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.
Relationships are messy. That is because people are messy. If one can get through the messiness... sometimes we find an order called... love.
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights or titles to the characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Comments welcomed.]
Chapter 46
Messy
She barely had a moment to slip her robe back on before the Fire Lord was upon her.
"I'm fine... I'm fine Zuko," she exclaimed as she tightened the tie around her waist, trying to calm the warmth that still resonated in her cheeks before turning his way.
The young monarch wrapped his arms about her, "Oh thank Agni! I was so afraid something bad had happened to you. Suki told me you were crying hysterically..."
Mai's expression was her typically non-descriptive now. "I wouldn't say, hysterically... but she has never seen me cry before," she stated looking over at the warrior, elfishly clad only in the vice regent's borrowed shirt. "Maybe she... slightly, exaggerated the situation? As you can see, I am fine, as I said before."
Suki's face went wide in astonishment. "What? Exaggerated my ass! You were in here bawling like a baby! I was afraid to leave you alone so I had to force Sokka to come into here with you!"
"I, I wouldn't say... force, necessarily " the Water Tribesman countered glancing Mai's way. "She was in the bath and possibly not in the most proper state of dress Zuko. I didn't think you'd want me eyeing up your woman. I knew you'd do the same for me."
Furtive glances passed quickly between the Kyoshi warrior and the Fire Lord. She covered her eyes turning away to face door.
Even though the dark lady saw the other woman's reaction, she didn't know what to make of it.
Uh, yeah... thanks buddy," Zuko stammered as he bit his bottom lip and closed his eyes. "I owe you one man."
He smiled at the hugging couple, "No problem, good to see you guys together and happy," he stated warmly.
Sokka's smile faded when Mai's golden eyes shuttered halfway as her fully lashed lids fluttered. She locked onto him even as she gripped Zuko's shoulders tighter. "I... want... you," she mouthed to him in a heated silent plead that caused his heart to pound in his chest.
Katara had just finished dressing in her high-collared red satin pants suit when Suki stormed into the changing-room, slamming the door behind her.
"That arrogant bitch!" she snarled, quickly searching through the racks of clothes that bore her name. "That's the last time I'll ever help her ugly ass out! Exaggerating... she was about to drown in her own tears Katara! I was afraid she was totally losing it. I went looking for you..."
"Whoa Suki, who are you talking about," the bewildered waterbender finally asked. "What bitch?"
"How many arrogant bitches do you know?" Suki asked with a raised eye, finding a particularly cute mauve, wraparound top.
The blue-eyed girl smirked,"Enough of them to ask... who are you talking about," she replied. "That top would look on you... especially with your skin-tone. There's some knickers and a wrapping skirt that would go along with it on the next rack," she pointed out. "Haven't you noticed this place is infested with them."
The Kyoshi Captain giggled as she thought about it. "Thanks Katara and that's so true. But wow, I was wondering what I was going to wear under this. You do have a great eye for fashion," she complimented her, even as she retrieved the items from the other rack. "These are perfect! Ooh... let me get a pair of those super sexy lace panties. Those things are so sheer you can see through them!" she exclaimed running over to lingerie cabinet. "It's so great that Toph had stuff in all our sizes! She's such a good friend."
The waterbender looked away, "Yeah... right... a good friend," she sighed. "Uh, you were mentioning about trying to help some arrogant bitch... and I guess you weren't talking about Toph."
Suki felt her stomach knot up. "Why would you think I would be talking about Toph Katara?," she asked as she slipped on the delicate lace panty. "I thought she was... I mean for the longest, you two have been like sisters."
Katara let out a long exhale. "I thought we were too Suki. I mean, we've had our fights... as you've seen... many times, but we've always had each other's backs. She's been baby-girl to me... and I... and I, thought we had something special," she choked out.
Suki turned about to study the teary eyed young woman. "What happened between you two Katara?"
"Oh Suki, I confronted her! I asked her if she loved Aang and she... and she said yes! She said yes Suki! She admitted right to my face! She's been in love with him.. like... like forever!"
"I thought she had a thing for Sokka? She even kissed me that one time thinking was him, back when she was a cute kid," Suki stated with a half-smile.
"Well that cute kid is now a scheming cat! That's why she tricked me into getting him to go on a date with her... because she couldn't tell him how she felt all by herself! She was trying to use me to get her more time with him! That I would tell him he had to go with her. That mud troll, she thinks she can win over me? Let her try! I've given her a whole day with him now! We'll see who he'll want in the end! That loudmouth trollop or his forever girl!"
Suki's blue-green eyes were twice their normal size. "Katara, what have you done?"
"I accepted her challenge Suki! I couldn't let her keep pushing me around, making a fool of me... hurting Aang in the process! You saw what she did to him. She almost killed him just because his hand slipped and touched her tit! Not like they're anything special! Seriously, she has wake up and come to see that I'm his one and only!" the waterbender declared with a confident grin.
The Fan Master was holding her new top to her mouth now, "No Katara, no! You don't know what you've done!" she shouted, ripping the linen blouse in twain.
"Suki, why are you getting so upset?" she asked feeling an increasing sense of dread. "Aang loves me, I know it. Don't you see, there's nothing to worry about. That little misfit can't even tell him how she feels let alone be bold enough to take him away from me! She's still just a shy little girl inside... Aang is a man, inside and out. What would he want with a girl? Especially that obnoxious, slutty, slut of a princess!"
The Fan Master was vigorously rubbing her forehead. "Oh Katara... sister. There is something I must tell you."
Katara crossed her arms. ""You're scaring me Suki."
"I think what I'm about to tell you is going to scare you even more," Suki disclosed shaking her head. "I so sorry, I really should have told you what we saw that night..."
Katara narrowed her eyes stepping forward, "We... who is we Suki?"
Before the warrior could answer, the door to the dressing-room door swung open once more.
"Oh, there you are Suki," Mai said with in a dry monotone. "Your numbskull is looking for you. I think he wants his shirt back. I would advice you to dress appropriately first however... quite a few people are milling about out there now."
Suki's only response was to throw the ripped garment to the ground as she returned to the clothes rack.
"L-let me help you again Suki," Katara offered trying to understand the tense atmosphere between the two women. "There's this precious little red dress at the back of the rack. It would just make your eyes sparkle girl."
Suki still couldn't speak, only followed the bender over to the dress.
Mai likewise walked over to the rack with her name on it, steadily keeping an eye on the Fan Master.
"Hey Aang, your up!," Sokka shouted as he entered the bedroom. "We thought the stuff that old doc gave you would have you out all night. Good to see you man."
The Avatar smiled, "I have Dr. Lili here to thank. If she didn't fix me, I'd still be hurting pretty bad bro. But now I'm feeling great," he exclaimed flexing a bicep.
Sokka laughed, "Take it easy stud and give the ladies a chance," he said lightly tapping Aang's shoulder. "Thanks for helping him... Countess Lili, he was really in bad shape."
She bowed respectfully, "It was my privilege and honor, your highness. We all here have come to appreciate him as well."
As she was still speaking, the rest of the gang traipsed into the room. Her voice trailed off as she watched them all come in by passing her and steadily talking to the nomad. The chief lady took in a deep breath to try to control the growing angst as the noise in the room was steadily increasing.
They were standing around his bed as Aang kept the concealing pillow pressed in place.
Toph felt Lili's breathing and agitation right away. "Lili... to my side please," she said stepping over by the doorway.
"Yes, your Majesty," she replied still looking over at the commotion around the Avatar's bed.
Toph took hold of her arm, "Lili, you've seemed to have done an incredible job with Aang. Actually you've done more than I thought was possible in such a short time. Why do I detect that you are so upset now?" the princess whispered.
The countess closed her big jade green eyes. "My apologies your Majesty," Lili sighed in a low voice. "Call it professional frustration. Though he appears fine, he is still undergoing treatment. I was just about to administer a... a therapy to aid in his further healing when we were interrupted. It caused me to become a bit perturbed is all... your Majesty. I think you can understand my point."
Toph could feel she was telling the truth for the most part, but suspected something more. The little princess hated to rely on female intuition, but in this case, it was all she had.
"I see Lili. I understand but can you give us a little of his time? Sweetness there wanted to do another healing session with him to make sure his internal wounds wouldn't reopen. I think he's doing better because of the both of you. It seems between the two of you, he'll be like new in no time."
As much as Lili hated to admit it, the waterbender had probably saved his life. "Yes, of course your Majesty. I think it would be beneficial for him to have another session with Ambassador Katara. She has proven to be an astute healer."
Even as they were speaking Katara was applying the glowing waters to his side as he moaned and tensed.
"Relax Aang," the Katara said in a soothing voice. "Tell me is where it hurts the most."
Suddenly he winced sharply, "There... right there Katara. That hurts a lot."
The bluish-white emanations of the water seemed to pierce is body and flow along the lines of the pain, soothing and relieving the swelling that was causing the pain.
Katara shook her head in amazement. "Lili, you are amazing! It seems everything is back in place. I never would have expected that... at least not for a few weeks at least. I'm just focusing on strengthening what you've already done and taking care some of the irritation... truly this is awesome," she complimented the countess.
Aang's eyes were closed and he was evidently enjoying the experience now that the pain had subsided. Katara and Aang seemed to move in harmony as she glided the water from one side to the next. She then bent the water back into the basin.
"I think... that should do it Aang," she announced drying her hands. "You... my man, seem as good as new."
The airbender stretched his arms and rolled his strong shoulders. "Thanks Katara, I feel good too."
"Hey, don't thank me, thank Lili. She did most of the work you know. You'll be able to dance your brains out tomorrow if you want... "
"Actually, keep it to a minimum," Lili advised. "You are still under medication and any strenuous activity may aggravate your condition again your Grace."
"Okay Dr. Lili," Aang said with a broad smile as he looked over at Lili. His gaze causes her to flush unexpectedly, enough for Toph to detects her momentary break in control. "Thank you for taking such good care of me Lili, I really, really appreciate it."
"It is... has been... my honor to serve you... as I serve my Princess, your Grace," she stated in a weakened voice as she bowed, trying desperately to hid her reddening cheeks.
Toph stepped forward, "I think you have done enough for him tonight Lili. Why don't you go and get some rest. In fact, take the rest of the night off. Fong is overseeing things at the suite anyways. Besides, Sugar Queen here can watch over old baldly and if anything goes wrong, we'll send for you."
"But... but... your majesty, that therapy... I spoke of before. It is very... uh, uh... specialized," the countess exclaimed heatedly.
"Hey Aang, since you're all better, you can come and hang with us in Toph's room now," Zuko suggested with a thumbs up. "It wouldn't have been the same without you. I mean... we were kind of missing you anyway... especially Sokka here!"
The Vice Regent sniggered, "Hey, you know the guys who really has the hots for you Aang. Your dance partner, his highness here, Sir Jerks-a-lot!"
The sharp jab to the ribs nearly doubled over the Water Tribesman. "Ow! That really smarts Suki... you're not his bodyguard anymore. No need to take it personal on his behalf."
"You still should be more respectful in mixed company Sokka," she insisted. "Have you even considered the ladies in the room?"
"Sorry," Sokka said with a twisted smile.
"So, you gonna come to the party Aang," Zuko asked again.
The Avatar smiled brightly, "Cool, I can't wait. Let's go..." he said as he flipped off his blanket without a second thought. As he did the pillow was sent flying into the air to reveal a full standing erection through his pajama pants.
"Wow, Aang... now that's a really surprise. Katara I think he's happy to see someone," Suki joked, blushing furiously herself.
Mai's golden eyes focused on the protrusion as she took another swig from the bottle of Si Wong tequila she was nursing. "Shouldn't you... take care of that... uh... Katara," the knife thrower asked flatly.
"Why should I?"Katara yelled back as her face got so red she was beaming.
"You're his girlfriend aren't you? Doesn't this fall under that category?" Mai stated clearly with no implied sarcasm. "I can assure you, if you don't, other will. Haven't you seen all the hungry eyes lately?"
"Hey what's going on and why are all you girls so excited?" Toph asked, unable to see but detecting all the changes in the people about her.
"Cover yourself dude!"Sokka yelled tossing his covers back over him. "You've got a full standing column man and all the girls are looking! Suki don't look!"
Aang's entire head was beet red as he scrambled to cover himself. "Oh no! I'm sorry everyone," he apologized as he grabbed another pillow. "I swear, it's the medicine... tell them Lili, it's the medicine!"
Toph heard all she needed to know as to what was the catalyst of the commotion. She also could surmise what that 'therapy' Lili was speaking of before might be, and she wasn't smiling.
The Fire Lord was openly laughing. "The medicine Aang? C'mon man, you can do better than that. Just admit it. You're doctor her is smoking gorgeous, as we say in the Fire Nation. Man. You don't need to use your medicine as an excuse. I think Katara would understand. Won't you Katara?"
"No," was all the waterbender replied seeing the undeniable and uncanny resemblance to her rival in love.
The firebender swallowed hard, "Eh... uh, I stand corrected... the medicine Aang, go with the medicine."
"Hey genius," Mai spoke up. "You do realize she can here every word you say right? She's only about a meter from you Zuko."
The countess picked up a cup on the night stand. "This nectar, called the 'Fount of Eros', is used to increase the chi energies and speed healing. It is also used for older... shall we say, less virile gentleman as well. This can be a minor... but not unpleasant side effect," she explained, focusing on the men in the room.
"How long will the effects last for Lili,"Katara asked very bashfully as she sat upon the bed. "I mean... he really can't walk around the palace like that? Won't it start to hurt? I've heard that before. If guys..."
Lili gave her a slight nod, "There is no need for concern in his case Lady Katara. I administered the nectar very carefully. This was not unexpected. It is natural and can be dealt by natural means as well," the countess clarifies. "If he chooses to wait out the discomfort... he'll have to wait about two, maybe three hours. But he will experience discomfort during that time. The alternative is either self-administered or with the help of a significant other. The increased virility can lead to a mutually enjoyable experience."
The others in the room were now looking towards Katara, all expect for Toph. She felt the waterbender's heart starting to pick up the pace.
"WAH! What do you expect me to do? We've only been going out for a week," the flustered Water Tribeswoman breathed out. "I don't believe you guys!"
"Nobody expects you to do anything like that sis, well at least they better not... right Aang," Sokka stated as he stood by his little sister.
"Right Sokka," the airbender weakly agreed already starting to feel more than a little discomfort and tightness,especially around the foreskin. "I'm certainly not, he, he."
"Alright, alright... I think Aang can take care of this by himself" Zuko exclaimed staring to lead everyone towards the door. "That's unless his side is still in too much pain... then he'll have to wait it out. Are you still hurting Aang?"
The Avatar smiled tightly, "I'm okay... at least no pain in my sides anymore, thanks Zuko. I'll try to work this out as fast as I can."
Lili cleared her throat,"Ah, your Grace... usually once will not be enough you'll find. Three or four times should suffice... you do recall, increased virility I said."
"Oh boy... you have a lot of work to do my friend and I think we need to leave him to it," Sokka chimed in. "One word of advice... oil and plenty of it," he whispered.
Aang nodded as he watched the room being cleared.
Toph stood in the corner, her cheeks red, unable to jest at this very personal issue for her. She was also deciding on how to handle her favorite cousin.
"Oh my gosh Toph, your blushing," Mai blurted out in an unfamiliar light tone, "You're as red as one of those cherries you like so much!"
"Everybody, let's get back to my room and give him some privacy," the princess replied in a serious voice. "Lili thank you again, and I will see you in the morning."
"Yes your Majesty, but may I stay and finish up before I leave. I'm sure I will not disturb the Avatar in his... huh, venture."
"No, he can handle it by himself... if not, he's a big boy, he'll tough it out," Toph told her in no uncertain terms.
The two cousins seemed to be having a silent showdown until the countess bowed at the waist. "Yes your Majesty, as you command."
"Yes, as I command," the princess repeated.
Toph was the last one to leave the room and she heard his groan of pain. She scowled as if feeling it herself.
"Don't worry Twinkle Toes... I'll be back as soon as I can," she whispered loving before closing the door.
Inside Aang watched her every move. He felt as though his whole body was on fire now.
"Toph... I need you," he said to himself as he reached for the leftover massage oil.
The earthbender quickly caught up to the rest of her companions.
Zuko and Sokka were immersed in the possibilities of the 'Fount of Eros' and how they could get their hands on it.
It was a conversation that in the past would have amused her, but now she found somewhat... gross.
"So how was Aang," Katara asked.
"Every time I'm the last one out you ask me about Twinkle Toes," Toph stated blandly. "I didn't stick around to have a conversation with him. if you want to know the truth Katara.'
"Oh, I see. I just thought you would be telling him about tomorrow is all," the waterbender said, mimicking her tone.
The princess shrugged her shoulders, "Why should I? That's not until tomorrow and we have plenty of time tonight. I think he's got other things on his mind now... yuck!"
"Yuck, why do you say yuck Toph? It's a natural thing for guys to do don't you think?" Katara exclaimed trying to sound as advanced as the countess.
"So is taking a shit," Toph retorted. "And that's still yuck."
Katara slapped her own forehead. "You're so immature at times Toph. When is your mind going to catch up to your body?"
"I guess when they put brains in boobs," she replied with a smirk. "Then Mei Mei would be a frick'n genius."
Even the waterbender had to start laughing at that one.
Suddenly Toph winced in pain and held her head.
"What wrong Toph... does your head hurt again," Katara asked with great concern.
"A... a little. You know... here," she said pointing to the slight bruise that was once a gash.
"When we get to the suite, I'll do another session," Katara promised, rubbing it gently.
The princess shook her head, "No... uh... I'l just go over to Lili's room, it's closer. She'll do some of that magical acupuncture and in no time, just like Twinkle Toes, I'll be good as new," she declared pointing down a side corridor.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Katara offered.
"Naw, it just annoying enough to get my attention right now, but if you came along..."
"Ha, ha... very funny," Katara sneered. "Why did I even offer?"
"Because you're the Sugar Queen," the princess exclaimed as she started towards the hall. "Oh... if Twinkle Toes gets their before I do... you tell him Katara!"
"I am not! You'll have to do it on your own!" the waterbender stated emphatically.
Toph threw up a hand as she turned down the hall, "Whatever. See you all shortly."
As soon as she was out of sight, the earthbender passed through a wall and into an empty room next to the tunnel. Her heart was beating so loudly she found it difficult to focus. As she opened the entrance to the passage, she felt another presence. She smiled as she recognized the incredible lightness of being coming towards her.
"I guess great minds do think alike," she laughed to herself.