The Return of a Familiar Face

2 weeks.

It took Aang 2 whole weeks to clean up the mess that was the rebellion. It would've been quicker if he didn't have to travel by foot. However, he didn't get the luxury to choose his mode of transportation.

The Water Tribe's people were happy to see him. Word had gotten around that the Avatar was no more. Once word had gotten out, they had to do everything in their power to find the new Avatar and protect them from the rebellion.

Once Aang took care of business, they told him to head straight to the Fire Nation as it was an urgent matter.

As Aang was making his way to the Fire Nation. He noticed the town was deserted. "Weird." It was late afternoon and not a single person was in sight.

He saw everyone gathered at one spot. At the center of the crowd was Zuko in his emperor attire.

"What's up with Zuko's outfit? He only wears that attire when something important is happening."

When he got closer he stopped in his tracks.

"Assume that he passed away." Zuko announced.

Aang felt a gut punch. "How long have I been gone?' Clenching his fist, 'I did it again. I was not there when I was needed most. Someone died while I was gone."

"After being gone for so long, we must assume he is no longer here with us."

Aang looked around and saw the design of the funeral. Stuff that was used by the monks. "Did the rebellion somehow manage to get their hands on another monk?"

At the center of everything, there was his staff.

It dawned on Aang. This is for him. This is his funeral.

"It is our job to maintain peace while we are on the search for a new Avatar-"

While Zuko was giving his speech, Katara turned her attention to Toph whispering, "Toph, did you manage to come up with something?"

Toph leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "Pft. Don't worry I got this. I'll just wing it."

"Toph…"

"That's enough of that Sugar Queen. Your better half is still talking."

"Each of his beloved friends will be saying some parting words."

Sokka patted his chest. "Guess I'll go first."

Stepping up to the podium and looked around. So many people from many nations. All here to say goodbye to Aang one last time. Uncertainty was beginning to creep up on him. "Oh man, where do I really begin?" Sokka pondered for a second.

Katara facepalmed. "What is this idiot doing?"

"That's your brother, Sugar queen."

Sokka snapped his fingers. "I got it.' clearing his throat. 'Aang, thank you for everything. These last couple of years have been quite the adventure. And it was all thanks to one person, Aang. Aang was my best friend, no scratch that, he still is my best friend. My best buddy. I mean what else can I say about the guy. He was the greatest. He was always brimming with positivity. The most ambitious person with the biggest heart. Not a lot of people you can find out there with those kinds of qualities. He may not have been the most tranquil in the face of chaos. Yet he rose to every single challenge thrown at him. In the face of evil and corruption he stood his ground, fighting tooth and nail to the very end. Never asking for anything in return. I can only imagine the weight of the world put on him at such a young age. Because of this constant pressure, this young man will be remembered as one of, if not the greatest Avatars ever. All I can say is that he would've wanted you to be your best. I cannot tell you what the future holds in store. For you, I , we, us. That is not up to me. I do know if we do even half of the things that Aang did, then everything's going to be alright.' Sokka exhaled, ' I would like to tell you something: Do not falter. Do not waiver. Do not weaken in the face of challenge. Do as he has done. Our better days are before us. May all of you rise to the occasion when it presents itself. May all of you live the life that Aang did. And lastly, thank you again for everything, buddy.

Sokka walked off and struggled to hold back his emotions. Suki walked up to her lover and embraced him in a hug. Katara spoke up. "Guess, I'm next."

It was Katara's turn to speak. "I remember meeting Aang for the first time. The first thing he said was, 'do you want to go penguin sledding with me?' I didn't think too much of it at the time. But that was the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Being so far away from home, helping out Aang achieve his goal. These last couple of weeks I've been catching myself reminiscing sometimes. I knew our journey was going to end at one point. However, I wasn't expecting it to end so soon. Life's too fast these days. One minute we're running away from Fire Nation, sleeping until the sun went down again. Sometimes we were lucky if we got any sleep,' the audience lightly laughed. Katara continued, 'and the next we're here, without you. Life's complicated, but we made the most of it. The friends, places, and people we met. I will never forget them. Sure, we had our ups and downs. However, I think that's part of what made this journey so unforgettable. These are treasured memories that I made with Aang and with everyone else. It's funny, Aang and I made some of the best memories that anyone can ask for. Now… he's become a memory. And I will never trade that for anything in the world.' Tears were starting to form, 'There's so much more I want to say. I just don't know if these tears will allow me. Let me just finish with this: Aang we love you, I love you. You can rest easy now. We'll take it from here."

Katara went straight to Zuko's arms weeping at her lost friend. Toph turned her head towards them offering them a weak smile. Looking around she noticed Suki was also right there embracing Sokka in a hug consoling him.

As if she needed something else to dampen her mood. Toph knew that her friends were heartbroken. At the same time, they could run into their loved one's arms with ease, alleviating their heartache. However, she didn't have anyone to run to. The one person she could do that to is no longer here. Surrounded by people yet she was still all alone. Annoyed, she went up to give Aang a piece of her mind.

"Guess it's my turn. Let's get this over with."

As Toph walked up, Aang could see the sadness and misery in her eyes. Of course to anyone else she looked like her normal self.

Toph cleared her throat loudly, silencing everyone. For such a small person she sure was loud. "Man, where do I begin with twinkle toes? Everyone who's been up here has just been saying nothing but nice things about him. Well guess what? He was pretty lousy.' The audience gasped. Sokka was too stunned to speak. Suki looked at Katara. "Where is she going with this?" Katara was just as confused as everyone else. "I have no idea."

"Not only was he lousy. He was the biggest wimp ever. This guy quote on quote mastered the four elements. You know which one he struggled with the most? You guessed it, earthbending. The wimp couldn't handle having a couple of pebbles thrown at him without him dodging them."

Aang wondered if Toph knew what a pebble was. Because what she was hurling at him was anything but a pebble.

"And another thing. This guy was always going on about how he needed to maintain a low profile so people wouldn't recognize him being the Avatar. And do you know what this dunderhead did anytime there was someone within a 5 foot radius? 'Uh I didn't wanna have to pull this card, but I'm the Avatar.' Like, you can't be serious."

Sokka finally regained his composure. "She does realize that this is for honoring Aang, right?"

"Maybe this is her own way of honoring Aang?" Suki said sheepishly.

"Is that what that is?"

"I was gonna come out here and say some crap like ' I saw this man, no, this savior jumping in and saving people, saving me.' but just thinking about him gets my gears grinding. I know it was his job as the Avatar to do these tasks. Even if he wasn't the Avatar, he would save anyone and not run away. Even in his final moments all he could think about was getting me to safety.' Toph gripped both sides of the podium. 'I refused. I couldn't accept the fact that he was giving up his life for me. Even now I'm still so-' Toph's emotions caught up to her. Her face was as white as a sheet. She couldn't continue. Memories of her and Aang were beginning to flood her mind. The moments they shared. The earthbending battles, walking around Ba Sing Se, going to go see that stupid play. It was all too much for her. She put her head down covering her face with both her hands.

Suki, Sokka, and Katara all gasped. They've never seen her this vulnerable in public. The walls she put up to block off anyone getting close to her were beginning to crumble.

The audience was beginning to murmur. "What's going on with her?"

Aang was looking at Toph's meltdown from afar. "Better make my move."

Zuko stepped up to the podium in order to save whatever dignity Toph had left. Katara went up and put her arm around the tiny earthbender, escorting her to the back. "Thank you, everyone. That was everyone who had to say something about the Avatar-."

"Did someone say Avatar?" The figure asked.

Sokka and Katara gasped. "Is that?" Toph flinched. She recognized those wimpy footsteps.

Zuko looked at the old man next to him. "Who are you? State your business."

The old man bowed his head to Zuko. "Yes my lord it is I, Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis III."

"WHO THE HELL IS THAT?" someone in the audience shouted.

Sokka and Katara were trying their best to hold in their laugh. Toph crossed her arms. She was not entertained in the slightest. And Suki was lost.

Zuko spoke up. "Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis?"

"You forgot the III."

Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis III corrected.

Zuko has never been this confused. "Uh okay. Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis III?"

Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis III couldn't keep this facade up. "Nah, I'm just kidding." He ripped the hay off his face. And there was the Avatar. The last Airbender. Twinkle toes. Kuzon. Aang.

The audience was silent for a moment. Trying to process what has happened in these last few moments. After a few seconds they broke into a loud roar. The Avatar has returned.

Zuko cleared his throat. "The Avatar has returned unscathed. Now instead of remembering and honoring the death of the Avatar, we will celebrate his return later this evening. Now go." And with that the audience went upon their day. Zuko turned to Aang. "We must speak." Aang nodded. "Later."

Sokka ran up to Aang and gave him the biggest bear hug ever. "Buddy, I missed you." Aang was trying to catch his breath. "Sokka… my ribs…." Sokka was flustered "Sorry about that."

It was Katara's turn to give Aang another bear hug. "Aang. We missed you." Aang was trying to catch his breath for a second time. "Please… my ribs… no more…" Katara let go of her grip. "Sorry about that."

Aang was trying to balance himself. "Like brother, like sister."

Suki gave Aang a light hug. "Good to see you."

"Good to see you too, Suki." Grateful that he didn't get crushed by the Kyoshi warrior.

"So what'd I miss?"

"Way too much buddy.' Sokka rubbed his temples. 'It's been a real headache since you left."

Aang rubbed his sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

"No worries. Anything to avenge you."

"So… I'm assuming you guys were getting reinforcements?"

"Yeah, we're all set to take on what's left of the rebellion."

"About that…"

"What? Don't tell you dealt with them already?"

"Then I won't tell you."

"All this time we were struggling to get reinforcements and you manage to defeat them by yourself?"

"I had to. In order to make sure no more people got hurt."

"So where is the last of the rebellion?"

"Back at the Southern Water Tribe."

"So what are you guys planning on doing now?" Suki asked.

Sokka began drooling. "Getting ready to taste all the food that's gonna be served at the party."

"Right… I'll leave you to that. In the meantime' Suki turned to Katara, 'we should pick out something to wear for the party."

Katara smiled. "Right and we can bring Toph-." Katara caught herself. They all have been ignoring the Earthbender this entire time. Toph had been left to her own devices. This entire time she'd been hoping, pleading for Aang to be brought back, and now that he's here, she doesn't know how to feel. Should she be happy or excited to see him? No, she chose anger. How dare he make her go through all these unknown emotions.

"What's up twinkle toes?" The Earthbender started making her way towards the monk. Aang pulled Sokka by the collar. "What am I supposed to say?"

Sokka smacked Aang's hand. He wanted no part in the Blind Bandit's wrath. Hell hath no fury like a woman wronged. Especially if that woman happens to be Toph. "You're gonna have to figure that out on your own."

Aang saw the petite Earthbender approach. Hoping to get a hug from her. The closer she got the more he realized she wasn't going to give our local Avatar a hug.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Toph shouted.

"Look Toph, I can explain."

Toph hit him in the shoulder.

"I deserve that one."

Next, his face.

"That one too."

Finally, she kneed him in his little airbenders.

Groaning in pain "Missed you too, Toph."

"START TALKING."

After a minute in agonizing pain Aang stood up and composed himself. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' Aang started stammering, 'I'm so sorry for everything. For blowing myself up and abandoning everyone. Especially you. I know it's been a rough couple of weeks."

"ROUGH?"

"I should've gotten here sooner, but I couldn't. Please, I'm sorry Toph. I'll explain everything later. I promise."

Toph stood there in silence for a couple of seconds. Before speaking. "Everything?"

"Everything."

"Fine." Toph gave Aang a good ol punch to the shoulder. Turning her back to everyone taking a couple of steps before halting. "But you know twinkle toes you forgot something."

Aang was rubbing his shoulder. "Hm? What's that? Not another punch, right?"

"No you dunderhead. This" Toph closed the distance between both of them grabbing his neck and made him dip for that kiss she's been wanting to give after so many weeks. Everyone knew how she felt about him, so it didn't bother her. Might as well seal the deal. Aang on the other hand couldn't process what was going on. Sure, they've done this before, but it was so rushed. It was more of a goodbye kiss. At least this time there was no rush. Fireworks were going on through his head.

The rest of the gaang stood there, shocked. Sure they knew that they had a thing for each other. But, Toph who's a person who likes to keep to herself with matters of the heart, showing love like that was something. Katara and Suki had their hands covering their mouths. Sokka couldn't register what was happening. And Zuko closed his eyes with a nod of approval.

After a minute or so Toph and Aang broke their kiss in order to catch their breath.

"That was good."

"I know."

"If this is how you're gonna receive me everytime I blow myself up, I might do it a couple more times."

"Ha-ha, very funny twinkle toes." Toph said unamused.

"Learned from the best."

"Well, if we seal the deal, you won't have to blow yourself up every time. I can just give you one on the spot."

Aang's mouth began drooling."That sounds nice."

Sokka cleared his throat. "We're still here guys."

Toph turned her to him. "I know.' waving her hands at them telling to shoo away, 'You guys can leave now."

Suki grabbed Sokka by the shoulder, guiding him away. "Come on, Sokka, let's give them some privacy."

"Yeah, okay."

"Now Toph, don't forget-."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be there to try out the dresses."

Aang raised an eyebrow. "You? Trying on dresses? Willingly?" For as long as he's known Toph she's never been the one to care about appearances. Now she's going to be trying out dresses. "Who are you? What have you done to my Toph?"

Normally, Toph would've beat the ever loving crap out of Aang for making that kind of remark. "You know, I could easily fold you. But to answer your question, I owe fancy fans over there a favor."

"I see."

"Well I don't. Anyway, is that all you were gonna ask? Because we were in the middle of a hot make out session before you ruined it."

"Technically you were trying to catch your breath as well."

Toph's voice dropped "Is that right?"

Aang realized his mistake. "Sorry."

"You should be. So you wanna continue?"

"I-I-I" Aang stammered. Instead he just simply nodded.

"I thought so." Toph began to pull Aang down to kiss him again. Toph lips crashed onto Aang's each exploring mouth. Aang tried to keep up with Toph's roughness. Aang pulled away. "Wait, Toph."

Toph was at her wits' end. She was about to either pull the hair off her head or the world is really gonna have to start looking for a new Avatar. "What? What is so important that you have to interrupt this?"

"We're in public, Toph."

Toph had forgotten where they were due to a certain airbender messing with her head. Clearing her throat. "Ah, yes. I could've told you that.' Pulling Aang's hand. 'Come on twinkle toes."

"Where are we going?"

"Back to my room."

Aang really wanted to follow her, but he had to make sure she knew how he felt about her. "Wait, Toph." Toph wasn't too happy. "I swear to… What? What is it this time?" She could sense his heartbeat was going off the charts. Any faster and it was going to shoot off of his chest.

Aang's face rivaled a tomato. All he had to say was three words. That was it . His mouth was beginning to feel dry. "Toph, I wanted to let you know that I-I-I."

"You what? Spit it out."

"I kinda love you." His voice trailed off at the end.

Leaning forward cupping her ear. "What was that? I couldn't hear you from so far away."

Aang cleared his throat. "I love you, Toph Beifong. Not just as a friend, but as a woman. You're smart, witty, fun to be around with and a pain in my butt. But that's what makes you, you."

For the first time in her life she was left speechless. She tried to make some sort of snarky comeback. But, nothing. Silence.

"Um, Toph?" Aang took a step towards her.

Toph gathered her bearings. "Um. What was that, twinkle toes? Couldn't quite hear you."

Aang was not going to repeat it a third time. He struggled with the first two. He wasn't sure he could handle it a third time. "No.' He said defiantly. 'I already told you twice. I don't think you deserve to hear it a third time."

Toph shrugged and turned her back to him. "Ok that's fine. I'll just ask that Fire nation guard out instead. He was kinda cute.' Waving at him. 'Later, Aang-'' Before Toph could finish she could feel Aang gripping her hand. Begging her to stay.

"Fine. You win,"

Toph smirked.

"Toph. I love you."

Seconds turned to minutes before Toph was able to respond. "Of course you do. Who doesn't love the world's greatest earthbender.? She said triumphantly.

"TOPH!"

"Oh lighten up will ya?"

"It's just that-".

"What? You wanted to hear me repeat those three words? Newsflash, I don't like that mushy crap."

"Oh… okay…"

Toph could hear the disappointment in his voice. "I'm just kidding, get over here, twinkle toes.' Toph gave him a light peck on the lips. 'I love you and there's nothing you can do about it.' Giving another him a kiss. 'Let's go back to my room."

Aang nodded. "Alright."