A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: This is an A/U story. The Toph character does feel inferior to Katara and so in order to compete for Aang's affections pulls out all the stops. Aang is a boy with near infinite power and is being offered love and comfort from the two girls most dear to him.

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

Chapter 27

Heartfelt

When Toph invited the girls for an overnight Aang's heart sank. He really wanted to get to know that dress, up close and personal, and especially play in those braids. Those exquisitely formed braids were driving him crazy and he had to restrain his hands from just reaching out to grab them several times.

Toph could feel his heart beating like a drum and knew she had him on the edge of his seat. She had planned to give him a bit more than a kiss or two later as to make up for the morning's mishap. It was her intentions to give the Avatar a private showing of the dress, and what laid behind, that was before she absentmindedly invited the girls to sleepover.

"I'll have to play dress up for you another day, my love," she thought longingly. "I so want you Aang!" she she churned inwardly.

Toph was Numero Uno, even with Katara in the room, and she delighted in it. Right now she was feeling both sexy and verynaughty. She felt his stare upon her, even as they ate. His seat was next to hers, same as with the reception and he took the opportunity to place a hand on her knee, under the draped table.

"Higher," she whispered, her appearance not changing to anyone else.

He obediently moved up to her upper leg, squeezing it gently.

"Higher," she commanded once more in a voice only her could hear.

This time he was boldly at her hip and upper thigh, his fingers resting inwardly across her lap.

"Perfect," she hummed as she took a spoon of soup, knowing the teasing was bringing him to the brink.

Aang was not going to be undone so easily, as he made one more bold move. This time Toph could not hold her composure. She swallowed hard, coughing loudly.

"Is everything alright your Majesty," the chief steward asked, rushing over.

She wiped the corners of her mouth daintily with her napkin, as she kicked her lover in the shin under the table, "I'm fine, just a little too hot is all. It is very good, thank you."

Aang now grimaced as the pain radiated up his leg.

"Ah, also to hot for you as well I see, your Grace," the man noted with a bow. "Should have have new bowls served?"

"That is not necessary," the airbender said, as small columns of air formed over his and the princess' bowls. "This should do the trick."

"If you were a bit more patient, lover, " she whispered again, sipping her cooler soup. "I would have... let you continue the journey, as you wished."

This time he gagged and coughed loudly, "Uhmph... no need... to be concerned, still a little hot," he exclaimed, waiving away the steward.

Toph walked with Katara out to where the coaches were parked, using the 'walk'. The young Avatar trailed behind the two beauties, his heart beating in rhythm to the motion of the princess' swaying hips. His eyes followed every move as he sucked in his bottom lip, anticipating the next time he could feel her in his hands. Toph knew she had him right where she wanted.

Aang had never seen her in a dress this form fitting. The way the material clung and enfolded each cheek was like a work of art. Aang even felt a moment of sadness when she finally sat down on the bench, taking it all from view.

The ladies-in-waiting sat down as well on benches behind them. Three of them seemed very happy, but Mei Mei sat with a scowl. Her record had fallen to the princess, and not just by a few.

The rest of the group crowded in, talking about many things. They were catching up on all the exciting changes that were happening throughout the world. The Queen had not arrived from the dining room yet, and so this was just a time to relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas, as they looked out over the city.

Aang's eyes however were locked on one. He couldn't out rightly just stare at her, but he did take every opportunity to linger and speak with her as often as he could.

"Um... Sifu... uh... the weather... it's nice, don't you agree?" he yammered, feeling like a total idiot, especially in front of the glaring waterbender.

Toph smiled softly, her look melting his heart,"It is Twinkle Toes... it is a lovely day."

"What the hell was that Toph!" Katara yelled at her.

"What Sweetness?" she replied innocently. "He just mentioned the weather... and I..."

Katara leaned into her face, "Don't give me that yak shit, 'Twinkle Toes', you've never said it like that before!" she accused. "What's going on here?"

"Your choker is too tight, Sugar Queen," Toph laughed, waving a hand in her face. "You're definitely hearing things. I always call him Twinkle Toes and and I always say it the same way! You better get your ears checked, nobody else is acting funny."

Katara looked around, nobody else had seemed to notice. What she couldn't see was the flush of the princess' cheeks behind her makeup or the completely goofy look on the airbender's face, being that he had turned away.

"I'm watching you," Katara warned.

"I'm watching you," Toph mocked, sticking out her tongue.

"Well Aang, this is a pretty sweet setup you got here bud,"Sokka nudged him, " ...and Toph, she's look'n steaming hot today! I have to say, you've really helped her along. I guess that night got the woman in her going."

"Didn't Suki tell you, we... uh, you know," Aang tried to insinuate, without saying too much, "...huh... I've made my choice, Sokka."

Sokka nodded, "Yeah... I know what Suki said, but with all this sugar around, and now that you have a sweet tooth... (he winked), no one can blame you for just looking. What's the harm in that... you hearing me bro? I've been seeing how those ladies-in-waiting been checking you out. They definitely been wanting a little avatar action. Just enjoy the moment is all I'm saying, but remember who you really love... and Aang, stay true to your heart."

The Avatar nodded, bumping fists with his buddy.

"Aang... what's that on your neck" Katara asked straining to see from across Toph.

In all the commotion, his scarf had slipped down enough to show the top of the bruise. Fortunately, Sokka was on the opposite side as Aang quickly covered it again, "Oh... uhm... I burned myself a little... just trying a new firebending, slash airbending move... it's nothing really Katara. I put some ice on it."

Zuko walked over and put a hand on his shoulder, "Good that you're still practicing Aang, and yeah you are going to get burned from time to time. When you play with fire, those things happen," his firebending teacher laughed.

"You should let me take a look at that Aang," the waterbender suggested with a curious glance, standing. "It looks kinda bad from here. I can give you a quick healing session and then it'll be over. I know how bad those flash burns can hurt Aang."

He was just about to panic as the Queen arrived. Aang was never happier to see anyone.

"You're Highness, welcome," he said with a bow, as the others stood.

"Thank you for attending Avatar Aang... and all your friends as well," she greeted them. "We will get going shortly."

Poppy began to circulate and greet each of them.

Aang now took the opportunity to go out to the restroom. As he stood in the mirror evaluating the bruising, he smiled, recalling the events of the morning.

"Oh boy Toph, she'll recognize this for sure," he thought, "Sokka has them all the time and she constantly is yelling at him about how unsightly they are. I have to make this look good."

He carefully folded down his collar as not to burn it. He placed his two fingers against the bruise, trying to gauge how much force for a just a flash burn as closed his eyes. Suddenly a small hand grabbed his fingers, pulling them away and turning him her direction. Her other hand was on the back of his neck, pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss. It was sweet and salty, filled with a mixture of emotions. As she pulled away, she laid her head on his chest, hearing the pounding of his heart.

"No Aang, please don't do it... please," she begged him softly. "Th-this was... all my fault. And-and you shouldn't have to suffer for my stupidity. I'll tell Sweetness the truth. She'll be sad... she'll maybe even kick my ass, but that's okay too."

Aang embraced her tightly, "Listen love, it was just a lover's mistake... and I did enjoy it, really I did. It will only hurt for a little while, and you are well worth it my love. Besides, you can make it up to me later," he whispered, tracing her braids and down to her cheeks, capturing a tear in the process. "I'm really looking forward to that! That thing you said about earthbending... the form and the maidenhead... is that true?"

Toph smiled, "Well, Mei Mei says it is... and she should know."

Aang let his hand slip down to caress her backside, "I'm looking forward to finding out for myself now... with great anticipation... my little love," he whispered heatedly.

She clung tightly to him,"As you wish... I am your lover."

He pulled back, "Now go, I have to do this for us."

"For us?" she asked, facing up.

"Yes for us. Did you think I was doing this just to keep your secret. It's our secret. This is for Toph and Aang... we are one."

She kissed him passionately again, raising a leg across his side. She guided his hand, letting it slide up her bare leg.

His heart started to pick up as his hand reached further in, finding no obstacles. Her hip was firm and taunt, the skin, smooth and soft. He dared to venture in farther, his eyes widening, no fabric, only her!

"I am all yours my love," she declared speaking into his mouth, "...and I will make this up to you. In ways you've only dreamed of. I will wear those veils... and anything... or nothing... " she expressed, taking his earlobe in her teeth.

He let his hand journey on, as she seethed in deeply at his touch.

"Dangerous territory... my love," she moaned, "Ka-Ka... oh hell... Sweetness... is waiting for you... " she groaned, as her head rolled back.

He slowly removed his hand as she lowered her leg, their tongues and lips, pressing, locking, spinning and intertwining as they did so.

Toph smoothed out her skirt as she silently turned and started to leave. She stopped near the entrance she had made in the wall... listening. The sound of the ignition and his groan of pain, caused her to wince, as a tear escaped her mint green eyes. She repeated her promise to him as she left, closing the wall, determined to be strong for the both of them.

Aang examined the flash burn, being sure it covered the bruised area sufficiently. It stung like hell, as he bent some water across it to cool the burning sensation.

He thought about his moment with the princess, admiring the burn, "Yep, Toph, you're well worth all of this," he exclaimed, replacing the scarf.

As expected, Katara was right there to meet him as he walked out. She walked over and removed the scarf off without asking him.

"Sit Aang, this burn is still red no doubt from this scarf, and it looks like you burned your ear as well, at least the lobe. I could have taken care of this before brunch you idiot. I expect this macho stuff out of Zuko or my brother, but not out of you. You really didn't have to suffer," she scolded him as she bent water from a small bowl she had obtained from the dining hall. "I don't know why you guys have to play this tough role. How much more manly can you be than the Avatar?"

She charged the water to a bright glow as it formed over her hand, applying it the wound. The burning subsided, replaced by a soothing sensation as the bruising disappeared.

"All done," she announced giving him a gentle kiss on the spot. "Wasn't that easy... and I only work for kisses."

"Well Dr. Katara, I think you have definitely earned your fee," Aang uttered as he leaned over and gave her kiss. To Katara's chagrin, it was far too short and chaste.

"Ah Aang... what was that?"

"You know uh... your payment."

"That wasn't even a brotherly kiss!" she snapped, " I think you need to..."

This time he interrupted her complaint with a huge head twisting, lip locking, tonsil tickling smooch!

"Anymore wounds you want me to work on... or do you just want to pay on account." she said breathlessly, her eyes still closed.

"I think the carriage is waiting for us Katara, we can sort it all out later," he proposed, taking her by the hand.

"Okay," she agreed, a bit disappointed. "Just remember, that was only a down payment. That was... a lot of work."

He smiled winking, "I figured as much, but I'm looking forward to paying in full!", he lied, asking Toph to forgive him in his thoughts.

Toph and her mother sat on one side while Aang and Zuko on other, of the posh green open royal carriage. Katara and the others rode in similar carriages that trailed behind. They were all flanked by soldiers on ostrich horses, carrying the royal banners.

The moment they left the palace compound, throngs of people lined the streets cheering. People were screaming their names and pointing at them with adoration. The heroes waved back, experiencing what the Queen meant when she said, "Please wave to them my dears, because the people love to see royalty and heroes. It lifts their spirits to be acknowledged by people such as you."

Katara notice that Iroh, who sat across from her, was waving, but in very subdued manner.

"Is something wrong Uncle, the people love you here," she told him, while continuing to wave enthusiastically.

He looked sadly into Katara's eyes, "The people know me as the Liberator of Ba Sing Se, not as the Dragon of the West. I killed their fathers and sons... I created many of these orphans and maimed these men. I hope... I can do some good for all the wrongs I have done against these people."

Katara stopped her waving and looked into his eyes, "Uncle, you have already done so much for them. I am sure in time, you will see that you had to be both men... to save this city. Didn't you sacrifice your own son to learn that lesson?"

The profound statement made him sit up in surprise, "How did you get so wise Katara?"

"Well, I get my wisdom at a little teashop, from a wise man, that makes the best tea in town... because it is made with extra love," she giggled and winked, as she stretched over to hug the old general.

This time, they both waved in earnest to the crowd, that grew larger as they progressed to the site.

"How's the burn Aang," Zuko asked leaning over, "...did you get it taken care of?"

"Yeah Katara... you know, between the two of us, she's become an expert at burns," he answered as they both laughed.

His teacher's face now got grave, "That was pretty high up on your neck, and by your ear. If you had hair, that could have been much more serious... what move were you trying to do?"

"Well, I'm actually embarrassed to say Zuko... I was trying to create a move... and mix airbending and fire together."

"Oh, and the back draft got you?"

"Yep... exactly. I'm just lucky I was fast enough to not get burned more. Being a waterbender, does come in handy."

"Don't count on that all the time Aang," Zuko admonished him. "I've done a few moves like that myself but unfortunately, I still have many of the scars. There was no Katara to fix me up back then. She's a real special lady Aang, and you're so lucky to have her in your life."

The Avatar swallowed hard, looking over at the earthbender, who had her face turned out as if looking at the crowd, "Yeah thanks Zuko... I am very lucky."

Of course Toph was listening to the conversation between Zuko and Aang. She was happy to hear that Katara had already healed his burn and that made her feel better. Something else she picked up though... in Zuko voice.

"So your Hotness... you've got a soft spot for the Sugar Queen. Maybe what you need in your diet is a little more Sugar than bitter," she joked to herself, hearing his tone of regret. "There maybe a way to eliminate the competition after all," Toph thought with glee as she waved to the crowd with both hands now.