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[A/N: Avatar the Last Airbender is wholly owned by Nick.
Toph, the young maiden, makes ready to get married as friends and family gather.
Nothing is normal. But with these folks, that's normal.
(This was meant to be a one-shot but it's evolved.)]
Chapter 13
Hidden Talent
Toph and Aang re-entered the reception arm-in-arm. There was a small round of applause as they got escorted to their seats on the podium.
"Kiss, kiss, kiss," began to ring out. Toph could tell who initiated the chant as she heard Azula's distinctive cackle throughout.
Aang turned towards his bride, " I guess they haven't left us much choice my dear., Shall we?"
"Let's and make it a good one," Toph replied placing her arms about his neck.
Their kiss drew loud, long whistles and catcalls from across the room. Ty Lee drummed the table with her fists. " Way to go Duchess!" she screamed out. "Me next!"
The Avatar had to steady his bride as Toph's knees became weak. "Are you okay sweetie," he asked in concern.
"I-I think… I'm a bit woozy still from trading shots with Sweetness. I'll be okay once I get to sit down and perhaps get a glass of water, that would probably help," she commented leaning onto his chest.
Aang led his bride to her seat and poured her a glass from a pitcher at the table, placing it in her shaky hands. "Here you are. Let me know if you need anything else."
Toph nodded before she began to drink. The refreshing feeling of the cool water seemed to radiate from her throat throughout her entire body. She even felt her senses clearing. She could also pick up on a distant conversation that piqued her interest.
"I'm really sorry for slapping you," she could hear Katara apologizing. "I think I had too much to drink and I just overreacted with you telling Teo it was okay to talk to dad… and…"
"No, that was my fault," Sokka admitted as he placed a hand on his sister's narrow shoulder. "I should have asked you first instead of assuming. Ah, I'm so sorry Katara. I just wanted you to be happy," he exclaimed in a hushed, broken voice.
Katara was already spilling tears. "I know. You're always trying to help me, even when I'm not being very helpful, big brother."
"Hey, what's a big brother for if not to support his awesome little sister?"
Katara took Sokka by the hand and began to lead him out of the room.
"And where do you think you're going?" Azula asked, blocking their path.
"Azula… this has nothing to do with you," Katara stated flatly, looking to walk around the fiery princess.
Her exit to the left was cut off by the acrobatic Ty Lee, shaking her head.
As she tried to maneuver right, the tall, raven-haired Mai, intercepted her, wagging a finger.
"Let us pass," the waterbender demanded. "Or I can't promise…"
The pull backward into Sokka's strong arms made Katara a bit dizzy. "It's okay sis, I've gotcha," he whispered softly as his lips grazed her reddening ear. "I love you more than anybody… ever."
His words took her breath away as she felt her strength leaving her body. All she could do was cling to him.
"Ahhh, so not fair!" Ty Lee groaned."Cutie should be lovey-dovey with me!"
Katara gently pulled out of her brother's embrace, and as she turned about, she leaned back into him.
"Listen, you three, I know that each of you has… well, had your go at my brother, and I'm none too happy about it," she snapped ignoring the audience and attention she was garnering. "First, he's my brother and not your play toy. I will decide who is best for him, got it?"
"Well said," Hakota replied with an approving nod.
"Thank you, dad," she answered, enjoying her brother's reassuring hold of her hand. "Now, ladies and I use the term loosely, if you are serious about my dumb brother here, you're gonna have to prove it to me. In the Water Tribe, the women decide the matches!"
Azula smiled with a glint in her amber eyes. "We have never gotten along peasant, but I have learned to respect you. Perhaps we can come to an understanding… a trade?"
"What kind of trade?" Katara asked suspiciously.
"Brother for brother," Azula offered pointing at Zuko. "How about a king for a commoner! I think that's quite a deal!"
"Hey, you can't just give my hubby away like that!" Suki yelled, giving Azula the finger as a gesture of contempt.
"I do forget my idiot of a brother married that flat-chested, painted clown," the firebending princess sighed. "Oh well, name your price then peasant."
Katara smiled deviously. "We'll wait until after my best friend's reception to discuss terms, ladies," the waterbender declared. "Until then, Sokka will stay by my side, is that understood?"
"Understood," Ty Lee and Mai answered almost immediately. Azula however just rolled her amber eyes.
"Is that understood princess, or are you saying you're not interested," Katara inquired with a smirk.
Azula threw her head back with a loud huff, "Fine peasant," she agreed, stepping closer to the waterbender. "Have it your way, but don't think I can't see your own… intentions," she whispered just loud enough for Katara to hear. "Kind of makes this a bit unfair… don't you think?"
The waterbender grinned broadly, "Well Azula, life is a bitch, just like you."
Even as the firebender's face dropped into a frown, Mai and Ty Lee were giggling.
"C'mon brother, dance with me," Katara said as she spun around into his arms.
"Okay," Sokka replied a bit startled, as they walked out onto the dance floor. He could sense his lightning shooting lover glaring at his back.
"She's back," Toph said to herself out loud.
"Who's back?" Aang asked looking about the room.
"Just an old friend," the new bride stated as she sipped more of her water.
Poppy walked over to the main table, having regained her composure. "Come let's dance Avatar, it's time we got a little family bonding time in," she said taking his hand.
Before they could move away from the table, Toph grabbed her mother's arm, pulling her down into earshot. "That bonding, better be limited to the conversational only, mother," she warned. "Don't think for a moment that I won't shame you, right here, right now… in front of everyone, dad included."
Poppy swallowed hard. "Eh, yes, of course, my dear. Trust me; I wouldn't have it any other way, sweetie."
As Toph released her sleeve, she lightly patted her mother's arm. "For the Honor of the House."
Lady Bei Fong stood more erect, her expression waning into seriousness as she nodded towards her daughter. "For the Honor of the House," she replied.
Aang looked a bit confused but saw that whatever this meant, it was of vital importance to both of them.
The music that was playing was lively but moderately paced. Poppy and Aang placed their palms together and began to step along with the other dancers on the floor. Everyone that is except for Sokka and Katara, who were moving at their own erratic pace. Aang could only shake his head at their antics.
"I trust that a word of what occurred in the hall will not be repeated?" she asked with a rise of her brow.
"I don't repeat harmless teasing, mother," Aang replied with a charming smile. "I think Toph took it more seriously than intended."
Poppy smiled. "You are truly wise beyond your years Avatar. One must value discretion in society. So many desire to bring down those who have fought so hard to establish a better life."
"The war made life hard for so long for a lot of people. So many didn't have the, well, means to fight. They could only survive. Caught between the conqueror and the covetous. Such has been the lot of the common, powerless man, " he said looking into her eyes so that his meaning was understood.
"Eh, yes, certainly. Lao plans to build a hospital in Ba Sing Se, starting next year if funds continue to grow. In Gaoling, we sponsor an orphanage and two convalescent homes for the wounded and aged. He is always trying to get the other houses to do the same," she said smiling tensely.
Aang smiled reassuringly. "Toph told me. She is very proud of both of you and how you're contributing to help those less fortunate. You ought to hear her speak about you guys now. I'm proud to be a part of your family, Lady Bei Fong."
It was the first time he saw her hazel eyes tearing. Poppy ceased dancing and curtsied. "I… I must go, uh, powder my face… I must be a wreck," she exclaimed looking downward as her cheeks flushed even through her makeup.
"Of course," the airbender replied with a polite bow.
Aang watched as his mother-in-law made her way off the dance floor before heading back towards his bride.
To his surprise, she was headed his way rapidly. "Let's dance lover!"
The music changed to a slow, romantic melody as the bride and groom took to the floor, and everyone stepped to the edges.
"Are you ready milady," the conductor asked.
"Ready for what?" Aang whispered.
As Toph nodded, a chair was brought out, and Aang seated in the middle of the floor.
Toph turned towards her groom with glistening eyes. "I know I've said this countless time, Aang, but I love you. I love you so much that I can't really show you… yet. But I promise I will work hard to let you know how I truly feel so that you will never doubt it. People tell me that looks fade. I'm blind, so I guess that's not really an issue for me. But if it becomes an issue for you, please, tell me, and I'll poke your eyes out."
There was a round of small chuckles until Sokka let out a raucous laugh that filled the room. "I get it! She'll blind him too! HAHAHAHA… that's so funny!" he shouted as Katara shook her head in embarrassment.
"He's your brother," Azula quipped in sweet revenge.
"Thanks for the explanation, Snoozles," Toph retorted with a wink of her sightless eyes. "Anyways, I have a secret. One that you don't even know about Aang. Katara knows, but, I never shared it with you!"
"Ooh, I love secrets," Sokka exclaimed as he clapped loudly to his sister's continued chagrin.
"Will you knock it off, doofus," Katara growled, elbowing him in the side.
"Ow. Can't a guy have a little fun?" he pouted.
"Have all the fun you want, Captain Boomerang" Toph answered with a wide grin. "This is a party!"
Sokka turned and pointed to his red-faced sister. "See, it's okay with Toph!"
"She's not you're…" the waterbender stopped mid-sentence, thinking about what she was about to say. "Well, if it's okay with her, and it's her day, then I guess, I'm okay too!"
"Thanks, big sis!" Toph said with a laugh.
Katara threw up a hand in surrender, "Sure, whatever, baby girl."
"So what's the secret? You've gotten your sight and can see, right Toph?" Sokka blared out.
"No Snoozles, I'm quite blind still. Thanks for reminding me," the earthbender added.
"My bad, sorry Toph," he apologized.
"No big," Toph stated. "I still love you, and you'll always be my Captain Boomerang!"
"If that bum of an Avatar loses his mind and decides to leave you, Captain Boomerang will happily fill in!" he declared tapping his chest.
A round of laughter and cheers rose up.
"Wow, first Ty Lee and then you? I'm flattered," the bride chuckled. "But seriously Aang, there is something I'm more proud of then my bending," Toph declared.
There was a collective gasp from just about everyone, including Aang.
"Wow, I didn't see that coming," Zuko commented to Suki with a squeeze about her waist, feeling her baby bump.
Toph exhaled, trying to calm her nerves. "This is so hard. But, I promised myself, that today, our wedding day, I would not pig-chicken out," she sniffled as Katara stepped closer.
"Do it, girl, you're amazing!" the waterbender encouraged her.
"Thanks, Sweetness," Toph replied shaking her hands in the air. "Well, here it goes. I sing Aang. I'm told I sing rather well… at least I hope I do. But, I heard this song and thought of you. So today, on our special day, I want to sing this song for you."
Aang was already bawling his eyes out just seeing how vulnerable Toph was being. He knew she had a good voice, just listening to her sing along with street musicians and the like. He felt as if his heart was about to burst.
"Maestro, if you would?" Toph asked as the intro to the song began.
[A/N"Our Hearts Will Fly On"
TAANG Version
(An adaptation from My Heart Will Go On • Celine Dion, from "Titanic" soundtrack You can listen to Celine Dion sing the original and interjects these lyrics or listen to the instrumental to get the gist of it. If you know it on piano and can sing, even better!]
As Toph began to sing, a hushed silence fell within the grand hall. It felt as if she was weaving a spell, and even the spirits seemed to incline their ears to listen to the melodious aria.
"Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
Holding me within your, strong arms
There is now no distance
No space in between us
You have come to show me, your love
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that your heart holds, this song
Once, more, you open the door
And you're here in my arms
And our love will fly on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last past a lifetime
Finding us wherever, we go
Love is when I hold you
So true, that it, fills me
In this life we'll always, love on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that your heart holds,this song
Once, more you open the door
And you're here in my arms
And our hearts will fly on and on
When you're here, I've nothing to fear,
And I know that our love will grow strong
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my arms
And our hearts will fly on and on."
As Toph concluded, there was a stillness in the room filled with sighs, snifflings and 'I love you's'.
Aang could no longer contain himself as he embraced his bride and the love of his life, lifting her into the air.
"I love you Toph Bei Fong," he shouted, dropping her into a deep kiss.
Katara wiped away her tears. "They really are made for each other, aren't they?"
"Yep," a weeping Sokka replied with an arm around his sister's shoulder, "No doubt about it."
.