A Kiss in Ba Sing Se: Lovers
[A/N: This is an A/U story. Toph is a competent young lady unless Katara is involved. From the moment she realized her true feelings, she has felt as though she has to compete for Aang's affections. A kiss between Katara and Aang now prompts her to pull out all the stops if her feelings are to be reciprocated.
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights or titles to the characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Wholly owned by NICK!]
Chapter 1
Thoughts and Fears
(TAANG Story)
My love was asleep.
The slumber of ages
Until you came and awoken it!
It spoke of what was... and what was to be
As it soared with joy above the clouds!
Yet, another had your eye.
Was she more to you than I?
No, I must not despair,
For ours is the Love of Destiny!
And from your slumber, a Kiss will awaken All.
The 'GAang' had all gathered at Uncle Iroh's re-opened teashop, the Jasmine Dragon, to relax after the fierce battles they had endured to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and the evil Azula.
Toph's thoughts drift along with the melody of the tsuki horn which Iroh softly plays.
Her most recent brush with death crept once more into her mind as she lay on the table just above the Avatar.
Maybe it was the fact that her feet were off the ground her thoughts returned to such a morbid moment. Whatever the case, Toph sighs gratefully in remembrance for the reliable and steady hand of Sokka. Even suffering through a broken leg, the young man held fast.
Would anybody even miss me if I fell that day? I think I'm more of a nuisance to Sugar Queen than a friend, even after these last four years. Perhaps she'd shed a few tears but she cries over almost anything!
Toph sighs to herself. But life goes on. I'd eventually be a distant dirty little memory, even for her. She shakes her head at her morbidity. Sheesh, I'm depressing myself!
Still, the thought of her dangling above the abyss, between heaven and earth, shakes her to the core. For Toph, something felt weirdly familiar and almost nostalgic about her near fatal predicament.
What would the world do or become if the greatest earthbender and 'only' metalbender had actually gone up in smoke or fell into the ocean as fish food? Snoozle's you may not have realized it at the time, but you probably saved the world from mediocre earth bending. History may not remember that moment, but I'm sure destiny will echo your praises! All anyone would have as an example would be that old fart Bumi! Nobody would want to learn from some senile, rock candy addicted, old dude who is wolf-bat crazy! Yeah, he's strong but he's got more than a few cracks in that foundation he calls a head.
She laughs to herself, admiring her own wit before her thoughts drift towards the source of her angst once again.
Stupid me, about to become Toph flambé, and all I thought about was that skinny, pussyfoot, bald monk... monkey! What's wrong with me! She admonishes herself sharply.
The very thought of how he affected her drove her crazy. Toph focuses on her breathing to try and steady her mind.
With a self-assured nod of her head, she re-centers. Whatever, I'm grateful that Sokka didn't leave me hanging, literally. I'm a totally idiot! Even in that position, I wanted it to be Aang saving me. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Once more a heavy sigh rolls out of her.
A while back, something blossomed in her when she witnessed Aang on a Spirit Journey on the barren rock that was Roku's Island.
I can still feel this warmth burning in my chest, making my heart pound whenever he's near me. It takes everything I got just to not smile and get all 'Sugar Queeny' over that stupid numbskull. To top it all off, suddenly memories of me being some, some goddess, gets mixed in? Toph, you're losing it for sure! That boy is driving you insane!
"Are you okay Sifu? I can hear you sighing a lot up there."
"I'm fine Twinkle Toes. Just thinking about all that crazy stuff, we went through."
"Hey, if you need someone to listen to all that 'crazy stuff', just let me know. Not sure if I can fix anything, but I can at least listen. We've all been through a lot, and you almost dying was scary. I don't think I would have let Ozai live if you died Toph," he whispers solemnly knowing that she alone would be able to hear him.
The sound of her own heart floods her ears as it pounds wildly at his words. Breathe, she reminds herself, placing a hand on the center of her chest.
"Thanks." She finally manages to mumble.
It's been all this time and I still feel like some giddy school girl. Why am I the one all weird feeling when he was the one doing whatever he was doing?
Strangely, it seemed as though Toph had known Aang her whole life in an instant. When he took hold of her hand that day, the airbender had most assuredly captured her heart, soul, and body, all in one fell swoop.
I can't believe he hasn't even noticed how I feel! Are all guys this dense? It felt like lightning was flowing between us when he held my hand. Oh wow, I remember how hot my whole body got!
The corner of Toph's mouth lifts. If the others hadn't been there, I'd a planted a big wet one right on his lips for sure! Yep, I'd been on him like a canyon crawler on a cured hippo ham!
Toph restrains a giggle that threatens to betray her inner thoughts. Again, she sighs loudly.
"Are you, sure, you're okay, Sifu?" the airbender asks as he looks over his shoulder.
"Hey with you here, what could possibly be wrong Twinkle Toes?"
"Toph, I can't tell if you're being sincere or facetious. But I'll just take it as a compliment for now."
"Take it anyway you want too, Twinkle Toes."
The Avatar's face drops as he stands to his feet. "Didn't know I was bothering you Sifu, I guess I'll…"
"No, please don't leave Aang," she whispers, throwing an arm across her sightless eyes to hide her reddening cheeks. "I'm just being a bit moody is all. It, it was a compliment, okay?"
Aang reaches over and moves her arm away from her flushed face, taking hold of her small, strong hand.
Toph turns slightly towards him, not resisting his actions. Her feelings attempted to breach the dam of her self-control and she makes no attempt to stop them!
Aang swallows hard, looking into her hazy jade green eyes, contrasted against her rosy cheeks. Ever so expressive, there seemed to be a longing hidden behind them. He's drawn in.
The pair appear frozen in place. The lovesick teen thought to throw caution to the dirt and roll right over onto him! The idea brought a lift to the corners of her lips.
"You two look all cozy."
"Uh, Katara, uh, didn't see you, heh, heh, heh!" A drop of cold sweat streams down the side of his flushing face. He jumps back, letting go of Toph's hand, and noticing her displeasure.
Katara steps closer to him, looking up into his shifting gray eyes. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you two were staring into each other's eyes, all dreamy like," the waterbender snipes.
Toph sets up on her elbows. "I guess you, don't know better Sugar Queen."
"And why is that Toph?"
"Hello, I'm blind, you conceited flabby water bag. How can I possibly be staring into anyone's anything, you dumbass? Why don't you put that jealous streak of yours in check before you open that cake-hole you call a mouth!"
Katara threw a condescending look the earthbender's way. "Come on Aang, I guess she's her usual grumpy self. You know you shouldn't frown like that Toph; it makes wrinkles."
The waterbender's harassing laughter that followed stung worse than the comment.
"And I heard acting all jealous can cause premature greying, making you look way older, Fussy Britches! People will really start to believe you're his mother!"
Toph's retort draws an immediate reaction.
"I do not look like his mother! DO I LOOK LIKE YOUR MOTHER AANG?"
"Why are you yelling Katara?"
"I'M NOT YELLING - AANG!"
The single bead of sweat on the Avatar's face was joined by several others. "Of course not Katara. But maybe we can tone it down a bit? Don't want anyone to think you're upset, uh, or yelling about something Toph said."
The waterbender's blue eyes shift about the room. Several pairs of eyes dart away from her stare.
"Okay, but do you really think people will mistake me for your mother Aang?"
"I never met my mother, you know that Katara. I was raised by nuns and monks. But what does it matter what anyone thinks?"
"Well, do I look old - do you see any gray hairs," she asks as she fingers through her chestnut colored locks and bends closer to him.
It was the earthbender's rowdy laughter that broke the waterbender's rant. "You're just too easy Sweetness. I mean, why would you let anything from a blind girl upset you? I can't tell how you look. I don't even know what it means when people talk about color, or wrinkles! You're so full of yourself, I just have to pick on you."
"Well – eh, Toph - your, your, just a meanie!"
The earthbender turns her face towards the disgruntle waterbender with a smirk. "Is that the best you can come up with Sweetness. A meanie? I thought gray hair was about getting wiser! I guess you are the exception."
"Ha, you can't trick me again Toph? C'mon Aang, let's go find better company."
As Katara pulled the Avatar away, Toph overheard her whispering, "Did you see any white hairs Aang?"
Toph relaxed again on the table, placing an arm behind her head as a pillow.
That was a nice distraction. I thought for a minute I was going to have to put a move on that sexy Avatar, or maybe he was going to put a move on me. That would have been nice, like in my dreams.
As much as it disturbed Toph, Aang was dominating her thoughts and her dreams almost on a daily basis. There were not your typical average dreams either. Instead, these were passionate and very intense, arousing ones. This was particularly disturbing, especially for a blind girl. The silhouette her earth bending sight created of him approached with words of love and desire. His touches so real they made her shudder.
Toph could only imagine this is what color looked like when these flashes occurred. The hardest thing she had to deal with was the emotional mess they made of her and the hope. She would wake up in a panic, only to find that she was still alone in her rock shelter or room. As it faded, a sense of disappointment followed.
She started to 'touch' herself, in all those intimate places, so naturally, taking longer and more frequent baths, became a necessity. This also meant more encounters with the sharp-tongued matriarch of their group who was inquiring why she was now ready to shed her healthy layer of earth.
Toph hoped and prayed that no one was around to hear her call out his name in those times of mind-numbing bliss. Especially not him.
"Hey Toph, you doing okay up there?" Sokka unexpectedly whispered. "I thought you didn't like it when your feet weren't on the floor."
She cuts him an irritated glance. "I'll have you know; this is like a little vacation away from all of you dimwits," she lies. "This is the only way I can get some, 'me time,' with all of you stomping around. It sounds like a herd of elephant-bison in here!"
The blue-eyed young man chuckles. His laughter like music to her delicate ears. It added a pinkish tint to her pale cheeks.
"We'll try to keep it down, your majesty," Sokka replies as his attempt at a bow becomes awkward with his injured leg and crutch.
"That would be appreciated knave," she plays along, a warm smile curling her lips.
As her former secret crush leaves to join his girlfriend, Toph's thoughts quickly turned back to her chief concern.
I have to tell that numbskull how I feel soon, or I'll just go crazy! I hesitated with Snoozles and what did that get me? Miss Fan Service just blew in and swept him away! Now they're playing doctor every chance they get, and I sit on the sidelines! It's a wonder she is not brewing up a li'l doofuses in that belly!
Toph laughs at her own joke, choosing to she sits up.
Maybe I should be more direct like Suki was? A bit more tramp and a lot less lady maybe what is needed here. Hey, I just described Sweetness!
Toph chews her bottom lip as she recalled how Sokka kissed Suki that day with no consideration for her being there. Yeah, it hurt, but at least it showed her where they all stood.
Yeah, Captain Boomerang, I knew you would never feel for me like you did for the fan-wielding, costumed Avatar groupie. I guess she has a thing for crossdressers.
She could accept that; had accepted that. Toph was even grateful for the lesson and realized that Sokka wasn't who she was looking for, but a reflection of her real heart's desire.
Damn, why does this hurt so much when I think about you Twinkle Toes? Even when Sokka chose Stupid Suki it didn't feel like this. Just knowing you're over there with Sweetness draped all over you Twinkle Toes makes my blood want to boil. We were having such a good time before that floozy barged in! I know every moment that witch is scheming to take you! She just can't stand seeing us together and happy! Why can't I get you out of my mind... you, stupid Twinkle Toes!
She groans inwardly in frustration. Toph reflects to the time before that final battle when Aang went missing.
Didn't that idiot realize what he was doing to us? To me? How I cried over you; you selfish asshole!
Still, Toph had determined to be there when he did need her the most, no matter the circumstances or the cost, and she was!
That fateful leap, as that last ship rose into the air, was the result of her commitment and determination. Toph put every bit of her obdurate will into it as she hefted her companions in a superhuman feat that even surprised her. She was so desperate to aid Aang, to have him notice her, she threw caution to the wind that day.
Being there for him and with him was her sole motivation. She couldn't let him down, not after all they've been through over the years. She was determined to not let him face the Fire Lord and his comet-powered hordes alone. Aang would have her strength!
She lays back on the table once more. Toph let loose yet another long sigh, pondering how she should approach the whimsical airbender.
He was just under me and now we're so far apart. He's with that waterbending bimbo! Who am I kidding, he's always with her! What do you see in her Twinkle Toes! She's even bossier than I am and she treats you like a kid! Plus, she has absolutely no sense of humor.
Toph continues to mull over Katara and Aang's apparent lack of compatibility.
Just because you save someone's life, doesn't mean you own them Sugar Queen! Stupid waterbender... stupid healer! You think you're so smart, always first sitting next to him and giving him hugs... what a floozy! Letting him feel those fatty bags!
Toph bites her lip. As her frustration approaches critical mass. No boulders are nearby to pummel into dust.
Maybe I should just pound on Sugar Queen's cutesy face! Control yourself Toph girl, wouldn't want to ruin Uncle's place on its first day... now would you?
She heard the other girls talking about some nonsense and Katara seemed to be leading the pack, as usual.
So, what, Miss Fussy Britches, if you're as pretty as a sunset over the southern seas? Whatever that means. Big whooping deal! No one cares that you have all the right bulges in all the right places, well except for Zuko. He's always checking out that massive butt of yours! Hey, isn't a king better than a wimpy Avatar?
The earthbender takes a moment to listen in on the growing conversation near her. She decides to stay put, hearing nothing of interest. Toph returns to her inner-personal reflections.
Katara thinks her boobs are like huge! In a little while, I'll make her look as flat as the walls of this city! I don't know how I compare Sweetness, but I have an excellent set of girls growing!
She feels under her chest with a grin. I think they're pretty good for a sixteen-year-old, not that I could tell. I need somebody who will let me feel theirs. That way, I can know for sure. Hmmm, that circus freak Ty Lee always grabs mine, but she's not here! I wish I would have asked her.
Toph continues her mental discourse. I bet Twinkle Toes has gotten an eyeful of that baggy boobage! Let's practice our splashing, uh, waterbending... Aang. Yeah, right! You were just making up an excuse to strip down to those rags that pass for underwear! And what's getting them wet supposed to do? You're just teasing him, and he's just too stupid to understand that! You're a hussy Sweetness! You may have him fooled, but girl, I see right through your slutty schemes, just like he probably does those wet gutchies!"
Toph shakes her head recollecting just before the city fell.
Gosh, why didn't the almighty Avatar go and save the King of Ba Sing Se with the whole world on the line? Seriously, Twinkle Toes, didn't it make more sense for you to do that? Uncle and I could've saved the Floozy Flasher and his Hotness! This city may have never fallen then! Well, who knows! No sense in dwelling on the past or stupid, boneheaded decisions.
She once more shakes her head in frustration at her situation.
Shit, he's driving me crazy just knowing that he is in the same room! Why do you have to smell so good Twinkle Toes? You were sitting there playing with Momo! I wanted you to pay me some attention instead!
The earthbender touches her forehead in shame. Oh, now this is a new low, even for you Toph! Jealous of the monkey! I need something to drink!
Toph yells Zuko's way, waving a hand. "Hey, you, royal tea boy... is it ready yet?"
The new Fire Lord smiles and shakes his head at her request. Being a king seemed to mean nothing to the precocious earthbending master. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Did she just really call you, 'royal tea boy', Zuko? Mai asks in her deadpan tone.
"At least she's not calling me Twinkle Toes," he laughs. "Give me a sec Toph. I'm putting in another dollop of honey into your ginger milk tea... extra sweet right?"
Toph gives him a thumbs up with a toothy grin. "Yep, you know how I like it, spicy and sweet!"
The king now turned waiter, started to pass out everyone's order, starting with the rambunctious earthbender first.
"Sit up now Toph and hold it steady," he warns. "This stuff is boiling, and that honey can leave a nasty burn."
She smiles, cynically at his advice but follows it anyway. "Yeah, yeah, just like a certain hotman I know."
His cheeks flare red. Zuko quickly recovers his composure after the suggestive comment. "Still, be careful Toph, and I hope you enjoy," he replies with a bow and unseen smile.
She smiles reflexively, noting his playful tone as she took a slow sip. When did 'Flames for Brains' and I get so friendly? It must be the tea. Damn, this is good!
Toph's attention shifts to a light conversation between Aang and Zuko, standing close by. She couldn't help focusing on the Avatar's voice.
"Let me have a little of what Toph's drinking Zuko?" Aang asks. "It smells delicious."
Why am I getting happy because he wants to drink what I'm having, and he said my name? He uses my name all the time. Silly girl, he just saying your name like he always does.
"You sure buddy. She likes it extra sweet. I tried it, but it was too sweet for me."
"Why don't you take a sip of mine Aan… huh, Twinkle Toes," she offers, holding out her cup. "That way, you can taste it for yourself."
She feels his hands wrap around hers instead of taking the cup.
"Okay!"
Still clutching her hand, the Avatar leans over and takes a brief sip from the side of the cup closest to him. "Winds, that's good. Can I get another taste Toph?"
"Sh-sure, huh, help yourself," she answers in a low squeaky voice.
This time he took Aang tenderly lifts the cup from her hands. She hears him drink with a satisfying sigh before he places it back in her trembling hands, the handle of the tea pointing in the opposite direction.
He, he drank from this side! Why would he give me his side of the cup? Is this like a… a kiss? Is this his way of saying he wants to kiss me? Oh boy, you got it so bad girl. You're overthinking this Toph. This isn't one of those stupid romance tomes, just take a drink and be…
"Wow, that does smell good!" the annoying waterbender's cheerfully grating voice intrudes on her thoughts. "Can I get a taste too?"
Before the self-serving request is denied, Toph feels her hands empty of their precious treasure. "Hey, give that back, Sugar Queen!"
Katara's sharp exhale carries the scent of ginger and honey on it. "Oops, too late Toph. I accidentally finished it. I'm sure Zuko wouldn't have a problem with making you a fresh cup, that is unless there was something special about this one?
The glowering earthbender folded her arms across her chest. "Nothing special about that one Sugar Queen. But next time, get your own damn cup."
"Sorry, Toph. After all those times we drank from the same container, I didn't think it would be a problem. Besides, I drank from your side of the cup. It's as if we shared a sisterly kiss. Doesn't that make you happy?"
The earthbender did not miss the underlying smirky tone in the waterbender's sly reply. All eyes focused on the two women as silence hung in the air, accented by the melody of Iroh's playing.
"Royal tea boy, another cup please," Toph finally requested, laying down on her table once again.
The party breathes out a collective sigh of relief as Katara smiles victoriously.
Shit, shit, shit! That bitch knows how I feel! She took it, took him away again! She took my kiss!
Toph feelings were reminiscent of her life and death struggle Sokka, and Suki rescued her from at that time. She recalls her tears from that terrifying moment. It wasn't like the tough earthbender hadn't cried, but the sense of desperation and impending loss feels so similar to that time. She fights back her tears even through the heartbreak.
I'm not going to give you the satisfaction Sugar Queen. Not this time!
Before Toph could sink any further into her thoughts, a small commotion ensues. She hears the others talking about a picture. Something Sokka drew or had drawn piqued their interests, not that she could see it.
I might as well go and find out what all the fuss is about. She decided to join in the fun.
As her feet touch the stone tiles, she immediately locates the airbender. Toph hangs back until Aang starts to move towards the table. She follows suit. Unexpectedly, he veers towards the porch.
What am I doing? I can't just go off and follow him like some stalker! I'm sure Sweetness is watching us. What would he think if I do something like that? He might think it's… creepy!
She decides to approach the table with the rest of the people gathered around it. Toph senses everybody around it, except for the airbender.
The mood is light as different people critique the group portrait Sokka has crafted. Even though the comments were funny, Toph focuses on the Avatar, standing by himself out on the porch.
Maybe I should have joined him?
She lets her indecision fade, choosing to present with the others.
I'll get my chance later, Aang! She grins, allowing herself to relax.
"I think you all look perfect!" Toph proclaims adding to the happiness of her surroundings.
Her laughter quickly fades as Katara heads towards the balcony. Please don't go out there!
Toph holds in a gasp as her worse fears become a reality.