A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: This is an A/U story. Toph has decided that she needs to act if she's gonna win this battle!

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights or titles to the characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender. ]

Chapter 2

Tea and Advice

Everything seemed to be playing out in slow motion in her mind.

The Huntress was locking onto her hapless, clueless prey.

"Oh my, what's going on there?" Suki pointed out, "It looks like she's finally gonna make a move!"

"Who's gonna make a move?" Sokka asked as he followed his girlfriend's gaze just in time to catch the hug.

Toph wanted to run between them, but her body just wouldn't move.

Then it came, that awful kiss.

"My, my, looks like little Katara is all grown up now, she's got herself an Avatar," Mai said flatly.

Those words stabbed Toph more profoundly than any blade the knife wielder could ever throw.

When Aang and Katara returned to the room, all the congratulations and 'about times' sounded from the rest of the gang. Suki especially gave hugs to the both of them. No one seemed to notice a certain earthbender moving away, head bowed and tears falling like a monsoon, hidden behind her long bangs.

She replayed it over and over again in her mind. That single kiss was eating her alive, as she thought about bending Katara into a pile of rubble. But, she was her friend after all, and the waterbender had been like a sister or even a mother to her.

"Pull yourself together Toph," she said to herself, "it was just a kiss! The battle isn't over yet, not by a long shot!" she decided. "This is love, and he's your destiny! Miss Sweetness be damned, he'll be mine even if I have to bed him!"

The bold declaration brought a rush of color to her cheeks, but the tears stopped as well.

Aang would know how she felt about him and he would have to decide as to whom he truly loved. Besides she was not afraid of a little competition, this was too big to hold in any longer. The thought of not telling him tore at her like an armadillo-bear… it had to come out.

"By the gods… why would I let Katara stop me from doing anything, especially from the man I love?But what if he rejects me?" she suddenly wondered with dread. "Is there a hole big enough to hide in if that happened? What if he did choose her? No, no, no, that won't happen," she encouraged herself with a shake of her head. She resigned herself that it was better to know than to run away.

Aang was a man or nearly so, a few months older than her. Still, she didn't have many options; Toph felt as though she would explode if she didn't tell him.

Iroh, ever observant, looked at the young maiden and noticed the conflict on her face and Toph's retreat from the others.

"Was the tea not to you liking Little One," he asked attempting to raise her spirits, "I can have Fire Lord Zuko bring you another cup? It's not every day that you get to be served by a king!"

Toph smiled weakly at his kindness.

"Now, there is that beautiful smile that I remember," Iroh replied as he placed a warm hand on her shoulder.

His comment, though appreciated, made her blush further. Iroh was quite the charmer and was never short on the compliments.

"Is there something bothering you that you need to talk about, my friend? I've often found that another person, older and more seasoned, can often help ease one's burdens," Iroh suggested, giving her a nudge with his elbow as well.

"Well... you've always given good advice," she sighed. "It's even better than the tea, and that has been really good!" she remarked trying to decide on how to phrase her issue.

The Dragon of the West bowed his head. "Well thank you, I hope I continue to live up to my reputation in both areas!"

She left out a long exhale and made her decision. "Can we speak in private, since this is an... extremely sensitive concern, Uncle?" Toph whispered as she covered her lips.

Iroh nodded understandingly. "Yes of course," he replied, taking her by the arm. "Shall we can go out on the balcony and speak there? I think it is all clear now."

He had devised that this was probably a matter of the heart. "What kind of crush or puppy love will I be dealing with?" Iroh pondered. "She is only a child still, just starting to blossom into womanhood. Still, they have been through a lot. I mustn't make light of her concern," he warned himself.

Once on the balcony, he followed Toph towards the railing, petting Appa as they strolled past the massive air bison who bellowed with appreciation.

They paused at the far side, away from the doors. "Now, what is weighing down such a strong earthbender as Master Bei Fong?" he asked, reflecting deep concerning his low voice.

She felt that he genuinely cared for her and suddenly the tears started to fall once more. Iroh was moved, he let out a sigh as he placed a hand on her slim shoulder again. His hand was huge, reliable, and very warm.

Toph imagined this is what a supportive father would be doing if she had one. Her confidence started rising as Iroh stood silently next to the petite girl.

"I-I really don't know how to say this... it is so embarrassing, even to myself!" she began to tell him. "First, you must swear not to tell another living soul… please, uncle… this is the most important thing in my life!" she spoke emphatically through her continued sobbing. "I think I would die if he knew!"

The old general stood almost to attention. "I promise, on everything I hold dear, this will go no further. But first, are you with child?" he asked tentatively.

Toph let out a small huff, "If only it were that easy."

Iroh felt his heart slow down and his mind relax. "Then please share what is troubling you so," he prompted her.

The earthbender tried to stymie her tears as she began to relay her story in detail, leaving Aang's name out.

Iroh listened intensely, amazed that for such a young child, this appeared to be an authentic and profound case of true LOVE! He didn't interrupt her as she sallied back in forth in her telling of events. Iroh understood that she saw things differently, being blind.

Toph did stop at times just to wipe away a few embarrassing tears and regain her quivering voice.

Suddenly she stopped and quickly fanning her bangs over her foggy green eyes. It was apparent to the old man she wanted to conceal the fact that she had just been crying.

"Someone is coming... it's Zuko," she announced facing away over the balcony. "Please say nothing, Uncle."

"Of course," Iroh replied turning to look at his nephew.

"There the two of you are," the new Fire Lord broke in, breathing in the fresh air. "Everyone inside was wondering where you both went. Toph, were you going to confess to Uncle?" he teased.

"If anyone were confessing, it would be a sad old fool, such as myself, nephew" Iroh replied knowing Toph wasn't her usual self. "Sadly, she turned me down. So now we're just enjoying the air and having a very nice conversation. It is not often that an old man such as myself gets to talk to a lovely young lady," Iroh continued with a wink at his nephew.

The younger man chuckled lightly, "Smart girl. He would be talking your ears off if you had said yes."

Toph just shrugged and tried once more to smile. It was a failing effort.

Zuko got the hint that this was more than idle chatter and started back inside. "Well, I will leave you to it. It is getting a bit chilly out here, and we've built a nice fire in the hearth, so please don't stay out here too long Toph, I don't want yo catching a cold."

"Okay," she replied softly in a tone that stopped Zuko in his tracks.

He exchanged a worried glance with his uncle. "Uh, perhaps I can bring some fire pots out here if you wish?" he offered soothingly with a smile.

Iroh gave his nephew a more severe look and nodded towards the door, "That won't be necessary at this time; I think we will be fine, nephew."

Zuko looked closely at Toph's stooped posture by the railing. She hadn't turned even to greet him. She had kept her back to him the whole time. He nodded knowingly to both of them as he strolled quietly back into the tea shop.

As the door closed, she pivoted around, exhaling as if she had been holding her breath the entire time Zuko was there. Her bangs draped over half her face as tears hit the ground, "I'm going to tell him... uncle. Tonight, I'm gonna, tell him how I really, truly feel," Toph blurted out.

Iroh smiled, stroking his beard, "It appears that our young Avatar will be having a busy night and a tough decision," he stated with a slight hum.

Toph's face turned to face him. "H-how did you know it was him?" she asked nervously.

Iroh stepped in closer to her, "You apparently did not get upset until after he and Katara kissed on this very balcony," he explained in a whisper. "And with the way you two were so close all evening, before that, it was rather easy for even an old fool like me," he laughed lightly, trying to bring some levity into the situation.

Toph sharply shook her head as her bangs waved in front of her face. "But, but I thought I was hiding it! I was trying so hard, I feel like a fool!" she cried, covering her face with the back of her hand.

This time the burly general hugged her. "I think you did a fine job, little one. I don't think anyone in there even has a clue. I just get lucky at times," he said, applying a little warmth to his embrace. "But I think you should tell him. This way you can both resolve your feelings."

Toph hugged him back, though her arms couldn't get around him. Still, she laid on him and enjoyed the heat that was contrasting the cold night air. "Tell me about it, what choice do I really have?" she cried wiping t her red nose. "She's started this! It's Katara's fucking fault! She made her move, that flabby pig-cow. Now I've got to make mine, no matter what the cost," the earthbender declared as she stepped back and folded her arms.

They both stood in silence for a while now, letting the cool evening air float over them, even as thoughts ran deep.

Iroh, with a deep breath, started to speak very deliberately, "Toph, don't be so hard on your friend. She apparently loves him as well. It would not do well if you started a fight with her, even over him." he advised. "I have seen good and bad in this world on a scale that no one should have to witness in a single lifetime. Much of it, I caused because of my foolishness and not having the courage to act. I tell you, true love is the rarest of gifts to find, and no price is too high to pay for it," his voice trailed off, indicating his personal experiences. "This is both true of a friend as it is a lover. I know you love Katara too. You don't have to push her away before approaching him. Let the Avatar make his decision; you don't have to force his hand. Be patient. We all fear rejection, but true love is often like a bridge in the night. We cannot see it until someone reveals it to us."

Toph suddenly leaped forward and hugged the old general's neck.

"Oh, thank you Uncle" she whispered into his ear. "I feel like I've been set free!"

Iroh closed his eyes and patted her lightly on the back.

Toph ran back into the Jasmine Dragon with a new bounce in her step and determination to fulfill true love's course.

The old general closed his eyes and said a prayer for the lives of all the young valiant heroes. He knew with all the trials they had endured, the greatest ones still laid before them. "May you all find peace outside of war," he concluded as he started back in himself. Iroh smiled thinking of the pains, stupidity, and joys of youth.

As he walked in, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Is there any of that lemon cake left?"

The rest of the night was filled with jokes, laughter, frivolity, and singing. Who knew Zuko, Aang, and Sokka could actually harmonize well together.

It was mid-evening when Toph made a wide yawn and exclaimed, "Boy, it getting late and I'm getting exhausted. Twinkle Toes, walk with me back to my room, will ya?" she requested innocently.

The room fell silent at the unusual request. Toph Bei Fong had never asked anyone to walk with her anywhere. It wasn't like she couldn't take care of herself, even against a crew of ruffians.

She felt the muted stares of her friends in the booming silence.

"What's wrong, I just want to talk to my friend, what's the big deal? You guys act like I killed somebody!" she yelled as she felt her anger rising. "Never mind, I'll` walk myself ba…"

Katara stepped over and took her hand, "We didn't mean to hurt your feelings Toph," she apologized. "Of course Aang will walk you back, won't you Aang?"

"Gotcha," the wily earthbender thought, "being your usual Sugar Queen self!"

The Avatar had to swallow his last gulp of ginger milk tea before speaking. "Eh, sure I will… no problem" Aang replied with a soft smile. Even though she couldn't see his reaction, she felt his heart change rhythm. "Now that's interesting, Twinkle Toes," Toph noted mentally.

Katara's heart rate changed as well, which was also immensely intriguing to the human lie detector.

"Thanks, Katara, you're the best, Sweetness… ready to go Twinkle Toes?" Toph urged taking his arm.

"Sure Toph… be back soon… uh… Katara," the young airbender stuttered, and the earthbender pulled him out the door.

Toph detected Aang's breathing was now unexpectedly faster than usual, but just slightly. What she didn't realize was that her breast was pressing into the back of his forearm.

The waterbender hurried for the door, shouting after them. "Okay, Aang, boyfriend, see you soon, hurry back, I love you," Katara exclaimed with her arms now crossed under her breast. The waterbender's blue eyes followed them until they were out of sight. The worried look on her face reflected the anxiousness she was feeling at the moment.

"You okay Katara?" Suki asked as she stepped beside her. "Don't tell me you're jealous of Toph?"

"Pffft... not likely?" Katara spat as she shook her head. "She just probably had something on her mind. Toph has been through a lot, hasn't she?"

The Kyoshi warrior nodded in agreement. "Yes, she certainly has. We couldn't have won without her. Come back inside, and I'll tell you about the time Toph kissed me," she exclaimed with a wink.

"Shut up! Toph kissed you?" Katara gasped as she followed Suki.

Aang happened to be admiring Toph's form in the green silk gown most of the evening. It seemed to flow and cling to her, gentling outlining her curves but most importantly, gracefully caressing her bouncy backside. His eyes were captivated by the way she moved. "Did she normally walk like that, like a woman?" he asked himself on several occasions. When she bounded off the table over him once, he attempted but failed, to get a peek up her skirt. Still, the press of her boob was making up for everything as they strolled down the street.

Toph noticed that he noticed, that she knew how to prance, to be seen. All those high society lessons included how to attract worthy suitors was starting to pay off.

They walked along in silence and Aang started to feel guilty about enjoying their closeness. He and Katara had shared a mutual kiss, and even though it wasn't like he hoped it would be, it was still good. She was the girl he wanted for this time, right? But Toph, she felt so good right now and smelled of that ginger milk tea each time she exhaled.

Aang quickly tried to dismiss his thoughts about his earthbending teacher. As he looked over his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of Katara. She was staring… no glaring back at him. "Was that the stink eye?" he asked himself before they rounded the block.

She evidently had caught him looking at Toph's backfield in motion and didn't appreciate her new boyfriend admiring another girl's rear. Aang thought as a lump grew in his throat.

"You okay Twinkle Toes? If this is too difficult for you, then you can head back. I mean, cmon, can't you leave Sugar Queen for two sec?" she asked, noting his sudden hesitation.

Aang pulled her arm in closer. "No… no, I'm fine, and I wish you wouldn't call her that," he snapped back with a click of his tongue. "You know she doesn't like it and…" he paused, feeling more of her breast than before. "Uh, never mind, let's just keep going, Sifu!"

He tried to sound angry but he wasn't… she could feel it… feel him. Toph was also aware that her breast was pressed into the nervous young man's arm. They had walked about another block, saying nothing but she made sure there were no gaps between them. She wanted to exercise any advantage she could.

Finally, Toph slipped her arm from his and took hold of his hand. Aang did not refuse it, but instead gently squeezed it. She felt his pulse increase just like her own.

"L-let's go through the park, Twinkle Toes," she offered, steering them in that direction, "I really do want to talk to you... about something that is very serious, and I know the perfect place to do it."