As the title suggests, this chapter does contain mature content. No actions, but plenty of talk about it. Aang gets to learn something new.
Chapter II
Aang made his way back to one of the water rooms in the palace, stripping down and scrubbing himself. His bending was good, but he had mud in some places that he wasn't exactly comfortable in bending out. He wasn't that confident in his abilities
When he finally was squeaky clean and smelled like fresh flower he dried off and threw on a robe that Zuko had had tailored for him. He looked in the mirror, impressed.
The main part of the robe glowed with a golden hue, offset by a deep blue stripe running down across his chest. A blend of Air nation as well as Water-tribe symbols danced about the robe, marking his relationship with Katara. Gold thread ran along the sleeves, which were capped with blue sapphires. The rest of the outfit ran similar to that design, Air-nomad gold offset by Water-tribe blue. The outfit was completed with a dazzling gold sash that he tied about his waist. He felt the sash, running his hands gingerly through the soft thread; it was actually woven from gold. It was a good thing he was the avatar, otherwise he might be mugged for his outfit tonight. Then again, someone might try just for the heck of it, this thing was crazy!
To be honest with himself though, he thought that the whole outfit was a bit extravagant for a humble Air-nomad. He had been taught to avoid earthly comforts and separate himself from the material world, but this was a gift? Surely he could not reject it? As Jack had said before. Do not reject a gift because it is to rich. This does not demonstrate humility but conceitedness, someone who thinks they are above matters of the earth. A gift is given from the heart, so take it at such a value. Do not presume you are a better person because you reject riches.
Aang almost laughed out loud, amused by the little lecture. Ever since the war had ended Jack had become a proverb book of sorts, offering sage advice to anyone who would listen, and even those who would not. Whatever he had done for the back half of the war seemed to have made him into an Uncle Iroh of sorts, only not so wrinkly or tea obsessed. Maybe that came with age.
With that thought in mind he walked out the door, hoping that it was time to go see Katara.
He walked past her room and ventured to knock on the door, but when an exasperated Suki answered she told him to bug off until Katara opened the door herself. She then proceeded to slam the door in his face for the second time that day.
Realizing that it was probably best to leave Suki alone, he decided to go and see whether or not Sokka had broken from his prison of earth. Sure enough, there he was, clear as, well… mud.
"You're still stuck there?" Asked Aang, surprised. Toph turned to greet him, sitting next to Sokka on the nice clean grass, legs crossed.
"Snoozles still hasn't learned his lesson." She said, a sinister smile on her face. Sokka giggled, dried mud caked on his face. His fingers wiggle weakly underneath the mud, making small slurping noises.
"It was totally worth it." He said. Aang looked over at Toph, who was actually clean for once and adorned in her usual earthbender wear. The soft smell of peaches floated on the breeze. He lifted an eyebrow.
"Toph, did you use peach wash?" He asked. Sokka's face immediately dropped as he shook his head vigorously at Aang. He only realized his mistake when Toph froze, the earth beneath her hands bending slightly.
"Ya, so what if I did?" She said gruffly. Aang put a hand behind his head, his cheeks blushing from fear.
"Nothing, I just thought that I smelled peaches or something." He said, scooting back slowly. Toph turned her gaze back to Sokka, apparently not willing to get herself worked up over the subject.
"Whatever Twinkle-toes. Why don't you go bug someone else for a while? Sokka still has to learn his lesson." With that Toph bended a ball of mud straight into Sokka's face, causing him to cough and hack. A sly grin still stretched across his face, however.
"It was still worth it." He said through the mud. That got him another one to the face.
"I think she's got a hot date." Continued Sokka with a wide grin on his face, earning himself a beating. Aang walked back into the palace, avoiding the splatter of mud that followed him. He did not want to be Sokka at the moment. Come to think of it, he never wanted to be Sokka, who in their right mind would?
He slowly made his way back to Katara's room, not wanting to run into Suki but still drawn over there by the amorous desire to see his beauty. Eventually his love won over and he walked over to her room, this time taking a seat across the hall. He sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, waiting for someone to open the door, hopefully soon.
After what felt like an hour, but what was probably just a few minutes, the door opened. His heart leapt into his mouth as it flew away gracefully, revealing the form of an ever perturbed Suki. His countenance quickly fell, much to her annoyance.
"Don't worry lover boy, she's almost done. Where's dunderhead?" She asked. By that Aang figured she meant Sokka.
"He's in the garden with Toph." He said. Suki's eyes narrowed.
"Ohh is he now?" She said, menacingly. She stormed off, leaving Aang to shake his head as he watched her exasperated form disappear around the corner. What in the world had gotten into her lately? She was so irritable and jumpy, snapping at the smallest slight. He was even beginning to think that it wasn't Sokka's fault that things were going so poorly between them. If Katara started acting like that, which she would not, he had no idea how he would handle it. Perhaps Suki should go see a psychiatrist? He could recommend her to Dr. Fire, but then again that was just Sokka with a fake beard, so it might just make things worse.
He shook his head, sighing as he leaned further back, letting the cool marble rest against his skin. It was a trial having friends.
His head snapped around when he heard Katara's door clicking, his eyes staring at the door with an ardent passion. The dark wooden frame slowly started to open, quietly, on well-oiled hinges. For a moment he thought that his mind was slowing it down, but then he realized that it was actually opening really slowly.
"Hey!" He exclaimed, standing up. "No fair!" A giggle emanated from behind the door.
"Alright Aang, but you have to promise not to faint." Aang puffed up his chest and tried to sound manly, but it came out more comical than masculine.
"Alright." Katara giggled again, making him blush.
The door, as promised, open at a nice normal rate, giving Aang plenty of time to let his mouth drop, which he promptly did. Katara stood before him in a brilliant blue and gold dress, a match to his own outfit. Blue sapphires created the Water-tribe symbol on the right side of her chest, with a splash of gold behind it. Fine gold thread marked out the Air-nomad symbol on the left side of her chest with blue as the backdrop. The dress ran all the way down to her ankles, sparkling white silk complementing her rich, dark skin. The sleeves were loose, a mélange of gold and sapphire blue running down them to the white silk at the ends. A simple sliver ring with a blue diamond sat on Katara's right hand, her mother's necklace clasped elegantly about her neck. Her hair was let down, flowing down like a waterfall into a sea of rich, curly, chocolate froth.
Aang stopped, blinking at his minds description. Chocolate froth? Well, he did think she was really sweet. A plain gold clip sat in her hair, dotted with sapphires. Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled, a waft of sweet honey floating on the breeze. She smiled with a blush, seeing his enamored stare. She cleared her throat.
"So…uhmm…how do I look?" She asked. A tender smile came to Aang's face. He stepped up and kissed her on the lips, soft and gently, the warmth from their mouths igniting the air. He pulled back to see Katara's blushing face.
"You look perfect." He said, offering her his hand. Katara took it delicately, a smile spreading across her lips.
"Let's go then." She said. Aang smiled and started walking down the hall, Katara by his side, the world at peace. They made their way to the front, hand in hand, soft smiles spread across their faces. They did not speak, not that there was anything to say, their touch was enough.
As they made their way down the hall a thought occurred to Aang. He checked just to make sure. Yup, he was right. Katara was taller than him.
Jack sat languidly against the wall, having stayed in the cell all day, watching Azula. After her outburst she had became forlorn, moping about the cell, muttering to herself, ignoring him as if he was not present. She spoke of the injury that had been inflicted upon her, betrayed by those closest to her, and how she would exact retribution, all in painfully clear detail. She paced and wringed her hands, her eyes darting about the cell. Twice she had kick the candle over, swearing at it and cursing it for betraying her as well. She then proceeded in her scheming in the dark until she became aware of the bleak cell around her, bringing her back to the candle and lighting it with a snap of her thumb.
Jack watched everything with a vacant stare, seeming not to notice any of Azula's antics. The only thing that betrayed him was the slight shift in his eyes and tightening of his neck muscles as he battled off ambivalent feelings that choked him and wet his eyes.
At long last he grew weary of watching her, figuring that she would not make any progress today, just as every other time he had come. He did not give up hope, however, for the hope of redemption was all that he had for Azula, and himself. After everything that they both had done redemption was the only answer, if it was possible for people like them. If it had been up to a court with all of their deeds laid out bare they would have both been at the gallows within the day. However, that was not how it played out, so now they both had to live with their nightmares. Two devils in the same room.
Jack stood up flaccidly, grunting as his stiff legs received circulation. Azula froze, the movement making her remember that someone else was in the cell with her. She turned her malevolent golden eyes on the intruder, taking a step towards him.
"You." She hissed softly. Jack looked up, surprised that Azula was acknowledging him now after the hours he had spent watching her. Azula took another step towards him.
"Why do you persist in coming here? Is it because you like the company? The loons do seem to match your personality, they are all capricious and follow their every whim just like you." Jack ground his teeth, knowing where she was going with this conversation. Every part of him wanted to lash out, to strike her down before she had a chance to really get started, but he had to show restraint and love if he ever wanted to help her. He had to let her speak.
"Azula, just don't, not today." He said, turning to leave. Azula grinned cynically, ignoring his warning and proceeding forth.
"Don't leave yet, there's so much to discuss." She said walking towards him. Jack shook his head, turning around, knowing he would regret it later. Azula smiled at him, brushing her hair back with her hand.
"So, Jack, darling." She started, the lilt of her voice oozing false civility. "How long did it take you to betray me? I'm just wondering." She said, seeing the exasperated look on his face. "You know, I've had lots of people betray me, I just wanted to know what you were thinking. Did you ponder upon it for days on end, thinking of what it would do? Or did she merely bat her lashes at you to make you fall head over heels for her."
"Azula, you know I didn't love her, not like that. She was like a sister to me." Said Jack, trying to control his rising choler. He held his hands by his sides, his fingers curling into fists. Azula noticed them, knowing she had struck a delicate cord.
"Ohh really? Well then why did you cry so much after she was gone? Did you miss her sinuous body? Those lushes curves and slim figure; surely they got your heart racing every time you saw her." Jack wanted to shut his eyes, to block out the images flashing before his mind, to forget about Azula, but he knew that if he did he might miss something, Azula might try and pull a fast one, and even though she had nowhere to go he did not put it past her; in her current condition she was liable to do anything. He should have never remembered.
"It was such a shame when she died, calling out for you and her brother; I think she expected you two to save her." Jack's knuckles creaked as he balled them tighter, the rage inside him building. Azula took another step closer.
"I really didn't want to do it, but you two left me no choice. You would not come out, so I had to take drastic measures." A tear began to snake down Jack's face, invisible in the gloom.
"You didn't have to kill her!" He said, shaking with rage. Azula took another step closer, sinister thoughts racing through her mind.
"You made me do it." She said. "You betrayed your nation, you turned your back on us, you chose to let her die." She finished, her words piercing him like daggers. He had spent most of the back half of the war learning to control his anger, but when it came to Azula he just could not do anything. She knew him so well that she merely had to breach upon a subject to crack his calm. This, this was overkill, and it warranted a reaction.
Jack howled out in rage, bringing his fist together and shooting two massive white flames at Azula. Her eyes widened with shock; she had miscalculated the severity of his reaction. She tried to protect herself, jabbing a stiff finger at the center of the flames to split it around her, but the force of his blast was too much and she flew back, slamming against the wall with a loud thud. Azula lay on the ground for a moment, trying to regain her breath. Jack took a step towards her, fear and shame flashing across his face. He walked over to her, reaching down to help her up, but she struck his hand, a fierce and wild look in her eyes.
"Don't touch me street-rat!" She said, spitting in his face. Jack stepped back, tears flowing down his face.
"I'm sorry." He said. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Azula stood up, her side bruised.
"You didn't hurt me you pathetic wretch! Now get out of here, my patience is at its end and I will no longer suffer your company!" Jack reached out a hand, but Azula turned away, her shoulders slowly moving up and down. Enraged and ashamed, he walked slowly to the door, grabbing his lantern on the way out. He paused as he walked out, wanting to look back, but not daring to, lest he allow himself to make another blunder. He slammed the door close behind him, making the walls shake. Azula remained standing in the bleak gloom, a single tear rolling down her cheek. Nothing would ever go right for them.
Aang and Katara stood in the vestibule to the palace, waiting for the others to be ready. Mai and Ty-Lee were already there, chatting away, well, at least Ty-Lee was. She was very excited that Mai and she were going to perform together, and though she would never admit it the slightest gleam of a smile could be seen on Mai's face, betraying her own excitement.
Sokka and Suki were there as well; evidently Suki had managed to negotiate Sokka's release, for what price Aang did not have the slightest clue, but it seemed as if Sokka and Suki were actually enjoying themselves together. Sokka had cleaned himself up at an astounding rate, making himself not only presentable but also fairly graceful, his lanky gait adorned in water-tribe regalia that his father had sent form the southern water tribe. A white fur colors sat around his neck, snow-wolf pelts running down the sides in a mix of white and blue. A necklace of snow white animal teeth sat around his neck, his boomerang clasped to his hip with a black belt studded with sapphires. He wore his hair pulled back into his usual wolf-tail, the only new addition being the blue and white band that held it in place, sparkling with Aang was sure was diamonds. He had to admit it, his friend sure knew how to clean up.
Suki was no slouch either, dressed in an all blue dress to match Sokka, simple yet elegant, a pearl necklace clasped about her neck. Her auburn hair was brushed down, laying delicately on her shoulders. She held her fan blades, acting as if they were actually fans, waving them around and slapping them in her hand when she was trying to make a point. Currently the two were in each other's arms, giggling and exchanging quick pecks. Aang nudged Katara and pointed at Sokka. She smiled.
"It's nice to see that those two are finally getting along, for the longest time I thought they were going to kill each other." Aang nodded in agreement.
"Ya, they sure seemed intent on doing that. Maybe they actually do have a chance." He said, glad that Sokka was finally happy. He wondered what had caused such a dramatic change in their attitudes towards each other. Perhaps it was Suki seeing Sokka in the mud, it could have brought back their fun sides. He shrugged his shoulders, at least they were getting along now.
Aang looked around at the rest of the hall. He spotted Toph sitting alone on a bench, her tongue stuck out at the sight, or rather sound, of Sokka and Suki in their amorous air. He giggled; Toph still had some growing to do before she found that appealing.
He paused for a moment. Then again, knowing Toph, she probably would never find that appealing. He laughed quietly to himself at the thought, thinking himself a witty guy. Katara raised an eyebrow but did not bother asking what he found so amusing, there were some things best left unknown, especially if it came from Aang's head.
Eventually Zuko entered the hall. He walked over to Mai and gave her a kiss, bringing a smile to her face. He spoke quietly to her for a few moments, seeming to confer something. Mai nodded her head, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He then gave Ty-Lee a hug, wishing her good luck. As he came over to them, Aang was surprised to see that Zuko was not dressed up at all, but rather he was wearing his traveling gear. Zuko walked up to them, trying to suppress a smile.
"You two look great." He said, giving each a hug. Katara raised another eyebrow.
"Why are you so happy?" She asked, a bit disturbed. "Sokka didn't give you his cactus juice did he?" Sokka cried out indignantly from across the hall, having heard Katara's rather loud declaration. Zuko turned red, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No, I just have had a pretty good idea, and I feel kinda giddy." Aang nodded his head.
"I know what you mean sifu hotman." He said. A frown came back to Zuko's lips, resembling his usual gloomy nature.
"I told you to stop calling me that." He said. Aang smiled.
"Sorry Mr. Fire-Lord." Zuko groaned, obviously determining that he was not going to win this, or any, conversation with Aang.
"Anyways." He said, moving on. "I just wanted to wish you guys a happy night." He said. Aang and Katara looked perplexed.
"Why, are you not coming with us?" They asked. The original plan for the night was for everyone to start out together, going to see Ty-Lee and Mai's show, then splitting up and going their separate ways for a while (this is where Aang's proposed invitation to Toph had taken place) until they all met up again for dessert. Apparently Zuko had changed plans and had not bothered telling them.
"No." He said, turning red. "I have other plans for the night." Aang raised his eyebrow.
"Like what?" He asked. Zuko rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, uhmm, Toph and I were going to go have a little fieldtrip together, you know, get some bonding time." Aang looked at Katara, trying to hide his shock.
"A field trip?" Said Katara, befuddled. Fire-Lords did not simply go on field trips, and Zuko did not try to have 'bonding time' with anyone, for that matter neither did Toph. The whole situation seemed rather ridiculous.
"Ya." Said Zuko. "I kinda owe her one, you know because everyone else got to go on fieldtrips with me." Aang nodded his head; he had gone and visited the sun warriors where they learned the origins of firebending, Sokka and he had gone to the boiling rock and saved his father and Suki, and Katara had gone with him to find the man responsible for her mother's death. The only one out of their group who had not gone on a life changing trip with Zuko was Toph. Evidently that was about to change.
Katara was still a bit leery about the whole idea, her maternal instincts kicking in.
"I don't know Zuko, Toph hasn't been herself lately, I think she needs some time to rest." At this comment Toph perked up in the corner, having overheard Katara. Her cheeks turned an incredulous red as she heard Katara baby her. She was tempted to walk over and smack the nosey water-tribe girl in the back of the head, but that would upset Twinkle-toes, and Toph for once did not want to ruin his day. So, instead, Toph sat silent, stewing as Katara kept protesting to Zuko's idea.
"I just think that she's been through a lot lately and that it might be too overwhelming for her." Zuko tried to remain calm, but he obviously was irritated with Katara's incessant looming.
"Katara, look, we appreciate the concern, but I think that Toph can decide for herself what she wants to do, and she wants to get away for a while, I promise that she will come back in one piece." Zuko looked over at Toph, who was currently frowning at him with a glare that would have curdled fresh dairy. He cringed.
"What about you?" Asked Aang. Zuko looked at Toph's hauteur, then back at Aang and Katara.
"That I can't guarantee." He said, lowering his voice. Toph leaned forward, trying to catch that last part. Aang and Katara looked at each other, befuddled. They looked back at Zuko.
"Alright, I guess neither of you are children."
"We sure ain't Sugar-Queen!" Yelled Toph, bringing all other conversations to a halt. Katara blushed as everyone looked over at her, embarrassed.
"Sorry Toph." She said. Toph merely harrumphed and looked away. Zuko twiddled his fingers together.
"There's one last thing." He said.
"What is it?" Asked Aang. Zuko looked around, not sure how to put it.
"I'm going to borrow Appa for a while." Aang opened his mouth, ready to protest, but Katara put a hand over his mouth.
"Alright, just take care of him." She said. Zuko bowed, turning and walking away. Toph stood up, walking glumly behind him. Sokka and Suki were kissing when she walked by; she punched Sokka in the kidney and broke it up.
Aang stared after Zuko and Toph, then over at Katara, then back at Zuko and Toph.
"Why'd you do that!?" He said. Katara shrugged her shoulders.
"You would have just argued with him, and I really just want to get on with our night." She said. Aang's face was troubled as he watched the two walk away. Katara noticed it, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Appa is a ten-ton flying bison, I think that he can take care of himself." She said. Aang looked unsure, but the time to leave was quickly approaching. The others began to mull about, slowly making their way to the front door. He looked once more to where Zuko and Toph had disappeared, then back at Katara.
The front doors opened, allowing a cool, gentle breeze to blow in. The breeze caught Katara's hair, making it float with an amorous air. Aang was smitten, and slowly he began to walk towards her outstretched hand. He reached out, grabbing it tenderly. The warm tingling feeling of her silky skin against his sent a jolt through his system. He smiled, half to himself and half at Katara, his thoughts on Appa and Zuko quickly melting away. With her by his side, nothing could go wrong.
Zuko looked up at the setting sun, watching as its fiery tendrils reached out into the sky, setting the clouds alight in flaming colors, making them glow like opals and rose rubies. Wind swept past him, blowing in his face and lifting his hair up, bringing a slight chill to his skin. Far below him, resting in the nooks and folds of the rolling green hills, sat small towns, torches ablaze as they celebrated the end of autumn.
A sigh departed from his lips. Those were his towns, his villages, his people. It was now his responsibility to keep them safe and to look after their well-being. The problem was that he did not know how to do that. He had spent most of his life in exile, searching for that avatar, he did not know how to run a nation. Unless it was a lot like running a ship of soldiers he was going to have issues.
What made it even worse was that Jack told him that not everyone was behind his rule. A lot of the populace still supported Ozai and his militaristic expansion. They wanted him to continue in his father's path and conquer the other nations, but he knew he could not do that.
That was not the only problem, however, as the foreign nations were also distrustful of him, even with the avatar's support. Many of them wanted him thrown in prison for his war crimes. They wanted to dismantle the Fire-Nation Empire and institute a series of militarized districts for the Fire-Nation to live under until they were de-militarized to the extent that was desired. They also had wanted Ozai and Azula put to trail for war crimes and eventually executed, so when he had decided to not only do away with war trials but also keep both of them alive he had caused great discontent in the other nations. Now they all watched him, waiting for him to make an aggressive move that they considered an act of war. He was balancing on the edge of a knife.
Zuko shook his head. What was he doing out here? He did not know how to help people. He barely knew how to help himself, let alone a friend or a nation. Sure he trained the avatar, and had helped both Sokka and Katara, but that was easy. He had a task at hand and all he had to do was get it done. This, this was different. He had a task to accomplish, but this time he could not just hatch a stealthy scheme to sneak into a prison. He also could not just hunt down his subject and confront them like he had with Katara. No, this required a greater level of care and precision. This required, civility and cordiality, two things he was pretty sure he did not possess. However, if he was able to pull this off then maybe it meant that he could rule a nation, or at least help his friends.
He sighed. This was all going to end in disaster wasn't it? Maybe if he was lucky Toph would kill him so he wouldn't have to worry about his nation, they could find a better replacement.
After a few more minutes of staring off into the sunset he turned, looking at Toph as they soared through the air.
She sat still, her milky green eyes staring out into nothing. She was utterly blind up here. On the ground it was easy to forget that Toph was blind, in fact she seemed to get by a whole lot better than everyone else. But up here, in the air, she was so fragile, so delicate, almost like a flower; if one held it out in the breeze the petals would be blown away.
Zuko shook the thoughts from his head; Toph would kill him if she knew what he was thinking of at the moment. Then again she was liable to kill him anyways when they reached their destination. Toph was not known for her forgiving nature.
He shifted positions, looking over his shoulder to make sure that they were flying in the right direction. At the moment there was no need for anyone to be directing Appa, he just had to be heading back towards the earth-kingdom, towards Goaling.
He shivered as he thought of the murderous deeds Toph was liable to perform when she found out that he was dragging her back to see her parents, but it was something that he felt she needed to do, or, at least, what Jack thought she needed to do, he had just got suckered in. From what he had gathered from the others he figured that Toph's relationship with her parents was rather fractured, something he could easily relate too. Apparently Jack figured that he would be able to help because of his broken family, but the man seemed to have forgotten that his family was still broken, and it wasn't getting much better. Pop in the clinker, Azula in the nut house, ya, his family was pretty screwed up. But maybe if he helped Toph fix things with her folks then he would be able to do the same, or at least get started.
He shook his head. This was a terrible idea, why did he let himself get talked into this?
"So Sparky, where exactly are we going?" Zuko jumped as Toph's voice intruded upon his thoughts, anxiety welling in his chest as he thought about her reaction once she found out.
"It's going to be a surprise." He said laconically, hoping his voice did not sound too tight. Toph blew a strand of hair away from her eyes.
"Ya, I bet I'll never see it coming." Zuko cringed, feeling that he somehow set her up for that one. He opened his mouth to speak, then thought better of it. He knew there was something bothering her, and he actually wanted to know what it was, but he did not feel like getting a lashing over it, so he just stayed silent.
The two sat there, completely silent. Wind whipped by them as the sun set and night began to fall. Shifting, Zuko tried to find something to do, but he had not thought of bringing anything to entertain himself, so he merely snapped his finger, lighting a flame then snuffing it out. That was stopped, however, after Toph emitted a noise halfway between a grumble and a growl.
Eventually, as they sat there, the harrowing silence got to him. There was no way he was going to ride all the way to Goaling like this, he was just going to have to man up and get it over with. He cleared his throat, trying to get her attention.
"So, uhhh, Toph. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a question for me." Toph continued to stare out into space.
"Whatever Sparks." She said.
"Well, tell me, what's bothering you?" He asked. Toph turned, staring where she believed he was with a fiery gaze, though it was a bit too his right.
"Why does everyone think that there's something bothering me? Just because I'm not as giddy as the rest of you yahoos doesn't mean that there's something wrong with me. Maybe I'm just sick and tired of putting up with you guys, falling over each other like a bunch of drunks." She said, irritated. Zuko rubbed the back of his head.
"Hey you said I could ask you a question, so don't get all angry at me. I know that you put on the tough girl act and all, but there's times when you need to get real with someone. Like my Uncle told me there's nothing wrong with letting people who… uhhh… care about you help you." He said, cringing as he anticipated another disparage from Toph, but instead she paused, something about what he said resonating within. Perhaps he was more like his uncle than he thought.
He watched as she sat quietly for a few moments, her chest rising and falling with emotions. Wind rushed past, lifting her hair up and blocking her thoughtful eyes. Finally, when she opened her mouth to speak, her voice was soft and heavy, choking on emotion.
"It's just that, well, things aren't really working out for me, now that all the fighting's over." She said, surprising him. "When we were still fighting the war it was easy to push aside my problems, I could just train or beat something up, I didn't have time for silly personal problems. But now, with everything slowing down, I really have nothing else to think about." Toph brought her knees up to her chest, letting go of the saddle to hug them tight.
"I have to actually face up to my problems now, and they're not the type you can slug in the face or smash with a rock. I'm just way out of my league here and I really don't know what to do." She finished. Zuko's heart leapt in his throat as he listened, painfully reminded of the inner turmoil that he himself had ignored for so many years. It wasn't easy to deal with, but with a friend it became easier. It looked like he was going to be that friend. He came up to her, taking a seat beside her.
"I may not be my uncle but I can still try and offer some advice on silver clouds and things like such." Toph raised an eyebrow, still staring straight ahead.
"Silver clouds?" Zuko turned red.
"Ohh, ya, I forget you weren't there." He said. "What I mean is that you can tell me what's bugging you." Toph sat silently for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. Zuko hoped that it was a sign that she as going to talk with him, but then again it could just be her getting ready to laugh at him.
"Well, now that the war's over." She said, putting his fears of being laughed at to rest. "I keep thinking that I have to go back to Goaling some time, and face my parents. I know I hurt them pretty bad, but I still don't think I've forgiven them, I just don't know what to do with them." Said Toph, sending a wave of panic through Zuko. If she was not ready to forgive them when they arrived tomorrow that meant that he was probably not coming back from this trip.
Toph sighed, rubbing her knees.
"The other thing is, well, it's kinda silly." She said, turning red. Zuko lifted an eyebrow.
"Come on, it can't be that silly." He said, giving her a reassuring nudge. "I once talked to Sokka about silver cloud sandwiches." He said, drawing a laugh from his little friend.
"Well, it's not that. I kinda like someone." She said. Zuko smiled, holding back a laugh at the thought. Toph, liking someone? That was perhaps one of the strangest thoughts he had come across in a while. Where did she find a guy more masculine than her?
"Ohh, is that so? That doesn't sound like such a problem, except perhaps for him. Who is this lucky fellow?" Asked Zuko, elbowing Toph playfully. She smiled, laughing.
"Ya, he's sure lucky. I'm kinda more of a stalker than anything else. He's a real moron, but he makes me laugh and we've been friends for a while now. I don't really know, but there's something about him that just makes me... vulnerable." She said, her eyes beginning to blur over. "And when I'm around him that's okay, I really don't mind. I don't have to be the tough girl around him because…well, because he appreciates me for who I am." She finished, looking straight ahead. Zuko's smile disappeared as he stared into her face, looking at the mélange of adoration and pain. He knew who she was talking about.
"Let me guess." He said. "This guy's in a relationship right? With his boomerang and a certain Kyoshi warrior?" Toph turned beet red, made even worse by the last glinting rays of the sun.
"Ya, I like Sokka okay. If you tell anyone I'll kill you!" She said, punching him on the shoulder to cover up her embarrassment. Luckily she could not see so the blow glanced off the side of his arm, but it still sent a flare of pain to his head. He rubbed his arm, looking at his little friend.
"Don't worry Toph, you're secrets safe with me. It's not like there's anyone I could tell anyway." He said.
Toph looked deflated, her countenance downcast. She had just spilled her greatest secret to him, leaving herself totally exposed. He knew how big of a deal it was to do that, and the courage it took. He needed to find a way to reassure her.
"It's just so hard." Said Toph, anger and sadness leaping across her face. "Liking someone who likes someone else. It hurts the way he looks at her, the way he touches her fondly, the way he speaks to her. I just know that those are words he'll never say to me. Those are touches that I'll never feel." She said, sending pangs of sympathy through Zuko with every heartfelt syllable. "He protects me and takes care of me; we're best friends, but he's never realized how I feel for him, after almost two whole years! I don't think he even realizes that I'm a girl!" She said. He could not argue with that. Sokka was bright enough, but Zuko did not attribute him with an overabundance of brains when it came to girls.
"It's like a knife in the heart every time I'm with him and Suki shows up." Continued Toph, tears slowly beginning to trickle down her face as the pain coursed through her body.
"I know that I have no right to be angry with him, and I really want to wish him the best, but I still feel this way, and no matter how hard I try I can't stomp these feelings out!" She turned and spat over the side.
"I just get so angry, so upset, and the worst part about it is this stupid hope, this childish dream that someday he'll notice me, that he'll feel the same way about me that I feel for him, but I know that it won't ever happen, and so that hope turns to pain." By now the trickle of tears had turned to a waterfall.
She buried her head in her arms and began to sob, her shoulders shaking with frustration and sorrow. Zuko sat back, shocked at the violent reaction that this topic was eliciting from her. He had never seen Toph in such a state before, in fact he was pretty sure that no one had ever seen her like this. He did not know what to do, whether to embrace her or to let her cry it out on her own. What did someone do when Toph broke?
Zuko thought back to his uncle, trying to imagine what he would do in this situation. A thought struck him, a very uncomfortable thought, but one none the less. He believed at the moment that he was supposed to hug her. However, that put him in a rather vulnerable position to take a nasty shot. For a moment he stayed back, looking down at his friend's sobbing form, until finally the guilt inside of him overwhelmed him. He groaned. Why did helping people have to be so hard?
Taking in a deep breath, he prepared his privates for a bruising, leaning in and holding her tight. He brought her small frame close to his chest, laying a reassuring hand on her head and wrapping his other arm around her shaking shoulders.
Toph did not even seem to notice. She kept on crying, burying her face deeper into Zuko's chest. He just sat there, trying to cajole her as best he knew, which was pretty pathetic to say the least.
After a minute or so of such un-Toph like behavior she began to regain her composure. She leaned back, removing herself from Zuko's arms. She wiped her nose with the back of her sleeve, sniffling. Her eyes were red from tears, and her face was haggard, but she seemed a bit better.
"Sorry Sparks." She said, her nose congested. Zuko smiled gently.
"Look…" He stopped right there, having said the wrong thing. Toph gave him a weak smile.
"It's okay, I get what you mean." Zuko gave a quick prayer of thanks that she was in such a forgiving mood and continued on.
"I have to say that I really don't know how you feel. Mai and I, we were always a thing, even when we were young, she's never been with another guy and I never really felt jealous about her." He started, leaving out the incident at Ember Island.
"After I got banished I'm ashamed to say that I never really thought of her, I was just so focused on myself that I never thought of how she was feeling at the time. However, when I, you know…"
"Betrayed us?" Interjected Toph. Zuko turned bright red, ashamed.
"Ya, betrayed you. I got to go back with her, and though we had our rough times I started to really bond with her. Eventually when I made the decision to try and join you guys the only thing holding me back was Mai. I was so afraid of losing her forever that it prevented me from doing the right thing for a time. When I finally did leave it hurt so much being away from her, and when I saw her in the prison she looked so hurt that I thought my heart would break." He said, feeling guilty even thinking about the way she looked at him.
"Now, I know that it's not quite the same thing as what you're going through but I think I understand what heartache is. It's painful, and depressing, and brutal, but I think the only course through this is to hold on to that hope you're feeling, even if it does let you down." Toph shook her head.
"But I don't want it. Not ever again. I just want it gone." She said. Zuko nodded his head.
"I know it feels that way, but you can't give up. When I was with you guys the only thing keeping me going was training Aang and the hope that one day Mai would forgive me. At times it felt like it would never come true, and that was when it hurt the most. But when it finally did happen, when she forgave me and saved my life, I was so overjoyed that I could barely hold on to it." Toph raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"Didn't she get captured saving you?" She asked. Zuko blushed.
"Ya, she did, but that was one of the things that made me realize that she had fully forgiven me, she had betrayed my sister and saved me. Thankfully Azula was as forgiving as she was" He said, thinking back to another event.
"My point is Toph, that yes, that hope is going to hurt you at times, but it's better than looking back years later and wondering what would have happened if you had held on just a bit longer." Toph nodded her head.
"I understand." She said, her face deep in thought. Zuko smiled, leaning in and giving her a hug. He received a punch to the gut for his trouble.
"What do you think you're doing there Sparky? I'm not some plush toy you can sit and hug every time you get mushy." Zuko leaned back, grabbing his stomach and sucking at wind. Toph was back.
Aang and Katara strolled down the streets, hand in hand. The evening had been wonderful, there were so many things to see and do that they hardly had time to catch their breath. Mai and Ty-Lee's performance was immaculate, inspiring awe and wonder in everyone who saw it. Afterwards the gang split up, going each their separate ways. Aang and Katara had watched some firebending shows, then perused some street vendors where they got some snacks to munch on. After that they had went and seen the Dying Ember, a play about a folk myth of spring and autumn. Aang had lost track afterwards of what they had done as there were so many things to occupy their attention. Eventually they had found themselves at the appointed restaurant for dessert. Luckily they had made reservations, as the place was packed. They had ordered their sweet desserts, devoured them, and had taken off again, meandering around at their pleasure.
It was beginning to get late, somewhere in the early hours of the morning. Aang and Katara were strolling down a white cobbled path, the moonlight reflecting off of it. Red and brown lanterns sat hung golden poles along the street, lighting the path and guiding their feet.
The street was almost deserted, save for them and one angry cabbage vendor, bereft of all his cabbages. The old man shook his head as Aang and Katara walked by, raising a fist at them. Aang raised an eyebrow. He was fairly certain that he had seen that man somewhere before.
Up ahead of them there was a little brook, its soft water washing over smooth stones. Running over it was a quaint little bride, the golden railing glowing in the white light of the moon.
Katara looked at Aang and started to run, leading him by the hand to the center of the bridge. They stood there, side by side, looking over the railing and into the water. He breathed in the deep crisp air, the faint smell of honey emanating from Katara's perfume. He smiled, looking over at her. The war was over, peace abounded, and he was with his love. Life was good. Katara let out a sigh.
"We did it, didn't we?" She said. Aang looked down at their reflections, seeing Katara's serene face in the rushing water.
"Ya, we did do it." He said. Katara turned to him, taking his face in her hands.
"You did it." She said softly. Aang took her hands in his own, rubbing his thumb along her soft skin.
"No, we did it, all of us." He said. "If it wasn't for the whole gang I would have never been able to defeat Ozai. If Sokka and Toph and Suki hadn't stopped the other airships who knows how much of the earth-kingdom would be charred embers. And if you and Zuko hadn't taken out Azula then we would have had to take her on as well as her army, which would have been a mess. We might have had peace, but it would have been over a destroyed land." He finished. Katara looked at him, her blue eyes glowing like sapphires in the moon's light.
"We did it." He said, repeating the phrase. Katara looked into his face, stirring up feelings deep within him. How he had lived without Katara by his side, he could not remember. He had to have her there, to let her know that he loved her, and would do anything for her. Without her he felt as if the world would stop spinning. The sun would not shine and the air would not be sweet. She was his reason for living, she was his light. Katara gazed at him, the same feelings reciprocated in her stare.
"I love you." She said softly. Aang smiled gently, leaning in close.
"I love you too." He whispered, his mouth meeting hers. Aang wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. They were engulfed in a passionate kiss, the fire from their touch coursing through their bodies. He started to feel Katara's back, his hands slowly moving down. Her soft sinuous body curved beneath his hands, making his heart rate spike. He kept reaching further down, reaching the small of her back, wanting to take her completely.
Suddenly he froze, feeling something he felt for sure was off limits. His eyes shot wide open at the same moment as Katara's. They pulled back quickly, staring at each other awkwardly. Red blushed cheeks glowed on both of them as they put nervous hands behind their heads. They stared at each other awkwardly for a second or two, unsure of what to say about the incident. Aang coughed.
"So, uhhh… you want to go grab a bite to eat?" He asked, trying to palliate his embarrassment. Katara nodded her head, her cheeks crimson.
"Ya, I could eat." The two walked back up the street, abstaining from holding hand lest it lead to another undesirable situation. Searching for a vendor they came across an old lady selling cherries.
Aang purchased two bags, giving one to Katara and keeping the other for himself. He bit into the succulent flesh, red juice dripping down his chin, but he hardly noticed the tangy flavor, he was too occupied with what had happened back on the bridge. He stole a look at Katara and determined that she was in the same predicament as he.
The two walked silently back to the palace, a cool breeze blowing, bringing with it the silence of a city going to bed. They reached the courtyard to the palace, discarding of their now empty bags in a trash can. They walked in, still having not said a word. As they entered they encountered a loud cried. Looking at each other they went in, finding Sokka yelling at the top of his lungs, Suki screaming right back at him.
"What is wrong with you?! What are you afraid of?! Nothing bad is going to happen, just man up and get over it!" That was Suki. Sokka, his face red, yelled back at her.
"I already told you what's the matter, you deaf or something?" Suki cracked her knuckles.
"Watch how you talk to me Sokka." She growled. Sokka rolled his eyes.
"Or what girly? You going to come at me? I already know all your tricks and to be honest you ain't that good sweetheart." Suki tried to punch him in the face, but he blocked it, pushing her back.
"Told ya." He said, snickering. Suki spun around and hit him on the shoulder with a roundhouse kick. Sokka turned with it, coming back and slapping Suki with the back of his hand. A resounding crack emanated forth after the hit, stunning Suki and provoking Katara.
"Sokka, what in the world do you think you're doing!?" Yelled Katara, stalking over to her brother before Aang could stop her. Sokka turned, obviously not in the mood to put up with Katara's nosiness.
"What are you doing here Katara?" Sokka asked, perturbed.
"Apparently I'm watching you abuse Suki." Replied Katara, getting up in her brother's face. Sokka cracked his neck.
"You are so bias Katara, I'm assuming that you saw her hit me first and still you think that I'm the one causing trouble here." Katara breathed out through her nose.
"You are intolerable Sokka, you should never hit Suki!" Said Katara. Suki stepped up, pushing Sokka over and getting in Katara's face.
"Back off Katara, I don't need you to protect me, I can handle Sokka by myself." Katara looked like she was going to scream.
"I was just trying to help you Suki!" She said. Suki brushed away a strand of hair, a red mark developing on her cheek.
"Like I said I don't need your help snow-peasant." Katara's eye twitched.
"Beat it Katara." Said Sokka, brushing himself off as he came back over. "This isn't any of your business." Katara reached down, forgetting that she did not have her water skin. Sokka raised an eyebrow.
"Really huh, you want to dance missy?" Said Sokka, putting his face inches from hers. Aang cringed as Katara cracked her knuckles.
"I don't need bending to kick your sorry butt." She said, poking Sokka in the chest. Aang sat stunned off to the side, befuddled by how quickly the argument had escalated. He was about to step in and do something before it ended in blows, but a sharp voice barked out from across the courtyard.
"Hey! You two! Back off!" Everyone jumped at the sound of Jack's deep base tones. They whirled around to see Jack marching across the courtyard, directly at them. Sokka and Katara took a few steps back from each other, adhering to Jack's wish.
He came up to them, throwing his hands up in the air.
"I leave you guys alone for one day and you're at each-other's throats by nightfall, what's wrong with you?!" Katara dropped her head. Sokka looked down at his toes, twiddling his thumbs. Aang just sat back, figuring this was none of his business.
"Well, does anyone want to explain what happened?" Asked Jack. Katara looked away, mumbling something incoherent. Sokka moved to speak, but then closed his mouth. Aang was about to make his way inside, trying to avoid the whole situation. However, something inside of him told him that he should probably speak up. Sighing, he walked over, offering his explanation of events.
"Sokka and Suki were arguing, so Katara stepped in and started to argue with Sokka, then they were about to hit each other." He said, grimacing at how poor of an explanation it sounded coming out of his mouth. Jack pinched his nose.
"Thanks for the very avid description Aang, now will someone please tell me what you two were so fiercely debating that you were about to resort to blows?" Sokka decided to take it from here.
"Suki and I were discussing something personal when Katara stuck her big nose in it." He said, frowning at his little sister. Katara turned bright red.
"I only interjected because you hit Suki!" She said. Jack looked over at Suki, who by now had a large handprint on the side of her cheek.
"You hit Suki?" He said, turning to Sokka. Sokka held up his hands.
"Wait, wait, wait! You're not getting the whole story here. Suki hit me first, it was just self-defense." Jack scratched his head, trying to get everything straight.
"You know what, I don't want to deal with this right now. Everyone, separate, get some room, we'll talk about this later when everyone is more calm and my head doesn't hurt so much." Katara stuck her tongue out at Sokka, stalking off to the palace. Sokka, in turn, shook an angry fist at his little sister, marching off to the garden, but not before he gave Jack the death glare. Suki sat fuming for a few moments then turned and followed after Sokka, calling out his name. Jack breathed out a sigh.
"Man, it's just one of those days isn't it?" He said, shaking his head. He turned to Aang, a weary smile on his face.
"So, how'd the evening go, aside from that little fiasco there?" Aang scratched the back of his head.
"Uhhh, it went well, you know, it was pretty nice, about as good as it gets." He said, hoping that he did not sound suspicious. Jack raised a suspicious eyebrow.
"It well hmm? Why does it feel like you're not telling me something?" Aang started to turn red, shifting nervously on his feet.
"Nope, nothing, nothing at all. That's the whole truth of it" He said, turning to go inside. Jack smiled gently and started walking away towards the gate.
"Come on kid!" He called, making Aang hang his head. He was sure in for it!
Sokka marched down the smooth stone paths that snaked through the garden. He hid behind bushes of gold and weaved between trees of silver, trying to avoid Suki. He could hear her stalking him, her footfalls silent but her breathing distinct. He continued weaving about, trying to shake his tail. He was in no mood to speak with her.
Eventually, after several close encounters, he reached the cherry tree where he had cringed from Toph, begging silently to be spared. He looked around for Suki, satisfied that she was nowhere to be seen. He let out a sigh, letting himself slump down the smooth brown bark of the cherry tree, coming to rest at the base of the tree. He laid his head back in a crook of the bark, closing his eyes. What had gone wrong?
The whole evening had been spectacular, almost transcendent. Suki and he had gotten along so well. They laughed and gawked at all the sights they saw, enjoying each-other's company just like they used too. They ate food together, made funny faces at each other, and marveled at all the sights that there were to behold. It had all been going splendidly, that is, until they reached the palace.
Suki had asked him, her head laid ever so gently on his shoulder, her arm tucked amorously beneath his. The air was tingling and she was daring, but he had said no. That had drawn a disappointed sigh from Suki, who then asked why. He told her he'd rather not talk about it, bringing about Suki's inquisitive prodding, which only further served to stir up his ire. Eventually their quiet evening had erupted into a cacophony of angry voices and blows, leaving both parties frustrated and ticked off.
Sokka breathed out, trying to calm himself down. He let the cool night air rush over him, settling his frayed nerves. What was he doing wrong in this relationship? During the war they had been so good together, it just seemed like everything they did brought them closer. They just fit!
But now. He shook his head. Now everything was a problem. The way she dressed, what he ate, how she looked at him, why he had done one thing instead of another. They could not agree on anything and it was driving him mad! He was beginning to wonder if the relationship was even worth it.
He sighed, covering his face with his hands.
"Hello Sokka." Sokka jumped out of his skin at the sinister voice. He whirled around, seeing Suki leaning languidly against the tree.
"Trying to hide are we?" She asked, looking at her nails. Sokka sat back down, slouching.
"What do you want?" He said tacitly, putting his arms on his knees. Suki came over to him, sitting down next to him.
"Look, I know that the evening hasn't been ending well, but I really did have a good time tonight." She said. "I just wanted to say sorry, I know that you're uncomfortable on the subject, and I shouldn't have pressed it." She said, staring at his face. Sokka stuck out his lip.
"Ya, you shouldn't have." He said, pouting. Suki smiled.
"Ohh, come on baby, it wasn't that bad was it? The only reason it escalated so much was because your sister stepped in." She said.
"You hit me before she stepped in." Reminded Sokka. Suki shrugged her shoulders.
"You hit men back, so we're even." She said, displaying the welt on her cheek from where Sokka had struck her. He grimaced.
"I'm sorry Suki, I lost my temper." He said, reaching out a hand and brushing it against her skin. She pursed her lips.
"Don't worry, it doesn't hurt… too much." She added slyly. Sokka smiled, leaning over and kissing her cheek tenderly.
"Really though, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you, I just lost my temper, that's all." He said, putting an arm around her shoulders and giving her a reassuring shake. Her firm, sturdy body relaxed in his arms. She leaned on his chest, laying her head against his sturdy body, taking comfort in its warmth.
"It's okay baby." She said, using her pet name for Sokka. "Couples fight at times." Sokka held her tight.
"Ya, but they should never resort to blows, I feel like a moron now." He said, holding her tight. She smiled mischievously.
"Like I said, it's okay baby." She whispered, leaning in close to Sokka's face. Her sweet breath fell over him, drawing him in. He started to fall forward, grabbing her with both his arms. He embraced her in a passionate kiss, her tantalizing lips pressed against his own.
Sokka held her tight, drawing her in more and more. Suki held him at first, then let her hands begin to roam. She rubbed his back, eventually making her way down to his belt. The sound of it clicking out of place snapped him out of his amorous trance. He pushed her away, standing up.
"I can't believe you!" He cried, irate. Suki groaned, not even trying to defend herself.
"Really Sokka? I could name a million and one guys right now who would still be lying down with me." She said, letting one of her shoulder straps fall down. Sokka tried not to look.
"Well guess what, I'm not one of them!" He said, pacing back and forth. "I mean, how many times do we have to go through this same ol' song and dance huh? When will you realize that no means nooooo!" Suki ignored his rant, letting another shoulder strap fall down.
"Come on baby, I'm an elite warrior trained in the arts of determination and slyness, I don't know the meaning of the word failure." She said, a seductive smile on her lips. Sokka shook his head.
"Well then, Look it up. You should be quite familiar with the term by now." He said. Suki stood up, letting her dress fall to the ground.
"Excuse me, what are you insinuating there?!" She demanded, her milky white skin exposed to his sight, clad in nothing save green undergarments. He sat stunned for a moment, so enamored by her sweet, smooth skin. It beckoned to him, demanding that he take her in a passionate embrace and succumb to his inner urges, but he resisted. He held up a hand, blocking everything but her head. Suki rolled her eyes.
"I'm just saying." Said Sokka, trying to keep his mind focused in the discussion and not her body. "That you haven't succeeded yet in seducing me, and let's just say you aren't exactly the best warrior around. I mean, you were captured by Azula, on the first go around, and I faced her plenty of times and never got captured." He said, a smirk on his face. Suki's face turned red, burning with anger.
"Ohoh now, look out! Mr. Boomerang is a mighty warrior all of a sudden because his friends didn't let him get captured." She said, waving her hands mockingly.
"Hey!" Cried Sokka, his manly ego and boomerang insulted. "I did plenty of my own fighting thank you very much. Besides, I'm the plan guy, we wouldn't be standing where we are if it wasn't for my brilliant schemes!" He said, raising an invigorated finger into the air to reinforce his point. Suki rolled her eyes.
"Ya, we certainly wouldn't be standing here, we'd probably be rolling around by now." She said, making him turn red, half from embarrassment and half from choler.
"Look Suki, I've had enough with your innuendos and provocative statements, the answer is no!" He said, throwing both hands in the air. Suki put her hands on her silky white hips; tantalizing.
"You know your answer was different when we were still fighting the war." She said. Sokka rolled his eyes as she once again brought up the tent incident.
"Suki…" He started, but she cut him off.
"We were going to do it!" She said. "Until Zuko walked in and ruined everything. Why is it so different now? There's no chance of us getting caught, your daddy isn't anywhere around, besides, if we do we can just tell him to screw off!" Suki looked at Sokka with irritation, her brow smoldering with annoyance. Sokka put his face in his hands, wiping them down in a slow exaggerated motion.
"I told you." He said, starting off slow. "I made a mistake okay, I shouldn't have misled you like that. I had a moment of weakness, and gave in. Now." He said, throwing his hands up. "Now I know better, and it's not going to happen again. It was a good thing Zuko walked in, he saved me!" Suki rolled her eyes.
"Saved you from what wussy boy? Having a good time? You afraid I won't like what I see?" Sokka turned around, his face bright red.
"I've had enough of this conversation." He said, making his way towards the palace. Suki shouted after him.
"At least say it!" She called. Sokka stopped in his tracks, perplexed by the challenge.
"Say what?" He replied, calling back over his shoulder. Suki walked up to him, her slender hands running softly across his shoulders, sending a shudder through his body.
"Say what you won't do with me." She said softly, her lips tickling his ear. Sokka's mouth dried up as he thought of the words, his tongue failing him. He tried to speak, but nerves got the better of him. He swallowed and tried again, barely managing to squeak out an answer.
"I won't sleep with you." He said. Suki laughed sharply in his ear.
"My goodness Sokka you can't even say the word can you?" She said, laughing. Sokka turned around, embarrassed.
"I can say it." He said, trying not to notice her almost naked body. She looked up at him, cruel amusement shining brightly in her face.
"No you can't." She replied. "You just can't say sex can you?" Sokka turned beet red, eliciting another wave of laughter from Suki. She grabbed her stomach, trying to calm herself down at the sight of Sokka standing awkwardly before her, unable to perform her simple task.
"Does the word really bother you that much?" She asked, mirth still in her eyes. Sokka nodded his head.
"Ya, it kinda does." He said, scratching the back of his head. Suki came up to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Take me now Sokka of the southern water-tribe and have sex with me!" She cried with an exaggerated gesture. Sokka jumped back out of her grasp, making her laugh again.
"No, and stop saying that, you're making me uncomfortable!" He said, shaking himself. Suki smiled, a tear sliding down her face.
"Whatever wussy boy. You go ahead then and have a sexless night, someday you'll realize what you're missing." She finished, grabbing her dress and walking off towards the palace. Sokka stayed in the garden, infuriated and annoyed.
"I can say sex." He mumbled, sitting down against the tree, letting his frustration course through him. He could say it, he just couldn't do it.
Aang and Jack walked through a lush park, golden leaves carpeting the floor beneath their feet. Red flowers in dying bloom sat languidly on their branches, enjoying their last moments before the frost of winter brought their end. A noisy brook ran through the center of the park, giving life to a slender tree with smooth grey bark, its branches bare of anything save for a single white flower, its petals gleaming like pure silk. Small nighttime creatures prowled about, chirping and bellowing with their natural noise, bounding about in the muddy banks by the water.
A simple stone bench sat along a gravel path, a few carvings sitting on its side. Jack strode over to it, sitting down and throwing his hands behind his head, relaxing with a heavy sigh. Aang followed him, sitting down in front of him in the grass, spreading out his legs and leaning back on his hands, breathing in the cooling night air. It was peaceful, serene, a calming night out with a friend. It was ohh so a set up.
Aang knew he was in trouble for something, probably the kiss on the bridge. He did not know how exactly Jack knew, but he knew. That man had an uncanny sense for when he got into trouble or did something wrong. Maybe he wore it on his face.
Jack looked at Aang, amusement in his eyes.
"So, want to tell me straight up what's bothering you or should I poke around a bit, try to figure it out?" Said Jack, no doubting hoping for the second option. Aang bit his lip, mulling it over for a second or two. He should just tell him straight out, he was going to figure it out anyways, he had a nasty knack for doing that, but maybe he could get away with bouncing around the issue. He looked up at Jack's determined face, his sharp eyes and inquisitive stare. There was no chance he was hiding anything from him. He sighed.
"The evening was going fine until Katara and I went to this bridge. It was really nice and romantic, and we kinda kissed, and then it got awkward." Said Aang, demonstrating his talent for being as ambiguous as possible. Jack smiled gently.
"How much of a kiss are we talking about here hmm? Was it like a quick I love you peck? Or more like a, I want you desperately smother?" Aang turned red.
""I want you desperately smother." He mumbled. Jack withheld a laugh.
"Let me guess, you went roving around didn't you?" Aang turned his head away, his face glowing.
"Kinda." He said. Jack sat silently for a moment, no doubt in thought.
"Let me guess." Said Jack finally. "You touched her butt didn't you?" Aang stood up, turning his back to Jack.
"Ya, so what? What's it to you!?" He said, a mélange of embarrassment and anger passing through him. What business did Jack have in what he and Katara did? She was his girlfriend!
A soft hand grabbed his shoulder, gently pulling on him to turn around.
"Aang, look at me bud." Aang turned slowly, tears dripping down his face. He looked at Jack, that big burly form, those soft blue eyes. He knew that Jack was just teasing him and that he really cared for him, but he was just so embarrassed! He felt like a fool, an embarrassed fool. Jack brought him into a big hug, letting Aang sob on his shoulder.
"It's okay kid." He said, patting him on the back. Aang sniffled, pulling out of the hug and wiping his nose on the back of his sleeve.
"It's just, I feel so disgusted with myself! I mean, what was I doing? Grabbing her butt?! It totally shocked her, and I could tell she was embarrassed that I had done it." He said, sitting back down on the grass, putting his head in his hands.
"What type of sicko am I?" He asked, hating himself for his actions. Jack came over and sat next to him, wrapping a comforting arm around his small shoulders.
"Look Aang, I know that you think it's weird being attracted to a girl like that, but let me tell you, it's perfectly natural." Aang looked up, not totally convinced. It was pretty weird the way he had wanted Katara at that moment.
"For generations guys have been looking at girls and girls have been looking at guys. It's the way the Creator made us, we like each other physically, and there's nothing wrong with that. We just can't let that attraction become lust, that's when everything goes downhill, believe me, I've had a few friends." Said Jack, memories playing at the edge of his vision. "Well, to be specific, I had a friend."
Aang stared at him steadily, listening closely to every word.
"There is nothing wrong with thinking that Katara is pretty, because she is." Said Jack. Aang narrowed his eyes at him, making Jack laugh. He threw up his hands.
"Don't worry kid, I'm not trying to poach your girl, I'm just saying that she is really good looking." Aang was not convinced that Katara was safe, he would have to watch Jack more closely in the future. Jack continued on, knowing he had not convinced Aang.
"Like I was saying though, as a guy, you're going to be attracted to her with a severe flame. If you don't watch it that flame will spread and pretty soon you'll get burnt." He gave him a playful tap on the chest. "You know what it's like getting burnt." Aang nodded his head. It wasn't a fun feeling.
"I think that if you want to kiss her that's okay. You can hug her, kiss her, miss her, that don't matter. What does matter is that you don't…. well, that you don't, you know." Aang raised a perplexed eyebrow, making Jack turn beet red.
"You can't have sex with her Aang." Said Jack, looking at him intently. Aang held his countenance, still confused. Jack smacked himself on the forehead.
"Ohh geesh, we're getting into the birds and the bees. Didn't the monks ever go over it with you?" Asked Jack. Aang shook his head. He did not have a clue what birds and bees had to do with Katara, or why the monks would talk about flying creatures when discussing girls. Did girls know how to fly?
"Well, since you don't know what sex is, let's just go with that's how babies show up, you understand that right?" Aang nodded his head, not having really thought about it before. Jack continued on.
"What this entails is a certain physical proximity that requires a bit of exposure." He said, staring at Aang's unmoved features. Aang could tell he was insinuating something here, but he still did not quite get it. Jack raised his eyebrows, staring at him, pleading with him to get what he was implying.
Aang looked at Jack, then over at the tree, then back at Jack. He thought about the kiss on the bridge, the way that he was feeling, and the way that he was reacting. Then it hit him.
He jumped back, shocked and extremely confused. Was it true, was that really what had to happen for that?! Aang shook his head, terrified; what was he doing?!
"What, why…what are you talking about?!" Said Aang, trying not to run away from this situation entirely. Jack rubbed his eyes, trying to contain his own discomfort.
"Look, Aang, I'm as uncomfortable with this as you are. Believe me, the last thing I expected to do today was to lecture you on the ways of sex." Said Jack.
"It's just important that now that you have a relationship with Katara that you know how to go about it. When the time arrives and you finally get married the whole sex thing will work itself out, don't worry about it." said Jack, trying to assure Aang's worried complexion.
"But for now you need to avoid it at all costs. It's wrong and extremely detrimental to your relationship." Aang was still confused but he thought that he got the general gist of it. Sex before marriage bad, after marriage okay…maybe. He nodded his head slowly, hoping that it would make the conversation end sooner.
"So, all I have to do is refrain from doing that one thing with her?" He said, the words extremely uncomfortable on his tongue. Jack nodded.
"It won't be as easy as you think. I'm pretty sure you received quite a jolt tonight when you held her like that." Aang shook his head, remembering the tingling sensation that had ran through his whole body.
"Times like that are going to come up, and it's going to make it hard, but as long as you resist and keep yourself pure, in thought and deed, you'll be alright." Aang nodded his head again, actually feeling a bit assured by this conversation. He still however did not like it and he was very appreciative when Jack arose and suggested that they go back towards the palace.
Sleep bombarded Aang as he walked through the doors, his eyes drooping with weariness. Jack walked with him to his room, wishing him goodnight. Aang stopped him for a second.
"Jack, where were you today?" He asked, yawning. Jack gave him a smile, the smile that, if he knew it, meant that he was lying to him.
"Just out and about in the markets, I just wanted some time to myself I guess, you know, trying to still put the pieces together." Aang nodded his head, completely understanding. If he had amnesia he would probably want to figure out what his past was as well. He wished him goodnight, entering his room and stripping of his garments. He crawled under his silk sheets, warmth and security spreading over him as he drifted off. Finally sleep overcame him, Katara entering his dreams, and she was still wearing clothes. Perhaps the night had ended well after all.