Chapter 11: Forgiveness

Previous chapter ended with: "Does that ring a bell Aang? You did the exact same thing to me."

Toph stared at the ground. If she was able to see it. That moment left Aang thinking. Was he really that harsh to her? That was a stupid question.

"I'm...um.." Aang stuttered. When he really got a good look at Toph, she was a beautiful girl. Her face looked smooth and her hair was beautiful. But only if she let it down during the party.

"Forget it Aang." Toph said between a sob. She ran off before revealing her tears.

"Wait!" Aang shouted after her.

He pushed through the crowd to get outside. Toph must've been there. But many people stopped him during the way.

"The avatar!"

"Aang!"

"Mr. Avatar!"

"Aangy!"

Aang shoved away people and focused on getting to Toph. He had felt the true pain of a broken heart. He finally made it outside, in the chilly wind that made him shiver. But luckily he had a warm jacket on. Aang looked around the garden. It was a wonderful place to be. There were birds, fountains, flowers, a small river, and places for you to sit. Aang peered around and sighed. Where was she? He walked around and found Toph sitting on a bench, close to the edge of the river. Aang didn't have to acknowledge his presence. Toph could sense it. He tiptoed over to the bench and gently took a seat. Toph turned the other way, not facing Aang.

"Toph. I'm sorry." Aang said at last. Usually Toph would have told him to go away, or earth bended a a rock at him. But she felt it. She felt his pain. His depression, his agony. He really meant it.

Aang shook his head. "I was such a jerk. You have every right to get mad at me Toph. I never put myself in your position. You can earth bend a rock at my face for all I care!" he angrily put his hands up in the air. Angry at himself.

She finally faced him. "But you still knew it was wrong Aang! I-I.." Toph couldn't hold it in any longer. It was about to burst. She was going to cry. She stood up and walked to the edge of the river. She started to talk between sobs. "It's all w-wrong. I w-was so mad a-at y-you." Aang stood up, put one hand on Toph's shoulder, turned her around, and brought her into his embrace. He hugged her tightly while she weeped into his arms. They sat down on the bench, Aang still hugging her. "I-I'm still m-mad at you Aang." She hugged him back. They laughed together silently.

Aang and Toph let go and held each other's hand. Aang pushed a bang that went free behind Toph's ear. Then with his thumb, he wiped away her tears. And for the first time, they kissed. After parting, Aang whispered to Toph, "I love you." Toph whispered back and smiled, "I love you too."

Aang touched Toph's cheek and she blushed. "I'm so sorry Toph." he said forgivingly while looking into Toph's brown eyes.

She shook her head. "Don't be. I believed you the first time." Toph said kindly.

They just sat their grinning at each other when someone opened the door to the party and came out in the garden. The two teens did not notice. The person snapped his fingers in front of their faces.

Toph and Aang were startled. It was Sokka. "So when you two stop holding hands, you can come inside anytime." Aang blushed intensely and Toph let go of his hand. She smiled. "We're coming Sokka."

The couple got up and walked on the pathway to go inside. Toph was so happy. And so was Aang. He did love Toph a lot. He couldn't get himself to admit it. But now he was going to.

They walked inside, hand in hand. Sokka started to drag away Aang. "Sorry Toph! Your boyfriend has some Avatar business to do!" Sokka yelled. A few girls glanced at Toph and smiled. Some of compassion, and some of jealousy.

A speaker came up on stage and whispered something to Zuko, the Fire Lord. Zuko and Mai had taken their seats. Zana was in a small royal, chair in the middle of the two.

Zuko nodded and the speaker cleared his throat inside a shell. Nobody knew what type of shell it was, but it reverberated the noise spoken into it and made it louder.

"Ladies and Gentleman," the speaker announced, "Thank you being here at the party in consideration of Fire Lord Zuko, and Soon to be Fire Lady, Mai." Everyone in the audience applauded. the speaker handed the shell to Zuko as he was standing up.

Zuko spoke. "Once again, thank you very much for coming everyone. Most of you know what this party is for. Those of you who don't know, are, I'm guessing, imbasals." A few people in the crowd laughed. Zuko continued. "This party is in dedication to the unity of the four nations. Water, earth, fire, and air. A cruel war is now over. Hate has been swept away and kindness had taken place. Someone important and responsible for this unity is the avatar. Let us hear a few words from him." Zuko smiled and let out his hand to Aang. Aang shook his hand and took hold of the shell.

"Thank you everyone. I am so gald that all of the nations are equal. This has been my dream. Since the war started. I am proud to say that being the avatar's best job is watching the nations unite." The audience applauded and Aang exited the stage. Hundreds of people congratulated Aang on his speech and shook hands with him. Aang finally walked over to Toph, and sat down on a chair. His neck was all sweaty.

"How was the speech?" asked Aang.

Toph smiled and lay her head on his shoulder. "As always, great." she answered. Toph trembled slightly.

Aang faced her. "Toph. You're cold."

She shivered and answered. "No, I'm alright Aang."

"I won't take that for an answer." Aang replied. He took off his jacket and laid it on her. Covering her shoulders and back.

"Thanks." she answered warmly.

The speaker came up on stage once again and started to speak. "Excuse me everyone. Jet, of the earth nation, and Katara, of the water tribe, have an announcement to make."

Everyone looked up anxiously.

Aang held onto Toph tightly by her shoulder.

Jet and Katara came up on stage. They were arguing over who would say it. Katara decided to go first. "Jet and I have been really good friends. And now.." she handed the shell to Jet. He spoke. "We decided to get married." Everyone cheered and clapped. Sokka was even happy for Katara. After learning about her little 'thing' going on with Jet. Hakuda was a little disappointed but knew that Jet would take good care of her. Aang clapped happily at his best friend, Katara. He…was happy for her.

You couldn't always get who you loved. That was a natural part of life. But in this case, Aang did get who he loved. He kissed Toph on the cheek. She kissed him back.

Toph was overjoyed for Katara. She never would've felt happier.

They exited the stage and Aang forced Toph to get up.

"Come on Toph!" he said joyfully.

"To where Aang?" she asked confusedly.

He grinned happily. "You'll see."

Aang clutched Toph's hand and led her to the speaker. Then he whispered something in the speaker's ear. Something that Toph did not catch.

The speaker handed Aang the shell and led them both on stage.

Toph was frightened. "Aang, why are we on stage?"

Before he could reply, Aang started to say, "Excuse me everyone. I also have an announcement to make." He glanced at Toph and squeezed her hand. "Toph and I, are now officially dating." The crowd cheered loudly and a few whistles were heard from the crowd.

Toph's face reddened and she blushed. Aang looked at her and blushed also. They left the stage, hand in hand. Toph was smiling with butterflies inside her stomach. This was definitely the best day of her life.

The music came on and people danced across the dance floor. Dinner was served and it was delicious. It was the night for relationships.

Jet and Katara passed Sokka who was flirting with Suki. She was giggling uncontrollably. Katara rolled her eyes. Sokka and his 'smooth' style.

They approached Aang and Toph who were laughing and having a good time.

"Aang? Toph?" Katara called. The two looked up and smiled.

"Hey Katara. Congrats on your marriage. You too Jet." Toph said excitedly and punched Jet in his arm.

"Ow." he mumbled.

Katara laughed. "Thanks Toph. Congratulations for you two also." Katara said and winked at Toph.

Jet and Aang congratulated each other.

An hour later, Aang was being tugged to go outside. "Toph where are we going?" Aang asked.

Toph let go of him and put her hands on her hips. "Aang you've dragged me a lot of times today and now it's my turn."

She grabbed Aang's hand again and led him outside.

They stood in the garden, with the full moon shining above them. The night was perfect. The moon's rays were shining in the cloudless sky.

Toph held both of Aang's hands gently and looked up at the sky. "Look." she said softly. "Katara was describing the moon to me earlier today. She thought it was the perfect place to be."

Aang took a deep breath. "Wow, it's beautiful."

They met each other's gaze and closed their eyes. Both of their lips met and they brushed their lips. They kissed. It was a beautiful moment. Everyone knew it. On the other side of the garden were Jet and Katara, also kissing.

Sokka came out in the garden with Suki. He had the same plans as the others. He glanced over at Aang and frowned. He yelled out, "Damn it Aang! You took my spot!"