A Kiss in Ba Sing Se: Secrets and Promises

[A/N: Regrets, connections, acceptance and a few unexpected surprises.

TAANG... you're it!

Who do we confide in and how much do we tell, even a friend.

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

Enjoy.

Comment if you wish. All feedback is welcomed.]

Chapter 83

Secrets in Hiding

The Avatar started for the door. It felt like someone was tugging at his heart as he turned back and saw the naked, soft, ivory skinned princess, sitting upon the floor. Her face still reddened with desire, lips, full and pouty. Aang swooped back to her, kissing Toph with all the passion he could muster as drool slipped past their undulating lips, streaming down the earthbender's chin.

"Oh my, somebody's excited," the princess exclaimed, their lips barely apart.

"I sure am!"

"I was talking about me, you knucklehead," Toph corrected him as she smeared the escaped saliva across her chest. "Now you have four and a half minutes."

The Avatar's jaw dropped open. "I thought you said I had five minutes, Toph."

The princess' index finger began to tap the tip of his still hardened manhood rhythmically. "Clocks ticking, flyboy. Better get a move on it, or you'll have to wring him out by hand."

"Five minutes, Toph, please give me five minutes again. Just give me five, and I'll lap your lily until your nectar runs like a river," he proposed. "And don't start counting until Zuko is inside, okay?"

Toph smiled devilishly. "Hmm, lap my lily. I think I like that proposition, not that you wouldn't have done it anyway, Aang."

"You do know me so well, Sifu."

"Of course I do, Avatar Aang. Possibly better than you know yourself," the little earthbender laughed as she began to trace about his erection. "I have an idea, why don't we just ignore the door and you get to drinking."

He considered her offer for a moment as the musty sweet aroma from her other lips wafted up like rich incense, but then the incessant knocking started up again. "Damn, I thought he had given up," the airbender growled.

"Me too," Toph agreed with a long disappointed sigh. "Make sure to get rid of him quick! I'm hornier than a pair of mill-mice in a wool sock."

Aang chuckled lightly about to ask her where she picked up the quaint saying, but once more Zuko's knocking at the outer door invaded their moment.

"Does it really look like a lily down there," Toph inquired as she sat back and spread her legs.

The air nomad was wholly captivated as his mouth began to water. "Uh, actually, it looks more like these flowers that used to bloom every spring around the Southern Air Temple. The monks call them the 'Maiden's Blush.' Gyatso told me they were a type of iris with a deep pink color. I now know why it was named so," he exclaimed in a low voice.

Toph could feel his heart beating faster as his breathing deepened. She could feel a small pool forming under her on the stone tile floor as well.

"Remember Aang, five minutes from the time you let his royal hotness in the door. But you better be ready to lap up all this flower's honey, even if it drowns you!"

Aang slowly and seductively licked her lips. "That would be a splendid way to die, my love. One can only hope for such a delightful end."

There was a collective sigh from the couple as once more Zuko called out. "Please Aang, open the door. I really need to talk to a friend. I need some advice… please Aang! Sorry to wake you up buddy if you're asleep!"

Toph scowled at his begging. "Sparky must really be feeling desperate right now. You better go and see what all this craziness is about, for sure. I'll even make it six minutes."

Aang cut his gray eyes at the princess. "You just want to know what's going on too, don't you, Toph?"

"So what if I do? Better hurry or the clock is going to start ticking again," she warned playfully.

"Your generosity knows no bounds, your majesty," Aang replied with a bow. "I'll make it as quick as possible," he assured her, grabbing his robe and tying it tightly. "Wool sock," he chuckled to himself.

"You better!" he heard her mumble as he closed the door behind him.

Aang looked down and saw the telltale signs of his stiffy prominently trying to escape the flap of the thick white cotton robe. He draped the ends of the tie that held the flaps closed in the front, hoping it would at least hide most of his stubborn boner.

"Well, once I see Zuko's ugly mug, I'm sure this will go away," he consoled himself as he went to the front door.

As Aang opened the door, he took a step back as someone started to bow. She wore a two-tone, green, sleeveless dress with a loose neckline that Aang had seen on various women in the palace.

"Pardons, Avatar Aang, my humble apologies," she exclaimed, with a bow that gave him a clear look down her cleavage. "I am Captain Ming of the Fire Nation's Royal Security Force, and I'm currently acting as his Royal Highness' bodyguard while in the palace. Excuse my casual attire, but many still are put off by the Fire Nation uniform since the war. It was decided that I, and my fellow company dress in civilian attire as to be less conspicuous. May we ent…" The captain paused suddenly, as Ming caught a glimpse of Aang's one-eyed woody that started peeking out from between the folds of his robe while she was explaining.

The Fire Nation officer stared intently at the appendage, unsure at what she saw until the cowl rolled slightly back to reveal the slit. As Ming's eyes widened, she thought her face was going to explode as it seemed to wink in her direction.

Aang was puzzled by her sudden silence and that she seemed suspended in her subservient position. He followed her gaze, seeing that his attempt to conceal his protrusion had failed and the view Ming was providing wasn't helping him retain control.

The captain sprang to attention as Aang tried to secure his wayward package.

"Uh, Zuko, Fire Lord, I th-thought you were alone," Aang stammered as he turned away from the completely flustered woman. "What's up?"

As Zuko stepped from behind the captain and attempted to enter, Ming threw up an arm in front of him. "Please your Majesty, let me inspect his quarters first. With all these strange attacks occurring, we cannot take the chance, sire."

"But the Avatar has been in here. He doesn't appear to be in any danger, Captain."

"I understand milord, but it is my duty to assure your safety. If something were to occur, it would be considered dishonor."

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine," the Fire Lord sighed in exasperation. "But make it quick. I'm sure it's okay with the Avatar, right Aang?"

"Huh, how much looking around do you want to do?" he asked extra loudly, as to warn his hidden playmate.

"I was just going to do a standard sweep, your Grace. A quick walk through the rooms is all. Then you and the Fire Lord will be able to converse in safety."

"What if we just stay in this room?" Aang asked the amber-eyed woman. "That way you don't have to search the whole place."

Ming sighed as she deliberately kept her eyes on Aang's head tattoo. "Your Grace, we are amongst earthbenders, and not all of them considers the Fire Nation an ally. They can enter through the very walls. I intended to station myself in the bedroom in order to cover your flank if an attack occurred. We have others in the hallway here, patrolling."

"I promise I was against this plan Aang," the Fire Lord insisted. "But my security chief wouldn't let me come see you otherwise."

"But Zuko, you're the king!"

The Fire Lord shrugged. "Hey, even a king has to follow the rules."

"I promise to be discreet," Ming assured him.

"I still would rather you not search through my, bedroom, my bedroom, is still pretty messed up and smelly… there in my bedroom, that you want to search! Besides, I was just about to take a shower before you guys arrived," Aang stated in an awkwardly loud voice.

The sheer volume of Aang's voice aroused Zuko's curiosity. "Is everything okay, buddy? I thought this was a silly formality, but you're acting awfully weird? Is there someone or something in the bedroom that you're trying to warn us about?" the Fire Lord whispered cautiously.

The Avatar looked more than a little annoyed. "I'm fine Zuko! It's just been a pretty rough day, and I'm very tired. Katara was extremely upset about Sokka and that fight this morning, it really took it out of me. Fong was badly injured trying to protect me too. Truthfully, I just want to take a long bath and catch some sleep."

"Sounds rough, and I can understand that. So of course, you already know about Sokka and Mai? I'm sorry about Fong too, she seemed like a nice girl," Zuko added as he peered into the suite. "Looks like they're still working on getting the place fixed up. Wouldn't it have been easier just to move you?"

"I told them I'd be fine right here. This place is still more comfortable than the cell I used to sleep in at the Air Temple. I didn't want to put Toph out any further since she's taking care of Mai and Sokka. So how did you find out them Zuko?" Aang asked, trying to stall so that his lover had a chance to flee possibly.

"One of Toph's ladies came and told me that they were injured. Katara must be beside herself. I thought you would be glued to her side, Aang? You guys just started dating this week and now all this stuff? I don't know what game fate is playing, but if you guys can get through all this, you can make it through anything."

"I guess you're right," the Avatar agreed in a soft voice. "I was there, Toph too, but she was so focused on taking care of Sokka that I ended up being more of a distraction than a help. I got all covered in sweat and blood when I was trying to console her. After that, she asked me to leave."

Zuko raised an eyebrow, "Why buddy?"

The airbender lowered his head. "I kind of got really… emotionally. Seeing Fong, Mai and Sokka all laid out; I felt helpless. I tried to keep it together, but… well, I couldn't."

Zuko nodded. "I hear you. So did Sokka get his injuries from that creature we saved him from? I thought he was okay last night, especially with all those ladies swarming around. But then that monster that attacks you this morning. I'm glad you made it out okay," Zuko stated as he shook his head.

"He didn't get hurt because of the succubus," Aang confirmed. "Looks like Suki and Mai were sparring or something and Sokka caught a stray blade right in the gut. We almost lost him. Toph thinks he just walked into the wrong place at the wrong time."

"What do you think Aang," the Fire Lord asked. "I mean were they fight…"

Ming stepped between them, cutting the conversation short. "Milords, shouldn't you be continuing this conversation inside? I'll go and secure the quarters."

Aang still stood in the doorway, blocking, she said that probably a week before the war ended! Man, do you have a short memory or what?"

"Did she? I don't remember," he replied sheepishly, glancing back at the closed door.

Finally, two knocks resounded from the ng the entrance. "Like I said, I was going to take a bath, and I just threw my dirty clothes off in there. They're all stinky and gross. Zuko, I don't want your lovely lady bodyguard seeing those disgusting things, it's too don't I go and tidy up a bit first?"

Ming began to chuckle. "No need for such an effort for my sake. While I appreciate your concern Avatar Aang, but I can assure you, I've seen far worse as a prison guard. I will not think any the less of you for your room being untidy, your Grace."

"Please Aang, just let Ming do her job, and then we can talk. What I have to say, I only want you to know right now."

The Avatar stepped to the side. "C'mon in then," he conceded raising an arm to show Ming in. "I'm just warning you, in the bedroom, there is such a mess!"

Aang wasn't aware that when he raised his arm, the flaps of the robe opened once more. He didn't have the erection, but it was still hanging long and thick, something the Captain didn't miss. Ming's gaze readily fixed on his member, so that she tripped over her own feet at the sight.

"Are you okay," the Avatar asked as he caught her before she fell.

She could feel his hard muscles in his arms under the robe as she looked into his sparkling gray eyes.

"Uh, yes, I'm good," she replied, flushing as she turned her face away from his.

"Sorry I didn't warn you before," Aang apologized as he set her back on her feet. "But this place got pretty tore up this morning, and the fixing isn't complete yet. I tripped earlier myself, so please be careful. Especially when you look in the bedroom," he yelled out once more.

"Thank you for your concern," Ming replied, regaining her composure. "I will be extra careful. Trust me; I will be quick and discreet. Fire Lord, once I've inspected the area, I will simply knock twice. You can do the same once your meeting has concluded. Is that satisfactory?"

"Indeed," Zuko replied taking a seat in one of the surviving chairs.

All Aang could do was sigh as he watched Ming disappear into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

"Wow, you really are nervous about Ming checking out your bedroom. You haven't taken your eyes off that door since she went in,'" Zuko noted with a chuckle. "I'm surprised."

Aang crossed his arms and looked over at the laughing king. "Why would you be surprised by this Zuko?"

"Because when we traveled together, you and Sokka were the worst slobs! Katara was always complaining about how you would drop your dirty drawers anywhere."

"That's unfair Zuko! I was just a stupid kid when Katara first found me, of course, I was a slob," Aang retorted rolling his eyes.

The Fire Lord laughed raucously. "Aang, just three weeks back, she was heckling you about not picking up your room. How bad are you that she has to mother you about a room at the inn!"

The Avatar let him have his laugh. His attention was on the other side of the door. He was tracking Ming's movements with his earth sense, but surprisingly, he didn't detect Toph.

"Maybe she left through the tunnel," he thought with a sigh of disappointment.

"Hey didn't mean to bust your chops buddy," Zuko apologized. "I was just trying to lighten the mood."

"Naw, I'm good Zuko. Just tired like I said before. So, what did you need me for?"

Before the Fire Lord could start, Ming's signal resounded from the other side of the heavy wooden door.

Aang watched Zuko take in a sigh of relief. "Were you worried?"

"Aren't you Aang? This has been a helluva stay so far. If you want, I can station some of my best people…"

The Avatar held up a hand. "I don't need anyone else getting hurt on my behalf Zuko. Toph's people are doing a great job so far."

The Fire Lord nodded. "Okay, but if you need me, I'm here for you."

"I know Zuko. So what's this urgent matter? If it's only about Mai and Sokka then you can go down to Toph's apartment, Katara and Lili can tell you how they're doing."

"No Aang, I can't go down there yet."

"Why not Zuko? She's your girlfriend, isn't she?"

Fire Lord sat back, templing his fingers. "Aang, Mai and I, well, you know we've been off and on. Just before we came here, we decided to give it one last try. But honestly, after last night, and the way she was throwing herself at Sokka, I don't know."

"I thought she was doing all that to make you jealous. I mean, you weren't holding back either, even with me," Aang said with a wink.

"I thought it was all good fun too until that fight with that creature, and the girls had to kiss us. She was actually closer to me, but she locked lips with Sokka instead. Pissed Suki off to no ends as well. Do you know how awkward it was after that?"

"Not as awkward as it's been between Katara, Toph and me," the Avatar threw in. "With you guys, it was only a kiss, but…"

Zuko covered his mouth. "Oh man, I forgot about you and Toph getting it on, and in front of everybody. I know Katara was upset, but how is Toph doing?"

"As well as can be expected under the circumstances Zuko. I tried to apologize, but you know Toph, she's gonna have to have some time to get passed all this. But I'm sure we're going to work it all out. I'm putting everything into keeping us together, uh, as friends, I mean."

"Hey, you don't have to explain everything to me. If Suki wasn't such a good friend, I don't know what I would be thinking right now. We talked last night about all this," Zuko divulged as Aang glanced over at the Fire Lord.

"Suki, huh? You guys talked last night?"

Zuko waved his hands in the air. "Oh, no, don't get the wrong idea Aang. She's like Toph is to you, just friends, or more like a sister," he clarified.

Aang thought for a moment to tell the Fire Lord about what the princess meant to him but dismissed the notion from his mind.

"Are you still upset with Mai for kissing him instead of you, Zuko? Is that why you didn't go to see her right away?"

The Fire Lord shook his head. "No, if it were that simple, I would have gone to see her right away instead of coming here. This is much deeper Aang."

"What could be deeper than going to see your wounded girlfriend, Zuko?"

"I have a kid Aang. I just met her today. Can you believe that?"

The Avatar's mouth dropped open. "No, no I can't!"