Makes Me Wonder

Chapter 3

AN: Sorry for the wait, I've been busy getting back to the swing of college and working, but now I think I'm okay to start writing again. By the way; "The Firebending Masters" was an amazing episode! It was tons of fun to watch (I was laughing half the time!)

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar, if I did I would be playing Katara in the movie

"She said I tasted like moon peaches"

"Moon peaches? Do you even eat moon peaches?"

"Well, there were some sweet things in the room that Lady Bei Fong took us to. They might have been dried moon peaches…"

"Weird…Hmmm Katara always says I taste like spiced apples…"

…

"One, she had better be talking about your lips and two why are you telling me this Aang? The last thing I need in my head is the thought of my little sister 'tasting' someone"

"Geez Sokka, you make it sound so gross…"

"It is when it's between you and Katara"

Sokka and Aang had been standing in the archway of the gardens where the wedding would take place for a few moments now. They had been discussing Toph's latest encounter with the dark skinned teenager while waiting for Katara to appear so that they could gather with the rest of the guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the teenage bride walking down the aisle. Luckily their conversation ceased just as the water bender appeared, still looking as stunning as she did the first time they had seen her. She looked back and forth between the two and sighed. Aang had decided to change his attire, he was now draped in Emerald cloth but Sokka remained clad in his blue warrior's garments.

"Sokka are you sure you won't change?" Katara asked, now taking the arm of the bald air bender beside her. Sokka noticed the boy blushing slightly, despite the familiar contact. Sokka scowled.

He would have to talk to Katara about that whole "tastes like apples" thing later….

"I look fine" He muttered looking toward a group of guests who were taking a seat on rows of elaborate stone benches nearby. "Let's just sit down okay?"

Katara nodded and she and Aang followed him to their own seats.

This couldn't be happening….

Sokka inhaled deeply and rubbed his face with his hands. This just seemed so wrong. The gang had been such rebels not too long ago, why was Toph now deciding for conform to her parents wishes? Not able to answer his own rhetorical question he groaned and stood up.

"What are you doing?" Aang asked in a sort of forced whisper. Some sort of string music had just started and the crowds were quieting down considerably.

"Sokka sit down" Katara ordered, pulling him down by the arm. He plopped back down in the seat and grumbled. Apparently it was too late to see her once more anyways….

Suddenly Sokka felt very ill. Everyone turned as a man dressed elaborately made his way to the front of the garden. His intricate green robes hung loosely from his pale skin, and his dark hair tied in a low braid reached a bit past his shoulders. The man had a smug expression on his face which reminded him of the last guy he hated more than any fire nation soldier.

He has that smug look as Hahn….

Sokka grimaced and looked away. This was even more wrong now that he had seen the Toph's soon to be husband. Even worse, the man looked more than double her age….This was just sick. He wouldn't allow his mind to wander about what would happen to Toph if that man became her lord.

As if sensing his discomfort Katara placed a hand on Sokka's shoulder and squeezed lightly. "She'll be all right, just-"

"Don't mess anything up?" Sokka finished bitterly. Katara huffed and looked away from her brother.

"- don't forget she cares about you okay. Just because she's doing this it doesn't mean she doesn't care about you…" She finished in a sort mumble.

Sokka wasn't able to reply, the sound of a loud horn tore through the courtyard and commanded the attention of all the guests. From the direction of the sound an older man, Toph's father Sokka immediately recognized, appeared. Clinging to his arm was the bride, clad in her white robes and looking down, her face covered by a veil. As they walked to down the aisle Sokka couldn't help but to smile noticing her bare feet peaking out from under her gown after each step.

"She's beautiful" he heard Katara whisper. All he could do was nod dumbly in reply. She was beautiful.

Beautiful…But sad….And small…

It was amazing to see her looking so put together and formal but it was so disheartening after noticing how she was walking. Short nervous steps that contrasted her usual proud bold movements made Sokka feel guilty about what was going on. She shouldn't have to marry this guy….Anyone else in the world would be better for her. Anyone…Even…

One of a handful of priests stood as Toph made her way next to her husband and began to speak about how the spirits had gathered today to witness and bless the union. He continued to speak about each of the families and something about what they had to bring to such a successful couple. Sokka didn't hear completely what he was talking about; instead his mind was spinning about an idea that had magically appeared in his mind.

It was only when the priest mentioned the attendance of the Avatar that Sokka snapped back into reality. Suddenly every guest was staring in his general direction at Aang.

"Even the Avatar has come to express his support for this union"

Aang stood and awkwardly waved. "Uhhh hello everyone…" He quickly sat down without mentioning his supposed 'support' for this wedding. The priest gave a short nod and continued with his words and Aang shuffled uncomfortably.

Anyone would be better for her…..

"And now we allow Master Bei Fong to give his daughter in blessed union to his soul mate"

Anyone…

"May the spirits look after them both and allow a prosperous future"

Anyone…

"May both families have great wealth and happiness"

Anyone

Making more noise than he actually meant to Sokka stood up from his seat. Katara and Aang shot him surprised and confused looks and naturally all other attention turned to him, but it was not until he spoke that the real commotion broke out. Sokka prayed that he would not be killed for this.

"Toph!" Sokka exclaimed. He saw her turn in his direction, though he could not see the look on her face. He took a breath and yelled out.

"Toph will you marry me?!"

She makes me wonder why I ever hesitated…

AN: Sorry for the long wait and the short chapter! I dunno when the next chapter will be out but I betting for pretty soon.

Much Love

-CR