A Kiss in Ba Sing Se: Secrets and Promises

[A/N: How does one hide the truth and still feel guilty about the hiding?

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar: The Last Airbender

Enjoy.

Comment if you wish. All feedback is welcomed.]

Chapter 81

To Deceive

Toph stood in her former room turned hospital. A curtain stretched down the middle dividing where Fong and Mai rested from where Sokka was recuperating. A host of medically train assistants aided Lili and Katara as they checked on the injured people.

Mei Mei came and stood next to her. "I don't like this Songbird. It's like we're under attack but haven't realized it," she stated somberly. "If you look at all there injuries, it came either directly or indirectly from that incident with the succubus. Perhaps I unwittingly released some malignancy from that cursed game."

Toph nodded. "Hmmm, and from what Fong told me, the creature had been compromised as well when she came after Aang. I think that game was just a means to an end, and someone else is pulling strings," she retorted remembering what happened to Katara. "They wanted to cut down our numbers, whoever they are."

The buxom lady thought about all the wounded. "Non-benders! They are all norms, but each is a master blade wielder! But why wasn't Lady Suki attacked as well?" Mei Mei speculated, crossing her arms.

"I think she was, but she has evaded injury for now. Watch over her Mei Mei, and alert Lei and Lili of what we suspect. Even though it isn't common knowledge, they too are expert swordsmen. They may be the next to be compromised. Have them keep their silver weapons at the ready; we don't know who or what we're dealing with. Since Lili is already aiding Sweetness, have her stay close. We'll have Lei return to Zuko, that way she'll be surrounded by a host of firebenders," the petite general ordered. "Speak nothing of this to our guest. I will consult Soo Ming, see what she knows. Whoever this is, I haven't sensed their presence yet. Double the guards about everyone's quarters, benders only, as well."

Mei Mei bowed at the waist. "As you command my liege. Also, how close may I get to Lady Suki, in attendance?"

Toph smiled at the obvious question. "Seems like she's feeling pretty down on herself right now. If you can help, eh, distract her, perhaps lift her spirits, that would be more than helpful, Lady Mei Mei."

Mei Mei gazed over at the deflated warrior, licking her lips. "Then 'full' attendance is authorized, your Majesty?"

"Yes, but let her lead. I've heard you can get a bit aggressive. Aid and comfort only cousin," Toph advised with a sigh.

Once more the earthbending lady bowed. "By your word my Queen, it shall be so," she replied. "And thank you for the meal."

"Mei Mei?"

"Yes, your Majesty?"

"Please stay alert. I don't want any more casualties," the princess stated. "They are more than friends to me."

"Understood," Mei Mei answered before making her way towards Lili.

"Where's Twinkle Toes? Didn't he come back with you Sweetness?" Toph asked out loud.

"He said he was too much of a distraction and he couldn't help after we got here," Katara replied looking over from Sokka's side. The healer walked over to the young princess. "Have you really canceled your date with Aang, Toph?"

Toph shrugged. "Well, under the circumstances, I'm returning him for moral support, Sugar. Figured we could do that silly date/boyfriend thing some other time like maybe, this time next year. You need him more right now, and he's only my pretend boyfriend, and your real one," she replied tenderly.

The waterbender's blue eyes began to tear up as she stared at the earthbender. "Oh, baby girl, you're so thoughtful sometimes," Katara cried, giving her a tight hug. "Tell you what. Why don't you guys go on that date still? C'mon, it doesn't make any sense to wait a whole year. If you're worried about Sokka, he's going to be okay now, and I owe you my thanks for getting rid of that old fool. So this will be my way of squaring up with you."

"Getting rid of that quack was no big, Sweetness. I was still pissed at the way he treated Twinkle Toes, so you don't have to do anything for me," she responded with a giggle. "I just want to be here, just in case Snoozles or the gloomy bimbo needs anything."

"That's why I'm here Toph," Katara sighed, delivering a hug. "Oh, honey, I know today has been stressful for you, and I think getting away from here is going to help. Your cousin got hurt defending Aang and now this stuff with Mai and Sokka, I know you. You're taking everything too personally. Aang was right; there's nothing either of you can do in this situation. This will also help me keep my mind off of you two out having fun. So trust us Toph, Lili and I have it covered."

The countess overheard the last part of their conversation as she stepped around the curtain to check on Sokka. "Lady Katara is right, your Highness," Lili agreed. "I don't mean to be rude, but the more you're here, the more you'll keep asking about their condition, and the more we can't focus on their treatment. I also know your mother has made an exclusive reservation at that new restaurant, The Earthen Plate. I heard the food is exceptional and the service is top-shelf."

Toph sighed. "I have an idea. Why don't you dress up like me, Lili? Sugar Queen can be Twinkle Toes. They're about the same height."

"Wouldn't my eyes be hard to explain? Even with the lenses, our eyes have a different shape, and mine is not quite as large, or beautiful," Lili countered. "Also, the ambassador, though extremely comely, is more than a few shades darker than the Avatar and poses an extremely feminine air."

"That's where I think you're wrong Lili. Aang is one step from a girl right now. I'll betcha that his next incarnation will definitely be a girl," Toph laughed a bit too loud, drawing shushes from various corners of the room.

"Sorry," the princess responded in a loud whisper.

"Let's move over to the far corner by the door," Lili suggested, taking Toph's arm and guiding her. "We don't want any more gossip than we already have."

"Good point," Katara agreed as she followed them. "I already overheard someone saying that Sokka was injured when he came between Mai and Suki. Can you imagine that? That he interrupted them in a fit of jealousy, beating up Mai before Suki had to stab him to protect her Fire Nation lover."

Toph snickered. "That's quite a story. If they knew Captain Boomerang at all, they'd know he would probably be more inclined just to watch the show, and hope for sloppy seconds."

If the little princess could have seen the look of disbelief on both Katara and Lili's faces, she probably would have wanted to retreat into a hole. Soon she realized she was the only one laughing. The short earthbender coughed a few times and fell silent as her cheeks bloomed cherry red.

"I am both shocked and dismayed to hear such vulgar language from you, Songbird," Lili whispered harshly as she pinched the back of the princess' upper arm. "You may be a soldier, but you're royalty and a lady first and foremost. Never forget that!" the countess lectured her.

"Ow, that hurt Lili. You know I hate it when you pinch the meat on the back of my arm like that," Toph groaned with a pout, rubbing the spot Lili had squeezed. "I bet it's all bruised now."

"I barely touched it," Lili contended. "You're just being a big baby."

"She should have slapped the taste from your mouth," Katara threw in for good measure. "That was truly a nasty thing to say, not only about my brother but about anyone."

Toph threw her head back. "UHHH! Okay sorry Sweetness, I was only trying to be funny. I heard Mei Mei say that about some guy and I thought you guys would find it funny too."

"Do you even know what, sloppy seconds, means Toph?" Katara asked looking about to see if anyone was listening in the distance.

"No, do you Sugar Queen?" Toph sniped back.

The waterbender leaned into the princess' ear. Toph's face and ears began to turn multiple shades of crimson as her jaw dropped. "That's disgusting. Do people take turns like that? That's, that's so… eh, disgusting," Toph repeated, slightly retching. "Drinking or playing in another's… gunk? Surely, they bathe in between, uh, exchanges."

Katara stepped back, pleased with the reaction she created. "Nope, that's why it's called 'sloppy' seconds Toph," she added.

"Do you know of such things, Lili?" Toph asked turning her back to the room.

"I am a courtesan of the palace, your Majesty. This and many other requests are often made of the ladies that attend the nobility. Lust does not follow the tenets of restraint or modesty, as you are required to do, my princess," Lili replied in a slightly broken voice.

Katara covered her mouth in shock. "I'm so sorry Lili. I didn't even think about that. I shouldn't have…"

Lili smiled tightly at the waterbender. "No, you did the right thing to tell her, ambassador. She is already a young lady, and she needs to know that the world is a nasty place, cruel, immoral place. Above all, she definitely does not need to repeat everything that Lady Mei Mei might say. I have done many things as part of my duty that I am personally ashamed of."

"On that, we can all agree," Katara sighed.

One of the attendants approached the trio. "Countess Soo Hahn, it is time for both Lady Bei Fong and the Honorable Lady Mai's acupuncture treatment. Would you like me to begin while you converse," she asked, bowing deeply.

"Qui, you can start Lady Bei Fong's treatment, I've already outlined the axis. As for the Lady Mai, she still needs intensive care. I will perform it myself," she replied turning towards Toph and Katara. "Duty calls once more. Your Majesty, Ambassador, please remember to keep your voices low," she reminded them before walking away, talking with her assistant.

"Go get ready for your date Toph. You and Aang would just be in the way, and I bet you guys have a lot to talk about," Katara told her.

Toph reached over and took hold of Katara's skirt. "B-but I don't want to leave you alone Sweetness, not with Snoozles hurt like this. How can you expect me or Aang to relax and have fun? What kind of friends would we be? Wh-what if… what if, he starts to bleed again or something worse?"

"Are you still crushing on Sokka, Toph?" Katara teased with an additional embrace. "Come here; you don't have to worry about him. I'll prove it to you," she assured the pouty-faced princess. Katara led Toph over by Sokka's bedside. "Give me your hand Toph," she instructed, placing it on Sokka's bare chest. "Feel that Toph? His heart is strong and steady, isn't it? His breathing is normal as well. He's sleeping comfortably, thanks to Lili's medicine. So you see…" Katara stopped talking as she saw Toph's jaw starting to shake.

"I'm so, so, sorry Snoozles," Toph wept softly, stroking his thick hair. "I was so scared I was going to lose my Captain Boomerang, my hero. Please forgive me, please forgive me, Sokka."

The waterbender swallowed hard as she leaned over the back of the sniffling princess. "Toph, baby girl, he would never blame you for what happened today. He wouldn't even blame Suki or Mai. I didn't know you cared about him this much."

Toph turned and wrapped her arms about Katara. "Of course I care! He saved my life and I...I…"

Katara took hold of the princess' face and placed their foreheads together. "Hey, have you forgotten Toph? Aang is your boyfriend today. Why don't we reset the clock and make it the rest of today and all tomorrow as well?" the waterbender offered. "I'll be here watching over Sokka for you, so you don't have to worry, okay Toph?"

The princess shook her head into the taller woman's chest. "I don't wanna go, Katara. I… can't go! You go, I'll stay with Snoozles. If… if something happens, Lili will be here… an, and we have other healers..."

"Thanks for the offer, baby girl, but I can't either. I'll be here for you, you go and fill in for me."

"Why Sugar?" she asked, speaking into the waterbender's bosom.

"Because none of these healers are waterbenders," Katara whispered in Toph's ear, patting the back of her head. "And most importantly, they are not his sister. I would never put my brother in anybody else's hands when I'm around."

"But Sugar, Twinkle Toes and I… we… huh, did it. What if he wants to do it again? He's a guy, and I heard that once they, well, have done it, they have to do it if they get, excited. For me, it hurt, and I got all dry down there. That made it hurt more, but I couldn't stop, couldn't tell him he was hurting me," Toph described in a quivering voice.

Katara exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry it hurt so much, Toph. I can only imagine what that was like because I'm saving myself for marriage. But, you saved his life, so I'm sure that it doesn't count against you."

"I don't think my dad would be too happy if he found out, no matter how it happened," Toph exclaimed with a grimace.

"Yeah, I can understand that. But getting back on subject, do you think Aang would really take advantage of you, ever? That's not the guy I know," she expressed delivering a reassuring squeeze. "You don't have to be afraid of him. We all know you guys were forced to... do that, so it wasn't your fault or his!"

Toph lowered her head. "I know, but he's still a guy."

"If by some strange chance Aang even attempts to do anything you don't want, baby girl, you just tell me. I'll freeze his balls. All his kids will be flying icicles!"

Both the women giggled as Katara kissed the top of Toph's head. "Go, have fun Toph, but not too much fun."

Toph giggled again returning the hug. "I'll cover your first date Sweetness, anything you want to do, anywhere you want to go, promise."

"Thanks, princess, I'll hold you to that," she accepted. "Now go and tell Aang the date is back on before he decides to do something else."

"What else would he do, Sweetness?" Toph asked pulling away.

"You know when Aang gets depressed, he likes to go flying. Says it helps to clear his mind," Katara replied.

Toph nodded. "Well, if that numbskull is not in his room or around somewhere, I'll let you know Sweetness," she replied casually with a relaxing exhale. "I have to make sure my mom and dad know what happened first. I'm sure that incompetent old fool has already pleaded his case. Ugh, what a pain in the ass!"

Katara gazed intensely at the earthbender. "For someone who was excited to go on her first date, you seem rather nonchalant now? What gives Toph," Katara asked trying to read her expression.

"With all this weird stuff happening, that stupid game, and fighting that monster, it kind of sucked the fun out of teasing you, Sweetness. Then being deflowered, in front of all my friends, by my best friend's guy...even though I'm blind Katara, that is like… way, way, too embarrassing. I've been trying to play it off all day. Twinkle Toes talked to me and even thanked me. I'm just grateful that I didn't get beat up like Mai."

"Why not?" Katara asked with a raise of her brow.

"What?"

"Not that I want to see you screwed within an inch of your life or anything, but why didn't Aang turn into a beast like Sokka, Toph?" Katara clarified.

Toph shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know about Twinkle Toes, but I felt totally out of control when I met that creature. It was like this hunger consumed me and I just couldn't stop myself. I thought I was being punished or something for kissing him," she began to tell the waterbender. "Inside my head, I was screaming, no way, this can't be happening with Twinkle Toes," Toph explained as she began to sob, wiping at her cloudy eyes. "I never felt so powerless in my life, Katara. I didn't know I was putting on a show for you guys either, but that wouldn't have mattered, being under that spell. I just wanted it all to end, that pain and the shame to go away," the princess continued, her voice quivering. "I felt like I was smiling like a blithering idiot when he penetrated me. I don't know how it appeared to you guys, but I felt like a piece of meat. He just kept pushing into me and then… he, he, finished like he was taking a piss or something in me. That thing seemed to be draining us, and my body kept going, doing whatever it wanted us to, while that monster laughed the whole time," Toph groaned covering her face with both hands. "I was like in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from, I thought I was going to die, right then and there but suddenly, I was back here, unable to even stand."

Katara's hands were over her mouth. "By the spirits Toph, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have even brought it up. No wonder you're so standoffish. You're afraid of Aang, aren't you?"

Toph visibly shuddered. "Afraid of that moron, pig-chicken? No way Sweetness. I'm not… " Toph let her words trail off. "Who am I kidding, Sweetness? He scares the earth out of me now. I know, in my head, what happened, but I just don't feel comfortable around him anymore, sorry Katara. I tried to get past all that this afternoon, but anytime he went to touch me when we were alone, I just freaked. I think I scared him too, Katara." the earthbender continued to fabricate.

Katara took in a deep breath as she looked pulled Toph's hands away from her face. She saw Toph's red eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "That settles it then Toph, you will go on that date with Aang, and I'm extending your boyfriend lease for three days!" Katara proclaimed emphatically.

Toph looked both shocked and bewildered. "Three days? No thanks. I don't think I can handle three days of Twinkle Toes right now. And about this date, can't we go with maybe a luncheon or a small breakfast, and call it a date. I can get the chef to do something in my study, of course, you're invited to eat with us, Sweetness."

"No Toph, we can't. You have to get over this, and I think that this, 'date,' may be the only way. Aang didn't force himself on you purposely, but he did, what he did, and I guess, even for a tough girl like you, it was absolutely horrible. Both of you were being controlled, and I guess he felt just like you, I guess," the waterbender thought out loud. "I wish I could make it all go away, but you see, I couldn't even help my own brother," Katara pointed out. "I know you feel like you can't trust Aang anymore, I get that, but then you're letting that monster win. Bottom line, Aang is your friend and would never do anything to hurt you, ever. He's saved all our lives, hasn't he? You saw how weak he was too when he came back, and he's the fricken Avatar. I think if you can go on this date and spend some quality time with him, then you'll remember that you do love him, as a friend, I mean. He's really my boyfriend, of course," Katara declared. "And that's not ever going to change."

Toph's face was turned down to the floor as they walked towards the door. "Let's talk over here Sweetness. I don't want to bother Snoozles."

"I know this is difficult for you Toph, first Aang gets hurt, and now Sokka and Mai are laid up.

"Okay, Sugar Queen. We'll do it your way. But if I end up with a belly full of little Twinkle Toes, I'm holding you responsible! Maybe you should… uh, take 'care' of him, first Sweetness. You know what they say, a filled moose-lion never hunts."

Katara's face burst with a sudden flash of heat. "I… I can't do something like that. I know I'm his girlfriend, but, uh, but it's too soon for that Toph. He hasn't even asked me to marry him! What would my father think of me if I did something like that? If… if things don't work out between us, how could I ever get married?"

Toph crossed her arms over her chest. "So my maidenhood is not a concern Sweetness."

"Sorry Toph, but after last night, that ostrich-horse has left the barn," Katara sighed. "I just hate that you lost it like you did, and now you hate Aang…"

"I don't hate Aang," the princess refuted. "I said he scared me, rather his dick does. When that thing ripped into me, it felt like I was being split in two. It was knocking into my stomach but on the inside!"

"That was your womb Toph, he was knocking into your womb," Katara corrected her.

Toph rolled her foggy green eyes. "Whateva, Sugar Queen. That thing was drilling into me like a badger-mole," the princess continued to explain. "It was sloppy and painful and sticky and painful and smelly and painful. Did I happen to mention it was excruciating Sweetness?"

Katara exhaled. "Yes, I got your point, Toph. I can understand the embarrassment and the shame, but how could it really have been that… well, painful? I heard if the guy is big, I mean like huge, or if the woman is narrow or shallow, you know, down there, that can make it painful. I don't think either one of you fits that description. I've seen you both, and I just don't get why it would hurt so much."

"Well, you weren't the one getting pounded in her poonany, now were you Sugar Queen?" Toph asked sardonically.

Katara scratched her head. "Uh, maybe you are shallow, in there. I guess it was a blessing you didn't fall for Sokka."

Toph frowned at the comment. "Well, maybe that thing, you know, did something to me, in that weird place, and made it hurt… you know really bad. Maybe if I did it again, with someone else, uhm, perhaps it would be more, natural," Toph exclaimed turning Sokka's direction.

Katara scowled deeply, seeing the flushed face of the earthbender. "I guess, we'll never know, Toph. Sokka has Suki, and you know what Mai did for him. I don't think he would want or could use a spoiled, rich, little princess with a baby-sized pussy," the waterbender growled in a low whisper.

"Baby-sized, what?" Toph repeated, slowly turning towards Katara with a look of surprise at the comment. "Way to be way rude, Fussy Britches. If I didn't know better, I swear you were jealous."

"Jealous, why would I be jealous of you and your tiny, sore, twat, Toph? Look, if Aang gets fresh with you, slap the ever loving elk-yak shit out of him. That should wake his horny ass up or tell that jack-off to go and jack-off for real! He's already done that, right? I don't have time for all this touchy-feely stuff. I have to take care of my brother… and... these other people."

The princess pursed her lips. "Sweetness are you angry with Aang? I can understand you being mad at me, having sex with your boyfriend in front of you. I think that would piss me off…"

Katara clapped her hands together. "Oh, I'm more than pissed off, Toph. I'm angry enough to shit icebergs! You started all this and then claim to be scared."

The princess placed her hands on her hips. "What, have you lost your friggin mind! How did I start this Sugar Queen?" Toph asked in a threatening low voice.

Katara turned slightly to the side. "Don't try to fool me Toph. I'm not in the mood to be played. Ever since Aang supposedly walked you back to your place, he's been off. He barely even looks at me, let alone talks to me! During that stupid game, he seemed more excited to swap spit with your ugly butt than to kiss me. I wonder how you accomplished that, Princess. I think you already fucked him. Was it on the way, maybe some alley, or did you do it at the inn? For your first time, I noticed that even though you were humping like rabbi-roos, there wasn't any blood? How could he be tearing through what wasn't even there, Princess? Maybe that beast was messing with you two, but that wasn't your first time with Aang, was it? Or maybe, Aang wasn't your first."

Toph covered her face with both hands. "How can you accuse me like this, Katara? I don't know what you saw, or how much I supposedly bled or not bled, but I never fucked Aang, I swear. Yeah, I teased you, an-and acted like I was falling for Twinkle Toes. I might have teased him too, a bit too much, I guess. You know he has that enormous ego, and now I know he has an enormous dick too! Maybe he believed all the hype. Maybe this is the universe getting back at me… I don't know," Toph mumbled as she chewed her bottom lip.

"What are you calling hype, Toph? You've been monopolizing him ever since he got here. You want me to believe that you were putting on a show, messing with him? I saw the way you were pushing him in front of your dad and parading all those pretty girls around. I see the way that big tit cousin of yours drools over him. How about that confession your other cousin made. She offered to restore the Air Nomads single-handedly! Aren't you in charge of these, floozies?"

"Sugar Queen, think about what you just said," Toph groaned pointing at her own head. "Do you think if I really 'wanted' Twinkle Toes, that when he grabbed my boob that time, I would send him flying? Well, I did, and I even broke him up! Do you recall that? Also, why would I surround him with beautiful women if I wanted him for myself? My mom picked them because they are my cousins! We're all first cousins, Katara. They are not just a bunch of mindless floozies! That makes no sense whatsoever, Sweetness. Why would I want to cancel this stupid date? Why? Answer that, Sugar Queen!"

The countess walked back over to where the arguing women stood. "Excuse me, your Majesty, Ambassador Katara, but your conversing is disturbing our patients. Also, the content being discussed, I didn't deem quite appropriate for this venue, well at least the parts I overheard," Lili told the two, placing a finger to her lips. "There are a lot of ears around. Perhaps you two should move to the study; even you intend to continue to this conversation?"

"We're done," Katara stated. "Sorry Toph, I let my jealousy get to me. You're right, I was just being stupid," the waterbender admitted in a flat voice. "Excuse me, I think it's time for my brother's dressing change. Have a good time on your date, Toph."

"Yeah, whatever Katara. I don't need your sorry ass apology. Believe what you want, Sugar, I've got work to do. Lili, I'll be in my study for the next hour or so. I need to get some reports out," Toph somberly announced as she turned and headed for the door.

"Yes, your Majesty," the countess replied with a bow. "Shall I summon your secretary to transcribe for you?"

"No Lili, I'll take care of that when I'm ready to dictate," Toph answered in a clipped tone. "You just focus on your patients Lili. I'm sure the Ambassador here would also appreciate your focus and care."

The Countess watched as the two women turned in opposite directions and walked away. Katara stopped a few steps in, rubbing her forehead as tears swept down her heated cheeks. She turned around, but Toph was already out of the door. "You should follow her," Lili suggested.

The waterbender shook her head. " I'll go make it right with her later. I think we both need some time apart. When Toph gets like this, its best just to leave her be until she can calm down."

"I've known her for most of her life Ambassador Katara. I think right now she needs her friend to understand that she's trying her best. I can change your brother's bandages. Why don't you go and bandage your friendship with her?" Lili said with a genuine smile.

Once more Katara shook her head. "I think, I'll wait," she announced flatly, turning in Sokka's direction. "Maybe I'm the one who needs some time to calm down," she admitted.

Toph walked directly to her study, mumbling to herself. "Stupid, know-it-all, fat ass, water witch. Couldn't have hurt that much, yeah and I know your an expert on that too. I didn't see you bleeding. Well, I wonder how much you bled your first time Sugar Queen? I know you were lying when you said you didn't know how it felt. YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT FEELS!" the princess blared, causing the guards to look her way. Toph ignored them as she marched on. "I wonder who was your first? Maybe that bad boy Jet, or was it that nice guy, Haru? Perhaps his royal hotness decided to dip his scepter in your pool," Toph continued her rant as she entered the room.

The metalbender locked the door with a wave of her hand. She bent open the hidden passageway and proceeded towards the Avatar's room. "I think I'm ready for some dick-tation, right now," she said to herself, disrobing as she walked in the darkness. Toph didn't have to wonder where he was, she just knew. She felt him waiting and wanting, and now, that wait was about to end.