to attend to.

.

Toph passed an invitation to Suki. "Bumi's R.S.V.P'd. Get him a whole section to himself. You might want to keep him away from the guests."

Suki folded the invitation with a laugh. "She's right, Katara. He might scare some of your royal peers away."

Katara, sitting at her desk, snorted. She could really see it happening. The Royal Sages would deem it another trait for the future Fire Lady not to have: no uncultured friends, no matter how royal they may be. Luckily for her, Zuko loved her and would fight each Sage for her. No matter how unromantic he was.

Suki picked another invitation up. "Toph, it looks like your parents won't be able to make it. But, your mother sent a letter."

Toph sat up. To be honest, she wasn't ready to see her parents just yet. She could deal with her mother since she needed someone to braid her hair. But, not her father. Not yet. "What does it say?"

Dearest Toph,

I'm glad to know that you reached the Fire Nation safely and I hope that all is well. I'm sad to say that your father and I won't be able to attend the party. (Business matters, you know.) It really is a shame because I was so looking forward to meeting the boy that you chose. You're probably wondering why I'm so sure that you've chosen a boy. Well, rumors have been circulating that you've turned down and embarrassed every suitor who approached you. I hope it's for the reason I have in mind. By the way, your father sends his sincerest apologies for the whole marriage situation. But, I know that you'll deal with him personally. Anyway, I hope you have a fun time at the party and that whoever does your hair takes extra care.

Write to me soon,

Mom

Katara crossed her arms. "Your mother is pretty perceptive."

Toph nodded. "I didn't get it from my father."

There was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Toph stood to open the door and she smiled. It was Twinkletoes. She hadn't seen him all day with all of the preparations taking place. She missed that boy.

Aang immediately enveloped her in a hug and he kissed the top of her head. "I missed you today."

An invitation ripped. "I'm talking to Zuko tonight."

Suki laughed. She sure felt bad for Zuko. "Now, I see why she jumped up to open the door."

Toph hid her face in his chest and she returned the embrace. She wouldn't deny that. It was true. "Did you come to take me away from them?"

He hugged her closer with a chuckle. "Actually, I came to get Suki."

Toph lifted her head up. "Suki?"

Another invitation ripped.

Suki stood with a grin. "It's finally my turn to have some alone time with the hunky Avatar."

Toph pushed him off and crossed her arms. "What do you need Suki for?"

The Kyoshi warrior pouted playfully. "Hey, don't be jealous."

Aang chuckled and he hugged her again. "Yeah, Toph. There's no need to be jealous." He placed another kiss to the top of her head.

"I'm not jealous." But, she was. She shouldn't have been, but she was. He told her that he loved her, for Oma's sake. She pushed him off again. "Go handle your business. I'll see you later."

Aang watched her for a few moments. She couldn't possibly be jealous. Could she? If she was, then he definitely had some new teasing material. It wasn't often that he got to tease her. He took ahold of her chin and he kissed her gently. "Bye, Toph."

She tried to keep the scowl on her face. She was so prepared to give him the silent treatment. But, when his thumb brushed her lip, she felt herself coming undone and a smile growing. Ugh, he was so much trouble. "Bye, Aang." She would deal with him later.

Another invitation ripped. "Oh, just get out already!"

Aang and Suki walked out and the door slammed behind them. Suki winced with a laugh. "You realize that Toph is going to destroy me later, right?"

Aang nodded empathetically. "Don't worry about it. I'm in more trouble than you are."

She nodded with a smile as they walked. "So, what did you need me for," she asked before they stopped in front of a guard.

"Suki, meet Chin. Chin, meet Suki."

Chin bowed at the waist and Suki raised a brow. "Are you playing matchmaker?"

Aang shrugged. "He caught me and Toph making out one night and he wanted you in exchange for not telling Zuko."

Chin stood up straight. "Don't put it like that!"

Aang shrugged again and Suki crossed her arms. "Chin is a powerful name. There was a strong ruler in Kyoshi by that name."

Chin smiled. "Thank you, my Lady."

"He was a dictator. The woman for whom my warriors are named for killed him because he was a nuisance."

Chin's face dropped. So much for going well.

Suki continued her interrogation. "I'm a bartering chip?"

Chin scratched the back of his head. "Please, don't take it that way, my Lady."

She stepped forward and he took a step back. "Am I wrong?"

He hesitated. Then, he shook his head.

She took another step forward and he took another step back. "You want me in exchange for this secret, right?"

He nodded with a blush.

She smiled a bit. He was cute. "Why couldn't you ask me yourself? Mr. Guard?"

He coughed at the mere suggestion. "Please excuse me for saying this, but you are a bit intimidating."

She liked this guy. He obviously respected her. Once you forgot about the whole bartering chip part. She stepped forward and his back touched the wall. She would have fun with him. "You know where my room is?"

He nodded.

"Pick me up an hour before the party so I can interrogate you some more." She poked his chest and he jumped. "Understood, Chin?"

Chin bowed. "Yes, my Lady."

Suki smiled and turned to Aang. "He calls me 'Lady'. Now I get why Toph likes your royalty treatment so much." When Chin stood up straight, her smile fell. "You're excused."

Chin nodded with a smile. "Yes, my Lady." And he walked off.

Aang noticed an extra pep in Chin's step as he left. They would be fine. "Good luck with Toph."

Suki nodded with a grin. "You, too."

They bumped fists and went their separate ways.

.

Toph slipped under the covers of her bed with a sigh. It was a troublesome day. She couldn't care less about that party anymore. For all she cared, Bumi himself could capture and kidnap the Fire Sages themselves as his servants to do his strange bidding. She wouldn't help. Thanks to Aang's romantic galavanting around, Katara was shrewish for the remainder of their organization session until it came time for her to meet with her fiancé. As much as she loved Katara, Toph honestly couldn't understand how Zuko put up with that woman's nagging. Now, that was true love.

She felt a breeze and she sat up. Did she leave a window open?

"It's me," she heard Aang say.

She rolled her eyes and fell back onto the bed. She tried to act annoyed, but then she felt him slip under the covers beside her. It was useless. "What are you doing here?"

He rested his head in his hand and he watched her. "I wanted to see you before I went to sleep."

She liked that answer. She felt him wrap his free arm around her waist and she let him bring her in closer. Well, this was a pleasant surprise. Old Twinkletoes would be way too chicken to try anything like this. "I'm guessing you're not afraid of Sparky anymore."

He shook his head. "Actually, he gives me routine checkups at random hours of the night to make sure that I'm not with you. Chin gave me the heads up that Zuko would be too preoccupied with Katara tonight to worry about me."

Toph laughed. Poor Zuko. "You're a sneaky one. When did you become so bold?"

"I'm trying to woo you. I have to be bold." And he kissed her.

She leaned into the kiss. She would never get enough of them. He was such an amazing kisser. He had gifted lips, as ridiculous as it sounded. That was what she would stand by because it was true. She thought on what he said. She almost forgot that he was supposed to be wooing her. That was because he did it. He didn't know that though, and she wouldn't tell him just yet. She liked him chasing after her.

She broke the kiss. "Who's Chin?"

"The guard I set Suki up with."

"You set Suki up with a guard?"

He kissed her cheek. "He saw us one night and he wanted Suki in exchange."

"Is he the guard in charge of this hallway?"

He nodded and kissed her forehead.

She would lose her train of thought if he kept doing that. "I can't believe she agreed to that."

He laughed and she felt her stomach flip. His voice really was gorgeous now. "I think she's been bored this whole time. She'll have fun with him."

"Good for her."

"Mh-hmm."

She crossed her arms. "Don't you 'mh-hmm' me. I wasn't jealous. I told you so."

He nodded and kissed her cheek. "Okay. I believe you." He didn't, but he let it slide because it was her.

"Good."

"But, it was cute seeing you pout like that."

Toph slipped from his hold and moved down the bed. "I'm not listening."

Aang grinned. As much fun as it was to tease her, he liked cuddling more. He wrapped his arm around her waist before she got too far and he pulled her back against him securely. He kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry." He kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry." He kissed her nose. "I'm sorry." He kissed her chin.

She grabbed his face and kissed him. If that was how he would apologize, then maybe she wouldn't mind the teasing so much. "Do you think she likes him?"

He nodded. "He calls her his Lady. He's good."

She laughed and he smiled at the sound. She felt his fingers on her stomach. She really would have to ask him about that one day. Not tonight, though. "Tell me some more of your people's teachings."

His smile widened at her request. Nobody ever wanted to hear about that. "What do you want to hear?"

She thought for a moment and she felt his hand flatten against her tummy. She sighed when he started rubbing it. That sure felt good. "The first Airbenders. That should help me fall asleep."

He lifted his hand. "Are you calling my people boring?"

She grinned and took his hand. She pressed it back down against her stomach and urged him to keep rubbing. When he started up again, she held his face and rubbed his lips with her thumbs. "Your voice is nice. It's soothing."

Aang grinned. "How soothing?"

"Aang."

"Okay. Okay." But, he didn't miss the smile on her face. "The first Airbenders?" When she nodded and shut her eyes, he began his tale.

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The next morning, Aang woke up in a totally different bed. He didn't have to open his eyes - he felt the difference. His legs were tangled in something and he was clutching something else to his chest. Normally, he would let that slide because some mornings, he did wake up holding on to his pillow. But, something was different. He finally opened his eyes and looked at the room. The room was different, too.

Then, it clicked. He fell asleep in Toph's room. In Toph's bed. She was the thing he was clutching to and that something that his legs were tangled with were hers. Like he wasn't already in enough trouble with Zuko. The Fire Lord did routine morning checkups, too. He had to get out of there. "Toph."

She didn't answer.

He smiled and pushed a lock of her hair back. Her hair was an absolute mess. But, he loved it- No. He couldn't afford to get distracted. "Toph," he called out once more.

Toph squirmed, but she didn't open her eyes. "Aang?"

He gave a sigh of relief. "I just wanted to say goodbye before I had to go."

"Why are you leaving?"

"Zuko gives morning checkups, too. If I'm not there, he'll come searching for me in here."

"I'll protect you." And with that she relaxed back into his hold.

Aang's jaw dropped. She couldn't be serious. "Toph, my life is in danger." It wasn't really, but he had to make her see his way.

She scowled a bit. Aang's dramatics weren't really going to be appreciated in the morning. Especially since he woke her up. "Go back to sleep."

"Toph, I'm serious." Apparently, she was, too. She slipped her hand under his robes and began trailing her fingers up and down his side. "Toph."

"Aang." She wrapped her legs around one of his.

"I'm serious." He didn't sound so serious.

Her hand under his robe stopped and she settled for holding him close. "Stay with me."

If that wasn't a compelling argument, he didn't know what was. Aang watched her for a few moments, inwardly debating his decision. When she moved in closer to nuzzle his neck, he relaxed. "When he comes-"

"I'll handle him." And they fell back asleep.

.

There were three loud knocks on her door that woke them up. "Avatar! I know you're in there!"

Toph scrunched her nose and sat up. It was too early. Beside her, Aang immediately jumped out of the bed and fell to the floor. If he was seen in bed with her, he didn't know what would happen. "Toph, he's here."

She rolled her eyes and stood with a yawn. "How are you afraid of him? You're the Avatar."

"Toph, before I die, I just thought that I'd let you know-"

"Oma, help me."

"-while you were training me, Katara and Momo helped me cheat through one of your exercises!"

"What?!"

"I know he's in there," Zuko bellowed at her screech.

Aang sheepishly giggled.

Toph made her way to the door. "I'll deal with you later. Hide in the closet." She opened her door and closed it behind her. She was met with Zuko and an army of guards. Absolutely ridiculous. "Do you do this every morning?"

Zuko nodded. "Yes. I only got reinforcements today because he wasn't in his room."

Aang wasn't kidding. "What makes you think that he's in here?"

"Just let me check your room, you brat."

She grinned. "Palace life has made you prissy."

He glared at her. "Shut up. I'm not against using my guards against you."

Normally, Toph would have loved to continue bothering and embarrassing Zuko, especially in front of his guards. But, today she had an Avatar waiting for her. She crossed her arms and leaned against her door. "Keep bothering Twinkletoes and I'll bury this palace underground."

Several of the guards gasped.

"You wouldn't."

"It would be too much fun."

Zuko crossed his arms as he studied her. "I thought you said that he wouldn't get you."

"He didn't." He did, but she couldn't let people know that. She had a reputation to uphold.

There was a pause.

"Toph, you're grinning."

She touched her face and found that she was grinning. From cheek to cheek, even. Oma, not again. She could feel Zuko's annoying and knowing smile. "Just leave him alone, got it?" With that, she retreated back into her room. She leaned on her closed door and felt her face. The smile just wouldn't leave. Was it really that obvious?

"What happened?"

She saw him approaching her and her smile grew. Oh, no. "You're safe."

He took her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "You look happy."

She was. She took his hand and led him back to the bed. "Let's go back to sleep."