A Kiss in Ba Sing Se
[A/N: Caught up in a moment. Sometimes we get tunnel vision and lose sight of all but that which is before us.
We also forget we are always being observed.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar: The Last Airbender
Enjoy.
Comment if you wish. All feedback is welcomed.]
Chapter 58
Tunnel Vision
It was almost as if on cue, Fong's voice was heard coming from behind the corner area sectioned off to protect the princess and the Avatar. She was directly in front of the gap that Toph had created.
Now everyone in the room turned to face it like watching a play upon a stage.
"I need to speak to you, your Grace," she said as she walked up to him in mincing steps, bowing to her and in knees with her polished but short fingernails lightly touching the tiled floor. She lifted her head just high enough so that their eyes could meet.
As he stared directly into them, he could see that she wasn't Toph, but herself. Just as strong and vibrant and that thought troubled him.
Her demeanor and the close contact they had recently shared put him on edge. "Eh, it's kind of late, and we've all been through a lot Lady Fong, can't this wait for tomorrow?" he asked scratching nervously behind his ear.
"I have found the courage for the moment now, your Grace," she replied looking quite determined. "By morning my resolve might have waned, and I will have to live with that regret as I did before."
Her last comment piqued his curiosity. "What regret? If it's about the other night..."
"Oh, this is getting good," Suki whispered into the tense princess's ear. "Has our little monk been, monkeying around?" she snickered.
Toph didn't crack a smile. "Like I've said many times before fangirl, leave the jokes to me. Now, be quiet so that I can hear," she requested flatly.
The Kyoshi Captain coughed. "Sorry," warrior meekly apologized. "I thought it was funny," she mumbled.
Suddenly the petite general was aware that the waterbender was standing at her other side. She didn't say anything except take her by the hand firmly.
Fong shook her head, "No, that night only proved to me that you are truly a man of integrity, like my first love. He too was a man of honor. You only spoke from your heart and told me the truth and in doing such made me aware that love can be more powerful than lust. I acted upon orders, you acted from your heart, and protected us both. I have to admit, my pride, was pricked. But when I finally thought it all through, I came to admire your actions and that you held to your convictions. Thank you for being so... caring," she said softly bowing her head to the floor.
He couldn't help but blush. "I-I didn't really have a choice Fong, at least I feel like I don't. I love her so much, and I don't ever want to jeopardize this feeling... or that relationship she and I share. I mean, this closeness I feel right now, it's as if she always been with me. I can't think of anything or anyone that matters more to me. I hope you can understand that?" he explained as he chewed his bottom lip.
Both the metalbender and the waterbender were on the verge of tears at his comment.
Katara felt a fullness in her heart as if it were ready to burst. It was pounding, and all she wanted to do was run into his arms and lay upon him the biggest kiss she could! But here was Toph! The images of Aang and Toph, passionately kissing, and their intercourse, she could not dismiss from her mind. Her small 'friend' felt like an anchor as they stood with their fingers interlaced.
Toph lumped her throat she couldn't seem to clear or choke down. All she wanted to do at this very moment was to scream at the top of her lungs, "I love you too Twinkle Toes!" But she stood silent and still. To say those words would reveal to everyone their real relationship and put her other cousins at risk. A risk that would surely have severe consequences and she wasn't going to see them bear it. She squeezed Katara's hand for support as her breathing started to become haggard.
"I understand exactly," Fong exclaimed, once again lifting her head so that her light brown eyes locked with his gray one. "My one regret was that I never told my true love how I felt before he died. I... I thought I had time, but that was an illusion. Tonight has reminded me again, seize the moment or you'll live a life with your regrets."
Aang took in a deep breath. "I'm sorry for your loss. I've had..."
Fong reached forward and touched his hand. "I know, and my loss pales in comparison. You, you... are so strong," she said between sobs. "I couldn't have gone on. My single loss almost undid me, and you were only a child when you found out. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beautiful people. Indeed, they were the soul of... of this cold world. You make my world that much brighter with just being who you are... your Grace. In just these few days, it is becoming more difficult to think of not seeing you, as often as I do," she sighed clearing the tears from her eyes. "Even though we haven't spoken much, you have moved my heart. I assure you, I would protect you at all cost, even my life!"
"Uh, thanks," he replied, squirming a bit at the loud proclamation.
She seemed pleased with his acceptance. "I'm glad we can talk this way," she mentioned as she scooted a bit closer to him. "I am usually, very shy around men, but with you, I feel I can express who I truly am. There is more you need to know... more things so that you can make a full decision," Fong made clear as she set her jaw.
"Decision? The decision about what?" Aang asked lifting a brow.
The tall lady closed her eyes as her brow furled. "This is so difficult. So, very, difficult your Grace. I know your set against killing, b-but, I have killed. I have killed many people. Some young, Some old. Some I knew were evil people, others I didn't know their character or life at all. I just had the order. Recently, I have killed to protect you, your Grace."
Aang's mouth dropped open in astonishment even as Toph sighed, shaking her head in disappointment.
Fong clutched his hand harder. "Please hear me out. They meant you know good. They all intended to end you and your plans for a better world. King Kuei, himself issued me the list. I was honored to perform this service on behalf of my kingdom. Now, that I know you, I... I feel, blessed."
"How many?" Aang asked as he braced himself for the answer.
"One hundred and thirty-three in total," she replied in a ragged breath. "I knew you would not approve, but I still feel that you were worth every drop of blood spilled. Every one of those, murderous, scheming, bitches and bastards that wouldn't have hesitated to take the last airbender, I put away! They were willing to plunge us all back into war! They all needed to die! I have no regrets, and I'd happily do it again! Your Grace, even if I had to slaughter a thousand times as many, I would wade through a river of their blood, all for you!"
The Avatar blew out his cheeks as his heart sank. "I understand Fong. I was told by a good friend, that while I held to my simple beliefs, others paid for my luxury, in blood. You just drove that point home Lady Fong, and I do, truly, understand. None of us... myself included, have escaped with clean hands. I have a feeling that mine will only get bloodier as time goes on," he conceded, tightly closing his eyes.
"But you see, your Grace, th-they won't have to to be sullied," she told him with a bright look in her eyes.
"What are you saying Lady Fong?"
She smiled tightly. "The stains on these hands will never come clean. I would gladly use these filthy hands again.. for you," she offered, displaying her palms. "I was trained in the Fire Nation, by their Master of Assassins. I was top of my class in the art of both weaponless and stealth lethal combat. My code name is still, Death's Whisper," she continued to inform him as if presenting a résumé.
Mai stiffened when she heard the name even as her heart started to beat faster. She reflexively began to feel for the blade hidden in her sleeve.
Fong continued, "Our former king chose me for the mission because of my reputation during the occupation. I was a protector of the harem and all the courtesans. Many Fire nation officers and officials thought we were here as their play toys. Many of those same fools found their way to the Spirit World before their time," she reported with a proud sneer. "I also personally ended the life of every governor, save for one, that the Fire Lord appointed over Ba Sing Se. These hands, these special skills, I now offer to you, your Grace. You can continue in your luxury and..."
"NO!" Aang screamed pulling her into a huge hug as she melted into his arms. "I will not let this happen to you anymore Fong! This price... this price is too high, even for me!" he cried, his tears falling freely. "I DON'T CARE WHAT OTHERS SAID ABOUT YOU OR HOW THEY USED YOU! YOU ARE NOT A WEAPON! YOU ARE A WOMAN! A beautiful, intelligent, awesome woman," he whispered lovingly into her ear.
There before the eyes of all, the most feared and renowned killer in the world, who up until this time only a handful of people knew her identity, was weeping like a small, motherless child, in the Avatar's comforting arms. Aang slowly rocked her back and forth, recalling how Toph broke the same way. "It's okay Fong. There's nothing you have to do for me. I'll always care for you," he stated in a choked voice. "I'm sorry they've done this to you. You didn't deserve this Fong. You should have been playing and singing like other children."
Fong was trembling more now as she curled up unto his lap wailing loudly.
On the other side of the barrier, mixed feelings filled the room.
Suki was standing stiffly, fighting her emotions and memories. She wanted so much just to be held and comforted, but her beau's eyes were elsewhere.
Mai, she was letting out little sobs as her amber eyes became small waterfalls. She saw herself being comforted in those arms through Fong.
Sokka was staring at his sister, trying to gauge her reaction to this emotionally loaded scene.
Zuko was standing next to Mai, longing to hold the emotionally raw woman but feeling distant after their earlier spat.
Lili was down on her knees also crying bitterly. The flood of memories and emotions, coupled with guilt, had been too much after the events of the night.
Lei huddled over her cousin, attempting to comfort her as much as possible.
Mei Mei stood stoically, gazing at the scene. Her cheeks flushed, and she was trying to decipher these new emotions that threatened to undo the stone queen.
Soo Ming, she was still staring at the Vice Regent, unfazed by the affairs of mortals.
Finally, Katara locked arm-n-arm with Toph as the two took in everything sniffled and wiped at her eyes. Naturally, the waterbender was openly crying in small sobs as she was proud of her boyfriend's compassion but suspicious of the other woman's intentions. "How ya doing Toph?" she whispered.
The princess waved a hand, unable to talk. Katara remembered that Toph not only heard every word they said, but she could pick up on their emotions. She leaned in laying her head against the princess'. "It's okay to let go baby-girl, we're all like her," the waterbender told her as she wept.
Toph immediately covered her face with her free hand and let out a stuttering cry.
"I know, I know," Katara whimpered with a long exhale.
It had been almost a half an hour before Fong was able to gather her composure. Aang held her all the while and stroked her thick brown hair.
She was sitting up on her knees now making sure her gown wasn't in too much disarray. "Here I am, offering to save you, and you save me... again," she said in a small voice with a thin smile, her eyes looking towards the ceiling. 'How pathetic am I?"
"You are not pathetic in the least?" he refuted, giving her a small playful shove. "One day, you'll be a mom and have some wonderful kids. That man will be the luckiest guy..."
She stared into his eyes. "I have decided, that man is you, your Grace."
Everyone including Aang gasped. "Eh, uh... Fong, I really think, uh, you need to think this over," he suggested. "I only love one woman, and I'm not gonna change my mind anytime soon... like never! We can be friends, but that's as far as it's going," he assured her as gently as possible, not wanting to crush her spirit.
Fong simply smiled at him "Whether you love me a little or love me a lot is immaterial... Aang, can I call you Aang?"
"Sure... all my friends call me that... uh expect Toph, she calls me Twinkle Toes. But she's the only one, so it's okay," he rambled a bit.
"Thank you... Aang, I'm honored. I've never met anyone who has treated me like a real woman... or even a person for that matter. Even my father and mother are afraid of me. I did slice the throat of his business partner and wife at a private dinner party. That freaked them out, but he was selling ore to the Fire Nation, and we were at war. I tried to apologize... but hey, nothing I could do once they were dead," she explained with a shrug.
The Avatar was shocked at her blunt matter-of-factness. "Yeah, I can see that," he stuttered looking up.
Fong took in a deep breath and gracefully stood to her feet. "I knew you would. You are not like the others. That is why I'm offering you a gift I think will please you. Though my spirit is tainted, my body is pure and strong. I feel that if I help you bring life into this world, I can make amends for all the death that I've caused. So... if you would allow me," she said letting her outer gown fall away revealing the semi-sheer slip beneath. "I am here for your eyes to see your Holiness. May I be pleasing to your sight."
Aang gulped as her brown eyes looked invitingly into his. "She's rather pretty," Aang suddenly thought. "What the hell, she's gorgeous," he reassessed as his eyes glided down her hour-glass figure and backed up to her dark brown hair that was held back in a classic bun with a twist framing each side of her face. For the first time, he noticed just how tall she was and how it made her figure seem modest.
"I am 19 years of age and 173 cm (5'8") tall. I have never been married or bore a child, nor laid with a man or woman," she informed him in a sultry voice. "My measurements are 96-64-102 (38"-25"-40"), and I would be honored to help you restore your nation. It is said;I have very good hips, like my mother, and my family is very fertile. I am one of twelve, the largest among the Bei Fongs. I have four sisters and seven brothers, and I am number 6 overall, but the oldest female. My mother thought I would be a boy as well," she giggled politely covering her mouth with her hand. "With my uncle's ascent to the throne, I am now a duchess by rank and title though I go by Lady here at court. I choose not to exert such claim here and stay at my station. This way any would be suitors will not seek me out, so I am free to present myself to you, your Grace," she concluded bowing down before him once more with a perfect shot down her cleavage.
Aang really didn't know what the hips reference was all about, but he did see them through the slip. He was thankful that she wore a rather modest pair of bra and panties. Still, she was more than a little tempting.
He wasn't the only one looking as Zuko and Sokka were staring openly at the statuesque woman who resembled more of a goddess than human in the glowing green crystal light.
Lili could feel her polished nails bite into her palms. The countess had to admit Fong's offer was probably better than hers.
"Damn, when did our little virgin get game?" Mei Mei said in a hushed voice to Lei. "She's got a rack too!"
Aang tried to divert his eyes, "Please Fong... get up..."
"Happily," she said as she stood again, slowly rotating around so that he could get a good look at those infamous hips from his seated position. "Well Aang," Fong asked with a smile. "Am I all that I have said?"
"I… huh… I, huh, duh," Aang stammered, blowing out a long breath as he was just caught speechless.
"Stop this!" Toph shouted having endured enough. "Didn't he already tell you he's in love with somebody else! Why are you doing this Fong?"
For the first time, both Aang and Fong looked out through the space to see that they were not alone.
The tall lady looked mortified as she stared into the faces of her audience. She quickly grabbed up her gown, clutching it in front of her. "Your... your Majesty... cousin... I'm so sorry... " she gasped as she ran past them and out of the suite.
"Go after her Lei," Lili ordered. "She's going to need an understanding ear."
"Yes ma'am, " she replied chasing after her.
As Lili turned back around, she saw that Toph and Suki were standing alone.
Katara was now center stage, tightly hugging the Avatar.
Katara lead him from the room into the bedroom. "Excuse me, everyone, we just need to talk a little... in private," she stated before closing the door.
Toph smirked as she sat in the closest repositioned chair. "Sugar Queen is pissed now," she thought happily.
Before he could speak, she shoved him down like a bag of old laundry unto the floor just inside.
"Why Aang?" she immediately asked in a broken voice. "You were hugging that strange woman with such tenderness and what was that thing about the other night?" she asked raising a brow.
Aang began to rub his head. "Listen Katara, I didn't want to tell you but... she came to my room the other night, to uh, take care of me... ya know, in a personal way," he hinted.
"How personal?" the waterbender demanded to know, glowering at him.
Aang rubbed the back of his head. "Well, she offered to bathe and dress me. I don't think, doing it was part of it, I think," he blurted out.
Katara placed her hands on her hips, "Ya think? Was it short of doing it or not Aang? Did she offer to fuck you? You should know what that is now, right? I think you're smart enough to know the difference, boyfriend," she said scornfully.
Aang sighed deeply. "C'mon Katara, don't be like this. I didn't mean to hurt you. If I could..."
Katara kneeled next to him. "You would what? Would you have been kissing me as you did her? Maybe you would have been entering me instead of her? Is that what you're trying to say, Aang," Katara asked trying to read his shifting expressions. "When you came in tonight, you didn't even kiss me, not even a peck on the cheek," she pointed out.
Aang looked about the room. "So, this is all about Toph, isn't it? Is that why you're so upset Katara? I thought we started off talking about Fong? When did the subject get changed? By the way, what you said isn't true!" he countered, his eyes meeting hers. "I did kiss you!"
She cut her big blue eyes away. "No, this has nothing to do with Toph, and all you did was drool a little on the back of my hand! I don't think that could be considered a... kiss," she declared.
"You said it was sweet!" he gasped.
"That's yak-shit Aang! I saw you kissing Toph with both of your hands, both of them, glued to her ass! How do you expect me to react," the irate waterbender yelled at him.
"So, this is about Toph!" he declared looking up.
Katara continued her rant. "Okay, it is! You've never kissed me that way, and you know it!"
Aang looked astounded. "Katara, we just started dating! I can't just start playing grab ass because I get the urge! Wouldn't that be disrespectful?"
Katara bit at her bottom lip. "I already feel disrespected and violated Aang! What you did, what the two of you did was a lot more than a kiss or copping a feel! I saw, everyone saw you putting your face up her crotch! Her nasty, unwashed, vajayjay Aang! And even though it was supposed to be, forced, you sure looked like you were enjoying yourself!"
"You know the danger we were in Katara, how can you accuse me of taking advantage?"
Katara chortled sardonically. "You complain about eating a little bowl of sea prunes, but you ate her out like she was some fine dessert? You still have her stank on you! Ugh, don't even think about kissing me anytime soon," the waterbender stated as she pinched her nose.
"It's not like any of us had the time to wash our faces, fighting monsters and trying to stay alive," Aang mumbled to himself, crossing his arms.
"Sheesh, I don't know how Fong managed to get past that funk. I would have just let that thing have you," Katara charged, standing back to her feet and turning away him. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
He took the opportunity to lick quickly around his lips to capture any residual flavor that might reside. As he tried to bend himself off the ground, the pain from his earlier injury came back with a vengeance, and Aang toppled back down, holding his side.
Katara sucked in her bottom lip, awaiting an answer. "Well… what do you have to say, boyfriend?" she asked looking back over her shoulder at him.
Aang turned his pain-racked face up to her, unable to speak.
Instead of the caring, concerned look he had hoped for, Katara rolled her humongous blues with a shake of her head. "Seriously Aang, do you expect me to believe that you thoroughly weren't into that?"
His eyes widened before they rolled up into his head and darkness started to take hold of him.
"Aang, Aang, what's wrong!" the waterbender began to scream. "LILI HELP, SOMETHINGS WRONG WITH AANG!"
As Aang began to stir in the princess' huge bed, he could hear yelling in the background from two blurry figures standing at the foot.
"What did you do to him you big blubbery hippo-cow?" Toph yelled into Katara's face. "After all the shit that's happened to him today, you want to put him through even more? And for what Sweetness? Why did you hurt him?"
Katara shook her head. "I didn't do anything Toph, I swear! We were only talking, an-and then he... he fainted... just like that!"
The earthbender scowled deeply, "Oh he fainted, just like that? Is that your story?" she asked incredulously.
The blue-eyed woman stroked her forehead. "Yeah that's my story, and it was... just like that!" she replied trying to sound as confident as possible.
"You know, I know you're lying Sweetness. What did you do to him?" she demanded, stepping closer as the ground began to shift abnormally beneath them.
"Toph, my love, she didn't do this to me," the airbender said with a weak groan looking over at them.
"Indeed, this is no one's fault," Lili confirmed inserting another needle to block the pain. "The medicine just wore off, plus he over-exerted himself as I figured he would. No one could have anticipated the antics of this evening either, but he's really an idiot."
"See Toph; I wasn't lying," Katara remarked pointing towards Lili.
"Okay right... you weren't lying like I'm not blind," Toph mocked, moving her hand in front of her face. "It doesn't matter what the airhead or Miss Know-it-All over there says, I just my senses! We weren't here when did whatever you did, Sugar Queen! But you're feeling guilty about it now, and I know it!"
Katara's jaw dropped. "Now that's not fair Toph! You heard what he said, and he was here! He said... 'Toph, my love...' " the waterbender suddenly froze as the words sank in. Katara replayed them over again in her head. "Wait a minute, he said... 'Toph, my love!' Why is my boyfriend calling you, Princess Floozy, his love?" she demanded, bending down into the shorter woman's face.
The princess smiled casually. "You must have water in those dull ears as well as in your thick head, Sweetness. What he said was, 'Toph, meaning me, 'my love,' obviously meaning you, and I really don't know why, he tried to cover up your guilt by saying, 'didn't do this to me,' that's what he said," she restated. "Now get out of my face, Sugar Queen!"
Katara stood back up looking befuddled. "Wait... that's not what... wait... he said..."
Toph sighed, "Lili, please repeat what the Avatar just said to us. The Ambassador is a bit confused."
"Yes, your majesty. His Grace said, 'Toph, my love didn't do this to me,' that is what he said Ambassador, verbatim," the countess affirmed as she continued to focus on Aang's care. "Clearly, referring to you in such an intimate way in his weakened state is truly endearing. You two must share a strong bond Lady Katara."
Katara shook her head. "Th-that's not how he said it! That's not all he said Lili, and you know it! I'm not crazy, and you all can't make me think I am. I know what I heard, and that's not it!" she insisted stomping her foot.
Toph started to chuckle. "As for the crazy part, I think that's a given, without a doubt Sweetness! But think about it, why should Lili lie? She just told me this wasn't your fault when we both know it is! So, it's not like she goes along with everything I say, now does she?" the princess pointed out bobbing her head from side to side. "You just heard what you wanted to because you know you're guilty of something, and you're just looking for a way out. You know I'm right so you might as well come clean, Sugar Queen!"
The waterbender stepped back pursing her lips tightly. "No, no, no... this isn't right. You're not right! You're both lying! He has never called me his..."
"My love, why are you so upset," Aang asked as he looked towards the end of the bed, gazing kind of in Toph's direction.
"Uh, Avatar... she's to the left," the chief lady whispered nervously.
"Thanks, Lili, everybody is still fuzzy," he whispered back before looking left. "So Katara, why are you so upset?" he asked again.
The waterbender's face was now beaming. "You hear that Toph? He called me... his love... not you... he called me!"
"Yeah, yeah... I heard him, Sweetness," Toph said with a knowing smile. "I heard him just fine. Big Whoop!"