A/N: Hey, sup? Totally random but here's the Christmas chapter I promised. I know, I know, I'm a trash. I'm sorry. I'm not even going to attempt to reason why I'm this fucking late in updating. Anyways, I'm back now with my bullshit now. Sorry, I left you hanging.
Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year y'all!
(No shit, right?)
Disclaimer: I don't really have any knowledge regarding how monks celebrate their Christmas nor their ways of life. (I did some research but like anything else that is not sufficient enough). So please just let it go if you spot any inaccuracy. That being said, I apologize in advance if I ever offend some of you.
Chapter 9: Treading On Thin Ice.
Killing Appa's engine, Aang turned to Toph.
"We're here."
His announcement however only received a stiff nod in return.
Aang observed her and decided to give her a moment.
Toph is dressed rather nicely today. For some reason (that reason being she secretly wanted to make a good impression on Monk Gyatso even though she keeps denying it), Toph decided to opt for a more formal attire over her usual get-up of baggy clothes and worn-out jeans. Looking fashionable ready in a dark green polo-shirt and black trousers that fit her slender body tightly (Aang actually wonders for the first time how does she get ready. Does someone help her get dressed? Or all her clothes are just conveniently arranged into a set the moment they were bought? Probably both.)
However, despite how crisp and neat the fabric of her apparel is, she had somehow managed to give off an air of casualty; By rolling up her sleeves and keeping the first two studs of her collar unbuttoned. Aang can even tell that she had put a lot more effort into tying up her hair as they are not as messy as they usually were.
Aang would be lying if he said she didn't look absolutely stunning but he kept that compliment to himself. Deciding not to say anything even though he already noticed her attire the very moment she shrugged off her coat upon getting inside Appa. He feared that teasing her might make her back out last minute. Which is something he's sure Toph will never do but Aang didn't want to gamble those odds (And, no. He's totally not afraid of getting punched in the gut. Thank you very much.)
When Toph made a move to get out, Aang stopped her by the shoulder. Fishing out for a bonnet, he gently sets it over her messy bun.
"It gets a little too cold out there," he softly says as he tries to tame her wild locks.
He let his eyes wander on her face for a moment.
Truthfully, Aang can't still get over the fact that she actually agreed to spend her winter break in his hometown. He didn't know what got into him to blurt out those words but the thought of Toph spending Christmas alone repulses him. It's probably obvious that he had already braced himself for a resounding 'no' back then. So, excuse him if he stuttered an eloquent 'huh?' when she stared at him for a few seconds before shrugging a 'sure'
An awkward cough from her snapped him back.
Toph's pinching her eyebrows together, desperately trying not to grind her teeth. He can almost hear her internal turmoil with how hard she's biting her lower lips. It's adorable to see that Toph anxious about whether or not Monk Gyatso is going to like her.
Aang couldn't help but chuckle at her nervous expression.
Pinching both of her cheeks he reassured her, "You'll be fine. He's going to like you. In fact, I think he already loves you. When I told him that you're coming with me over the phone he wouldn't stop talking about how excited he was."
Toph visibly relaxes at that.
Letting out a huff, she pushed him away. She then reached at the back seat to pull her cane. Knocking its handle on his head. Twice.
"I'm not nervous," she grumbles.
And without giving him an opportunity to tease her any further, Toph jumped off the van.
Monk Gyatso was already waiting by the porch with Momo perched on his shoulder when they arrived. Both of them immediately perked up upon the sight of Aang and Toph.
"Aang, my boy!" stepping outside the cold, the monk beams with open arms while the lemur lets out happy chirps.
Aang drops the bag that he was carrying to squeeze the old man back. Laughing when Momo took the chance to climb on him when they pulled back; Aggressively rubbing his cheeks against Aang's.
"Easy there, buddy," he chuckles as he pats the lemur in hopes of calming it down.
"I missed you so much," he openly conveys as Monk Gyatso fixes his scarf for him.
The corner of his eyes crinkled as he answered, "So did we. Fortunately for us, we have a lot of time to catch up!"
After wrapping Aang into another warm embrace, the monk immediately turned to Toph to give her the same welcome. He watched how the woman stiffened under Monk Gyatso's touch, unused to such sudden display of affection. However, after a moment, she eventually yielded and returned his embrace, awkwardly patting the old man on the shoulder a few times.
"Thank you for having me," Toph says as they pull apart.
"What a sweetheart," Monk Gyatso softly cooed as he pats her head. Turning to Aang, the monk shoots him a smile that definitely says: Look at her, isn't she wonderful?
Taking a few steps closer, Aang called her, "Toph, this is Momo. Momo this is Toph."
Toph raised her hand to let Momo sniff it. After a moment, he hopped on her shoulder. Drowning her in a series of licks, eliciting a laugh from her.
Aang smiled, "He likes you."
Grinning, she lifts Momo in front of her face and says, "Lucky me. I like him too."
Monk Gyatso, who was watching them, grabs both of their arms to lead them to his home. Letting out an elated sound, he beamed, "Let's get you two warmed up!"
The very first thing Aang did upon entering was to go to the altar to pay his respect. It's rejuvenating to doing something he previously does as routine. After that, he allowed himself to revel in his surroundings.
Nothing really changed in their home since he left.
The house was still furnished minimally, just a couple of wooden couches and tables here and there. While a couple of pictures and handwritten scriptures were hanging by the walls. He did note that Monk Gyatso had added some extra sets of blankets and throw pillows (to accommodate Toph probably). But aside from that, it was practically bare. However, despite its simple state, it was obvious how well-lived the cabin was. It was very neat and everything is clearly worn out from the constant use.
Turning to the duo, he found Toph completely occupied by the monk (and Momo, he had decided that she is now is his personal furnace as he lays resting on her shoulder. )
Aang watches them for a bit before announcing that he's going to retrieve the rest of their luggage. When he got back, carrying their backpacks and duffle bags, he unintentionally caught their conversation.
"–I hope Aang is not causing you too much trouble." Monk Gyatso says in an apologetic tone.
"He could get annoying sometimes but I suppose it doesn't dampen his appeal."
The side of his mouth tugged upward upon hearing their laughter. His chest swelled knowing that two of his most favorite people in the world are getting along well.
Holding up a fruit basket he interrupted them.
"A gift from Toph," he says to get their attention.
She insisted on dropping by a supermarket to buy one.
Aang tried to object knowing how expensive it could get but his protest fell on deaf ears as she made him maneuver to the nearest one. Toph can be really stubborn at times. And it's been a long-established fact between them that he could never out-will her once she sets her mind into doing something. The girl is unmovable and too bad for Aang, he is a sucker for her. Her headstrong personality only makes him swoon over her harder.
"Oh my! You didn't really have to bring anything," Monk Gyatso crows as he takes it from Aang. Enveloping Toph with an arm he continued, "But your kind gesture is very much appreciated nonetheless. Thank you."
Toph turns at him to shoot him a smug look, making Aang roll his eyes.
Seeing their interaction made the old man smile, patting both of their backs he says, "Get yourselves comfortable while I prepare you some hot cocoa."
With that Monk Gyatso trudges and disappears behind the kitchen door.
Aang took this opportunity to crowd over Toph.
With a mischievous grin, he whispered, "I didn't know you could be polite."
The laughter that bubbled from his chest was abruptly cut when he received a powerful elbow on his stomach.
After warming themselves with hot chocolate and putting their luggage in their rooms, Aang decided to show Toph around the town. She was only going to stay for three days so he wanted to make the most out of it.
Admittedly, his hometown doesn't have much to showcase. It was a humble place in the far north of the province with only a little over a thousand people residing in it. Nevertheless, the landscapes in its surrounding area are a sight to behold. Even though Toph can't see, Aang is sure that she will appreciate the harmony of the wildlife that flourishes within its forests.
They had been walking for hours now. Wondering aimlessly as they quietly chatter about random things (Actually, Aang is the only one who's rambling. Toph being Toph, would only nod and comment once in a while). At some point, they stopped by a log to eat the lunch he prepared. For a brief moment, he wonders if Toph is getting bored but when he glanced at her to see any sign of impassiveness, he saw a contented smile on her lips as she listens to him.
Somewhere along the way, he found their hands interlaced and the tip of his ears burned upon the realization. Suffice to say that holding her kept Aang warm and giddy throughout their journey.
Soon after, they found themselves trekking through the seemingly endless lines of trees. He huffed when he felt that the cold winds are starting to nip their faces. Deeming that the air is becoming frigid, he decided that it's probably time to go back home.
Aang was about to prompt Toph to turn around when the sight of the frozen lake greeted them in the distance.
Oh, yeah.
He forgot about this place.
This used to be his safe haven when he was little.
Instinctively, he knew that the waters were calling for them.
Wasting no time, he gripped Toph's hand tightly and ushers her to hurry up in her steps; Silver eyes scanning the scenery before them with great excitement. Surprisingly, the snow's earthy scent was the first thing that hit him; The smell of grass still lingers behind despite being long gone.
Aang lets out a breathy laugh when they got closer.
This place never fails to amaze him.
It looked very different during winter compared to during spring but it still looks wonderful nonetheless.
The surrounding pine trees were sprinkled with dust of snows and the lands that are bordering the frozen waters looked like they were draped with a thick blanket of whipped cream. While the lake itself glistens as if its surface was drizzled with diamonds from how frozen it is. He even caught a fox carefully treading at the border of the woods. Glancing at them upon their arrival before scurrying.
Turning his head to Toph, he gave her a hopeful smile, "Lovely, isn't it? I used to go here alone when I was a kid. I even skipped some classes just to hang around here... Spirits, that feels like eons ago."
She didn't say anything and instead only clutches his hand tighter.
A peaceful silence settled around them as they slowly came to a stop; Both basking in their surrounding. The sound of the wild animals skitting in the distance and the quiet howls of the wind reached their ears.
Aang watches a soft smile rests on Toph's lips as she listens intently.
Turning to him, she finally speaks, "Not bad, Twinkle Toes."
He feigns a pained face," 'Not bad'? This place is awesome!–" he waved his arms around "–This is my childhood right here."
Toph snorted.
"Ah, yes. Worthy of skipping class, am I right?"
Aang pretended to sulk about her remark. That only made her smirk wider and when he didn't stop moping, she raised her hand to pinch his nose.
He smiled when Toph turned her head upon hearing an owl hoot deeper in the forest and tried to mimic its sound.
Aang tore his gaze from her and eyed the lake once again.
He sighs, "If I just knew that we're going to stumble in this place I would've bought some pairs of ice skates..." pointing across the lake he continued, " but we can try walking in the ice if you like? To see the other side? I think it's frozen enough to support our weight."
Toph went rigid.
She pressed her lips in a thin line and slowly shook her head. Blinking, Aang realized that she's probably thinking how unwise it is for a blind person to do that. He squeezed her hand and gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I got you."
Toph regarded him as if she's trying to decide whether she wanted to thank him or hit him.
Aang had gotten used to that look.
"I know..." she decided.
Aang heard a silent 'but' in that statement, and the way Toph loosened her grip tells him that she was trying not to squirm away.
He was about to ask what's the matter but opted to just instead study her face when her expression turned guarded. Toph does that whenever Aang treads to topics that came too close to her personal life. She would always close up and hide behind an invisible wall to conceal her feeling. Her eyes however would always give away her thoughts. Just like now, he can see fear lurking behind those misty orbs. And it tells him that there's a deeper reason behind her reluctance towards stepping into the ice.
Oh, the irony of her situation makes Aang lose the courage to tell Toph that her eyes betrays her.
He fought the desire to frown.
The thought that Toph still doesn't trust him that much hurts, but Aang knows that he can't really demand more from her when he can see that she's trying her best to indulge him.
So, just like every time, he dropped the topic.
Ignoring that painful jab on his chest, he veered their conversation to a lighter one: "How about building a snowman? It's been a while since I've done that."
Toph grinned, Aang heard the quiet breath of relief in her voice, "Yeah, sure. Why not? Besides, I think it's high time for me to introduce Melon Lord anyway."
The afternoon went by in a blink of an eye.
Before they knew it, the sun was almost hovering over the horizon. They had fun building a village of snowmen and snowwomen. They even named each and every one of them. He's not sure why but somehow after Toph introduced the Mighty Melon Lord (which is oddly incredible by the way, with its oversized head and crooked grin) they ended up having a competition on who's the best at building snow sculptures.
To those who are wondering who won.
Neither of them did.
They both proclaimed that its a tie in the end.
(Aang secretly believes he won this match though. He swears, he got their faces better! We all know why. Shhh! No one tell Toph or Aang will be flayed alive.)
On their way back, Toph had decided to forgo her cane. Retracting it to fit the side pocket of her coat as she linked their arms together.
Aang prays she never notices how hard his heart is pounding inside his chest whenever she clutches him closer. Because he's not sure if he really wants her to know how much of a goner he is for her. However, at the same time, he bemoans how fast daytime is during winter. He wishes that they could stay like this a little longer.
"Did you have fun?"
Aang asks as he leans on the door frame.
He watches Toph haphazardly dry her hair.
She is now in her pajamas, fresh from a hot bath, and is wearing her hair down. Aang never knew her hair almost reaches her waist and that they look surprisingly silky despite the lack of care they got from her.
It's quite amazing that he gets to see her in semi-formal attire and awfully casual get-up within just a day. Maybe, Aang should bring her here more frequently to see those sides of her.
She looks really comfy and Aang wishes to see her relaxed more often.
Subconsciously, his eyes wandered throughout her body.
Ah, Fuck.
It's unfair how Toph can make something as simple as shoving a pillow behind her back look like a scene from a movie.
Gulping, Aang wave's off the unholy thoughts that entered his mind as he watches her make herself comfortable in his bed. He had given her his room in the meantime as there were only two bedrooms in their home (the other one obviously belongs to Monk Gyatso). For now, Aang will have to sleep in the living room on the couch.
Toph finally paid him attention.
"I guess? The bar that needs to be met in this matter is painfully low after all," he knows that she intended for that remark to be a joke but it came out too flat.
His eyebrows furrows at that.
Sensing the unexpected awkward atmosphere, Toph stood up.
"Go away now, Twinkle Toes," she nonchalantly shoo's him before pushing him off from the door frame.
"Wait–"
"I wanna sleep, fuckmunch," she continues.
Aang, half-heartedly fighting her, asks again, "So, did you have fun?"
"Yes, yes, it was phenomenal," she sarcastically sneers as she swats him away like a fly.
Before he could even say any retort she shuts the door in his face. He stood there confused for a moment. But stayed stationary when Toph's shadow remained hovering underneath the gap of the door.
"Aang?"
"Yeah?"
He heard her hesitate. Leaning against the wall, he patiently waits for her to finish what she's going to say.
"It... it was fun," she reluctantly admits.
Tipping his head, he stared at the water stains on the ceiling with a smile.
She cleared her throat before continuing, "I gotta say I'm glad that I tagged along."
And by the sound of her voice, Aang knew Toph was wearing a smile too.
Gently knocking on the door, Aang entered Monk Gyatso's room. He found the old man meditating at the center and he quietly padded to set down the glass of water he bought with him on the nightstand.
Monk Gyatso turned to him and smiled.
He patted the space beside him and that was enough signal for Aang to join him.
In silence, they both let themselves be free from earthly attachment. A task that's been proving to be challenging for Aang as he continuously fails to thwart the images of a certain raven-haired girl from flooding his mind. He would manage to think of nothing for a moment but his mind just can't stop drifting back to her.
"You love her."
Cracking his eyes open, Aang turned to Monk Gyatso. His kind eyes twinkling as he studies the young man. That made Aang scratch his cheek. Monk Gyatso chuckles as he reached for Aang's hand to patted it a few times; A look of understanding passed between them.
"Good for you," he grins before going back to meditating.
From the monk's perspective, Aang is in no doubt in love with Toph. He was having a cup of tea by the window when he saw them trudge back home. The joy in their face is apparent as they playfully shove one another. Laughing carelessly despite how rugged they both look.
Aang had always been a happy soul.
Monk Gyatso knew this.
But he had never seen that kind of bliss shine behind Aang's eyes up until now.
Aang was blinded by the glaring lights of his phone as he struggled to turn off his alarm. It took a few clumsily taps before he succeeded in doing that. Sighing, he buried his face deeper against his pillow.
He had the strangest dream.
He couldn't quite remember all of it but he knows it involved a dark cavern, an endless pit of intertwining vines, and a woman. A sorrowful but enranged woman. Even now that he was awake he could still feel her resentment and it makes him so sad that he wanted to cry. Aang can't shake off the feeling that he had something to do with her imprisonment.
Lifting his hand, he clenches it to make the trembling stop.
He tried.
Desperately.
He knows he tried to save her.
Aang just couldn't remember the reason why he couldn't.
After a minute of dozing and just laying on the couch thinking about that woman, he finally moved. Groaning as he rolled to his side. He didn't really want to wake up this early but he had to if he wanted to prepare for the surprise he had in mind for Toph. Slapping his face to wave off sleep, he stood up to get ready for the day.
Aang said he'll think about that dream later. He didn't realize it then but he wouldn't get the chance to visit it again. Its memory would slowly dissipate into a distant feeling of nostalgia as he goes on for the day.
By the time he got back, Toph was already awake.
He found her having a cup of coffee with Monk Gyatso by the fireplace. She was listening to the old man who was talking animatedly with Momo curled on her lap. The lemur had paid Aang little attention since their arrival, deciding that Toph is much more worthy of his affection.
"What are you guys doing?" he asks as he crouches next to Toph to pat Momo's head.
"Aang! You're back!" the monk enthusiastically exclaims, "Just in time, I was showing to this young lady here all of your childhood photos that I have," a mischievous grin is playing at the edge of his mouth as he was saying that.
Imagine Aang's horror when he realized that Monk Gyatso was not kidding and is actually holding an album. He hasn't even opened his mouth to say anything but Toph had already intercepted his cries of protest.
"C'mon, Twinkle Toes. Don't be such a party pooper," she gave him a smile.
A smile she knew damn well that can make him feel all sorts of things.
That's just playing dirty!
"Party pooper," Monk Gyatso nods his head, repeating the new word he just learned, to conspire against Aang.
Knowing that he has no power over this matter, Aang lets out a defeated sigh as he buries his face to hide his mortification from the two of them.
He heard Toph and Monk Gyatso high-five in victory.
Peeking between the gaps of his finger, he spies as they went back to what they were previously doing. He knows Toph can't see, but that doesn't make it less embarrassing. Besides how can he show it to him when she's blind?
As if she can read his mind, Toph threw a pillow at him, "Monk Gyatso's describing it to me, Airhead."
Aang caught the pillow and sticks his tongue to tease her.
"Oh! Here's one where he won a gold medal at running a hundred-meter dash. He was in third grade at this, I think?" the old man exclaimed, interrupting the impending banter between the two.
Monk Gyatso rubs the picture with his thumbs first before speaking again, "I remember this one, Aang is really light on his feet–" Toph glanced at him to mouth 'Twinkle Toes' "–so he easily outran his opponents. He's smiling here, proudly holding up his trophy."
There was a moment of stillness before the old man turned the next page; Monk Gyatso was momentarily lost on his trip down the memory lane.
Releasing a hum, he scoots over to Toph says in a low voice, "Aang was a late bloomer. So, he wasn't really that handsome when he was a kid. He looks like a stick-man reincarnate; That's why he's embarrassed."
"Monk Gyatso!"
This time they spent the rest of the day preparing dozens and dozens of sandwiches to give away to the children. Aang and Monk Gyatso are planning on spending Christmas eve like every year: at the park with some of the monks and orphaned children. And Aang is so excited to share this tradition with Toph.
Monk Gyatso had left for a while to check up on his peers. Dropping by to the monastery he mostly resides in–yes the one Aang grew up–that was just down the road. He had left some chores for them to do and right now that is what they are doing.
Aang watches Toph skillfully chop onion springs.
Another thing Aang discovered about her is that she's pretty good with knives. She even demonstrated to him how to sharpen them. Let's pretend that Aang didn't gawk when she volunteered for the task and proved how qualified she is. When he asked where did she learn it, Toph just dismissively answered, "Eh, just a skill I picked up here and there."
Aang is sure it's not a skill you simply 'pick up to hear and there' even if you're not blind.
"I honestly thought monks don't celebrate Christmas..." she suddenly says out of nowhere.
Looking over her, Aang realized that it was a passing thought when he saw the distracted look on her face. Nonetheless, he answered her, "You'd be surprised with how many of us still celebrate it."
She turns to him and blinks.
Moving to get another pair of wheat bread, he happily informs her, "Despite having a different religion, majority of the monks respect and value Christian teaching."
Aang shakes off the water from the lettuce before resuming what he was saying, "To us, there is no harm in celebrating the birth of someone who forgoes their own agenda to help others in need. After all, what this world needs is for its people to be more compassionate and kind. To be united rather than being divided."
Wrapping the sandwich in a tissue, Aang sets it among the other finished ones before walking to where Toph is.
He moved to tuck a strand of hair that's draping over her eyes behind her ears as he continues, "Besides, it's another excuse to happily spend time with your loved ones. So...why not, right?"
Aang smiled at the sight of her cheeks flushing red.
He didn't get to relish it that long though because a moment later, Toph abruptly smacks his face with a slice of tomato.
A sigh falls out of him as he sinks down to the sofa.
They had finally finished cleaning up the kitchen after preparing the food and drinks. Now all they have to do is to laze around as they wait for Monk Gyatso to finish cooking their late afternoon meal. Actually, has long finished its run so they might as well consider it early dinner.
Toph followed shortly to sit beside him.
She cracked her knuckles to relieve some of the fatigue in her body.
Aang is getting ridiculously braver with each passing day he spent with Toph. He didn't even think twice when he decided to throw a pillow on her lap to rest his head over it. Astonishingly, he had gotten away with just a flick in the forehead, and Toph wordlessly proceeded to massage his head.
Okay, maybe she actually bashed his skull against the floor causing Aang to get a concussion because freaking hell Aang must be in heaven otherwise, right?
"What are you thinking, Baldy?" her deadpanned voice reeled him back from his thoughts.
Looking up, he found her raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing."
–Just how your my personal heaven on earth.
Aang mentally continues.
He didn't really want to push his luck that much.
When she stopped feeling his head he caught her left hand to play with it.
Interweaving their fingers together, he marvels at how they perfectly fit despite how small her hands are compared to his. Glancing up, he realized that Toph had rested her chin at the back of her free hand. Shielding her face away from him to hide whatever expression she's wearing. Although, Aang dares to imagine that it's a pleased one.
He was admiring how soft her skin is when his attention was caught by her rings.
For someone who doesn't really care much for appearance, Toph sure likes wearing a lot of bands on her fingers. He had never seen her without them. And like a moth drawn to a flame, his eyes immediately gravitated to the one she's wearing on her left ring finger.
If he was right, there should be a soulmark concealed underneath it. His own mark bristles in anticipation at the thought they have a matching one.
Testing her reaction, he fiddles with the ring over her pinky.
When she doesn't say anything, he warily pulls it off to pretend that he wants to try it on. Aang anxiously swallowed when he felt that telltale feeling wash over his soulmark. An unearthly ringing resonated through his ears as his eyes flicker over where her mark is supposed to be. Putting the ring back to her little finger, he then moved to her index finger.
Then, out of nowhere, a stinging pain bit his soulmark when his touch hovered over the band that's resting on her ring finger, making them both pull away.
Sitting up, Aang was momentarily paralyzed when her gaze landed on him.
Maybe the light is playing tricks on him because he had almost mistaken her opal eyes for brown ones.
Despite being a master of playing an aloof and detached front, Toph's eyes turned steely. Her gaze is even more piercing than before. She too was surprised with what had happened but oddly enough rage lurks behind them. Aang didn't get to revel at the thought that her eyes looked like they are no longer green nor the fact that he felt the same fury from the woman he previously dreamed about. The dread took over his mind drowned them out.
There's a good distance between the two of them now but he can already feel the magnitude of those orbs as they promise a tremor that will shake him down to his core.
The hair on the nape of his neck bristled as he broke into a cold sweat. Suddenly, the living room seems to have lost all its warmth, and its provided space became a little too constricting.
Unable to handle such intensity, Aang looked away.
Wondering if Toph is really blind.
Every second feels like a drag. The tension between them is so dreadful and neither of them had said anything to loosen it up. He couldn't put a finger on what's wrong but why did it feel like for a moment he saw millennia of wrath swirl behind her gaze. His guts are telling him he had seen this kind of resentment before.
It escaped Aang's mind how his soulmark went completely numb at her unusual sight.
Finally, the universe decided to put him out of misery, Toph's phone suddenly went ringing.
A soft, mellow classical music abruptly cuts off the stiff silence between them. Catching Aang off guard since he never knew she was into that genre of music. And as if the sound itself was enchanted by sorcery, something shifted in Toph's whole demeanor when she heard it. Her whole body went rigid. Immediately correcting her posture as another mask settled on her face. This time it was a polite distant expression.
It would be an understatement for Aang to say that what he feels right now is that he is staring at a total stranger on the other side of the couch.
Maybe, that's right.
Maybe, he didn't really know Toph as much as he thinks he does.
Toph caught his worry and gave him a curt smile.
"Excuse me for a moment. I have to answer this call," she stated rather calmly.
With that, she stood up.
Taking careful steps as she walks away.
"Hey, ugly duckling," Toph calls as she enters the kitchen.
Aang looked up, taking a pause on setting up the plates to shoot her a betrayed look.
"You're so mean," he whined.
She only sticks her tongue at that.
He mentally sighs upon realizing that the apprehension between them had already vanished. Or rather, both of them seemed to have come to a silent agreement to forget whatever happened earlier. Aang didn't get to dwell on their cowardice for that long when her gruff voice pulled him out of his reverie.
"Here," she tossed a paper bag at him.
Peering inside, he saw boxes of chocolates.
"Sorry, I didn't get to prepare anything special so it's kinda generic," she shyly admits as she shifts her weight from foot to foot.
Toph had no idea that the thought of her bothering to give him a present alone was more than enough to make Aang's heart flutter wildly.
Taking swift strides he squeezes her in a hug, "Thank you, Toph."
"Yeah, yeah," she says as she pushes him off.
Scratching her nose to conceal her embarrassment.
Goddamnit, she's making it hard for him to resist the temptation to lean in and kiss her! Before Aang gets to do that though, Monk Gyatso suddenly enters the room making both of them jerk away from each other.
Unaware that he had interrupted something, the old man proceeded in stating his plan.
"Let's have our dinner first then let's head out to the park. They already started the bonfire. Oh, I can't wait to introduce Toph to everyone!" he gleefully exclaims as he makes Toph sit on one of the chairs.
Aang brought the chocolates Toph gave to him (even Monk Gyatso had brought some of the fruit he received from the blind girl). He waves a hand at the kids who were making their way to them.
Turning to Toph, he asked, "Is it okay if I share these with them?"
She gave him a funny look.
"It's yours, you can do whatever you want to them."
He smiled.
"Okay."
Toph stands in the distance, listening quietly to the sound of Aang being engulfed by a crowd of children. She refuses to engage in any unnecessary social interaction. Unfortunately, her hopes of not being noticed immediately died when Monk Gyatso pulled her to introduce her to his fellow monks.
A snigger escaped Aang when he saw how her face paled upon realizing what's about to come.
He kept an eye on her while he played with the children, she must have sensed him looking in her way as she subtly signals for help. Laughing, he came to rescue Toph only to be caught in the same spotlight as her. He was bombarded with endless questions as they inquire; How is he? How did the two of them meet? Are they both eating well? How's life in university? Oh don't let the pressure get into them as all struggles will pass in due course!
Aang never really realized how much he had missed them until now.
Without any hesitation, he answered their affection with the same vigor.
On the other hand, it took a while before Toph warmed up to them. Eventually, she became comfortable enough that she stopped giving them curt answers whenever they ask her about something. And soon enough, she was laughing easily at their jokes. Still, she made sure that he will never leave her side; Aang's heart would leap in joy whenever Toph reaches to tug the hems of his coat to make sure he's still with her.
It was fun catching up with the people he grew up with but it's exhausting to talk nonstop for hours.
By the time they freed Aang and Toph from their clutch, the clock was just an hour away before it struck midnight. Right now, they are currently sitting at the bench watching people dance goofily around the fire.
A particular gust of wind made him quiver, leaving goosebumps in its wake.
Aang sneezed.
It's getting really cold, isn't it?
Noticing this, Toph stands up and unravels her scarf. Wrapping it around his neck she says, "Don't catch a cold now, Twinkle Toes."
Aang stuttered upon their sudden close proximity, "A-aren't you're the one who's going to get cold now?"
She brought out the heat pack from her pockets to squish his face. Aang hopes it's a good excuse to convince anyone why he has a blush on his face despite being cold.
Toph smirks wickedly at him, "Don't worry, I'm tough and no need to be embarrassed. We all know that you're as soft as a duckling."
The mirth in her voice tells him how much she enjoys making him squirm. Aang pinches the side of her waist at her teasing jest. Not trusting his ability to speak at the moment.
He looked up to stare at her.
If he pulls her down he'd be kissing her.
Aang licks his lips.
Those red plump lips look really delectable right now.
A phone's generic ringing suddenly dispelled them from their trance. The universe seemed to have determined that its time for Aang to pay his dues for doing him a favor earlier. They were again interrupted by a call, this time however it's his phone. He internally sighs as he pulls out the device, unsure whether he's disappointed or relieved that someone railed him back from devouring her.
Toph moved away when he answered the call, "Sokka?"
"Put it on a video call," the older man cuts him off, not bothering to greet him back.
Rolling his eyes, Aang did as what Sokka had said.
"Merry Christmas!"
The Gaang immediately greeted him upon turning it on.
Aang laughs at the sight of them squishing each other to fit the screen, "We still have 21 minutes to go but yeah, Merry Christmas everyone."
Aang watches Toph wave a hand to him as she walks away to give him some space, going straight to the table where the food is to munch on some snacks.
His attention however was quickly snatched back by his friends.
"We wanted to greet you beforehand," Suki shouted over the music that's blaring on their side.
"Yeah, you won't be able to understand us at all once they pump up the music even louder," Sokka pipes to second her remark.
The video suddenly blurred when someone snatched the phone.
"Where's Monk Gyatso?"
This time Katara's solo image greeted him; she's walking towards somewhere secluded as the music becomes significantly quieter with every step she takes.
"He's over there," he prompted his phone to show her where the monk is, "Do you want me to go to where he is so you guys could greet him?"
"It looks like he's having fun. Just greet him and everyone else Merry Christmas for us. We'll just call again tomorrow morning when things are a lot more calmer," Katara says as she sits on a porch.
"Sure," Aang smiles as he whips back the camera angle back to him but not before catching Monk Gyatso trudging to where Toph is to share some melon.
"Who's that?"
"Hmmn?"
"Who's that girl with Monk Gyatso? I think she's new, I've never seen her around before? They seem pretty close?"
Of course, Katara would notice that.
"Oh, that? Ughh…" his eyes darted at the scenery before him, "That's Toph"
He heard Katara gasp.
"Oh my gosh! Is she the girl you keep hanging around?" the medical student asks with enthusiasm.
"Toph? That Toph?" Suki's voice abruptly chirps as she enters the view again, leaning on Katara to see what's going on.
Aang rubs the back of his neck as he shyly confirms, that yes, indeed she's the Toph Suki caught him writing about, "Ummm, yeah..."
"Show us to her!"
"Hey Sokka, Zuko! Aang bought the girl he likes with him!"
"What?!"
Sokka was the first to reach the two women, an offended look is seething on his face as he accused Aang with great exaggeration, "Explain yourself, young man. Why didn't you tell us about this!?"
"What's going on?" Zuko appeared behind them.
"Aang's committed treason!" Sokka immediately answers the question of the latter one.
"I did not."
"Yes, you did! You betrayed us! How could you!?"
They all rolled their eyes at his overly dramatic allegation.
"Where is she? Show us," Katara gauged him once again.
"I'm not sure if she's ready to meet you guys," his voice trailed off as he watches Toph hand some of the fruits to a group of children. Suddenly remembering the recent things that happen between them.
"Then just show her to us for a moment," Zuko quickly finds a middle ground for them.
"Yeah, just a sneak peek. That's not cool of you to keep us in the dark, you know?" Sokka offhandedly says as he gulps the drink he was holding.
Aang paused for a moment.
Eventually, he gave in to their request.
"Okay..." he unsurely says.
He tapped the screen to flip the view from the front camera to the back camera. Zooming it in to give his friends a better view of Toph. She's currently stuffing her mouth with marshmallows that were meant to be roasted at the bonfire. Clearly, she had given up the process of scorching it.
"Awww, isn't she a cutie?" Katara coos as she watches her.
"Don't let her hear you say that, she punched me in the stomach one time when I complimented how adorable she looks," he chuckled at recalling that memory.
"Damn, Aang. I gotta say, she's a fine young lass," Sokka whistles.
"Wait," Suki plucked the phone from Katara's grip to get a better look. After a minute of silently observing Toph, she finally spoke again, "Ohhh… I see. She's that Toph, huh?"
The girl's sobered voice told Aang that she's referring to a new reference and Aang is completely lost.
He caught Suki and Zuko shared a look.
"Yes? Why? What's the matter? You know her?" Aang asks.
"I do–" She then gestured between her and Zuko "–we do. She's pretty well known actually," she says.
"She's old money," Zuko helpfully provides.
Aang wasn't surprised that Zuko knew her. After all, he knows Toph is friends with his little sister, Azula. He also has a hunch that Toph came from a wealthy family but the way they're talking about her made it seems like she's not just an average well-off person.
Katara, Sokka, and Aang all shared a look, it seems like they were just as confused as he was.
"We'll explain some other time. For now, go enjoy the holiday," Suki dismisses him as she gets up, giving back the device to Katara.
"I'm not sure what Suki and Zuko are on about but she's right. Countdown's about to start," Katara gives him a reassuring smile while Sokka sends him a kissy face as he walks away with his girlfriend.
"See you soon, Aang." Zuko bids him goodbye as he steps forward to pull his girlfriend by the waist.
Katara gave him one last wave before dropping their call.
Aang's eyes unwittingly strayed on her collar where he got a glimpse of her and Zuko's soulmark.
Fiery hues of red and blue burned an image behind his mind.
He always thought about how beautiful their soulmark is. Not just because of how intricate those patterns are or how passionate their colors clash but because of the way Zuko and Katara wear them with pride.
Even Sokka and Suki display theirs unapologetically; Showing to the world how captivating the colors of gold and navy blue is despite the unusual combination.
Not once did he caught his friend try to hide their mark.
So why? Why can he and Toph—
Aang gulps.
Refusing to continue that line of thought. Reluctantly, he stared at his bandages, picturing the mark that is concealed underneath.
He stayed seated there, quietly massaging his –no– their soulmark quietly.
Pondering how his night abruptly took a sudden turn.
"Twinkle Toes? What's the matter?"
Aang glanced up to stare at Toph, who's holding a piece of marshmallow in front of his mouth. He quietly took it from her, squishing it a few times before popping it in his mouth.
She sat beside him again.
"Say," he says, breaking the silence, "What do you think of soulmates, Toph?"
He felt her freeze at his unexpected question.
"Don't you think it's pretty amazing?" he asks to placate the agitation between them.
She regarded him for a moment.
Aang can almost hear the gears on her head turn.
"Not really," she stiffly answers.
Aang turned to her. Silently pleading for her to continue whatever she's thinking with that mind of hers.
Toph stopped eating to tilt her head down to avoid his gaze.
"I don't know. I just don't like the idea that you love each other just because someone out there decided to string your fate together."
"No."
"But–"
"Just, no."
"Put it on, please?"
She furrowed her eyebrows.
"I'm already blind, I ain't going to willingly impair my other senses, Twinkle Toes."
She pushes the ear mufflers Aang prepared for her.
After joining the crowd to count down for Christmas, Aang quickly leads Toph away to spare her from the unnecessary torment of fireworks and ear-shattering trumpets. He quickly offered his car as a refuge and she took it without hesitation. He's kinda glad that they weren't celebrating New Year right now or else it would be much more unbearable for her.
They hung around the group for a while but when everyone started leaving Aang and Toph decided to also slip away. (Not before dropping off Monk Gyatso back home though.)
Aang had taken Toph to a part of the forest where he had prepared a surprise for her. He had already succeeded in convincing her that he's not going to murder her (Seriously, this girl). Now, he is currently persuading her to put on those ear mufflers.
"I really need you to put these on," he repeated his plea.
"Can't you just take me there without me putting on this damn thing?" she grumpily asks as she lifts it up with a disgusted look on her face.
"It's going to ruin the surprise," Aang reasons.
Toph only gave Aang a dubious look.
A long silence stretched between them before Aang released a sigh.
"Don't you trust me?" he asks.
Deliberately straining his voice to make it sound like he feels betrayed. Aang knows he's playing dirty but he really needs Toph to put on those ear mufflers. Plus, he'll consider it as a payback from earlier.
A look of uncertainty passed on her face.
After a while, she finally moved to put it on.
Shooting him a glare, she scoffs, "This better be worth it, Twinkle Toes."
Tracing dots on the skin of her forearm, Aang asked: 'Ready?'
Toph pinched him on the side in return.
Towering over her, he helps her remove her ear mufflers; Smiling at their close proximity.
Aang can't help but feel proud when he saw how Toph's breath visibly left her. Her entire body slackened when her ears picked up the pleasant sound of tinkling and clanging floating on the cold breeze.
He had tied wind chimes upon the branches of trees earlier this morning, so every time the wind blows they jingle to create music. He watches some of them bump against one another, shining when they reflected the lights from the torches Aang had lit up. It's a shame Toph couldn't see their beauty. However, Aang supposes she's the only one who can tune in with them on a level he could only imagine.
"You have a place like this here? That's kinda cool," she said in astonishment as she walks around aimlessly.
Aang chuckled at her sight, "It's temporary, only for this Christmas."
She gave him a confused look.
"What for?"
"So I could impress someone."
She stops to turn to him. Understanding that he had prepared this for her. Only. Clenching her fist, she spoke with an uneasy expression on her face, "You didn't have to, Twinkle Toes."
Aang walked up to her.
"Yeah, but I wanted to..."
He fished out a small leather faux box from his pocket.
Originally, he was planning to give her his gift that day when they were at the library. But since she unexpectedly agreed to their impromptu holiday vacation he decided to save it for this occasion.
Gingerly, Aang gave it to her.
She reaches and glances over him before reluctantly opening it. Delicately she glides her fingers to feel the necklace that's resting on the velvet pillowcase. It was pretty simple, the pendant looked like a rectangular pipe where one of its sides was embossed with her name in Braille. While the side that's completely parallel to that was also engraved with the letters ' A + T '. It was incredibly simple. Delicate but it had a tinge of toughness on it; Capturing Toph's very essence.
A conflicted expression flickered on her face.
Aang almost thought he saw fear flash behind her eyes.
"Aang–"
"It's made out of titanium so you don't have to worry about getting it ruined in case you decide to beat it," he laughs.
Ignoring that stinging pain that burns his soulmark, he interrupted her again when she opened her mouth to continue whatever she was about to say. Aang pulled her hands to guide her closer to the giant aluminum pipes he had arranged side by side from smallest to highest.
Taking the box from her, he pulled the necklace out and handed it to her.
"Go on, hit the pipes with the pendant," he gently urges her.
Toph was silent for a while, she's staring at him with an unreadable expression. Then she trailed her eyes down as if she is burying something at the back of her mind. After a while, she lifted her face. Slowly, her lips broke into a soft smile. A little forced but the affection behind it is genuine.
And that feeling he got whenever she looks at him that way, Aang is addicted to it.
Toph took the necklace from his hands and faced the first metal pipe.
"Like this?" she asks as she hesitantly hits it.
A blaring clang resonated in the air.
"Try to hit it all of it continuously," he suggested.
Toph did what he had said.
One of the most surprising developments in this strange relationship of theirs is that Toph actually listens to him. Aang isn't used to seeing someone like her sway over his words. And just for a little, it makes him feel like they have something special even without the soulmate thing.
Scales of notes eventually filled up the silence between them and Aang followed Toph as she strides to strike the metal pipes to make them clang loudly.
"Do, re, mi; major C? Seriously, Twinkle Toes? Here I am thinking you're about to hit me like how Ludwig van Beethoven plays the piano," the playfulness of her smile however says that she actually likes it.
"Sorry, I'm not that musically inclined," he jokes as he takes the necklace from her to hit some of the pipes randomly.
"Okay, listen to this one."
Snatching it back from him, Toph hits the pipes to play the 'Happy Birthday to You' song. She turned at Aang and punched him in the arm when he wouldn't stop laughing, "What? It's appropriate you know?" she pointed a finger upwards, "It's someone's birthday today."
That made Aang laugh even harder.
They stayed there for a while, playing random nursery rhymes as they tease each other at how bad they both are at this thing. Aang wishes for them to stay like this forever, if he could freeze this day in a loop he would do it without hesitation. He's so sure that this moment wouldn't lose its magic even if it's left on a replay in his mind forever.
But that's just wishful thinking.
Recalling what happened today, Aang is now certain that they were, in fact, soulmates. He's confident that they truly are. But, why did their soulmark seem to have repelled each other?
A small voice at the back of his head is telling him that a storm is brewing somewhere in the distance and Aang asks himself if he had the courage to brave it.
He's scared.
What if she accidentally slips away from his grasp? Again.
Again? Wait. Where did that thought come from?
Aang studied Toph as she lightly tapped a pipe. He must've stared for too long as she nudged him to pull him back to reality.
"What's going inside that head of yours, Baldy?"
"Nothing."
She raised her eyebrow; not believing what he had said.
Aang gently took the necklace from her.
Smiling he asked, "May I?"
Toph remained silent but she turned around and Aang took this as permission to put the necklace around her neck. Removing his gloves, he steps closer. Leaning forward to lock its clapse.
His fingertips brushing against the skin of her nape.
Seeing his touch make a shiver run down her spine made him weak.
Unable to fight the urge, he sneaks his arms around her waist. Pulling her to his chest and placing a soft kiss at the back of her neck, just above the necklace.
"Merry Christmas Toph," he whispered in her ear.
She didn't say anything.
Instead, she clutches his hand with hers as if she was holding onto him for a lifeline.
End of Chapter
Disclaimer: I'm just simply borrowing the Characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender. All credits go to its creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
(I swear I will never stray again from my original plotline.)