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Chapter 37
New Journeys
"I still wish you had reconsidered, dear," Huiliang was saying as she fussed over Toph's gown.
"We've already had this discussion a billion times, Mom," Toph sighed.
"I know, but graduation and your wedding in one day?"
Toph blew the tassel of her cap away from her face as her mother continued to smooth out the long gown she was wearing. Her mother was not happy that Toph had pushed for her wedding to be on the same day as her graduation, but Toph had absolutely refused to budge on the matter. She wanted both of these pomp and circumstance events over and done with as soon as possible, so what better way was there than to do both at once?
"Now Aang can't even come to your graduation ceremony," her mother continued to pout.
"Mom, we're already married," Toph said flatly. "I don't think it counts anymore if he sees me. Besides, all I'm going to do is sit in a chair for way too long while a bunch of people talk about nothing. Then I'm gonna take ten seconds to walk across the stage before I sit back in my chair even longer in order to listen to more talking. I'd get out of it if I could, so Twinkle Toes is pretty lucky in my opinion."
If Toph were completely honest with her mother, the only reason she was even attending her graduation ceremony was for her parents. For her it was nothing more than a reminder that she really did not know exactly what she was going to do after high school. Colleges had been sending letters to her house for months now with offers, but how could she know if she wanted to go to one of them if she did not even know what she may want to study? And after twelve years of school, did she even want to keep studying?
Aang had received a few college offers already as well. He never showed much interest in any particular school, but at least he knew what it was he wanted. There was also no way of knowing what he was really thinking when it came to college because Toph did her best to completely avoid the topic. Whenever a new letter would arrive for either one of them her father would start asking questions in regards to what they thought of the available programs and what kind of research she and Aang had done on the schools that had not already sent them letters of invitation.
"Alright, sweetheart," Huiliang said, interrupting Toph's thoughts. "It looks like they're getting everyone ready. I'll be sitting as close to the stage as I can manage so I can get some good shots, okay?"
"Okay, Mom," Toph sighed.
"Please do me a favor and smile a little bit for them, Toph," her mother pleaded gently. "I know you aren't really looking forward to this, but it would mean a lot to me to have a good photo of your graduation."
Toph nodded as her mother gave her a quick hug and then started making her way to her seat. Toph joined the throng of students lining up in their predetermined order and waited for the music to start so that they could all proceed to their seats. The whole ordeal was just as horribly dull as Toph had imagined it to be. The speeches she heard from the dean and staff that were participating sounded just different enough from Katara and Zuko's graduating classes that they were not word for word copies. It seemed like the staff had better things to do than this ceremony too. Just as she was nodding off for the third or fourth time, the valedictorian was called up to speak. He said only a few words that Toph did not pay much attention to, but something did catch her ear.
"-and that's why I'd like him to give a speech instead. Would you mind coming up here, Teo?"
A series of polite claps came from the audience around the hall as Toph felt the soft rumbling of Teo's wheels rolling across the floor. Leila was pushing him steadily up the center aisle towards the stage before turning for the ramp that had been placed by the stairs. Before she could push the chair up the ramp however, Teo stopped her and waved for the valedictorian to come over with the microphone.
"Hello, everyone," Teo began. "I'm sure that most of you know my story. For those of you who don't, I played soccer all my life. I devoted myself to playing as much as I could so that I could be the best. I played for every school I've been a part of, including this one. That was until the accident last year. I suffered an injury that's had me in this chair ever since and I've been told it'll be impossible for me to even walk again.
"People say that when one door closes another one opens. That's the way I've tried to look at the situation. I came back to school and tried to be a part of the team still. I've done everything from managing equipment to making plays. I've helped develop better training drills and I like to think I played just as much of a role in our team making it to the championship this year as any of the guys and girls that could still play. I should be proud of that. I should be proud, but I'm not. I'm not proud of myself because that isn't my dream. My dream has never been to be on the sidelines helping other people accomplish something that I've always wanted to do. My dream wasn't to help coach a team to the championships, but to play on a team that won the championship.
"My doctors have told me that I have to be willing to accept reality in order to adjust to it. They've told me that I'll never walk again, and that my dream will never come true. They've told me it isn't the end of the world if I don't want it to be, I just have to adapt and move forward. In order for me to lead any kind of real life, I have to let go of what I was and give up my dream."
Toph could hear every break in his voice as Teo continued. This was definitely not the kind of thing she had expected for the graduation speech of her class, nor did anyone else expect it judging by the whispers and murmurs she heard coming from all around her.
"I want you all to realize this: Some dreams are impossible. What did you want to be when you were a kid? What do you want to be now? What do you have to do to make those things reality? Is it even possible? Are you dreaming an impossible dream? You need to think about that. You need to face reality. There will always be things that you just can't do. So ask yourself this question today and every day from now on: What is my dream?"
The entire hall became deathly silent as Teo handed the microphone to Leila. They all watched, their whispers stunned silent as Teo looked out at all of them. Toph could feel every bit of tension in his hands as Teo squeezed the arm rests of his chair. She could feel the trembling as he pushed and his body began to shake. Ever so slowly and deliberately, Teo pushed himself out of his chair. As his body came forward, quiet gasps could be heard from the audience. Teo straightened himself up and stood with his eyes facing everyone before turning his head to smile at Leila who stood just as surprised as everyone else. With slow, certain steps Teo moved up the ramp and over to the podium where the valedictorian stood with his mouth open, but his hands ready in case Teo asked him for help. Teo smiled to him and waved him off to the side as he took his place standing behind the podium.
"My name is Teo, and my dream is to be the best soccer player that ever lived. I mean, it's only impossible, right?"
"So how long have you been planning that one, Wheels?" Toph asked as she approached Teo after the ceremony.
"Only for a year or so," he laughed from his chair.
"He didn't even tell me," Leila said. "He's been going to special therapy for months now. That's why he hasn't been spending as much time around the soccer team or the club."
"I still have a ways to go before I don't need this anymore though," Teo added rolling the wheel chair forward and back slightly. "Still, it felt really good to walk across that stage."
"I'll bet," Toph grinned, turning to leave. "Take it slow though, okay? I'm gonna need time to come up with a new nickname for you."
"Hey, Toph," Teo called as he grabbed at her arm. "Wait a second. I just wanted to say thank you."
"For what?"
"You may not remember this, but a while back I said something really stupid to you and you yelled at me for it."
"I remember," Toph said flatly.
"Yeah, well that's where this all really got started. Between my talk with you and my talk with Leila, I decided I didn't want to just stay the way I was. I decided it was time to move forward."
Leila smiled brightly as she put her hands on Teo's shoulders.
"When I had said you were lucky last year, I was saying it out of self-pity. You didn't accept it last year, but I want to apologize again for what I said. I was right in the fact that your suffering is different than mine, but that doesn't mean it's any less real and it doesn't mean you have it easier than me. I'm sorry I ever compared our pain."
Toph just stood there a moment, weighing Teo's words in her mind. It was true that she had not accepted his apology last year, but it was not for any reason as deep as Teo was probably thinking. She was just mad at him and being stubborn. She smiled at him with the hope that it had not been bothering him all that time.
"Don't worry about it, Wheels. It was never a big deal."
Teo just smiled back as he squeezed her hand and gave it a firm shake.
"You take care of yourself, Toph," he said. "We'll see you around, right?"
"Probably," she shrugged, not knowing what else to say as she left. It did not take long to find her parents. She could feel her dad hovering off to the side of her conversation at a respectable distance.
"Kuzon has been hard at work making sure everything will be ready by the time we arrive," Lao greeted his daughter as he ushered her to the car. "All that should be necessary is your preparations and I believe your mother has that covered."
"Yes, I do," Huiliang said confidently. "Suki is standing by waiting to do your make up and your dress is already waiting for you. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!"
Toph only half listened as her mother continued. She could hardly wait for the whole ordeal to be over. The only thing she was even sort of looking forward to was the reception, but since her father's business partners and other associates were going to be there she had almost no interest in going to that either. The only thing this wedding had going for it at all was that she was able to have it outside like she had wanted. No stuffy indoor ceremony for her.
The trip from the graduation hall to the wedding site was not a long one, but Toph could not help but wonder what Aang had been up to all morning while she was stuck at graduation. She imagined he was probably pacing around nervously like he always did in these situations. Patience was a virtue he excelled at whenever waiting did not happen to be a part of it.
"I can't wait for this to be over," Aang said as he pulled at the collar of his suit. "This thing is too uncomfortable."
"What happened to the ceremonial robes you were talking about wearing?" Katara asked as she turned Aang to face her. "And stop pulling at your shirt collar; you're messing up the tie."
"It was Mrs. Bei Fong's request," Aang admitted. "She didn't dislike the robes, but she specifically picked out this suit to match Toph's dress. I figured I couldn't exactly say no after we eloped on her."
A quick knock sounded at the door before it opened. Zuko and Sokka both walked in, surprised to see Katara retying Aang's tie for what they knew to be the hundredth time.
"Katara, can you please let the groomsmen take care of the groom?" Sokka asked. "You should be with the girls in the other room."
"Toph isn't even here yet. Besides, you two left him alone."
Katara took another quick look at Aang in his suit before giving a satisfied nod. She reached up and hugged her friend around the neck and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
"You look good. Now stop playing with your collar because I don't want to have to come in here and tie that again."
"Yes, ma'am," Aang mock saluted as Katara left the room.
"You're going to take the tie off, aren't you?" Zuko asked.
"I'm going to take the tie off," Aang answered as he placed the already removed accessory on the table next to him. "I can always just put it back on before the ceremony anyway."
"How are you holding up?" Sokka smiled. He passed a cool water bottle to Aang as the young groom sat down.
"I'm hot, I'm uncomfortable and for some reason I'm really nervous," Aang admitted.
"Pre-wedding jitters," Sokka explained. "You two may be married, but you haven't done this yet. I had them too."
"Then I can't wait for this to be over."
"You know," Sokka said, "I'm still surprised you got married before someone else in this room."
Zuko's eyes twitched slightly as he let out a cough.
"Doesn't he have to propose first?" Aang teased along with Sokka.
"You can try to shift focus all you want, Aang, but today is still about you and Toph," Zuko replied. "You two are about to tie the knot in front of a very large group of people, most of whom you don't know, who are probably going to be silently judging you since you're marrying into not just Toph's family, but her family's business."
Aang's eyes became as wide as saucers, giving Zuko just the reaction he had been hoping for. After letting the poor guy stew on that thought for a few more seconds, Zuko let out a laugh before striding over to place his hand on Aang's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it," he told him. "It's not likely that Mr. Bei Fong expects you to take over Bei Fong Industries. I don't think he even expects Toph to take over Bei Fong Industries anytime soon, if at all. Her parents have come a long way from the overprotective, controlling kind of people that they were before."
"Don't do that," Aang sighed with relief. "I mean, can you imagine me trying to run a business?"
"No," his friends answered in unison.
"I don't know about that," Mr. Bei Fong said from the doorway. "You're very good with people, Aang. That's a very important quality for any kind of leader to have."
Without having to be asked, Zuko and Sokka excused themselves so that Aang and his father-in-law could speak. Mr. Bei Fong gave Aang an appraising look as his eyes moved over the suit and down to the tie on that had been removed. He lifted it from the table with a chuckle.
"I couldn't stand mine either," Mr. Bei Fong smiled. "Something about ties just make a suit more uncomfortable, don't they?"
Aang did not know how to answer the question. Instead he just stood there and stared like a deer caught in the headlights of oncoming traffic.
"I love my daughter very much, Aang," Mr. Bei Fong said. "I love her more than I'm capable of explaining. For a long time I didn't know her as well as I would have liked, mostly because I was afraid for her. My fear of the weakness that I perceived her to have convinced me that she needed to be coddled and looked after, which in turn drove a wedge between the two of us. It took too long for me to realize that I was not being a good father, and I did not even come to the realization on my own.
"I spent too much time worrying about what could happen to her because she was different and not enough time learning what an amazing girl she really is. If it weren't for you coming into her life all those years ago treating her as if she were no difference than anyone else, she very well may have ended up a very different person. I want to thank you for that.
"Thank you for loving my daughter, Aang. Thank you for embracing the person that she is, and for helping me see it too. We both know that I was not very fond of you for a long time, but I want you to know that there is no one else that I would rather have marry my daughter. I'm proud to have you as a son-in-law."
"Thank you, sir," Aang replied after taking in those words. "That means a lot to me."
"Sir?" Mr. Bei Fong repeated with a smile. "Not anymore, my boy. Please, call me 'Lao.' Maybe in the future I won't even be opposed to 'Dad.'"
"Don't let him tease you, Aang," Mrs. Bei Fong said as she and Gyatso walked in. "He'd be happy to hear you call him that, and please don't hesitate to call me 'Mom.'"
"I suppose this means I am no longer a single parent," Gyatso laughed. He stepped forward and hugged his son. "I am so proud of you, Aang. You have become a fine young man with great courage and a big heart. From this day forward you will start your life with Toph, but know that I will always be here for you should you need me."
"Thank you, Gyatso," Aang said with a deep bow. Then he smiled and hugged the old man. "Thanks, Dad." Next he turned his attention back to his parents-in-law. "Since you two are both here, does this mean that Toph is ready?" Aang asked. "Can we get started?"
"Not yet," Mrs. Bei Fong said. "I just wanted to check on you boys and make sure you weren't getting too nervous."
"Oh, I totally am," Aang admitted without hesitation. "How's Toph doing?"
"Ow!" Toph screeched. "Do you have to brush so hard?"
"If you'd let me take care of it this morning before your graduation, this wouldn't have been so bad," Katara replied as she took the brush to Toph's hair in another attempt to straighten it out. "You're the one who wanted to sleep in until the last minute."
Toph growled as she felt the brush pulling on her hair. She could not argue that Katara was wrong, but it did not make her any happier to have to sit through it. The dress however, was not so bad. Her mother had done a good job in keeping it feeling comfortable. It left most of her back and shoulders bare and hugged closely to her figure. Since it was a wedding dress though, her mother could not stop herself from making the lower portion a little frilly. The dress opened on one side just below her hip and fell to either side with thin, billowing trim. It left most one leg exposed but wrapped loosely around the other just below her knee. Thanks to the design it left her feet exposed, but her mother mercifully provided her with an option other that wedding slippers or shoes. From her calves downward were thin straps of lace that wrapped around her shins and held a pattern of fabric flowers in place over her feet. These were held in place by a single loop that went over her middle toe on either foot, leaving the bottoms of her feet free of any shoes or fabric.
"What's wrong, Toph?" Suki asked as she gently applied makeup to one of Toph's eyes.
"I don't like having my hair ripped out."
"I think we both know you well enough to know that's not it," Katara said. "What's really bothering you?"
Toph sat silently for a few minutes with the exception of a few choice grumblings whenever Katara found a particularly stubborn knot. She could have told them that she did not want to go through with the wedding, they might have bought that. At this point it was common knowledge among her friends that the wedding was for her parents more than anyone else. Instead she opted for the truth.
"I'm just a little scared, I guess," she said quietly. "You two both know what you want out of life. Zuko's started his career already and Azula is miles ahead of all of us. Ty Lee's probably going to get signed to that record company sometime soon. Even Mai started applying to college. I'm not even sure if I want to do that. I'm getting married and it feels like everyone's moving forward without me."
"What makes you think we're leaving you behind?" Suki asked. "Toph, we may all be doing our own things, but that's just because we've made a choice as to what to try. There's no guarantee that Sokka and I will be doing this mad science stuff together for the rest of our lives."
"And Zuko's not even one hundred percent sure he'll stay on the force. When I talk about kids he brings up leaving the police for a safer job."
"The point is that you don't have to decide your entire future now, Toph," Suki told her. "Just get some feelers out there and see if there's anything you really want to do."
Toph had been doing a lot of thinking along those lines already. She knew that she really enjoyed fighting, but she was not sure if being a professional fighter was something she really wanted. It was more something she did to have fun than anything else, and not something she considered doing regularly considering the lack of competition she had found.
"I don't know," she said at last. "I love Aang, no doubt in my mind about that. I guess I just wish I were as sure about what I want for myself other than him, you know?"
Katara and Suki both chuckled at that. They both knew that by this time tomorrow the younger girl would be just fine. The only reason she was even thinking about this was because of the life changing event she was about to go through. The elopement had taken place because Toph had not been certain there would be a future beyond the battle that had awaited them all. Now that they were all on the other side of it, suddenly there was a lot more future ahead of them than they had only a few months ago.
"The world is a big place, Toph," Katara said as she hugged her from behind. "You'll find your place in it soon enough. And something tells me that when you do, the whole world is going to know it."
"You bet your butt, Sweetness," Toph grinned. "So am I ready?"
"The dress is good, the makeup's done and your hair is finally under control," Suki reported. "So why don't you tell us?"
Aang could barely contain himself. He was stuck at the front of a rather large gathering of people, most of whom he did not even know, waiting for Toph to make her grand entrance. He trembled slightly with anticipation and willed himself to stop thinking about just running towards the building, grabbing Toph and running like mad. As a matter of fact, if it had not been for Zuko and Sokka keeping firm grips on his arms while they ushered him to his place, he may have actually done that. The two other men now stood at his side, Zuko holding Toph's ring safe in hand. They stood across from Katara, Suki and Ty Lee all waiting eagerly for the bride. Just when Aang felt he could not stand the wait any longer, the music started to play.
Aang caught his first glimpse of her as she made her way from the entrance of the neighboring building to the walkway. Her hair was free and flowing down her back and her entire countenance seemed to shine as she smiled. Her father stood arm in arm with her as he walked her towards Aang, who was sure his heart was going to burst from the feeling that it was giving him. It beat so quickly and fiercely that he was sure everyone around him could hear it. The moment that Lao stood between them and placed their hands together, Aang forgot everything else in the world even existed.
The ceremony itself was short, just a quick traditional speech as told by the man presiding over it. Their vows were exchanged one after the other with smiles that neither one of them seemed to be able to control. Ty Lee could be heard sniffling off to one side as she tried not to cry when they said their "I do's" and their kiss elicited clapping and cheers from all in attendance. Immediately after the ceremony came the traditional pictures of the bride and groom, as well as their newly united family and the wedding party members. It had also been decided beforehand that the first dance would be held outside before moving on to the reception held at another location.
"I know we were thinking of playing the song we danced to at prom," Ty Lee said as she took Aang's hand, "but I was kind of thinking of something else."
"Let me guess," Aang said as he pulled his wife close. "Ty Lee asked if she could sing for us?"
Soft music began to play as the two of them held onto each other and moved to the melody. Sure enough, Ty Lee's voice joined in and their song and new life began.
Hey we're walking through this together
And I'm holding on to you
Nothing can separate this little twist of fate
You're the one my heart belongs to
Nothing's quite as sweet as the journey
So let's go around the world
Taking in everything no matter what life brings
We're gonna be chasing forever
All the way to the end all my life and back again
Every day I'll be here, loving you all through the years
And it's true: there's so much freedom in knowing
How sure we are that we're going all the way
Nothing sounded better to Aang. The idea of a life lived with Toph, knowing that the whole world would be theirs. Now more than ever Aang had a place to return to, a place that he would always be able to call home. As these thoughts filled his mind and heart, another voice began in Ty Lee's place. Aang glanced away from his bride only long enough to discover that it was Dwight that had begun singing.
People ask me "think ya'll can make it?
And I tell them honestly
This ain't no fleeting thing, we're not imagining
This is it; we know it's meant to be
Toph smiled as she heard Ty Lee's voice rejoin the song with Dwight's. It made sense that her friend would have chosen a duet for her wedding song after all.
Cause I love you, love you completely
I've never felt like this, I don't want nothing but
Something that's passionate
That's the only way I know how to love is
All the way to the end all my life and back again
Every day I'll be here, loving you all through the years
And it's true: there's so much freedom in knowing
How sure we are that we're going all the way
As the music took over and the words fell away, Toph held her husband close. She did not know where the song had come from, but she had no complaints. It painted the perfect picture of what she really wanted. They were young and she was impetuous enough for the both of them, so why shouldn't they see the world?
There's so much freedom in knowing
How sure we are that we're going all the way
All the way
All the way
Aang and Toph reluctantly rejoined the rest of the world as the song came to an end and applause replaced it. Aang just continued to smile without removing his arms from around her and she just continued to smile in return. It was not until Lao stepped forward and cleared his throat that they even acknowledged anyone else.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said gently, "but I was wondering if I may have the next dance?"
Aang could hardly refuse, and Toph was happy to oblige. It was not often that the two of them got to spend father/daughter time together and there was no way either of them was going to let this moment pass them by. The music began and the two drifted across the grass as Lao watched his little girl smile like he had never seen before.
"I know you don't care much for appearances," her father said, "but you look absolutely beautiful."
"Thanks, Dad," Toph said. "I'm not a very good judge of looks, but if the way Mom's been paying extra attention to you today is any indication then I'm sure you look pretty great yourself."
Lao laughed a little at the comment and pulled his daughter in for a hug, wrapping both arms around her as they continued to dance.
"There are so many things that I've gotten wrong over the years in regards to you," Lao continued. "I've made so many mistakes that at times I thought I pushed you too far away to ever get close to you again, and now look at us. My little girl is married."
"Hey, I may still be short, but I'm not so little anymore."
"You will always be my little girl," her father told her seriously. "And I will always be an overly cautious, worrywart of a father."
"You know, you really don't have to worry about me so much," Toph said, though she was smiling.
"Oh, my dear, if I could turn it off, I would. No matter how strong and capable you are or will become, I'm always going to worry for you. It's in the job description."
The two danced contentedly in silence as the song continued to play. For a while, Toph was happy to just be held by her father. It was not until the music was beginning to come to an end that he spoke to her again.
"Why don't you two skip out on the reception?"
"What?"
"Oh, I know you don't want to go," he told her with a smile. "Kuzon is already prepared to take you wherever it is you want to go from here. I'm not going to ask you to come to a stuffy party with a bunch of old crones like me and the others here. You go and do what you want to do. Your mother and I will be waiting to hear from you."
Toph threw her arms around her father's neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you!" she said, relieved that she was being paroled.
"Thank you," he said. "Thank you for giving me another chance to be a better father. I love you, Toph."
With a smile on her face and a tear in her eyes, Toph gave her father an extra squeeze.
"I love you too, Daddy."
Another scattering of applause followed the playing of the song as Toph sniffled and held back the tears of joy that were threatening to ruin Suki's hard work. Lao escorted her to the crowd to receive a few congratulatory words before the people began to disperse and make their way towards their vehicles to drive to the reception. Aang managed to materialize at Toph's side with a much needed tissue in hand that Suki quickly snagged and started to dab at Toph's face.
"That was so beautiful, Tophy," Ty Lee beamed as she sniffled and hugged her friend. "Thank you so much for making me one of your bridesmaids! I'm so happy I was able to sing for you guys too!"
"Calm down, Bubble Brain," Toph laughed as she hugged her back. "That was a great choice by the way."
"So our newlyweds need to get to their car for the reception," Katara said as she started moving the couple towards the parking lot. "The rest of us need to figure out who's going with whom."
"Just a second, Sweetness," Toph interrupted. "I've got an update for everyone."
"What's going on, Toph?" Aang asked.
"Dad just told me to skip the reception," Toph grinned. "We're not going."
"I cannot express how happy that makes me," Aang said as he immediately pulled off his tie. "Wearing one of those with a suit is like having a really weak person choking you all day."
"If we're not going to the reception, where are we going?" Sokka asked.
"We're going to get in the car and go I don't know where yet," Toph informed them. "You guys can go wherever you want."
"That was a rather polite way of telling all of us to shove off," Azula smirked.
"What can I say? I'm in a good mood right now," Toph laughed. "Seriously though, we're gonna disappear. You guys do whatever."
"What about all the wedding gifts and other stuff?" Dwight asked.
"I'm sure Dad will figure something out if he hasn't already. Anyway, we're leaving. Bye guys!"
Toph wrapped her arms around Aang's and dragged him over to the parking lot as fast as she could in her dress. Kuzon stood by the car waiting patiently with the door open. He bowed politely as they dove into the car and he shut the door behind them. Immediately, Toph pulled her husband to her and kissed him deeply.
"Before we do anything, I want to get out of this suit," Aang said between kisses.
"Now we're talking!" Toph grinned as she tugged at his suit jacket. Before she got too far, Aang grabbed her wrists and held them away from him. "Really, Twinkle Toes?"
"Considering Kuzon is sitting about three feet from us, yes," her responded as she leaned in for another kiss and laughed.
The first order of business for the both of them was to return to the estate and get into some more comfortable clothes. Aang shed his suit and Toph stripped out of her wedding gown before placing it gently on the bed for her mother to find. As much as she may have disliked wearing it, she did love the gift from her mother. After getting dressed the two of them moved out into the living room where Kuzon awaited them and sat on the couch.
"Your parents wanted to make sure I delivered this to you," he informed them as he handed Aang a small package.
"What is it?" Toph asked as Aang tore into it.
"Cellphones," Aang said, confusion lacing his voice. "We've already got phones. And what are these?"
"Those would be your passports, Aang," Kuzon said. "Where ever the two of you decide to spend your honeymoon, your parents only ask that you keep in touch. Those phones should be able to receive service where ever you may end up vacationing."
"Isn't this great?" Aang cheered. "We can go anywhere!"
"It's perfect," Toph smiled softly.
"Is something the matter, Toph?" her husband asked.
"No, no," she said. "It's just that I still haven't really picked a place in the world for myself, you know? I was just talking about it with Katara and Suki before the wedding. I figure the only reason I can't find a place is because I haven't seen enough of the world. I mean I've spent almost my whole life in this house, in this city. I haven't really been anywhere else."
"So where do you want to go?" Aang asked excitedly.
"Everywhere."
The answer only caused Aang to pause for a moment. She could sense the confusion in him, then the excitement started to bubble over in its place.
"You want to experience the world," Aang finally said.
"I want to experience the world."
"Let's do it!" Aang beamed. "Just the two of us! Anywhere and everywhere!"
"What about your dream to work with kids?" she asked him.
"Who says I can't work with kids while we're out there?" Aang continued to smile. "There are so many things I want to show you!"
The excitement in Aang's voice was completely contagious. Toph could feel herself getting more worked up the more he spoke of the many things he wanted to share with her. She was fairly sure there was no way they were going to see everything he was talking about in a single trip, but that did not matter to her. There was a whole world out there full of challenges and adventures just waiting for her to discover them, and she was eager to be a part of it. The best part, however, was that she would be able to share it all with the man she loved.
Never End